Christina Cuomo
Cristina Cuomo: Dr. Dendy, you’re working with Nutrafol to launch a new skin care supplement. You are a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Schaefer’s clinic on Fifth Avenue. While in medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina, you were awarded the Humanistic Medicine Scholarship for establishing and operating free medical clinics in Charleston and Haiti. You are the director of dermatologic surgery at New York Medical College. Women are better able to accomplish many things at once, but it takes a toll on us physically. Cortisol levels, stress hormones, skyrocket. What are your tips for maintaining good overall health?
Dendy Engelman: What you just said is completely on point. I just got back from a women-only college reunion last night. It’s amazing how much we juggle every day while trying to maintain some level of self-worth and self-care. I have seen patients who have been profoundly affected by the effects of stress on their bodies and hair. I cried more tears in the office over my hair loss than my skin cancer diagnosis. People get desperate and want to throw money at the problem. I love that Nutrafol has people who thoroughly vet the science and hold us to higher standards.
CC: The great thing about Nutrafol is that it contains so many vitamins and nutrients. It is not only good for your hair but also for your whole body health. I have a few questions about your skin. Summer is approaching. How can we prepare for that?
De: All the talk about avoiding strong sunlight from 10am to 3pm is important. Find a great sunscreen formula that you can use and reapply. Ingestible products are not quite there yet. Using fern extract increases his SPF by 4-6, but it’s better than nothing. I would like to use it not only as a sunscreen, but as an additional layer of protection. As dermatologists, we all tend to favor zinc and titanium sunscreens. I encourage my patients to find their favorite mineral sunscreen. He no longer looks like the old white-nosed lifeguard. Now there are many amazing formulations.
CC: Studies have shown that it’s okay to be unprotected for 15 or 20 minutes, but after that you need to apply something.
De: I don’t really buy into that theory. When you consider a lifetime of sun exposure, 15 minutes a day, or a few times a week, is a lot when you’re 60. The goal is to always be protected and make it part of your daily routine. Brush your teeth.
CC: What are the ingredients for moving forward?
De: Probiotics are important not only for your gut health, but also for your overall sense of well-being. The reset will take approximately 3-6 months. You can create a new you, but it’s like planting tulips. It takes several months for tulips to appear on the surface of the earth, so you have to trust the process.
CC: How often do you recommend getting cancer screening?
De: Once a year is a good standard, but increase it to at least every six months if you have a personal history of skin cancer, have had melanoma, or have a first-degree relative with hereditary skin cancer. Nutrafall.com
