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Ultimate Dermatologist-Approved Holiday Gift Guide: Skincare, Haircare & More!
Welcome to another episode of Skinside Out where Dr. Zain, joined by Heather and Courtney, dives into the ultimate holiday gift guide, focusing on skincare, haircare, and dermatology-approved items. This episode covers a wide array of gifts, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, LED devices, and more. They discuss options like the LAROCHE-POSAY line, Skinceuticals products, and various retinols while also weighing in on devices such as the New Face and Omnilux masks. Make your holiday shopping simple and stress-free with this comprehensive guide to giving the gift of beautiful, healthy skin!
00:00 Welcome to Skin Side Out
00:35 Holiday Skincare Gift Ideas
01:20 Choosing the Right Cleanser
02:36 Toners and Mists: Are They Necessary?
04:06 The Magic of Serums
06:35 Hydration Essentials
07:31 Anti-Aging Solutions
08:21 The Power of Retinoids
10:31 Barrier Repair and Moisturizers
13:08 Sunscreen Recommendations
16:20 Trending Skincare Devices
18:33 The Humidifier Debate
19:55 Gifting Experiences Over Material Things
22:24 Skincare Product Holders and Mini Fridges
23:22 Body and Hair Care Gift Ideas
27:02 Stocking Stuffers and Mini Items
29:19 Gift Sets and Skincare for Men
30:49 Dermatologist-Approved Gifts
32:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Creators and Guests
Host
Host
What is Skinside Out?
Welcome to Skinside Out, where science meets beauty, the ultimate dermatology podcast! Dive deep into the fascinating world of skin health with expert insights, evidence-based discussions, and myth-busting truths. Each episode explores the medical, cosmetic, and surgical aspects of dermatology, while keeping you informed about trending skincare topics. Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast, medical professional, or just curious about how to achieve your best skin, Skinside Out is your go-to resource for staying informed and inspired.
31 Skinside Out
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[00:00:00]
Dr. Zain: Welcome to Skin Side Out where Science Meets Beauty. I'm your host, Dr. Zane, with Heather and Courtney. So the holidays are upon us and we're all struggling to find gifts for our loved ones. I may be biased, but as a dermatologist, I think giving the gift of beautiful, healthy skin is always in.
Courtney: Yeah, I agree.
That's definitely what I give all of my friends and family. It makes it really easy. And who doesn't love getting expensive skincare? Yeah,
Heather: I stocked up on stuff like months in advance.
Dr. Zain: Smart. [00:01:00] Yeah. So let's dive right into it. So let's start off with skincare. I think that's always, um, a very popular gift item.
It's very packageable fits in stockings. Um, and, you know, patience and. Um, loved ones really do love these kind of products. So let's start off with, you know, the basics. So cleansers.
Courtney: Yeah, and you know, I think going into this episode too, it's important to think about whoever you want to gift to. Um, what their skin type is.
Mm-hmm. I mean, you might get something different for your sister or your brother rather than your mom mm-hmm. Who's looking for something a little bit more. Yeah. Maybe anti-aging. So, you know, when we talk about cleansers, um, you know, I think a good, like gentle cleanser is always, you know, mm-hmm. The way to go.
Um, no one will not benefit from that, especially in the dry winter months. Um, I really like the whole LAROCHE Poe line. Um, I like ar gentle, our papaya cleanser a lot. Um, I think there's a lot of great options for, you [00:02:00] know, everyone.
Joe: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. For those with oilier skin or acne prone skin, I really like HA BHAs, um, as main ingredients because it helps with exfoliation.
Brighten skin, and that's what I personally use.
Heather: Yeah, and I think a lot of people like the idea of having something that's gentle and fragrance-free too. Um, especially if they're, um, sensitive or prone to any sort of irritation.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. Um, so cleansers are always a hit and I think you can't go wrong.
Courtney: Yeah.
People are always gonna use a cleanser.
Dr. Zain: Okay. So what about toners, miss Essences thoughts
Courtney: next?
Dr. Zain: That's how I feel too. I feel like toners are unnecessary. These mist and essences really. Aren't adding much to a skincare routine. And if anything it can sometimes cause more irritation dry out your skin. So I tend to skip on these.
Heather: I think the only one that is worth considering [00:03:00] is like a hypochlorous acid spray. Mm-hmm. Um, like if you are prone to acne like HS or anything like that, I know the Tower 28 makes a a hypochlorous acid spray, which can kind of help calm bacteria on the skin too. So I think if you're gonna do that one.
Maybe, but otherwise they're not really necessary.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I was
Courtney: gonna say, the one mist, you know, that I do like is the, uh, SkinCeuticals phyto mist. Um, I do like that for like rosacea prone patients or red prone.
Dr. Zain: I do like the vene and laroche poises,
Courtney: the thermal water.
Dr. Zain: It does feel nice.
Heather: I'll say that one now.
We're like flipping, but that one is really nice Post. Like CO2 or Erbium.
Courtney: Mm-hmm.
Heather: Um, I think it's really easy to just get a little extra hydration that way, but, um, yeah. So maybe we're on the fence.
Courtney: Just note to the toner. Miss No, the
Heather: no toners.
Courtney: Mario Bosco. Yeah. None of that. Yeah,
Dr. Zain: I [00:04:00] agree.
Heather: Or like witch hazel toners.
Courtney: Yeah. Unless you hate someone, then gift it.
Dr. Zain: Um, so moving on to serums. So I think this is where some of that magic can happen, and I do think that people really do love, uh, specific serums to help with their skincare routines. So let's hop into that.
Courtney: Yeah. This is where. You can show someone how much you love them by how much you spend, because there's many ends of the spectrum.
You know, like your SkinCeuticals vitamin, uh, CE four, like for example, $182. How much do you love your mom? Um, but you know, you do have alternatives. Um, I really like the revision vitamin C, um, as well as the skin better Alto, again, kind of on the pricier side, but, um, definitely I think the most. Bang for your buck.
Um, and definitely good for people who maybe are, you know, getting into skincare who want something good and preventative or again, like your, you know, moms, dads of the world, I guess. Mm-hmm. Um, [00:05:00] a little pricier, but you know, worth it.
Heather: Yeah. I think one of the more like budget friendly, um, like drugstore vitamin Cs that I would.
Maybe consider if you're trying to, um, you know, be conscious on cost is the Polish choice C 15 super booster. I think that one works pretty well, but it's definitely not gonna be something as robust as one of the ones that Courtney mentioned, but I think it's, it's a good place to start.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I mean, vitamin C is one of those products that you get what you pay for.
Mm-hmm. Because. Unlike most other skincare products, um, this ingredient is very unstable. There's a lot of technology involved to keep it stable. And I do find that the, you know, the higher quality vitamin Cs tend to be more resistant to oxidation. Um, you do see results. Um mm-hmm. That's what I'm looking for.
I mean, I don't [00:06:00] wanna put on something on my skin that I'm not really gonna get any benefit from, and I am spending money on it. Mm-hmm. So, um, I'd rather get some result out of it. The CE Ferulic has been a gold standard for many, many years. Not my favorite, especially for acne prone skin.
So just be careful. Um, I do like the Alta by Skin Better Science a lot, um, but there's a lot of, you know, high quality vitamin Cs out on the market and it really kind of depends also what kind of texture do you like? Do you like a serum that is kind of, um, very light? Um, do you like a creamier version? So there's something to suit everyone's preference.
Heather: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Yeah.
Heather: , Next we have hydration, which I think is really important in the winter months. Um, so hyaluronic acid, this is going to temporarily draw water to the surface of your skin, so it give you a little bit more, um, hydration and plump. Um, it's not. A necessary skincare product. But I think again, it's nice this time of year to have,
Dr. Zain: yeah, I love ha serum for your lips.
Heather: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Um, [00:07:00] and using a little bit of Aquaphor along with that. It's great for hydration, especially when it gets dry.
Heather: Yeah,
Courtney: I think that's a gift too, that anyone could benefit from. Yeah. Like you could grab a, you know, Laroche se they have the B five. Mm-hmm. Yeah. And I think anyone could benefit from that.
Yeah. You know,
Heather: it's something that we produce in our bodies, so it's not going to break you out or anything like that. Mm-hmm.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: And also, um, it's a product that you don't have to use that much to get the benefit out of. So just a few drops and you're good to go.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: So I really do like it.
Courtney: So anti-aging, um, you know, there's so many different serums out there.
Um, my personal favorite is the bio serum from Neo acutes. I do like it. Um, man, we just, um, Heather and I did a webinar on it last night and, um, I feel like I learned a lot of like. Really interesting. Yeah. Things about just, um, that they have their own special, um, growth factor, , that they use that's not available in any other line and just the we learned about like the peptides that they use.
[00:08:00] So anyways, I, I think it's a fantastic product, um, definitely for those, um, who are looking just for that extra anti-aging boost. Um, collagen production, brightness of the skin even helped with, um moisturization in the skin. , Prier, but again. If you got treated well this year, maybe treat the person that, uh, yeah.
Treated you well.
Dr. Zain: Um, retinoids are always also very popular. Not everyone can tolerate a prescription retinoid, um, that you would get at your dermatologist's office as a prescription. So some topical retinols are highly effective. Some are basically useless, in my opinion. Mm-hmm. So what are our favorites?
Heather: Um, as far as like something easy to find over the counter, like drugstore, I would say different. Okay. Is kind of like a tried and true. Yeah. And it's good for beginners too. Mm-hmm.
Courtney: I agree. , I'm just thinking in the back of my mind, like, I'm just envisioning this teenager getting like retinal for their mom and the [00:09:00] mom being like, oh, do you think I have wrinkles?
Like, is that why I need it?
Dr. Zain: We gotta de-stigmatize the ol.
Courtney: I know. But, but yeah, I think for, um, especially younger population, I think different is a good kind of segue into the retinoid world. Mm-hmm. Um, some of the more, you know, cosmetically elegant ones that I like are, um, the skin better. , Overnight cream.
Um, that is
Dr. Zain: my favorite.
Courtney: Yeah, I love that one. I really do. And I do like the revision one a lot. Um,
Heather: I think I, I tolerate the revision one better. More. Mm-hmm. Yeah. So the revision one has, um, a retinol in it, but it also has kuchi oil in it, which is more of like a. Plant-based, gentler, alternative. Mm-hmm. To retinols.
And I feel like I, I'm just so dry and sensitive mm-hmm. That I feel like it works better for me. Yeah. But you know, it's gonna be different for everybody.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I mean, I kind of try to go back and forth between the prescriptions and I always try like the Tretinoin and I'm just. Flaking. Yeah. And dry like two days later I'm just like this flaky mess.
Heather: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Um, I [00:10:00] dunno why I keep doing this to myself. It's like some form, almost like self torture. Yeah. But I always come back to, you know, my alpha at, um, overnight cream. I think it's an excellent product. I get great results and I'm not flaky and irritated.
Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. I think there's so many out there, um, that create that irritation and mm-hmm.
I know we've talked about this before, before where I think some patients think they're supposed to be irritated from their retinal, and that's, that's old news's not okay.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. It means your barriers kind of bear.
Heather: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Irritation.
Heather: Speaking of barrier repair, um, other serums and treatments that we can do, if.
, My favorite is the Cytoplast from Laroche Poe. Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Yeah, that's
Heather: really great. It's very nice. It's probably not something most people love to put on in the mornings, but it's nice to kind of lather up at night and then wake up in the morning feeling really hydrated.
Courtney: Yeah. If you know someone that likes to slug.
Replace their slug with the sickle.
Heather: Yeah, a basting.
Dr. Zain: Um, I also like, um, skin fix has a [00:11:00] really affordable, um, you know, triple lipid like, um, moisturizer. It's got the ceramides in it too, and it's a pretty nice, um, affordable price point as well.
, first aid Beauty is another great option as well. They have this really hydrating, uh, moisturizer that is very cost effective as well.
Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yeah, I've been using that.
I think you gave me one from one of your like boxes that you
Dr. Zain: got. I'm so, I'm so nice. I'm the best boss.
Courtney: You guys can't see me rolling my eyes unless you're watching this, but, um, um, anyways, but what I was gonna say is, um, I actually really like the whole Vene. Skincare line. Mm-hmm. Um, for sensitive patients.
Um, like that's what I get my sister almost every year. They actually have a thermal mist too, , that she enjoys, but their foaming cleanser is really nice. And then they have a similar, uh, sickle fate that, um, yeah, is really nice. So.
Heather: I think it's good if you're looking for something gift wise that's more focused around the barrier repair to use something that's fragrance free.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. Mm-hmm. [00:12:00] And I think moisturizers are one of those ingredients that you can kind of get a high quality product at a relatively low price point than like the serums. Um, unless you're like Courtney, who likes to buy La Mer?
Heather: That's funny. I actually didn't believe you at first when you said the La Mer.
It was like 900. I looked it up.
Dr. Zain: It's a lot.
Heather: It's insane.
Courtney: I didn't, the first time my patient told me that she uses La Mer and she said, oh, I would love to find an alternative. I'm spending spending like hundred, I would love to find an alternative. And I said, you're spending how much? She said, $400. I have to also Google it 'cause I really genuinely did not believe her and my jaw was on the floor.
Dr. Zain: Yeah, you they sell it at Costco,
Courtney: but people love La Mer. Oh really? I, I think they're putting something in there. 'cause people like repre, they love La Mer, they're like addicted. It
Dr. Zain: is very hydrating and it's got that miracle broth from the sea apparently. I don't know what that is.
Courtney: Oh.
Dr. Zain: Kind of creepy. But you know, to each their own.
Courtney: Yeah. That [00:13:00] interesting. If someone gifted La Mer like f. You better. Yeah. I don't know. Take care of that person for the rest of your life. Don't let them leave.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. Yeah. Um, sunscreen, IFI find that you can find high quality products at a reasonable price point. I mean, there are definitely some more cosmetically elegant ones.
If I was gifting something, I would kind of pick one of those more. Higher end, uh, sunscreens. Um, I really like den sunscreen. Mm-hmm. Um, really nice. It's also got those photo repairing enzymes, which is really cool. Um, and their, you know, their tinted one is just really elegant. I really like that one. So that's one.
Um, I also really like. Over the counter drugstore. Um, like Laroche Poe has some really nice, um, you know, sunscreens that don't leave the cast. And also you can find mineral versions of them.
Heather: The nice thing about the Isin one, um, the tinted and the un tinted is because it's a [00:14:00] very similar formulation, you can mix the two mm-hmm.
And not affect the SPF. 'cause usually you don't wanna be mixing sunscreens because mm-hmm. They can interact with each other.
Dr. Zain: Yeah.
Heather: And. Pretty much make it not as effective. Mm-hmm. But with the two iden ones, you can actually like, 'cause I think the issue with the tinted one with iden is that it is the color match.
A little dark.
Dr. Zain: Yeah.
Heather: Um, for me at least. Yeah. So I have mixed the two to try to get
Dr. Zain: mm-hmm.
Heather: My correct shade. Yeah. And it's still gonna give you that sun protection. But you're also kind of, um, color correcting too. Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Another good one. Um, I like Tyso a lot.
Heather: Mm.
Dr. Zain: Um, it's really nice formulation. Very elegant.
That's actually the one that Dr. Amna loves. Mm. Um, she prefers that to any other sunscreen.
Courtney: I like super goop. I'm a super goop girly. I think also, you know, if you have like, um, maybe like a younger teen, especially a girl that might be like. Maybe getting into makeup. I think a tinted sunscreen is probably such a good gift idea [00:15:00] because you get a little bit of that tint that mm-hmm.
They're kind of looking for without being like, oh, here's makeup. Like
Heather: Yeah.
Courtney: You know, go crazy.
Heather: This might not be something for like a teenager, but maybe like young adult or, or any adult, um, color science.
Joe: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Heather: I really like, I think they have a really nice line of tinted sunscreens, but they also have like.
Under eye concealer that has SPF in it. Um, I wanna say they have other, like, makeup types mm-hmm. Of products, but they're all sunscreens.
Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Like the powder brush. Yeah. Which, you know, as. Should be used as like a touchup, you know, you don't wanna just use, but yeah, it's a nice option.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I think also for the younger folks, I think the K beauty products are very in right now.
Mm-hmm. And some of them are excellent. I'm, I've been impressed and just with culturally, I think the Korean, um, culture is becoming so pervasive. Mm-hmm. In Western culture. I mean, my kids are [00:16:00] up South K-pop demon hunters. I'm obsessed with K-Pop. I'm obsessed with it too. I think there's just such an interest in Eastern.
Anti-aging music culture. Mm-hmm. And I think that that would be a cool, uh, present to receive. 'cause I think people are just genuinely more interested in it because there's more awareness.
Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yeah. So let's talk about devices. 'cause I feel like that's such a hot, um, gift. Um, I've had a lot of patients who have gotten like the new face.
Mm-hmm. Which, um, all of them really like it. Mm-hmm. So I think, you know, maybe there's some. Some effect. I haven't tried it. So
Dr. Zain: yeah, I mean, I have an LED mask and I've been pretty happy when I actually use it. That's the thing, right? You gotta use it. But yeah. Um, I feel like there are definitely benefits.
Some reduced reduction in inflammation, helps with skin clarity and just overall health and glow.
Heather: Mm-hmm. I don't [00:17:00] think it's worth just buying any random LED mask, like on Amazon. I think those brands that are popular. Like the new face, the Omnilux have, um. Been shown to be effective.
Dr. Zain: You mean like $30 Neutrogena mask isn't any good.
Courtney: That's so
Heather: funny.
Courtney: No, I remember when it came out.
Dr. Zain: I know.
Courtney: And it just felt cheap.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. Yeah. And a lot. And along those lines, I mean, I feel like hair is also a big important factor, uh, for a lot of people and their appearance and these. LED, red light, um, devices, like the hats, the combs, the helmets, um, that's a cool gift for someone who may be suffering from hair loss.
Mm-hmm. Um, and it's a one-time investment. You can use it for years. And there's a lot of studies that show benefits. I mean, even as a preemptive, like, you know, I've considered also using it just as a preventative. Yeah. And just keeping your scalp. Healthy or hair healthy.
Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Um, [00:18:00] humidifiers I think are definitely so underrated.
Um, I feel like if someone gifted me a humidifier, I'd be so happy. Um, especially in like the winter months. Um, any of like your eczema patients or if you're just suffering with. Why? I feel like you're making a face.
Dr. Zain: No, I just, he's, I dunno if I received a humidifier, I don't know how I'd feel about it.
Heather: Really. When I lived in Colorado, I had three humidifiers, but I think here you just have to be a little cautious. 'cause we're a little more humid to begin
Dr. Zain: with. Yeah.
Heather: But we used to still get dry.
Dr. Zain: I know. I think it's akin to like, if you buy. Like a Mother's Day gift, like a vacuum or something. You're getting like, something like
Heather: that, that's different.
Courtney: That's like work.
Heather: I put it on my nightstand every night when I lived in Colorado, turned it on. It was magic.
Courtney: Yeah. If someone's telling you like, oh, I feel like I've been so dry lately. Uh, and like maybe in the back of your mind you're like, oh, I'm gonna get you humidifier. Maybe that's just like the, like the dermatology in, in me thinking, but I don't know.
They're pricey. They're pricey. Like a good one is pricey. [00:19:00] Yeah. So, and
Dr. Zain: especially the coolest ones. Mm-hmm. Um, yeah. Those tend to be a little better.
Heather: Yeah.
Courtney: Just don't buy essential oils in there. Sometimes people get humidifiers and they'll put the essential oils Oh yeah.
Dr. Zain: And make sure you clean those things out.
Yeah. That's disgusting.
Heather: I, yeah. Or use like distilled water.
Default_2025-10-29_1: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. But like still stuff grows and you better clean that stuff.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Nasty and crusty.
Courtney: Really like doctor seems anti humidifiers.
Dr. Zain: I got anti humidifier. I'm just saying. Personally, would I want one as a gift? I'd be like, eh, a little underwhelmed.
Heather: I see what you mean.
Dr. Zain: Like, no, I think it's useful. I think it has this place,
Heather: it's like getting a vacuum, but
Dr. Zain: it's like going onto like the Christmas tree, opening this up. Oh
Heather: yeah.
Dr. Zain: Humidifier.
Heather: My husband knew he was in his adulthood when he asked for a vacuum for his birthday. Yeah.
Courtney: My parents gifted me a vacuum for Christmas, like, I don't know, three years ago, and that was the best gift I got.
Heather: So, because it's useful.
Courtney: Yeah.
Heather: But yeah, a teenager probably wouldn't.
Courtney: Yeah,
Heather: I want it
Courtney: again. Know your, know your target audience.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. All right. What about Guha?
Courtney: What about it? [00:20:00] Um, I think they're nicest self-care tools. I don't think they're gonna provide any, like, structural change.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. But I agree.
Courtney: Like the globes, like those ice globes, they feel nice.
Mm. Yeah.
Heather: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Okay. Um, I do like the concept of gifting and experience.
Courtney: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: I really do think that I have kind of also kind of changed my mindset on how I gift things Yeah. And how I enjoy gifts.
Heather: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: So I like, enjoy it with friends, family, or an experience for self-care. Um, so I am definitely more about experiences as opposed to.
Collecting material things. Mm-hmm.
Heather: Especially if you don't know what the person wants.
Dr. Zain: Mm-hmm.
Heather: Even a gift card too, to like a, um, a dermatology office.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I mean, our gift certificates are very popular during the holiday times because it allows, you know, the person to choose what they want, what type of experience that they want.
Yeah. And you know, like, I think. Courtney is an amazing aesthetician. [00:21:00]
Courtney: Say it again.
Dr. Zain: Courtney. Courtney is an amazing aesthetician and you know, I think patients get a really nice experience with her. Um, so I think you're getting pampered. You know, you're. Developing a good relationship with your aesthetician.
Um, I think you do some girl chat in there.
Courtney: Oh, a hundred percent me and my patient.
Dr. Zain: Free, free free therapy
Courtney: session. Oh yeah. Free therapy. Free therapy. Um, it's funny, my mom the other day, you know, I was telling her about my therapy session and she's like, yeah. Um, and she was just. Talking about like how I must feel like a therapist sometimes with like my patients, and I was like, yeah, I guess so.
Um, but I love it. Yeah.
Dr. Zain: I think I, my job is therapy as well.
Courtney: Yeah. Tap psych after,
Heather: instead of going to your therapist, you just need an aesthetician doing,
Courtney: I know. I need to find one. But yeah, I, I agree. I think sometimes people, um, don't. You know, take care of themselves. Especially when you look at your, you know, your moms, um, I feel like they're always taking [00:22:00] care of like their kids and, you know, doing all things around the house.
And I think that's such a nice gift because not only are they being able to get treated, um, they're able to relax, take an hour mm-hmm. Like just for themselves and get out of the chaos of, you know, their world essentially. So I think that's such a nice idea, you know, to gift.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. It just allows you to like, just relax mm-hmm.
And tune everything out and just. Yeah. Embrace it anytime. Yeah. All right.
Heather: Skincare product holders I think would be a nice gift. So like a tray or they make those like, um, almost like a lazy soo. Mm-hmm. I
Courtney: have one of those. You do? Oh yeah. It's like 10 layers and it's all filled, of course. Oh my gosh.
And I spin it every morning. I'm like, what
Heather: do I want today? I think they're helpful, especially again, if you don't know what somebody's skin type is. Um, it's a nice add-on to help with their organization.
Dr. Zain: What about those skincare mini fridges
Courtney: people? I was just about to ask you guys that I was just about to [00:23:00] ask.
Heather: I think it's nice to put something on that's cooling. Um.
Courtney: Not necessary.
Heather: I think it's excessive, not necessary.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Yeah.
Courtney: I know some people feel like that with like the vitamin C 'cause they wanna, um, ensure the longest stability that they can. Right. Just
Heather: put it under like in a cabinet. Yeah. Put it in the dark.
Yeah.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Very easy.
Courtney: You leave your light on every day. No.
Dr. Zain: All right. Let's move on to body care and hair care. So, I know I talked about the LED devices for hair health and growth. Um, but let's talk about some other things that we can kind of do for our hair.
Courtney: I. I like, um, you know, when you're thinking about someone who might be into this, like just realm of like skincare, haircare, taking care of themselves, self-care, whatever.
Um, even just like, I'll never forget my mom and I was telling Heather this a couple, um, days ago, but my mom had gifted me a really nice, luxurious set of towels and they're like, you know, hotel quality towels, they're like really nice and [00:24:00] plush and I think that was such a nice. I still use them. Yeah. You know, and it just makes every like shower just feel like, Ugh, relaxing.
Dr. Zain: Ana got me a towel warmer.
Courtney: Yeah. Towel warmers are
Dr. Zain: nice. I just put my robe in there and it feels really nice. Oh,
Courtney: that's nice. Yeah.
Dr. Zain: But it's kind of been hijacked by Amna.
Courtney: Yeah. She really bought it for herself.
Heather: Yeah. Even just like a hair wrap. Mm-hmm. Like a microfiber towel too, can help with the
Dr. Zain: hair. Yeah.
So I never knew what those were until. Like get getting married and then now with three girls, like it's a thing. Yeah. I know first exposure was a turvy twist. Do you know about those? Like,
Heather: yeah, yeah,
Dr. Zain: yeah, yeah. So then I learned that, mastered that technique.
Courtney: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Um, so after bath time, that's what I'm putting on the girls.
Courtney: Yeah. That's so cute. I, yeah, I love like throwing my hair up and, you know, then doing all my skincare and stuff and then later if I wanna dry my hair, you know, who knows?
Heather: But I never had any sort of like hair towel when I was growing up. We had these, like, they were really cute. [00:25:00] Duck towels, but in one corner of the towel.
It was actually like a, like a hood. Oh, yeah. With a little beak on it. Yeah. So it was so fun.
Dr. Zain: Oh,
Heather: but
Default_2025-10-29_1: but
Dr. Zain: actually have like a baby towel like that. Yeah. You know, like how like they kind of have like the little thing pokes out and like Yeah. Little
Heather: bowl and
Dr. Zain: everything.
Heather: Have one
Dr. Zain: of those
Heather: cute, maybe that's what started the trend of like.
Toweling your hair, but with a micro, I think it makes a difference with microfiber versus just like a regular towel.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. Less damage, right?
Courtney: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. And there's other, you know, products for the scalp. Um, I know care factor that we sell in the office is really nice for people who are maybe a little.
Health, um, or hair conscious I should say. Yeah. Um, trying to grow hair. Those people, if they've been complaining, oh, my hair's been thinning. Or maybe like a new mom who's just given birth, who maybe is going through that, shed that telogen of flu. I think that'd be such a nice idea.
Dr. Zain: Or even exposure to like some supplements that can help with your skin and hair.
Um, you know how I feel about biotin.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Um, [00:26:00] so, you know, I really like extra say, um, the gummies for hair health. Mm-hmm. It's got a lot of antioxidants and other, you know, plant-based ingredients that can really help with hair. I love the inner Glow age defense, um, you know, capsules, which have a lot of antioxidants as well that's tailored for skin and gut health.
It's got probiotics, prebiotics. Whole slew of antioxidants. So I think that's a pretty, um, you know, thoughtful gift. Mm-hmm. And kind of exposing that, 'cause a lot of people are embracing wellness and kind of looking at the body as a whole and, you know, skin health reflecting internal health.
Courtney: Mm-hmm.
Heather: We talked about retinal retinoids or retinols for.
Space, but I think it's also worth considering for body too. Yeah. So there's a lot of retinol body creams that you can find at drugstore. I think the one that's worth the investment is the, um, skin better science alpha RET body overnight cream. Yeah. So it's pretty much the same kind of version, just a little bit more advanced.
So it's tolerated on the body. Mm-hmm. I think it works [00:27:00] well.
Dr. Zain: Yeah.
Courtney: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: Stocking
Courtney: sufferers. This is my favorite. I love anything mini. Anything cute. Anything travel size.
Heather: So the person who literally has like a mini little what mustard in your purse? A mini little like Spice Village.
Courtney: Yeah. My Spice Village.
It's true. Anything mini. It's, it's true. I love a mini. I love a mini. There's just something you need to go Korea. Yeah.
Dr. Zain: I think they'll
Courtney: probably, yeah. Yeah. They, um, in fact, it's, you're at
Heather: Margarita,
Courtney: my margarita Little Mark. Um, he'll make an appearance soon. Um, yeah.
Dr. Zain: So what are your favorite mini items?
Courtney: Oh, everything.
Um, no, I love, like, I love, like, chapsticks is like a stocking stuffer. Ooh.
Dr. Zain: I hate chopstick.
Courtney: You hate chopstick.
Dr. Zain: Chapstick, like the brand?
Courtney: Oh no, I just, it that's like a blanket term. Oh,
Dr. Zain: okay. Okay.
Courtney: Yeah.
Heather: I thought you said Chapstick.
Courtney: I thought you did too. Oh. Catch that.
Dr. Zain: I dunno if I mispoke
Courtney: we're keeping that in.[00:28:00]
Um, no, I love, I love a Chapstick.
Heather: Chapstick as a general term.
Courtney: As a, yeah. A lip
Dr. Zain: balm. Um, or Chapstick
Courtney: Aquaphor.
Dr. Zain: Okay.
Courtney: You know. I like, um, lit masks. Lit masks. Mm-hmm. Yeah. You know, I think I've tried
Heather: the, I one,
Dr. Zain: the ne the line edge ones are pretty nice too.
Courtney: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Sleeping masks.
Courtney: Yeah. I think any, like teenage girl or young adult girl, any girl in general would love a lip mask.
Joe: Mm-hmm.
Courtney: I would, yeah. Every night. Um, hand care is another like. Little stocking stuffer. Like I know Neutrogena makes like the hand cream. I gave that to my mom one year 'cause she was having really dry hands. Um, and she really likes that one. So I think those make little nice touches.
Heather: Yeah. I like the, um, care factor, like we mentioned for hair, but they also make lash serums and brows.
Serums. Mm-hmm. Um, I've been using the brow serum and it's been working really well.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I like the lash serum a lot.
Heather: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: , Anything else? Silk pillow cases? Mm-hmm.
Heather: I, this may not be something that [00:29:00] you could fit in a stocking, but like, um, sun Protective things, like not just sunscreen, but like hats, clothing, sun protective clothing.
Yeah, yeah. Those kind of
Dr. Zain: things. I think that's always nice. And there's some really nice ones out there now.
Heather: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: So, um, you know, that's definitely something that you can consider. I think it's very thoughtful. Um, last but not least, um, I think that a lot of these skincare companies have come out with gift sets, which can be incredibly helpful.
They've got, you know, a number of products which work as a system together.
Courtney: Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Um, what are some of your favorites that you've seen at the drugstore that you like?
Courtney: I do like the first aid beauty. Mm-hmm. Gift set. Normally you can find it like Sephora, Ulta, this time of year. Mm-hmm. Um. I think you can't go wrong with that.
Um,
Dr. Zain: junk elephant has a nice one. Mm-hmm.
Courtney: Yeah. A little pricey. It's um, but you know, if you're into that, you have the money to spend.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. I feel like some of the celebrity skincare [00:30:00] lines also have really nice gift sets. So, um, you know, Papai, the rocks, um, skincare line, they have this awesome holiday, uh, gift set, um, with, you know, a lot of skincare that's tailored towards men.
Mm. And I think that if you're kind of struggling, especially for giving a gift to a man who's never than really doing any skincare, I think that's a great place to start. It's already packaged. It's the rock approved, so
Courtney: get it for Dad. I feel like dads are always so hard to shop for. Yeah. You know, and I think that's something that this year we'll probably see like a surge of, because I think as you know, men are getting more involved in skincare.
Um, I think. You know, that's a such a good gift. Um, yeah. For the guy that has it all, you know.
Heather: Yeah.
Courtney: Doesn't have the skincare.
Dr. Zain: I agree.
Heather: So Doctor Hussein, what is one product that you think every dermatologist would be happy to get?
Dr. Zain: I think a high quality retinal, um, would be [00:31:00] very nice. I think that that'll last you for a while and it gets proven results.
Heather: Yeah.
Dr. Zain: How about you, Courtney?
Courtney: Get me the humidifier,
I would take a towel warmer. Um, yeah. Yeah. I don't know. For me, I think, yeah, like kind of those adjunct, um, things would be nice because I'm very fortunate with my job to get things, um, pretty accessible. Mm-hmm. And so I would probably utilize, uh, some of those adjuncts more. Yeah. What about you, Heather?
Heather: Um.
Well, I was gonna say a lip mask, but I mean, that's something that we could easily get to. Mm-hmm. Maybe like a hat or something. Like Sun Protective. Yeah.
Courtney: Clothing. I do love a rash guard. Like I think you can never have enough rash guards.
Heather: Yeah. Or like those, um, Columbia has those.
Sun. [00:32:00] Pretty like the UPF shirts. Those are nice. Mm-hmm.
Dr. Zain: Yeah. Cool. So I think we had a fantastic discussion of possible gift ideas. Hopefully this is helpful for you guys who are looking to gift your loved ones with some great products or other, um, dermatology specific, um, you know, gifts. And, you know, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Um, you know, drop us some comments. Um, please follow like us until next time. Skin side
Heather: out. [00:33:00]