Dr. Teo Soleymani: How to Improve & Protect Your Skin Health & Appearance

Your Skin's Inner Wisdom: Unlocking the Secrets to Healthy, Youthful Skin with Dr. Teo Solmani

This episode of the Huberman Lab podcast features Dr. Teo Solmani, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. Dr. Solmani is a renowned expert in his field, having completed his training at Stanford University and served as a clinical professor of dermatology and dermatologic surgery at UCLA. In this fascinating conversation, he delves into the intricate world of skin health and appearance, offering invaluable insights and actionable advice for listeners looking to optimize their skin’s health and achieve a youthful glow.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

Dr. Solmani emphasizes that our skin is an incredibly dynamic organ that undergoes a complete turnover every 28 days. This remarkable regenerative capacity makes it a unique model for studying various diseases and understanding how our body heals. Throughout the podcast, Dr. Solmani highlights the interconnectedness of our internal health with our skin's appearance, emphasizing that our skin acts as a biosensor for overall well-being.

Practical Strategies and Advice

Here are some key practical strategies and actionable advice shared by Dr. Solmani for improving skin health and appearance:

• **Reduce Stress**: Acute and chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on skin health. Dr. Solmani recommends implementing stress reduction techniques to promote healthy skin turnover and prevent premature aging.
• **Maintain Adequate Hydration**: While drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, Dr. Solmani clarifies that it doesn't directly affect skin hydration. The best way to hydrate your skin is through topical moisturizers, tailored to your individual skin type.
• **Choose Gentle Cleansers**: Dr. Solmani advocates for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers like Dove white bar soap or Cetaphil. He cautions against over-cleansing, as it can disrupt the skin microbiome and lead to irritation.
• **Prioritize Physical Barriers**: Dr. Solmani recommends using physical barriers like hats, long sleeves, and shade to protect your skin from the sun. He believes these are more effective than topical sunscreens in many cases.
• **Consider Mineral-Based Sunscreens**: Dr. Solmani emphasizes the importance of mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. He advises against chemical-based sunscreens due to potential absorption and endocrine disruption concerns.
• **Embrace a High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Diet**: Dr. Solmani recommends a diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables. He suggests avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to inflammation and acne.
• **Consider Polypodium Supplements**: Dr. Solmani highlights the benefits of Polypodium supplements, a fern extract found in the Amazon rainforest that has been shown to increase skin's minimal erythema dose (MED) and protect against sun damage.
• **Explore Laser Resurfacing**: For more significant skin rejuvenation and a reduction in skin cancer risk, Dr. Solmani recommends laser resurfacing procedures, especially non-ablative fractionated laser resurfacing.
• **Regularly Survey for Skin Cancers**: Dr. Solmani strongly emphasizes the importance of annual skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist. He also encourages mole mapping and whole body photography as tools for monitoring moles and detecting changes.
• **Get the HPV Vaccine**: Dr. Solmani recommends the Gardasil vaccine for all individuals, regardless of age, as it protects against the HPV strains that can lead to various cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas.

Supporting Evidence

Dr. Solmani provides extensive scientific evidence throughout the podcast, drawing on years of experience and a vast array of research. He references studies on the effects of stress on skin health, the absorption of chemical sunscreens, the efficacy of various treatments like retinoids and laser resurfacing, and the role of the gut microbiome in skin health.

Personal Application

Dr. Solmani candidly shares his own skin care routine and lifestyle choices. He follows a high-protein, anti-inflammatory diet, regularly supplements with Polypodium and a collagen-based product he helped formulate called Sun Powder, and uses mineral sunscreens. He also emphasizes the importance of regular skin exams and vigilant mole monitoring due to his family history of skin cancer.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

For those seeking to implement Dr. Solmani’s advice, here are some key tools and techniques to explore:

• **Mineral Sunscreens**: Look for products containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, avoiding chemical-based sunscreens.
• **Polypodium Supplements**: Explore reputable brands offering Polypodium supplements in a convenient, oral format.
• **Laser Resurfacing**: Consult with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss the different types of laser resurfacing procedures available.
• **Mole Mapping and Photography**: Inquire about mole mapping and whole body photography options for regular skin cancer surveillance.
• **HPV Vaccine**: Discuss with your healthcare provider about getting the Gardasil vaccine, especially if you are sexually active or concerned about HPV-related cancers.

Dr. Solmani’s insights provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of skin health, empowering them to make informed choices about their skin care and prioritize their overall well-being.