Queen City Skin

15. The Anti-Aging Essentials | 3 Essentials Every Skincare Routine Needs

• Dr. Elizabeth Rostan & Dr. Emily O. McLean • Episode 15

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Drowning in a sea of “anti-aging” products? You’re not alone. In this episode, board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan and Dr. Emily McLean throw you a lifeline: the Skin Care Pyramid – a simple, science-backed framework Dr. Rostan developed to help patients focus on what really works. Learn the three essentials every routine needs, how to layer antioxidants and retinoids, and what to skip so you can age with intention, not fear.

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In this episode you’ll learn:

  • The Skin Care Pyramid is your foundation. Just like a strong house starts with a base, healthy skin begins with the essentials (sunscreen, antioxidants, and a retinoid) before adding extras (like growth factors, peptides, or eye creams).
  • Not all products are created equal. Stability, concentration, and science-backed testing matter more than marketing claims or luxury packaging. A $20 vitamin C serum isn’t the same as one designed to actually penetrate and protect your skin.
  • Consistency is the real secret. You don’t need the strongest retinoid or the fanciest serum. Success comes from finding products you can tolerate and use throughout your life.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

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