Afton- Jackson Hole
Skincare & Beauty
What is your skincare routine?
I generally am a skin minimalist. For nighttime, I use a few products. Firstly, micellar water. I like Bioderma and Fig.1 (a fantastic skincare brand started by my friend, Dr. Courtney Rubin). I also like to use a retinoid—the type depends on the season. Recently, I have been into the Skinbetter Science Alpha-Ret—it’s gentle, which is great because I typically have difficulty tolerating anything more substantial. I always use Cerave Healing Ointment.
In the morning, I gently cleanse with water so I don’t overwash. I don’t use vitamin C because it can be too irritating, mainly because I’m acne-prone. I use a tinted mineral screen—I am obsessed with Isdin Eryfotona Ageless SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen.
Do you have a go-to skincare product that you can't live without? Why is it your favorite?
Cerave Healing Ointment - it’s the most versatile product in my product lineup.
What's your favorite beauty tip or secret you've learned from others or discovered yourself?
Minimal is always better. You don’t need a super complex layered skincare regimen. The more you add, the more problems you have.
Lifestyle & Empowerment
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with self-care? What are your favorite rituals for maintaining your well-being?
I always try to sleep well. I use an eye mask, ear plugs, and a weighted blanket (I love the one Bearaby makes—super breathable). In addition to prioritizing sleep, I make an effort to exercise every day, particularly strength training. Finally, I always put relationships and friendships above all else.
Who is a woman that has inspired you, and what did you learn from her?
My Mohs fellowship attending, Dr. Suzanne Olbricht, has inspired me throughout my career. She has really been a leader and pioneer in the field of dermatology and Mohs, and it was really fun to work with her during my training. What I liked the most about her was how she treated everyone with respect and attention, no matter who you were. She took an interest in elevating every person she encountered, making her an incredibly effective physician and leader.
Personal Insights & Fun
What’s it like working in a rural setting?
It’s full of surprises. One day, while reading slides, I looked outside, and a moose was peering inside. Patients may be late to appointments because of ‘bear jams’- wildlife crossing the road- bison are common culprits. There are challenges, but working in an underserved setting is incredibly fulfilling.
What's a hobby or passion that people might not know about you?
I enjoy painting, drawing, and other artistic pursuits, which is why I love Mohs surgery—it involves a lot of art and fine motor coordination.
Coolest travel experience?
My most recent adventure comes to mind first… My husband and I rented mountain bikes in Slovenia and rode from Ljubljana to Triglav National Park. It was a fantastic way to see the countryside and a great reminder that there is a lot of beauty in the in-betweens, not just in the main events.
Closing Thoughts
What’s next for you, and what are you most looking forward to?
I have been in Jackson Hole for three years and am still working to establish myself in the community. I’m looking forward to widening my reach and providing as much dermatologic care as possible to the underserved rural communities. I started the Wyoming Academy of Dermatology to advance dermatology outcomes, education, and awareness in the state, and I am excited to continue projects like this!
Connect with Afton:
Instagram: @thatdermlife