Joyce- Seattle
What is your current skincare routine?
It changes based on the day and the season, but this is my current one.
AM Routine
First, I wash my face with just water.
Then, I use a Vitamin C serum. I love Skinbetter Alto Advanced Serum and Sunday Riley CEO. I alternate between these two.
I usually put on moisturizer afterward since I’ve been dryer lately. Right now, I’m using the DAMDAM Mochi Mochi Luminous Plumping Moisturizer. If I’m not super dry, I’ll use a hydrating serum instead of a proper moisturizer; lately, I’ve been enjoying the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Amplified Wrinkle-Fix Serum.
Next, I use sunscreen. I’ve been using Skinbetter Sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion or the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream. A few products that are not in the current rotation but often pop up are the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica and the Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen.
I finish everything off with Dr. Jart+ BB cream.
PM Routine
I double cleanse on days that I wear makeup. I like to use Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and then the Youth To The People Kale + Spinach Superfood Face Cleanser.
After cleansing, I use Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream, Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, or Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid. I alternate these.
For eye cream, I have been seeing the Ule Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Cream.
Finally, for moisturizer, I alternate between the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore and the Skinfix Triple Lipid-Peptide Face Cream (fun fact: this is a great SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid dupe!)
What skincare and hair products do you repurchase consistently?
For hair, I always repurchase the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil. For skincare, I always repurchase the Dr. Jart+ BB Cream, Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream, and the Skinbetter Alto Defense Serum.
Tell us about your journey to becoming TeaWithMD.
Between my 2nd and 3rd year of medical school, I took a year off to complete the Stanford Global Health Media Fellowship. One of the requirements during the fellowship was to start a blog. This is how TeaWithMD (https://www.teawithmd.com/) came to life! After the fellowship, I continued blogging but was more drawn to social media. I started using Instagram to post skincare tips, and in 2020, when TikTok took off, I started creating content there as well, where you can still find me today!
Which cosmetic treatments have made the most significant impact on your skin?
I have loved treating some of my brown spots with the Pico laser, and I’m looking forward to trying Fraxel!
Which cosmetic treatments have made the most significant impact on your patient's skin?
Right now, I have a virtual clinic, but when I was seeing patients in the clinic, Fraxel Dual made a huge difference in patient’s skin overall. I also found the combination of PicoSure with lightening cream particularly impactful for hyperpigmentation. Finally, for acne scars, the 1550-nm always made a big difference for patients.
What emerging cosmetic trends are you excited about?
I think it’s cool that the pendulum is swinging back toward a more natural look. Over the last 5 years, things have gotten so out of hand, i.e., Russian doll filler, so I’m happy to see people seeking enhancement rather than transformation.
How do you balance your busy lifestyle with self-care? What are your favorite rituals for maintaining your well-being?
My self-care time is in the evening as I’m getting ready for bed. I like to put a show on my phone and take 30 minutes to do my skincare routine and unwind. A recent addition to my nighttime routine is 10 minutes of my LED mask- I am still testing it out to see if there are any results!
In addition to my nighttime routine, I also started regularly working out with a personal trainer, which has been a huge help in maintaining my well-being.
Who is a woman that has inspired you, and what did you learn from her?
One person that comes to mind is my mother-in-law. She is featured in a few of my videos- she is 74 years old but could pass for 50! Born and raised in South Korea, she is the epitome of hard work and aging gracefully. She was the breadwinner in the family, so she had a lot of responsibilities, but she always devoted time to herself in healthy ways. I have never met anyone who avoids the sun like her! Truly a dermatologist’s dream. She never goes out without a hat, sun protection, and a head scarf. She’s inspiring in so many ways.
Can you share some advice that has significantly impacted your life?
You miss 100% of shots you don’t take. It never hurts to try! Always ask yourself, what’s the downside of trying?
Just because someone carries it well does not mean it isn’t heavy. Give yourself and others the time and grace needed to move through life. Everyone is going through something.
What about you surprises people once they get to know you?
Because I’m on social media so much, people start to get an idea of what I look like in ‘real life’ and then are completely shocked to see how petite I am!
I’m also really into hip-hop dancing. Although my nighttime routine sounds zen, I’m most likely blasting a millennial club music playlist.
If you could describe your aura or energy in a color, what would it be and why?
Pink. Not only is it my favorite color, but it has a deeper meaning for me. Growing up, I always felt embarrassed or ashamed to want pink things and to admit it was my favorite color because I felt like the connotation associated with that was being ‘too girly’ or maybe even ‘ditzy.’ Now, I own it. Be whoever you want to be, unashamedly!
What’s next for you, and what are you most looking forward to?
Right now, I am splitting my time between running a virtual dermatology clinic (in multiple states) + working with brands + being a mom to a 5-year-old and a 10-month-old + more…
While I’m spread thin, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and look forward to starting something new and exciting in 2025… stay tuned ;)
Connect With Joyce:
Virtual Clinic: https://skinrefinery.com/
TikTok: @teawithMD
Youtube: @teawithMD
Instagram: @teawithMD
Blog: https://www.teawithmd.com/