I love interviewing top dermatologists for my job and have always been intrigued by what they use on their skin and how they incorporate the latest products and in-office treatments into their daily routine. I met Dr. Caroline Chang, MD, a few years ago when I first moved to Rhode Island. We instantly hit it off—we’re both New Yorkers now living in Rhode Island and have a passion for all things beauty.
Dr. Chang recently opened her own practice in East Greenwich, Rhode Island and I see her for in-office treatments twice a year (specifically for Botox). She’s always a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate her less is more approach when it comes to anti-aging and skincare
Here, I talk to Dr. Caroline Chang about her career, what she loves to use on her skin and hair and the one in-office treatment she thinks is the best investment.
What made you get into Dermatology? And why did you decide to open your own practice?
My first exposure to Dermatology was through melanoma research. I grew a great interest in skin cancer detection and prevention and also loved the procedural aspects of Dermatology. Not only could I detect skin cancer, but could treat it by surgically removing it. My background in Art History and Studio Art lended itself perfectly with the visual field of Dermatology in both skin cancer detection and cosmetic treatments.
After many years in Dermatology, I was able to see first-hand the difficulties in accessing dermatologists in the state. I also saw the frustration by doctors and patients alike with the restrictions insurance placed on basic medical treatments. I started a new model called “direct care” in which patients can be seen and get their medical treatments without insurance rules on what is “covered” and “not covered.” The access to care extends to both medical and cosmetic treatments. While there are many places offering cosmetic treatments, injectors do not all have the same level of training and knowledge. Moreover, many injectors are not equipped to handle complications of the treatments they are offering.
What should one look for in a dermatologist and expert injector?
Always look for a dermatologist who is board certified. Regarding injectors, look for board certification in one of the core cosmetic specialties, which are dermatology, plastic surgery and oculoplastics. Don’t be fooled by fancy titles or catchy Instagram names. Your face is your calling card and you should not cut corners on it! While a good deal is tempting, getting a botched job can lead to you spending way more money trying to fix the issue.
Let’s chat about treatments you offer at the office. And, which ones do you like doing on yourself?
I offer Botox, dermal fillers, laser rejuvenation, laser hair removal, PDO threads, chemical peels, PRP injections and skincare consultations and products. I maintain using my skincare products, especially sunscreen, and regular treatments with Botox to keep the wrinkles away. I also inject dermal fillers as needed—they work as semipermanent conturing, so I can minimize daily makeup use and help to volumize areas that need it. I’ll do an Aerolase treatment to my face in combination with a date night peel to brighten my skin before a big event.
What is your morning beauty routine?
I’ll wash my face with either water or a gentle face wash like La Roche Posay cleansing milk. Then I’ll moisturize with an antioxidant cream or if my skin is feeling super dry, I’ll put a nice thick layer of nightly restore cream and let it soak in. Next I’ll apply sunscreen. For day to day use I’ll use a BB cream, which has a subtle tint that evens out skin tone and covers minor imperfections. If I’m off to the gym, I’ll use an oil-free sunscreen instead.
What about evening beauty routine?
My nightly routine is a little more involved. My basic routine includes: washing my face with a face scrub in the shower, once I get out I apply retinol and then follow with a heavy moisturizer and a moisturizing eye cream. Based on how my skin is feeling I’ll add on a few other things as needed. Once a week, I like to do an exfoliation. I’ll alternate between the Tacha Rice Polish for a gentle exfoliation, a Glam Glow mask or my line of mini-peel pads. For extra hydration, I’ll do a moisturizing face mask after washing and if I’m extra dry, I might skip the retinol that night.
Makeup favorites? And what about the ones for your hair?
I like my skin and facial contours to be the center of attention, so I’m a minimalist when it comes to makeup. I prep with Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm around the eyes to brighten and moisturize. I use Neutrogena Liquid Foundation to cover blemishes. And I love the YSL Touche Eclat to highlight around the eyes, nose and mouth. I’ll finish with a light dusting of blush (I love anything by NARS), black liquid eyeliner (Marc Jacobs or Maybelline ) and eyebrow gel. For hair, I love the Amika dry shampoo, I use it daily in between blowouts to keep my hair looking fresh through daily workouts. My new favorite is the Amika The Shield, which works wonders to tame any frizz after I blow-dry my hair.
What product would you splurge on?
Don’t be fooled by what you see on social media. A couple syringes of well-placed filler can do amazing things to restore your youthful look. Typically, fillers last 9-12 months so its totally worth the investment!
You are all about sunscreen. Would you say most of your patients use it everyday or they still don’t take it sun protection seriously?
It’s important to me that my patients get the most out of their treatments. Maintaining healthy youthful skin is just as important as preventing wrinkles or replacing volume loss. Getting Botox or fillers without practicing good skincare is like frosting without a cupcake!
What are some pet peeves on how people treat their skin?
My biggest pet peeve is when a person boasts about how they never use sunscreen. It doesn’t matter how young you are, the damaging effects of UV light show up at least 10 years later. I’ve seen patients of all ages come into my office and every single person with bad sun damage wished they had less sun exposure as a youth.
*** GIVEAWAY**** Dr. Chang is giving all of my wonderful readers a free cosmetic or skincare consulation at her East Greenwich, Rhode Island office from now until December 2020. Use CODE: WANDERLASH2020 when booking your appointment.
Photos taken of Dr. Caroline Chang by Jackie Ignall in East Greenwich, Rhode Island
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