Behind The Brand: TLC & Dr. Dennis Gross

Dr. Dennis Gross & The TLC Method

If you didn’t already know, Dr. Dennis Gross is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. With over 25 years of experience under his belt, the Dr. Dennis Gross range is one of our absolute favourites here at Skinstation. Dr. Dennis Gross has the skincare expertise to deliver proven products and treatment success with the education and support you would expect - and that’s why we wanted to take a look behind the brand this month and break down his approach to skincare.

In his practice, he has said that he likes his “patients to have a calm approach to cosmetic decisions—but there’s no doubt that these decisions can be daunting. It’s easy to feel confused, overwhelmed and frustrated.” However, he breaks the concept of ‘skin concerns’ and where our issues with our skin may be coming from into three, bite-sized categories: Tone, Lines, and Colour - which, of course, TLC stands for. 

He stated that “every flaw is an issue of texture, lines, and colour. I call this my TLC method, which takes a logical approach to what can be an emotional situation. It’s simple: T = Texture, L = Lines, C = Colour.” We all know that when our skin isn’t feeling great, we might not be either, but this more simplistic way to approach our skincare routine, it can help us really zero in on and target our major concerns.

Let’s Start With Skin Texture

So, let’s start with the T, from TLC - the texture of our skin. Dr. Dennis Gross explains that skin has many layers, and if we think about our skin as a house - because at the end of the day, it is our home, then the epidermis is the roof. Our epidermis takes the brunt of everyday life and is at the forefront against environmental aggressors, such as sun, pollution and free radicals. As we cannot avoid these elements on a daily basis, we can start to see texture issues with our skin. Dr. Dennis Gross says that ‘this exposure is what causes texture issues like dryness, roughness, dullness, loss of radiance and enlarged pores.’

To help combat this skin concern, Dr. Dennis Gross states that the most effective treatment is in fact peels. Dr. Gross has revolutionised the skincare space with his at-home chemical peel solutions and our Experts are big fans of his Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel, which has been formulated to give your skin a complete refresh when needed. This potent peel contains a fusion of powerhouse acids which include lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and phytic acid. Peels typically work to obliterate the dead skin cells which can be impacting the texture of our skin. If you have dry patches or notice your skin has become rough, then a peel such as Dr Dennis Gross's Clinical Grade Resurfacing Liquid Peel will work to exfoliate and reveal a radiant glow. 

Another important fact that Dr. Dennis Gross makes about texture is how we shouldn’t aim to just ‘wipe away the damage’. We want to ensure that we are always bettering our skin’s health and regularly cleansing, hydrating and moisturising as well.

Next, Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are a skin concern that is brought on with age and lifestyle - as we get older, our body loses collagen and with this, our skin can start to lose its structure. As well as fine lines and wrinkles becoming more apparent when this happens, we may also start to notice our skin start to become thinner. 

Dr. Dennis Gross understands that within the L section of his TLC algorithm, there are many different categories; lines, wrinkles, sagging and crepey skin. In order to combat this skin concern, similar to texture, he recommends in-office peels, but also lasers as they can get a bit deeper. 

However, he also recommends you protect your collagen from free radicals, as this too can cause your natural production to break down - and this is where sunscreen comes in. The Dr. Dennis Gross All Physical Dark Spot Defense Sunscreen with SPF 50 should be stable in your routine if you are looking to protect your collagen levels. You can keep your skin protected from the sun whilst also reducing the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. Our Skincare Experts recommend applying sunscreen on a daily basis and reapplying regularly to protect your skin from UV damage. To fight back on signs of ageing such as wrinkles and lines, using sunscreen is essential.

Colour & Skin Pigmentation

Skin tone problems are a result of uneven pigmentation of the skin. Dr. Dennis Gross recognises that ‘there are subtypes of colour problems that are important to know because they are treated very differently.’

The first one on Dr. Dennis Gross’ list is sunspots. If you can see circular or freckle-like spots on your face, or anywhere on your body really, these have been caused by sun exposure and are a good sign that you need to up your sun safety game. Even simply putting on broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, you can prevent the appearance of these sunspots. 

However, according to Dr. Dennis Gross, Melasma also falls into this section of his TLC anagram. Melasma can be characterised by darker patches of pigmentation and are typically found on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. This can be a tricker to treat, and Dr. Dennis Gross recommends using a laser like the Alexandrite. However, Melasma can also respond to ingredients such as vitamin A (e.g. retinol), ferulic acid and vitamin C.

The Dr. Dennis Gross 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum is definitely our go-to. This serum is packed with 3-O C vitamin C technology, collagen amino acids, and proprietary energy complex. All of these magical ingredients work to improve the appearance of imperfections such as dullness, dark spots, rough texture, and expression lines. If you are looking for an immediate way to brighten your complexion and boost your skin’s natural energy to tackle dark spots, then our Skincare Experts couldn’t recommend this product higher.