Dr. Pimple Popper Shares Her Simple, Eczema-Friendly Skincare Routine

Dr. Sandra Lee, also known as Dr. Pimple Popper, spends her days popping, pushing, and prodding her patients’ skin. The board-certified dermatologist’s passion for treating everything from zits to cysts has made her one of the most globally recognized skincare professionals. She first gained notoriety on YouTube, sharing informative videos on treatments and up-close looks at procedures (like extractions and mole removals) as early as 2010. However, the 2018 release of her TLC series, Dr. Pimple Popper, broadcasted her transformative work to the world.

While Dr. Lee has spent years online and offline helping people feel more confident in their skin, she’s simultaneously navigated her own up-and-down skincare journey. The California-based is no stranger to eczema flare-ups, a condition that affects nearly 32 million people in the United States. It’s this lifelong experience that inspired Dr. Lee to partner with Incyte on its “Moments of Clarity” campaign, an initiative that spotlights the stories of individuals with eczema. 

“Partnering with Incyte on its Moments of Clarity program is important to me because I’ve had eczema my whole life,” she says. “With this program, we get to share our stories of how we deal with eczema. I hope it will encourage people to seek health care and find treatment options that work for them.”

Ahead, Dr. Lee shares more about her eczema experiences, day-to-day skincare routine, and career journey as a social-savvy dermatologist. 

About Her Skin

“I have very dry skin and mild to moderate eczema. I’ve dealt with it since I was a baby. It’s the one main condition I share with my patients, and it helps me connect with them better.”

How She Got Into Skincare

“My dad is a dermatologist. I was surrounded by textbooks that had jarring skin conditions in them. I would read them while I ate my cereal. So, I always say I was thrown into the dermatology world. Having eczema helped me hone my skills as a dermatologist, too.” 

Her Morning Versus Nighttime Routine

“My skincare routine is pretty simple. As I’ve gotten older, I do not have a 12- or 20-step routine. I have a whole tabletop of products because they’re given to me, but I don’t try a lot. I don’t really like to get facials, either. Part of that is because I have eczema, and certain things can trigger eczema, breakouts, and strip my dry skin. At night, I wash my face and put moisturizer on immediately after to seal in moisture. I also put petroleum jelly on my face and around my eyes. In the morning, I’ll use a simple face wash and a good moisturizer.” 

How Her Skincare Routine Has Changed Over Time

“I’ve gotten more gentle with my skin as I’ve gotten older. We don’t think twice about scrubbing our skin with a rough towel when we’re younger. However, chronic rubbing can increase fine lines and wrinkles. So, I’ve become very conscious of being gentle and loving towards my skin.”

The One Thing She Looks For In Products

“I like to use moisturizers that don’t have fragrance. If a product has active ingredients that say they might peel my skin or cause tingling, I avoid them. For people with sensitive skin or eczema, it’s always good to test a product on a small area, like your jawline or neck.”

Her Skincare Pet Peeve

“I hate seeing people doing cosmetic procedures they shouldn’t be doing at home, like trying to treat their lips with filler. Another skincare pet peeve is feeling you have to try something because someone recommended it to you. Sometimes, that product may not work for you because your skin type is different.”

The Product That’s Made the Biggest Difference in Her Routine

“I love to use a salicylic acid cleanser. Since I have eczema, I use a prescription, non-steroidal cream. I tend to get eczema around my armpit area, and you can’t use a strong steroid there, so I’ll use the cream on that area. I also use retinol.”

The One Thing She Loves About Her Career Journey

“When I started my social media channels and television show, I never imagined all of this would happen. I was most afraid that other dermatologists would think I was making a mockery of dermatology, but they’ve been so accepting. Now, I’m watching younger dermatologists entering the field and doing amazing things on social media. I’m so proud of them.”