Q+A with Dermatologist Dr. Anna Karp

Dr. Anna Karp is a double board-certified dermatologist based out of New York City. Not only does she practice at two SINY Dermatology locations in New York, but she's also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine and serves as a consultant to Opu Labs as well as brands in the process of product development. It goes without saying that Dr. Karp has truly extended her vast knowledge to several sectors of dermatology — from in-office, to education, and beyond. Dr. Karp talks to us about her impact, helping to shape the future of dermatology, advice for those struggling with their skincare, and more. Read on for our entire conversation!

Q: First and foremost, we’d love to hear about your journey in the dermatology space. How did you get started, and how did you get to where you are today?

I'm a first-generation American and the first doctor in my family, so it took a lot of grit to get to this place. I hope my path can be motivating to others. I realized early on in medical school that I wanted an outpatient field where the majority of my time was spent outside the hospital, and fell in love with dermatology once I got to shadow a doctor in the field. Finding mentors in derm helped me the most in achieving my career goals.

Q: What do you love the most about what you do?

I love the variety in dermatology — in a single day I do both medical and cosmetic procedures. I get to meet a variety of people of all ages, and the connections I form are very special. When someone tells me I eased their anxiety about what they came in for, that makes my day.

Q: You completed a dual residency in both family medicine as well as dermatology during your time in medical school. How do you think your multi-specialized experience has impacted the way you practice dermatology?

So many diseases that affect our skin can impact other parts of our body. My dual residency gives me a broader knowledge base when treating my patients.

Q: On top of seeing your own patients and acting as a consultant, you’re also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine. What do you love the most about teaching and helping shape the future of dermatology?

I love bringing my real life experience as a practicing dermatologist to the resident doctors that I teach. I also learn a lot from them, so it's a mutually beneficial relationship.

Q: What is a myth about skincare that you want to debunk?

There are so many, and that is a huge part of why I love posting skincare info on social media. I think the biggest one I see a lot is that all chemicals in skincare are bad. "Natural", "organic", and "clean" are terms unregulated by the FDA, so there is no uniformity or standard for the lines that use these terms. A lot of the best naturally-derived ingredients need to be processed in a lab to isolate the good compounds and remove the bad ones. A lot of times this isn't done, and I see people develop allergic reactions to botanical ingredients.

Q: What is one product everyone should be using, no matter what their skin type?

Sunscreen daily, rain or shine. UV rays get in through our windows so even if you are inside, sunscreen every AM is important.

Q: What is your best advice for someone who is struggling to find a skin routine that works for them?

Start with a face wash, sunscreen, and retinol cream at night. Don't hesitate to see a dermatologist if you are struggling with your routine, especially if you are developing scars. The sooner you stop your breakouts, the less scarring you will have.

Q: What do you wish people were talking more about in skincare?

Great results from a skincare routine take time. I often see people stopping products after only a week of use. It takes at least 6 weeks to see truly visible results.

Rapid Fire Round

Q: Worth the splurge:

ISDIN K-Ox eye gel. This product has a blend of powerful ingredients that I haven't seen in other eye creams. This hydrating gel has vitamin K-oxide to help with dark eye circles and puffiness. It also has a triple peptide combination, called Eyeliss, that helps lymphatic circulation and the strengthening of the skin barrier. I've seen a major difference since I've been using it.

Q: Favorite drugstore or budget find:

Hero Cosmetics Invisible Mighty Patch. I love these patches for healing pimples. It is great for anyone who tends to pop their pimples and needs a physical barrier to stop themselves, which is many of us :)

Q: Latest beauty empty:

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector. I don't skip a morning without vitamin C serum under sunscreen. I love this one because it has 15% pure L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as well as fragmented hyaluronic acid and Vichy's mineral-rich volcanic water.

Q: Recent discovery:

La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. This product combines my favorite lightening ingredients for dark spots: glycolic acid, kojic, and tranexamic acid.

Q: Product you can’t leave home without:

Lip balm with SPF – my lips tend to get so dry. I love the Sun Bum SPF chapsticks in banana and coconut scents.

Q: Brand you wish more people knew about:

SkinBetter — a well-researched science-based brand with exceptional products. Their AlphaRet Overnight Cream gently resurfaces skin with alpha hydroxy acids and a retinoid. It is non-irritating, so I often alternate it nightly with my prescription strength, tretinoin product. I also love their Alto defense antioxidant serum even for the most sensitive skin types.

For more of Dr. Karp's favorite products, check out her shop!