I recently had the pleasure of chatting with cosmetic and board certified dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban. Not only is she a dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Shamban is the owner and founder two AVA MD practices located in Santa Monica and Beverly Hills, as well as SKINxFIVE , an innovative Medical Spa in Los Angeles and the Pacific Palisades. When it comes to skin care and cosmetic dermatology, she’s got you covered!

I had so many questions for Dr. Shamban and was so happy she took the time to talk to me about the new RHA Collection, her favorite skincare items, and dealing with maskne and life in 2020. Here’s what she had to say:

Favorite Skin Care Brands:

 Of course, I always have to ask what products experts are loving and recommending. I couldn’t wait to hear what she loves for herself and her patients. When it comes to skin care, she is all about results. Of course, it all depends on your skin type and needs, but her favorite brands include:  u.sk under skin products, which she describes as cutting-edge skin care and active ingredients. She is also a fan of Instytutum and Defenage, which she loves for their elastic-boosting molecules and for anti-aging.  

Advice for people who want to visit a cosmetic dermatologist, but don’t know where to start:

Dr. Shamban stressed the importance of vetting your physician. Check out their website ratings, Google, and Yelp reviews and word of mouth. Educate yourself in what you want and what you’re looking for, and make sure to find a doctor that will give you the aesthetic results you desire. Dr. Shamban is all about aesthetic responsibility and making sure that you look like the best version of yourself. Dr. Shamban is one of the first to offer the RHA Collection, a hyaluronic acid filler, and the latest advancement in hyaluronic acid science.  

Tips for Maskne:

Maskne is a real thing. #1: Change up your skincare routine. If you are having a real issue, make sure to talk to your dermatologist about different washes and gels that are available, with salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid. She also recommends regularly exfoliating. The best piece of advice: treat your mask as a pair of underwear. Make sure to change and wash your masks often. She also recommends using silk or natural fiber masks whenever possible. 

Life in 2020:

Dr. Shamban describes herself as a glass half full kind of person. 2020 has given her time to rethink and reconsider her priorities for her life and her businesses. She has made sure to make time to go on walks and connect with her staff and work on team building during this difficult time for everyone.

I always enjoy an opportunity to sit down and have a real conversation with a powerful, smart woman. I appreciate that her motto is “celebrating what makes you uniquely beautiful.”  Dr. Shamban has so many things going on in her daily life and yet she took the time to connect with me. I’ve said it before, but I really truly value women who support other women. It makes the world a better place and we can all appreciate that.

Make sure to follow Dr. Shamban on Instagram: @dravasays and if you’re in LA, and check out @skinxfive or @avamd_. Your skin will thank you!

Tara KP Troszak is an LA-based lawyer, self-proclaimed cat lady, writer, and freelance makeup artist for MAC cosmetics. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her husband Nick and her cat Chevy. Follow her on Instagram: @makeupbytkp.