We chatted to NYC based dermatologist, Shereene Idriss about her practice as a dermatologist, some beauty advice, and some insights on how she styles her jewellery...
How did your journey as a dermatologist begin?
In medical school, I was particularly drawn to dermatology because, with skin, the problem is often clear. Patients walk in already aware of what's bothering them, and as a dermatologist, I have the unique ability to make a tangible difference in addressing those concerns. The opportunity to empower patients to look and feel their best is what initially sparked my interest in the field, and it continues to be the driving force behind my passion and motivation every day.
What have been some of the challenges that you encountered along your way? And how did you overcome these?
I've faced many challenges throughout my career including being knocked down by people I viewed as mentors. One of the most defining moments was being fired while pregnant. As difficult as that experience was, it ultimately became the catalyst for creating the community of like-minded individuals I call "nerds" and the skincare brand, Dr. Idriss, that exists today.
In 2018, I hopped onto Instagram from bed, at a personal low—fired while pregnant and fed up with the endless noise of skincare fear mongering. That's how#PillowtalkDerm was born: tackling myths head-on. What started with just 500 family and friends soon skyrocketed into a powerful community of nearly 3 million strong in just six years. From the start, my mission was simple: to empower people with knowledge, because an educated nerd becomes an empowered one. Ironically, through this journey, the community inspired me to think bigger and bolder. In 2020, I asked my followers if we should create our own brand, and their overwhelming “yes” brought us to where we are today.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is being able to empower my patients and community because I believe the best way to help you is for you to know how to help yourself: an educated nerd becomes an empowered nerd.
Could you walk us through your daily skincare routine?
My nighttime skincare routine varies throughout the week as I like to look at my routine on a weekly view versus daily. The best way to keep your skin in a healthy, happy state is to listen to your skin and its needs!
My daily routine is focused on targeting hyperpigmentation as I personally struggle with melasma and it is my biggest skin issue. I use the Dr. Idriss Major Fade Hyper Serum and Active Seal twice daily, which are formulated with brightening ingredients like Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin C, etc. to help keep my pigmentation at bay.
When it comes to retinoids and exfoliation, the goal is not to go wrong and strong every single day, but space it out throughout the week and get a little bit of everything on a weekly basis. I use prescription tretinoin for all the benefits it has to offer. From evening out my skin tone, to stimulating collagen production and keeping that youthful bounce in my skin. It’s a staple and crown jewel of skincare ingredients for a reason.
For exfoliation, I love using my Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask with 15% glycolic acid and 3% lactic acid to tackle texture and tone. And because I can tolerate it well, this is also an overnight hack of mine. I let the mask sit overnight as a 1-step skincare routine and wake up to baby soft skin the next morning. I do this on occasion the night before a special event or honestly, if my skin is just craving it!
Because it’s winter and my skin has been more dry and inflamed, I’ve been layering diaper rash cream, Triple Paste, on top of my moisturizer because zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties to help reset my skin. This is a technique I call Face Basting.
Here are three essential skincare tips everyone should know:
1) Wear sunscreen—always. Not just for your skin’s health, but for the sake of your complexion!
2) Wash your face every night, no excuses. In the morning, you can skip the cleanser and just rinse with water to avoid stripping your skin’s natural barrier.
3) Moisturise according to your skin type and the environment you're in. Your skin’s needs can change, so adjust accordingly!
The first thing I do when I wake up is use The Depuffer—no joke! I keep it right on my nightstand and roll it on before I even get out of bed. I wake up super puffy, and sometimes I can’t even open my eyes, so it’s a game changer. By the time I’m out of the shower, I’m completely depuffed and ready to take on the day.
"At Dr.Idriss, an educated nerd is an empowered nerd. We eliminate the B.S. and fear-mongering, creating science backed, clinically proven, high performance formulas for you."
What are your favourite things to do to feel more balanced and grounded?
My favourite thing to do to feel more balanced and grounded is meditate 20 minutes a day in the morning (I was inspired by my husband). It truly makes such a difference for me and how I start my day.
How do you style your jewellery?
I’m obsessed with colour, and when it comes to jewellery, the more layers, the better—especially with bracelets! I love stacking them up, mixing textures, and playing with bold pops of colour. It’s all about creating a fun, personalised vibe that really makes a statement!
Do you have any specific piece of jewellery that holds a significant meaning in your life?
Each piece of jewellery I wear is special to me. From the ones I designed (and I’m no jewellery designer) that my mom had made in Lebanon to my PillowtalkDerm word bracelets!
What advice would you give to someone struggling with acne?
I’ve got tons of advice when it comes to acne, but the very first step is identifying the type of acne you’re dealing with. Once you know that, you can treat it properly. Don’t hesitate to see a local board-certified dermatologist—they can really help guide you through the process. The truth is, most people don’t seek professional help, but acne can take a serious toll on your mental well-being. It's important to take care of both your skin and your mind.
What advice would you give to someone with melasma?
When it comes to melasma, you need to be on a consistent, targeted over-the-counter routine focused on discoloration in addition to a prescription. There is no single miracle ingredient. The beauty industry loves to tout Vitamin C, but the reality is it’s a multi-ingredient story, including Vitamin C. You need actives like Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, and Retinol.
How do your products reflect your philosophy on beauty and Health?
I started all of this with one driving purpose: to help people help themselves. As a physician, it’s what I do on a daily basis. My care doesn’t start and end with the time my patients spend in-office, it’s also about providing them with the right “tools” so that they are empowered to help themselves in their everyday lives.
I myself was frustrated by all of the confusion in the marketplace when it came to skincare and beauty products. My only goal at the time was to help provide some clarity among all the noise and misinformation. Educate to empower and help people beyond the walls of an exam room.
What name do you like to go by?
Dr. Shereene Idriss, but you can call me Shereene :)
What is your ethnicity?
I'm Lebanese
3) Where are you living in the world?
New York City
What’s your star-sign?
I'm an Aquarius
Favourite genre of music right now?
The 80s and 2000s pop is still the best genres of music
Favourite time of day? - Sunrise, sunset, or midnight?
Sunrise - I love the mornings, the quiet, the stillness. I feel more connected spiritually first thing in the morning. It’s a time of quiet contemplation when I write and get ideas. I love to journal in bed with the cup of tea and my dog by my side. I find it easier to meditate and quiet my mind.
In September 2022, we launched our skincare line, PillowtalkDerm. A brand launch is almost like getting ready for birth. Months and months of preparation, leading up to the one moment, but you forget the baby comes home with you after you give birth in the hospital and there’s a whole ride ahead of you after that. We’ve been on that ride ever since and leveled up at each stage from rebranding to Dr. Idriss, to launch in retail at Sephora, expanding internationally to Canada and the UK, and most recently launching at Sephora Canada.
My biggest and boldest dream? My hope is that we’re able to create a reflection of what we’ve built on social media across the world.