How to Achieve Real Lasting Skin Health

Tips from Wilmington Dermatology Center

By Madison Bailey

Great skin isn’t just about having the right products — it’s about understanding what truly works for your skin type, lifestyle, and long-term goals. With an overwhelming amount of skincare advice circulating on social media, especially on social media, it’s easy to fall for viral trends, celebrity-endorsed products, and miracle treatments that may not actually deliver real results. From conflicting information about ingredients to expensive products that promise more than they can realistically achieve, navigating the world of skincare can feel like a never-ending guessing game.

That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rosalyn George has spent over 17 years helping patients address their biggest skincare concerns, whether it’s acne, sun damage, aging, or simply refining their routine for healthier skin. At Wilmington Dermatology Center, she and her team prioritize proven solutions, natural-looking results, and personalized care that helps patients achieve long-term skin health, without the unnecessary steps or gimmicks.

So, what are the real skincare essentials, and which treatments are actually worth it? Dr. George believes in a straightforward, science-backed approach focusing on effective ingredients, smart sun protection, and innovative treatments that enhance your natural beauty rather than chasing every new trend. 

The Most Common Skin Concerns

Dr. George and her team are all about helping people look and feel their best, whether they’re clearing up stubborn acne or getting ready for a big life event. “Acne is something we’re really passionate about treating here,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or an adult — it can seriously affect your self-esteem. We’re focused on boosting their confidence with treatments that really work.” 

Another major concern? Sun damage. Living in a sunny climate like Wilmington makes sunscreen an absolute must — not just for preventing burns but for maintaining long-term skin health. “Even if you don’t see the effects of sun damage now, it’s happening under the surface,” Dr. George explains. “Daily SPF use is the most important step in preventing premature aging and skin cancer.”

Beyond sunscreen, Dr. George emphasizes the importance of year-round sun protection, including wearing hats, seeking shade, and using antioxidant-rich skincare to help combat free radical damage. “People often think they only need sunscreen in the summer or on beach days, but UV exposure happens every single day — even when it’s cloudy,” she says. “Prevention is always easier than correction, so making SPF a habit now will make a huge difference in your skin’s future.”

What's In and What’s Out

If you’ve spent any time on skincare-focused social media lately, you’ve probably come across the buzz around “glass skin.” This trend revolves around achieving smooth, glowing skin that serves as a flawless base for makeup while looking fresh and radiant on its own.

Dr. Rosalyn George notes, “From a skincare realm, the trend has kind of been this dewy, glass skin. You want to have something that shows health and gives you that smooth, glowing skin.” 

The goal is to achieve skin that not only looks dewy and youthful but also treats fine lines and promotes a healthy complexion. Dr. George stresses the importance of a simple, effective routine: “There's so much stuff out there, and people have a tendency to switch products all the time after seeing something on TikTok or Instagram. If you look in your bathroom drawer, you’re filled with expensive products that didn’t work or didn’t deliver. Having someone professional to walk through that with you helps simplify your routine.”

Fillers Aren’t the Issue, It’s How They’re Used

Along with trends like “glass skin”, the demand for injectables has certainly surged in recent years, but with that popularity comes a fair share of backlash, especially when it comes to dermal fillers. Dr. Rosalyn George notes, “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and it’s so easily spread on social media. People get lost in what actually works and what doesn’t.” A lot of the conversation lately has been around the term “pillow face,” which refers to an overly injected, puffy appearance. But Dr. George puts it simply: “It’s not the filler itself that’s the problem — it’s the overuse of it. It’s like blaming the paint for a bad painting. What’s important is finding someone who has that artistic eye to create natural results.”

As the top Botox provider in all of North Carolina and in the top 1% of Botox and filler practices nationwide, Dr. George and her team are experts in the field. She emphasizes, “You really need to trust the professional you’re going to. It’s about more than just following a ‘paint-by-numbers’ approach — it’s about understanding the patient’s needs and goals.” For Dr. George, injectables are just one part of the equation. “It’s not just about filling a line,” she says. “We also focus on improving the quality of the skin itself. Using energy-based devices alongside injectables, like lasers or radio frequency treatments, can really help regenerate collagen and give a more natural, youthful look.”