Elizabeth Russeau, MSN, FNP-C
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Dermatology Nurse Practitioner
Chicago, IL
04/23/2026
Comment SENSITIVE & I’ll DM you this list to your inbox 📥
These are some of my tried & true recs for those dealing with sensitive or reactive skin, eczema, contact allergies, or rosacea.
Drop any questions down below! 🫶🏼
Stop skipping SPF on your lips ☀️ 💋 I’ve been there too but now that this lip SPF has entered the chat we don’t have to!
Comment SPF & I’ll send you the link for the lip sunscreen everyone is obsessed with 🫶🏼
What you can expect in a skin exam or skin cancer screening appointment 🔍
Add this to your list of things to do annually! Here to help, drop any questions down below 🫶🏼
04/02/2026
DERM NP’s CURRENT SKINCARE 🫶🏼
Updated line up with what I’ve been doing!
🌞 focus is always prevention & protection with a vitamin C & SPF
- if you use hypochlorous acid spray, make sure it dries totally before going in with a vitamin C since the spray can reduce the effectiveness of the antioxidant if applied immediately on top of each other
- most days I prefer a tinted SPF on my face & non-tinted for other areas - I’m constantly trying new sunscreens so this is what I’ve been using for a minute 😉
🌛 focus is correction & repair with actives like a retinoid & chemical exfoliants
- I use RX tretinoin, the brand Altreno, I love the consistency & for someone with sensitive skin, I can actually tolerate it really well
- Same with the Barefaced Toning Pads, that have a mix of AHAs, BHAs, & calming botanicals
- I don’t use them in the same evening, I alternate every other night. If I’m feeling irritated or sensitive, I just skip a night
🚿 Body care - Pay extra attention to commonly neglected areas like the neck, hands, chest, & forearms
- consider adding in a retinol/retinoid or exfoliant to your body routine as well & always moisturize after the shower
Questions!! Drop them ⬇️
- This new patient came in for a skin cancer screening & wanted a second opinion on a lesion on his forehead he’s had for several years.
- He told me a previous provider told him it was a harmless sun spot & not to worry about it
- Despite that, he said it continued to grow & decided to get a second opinion for his next screening
- Based on the fact that it was growing + changing & clinically had some concerning features, I performed a biopsy during his visit.
- Pathology came back as melanoma in situ - the good news is, this skin cancer had not gone deeper than the top layer of the skin and is highly treatable when caught early.
🚨 Takeaway: if something doesn’t feel right, always trust your gut & get that second opinion - it could save your life!
Cheap Products I Recommend Every Day ➡️
- minoxidil 5% foam/solution
- hydrocortisone 1% cream/ointment
- benzoyl peroxide wash 2.5-10%
Comment CHEAP & I’ll send you a link to my favs✔️
As a nurse practitioner specializing in dermatology, here are 3 things I want all my patients to understand when it comes to skincare ➡️
- We know that UV damage is cumulative and that sunscreen is one of the best tools we have to prevent signs of premature aging, as well as protect us against skin cancer - so even if you weren’t as “strict” when you were younger, it’s never too late to
- Our skin around our eyes and our necks is thin, delicate, and very susceptible to visible changers - often earlier on than other areas. Prioritize these areas with skincare & protection - it doesn’t need to be complicated, just intentional
- Quality products, an intentional routine with the basics covered, and consistency are the key factors to see results in your routines. The brands are less important IMO - which is why I offer a variety of product recommendations at multiple price points
Keep it simple & consistent, with a focus on prevention 💯
Drop any questions down below 💓
̇ncareti̇ps
10/08/2025
Attention sensitive skin girlies! I’ve compiled some of my top picks, things I personally use myself & products I recommend for my patients.
Comment SENSITIVE to get this list directly in your inbox (esp. if you want to try to take advantage of any prime day sales!)
Also let me know if you’d like to see more recommendations like this, I could go on and on ;)
Everything you need to know if interested in taking the DERMATOLOGY NP CERTIFICATION EXAM!
- For more info, visit the site https://www.dnpcb.org/
Review courses mentioned:
- Derm Nurses Association virtual review course
- Society for Derm NPs live review course at annual conference AND their virtual on-demand course is now live!
- Center for Derm NP PA live review course
Hope this helps! Be sure to save for future reference, send to a colleague, or drop any questions below 💓
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Chicago, IL
60657
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 6:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 8am - 3pm |
