Dr. Zion Ko Lamm: The Worlds Most Beloved Skinfluencer
Dr. Zion Ko Lamm, MD, candidly shares the life journey that has led to her prosperous career and humbling self-discoveries.
Zion Ko Lamm is more than just an influencer. She is a wife, a mother, and a passionate board-certified Internal Medicine physician dedicated to helping millions of people maintain healthy skin. Dolce Magazine was honoured to sit down with Dr. Lamm to learn more about her and the positive ripple effect her journey has had on the world.
Q: What inspired you to pursue this path?
A: My father faced his first battle with cancer in his early 30s, and witnessing his resilience, the support of the medical community, and the power of medical innovations, I was inspired to pursue a career as a physician.
Q: How would you define yourself in three words?
A: Nurturing. Empowering. Persevering.
Q: What are your five skincare rules for sensitive skin?
A: The most important thing to remember is that for those with sensitive skin, we must maintain the integrity of our skin barrier. A gentle hydrating cleanser (creamy and milky over foamy) is key. Avoid squeaky-clean skin, which can often feel dry and tight. Choose skincare ingredients that are rich in ceramides, lipids and fatty acids that mimic our skin barrier. Make sure to use a soothing, rich moisturizer. Folks with sensitive skin can use actives, but I recommend glowing slowly and alternating actives instead of layering them on in an all-in-one routine. I cannot emphasize this enough: fall in love with and respect your skin barrier. Find the cause for irritating flare-ups and avoid them. Common triggers can be fragrances, both natural and synthetic. I think it goes without saying that sun protection is imperative.
Q: What are some of the most common misconceptions about skincare?
A: Expensive skincare is better. I look for brands with clinical data vs. the price point. The longer the skincare routine, the better the effects. I am known for my long skincare routines on days I have time because that is how I wind down and practice self-care and self-love, but one can achieve a good routine with just three steps.
“THE LEARNING NEVER ENDS! I TRULY APPRECIATE THE DYNAMIC NATURE OF MEDICINE, WHICH IS PART OF WHY I LOVE MY PROFESSION.”
Q: How has social media played a role in how skincare products are advertised? What are the pros and cons?
A: Social media has allowed us to learn about the brand, its story, and what it stands for and, most importantly, it has empowered us to learn about the ingredients. Skincare is not “one size fits all.” The cons may be that there is so much information out there (some trustworthy, some not), that it can get very overwhelming. Also, many feel the need to purchase so many products that “go viral,” but if a product is working for you, it’s better to stick to that instead of switching it out.
Q: How would you describe your professional/career journey? Did you experience any self-discoveries along the way?
A: It’s been such a wild ride but a good one. Pursuing medicine is a long road — four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school and three to nine years of residency/fellowship, depending on one’s specialty. The learning never ends! I truly appreciate the dynamic nature of medicine, which is part of why I love my profession. My day at work is never boring. I have had so many self-discoveries along the way. One of the most significant realizations has been the importance of empathy and effective communication in patient care. While medical knowledge and technical skills are essential, the ability to truly connect with each patient on a human level is key to enhancing the doctor-patient relationship, which ultimately leads to improved healthcare outcomes. I’ve learned the value of continuous self-improvement and staying up to date with the latest medical advancements, given the dynamic nature of medicine.
Q: What has motherhood taught you?
A: Motherhood has taught me the importance of managing my time more efficiently, to have a work- life balance and patience. Secondly, it has taught me a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care relating to the worries and concerns of being a parent.
