In honor of Rosacea Awareness Month.

Redness vs. Rosacea: What’s the Difference?

Everyone experiences skin redness from time to time.

You might flush in response to stress, anger, or embarrassment; after a luxuriously hot shower; or during a chilly day on the slopes.

The situational redness that occurs in response to our emotions or changes in the weather is normal.

Sometimes, however, redness persists, indicating a more serious condition called rosacea.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness that occurs in cyclical flare-ups. During a flare-up, which can last from weeks to months, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms on the cheeks, nose, and forehead:

• Facial flushing
• Persistent redness that intensifies over time
• Visible blood vessels
• Pus-filled pimples and/or solid red bumps (sometimes accompanied by burning or itching)

There are four subtypes of rosacea. The first is erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR), which is associated with facial flushing and redness. Papulopustular (or acne) rosacea tends to go hand-in-hand with acne-like breakouts, while rhinophyma is a rare form of rosacea that involves thickening of the skin on the nose. The fourth and final type, ocular rosacea, affects the eye area.

When Should I See a Dermatologist?

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s always a good idea to visit a dermatologist for a thorough physical assessment.

While the cause of rosacea is unknown, an experienced board-certified dermatologist will provide a definitive diagnosis, help you identify triggers, and work with you to manage symptoms.

What a Dermatologist Can Do for Rosacea:

Because rosacea affects everyone differently, no two treatment plans are exactly the same. A treatment plan addresses each patient’s unique triggers and symptoms and may include (but are not limited to):

• Prescription medications, including topicals and oral antibiotics
• Lifestyle modifications (alcohol, direct sun exposure, spicy foods, and extreme hot or cold beverages are common triggers)
• In-office treatments, including various forms of laser and cosmetics

There’s no universal cure for rosacea, but many of my patients see marked improvement with Excel V+ By Cutera, a revolutionary laser treatment that delivers pulses of light energy to alleviate redness, target dilated blood vessels, and eradicate pigmentation issues.

Remember: rosacea affects more than 16 million Americans — so you certainly aren’t alone. To learn more about which of our services can help you manage symptoms and improve your skin, start by booking a consultation. Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments. If you have questions about our safety precautions, please feel free to call the office at (212) 220-0776.

We all consider removing our makeup at the end of the day to be a simple and a no-brainer activity, but it turns out that mindlessly scrubbing away with a makeup wipe is by no means the best method of attack. Removing your makeup is much more involved than one would think. It’s not just getting the physical products off of our faces, but it’s also about maintaining the health and vibrancy of the skin under that makeup as well! Here are some important actions we can all take to ensure that we are removing our makeup the best way possible.

Just like with all things having to do with skincare, makeup remover can also be specialized for those with specific skin needs. For those with more oily/acne prone skin, I recommend La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water. For dry skin I recommend Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Melting Cleanser, and for those with sensitive skin, I recommend Avène XeraCalm A.D Cleansing Oil. For all-around makeup removal though, I recommend Micellar Water, though the brand doesn’t really matter. Now, on to removal techniques!

When removing eye shadow, mascara, eye liner, etc… it is paramount that we be slow and thorough in our makeup removal process. The skin around our eyes is sensitive and should be treated delicately with care. Avoid scrubbing away with a makeup wipe, as just vigorously going at it can dry out the skin, increase the appearance of fine lines and cause redness as well as irritation. Instead, take a cotton round (as opposed to cotton balls which just soak up product and can leave residue), soak some remover into it, and place it over the eye makeup, allowing it to sit for a few seconds. Doing this will allow for the remover to start to dissolve the makeup, loosening it from the skin around your eyes. After a little bit, the makeup should come right off, scrubbing not necessary!

To get a stubborn waterproof mascara off do the same soaking technique as before, but instead of directionless rubbing, gently press the cotton round down and move it slowly in the direction your lashes grow. This should cause the mascara to easily slide off! Make sure to do these steps enough to get ALL of the makeup off from around the eyes, as residue left behind can cause irritation over time. 

When moving onto the face, just be sure to be gentle when wiping off foundation, concealer, etc.  An important area of our face that is often missed or skipped in this process is our hairline! If our makeup is not removed properly, we can break out and cause irritation. This vital as our hairline contains hair follicles where oils tend to collect and cause acne. 

Now that all of our makeup is removed from our bare faces, it’s time to cleanse! This should be done after every time makeup and makeup remover is used. Just because the makeup is gone, doesn’t mean your skin is ready quite yet to hit the pillow. I always recommend a gentle cleanser after so much skin activity, as we don’t want to possibly irritate our skin any further. Use bare fingertips in circular motions, rinse gently and pat dry. Add your favorite serum or moisturizer to complete the process!

Now that we know the best ways to cleanse our skin of makeup, if you’re interested in learning more about treatments and what we can do to keep your skin at its best, book a consultation to come see us! Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments, and we encourage you to call the office to discuss all safety precautions being taken.

Want more skin care tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

When discussing skincare, the term ‘Exfoliation’ pops up constantly. It’s an important part of keeping our skin healthy and vibrant but what exactly is it? … and what does it do to our skin? Exfoliation, when it comes to our skin, is when we utilize one of two ways (physical scrubbing or chemical peeling) to slough off our dead skin cells. While our skin naturally does this for us once every 30 days, it’s beneficial to aid our skin along in its natural processes. Along with getting rid of our outer layer of dead skin as well removing any dirt or oil that may have accumulated over time, it also aids in the natural production of collagen. Collagen helps to keep our skin elastic, tight, supple and healthy. Collagen production naturally fades with age, therefore, the more we can induce our body to produce, the better our skin will look and feel. Exfoliation also has the added benefit of making our skin look brighter and more effervescent; never a bad look!

There are multiple ways to go about exfoliating our skin. The two forms of exfoliation consist of mechanical/physical exfoliation (scrubs) and chemical exfoliation (enzymatic chemical peels). Which we choose depends on how sensitive our skin is as well as personal preference. I tend to prefer chemical exfolations which range in mild to deep and consist of different types of alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Physical exfoliation scrubs that contain irregularly shaped beads or sharper ingredients can cause microtears in the skin which cause further inflammation and irritation. However, there are a few out there that are great. I caution every patient to not overexfoliate. Once or twice weekly maximum! It is super easy to do a simple exfoliation at home. For those who want a scrub, there are a multitude of products out there to fit whatever needs arise, whether they be skincare or financial. From the Kate Somerville Intense Exfoliating Treatment to the Simple Kind to Skin Face Scrub, your options are near endless! The same goes for at-home chemical peels, from the intense Natura Blisse Glyco Extreme Peel to The Ordinary AHA Peeling Solution. There’s something out there for everyone! That being said, when looking for a specific product for you, I recommend looking for formulas that have Glycolic Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acids. Start with a low potency and low frequency. You can always titrate concentration and frequency upwards! I also recommend looking for products with Salicylic Acid to help with inflammatory and comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads).

Of course, if you want a more personalized and/or more potent treatment that’ll guarantee an effective result, we offer completely customized Chemical Peels designed with you in mind, perfect for helping with skin discolorations, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. We also offer Fraxel Laser and Microneedling. Our Fraxel Laser can help with minimizing the appearance of acne scars and enlarged pores, along with evening out skin tone and texture. Coupling microneedling with either PRP or skin actives on the other hand is perfect for encouraging collagen production; thereby enabling your skin to look as full and beautiful as it can! We specialize in creating individualized treatment plans to reach your skincare goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about exfoliation and what we can do to keep your skin at its best, feel free to make an appointment. Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments, and you’re encouraged to call the office to discuss all safety precautions being taken.

Want more skin care tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

Are you looking for the most important skincare steps at every stage of life? Are there skincare products that work for all ages? Keep reading to learn the best skincare tips by age!

Skincare Tips by Age

Pre-Puberty:

Thankfully small children don’t need a lot beyond enough skincare to wipe the dirt off of their faces, and some simple moisturizer to prevent their skin getting chapped from dry weather. But what IS incredibly important for children is sunscreen! I recommend Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen, Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick, and Bioderma’s Photoderm Kid. And of course, a simple warm and soft cloth to wipe off the dirt and chocolate cake from their face after an eventful day!

During Puberty:

Here’s where skincare starts getting methodical. Oily, acne-prone skin? Depending on the level of oil, either a daily gentle cleanser or an exfoliant, followed up by a toner, then moisturizer. Personally, I like the Drunk Elephant line of products as they’re clean, simple, and great for just about all skin types. Another tip is to avoid super-hot showers unless you plan on moisturizing your body afterwards, as the scalding water can strip your body of its natural oils. We also have multiple anti-acne methods and treatments here at the office, including RF Microneedling Treatment and completely personalized Chemical Peels.

Once face shaving starts, make sure to wait for the aftershave to completely dry (10-15 min) before applying a moisturizer appropriate to your skin’s needs. And of course, always ALWAYS use sunscreen. For those with sensitive skin, try to find an Ultra-Light sunscreen like La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50. This helps prevent that sun damage and those premature wrinkles!

Post-Puberty/Young Adulthood:

Once your skin has hopefully calmed down a bit from the hormone roller coaster known as puberty, keep up with the gentle cleanser -> moisturizer -> sunscreen routine. Along with the established routine, I recommend a Vitamin C serum in the morning as it’s especially good at combating damage from free radicals! I recommend C E Ferulic by SkinCeuticals, but we also have a specialty-made Vitamin C serum, Alto Serum Defense, that you can get through us at the office! Now is also a good time to take care of any acne scars you may have accrued during your teens. There are many options for this kind of a procedure, including (but not limited to) Fraxel Laser Treatments. If you, like the best of us, still find yourself suffering from acne, then come into the office for some retinol, or more specifically, AlphaRet by SkinBetter (just know you cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding while using this product). In general, your best bet would be to come in for a specialized consultation so we can take care of your specific needs! It’s also at this time that I recommend a zinc-centric sunscreen to continue to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, such as Supergoop’s ZincScreen 100% Mineral Lotion and Sun Bum’s Clear Zinc.

Proper Adult:

Continuing with the cleanser -> moisturizer -> sunscreen routine from young adulthood, we now move into a time in our life where we are actively trying to prevent wrinkles. This can be done in a number of ways, the simplest having been following my life-long routine (which hopefully you’ve been doing since day one!), or something more substantial: utilizing preventative Botox. Can’t get wrinkles later in life if you stop them from forming, now can you? If you’d like to learn more about the possibilities of preventative Botox, you’re always more than welcome to schedule a consultation!

Middle-aged:

Sunscreen is a life-long friend, a fact I want to emphasize every single day. But continuing along with our best skin-ally, we now move into the part of life where we put more effort into maintaining our good skin and its youthful qualities. This can come in many forms, from an anti-wrinkle facial cream (I like Olay Regenerist), to various eye creams (I like C-Tango Vitamin C Eye Cream). You can also utilize Hydrafacials and PRP Microneedling procedures to get more dramatic anti-wrinkle results, as these treatments utilize the may-as-well-be-magic Peptides. After the anti-wrinkle route, should you find yourself dealing with rosacea or sun spots as you age, then you can check out our Excel V+ treatment. This treatment targets and color-corrects unwanted discolorations along the epidermis.

Golden Years:

Since our bodies never really stop changing, and especially our skin, your skin routine during this time needs to turn focus to light, non-harsh methods of maintenance. Avoid exceedingly hot showers, utilize light and fragrance-free cleansers, and make sure to always moisturize after cleansing your skin. It is now important, more than ever, to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. And speaking of hydrated, make sure to drink lots of water! This goes for every stage of life but is incredibly important during your golden years. It is also during this time that you may want to try Ultherapy, a procedure all about lifting and tightening the skin. For something more dramatic, and to fill in the volume loss often experienced in our aging facial features, Dermal Fillers may be just for you.

Is there something that’s good at all stages in your skin’s life? There is! My Glow Pads are perfect for all skin types and can be purchased right here at the office! If you have any more questions about skincare tips by age, or you’d like to discuss various products and procedures that would work best with your skin, feel free to schedule a specialized consultation with us! You can find more information on skin health and beauty by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

When it comes to acne scars (and acne), there are SO MANY solutions out there for our troubles, even if they’re not immediately obvious. But while I can go on about treatments, lasers, creams, and needles all day, the most important weapon in the fight against acne scars is prevention! When dealing with acne, don’t pick! Don’t pop! Make sure to use good, clean cleansers (I recommend the Drunk Elephant line), and moisturizers that suit your skin type for immediately afterwards. If you’re interested, I also have written resources about helping to prevent acne, or “Maskne”, while wearing a face mask all day. The best offense is a good defense, so work on prevention even before considering solutions to problems that have yet to arise. That being said, once you do have acne scars, never fear! You have not been defeated, and there are many different treatment options to choose from to deal with facial acne scarring, fine lines, and enlarged pores.

Cleansers and moisturizing are ways to prevent acne, but what about if you have some on your face already and you want to avoid future scarring? When considering masks and creams, I always recommend looking for those with beta hydroxy acids, like the Clear-C Peeling Mask. This mask targets dead skin cells so you can say bye-bye to uneven skin texture. The alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid, are also great at clearing up pores. Plus, they can be slightly less irritating than salicylic acid. That being said, all of these ingredients are effective at reducing all types of acne, whether it be hormonal, comedonal, or inflammatory. For those with more sensitive skin, I recommend the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask (2oz). Acne and sensitive skin are a combo that’s all too common, but with a little love from this mask, you can sort out both issues in no time. Oatmeal is a soothing ingredient, which is perfect for sensitive and dry skin. This mask helps to rejuvenate distressed, dry, acne-prone skin, and with a little help from the added shea butter, will moisturize and protect the skin barrier.

If you’re looking for a more intense solution for your acne scars, then I have multiple options from which you can choose! My first recommendation is our personalized Chemical Peels, which can be adjusted to meet any and all needs. Along with the Chemical Peels, I like the RF Microneedling Treatment, an advanced skin treatment that combines microneedling, radiofrequency, and light therapy to contour and tighten the face. It also helps to minimize and treat large pores, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Another great option for your acne scars is a Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing treatment. The Fraxel Laser is FDA approved, and helps to transform skin texture and tone, even for those who have advanced skin damage and scarring. It’s perfect for all skin types and tones, too. And make sure to ask about our Laser Genesis which kills bacteria and leaves an even tone while it peels!

If you’re interested in learning more about treatments and what we can do to keep your skin at its best, feel free to make an appointment to come in! Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments, and we encourage you to call the office to discuss all safety precautions being taken.

Want more skin care tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

When considering all of the amazing things that our skincare products do for us each and every day, it’s only right to think about how best we can treat our creams, masks, cleansers, and wipes. It’d be rude to just leave them uncared for, dirty, and open to the elements. They deserve to be treated with respect too! But what’s the best way to go about aiding our cosmetics on their continued journey to keep us feeling like royalty? How best can we keep them active and virile for the long haul? No matter how amazing that overnight hydrating face cream with 24-karat gold is, it’s worth absolutely nothing if it expires prematurely or is mishandled. Here are some ways to help extend the shelf life of makeup and beauty products.

First things first, make sure to know exactly when our products say that they are going to expire. On all cosmetics, there is a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol printed on the packaging (an open jar with a number and an “M”) that indicates how many months we have between the day we open the product and the day it expires. This is the makeup shelf life, and it shows when it’s most effective and/or vibrant. A little trick that I’ll do is write the date that the product is set to expire in sharpie next to the PAO symbol. That way I’ll always know when I should start to find a replacement before the first one goes bad.

Along with paying attention to the PAO symbol and keeping on top of the dates, another simple method to prolong our product’s life is to keep firmly sealed and in a cool, dry place when not in use. This way, there’s less of a chance for the products to harbor bacteria that can cause not only premature expiring, but once expired can have adverse effects when used on our skin. These effects can be irritation or bumps on the skin, or even pinkeye when put near our eyes. Another way to keep harmful bacteria out of our cosmetics is to always wash our hands prior to any application. This way it’s harder to transfer any of that bacteria onto the cosmetics themselves, especially when considering cream pots as opposed to push-pumps. We wouldn’t want the bacteria from our hand getting trapped in there to cause trouble. Cleanliness is key to keeping us and our cosmetics tip-top and extended our makeup shelf life!

Of course, another great way to make sure that you get the best results without worrying about expiration dates is to let us take care of your face for you! We offer a multitude of services that are simple, non-invasive, and can get you even better results than if you just used your daily creams and serums. These include, but are certainly not limited to, a Photofacial that will keep your skin bright while diminishing dis-coloration and red splotches, a completely bespoke Chemical Peel that exfoliates and helps eliminate acne, and of course Botox to reduce unwanted lines and wrinkles! Plus to top it all off I also have my Glow Pads, perfect for maintaining that beautiful complexion you leave my office with!

If you’d like to discuss products that would work best with your skin, feel free to schedule a specialized consultation with us! You can find more information on skin health and beauty by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

We often joke about needing to get our beauty sleep to look our best during the day, but getting your beauty sleep is no joke! Sleeping is how our minds and bodies rebuild themselves after a long day, taking away our stresses and getting us ready for the next day’s challenges. Now, while we may not be awake or actually conscious, that doesn’t mean we can’t give our nightly sleep a leg-up to get most out of its beauty benefits!

Utilizing overnight masks and treatments are an excellent way to make use of your time in dreamland. There is a huge variety of overnight masks on the market which are used to remedy anything and everything, from acne, to wrinkles, to dry skin. For a super deep moisturization, I highly recommend the Fresh Black Tea Overnight Mask. Not only will it deeply moisturize your face, but it will also help your skin to achieve a firmer, lifted quality. But of course, my favorite overnight treatment (though not strictly a mask) are my Glow Pads! Perfect for every skin type, these nightly medicated multi-purpose pads help to brighten and smooth your skin with powerful AHA + BHA acids. To get some for yourself, just contact the office! You can also contact the office to set up a personalized consultation so that we can address your specific skin concerns head-on.

Another easy way to help your skin sleep is not actually another cream or mask, but a pillowcase! People often forget that their face is planted on a single thing for 6-9 hours a night, causing all the oils on their skin to get rubbed off, sticking to the pillowcase. It is because of this that it is paramount to frequently wash your pillowcases. This helps to negate acne, and helps keep you feeling fresh at night. Going beyond just changing a pillowcase often, is using a silk pillowcase. Silk pillowcases cause considerably less friction against the skin on your face (and on your hair) when you sleep, which allows for less crepe-ing to occur on your face. The smooth surface of a silk pillow literally allows for your skin to glide, and not catch, like what would happen with a normal cotton pillowcase. A silk pillowcase can also aid in your nightly creme routine by helping your face to retain moisture, whereas a normal pillowcase would cause a face mask to rub off during the night.

But with all these amazing treatments and tools at our disposal, we cannot forget that nothing can ever replace the simple effectiveness of a proper night’s sleep! Getting some good shuteye (7-9 hours a night for an adult) helps to negate and prevent a multitude of unwanted skin problems, including dark circles and under eye bags. Being well rested is also good for your overall mental health and appearance, as you’re more alert and attentive, along with less stressed. In fact, people who get more sleep than their tired peers have been proven to be more attractive due to their better sleeping patterns. So get some sleep! Your skin will thank you.

If you have any more questions, come on into the office after booking yourself a consultation by calling us at (212) 220-0776!

There are so many different options for skin care in this day and age. Long gone are the days of only two products and warm water to take care of your body’s largest organ! But now in the 21st century, with the seemingly limitless amount of information and options at our fingertips, it can be confusing exactly what to look for when it comes to what’s best for us. That’s why I’m here to preach about adding something incredible into your facial routine: Peptides!

Peptides are the building blocks for the collagen and elastin fibers found in our skin. They’re chains of amino acids, specifically designed to tell the body to produce more collagen. When these little pieces of magic are utilized in a moisturizer or topical serum, they can help drastically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! When products with peptides are used regularly, like in your daily facial routine, they can assist with the smoothing, firming, reducing inflammation, and continual hydration of your skin.

If you’re interested in the incredible things that peptides can do for you, one of the services we offer at my office is a Hyrafacial, perfectly designed to give your skin a boost of peptides after detoxing and cleaning. To go along with our rejuvenative Hydrafacial, some of my favorite daily use peptide-filled-products are the C – Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream by Drunk Elephant, the Phyto Corrective Mask by SkinCeuticals, and the Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer by Olay Regenerist.

If you’re interested in learning more about peptide-based treatments and what we can do to keep your skin at its best, feel free to make an appointment to come in! Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments, and you’re encouraged to call the office to discuss all safety precautions being taken.

Want more skin care tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

Since we’ve been wearing masks while out and about in the world, a lot more attention is being paid to our eyes! Even if we can’t see all of each other’s faces, our eyes and their vibrancy have allowed us to remain expressive and connected to those around us. But with all that new and focused attention, I can’t help being more concerned about dark circles and under eye bags! So what specifically are dark circles and under eye bags, what’s the difference between them, and what can you do to treat yours?

Dark circles are exactly that — a darkness or discoloration of the delicate skin under your eyes, often caused by a mixture of genetics and skin tone. The under eye skin can also take on a bluish tinge due to the blood vessels directly below it, showing slightly through the delicate skin. Plus as we all know, dark circles can be intensified by a lack of sleep, so try your best to be well rested and hydrated!

Under eye bags are pretty self-explanatory as they are the swelling or “puffiness” of the skin under your eyes. These (at least their intensity) can be caused by genetics, but their appearance is also a natural part of the aging process. Other causes can be loss of natural elasticity, the loosening of the ligaments holding them in place, or protrusion of the under eye fat.

While dark circles and under eye bags are completely normal, there are various treatment options open to those who want to minimize or correct them. One of the options I offer is a Non-ablative Resurfacing Laser treatment, a skin rejuvenation treatment perfect for all skin tones, which promotes collagen remodeling to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and more. I also offer RF Microneedling to help to take away fine lines, and Ultherapy to tighten and lift the skin. All of these treatments are tailored to your skin’s specific and particular needs.

We also offer facial fillers and Botox treatments for your under-eye concerns, both of which should only ever be administered by board certified dermatologists or facial plastic surgeons!

A short-term option (and a personal favorite) is my Glow Pads! Perfect for every skin type, these nightly medicated multi-purpose pads help to brighten and smooth your skin with powerful AHA + BHA acids. Created specifically to be effective and all-inclusive, you can order your own by contacting our office! I also love SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Cream and La Mer Eye Concentrate, as the formulas deeply condition the skin and help to soften the appearance of dark circles, surface discoloration, and unevenness. Another fabulous (and more affordable) product is the RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Eye Cream. But most importantly, we can’t forget basic prevention! Large sunglasses and sunscreen are simple but effective actions when it comes to preventing unwanted skin damage.

Interested in more permanent or semi-permanent options to combat dark circles or under eye bags? Schedule a skin check with me anytime by calling (212) 220 0776, or book a consultation online! You can find more information on skin health and beauty by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Instagram!

Staying safe and being considerate of others’ safety has become paramount in today’s world, as COVID-19 prevention becomes our #1 priority. But even necessary safety precautions can come with annoying, (but very manageable) side effects. I’ve previously written on how we can keep our hands healthy and looking young while washing them more frequently, and today I’d like to talk about another side effect of staying safe: maskne! Mask-acne, or maskne for short, is acne caused by frequently wearing a face mask, often causing breakouts centering around the mouth, nose, and chin areas of the face. A more technical term for maskne is “acne mechanica,”and is the result of mechanical friction against the skin. That friction, along with the moisture buildup inside a mask, and the overall stress of the pandemic, are all factors in the rise of maskne.

So how can we avoid getting maskne when we all have to wear our masks to stay safe? First things first: wash that mask! If you’re like most Americans, you’ve turned to using fabric masks as a way to stay safe and avoid the unnecessary waste of disposable masks. With fabric masks comes the need to wash them, so do so frequently! They should be washed and completely dried after every use, just as you should also wash your pillowcases frequently to help avoid oil buildup on your face. Once your mask is nice and clean, aim that cleansing energy towards your face. When washing your face, make sure you use light and gentle cleansers. Avoid anything with fragrance, oily products, scrubs, and products with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), a chemical that strips the skin of its natural oils. Also, avoid heavy moisturizers like cocoa butter or coconut oil. Wearing a mask will intensify product delivery into your skin, so you want to use light and clean products. Then, once your face routine is complete and you’re all ready to go, make sure to wait AT LEAST 15 minutes before putting your mask on to allow all the products to soak in and dry properly. This increases to 30 minutes if you wear an N95 mask.

Unlike conventional acne, with maskne you have to be more careful and sensitive. I recommend spot treatments so as to not irritate any of the surrounding skin under your mask. This can be done using products like over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatments, focusing only on those with 2.5-5% concentration. Products with glycolic and/or salicylic acid are also recommended, such as my Glow Pads! If you’d like to explore further treatment options, feel free to give us a call at the office (212) 220-0776  to set up an appointment.

We may be currently living through strange and uncertain times, but we must remember we’re all in this together. As a doctor and health care professional, I firmly believe that any of the minor inconveniences caused by these safety precautions are well worth it in the end. Plus, if I can help educate more people about skin care and health along the way, then that’s just a bonus!

If you’re interested in learning more about treatments and what we can do to keep your skin at its best, feel free to make an appointment to come in! Please remember that masks are mandatory for all appointments, and you’re encouraged to call the office to discuss all safety precautions being taken.

Want more skin care tips and tricks? Follow me on Instagram where I answer all your questions as part of my #UnfilteredDerm Stories!

We all know that sunlight contains harmful UV rays that can damage your skin, and that you should wear SPF every day to keep your skin safe and healthy. But what are other ways to protect your skin from sun-related damage? An important step is to always test new skincare products for phototoxicity.

What is phototoxicity? Phototoxicity is a skin condition that occurs when photoreactive chemicals interact with sunlight, and it can lead to redness, skin irritation, and swelling similar to an exaggerated sunburn. Certain people are more predisposed to develop phototoxicity, while others develop this condition due to ingested or topical medications or other topical products.

In our everyday lives, photoreactive chemicals commonly occur in citrus and other organic ingredients, like essential oils. The right combination of lime or lemon juice and strong sunlight could lead to these damaging burns. Many products designed for anti-aging and skin cell turnover can remove melanin and other layers designed to protect your skin from the sun, so using the right sunscreen and minimizing your sun exposure is even more essential when using these products.

Additionally, you should always test a new skincare product on a small patch of skin — I recommend the inside of your wrist, an area that is similarly sensitive to the skin on your face — for at least 24 hours before applying regular quantities to your face. Any reaction when exposed to sunlight could indicate photoreactive chemicals in that product, but you’ll also be testing for any other allergens or irritants during this process. You’ll want to steer clear of any product that causes even a small amount of discomfort or irritation. That’s not the one for you!

You can treat minor cases of phototoxicity the same way you would a sunburn, but if you experience any additional symptoms, such as chills, fever, blistering, or more, you should see a dermatologist right away. If you’re concerned about phototoxicity as a side effect of any ingested medications, talk to your doctor and consider monthly skin checks, on top of your annual appointment.

You can schedule a skin check with me anytime by calling (212) 220 0776, and find more skin health information by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Instagram!

Everyone has different body goals. As you tone and contour and work toward your ideal shape, I recommend adding non-surgical body treatments like EmSculpt (which helps build muscle fibre) and truSculpt (which fights fat). These two treatments target different needs, but together offer incredible results! For anyone wondering what it really looks and feels like to get these treatments, one of our patients kindly agreed to share her past experience. Here is what she had to say…

How did you first hear about EmSculpt and truSculpt and what made you want to try these body treatments?

I first heard about the benefits of both procedures through friends but I was already familiar with the idea of ‘body contouring’ because I love to follow new advances in non-surgical aesthetic treatments. When I met with Dr. Nussbaum and her team about getting these treatments done, I was immediately made to feel at ease and knew I wanted to move forward.

What areas did you have treated?

I treated my stomach with truSculpt and my buttocks/backside with EmSculpt.

What were some of your concerns/questions before getting each procedure done and how were they resolved/answered?

One thing I was concerned about was discomfort. How painful would these treatments be? I had tried CoolSculpting over the years and found it to be very uncomfortable.

When I tried truSculpt I was surprised by how manageable it was. I barely felt anything and could have easily napped or read a book throughout the procedure – that was a first! It was also remarkably short. 15 minutes, maybe? I loved how I could get in and get out so quickly and get on with my day.

As for the EmSculpt, at first it was a very weird sensation but once I got used to it it was very tolerable. I have one session left in my package of four and I am already considering getting it done on my stomach too (I’m ready for a 6 pack!).

What was the downtime like — any at all?

I was pleased to discover that there was zero downtime!

What about the results?

I can already see a huge difference in my stomach from the truSculpt treatment. I can’t wait to continue to see changes.

How would you describe each treatment to a friend?

A must! Defying gravity! Just do it!

A few details about EmSculpt and truSculpt from Dr. Marnie Nussbaum:

How does EmSculpt work and what are the benefits?

• EmSculpt uses non-invasive HIFEM® (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology to induce supramaximal muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions (i.e. exercise). When the body is exposed to these types of contractions, the muscle tissue is forced to adapt. This creates a deep remodeling of its inner structure that results in muscle building and a resculpting of the body.
• This procedure is clinically proven to increase muscle mass by up to 16% and reduce fat by up to 19% while helping to refine your desired muscle definition.

How does truSculpt work and what are the benefits?

• truSculpt works through an ‘innovative monopolar radiofrequency’ technology – which targets fat tissue, heats it, and eliminates that fat permanently through the body’s natural processes over several weeks.
• On average, patients will experience a 24% fat reduction in the target area over 3 months.

Why get these treatments together?

While truSculpt and EmSculpt are fantastic treatments on their own, there are benefits to getting both treatments done to maximize results. While truSculpt helps to non-invasively eliminate deep fat tissue, EmSculpt complements this by building and defining muscle fibres for a stronger, leaner frame.

Learn more about EmSculpt | Learn more about truSculpt

Follow me on Instagram at @drmarnienussbaum for more beauty and skincare advice, or to contact our office to get in touch!

When asked what I consider to be the most important steps of a daily skincare routine, I always place sunscreen at the top of the list! Since May is Melanoma Awareness Month, let’s talk about how essential sunscreen is to your skin’s health. It’s incredibly important for your skin to wear SPF every day. Not only will it prevent burns, but it will reduce the chances of fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration, as well as harmful melanomas and other skin cancers. Prevention is your best weapon against the sun’s harmful rays!

With summer fast approaching, sunscreen should never be far out of our reach. Always pick a broad spectrum SPF, with 30+ being my go-to. A good water resistant formula is key, and don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours, especially if sweating and/or swimming! I highly recommend Supergoop’s ZincScreen 100% Mineral Lotion and Sun Bum’s Clear Zinc. Both contain zinc oxide and help to protect your skin from damaging UV rays and air pollution. People with sensitive skin should look for products that are fragrance-free and/or hypoallergenic, so make sure to keep your eyes open for those qualities when walking down the sunscreen aisle.

And of course, we can’t forget about our little ones! Children especially need to wear sunscreen as their skin is extra sensitive to the sun. To help keep your kids safe, I recommend sunscreens that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free. My favorites for my family are Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen, Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick, and Bioderma’s Photoderm Kid.

It’s also pertinent to remember that the easiest way to protect your skin from the sun is to cover up! Big hats are always a fun and easy way to shade your face, along with wearing UPF clothing, which is specially designed to protect your skin from UV rays. And never forget a cute pair of sunglasses!

There’s no better time to double check the expiration dates on your products than as we enter into a new season. Keeping on top of their expiration dates helps to prevent you from dealing with irritation or possible infection from the expired or contaminated products, and it ensures the SPF is effective in protecting you against harmful UVA/UVB rays. To learn more about how to tell if your skincare products are no longer safe or effective, check out our post here.

If you have been dealing with discoloration, fine lines, or other sun damage effects to your skin, there are plenty of treatment options for you to choose from to restore and improve the health of your skin! You can learn about the differences and benefits of chemical peels, Fraxel laser, and Botox treatments here, and you can always contact me for a telemedicine consultation to determine what you and your skin’s needs are. Our practice can be reached at (212) 220-0776 or by visiting us online at drmarnienussbaum.com.

Follow me on Instagram at @drmarnienussbaum for more skincare advice, or to ask me your skincare questions during my weekly #UnfilteredDerm Q&A sessions!

Our hands, faces, necks, and chests all require care to maintain a thorough (and consistent!) youthful appearance. We’re all washing our hands more than usual and regularly using high alcohol content hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of germs right now, but this can seriously dry out the skin on our hands, which can lead to uncomfortable dryness or cracking, as well as aging the skin we work so hard to take care of!

Of course, it’s crucial to keep up our hand hygiene, so what can we do to prevent this dryness (known as trans-epidermal water loss) and damage? The first line of defense is to apply a hand cream every single time you wash your hands. This is an important habit to continue even after hand washing frequency decreases.

Some of my favorite hand creams are eos’ Shea Better Hand Cream and Kiehl’s Creme de Corps. Keep an eye out for the same anti-aging ingredients in your hand creams that you look for in your face products – things like hyaluronic acid and ceramides are great!

If you’re looking for a more restorative hand moisturizing treatment, you can apply a thicker hand cream in the evenings, and even wear cotton gloves to bed to trap the moisture and get the most out of your hand cream.

For more anti-aging power, including fighting dark spots, you can gently massage vitamin C serum into the backs of your hands once a day. My go-to is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic!

Inevitably, our hands will show more age as we lose the fat in between the veins on the backs of our hands. When this happens, we still have procedures to turn back the hands of time in our Upper East Side office! We can use chemical peels or Fraxel Laser treatments to lighten dark spots and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. For further rejuvenation, I have many patients who also love getting filler in those spaces in between their veins. This a super quick treatment with plenty of pay off in restoring a youthful experience to the hands!

If you’re experiencing cracking or inflammation in your hands during this time – due to increased handwashing, or anything else! – contact your dermatologist for a telemedicine consultation as soon as possible to prevent further damage to hands. Our practice can be reached at (212) 220-0776 or by visiting us online at drmarnienussbaum.com.

Follow me on Instagram at @drmarnienussbaum for more skincare advice, or to ask me your skincare questions during my weekly #UnfilteredDerm Q&A sessions!

As you change out your heavy winter skincare products for lighter spring and summer products, take the opportunity to spring clean your entire beauty cabinet! Keep reading for my quick guide on how to identify the expired, contaminated, or ineffective beauty and skincare products that are taking up space on your shelf.

We all want to squeeze as much life out of our favorite products as possible, but using expired skincare and makeup products can cause pain, irritation or even infection. If you’re experiencing any of these issues contact your dermatologist right away! As products age or become contaminated, the chemicals ingredients can separate and cause harm to the skin, or simply just become ineffective. To keep your skin feeling fresh, looking its best, and on the right track to evolving gracefully, regularly swapping out your products is a must.

The easiest way to check the lifespan of your skincare products is, of course, to look at the expiration date.

All European and most U.S. beauty products are marked with a “period after opening” date–typically a small “open jar” icon with a number indicating how many months the product lasts after opening. You’ll notice patterns among these dates (most sunscreens can last up to two years, while foundation and many other makeup products should be replaced after just six months) but for safety’s sake, you should still keep an eye on the dates of every individual product on your shelf. Furthermore, if you are using sunscreen correctly, you should be going through a bottle within a few weeks!

Now is the time to double check everything–even if the expiration date is far in the future!

I always remind patients to pay close attention to the look, feel, and smell of the products you put on your face each day. If a product suddenly changes in viscosity, texture, color, or smell, it should go straight into the trash (along any brushes or applicators regularly used to apply it).

Products can be contaminated with outside antigens from the air or your hands during use. To prevent this, and extend the shelf life of your products, always wash your hands before applying skincare or makeup (or touching your face anytime, really!), and store your products in a cool, dry space.

The bottom line is: a fresh face requires fresh products! You can restock on my daily Glow Pads or my other Marnie Nussbaum, MD products any time by calling the practice at (212) 220 0776. Reach out to schedule a consultation if you’ve noticed changes in your skin or feel like your favorite products just aren’t cutting it anymore because your skincare should remain up to date not only for the season but also for your changing needs.

Spring Clean Your Beauty Cabinet

For patients wanting to get rid of stubborn skin discoloration, minimize the appearance of scars and wrinkles or just even out their skin tone, the Fraxel Dual skin resurfacing laser is our top choice. It’s efficient, it’s safe, it works. But for individuals who are new to laser procedures, considering Fraxel can be intimidating at best. That’s why we are so glad when Gayle, a long time patient and stylist extraordinaire @gaylestyle,  offered to share her personal Fraxel experience with us as we worked to get her skin in gorgeous, glowing shape.

In her own words, here is Gayle’s story:

“After having a bit too much fun in the sun in the summer, I went to Dr. Marnie Nussbaum for a Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment in October 2019. I’m 47 years old and have come to realize that pigmentation makes me look just as old as wrinkles do! I simply hate sun spots and wanted to even out my complexion and look fresh-faced for the fall and winter season.

After an initial consult to talk through my goals and needs with Dr. Nussbaum, I scheduled my treatment. On the day of my appointment, I arrived and got settled and my skin was prepped with a numbing solution. While this started to work, I relaxed and read magazines for 45 minutes, at which point Dr. Nussbaum arrived to perform the laser treatment. She was incredibly gentle yet I liked that I could still feel the laser working its magic – no pain, no gain, I say! The treatment itself was short, 15 minutes at most. It felt like a mild snapping of tiny rubber bands on my face. Honestly, I expected far greater discomfort! The procedure was more relaxing than I remembered it being in the past!

Post treatment, I looked like I was sunburned but felt relaxed (and most of all excited for my soon-to-appear babysoft skin!). That evening I stayed home and rested but the next morning my daughter had a birthday party so I put on a bit of tinted moisturizer and headed out the door. I looked sun-kissed, but that’s all! I was genuinely surprised at how great I felt being out and about. The general expectation is that you have to hide at home after a procedure like this, but this was not my experience (though I know this can vary from person-to-person).

By day 2 my skin was tight and still appeared sunburnt, and by day 3 my skin was beard-like and began to peel off revealing soft, smooth and even skin beneath (with no sun spots in sight!). I couldn’t believe I was unable to find my very visible former spots and hyperpigmentation from before. What a dramatic change!”

– Gayle

A few details about Fraxel Dual (fractional laser resurfacing) from Dr. Nussbaum:

How does Fraxel Laser Resurfacing work?

This is a non-invasive microscopic laser technology that penetrates the skin in controlled fractions or columns (hence the name “fractional” laser) to support new collagen and elastin production deep within the skin. Collagen and elastin fibers are the building blocks of skin that gives it its firmness, elasticity and structure. With age and damage (like from the sun) this structure starts to break down but procedures like Fraxel can help stimulate new production by encouraging the skin’s natural healing response.

What are the results of the Fraxel Laser Resurfacing treatment?

Like any treatment, results vary by individual and based on the need we are addressing. For someone with some lingering sunspots and hyperpigmentation like Gayle described, a series of treatments can really help lift that pigmentation with time, revealing the new, healthier skin beneath. I also love this treatment for patients who are looking to improve their overall skin texture and tone. It helps smooth the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles and minimize the appearance of potential scarring.

What about the downtime?

I typically tell patients to expect a week of healing time after the procedure (and a little longer if we are treating the chest area). The first few days you may experience some swelling, or feel like your skin is tight and looks sunburned. Around day 2 or 3 the treated skin should start to get more rough and peel. For many patients, like Gayle, most days after the treatments you can cover up any redness with a tinted moisturizer.

What is the best time of year to get this procedure done?

The late fall, winter and early spring are the best times for getting in-office laser treatments done, just as Gayle did. We tend to spend more time indoors and the sun’s UVA rays are at their weakest (important when we are doing any form of resurfacing procedures that cause skin to be more vulnerable to damage as it heals and regenerates). Just be sure to protect your skin and follow your doctor’s instructions if you’re planning a sunny getaway over spring break!

Learn More Here.

This month, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum delves into the details of her vision and philosophy for doing cosmetic injectables at her medical practice and offers advice on how to be sure you are getting the best possible treatment with a legitimate and board-certified provider!

What is your vision/philosophy when it comes to offering injectable treatments at your practice (both neuromodulators and fillers)?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: I view each cosmetic patient individually which is why a cosmetic consultation is so important. It is essential to discuss specific concerns, expectations as well as short and long-term goals. Each patient is treated with a tailored approach encompassing neuromodulators such as Botox, fillers (volumizers), lasers and skin care. I tend to go for a more natural appearance, as we can always do more but it is hard to ‘undo’ what has been overdone. My view is that we are on an aesthetic journey together to attain desired results. However, I truly believe minor, frequent tweaks are the best way to attain a natural yet rejuvenated appearance. Many of my patients love that they look refreshed, yet no one can tell they had “work” done. 

How does someone know when they are ‘ready’ for injectables?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: My philosophy has always been you don’t NEED anything. However, if something bothers you – fix it :). Yes, it may be a slippery slope, however an ethical board-certified dermatologist should treat the desired correction. For instance, I love my husband’s crow’s feet (fine lines around the eyes), however, some patients want them gone to open up the eye area. 

What are your thoughts around the new ‘dry bar for injectable’ locations we are seeing pop up across the country?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: I cannot stress enough how important it is to be treated by a board-certified physician with aesthetic experience. The new injectable pop-up locations are appealing to the “dry-bar” phenomenon of convenience at an affordable price. However, treating your face is not like getting your hair or nails done! There are significant consequences to injectable adverse events such as skin necrosis/death and blindness. These pop-up shops cannot compare to the years of experience that a board-certified physician has in both clinical and academic education. It is essential to understand facial anatomy, vasculature and how these structures interact together AND vary individually. There is no paint by numbers map for injectables. You want a physician that tailors their approach to your specific anatomy, concerns and medical history. While I realize convenience is key in our current lifestyle, we need to keep in mind safety and expertise which is why I am now offering a new concierge service that gives patients the convenience of being at home without compromising on safety or medical expertise. 

Related, any advice for patients looking for a provider/what to look out for when they are doing their research?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: When researching a provider, look at their past education, clinical experience and board certification. Most of all, ask your friends and family members – word of mouth is the best when coming from a trusted source (especially your primary physician!).

What is the best advice you have for someone who is considering injectables but afraid of where to start?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: Make an appointment for a cosmetic consultation and discuss areas of concern or simply ask questions you may have about the procedure, product or after care.

Are there any new injectable ‘trends’ that you are seeing/requests you receive?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: The current trend is treating the face in a 4-dimensional way (the fourth dimension meaning during movement). When fillers first came onto the market, people viewed the face 2-dimensionally, meaning they simply filled in the lines. We then moved toward a 3-dimensional approach which included added volume in deflated areas to lift the face and erase lower lines. We finally have arrived at treating the face 4-dimensionally and therefore volumizing as well as lifting but keeping in mind movement and facial expression. The key is to understand how to utilize the expansive armamentarium of neuromodulators and fillers synergistically to maintain a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. I also vehemently believe that well-placed droplets of filler and botox can dramatically alter the effects of aging as opposed to filling the face with multiple syringes. We want natural yet refreshed, not dramatically altered. We want you to walk into the room feeling your best but still looking like you, not like a different person.

Any skincare you recommend to help complement injectables?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: Skincare is essential to maintaining results of injectables and the integrity of the skin. For example, everyone should be moisturizing to protect the epidermal barrier, which, when dehydrated, can create fine lines and appear dull. I put almost every patient on a vitamin C serum in the morning to protect against UV damage which causes free radical damage leading to wrinkles and skin cancer. This is in addition to recommending a daily sunscreen at a minimum of SPF 30. I also recommend a retinoid nightly (except if pregnant or breastfeeding) in order to increase skin cell turnover and keep the skin looking healthy.

Anything else you would like to share or highlight?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: The most important thing is to love yourself from within and realize that that is where the real beauty lies! That being said, healthy skin is happy skin! Your provider should be your partner in sharing concerns, questions and goals. You should always feel comfortable with every decision being made and understand the reasoning behind each and every approach! Good luck!

No matter who you are, September has a way of giving us all a sense of that ‘back to school’ mindset and that includes taking care of our health and our skin. Because, let’s be honest, while summer was fun and all, it often brings with it the telltale signs of underlying sun damage that freckle our nose and leave blotches across our cheeks and chest. To tackle it head-on, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum is sharing her top dermatologist-recommended fall skin treatments for banishing brown spots and unwanted pigmentation in no time.

Summer is over and we’re all facing the music. What do you recommend patients do once September hits and they want to tackle pigmentation?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: We all get back from summer and look in the mirror with horror at the sun damage and pigmentation that has resulted from all those fun, rosé-filled afternoons by the pool or the beach. The best thing to do is take immediate action with a combination of topical skin products, chemical peels and laser resurfacing procedures.

First, skin lightening serums are critical for preparing the skin before laser treatments. They can help start to break up the pigment and even out skin tone. Second, non-ablative laser treatments can minimize pigmentation and brighten your complexion. Third, regular alpha hydroxy acid peels can also gently exfoliate the top layers of skin cells while minimizing pigmentation and encouraging new collagen and elastin growth to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Lastly, just because summer is over do NOT stop wearing sunscreen daily!

There are so many different types of laser treatments out there. What do you recommend for patients who are laser-shy and afraid of downtime?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: If downtime is a major concern, the Clear + Brilliant laser treatment is a perfect option for reducing pigmentation and evening out skin tone. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. Expect to be red for a few hours and then feel scaly for a few days (however, your appearance is perfect to go out and about the very next day). Three to four treatments are best to obtain maximal results.

And for those of us who want to see the fastest results possible (with nerves of steel)?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: For those of us with no patience, the Fraxel 1927 laser is the best treatment to get the fastest results. We numb you for about 45 minutes and then the procedure takes about 30-40 minutes. Expect to be red and swollen the first two days. The pigment subsequently lifts up and peels off for the next 3-4 days. (You will not want to have any social obligations lined up for 5-7 days). However, you will end up with a new canvas of glowing skin!

What about skincare? Do you have any top recommendations for keeping skin looking even-toned alongside in-office procedures?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: I always recommend a lightening serum in conjunction with either of the above procedures such as Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correcting serum which is a non-hydroquinone lightening serum and therefore less irritating. As always, retinol will enhance results as they increase skin cell turnover and break up pigment (however, they are not to be used a few days before or after treatment). Lastly, vitamin C serum is essential before treatment and especially after treatment to maintain a pigment-free glow. After treatment, the serum actually penetrates deeper due to the microscopic channels we created with the laser and therefore it is used to enhance the laser results. A favorite of mine is SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.

Final words of wisdom?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: As boring as it sounds, pre and post-procedure sunscreen is essential in preventing and maintaining a clear, glowing visage! I promise you, it’s worth it!

In our opinion, there is nothing more rewarding than helping a couple and their loved ones get ready for all the wedding festivities – this is one of the most photographed moments in a lifetime! Having great-looking skin that makes everyone feel comfortable and their very best? Priceless.

For expert skincare advice for the wedding party and guests, Dr. Nussbaum answers some of the most frequently asked wedding-prep questions we get:

1) How far in advance should one start thinking about their skin before the wedding day?

Dr. Nussbaum: At a minimum, 3-6 months ahead of time. This obviously depends upon your goals and our goals and how we need to go about getting you that picture-perfect skin. It’s never too early to start thinking about getting your skin in check, though, so I often recommend booking a consultation appointment with your dermatologist not long after you’re engaged to give us all plenty of time to get your skin where you want it to be!

2) What are the best treatments for achieving that day-of glow?

Dr. Nussbaum: I usually combine a series of Clear and Brilliant laser treatments with a few chemical peels to create the perfect bridal glow. Both treatments work to improve the skin’s texture and tone with gentle exfoliation and collagen stimulation, but are not too aggressive.

3) A bride or member of the wedding party is struggling with acne, what’s the best solution for getting wedding-ready skin?

Dr. Nussbaum: Don’t worry, that’s what my team is here for! 3 months prior to the wedding we would begin a series of chemical peels containing retinol (assuming that you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding), and combine that with a topical regimen that includes the Marnie Nussbaum, MD Glow Pads which contain glycolic and salicylic acid to help promote clear skin.

4) What is the latest date a bride can do a clinical treatment before the wedding?

Dr. Nussbaum: It depends upon the treatment. For injectable wrinkle reducers like Botox, I recommend doing them 4 weeks prior to the wedding so that it settles into the skin for a natural but refreshed aesthetic. Clear and Brilliant laser resurfacing is best done 2-3 weeks prior to make sure any remaining exfoliation is completed. A light peel should be done up to 2 weeks prior. The HydraFacial can be done the week of!

5) It’s 24 hours before the wedding and someone has a pimple. What do you recommend?

Dr. Nussbaum: Call your dermatologist (me) immediately for a cortisone injection! It will bring down the swelling and inflammation within 24 hours. If you are not able to see a dermatologist, ice the lesion for a few minutes to decrease inflammation, then crush an aspirin and add a few drops of water to create a paste and apply to the pimple for 5-10 minutes (aspirin contains salicylic acid which will help get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells), then apply a tiny amount of hydrocortisone 1% cream to decrease inflammation. Lastly, a good concealer will do the trick!

(Note: cortisone cream should only be used in last minute situations to decrease inflammation. Consistent use all over the face can cause acne).

6) Any advice related to skincare regimens/products?

Dr. Nussbaum: Do not start any new regimens less than 3 months prior to the wedding. I usually recommend a vitamin C serum in the morning to boost collagen production, reverse cell damage and decrease pigmentation as well as retinol at night to increase skin cell turnover, decrease acne and deliver that perfect glow. Also, I would add my daily Glow Pads to chemically exfoliate, decrease the appearance of any fine lines and create a clear complexion. Finally, a good moisturizer twice a day is critical to maintaining hydration and supple skin!

7) Any advice for the groom’s skin?

Dr. Nussbaum: Grooms forget their skin needs to be in perfect condition too! The biggest issue I see with grooms is ingrown hairs from shaving so my first piece of advice is to get your shaving routine down to a science two months prior to the wedding. Cleanse the skin twice daily to remove debris and bacteria. Make sure to use a shaving cream that agrees with your skin and then shave with the grain of the hair which causes less friction than against the grain (which gives a closer shave but can cause ingrowns!). If you are experiencing ingrown hairs, a dermatologist can prescribe an antibiotic topical lotion to apply after shaving which will decrease any breakouts or inflammation. Lastly, moisturize twice daily to create glowing skin!

(p.s. if you can get your groom to use a vitamin C serum in the morning – go for it!)

8) Any final tips or advice?

Dr. Nussbaum: All my brides know they are VIPs in my practice – clear skin for your big day is a must and I am on call 24/7 for the bride-to be! There are always solutions to any last minute skin issues (and non-skin issues!) and getting creative is a part of my job that I love the most!