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Meet Dr. Meghan O’Brien, Board Certified Dermatologist at Greenwich Point Dermatology

We are overjoyed that Dr. Meghan O’Brien has joined Greenwich Point Dermatology!  Dr. Dolder and Dr. O’Brien worked together for many years in New York City and have stayed close friends ever since.  In addition to being a Harvard educated Board Certified Dermatologist, she also trained in advanced cosmetic procedures.  We sat down with Dr. O’Brien to learn more about her passion for skincare.  

Why did you decide to practice Dermatology? 

Dermatology is a unique field of medicine that allows me to see patients of all ages, treat a variety of skin conditions and skin cancer and utilize amazing technology and advances that have lead to laser and other cosmetic procedures.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

Being accepted into a dermatology residency program is one of my highlights of my career, as that was the day it all began.  Dermatology has become a very competitive specialty in the past 2 decades and I am so thankful that I was able to practice this medical specialty that I love.

What are three things a patient can do to maintain healthy skin? 

1. Wear SPF every single day of the year.
2. As an adult get a yearly full body exam by a board certified dermatologist.
3. As with most things health related, what you choose to eat can affect your skin.  Choose foods rich in anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and beta carotene, like berries, salmon, avocado and colored vegetables.

What are the most common cosmetic procedures that you perform and why? 

Botox is the most common cosmetic procedure in the US and my practice is no different, this is the most common procedure that I do.  Other common procedures include injectable fillers and laser and resurfacing procedures. 

What’s a must-have product that you can’t live without?

My skin care regimen relies on using a prescription retinoid every night, this is one of the most proven anti-aging ingredients.  I adjust my other products from time to time based on the latest technology but the retinoid is the constant. 

Best advice you’ve ever received? 

Be a life-long learner!  There are so many advances in dermatology every year that if one doesn’t try to keep up you will become dated in the way you treat patients.  I find it thrilling to learn new ways to treat skin conditions or improve skin appearance and health.

If you had a free day with no responsibilities, how would you spend it? 

I would spend it outside with my husband and 2 young boys, ideally at the beach.  Despite being a dermatologist, I love the beach (of course that includes SPF, a big hat, UPF clothing and umbrellas!).

Call our office to book a medical or cosmetic appointment with Dr. O’Brien.  Click here to read her full bio.  If you have any skincare questions for Dr. O’Brien comment below or email us at marketing@greenwichpointderm.com! 

 

Teledermatology Appointment FAQs

As an alternative to office visits, we offer teledermatology visits with Dr. Dolder and Christina. These visits offer an opportunity to get your skin concerns addressed by board-certified providers in the safety and convenience of your home. We break down the most frequently asked questions below.

What is Teledermatology?

Teledermatology is a video conference with a dermatology specialist. Dr. Dolder or Christina can assess symptoms, make a diagnosis, perform a consultation, recommend treatment, and send prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy. Think telemedicine, but for dermatological conditions!

Am I a Good Candidate for Teledermatology Services?

Teledermatology services are available to all patients who don’t wish to come into the office, or don’t feel well enough to do so.

We offer virtual appointments for a variety of conditions including:

Acne – Rashes – Moles/Spot Checks – Melasma – Eczema –  Psoriasis – Cosmetic Consultations – Skincare Curation – Sun Protection Education  

These visits are especially useful for teens and college students who need more guidance but have packed schedules or are away at college. We can assist with their acne regimen and skincare routine.

We also recommend that new mothers take advantage of these services if nap times and feeding schedules are challenging to navigate. 

How Does A Teledermatology Visit Work?

1. Call us at 203.764.2230 or email us at telederm@greenwichpointderm.com to request a teledermatology appointment.

2. You will receive an appointment window of 2 hours in which Dr. Dolder or Christina will contact you for your appointment.

3. You will email images of any skin condition or spots to telederm@greenwichpointderm.com for Dr. Dolder or Christina to review prior to the appointment.

4. You will receive detailed instructions from our office on how to access the video appointment.

5. Dr. Dolder or Christina will contact you for a video visit during your 2-hour appointment window to complete the consultation.

How Can I Schedule a Teledermatology Appointment?

Please call our office at 203.764.2230 during normal business hours or email us at telederm@greenwichpointderm.com to request an appointment.

Total Body Photography Could Save Your Life

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. As dermatologists, a significant portion of our training is dedicated to learning how to correctly identify suspicious lesions and biopsy them if necessary. Skin cancers generally present in two forms:

  • New spots on the skin
  • Changes to existing moles

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 70-80% of melanomas, the deadliest form of skin cancer, appear as new spots on the skin. The other 20-30% arise from changes to existing moles. Therefore, being able to accurately monitor changes in the skin with tools like total body photography is essential to diagnosing skin cancer early and saving lives.

Artificial Intelligence Meets Mole-Mapping

Previously, dermatologists had no way of accurately monitoring the exact change in suspicious lesions over time. We relied on patients’ recollection or unreliable office photography. But the total body photography and mole-mapping by SkinIO has changed that. This app-based technology uses artificial intelligence to photograph and monitor pre-cancers with much more accuracy. Plus, it gives patients access to these photos, allowing them to track changes more confidently. Having a smart digital skin health record with photos and dermoscopic images is a game-changer for early skin cancer detection.

Yes, You Still Need that Skin Cancer Screening

Total body photography does not replace your annual skin cancer screening with your dermatologist or physician assistant. Rather, it supplements a screening by creating a visual record. It captures changes between appointments that are not easily observed from appointments six months to one year apart. During your screening, we’ll indicate suspicious lesions to capture close-up and dermoscopically for monitoring.

Who Should Get Full Body Photography

We think it’s a pretty amazing tool that anyone can benefit from. Being able to have a baseline record of your skin capturing places you can’t easily see or monitor, is priceless for giving peace of mind. It’s especially beneficial for those who have:

  • been diagnosed with skin cancer before
  • a family history of skin cancer
  • a history of multiple sunburns 
  • a higher occurrence of moles or freckles
  • a tendency to be proactive about their skin health

Total Body Photography Fast Facts:


How long is a session?
About 10 minutes, usually after an annual skin cancer screening

How many photos are taken?
13 photos capture the total body at different angles. We can add more if there are some areas of more concern. We also capture close-ups and dermoscopic images of lesions that are new, irregularly shaped, colored, large in size, or have changed recently.

How do patients keep track of lesions?
Through the free SkinIO app that they get access to after their appointment

To learn more about SkinIO, read about it here. To book your total body photography and mole mapping appointment, call us at 203.764.2230.  

Morpheus8 Is Here: Rediscover Youthful Contours

When looking to invest in any new technology for our office, we make sure it offers something truly unique and impactful for our patients. Which is why we are thrilled to introduce the Morpheus8 to our toolkit. A combination of microneedling and radiofrequency, it penetrates deeper into the skin than any other device on the market, and gives truly transformative results.

Here’s just how it works, who it’s for, and what you can expect.  

How It Works

Morpheus8 combines two powerful modalities, microneedling and radiofrequency, for maximum impact. Fine gold-tipped microneedles penetrate at different depths to stimulate the skin’s natural repair process in the dermal layer to boost collagen and elastin production. Radiofrequency energy then penetrates even deeper to target the subdermal fat to contour and shape for a more toned and sculpted look. The Morpheus 8 doesn’t just address superficial tissue; it directs energy toward the underlying tissue that is notorious for creating problem areas. It’s the first and only full-body fractional technology to morph the aging face and contour the body — with minimal downtime. 

Is It Right for Me?

Morpheus8 tones, tightens, lifts, and shapes. This treatment can be done on almost any area of the body that exhibit wrinkles, sagginess, discoloration or acne scarring, with the most popular bring the lower face and neck. While other resurfacing lasers help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, Morpheus8 firms and tightens the underlying tissue for a more contoured result.  

What Can I Expect?

The procedure takes about 20 minutes with a 45 minute numbing time prior. You will experience mild redness and slight swelling immediately post-treatment, but you will be free to return to normal activities the following day.                                          

So…the Results?

It takes about 3 months to see final results from one treatment as the collagen and fat tissue need time to remodel. But our patients are loving the results, especially the improved tightening and shaping that we haven’t been able to achieve with other modalities. Because each treatment builds on the next for comprehensive remodeling, a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced about 4 weeks apart, delivers the very best lifted ad contoured effects. 

What’s the Difference between Fractora & Morpheus8?

This is such a great question. While the Fractora and Morpheus both use microneedling and radiofrequency, their technological nuances target different needs. The Fractora, by using uncoated tips and penetrating to more shallow depths, primarily resurfaces the skin to reduce crepiness and fine lines and wrinkles. The Morpheus8 uses coated tips that penetrate much more deeply to reach the fat tissue and give a more sculpted foundation for your skin. The treatments can be very complementary, and in fact, we sometimes use BOTH during the same treatment session.  During a consultation, we discuss what your skin goals are and whether one modality or two can best help you achieve those. 

What If I Want to Brighten and Tighten?

One of our most popular combination therapies uses the brightening of Lumecca IPL with the lifting and contouring of the Morpheus8. Talk about the power of science! The Lumecca treatment uses targeted light to eliminate age spots, redness, broken blood vessels, and freckles to illuminate the skin. Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency and microneedles to work deeper in the layers that contain collagen, elastin, and fat tissue. This really neat thing about this duo is that it repairs different types of sun damage. Cumulative UV damage causes our collagen and elastic to breakdown faster leading to sagginess while other UV damage causes discoloration and sun spots. Diligent SPF use is always my first recommendation, but if the damage has been done, this combination therapy works wonders.

To learn more about Morpheus8 and if it’s the right treatment for you, call our office at 203.764.2230 or email us at info@greenwichpointderm.com.

Meet Christina, Board-Certified Physician Assistant

We feel so lucky to have the wonderful Christina Martineau, PA-C join our team this fall. A board-certified Physician Assistant, Christina is a medical and cosmetic dermatology specialist who loves all things skin. We’re excited to share her bright personality with you. Here she dishes on what a Physician Assistant does, her favorite must-have beauty product, and what it’s like to be a working mom to three adorable boys. 

Where are you from?

I grew up in Fairfield County, moved away to Philly for PA school, and then moved to New York City for several years. I always knew I wanted to raise my kids in Fairfield County, so I’m excited to be back.

When did you first become fascinated with skincare?

Can you believe I didn’t wear an ounce of makeup or think about my skin until college? And then I became a Sephora junkie! I do have fond memories of my mother and grandmother always putting on Oil of Olay and Ponds cold cream and those smells still take me back to childhood.

What do you love about being a Physician Assistant?

I think that as a Physician Assistant I have the best of both worlds because I’m able to care for my own patients, but I can also collaborate with a board-certified dermatologist on especially difficult cases. 

What’s your top piece of advice for taking care of your skin?

Stay out of the sun! We all need our vitamin D, but keeping your face and neck out of the sun is essential to preventing premature aging. I believe in daily SPF—and that everyone needs a beautiful wide-brimmed hat in their closet!

Tell us more about your teen acne clinic!

I love treating teens and improving their skin. It’s amazing to see how their personality comes out as their acne clears. Teenage years are hard enough and with social media, they are even more complicated. If they can share their photos with #nofilter, I’ll be one happy provider. We offer extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate high schoolers who may want an appointment after school and sports practice.

What’s your favorite beauty product?

A good tinted sunscreen is a must-have. It’s part sunscreen, part makeup, and for a busy mama like me, it’s a life-saver! I’ve been loving Isdin’s Eryfotona Ageless tinted sunscreen lately. It’s super lightweight and has repair complexes built in.

What’s your family life like?

Organized chaos. And LOUD. The pitter-patter of little feet up and down the stairs starts around 5am, followed by laughter, crying, whining, sometimes all at the same time. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Who needs a quiet life anyway? Family means the most to me. Weekends consist of either hockey, soccer, or lacrosse practice followed by time with family or friends and a good meal. I’m a lucky girl—my husband does all the cooking in the house!

What’s it like being a working mom with three boys?

WILD! For me, working makes me appreciate our family time even more as weekends feel like a blink. The boy world is all new to me, I grew up with a sister, so I am figuring it out as I go and I am totally following their lead. We are always outside, doing anything and everything that involves a ball and speed. They have endless energy.

Being at work is easier sometimes and definitely quieter! They are at the age where everyone greets me at the door like they haven’t seen me in weeks, when it’s only been 8 hours. 

So let’s talk self-care. What does that look like for you these days? 

Because our day starts so early, I get my myself to bed early. My youngest just turned 7 months, so thank goodness sleep is getting less disturbed. 

Thanks, Christina!

To book an appointment with Christina, call our office at 203.764.2230 or email us at info@greenwichpointderm.com.

Q&A with Cara, Our Master Aesthetician

We’re thrilled to have Cara Peloso, alum of the famed-CAP Beauty in NYC, join our team. A true skin whisperer, Cara combines her masterful face and décolletage massage with Julisis biodynamic skin care to erase stress and tension to reveal a supple complexion and promote deep relaxation. She also embodies our philosophy of beauty beyond skin deep. Here, she shares all the things that light her up — and keep her skin healthy and bright.

Where are you from?
A small town in Ontario, Canada, called Sudbury.

What’s your family life like?
My husband and I have an amazing daughter named Sadie. She’s 14, and growing up way too fast!

When did you first become fascinated with skin care?
I’ve always loved beautiful things. I became an aesthetician in 2000, so I’ve been working in the field for almost 20 years. I can’t even believe it’s been that long. Nothing makes me happier than having a client report feeling rejuvenated and pampered after a treatment. One of my favorite parts is educating clients about their skin and what products are suitable for them. A well-crafted skin regimen can be truly life-changing for people.

What’s your beauty philosophy?
Beauty is about consistency. And about nourishing your body inside and out. I love to exercise to boost circulation and stimulate lymphatic drainage. Yoga, Pilates, and Barre2 are my go-tos. I also stick to whole, unprocessed foods that change with the seasons. I’m a big believer in drinking vitamin-rich juice daily and LOTS of water, even before my morning coffee, to help eliminate toxins and keep skin feeling plump. Oh, and sleep! It’s called beauty rest for a reason!

What’s your skincare ritual as an aesthetician?
Routines are so important for keeping us grounded when life gets busy. They’re also essential for maintaining a healthy complexion. Simple is always better. My routine always includes a facial massage — with with my hands or gua sha — nourishing and regenerating products, and never over-exfoliating the skin.

Let’s talk products. What are your desert island must-haves?
Julius cleansers have been a game-changer for me. The gel-like consistency gently emulsifies makeup, sunblock and debris leaving the skin’s pH intact. It also provides a gentle daily exfoliation with pumpkin enzymes. The Julisis Silver Elixir Night serum has decreased hyperpigmentation dramatically, keeping my complexion bright. And the Julisis Eye Emulsion is divine: cooling, hydrating, and deeply penetrating. 

What’s your facial experience like?
While each of my facials is customized to every client, dynamic massage is my primary focus to help tone and lift. It also stimulates circulation and helps the potent organics penetrate the skin more thoroughly. I perform extractions as needed, and I always love a good mask. My favorite add-on is LED light therapy. It’s gentle but so effective in brightening and firming skin, and even calming acne. Plus, no downtime! 

How do your aesthetic treatments complement those of a dermatologist?
I believe in the power of routine facial massage by an aesthetician, but routine visits to the dermatologist are essential to prolonging that facial glow. And vice versa. Many of my clients get Botox, fillers, and laser treatments, and regular facial massage and focused hydration help extend the life of those more advanced therapies. I love how they work in such beautiful synergy to create truly radiant results. 

And just for fun, who is your beauty idol?
Sophia Loren. Her Italian beauty is timeless.

Thanks, Cara!

To book a facial with Cara, call our office at 203.764.2230 or email us at info@greenwichpointderm.com.

Sun Spots Begone! 3 Treatments For You

Between beach trips, family hikes, and poolside parties, summer can leave us with some wonderful memories. But when that sun-kissed tan fades, we’re often left with the less pleasant reminder of just how damaging the sun can be. 

From skin discoloration (hello, sun spots and freckles!) to crepey, saggy skin, too much sun exposure causes premature aging. Lucky for us, there have been remarkable scientific innovations in the world of cosmetic dermatology. These have resulted in numerous modalities to help reverse UV damage. 

From least invasive to most invasive, here are our top 3 treatments for brightening and toning the skin after a summer of fun.

LED Light Therapy by Omnilux

LED light therapy uses light of varying wavelengths to stimulate the skin’s natural healing mechanisms. It’s completely non-invasive and safe to use even during pregnancy. For reversing sun-damage, we see the brightest complexions when we alternate the red Omnilux revive2™ panel with the infrared Omnilux plus™ panel. Red light helps treat inflammatory processes that lead to hyperpigmentation. Infrared light works deeper, enhancing growth factor and collagen production.

Remember, not all LED light therapy is created equal. Our physician-grade Omnilux device is higher powered than those you’ll find at spas or medical spas. It’s significantly more effective. That means better results, sooner.    

Length of Procedure: 20 minutes
Comfort: You won’t feel a thing. You may even fall asleep!
Number of Treatments: 8; twice a week for 4 weeks for best results
Downtime: None!
Final Results: A full treatment course over 2 months delivers the best results.

Clear + Brilliant 

Clear + Brilliant is our most gentle laser treatment, and it has a cult-like following. And for good reason — it works!  Because it doesn’t cause as much skin surface heating as  IPL, it’s the ideal treatment for those with melasma, general skin discoloration, and those who are new to aesthetic laser treatments.

An added benefit of Clear + Brilliant is its skin-smoothing effect and reduced pore size. By boosting collagen production, it gives a foundation-like finish, making it a go-to for many of our patients who aren’t big fans of makeup. It’s also extremely popular for those prepping for a big day, like their wedding!

Length of Procedure: 20-30 minutes
Comfort: You’ll feel just a little pinch.  A numbing cream is applied for 30 minutes prior to the laser treatment to make it very comfortable.
Number of Treatments: 3-5; occurring 2-3 weeks apart
Downtime: Minimal. You’ll be a little red, but that will subside by end of day.
Final Results: Seen in 1 week, with results compounding with subsequent treatments

Lumecca Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

IPL, also known as a photofacial, is a miracle worker when it comes to treating more severe skin discoloration and broken capillaries from sun damage. Not officially a laser treatment, it’s a form of light therapy that penetrates deeply into the skin to target brown and red pigmentation on the face, neck, décolletage, hands, arms, and legs. The light energy destroys the melanin pigment, resulting in a very slight crusting of the area, and then flaking off.  We use Lumecca by InMode, an especially innovative device that allows for precise targeting of sun spots, so fewer treatments are necessary to see stellar results.

Length of Procedure: 20-45 minutes, depending on surface treated
Comfort: You’ll feel a flash of heat. The cooling tip on our Lumecca device significantly helps reduce any discomfort.
Number of Treatments: 2-4; occurring 2-3 weeks apart
Downtime: Minimal. You’ll be a little red, but that will subside by end of day. The sun spots will darken a little before the unwanted pigment then sloughs off within 7-10 days.
Final Results: Seen in 1-2 weeks, with results compounding with subsequent treatments.

While these procedures can significantly jumpstart the skin renewal process, it’s equally important to target hyperpigmentation with an at-home skin regimen. Active ingredients like vitamin C and retinols can make a big impact with consistent use. During your consultation, we can figure out which therapies, or combination of therapies, will help you achieve your complexion goals sooner rather than later. 

Want to brighten up post-summer? Call our office at 203.764.2230 or email us at info@greenwichpointderm.com to schedule an appointment.

Stay bright,

Dr. Dolder

A Dermatologist’s (& Mom’s) Self-Care Routine

Being a working mom is a juggling act — with no end! I love how it fills me up, but it can make self-care seem nearly impossible. I know I’m not alone. Whether you work in the home or outside the home, it can be immensely challenging to find time for yourself when you’re running around after your little (and big!) ones. So as summer winds down, and we approach fresh beginnings and new routines with the upcoming school year, I thought I’d share how I squeeze in a little “me” time between full clinic days and kid duty.

MORNING
Wake Up and Move: Ideally, I wake up at 5am to work out, but most days, I rise at 6am to get myself ready for work and the kids ready for school. If I do manage a workout, Pilates and a run on the Peloton Tread for 30 minutes get me going most mornings, but I love a good swim at the YMCA 2-3 times a week. Swimming has always been a great escape for me, my mind wandering in a state of blissful relaxation during freestyle laps!

Clean Up: After I shower, I splash my face with water, pat dry, and apply ISDIN’s new Vitamin C serum to help brighten my skin over the course of the day and give it an antioxidant boost. I layer on Neocutis Biocream if I need extra nourishment, then Neocutis Journee for SPF. Yes, I wear sunscreen everyday! For makeup, I keep it light. I use a little Chantecaille powder, Chanel mascara and “Boy” nude lipstick, and a spritz of IS Clinical Copper Firming Mist to help set it all into place as I never have time for touch-ups!

Breakfast: I wish I could say I drank a green tea and a banana/ginger/almond butter smoothie every day as that’s a favorite combo of mine. But we haven’t mastered the art of a calm morning routine yet. Lately, breakfast has been a few bites of the kids’ pancakes…which inevitably leads to maple syrup drips on my work clothes, which inevitably leads to me changing, and rushing out the door — hopefully by 7:30am!

AFTERNOON
Lunch: I’m a total avocado girl…any way I can get it. I know the healthy fats are good for my skin, but they also keep me full longer during busy clinic days. For a taste of home, I spread vegemite on toast then layer on the avocado. Try it — it will change your world! And I ALWAYS follow with a peppermint tea and a generous bit of dark chocolate as a form of self-care and pick-me-up. I’m currently obsessed with Jelina’s 72% Dark Chocolate Noir bar. 

After Work: After a long day of patients, I’m back to mom mode. Our little routines are so important to me to stay connected with my kids, especially since they’re growing up so fast! I keep ballet class with my daughter Valentina sacred each week, and I try to pick up the boys from school to take them to hockey as often as I can. The little car conversations with them at this age are hilarious, and I learn a lot from them!

EVENING
Family Dinner: Our schedules are way too all over the place for a proper family dinner during the week, but we try to eat together as a family on Saturdays and Sundays. The kids typically eat before us as I love relaxing at dinner and a glass of wine with my husband, catching up on our days after the kids go to bed. It’s often the only time we get a moment to truly connect during the day.

Kids’ Bedtime: We aim for 8pm, but I’m not strict about bedtimes. My boys’ hockey schedule often makes it later than I’d like.

Night Time Routine: I’m always working to start my self-care and bedtime routine earlier, but I’m a work in progress! To unwind, I cleanse with GPD Clear Wash, apply Neocutis Bio Cream, Restorsea 10x Lotion, Alastin Eye Cream and Neck Complex, and every other night GPD Face Tret, which is a retinol-based cream. A few pages of reading and then I’m out by 10:30pm — on a good night!

Because the days can sometimes feel like a blur, I certainly try to set aside “me” time for other things that are important to me. During the week, it means a hair blow out and Omnilux LED sessions at the office. Every month, I try to squeeze in a mani/pedi at Warren Tricomi here in Greenwich and give myself a little Clear + Brilliant touch-up.

I’m a big believer that staying connected with friends is key to aging well and living a long, healthy life. I’d love to make time to play golf more often with my husband or start a book club with friends, but text chats, phone calls, and girlfriend date nights fill me up, too. Right now, it’s finding the little things that bring me joy and keep me feeling my best. I know that as my kids get older, I’ll certainly have more time for golf afternoons and book clubs!

It certainly feels like a circus at times, but it’s a circus that I wouldn’t change for the world. 

Stay bright,

Dr. Dolder

Summer Beauty: Skin First, Makeup Second

Summertime is all about easy living. And summer beauty should be easy, too. After all, I’d rather spend more time soaking up all the fun to be had rather than fussing over my skin and makeup routine. So how do you get that perfect summer glow, by wearing less makeup, not more?

Beauty is a Lifestyle

The philosophy at our practice is that beauty goes beyond skin deep, so I always advise patients first on their lifestyle habits. Drinking enough water, getting sufficient sleep, incorporating daily exercise, and being mindful of what we put into our bodies — less sugar, more omega 3 fats and antioxidants! — is essential to sustaining a truly healthy, natural glow from the inside out.  

Natural Beauty Without Makeup  

When we’re young, our skin has that natural radiance and enviable softness, but as we age and incur more damage from UV rays, stress, and the environment, our skin loses its ability to heal, retain moisture, and stay firm. As a dermatologist, I like to tap into our skin’s natural healing and repair processes, either by nourishing them through antioxidant and protein-rich formulations or stimulating them through light and laser therapies. Creating a beautiful foundation gives us less reason to cover up with makeup.  

Routines Matter

Patients with the best complexions are diligent and committed to not only their daily skincare routine, but their weekly and monthly routines as well. For everyday, I recommend a very gentle chemical exfoliant for daily use. I love applying Restorsea 10X lotion, which is a moisturizer naturally derived from salmon roe enzymes, at night to remove surface skin cells. Applying an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum, like ISDIN’s Flavo-C Ultraglican ampules is perfect for daytime while I recommend something a little more robust at night. This is when your skin does most of its natural healing and repair. I recently discovered ISDIN’s Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum which plumps, brightens, and smooths. And I can’t talk about skincare without talking about sunscreen! There are so many amazing formulations now that hydrate while they protect. I also love the ones with a bit of tint as they help even out any skin imperfections  — no extra foundation required!

Weekly, I love LED light therapy by Omnilux for its gentle but effective healing properties. Alternating between the red and infrared light settings, which target different skin depths and cell structures, gives the best results.

Every few months, it’s a good idea to refresh the skin with Lumecca Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Clear + Brilliant, especially if the skin is looking a little ruddy from too much sun damage. Both of these modalities help even out the complexion while smoothing the skin’s surface for a foundation-like finish. 

As we age, our skin loses its natural stores of hyaluronic acid, a moisture-loving molecule that gives skin its natural glow and plumpness. To restore that youthful look, I recommend annual volumetric structural rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid injectables like Voluma and Restylane. Or for something truly nourishing, I use Aquagold Microinfusion + Microneedling with fine 24k gold-tipped needles. This plumps the skin with a powerful cocktail of super-actives like vitamin C, glutathione, hyaluronic acid filler, Botox, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen and elastin production for a natural lift.

Just a Touch of Makeup

As a working Mom of three, who sometimes doesn’t get quite as much sleep as I’d like, I do have a little back-up plan for brightening my under-eyes and hiding those pesky monthly blemishes. Kevyn Aucoin’s The Etherealist Super Natural Concealer works some serious magic while still feeling light.

May you have a fun and safe summer!

Stay bright,

Dr. Dolder