Hi my beauties! I’m so excited for today’s post! I did a little Q&A box on my Instagram the other day and today I will be answering all of your questions. If you don’t already follow me on Instagram be sure to do that so you can ask your questions the next time I post a Q&A.
Question 1: What are your thoughts on the latest TikTok trend, Skin Cycling?
Answer: Well skin cycling has actually been something that dermatologists have recommended for years, so while it’s a new trend on TikTok it’s actually not a new concept in the industry.
So what is skin cycling? It’s basically a routine where on night one you exfoliate, night two use a retinoid, and then nights three and four you recover and don’t use any actives. Then repeat this cycle.
As with any trend, or even protocol, it’s not for everyone. If you are on a strong routine using your actives every night with no problems, then there’s no need for you to try skin cycling because your skin doesn’t need those recovery days. However, if you have a particularly sensitive skin type, or are new to using actives then this could be a great thing for you to try!
Question 2: What are your thoughts on Qwo for cellulite?
Answer: Qwo, for anyone who doesnt know, is an injectable treatment for cellulite, and it’s best utilized on dimpled cellulite. I personally don’t use this treatment in my office because I don’t get a lot of patients coming in for cellulite treatment in general, but the data is really good and supportive for Qwo being a great treatment for dimpled cellulite.
Question 3: Do you take any supplements? If so, which ones?
Answer: Yes I do! I think supplementing, along with making sure to eat a highly nutritious diet, is really important for skin health. Personally I take Heliocare Ultra, which is an antioxidant supplement that aids in photoprotecting the skin from the inside. Other antioxidants that are important are vitamin C,astaxanthin, and NAC. Omegas and collagen supplements are two others that are beneficial as well. Personally I take the Vital Protein bovine collagen supplement.
Question 4: What is the best laser for under eye tightening?
Answer: I love Thermafrax for under eye tightening. This is a combination of thermage and fraxel lasers. Thermage uses heat for deep collagen synthesis and Fraxel activates superficial collagen synthesis so you get a really well rounded treatment.
Question 5: Tips for memorizing material for school? How did you memorize in med school?
Answer: Med school is so much about memorization! So, great question! I would read my materials and then try to regurgitate the info in several different ways in my own words. So I would talk it out as if I was explaining it to someone who didn’t know anything about the topic, or write it out. Writing was especially helpful for molecular structures!
Question 6: Thoughts on red light face masks?
Answer: There are mixed reviews on these at home LED face mask devices, but I think they are relatively harmless. The FDA wouldn’t approve anything for home use that was so strong that it could damage you. However, on the flip side of this, there isn’t much research or studies to prove these are actually effective. Some people say they are just so relaxing and they love to wear them and chill, so if that’s the case for you then go for it! The relaxation aspect is reason enough to try it. However, they are expensive so if you need to choose between the LED mask and an in-office treatment, I will always recommend an in-office treatment because you know you will see results!
Question 7: Advice for someone who has been botched by a board certified dermatologist?
Answer: I’m so sorry that happened to you! That makes me so sad to hear. The truth is that the term ‘board certified’ can be misleading - someone can be board certified in pathology, but choose to practice dermatology. It’s so wrong, and so devastating that patients trust these doctors and end up being misled. So if you’re looking for a good doctor, you want to make sure to ask what exactly they are board certified in. You can really grill them on their before and
afters, what they did in their fellowship, etc. The good doctors will welcome your questions and have answers and proof to back them up!
Question 8: Have you heard of the Neogen Low Energy Laser?
Answer: Yes I have! This is also known as the plasma laser. IT uses nitrogen gas and radio frequency to form a plasma like material, which is used to stimulate collagen and regenerative processes. This device is old technology, and frankly it doesn't really work. They basically repackaged the old technology to try to make it look enticing, but it didn’t work back in the day and it doesnt work now. It doesn’t target chromophores (which true lasers do) so it’s not a targeted treatment and doesn’t provide results like other true lasers will.
Question 9: Thoughts on applying vitamin C and retinoids together?
Answer: Vitamin C and retinoids are both great ingredients for overall skin health and anti aging, they are both workhorse ingredients. You can use them together as they don’t counteract each other, however, it’s often advised not to use them together because they can cause irritation in the skin if your skin can’t handle that much activity all at once. It can increase sensitization and irritation when used together. The general rule is to use vitamin C in the morning and retinoids
at night. However, if your skin can tolerate it then you can use them together.
That’s all for my Q&A! Thanks so much for all of your insightful questions, I’ll be sure to do another round of questions sometime soon. For more detailed answers check out my YouTube video below! Don’t forget to subscribe while
you’re there so you can keep up with my Sunday videos!
