If you struggle with redness, acne, uneven tone, or stubborn discoloration, azelaic acid may be one of the most underrated ingredients in your skincare routine. Loved by dermatologists for its gentle yet powerful multitasking abilities, azelaic acid works beautifully for sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin without the irritation that stronger actives can cause.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid derived from grains like barley and wheat. In medical-grade skincare, it is formulated to help regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and brighten uneven pigmentation. Unlike many acids, azelaic acid is non-sensitizing, pregnancy-safe, and suitable for long-term daily use.
Dermatologists rely on azelaic acid for a wide range of concerns:
Azelaic acid is ideal for:
To get the most from azelaic acid, follow these dermatologist-approved tips:
Yes. One reason we love azelaic acid at NicholsMD is its versatility. It complements:
Our team will help you incorporate it into a customized skincare plan that fits your goals and skin type.
Not all azelaic acid products are created equal. Over-the-counter formulas typically range from 10%, while prescription options may be stronger and more targeted. At NicholsMD, we assess your skin in person to determine the right concentration, routine, and pairings so you see real improvement without compromise to your barrier.
Azelaic acid is a dermatologist-favorite ingredient that treats acne, redness, and discoloration in one gentle step. Whether you are calming rosacea, clearing breakouts, or brightening stubborn dark spots, this powerhouse active delivers visible results without harsh side effects.
Interested in adding azelaic acid to your routine? Schedule a skincare consultation with the NicholsMD team in Greenwich, Stamford, or Fairfield, and we will design a regimen tailored to your skin’s needs.
Search for Baby Botox, and you will find plenty of buzz but very little science. At NicholsMD, we believe in results rooted in medical expertise, not marketing trends. The term Baby Botox suggests that using less product will deliver the same benefits with a softer touch. In reality, lower dosing often means weaker results, shorter longevity, and ultimately a waste of time and money.
Botox and other neuromodulators work within a specific therapeutic range. To smooth fine lines, soften dynamic wrinkles, and retrain overactive muscles, the dose must be precise. When the amount is too small, the product simply cannot perform as intended. Patients may see minimal improvement that fades within weeks, leading to frustration and additional appointments.
At NicholsMD, we do not subscribe to cookie-cutter approaches. There is no universal “mini” dose that works for every face. Effective Botox treatment requires individualized dosing based on muscle strength, anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
Our board-certified dermatology team evaluates:
This comprehensive assessment allows us to recommend the right amount of Botox in the right locations, so your results look natural, balanced, and long-lasting. Less product does not equal better value if it fails to deliver visible improvement.
At NicholsMD, we say no to Baby Botox because we say yes to:
Our goal is not to follow viral phrases or trends but to provide expert Botox treatments in Greenwich, Stamford, and Fairfield that truly enhance your confidence.
If you are considering Botox and want a plan designed specifically for your face, schedule a consultation with the NicholsMD team. Precision beats trends every time.
Book your personalized Botox assessment today
Nighttime should be when your skin resets, repairs, and rebalances. But for most people, bedtime routines are unintentionally working against their complexion. In fact, nearly 90% of acne flare-ups are triggered or worsened by common pre-bed mistakes that clog pores, spike inflammation, and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to more breakouts, redness, oil imbalance, and bacteria buildup overnight.
If you’ve been wondering, Why am I breaking out more even though I wash my face?, the answer often isn’t the products you’re using. It’s what’s happening around them.
The Top Nighttime Mistakes That Are Making You Break Out
1. Skipping the double cleanse after SPF or makeup
If you wore sunscreen, tinted SPF, foundation, concealer, or setting spray, a single cleanse is rarely enough. These formulas are designed to stay on your skin, which means they require an oil-based cleanse followed by a gel or cream cleanser to fully remove them. Not doing this traps sebum and P. acnes bacteria under a layer of leftover product, a perfect environment for overnight breakouts.
2. Applying skincare with dirty hands
People touch their phones, sinks, door handles, hair products, and pillows, then immediately apply nighttime serums or moisturizers. This transfers acne-triggering bacteria and oils directly into pores. Even clean hands aren’t enough. Hands should be washed right before product application.
3. Letting hair products touch the face
Leave-in conditioners, oils, styling gels, dry shampoo, hairspray, and mousse often contain comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients. When hair rests against the cheeks, forehead, or pillow, these ingredients migrate into the skin and can cause hairline acne, cheek breakouts, and forehead congestion.
4. Going to sleep with damp skin
Many assume applying products to wet skin increases hydration. That’s true for hyaluronic acid, but not for everything. Applying occlusive creams on damp skin without a proper hydrating serum underneath can trap bacteria and irritants. Worse, sleeping with damp skin alone allows fungus and bacteria to proliferate on the skin’s surface, leading to acne-like inflammation.
5. Sleeping on unwashed pillowcases
Oil, sweat, saliva, skincare residue, and bacteria accumulate quickly on fabric. Pillowcases should be washed AT LEAST once a week, butacne-prone patients may benefit from changing them nightly or every other night. Not doing so exposes skin to re-inoculating breakout triggers for 6-8 hours straight.
6. Over-exfoliating or using harsh actives without barrier support
Many rely on scrubs, acids, or retinoids nightly, assuming more = better. Without ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, or niacinamide to repair the barrier, over-exfoliation leads to irritation, inflammation, and compensatory oil production, worsening breakouts.
So What’s the Correct Order?
A breakout-safe, barrier-friendly nighttime routine should look like this:
Why This Matters for Acne-Prone Skin
Acne is driven by 4 core factors:
Your skin barrier is your first defense against acne inflammation. If it’s disrupted before bed, breakouts become more frequent and more intense.
How NicholsMD Helps You Get It Right
At NicholsMD Dermatology, we specialize in acne prevention, skincare optimization, and post-treatment skin health. We combine science-backed dermatology, luxury medical-grade skincare, and customized treatment planning to help patients finally stop the cycle of congestion and irritation.
For patients struggling with persistent breakouts, we frequently incorporate:
The Bottom Line
Most people believe breakouts come from not washing their face. In reality, breakouts come from not washing enough, washing incorrectly, contaminating products, or disrupting the barrier before sleep. Once you correct these habits, your skin finally gets the chance to breathe, repair, and reset the way it was designed to.
Ready to Stop the Breakout Cycle?
Book your consultation today Whether you’re looking to clear acne, rebalance your barrier, or simplify your nighttime routine, our team of board-certified providers can create a plan tailored specifically for your skin goals and timeline.
Ceramides might sound like a fancy skincare buzzword, but they’re absolutely fundamental to vibrant, resilient skin. Think of ceramides as the bridges in your skin’s outermost layer that help cells lock together and retain moisture – a vital function that declines with age, environmental stress, and even post-procedure recovery.
What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid molecules found in the stratum corneum, the outer layer of skin. They act like structural supports in a brick wall – with skin cells as bricks and ceramides as the mortar – creating a strong moisture barrier that shields against dryness, irritation, and environmental damage.
Why Ceramides Matter
When your skin’s ceramide levels drop (due to aging, harsh weather, or skincare procedures), you may notice:
Topical ceramides help restore this barrier, lock in hydration, and support skin’s natural repair processes, making them essential for dry, aging, sensitive, and post-treatment skin.
Ceramide Benefits at a Glance
Integrating Ceramides Into Your Routine
Ceramides work beautifully paired with other hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and cholesterol, making them versatile for nearly every skincare regimen.
Featured Ceramide-Rich Solutions
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 – This anti-aging moisturizer uses a patented 2:4:2 ratio of ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids to restore lipid balance, strengthen the barrier, and visibly improve hydration and texture – ideal for dry, aging, or compromised skin.
SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser – A gentle daily cleanser formulated with a ceramide-complex to cleanse without stripping, helping maintain barrier integrity.
SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm – A soothing post-treatment hydrator that forms a protective layer over dehydrated skin.
Pro Tip for Barrier-Boosting Success
Apply ceramide-rich moisturizers after hydrating serums (like hyaluronic acid) and before sunscreen in the morning. In the evening, pairing with restorative serums supports overnight repair and keeps your skin supple and protected.
At NicholsMD, we’re passionate about pairing cutting-edge cosmetic science with personalized skincare regimens. Ceramides are more than a trend – they’re foundational to barrier health and lasting hydration.
Want a custom skincare plan including ceramides? Book a consultation with one of our board-certified skincare experts today.
A new year brings a fresh opportunity for confidence. At NicholsMD Dermatology, we believe true radiance is built from the outside in and the inside out. For 2026, skip the fleeting trends and focus on science-backed, personalized resolutions that support skin health, hair strength, longevity, and overall wellness.
Here are the most impactful resolutions you (and your future self) will thank you for making.
2026 Skin Resolutions
1. Protect your skin every day
Daily SPF 50+ isn’t optional. UV exposure is the #1 driver of premature aging, discoloration, collagen breakdown, and skin cancer risk. Consistent protection preserves every other investment you make in your skin.
2. Use active serums with intention
Vitamin C is the key to glowing. Medical-grade formulas like Vitamin C antioxidant serums help brighten, defend against environmental damage, and support collagen synthesis.
3. Treat laxity sooner, not later
With Ultherapy and Ellacor now FDA-approved for both face and body tightening, 2026 is the year to address collagen loss before it becomes advanced laxity. Early intervention = better outcomes.
4. Add retinol to your nighttime ritual
Clinical-grade retinoids improve acne, texture, tone, and fine lines. We love our NicholsMD Retinol Body Lotion for full-body confidence, too. It’s skincare, upgraded.
5. Build collagen with biostimulators
Bio-building treatments like Sculptra and hyperdilute Radiesse enhance collagen over time for natural structure, skin tightening, and body contouring confidence.
6. Combine treatments for smarter results
Alternating lasers like Fraxel Dual with chemical peels creates a compounding effect for acne scars, pigmentation, melasma, and texture. It’s personalized dermatology with exponential benefits.
2026 Hair Resolutions
7. Nourish regrowth, especially after shedding
Post-stress or postpartum shedding is often telogen effluvium, and while temporary, regrowth quality matters. Medical-grade topicals like Plated Hair Serum support a healthier scalp environment for stronger recovery.
8. Consider PRP/PRF for elevated hair density
Growth-factor rich treatments like Platelet-based hair restoration help stimulate follicles, increase density, and improve hair caliber. Ideal for patients wanting to take hair wellness to the next level in 2026.
9. Supplement smarter
Nutrients like protein, iron, Vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3s play a critical role in hair strength. Personalized supplement plans amplify results from in-office treatments.
2026 Wellness + Longevity Resolutions
10. Invest in preventative diagnostics
NicholsMD patients benefit from SECA body composition scans, Galleri cancer screening, and biomarker longevity testing to guide proactive wellness decisions. Wellness that’s measured is wellness that improves.
11. Support skin health from within
We offer customized Vitamin IV infusions, tailored to each patient’s biology. Think of it as hydration and cellular support, optimized.
12. Balance hormones, boost confidence
Hormone changes impact acne, thinning hair, skin elasticity, mood, energy, and metabolism. With Biote hormone optimization available at NicholsMD, 2026 is your chance to realign wellness in a way that shows.
13. Treat wellness holistically
Whether it’s IV therapy, supplements, hormone optimization, or regenerative aesthetics like biostimulators, we customize every plan to your goals and your lifestyle.
Your 2026 Glow is a Long Game, Played Better
Confidence is highest when you look in the mirror and feel like yourself but refreshed, supported, and thriving. That’s the NicholsMD standard. We treat patients at every stage of life, with plans that feel elevated, rooted in medical excellence, and #NaturalAtNichols
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier 2026
Make 2026 your year of proactive confidence, inside and out.
Let our team design a personalized plan that protects your skin, strengthens your hair, and optimizes your wellness at the cellular level.
Book your 2026 consultation today at NicholsMD
Accutane (isotretinoin) is one of the most effective treatments for severe, scarring, or treatment-resistant acne in teens and young adults. It can be transformative, but misinformation often makes the process feel intimidating for parents.
At NicholsMD of Greenwich, our approach to pediatric and adolescent acne is grounded in science, safety, and personalized care, ensuring each family feels informed, confident, and supported throughout every step of the process.
Here’s what every parent should know before their child begins Accutane treatment.
Check out the Instagram Video Where Dr. Nichols “Clears the Noise”
Accutane is one of the most effective acne treatments available, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. From talk of muscle aches to scary internet posts, the noise can distract from the real, evidence-based benefits and risks. In her recent Instagram video, Dr. Nichols helps separate fact from fiction so parents can make sound choices for their teens.
What Is Accutane and Who Needs It?
Accutane is an oral prescription medication derived from Vitamin A, used to treat nodulocystic acne, acne that scars, or acne that has not improved with other treatments like antibiotics, topical retinoids, or medical-grade skincare.
Dermatologists prescribe Accutane when acne is:
Accutane works by dramatically reducing oil gland activity, calming inflammation, preventing clogged pores, and targeting acne-causing bacteria at the source.
What Side Effects Should Parents Expect?
Accutane side effects are temporary and manageable when patients are guided correctly.
Common side effects include:
These symptoms are not permanent and are easier to manage when care includes:
Accutane Myths Parents Should Ignore
🚫 “Accutane is dangerous and should be a last resort.”
When prescribed and supervised by a board-certified dermatologist, Accutane is a safe, controlled treatment. It is often the best option to prevent lifelong scarring.
🚫 “My child needs to wait until acne gets worse.”
Early intervention prevents permanent scarring, pigmentation, and emotional distress.
🚫 “Skincare doesn’t matter while on Accutane.”
The right medical-grade skincare routine matters more than ever to support skin hydration and barrier health during treatment.
How Parents Can Prepare Their Child for Success
Here’s what we recommend before starting:
1. Start a hydration-focused skincare routine
Accutane causes dryness, so begin a gentle, barrier-supporting routine 2–4 weeks before treatment.
2. Prioritize lip care immediately
Invest in medical-grade lip protection. Aquaphor, hyaluronic balms, and ceramide formulas are ideal.
4. Limit sun exposure + add SPF
Your child will need daily SPF 50+ (especially important for active teens).
5. Support internal wellness
Balanced nutrition and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can support inflammation reduction, skin hydration, and joint comfort.
Accutane Results to Look Forward To
Most patients see:
Accutane doesn’t just treat acne. It resets the skin’s oil behavior long-term, making future breakouts far less likely.
When Should Parents Call the Dermatologist Immediately?
Reach out if your child experiences:
At NicholsMD, families never navigate this alone. We provide constant clinical oversight and elevated patient care.
Why Clear Communication Matters
Accutane can be transformative — but only when families are educated, supported, and prepared. Dr. Nichols’ reel is a reminder that good dermatology isn’t just about medication — it’s about context, clarity, and care. Instagram
Ready for Clear Skin? We’re Here to Help You Take the Next Step.
If your child is struggling with acne that impacts their confidence, daily comfort, or risks long-term scarring, NicholsMD Dermatology offers the expert guidance you can trust, delivered with the luxury care your family deserves.
Schedule your child’s acne consultation with Dr. Kim Nichols and our expert dermatology team today. Because clearer skin starts with informed care — and confidence begins here.
When it comes to treating stubborn pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, acne scarring, and uneven texture, patients often ask us the same question:
“Do I need a chemical peel, or is Fraxel Dual the better choice?”
At NicholsMD, we use both treatments strategically, but for very different skin concerns and depths of correction. Understanding when each is appropriate is key to creating a plan that gives you maximum clarity, radiance, and long-term collagen support.
When Chemical Peels Are the Right Choice
Chemical peels work by applying a customized solution to exfoliate the top layers of skin, helping with:
Peels are ideal when you want:
This makes them perfect for patients with:
superficial melasma, early sun damage, acne-prone skin, or those who prefer a low-downtime regimen.
When Fraxel Dual Is the Better Solution
Fraxel Dual Laser treats deeper layers of skin and delivers results a peel simply can’t reach. It is best for:
Fraxel works by creating controlled micro-injuries that trigger powerful collagen remodeling, making it the gold standard for patients needing more dramatic correction.
If you’ve “plateaued” with peels—or want results that last for years, not weeks—Fraxel is often the answer.
Fraxel vs. Peels: Which Should You Choose?
It depends on:
A peel may brighten the surface, while Fraxel targets the foundation underneath.
This is why an expert evaluation is essential—what looks like superficial discoloration may actually be deep dermal pigment requiring a laser-based approach.
Why Many Patients Benefit from Both: The Combined Approach
One of our most effective treatment strategies at NicholsMD is a layered, alternating plan that includes both monthly chemical peels and periodic Fraxel Dual sessions.
Here’s why a combined protocol works so beautifully:
1. Peels Maintain Glow While Fraxel Rebuilds Structure
You get both immediate radiance and long-term skin transformation.
2. Peels Enhance Fraxel Results
Clear, exfoliated skin responds better to lasers.
By keeping the surface healthy, peels help:
3. Ideal for Melasma & Complex Pigment Cases
Melasma often requires a multimodal approach to stay controlled.
We typically alternate:
This approach reduces risk of flares and gives more consistent results over time.
4. Creates a Sustainable, Year-Round Plan
Fraxel is not something you do monthly—but peels are.
Alternating both allows us to:
Think of Fraxel as the renovation and peels as the maintenance.
Your Most Radiant Skin Requires a Personalized Plan
At NicholsMD, no two treatment plans are the same. We evaluate your pigment depth, scarring pattern, skin sensitivity, lifestyle, and downtime tolerance to recommend the approach that will give you the most beautiful, confident results.
Whether you need:
—we’ll design a protocol that reveals your best skin at every age.
Ready to begin your glow plan?
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® are transforming the way patients lose weight—but they’re also transforming the skin. And one of the biggest misconceptions we hear at NicholsMD is this:
“I’ll book treatments after I reach my goal weight.”
The truth? Waiting can actually make sagging, dullness, and volume loss more pronounced. Treating your skin throughout your GLP-1 journey leads to better results, healthier aging, and a more confident you – every step of the way.
Why GLP-1 Weight Loss Impacts Your Skin
Rapid weight loss, especially with GLP-1 medications, can lead to:
These changes don’t wait for you to hit your goal weight – so your treatment plan shouldn’t either.
Why Treating Early Leads to Better, More Natural Results
Addressing these changes as they occur helps preserve skin integrity and prevents the “catch-up effect” later.
1. Prevention Always Outperforms Correction
By supporting collagen and elastin before they drastically decline, we maintain structure, elasticity, and glow.
Laser Genesis, Fraxel Dual, microneedling RF, Sculptra®, and hyperdilute Radiesse are powerful tools we use to keep your skin firm throughout your transformation.
2. Small, Strategic Enhancements Look More Natural
When volume loss happens gradually, biostimulators and subtle facial balancing can maintain harmony.
You avoid the drastic before/after gap—and instead get a smoother, more seamless evolution.
3. Body Skin Needs Support Too
GLP-1 weight loss can impact more than the face.
Early treatments can prevent textural changes and laxity on the:
Treatments like RF microneedling, Ellacor, and Emsculpt keep your skin as toned as your new silhouette.
4. You’ll Feel Confident During the Journey – not just at the end
Your weight loss journey is months long—you deserve to look refreshed and feel empowered every step of the way.
Nothing boosts motivation like seeing your skin improve alongside the scale.
Our GLP-1 Skin Strategy at NicholsMD
We design a customized plan that supports your skin before, during, and after weight loss:
Your journey shouldn’t end with weight loss, it should end with healthy, lifted, radiant skin that reflects all your hard work.
Ready to support your skin through your GLP-1 transformation?
Book a consultation at any NicholsMD location to create your personalized GLP-1 Skin & Body Plan.
Your future glow starts now – not “after the weight comes off.”
When it comes to skincare gifts, not everything is worth the hype. At NicholsMD, Dr. Nichols curates only the highest-performing, clinically proven products and treatments – making it easy to give (or receive!) gifts that deliver real, visible results. Here are the skincare gifts that are actually worth it this season.
1. Plated™ Exosome Serums: The Gift of Next-Generation Skin Renewal
If you want a gift that feels truly futuristic, Plated Exosome Serums are it. Powered by growth factors and purified exosomes, these serums help improve:
Perfect for anyone who wants a science-backed glow boost with long-term results.
2. Omnilux Contour Face Mask: A Beauty Tool That Works
LED masks are everywhere – but Omnilux is the one Dr. Nichols actually recommends. Why? It’s FDA-cleared, medical-grade, and backed by clinical studies to:
A luxe gift for someone who loves results from home.
3. SkinCeuticals Masques: Instant Glow + Professional-Level Results
Whether it’s dryness, lackluster tone, congestion, or dullness, SkinCeuticals masques deliver a treatment-level reset at home. Favorites include:
These are perfect stocking stuffers for any skincare lover.
4. P-TIOX™ & RGN-6: Small Bottles, Big Results
These two medical-grade essentials are “Dr. Nichols approved” for a reason:
They’re the everyday heroes that elevate any routine—from beginners to skincare pros.
5. NicholsMD Facials: The Glow That Can’t Be Gifted Through a Screen
Nothing compares to an expertly delivered, luxury facial. Our most-loved options include:
A facial at NicholsMD is more than a treatment – it’s an experience.
6. NicholsMD Gift Cards: The Easiest, Most Luxe Skincare Gift
Not sure what to choose? A NicholsMD Gift Card allows your loved one to shop our boutique skincare or book the treatments they’ve been eyeing. Effortless for you, exciting for them.
Shop all of these gifts and more at Shop.KimNicholsMD.com
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are transforming weight-loss journeys. But many patients notice something unexpected along the way: duller, flatter, less radiant skin. Here’s why it happens – and how we treat it every day at NicholsMD.
1. Rapid Volume Loss
GLP-1s can trigger fast fat loss – including the healthy fat that supports your facial structure. As volume decreases, skin can look deflated, sagging, and less glowy.
2. Decreased Collagen + Elastin
Weight loss and metabolic changes can reduce fibroblast activity, slowing collagen and elastin production. This leads to thinner skin, fine lines, and a duller surface.
3. Lower Nutrient + Hydration Intake
GLP-1s often reduce appetite. When protein, vitamins, and hydration intake drop, skin loses the building blocks that keep it smooth, bright, and bouncy.
4. Slower Cell Turnover
Some patients experience slower exfoliation and a weaker barrier – causing dryness, uneven texture, and loss of radiance.
At NicholsMD, the most common GLP-1 skin concerns we see include:
NicholsMD treats GLP-1 skin changes with a comprehensive, dermatology-led approach.
1. Rebuild Volume + Structure
Biostimulators (Sculptra, Hyperdilute Radiesse) and hyaluronic acid fillers help restore natural lift and youthful contours.
2. Tighten + Lift Skin
Ultherapy Prime, and microneedling RF (what we call The Greenwich Secret) rebuild collagen for firmer, more supported skin.
3. Brighten + Smooth Texture
Treatments including Fraxel Dual, Laser Genesis, and chemical peels improve dullness, minimize pores, and bring back radiance.
4. Upgrade at-Home Skincare
GLP-1 skin benefits from:
5. Support Skin From Within
We emphasize:
Dull skin from GLP-1 use is common, but very treatable with the right plan. Our board-certified dermatology team specializes in creating customized treatment pathways to keep your skin radiant throughout your weight-loss journey.
Book your GLP-1 Skin Consultation at NicholsMD and get a personalized plan to keep your skin lifted, bright, and glowing.
