How Exceptional Reception Design Can Maximize Sales
Many people assume acne is an issue that primarily affects teens. But, plenty of people experience acne well into their adulthood. It tends to be more common for those who had acne during adolescence, says Dr. Anar Mikailov, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of KP Away. However, even if you didn’t have acne in your formative years, there are plenty of reasons why pimples are starting to pop up as an adult. Understanding what’s causing your breakouts can help keep them at bay. We dive into the science behind adult acne below, plus how to treat it.
Whether the occasional pimple pops up here and there or bumpy, inflamed skin becomes a regular occurrence, adult acne tends to manifest as harder-to-treat pimples because of inflammation, fluctuating hormones, genetics, and stress, amongst other things. But not everyone experiences full-blown cystic acne as an adult. Instead, the skin can experience more mild whiteheads and blackheads to moderate blemishes and papules or more severe, swollen, and inflamed cysts.
Research shows that one in three women experience acne in their 30s, compared to about 20 percent of men. Women experience more drastic changes in hormone levels than men, which can account for why it’s a more notable occurrence, says Dr. Mikailov.
It can be frustrating to think you haven’t ‘escaped’ acne once you’ve reached adulthood, says Dr. Hayley Goldbach, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Brown University. Often, the causes of adult acne are the same as what happens when you’re a teen, but there are a few triggers specific to getting older.
While not every case of adult acne is preventable, there are several actionable steps to take which lessen the risk, severity, duration, and incidence of recurring breakouts. “Remember, acne has a large genetic component, so don’t blame yourself if it seems like you are doing everything right and you still break out,” says Dr. Goldbach. The key to thwarting and reducing acne is consistency — in your skincare routine (give the ingredient or product at least four to six weeks, if not longer) and your lifestyle. Your game plan isn’t too dissimilar from how you’d treat teenage acne, so here are some friendly reminders on how to address it:
And, as an FYI: In the event of a pimple, the best approach is a hands-off one, meaning don’t pop the pimples. All picking and popping do are further irritate the skin, spread the infection, and create long-term hyperpigmentation and scarring. Dr. Mikailov says he sees increased skin sensitivity and a higher frequency of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring in adult women.
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Cleansing and sun protection are arguably the two absolute non-negotiables of any skincare routine, but exfoliating is a close second. Regular exfoliation is essential not only for improving the texture and tone of your skin but also for ensuring that any other products you’re using penetrate better and ultimately work more effectively.
You have two options when it comes to how you exfoliate. Physical exfoliants, think scrubs, work by mechanically buffing off dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, explains Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist in Greenwich, Connecticut, who adds that they have a nice advantage compared to their counterparts. “Physical exfoliants may tear and compromise the skin barrier, causing agitation and in some cases, exacerbating dermatitis and acne. Chemical exfoliants at low percentages work to slowly and gently resurface the skin,” she explains.
One caveat: There are all different types of chemical exfoliants to choose from, both when it comes to type and product format, and not all are created equal.
Dr. Kim Nichols is a Harvard-trained, board-certified, celebrity dermatologist that treats both cosmetic and medical skincare concerns.
Keep reading for more on our favorite chemical exfoliants that offer a little something for every skin type and concern.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Team Byrdie sings the praises of this classic product time and time again, as do beauty editors everywhere. The daily peel pads feature a combo of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic, and salicylic, to be exact). They come in a two-step process; swipe the acid-containing pad on first, then use the second one, which both neutralizes it and delivers a dose of retinol for extra anti-aging benefits.1
Type: Chemical, pads | Active Ingredients: 5 alpha beta acids, chamomile, retinol, green tea extract | Size: 30 treatments | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Even though this rings in at less than $10, it still packs a solid exfoliating punch that’s just as powerful—if not more so—than its pricier counterparts. As the name suggests, it contains a 30% concentration of glycolic and lactic acids, and a 2% concentration of salicylic, a great trio to help not only smooth and even skin, but also help decongest clogged pores. FYI, it’s intense though, so make sure to leave it on no longer than the directed 10 minutes.
Type: Chemical, peel | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, vitamin B5, black carrot, Tasmanian pepperberry | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
This drugstore cleanser is super effective, yet gentle enough to use daily. It contains both glycolic and salicylic acids, boosting skin and evening out tone all while helping minimize the look of pores, in one fell swoop. It’s also a super-easy way to work exfoliating into your daily routine, and because it’s a wash-off formula, it is a good choice for those with sensitive skin, too.
Type: Chemical, cleanser | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 6.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size and weight of any of the alpha-hydroxy acids, it’s great at penetrating deeper into the skin, where it can help promote cell turnover, explains Nichols. She adds that it’s especially helpful for targeting pigment and discoloration as well as evening the skin. Another boon? With continued use glycolic acid can help stimulate collagen production to fight wrinkles.2
This is one of her favorite glycolic acid-based options, a nighttime treatment that she says leaves her skin glowing.
Type: Chemical, toner | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
“Lactic acid is another favorite chemical exfoliating ingredient of mine because it can be used as both a humectant and an exfoliant,” says Nichols. Translation? Not only does it exfoliate, but it also attracts water to the skin and is hydrating, which is good for combatting any dryness that can sometimes come with chemical exfoliants. Plus, since lactic acid is mild, it works well with most of the skincare products you’re already using, she adds. It’s the star of the show in this treatment, which she says can be used as a mask for 15 minutes. If your skin is a little more tolerant, you can also use it as a leave-on serum overnight.
Type: Chemical, serum/mask | Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Azelaic acid isn’t a chemical exfoliant in and of itself, although Nichols says it’s great for preventing breakouts and targeting stubborn redness. Here, it’s paired with exfoliating salicylic acid to help dissolve oil and unclog pores. The combo addresses stubborn breakouts and ultimately minimizes discoloration for a more even complexion, says Nichols. (There’s redness-calming licorice root extract in the mix, too.)3 Another plus: Azelaic acid is one of the few acne-fighting ingredients generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy.4
Type: Chemical, cream | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Salicylic acid is unique because it’s oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores where it can break down excess oil that can clog pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts.5 It makes this leave-on pick an especially good choice for those with oily skin, although it does work for all skin types. We also like that there’s antioxidant-rich green tea in the formula, and while it’s meant to be used as you would as serum, we find that it works well as a toner, too.6
Type: Chemical, leave-on treatment | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea | Size: 1 oz. or 4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
AHAs and BHAs aren’t the only chemical exfoliants on the block. Polyhydroxy acids are also popular; they’re much larger molecules than the others, meaning they don’t penetrate as deeply but also don’t have the same likelihood of irritation.7 The point is, they’re great for sensitive skin. Nichols likes this mask: “It contains gluconolactone, a PHA, that gently exfoliates and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritating,” she explains. It also relies on kaolin clay to help gently pull out excess oil.
Type: Chemical, mask | Active Ingredients: Gluconolactone, kaolin clay | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Another great pick that boasts glycolic acid, we like that this also has the added benefit of containing several other, good for your skin ingredients. Namely, hydrating hyaluronic acid to help combat any unwanted dryness, as well as niacinamide, which helps strengthen the skin barrier and boosts skin in and of itself.8 Simply swipe it on post-cleansing and pre-sunscreen. Happy reviewers rave about how well it combats dark spots and discoloration, particularly on darker skin tones.
Type: Chemical, toner | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Size: 7.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Single-use peel pads are quite possibly one of the easiest ways to make exfoliating a regular part of your skincare routine—all you have to do is wipe them across your face and you’re good to go. These are one of our all-time faves, loaded with both glycolic and lactic acids, alongside licorice extract and lemon peel. They’re gentle enough that they can even be used twice daily and are also great for using on your back and décolletage.
Type: Chemical, pads | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid | Size: 60 pads | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
This exfoliating mask is another staple for team Byrdie—we have yet to meet someone who hasn’t tried it and loved it. Per the name, it relies on berries that are both great sources of AHAs and BHAs (more specifically, mandelic acid, lactic, salicylic, tartaric, and malic acids), and are also loaded with good-for-your-skin antioxidants to help ward off free radical damage. It looks—and smells—like homemade raspberry jam, making the experience of using it truly delightful.
Type: Chemical, mask | Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, blueberry extract, raspberry seed oil, pomegranate extract, bromelain, strawberry fruit | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
This pick is expensive, but it works as a cleanser, scrub, peel, and mask all in one, helping to justify the price tag. It pairs lactic acid with a trio of fruit enzymes (papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin) that further help to up the exfoliating benefits.9 Best of all? It works in as little as 60 seconds (leave it on for up to two minutes if you don’t have sensitive skin), and you’ll notice that your skin is softer and smoother even after just one application.
Type: Chemical, cleanser/scrub/peel/mask | Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, fruit enzymes | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Yep, the skin on your body needs to be exfoliated, too. Using an exfoliating body wash is one of the best ways to do so; this is one of Dr. Nichols’s favorites. The salicylic acid in the mix makes it great for combatting breakouts on the back and chest, and she adds that this foaming wash also helps to smooth out uneven, rough texture.
Type: Chemical, body wash | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Size: 10 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
There’s a wide array of chemical exfoliators out there with something to fit every skin type and complexion concern. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is our overall favorite, essentially an easy-to-use, two-step at-home peel that combines alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. The Renee Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is another team Byrdie staple, which also combines a combo of AHAs and BHAs, works quickly, and smells fruity and delicious. If you’re prone to breakouts, try the Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Booster; it uses salicylic acid and azelaic acid to both unclog pores and tamp down redness. And don’t forget that you should exfoliate your body, too. Stash the salicylic-acid-based CeraVe SA Body Wash in your shower and it will be easy to do so daily.
Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are one of the best choices for gentle chemical exfoliation, unclogging the pores, evening out the skin, and helping with inflammatory conditions like acne and rosacea. Common examples of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. While these acids are relatively gentle, it’s important to patch test any new product, especially if you have sensitive skin.10 Also, remember that when it comes to AHAs it’s less about the dosage and more about the consistency of use.
Exfoliating can dry the skin out. After all, you are sloughing off the dead skin and debris from the top layer of your skin. To maintain your skin’s hydration, opt for exfoliators that also contain hydrating ingredients. Think moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid or glycerin (a humectant).
It’s estimated that anywhere between 80 and 90% of women have cellulite, and yet, so many of us are insecure about it. It doesn’t matter what you eat, how much you exercise, or your weight — cellulite is one of those things that doesn’t permanently go away, despite what many topical creams and lotions try to sell you.
However, if you are one of 49% of women who is bothered “a great deal” or “a lot” by your dimples, you’ll be delighted to know that the first FDA-approved cellulite-treating injectable recently hit the market. Everyone, meet QWO.
Essentially, it’s a cellulite-reducing injectable. Kim Nichols, MD, explains that QWO is an enzyme that, in liquid form, breaks down the collagen in the fibrous bands, which are the bands under the skin that pull down on subcutaneous fat and cause cellulite. QWO’s enzyme works by targeting the buildup of collagen in those bands.
Bruce Katz, MD, of JUVA Skin and Laser Center, shares that QWO requires three sessions and that each takes about 10 minutes, depending on how many injections are required. Dr. Nichols adds that it ranges between 12 to 24 injection points per treatment and that the number is based on how many dimples the person has.
Currently, QWO is only FDA-approved for the buttocks area. However, both doctors say it can be used off-label to treat cellulite in other areas of the body, such as the thighs and stomach.
QWO is touted as a long-term treatment, but since it’s only been around for a short while, we don’t know for sure quite yet. Dr. Katz shares that he was part of the clinical trials for QWO and that so far, patients have seen results lasting two and a half years. “While we are in the process of testing it for five years, it seems as though results are long-lasting, though we can’t say for sure without the scientific data,” he confirms.
The treatment was designed for people with moderate to severe cellulite. Dr. Nichols says that someone with moderate cellulite would have about 10 dimples in the area. However, she stresses the importance of consulting an expert to determine if you have cellulite, skin laxity, or both. “A lot of women have both, but skin laxity is when you have that kind of loose-folding skin on the buttocks or the back of the thigh or the side of the thigh, and if you picked it up, there wouldn’t be dimples there,” she says, adding that most women of 40 have both. “[Skin laxity] is treated by other things, such as radio frequency, microneedling, or fillers.”
Dr. Nichols, who has done the treatment herself, says that it’s relatively painless. Unlike how some fillers require a topical numbing cream before the treatment, she says that QWO uses very small needles and describes the feeling as “low discomfort.”
Both Dr. Nichols and Dr. Katz say that bruising is a common side effect. However, Dr. Nichols explains that it’s not caused by trauma, as most bruises are, but rather because when the enzymes break down the fibrous bands, the small veins around them get hit and cause bruising. “That gets significantly improved with the subsequent treatments — by treatment three, the bruising is pretty minimal,” she furthers.
However, Thomas Su, MD, of ArtLipo Plastic Surgery, says that he recently corrected undesired flat spots on a patient “In her case, the dimple was gone but the area was flattened and sagging — I’m not sure that any injector could have ‘controlled’ the outcome for a better result,” he says. Thankfully, Dr. Su was able to correct it by transferring fat from another place in her body into the flat spots.
As with all other in-office treatments, the price varies depending on geographical location and your doctor. Dr. Nichols shares that in the Northeast, she’s seeing prices range between $800 and $1500 per treatment. “Most offices, such as mine, tend to package the three treatments with a discount,” she adds.
If you’ve driven or walked by the Brick Walk lately, you can see the beautiful window panels of what is replacing the old BD Provisions hopefully within the next few weeks…NicholsMD of Fairfield! NicholsMD started in Greenwich, another location at Harbor Point in Stamford was opening, and now they are opening up a location in our very own Fairfield this Spring! NicholsMD of Fairfield is planning to open within the next few weeks and we cannot wait! Last month we got to visit the Stamford location to meet the wonderful women, to see their space, and learn more about what’s to come for their Fairfield location…and I also was able to enjoy one of their services! Their Stamford location is beautiful and the Fairfield location will be even bigger, so we know it will be amazing!
When I went to visit, I decided on the service of Botox®. The ladies of Skin Lab were so welcoming and accommodating and walked me through the process of what they thought would be best for me and my skin. NicholsMD uses a different method of Botox® in the sense they charge by area, not units. Most places I have learned charge by the units. Their system is different in the sense they don’t want you to feel that you can/should only get a certain amount of units. They want to take care of all the areas you are interested in or might need. In my case, I wanted the forehead, in between the eyebrows (that deep line we seem to get there) and crows feet. I always thought of crows feet as smile lines, but now that I see the difference I will never go back. I hate needles so you will not see any process pics, sorry haha. The ladies were great at making me feel comfortable, giving me a stress ball and my biggest concern (don’t let me see any of the needles they are using). I know they aren’t crazy needles, and I did have two kids, so I should be ok with them, but I still do not like to see!
They clean you up and pull back your hair and the most amazing part was a tool they use. I have never heard or seen this being used anywhere else – it is called a vibrata – it vibrates to distract your muscles. They hold up the vibrata to the area as they do the quick injection and it does distract you as well as your muscles. It was amazing! I didn’t feel anything, I didn’t need to squeeze the stress ball and all of a sudden I was done! It was quick and painless and of course I will be back!
The do a follow up after two weeks to make sure everything looks good and that you are happy. If anything was needed they would do a touch up. This should last 3-4 months and can possibly go longer!
NicholsMD of Fairfield is going to be my go-to and I am obsessed with the results. Stay tuned for more information about them opening!
The treatment itself was Wrinkle Reducer with Botox®, it included the forehead, eyebrows, and crow’s feet areas for rested, refreshed, and natural-looking results.
In the world of skin care, there is often an abundance of advice coming from every direction. Between recommendations for buzzy new products from online influencers to suggestions from family and friends, there is a long list of what needs to be done to achieve flawless skin. But what about skin care mistakes we should avoid?
From only applying sunscreen when under the sun to avoiding anti-aging products until it is too late, there are common mistakes people make that have simple solutions that can turn your whole routine around.
To help you take care of your skin, dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to discuss six mistakes she often sees clients make, plus product solutions for each example.
So, if you need advice on how to take care of oily skin, or are curious about what product to use when washing your face, keep reading because we have answers.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Mattifying Moisturizer
A common mistake people with oily skin make, Nichols said, is avoiding moisturizers. A good moisturizer for oily skin is a lightweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free serum. Ingredients to look out for are ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
This mattifying option from La Roche-Posay is developed specifically for oily skin as it targets excess oil and refines pores. The formula has micro-exfoliating lip-hydroxy acid to help achieve a moisturized matte look.
Other recommendations Nichols has are SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Eucerin Active Light Hydrating Cream.
Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides and Peptide
If your skin has yet to show signs of aging, you might scoff at the idea of incorporating anti-aging products into your routine. Waiting until you are older to use anti-aging products and retinols, however, is actually a big mistake, Nichols says. While everyone has a unique aging timeline, retinols are a great way to slowly start and help your skin develop a tolerance.
“You can also get a personally compounded and prescribed retinol with your specific skin in mind if you see a board-certified dermatologist,” Nichols said.
A great product to start with is this retinol serum that aims to reduce wrinkles, firm skin and even skin tone. The formula is also paraben and fragrance free. Other options Nichols suggests is La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment, SkinCeuticals Custom D.O.S.E and Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum.
RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck, and Face Moisturizer Cream with SPF 30
One of the most common mistakes, Nichols says, is only concentrating on your face while doing your skin care routine, especially when it comes to anti-aging products.
“I always tell my patients that the skincare regimen for their face should be matched on their neck daily as well,” Nichols said.
This lightweight day cream is formulated to be used on the delicate chest and neck areas, which are often prone to showing signs of aging. The creams works to hydrate, improve elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Other products Nichols suggests to use on the neck area are SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream and Clarins Extra-Firming Neck & Décolleté.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
When you think of sunscreen, you might imagine lathering up on a hot, sunny summer day. If the sun isn’t out, however, applying SPF might not be included in your skin care routine, but it should be.
Even while indoors, sitting in front of a computer screen, your skin can be impacted by blue light, UVA and UVB rays. Throughout the year, even when indoors during the winter, Nichols says it is important to continue applying SPF, and to not just rely on makeup with SPF included in the formula.
A key ingredient to look for when shopping for SPF products is zinc oxide, which is a key ingredient in this Neutrogena option. This sunscreen is formulated to be water resistant and dries without a greasy finish. Free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes and irritating chemicals, this sunscreen is a great sheer, lightweight option.
Nichols also recommends EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 and SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.
When it comes to taking care of your skin, gentle is always the way to go. For cleansers, it might be tempting to use harsh exfoliants to scrub away dirt and dead skin, however Nichols says, “there should be no fragrances or scrubs, ever.”
Instead, Nichols recommends a double cleanse using a gentle face wash to kick off your morning and nighttime skin care routine.
This micellar cleansing water is a no-rinse facial cleanser that can gently remove foundation makeup, mascara and excess oils. This product is formulated to not only cleanse but also leave skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. Made with three essential ceramides, which help restore the skin’s natural barrier; glycerin to help hydrate; and niacinamide to soothe skin, this product also has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.
Other gentle cleansers Nichols recommends are Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser and Neutrogena Daily Cleanser, Ultra Gentle.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original
If you find yourself tempted to pick at your face and pop a few pimples, don’t worry, we have all been there. While tempting, it is important to avoid touching and popping, as it can often make the problem worse with the spread of bacteria and possible scarring.
“I find that my patients are less likely to pick at or attempt to pop a breakout when it is physically covered by something,” Nichols said. “It isn’t necessarily about what is in the patch or mask itself, but the act of covering a pimple itself helps minimize the temptation to pick and spread bacteria overall.”
These hydrocolloid stickers are designed to improve the look of pimples overnight. The patches work to absorb gunk in six to eight hours and help reduce redness and irritation. The translucent matte finish is made to be comfortable and can even be worn under makeup.
L’Oreal Pure Clay Face Mask with Charcoal, Bye Bye Blemish, SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque and ZitSticka are other masks and patches Nichols recommends trying.See Full Article
FAIRFIELD — A dermatology group coming to Fairfield says it aims to bring luxury-level skincare treatments to people in the area.
“I believe in natural-looking results. I want my patients to look like the best version of themselves — not anyone else,” Dr. Kim Nichols said in a statement. “I truly believe that when you look good, you feel good.”
Emily Anne Scalise, NicholsMD’s director of business development and operations, said the Fairfield location plans to open in May at 1215 Post Road.
Scalise said Fairfield was a great space because residents enjoy looking and feeling their best, but also because it is a university town.
“We know that aging is a form of prevention,” she said. “We say the more you do now, the less you need later, but we want that natural looking result. It allows us to preach about skin health in a place with a wide-ranging demographic. Fairfield was such a natural fit.”
The practice will offer treatments such as jawline contouring, wrinkle reducer treatment such as Botox, lip lifts and facials. It also has a treatment that originated with NicholsMD — The Greenwich Secret — which combines microneedling and radio frequency technology to revitalize the skin and diminish signs of aging on the face and body.
“It’s a no downtime skin treament, less than 30 minutes,” Scalise said. “It helps with skin texture and signs of aging. If someone is anti-injectibles it’s a phenomenal approach.”
Scalise said the cosmetic and medical dermatology practice first opened in Greenwich in 2013 under the ownership of Dr. Kim Nichols. She said the Black-owned business brings high-quality treatment to the suburbs.
“The vision of NicholsMD in Greenwich was to bring New York City luxury to the suburbs of Connecticut,” she said. “At the time, that level of innovation and natural looking results was kind of only available in the city. People would either have to commute or compromise really excellent care.”
Nichols has been featured on shows “Dr. Oz” and “Today” as well as in publications such as “Glamour” and “Women’s Health.”
In 2020, Scalise said, Nichols opened SkinLab in the Harbor Point district of Stamford. She said the business expanded at a rate that allowed them to build a staff and train it to offer excellent results.
“After many years of building up an extensive training program for all the employees, we believe our front office employees are just as trained as the back office,” she said. “Someone picking up the phone can answer questions someone else might normally answer, but our bread and butter is our team and our staff.”
Another component of NicholsMD strategy is demystifying skincare, Scalise said, which is partially driven by how open their facilities are — with the front of the business set up almost like normal retail. She said front offices are filled with before-and-afters videos on display as well as staff ready to assist.
“We wanted that visibility — sure, for marketing — but really we have a bigger purpose, which is to let everyone know this doesn’t have to be intimidating,” she said.
Going to a medical office in a medical building and having a four-week waiting period is not the NicholsMD way, Scalise said, adding the practice has a standard of seeing their patients within three days. Increasing accessibility to skin treatments, she said, does not come with sacrificed physician oversight.
“We want people to be comfortable and confident to look like themselves, not to look like somebody else,” she said. “This isn’t another place coming into town to talk about lip filler. This is a place that’s making little tweaks so (customers) can wear less makeup or shave less — just so that they can have a more confident life overall.”
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Where did you grow up and go to school?
I am a proud New Yorker, born and raised. My husband and I returned to the city after finishing our education and then lived there before moving to idyllic Greenwich, CT to raise our family. I graduated cum laude from Harvard University, went to NYU Medical School and completed my dermatology residency training for 3 years at King-Drew/Harbor-UCLA in sunny LA.
How did you decide to specialize in dermatology with a specialty in Cosmetic Surgery?
I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl. Coupled with my love for science and creativity, I have always been fascinated by the rare and intimate connection that doctor has to patient. When I was in medical school, I considered going into plastic surgery, which appealed to me as a hands-on mix of my passions for art and science. However, the thing that surgery was missing for me was the patient interaction – not so easy to connect with your patient when she’s under anesthesia on the surgical table. As an alternative, dermatology turned out to be the perfect combination of everything I wanted in my medical career. Being a cosmetic dermatologist allows me to help improve my patients’ confidence as they pursue their work and dreams. I am the person my clients come to when they want to look and feel their best. What is better than that?
How did you meet your husband, Chris?
Our history runs deep. Chris and I were high school sweethearts at Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY. My very best friend introduced us, and later became the maid of honor in our wedding. Chris is a lawyer. We share the same drive and entrepreneurial spirit. We have always respected and admired both fields of medicine and law.
What are your children up to?
Chris and I have three awesome children. Sasha is 14 and attends Greenwich Academy. She’s incredibly hard-working and funny, and I hope she will run my business one day. Our 12-year-old son Peyton is carrying out the family legacy at Hackley, Class of 2028. He loves to play football; we joke that his name is Peyton for a reason. Finally, our son Desi, 10, is the star of the show on stage. He most recently played Gomez in the Addams Family and he was incredible! Our kids are all very different, which I love.
What brought you to Greenwich?
After practicing in Manhattan for seven years, I was ready to open my own business. My vision was strong, I wanted to bring New York luxury dermatology to a community that would appreciate it. This is when I developed the concept of NicholsMD of Greenwich. I wanted to provide a luxe, Upper East Side experience without the trip into the city. NicholsMD is a complete skincare destination offering cutting edge, physician-validated services with ease, convenience and accessibility that meets the demands of today’s consumer.
Tell us about your parents.
Yes, I am very grateful for my parents. My mother is extremely humble and will never brag about herself, but she is a Yale-trained lawyer who worked during my entire childhood and taught me what it is to be an involved working mother. And my dad is the voice in my head, always telling me to take it easy on myself, and to smell the roses along the way.
What do you do in your free time? Do you exercise?
Thanks to the pandemic (we built out our home gym during that time), I’m back to my regular exercise routine, and am trying to keep it that way. During my “free” time, I like to hike with the kids and Blue, our dog. Chris and I love going to concerts, a passion that my kids are now picking up as they get older.
Tell us about your work/life balance.
In all honesty, sometimes the lines are blurred between my home and work life. When you love what you do as much as I do, it all meshes. However, I do make a point to make the most of my time. For instance, I will take calls from the car on my way home so I can be present with my family upon my arrival. And in the mornings, I wake up very early to answer emails and map out the day, so I have “mind-space” to chat with my kids on the way to school. Of course, I couldn’t do any of it without my team at home, who make it all happen every day.
We love your beautiful home. Tell us about how you came up with ideas when designing/renovating it.
Thank you! Chris and I love to travel, so when building our home, we often picked up design ideas on our trips. A few years ago, we were in Vegas on a work trip (yes, Vegas…) and we walked into the most-chic elevator that had been lined with beautiful rich leather. I sent a photo to our interior designer, Erinn Valencich, for inspiration and she came up with an amazing grommeted leather wall for our powder room that is one of the highlights of the house! Building our home has been a very long process (we’re still not done…) but working with a designer whose vision I trust, has made the process fun.
What are the pluses and minuses of owning your own business? What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping my clients feel and look their best. It’s what gets me up in the morning, despite challenges that are bound to come my way every day. And being an entrepreneur is at the core of who I am. I know full-heartedly that the autonomy of owning my own business is more important to me than anything else. And I’m surrounded by my staff who think the same way. NicholsMD started with 6 employees and has grown into a team of 22. As we continue to grow, I make it a priority to educate and ingrain my mission into every new employee. What we do isn’t unique, it’s how we do it. With perseverance and hard work, you can achieve almost anything – our opening of a third location in Fairfield is a testament to that.
Tell us about your entrepreneurial side and how you came up with the idea for “Hustle and Glow?” They always say that entrepreneurs see a void and come up with the idea on how to fill it.
As a physician and proud entrepreneur. I started Hustle & Glow™ to educate those in the beauty business on how to attract, maintain and grow loyal clientele. Hustle & Glow™ is a complimentary webinar with both didactic and live treatment portions. So far, we’ve aired six episodes, and have lined up four more shotts for the upcoming year. I invite you to watch ourmost recent episode, “The Untapped Opportunity: Retail Integration,” on our YouTube, NicholsMD of Greenwich Dermatology. Physicians go to medical school, not business school. I wanted to share a series of pearls I’ve learned over the years to help build my brand, while growing my business. Each topic is curated by me, for others in my field, with passion and profitability in mind.
Tell us about the competition in your business.
When the vision is strong, competition makes no difference. And truthfully, I think competition is a compliment.
Tell us about your expansion into Fairfield? Do you have any other towns in your sites?
It feels like the location in Fairfield was meant for us. NicholsMD of Fairfield is downtown, right on the main strip. We imagine having a similar clientele as our Harbor Point office, SkinLab by NicholsMD, which makes our transition that much more seamless. We know the town will appreciate the one-of-a-kind, concierge service we offer. Fairfield is just the beginning, NicholsMD will be bi-coastal before you know it.
Who has been your biggest influence in your life/career?
My grandparents were integral forces in my life, always reinforcing my work ethic and potential to do big things.
Tell us about your involvement in our community.
I’ve been on the board of the Metro NY North Greenwich chapter of the American Red Cross for 6 years. I’m also a committee chair for The Skin Cancer Foundation, and a leadership council member of the Greenwich YWCA. In the past year I also became a mentor for Girls Inc., an organization that instills young girls with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their dreams. In addition, at my practice, we have always put philanthropy at the heart of our core mission. Each month we highlight a product and treatment and donate a portion of the profits to a chosen non-profit organization within the community. I find it is a great way to get my patients and staff involved in giving back to causes that directly impact those around us.
FAIRFIELD, CT — NicholsMD, a Greenwich-based dermatology office known for cosmetic and medical skincare treatments, is opening a Fairfield location in the spring.
NicholsMD of Fairfield will open in May at 1215 Post Road under the leadership of board-certified and celebrity dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols, a Harvard-trained dermatologist recognized for her injecting expertise and signature treatments, like The Greenwich Secret. Nichols has been featured on “Megyn Kelly Today” and “The Dr. Oz Show,” and as a skincare expert in magazines such as “Women’s Health” and on News 12.
“I am so excited to launch NicholsMD of Fairfield as it is a continuation of the unique, innovative destinations I strive to offer,” Nichols said in a news release. “It will be my third boutique skincare facility in the area offering medical-grade products and top-of-the-line services that are individually tailored to each patient.”
Nichols and her dermatology staff offer a skincare destination for patients who are new to medical aesthetics and want natural-looking results. In 2013, Nichols opened NicholsMD of Greenwich with the mission to bring New York City luxury to Connecticut. Six years, a host of awards, and many loyal patients later, Nichols opened SkinCeuticals’ SkinLab by NicholsMD in Harbor Point.
For more information, visit kimnicholsmd.com.
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