Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD; Emily Anne Scalise, MBA; Vanesa Kodra, MS, PA-C; and Madison Bradley, BS
Enhancement of one’s side profile has been one of the most desired treatments within the cosmetic world. The key to an aesthetically-pleasing side profile is a more defined and contoured jawline. Jawline contouring has become one of the most popular trends of 2021, and this has proven to be true at NicholsMD of Greenwich. Just take a look at #jawlinefiller on Instragram; you will find more than 354,000 posts. We have developed a Signature Jawline Contour treatment as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to elevate and define the jawline. This customizable treatment package uses a variety of injectables, including calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid fillers, and neurotoxins. The Jawline Contour treatment is based on each patient’s individual needs and is customized to achieve their desired outcome.
With age, loss of definition in the jawline area is common, due to skin laxity, bone resorption, and fat atrophy. Both male and female patients request chiseled, contoured facial features for a stronger side profile and a contoured jawline. The customized use of injectables, including calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid fillers, and neurotoxins, can produce the desired outcomes in a minimally invasive way.
As we age, loss of definition in the jawline area is commonly seen due to skin laxity, bone resorption, and fat atrophy. The change from a soft, contoured, oval-shaped, “youthful” looking face, to a sagging, jowly, square-shaped appearance is a natural effect of these skin and volume changes. Chiseled, contoured facial features are also requested by our younger male and female patients for a stronger side profile and a contoured jawline. The Jawline Contour treatment is a procedure where dermal fillers are injected into the jawline to instantly lift the skin, sculpt, and define the angles of the lower face, improve volume, restore overall balance and symmetry, and improve a patient’s “selfie” profile.
All treatments at NicholsMD begin with a detailed consultation assessing the patient’s facial and neck structure from top to bottom. The Jawline Contour treatment is uniquely created to address patients’ concerns of lower face sagging and their desire for a more beautiful side “social profile.” Depending upon the patient’s lower face concerns, our signature jawline treatment plan may include calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa; Radiesse, Merz) filler to lift and support the bilateral rami, hyaluronic acid filler to define the chin area, neuromodulators to slim the masseter muscles and/or soften perioral muscles, and deoxycholic acid (Kybella, Allergan Aesthetics) injection in the submental region to permanently reduce small areas of fat under the jawline and chin.
At NicholsMD, we perform an assessment and aesthetic evaluation of a patient prior to treatment. We show the patient digital photos we have taken of them on a tablet. These photographs include three fundamental angles: head-on shot, 45-degree angle, and 90-degree angle. Unlike handing the patient a mirror, the tablet photos allow them to truly see what they look like at different angles and profiles. Sitting side-by-side with the patient, our providers can point to various features of the patient’s profile that can be improved with our customized Jawline Contour treatment. Patients are then counseled on the mechanics of the treatment itself, that they can expect to see optimal results approximately one to two weeks post-treatment, and that results last 12-24 months, on average. We also review post-care instructions and possible side effects. Consent is signed by our patients after thorough review and counseling of potential risks and recovery period. Dr. Nichols and her dermatology physician assistants also create a customized, in-depth skincare regimen for each patient to prevent aging and maximize results at home. Lastly, we advise our patients to schedule a nine-month follow up appointment in order to assess satisfaction and review potential next steps.
Candidates for the Jawline Contour treatment are patients who have mild to moderate jowls, those who desire increased definition in their jawline, patients who report sagging in their lower face, and those who complain of a double chin. This procedure is key to providing more length and dimension overall in a patient’s face. This combination treatment is so popular with our patients because it is non-surgical, results are fairly immediate with minimal recovery time, results are long lasting, and the treatment is suitable for both men and women.
The FDA has approved calcium hydroxylapatite as an injectable filler for tissue augmentation of the jawline. When restoring an oval jawline, CaHa provides an unmatched ability to attain instant and long-lasting volume amplification, due to its higher elastic modulus (G prime) and viscosity, as compared to several hyaluronic acid fillers. Last year alone, there were more than 200,000 patient requests for calcium hydroxylapatite usage for soft tissue fillers.1
To recontour the jawline, we inject calcium hydroxylapatite using a hypodermic needle or blunt-tip microcannula. Generally, CaHa is injected with a 30mm-long 27gauge inner diameter needle or 22 or 25gauge variable length microcannula. The choice of needle or cannula should reflect provider preference. Calcium hydroxylapatite is injected along the periosteum of the inferior mandible. A retrograde linear threading technique is used in the submandibular and lateral mandibular placement. A second insertion point is made at the intersection of the jawline and lateral chin. A retrograde linear threading technique is then used for submandibular and lateral mandibular placement. The total volume of filler used during treatment varies for each patient, individually. Adverse events associated with calcium hydroxylapatite include redness, swelling, and bruising. As with any procedure entering the surface of the skin, there is a risk of infection. Performing the procedure in a sterilized field minimizes risk.
The injection of calcium hydroxylapatite can be combined with other aesthetic treatments, including hyaluronic acid fillers, neuromodulators, chemical peels, as well as laser resurfacing treatments. At NicholsMD, patients are provided with written aesthetic treatment plans that are catered to their specific concerns, along with a timeline of when to schedule such treatments to maximize results.
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The “NicholsMD Signature Jawline Contour” leaves patients overjoyed about the definition in their jawline and the elevation and slimmed appearance of their face and neck. The selection of calcium hydroxylapatite as an injectable filler in the jawline is ideal for patients seeking a contoured jawline or those experiencing age-related volume loss in the lower face. In addition, because it also stimulates neocollagenesis, it can help improve the overall quality and attractiveness of the patient’s skin. A well-defined jawline is desirable in all our patients, giving a perception of beauty and youth.
We are so excited to share that Dr. Nichols’ exclusive collaboration with Mott50, The Kimme Hat, is launching this month! As a board-certified Dermatologist, Dr. Nichols knows how hard it can be to find protective sun wear that is also stylish. Mott50 truly bridges the gap between sun-safety and staying chic! This luxe, UPT50+ hat can easily match any summer wardrobe. Get your Kimme hat from our shop page today!
Although Medical Aesthetics helps address patients’ aesthetic concerns, at the end of the day, it’s built on the practice of medicine. And when it comes to practicing medicine, the golden rule is to do no harm. “It’s the Hippocratic oath,” says San Francisco facial plastic surgeon Corey S. Maas, MD. “And we remind everybody about that whenever we can.”
Keeping patients safe in the Medical Aesthetics industry requires extra vigilance because the field is constantly evolving—with new treatments, devices, tools, and medications. And even as practitioners continue learning and training to be able to deliver these new innovations, they must always hold fast to two core principles: taking good care of patients and focusing on their well-being.
“This is an outcome-driven business, and it always has been, so you’re not successful unless you have good outcomes,” Dr. Maas says. “But outcomes aren’t just a perfect facelift or rhinoplasty that was exactly what the patient wanted—it’s also about the patient journey through that experience.”
We asked a handful of esteemed colleagues in the industry to explain what patient safety really means and the best ways to help ensure patient safety in a Medical Aesthetics practice.
“Anatomy is the most important thing,” says Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, a Harvard-trained, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon with her own practice in Connecticut. “When you’re getting into the industry, it’s vital to learn from mentors and other injectors so you’re making sure safety is a priority, and anatomy is where you start.”
After all, “almost anybody can put a needle through the skin,” notes national aesthetic education director Connie Brennan, MSN, RN, PHN, CANS, CPSN, CPC, ISPAN-F, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. “But when thinking about the safety of the patient, it is important to think about what is below the skin (such as ligaments, arteries, vessels, nerves, muscles, and fat). Depth matters in placement of any aesthetic products,” she says. “If we don’t understand the anatomy, we cannot place products properly for that patient and achieve the desired outcome.” When injecting cheeks, for example, Brennan considers the lymphatic system underneath and what might get disturbed if she injects too much product. “So, understanding injection anatomy is a key component of what we do as aesthetic injectors,” she says, “and if we do not know anatomy, we should not be injecting!”
To truly master anatomy, Brennan, who is also founder and president of a Medical Aesthetics consulting/training company, recommends investing in industry textbooks, joining professional organizations and attending aesthetic meetings, following top credentialed practitioners for trainings and on social media to see their tips and techniques, researching the many options for introductory and advanced trainings, reading peer reviewed articles from aesthetic journals, and practicing techniques as soon as you learn them on your own. In training her daughter during COVID (when offices were closed), who is a Registered Nurse and starting in the Medical Aesthetics industry, Brennan ordered white Styrofoam® mannequin heads and, using colored dry erase markers, drew the anatomy of the face, including arteries, vessels, nerves, and deep fat pads. “It’s a great way to learn and practice what you are learning when you are studying anatomy,” she says.
Dr. Nichols is constantly reading journal articles and attending professional conferences to improve her techniques and learn new ones. “I have an open mind about what my colleagues are doing,” she says. “And that has to be continual, or else your skills are going to get dated.” Dr. Nichols also meets with her staff biweekly to share topics and techniques they’ve seen from other experienced injectors in the industry.
Dr. Maas believes in harnessing the power of technology in continuing medical education. “We can do a lot of what we’ve been doing here [at my local society chapter] in California, which is videotaping live demonstrations of experts from around the world, and then having [the videos available] on a good platform that’s always there for people to watch and ask questions about,” he says. He hopes to get more practitioners to submit “How I Do It” videos, ultimately building a library of demos that show “how our facial experts address certain issues, and how we can continue to improve the quality of care and their patient experience,” he says.
“You want to sit down, take the time, and have the patient tell you why they’re there,” Racquel Frisella says.
For board-certified nurse-practitioner and aesthetic specialist Racquel Frisella, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, the consultation is huge: “That’s where you’re making the personal connection,” she says. And it starts with listening. “You want to sit down, take the time, and have the patient tell you why they’re there,” she says. “If they’re one of those people who’s just like, ‘I want everything,’ get them to focus; ask, ‘what’s your number one priority?’”
Comprehensive consultations are also important in understanding a patient’s health history. These conversations are a way of understanding their lifestyle, what kinds of medicines they take regularly, and supplements or over-the-counter medicines they imbibe that might cause an adverse reaction to surgery, injectables, or even skincare products, according to Frisella.
Frisella believes in pre-screening patients before they come in to determine whether they’re good candidates for a treatment they’re seeking. “I can look at a photo and see that if somebody has a huge fat pad, for example, they can’t get filler,” she says. “It doesn’t mean I won’t see them, but I set those expectations ahead of time, so patients aren’t coming in and getting super disappointed, thinking they were getting filler that day.”
“Education is the biggest part of my consultation—I teach patients why they’re seeing whatever the issue is and walk them through the anatomy part of it,” Frisella explains. Then she suggests treatment options and explains what they involve. “If it’s a filler, I start with the basics: I explain what filler is, how it works, what kind of filler I want to use,” she says. “Then I go over all of the pre- and post-treatment instructions, what they can sort of expect before, during, and after.”
An integral part of this process, according to Dr. Maas, is offering patients open and full disclosure. That means making sure they’re aware of what the options are for their treatment and giving them ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss the risks and benefits associated with them. “Offering the variety of options that might address patients’ concerns—not channeling them into one area or one particular set of devices or drugs, I think that’s really important,” he says.
“And the more they understand, the better,” he adds. “It all works together to a common goal,” which, according to Dr. Maas, is safe, ethical care, desired outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
After listening carefully to patients’ needs and concerns, Dr. Nichols lays out the plans she has in mind for achieving them. “I think the biggest thing is making sure there’s transparency from the start,” she says. “It tends to work out well in terms of achieving patients’ goals.”
Dr. Nichols and her team devote a full hour to patient consultations. The staffers explain the procedures they’re set to perform, how long treatment will last, the results they can expect, possible side effects, any measures patients should take in advance (such as stopping retinol for seven days), any measures patients should take afterward (such as avoiding exercise), and pricing all the way down to the sales tax. Perhaps most important is a recommended timeline that helps patients know how to plan. “It really is comprehensive, and again, it’s about taking the time,” she says.
In the Medical Aesthetics industry, many practitioners work alone or in a small group rather than in a large group specialty practice. For Dr. Maas, that means extra care must be taken to uphold safety and ethics regulations. “You have to set tough standards because you don’t have a big institutional set of standards that are being met with oversight being done by that group,” he says.
It also means asking tough questions about the new technologies, ideas, and services being offered to patients. “With some of these new things, I think we have to be honest with ourselves, in the best interests of our patients, as to whether they’re really helping,” he says. “Are we really seeing patient improvement? I think,” he adds, “that looking at our own work critically is a big part of learning.”
These examples are intended to provide information and inspiration for your journey and are not a recommendation or endorsement.
The road to becoming an experienced Medical Aesthetics injector is paved with determination—and a lot of training.
But training for a career in Medical Aesthetics goes well beyond classroom instruction. It may involve following industry leaders on social media, approaching aesthetic professionals to be mentors, attending industry conferences, subscribing to medical journals, soaking up knowledge from pharmaceutical company webinars and trainings, and much more.
Spark by Allergan Aesthetics caught up with Medical Aesthetics providers from around the country to compile some of their best tips for potentially going from first training to trained injector.
Those who train other injectors in the art and ethics of administering aesthetic treatments know firsthand that the mastering of facial anatomy is crucial in starting the journey to injecting.1 Anatomy is the backbone of all aesthetics procedures, and for good reason. Understanding the anatomical relationships between skin layers of tissue, fat compartments, blood vessels, nerves and bone is essential in administering aesthetics treatments and achieving desired patient outcomes.2
Dr. Nichols urges new injectors to start slow and build their skills gradually. “I think a lot of early injectors try to jump into everything all at once and then they don’t really become great at anything,” she says. Instead, focus on mastering one skill at a time. “If it’s worth it for you to know how to administer neurotoxins, for example, get really good at that before you move on to other things,” she says.
Kaitlyn Rahtelli, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant in Ridgefield, Connecticut, recommends immersing yourself in the field—”doing whatever you can to soak up as much knowledge as you can”—signing up for webinars, going to conferences, subscribing to journals. She also believes strongly in the benefits of using social media. “Following [Medical Aesthetics providers] on social media really helps,” she says. “Not only can you stay up to date on treatment news and see what patients are interested in, but it may help show future employers how passionate you really are about the field.”
Professional aesthetic societies are a great place to meet people, network, and learn about the latest research, tools, and techniques. Additionally, Rahtelli recommends checking out the new Spark site for introductory information as well as certification and licensing information.
Connie Brennan, MSN, RN, PHN, CANS, CPSN, CPC, ISPAN-F, is a member of eight professional aesthetic societies because membership has its perks. “Being a member, you get access to a lot of information,” she explains. “For me, it’s helpful to have a lot of touchstones where I can go on to the site and see what’s happening there, including whether there’s anything that can help in my trainings or with my colleagues or peers.”
Brennan clearly has experience in keeping up with various Medical Aesthetics certifications. Navigating all of the various Medical Aesthetic licensing certifications and their overall qualifications, however, can be difficult—but Brennan has some advice.
“The biggest resource that you can use is your own state nursing boards,” says Brennan, “because those are the boards you have to follow.” These boards also help in reviewing or accrediting certain nursing programs, as well as in overseeing the standards for safe nursing practices.3
Though certifications do not automatically confer any authority, Brennan stands by their value, noting that they demonstrate someone’s dedication toward learning something new. “And then whether or not you get hired, maybe it’s because you’ve taken the initiative to go and get training yourself, and have something to show for that,” she says.
On top of the experience of your first job and training from pharmaceutical reps, go the extra mile to learn more and research training companies to find one that meets your needs. Some companies offer introductory training for new injectors trying to get into the industry. “They have great introductory programs that aren’t that expensive,” Brennan says. Just ask colleagues for feedback and check first to ensure the companies have proper credentials.
Brennan also recommends inquiring about company training. If you’re hired by a physician or running your own practice, contact the companies you work with about intro trainings—they’ll come to you. “And don’t forget to look into CME sponsorships,” she says. Various companies offer affordable online programs, including virtual and, increasingly post-COVID, hands-on trainings.
Since there aren’t many aesthetic fellowships specific to Medical Aesthetics, early injectors can benefit from having mentors to show them the ropes.
“For me it started with getting information from my mentors during externships,” explains Dr. Nichols, who feels lucky to have worked for seven years with a dermatologist who gave her full access to the aesthetics part of the practice. “That was huge because this dermatologist was doing a lot of studies and it opened the door for me,” she says. “It gave me a lot of opportunity to see and learn about aesthetics firsthand.”
When scrolling through job descriptions, look for teams willing to train new graduates. In interviews, Rahtelli adds, ask what the training process looks like and what resources are available to you. “My training period was officially three months but really I’m still learning, and I’ve been in [at my current practice] for over a year,” she says. “The supervising physician is always looking for new techniques, they’re always learning, so you want to make sure they’re willing to then teach you what they’re learning.”
Even experienced healthcare providers teach and attend trainings today to learn what’s going on in the industry.
Dr. Cash, who completed four years of medical school, five years of general surgery residency, and then two additional years of plastic surgery residency, still goes to seminars, peer-related conferences and symposiums, and she almost always comes away with new wisdom. She’s also in online chat groups where colleagues share new skills and before and after photos. Lastly, she’s not afraid to learn from residents when they bring in new ideas. “It’s nonstop—you’re always expanding, always growing, always trying to develop your skills and be better and better,” she says.
Dr. Nichols is constantly reading journal articles and attending professional conferences to improve her techniques and learn new ones. “I have an open mind about what my colleagues are doing,” she says. “And that has to be continual or else your skills are going to get dated.” Dr. Nichols also meets with her staff biweekly to share topics and techniques they’ve seen from other experienced injectors on social media and around the industry.
Rahtelli regularly participates in advanced injectable trainings to learn different techniques and make sure her skills are current. “The biggest thing with this field is that it’s always evolving—there are always new injection techniques and new technologies coming out, so you want to make sure that you’re up to date on best practices and new innovations,” she says. “Patients are always going to be asking you about the new hot thing, and you want to make sure you know.”
1 Goodman GJ, Liew S, Callan P, Hart S. Facial aesthetic injections in clinical practice: pretreatment and posttreatment consensus recommendations to minimise adverse outcomes. Australas J Dermatol. 2020;61(3):217-225. doi:10.1111/ajd.13273
2 Akinbiyi T, Othman S, Familusi O, Calvert C, Card EB, Percec I. Better Results in Facial Rejuvenation with Fillers. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(10):e2763. Published 2020 Oct 15. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002763
3 State Boards of Nursing : Nursing2021. LWW. https://journals.lww.com/nursing/fulltext/2003/01001/state_boards_of_nursing.24.aspx. Published January 2003.
One busy practice set itself apart by creating a results-driven, combination eye treatment package that yielded better patient results and high patient satisfaction compared to typical non-surgical eye treatment options.
KIM NICHOLS, MD, FAAD, EMILY ANNE SCALISE, MA, AND MADISON BRADLEY, BS
It is often said that the periorbital cortex is a large component in non- verbal communication, especially in creating first impressions. Knowing that eye contact is the primary form of communication and interaction between individuals, rejuvenation of the periorbital area is highly desirable in the cosmetic world. This area is one of the first and most prominent areas to show signs of aging on the face due to the loss of tissue and bony resorption.1 Volume loss and discoloration in the under-eye area is very common and there are limited non-invasive, non-surgical treatment options that are effective in softening their appear- ance. At NicholsMD, we offer our patients comprehensive treatment packages that give the most effective results for a non-surgical solution. We have created a combination treatment to treat this delicate eye area in order to address collagen production, age prevention, and skin texture.
“Total Eye Rejuvenation” is a customized treatment that lifts and brightens the most central part of the face: the eyes. This treatment package is essential in order for patients to get the results they are looking for, which is almost always a more rested, lifted appearance. When choosing a candidate for this treatment, it is important to choose someone who is not only looking to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, but also someone who is looking to open and lift the appearance of their brow and eye area.
TREATMENT
Total Eye Rejuvenation consists of one treatment of micro-focused ultrasound technology in the under-eye area, neurotoxin in the brow, forehead, and crow’s feet, and a hyaluronic acid dermal filler injected to the area.
Step 1: Micro-Focused Ultrasound Technology. Our micro-focused ultra- sound technology is a skin tightening device that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate, build, and restore collagen around the eyes. This allows for the improvement of the texture and elasticity of the skin under the eyes. Clinical trials have found that micro-focused ultrasound technology provides patients with 77.8 percent improvement of their fine lines and wrinkles, as well as volume loss.2 This part of the Total Eye Rejuvenation has virtually no downtime, while providing natural results in order to build collagen and tighten the skin. Our patients will see their full results within four to five months of the treatment. We recommend this treatment for all skin tightening concerns because it is non-invasive and only has to be done every one to one-and-a-half years.
BOTTOM LINE
The combined use of micro-focused ultrasound technology in the under- eye area, neurotoxin in the brow, forehead, and crow’s feet, and a hyaluronic acid dermal filler injected to the area can rejuvenate the eyes with minimum downtime.
Step 2: Neuromodulator. The next step of this treatment is the neurotoxin. The preference of the type of neurotoxin is at the discretion of the provider or preference of the patient based on past experiences. Each type of neuromodulating product has the same basic chemical makeup, differing from each other only by a small amino acid chain at the end of the molecule. These neurotoxins, or what we like to call wrinkle relaxers and reducers, help to lift the brow, while smoothing the lines on the forehead and eyes to give a natural, but more “awake” appearance. The full results of this part of the Total Eye Rejuvenation take 10-14 days to fully set in and can last up to three to four months on average. Unlike most offices, at NicholsMD, we inject Botox with insulin syringes to use the smallest possible needle. This, therefore, makes the injections more comfort- able while also reducing the risk of bruising.
Although bruising incidence and extent varies with every client and is hard to predict, before injecting we use our vein finder to indicate the larger veins in the treatment areas in order to avoid potential bruising. We also offer a complimentary Bruise-Minimizing Laser and Post-Procedure Cream within 10 days of the original appointment. We also have many options in office to help minimize the appearance of a bruise, such as soothing arnica masques, arnica pellets, and medical-grade, dermatologist-approved makeup available for purchase to disguise any signs of injection.
Step 3: Hyaluronic Acid Filler. The final part of the Total Eye Rejuvenation treatment is the placement of under-eye filler. We recommend hyaluronic acid dermal filler to add volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe volume loss. Most of our patients will require one syringe for optimal results. This part of the treatment will fill the hollows of the eye and improve the appearance of volume loss and discoloration. The under-eye filler lasts six to nine months on average and helps to subtly fill in lost volume of the under-eye area, reducing the appearance of dark circles and hollowing. Swelling of the under-eye area is normal after filler and typically lasts 24-72 hours. We recommend patients take a non-sedative antihistamine to help reduce the normal swelling. To reduce the number of “sticks” we do on our patient, we use cannulas to reduce incidence of bruising and sticking the patient multiple times. Studies have shown that the combination of hyaluronic acid filler and micro-focused ultrasound treatments provide the best result and most patient satisfaction.3
CONCLUSION
The Total Eye Rejuvenation combines these three techniques synergistically in order to enhance the patient’s periorbital area and make them feel like a more confident, more rested version of themselves. This treatment package also includes med- ical-grade eye cream and a professional hydrating concealer to hydrate the skin around and under eye, while providing 24-hour coverage.
For best results, we recommend that our patients adhere to the medical-grade skincare regimen designed just for them by our team of skincare experts. At NicholsMD, not only do we treat the patient’s concerns, but we also must ask for their compliance to our recommended skincare regimen in order for greater satisfac- tion and to help them maintain their results. With this being said, we offer an at-home solution that includes dermatologist-approved, medical- grade products to maintain their results.
Providing post-care instructions to our patients is pertinent to their overall satisfaction and results. We recommend the NicholsMD Total Eye Rescue bag to our patients in order for them to maintain their new fully rested look. Our rescue kit includes NicholsMD Gold under-eye masques, a silk eye mask, NicholsMD under-eye ice packs along with a de-puffing eye gel.
We strive to provide boutique-like service that gives patients natural- looking results and allows them to finally look rested.
NicholsMD is a dermatology office owned by board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Kim Nichols. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treatments relating to hair, skin, and nails. Under Dr. Nichols’ supervision, NicholsMD has trained professional staff members which include physician assistants, medical assistants, and a medical aesthetician all whom have been person- ally trained by Dr. Nichols.
Dr. Nichols is an esteemed injector in the field of dermatology. She is a physician trainer for companies like Allergan and trains other physicians on how to inject filler safely and effectively for natural-looking results.
1. Bravo, B., Rocha, C., Bastos, J., & Silva, P. (2015). Comprehensive treatment of periorbital region with hyaluronic acid. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479367/.
2. Ruiz-Esparza, J. (2006). Noninvasive skin Tightening induced By Radio frequency and infrared light devices. Cutaneous and Cosmetic Laser Surgery, 325–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-03312-1.50020-3
3. Barbarino, S. C. (2020). Combination approach to tear trough deformities and under eye appearance using microfocused ultrasound with visualization and hyaluronic acid filler. The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 074880682094758.
KIM NICHOLS, MD, FAAD
Board-certified dermatologist and proud entrepreneur.
Owner of NicholsMD of Greenwich and NicholsMd of Fairfield by NicholsMD
Graduate of Harvard University and NYU Medical School.
EMILY ANNE SCALISE, MA
Director at NicholsMD of Greenwich and NicholsMd of Fairfield by NicholsMD.
Graduate of Columbia University
Active practice management speaker.
MADISON BRADLEY, BS
Medical Assistant at NicholsMD of Greenwich.
Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Sacred Heart University; preparing for medical school.
Learn how one cosmetic dermatology office successfully launched more than 40 new treatments in 2020 with plans to double that number by the end of 2021.
BY KIM NICHOLS, MD; EMILY ANNE SCALISE, MBA; AND MARISA CHEVALIER
A new treatment can be a game-changer for your patients and your practice. For your patients, a new treatment could offer the skincare solution they have been seeking but could not find somewhere else. And for your practice, a new procedure could lead to an increase in patient demand, profitability, patient satisfaction, or all the above.
In this article, we share our tried-and-tested ways to successfully launch a new treatment for maximum impact.
First, train your staff. Your staff should be trained and passionate about the new treatment. When they are well- educated about the treatment, they become instrumental in helping you promote it to your patients. Here are a few ways we train and inspire our team about our latest offerings:
• Grand Rounds. Host a one-hour Grand Rounds with your team to demonstrate the treatment with a patient model. This is your opportunity to show the treatment to your entire staff and educate them on all aspects of the new treatment, including clinical data, indications for treatment, side effects, pricing, etc. Grand Rounds is a great time for the staff to ask questions about the new procedure (the same questions your patients will likely bring up later), and to pro- vide their input about ways to best market the procedure. And as a bonus, Grand Rounds is also a great way to build staff comradery!
• Incentivize the Staff. Having a temporary incentive can help kickstart and motive your staff to talk up this new treatment to patients.
Tip: This does not have to be a big expense. A staff lunch or even just having your staff experience the treatment can help to get your team motivated and excited about it.
• Educate Your Team on the Results. Presenting before- and-after photos to your staff will further educate them on the new treatment. They can visibly see what the treatment targets and how long it takes to reach these results. A visual is always helpful.
Second, market your new treatment to your patients!
• Generate Immediate Appeal. Offer an introductory special so patients have the opportunity to save and experience the new treatment as soon as you launch it.
• Do a Giveaway Promotion on Social Media. Promote a giveaway of the new procedure to help build influence! Rather than spending money on a promoted ad, you can let your patients or followers help you spread the word with specific incentives such as: “Like this post? Tag two friends for your chance to have this treatment!” And the best part? The winner of the treatment may consent to you filming their experience, which means you now have more content to share about your new offering!
The Bottom Line: To ensure successful integration of a new treatment requires planning and buy-in from the entire team. A new procedure could lead to an increase in patient demand, profitability, patient satisfaction, or all the above. Here’s how to prepare your practice and staff and how to market to your patients.
• Add it to your Website. Most physicians and their marketing managers know to immediately add the new treatment to their website. But go one step further by making a pop-up about the new treatment. This way, website visitors learn about the new procedure at first glance any time they visit your site.
• Before-and-After Photos. Visible real results from your own patients (i.e. not the company stock photos) are the most important marketing tool to show your patients. They need to be reassured that this treatment is both the right treatment for them, and is effective in real patients. Treat your friends, family, and staff members to get excellent before-and-after photos. Utilize these photos to show your patients the diversity of treatment results in patients of vary- ing ages and skin types.
• Create a “What’s Hot” Placard and Update it Quarterly. Patients expect you to have the latest and greatest treatments. At our practice, we create and update a quarterly “What’s Trending” or “What’s Hot” placard and display it in each exam room. (See image.) The placard lists our latest treatments and trending products in a fun, visual way that patients are drawn to.
• Inform your VIPs of the New Treatment. Your VIPs are your most loyal patients. So offer your VIP patients the opportunity to try the treatment for free. This personalized and concierge approach will ignite sales, and, most importantly, make your most important patients feel special and connected to your office and its updates.
While every practice is different, finding a way to incorporate all or some of these strategies will help guarantee that your next new treatment launch is a runaway success.
Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist and proud entrepreneur. Dr. Nichols owns two practices, NicholsMD of Greenwich and NicholsMd of Fairfield by NicholsMD. She is a graduate of Harvard University and NYU Medical School.
Emily Anne Scalise, MA MA is Director at NicholsMD of Greenwich and NicholsMd of Fairfield by NicholsMD. She received her master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University and is an active practice management speaker.
Marisa Chevalier is a Medical Assistant at NicholsMD of Greenwich. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from Hofstra University and is currently preparing for medical school.
If you’re someone who keeps a bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, car, or pocket at all times, you’re likely all too aware of just how drying using the convenient hand cleaner can be. Of course, if there’s no sink in sight, it’s better than nothing. What’s even better is finding a hand sanitizer that won’t drastically dry out your hands and cause hand eczema as a result. We enlisted a few dermatologists to share their top tips for treating (and preventing) hand eczema. Keep reading for what they had to say.
Hand sanitizer can kill germs thanks to being made with alcohol. According to board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, hand sanitizer is typically comprised of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol (that’s the necessary amount to kill the most stubborn germs, bacteria, and viruses), but many (if not most) tend to hove in the 90% range to be effective. While these formulas do help keep bacteria at bay, they also introduce a new issue: dehydration.
“The point of hand sanitizer is to decontaminate the hands from bacteria and other pathogens, so it must contain a potent alcohol concentration to be effective,” he explains. “[The problem is,] alcohol is one of the most drying ingredients used in skin products.”
Now that you know why hand sanitizers are so drying in the first place, it’s time to focus your attention on the added ingredients that will help cancel out some of those drying effects. According to the board-certified dermatologist and founder of SkinCeuticals NicholsMd of Fairfield by NicholsMD, Kim Nichols, looking for calming, soothing ingredients is the key to protecting your hands’ moisture content and preventing hand eczema from developing.
“Glycerin is a great addition to hand sanitizer because it acts as a humectant, helping our skin retain its moisture,” she explains. “Aloe vera hydrates while it soothes irritated skin as well, which makes it beneficial in any sanitizer.”
It’s time to put that knowledge to the test! But, before you take your newfound hand sanitizer facts to the store for some firsthand searching, here are the best non-drying hand sanitizers, according to our dermatologists.
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Purell Advanced Refreshing Aloe Sanitizer $3.79
“I find that the Purell Advanced Refreshing Aloe Sanitizer is easily accessible and helps to prevent drying without sacrificing the integrity of the sanitizer itself,” explains Nichols. The formula features 70% ethyl alcohol, so it’s considered highly effective by the CDC.
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TouchLand Power Mist $12
Beloved for its chic appearance, colorful offering, and effective formula, TouchLand hand sanitizer is a fan-favorite among most people, including Nichols. “TouchLand Power Mist has aloe vera and lemon essential oil to help hydrate hands and provide a fresh, clean smell,” she says.
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La Roche-Posay Purifying Hand Sanitizer Gel $8.60
“My favorite is LaRoche-Posay Purifying Hand Sanitizer Gel,” Hartman says, “It has a pleasant smell, delivers effective cleansing between hand washings, and leaves my hands feeling hydrated. [What’s more,] it contains glycerin and keeps hands clean and full of moisture.”
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The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray $3.45
“It doubles as a moisturizer containing both glycerin and aloe vera to balance the alcohol,” Hartman says. While it only features 62% ethyl alcohol, within the CDC’s range, as they recommend above 60% ethanol and above 70% isopropanol.
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Baby Bum Hand Sanitizer $3.99 SHOP
Board-certified dermatologist Scott Paviol is a fan of Baby Bum’s Hand Sanitizer, which features Monoi coconut oil and aloe vera along with alcohol, to not only sanitizer hands but deeply nourish them too.
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Even when you stock your routine with more hydrating hand sanitizers, there’s still the potential for dryness thanks to the high alcohol content. Because of this, Hartman recommends frequently reapplying moisturizer—especially after sanitizing.
“Hand dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis caused by hand sanitizer should be treated with frequent and liberal use of moisturizer containing ceramides and other emollients to trap moisture in, particularly after hand washing when hands have been hydrated with water,” he explains. “The barrier is the most important aspect of preventing eczema, irritation, itching, scaling, and redness. If those symptoms occur, a topical steroid cream may be necessary to calm the symptoms and prevent fissures and infection.”
If you can’t seem to keep your dryness under control with hydrating sanitizers and frequent moisturizing, Hartman says to keep a bottle of over-the-counter cortisone cream on hand. “It should be applied to any itchy, scaly, red, or irritated areas two to three times daily followed by a thick, bland moisturizer [like Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($4.59) or CeraVe Healing Ointment ($11.59)].
Last but not least, if at all possible, you should aim to wash your hands instead of constantly squeezing hand sanitizer into them. While soaps can still be drying, they typically don’t contain as much alcohol and are considered more mild cleansing agents. Even if you opt for traditional washing, however, Paviol still recommends applying ample hydration. “Apply a moisturizing cream to your hands right away, while your skin is still moist,” he instructs. ”This helps to lock in water and rebuild your skin’s moisture barrier.”
And, when it comes to the hand cream you choose, opt for a thicker formula that will sink into the skin while creating a strong barrier against irritants. “I prefer Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Hand Cream or CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream,” he shares, noting to reapply regularly throughout the day to help rebuild your hands’ moisture barrier.
If you can’t get to a sink, Paviol says the moisturizing routine stays the same. Only, instead of applying moisturizer while your hands are still damp with a sanitizer, he recommends letting the sanitizer dry completely before adding another product to the mix.
INTERVIEW WITH KAITLYN RAHTELLI, PA-C
If you’re thinking of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in the field of medical aesthetics, take a peek into the busy schedule of Kaitlyn Rahtelli, PA-C¹. This board-certified Physician Assistant has worked with a dermatology practice since 2019, after completing her undergraduate education and earning a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
Rahtelli first chose to specialize in Medical Aesthetics after seeing how neurotoxin treatments helped patients achieve their aesthetic goals. “Once I saw what I’d be able to do as a Physician Assistant in Aesthetics, how I’d be able to help patients address their facial concerns, I was instantly hooked,” she says.
Now, having been personally trained by a board-certified Dermatologist, and having received product training from various aesthetic and dermatology industry companies, Rahtelli can share some helpful insights on how the job of PA differs from those of physician and nurse practitioner, how to get started as a PA in medical aesthetics, and how to stay on top of your game in a field that’s always changing.
A board-certified aesthetic PA performs cosmetic treatments ranging from chemical peels, lasers, and injectables to PDO threads (a non-surgical face lift using medical-grade suture threads), according to Rahtelli. To become a physician assistant, you complete a 2-year accredited PA program² after college and then pass your boards. Physicians, by contrast, go to medical school after college; then complete a 3- to 7-year residency, after which they have to pass their boards as well. “So physicians have longer and more in-depth training,” Rahtelli says. “They then specialize in a specific field, and can practice independently, whereas PAs practice in collaboration with physicians, and we can practice within any specialty.”
It boils down to training. “They’re very similar, but a PA is trained in the medical model, and NPs are trained in the nursing model,” Rahtelli explains. The medical model focuses on reacting to symptoms and diseases, whereas the nursing model emphasizes preventive care. “We both triage, diagnose, interpret labs, interpret imaging, prescribe medications, and ultimately treat patients,” Rahtelli says. And though the rules vary by state, PAs work collaboratively with physicians whereas NPs may be able to work independently.
“Definitely immerse yourself in the field, doing whatever you can to soak up as much knowledge as you can—signing up for webinars, going to conferences, subscribing to journals,” Rahtelli says. Her favorite journals: The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, The Journal of Dermatology PAs, and Practical Dermatology. Rahtelli recommends checking out professional societies such as the Society of Dermatology PAs and also the new Spark site for everything from certification and licensing information to facial anatomy. She also believes strongly in the benefits of using social media. “Following Physician Assistants on Instagram really helps,” Rahtelli says. “Not only can you stay up to date on treatment news and see what patients are interested in, but it may help show future employers how passionate you really are about the field.”
Rahtelli was able to take advantage of her PA program’s six-week rotation in dermatology in which she shadowed a nurse practitioner. “Seeing how she talked to patients, how she counseled them, how she assessed the patients, that kind of thing was really helpful,” she says. If your program doesn’t offer elective rotations in dermatology or medical aesthetics, consider seeking out independent training. “Call different aesthetic offices to find out if you can shadow them—even just to get your foot in the door,” Rahtelli says.
The licensing process can take time, so once you finish your PA program and pass your boards, go to the website of the state in which you plan to practice to learn what’s needed. “For example, in Connecticut, I finished my undergrad program, completed my PA program, passed my boards, and then completed a certain number of hours of pharmacology coursework, which was included in PA school,” Rahtelli explains. “Once I submitted all that, on the back end it took a while, so I suggest submitting as soon as possible.”
When scrolling through job descriptions, look for teams willing to train new graduates. In interviews, Rahtelli adds, ask what the training process looks like and what resources are available to you. “My training period was officially three months but really I’m still learning, and I’ve been in [at my current practice] for over a year,” she says. “The supervising physician is always looking for new techniques, they’re always learning, so you want to make sure they’re willing to then teach you what they’re learning.” It’s also important when interviewing for a role to find out what the practice and specifically the dermatologist expects of you. “An important part of my role is building and maintaining my own schedule, which requires an entrepreneurial spirit,” Rahtelli says.
Rahtelli regularly participates in advanced injectable trainings to learn different techniques and make sure her skills are current. “The biggest thing with this field is that it’s always evolving—there are always new injection techniques and new technologies coming out, so you want to make sure that you’re up to date on best practices and new innovations,” she says. “Patients are always going to be asking you about the new hot thing, and you want to make sure you know.”
Rahtelli works under a board-certified dermatologist but has a lot of autonomy, staffing her second location while the dermatologist remains at the first location. Rahtelli will come into the office early and spend the first 20 minutes calling cosmetic patients from the previous day to check in on them. She’ll then review any new biopsy culture and bloodwork reports. Next she checks her schedule and begins patient consults. That usually involves going over a patient’s current skincare routine and their skincare goals and discussing treatment options, including creating a timeline. She may then administer a treatment—such as a neurotoxin or micro-needling—and then review post care, making sure the patient has their next appointment set up before they leave. If she has time between patients, Rahtelli completes appointment notes, updates treatment records and answers emails. She may also spend time thinking about ways to market different treatments, bring more patients in, and consider new treatments that patients are asking about or would benefit from. “Even if it looks like a slower day, it’s always a busy day,” she says.
Kaitlyn Rahtelli is board certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Bridgeport and holds a masters degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
1 http://www.advanced-dermatology.com/what-is-a-pa-c.html. PA-C is a physician assistant who is certified by the National Commission of Certification of PAs. To keep that certification, physician assistants must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and re-take the certification exam every six years.
2 https://www.physicianassistantedu.org/accredited-physician-assistant-programs. PA programs range between 2 and 4 years.
ENCOURAGE GROWTH, ADD HYDRATION, AND BOOST SHINE WITH THIS DO-IT-ALL ANTIOXIDANT
The solution for dry, dull hair is simpler than you may think: It may just need a vitamin boost. Specifically, vitamin E. Just a few drops of vitamin E oil to your scalp every week may be all it takes to turn locks silky, explains Alicia Zalka, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Surface Deep.
Vitamin E is a plant-based antioxidant that’s become a mainstay in the beauty aisle thanks to its healing properties. You’ll find it in skincare for moisturizing and reducing inflammation, and it’s a great choice for hair because of how well it can improve the health of your scalp and locks.
This is a versatile ingredient: “Vitamin E oil, when applied to the scalp, acts as a conditioner, helping to hydrate and rejuvenate a dry, flaky scalp. In addition, when applied all over hair, it can help boost shine and prevent hair breakage overall,” says Kim Nichols, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and founding director of NicholsMD in Greenwich, CT. So let’s dive into the top benefits vitamin E oil has for your hair:
✔️ Encourage growth: It can be tough to find a non-prescription product that stimulates hair growth, but vitamin E oil has properties that may help. “Vitamin E oil, because it is an antioxidant, helps reduce oxidative stress in the scalp,” Dr. Nichols says. That’s important because oxidative stress makes it hard for your body to repair any damage, she explains, causing hair follicle cells to break down, potentially leading to hair loss. Vitamin E oil works to nourish your scalp and hair, restoring proper function so your hair grows properly. It also increases blood circulation to the scalp, which aids in overall hair growth, Dr. Nichols notes.
✔️ Soothe dryness: Vitamin E oil is an easy cure for dry and flaky scalps. Just as the oil moisturizes the skin, it similarly conditions, hydrates, and rejuvenates the scalp when applied topically.
✔️ Strengthen hair: Our hair follicles tend to weaken naturally with age and from using chemical products and heat-styling tools. The result: breakage and split ends. To help you avoid that fate, vitamin E oil nurses those damaged hair follicles, making them stronger and healthier, so less prone to breaking.
✔️ Add shine: Dry, brittle, frizzy, or dull hair—thanks, again, to heat, chemicals, and your genetics—can be overcome with vitamin E oil. Over time, the product acts as a protective barrier to hair and gives it the nourishment that it needs to be more lustrous.
Derms recommend starting slow and limiting your vitamin E oil use to a few times a week. This allows you to check your scalp for signs of an allergic reaction, including rashes and scalp irritation, Dr. Nichols says. If you have a sensitive scalp, vitamin E may not be the best option for you since it’s a relatively heavy compound.
Begin with a quarter-sized amount of already-diluted vitamin E oil. You’ll know it’s diluted if the product contains carrier oils like coconut or lavender oils. Then use your fingertips and the palm of your hand to gently massage it into your hair and scalp.
You can also add a few drops of a vitamin E oil product into a shampoo or conditioner that doesn’t already contain vitamin E. This method helps ensure that you get an even distribution of the product.
If you want to fully take advantage of vitamin E oil’s powerful properties, wait an hour before rinsing it out if you applied a vitamin E oil product straight (not through shampoo). However, dermatologists say it is safe to leave the oil in the hair overnight as long as it’s rinsed out the following morning.
When you rinse your hair, be sure to do it thoroughly and use warm water to guarantee the removal of any dirt and residue build-up on the scalp and hair. Once the product is fully rinsed out, you can dry your hair and style it as usual.
In addition to pure vitamin E oil, check out our favorite vitamin E-infused products for healthier, shinier hair below:
1 Vitamin E Oil 23,000 IU
NOW Solutionsamazon.com $12.99
This may be one of the most straightforward versions of vitamin E you can find. If you’re really suffering from dry or damaged ends, turn this oil into a mask pre-shampoo for more intensive care.
2 Pineapple Hydrate Curl Nourishing Mask
This mask—meant specifically for curly hair (but workable on all hair types)—contains avocado oil, which is high in vitamin E. The mask is applied post-shampoo and should be rinsed out well (though it can be used as an overnight treatment once a week).
3 Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo
There aren’t all that many vitamin E shampoos on the market, but OGX makes a great option that can be used on a daily basis thanks to its gentle formula. The addition of the natural compound helps to reduce split ends and smooth hair for a generally shinier and healthier look.
4 Ritual Hair Oil
While hair oils can feel heavy and, well, oily, that’s not the case with this option from Playa. This lightweight blend of natural oils helps impart major shine, infusing moisture, taming frizz, and protecting your hair from the elements. In addition to vitamin E, this contains other protective antioxidants.
5 Magic Elixir Scalp and Hair Oil Treatment
This scalp treatment combines the power of vitamin E with rosemary oil, which experts say can help boost scalp circulation. Simply apply the elixir directly to your scalp 10 minutes pre-shampoo to stimulate healthy blood flow.
Additional writing by Lulu Chang
Whether you’ve come to terms with it or not, face sunblock is a necessity that you need to incorporate into your daily skincare routine. Not only does face sunscreen help protect your complexion from cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays, but it will keep sunburns at bay (if you reapply!) and protect your skin against premature aging.
“It’s important to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin, but the face is especially vulnerable to UV damage — your face tends to be exposed all year round and is rarely covered by clothing,” said Kim Nichols, MD, a dermatologist practicing in Greenwich, CT and a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation. “Even when wearing a face mask or hat, you want to be sure you have sunscreen all over your entire face.”
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you apply only one ounce of sunscreen (about the size of a shot glass) to your face and body and to wear more than just sunscreen to protect your skin.
“Sunscreen is just one part of a sun protection strategy that includes seeking shade and covering up with UPF clothing, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses,” Nichols said.
Since warm weather is on the horizon and you may be spending more time at the beach in the next few months, it’s important to incorporate face sunscreen into your routine year-round.
“If there is one thing I tell my clients over and over again, it is that you need sunscreen every day, year-round, no exceptions,” master esthetician Nicole Caroline told The Post.
In addition to all the protective benefits of sunscreen that you’re probably already aware of, Caroline explained other aspects that you can gain.
“Sunscreen can also provide a great amount of antioxidant protection, helping to fight off free radicals, prevent dark spots from forming, protect us from blue light emitted from our devices and keep our skin cells youthful and healthy all at the same time,” she said. “We are exposed to all of these things every day of our lives, so it only makes sense we would wear sunscreen every day.”
Since it’s safe to say that face sunscreen is a must-have in your beauty cabinet, you might as well find one that you love. In an effort to downshift your research, we interviewed a handful of experts – dermatologists, estheticians and makeup artists – to get the lowdown on all the best face sunscreens. Whether you struggle with acne, want sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes when you workout outside or you’re hunting for the perfect sunblock to wear underneath your makeup, we’ve got you covered (literally!).
NYC dermatologist Dr. Hadley King is a big fan of the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen. “It not only provides 100% mineral broad-spectrum SPF 50+ [coverage] but it also contains DNA repair enzymes which means it’s actually repairing and protecting at the same time,” King told The Post. “The texture is lightweight and easy to use.”
If you’re looking for a good quality, lightweight sunblock to wear underneath your makeup, look no further.
Celebrity makeup artist Jeannia Robinette is a big fan of the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. “This sunscreen is a game changer! It’s invisible, hydrating, melts into the skin and doesn’t leave that white residue that some face sunblocks can give,” she said. “It feels like heaven and has a high SPF of 50 which is always great.”
Beverly Hills-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Mariana Vergara also recommends this sunscreen. “It has an oil-free formula that glides onto the skin while providing broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection,” Dr. Vergara said. “It can be used as a makeup primer under the foundation when you want a little more coverage.”
The Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is extremely well-loved on the Internet too — with more than 2,000 positive reviews on Sephora to prove it.
While this tinted sunscreen definitely has a hefty price tag, Caroline thinks it’s worth the splurge.
“This product gives a dewy glow and is perfect for an anti-aging boost while providing some light, natural coverage,” she said. ” [It’s] one of the pricier options on [my] list, but it is an indulgence that is worth it.”
For those who have sensitive skin, Caroline recommends this mineral sunscreen that is actually formulated for babies.
“It’s a fairly new brand developed in 2019 that I have been loving so far. I use it on my five-year-old son and it instantly calms and moisturizes his sensitive skin. It is 100% clean and 100% non-toxic,” she said.
It has a lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula that rubs in easily (no ghostly white cast!), protecting from the sun’s harmful rays. It goes on sheer and is made with non-comedogenic ingredients (so it won’t clog pores).
The EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen was by far the most popular product, mentioned by four different experts.
“[This sunscreen] has been the overall winner in this category for a while due to its light, oil-free, non-comedogenic abilities. It also includes lactic acid which can gently help slough off dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores and trap oil,” Caroline said.
“It’s formulated for sensitive, acne and rosacea-prone skin so it’s really gentle and almost never irritates [the] skin. Also, it’s quite moisturizing, spreads really well and contains niacinamide which helps calm inflammation and also decreases oil production,” Dr. Robin Schaffran, Chief Dermatologist of BalmLabs, told The Post.
If that doesn’t convince you, maybe the 3,600+ positive reviews on Dermstore will!
When it comes to dry skin, Dr. Schaffran likes this EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 option. “This is a great broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen that is formulated with Hyaluronic acid to help hydrate dry skin,” she said.
Tip: consider applying your go-to hydrating face lotion before applying this sunscreen if you struggle from severely dry skin as one product might not give enough moisture.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Board Certified NYC dermatologist, likes to recommend the La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid Face Sunscreen with SPF 60 for those looking for a great waterproof face sunblock.
“[It has an] all mineral formulation that fully rubs into the skin [and] it contains hyaluronic acid which acts like a sponge to pull in hydration to moisturize and plump the skin, Dr. Zeichner said.
It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing and provides a non-whitening, matte finish with an antioxidant-infused formula to help visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage.
For those looking for an inexpensive but effective sunscreen, give this Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with SPF 50 a shot.
“I love this moisturizer because it’s lightweight and non-greasy — [leaving] the skin very hydrated and soft. It’s also clinically tested hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so it doesn’t irritate your skin or clog pores,” Dr. Vergara said. “It’s very affordable and can be used on every skin type.”
According to Caroline, sunscreen cannot actually lighten your already existing dark spots or melasma brought on by previous sun damage, hormones or acne scars, but it can prevent new hyperpigmentation from forming.
Dr. Schaffran recommends this EltaMD option for her patients struggling with hyperpigmentation or melasma, a disorder of excess hyperpigmentation on the face.
“It’s best to wear sunscreens with a high concentration of zinc oxide (9%) as the main active ingredient. With this level of zinc, it’s important to find nice formulations where it spreads evenly and doesn’t leave too much of a white hue,” Dr. Schaffran said. “[The EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Sunscreen] is geared for sensitive skin, has lots of antioxidant activity and spreads nicely.”
Tip: You also want to keep your skin cool, as heat can bring up pigment similar to the sun.
While Caroline isn’t the biggest fan of spray face sunscreens, she does recommend this mineral spray option from Supergoop! — which is actually meant for babies and kids. “I like a baby formula for adults for many reasons,” she said. “It’s safe for the eyes and won’t sting or burn, and it’s super easy and convenient to carry and spray away, which is a big bonus!”
It’s lightweight, gentle, super travel-friendly and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes — what more could we ask for?
Dr. King also likes the Supergoop! Defense Refresh (Re)setting Mist SPF 40 Sunscreen, noting that it’s “great for setting your makeup and makes reapplying easy” and has a “nice, light texture.”
Robinette raves about the Supergoop! Glow Stick. “It’s so easy to apply on the go, gives the face a major glow and is just an all-around fabulous sunscreen option,” she said. “Every time I use it people always tell me how amazing my skin looks and ask me how I achieved my glow.”
[This sunscreen stick is] quickly becoming a cult favorite,” Caroline added. “This little glowy stick (hence the name) combines hydrating ingredients with a whopping SPF 50, which is great for re-applying throughout the day! It’s great for both [the] face and body.”
Tip: If you have oily skin, you may want to skip — especially in the hot summer months.
Dr. King likes the Brush on Block Powdered Sunscreen for those who are hesitant to reapply sunblock because they don’t want to smear and mess up their makeup.
“It absorbs excess oil so it can serve a dual purpose as [both] a finishing powder (actually extending the life of your makeup) and providing sun protection,” Dr. King said. “It’s portable, convenient and won’t leave white residue on your clothes. It’s all mineral [and includes] zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as antioxidants to protect [your skin] from UVA and UVB sun damage as well as blue light and infrared A rays.”
For those looking for an eco-friendly and clean face sunscreen, Dr. Schaffran recommends the Sun Bum Mineral Sunblock.
“There are lots of mineral (chemical-free) sunscreens out there but this one feels really nice and isn’t thick and heavy like other similar natural sunscreens and it’s also reef-friendly,” she said.
Caroline raved about this SolRx WaterBlock Matte Zinc Sunscreen for those looking for a good option to protect their skin while they workout outdoors.
“Hands down, SolRx really wins in all categories when it comes to sports, which is why it has remained the top choice among athletes, triathletes, and lifeguards,” she said. “The thick formula doesn’t break down over time and [it doesn’t leave a] white cast.”
According to Caroline, this sunblock will remain water- and sweat-resistant throughout the day, even if you’re undergoing an intense activity, like running a triathlon.
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