Doctors
Photo: Philip Macias

Happy Mother’s Day! 7 Doctor Moms Who Are Both Powerhouses In the Home and at the Office

BY JULIE RICEVUTO

Navigating a successful professional career is always challenging — regardless of your background or personal life. But when you’re also a mother, finding that delicate balance between work and parenthood can be a staggering feat. A keen capability to multitask paired with a flexible-yet-focused attitude make working moms the fearless leaders that we’ve all come to know and love.

As a writer in the beauty industry, I’m endlessly inspired by women working in the field of aesthetics. Not only are they trailblazers in their profession, but also beloved mothers within their families. So, in honor of Mother’s Day, we decided to celebrate the following roster of working moms. These powerful women rule the roost at home and in the office, giving all of us the ultimate motivation to keep climbing in the workplace — regardless of our parenting status. Read on!

Dr. Pruett | Spotlyte
Courtesy

Dermatologist Dr. Lisa Pruett

Based in Dallas, Texas, dermatologist Dr. Lisa Pruett is balancing a demanding family life (she’s got four kids!) and a successful career at Trinity Dermatology™, the practice where her dermatologist husband works as well. “I have two boys who are 15 and 13, and two girls who are 8 and 4,” she says. “[Four kids] means four different schools, four different activity schedules, four uniquely different individuals who challenge me in different ways.”  With such a hectic schedule, Dr. Pruett forced herself to figure out exactly how to keep her personal life and professional life as stress-free as possible — all while keeping her skin looking fresh.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Pruett: I had my oldest one month after I graduated from medical school. I can remember him moving around like crazy when I was sitting on the graduation floor when everyone was clapping.

Spotlyte: How did having kids affect your career?

LP: Honestly, being a doctor was always something I wanted, even as a little girl, so having kids didn’t change that mindset for me at all. I had my second child in my dermatology residency, and then I had my girls after I was in private practice in Dallas. So, I’ve added a child in each stage of my career, and it’s all been a learning experience.

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kids to always remember?

LP: Protecting yourself from the sun is so important! Cover up! Wear sunscreen!

Spotlyte: Explain your current skincare routine.

LP: I always use an antioxidant in the morning with a sunscreen, and a retinoid at night. There are other ingredients that I use to help build collagen, treat acne, or brighten my skin, but those three are a staple of my regimen every day. Specifically, I’m using SkinBetter® Alto™ Defense Serum ($145), SkinBetter AlphaRet® Overnight Cream ($120) and EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 ($34).

Spotlyte: What’s your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

LP: Use an antioxidant, sunscreen, and retinoid every day! And if you are in the sun with your kids enjoying the outdoors, cover up with [sun protective] clothing or wear sunscreen. Doing this consistently will allow your skin to age well.

Spotlyte: Any go-to in-office treatments that you swear by for flawless-looking skin?

LP: Treatments like BBL [broadband light] photofacials, Dermalinfusion®, Laser Genesis™, or SkinPen® are great. These treatments improve [the appearance of] skin texture [and] even skin tone which helps combat [the appearance of] aging skin.

Spotlyte: Other in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

LP: CoolSculpting® is an in-office, non-invasive, [little to] no downtime [fat-freezing] treatment that helps us moms contour the areas of our body that [may] change as we [have children] and age. Treating [stubborn pouches in] your abdomen and love handles with CoolSculpting can really [help contour] your body [in treated areas] after having [a child].

[Editor’s note: The CoolSculpting treatment is a non-invasive fat-freezing treatment that effectively reduces fat in certain self-proclaimed “problem spots” in the submental and submandibular areas, thigh, abdomen, flank, and upper arm, along with bra fat, back fat, and underneath the buttocks (you know, those bulges that just won’t go away, regardless of how much you sweat it out on the treadmill). While it isn’t a weight loss solution, fat-freezing can reduce pouches of fat. As with any procedure, there are risks and side effects, so talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.]

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

LP: Of course! I’ll have my husband, who is also a dermatologist, treat me. I use injectable wrinkle reducers every three months and I have been doing this since my mid-twenties — only stopping when I was pregnant or breastfeeding. I’ve also used fillers in my [cheeks, laugh lines,] and lips. 

[Editor’s note: Injectable wrinkle reducers temporarily smooth the look of moderate to severe wrinkles in certain areas of the face, including the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet; they should not be used more frequently than every three months. Injectable filler is a temporary treatment that adds volume to areas of the face such as the lips, cheeks, and laugh lines. Like any medical treatment, both injectable wrinkle reducers and injectable fillers have potential risks and side effects. Talk to a doctor to see if they’re right for you. And learn more now by chatting with a trained aesthetic specialist.]

Spotlyte: How do you find time to care for yourself when you care for so many patients as well as your own family?

LP: My life is very busy. But you have to carve out time for yourself, or else it’s not going to happen. My husband and I have a standing date night every week, and we take weekend getaways sometimes to recharge, and sometimes those double with dermatology meetings. That’s one perk of being also married to a dermatologist — we live together, work together, and can attend meetings together.

Spotlyte: Any empowering life advice for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

LP: We moms understand hard work and passion because we love our kids and would do anything for them. We need to remember to love ourselves too.  

Find Dr. Shirazi | Spotlyte
Photo Credit: Philip Macias

Dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi

With a 10-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son, La Jolla, California, dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi figured out how she could bring her career and her family closer together. “When I was looking for office space [to build my practice], I specifically wanted to be really close to [my children], so I built my office near their school,” explains Dr. Shirazi. “This gave me the opportunity to be able to start my own venture while still being there for them in their younger years.” Here, Dr. Shirazi reveals how motherhood has changed her skincare routine and the aesthetic treatments she loves.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Shirazi: When I first finished my training 11 years ago, I found out I was pregnant. It was right after training, so I waited to start my practice until my children were a little older so I could be there for them while they were little.

Spotlyte: How did having kids affect your career?

AS: To me, family and kids come first. Then, I love dermatology. Ever since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of becoming a dermatologist and opening my own practice. Your kids are just as much of your investment as your practice is. It’s quite challenging, but the key is to have good time management. When you’re home, you’re home with them. When you’re at work, you just prioritize the tasks that need to be done.

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kids to always remember?

AZ: The biggest skincare advice is to protect yourself from the sun. Every year at [my children’s] school, I do a sun safety talk in the spring — because it’s that important.

Spotlyte: Did your own skincare routine change after becoming a mom?

AZ: Before you become a mom, you’re taking good care of yourself because no one else exists. You’re on top of your workout routine, your facials, and your skincare routine. Then, you have kids and all of that stops, because they’re very dependent on you. You’re just significantly limited on time. So, my skincare routine became a lot more simple and efficient.

Spotlyte: Explain your skincare routine.

AZ: I hate having more than two or three steps in the morning or at night. I use my own branded products. We have a product called AZ MD™ Purify Cleanser ($36) that I use in the morning. Then I use a product called AZ MD IllumiC™ Vitamin C Serum ($108). Then, my third step is a tinted moisturizer with SPF. Recently, I really like the Alastin® HydraTint Pro Mineral™ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 ($55).

At night, I’m a big believer of tretinoin, just because I’m a believer of science and tretinoin is superior in terms of its anti-aging effects. I use, again, the same gentle cleanser at night. After that, I put on my tretinoin. Then a lot of times, I may use just pure hyaluronic acid. We have something called AZ MD Hydrate RX™ ($80) that I love.

[Editor’s note: Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid. Retinol shouldn’t be used by those who are pregnant, considering getting pregnant, or nursing. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.]

Spotlyte: Your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

AZ: I believe there are three things that your skin needs throughout life. The first is sun protection, because that’s going to preserve your collagen. Preservation of your natural, innate skin is extremely important. Second would be hydration of your skin, because hydrated skin always looks better than skin that’s neglected. Then, the third thing would be to pick one anti-aging ingredient that’s specific to your skin genetics. A mom that has rosacea and a mom with sun damage will need two different anti-aging ingredients. So, find out what anti-aging ingredient is the best for your skin type.

Spotlyte: Any go-to in-office treatments that you swear by for flawless-looking skin?

AZ:  One of my favorite routine treatments that I get done is Dermalinfusionbecause it’s gentle in terms of [exfoliating]. The first time I tried it out, my skin just felt so clean [afterwards]. I like the fact that Dermalinfusion has a smooth tip that can go around your eyes and on your lips. That’s my favorite kind of maintenance treatment. I also like to do the Halo™ laser a few times a year because it has the two lasers in one. It does both tightening and smoothing.

Spotlyte: What are the in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

AZ: I think one thing that could be good would be the Dermalinfusion. Another option would be the Halo laser or a profractional peel.

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

AZ: I don’t have a lot of time, so I get somebody to do [injectables] on my face. I [get] injectable wrinkle reducers, and I usually have a plastic surgeon friend do some volume replacement [with filler] for me over time.

Spotlyte: How do you find time to care for yourself when you care for so many patients as well as your own family?

AZ: My “me” time is early in the morning before my family wakes up. That’s just something that I’ve learned to train myself to do. I have the best thoughts, my head is the most clear at the very start of the day. I like to wake up early in the morning, around 4:30, before anyone else in the house is up because it’s quiet.

Spotlyte: Any empowering life advice for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

AZ: It’s good to know yourself. Find your strengths and really try to build them up. Have a vision for the future, whatever that might be, and work towards it. The other thing with women is that they keep everything — all their emotions — in. They may feel not appreciated. It’s really important to practice self-care so resentment doesn’t build up.

Find Dr. Jenny Liu | Spotlyte
Photo: Melissa Kay photography

Dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu

As a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based dermatologist, assistant professor, and blogger for all things beauty, Dr. Jenny Liu already has her hands full. Add her child (a one-year-old daughter!) into the mix and we have one seriously busy doctor. “Sophia is just a very happy girl,” says Dr. Liu. “I think she’s musically inclined because she loves to wiggle and dance to songs.” After a year of adjusting to the working mom lifestyle, Dr. Liu reflects on how things have changed over the past 365 days.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Jenny Liu: Three years into practice, and that was the first decision my husband and I made. My husband is an ENT surgeon and we talked about family planning beforehand.

Spotlyte: How did having kids affect your career?

JL: For one, it really teaches you how to better manage your time and  how to prioritize. You can only do things at certain times and you only have so much time in the day. I think I’m better at multitasking and prioritizing now.

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kid to always remember?

JL: Wear sunscreen!

Spotlyte: Did your own skincare routine change after becoming a mom?

JL: Yeah, for sure. I had to learn to simplify, to do the important things. In the beginning, I got a little lazy. You’re just so tired at the end of the day. I have now slowly taken up a longer routine again but, in the beginning, it was definitely just necessary things that I thought were important.

Spotlyte: What’s your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

JL:  Don’t neglect your skin. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated! I think four things are a must, and any mom can do this, and it will take a minute or less, cleansing aside. Use a retinol, a moisturizer — day and night — and then an antioxidant serum, and sunscreen.

Spotlyte: Explain your current skincare routine.

JL: In the morning, I use a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser($14) or CeraVe® Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15). Then I put on my SkinCeuticals® C E Ferulic® ($166). I also have a salicylic acid treatment called the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense® ($92) that I put on after that. Then I apply my SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier™ ($100). I also put on Neutrogena® Healthy Skin® Eye Cream ($13) and a little bit of moisturizer — the La Roche-Posay® Lipikar® Balm AP + Moisturizer for Dry Skin ($20). Finally I put on my sunscreen — I love Elta MD® sunscreen.

At night, I remove my makeup, and then I use Bioderma® Sensibio® H2O Micellar Water ($15). I tend to use more of a medicated cleanser at night, [such as] the Neutrogena Clear Pore® Cleanser/Mask ($9) — which has benzoyl peroxide — a few times a week. After that, I use the SK-II® Facial Treatment Essence ($179). My night routine rotates, so I will do a retinol one night and alternate with a glycolic

. I use a prescription retinol, but any retinol is fine. Post-retinol I put on SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex® ($98). And then, depending on the hydration status of my skin, I will use the same moisturizer as I did in the morning, or I will use a thicker one, like SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($128).

[Editor’s note: Retinol shouldn’t be used by those who are pregnant, considering getting pregnant, or nursing. Please consult with your doctor before use.]

Spotlyte: Any go-to in-office treatments that you swear by for flawless-looking skin?

JL: I’ve had laser. I love peels. What I would want to do more is peels. I think down the road I will want to get lasers again, maybe Fraxel®, just to tighten things up.

Spotlyte: What are the in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

JL: Peels are awesome, and now there are lots of peels that have a really short downtime. Moms who work can go during lunch and just have them done. In the few days after, they will look instantly brightened and glowy. Also, it’s common for many moms to have discoloration during pregnancy, and peels really help with that.

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

JL: I actually have never gotten any injectable wrinkle reducer, simply because I don’t have any wrinkles. [But], they [can be] effective and quick to do with minimal downtime.

I haven’t had any filler either, but that’s something I would definitely consider [in the future].

Spotlyte: How do you find time to care for yourself when you care for so many patients, as well as your own family?

JL: I love to exercise. That’s something that has been in my routine even before I was married. I really made sure I had time for it every day. I did it during pregnancy, and then I really was dedicated to it postpartum, and that really helped me to just decompress. I love to run. I love to do Pilates and HIIT [high-intensity interval training] exercises. I’ve also started listening to audiobooks, and I make sure to get a massage at least once a month on weekends.

Spotlyte: Any empowering life advice for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

JL: Don’t feel like you have to do it all. Pieces will fall into place. On social media, we give off a façade. People see what you want them to see, but there’s so much behind the scenes that people don’t know. I try to open up about my postpartum blues, and how hard it was. I could not even function for the first six weeks. I was just really emotional and tired all the time. Ultimately, things will fall into place and you will find the time. It’s really important to make time for self-care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Dr. Nichols
Courtesy of the Nichols family

Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Kim Nichols

Harvard-trained dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Kim Nichols, works and lives in Greenwich, Connecticut, where she runs her own practice. With three children — one 11-year-old daughter and two boys who are ages nine and seven — “busy” doesn’t even begin to describe her daily life. Luckily, she’s figured out how to expertly balance family life and patient care. Ahead, her advice for stress relief and her favorite in-office treatments.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Kim Nichols: I became a mom right after residency. I was pregnant with my first child when I had my first job.

Spotlyte: How did having kids affect your career?

KN: Thankfully, particularly in my field of dermatology, my job is tailor-made for mothers because there’s more flexibility.  So, my lifestyle really just facilitates me to be able to pay attention to both my practice and my kids as well as I can. It took some adjusting but it works.

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kids to always remember?

KN: I know it’s been said a million times, but it’s definitely some kind of sunscreen protection. I just keep drilling that into their heads.

Spotlyte: Did your own skincare routine change after becoming a mom?

KN: It simplified — antioxidant, sunscreen, and retinol.

Spotlyte: Explain your current skincare routine.

KN: Other than an antioxidant, sunscreen, and retinol, I also use an eye cream because that tends to be an area where you show your tiredness most. I love SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex ($98). I love it because it really goes on smooth and has active ingredients that really help with the darkness. I also like the fact that it doesn’t pill underneath makeup.

Spotlyte: What’s your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

KN: I would say to keep it simple. In terms of your routine, use three things — the trifecta, I call it. It’s your antioxidant — like a vitamin C — in the morning, your sunscreen, and then some sort of retinol at night. Everything else is gravy.

Spotlyte: Any go-to in-office treatments that you swear by for flawless-looking skin?

KN: PRP microneedling is my favorite, because I feel like it gives me the least amount of downtime with the biggest bang for my buck in terms of keeping my pores tight and my skin refreshed, bright, and even-toned.

Spotlyte: What are the in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

KN: Besides injectables like injectable wrinkle reducers and fillers, I think lasers are always great. For instance, Fraxel laser with AquaGold® is something I’ve been loving for busy moms. Once a year, [those] treatments [are] just going to get huge results in terms of [smooth] texture and volume.

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

KN: I do. I get my injectable wrinkle reducers every four months. And then I [get] fillers, which I do probably once a year in my cheeks, just to inflate the volume loss that you start to see.

Spotlyte: How do you find time to care for yourself when you care for so many patients as well as your own family?

KN:. I would say spending time — even if it’s just for dinner — with my adult girlfriends. It’s really a nice [stress] release since most of us are moms dealing with the same types of things — and this goes for both working and non-working moms. That’s really good for my psychological well-being. I get way more out of that than I do out of things like getting my nails done.

Spotlyte: Any empowering life advice for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

KN: Try to focus on what’s important in your job and what’s important in your family. Everything else can kind of fall by the wayside. It’s impossible to keep up with everything. And I think once you realize that, you’re a lot less stressed.

Find Dr. Avaliani | Spotlyte
Courtesy of Avaliani family

Dermatologist Dr. Anna Avaliani

What do three kids and an Upper East Side dermatology practice have in common? They’re both under the close supervision of New York dermatologist, Dr. Anna Avaliani. “I have a 10-year-old who loves to swim, a two-year-old princess that likes to dance and sing, and a six-month-old,” explains Dr. Avaliani. With such a full schedule, Dr. Avaliani keeps her skincare routine relatively simple, though her favorite in-office treatments are much more varied. Check them out below.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Avaliani: Residency.

SpotlyteHow did having kids affect your career?

AA: It didn’t really change anything for me. I was always responsible, so it just increased my responsibility. Actually, it made me work more because then I had to work to support them. For me, to be a physician was always a lifetime dream. [Having kids]  just made me be more productive with my time at work and at home.

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kids to always remember?

AA: Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen.

Spotlyte: Did your own skincare routine change after becoming a mom?

AA: Yes. I’m more diligent about applying sunscreen on my earlobes, on my toes, and on my fingers now. I pay more attention to details. I definitely use sunscreen a lot — it’s a good example for my kids.

Spotlyte: Explain your skincare routine.

AA: In the morning I use SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel ($83) and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166) for antioxidants. At night, I use a retinol twice a week and the SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E® ($153).

Spotlyte: What’s your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

AA: Keep your skin happy. Always moisturize and protect it [from the sun].

Spotlyte: Any go-to in-office treatments that you swear by for flawless-looking skin?  

AA: I get everything done. I practice what I preach. I do skin tightening with a treatment called TempSure®, and then I do skin resurfacing and rejuvenation with a treatment called Picosure®. Those are my two “musts.”

Spotlyte: What are the in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

AA: For the body, every mom wants [the appearance of a flatter] tummy. So, I recommend treatments like SculpSure® or CoolSculpting as great options.

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

AA: I get injectable wrinkle reducers and fillers. I do [fillers in] my cheeks, smile lines, and lips.

Spotlyte: How do you find time to care for yourself when you care for so many patients as well as your own family?

AA: I don’t get a lot of “me” time, but I try to dedicate one day a month to [get] in-office treatments. Not a facial, because I don’t have time to take off makeup in the middle of the day, but more so an aesthetic treatment.

Spotlyte: Got any empowering life advice for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

AA: It’s all about having support to help you. You should focus on what you love the most. You can definitely find the right balance between family and career. You can love them both. Just focus on what works for you, not what works for others.

Dr. Liotta
Courtesy of Liotta family

Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Dara Liotta

“I have two kids — a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old,” explains New York facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Dara Liotta. Not only does Dr. Liotta take running her practice on the Upper East Side super seriously, she’s also deeply invested in her duties as a mom. Dr. Liotta’s daughter suffers from a peanut allergy and, because Dr. Liotta was worried about her daughter going to birthday parties and not being able to eat the cake, she started doing some serious, allergy-friendly baking for her. As a do-it-all mom, Dr. Liotta dishes on her top beauty products and her secret to looking more awake, below.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Dara Liotta: I had my son when I was finishing residency and I had my daughter when I was a new attending.

Spotlyte: How did having kids affect your career?

DL: One thing it did was make me want to do more volunteer activities. I have two healthy kids and that made me realize how lucky I am. So, I go on medical missions for cleft palettes. Doing plastic surgery on the Upper East Side, it can be easy to lose sight of the important things. Having kids definitely helps ground me and remind me that work like that is important. I also am now forced to focus more on what I like doing in my career, because I don’t want to miss being home with my kids while doing something that I hate at work.

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kids to always remember?

DL: Sunscreen!

Spotlyte: Did your own skincare routine change after becoming a mom?

DL: Yes, it became the bare minimum. I have slimmed down my skincare routine to things I know work for me.

Spotlyte: Explain your skincare routine.

DL: I use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer with SPF during the day. The cleanser is Glowbiotics® Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser ($32) and the moisturizer is Emma Hardie® Protect and Prime™ SPF 30 ($62). I also use the Neocutis® Lumière® Eye Care ($97). In the evening I use the same gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum, and moisturizer. I tend to use the Emma Hardie Moisture Boost Vitamin C Cream ($66) as well.

Spotlyte: What’s your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

DL: Always use sunscreen. My number one tip for looking awake is to have healthy lashes and eyebrows. It’s my number one trick. It makes you look younger and more awake than you actually are. I use Talika® Lipocils Platinium® ($119) on my lashes and Talika Eyebrow Lipocils Ink ($25) on my brows.

Spotlyte: What are the in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

DL: It may not be an inspired answer, but injectable wrinkle reducers [can be a good option] for busy moms.

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

DL: Of course! I use injectable wrinkle reducers around the eyes and for the “eleven lines.” I also have filler in my cheeks for a little extra lift.

Spotlyte: Any empowering life advice you have for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

DL: You have to realize you just can’t do it all. Once you realize that, you can prioritize what is important for you to be happy. That’s how you can be the best version of yourself because you’re less stressed and ultimately happy. You can’t be everything to everyone.

Find Dr. Saluja
Courtesy of Saluja family

Dermatologist Dr. Anita Saluja

As someone who graduated college at only 15 years old and completed medical school at 20, Melbourne, Florida, dermatologist, Dr. Anita Saluja is used to having a lot of responsibility on her plate. Now, the mother of two (an 18-year-old boy and 14-year old girl!) cares for both her patients and her family with the same diligence and enthusiasm. Below, Dr. Saluja reveals her simple yet powerful life advice for busy moms, along with the products she loves.

Spotlyte: At what point in your career did you become a mom?

Dr. Anita Saluja: I became a mom after residency and before I started practice.

Spotlyte: How did having kids affect your career?

AS: [After having kids] I realized time management is critical and you have to say “no” sometimes — even when a “yes” may be better for your career. It’s hard when you are two working parents and without family nearby [to help].

Spotlyte: One piece of skincare advice you want your kids to always remember?

AS: Sunscreen, daily! Can’t say it enough.

Spotlyte: Did your own skincare routine change after becoming a mom?

AS: Yes, my skincare routine is always changing and evolving. But especially after becoming a mom, you become more efficient at consolidating your skincare routine.

Spotlyte: Explain your current skincare routine.

AS:  I use SalujaMD Refresh Cleanser, Clarisonic® Mia® Facial Cleansing Brush ($129), tretinoin, and the Alastin Restorative Neck Complex ($110) every day. I also use the SkinMedica® TNS Essential Serum® ($281) when I am consolidating [my routine] and keeping it simple but effective.

Spotlyte: What’s your ultimate skincare advice for other busy moms out there?

AS: Be consistent with your essential steps. Cleanse, hydrate, and protect daily. Add retinol and vitamin C for a full anti-aging regimen. Your skin will thank you later on in life when your kids are in college. Also, don’t forget about the rest of your body! Yearly skin-checks are just as important. Schedule your appointment a year ahead of time — that way, you never skip on your annual skin-check.

Spotlyte: Any go-to in-office treatments that you swear by for flawless-looking skin?

AS: I’ve been loving our HydraFacial® and the event-ready, glowy skin it leaves you with. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing and knowing that all impurities are removed from your pores!

Spotlyte: What are the in-office treatments you recommend for busy moms?

AS: Injectable wrinkle reducers. There is nothing quite like its [timing for] results. Also, filler is great for that mom looking for low maintenance, long-lasting results for volume.

[Editor’s note: You may start to see results from injectable wrinkle reducers within 24 to 48 hours, with full results visible after a few weeks. Fillers may last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the area injected.]

Spotlyte: Do you get injectables?

AS: Yes, I do. I wish I had more time to [get] it! I get injectable wrinkle reducers. [I also get] filler when time permits to help with [volume in] my cheeks.

Spotlyte: How do you find time to care for yourself when you care for so many patients as well as your own family?

AS: It is very hard. I enjoy yoga, concerts, tea, and a good book! It is important to make “me” time as a mom, and also know there are stages where you will have a little more “me” time than others. But, be okay with the process and know you are doing the best you can.

Spotlyte: Any empowering life advice for other women who are moms trying to do it all?

AS: You can’t do it all. You can only do your best.

Dermalinfusion® is an Allergan®-owned treatment.

SkinMedica® is an Allergan-owned product line.

Dr. Kim Nichols is a paid Allergan consultant.

Product prices may vary from the time this article was written.

Allergan may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this article.

CoolSculpting® is an Allergan®-owned non-invasive fat reduction treatment.

CoolSculpting® Treatment Important Information

Uses

The CoolSculpting® procedure is FDA-cleared for the treatment of visible fat bulges in the submental (under the chin) and submandibular (under the jawline) areas, thigh, abdomen and flank (love handles), along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks (also known as banana roll), and upper arm. It is also FDA-cleared to affect the appearance of lax tissue with submental area treatments. The CoolSculpting procedure is not a treatment for weight loss.

Important Safety Information

The CoolSculpting procedure is not for everyone. You should not have the CoolSculpting procedure if you suffer from cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.

Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions including recent surgery, pre-existing hernia, and any known sensitivities or allergies.

During the procedure you may experience sensations of pulling, tugging, mild pinching, intense cold, tingling, stinging, aching, and cramping at the treatment site. These sensations subside as the area becomes numb. Following the procedure, typical side effects include temporary redness, swelling, blanching, bruising, firmness, tingling, stinging, tenderness, cramping, aching, itching, or skin sensitivity, and sensation of fullness in the back of the throat after submental or submandibular area treatment. 

Rare side effects may also occur. CoolSculpting may cause a visible enlargement in the treated area which may develop two to five months after treatment and requires surgical intervention for correction.

Ask your doctor if CoolSculpting is right for you. To learn more about what to expect, visit the CoolSculpting website and comprehensive Important Safety Information.