“Whether you’re on the phone, texting or emailing, put it away and give the doctor your undivided attention. You took time away from your life, drove to the office, paid your copay for some valuable information but you’re too busy to listen to what the doctor has to say? Respect your time and respect the doctor’s. I’ve had to walk out on patients who expected me to wait for them to finish their conversation. I have other patients waiting so I move on,” says dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, CA.

“The appointment time is set aside for you and your concerns. Don’t waste it by trying to get medical advice for someone else: spouse, child, parent, sibling, friend. It doesn’t matter,” says Pierre.

“The doctor has set time aside to focus on you and your health. Why ask medical questions about the person who came with you when that person doesn’t even have an appointment? It’s using up your appointment time, it’s disrespectful of the doctor’s time, it puts him in an awkward position of providing medical advice with limited information, and it takes time away from other patients who have scheduled appointments,” says Pierre.

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There’s a reason retinol is still a star of the skincare world and the go-to recommendation of derms everywhere, even after more than three decades in the mainstream market: It works. “I always say if there are only two things you’re going to use as part of your regimen, it should be sun protection and retinol,” says Peterson Pierre, M.D., a dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California.

Retinol is the cousin of prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin. Both are retinoids and therefore both a vitamin A derivative. “Tretinoin was first used primarily to treat acne, until we saw that it also improved tone and texture and stimulates collagen, which helps with fine lines and other signs of aging,” he explains. Tretinoin and other prescription retinoids, however, aren’t for everyone; they can make skin extremely dry, red and sensitive, plus they require a derm visit to get an Rx. Retinol became popular and continues to be because it’s an effective alternative.

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It all has to do with the change in temperature and lack of moisture in the air during the cold weather months.

“Without enough protective oils, moisture escapes from the skin which leads to dryness, an effect that intensifies as the temperature and humidity drop during the winter months,” explains Peterson Pierre, MD, dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California. Wind and indoor heaters contribute to this problem as well, he adds.

“Unfortunately, dryness can lead to itching and cracks in the skin which can predispose you to infection and it can also cause eczema to flare,” says Pierre. “Lack of hydration can also accelerate wrinkle formation.”

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