The Olay Ultra Moisture Shea Butter Body Wash ($7.99) cleanses while moisturizing at the same time, making it ideal for those with dry skin. Its creamy formula leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, according to Allure. “It’s very luxurious, moisturizing, and nourishing, and a little goes a long way,” dermatologist Peterson Pierre told Byrdie. For a fragrance free option, the Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash ($27.99) is also ideal for those with dry skin, because it contains a moisturizing ingredient, glycerin, that draws water into the skin. People with sensitive skin will also benefit from this body wash because it is not irritating, and users report a lack of sticky residue after usage (via Byrdie).

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“Though the study showed decent results, it’s fairly challenging to adhere to this regimen,” says dermatologist Peterson Pierre, M.D., of Pierre Skin Care Institute, who was not involved in the research study. “In fact, study participants had a hard time sticking to the schedule after the study was over in spite of good results.”

While the study showed evidence that facial exercises may improve facial appearance and reduce visible signs of aging, more studies are needed to discover how the exercises work and which ones are effective.

Some dermatologists believe facial exercises can actually cause more wrinkles. “We know that the more you use a muscle, the stronger it gets and the deeper the lines get,” Pierre says. “That’s the entire premise behind Botox [which restricts movement of facial muscles], [an injectable] wrinkle relaxer.”

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Face oils are typically used to moisturize and nourish the skin, explains Dr. Peterson Pierre, M.D., a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist. “A serum is a very versatile product packed with a high concentration of active ingredients,” he says. These actives help target more specific skin concerns (think acne and hyperpigmentation). Read on to learn more about their differences and how to incorporate each product into your skin care regimen.

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Board-certified dermatologist Peterson Pierre, who is based in Thousand Oaks, California, loves using coconut oil as a body moisturizer. “It’s light, does a good job locking in moisture, and has good anti-inflammatory properties,” he tells Allure. Herbivore Botanicals’ Coconut Body Oil features the nourishing ingredient, along with vitamin-rich jojoba seed oil. Its delicious, tropical scent is just the cherry on top.

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While double cleansing can be achieved anywhere on the body, today we will focus on the brightest feature of all: your face. There are two very basic steps to achieve a double cleanse. You’ll always want to start your double cleanse routine using an oil-based product, such as liquid cleansing oil or a cleansing balm. Cleansing balms are solidified oil-based cleansers that serve the same purpose as liquid oil. Some people prefer balms to traditional oils because they are less messy and more travel-friendly.

Okay, but why start with oil to cleanse? What if you already have oily skin? Even if you’re oily and acne-prone, there’s good reason to incorporate oils into your skincare routine. “Oil-based product is the ideal first step to remove makeup and sebum from the skin while leaving behind the natural hydrating oils,” says Dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD of Pierre Skin Care Institute. “This step is gentle and doesn’t strip your skin of its natural moisture.” So rather than making your skin more oily, it actually makes it less oily by extracting excess sebum (AKA pore-clogging oil) from the skin. The result? Your skin will feel cleansed, hydrated, and ready for the next step.

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Men are much more likely than women to die from melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Non-Hispanic white boys and men aged 15 to 39 are more than twice as likely to die from skin cancer compared to women of the same age and race. By age 65, men are twice as likely to develop melanoma, and by the time they’re 80, they have triple the risk.

The reason is both biological and cultural, says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, California. Cisgender men have more collagen and elastin, which makes their skin thicker with less fat underneath compared to cis women. This difference in biological makeup makes most men more vulnerable to the sun. “Research has shown that men’s skin reacts more unfavorably to ultraviolet radiation than women’s, which means that the skin becomes more damaged,” Pierre says.

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When it comes to finding the best lip plumpers, the process can quickly become overwhelming with complicated ingredient lists and seemingly countless options. Board-certified dermatologist Peterson Pierre of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California, recommends looking for lip plumpers enriched with hyaluronic acid. According to Pierre, the moisture-attracting ingredient offers a plumping effect since it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. He also recommends looking for lip plumpers infused with moisturizing and conditioning ingredients such as shea butter and ceramides to leave your lips feeling smooth and moist.

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Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is one of the best non-prescription options–in fact, without a prescription, you’d be hard-pressed to find another treatment with the anti-fungal treatment, Ketoconazole 1%. “Preventing dandruff consists of moisturizing and conditioning your scalp regularly, avoiding hair care products you’re sensitive to, and using shampoos that have either ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, zinc or tar,” offers board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre.

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Lockdown skin is real and cosmetic dermatologist at the Pierre Skin Care Institute, Dr. Peterson Pierre explains why: “Having to wear masks has definitely increased acne, and the stress and anxiety [of that] has led to more eczema.” That, he shares, is because stress triggers a release of the primary stress hormone, cortisol, which increases inflammation all over the body, including the skin.

Why is Inflammation bad? Well if you have eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, inflammation can aggravate them, and Pierre adds, “continuous high levels of cortisol lead to the breakdown of some of your body’s tissues including collagen and elastin which then leads to increased fine lines and wrinkles as well as decreased healing.”

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A good facial mist can be an impactful addition to a skincare routine particularly during the summer months when skin is often in need of a cooling (and portable) boost of moisture. These liquid refreshers are often a neglected component of many skincare regimes, but today’s formulations can do myriad things like protect from environmental stressors, brighten and plump skin and set makeup. Many feature a slew of key ingredients that are essential for skin health.  Notes dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre of the Pierre Skincare Institute,

“Popular ingredients include hyaluronic acid and glycerin for their hydrating properties, rose water and aloe vera for their soothing benefits, essential oils for their healing properties, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.”

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So many women take care of their bodies but forget about their brains. “As we age, our brains shrink in volume, particularly the frontal cortex and hippocampus, areas involved in higher cognitive function and encoding new memories. Myelin (a conduit sheath around nerves) is also thought to shrink with age resulting in slow processing and reduced cognitive function,” Peterson Pierre, MD, board-certified dermatologist, and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute, explains.

The Rx: Dr. Pierre points out studies show that regular physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain with dancing having the most profound effect. “It’s also important to keep the mind stimulated,” he explains. “No matter your age or skill level, just a few minutes a day can help your mind stay sharp and can even help you improve in certain areas. You exercise your body regularly; don’t neglect your brain!”

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Although snail mucin is now frequently associated with Korean beauty, it was reportedly used by the ancient Greeks and has a long history in skin care.

“Snail mucin comes from the brown garden snail and has been used since ancient times for skin-healing benefits,” explains Peterson Pierre, MD, a dermatologist in Westlake Village, California.

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Botox, which is often confused with fillers, will not give you full lips or cheeks. Rather, it’ll smooth out lines on your face by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles to form.

Strangely enough, it’s produced from the same toxin that causes botulism. So how exactly does this work as a beauty treatment that banishes wrinkles? Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, who specializes in Botox procedures, explained: “The signal from the nerve to the muscle telling it to flex is blocked by Botox, thereby relaxing the muscle and improving lines and wrinkles.” (more…)

This ISDIN sunscreen not only offers high broad spectrum protection using zinc oxide, it also addresses previous sun damage on the skin and can support collagen production to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, of Pierre Skincare Institute, describes the sunscreen as “cosmetically elegant, rubs right in without leaving a sticky, greasy, or white residue, and provides superior sun protection.”

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In fact, while bakuchiol is frequently mentioned in the same breath as retinol, it’s effective enough to deserve the spotlight on its own. “Bakuchiol promotes cellular turnover and skin repair,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a cosmetic and medical dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California. “It stimulates collagen production, thereby improving tone, texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. It fights free radical damage, decreases inflammation, and has antimicrobial properties.” Here’s everything you need to know about bakuchiol, how it compares to retinol, and some product recommendations to try.

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The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. Coronary artery disease occurs when plaques composed of lipids, cholesterol, calcium and other materials develop in the walls of the blood vessels that feed the heart. If allowed to progress, the narrowed arteries can’t deliver sufficient blood to the heart resulting in painful cramps known as angina or chest pains. “If the arteries get clogged, you will suffer a heart attack,” explains Peterson Pierre, MD, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute.

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While this spring is feeling particularly cathartic, the change of season can cause all sorts of skin problems to bloom especially for those with reactive skin.

Notes dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD of the Pierre Skin Care Institute:

“As we move from winter to spring, we tend to spend more time outdoors and there’s a greater chance of exposure to chemicals such as poison ivy or poison oak as well as insect bites which can trigger allergic reactions. Spring also brings a rapid rise in pollen count which can trigger allergies and be particularly problematic for those with sensitive skin. The warmer weather can lead to more sweating and potentially more acne breakouts. In addition, changes in the weather can trigger eczema flare-ups for reasons that are currently unknown.”

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Plenty of us have done it: You find a skincare product you love and immediately want to buy it in bulk to save money–and so you won’t run out. But just because you can do that doesn’t mean you should. Sure, you could cash in on multiple two-for-one deals at once, but some skincare products have shorter expiration dates–which means buying in bulk could actually end up costing you more if you end up tossing half of what you bought in a couple months.

“Two or three at a time should be fine for most skincare products,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “If it’s a dozen, I would caution against it because ingredients do expire and you want to ensure maximum freshness and potency.”

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“Vitamin C is important for collagen production and, along with vitamin E, is an important antioxidant that can protect against free radical damage,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with the Pierre Skin Care Institute in West Lake, California. “It is also great for discoloration and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”

Instead of grabbing an orange to get your dose, much on some vitamin C-rich yellow bell peppers. In a British Journal of Nutrition study of more than 700 Japanese women, researchers found that the more yellow and green vegetables the subjects ate, the less apt they were to have wrinkles and crows feet–even once they controlled for smoking and sun exposure. And a study out of the U.K. concurs. The British study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that volunteers who consumed four milligrams of C (what you’d get in a single bite of yellow pepper) daily for three years decreased the appearance of wrinkles by 11%.

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“Marula oil can help dry, dehydrated skin (found in eczema and psoriasis), has anti-aging properties, and can help your sunscreen in defending against free radicals; it even has antimicrobial properties and may be helpful in your fight against acne,” says Dr. Pierre. “It’s also lightweight, absorbs easily, and can even help your hair and nails [8].”

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Hand sanitizer, if you read the ingredient list, is mostly alcohol. That doesn’t mean it should be your new favorite cocktail to take into the shower, but rather should teach you how alcohol’s chemical properties help sanitize your hands. According to Dr. Peterson Pierre, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute, alcohol acts to break down the lipids or fats in bacteria and virus’ cell walls, effectively killing them. But there is a flip side to this germ-killing superpower. “Alcohol and propylene glycol draw moisture out of the face,” Dr. Pierre told The List. “It’s the process of osmosis; the moisture is going to travel from your skin to where it’s needed, and since alcohol has less (moisture) it’s going to go in that direction.”

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There are a few different ways to try facial exercise — but experts differ on how long and how frequently to do it. Based on the results of the aforementioned JAMA study, it may require 20 to 30 minutes daily for a few months to notice a change, and then the same timeframe a few times a week to maintain results, which may not be sustainable for some. However, as Peterson Pierre MD of the Pierre Skin Care Institute explains, if you’re able to add on this time to your daily/weekly routine, there is some reward for your efforts. “If you thrive on structure and think you can be committed and consistent with this program, you can reap the benefits of firmer skin, fuller cheeks, and a younger appearance,” he says.

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So, what are the added benefits of using this ingredient? Dr. Peterson Pierre of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California (www.pierreskincare.com) shares just why probiotics are worth including in your daily skincare regimen. It’s all about restoring and balancing the skin’s natural microbiome. “All of this helps to reduce inflammation,” Dr. Pierre explains.

“They also fight free radicals produced by the sun and pollution and may possibly even protect against skin cancer,” he continues. “Probiotics can build up our skin’s natural defenses and promote healthy function. These properties allow probiotics to be very useful for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, and in preventing premature aging.”

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“As we age, our brains shrink in volume, particularly the frontal cortex and hippocampus, areas involved in higher cognitive function and encoding new memories,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California, and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute.

The Rx: “It’s important to keep the mind stimulated, and one of the best ways to do that is with the brain training app Lumosity,” says Pierre. “This app is personalized and trains key areas of your brain. Just a few minutes a day can help your mind stay sharp and can even help you improve in certain areas.”

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Biotin, a B vitamin that helps stimulate keratin production, has a reputation for being beneficial for your hair, skin, and nails, so it makes sense that you’d be interested in using a biotin shampoo. But the best biotin shampoos are complimented by other, high-performing ingredients to promote strong hair and a balanced scalp, like “zinc to decrease inflammation; ketoconazole to fight the hair-thinning properties of DHT; antioxidants to minimize free radical damage; castor oil or olive oil to increase scalp circulation and condition the scalp and hair; and keratin, amino acids, and pantothenol to strengthen the hair,” explains Dr. Peterson Pierre, M.D., a dermatologist who spoke to Elite Daily for this article.

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“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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You know that rosy flush you get after exercise? That is a sign that your skin is being infused with oxygen and nutrients.

“Exercise can be very beneficial to your skin and overall health by increasing blood flow,” says Pierre. “This not only improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin, but will also accelerate the removal of waste products and free radicals, thereby protecting the skin from further damage.”

Another benefit of that rosy flush? You can skip the blush and let your natural beauty shine through!

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I’m a fan of exfoliating a few times a week because it’s known to increase collagen production and polish away dead skin cells (those can make your skin look dull). However, I’m not a fan of super-gritty exfoliants that tend to irritate my skin. In my teens and 20s, I was all about an intense physical exfoliation, but these days, it’s too harsh for my nighttime skincare routine. “When you’re first starting out, you should probably exfoliate once a week, especially if you have sensitive skin,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre of the Pierre Skin Care Institute tells Byrdie. “This is primarily to assess tolerability and efficacy. After two weeks, you can progress to twice a week. Ultimately, two to three times a week is ideal.”

My top pick is Tatcha’s The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder ($65) because it’s created with rice and papaya enzymes to deliver a creamy foam that softens and gently exfoliates. The secret is in Hadasei-3–a trio of anti-aging Japanese superfoods green tea, rice, and algae that promote youthful radiance. Also, this non-abrasive formula also combats uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

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“Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause pimples similar to acne as well as broken capillaries that cause flushing and blushing,” explains dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California. “It can also affect the eyes, resulting in a dry, gritty sensation, or cause an overgrowth of the oil glands on the nose leading to a deformity.”

There are four types of rosacea, including erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (flushing and redness), papulopustular rosacea or acne rosacea (acne-like bumps with redness), phymatous rosacea (large and red nose), and ocular rosacea (dry, red, burning eyes).

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“Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause pimples similar to acne as well as broken capillaries that cause flushing and blushing,” explains dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California. “It can also affect the eyes, resulting in a dry, gritty sensation, or cause an overgrowth of the oil glands on the nose leading to a deformity.”

There are four types of rosacea, including erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (flushing and redness), papulopustular rosacea or acne rosacea (acne-like bumps with redness), phymatous rosacea (large and red nose), and ocular rosacea (dry, red, burning eyes).

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Expert take: Once among the most daunting of services (cue the image of one blistering and veiled Samantha Jones on Sex and the City), chemical peels have certainly made strides when it comes to mainstream skincare. But even when accompanied by numbered products and user-friendly guidelines, experts say to proceed with caution.

“Factors such as peel type, strength, skin prep, the amount of time the peel is left on the skin, and the method of application can all affect the outcome. Without proper training, one can very easily burn themselves and even create scars,” warns Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, Calif.

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Newsflash: Baby soap isn’t just for babies. Babyganics’s Foaming Dish Soap is a plant-based formula that’s free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a widely used cleansing agent that’s found in soaps and hair products, which New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel says is a common skin irritant. While SLS is an effective foaming agent, it can strip your skin of beneficial oils, according to California-based board-certified dermatologist Peterson Pierre. Losing these oils in your products can compromise how well skin is protected, causing irritation if you have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

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Botox injections are primarily cosmetic, which makes them ineligible for insurance coverage. Because Botox isn’t approved by the FDA as a TMJ treatment, it is unlikely insurance would cover it. However, if the TMJ is severe enough to cause migraines, insurance may cover Botox as a treatment. Botox is FDA-approved for migraines.

Pierre encourages patients to contact their insurance companies. “Unfortunately, the insurance company is the one who gets to determine medical necessity,” he says, “So there are no guarantees. However, some insurance companies cover Botox for hyperhidrosis so there’s a chance you can get coverage for TMJ.”

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“Both Botox and Dysport are excellent options for someone dealing with hyperhidrosis,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California.

So is one better than the other? Per a study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Botox and Dysport are similarly effective, with Botox just barely taking the edge over Dysport.

For the study, a patient was treated with 100 units of Botox on the left side of their face and 300 units of Dysport on the right side, without knowing which was which. Botox kicked in quicker, with the patient noticing a reduction in sweating after one week on the left side of their face. Dysport, on the other hand, took about two weeks to take effect.

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Ditch your face scrub (sorry, but scrubs are generally too aggressive for skin that’s prone to dark spots and hyperpigmentation), and get yourself a chemical exfoliant/acid, instead. One chemical exfoliant that Dr. Pierre recommends for dark spots is glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps dissolve and shed the “glue” between dead, discolored skin cells, leaving you with a clearer, brighter, all-around glowier face.

Plus, by chemically exfoliating away surface-level dead cells, your skin will be better able to absorb any spot treatments or brightening serums you apply afterward, which helps make them more effective. Win-win.

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Dr. Pierre explains that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, injuries, bug bites, or scratches can fade naturally in a few weeks or months, but things like sun damage or melasma (hyperpigmentation caused by hormones and sun exposure) will need topical or laser intervention, if you’re trying to get rid of them.

How do you get rid of dark spots fast?

Fortunately for you (and me), we’ve got a few treatments. Buuut that being said, this is the part where I remind you that the first step to getting rid of dark spots is to see a dermatologist who can identify what type of discoloration you’re working with, figure out the cause, and determine the best treatment options for your skin. “The cause of the dark spots is actually an important consideration,” Dr. Pierre explains. “Although there is definitely an overlap in treatment plans, different combinations will be used depending on the factors at play.”

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According to Dr. Peterson Pierre, a dermatologist with the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Westlake Village, California, common PHAs used in skin care products include:

gluconolactone
lactobionic acid
galactose

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“As we get older, many things change in our skin, including collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production,” Peterson Pierre, a California-based dermatologist, says. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are all proteins that keep the skin elastic — a.k.a. firm — and dewy. When production of these proteins drops, so does the skin’s ability to hang onto moisture and the lips get dry, says Pierre. Consequently, our lips tend to shrivel up over time.

Hyaluronic acid is the main hydrator in the skin and can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, Pierre tells me. That’s why you see Eva Longoria on TV peddling the stuff in a bottle. It can plump and revitalize your skin, which can make you appear younger. Before you spend your savings on a boatload of Hyaluronic acid, though, know that it’s not literally going to turn you into your 20-year-old self again, and before taking any new supplements you should talk to your doctor.

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More than 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point or another, according to research. The most common causes of this hair loss? Stress, hormonal changes, medications, genetics, and hair products that irritate the scalp, says dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre.

Depending on the causes of your hair loss, you may need to use both a topical hair loss solution as well as take a hair loss supplement to truly treat your issue, says William Gaunitz, a certified trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) and founder of Advanced Trichology, So which hair loss products are worth trying?

Here, we’ve researched the best hair loss treatments to help you out.

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You don’t get far into any manner of research about skincare basics without running into the intimidatingly spelled hyaluronic acid, pronounced hiya-lure-onic. But what it lacks in linguistic ease, hyaluronic acid (or HA) makes up for in simplicity and straightforwardness of application. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most effective, dependable, and accessible moisturizers available in the entire complexion armamentarium. We asked dermatologists to break down hyaluronic acid’s benefits and uses–so let’s take a knowledge journey into the wonderful world of this moisture-retaining magic acid, shall we?

“Our bodies make hyaluronic acid regularly, but in our late 20s, that production starts to decrease, which leads to the unwanted signs of aging,” says dermatologist Peterson Pierre, of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California.

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The fillers we are talking about are all FDA-approved for the treatment of lines and wrinkles. But that doesn’t mean they are without risk.

“Filler injection is a medical procedure and should only be performed by the most skilled injectors with a thorough knowledge of anatomy,” says Pierre. That sounds, well, obvious, but aestheticians and third-party vendors can offer the treatments at discount prices, which is extremely tempting but most definitely not advised. Go to a doctor, period. Not only can the result be aesthetically non-ideal–uneven, clumpy, bumpy–but there can also real risk.

“Filler injection appears to be a deceptively simple procedure that can quickly lead to complications in inexperienced hands, the most serious of which is blindness,” Pierre continues. Even with a skilled practitioner, expect redness, bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the day after your procedure.

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It’s generally said that diet and stress cause acne, but there are specific reasons that these two factors give us flareups. Because acne is an inflammatory skin condition, “anything that increases inflammation can trigger or worsen acne,” explains Peterson Pierre, MD, of the Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Stress releases pro-inflammatory hormones in the body and high-sugar foods can also increase inflammation in the body. These rules aren’t universal, of course, but can contribute to acne.”

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