MAKE A RESOLUTION TO SAY NO TO THESE SKINCARE SABOTEURS
Picking Pimples
It’s virtually human nature to see a pimple and want to squeeze it. But there is a “medical art” to doing it the right way that dermatologists and aestheticians are trained in so as not to leave pockmarks in the skin. In addition, more deep-rooted acne such as comedones (under the skin) requires the tools and skills of a dermatologist.
Practicing dangerous or medically unsound TikTok or Instagram skincare advice or trends.
Some of these wacky ideas have included using glue to remove blackheads, making your own eyelash serum, fixing self-tanning streaks with a “magic eraser,” treating skin cancer with black salve, and the list goes on. Consult a dermatologist before practicing anything in your skin that seems unorthodox.
Purchasing DIY tools or instruments online that should be used in a dermatologist’s office.
It might be tempting to purchase your own “pimple lancer” online but only dermatologists or licensed aestheticians know the right way to do this without puncturing or permanently scarring the skin.
Over-exfoliating your skin like you are power washing a building facade.
Exfoliate one to two times per week (start on the lower end and increase frequency as needed). Any more than that can result in irritation or throw off your skin’s pH balance.
Attempting to remove a mole at home
Removing your own moles by attempting to scrap or burn them off is downright dangerous as it can lead to scarring or deformity of the area.
DIY Masks
Using at-home ingredients to substitute for store-bought products are all the rage. That’s understandable given the tight budgets of many. When concocting a mask at home, you could be using ingredients such as pure baking soda or fruit acids that are too harsh for your skin type or simply not intended for facial skin,
Online Botox
DIY Botox? Steer clear for sure. Botox is formulated from a powerful toxin. It is safe to use when injected properly, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, this treatment could cause serious complications.
About the Derms:
Stacy Chimento, MD
Dr. Chimento is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, where she studied at Loyola University and subsequently received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Miami. She graduated at the top of her class at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was inducted as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Society. She completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, IL. She then came back to Miami to complete her dermatology residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Chimento is a nationally sought out academic speaker for laser and cosmetic aesthetics. She is a member of the Candela Center of Excellence in which she trains and educates others on laser and energy devices. She is a national trainer for Galderma aesthetics with expertise in facial injectables.
She is highly trained in general medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with an interest and expertise in acne, rosacea, body contouring, laser rejuvenation, laser and energy devices, and cosmetic injectables and body contouring and injectable aesthetic treatments.
Gretchen Frieling, MD
After graduating summa cum laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Dr. Frieling completed her medical school at The University of Florida College of Medicine. She continued to excel academically and personally and pioneered a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide free medical care. After medical school, Dr. Frieling completed her training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She then completed her Dermatopathology fellowship at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is also a practicing Dermatopathologist in Newton, Massachusetts.
During her training, Dr. Frieling built an extensive resume, including but not limited to many articles in the Dermatology and Pathology literature, textbook chapters, and national conference presentations. She was on faculty at Harvard Medical School and participated in the first year Histopathology course.
In her spare time, Dr. Frieling continues to give back to her community and beyond. Currently, she is spearheading another medical mission to the Dominican Republic and partnering with Pedro Martinez and The Pedro Martinez Foundation.
Along with splitting her time as a practicing dermatopathologist, Dr. Frieling enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids, and extended family, as well as volunteering in the community. She is a resident of Wellesley and loves good music and is always up for trying a new restaurant!
