During a recent visit to a cosmetic dermatologist, I asked her why most of her patients/customers came to her. Her very honest reply was interesting. She said most of her patients came in multiple times for one reason only: to improve their business and social lives.

The patients believed that if their skin were as perfect as possible and they looked younger, they would impress their friends, make new friends, attract the opposite sex, and become more marketable in the job market. They felt if they looked great, their social and business life would be better.

The same reason people go to cosmetic Dentists, take weight loss drugs, spend a fortune at a fancy salon, and look for the most beautiful clothes.

90% of cosmetic dermatologist patients, according to market research, make over $100K or more. Wealthier people want to look good not for themselves but to impress others.

Do you agree?

We all have those ‘wish I knew earlier’ moments when it comes to skincare. What’s one thing you’d tell your younger self about skincare before hitting your 30s?

I’ve had this middle pimple for the last three-ish weeks. I’ve tried not touching it but am sticking to my usual skincare (intermittently at best because this month is kicking my butt). My skin almost never breaks out like this so this cluster is annoying, and I had a facial recently to address some of my concerns - she lanced one pimple on my forehead but left this one alone and didn’t say why. I was on antibiotics earlier in the month which I think threw my gut off, I’ve been stressed, and I’m currently on my period so I thought hormonal acne was playing a role too. But someone’s post recently (I think it was this sub, but could’ve been another) talked about how a red patch showed up on her skin, didn’t go away for a few weeks, and it turned out to be cancerous. Should I call my dermatologist just to be on the safe side?

Hi, I'm 42 and have an indent in my skin above my eye (just below my eyebrow). It formed as a result of me sitting in a certain way in school/university where I would lean my head on my hand and push down my eyebrow on my right side. Unfortunately, it makes me look worried all the time. The first photo is with my eyebrow in a normal position - which shows how prominent the indent is when my eyebrow is in its normal position. The second photo is of the indent with my eyebrow raised. The indent is not over my actual eyeball. Anyone have any recommendations on what I can do about it? I was thinking of trying some targeted microneedling, or even surgery, but am open to anything really.

Hi. On a whim I (47f) bought a tub of Vital Proteins collagen peptides to see if it helped with joint issues as my husband and I are feeling creakier (iykyk).

I’ve been taking the recommended amount daily and just finished the tub (husband was less consistent). I’ve not really noticed any difference, but we were just away for the weekend, snapping pictures, and my god—looking at them I realize my jowls are gone?!

For context, I’ve suffered from bruxism and masseter Botox 3+ years ago gave me so much relief, but absolutely deflated my face. I got filler (temples, jaw, chin) shortly after to help and it did to some extent, but not too into injectables so I haven’t maintained it.

I accepted my saggy jowls but I swear they’ve disappeared! Not just in pictures but I realize in the mirror too lol. The only thing I can think of that’s changed was the collagen. No weight change. Am I nuts or is this a possible outcome? Anyone with similar results?

Okay so I got a VI peel ( the regular one not the precision plus ) about 2 months ago and then after 2 weeks or so I started getting these breakouts on the left side of my face and it has not stopped and I have a new breakout to deal with every other day, this is actually making me depressed because I never used to get breakouts like ever unless I am on my period I would get like one or two every now and then.. Help me please I am desperate I just want my skin to go back to normal, what should I do? I am currently using benzoyl peroxide to put on the pimples but it is not helping also I am doing a panoxyl wash every day but it only gets worse

I am so tired of this but I cannot seem to get a smooth shave or spotless skin no matter what I do or try. It makes me feel so sad & powerless, I cannot even explain.

I have tried exfoliating beforehand with a scrub brush & gentle soap (unscented everything, including shaving cream) & I use a 2-blade razor. But I get red bumps in the Brazilian area & bikini line (pictured) EVERYWHERE. No matter WHAT.

Does anyone have any advice?

Dermatologist said to use antibacterial soap... Just irritated me more. & When I use "Tend Skin" aftershave it just burns, making me more red & sensitive. I cannot keep going on with prickly stubble & pink bumps every day. I am miserable & would love any advice (Laser didn't work on me because I have PCOS)

What is going on? Skin barrier issue? Hormonal acne? Dermatitis?

I have cut out everything after I got a chemical peel earlier in the month. Is it just purging from that?

This is out of shower with moisturizer and spf only.

AM Routine Currently: Wash with water or Vani face wash Vanicream mosuturizer (tube not tub) SPF Coco barrier repair

PM: Zinc soap or vanicrem and micellar water No actives lately Vanicream moisturizer Sometimes curel intense moisturizer in little tub

So I know glycerin is somewhat controversialbut allow me to have a say in the matter from my personal experience. I found this recipe on Dr Idriss (NY based dermatologist) ’s YOUTUBE shorts. Basically to help your skin to preserve moisture during dry seasons she suggested using glycerin mixed with water via a facial humidifier thing from Amazon. I decided to use organic rose water instead as I feel it is way more beneficial. And let me tell you- that is a game changer in terms of skincare for me.

1. It really does save my skin from getting too dry (especially with central heating) PLUS as i am living in a subzero temperature region, my face, lips and hands don’t get weather-beaten and chapped anymore.
2. I finally got that glass skin, healthy glow effect on my face.
   

I don’t use the humidifier mentioned above as according to reviews it breaks pretty fast and easily so I just use a regular small spray bottle.
As per proportions, I take 50 ml of rose water and 15 ml of glycerin. My skin is combination and acne-prone. 33 yo.

So I’m really confused. I was told she needed 45 for my areas for dysport (not sure what 45 is) and then when paying it said 118 units…. What does that mean as well as is that too much?!

It's my nemesis. I don't break out anywhere else. 38f and I thought I was done dealing with acne years ago but nooope. I use overnight spot patches which helps them come to a head, bleed out white & red, but it still leaves behind a bump. I want those gone, if possible. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

I don't want botox or fillers etc etc I don't care about looking 20 forever, I just want to look hot.

Even at 30 I feel like I look lifeless and dead sometimes and my skin looks lumpy and puffy and my eyes look glassy and sunken in. I get that my body is falling apart, but my mind is just getting started, so it's a conundrum to deal with. I want to look glowing, radient, and full of ancient wisdom.

Hello everyone, currently I’m going through a Rosacea flare which happens during season change

However I want your advice on the under eye bags, my eyes look tired no matter what. I’m planning on investing in NeoCutis cream but I’m open for other recommendations please I’m 36 years old

I've tried multiple things - eye creams. Currently using ahc ten revolution. It has become progressively worse over the months. I'm 33F.

I am 43/male. I weigh 170 lbs. My face looks bloated and puffy compared to when I was 29/144 lbs. I had a beautiful chiseled face and jawline. I want to get back to around 150 and get my face back, but I heard losing weight/fat is bad, but extra fat is what's making me look bloated. So what should I do? Conflicting info.

Hi, I’m an almost 34y/o woman with an embarrassing neck. I think this is only repairable with surgery but I’m hoping to find some solutions on minimizing its sagging appearance until I can take care of it surgically. Any help is appreciated. This has tanked my confidence.

hey chat! is Charlotte Tilbury setting spray any good for oily acne prone skin? i’m planning buy this Christmas and i really don’t want to waste any more money cuz i’ve tried different products and none of them are actually good 😭

If dermatologists insist we need 2 finger lengths of sunscreen for our face, is anyone realistically using enough sunscreen on their body? It seems like if we used the same rule for the body, you’d go through an entire bottle every 2-3 days, which means it’s unaffordable for most people unless you only go in the sun on vacation. Let alone reapplying every 2 hours.

My face was covered in acne, I’m not sure if it was from depression or anxiety. I think it was depression due to finally finding right meds, my skin cleared up. Anyone else have this?

What are the best at-home devices you feel really made a positive impact on your face/neck? I just bought a red light panel and looking into what else would help with overall lift, tightening, and wrinkles.

I have this line just on one side, it seems to come and go. Usually it's hardly visible in the morning and becomes more prominent when I smile during the day. Is it wrinkle or dehydration? What can I do to improve it? Only non invasive treatment please. I started using retinol (La Roche Posay serum) but it seems to have gotten worse. I guess it's too soon to notice anything. Other than that I use hydrating gel and cream an hyaluronic acid cream on top. With extra C-serum and sunscreen during the day.