The Derm Duo Helps You Save Face

Any man who lost their teen crush to an idiotic pretty boy knows that attractive people have edge.  What you might not be aware of is just how significantly looking good can impact your life.  Studies have shown that those who give good face are more likely to be hired, win an election, land a higher starting salary, and have a better chance of increasing their current take-home pay 5-10%.  They are also seen as more persuasive, interesting and have an overall better reputation with less effort. Of course there are ways to fake a better look–dressing better and sporting a complimentary hairstyle are two–but these can only carry you so far.

Enter Laura and Diana Palmisano. Known  to the world as the” DermDuo”, these twin sisters are known  as “the best in the business” by their clients, which include celebrities, publishing execs and CEO’s.  The two sat down with Staggered at their Schweiger Dermatology offices in Manhattan and shared a few ways for you to give Depp a run for his money.

Laura and Diana Palmisano

OK, let’s get to it. What are the best treatments for men who want to look good on their wedding day without too much effort?

LP: For those stubborn frown lines between the brows or on the forehead, Botox is very easy and takes effect within a week.  There is no downtime and will definitely help you look more relaxed and without the “anxious or worried” look. And no, guys, it doesn’t hurt.

DP: Light based or low energy laser treatments, known as Red/Blue light or Laser Genesis are also helpful.  Red and Blue light help to reduce redness and inflammation on the face and the Blue Light targets acne bacteria.  The Laser Genesis will target redness on the face and stimulate collagen, giving the skin a nice glow and tight appearance.  We like to call the Laser Genesis as our “Laser Facial” but better, because it stimulates collagen and rejuvenates.  Both procedures have no downtime.

LP: We also treat a lot of men for acne before their wedding.  Our goal at our Clear Clinic  is “Clear Skin.”  Men tend to break out secondary to stress, sun exposure, excess perspiration, and inflamed hair follicles from shaving.  Treatments are very easy and can improve within a couple weeks.  We combine both medical treatments (oral and topical prescriptions) as well as light and laser based therapies. 

Red and Blue Light (as discussed above)

PDT  (Photodynamic therapy): This is the most aggressive treatment for acne.  It kills the bacteria that causes acne, modifies the oil glands that harbor the acne-causing bacteria which results in lasting remissions of breakouts, and reduces the residual redness from old acne spots.

Isolaz: This is a new, advanced laser treatment that combines a vacuum and painless broadband light to deep cleanse and purify the pores and directly kill acne causing bacteria.  It also reduces residual red marks from healing acne lesions. 

We also offer medical extractions (facials) and peels, which are very popular with grooms.

What are the most common treatments for men?

LP: We see a lot of men for Botox, tattoo Removal, Fraxel, which is a non-invasive fractional laser that provides general resurfacing for fine lines , wrinkles, acne scars and pigment, light and laser therapies for acne. Laser hair removal is also popular.

How many of your clients are men?

DD: We have a 60% female to 40% male ratio for cosmetic treatments. Men are more discreet, but they come in almost as often.

What’s the difference between male and female clients?

DD: Female patients are more inclined to cosmetic treatments consisting of filler and toxin and more aggressive laser procedures. Male patients prefer more simple and direct approaches to treat them cosmetically, that require minimal to no downtime.  Men also prefer easy approaches to their skincare that require only a few steps, whether in office or at home. 

What do most of your male clients come in looking for?

DD:  A lot of men come in for acne scars, active acne treatments and rosacea treatments.  We also have a lot of clients who are interested in tattoo removal, shaving breakouts and Laser hair removal. Male pattern hairloss or a receding hairline is also a big concern and Botox for frown lines is popular.

What are your best products suggestions for men?

DD: For Acne and Acne Prone  skin:   At home skincare should include exfoliating wash, facial moisturizer with SPF in the morning and gentle moisturizer in the evening.  We recommend Celeteque (skin care line that is from the Philippines) and we are the only US carrier of this product line. We discovered it after extensive research and testing and patients love that they products are not only great but also affordable).

Can you put together a regimen for Staggered readers?

DD: Sure! In the morning, use Clear Clinic Formula 2-3-4: combination of clindamycin, Benzyl Peroxide, and Green Tea.  In the evening, use Clear Clinic Formula 5: combination of tretinoin and ketoconazole.  These are Rx products that we actually compound ourselves.

For Normal Skin:   At home skincare should include exfoliating wash, facial moisturizer with SPF in the morning and gentle moisturizer in the evening.  We recommend Celeteque. Consider adding Formula 5 in the evening to maintain Clear Skin.

 What do men need to spend close attention to?

DD: They should be more attentive to their acne, because it can cause acne scars and pigmentation changes.  They should also be aware of breakouts around the beard and hairline. It can be easily treated.

How far in advance from their weddings/honeymoons should men have their treatments?

DD: We recommend men start their treatments 4-8 weeks before their weddings, if they have significant acne and acne scars.  However, even in two weeks, we can improve skin and make it more “clear” and wedding ready, with Botox and simple light and laser treatments.

Do couples ever do this together before a wedding?

DD: Of course!  Our female brides tend to bring their hubby’s to be.

Have you ever had someone give this as a wedding gift?

DD: Yes, all of the time.  We provide gift certificates for procedures and they are extremely popular.

Learn more about the Derm Duo at Schweiger Dermatology.

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