How to Give Skin a Refresh for Summer
As we slide—rapidly—into the season when more skin is on display, here is some good news: It’s not too late to book an appointment for summer prep with a dermatologist. And if you happen to be in New York City, you have the added advantage of being able to visit the brand-new offices of Macrene Alexiades, which the sought-after doctor (and creator of Macrene Actives skincare) recently opened on 5th Avenue. Designed by the team Husband Wife, the space was conceived to be more akin to a private residence than a dermatologist’s office, with an emphasis on natural materials and elegant proportions (with decorative nods to Dr. Macrene’s Greek heritage). “I wanted it to be elevated and serene,” says Alexiades of her new HQ. “It is a synthesis of my classical Greek roots, Parisian aesthetic, and Manhattan sensibilities.” Here, she shares her favorite and most effective procedures for brightening and tightening the skin for the summer months to come.
If someone comes in looking for a seasonal refresh, what might you offer them for brighter, more glowing skin?
I am known for my artistic touch with chemical peels. I have special formulas that I create that are individualized for each patient. When I look at a face I instantly know how to mix a specialized cocktail of brightening agents to illuminate dark patches, tighten pores, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Another go-to for me as a laser specialist (I am receiving an international award next weekend at the ASLMS for my Leadership in Laser Surgery) are my lasers. Depending on the condition, I may go for a Genesis or picoGenesis laser or alternatively do a fractional laser resurfacing.
What is best for lifting the face overall, and for making eyes look younger?
I have several tools that are excellent at firming and tightening around the eyes. For under eye festoons, the best treatment in the world today is a combination of radio frequency micro-needling with PRP, a protocol that I invented and a device that I helped launch.
For tightening around the eyes my current favorite is a diode laser that I use to treat skin around the eyelids and above the brow to deliver the laser pulse painlessly. Two weeks later my patient starts to see an elevation and tightening of usually 1 mm that improves over time.
If someone has no time for recovery, what’s most effective for visible rejuvenation?
My favorite tools for overall lifting and rejuvenation are radio frequency devices for skin tightening and radio frequency microneedling (such as Morpheus8) with PRP for making the skin look bright and 10 years younger. No downtime and immediate improvement.
However as a classical artist and sculptor, I’m probably best known for my artistic use of injectables. My paintbrush application of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid fillers can quickly rejuvenate the entire face and bring you back to a youthful relaxed and replenished countenance.
Are there certain procedures that are best done in late spring/early summer?
I do recommend that my patients come in for their injectables and a rejuvenation treatment like the Morpheus PRP prior to summer vacations. This locks them in so no matter where they’re traveling or how much they are out and about, when people see them in full daytime sunshine, they look spectacular! My Hamptons office is of course available to them for touch ups should they need me during summer!
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