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    • My Favorite Facial Sunscreen for Every Skin Type
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    • 5 Ways I Practice Self Care
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    • So You Want to be a Derm PA?
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Category: Skincare

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Is Bakuchiol the new Retinol?

on February 6, 2020
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If you’re a skin care junkie like myself, you’ve probably heard of an ingredient called Bakuchiol getting a lot of…

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My Self Tanning Tips and Favorite Products

on December 5, 2019
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As a Derm PA you can imagine I’m pretty happy that the emphasis is almost completely on “fake baking” these…

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Splurge-Worthy Skin Care Gift Guide

on November 21, 2019
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With the holidays fast approaching, we’re all on the hunt for gift ideas for the women (and men) in our…

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How to Choose the Right Cleanser

on November 11, 2019
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If you follow me on social media you know I often preach that not every product is suitable for everyone.…

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My Favorite Facial Sunscreen for Every Skin Type

on October 20, 2019
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If I could only use one product for the rest of my life, literally only one, it would be sunscreen.…

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Recent Posts

  • Inside My Supplement Cabinet
  • How I’m Showing MYSELF Some Love this Valentine’s Day
  • Is Bakuchiol the new Retinol?
  • Retinoids- The Gold Standard for Anti-Aging
  • Gift Guide: My 2019 Wish List

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Instagram post 2243641742207579046_4518084886 After lots of DMs on the subject: “Inside My Supplement Cabinet” is now live on theskinthusiastblog.com featuring the ONLY 4 supplements I would spend my money on! Put down the collagen powder and read this 😉 Link in bio & in stories.
Instagram post 2243328767353450494_4518084886 When you buy hubs a #fiddleleaffig for Valentine’s Day mainly just because you wanted a fiddle leaf fig 🤷🏻‍♀️ #marriage
Instagram post 2242595104001223776_4518084886 Having a little Q&A over on stories! Come chat and ask all me your burning questions 🧐... what’s the origin of mankind? Is there meaningful life on the moon? What are the ultimate limits of Physics? I probably can’t answer those but how about: what ratio of lipids should be in a moisturizer to effectively repair the barrier? Or what exogenous circumstances can cause impaired desquamation of corneocytes from the Stratum Corneum?🤓 Ok fine you can just ask me about my favorite cleanser... 😤
Instagram post 2242305510529800446_4518084886 Have you ever done an entire Pilates class with your pants on inside out? 😳... asking for a friend http://liketk.it/2KfN9 #liketkit @liketoknow.it . . . . . #pilatesclass #pilatesreformer #classpass @classpass #aloyoga @aloyoga #yogalover #fitnesslovers #miamifitness #miamitfit #carbon38 #pilatesstudio #reformerpilates #fitinfluencer #fitnessinfluencer #classpassmiami #lululemon #lululemonmia #miamiinfluencers #miamiinfluencer
Instagram post 2241139549843863482_4518084886 3 years ago, almost exactly, I had just passed the PANCE after graduating PA school the month prior. I was awaiting credentialing at my very first big girl job and maneuvering through the state licensing for the first time. It was overwhelming to say the least. I had been admiring this new company called Figs and was so envious of their comfy-looking scrubs. The ones I had been wearing the last 2 years were less than ideal 😂... So, I entered an instagram giveaway and low and behold I WON... and not just a set but FREE FIGS SCRUBS FOR A YEAR. Like what?! I had never won anything in my life. I specifically remember how excited I was. It felt like the start of my new life and this was the cherry on top. I was so grateful. Cut to the present and I now get to call myself a Figs Ambassador. It has literally come full circle & it’s a really cool moment for me. It symbolizes more than just working with a brand I’ve admired for years. It’s afforded me the ability to look back and think: wow I’ve come SO far. And I still have so far to go. ✨ You can use code “FIGSxTheSkinthusiast” for a discount on your order over $50!
Instagram post 2240401570737212795_4518084886 On Sundays we mask ✨ . . . . #biodermausa #bioderma #masking #facemask #skincareexpert #skincareenthusiast #facemasks #sensitiveskin #sensitiveskincare #sundayz #dermatologypa
Instagram post 2239456741593395560_4518084886 Going to the pool/beach with me is quite a production... @eltamdskincare elements ✅ @coola mineral spray sunscreen ✅ @heliocare_usa ✅ Hat ✅ Umbrella ✅ Ok I’m ready to sit here for 30 minutes and then complain that I’m bored 👍🏼
Instagram post 2238826218810374617_4518084886 When the provider becomes the patient 😂 I had a very minor procedure this morning and all is well but it really opened my eyes to being on the other side of medicine... and on the other side of the propofol 😳 ✨ The nurses were fantastic and I think I gave about 5 free skin care consults while we were waiting to wheel back to the procedure room 😂... Most common questions: “what the heck is Retinol” and “do i really have to wear sunscreen everyday”? 😂... Also these purple paper gowns are v on brand.
Instagram post 2236804890456710650_4518084886 I’m often asked: “what should I major in if I want to go to PA or Medical school?” or “What classes should I take in undergrad if I want to be in Dermatology?”. What a loaded question, right? I have my Bachelor of Science in Biology and to be honest loved most of it. Microbiology and anthropology were some of my favorite courses and Gen Chem my least. Although, Orgo was always fun for me and has proven to be quite useful for this skin care nerd 🤓. I loved learning about the microorganisms sharing the planet with us and dictating almost every aspect of our bodies and lives. I loved learning about ancient populations of the genus homo and how we evolved into erect, walking, talking, texting creatures.🤣 I think the key is :you have to love it or at least love where it will get you. If you don’t love it you’re not going to stay up late or wake up early, or skip parties or sorority mixers or weekends away. If you’re not passionate you’re not going to push yourself; and that’s what it takes. There will be times when you will want to give up and you will have to push through. So, if you love bacteria 🤷🏻‍♀️, do what I did. If you love the human body and kinesiology, do that. If you love the intricacies of the human mind, study psychology. If you love chemistry…you crazy but go ahead 🙈. At the end of the day, what is most important is that you work hard, learn as much as you can and continue pushing forward. You owe it to yourself and your future patients. What was your undergraduate major?
Instagram post 2236542274949790793_4518084886 If you're a skin care junkie like myself, you've probably heard of Bakuchiol! There are lots of claims that this plant-derived compound is the new retinol. But is it? Let's break it down. First things first: bakuchiol and retinol are not structurally similar compounds as some would imply. However, there are several studies showing comparable function of bakuchiol to that of the over the counter retinoid: retinol. Most studies show that, yes similar effects are seen between groups using retinol nightly and bakuchiol twice daily in terms of improvements in wrinkles and pigmentation. In these studies, bakuchiol tends to cause less irritation, itching and flaking when compared to retinol. Also, bakuchiol actually exhibits antioxidant properties as well as the ability to inhibit melanin- both of which likely contribute to it's ability to improve pigmentation. However, retinol is the weaker of the retinoids and there is no data comparing this new ingredient against adapalene or any of the prescription strength retinoids like tretinoin or tazarotene. So, while bakuchiol may be an effective alternative for those unable to tolerate even the weakest retinol; it is not an effective alternative to the stronger retinoids. If you are able to tolerate your prescription retinoid definitely stick with that, I know I will!
Instagram post 2236065126883460348_4518084886 Spring is coming and that means I find myself reaching for the sunless tanner before wearing my cute new dress. #ad It’s no secret that I’m diligent about my SPF use but I also love to have a nice glow. & if you’ve been following for awhile you know that the @coola Sunless Tan Firming Lotion and Sunless Tan face serum have been staples in my skin care regimen for months now! I apply the gradual tanning lotion just as I would my moisturizer when I get out of the shower. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t streak or transfer and builds a nice tan gradually. It’s no wonder it was an #Allurebestofbeauty pick. At night I apply the facial tanning serum after I cleanse, let it do its thing for a few minutes while I get ready for bed, then continue with the rest of my skin care routine. Having a glow makes me look more awake, my skin appear brighter, and certainly makes me feel confident in a cute dress. & thankfully I can achieve a natural-looking glow without any of the dangers of the sun! #coola
Instagram post 2233245420623358401_4518084886 Someone asked me today why I have a “K” necklace if my name is Amy and my last name begins with an “M”? It started as a tradition on my wedding day. To honor my new last name I wore a K pendant when I walked down the aisle. Now when I see a “K” necklace I have to grab it... it’s become quite a collection. Although I use my maiden name professionally, I still took my husband’s last name when we got married! Ladies, Do you go by your married or maiden name professionally?
Instagram post 2231724105223533175_4518084886 3 years ago, my January started with my head in the books studying for the boards. After a long Christmas break that should have been spent studying it was crunch time. 2015 Amy had been so eager to become a PA after graduation in mid-December that I had signed up for the very first test day possible which happened to be the first week after Christmas. I was a little nervous but I told myself that the last 2 years of my life had been in preparation partly for this very day. When test day came, I got up super early, made coffee and drove 35 minutes to the testing center. I didn’t take a single break, not even to pee. It was hard. There were things on that test that I swear I had never heard of and questions that I promise you had more than one right answer 😜 I left the center not really sure how I was feeling. I called a friend who had taken it the same day and said: “I don’t know that was REALLY hard, harder than I had anticipated”. He said “really? I actually didn’t think it was that bad”. I chalked it up to different versions and told myself it was probably fine... Then slowly the group text started blowing up over the next few days and most people had similar feelings: that it wasn’t AS BAD as they had expected. SH*T, I thought. I probably failed. I’m going to be that girl who failed the boards. They tell you it can take up to 2 weeks to get your scores. Mine took the full 14 days of course. I passed. I was a PA! I passed with some 3 digit number that I can’t even remember now because all that mattered was I didn’t have to take that test again. A month or so after that I got an email from my program director congratulating me. Aside from the unknown scores of a few people who hadn’t taken the exam yet, I had scored the highest in my graduating class. I’ve never actually told anyone but my parents and husband this because it really didn’t matter. A pass was a pass. But the point is, comparison can tear you down real quick. It’s easy to look around and think that everyone else has it together in ways you do not. But, keep your head up... it’s not over until it’s over and you may just surprise yourself.
Instagram post 2230986760371219027_4518084886 5 Tips to Keeping Your Hair Fresh When You Workout Everyday! 1. I use @slipsilkpillowcase silk scrunchies to pull my hair back for workouts. They are gentle on my hair and don’t leave me with a dreaded crease in my hair. I can actually wear my hair down after it being up for hours in one of these scrunchies! That was unheard of before… once it went up it was up for the duration. 2. I skip the headband. Wearing a workout headband when I workout only makes my roots matted down and sweatier. 3. I dry shampoo BEFORE my workout. Instead of trying to salvage a sweaty mess I pre-treat my hair with dry shampoo to absorb the sweat and oils as they are produced. My favorite is this one as you might have guessed… 4. Wear my hair in a low versus high pony. When I pile my hair on top of my head for a workout, it’s much more difficult to get my part to oblige when I want to wear it down after. I find that if I wear it in a low pony with part intact, it’s much easier to style afterwards. 5. Save the sweatiest for last… I know that one of my favorite hot yoga classes leaves me absolutely drenched. There’s not enough dry shampoo in the world to revive my locks after that class. So, I schedule it for the last day when I plan to wash my hair anyways. Then wash, rinse and repeat! http://liketk.it/2JDFK #liketkit @liketoknow.it #dryshampoo #oribeobsessed #ltkbeauty
Instagram post 2230135882999214114_4518084886 Wheels up back to Miami. So happy that I was able to spend the weekend at home in Ohio celebrating my little sister and the soon-to-be newest addition to the Michaels clan. Isabelle Michaels we cannot wait to meet you! P.S my dress is linked via @liketoknow.it ! #liketkit http://liketk.it/2JALA . . . . . . #LTKwedding #LTKstyletip #LTKbump
Instagram post 2229233587369361706_4518084886 Another great question from my recent Q&A: Facials? Who should do them and which type? Facials can do amazing things for the skin and are also a lovely self care ritual for some. I personally love a good clinical facial with dermaplaning. Those with sensitive skin and rosacea types, though, are best sticking to an at home regimen prescribed by their provider. If they are able to get their skin under great control then a gentle facial with a clinical aesthetician may be okay but should always be discussed with your derm provider beforehand. For those with congestion and comedonal acne, facials can be an amazing way to unclog the pores. Again a qualified aesthetician who is well-versed on clinical skin care is a must. I also recommend that these patients be on their prescribed regimen and retinoid for at least 2 weeks prior to a facial to allow some of the acne to surface with the accelerated cell turnover from the retinoid. Anyone scheduling a facial should ideally stop their retinoids and actives a couple of days prior especially for services like dermaplaning to avoid irritation. For resistant skin types, frequent facials are generally well tolerated and a great addition to a proper at home regimen. Remember that a monthly facial can be a fantastic compliment. But, if you’re not using the right products for your specific skin type at home everyday, you’re flushing your money down the toilet. P.S this post-facial glow is thanks to @skinxali our amazing aesthetician!
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