Dr. Cherise M. Levi, DO, FAAD, FAOCD, MD

Forever Clear BBL is a light-based acne treatment that clears breakouts without harsh medications or oral antibiotics. It uses blue light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, yellow light to reduce inflammation and redness, and a gentle skin-tightening treatment to stimulate the body's natural healing process. Sessions take 15-30 minutes and can be performed anywhere on the body with active acne, typically the face, chest, or back. It has virtually no downtime and minimal discomfort. Multiple sessions are required, with best results seen with treatments every 2 weeks for at least 3-6 sessions.

The VI Peel is a medium-depth peel that suppresses melanogenesis and promotes rapid cell turnover, leading to more even and bright skin tone. It resurfaces skin, revealing brighter, renewed skin in 7 days. It addresses sun damage, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and acne with hyperpigmentation.

Ayana Dermatology offers the most up-to-date patch testing, including the newest (2024) series of haptens for contact allergy testing. This series, which hasn't been updated in many years, contains 80 of the most common allergens in the US that cause contact dermatitis. New allergens on the panel include ethylacrylate (found in acrylic nails), benzophenone (found in sunscreens like avobenzone and oxybenzone), and hydroxyperoxidases of linalool (found in lavender and jasmine/perfume). Contact dermatitis allergies can occur on the neck from perfumes, the face from sunscreens, the hands from acrylic nails, or even the eyelids.

Silagen Scar Replacement Gel is clinically proven to soften, flatten, and reduce the appearance of scars. This medical-grade silicone gel helps prevent and minimize raised, red, and discolored scars. It is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and gentle enough for all skin types. It contains medical-grade ingredients trusted by top physicians.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus, and if someone has one on their mouth, they are highly contagious. Warts are also a contagious virus. Walking barefoot at public pools, gyms, or public showers can lead to warts. Wearing flip-flops or sandals can prevent warts in public places.

Dr. Levi rates Botox a 10, rosemary oil on the scalp a 5 (it probably won't hurt), dry brushing a 1 (be careful not to overdo it), beef tallow as moisturizer a 2 (can cause breakouts if acne-prone), collagen powder a 0 (you don't know what else is in it), face dunking in ice water a 0 (prefers cryoglobe sticks instead), and mouth taping a negative 5.

Keralase laser is used to encourage hair growth and stimulate follicles in the treatment of alopecia areata.

Intralesional triamcinolone is a corticosteroid injected to reduce inflammation in the treatment of alopecia areata.

The Fraxel laser targets fine lines, deep wrinkles, and horizontal lines on the neck. It can also be used to treat the area around the eyes.