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Really, this time. I promise.

You may have read my first blog post about Rodan + Fields Lash Boost titled “Why I Stopped Using Lash Boost”. While some were pleased to learn (at the end of the article) that I was in fact still using it after a short discontinuation, some were likely frustrated and may have even called the post “click bait”. Okay, some actually did call it that in some way or another in the comments section. However, I was pleased to learn that most people found the article extremely helpful.

Growing up I was always biting and picking my nails. The habit followed me throughout college, and I was always ashamed of how my fingers looked. When I finished my masters degree and began my first job as a physician assistant I knew I had to do something about it. I had to look like a professional. So for the last 4-5 years I went to a nail salon at least once a month for a gel or powder dip manicure.

I have done some research and I've compiled some potentially more affordable alternative regimens for each of them including Reverse 'lightening'/ Reverse 'brightening' for sun damaged skin or stubborn dark spots, the Redefine regimen for the improvement in appearance of pores/prevention of fine lines and wrinkles, the Soothe regimen for sensitive skin, and the Unblemish regimen for acne.

Although my skincare is forever evolving, there are a few staples that are almost always in the rotation even when I am trying something new. 

We all have that one friend who stops eating carbs and works out every single day while she prepares for her wedding. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be in the best shape of your life for that special day. I mean, you'll only take thousands of photos in a dress that you'll only wear once. But don't neglect your beautiful face which is equally (if not more) important! These are my tips for healthy glowing skin for the bride-to-be. But honestly, these are my skincare essentials, upcoming wedding or not!

This blog post was originally supposed to be a comparison of Rodan + Fields Lash Boost to prescription-only Latisse. Both of these are supposed to lead to longer, fuller, darker appearing lashes. I was supposed to tell you why Lash Boost is a much better alternative, and then send you over to my consultant page so that you can purchase one (and I make commission).

After reading many positive reviews I had to give this Deciem Hylamide product a try. Deciem is the same company that makes The Ordinary products, and I liked the few that I have tried. This is called a “finisher”, but the description of the product indicates many other ways that it can be used. The overall effect should be a “blurring” of imperfections for a flawless finished look.

I love answering Pre-PA questions. I invite any and all inquiries, and for that reason I do get a lot of them and understandably many asking the same questions. Because it’s time consuming to individually respond to each question and because I often give the same response, I decided to make a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) blog post.

I worked as a physician assistant (PA) in family medicine for 3 years prior to becoming a dermatology PA. Dermatology was always my ultimate goal, but I wanted to broaden my knowledge in general medicine before specializing. I thought that family medicine would be a good way to do that, and it absolutely was! And now that I am working in dermatology I can reflect on how it prepared me for this specialty as well.

Glycolic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that is used for gentle exfoliation of the skin surface. It’s derived from cane sugar. It works by breaking down the cohesiveness of the outermost layer of skin, the stratum corneum, to reveal a newer and healthier skin layer that is smooth and more evenly toned.

In honor of PA week 2017 and the 50 year anniversary of the field, I collaborated with Medelita to highlight this unique group of individuals and explain the ways in which PAs are creative beings.

As promised I wanted to write a post about my experience from the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) that I attended while in college, currently known as Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). 

Let's talk stethoscopes. It's a pretty big purchase and an exciting step towards your dream medical career! How do you choose the right one?

This post is for those who are considering a job in family medicine straight out of PA school. I started my first job 3 years ago in family medicine. I spent one year at the first practice, and I have been at my current practice in family medicine for 2 years.

Word on the street is that CASPA opens up in a few days! I’m feeling really old because I submitted my applications back in 2011, so I couldn’t tell you much about CASPA.  I do want to help pre-PAs in any way I can though, and writing has always been my forte. So I am going to give some advice about the personal statement.

So let me preface by saying I really did not know what hyaluronic acid was until pretty recently. And the name definitely fooled me. I have been using acid peels on my face, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. 

I recently did an Q&A for @meghaninmedicine 's blog. I explain how I learned about the PA profession and why I became a PA. I also describe what it's like working in family medicine, specifically what I like and dislike about it.

I recently was snooping around my little sister’s products, and I saw Differin gel, which I always knew to be a prescription-only acne medication. I assumed she saw a dermatologist who prescribed it to her. But she told me that she purchased it at Target!

This is a big dilemma for some who are considering applying to PA school. Whether you’re still completing your undergraduate studies, fresh out of college, or changing careers this can be difficult.

Most young adults avoid going to the doctor's office. We feel that we simply don't have enough time. Or we assume our ailments will subside on their own. Google and WebMD are reasonable alternatives, right?

Alright guys, you know I'm obsessed with skincare, especially DIY! My new experiment is dermaplaning.

Pure Barre is an exercise class that utilizes the ballet barre and other props to perform small isometric movements targeting certain areas of the body, resulting in a total body workout.

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure typically done in a medical office or spa. It’s commonly used to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and to reduce blackheads and enlarged pores.

It's a commonly asked question- What kind of vitamin or mineral supplements should I be taking?

I typically tell my patients that as long as they are eating a proper diet that incorporates all of the food groups, no supplements are necessary.

Let me start off by saying I didn’t go into PA school thinking that I would work in family medicine. I even purchased a cheaper stethoscope with the thought that I wouldn’t use it once I graduated (it’s the same stethoscope I use now).