Dr. Rachel Nazarian from Schweiger Dermatology Group has published articles in medical journals, as well as widely respected dermatology textbooks and has appeared as an expert in many a women’s magazine from Vogue to Cosmopolitan. Here, I asked her to share her 5 Rules For Life. In her words:
1. Take advantage of modern science.
Humans have developed incredible tools: Vaccines, sunscreen, multi-vitamins! USE THEM. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t put on my sunscreen- or take my vitamins… And my body is better because of it. We’re living longer, and healthier lives because of these advancements, and ignoring them is a huge waste. That seasonal flu vaccine? I got it. That HPV vaccine? I got it. That SPF 100+ sunscreen- yup, you better believe I’m slathering it on at the beach. And when you see my skin (like that of a 20 year old) you’ll understand why you should too.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
One of my greatest fears was looking stupid, and rather than asking questions I would simply trust the person I considered the “expert”. But I’ve learned to ask as many questions needed until I understand WHY – whether it’s at a doctors office, talking to contractors, everyone! It’s the quickest way to grow intelligence, and nothing to be embarrassed about!
3. Pamper yourself.
No matter who you are, life is hard. We all have struggles and challenges and should take opportunities to make our lives more pleasant. Many of my patients confess they feel guilty when they purchase luxury creams for their skin, or when they get Botox and laser treatments. I ask them: do you feel better about yourself after you indulge? Do you feel a renewed sense of confidence? Does it make you want to take better care of yourself going forward? Yes. Then don’t feel one ounce of guilt. It’s not vanity— it’s investing in yourself.
4. Listen to your instincts.
This is a process that has taken me years to perfect— and I’m still learning- but there are many situations in life where your gut instinct is trying to speak to you… You have to train yourself to acknowledge that visceral feeling, and identify what it’s saying. The worst thing you can do is ignore it, because more often than not you know what the right direction is, or what the right answer is- and if your instincts are telling you something is wrong, listen! Believe me- you know more than you think, so trust yourself.
5. Don’t hoard your secrets.
You know that awesome moisturizer you found that makes your skin glow? That incredible sample sale where you get the BEST stuff for cheap? Share the info and help give someone else’s life a little boost. When everyone asks me why my skin looks so good, I lay out the truth: I do Botox, I get chemical peels, I love microneedling. I share my favorite products with everyone I love (including my husband). I take my friends to that once-a-season sale for discount cashmere. Don’t be threatened that it’ll make you weaker or lesser— it makes you stronger and more loved— and impacts people in a positive way. The universe will thank you later.
Thanks, Dr. Nazarian! Stay tuned for more Five Rules installments.
“Five Rules,” is a series on Rouge18 in which I ask others to share their five rules for life about anything and everything. You can learn a lot about a person by reading which five things govern their actions, no?
Really bad experience! Dr. Nazarian is arrogant and not very knowledgeable unfortunately! I saw her three times. Each time she would tell me how miraculous another commercial product they sell at their office is, how it is the real deal – strong and effective and that it is exactly what is going to rid me of my acne. She was very convincing, she said I needed it, so I bought it. Needless to say all the products were complete fraud. First time I had to buy a face wash in a black bottle – $38! It smelled like cheap orange soap. I hated it and it didn’t do any good! Second time she had me buy “aggressive” peeling facial pads – $50!!! They appeared to be completely useless! No effect whatsoever! So overpriced! They were not peeling pads! The third time I saw her, she told me about an amazing topical treatment I had to use. It was a clear alcoholic liquid in a clear lipgloss-like container – $28 (for practically simply rubbing alcohol)! Guess what happened to this premium quality product after I used it – I think when the applicator touched my face and got in contact with my skin’s natural oil (although I washed my face clean and dry right before I was using it) the soft part of that applicator dissolved in the liquid overnight, so only a bare plastic unusable stick was left for me in the container with the gross messy residue of it all!!!! I was so frustrated with the whole thing! My acne did not improve a bit and I wasted over a hundred dollars because my doctor was dishonest!!!! I got zero help at this clinic and wrecked nerves! I didn’t try to go back to return the products and complain because I was sure they wouldn’t take them back although I don’t know and I was embarrassed. But really, this clinic Schweiger Dermatology Group where she works is shameless!!!!
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