Schweiger Dermatology is a full service cosmetic and general dermatology practice in New York City. Under the direction of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger, we have two locations: Midtown East Manhattan and the Flatiron district of NYC.
Our offices are staffed by four dermatologists, one plastic surgeon, four physician assistants and two clinical estheticians. We treat both cosmetic and medical dermatology concerns. Common skin problems treated include eczema, hair loss, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer and warts. Our cosmetic dermatology practice includes 15 lasers and skin resurfacing devices, and is noted for our specialty in acne, acne scars and non-invasive cosmetic procedures.
For many cosmetic dermatology procedures, we use a combination of fillers (Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse), Botox injections and laser surgery including facial resurfacing to produce great results with minimal downtime. We also specialize in non-invasive fat removal and body contouring. To treat acne we use traditional medications as well as new laser and light treatments, such as Photodynamic Acne Therapy. For acne scars, we use the non-ablative Fraxel Laser and the new ablative Fractional Lasers to achieve outstanding results. Dr. Schweiger is also the founding dermatologist behind Clear Clinic, the first complete acne treatment center with two locations in NYC.
We pride ourselves on delivering five star concierge-like service and complete care to all our patients.
Finding a Dermatologist in NYC
In a city full of choices, it can be confusing when searching for the best dermatologist in NYC. The most important criteria when looking for a dermatologist is making sure they are board-certified, have had proper medical training, have a medical degree (MD) and have had sufficient amount of experience, particularly in the treatments, procedures or skin concerns that you are interested in. It’s essential to do your homework and spend time looking for the right match in your dermatologist, as this is someone who will be helping you achieve your aesthetic goals and any medical skincare issues that may arise. Since New York City has its own special set of elements that can contribute to your skin’s overall health, it certainly helps to have a doctor who is well-schooled in the ins and outs of living in NYC and the toll it can take on your skin.
Clear Skin in NYC
Recently voted one of the number one dirtiest cities in America, NYC is not a place for the squeamish or faint at heary and your skin is most likely the one taking the biggest hit. New Yorkers have to battle pollution in the air, dirty subways, bacteria-ridden ATMs and overcrowded restaurants, plus they also have to deal with acne breakouts on occasion. Sometimes those breakouts are caused by touching your face after strap-hanging on the subway or rubbing your check with your finger after opening a taxi cab door. Summer might be the worst season for breakouts and other skin ailments. With the warming weather here to stay, guess what? So are the germs, bacteria and other harmful city factors that us New Yorkers encounter every day and everywhere. (Hello, pollution and stress!). That ATM you just took money out from or the cab door you opened and then touched your nose or your eyes – yes, they’re overflowing with bacteria. While the colder temperatures usually keep these germs more at bay, it’s the warm weather where they thrive. As New Yorkers start to shed the layers, take these tips from New York City dermatologist, Dr. Eric Schweiger, founding medical director of Clear Clinic, the world’s only dedicated acne center. Here are some of his top healthy-looking skin solutions.
NYC Pollution Can Lead to Acne
What you touch during your daily grid usually ends up on your face. That means the bacteria you contract while grabbing cash or from the subway causes Propionbacterium acne (P. acnes) bacteria to flourish, creating inflammation and eventually leading to inflammatory acne papules. “These are recommendations you’ve heard before, but we all need reminders,” says Dr. Schweiger. “Don’t touch, but lean when searching for something sturdy—especially on the subway—and use a napkin when hitting the ATM keys.” He’s also an advocate for washing your hands as much as you can, and never touch your face. When it’s not possible to get to a bathroom to wash your hands, it’s essential to carry a hand sanitizer with you at all times. Baby wipes also work well when you need something to clean the dirt and grime from your hands when on the go. We stand behind garbage trucks, street cleaners and car exhaust pipes everyday causing clogged pores and contributing to the formation of acne. “Never ever sleep on an unwashed face!” says NYC dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger. Following a dermatologist-recommended skincare regimen that includes cleanser, an antioxidant product, a moisturizer and a sunscreen is essential for fighting dirt, pollution and the free radicals that can affect and destroy the complexion. It’s also important to incorporate professional, in-office procedures along with your daily skincare maintenance. In-office microdermabrasion treatments, medical facials with extractions, chemical peels, laser treatments and tools like the Clarisonic cleansing brush to remove oil and dirt build up from pores and gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin reducing scarring, fine lines and skin discoloration.
Sunny in NYC
We don’t think about it, but while we move from point A to B or head out for lunch, we’re exposed to small increments of sun that eventually add up to significant sun damage and premature wrinkles over the years. Dr. Schweiger suggests, “Make applying sun protection part of your everyday routine and be aware that some medications you may be taking can cause increased sun sensitivity.” It’s important that your sunscreen contain a broad-spectrum SPF of 30. Physical sunblocks, with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, are generally less irritating to the skin and do a better job at blocking the sun’s harmful rays. The proper amount of sunscreen is the best protection for your skin in terms of anti-aging. If you’re not using sunscreen during the day, then any dermatologist will tell you that you are wasting your time and money with other expensive anti-aging lotions, serums, potions and treatments.
NYC Stress and Sleep Skin Toll
Between the commuting, the jobs, the bills, the hustle, and the social life, NYC can become downright overwhelming and stressful at times. Increased levels of stress can lead to the release of a hormone that causes the development of acne and other not so great skin issues. “By keeping stress levels low and maintaining good sleep habits, you can prevent both acne flare-ups and inflammation to spike in the body which causes premature aging,” says Dr. Schweiger. Elevated stress levels are also responsible for wrinkles and fine lines. Do you ever notice how great and glowing your skin looks after a good night’s sleep? Getting seven to eight hours of shut eye a night will keep your skin radiant and in good health. When in need of a pick me up, try Botox, especially in the area between the eyebrows. Botox is great at helping those sleep starved New Yorkers look as though they get their eight hours every night. Botox irons out the wrinkles on the forehead that tend to make people look angry or unhappy. It also helps prevent future wrinkles from forming—a huge plus! The right dermatologist in NYC will know exactly where to inject the Botox for maximum effect.