Dr. Lipner Joins Optima’s Manchester, NH Dermatology Practice 

Optima Dermatology is excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Lipner to its Manchester, NH dermatology practice. Dr. Lipner treats patients of all ages for a variety of skin conditions, including skin cancer, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Dr. Lipner received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Medicine where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Medical Honor Society. He also earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology at the Lineberger Cancer Center at UNC. While earning his MD and PhD, Dr. Lipner served as Vice President and later President of the Program Student Council. 

He then completed his dermatology residency at UNC, during which he served as Cosmetics Curriculum Chair. He also completed a transitional year residency program at Grand Strand Medical Center.  

In keeping with Optima Dermatology’s patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Lipner is committed to delivering an unparalleled patient experience and providing the highest quality of care to his patients.  

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Dr. Lipner, his approach, and the path that led him to become a dermatologist. 

What made you decide to pursue a career in dermatology? What did the path to get there look like for you?    

Throughout medical school and while completing my PhD, I was immersed in cancer care and research. As soon as I began my rotation in the dermatology clinic, I knew that I had found the perfect field to combine all my interests. Dermatology features exciting new treatments that drew me to oncology while also embracing a thrilling diversity of patients, complex medical cases, surgeries, and procedures. 

What is your favorite aspect of being a dermatologist? 

That’s easy – there is never a dull moment in dermatology! I am so grateful that my work is constantly challenging, fosters lifelong learning about new medical and aesthetic therapies, and leads to fulfilling long-term relationships with patients and colleagues of all ages and backgrounds. 

What is your approach to treating your patients? 

My approach really depends on a patient’s focus for their visit, but generally a physical examination – detecting subtle differences in the appearance, shapes, and textures of rashes and lesions – is my most powerful tool as a dermatologist. After this, the detective work begins as my patients and I integrate exam findings with the timeline, potential exposures, and symptoms to arrive at a diagnosis and management plan together. This process repeats, and our partnership strengthens over time as we work together to optimize skin health in the short- and long-term. 

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin? 

Protect your skin every day from the sun with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun-protective clothing. This tip is no secret, but all other topicals, supplements, and procedures will have limited benefits until strong sun protection becomes part of your daily routine. 

What is one thing you want your patients to know about you? 

Your skin health is my top priority. 

What do you like to do when you are not in the office treating patients? 

When I’m not working, my wife and I are hustling to keep up with our two young daughters and dog – and I wouldn’t want it any other way!  We love exploring the outdoors, trying our hand at recipes from around the world, and watching football in the fall. 

What to Expect From Dermatological Care Delivered by Dr. Lipner and His Team 

Dr. Lipner and his team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.  

He is currently accepting new patients at our Manchester, NH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 855-277-9689.

What to Know About This Dermatologist-Approved Skin Care Method Before You Try It

Looking for a fresh approach to your skin care as we move into warmer months? Consider implementing a skin cycling routine.  

Skin cycling is a method many dermatologists, including the American Academy of Dermatology, promote as a healthier skin care approach. In this post, we’ll explain what skin cycling is, the benefits of this method, and how to implement it into your skin care regimen. We’re laying out all the information so you can decide if a skin cycling routine is right for you.  

What is Skin Cycling? 

More isn’t always better for skin care. All these serums, balms, toners, exfoliators, moisturizers, and specialized treatments can overwhelm any skin care routine – and your skin. Skin cycling entered the picture to simplify skin care. 

Skin cycling is a dermatologist-approved rotating skin care routine designed to balance active ingredients with recovery time, so you can get the most out of your skin care products while minimizing irritation.  

Rather than using powerful products like exfoliants and retinoids every day, which can stress your skin over time, skin cycling typically follows a four-night cycle that gives your skin time to rest and repair between active treatments. 

A four-night skin cycling routine looks something like this: 

Night 1 – Exfoliation: Use a chemical exfoliant (like an AHA or BHA) to remove dead skin cells and prep your skin for better product absorption. 

Night 2 – Retinoid: Apply a retinoid or retinol to stimulate cell turnover and support collagen production. This product can be over-the-counter or prescription, depending on your needs. 

Nights 3 & 4 – Recovery: Focus on hydration and barrier repair with gentle moisturizers, ceramides, and calming ingredients. Apply to damp skin to better seal in hydration. 

Once the 4-night cycle ends, it repeats. The idea behind skin cycling is to vary your regimen so you’re adequately spacing out exfoliation and moisturization, resulting in a healthier approach to your skin care. You shouldn’t be exfoliating every night, but when balanced with other skin care practices, it is an effective treatment that helps promote healthy, glowing skin.  

Who Should Try Skin Cycling? 

Skin cycling is a great option for anyone looking to reset, simplify, or streamline their skin care routine. However, it is an especially good option for: 

• Beginners who want a structured, manageable skin care routine. 

• People with sensitive skin who experience irritation from daily active use. 

• Those using retinoids or exfoliants who want better results without overdoing it. 

If you have skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or acne, check in with your dermatologist to ensure a skin cycling routine can support your skin’s needs. 

Benefits of Implementing a Skin Cycling Routine 

Skin cycling has gained popularity for good reason – it has numerous benefits that have earned the support of dermatologists. 

• Reduces irritation: Alternating active ingredients with rest days helps protect the skin barrier and prevents over-exfoliation. 

• Simplifies your routine: No more guessing what to use each night—skin cycling provides a clear plan – and eliminates the need to pack your bathroom full of products. 

• Maximizes results: By using exfoliants and retinoids on specific nights, your skin gets the full benefit of these products without being overwhelmed or stressed, which can reduce results over time. 

• Allows for customization: Your skin cycling routine can be adjusted based on your skin’s needs – whether you’re targeting acne, signs of aging, or texture issues, you can cycle through the products that work best for your skin. 

How to Layer Skin Care Products the Right Way 

Layering your skin care products properly is important for skin cycling – but it also applies if you’re not following a skin cycling routine. Here’s a basic layering guide: 

At Night: 

1. Cleanser – Remove makeup, dirt, and oil. 

2. Exfoliant or Retinoid – On the appropriate night of your cycle, apply your active product to clean, dry skin. 

3. Moisturizer – Always follow with a moisturizer to hydrate and protect your skin barrier. 

On Recovery Nights: 

Skip products with active ingredients in favor of gentler treatments: 

1. A gentle cleanser 

2. A hydrating serum or essence (optional) 

3. A barrier-repairing moisturizer 

In the Morning: 

1. A gentle cleanser, which is optional in the morning if you don’t have oily skin.  

2. An antioxidant serum like vitamin C to brighten and protect the skin. 

3. A lightweight and hydrating moisturizer. 

4. Sunscreen! A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is always recommended for protection throughout your day. 

5 Easy Tips for Starting a Skin Cycling Routine  

If you’re ready to give skin cycling a try, here are a few simple steps to help you get started: 

1. Choose your active-ingredient products carefully. For example, look for exfoliating products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs are recommended for dry or normal skin types, while BHAs are a good option for more oily or acne-prone skin. For retinoids, start with an over-the-counter retinol before progressing to stronger formulations. 

2. Keep your recovery nights simple. Stick with fragrance-free, hydrating products that support your skin’s barrier. 

3. Be patient. Visible improvements take time – typically 4 to 8 weeks. Avoid rushing or adding products; skin cycling works best as a four-night regimen with only the necessary products. 

4. Listen to your skin. If you notice increased dryness, redness, or sensitivity, add more recovery nights or adjust your products containing active ingredients. If problems persist, contact your dermatologist to discuss potential issues with product ingredients or your routine.  

5. Consult with a dermatologist or medical aesthetic provider. A skin care professional can help customize your skin cycle and recommend the best products for your skin type and unique needs. 

Skin cycling isn’t just a trend – many dermatologists, including at Optima Dermatology, agree that it can help you get the most out of your skin care with less irritation and more consistency. Whether you’re just starting a skin care routine or looking to simplify an existing one, skin cycling offers a balanced approach that supports long-term skin health. 

Schedule an appointment with one of our providers to discuss a skin care routine that will work best for you. 

A Guide to Unlocking the Skin’s Potential With Growth Factors for Skin

With a somewhat ambiguous name, it’s no wonder growth factors for skin are often met with confusion or a lack of awareness. Despite being developed in the 50s and undergoing decades of science and study, growth factors have only recently become a sought-after ingredient for their anti-aging properties.

Whether you’ve heard of growth factors or are just delving in, it’s important to understand what you’re buying and how it can benefit your skin.

What Are Growth Factors for Skin?

Growth factors are proteins that occur naturally in the body to help with repairing damaged skin and promoting skin cell growth, and collagen and elastin production. They do a lot for our skin, with one amazing outcome: helping our skin look healthy and rejuvenated.

There are multiple types of growth factors present in the body, and they all have different jobs.

• Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) help in healing and repairing damaged skin, these are great for post procedure healing or wound healing.
• Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) stimulate collagen and elastin production to support and strengthen the skin, these often play a role in anti-aging treatment.
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factors (PDGF) help repair the skin’s tissues when damaged or compromised.
• Transforming Growth Factors (TGF) help maintain collagen levels.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGF) support blood flow to the skin, encouraging a healthy, radiant glow.

Like collagen and elastin, growth factors also decrease as we age, resulting in more pronounced fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. People often turn to supplements and topical products to pause or reverse these signs of aging, and growth factors have gained popularity as a treatment that gets results.

How Do They Work?

Because the body already produces growth factors, taking a supplement or applying them topically to the skin is simply replenishing what may be a diminishing supply in your body.

These “artificial” growth factors are typically derived from the proteins produced by animal or human stem cells and are bioengineered specifically for skincare. Growth factors with the same skin repair and rejuvenation functions have also been developed from plant-derived ingredients.

Growth factors stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. In doing so, growth factors can help your skin more quickly and effectively recover from sun or other damage, as well as signs of aging.

Collagen and elastin are essential in keeping the skin strong, tight, smooth, and supported, so as wrinkles and fine lines emerge, growth factors can send signals to your skin to reverse course.

Topical growth factors can help your skin:

• Look brighter, healthier, and rejuvenated
• Become tighter and stronger, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Recover more quickly from sun damage or cosmetic treatments such as lasers or chemical peels
• Turn over and renew skin cells more quickly and efficiently
• Better protect itself from harsh chemicals and environmental stressors by strengthening the skin barrier
• Retain more moisture, staying hydrated for longer

Working Growth Factors into Your Skincare Routine

The most important first step to using growth factors is selecting the right product for your skin type and unique needs. They are available as serums and creams and are applied topically to the skin. You should always consult with your dermatology provider before starting a new skincare product, but growth factors have been found to be safe for all skin types. Some minor side effects can include dry skin or rashes.

Anyone who is interested in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving their skin health is a candidate for growth factors. Most people report seeing results within 4-8 weeks of treatment, with full results within 12 weeks. Optimal results rely on continued use past the initial 12 weeks, as results can continue to be seen up to several months after starting treatment.

Some top-rated products recommended by our expert medical aesthetics providers include:

Exosomes

Exosomes are a cutting-edge regenerative treatment that contains growth factors, peptides, and lipids. Exosomes stimulate collagen production, enhance cellular communication, and accelerate healing. They are commonly used to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity, and to support recovery after aesthetic treatments like microneedling and laser procedures.

Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP)

PRP is a natural treatment that utilizes the patient’s own blood to stimulate skin and hair regeneration. After drawing a small amount of blood, it is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. PRP is widely used for skin rejuvenation, helping to improve fine lines, texture, and overall skin health. It is also a popular treatment for hair restoration, as the growth factors in PRP can strengthen hair follicles and encourage new hair growth.

Product Recommendations

• SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
• ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum
• SkinBetter Science Techno Neck Perfecting Cream
• Nutrafol Hair Serum

There have been a lot of studies and research over the years that indicate growth factors can visibly reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve overall skin health. However, it’s always best to speak with a specialized provider to discuss your specific concerns and understand the best product and skincare regimen for you.

Our expert dermatologists and medical aesthetic providers are well-versed in skin care, cosmetic dermatology, and anti-aging approaches, and we encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific concerns and better understand if growth factors are for you! Book an appointment today.