Meet Mary Lauren Antici

Mary Lauren Antici, our newest Medical Aesthetician and Laser Technician, joined the Greenville Dermatology team in March 2015! Mary Lauren provides many services to our clients, including various medical grade facials and chemical peels, laser hair reductions, laser resurfacing, and IPL facial rejuvenation. Get to know Mary Lauren better with the quick Q&A session below. To schedule an appointment or initial consultation with Mary Lauren, please call us at 864-242-5872.

What inspired you to choose Dermatology?

I became passionate about skin care after struggling with hormonal acne in my early 20’s. I tried countless products over several months but nothing worked. Finally, I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that has many symptoms, including severe acne. I began taking medications to balance my hormones and started using medical grade skin care products, facial treatments and chemical peels. After six months my breakouts were gone but I was left with deep acne scars. My medical aesthetician recommended that I try laser resurfacing, and after five sessions my acne scars were non-existent.

After my personal skin success, I decided I wanted to make Aesthetics my career so I could help others. I completed my Aesthetics course and attended the National Laser Institute in Chicago, IL to become a certified Medical Aesthetician/ Laser Technician. It is incredibly rewarding to help my patients achieve their skin care goals and to see them gain their self-confidence back.

What is your personal skincare routine?

I start out by double cleansing my skin using a Clarisonic facial brush. I then use the following products in this order:

• Teamine® Eye Complex – helps to reduce dark circles under the eyes   
• Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – exfoliates the skin and is rich in vitamins and minerals
• Vitamin C 30% - helps to prevent sun damage, locks in moisture, lightens hyperpigmentation and brings back your skin’s natural glow
• Intellishade® Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 (matte finish) – helps to moisturize the skin, prevents premature aging and protects your skin from sun damage

All of the products mentioned above are made by Revision Skincare and can be purchased in the Greenville Dermatology retail store.

What are some skincare products (various cost levels) that you can’t live without?

My favorite skin care products are:

• All Revision products mentioned above
• Elta MD UV Clear by Elta MD: Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that is non greasy and fragrance free
• Obagi-C Cleansing Gel – Very moisturizing! Helps balance skin, locks in moisture, protects skin against sun damage
• Hyalis by Neocutis: Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid
• GloMinerals Luxe Foundation, High Beam Concealer, and the Texture Brush

How do you change your skincare routine from season to season?

When seasons change, I switch out my cleanser and moisturizer. I use an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer that are still very hydrating in the summer.

What are some things patients should know about laser procedures before considering them for themselves?

Laser can cause your skin to become red and inflamed from 2-7 days depending on treatment.  It is important to let your skin heal before returning to your regular outdoor or exercise activities that require you to have sun exposure or cause your body to become heated.

What type of things do you do to stay healthy (not necessarily skin care related)?

I try to drink as much water as I can throughout the day. Water is crucial for your body and skin’s overall health as well as appearance.

It’s hard to make time to exercise when you work full time. I have to make exercising as easy as possible. I try to power walk for one hour and lift dumbbell weights at home at least 3 times a week. When I have extra time I love to do hot yoga!

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Folly Beach!

What are your favorite spring/summer activities?

I love love love laying out at the pool! The sun on my face gives me a warm happy feeling like nothing else. There are ways to do that without “baking” in the sun like I might have when I was younger. Now I apply sunscreen hourly, wear a sunhat and sunglasses and sit back and relax!