Dr. Ava is the founder and director of Ava MD Dermatology and SkinFive Medical Spas in Southern California, She has injected and treated some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Now, she offers The Box by Dr Ava, the only dermatologist-curated, subscription skincare box, today announces its highly anticipated Fall 2021 Skincare Box. Professionally-developed and approved, The Box by Dr Ava Fall Skincare offerings are tried and tested by Beverly Hills celebrity dermatologist Dr Shamban, passing her extremely high standards for efficacy, results and professional grade ingredients.
FWM: Share your background.
At the start of my training, I was in science research. I received a Dermatology Foundation Fellowship for the study of extracellular matrix proteins, with Dr. Jouni Uitto, and under his direction I performed bench research on the expression of the elastin gene in various genodermatoses. This was the Initially the baseline for my work which developed into a passion in dermatology. It all began with examining the expression of the collagen and the elastin gene.
Collagen and elastin are the two main proteins that are in the skin; collagen makes up 70% of the skin and elastin only 2%. Both are integral to the plumpness, snapback and overall quality of the skin. I would start from scratch, drawing blood and isolating DNA by hand, in patient after patient. In this way, I could examine the underpinnings of different inherited diseases of their skin as well as processes and progress of skin aging at various stages. It was fascinating.
My beginnings may have been basic research, but it evolved over time until I became sought after as a clinical investigator. I completed my dermatology residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Even after I became a practicing dermatologist and opened AVA MD, I continued my clinical work as an assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. Over the years I wrote dozens of abstracts and published papers on any and every range of related dermatology topics and eventually became a lead investigator. Basically every one of the injectable cosmetic products that we use today, from Botox to Dysport, to Xeomin as well as Restylane and Juvederm and the new RHA [Resilient Hyaulronic Acid] collection of dermal fillers, all of these products have an extensive FDA approval process that begins with clinical trials.
I opened the ATS Research Center where I have had the opportunity to be a principal investigator in numerous trials that led to FDA approvals and use in a clinical setting. Having the opportunity to use and evaluate these products in various stages of the on-label usages working not only from an aesthetic perspective but also a truly scientific and data driven approach has definitely influenced both my informed understanding and overall practice in the best possible way.
FWM: Tell us about SkinFive Medical Spas.
SkinFive by Dr Ava is a skin care clinic and medical spa with locations in Los Angeles and the Pacific Palisades that offers high efficiency, technology-based face and body treatments. Designed to be like your daily workout; it is a synthesized menu of the best technologies that integrate ongoing help to prejuvenate and achieve effective results without downtime. SkinFive offers an ongoing plan for the face and body to ensure that the positive impact on cellular remodeling will actually change how we age. For those truly committed to the consistency of skin maintenance, SkinFive offers a VIP Membership as a money-saving monthly service plan with the best basic treatments, free consultation, ongoing skin analysis, bonuses, discounts and first looks. From there, a customized program of supplemental treatments are designed for you.
FWM: What trends are you seeing?
CHIN-UP / JOWLS AND NECK – Moving away from the eyes and even the lips, we are seeing a greater focus shifting down to the chin where we have several factors at play. The skin condition as we unmask requires attention to texture, tone and condition. In addition, chin modification can help balance the face, create more contour and perfect the profile with the appearance of proportion. Reducing excess adipose tissue, widening or extending the chin eliminates the double chin and creates ideal angles and profile. Finally, there is a cellulite or orange peel “effect”. This is a direct result of enlarged pores, loss of elasticity and fat as well as excessive use of our mentalis muscle, all of which can be treated non-surgically.
FWM: Tell us about your exciting new venture, The Box By Dr Ava.
During the first four weeks of the pandemic, my medical team and I virtually treated 300+ patients while our physical offices were shut down. The pandemic showed me how many MORE patients I was able to see by connecting virtually and made me realize that people want to speak with a dermatologist but don’t always have time to come in for an appointment and multiple follow ups.
This crazy time and the change in the way we communicate gave me perspective on how I want to take care of all patients who are seeking guidance, including those with aesthetic/skin needs who live in a different state than I do. There are many beauty box offerings on the market, but none curated by a dermatologist. The Box By Dr Ava fills a marketplace gap; especially for consumers living in “derm deserts.”
FWM: Share your 5 Beauty Pillars’ philosophy.
- Skincare: Skincare is the foundation of health for your skin and it is all about routine. The skin is our biggest organ and it serves many functions, but I think the skin’s proudest function is to serve as an advertisement of our health and well-being.
- Nutrition: Eating a healthy diet can truly make you glow. Drinking water and eating fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega 3 or vitamin C are just a few simple, yet effective, ways to look and feel your best. Not only do these healthy options make you feel better, they can keep your skin hydrated, improve elasticity and help slow the aging process.
- Fitness: Fitness is wonderful for your mind, body, and skin! Exercise increases circulation and stimulates everything from your heart to your dermis, keeping your system functioning properly. Working out also allows your body to release endorphins, which not only make you feel good (a beautiful perk in itself!), but also help combat high cortisol levels which can provide better beauty sleep, helping you look refreshed each morning.
- Spirituality: Physical beauty without spirituality is only skin deep. Actions as simple as laughter have been shown to provide health benefits. Just remember, achieving internal joy is sure to reflect on the outside.
- Connection: Being connected spiritually and/or connected to those around you is just plain good for your health. Connections and community can assist you in building good skincare habits, a key success factor to your skincare routine.
These Beauty Pillars are the base upon which The Box By Dr Ava was created. This subscription box includes offerings like top of the line skincare, body strengthening solutions, lifestyle experiences, nutrition and wellness supplements. I personally curate each season’s box, so you can rest assured each product has been researched, tested, and does exactly what it promises.
FWM: What sets The Box By Dr Ava apart?
A combination of outstanding dermatologist curated skincare, convenience, a skincare community and the ability to develop good habits!
Every product in The Box By Dr Ava is selected to support different skin issues. When it comes to ingredients, we look for products that contain high quality ‘holy grail’ ingredients, and I only include solutions that I would share with both my inner circle and patients. It goes without saying, we offer SPF in every box.
I am also dedicated to providing only full sized products in these boxes. I don’t think sample sizes give consumers enough time to really experience a product or see it take effect. I firmly believe in every product I curate for The Box so I want subscribers to love them and watch them truly take effect.
It’s so important to get into a good habit with your skincare regimen. So we know from scientific research that developing a habit takes 66 repetitions. If you apply your skincare twice a day for about a month, you get to 60-ish. Start today. In The Box by Dr Ava, we give you a full-sized product so that you can have at least 60 applications.
The other important part of The Box is that when you join The Box by Dr Ava, you are joining a community of skincare addicts or skincare aficionados, and you have access to myself, to my staff, to a community where you can talk about your concerns and you can say, “Hey, this didn’t work for my skin”, or “This is irritating”, or “I’ve got this problem, what can I do?”. We can schedule a tele-aesthetic visit, there’s all kinds of benefits there. It can be hard to get in to see a dermatologist. You may not have that access depending on where you live, but this is a way to get in the door.
FWM: The holidays are approaching and everyone wants to look their best for holiday parties. What can they find in The Box by Dr Ava?
The Box by Dr Ava Fall Skincare Box includes:
- Upneeq® Eye Drops – For people tired of being asked, “did you sleep okay?” I am OVER the moon to tell you about Upneeq, an innovative prescription eye drop that treats acquired blepharoptosis (also known as acquired ptosis or low lying lids). This unique solution elevates the upper eyelid, providing a refreshed look that will stop those, “you look exhausted!” comments right in their tracks!
- Alastin HydraTint ProMineral Sunscreen SPF 36 – Everyone needs a sunscreen that they love so they’ll consistently use it. That’s why I’m thrilled to share Alastin Hydratint, a lightweight, all-mineral SPF that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Don’t just take my word for it – the entire staff at my dermatology practice can’t stop gushing over how smooth it applies and how glowy it looks on the skin.
- BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner & Universal C Eye Perfector – A great antioxidant is an essential – especially living in Southern California where there is a large amount of air pollution and sun exposure. This kit addresses two very different skin zones, each with their unique needs. The Universal C Skin Refiner is formulated with 20% pure vitamin C and helps brighten, tighten, and even skin tone. The Universal C Eye Perfector works to combat visible signs of aging in the super delicate eye area.
- 5 Star Hippie Ebony Mala – This stunning Ebony Charm Tassel Mala is more than just a statement piece. Sustainably sourced and ethically manufactured by women in the Himalayas, it attracts high vibrations, making it great for meditation or setting a positive intention. I wear it whenever I want to extend my zen after a yoga session.
- Innersense Beauty Pure Harmony Hairbath, Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner & Detox Hair Mask – The look and feel of lustrous, soft, silky, full hair is unparalleled! As someone with fine hair, I love that Innersense Beauty addresses all of these features of gorgeous hair. The Harmony Hairbath is designed to build volume. Pair it with The Pure Inspiration Daily Conditioner leaves my hair bouncy, hydrated, and frizz-free.
- Sarah Maxwell Beauty The Brow Mask Hydrogel Treatment Mask – If eyes are the window to the soul, then the brows are the frames. The Brow Mask by Sarah Maxwell is the first hydrogel mask created specifically to pamper your brows. I love that it’s designed to support healthy brows with skincare superstar ingredients including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
FWM: Share a perk when subscribing.
The Box by Dr Ava includes only full-size products and is valued at over $550, making it an exceptional value. The Box by Dr Ava offers two membership options:
- Skin Enthusiast – Quarterly Subscription $250
- Skin Obsessed – Annual Subscription $850 (Save $150)
When you subscribe, you enjoy access not only to derm-approved products, but to her professional team as well. The Box by Dr Ava Community is a digital forum where members can discuss and ask questions about specific products and get advice for all skin concerns. There’s also the option of having real-time tele-aesthetic consultations with Dr Ava’s team.
As part of The Box by Dr. Ava community, we will provide you with so much education, you can get an advanced degree, in what your skin is acting like now. Understanding and knowledge is obviously the basis for more intelligent choices in every aspect of your life, the more you know, the more control you have. If you are confused about your skin, what is going on and why is this happening? The Box by Dr. Ava – join the community. Get some answers. Let us know. We are here to help.
FWM:A percentage of all sales support the Susan G. Komen® Foundation, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Why is this so important to you?
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the leading cancer among women. As a female entrepreneur of a product that was created specifically for women, it’s a cause that is near and dear to me, my patients, and those I care about.
