My No. 1 Beauty Tip

You Can Get Your Zit Zapped

Guru: Murad Alam, dermatologist at Northwestern Medical Group

Have a huge presentation or an important event coming up? Inevitably, a pimple will emerge. But many people don’t realize there’s a day-of fix, says Alam: Dermatologists can inject a tiny amount of steroid into the zit, which reduces inflammation, helping it look better quickly. It only takes a minute, and doctors are used to handling such requests in a pinch.

Use a Moisturizer That Has Hyaluronic Acid

Guru: Juliana Basko-Plluska, dermatologist at Basko Dermatology

The ingredient attracts water, which “gives us volume as well as hydration,” restoring the skin’s natural fullness, says Basko-Plluska. She recommends applying moisturizer in the morning and at night, year-round. “One misconception is that you should use it just in the wintertime.”

Tretinoin Can Do Wonders for Your Skin

Guru: Julie A. Moore, dermatologist at Moore Dermatology Associates

You may be familiar with retinol, an over-the-counter topical treatment. But Moore calls it the “weaker cousin” of a retinoid she often prescribes called tretinoin. She says it’s consistently effective in boosting collagen growth and fading brown spots. Worried it’s out of your price range? Dermatologists can often apply coupons to bring your out-of-pocket costs down to $25 for a tube that will last months.

Clean Your Face to Avoid Botox Bruises

Guru: Todd A. Baker, plastic surgeon at Advocate Medical Group

Avoid wearing makeup the day of the procedure. You want your face as clean as possible so the injector can easily spot — and thus avoid — the very fine veins. “That’s the No. 1 thing to lessen bruising,” says Baker. Also helpful, he says: icing your face before and after.

Don’t Try to Look Like a Celebrity

Guru: Anil Shah, facial plastic surgeon at Shah Aesthetics

Look at plastic surgery as a way to enhance your appearance rather than replicate someone else’s. After all, a particular feature may work better on them than you. “Britney Spears has always had a bit of a heavier eye,” says Shah. “It looks good on her. But if she had a really wide, open eye, it would make her look older.”