Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, FAAD

Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, FAAD Mara C. Weinstein Velez, M.D., FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist, Fellowship trained Cosmetic

06/01/2026

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Niacinamide has become the internet’s favorite “gentle” ingredient — but I’m seeing more patients coming into my practice with irritated, inflamed skin from niacinamide overuse and misuse than ever before.

The biggest mistake? People don’t understand niacinamide concentration.

If your cleanser has 5%, your serum has 10%, and your moisturizer has 5%, you’re not getting 20% niacinamide — but you’re definitely getting more than your skin can handle. I’ve seen patients using The Ordinary’s 10% Niacinamide Serum (already at the high end) and then layering it with two more niacinamide products. That’s a recipe for barrier damage.

Here’s the truth: the effective range for niacinamide is 2-10%, but most people have no idea how much they’re actually using. High concentrations cause flushing, redness, and irritation that looks exactly like the acne you were trying to solve. And no — niacinamide does NOT cause purging. If your skin is breaking out after adding niacinamide, that’s irritation, not purging. Today I’m breaking down the 5 critical mistakes I see every single day in my practice, how to actually layer niacinamide correctly, and when you should avoid it altogether.

drmara

05/27/2026

Today is National Sunscreen Day! Check the link in my stories for my top sunscreen favorites!

As a Board Certified Dermatologist, I am SO glad you don’t burn!

But that doesn’t mean your skin isn’t being damaged by the sun.

The sun’s UV rays breakdown, our skins collagen, elastin, cause inflammation, cause hyperpigmentation, just to name a few.

Any sort of sun damage, whether you burn or not, will lay dormant in your system your entire life. This will result in a high chance of developing skin cancer or cancerous lesions later on in your life. All due to the damage that sun exposure, created.

Even if you don’t burn, apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin for the future!

05/25/2026

Most people quit minoxidil right before it starts working — and nobody warned them it would happen. If you’ve started minoxidil and you’re seeing more shedding, or you’ve been using it for weeks with no results, this video could save you from making a very expensive mistake.

As a board certified dermatologist, I’ll break down the 10 things that don’t make it onto the box — from the early shedding phase that sends people running, to why application technique alone could be the reason it’s not working for you, to the oral form that’s quietly changing outcomes for patients who failed topical treatment.

05/23/2026

THIS IS THE YEAR OF HEALTHY SKIN BARRIERS!

🧴 Who remembers back in the day that if your product burned, you “know it was working”? OUCH! Gone are the days where the burn means efficacy.
🧴 A damaged and angry skin barrier can look like acne! So often so that people will continue to treat it like acne only to worsen the barrier…. And the acne!
🧴 The common theme here is be GENTLE! You can still treat your acne and save your barrier! Make sure to consult with your Board-Certified dermatologist and get a customized plan.

05/20/2026

What an honor to attend and be able to speak in front of my peers at

In a world of forever changing technologies, it’s amazing to keep learning, share knowledge and create a community where we can help and lift one another up, together.
So great to see everyone! Until next time...

Sun Responsibly is an unbranded public health initiative transforming sun-safety habits to save lives.It’s encouraging s...
05/18/2026

Sun Responsibly is an unbranded public health initiative transforming sun-safety habits to save lives.

It’s encouraging sun enjoyment through the diligent use of sunscreen and evidence-based sun-safe practices.

Enjoy your time outside! But make sure you’re safe!!

05/18/2026

Most people are treating their dark spots with the wrong products — and making them worse without realizing it. If you’ve been consistent, spending money on serums, and still not seeing results, this is exactly why.

I break down the three types of hyperpigmentation (PIH, melasma, and sun spots), the mistakes that are actively sabotaging your progress, and the ingredients that have real clinical evidence behind them — hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, vitamin C, and more. I also walk you through a complete morning and evening routine so you know exactly how to layer these ingredients for results.

05/15/2026

Take me away to a land where seasonal allergies don’t exist!

Seasonal allergies come with intense itching, hives, red rashes, and dry, flaky patches due to histamine release triggered by pollen or mold. Eczema flares, puffy eyes can follow suit too!

If you’re one that suffers here’s a few tips…

🍃 Limit outdoor time during high pollen counts and shower immediately after being outside.
🌼 OTC oral antihistamines and nasal sprays can help alleviate symptoms
🍃 Support your barrier! Keep skin hydrated! The dryer your skin is, the more you’ll be susceptible to itchy skin.
👀 Protect your eyes and face from pollen, wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
✋🏽Irritated itchy skin is enticing to scratch. This can lead to infection. Avoid scratching by apply topical anti-itch cream and/or occlusive.

05/12/2026

Comment NOT for the whole video!

The skincare industry is calling bakuchiol “natural retinol” — and it’s completely misleading.

TikTok and Reddit are flooded with claims that this plant-based ingredient delivers retinol results without any of the irritation, but the science tells a very different story.

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Rochester, NY

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