FEATURE FRIDAY: Marissa Abdo on the New Viral Skincare TikTok Trend, Looking Your Best, and More

Marissa Abdo, MS, RN, CANS is the founder of Scottsdale-based Aesthetic IQ Clinic. Abdo is a former team member of Dr. 90210 in Beverly Hills and a top national trainer with over a decade of experience. As a national trainer for the top aesthetic companies, Allergan and Galderma, she focuses on the anatomy of her client’s facial structures to enhance their overall beauty and specializes in facial injectable treatments that include Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and Restylane dermal fillers, and Sculptra Aesthetic. 

Here, she chats with us about the viral skincare TikTok trend, aesthetics, and the her tie to hockey.

There is a viral skincare TikTok trend happening! It’s showing SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®, which is product you carry. What does it do?

Skinvive is a first of its kind product that adds hydration to the skin to improve cheek smoothness. It is a hyaluronic acid based injectable delivered by injecting tiny microdroplets superficially into the skin that increase hydration in the skin for up to six months. Patients report their skin is more “glowy” and gives the glass skin appearance. 

Is this a brand-new product? 

It is! The FDA approved Skinvive in 2023, so it’s new to the U.S., but has been available in other countries for several years. It’s a first of its kind in the U.S. market as an injectable used to increase hydration in the skin, not volumize the face. The aesthetics industry is constantly evolving, and this is a new, exciting addition.

You’ve trained more than 100 local medspas on this product. How did that come about? 

I have been a national trainer for Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of Skinvive, Botox and Juvéderm since 2015. When new products come to the U.S. market, the national trainers are trained by our international colleagues who have experience injecting the product. We get a unique perspective of learning about the product and injection techniques and understand the nuances of the products. Then we go out and train around the country to teach the safe and effective techniques of how to administer the product. 

Is this product good for everyone?

Yes! This treatment is safe and effective for all skin types, especially those of us living in the dry desert! Of course, your provider will do a thorough health history to ensure you are a good candidate for treatment. 

What else should they know? 

The treatment takes only about 10 to 15 minutes and is minimally invasive. Topical numbing cream is available if needed and there is anesthetic in the product to provide comfort. Minor bruising and swelling are possible and can last a few days. Most people start to see the “glow” around a month out from treatment. 

What other services are popular at Aesthetic IQ Clinic? 

Neuromodulator treatment, such as Botox or Dysport, is still the go-to for diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and brightening up the face. Biostimulators such as Sculptra Aesthetic are popular as they help stimulate your own collagen and gradually rebalance and support the face over the course of a few months. 

What do you love about what you do?

Watching someone look in the mirror after treatment and truly love the person they see back is the best feeling in the world. When patients tell me they feel more confident, I know I’ve done my job right. 

Favorite procedure you offer and why? 

This is such a hard one because I’ve done it all and love it all! Ha! But I think if I had to choose one it would be Botox because its quick and painless and within two weeks you look like you’ve slept for a week or just got back from a beach vacation. Although, Sculptra would be a very close second as I call it the 401k for your face when it comes to aging prevention.

If you weren’t in this business, you’d be doing …

I would be some sort of travel writer or travel agent. I love exploring new cities, cultures, natural wonders and meeting new people.  When I lived in London, my husband and I loved popping away for long weekends to check out new places. I used to make crazy itineraries for us so we could see everything in my true Type A fashion. 

One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you …

I am a Canadian citizen so of course hockey is in my blood. My dad is a four-time Stanley Cup winner and I basically grew up in a hockey rink.