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Botox by the Bay…and Beyond: A Skin-Deep Sit-Down with Dr. Howard Sobel in Southampton.

You know the name. You’ve probably heard it whispered over brunch at Tutto il Giorno or casually dropped during a Pilates class. “He’s the one—Botox by the Bay.” But Dr. Howard Sobel is no one-trick pony. This board-certified dermatologic surgeon, with over 30 years of experience in Manhattan also has a practice in Southampton, is also a laser wizard—offering treatments like Fraxel and Helix that are rewriting the rules of skincare in the Hamptons.

We sat down with Dr. Sobel for a conversation that went beyond Botox. From skin cycling to laser resurfacing to caring for melanin-rich skin, this was no fluff facial. This was real talk, the kind we love at Hamptons Mouthpiece.

So, what’s the difference between Fraxel and Helix—and who needs what?

“Lasers aren’t just lasers,” Dr. Sobel says, immediately clearing up one of the biggest misconceptions. “They’re built for specific issues.”

Fraxel, he explains, is a fractional laser that targets pigmentation, sunspots, and even pre-malignant lesions. Translation? It’s doing double duty: helping your skin look better and stay healthier. It’s ideal for folks in their 20s to 50s—basically anyone whose skin has seen a little too much sun or who’s ready to get ahead of aging.

Helix, on the other hand, is a CO2 laser that’s like sandpaper in light form (sounds scary, but stick with us). It removes fine etched lines by resurfacing the skin and stimulating collagen. “With age, we lose volume, collagen, and elasticity. Helix helps bring that bounce back,” Dr. Sobel explains. “It can take your skin back 10, 15—even 20 years.”

Heads up: Helix has a longer recovery (5–7 days), while Fraxel has a shorter downtime (3–5 days).

Retinol, Skin Cycling & Not Peeling Like a Croissant

Retinol may be trending, but Dr. Sobel wants you to respect the retinol. Whether it’s over-the-counter (retinol) or prescription-strength (Retin-A), this vitamin A derivative is one of the only ingredients proven to boost collagen production.

So how do you add it into your routine without turning into a flake fest?

“Start slow,” he says. “Pea-sized amount. Rub it in. Every other day. Then move to daily only if your skin can handle it.” Also? Don’t forget the sunscreen. Retinol makes your skin more sun-sensitive, so protection is non-negotiable.

The earlier you start, the better. “Start in your 20s if you can,” he advises. “Because after 20, you lose 1% of collagen every year. That adds up.”

Let’s Talk Lasers and Melanin-Rich Skin

Here’s where Dr. Sobel’s honesty and experience really shine. “In the past, we were more hesitant with lasers on darker skin tones because of the risk of hyperpigmentation or light spots,” he says. “Now, with newer technology, we can safely treat Black, Brown, and Asian skin—but we go more conservatively.”

The key is customization, not a one-size-fits-all laser blast. “The goal is glow, not damage.”

The Takeaway? It’s Not Just About Skin

“It’s about health care, not just skin care,” Dr. Sobel reminds us. These treatments aren’t just about looking good (although, yes please)—they’re about taking care of your skin in a real, science-backed way.

And with his signature mix of Manhattan expertise and Hamptons approachability, Dr. Sobel is bridging the gap between high-end treatments and beach-town vibes.

✨ Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Sobel—coming soon to Hamptons Mouthpiece. We’ll be diving even deeper into skincare myths, his go-to products, and the real deal on glow-ups.

Take a listen to the full conversation, dropping soon. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably book an appointment.

Follow Dr. Sobel on Instagram

Jacqueline Woodson, Fran Drescher: Photo Credit: BFA/Bre Johnson, PMC/ Sean Zanni

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

This year’s Celebrating Women® Breakfast, hosted by The New York Women’s Foundation at the New York Marriott Marquis, was more than a fundraiser—it was a movement. With over 1,000 advocates, partners, and changemakers in the room, the event raised over $1.2 million to power community-led grantmaking and grassroots solutions across New York City and beyond.

The theme, “Together, we create power and possibility,” resonated deeply. It captured the urgency of now—and the promise of a future led by those closest to the challenges we seek to overcome.

“People closest to the pain should be closest to the problem,” was a guiding truth echoed throughout the morning.

Leading With Empathy and Impact

Fran Drescher, the iconic actor, advocate, and founder of Cancer Schmancer, took the stage as a voice of courage and clarity. Her words were raw, real, and unforgettable:

“Be bold. Go after what you want. I’m a voice in the wilderness, speaking truth at a seminal crossroad. I call people on their untruths—and I don’t need to emulate male energy to lead. I lead with empathy.”

She reminded the audience that “how you live directly affects how you feel,” and left everyone thinking deeply about wellness, the planet, and self-worth:

“Make yourself the center of your universe. You are what you eat. Don’t hurt yourself—and don’t hurt the planet.”

Lola C. West, NYWF Board Member and Steering Committee Co-Chair, called Fran “a badass”—and the room agreed.

Celebrating Leadership That Creates Change

Honorees included:

• Jacqueline Woodson, author and founder of BALDWIN FOR THE ARTS, uplifted the role of artists and activists:

“We’re trying to make this world safer—for gender-expansive people, for women, for everyone who dares to live their truth.”

• ERA Coalition Forward was recognized for building a national, multi-generational movement to enshrine equality in the U.S. Constitution.

• New Yorkers for Equal Rights celebrated the passage of the New York Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), affirming protections for all New Yorkers.

• The Young Women’s Coalition – Long Island Community showed how local leadership drives lasting change.

• JPMorganChase received the Vision Award for their investment in equity, opportunity, and inclusive economic growth.

• NYWF also spotlighted community partners like The Brooklyn Economic Justice Projectand The Informed Consent Coalition, organizations addressing the root causes of inequality with intersectional, community-based solutions.

Building a New Foundation for the Future

President and CEO Ana L. Oliveira grounded the event with powerful intention:

“The Foundation will continue in the discipline of hope and the commitment of determination. Our acts of generosity and solidarity matter.”

What does it mean to celebrate women in 2025?

It means investing in mental health—building a foundation that supports women facing loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

It means amplifying young leaders, lifting up community coalitions, and making sure that leadership works for all of us.

It means recognizing that New York Women’s Foundation is changing the world—one act of solidarity, one grant, one bold voice at a time.

Because when women lead with empathy, purpose, and vision, anything is possible