My Weekend Bag
A Top Dermatologist Resets on a Greek Island
Going back to your roots can involve some serious logistics, particularly if those roots happen to be situated on a small Greek island called Skyros. But for Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD—she’s one of New York’s busiest, most-renowned dermatologists—the journey is more than worth it. “Greece is my natural habitat,” she says. “The moment I step out of the plane and feel the warmth of the yellow sunshine on my face and breathe the air, I transform.” Daily swims in the Aegean Sea deepen the transformation, she says. “They reset my entire nervous system, leaving me calm and at peace.”
Alexiades started building on the island in 2017. “I envisioned a field of Greek herbs on the water and a home, made of stone from the mountain, built into the hill,” she says. After finding an architect that shared her vision, she finished in 2022: “The Greeks say, ‘The good thing is late.’” She grows the Greek medicinal herbs that power several of her active products—including her new body cream, the aptly named Skyros. “The idea was to get my limbs and abdomen smooth and gorgeous for bikini season,” she laughs.
Alexiades visits the island for a few weeks at a time. “You have to, because it’s challenging to get there,” she says. “You first travel to one island, then take a ferry to Skyros.” While she’d love to stay longer, it’s not in the cards just yet. “My practice needs me in New York for now,” she says.
Still, two weeks is a significant stretch. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Alexiades packs her entire Macrene arsenal—from the bestselling serum to her prized tinted moisturizer—for the trip.
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The Cult-Favorite Serum
MACRENE Actives
High Performance Face Serumgoop, $195
“This is extra firming—I keep any laxity in check and help prevent the need for procedures.”
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Creamy Tinted Moisturizer
MACRENE Actives
High Performance Tinted Moisturizergoop, $165
“This is made with 45 actives—it triples as protection, coverage, and treatment—and it’s got the best flawless, no-makeup makeup finish.”
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The Summer Essentials
Mineral SPF 50 and bug spray (it’s actually a gel that smells so good, you can wear it as perfume) are essential. “My favorite sunscreen is Coola SPF 50,” says Alexiades. “It’s a great clean formula with a high SPF.”
The Fridge Trick
When it’s really hot, Alexiades keeps her skin care in the refrigerator. “It’s to preserve all the active ingredients at maximum efficacy,” she says. Here’s what goes inside.
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MACRENE Actives
High Performance Cleansergoop, $95
“Gentle and efficient, this face wash leaves my skin soothed and hydrated.”
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MACRENE Actives
High Performance Eye Creamgoop, $145
“I really keep this up—and doing so has firmed the area around my eyes, so I no longer worry about having to do anything to prevent sagging or circles.”
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MACRENE Actives
High Performance Face Creamgoop, $225
“This cream delivers 50 actives at once and provides my skin with all it needs for perfect microbiome balance.”
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Macrene Actives
High Performance Neck & Décolletage Treatmentgoop, $295
“I use this religiously all summer to keep my neck, chest, and tops of hands free of sun damage. (I wear sunscreen religiously, as noted above, too.) It works!”
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Shower Routine
“I’m very interested in the antioxidant properties of turmeric. I especially like these two formulas.”
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Redoux
Turmeric Bar Soapgoop, $16
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Kora Organics
Turmeric Invigorating Body Scrubgoop, $60
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“I love Avalon Organics’ lavender shampoo and conditioner. I’m friends with the owners and feel confident in their sourcing practices.”
Night Out
Island Uniform
“All I need is a bikini, a linen sarong, and a hand-crocheted Skyrian sack.”
MY FAVORITES IN GREECE
STAY
Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens
“I always stay here.” [Editor’s note: The hotel has stunning views of everything—the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, the Parliament building, Lycabettus Hill, and the original Olympic stadium.]
“My longtime friend was the architect for this hotel, and it has stood the test of time as an architectural favorite near town.” [Editor’s note: The suites are beautiful—especially the Cave Pool Suite, which has a private pool overlooking the sea.]
“I love how private this hotel feels. And it has the most amazing sunsets.”
EAT
The Old Tavern of Psarras in Athens
“This has the best traditional cuisine and is where you want to be if you’re visiting Athens for a couple days.”
“This is hidden away on the Agios Sostis beach, with a beautiful stone fireplace for cooking.”
“Again, love the sunsets here—very romantic on the edge of the cliffs.”
SHOP
“An absolute must: The founder, Demetra Lalaounis, is a close friend, and the quality of the gold in these pieces is unsurpassed.”
The Poet Sandal Maker in Athens
“I always pick up my favorite sandals from him. He’s near the Acropolis station, and Jackie O. wore his sandals!”
“These are the best handwoven handbags in the universe. I won’t say who, but a famous top designer once took an iPhone snap of my black Callista handbag, and I would swear the leather stitchwork trickled down to other designers.”
“This gallery finds and obtains the very best Greek art and sculptures. Look for pieces by Alexandra Athanasiades.”
“I wear all of Teo’s jewelry. He makes the very best gold cuffs, evil eye jewelry, and gold silver necklaces at reasonable prices.”
“I love these easy, flowy Grecian-made pieces for days on the islands.”
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