When I moved to East Hampton from New York City eight years ago, the constant back-and-forth to the city for doctors appointments made me realize the importance of finding top-quality medical care on the East End. That’s why I was thrilled to hear that Dr. Dana Stern has opened her new office, Sag Harbor Skin & Aesthetics, at 34 Bay Street. She shares her new office space with dermatologist Dr. Mitchell Kline and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Bruce Moskowitz.
Dr. Stern isn’t just a top dermatologist — she’s an active member of our community and a dedicated mom to three teenagers. Knowing her expertise and deep local ties, I didn’t hesitate to book my annual Fraxel laser treatment with her this year.
Fraxel is a top investment in long-term skin health, effectively treating sun damage, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and enlarged pores by boosting collagen and elastin production. Dr. Stern tailors each treatment to individual goals, with adjustable downtime to fit any lifestyle. Winter and early spring are the best times for laser treatments, whether for a full series or annual maintenance. As someone who opts out of Botox and fillers, a yearly laser treatment is a key part of my self-care routine.
My Fraxel recovery was smooth and easy. I was able to wear tinted sunblock the very next day, and though my skin started to flake after a couple of days, I had no trouble meeting clients or taking Zoom calls. Just one week later, my skin looked plumper, refreshed, and noticeably brighter, with a reduction in sun damage. I was so impressed with the results that next year, I plan to book two sessions back-to-back for even greater impact. And beyond that, Dana ensures you leave her office with a personalized post-Fraxel skincare plan, complete with recommended products and a detailed usage schedule.
Beyond lasers, Dr. Stern is committed to helping her patients achieve clear, healthy skin with real, visible results. Her personalized, results-driven approach has already made her a go-to expert on the East End. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Stern in her bright and welcoming office to learn more about her practice and her commitment to the local community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in dermatology?
In college I worked at the CDC in the pediatric HIV division and thought that I wanted to live in a hut in Africa taking care of kids. During medical school rotations dermatology opened my eyes because it combined my visual nature, my love for doing procedures, infectious disease, and would also allow me to care for both adults and kids. It checked all of the boxes!
What’s your philosophy when it comes to skincare and dermatological health?
I truly believe that everyone can have healthy, beautiful skin. The path to getting there is not going to be the same for everyone, and always needs to be highly individualized. That’s where a relationship with your board-certified dermatology becomes crucial. This has been an era of innovation for dermatology and between laser devices and a plethora of innovation in the therapeutic dermatology space, we have a tremendous amount to offer our patients. It’s an exciting time to be a dermatologist!
Are you involved in any community initiatives, educational programs, or charity work?
I am the medical liaison for Hamptons Community Outreach. Marit Molin founded and leads this incredible organization and over the years I have taken care of many patients who otherwise would have faced significant barriers to getting the dermatology care that they needed. Additionally, I help to find doctors across a wide range of specialties to assist HCO with specific medical cases. I am a trustee Emeriti at the Children’s Museum of The East End (CMEE) and my husband and I support The Retreat, Bonac football, and Concerned Citizens of Montauk (CCOM).
What do you love most about serving this community?
I feel so fortunate to work in a community where people know each other, care about each other and help one another. The year-round Hamptons community is filled with interesting people doing interesting things. In a typical day in my office, I am astounded by the diversity of patients whom I see and the fascinating and stimulating conversations we have. I am convinced that I have the nicest, most interesting patients in the world, and it’s why I love practicing in Sag Harbor!