Will applying Retin A reduce the darkness of my lips?
Lips with dark edges, called hyper-pigmentation, is a feature of ethnicity. With this being said, it can make it difficult to treat patients with darker…
I went straight to bed without washing my face. When I woke up, there was a pile of eyelash clumps!
Yikes! I wonder if a severe contact allergy from the mascara led to the inflammation and subsequent loss of eyelashes in the area. The only…
I’m receiving GentleLase for fine lines around my eyes . . . Thoughts?
GentleLase is not typically used first line for wrinkling. As you will find, it is typically used for hair removal and also occasionally for lentigines…
What is the best facial for mid-20s? Fine lines, acne, scarring, red blemishes?
The VI peel is very helpful for general light resurfacing. Using a blend of acids, the VI peel will be very successful in reversing signs…
I got cosmetic eyeliner eyebrows a few years ago. Big mistake.
The lasering of iron pigments can often times lead to the oxidation of said pigments, which then results in a darker tattoo. This is always…
I developed rosacea from overusing corticosteroids!
Steroid-induced rosacea can be a very hard problem to overcome. A critical component is to discontinue the corticosteroids, usually with a tapered use of topical…
I had a VI peel done four days ago. Started to notice some significant swelling- is this okay?
VI peels can lead to some very brisk shedding of skin, usually 48 hours after the peel, but can extend to 72 to 96 hours…
Is 20 milligrams a week of Accutane enough to stop oily skin?
Nobody likes excessively oily skin. While the oils may protect your skin from signs of aging, it can certainly do more harm in the form…
I’m pregnant and work as a laser physician. I’m using long-pulse Nd:YAG laser. Can I still work?
To my knowledge, there is no significant data for this subject. When light sources are used with correct protective eyewear, it should not lead to…
What are the top three foods that increase acne?
There are a few foods that can increase the acne on your body. Skim milk and high glycemic index foods, meaning foods that contain a…
I have horizontal ridges in my nails. How did this happen?
What are these horizontal ridges in my nails? Horizontal ridges on the nails can represent very benign causes. The most common cause of horizontal ridges…
I know it’s always a good idea to sanitize your hands, but when is enough, enough?
Before meals and after using the bathroom are usual times to sanitize your hands. Another great place to sanitize is after exiting super public areas,…
Is it bad if I use body lotion on my face? What is the difference?
Lotion ingredients vary widely from brand to brand, but there is usually little difference between ingredients used in body lotions compared to those intended for…
What sunscreen is better for the beach? Spray or lotion? Higher or lower SPF?
The best sunscreens, of course, are ones that you will use! It makes no difference whether you're using a spray or lotion- whichever you feel…
Is there really no such thing as waterproof sunscreen?
That's true! However, there is water-resistant sunscreen that can be quite helpful. I recommend picking a water-resistant sunscreen, because the FDA has disallowed the use…
I always shave my chest, but those little red bumps always appear on my bod. Options?
You're optimizing your beach bod, but this may represent a local irritant on your chest. Those little hair follicles on your chest that you're pulling…
I’m a male, and I’ve tried so many OTC shampoos, but my dandruff won’t leave. Any tips?
It may be time to see a board-certified dermatologist. Certainly, over-the-counter therapies can start with zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide. However, these anti-yeast agents just…
What are some natural ways to treat eczema?
There are some Eastern methods for treating eczema. The most popular is heating oolong in water, letting it cool and then applying this solution to…
How can you shrink the size of your pores?
There are a few ways to treat larger-sized pores; a couple of which are in-office methods. For example, chemical peels and various tightening lasers, like…
Should I get my plantar wart injected again?
Usually, the best way for me to tell whether a wart has gone away is to if I see the palm lines on the surface…