SkinCare Physicians Blog offers insights on the latest in medical and surgical dermatology, cosmetic and laser medicine, as well as aesthetics. All of our internationally recognized physicians and some members of our staff contribute to the Skincare Physicians Blog.
Summer is here and we find ourselves talking about sun protection and sunscreen use every day in our clinic. Frequently, my patients with skin of color ask me whether their dark skin provide them with good protection or if they have to wear sunscreen. The answer is a resounding YES! All skin types should be wearing sunscreen. We all have the same number of melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for producing melanin. While individuals with darker skin may have more melanin production which protects them from some UV absorption, it does not provide a strong enough defense against the harmful, … Continue reading »
Melasma. You know it when you see it: those irregularly shaped brown patches on the cheeks that inevitably darken during the summer months and fade away in the winter. This can be a very challenging and distressful condition, because there is no cure to date. Fortunately, our board-certified dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians have developed an approach that allows us to control melasma even if we cannot cure it. Dr. Mitalee Christman, who has conducted extensive research* on the topic, is unmasking for you the cause of melasma, how we diagnose it and our treatment plans. Understanding and diagnosing melasma We … Continue reading »
Facial blue veins, frequently found around the eyes and on the forehead, are a common cosmetic concern that most individuals don’t realize can be treated. In fact, dermatologists at SkinCare Physicians’ can clear these blood vessels with little discomfort and virtually no side effects in a matter of 3 straightforward laser treatments. What causes facial blue veins? The cause of facial blue veins is unknown. They are in the normal pattern of facial veins whose function is to drain blood from the skin back to the heart. There are usually so many that by sealing off a few with laser … Continue reading »
As we get older, we all accumulate skin growths. Although many people may call these growths, “moles”, they can be altogether different. As SkinCare Physicians dermatologists, we perform full skin examinations frequently to screen for new or changing skin growths that might be skin cancers or precursors to skin cancers. While performing these so-called “mole patrols”, we commonly see many normal skin lumps and bumps that are not moles at all! Remaining vigilant by monitoring your own skin and scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist when you notice changing moles, is important. Understanding when a mole is not a mole, … Continue reading »
Gel polish for manicures and pedicures has become so popular! The polish lasts a long time and doesn’t chip. Dr. Prasanthi Kandula herself loves a gel manicure before a vacation or a conference. But a recently published study has made her question this treatment – is gel polish really safe? Should we limit the number of gel manicures and pedicures we get? UV lamps are essential for hardening the gel polish. These lamps emit UVA light just like tanning beds and natural sunlight. A recently published study from the University of California San Diego showed that human and mouse cells … Continue reading »
Daxxify is here! The most significant advance in neuromodulators in over a decade has finally arrived at SkinCare Physicians. Botox and Dysport have been at the center of a revolution in wrinkle reduction and aging prevention for over 20 years. They help to soften muscle movement, which in turn reduces wrinkles, improves eyebrow position, and creates a more relaxed appearance. Daxxify (Daxxi) is the newest generation of neuromodulators, and has the significant advantage of longer lasting results. Much of the original research was performed at SkinCare Physicians and shows that Daxxi can last as long as 6-9 months. This increased … Continue reading »
Many women come into our practice during the fall and winter months looking for cellulite treatment options to address dimples or uneven, rippling texture on their thighs and buttocks. While for the longest time most treatments on the market were smoke and mirrors, new procedures have given our patients satisfying results. Avéli is the latest addition to our cellulite armamentarium. Cellulite is caused by a combination of fat, dimpling from fibrous bands, and skin laxity. It is primarily the results of genetics and hormones. As a result, its appearance can be difficult to treat. Patients find cellulite frustrating because diet … Continue reading »
Those suffering from psoriasis have a new reason to rejoice! The FDA has recently approved a novel medication called Sotyktu® (deucravacitinib). Unlike biologics, which are administered by injection, Sotyktu® is a pill taken once a day. Astonishingly, there hasn’t been a new oral medication available for psoriasis in almost 10 years! Sotyktu® is the first therapy in a new category of medications called selective TYK-2 inhibitors. The excitement surrounding this pill is how precisely it targets the excessive inflammation associated with psoriasis. It is believed that this explains the high clinical benefit and favorable safety profile observed in patients while … Continue reading »
Acne is the most common skin condition affecting as many as 80% of Americans during their lifetime. It’s most often thought of as a condition of adolescence, but it’s remarkable just how many women and some men in their 20s, 30s and beyond suffer from continued outbreaks. While our dermatologists have seen improvements in the treatment of acne over the last decades, with the development of topical tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapy, and Accutane, many of our patients are still not happy with the options available. They desire effective natural treatments with no side effects. With … Continue reading »
In this age of TikTok, more kids and teenagers are following the dermatology advice of social media influencers over doctors. Dr. Kay S. Kane, our Boston Children’s Hospital-affiliated Pediatric Dermatologist, would like to share the top three WORST ideas out on TikTok right now. Sunscreen contouring A TikTok video went viral getting close to 2 million likes by describing a technique called sunscreen contouring. In the 15-second clip, the influencer put a base layer of low SPF sunscreen all over her face followed by a high SPF block only on desired highlights, before tanning. The claim is that “the sun … Continue reading »
