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 »
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 »
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 »
For many, a wedding is the most important day in one’s life. Whether someone has a month or a year to prepare for that day, looking and feeling one’s best is important. But how and when to start? At SkinCare Physicians near Boston, we meet brides and grooms who ask for our skin care advice as they get ready for their important day. In this blog, Dr. Laurel Morton outlines a recommended treatment timeline to prepare your skin for your wedding. And, while it is always helpful when we have more time to achieve your aesthetic goals, there are some … Continue reading »
It is that time of year again when everyone is talking about what sunscreen to use and asking for recommendations. We all know that wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher daily and reapplying often is important for reducing the incidence of skin cancer and protecting our skin from the number one cause of extrinsic aging – ultraviolet radiation. So, are all sunscreens created equal? Not necessarily. There are two main categories of sunscreens: Physical/mineral sunscreens: They stay on top of your skin and act like a shield reflecting the sun’s rays. They work as soon as you apply … Continue reading »
Self-care became a low priority for many of us during the pandemic. This was especially true for moms. Whether they were helping kids navigate through remote learning, or juggling household responsibilities while working inside or outside the home, mothers had less time for themselves. Now that restrictions have eased and we are resuming activities and pre-pandemic routines, we noticed more people seeking advice about their skin. Notably, mothers have conveyed interest in addressing changes they’ve been seeing this past year. Questions come up regularly about worry lines, uneven or dull skin tone aggravated by stress and jawline/neck laxity noticed on … Continue reading »
You may have seen the news that Johnson & Johnson voluntarily recalled five Neutrogena and Aveeno aerosol sunscreen products. What does this mean for you? Our phone lines and inboxes are pinging with questions from our patients, so I thought I’d share my thoughts with you. The Johnson & Johnson recall: What you need to know Which products have been recalled? Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen What should I do if I use one of these products? … Continue reading »
Do you suffer from dry hands? Well, in New England, this is extremely common. The air in our environment is much less humid; cold outdoor temperatures as well as dry indoor air from our central heating systems both contribute to this. This causes water to evaporate from our skin quickly, making it vulnerable to dehydration. Common symptoms include scaling, redness, irritation and cracking. So, how can you best treat and prevent dry hands? 1- Use a gentle cleanser Soaps can strip oils from the skin. Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap-substitute that moisturizes. 2- Do not … Continue reading »
There is no secret to maintaining a healthy skin, I tell my dermatology patients at SkinCare Physicians near Boston. Follow these simple recommendations and you will be on your way to a more radiant look. #1 Include a retinoid in your skin care regimen Topical creams containing retinoids, such as tretinoin are one of the most effective products you could apply to prevent fine lines and restore luster to your skin. Available by prescription, your dermatologist can advise you on how to use it while minimizing any flaking or dryness that can occur initially. If you can’t tolerate a prescription … Continue reading »
