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 »
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 »
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 »
Do you wear sunscreen daily even though the summer is almost over? If so, that is a great start, but there is more you can do to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, pollution and ionizing radiation, all of which accelerate aging and may lead to skin cancer development. Here is the advice our dermatologists give to our patients in the Boston area: Consider using a skin care product with an antioxidant, in addition to your sunscreen! Benefit of antioxidants for your skin Antioxidants including vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, coffeeberry extract and others act to protect your skin … Continue reading »
Many of my makeup-wearing patients are excellent with their morning sunscreen application. But, what about the midday application of sunscreen? When I ask about their sun protection habits, my patients proudly exclaim that they never leave their home in the morning without applying an SPF 30 sunscreen to their face, neck and hands. Many of them are aware that the efficacy of the sunscreen ingredients begins to diminish after only a few hours. But very few people re-apply their sunscreen in the midday, so many are completely unprotected from sun exposure from noon onward! The main reason for this is … Continue reading »
I have a confession: as a first-time mother, I find myself constantly worrying about my daughter’s well-being. And while I worry a bit too much, I take solace knowing that as a dermatologist in Boston my baby is at least getting the best possible skin care. While all of us are familiar with the routine aspects of an infants’ progression (e.g., shots, weigh-ins, and teething), I’d like to take a moment to teach you about a very important element of infant health: taking good care of your young child’s skin. By keeping a few basic principles in mind, it is … Continue reading »
I’ve run the Boston Marathon for the past 10 years. The afternoon before the race, I host a big carb-loading party (and fundraiser for the Melanoma Foundation of New England!) for my running friends, some of whom travel from far-flung parts of the world to run this historic race. One of my friends, Bob, is a very smart man, and he gave me, a dermatologist, a really important lesson about sunscreen among marathoners. Bob runs a speedy (sub-3:00) race. Several years ago, the weather predictions called for clouds, and Bob was not wearing sunscreen. But these clouds unexpectedly parted at … Continue reading »
In the year since this blog post was first published, Lululemon’s inaccurate and potentially dangerous sunscreen advice continues to be printed on the bags that they hand out every day to customers. Lululemon WAS informed by the American Academy of Dermatology last year that its ‘sunscreen is dangerous’ quote printed on all its bags was spreading misinformation, and the company admitted that the message is “not research based” . If you are concerned about your risk of skin cancer and the potentially dangerous medical information Lululemon continues to dispense, email their ‘guest education center’ at gec@lululemon.com to voice your concerns. Pass … Continue reading »
Don’t let the cold weather fool you! Just because you may not feel the heat of the sun in the winter, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun is still harming your skin. Think of snow as a big white beach, Dr. Thomas Rohrer tells his patients at SkinCare Physicians. Winter sports enthusiasts, who often spend all day outside, are especially at risk for excessive sun exposure that can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Here are two reasons why: Snow reflects UV radiation four times more than sand on a beach. Up to 80% of the UV … Continue reading »
There are many important events and milestones in our lives. Whether it is your wedding, a friend or family member’s wedding, a reunion, or another important event, preparing your skin well ahead of time will help to make sure you look your best for this special occasion. Follow these 4 tips from our team of dermatologists in Boston and you will glow the day of your big event. #1 Get in a good routine. Our skin looks best when we care for it on a daily basis and don’t neglect it. Be sure to cleanse twice daily to gently remove … Continue reading »
