February 2010

In this two-part series we continue to cover various prescribed methods for evening out skin tones. Part 1 looked at hydroquinone and mequinol. Part 2 covers azelaic acid, corticosteroids, and more.

In my practice, one of the most common concerns among people of color is uneven skin tone due to hyperpigmentation, or irregular darkening of the skin. Over the past few months, I’ve written a number of posts about hyperpigmentation concerns – including irregular patches, spots and scars – and which conditions warrant a consultation with a dermatologist. 

Q: What’s the best way to get rid of blackheads? I have this blackhead-popping thing that looks like a syringe and would like to know if these are safe to use.

A: Blackheads, or comedones in medical terms, are “clogged pores.” Dead skin cells and dried secretions from the skin’s oil (sebum) glands can produce plugs in the hair follicles (commonly known as pores).

Q: What’s the difference between a lotion, a cream, and a gel? Which will clog my pores the least?

A: The consistency of the products is the biggest difference.

You can never go wrong by giving a woman chocolate for Valentine’s Day (unless she’s allergic or has a strong dislike, of course). And in addition to making your partner happy, recent evidence shows certain chocolate is actually good for you.

What do you do with the roses your Valentine gave you after they’re past their prime? Why not use those old rose pedals? Stretching a buck is always popular. Try a few of these rose petal recipes from planetgreen.discovery.com.

There are gifts that you would likely want to receive from your true love, but these are some gifts that you would not want to get from your Valentine…

There are gifts that you would likely want to receive from your Valentine, but these are a couple gifts that you would not want to get from your Valentine…

Sharing a smile is a gift itself, especially for your Valentine. But there are people all over the world who cannot share their gift because of a cleft lip or palate. This is a major problem in developing countries. Many of those affected cannot speak or eat properly, and many cannot attend school or work because of their abnormal facial appearance.