beauty and aging

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.

Azelaic Acid: Treat both acne and pigmentation disorders
This medication works wonders for acne, destroying acne-causing bacteria before they have the chance to cause outbreaks. An additional benefit is that it is a very effective treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, much of which is caused by acne outbreaks. So it works on two levels – improves acne and some of the pigmentation disorders that appear with it.

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. 

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.

Q:  I have never had a chemical peel and would like to try one, but I am afraid of the thought of acid on my face. Should I be worried?

A: Chemical peels can improve and smooth the texture of facial skin by removing damaged outer layers and can be helpful in treating dull facial texture and color, fine wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, uneven pigmentation (solar lentigines, or “sun spots”), melasma, mild acne, and even precancerous lesions (ie, actinic keratoses).  

The development of new laser technologies is encouraging, especially the introduction of gentler tools that provide excellent results with less damage and downtime than original ablative lasers. While safe and effective, ablative lasers are harsh and indiscriminately remove layers of skin. The resulting wounds were at greater risk of infection and required a couple weeks of healing followed by months of redness. While these lasers generated good results for wrinkles, I searched for alternatives, as I would feel hesitant to undergo these types of procedures myself.

That’s right, I said it! This year – this decade – I want you to focus on beauty. Being beautiful means being healthy, and I want you to do everything in your power to make yourself more beautiful. Sound vain, trivial, and superfluous? Well, not really. While I’m not suggesting you get plastic surgery or injectable fillers, Botox®, or laser, I am suggesting that you look at your skin as a reflection of your overall health and that you make smart choices to protect your beautiful skin and take action to make your skin and body healthy.

Instead of 11 pipers piping or 5 golden rings, look at what Skinsight brings. Whether or not you think you need cosmetic surgery, make sure you make an informed decision.

Santa Claus has a full beard that young children like to tug upon to prove he is real. What if Mrs. Claus had a full beard as well? Excessive hair affects 15% of women in the US.

Finding presents for all your loved ones can be very stressful this time of year. The stores can get so crowded that you may just want to pull your hair out. Hair loss, however, is no joking matter.

Q: Where should I go to have laser procedures performed?

A: Patients who want to look younger have a confusing array of options, including where to go for cosmetic procedures. I talk about this topic at greater length here, but, essentially, this is what I recommend evaluating prior to undergoing a cosmetic laser procedure.