Comedogenicity, or pore-clogging, occurs when a plug of cells, sebum, and air-sensitive cosmetic ingredients oxidize and harden in a pore. The top of the plug darkens forming what we call a ‘black head’ or open comedone. Usually associated with acne…
You’ve probably heard that parabens trigger breast cancer because they mimic estrogen. It’s a commonly held belief but like many beliefs about skincare, it’s not true. So how did these ingredients, the most common (other than water) in cosmetics, be…
Since microneedling actually punctures your skin, it is extremely important to take care of the treated areas in specific ways for 48-72 hours after the procedure - even if you’re performing the treatment at home. Once this time has passed, slowly r…
Introduction: Are Facials Just Pampering — or Are They Part of Skin Health? One of the most common skincare debates we see—among consumers and professionals alike—is whether facials are simply relaxing luxuries or legitimate tools for improving s…
Q. Do medications react with sunlight? A. Yes. There are two primary skin reactions that can occur with UV exposure: photo-toxic and photo-allergic. Initially appearing as an exaggerated sunburn, photo-toxic reactions are believed to be caused whe…
Q: What’s the difference between chemical sunscreens and non-chemical sunscreens? You’ve said everything’s a chemical except light and electricity, so how can a sunscreen not contain chemicals? A: All sunscreens contain chemicals, regardless of whe…
Q: My esthetician told me to wear an SPF 30 sunscreen every day, regardless of my activities and time of year. I believe it gives double the protection as an SPF 15. Is this correct? A: Although it makes sense that an SPF 30 would offer twice th…
Q: Do self-tanners offer any sun protection if they don’t contain sunscreen? A: Yes. Studies released in the late 1990s by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha indicate sunless tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacet…
Eczema is a common problem, affecting approximately 20% of children and around 5% of adults. But did you know that up to 81% of people living with eczema also have some type of food allergy? Dr. Vicki Rapaport at Rapaport Dermatology of Beverly Hil…
