Dermatology

What is DHT? Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics and results from the conversion of testosterone. This conversion process occurs in both men and women. “Almost 10% of the testosterone produced daily by an adult is converted to DHT,” notes Craig Nabat, founder of the iRestore Laser Hair Growth System. DHT ... Read more

What is stress acne? Over the past two decades, scientific research has been accumulating to support the theory that, although stress generally does not cause outbreaks in patients with no history of acne, those who already struggle with acne can have outbreaks induced or exacerbated by stress. Stress can affect the physiological processes that directly ... Read more

What is glycolic acid? Glycolic acid is the smallest of the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane and is used as a tanning and dyeing agent in the textile industry, a preservative and flavoring additive in food, and a skincare ingredient in cosmetic products. Its tiny molecular size gives it the unique ... Read more

Acne and the liver The relationship between acne outbreaks and liver function is hotly debated among doctors. Some doctors insist that no relationship exists between acne and impaired liver function; others disagree. Nonetheless, there are indications that links do exist. Hormonal acne Dr. Ben Johnson of Osmosis Skin Care says that pimple patterns are connected ... Read more

Can lemon juice be used for acne? Lemon is often added to do-it-yourself masks, washes, and toners, and is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is used to clear away dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. Lemon juice also contains other nutrients that can benefit the skin. “Lemon juice can have ... Read more

What is combination skin? Combination skin is just what it sounds like — skin that is a mix of both oily and dry areas. According to Dr. Monique Kamaria Chheda, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in both Maryland and New Jersey, combination skin is generally one of two types. “The first is seasonal variations in skin ... Read more

What are white sunspots? White sun spots, also known as Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis (IGH skin), are frustrating white spots and are totally benign. At their core, these little, discolored marks are your body’s way of telling you that it’s had too much sun exposure. They often develop after a long vacation or a summer spent ... Read more

What is Nioxin? Nioxin products are salon quality vendibles used by professional stylists to thicken hair. Although not the least expensive hair care merchandise on the market, you can purchase a bottle of Nioxin shampoo for around 20 dollars. Nioxin claims to make the most of the hair you still  have by removing dirt, debris, ... Read more

Medical professionals are almost universal in their opposition to indoor tanning beds, which are widely recognized as harmful and potentially dangerous. Many states have banned minors from visiting tanning salons, as have all Canadian provinces. Australia has banned commercial tanning salons entirely. Yet despite the dangers presented, the tanning industry earns billions of dollars each ... Read more

Repeated exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can dramatically increase your chance of developing skin cancer while also prematurely aging your skin. To get the skin tone you desire without subjecting yourself to unnecessary risk, a plethora of self-tanning products or ‘sunless tanners’ have been created. To learn how to use ... Read more