Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
What exactly does SPF stand for, and why do I need a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen?
Needing Sunscreen 101, Ashley R.
Dear Needing Sunscreen 101,
I am so happy you asked, as I always get this question in the clinic. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor” and was initially designated by the FDA in 1978 to prevent
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
Can you please share with me why I experienced significant shedding after pregnancy? Should I be concerned?
Experiencing Hair Loss, Tammy P.
Dear Experiencing Hair Loss,
Experiencing post-partum hair loss is not uncommon and is known as telogen effluvium. In particular, one can see excessive hair shedding about 3-4 months after giving birth, which is caused by falling estrogen levels. The good news is
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
I never had acne as a teenager and now in my 20s am getting painful bumps to my chin and jawline. What can I do?
New Acne Frustration, Denise K.
Dear New Acne Frustration,
I am sorry to hear and I completely understand your frustration. It sounds like you are experiencing hormonal acne flares, which is not uncommon and can appear at any age.
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
I wear an SPF 100 and continue to get a sunburn! What am I doing wrong?
Sunscreen Help Needed, Tom S.
Dear Sunscreen Help Needed,
I am so happy you asked this question as it is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a great time to remind people how to prevent sunburns as it can increase your chance of getting a skin cancer. Anytime you use a sunscreen, please make sure it is a broad-spectrum to protect you not only from
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
What are common myths about nutrition and skin health you’d like to bust?
Myth Buster, Sheila W.
Dear Myth Buster,
I am so happy you asked this question as it is often a robust conversation at the clinic. Here are a couple popular ones:
Myth 1: Drinking water hydrates your skin.
Water is essential for the body’s physiology…
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
I am hearing that taking collagen is good for you but there are so many to choose from. Please help!
Seeking the Best Collagen, Cindy R.
Dear Seeking the Best Collagen,
At this time, collagen is the best supplement to heal the skin from within.
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
Which supplements are best for acne and why?
Wanting Clear Skin Naturally, Kim S.
Dear Wanting Clear Skin Naturally,
Probiotics can be beneficial for acne-prone skin, as they help to correct gut dysbiosis and inflammation, which contribute to breakouts….
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
My 45-year-old Uncle had recently passed from Melanoma, and I am heartbroken and scared. What do I need to do to protect myself?
Scared of Skin Cancer, Tom P.
Dear Scared of Skin Cancer,
I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Thank you for reaching out, as it is always essential to create awareness as Melanoma treatment can be successful if caught early. Cutaneous Melanoma is the most common cancer in the US and is highly preventable but can be very aggressive, so one must always be vigilant for new growths. Monitor existing moles for any change, and be mindful of Melanoma showing up in areas where the sun does not shine. The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is a great resource, and they raise critical funds to support melanoma patients and their families.
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
I have noted more flushing on my face. Should I be concerned about Rosacea? I am in my mid-20s.
Feeling Rosy – Sara K.
Dear Feeling Rosy,
You may be seeing the first stages of Rosacea, which is not uncommon to see in your mid to late 20s. Rosacea affects 16 million people in the US, and only 18% of them are diagnosed and treated.
Dear Savvy Derm Diva,
What is the best way to treat melasma?
Frustrated With Discoloration, Meg R.
Dear Frustrated With Discoloration,
Hands down, it is sunscreen! If you don’t have the basics of sunscreen etiquette, don’t even waste your money trying to treat it. Keep in mind that if …