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Cutting through noise and hype in skincare
Founded by Harvard-trained dermatologists
IN THE MEDIA
Featured Posts
Plantar warts are extremely difficult to treat and often recur. Both home and in office treatments seem to have drawbacks. To this day, we still don’t quite understand the mechanism of what they are so persistent. In this article we evaluated existing data to describe the forefront treatment options for both at home and office-based treatments for plantar warts.
We rigorously evaluated 22 highly popular sunscreens, focusing on their compatibility with medium to darker skin tones. We entrusted this task to a diverse group of dermatology residents, who considered factors like white cast, ease of application, greasiness, makeup compatibility, odor, allergenicity, and immediate skin effects. With the assumption of accurate SPF levels, our mission was to uncover the best sunscreens for individuals with medium to darker skin tones.
We performed a thorough examination of 12 anti-dandruff shampoos, shedding light on their effectiveness over a 12-week period. The piece covers a wide range of products, each catering to various scalp types and dandruff conditions, with active ingredients ranging from zinc pyrithione to selenium sulfide. Find the ideal dandruff shampoo for your unique needs based on scientific evidence and unlock the secret to a healthier, flake-free scalp.
OUR LATEST EXPERIMENTS
This article features the best niacinamide serums blind tested by dermatologists, showcasing the most effective formulations for addressing a range of skin concerns. From combating uneven skin tone and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores to soothing redness and inflammation, niacinamide proves to be a versatile skincare ingredient. Find the best product for your skin.
Mineral sunscreens are a top choice among dermatologists and the trend seems to be expanding with time. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier, deflecting harmful UV rays away from the skin. This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of mineral sunscreens, including their gentleness on sensitive skin and suitability during pregnancy. We will also review what to look for in a mineral sunscreen, such as SPF ratings, broad-spectrum protection, and non-comedogenic formulas that fit for your skin type and skin tone.
We tested 8 of the most popular Korean branded sunscreens on the market with varying SPF levels, chemical/mineral composition, and mode of application. We found that the best Korean (K beauty) sunscreens are ones which had a lightweight feel, did not contain irritate the skin, applied easily without leaving a white cast, and offered combination protection (mineral and chemical composition).
In a quest for the ultimate eye creams to counter puffiness, our team of Harvard-trained dermatologists embarked on a 10-week journey, examining the highest recommended products based on Google search volume. The test panel was comprised of four dermatology residents + attendings with varied skin types, tones, and ethnic backgrounds. The uniqueness of our study stems from our diverse sample, including a resident on-call attending to hospital emergencies overnight, and another in a more relaxed environment. Key outcomes included hydration, smell, skin sensitivity, and dryness. This rigorous process ensured our findings were unbiased and comprehensive.
We rigorously evaluated 22 highly popular sunscreens, focusing on their compatibility with medium to darker skin tones. We entrusted this task to a diverse group of dermatology residents, who considered factors like white cast, ease of application, greasiness, makeup compatibility, odor, allergenicity, and immediate skin effects. With the assumption of accurate SPF levels, our mission was to uncover the best sunscreens for individuals with medium to darker skin tones.
We performed a thorough examination of 10 different acne face washes, shedding light on their effectiveness over a 4-week period. The study covers a wide range of products, each catering to various skin types and acne conditions, with ingredients ranging from salicylic acid to benzoyl peroxide. Find the ideal face wash for your unique needs based on scientific evidence and unlock the secret to healthier, clearer skin
Our team of dermatologists embarked on a three-week journey to evaluate ten top-rated vitamin C serums available in the market today. The focus was primarily on products containing a stable form of vitamin C, such as L-ascorbic acid, known for its potent antioxidant properties. A broad spectrum of products was tested, with a focus on items under $50. The results served as a guide for identifying the best vitamin C serums that could potentially enhance your skincare routine.
We put 12 of the most popular moisturizing and dry skin care products on the market to the test. Our group of Harvard-trained dermatologists tested all 12 of these products in an in-person testing session using rigorous, blinded research methods to help you answer the question - what is the best moisturizer in 2023? Emphasis was placed on texture, ease of application, degree of hydration, likelihood of allergenicity, and friendliness for sensitive/eczema-prone skin.
SCIENCE OF SKINCARE SERIES
This article delves into psoriasis, a chronic skin condition marked by rapid skin cell turnover, leading to scaly plaques. It covers various psoriasis types, including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic, each with unique symptoms. The causes of psoriasis are discussed, highlighting the role of genetics, immune response, and environmental factors. Additionally, it touches on psoriatic arthritis, diagnosis methods, severity assessment, and the range of treatments from topicals and phototherapy to systemic medications and biologics. The emphasis is on understanding psoriasis to better manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition causing excessive sweating beyond normal temperature regulation needs. Signs include visible sweat stains, frequently changing clothes, and disruption of daily activities. Primary focal hyperhidrosis affects specific areas like underarms or palms, while secondary generalized hyperhidrosis arises from underlying conditions. Treatment options range from prescription antiperspirants and iontophoresis to Botox injections, microwave therapy, oral medications, and surgery. Lifestyle adjustments and moisture-wicking fabrics also help manage symptoms for improved quality of life. Read our dermatologist guide for more details!
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. This guide delves into understanding rosacea's triggers, symptoms, and underlying causes. It outlines the crucial role of dermatologists in diagnosing and crafting personalized treatment plans, including topical medications, oral antibiotics, laser therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Adopting a gentle, rosacea-friendly skincare routine and sun protection are also emphasized as key components of effective management. With the right strategies, individuals can gain control over this challenging condition.
This article demystifies seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, common skin conditions causing discomfort and embarrassment. Understand about their causes, such as malassezia yeast overgrowth and excess sebum, and recognize the symptoms from mild dandruff to severe seborrheic dermatitis. Learn how dermatologists diagnose these conditions and the most effective treatments, including specialized shampoos and medications.
This comprehensive article sheds light on male pattern baldness, a prevalent type of hair loss affecting men worldwide. We dive into the causes, including genetics and hormonal factors, and explore the symptoms that characterize this condition, such as receding hairlines and thinning crowns. Understanding when to consult a dermatologist and the diagnostic process, including the importance of a thorough examination and potentially a treatment plan, is crucial. We also highlight innovative treatment options ranging from topical treatments to hair transplants that offer hope for hair regrowth and preventing further hair loss.
Explore effective strategies for managing hormonal acne, a condition driven by hormonal fluctuations leading to painful cysts and breakouts, especially around the jawline and lower face. This article delves into the causes, signs, and cutting-edge treatments recommended by dermatologists, including hormonal birth control, anti-androgens, and topical retinoids. Learn how to identify hormonal acne and explore treatment options that target the root causes, offering hope and clearer skin for those affected by this challenging condition. Perfect for adults facing persistent acne, our guide provides expert advice on combating hormonal acne through a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
In dermatology, excising skin cancer involves precision and expertise. This guide delves into the nuances of removing cancerous lesions, ensuring clear margins while reducing scarring. Post-operative care, including the use of dressing changes, sunscreen, and silicone scar sheets, may play a pivotal role in healing. Learn from dermatologists how to balance effective cancer removal with cosmetic considerations, ensuring patients receive the best care and outcomes.
This article delves into the intricacies of contact dermatitis, a common skin condition characterized by an itchy rash that occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain allergens or irritants. From the causes behind allergic and irritant contact dermatitis to the symptoms that distinguish them, we provide essential information on diagnosis, management, and prevention. Whether you're experiencing an itchy rash from nickel, poison ivy, or unknown triggers, our guide offers insights into effective treatments, including creams and patch tests, and the importance of consulting a dermatologist for personalized care. Learn how to identify potential allergens and irritants, prevent future outbreaks, and maintain healthy skin.
This article covers the causes of traction alopecia hair loss and steps you can take to prevent and treat it. Hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp like braids, ponytails, buns, and extensions can progressively damage hair follicles leading to embarrassing bald patches. We explain techniques for safely cleansing, moisturizing and wearing weaves or wigs to avoid worsening hair loss. If you already have sparseness along your edges or temples, discover tactics like minoxidil and red light therapy to calm scalp inflammation and reactivate hair regrowth before alopecia scarring becomes permanent. Learn how to balance your favorite sleek styles with hair health.
For those struggling with severe scarring acne unresponsive to other treatments, isotretinoin (Accutane) can provide profound clearing. However, this transforming medication does come with risks like birth defects if taken during pregnancy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of all key considerations before starting Accutane - how it works, expected timelines, possible side effects, mandatory contraceptive use, blood testing requirements, and more. Learn what dermatologists want you to understand upfront to decide if tackling stubborn cystic acne with this heavy-hitter drug is right for your situation. Get equipped with the complete details to have an informed discussion with your prescriber.
This complete overview discusses key aspects of Mohs surgery - the delicate technique created by Dr. Frederic Mohs to treat high risk skin cancers. It outlines what this precision method entails, what kinds of tumors it tackles, why it results in excellent cure rates and how normal tissue gets maximally spared unlike other procedures. Patients will learn how the surgery gets performed layer-by-layer, why microscopic margin examination makes it highly effective, and what reconstruction options exist after cancer cells are cleared. Those with upcoming Mohs surgery will also discover how to prepare for surgery, steps in the procedure itself, wound aftercare and what long term follow up involves to monitor for potential recurrence. With proper understanding of this tissue-saving specialized approach, patients can feel fully confident before Mohs surgery.
Acne is bad enough without dealing with permanent scarring afterwards. Both raised and indented scars can make you feel self-conscious about skin texture changes. The good news is over-the-counter skin care products can significantly improve the appearance of acne scars over time without expensive procedures. This article explains how different types of scars form, proven at-home treatments that dermatologists recommend, why natural remedies fail to deliver real results, when to seek professional scar revision, and tips to prevent new scars during future breakouts. You'll learn realistic methods backed by clinical evidence to reduce discoloration and smoothing indented scars using retinoids, hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, and other proven topicals.
Body acne, or "bacne", stands as a common skin affliction causing embarrassment and distress for both teenagers and adults alike. It is more frequently seen in men than women. Unlike the more accessible face, chest, shoulder and back pimples prove uniquely challenging to resolve. This comprehensive guide from our board certified dermatologists covers everything you need to finally conquer bacne. From decoding causes like sweat, friction and hormones to tailoring treatment plans based on severity, consider this your complete reference on safely clearing body acne without risky scarring. Gain confidence and comfort wearing (or not wearing) your favorite shirts and shorts without worrying about bacne.
Toenail fungus is a challenging infection to treat, with over-the-counter and prescription options having mixed results and risks. This article explores using natural home remedies as an alternative treatment method that avoid harsh antifungal medications. Learn why ingredients like diluted vinegar, antifungal essential oils, menthol rubs, and other household items can be effective at inhibiting fungal growth and clearing mild to moderate nail infections. Learn about home remedy options, how to use them properly to penetrate the nail, treatment timelines required, and tips to prevent stubborn fungal infections from returning. While home treatments may not fully cure severe fungal cases, they provide a safer initial option that with diligent use alongside good foot hygiene may help resolve symptoms and regrow healthier looking nails.
Do men also need a skincare routine? Yes - it can be something minimal and easy, but effective. This definitive guide helps men establish an effective skincare routine. It explains the key steps men need - cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection. Learn how to pick the right products for your skin type and concerns. Get suggestions for targeted treatments that address issues like acne, razor irritation, and signs of aging. Understand how to put together a complete daily regimen morning and evening. With tips tailored specifically for men's grooming and lifestyles, any man can benefit from this advice on cleansing routines, hydrating, anti-aging products, and SPF for achieving healthy, clear skin.
Everything You Need to Know
Hype vs Reality
Plantar warts are extremely difficult to treat and often recur. Both home and in office treatments seem to have drawbacks. To this day, we still don’t quite understand the mechanism of what they are so persistent. In this article we evaluated existing data to describe the forefront treatment options for both at home and office-based treatments for plantar warts.
Cosmetics have a long and dangerous history, from ancient Egyptians using lead-based eyeliner to Queen Elizabeth I’s toxic Venetian Ceruse face makeup. While modern beauty products are safer, they are not without risks. This article explores cosmetic recalls, FDA regulations, and the most common causes of contamination, including bacterial and fungal infections, asbestos exposure, and toxic heavy metals.
With 334 cosmetic recalls in the past 13 years, including the Johnson & Johnson baby powder asbestos scandal, it’s crucial to understand how unsafe beauty products can impact your health. We break down the FDA's evolving regulatory power under MoCRA, why bacterial contamination dominates recalls, and what consumers can do to protect themselves.
Aging gracefully is a goal for many, but visible signs like wrinkles and hair loss can impact confidence. Mesotherapy promises to rejuvenate skin and promote hair growth, but does it really work? This in-depth article explores the science behind mesotherapy, evaluating its effectiveness for skin rejuvenation and treating hair loss. We evaluate the evidence for how it aims to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hair follicles - and whether the current data suggests thi. to be an effective treatment for the above indications.
This comprehensive guide delves into the evidence-based vitamins and supplements that support skin, hair, and nail health. Learn about ashwagandha for stress reduction and probiotics for the gut-skin axis, antioxidants like selenium, vitamin C, and green tea extract offer protection, and omega-3s. Our dermatologists have read the evidence and now provide insights on ingredients like turmeric, zinc, and niacinamide, helping you make informed choices for better skin from the inside out.
Kojic acid stands out as one of the most effective skincare ingredients for tackling stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone. Learn how kojic acid works to inhibit melanin production, reducing hyperpigmentation and sun spots. Get the complete guide to using kojic acid based on your skin type, including how to avoid irritation and maximize brightening based on expert dermatology recommendations. Hear about ideal kojic acid products to incorporate like serums, creams, toners and cleansers. Finally, don't miss must-have complementary products to support kojic acid effectiveness like gentle cleansers, antioxidant serums, rich SPF moisturizers and more for radiant, even-toned skin.
Red light therapy wands offering wrinkle reduction and anti-aging effects at home are surging in popularity. But do these trendy skincare devices really work or just hype? This evidence-based guide explains the proven science behind red light benefits along with key clinical research findings on skin rejuvenation results users can realistically expect. You'll understand exactly how red light therapy wands like the top-rated devices are thought and shown to improve skin tone, texture, firmness and more while learning how to optimize at-home device use for better outcomes. Dermatologists offer science-backed advice so you can make the most informed decision whether investing in a red light therapy wand could be worthwhile for reaching your skincare goals.
K beauty is on the rise, but how much of it is a fad versus a defining trend? Part of this movement is a term called mugwort, which seems to be the new Korean skincare ingredient gaining global buzz for its apparent ability to transform angry red complexions prone to reactivity. But does this traditional botanical backed by ancient medicine live up to claims for calming and soothing sensitive skin in clinical practice? Dermatologists weigh in on the science.
The peptide argireline fascinates researchers as an inexpensive, accessible topical alternative to needle-based neurotoxins for facial rejuvenation. But does science support the dramatic marketing claims? Dermatologists weigh existing evidence analyzing if argireline truly relaxes wrinkles while also reinforcing collagen and elastin as part of a comprehensive anti-aging approach when applied consistently over months.
Your skin hosts over 1000 diverse bacterial species forming a complex microbiome ecosystem protecting health. This skin flora bolsters immunity, wards inflammation, assists healing and collagen production. But imbalance sparks issues - breakouts, sensitivity, disrupted barrier function. Restore equilibrium with strategic skincare. Prebiotics nourish good bugs while probiotics introduce helpful strains. Follow signs like increased reactivity and impaired moisture barrier to tailor microbiome-friendly routines with gentle cleansing, retinol cell turnover help and ample hydration. As emerging research continues illuminating this frontier, tending skin’s trillions of tenants through science-backed pre- and probiotics may transform dermatology.
Under-eye gel patches promise a quick fix for pesky puffiness, shadows and wrinkling in the delicate eye area, but do they work? According to dermatologists, the science behind these patches suggests that certain benefits are mostly temporary while the jury is still out on meaningful long-term results. The key ingredients - from hydrators like hyaluronic acid to firming peptides to antioxidants like vitamin C - impart instant surface hydration and plumping. And thanks to the patches’ adhesive, occlusive barrier, those advantages absorb better compared to regular serums. Furthermore, the cooling effect can assist with short-term depuffing by constricting blood vessels and drainage.
Peptides are touted to be one of the most powerful anti-aging skincare ingredients. Made up of amino acids that help build proteins, peptides in serums and moisturizers penetrate skin’s surface and stimulate collagen and elastin production for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides also protect skin barrier function, calm inflammation and speed healing and repair for healthier, younger looking skin. With hundreds of peptides available, combinations of copper peptides, neurotransmitter peptides and collagen-stimulating peptides provide the most comprehensive range of research-backed benefits for brighter, firmer and plumper skin. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about incorporating peptide products into your routine. Learn how different peptides work to regenerate skin, who can benefit from topical peptides, and how to properly use serums containing peptides to rejuvenate aging skin for a youthful glow.
Discover if vitamin C serum's highly touted benefits for skin are supported by scientific evidence or just hype. Our team experts objectively examine the science behind topical vitamin C. Its effects on increasing collagen production, antioxidants, brightening skin, and anti-aging are analyzed in detail through published studies and papers. Get the facts on whether vitamin C penetrates skin sufficiently, if certain methods of use and formulations optimize results, and its ideal role alongside retinoids and SPF in your routine. This research-focused article aims to provide definitive evidence on what vitamin C can and cannot achieve for your complexion so you can make informed skincare decisions.
There has been major hype regarding collagen supplements and their ‘supposed’ benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints. In this article, we review the evidence and summarize clinical studies to answer whether collagen supplements can truly improve skin elasticity, smooth wrinkles, thicken hair, strengthen nails, and support bone and joint health. You'll learn if collagen is absorbed and utilized by the body and if it can meaningfully increase collagen levels within skin and connective tissues. We seek out the existing evidence and cut through the noise of marketing to provide you with the truth on this topic.
Jade rollers and gua sha tools have become hugely popular for purported contouring and anti-aging effects. But is there any truth to claims they lift, sculpt, and rejuvenate the face? This article reviews what dermatologists say about evidence on the benefits of these trendy facial massage tools. It summarizes whether jade rollers or gua sha can contour facial muscles, lift sagging skin, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, or provide other dramatic anti-aging effects. Read to learn what these tools can and cannot do for your skin.
In this comprehensive guide, our BDA team share their top 10 research-backed tips for caring for your skin to help reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. Discover how retinoids, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and SPF can rejuvenate skin, what lifestyle habits like diet and sun protection matter, and what your daily anti-aging skincare routine should include. Get realistic insights on managing different skin types and addressing topics from dryness to diet as part of an integrated approach to maintaining your skin’s glow and minimizing premature aging.