You’re expecting, congrats!

I’m sure you’ve covered the list of foods to avoid when pregnant.  Have you considered the changes that you might need to make in your skin care routine?  Some topical ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream and could affect your growing baby.  Plus, the hormonal changes happening in your body could cause your skin to change.  I learned a ton of great tips during my two pregnancies, which will help to keep your skin beautiful during your pregnancy.

First things first, there are a few things to definitely avoid.  No lasers, no injectables, no acids, no retinoids. Stick to a gentle cleanser, lotion and sunscreen.  My recommended skin-care routine for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers includes:

1. Cleanse – Pick a gentle cleanser that removes all of your makeup, rinses off easily and leaves your skin non-irritated with no redness or after wash tightness. My go to is Cetaphil Cleanser.
2. Exfoliation – When not pregnant, a chemical exfoliation is my go-to.  Since the beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid are a no-go during pregnancy, I opt for a physical exfoliation.  One to two times a week I will use a scrub to help slough off dead skin and keep my skin glowing.
3. Moisturize – Keeping your skin nice and moist helps with minimizing signs of aging and will help ward off any itchiness and redness.  Hydration is also super important, be sure to drink plenty of water every day.
4. Sunscreen – At a bare minimum, SPF 15 with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, but SPF 30 is even better!  In the summer time, I recommend SPF 50. Some of my favorite brands are Cerave Am lotion and Aveeno positively radiant, both contain spf 30. Do not rely on your makeup for SPF.  As your hormones run amok you may notice what is typically called the ‘mask of pregnancy’, Melasma.  Reducing your exposure to UV rays will help prevent Melasma (as well as spots, burns and wrinkles) so be sure to cover up!

As your body reacts to the new pregnancy hormones in your body you may notice some not-so-nice changes, including:

Acne – Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause breakouts.  Cleansing daily with a cleanser that contains alpha-hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can keep breakouts to a minimum.  Cleanse twice daily and if breakouts are severe, follow up with a board-certified dermatologist, as there are certain safe medications you can use during pregnancy.  They include medications like clindamycin gel and azeliac acid cream.

Moles & skin tags – these may start popping up everywhere and will continue to grow during your pregnancy. Rarely, the hormones of pregnancy may cause some moles to become atypical. If anything suspicious crops up, go see your doctor right away to rule out skin cancer. In general, we do not remove moles in pregnancy unless medically necessary.

To help combat dull, dry skin during pregnancy, take a daily DHA/Omega-3 supplement to promote baby’s growth and developed.  Added benefit: it will also reduce inflammation and promote glowing skin.  Also, be sure to consume “good fats” such as fatty fish (salmon), flax seeds and walnuts, and avocado to enhance skin’s elasticity and natural glow.

Pregnant or not, join my Beauty Club to learn more about how to take the best care of yourself.  I’ll be sharing skin tips, hosting giveaways and having some great promotions so join today! 

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

As posted on http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a35847/how-to-minimize-pores/

Pores — they’re so tiny, they shouldn’t be that visible, right? Oh, if that were only true. Some of us have noticeable pores, and we’re not too happy about it. Unfortunately, you can’t physically reduce their size without seeing a dermatologist, but you can make them look less obvious. Thanks to a few pro tips and tricks, there are ways to make them (almost!) disappear.

1. Keep your face clean.

“When dirt clogs the pores, they expand and appear larger,” explains dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. “So, it’s important to always wash your face with a gentle cleanser, especially before bedtime, to remove any extra dirt and grease.” On top of cleansing every day, always use clean makeup brushes and never touch your face with your fingers. Your complexion will thank you.

2. Before you put on your foundation, use a primer.

Yes, you can camouflage their appearance with makeup. And primer is great option says Laramie, pro makeup artist and founder of Book Your Look. But that’s not all: “You can also use the ‘blurring’ foundations that are so popular right now,” she adds.

3. Be gentle with your skin.

Aggressive cleansing, exfoliating, and skin picking can cause wrinkles and lead to worsened acne, but going too rough on your skin can also damage your pores. “Be gentle so you don’t expand your pores, which you can do permanently,” warns esthetician Mariola Barczewska of Haven Spa. Already damaged your pores? Barczewska advises taking it especially easy so your skin can heal properly.

4. Get facials every month or so.

Barczewska recommends seeing a facialist every four to six weeks. Why? A little professional extraction and exfoliation can help clean out your pores, so you wind up with clearer, healthier skin. If this seems a little too indulgent for you, consider getting one a couple times a year or on special occasions like your birthday.

5. Exfoliate regularly.

While keeping your face clean is so important, it’s the act of getting rid of dead skin cells that really keeps your complexion looking its best. “Exfoliation can be achieved in a number of ways, both physical and chemical,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, dermatologist and consultant for HydroPeptide. “Gentle cleansers containing low concentrations of salicylic acid (.5% – 1%) or lactic or glycolic acid (2.5% – 5%) will stimulate cell turnover and keep pores clean.”

6. Keep your skin extra hydrated.

Yes, you can start by drinking a lot of water. But you could also use a hydrating serum before putting on moisturizer. “It helps shrink your pores by plumping up the surrounding skin,” explains Dr. Craig Kraffert, dermatologist and president of Amarte. Just make sure you exfoliate often so your hydrator can really work its magic.

7. Add a retinoid to your skincare routine.

“Using a prescription-strength topical retinoid, such as Retin-A, can increase cell turnover, thus exfoliating the pore and making them appear smaller,” says Dr. Lolis.

8. Don’t skip your moisturizer, even for a day.

You already know lots of bad stuff can happen if you stop moisturizing, and enlarged pores are just another one. “It’s important to use a high-quality, noncomedogenic moisturizer twice a day,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip. “If you leave your skin to get dry, it will respond by producing excessive amounts of oil that can clog your pores.” If you’re not sure exactly how to apply it most effectively, we’ve got this handy tutorial to show you how.

9. Use sunscreen no matter what.

You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but that’s because it’s totally true: SPF is an integral part of your skincare routine. “UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, thus expanding the pore,” warns Dr. Lolis. “So the best way to prevent your pores from becoming enlarged is to protect yourself from the sun.” Warning: Some sunscreens can make your skin appear shinier or oilier, thus accentuating your pores. In that case, opt for a matte finish primer, foundation, or powder to minimize that effect.

10. Find the right face mask.

One easy, luxurious, and relatively inexpensive way you can get smaller-looking pores: masks. “At-home treatments such as masks and peels work with consistent longterm use,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip. “Masks containing ingredients such as clay or charcoal work by absorbing oil out of pores.” Plus, if you have multiple types of problem areas, you can try the multi-masking technique.

11. Head to the dermatologist for a laser treatment.

That’s right: Lasers can help reduce your actual pore size. “A series of treatments with nonablative lasers can help reduce pores by building collagen, thereby plumping the skin and shrinking pores,” explains Dr. Lolis. Bonus: This treatment has minimal downtime.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

On January 17th, our first lady, Michelle Obama, turned the big 5-0, and in an interview with PEOPLE magazine she admitted that she will not rule out the idea of Botox, fillers, or plastic surgery.

“Women should have the freedom to do whatever they need to do to feel good about themselves,” she states. As a dermatologist, I could not agree more!

In fact, a study in the Journal of Modern Aesthetics reported that 69 percent of women ages 45 to 60 feel at least 6 years younger than their chronological age.

The women studied said that when it comes to reversing signs of aging, they want a natural result and want to be the best version of themselves they can be, without looking too different. So, in honor of the season of love, I’d like to challenge all my patients to work toward loving the skin that they are in.

Here are my tips for 4 Decades of Beautiful Skin.

In Your 20s: 

The number one skin complaint of my twenty-something year old patients is acne. Yes, acne.

It’s a myth that acne is something that only teenagers deal with. Furthermore, many people inadvertently worsen their acne through the inconsistent use of prescription acne medicines and by using harsh products that strip the skin of natural oils.

Plan

– Use gentle skin care products, and work on acne prevention.

– Wash your face once or twice a day (if you have an oily skin type) with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil.

– Generally, if you have acne, only prescription medications or acne lasers really work. If you have a prescription, you must use that prescription even when your skin is clear.

Remember it’s all about PREVENTION. Most importantly, wear a moisturizer with sunscreen. It’s anti-aging and can soothe irritated, sensitive acne-prone skin.

In Your 30s: 

Even if you have taken good care of your skin, you may begin to notice subtle signs of aging in your 30s. This includes fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmented sun spots and melasma that give you a mottled uneven complexion.

Plan

• Continue with good skin care habits–gentle cleanser and sunscreen.
• You may want to consider asking your dermatologist to prescribe a topical retinoid, which is great for acne and is also anti-aging. (Every dermatologist uses one!)
• It’s also a good idea to consider twice yearly chemical peels, which will exfoliate the skin and help you to maintain an even complexion.
• If your skin is too sensitive for retinoids or peels, over-the-counter glycolic acid washes will gently exfoliate your skin and slowly help to improve unwanted hyperpigmentation.

In Your 40s: 

Close-up portrait of happy faces of smiling friendly young famile with son

Many forty-year-old women feel even more physically fit than they did in their 20s. There is no reason your skin shouldn’t follow suit. However, those beach vacations, tanning, and years of not wearing sunscreen can really show up on your face. In your 40s, you have to work harder to maintain that youthful glow.

Plan

– Your dermatologist should be your best friend, with new state-of-the-art lasers such as the IPL photofacials and the Vbeam laser, your doctor can help you erase years of damage in a little as 20 minutes. What I love about these lasers is that patients experience little downtime—just minor redness usually—that can be covered with make-up.

– With respect to your home skin routine, I recommend using a gentle, creamy (rather than gel) cleanser morning and night.

– Supplement your broad-spectrum sunscreen with serums or lotions that contain antioxidants, such as green-tea and vitamin C.

Fifty and Fabulous: 

Turning fifty does not mean that you can retire from your skin care game! It’s never too late to prevent sun damage, and skin cancer for that matter, with sunscreen.
However, in your 50s physiological changes slow skin cell turnover, and as a result you may notice significant skin dryness, and loss of elasticity. Expression lines may become etched into your skin, giving you a tired or angry appearance. You may also notice rough, scaly, precancerous lesions developing.

First and foremost, make sure that you see your dermatologist for an annual skin exam. With respect to anti-aging tips, neurotoxins like Botox® and Dysport® and fillers like Sculptra, Restylane, and Perlane, have completely revolutionized your dermatologist’s anti-aging armamentarium. You DO NOT have to go under the knife to replace volume loss and to address deep wrinkles. Many of these procedures have minimal downtown, and the results can last for up to 2 years with products like Sculptra!

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Believe it or not, summer will be here sooner than we think. To help usher in spring, I thought it would be a good idea to offer a refresher on how to select and apply sunscreen. Rain or shine, sunscreen should be your best friend. Not only does sunscreen help prevent skin cancer, it also helps prevent wrinkles! However, it is not effective unless it’s applied correctly. Your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays every time you go outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter, so sunscreen should really be used year round. Remember, Healthy Skin is In! Dermarolling Lips

American Academy of Dermatology Recommendations for Sunscreen Application:

– Choose sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage, which means it protects you from UVA and UVB rays.

– Apply sunscreen generously before going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and can burn.

– Use enough sunscreen. Most adults need at least one ounce of sunscreen, about the amount you can hold in your palm, to fully cover all exposed areas of your body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin.

– Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. Remember your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet and legs. For hard‐to‐reach areas like your back, ask someone to help you or use a spray sunscreen. If you have thinning hair, either apply sunscreen to your scalp or wear a wide‐brimmed hat. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with a SPF of at least 15.

– Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to remain protected, or immediately after swimming or excessively sweating.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Manicure and Hands Spa. Beautiful Woman hands closeup. Manicured nails and Soft skin. Beauty hands with rose flower petals. Beauty treatment. Beautiful woman’s nails with beautiful french manicure

June is here and summer is just around the corner, even if Mother Nature hasn’t caught on yet! For many women, summer is a time to get our “groove back,” break out the new summer dresses, try out a new hair color, and of course get our regular manicures and pedicures. Summer is also a time when the sun’s UV rays are most intense, which means that most people will try to up their sunscreen protection in order to lower their risk of dangerous skin cancers.

However, there is increasing evidence that a seemingly benign manicure can substantially increase an individual’s risk of skin cancer. The good news is that not all manicures are risky; the bad news is that the extremely popular and convenient gel manicure is the culprit.

Gel polish is now offered at most nail salons with many brands and colors from which to chose. This manicure not only lasts longer than a traditional one—up to two weeks—but also offers the added convenience of being completely hardened with no drying time at all. The problem with gel manicures is that they require curing the polish four times under a UV light with each manicure. The UV light used in gel manicures is similar to that used in tanning booths, which have long been associated with an increased incidence of the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma.

​

So, what’s a gal to do? First of all, you should know that there are alternatives that can be long lasting and safe. For example, Creative Nail Design’s Vinylux polish uses natural daylight to cure nail polish progressively over a week. It is applied just like regular nail polish, does not require a UV light box like gel manicures, and promises a full week of chip free wear. I’ve seen this polish at a few salons on the South Shore, but if your salon does not have it yet, you can order the color and top coat system online. If you are reluctant to let go of your gel manicures, you can still take steps to protect your hands from skin cancer. You can apply a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before your manicure. Another solution is to buy sunscreen impregnated gloves with SPF 50. Cut the tips off so that you can get your manicure while exposing the least amount of skin to the harmful UV rays. You can find these gloves online from Coolibar. Follow these steps and your hands will thank you. Remember, healthy skin is in!

Buying Personal Care Products On Amazon

Curing Your Acne With Over The Counter Products

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

​It goes without saying that it’s been a rough winter! Although spring is theoretically around the corner, this harsh winter weather has definitely taken a toll on my patients’ skin. At least three to four times a day, I see patients who come in with a rash that is infamously known as the “winter itch.” What is the winter itch? It’s a type of eczema that results from dry winter skin. Winter itch is something that almost all New Englanders are susceptible to.

If you are over the age of 65, your risk of winter itch is even higher. In fact, according to a report from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 81 million Americans claim to experience dry, itchy or scaly skin during the winter months.

So here is what you can do to survive these last few weeks of winter and repair your skin in time for spring! Here’s to healthy skin.

Add humidity to your home. Given the sub-zero temps we’ve been having, most of us have cranked up the heat. Unfortunately, this dries out your skin. Portable humidifiers or those that work with your heating system put moisture in the air that will be absorbed by your skin and hair.

Use an oil-based moisturizer. Ointments or heavy creams seal water in the skin and preserve moisture. Good old vaseline is my favorite emollient ointment. If you cannot tolerate that, then I also like Cerave cream, which is widely available. Dermarolling Lips

Quick Short Showers. Frequent bathing or hot showers or baths can strip your skin of natural oils. Avoid deodorant bars and perfumed soaps, as well as alcohol-based products. Showers should be luke-warm and no more than 10 minutes. When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately.

If you have a rash, seek help: Even with the best Dermatologist Boston, some people will still develop full blown eczema, which is basically a red itch rash. If this happens to you, you’ll want to make an appointment to see a dermatologist right away. Eczema can usually be treated with topical medication, although sometimes stronger oral medications are necessary.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist