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The Great Vaseline Debate

Petroleum jelly is a common item found in the medicine cabinet, and for good reason. The product is gentle, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) and is commonly used to protect minor cuts, scrapes, and burns and to protect skin from windburn and chapping. Most people know petroleum jelly by the brand name “Vaseline”.

Do you struggle with dry, itchy skin in the winter? Find relief with tips from Surviving Winter Itch. Be sure to enter the giveaway there too!

Vaseline works by creating a sealing barrier between cells, locking in moisture which helps to speed up your skin’s natural recovery from dryness. For people that suffer from dry skin, irritation, minor cuts, chapped lips, diaper rash, or eczema, Vaseline is likely to bring relief. However, Vaseline has gotten some bad press over the years and I know a number of people avoid using it. Which brings me to the great Vaseline debate!

Why The Debate?

Vaseline is a byproduct of the oil industry. During the refinery of crude oil, the leftover residue is purified and turned into petroleum jelly. Given that this is a byproduct of the oil industry, it is considered to be not eco-friendly. The concern is that it is not a sustainable resource and therefore not good for the planet. Non-Surgical Nose Job

Is Vaseline safe to use? Generally, petroleum jelly is regarded as a safe product but the components that are removed from the oil during the refining process are carcinogenic in some cases. As stated on the Vaseline website, Vaseline is a triple-purified product and regarded as non-carcinogenic. However, there are plenty of petroleum jelly imitators out there and you don’t always know the extent of purification.

Finally, some people voice concerns about the safety of petroleum jelly on your skin. Petroleum jelly is water-repellant and not water-soluble which means that it creates a seal on the surface of the skin so that moisture does not leave the skin. However, the thick texture makes it difficult to cleanse from the skin (so never apply on an unwashed face or you will be sealing in the dirt).

My Opinion

Personally, I use Vaseline on myself and my children. I trust the brands purification process and think that the environment concerns are not directly related to the demand for Vaseline. When used properly, Vaseline is a great product to include in your home medicine cabinet. A few of my favorite applications:

Eczema – vaseline for eczema apply a thick cream followed by Vaseline to help seal in moisture.
Patches of dry skin will benefit from a layer of Vaseline – I like to slather my feet in Vaseline and then put socks on before bed – my feet are so soft in the morning!
Lips – when your lips are dry and cracked, Vaseline helps to smooth them and makes a great base before applying lipstick.
Prevention of infection: after surgery, I recommend that Vaseline (not bacitracin or Neosporin) be applied to the surgical site. Studies show that Vaseline prevents just as many if not more infections that Bacitracin and Neosporin without the risk of contact allergies that those two medications have.

Is there anything I can use instead?

As we become more and more educated about eco-friendly products and gain a better understanding of clean skincare I get many questions about product replacements.

A colleague of mine recently sent me a product to test out as a Vaseline alternative. Dr. Rogers RESTORE healing balm is a petroleum-free ointment that contains Glycerin. The ointment has a similar texture to petroleum jelly although I found it to be a bit lighter in consistency. Glycerin hydrates and promotes healing. The inactive ingredients in RESTORE include Castor Oil and Castor Wax which (reduce irritation and protect raw or sensitive skin. Microneedling serum

I think that RESTORE is a great clean alternative to Vaseline. However, you will have to pay a lot more for this product. A small 0.5oz jar of RESTORE is $30 while a small jar of Vaseline is closer to $3.

If you are looking for a natural alternative to Vaseline, RESTORE is definitely something you should check out.

Another option is Vanicream Vaniply. Check out how Vaniply helps me reduce irritation, especially in the wintertime in my blog post on Surviving Winter Itch.

Cure Your Acne Once And For All – Making A Diagnosis

A Dermatologist’s Guide To Clear Skin

If you have ever suffered from acne, you are not alone. I have acne. I have had acne since age 12. As a teenager, I tried every scrub and over the counter acne product with little or no relief. As a medical student, I tried Proactiv for months with minimal improvement in my acne. When I entered my dermatology residency one of my attending physicians pulled me aside and told me the following: “You have got to clear up that acne. People will not trust you when you say that you are a dermatology resident and you have acne!” It was something that was very hard to hear, but I realized that he was right. It took me a few years to figure it out, but I finally did. I cured my acne, and I have published journal articles and made national presentations about acne. Now people travel near and far to have me help them with their acne. Many have seen other dermatologists, and have tried many over the counter and prescription medications with no improvement in their skin. I want to empower you and encourage you to believe that clear skin can be yours. You CAN clear your skin once and for all. In this blog, I will talk about the first and most important step… making the right diagnosis!!

Step 1 – Making A Diagnosis. All acne is not created equal.

A single pimple or a face (or back) full of them, most people can relate. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and most likely, worldwide. 80 percent of people in the world will suffer from acne at some point in their lifetime. The first step is to make the right diagnosis. Not all bumps on the face or back are acne. You could have rosacea, or even folliculitis (stay tuned for more information about these conditions in future posts). However, if you are fairly certain that you have acne, there is still a diagnosis to be made. You have to figure out what kind of acne you have! Once you diagnosis the type of acne you have, figuring out how to treat your acne can be relatively easy.

A basic anatomy lesson tells us that the sebaceous gland is attached to a hair follicle. When that follicle is obstructed (usually by dead skin cells), the oil doesn’t have a way to get out. This creates a comedone, otherwise known as a whitehead or blackhead. There is an bacteria that lives on our skin called P. acnes. When you have a blocked pore, these bacteria begin feeding off the oil and skin cells and give off toxic free fatty acids that perforate the base of the follicle and release toxins into the dermis. The body reacts with an inflammatory response and a part of this response results in the formation of a pustule. Acne can be triggered by hormonal changes. The sebaceous glands that re attached to the follicles secrete more oil in response to certain hormonal triggers. This is why women may notice more breakouts at certain time of the month. This is also why teenage males may have worse acne than teenage females. This is because it is actual the male hormones known as androgens that trigger sebaceous glands. Lastly, acne can also be influenced by a few other things, including genetics, certain foods, and stress. Physical irritation can also generate an inflammatory response resulting in pimples.

Let’s review the different types of acne!

Type 1: Comedonal

A fancy name for a plug of oil and dead skin cells within the hair follicle, or pore, this type of acne

appears as a small bump but generally is not red and swollen. Often you will hear these referred to blackheads and whiteheads and your case can be mild or severe. Comedonal acne is typically found on the chin and forehead but can form anywhere there is a pore (including face, neck, shoulders, chest, thighs and back).

Especially common during the preteen and teen years (but can happen at any age), comedonal acne tends to run in families (if your parents or siblings had it, you’re more likely to have it too) and people with oily skin are more prone to it. Non-Surgical Nose Job

Type 2: Inflammatory

Do you tend to wake up with new spots despite a regular skin regimen? This is inflammatory acne.

Clogged pores can be the cause but inflammatory acne is a response by your body to the clogged follicle. Inflammatory acne occurs when acne blemishes become inflamed, forming papules and pustules (pimples and zits). In more severe cases, deeper and larger pus filled lesions called nodules may form. While it may be tempting to pop these new spots, it’s important not to as this can result in scarring.

Inflammatory acne tends to be more common in men due to higher testosterone levels leading to more oil production.

Type 3: Cystic

Cystic acne (also called nodulocystic acne) is the most severe form of acne vulgaris. Breakouts become deep and inflamed and blemishes form cysts that become very large and painful.

Cystic acne can affect anyone but is much more common in teenage boys and young men and it does seem to run in families. This type of acne is severe and needs to be treated by a dermatologist.

Type 4: Hormonal acne

This type of acne is a bit harder to define. As I mentioned, the hormones called androgens stimulate sebaceous glands to squirt out more oil– the more active the sebaceous glands, the happier the p.acnes bacteria. If you go through hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation, or pregnancy, or menopause, or because you have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, you may have times when the androgens are stimulating your skin to make inflammatory acne. This acne usually has a specific pattern, and likes to present as painful bumps around the chin and jaw line.

Are you following me so far? If not, let me summarize it.

Almost all acne starts off with a blocked follicle called a COMEDONE – aka Whitehead or black head. This type of acne is called COMEDONAL ACNE
A bacteria on the skin called P.Acnes loves to eat those dead skin cells covered with all the oil from your sebaceous glands just like cheese on a pizza!!! (and who doesn’t like cheese pizza) If the bacteria really go to town on those blocked pores you get pustules, white pus filled bumps on your face, or large inflamed bumps on your face. This type of acne is called INFLAMMATORY ACNE
If the inflammation is severe, your body may try to wall it off forming an acne cyst. This type of acne is called CYSTIC ACNE
Hormones called androgens stimulate your sebaceous glands to make more oil. More oil is like more cheese on the pizza for those pesky bacteria. For a certain subset of people, usually women in their late 30s and early 40s, this creates a certain pattern on the face. This acne is called HORMONAL ACNE.

Images are not patients of Vibrant Dermatology and are here for example only. Images source: American Academy of Dermatology.

Treatments

Treatment of mild forms of acne can usually be accomplished with over the counter products. Once you can understand the type of acne that you have, you can identify the best treatment option for you. Each type of acne will require a different treatment option. Stay tuned for the next post in this series where I will cover over the counter treatment for specific types of acne.

Be sure to join the Beauty Club and Referral Program and follow me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram so you don’t miss the next update!

Why I Love Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, And Why You Should Too!

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream is likely at the top of the list of products recommended by any dermatologist, and for good reason. The Vanicream brand uses clean technology meaning that their products are free of dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde and offers moisture without a greasy feel. Almost every single one of my patients is given instructions to use Vanicream skin cream and they often wonder why I recommend it so much.

Do you suffer from dry, itchy skin in the winter especially? Check out my blog post on how to Survive Winter Itch (and be sure to enter to win a Vanicream giveaway!!)

I personally use Vanicream skin cream head-to-toe (on me and on my children). I find the formula to be perfect to add moisture to my skin without leaving me with a greasy feeling. Some of the products I use on my face are very drying and mixing a small amount of Vanicream into my daytime and evening moisturizer provides just enough of a boost in moisture to prevent dryness. This also makes a great body moisturizer and I find that I can massage extra Vanicream into dry areas (elbows, knees, etc) and it helps tremendously. You will find a tub of Vanicream in almost every room of my house!

Who can benefit from Vanicream moisturizing skin cream

Vanicream for acne patients: Products that target acne and anti-aging often leave your skin very dry and can cause flaking. Vanicream skin cream will not clog pores and is a great product to apply to help combat the drying effects of acne (and other skincare) products.

Vanicream for eczema and sensitive skin: Eczema patients tend to have sensitive skin and need to use caution when applying cream or lotions as anything that contains fragrance, dyes or other unnecessary ingredients will cause burning and often won’t provide enough moisture to treat the symptoms. Vanicream is perfect for sensitive skin and is a powerful moisturizer that will soothe and heal the skin.

Vanicream for excessively dry skin: Hydrated skin is healthy skin and if you are not drinking enough water during the day it will show in your skin. In the winter so many people suffer from dry, itchy skin related to humidity levels dropping. While drinking enough water is essential for hydrated skin, Vanicream offers a boost of moisture and is a great addition to your winter skin time routine. Non-Surgical Nose Job

Where to purchase Vanicream skin cream

A one pound container of Vanicream with a pump can be purchased from Target, Walgreens, or Amazon and is relatively inexpensive. If you do find that Vanicream skin cream is too heavy for your skin, you may prefer Vanicream Lite Lotion that is targeted for sensitive skin.

Beyond The Moisturizing Cream…

Vanicream makes more than just this wonderful tub of moisturizer and their other products deserve just as much attention. In the winter I incorporate Vanicream bath oil into my daily routine to help combat dryness and I have found that Vanicream face wash is great for sensitive skin.

If you are looking for a moisturizing cream that is ‘clean’, offers great hydration, and won’t break the bank, you cannot go wrong with Vanicream moisturizing skin cream!

Do you want to try a Vanicream product? Enter my Surviving Winter Itch giveaway. Click here to learn how to manage winter itch and enter to win a tube of Vaniply.

If you struggle with dry, itchy skin in the winter be sure to check out this blog post. I’ve got tips to ease the itch and a GREAT Giveaway.

2016 Round Up

In January, 2016 I launched Vibrant Dermatology as an online platform where I could share skin tips along with health and wellness advice. Since the launch, I have connected with thousands of people through social media and have loved making these connections and helping people with their questions about skin. Looking back through the past twelve months, I started thinking about what subjects resonated the most with my readers and have pulled together a round-up of these posts below. So without further adieu, my top 10 posts from 2016:

Sun Safety For The Family:

PSA – Sunscreen: This blog was published just before summer and caught the attention of many moms on Facebook. Selecting the best sunscreen is a touchy subject. There is a huge range of available products on the market and so many articles that offer opinions on the best sunscreen available. One thing that I touched on in this blog post is the amount of sunscreen one should be using on a daily basis. Many people get this wrong and aren’t using nearly enough sunscreen (a shot glass full to cover your entire body!).

Sun Safety For Kids: Another post about protecting our skin from the sun, this one focused on keeping the kids safety. Skin cancer is preventable when you take measures to protect yourself (and your children) from the sun. Children’s skin is so vulnerable and I am always extra cautious when it comes to keeping my kids safe in the sun.

For Kids:

Eczema in Babies and Young Children: It turns out that this is a very common concern among parents! Dry, itchy skin can make your baby miserable and here I’ve offered up some of my best tips for treating eczema in babies and young children. I have had personal experience with this (my daughter has suffered from eczema) so know the struggle of treating eczema.

Eczema Versus Food Allergy: This was a follow up blog to address the issue of eczema versus food allergies. Many people attribute an eczema reaction to a food allergy and in this blog post I break down the differences.

Just for Women Like You:

Hair Loss In Women: If you’ve ever looked at the amount of hair left in your hairbrush or shower drain and wondered if maybe you are experiencing more than a normal amount of hair shed, check out this post. Hair loss is more common among woman than one may think!

Taking Care Of The Skin Down There: Women were thrilled to have some advice on skin issues that can pop up in the vaginal area. I have plenty more to share on this topic, stay tuned for part 2 of this series in 2017!

Buying Personal Care Products On Amazon: This was one of my favorite blogs to write because the research I’ve done gives me confidence that some of our personal care products can be purchased on Amazon. As a working mom, Amazon Prime has helped save my sanity! The more I can purchase online (with 2 day shipping), the less I need to do on the weekends when I want to be spending time with my kids!

Cure Your Acne Once And For All:

Making The Diagnosis: This is the original post in my series on clearing your acne. I personally struggled with acne for years and have done a ton of research on this subject so this one is near and dear to my heart. One thing I have learned along the way is that many people are using the wrong ingredients to treat their acne! Diagnosing the type of acne that you have is key and in this post I walk you through how to do this. Non-Surgical Nose Job

The Best Face Wash For Acne Prone Skin: This is part of my series on clearing your acne and offers up information on selecting the best face wash if you struggle with acne.

Cure Your Acne Once And For All With Over The Counter Products: Another post in my series on clearing your acne, this one covers the best over the counter products for treating acne. Many types of acne can be treated over the counter but choosing products with the correct ingredients in important. If you struggle with acne, you won’t want to miss any of the posts in this series.

I hope that you have enjoyed being a part of Vibrant Dermatology in 2016 and I want to thank you so much for taking this journey with me. I am looking forward to sharing even more in 2017!

Staying Sane When Nothing Goes According To Plan – Surviving A Week Without My Nanny

One of my goals for 2017 is to make this blog a bit more personal. I spend a lot of time sharing content related to various skin concerns and health topics but today, I’m starting a transition. There will still be plenty of health, wellness, and skin-related content, mixed in with my ‘mommydoc’ lifestyle posts. I hope that you will find these personal posts inspirational and helpful!

As a working mother with two small children my life operates on a pretty tight schedule that has taken some time to orchestrate. There are drop-offs, pick-ups, grocery trips, meal prep, activities, meetings, and emergencies to balance almost every single day. My husband is also a doctor and has a long commute on top of a long day which is all a part of our ‘schedule’.

Last week we were suddenly presented with a big challenge: our nanny was injured. There was no notice, no backup plan, and it felt like complete chaos on Monday morning. Add to the mix, I was on call, meaning that I was responsible for taking care of sick patients in the hospital in addition to my normal clinic activities. Hospital calls are highly unpredictable with calls coming in as early at 4 in the morning! As somebody that likes to be in control and to live by a ‘plan’, this was a shock to the system. I powered through and survived but not without some learned lessons.

The biggest saving grace during the week was my parents. I’m incredibly fortunate to have them living so close, and even more fortunate that they could step in to help us when we found ourselves struggling for childcare. My parents are both elderly, and I am one of six children, as a result I try to bother them as little as possible. However, life’s curve balls provide wonderful opportunities to remind us that no one can do it all, all the time. It is ok, and absolutely necessary for my sanity, to lean on those closest to me and ask for help when necessary. Non-Surgical Nose Job

When I realized that the nanny would not be available, I took extra steps to plan out our meals and pack lunches in the evening so that the morning rush wasn’t quite so ‘rushed’. I find that taking ten minutes in the evening to take care of a few easy tasks while the kids are asleep makes the mornings feel less stressful. Self-care was also planned out more carefully. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that when we forget to take care of ourselves, things can fall apart more quickly. I couldn’t attend my regular physical therapy sessions but made sure that I was completing my at home exercises every day and taking time to fuel my body with healthy foods. Stress can often trigger breakouts and I find that a healthy diet and exercise helps keep me feeling grounded.

A business meeting shifted to a play-date where my son played with his friend while I chatted with a colleague about 2017 goals. Mommies stick together! Our meeting may not have been as focused as it would have been without two little 2 year-old boys climbing on everything in sight, but we made progress and had fun at the same time.

My week without childcare also brought me closer to my husband. It is so easy to run through a week without connecting with a busy spouse. My husband and I really had to work as a team to get things done, which meant that he often helped with prepping the kids breakfasts before he left for work so that there was one less thing on my morning to do list. At the end of the long days, we made sure to check in with each other.

I know that the days will not always be easy and that life will not always go according to plan. No matter how much I schedule, plan, or orchestrate, ultimately I am not the one in control and a challenge can show up at any point in time. My week without a nanny was hectic. It was stressful. But at the end of the week we all survived and my husband and I realized that we have a great support system in place that allowed us to continue to move forward without everything crashing down around us. So when nothing goes according to plan, rely on your support network (make sure that you offer up a support network for other people too!), plan around your changing circumstances, and improvise as much as possible! Oh, and a couple glasses of wine may be helpful too!!

Dr. Ips Gift Guide – Health and Wellness Inspired Gifts

We are quickly approaching the holidays and I’m planning to start my shopping soon! I love finding fun gifts that support health and wellness and thought I would put together some of my top gift picks for the 2016 holiday season to share with you.

If you are looking for products to keep your skin glowing during the holidays check out the product recommendations on my website.

HydroPeptide Gift Sets

If you have been following me for any amount of time then you know that I have a love of HydroPeptide products. This company uses clean technology and several organic ingredients in their product line, which is very important to me. Check out these HydroPeptide gift sets (be sure to order with code ‘Doctor-Ip’ to save 15%). I personally have used the Active & Serious Body Care Set and it is amazing. I have my eye on the On The Go Glow set which will be great for holiday travels!

For The Kitchen

My morning routine almost always includes a smoothie that is loaded with berries, greens, and protein powder. A great blender like the Ninja Professional Blender helps mix up a great smoothie.
Another easy way to incorporate some extra fruit and vegetables into your diet is by juicing. I personally love my Breville Juice Fountain.
One of my favorite cookbooks is The Healthy Mind Cookbook – Rebecca Katz. I have a variety of cookbooks from Rebecca Katz and love her focus on health and wellness with great taste and easy preparation. You can’t go wrong with any of her cookbooks!

Books

One of my favorite books that incorporates lots of great advice about skin care and health is Feed Your Face: Younger, Smoother Skin and a Beautiful Body in 28 Delicious Days.
I love Louise Hay and have been using her affirmations daily in my life for the last 30 days. Positive affirmations can give you a greater sense of inner peace and strength. This box set is a great gift for all ages. Non-Surgical Nose Job

For the bathroom

So many people don’t clean their makeup brushes on a regular basis, and this brush cleaning mat makes it so easy. The Sigma Beauty Express Brush Cleaning Mat will help keep makeup brushes clean which helps keep skin clear.

At the gym

Exercise is very important to me and my fitbit helps keep me on track with my daily steps. I’ve been eyeing a pair of Bluetooth headphones and would love to see these in my stocking.

For your winter getaways

Sunscreen is an important product to protect against skin cancer but Coolibar UPF Clothing offers protection from harmful UV Rays in a cute, fashionable way. Stock up on these great tops before heading to the beach!

Sunglasses

The eye area tends to show signs of aging before any other area on the face and a quality pair of sunglasses will help with this.

Nails

I know how much ladies like their gel manicures but personally I worry about the UV rays that are used to harden the polish. Check out this nail polish from Dazzle Dry that hardens without the use of UV rays. Or pick up a pair of gloves that are designed to protect your hands from UV rays while your nail polish hardens.

What about you? What is on your holiday gift list this year?

Buying Personal Care Products On Amazon

Amazon Prime has become a saving grace in my household – two day delivery makes it so easy to maintain supply of things without having to fit in extra stops and errands after a busy day at work. For a long time, I was hesitant to purchase personal care products on Amazon. I’ve read horror stories of purchases that ended up being expired or fake. When it comes to putting anything on my skin I am super cautious. Fake ingredients could wreak havoc on your skin and cause irreversible damage. Women tend to invest a large amount of money in quality ingredients and if you receive something that is expired it is not going to work very well.

Patients, friends and family are constantly asking me for product recommendations and I built Vibrant Dermatology as a way to share those recommendations with everyone. I’ve embedded an Amazon Store in this website for convenience after doing my homework about safely purchasing personal care products online. It is safe to order skin care products from Amazon but requires a little attention to some details. Check out the list below for five things to check when purchasing personal care products from Amazon.

1. Check the seller details and manufacturer

When you click onto a product page on Amazon you can learn more about where the product is coming from. Amazon fulfills orders direct from their warehouse or can facilitate a sale with a 3rd party. When there is a 3rd party seller on Amazon it means that Amazon is merely facilitating the transaction between you (as the buyer) and the store (as the seller) but don’t actually ship you the product. Non-Surgical Nose Job

When it comes to personal care products, I steer clear of items that are not fulfilled by Amazon. Introducing a 3rd party makes it more difficult to determine where the product is originating and can make going through a returns process a bit more of a hassle.

Skin care companies designate authorized retailers for their product and this helps to validate that you are purchasing from a valid source. When purchasing something on Amazon, you can see who you are buying the product from right on the product details page. By purchasing something Shipped and Sold By Amazon.com you have validation that they are an authorized retailer for the product. If the Sold By company name is shown, you will have to do a little investigating to determine if this is a valid authorized retailer.

The images below show three different sale options for the same product. The first image is sold and shipped by Amazon. In the middle, the item is sold by Wiki Deals and shipped by Amazon. The third is a 3rd party option.

2. Check the price

If it is too good to be true, it probably is. If you are replacing a product that you have purchased in the past then you should have a pretty good idea of the cost of that item. If not you can compare pricing using other reputable websites that fulfill the same product (I often compare pricing using skincare.com or Nordstrom.com). Luxury skincare products rarely go on sale so if you see an item with a significantly reduced price then it is likely fake, expired, or possibly damaged.

Check out this example where I found Obagi Clenziderm Therapeutic Lotion on Amazon for $36.30. I’ve prescribed this Benzoyl Peroxide based product to many of my patients and I know that it is generally more expensive than this (a quick check at skincarerx.com shows that this product is sold for $81. I trust products from skincarerx.com but don’t tend to order from there because I like my Amazon Prime quick shipping!). Further review on the Obagi website reports that Amazon is not an authorized retailer for their products so I would not purchase this product through Amazon.

Side note: You will always get the best price on HydroPeptide products by purchasing from www.hydropeptide.com and using code ‘Doctor-Ip’ at checkout for a 15% discount.

3. Check the reviews

Amazon is full of product reviews and these reviews can help you determine the validity of a product. To access Amazon reviews simply click on the stars next to the product name and then start reading. If somebody rates a product with only a few starts I want to know why.

Back up to the example of the Obagi Clenziderm Therapeutic Lotion being sold for $36.30. Check out this review: “This is not the real thing! It looks, feels, and smells different”. Utilize Amazon reviews to see what kind of experience other people have had with the product.

4. Check the return policy

Amazon makes it easy to return items within 30 days of purchase so if you receive an item in the mail and aren’t happy with the quality you can get your money back. However, if the item you ordered came from a 3rd party supplier (as I referred to in ‘check the seller’ above) then you will need to check the return policy for that seller. If there is no return policy I would steer clear of making a purchase. Amazon does offer an A-to-Z guarantee on items ordered through a 3rd party but personally I question the authenticity of a personal care product being offered through a 3rd party on Amazon and would source the product elsewhere to save some headaches.

5. Check the product

Once your order arrives there are a few things to check before opening and using the product. First, check the packaging. Is there any damage? Are product seals in place? Next, check the expiration date. The shelf life of personal care products can have a big range of dates depending on the stability of the ingredients in the product, but you should make sure that the product will last long enough for your benefit. Finally, once you open the product is the smell and consistency normal?

Did you end up with a fake, damaged, or expired product? Be sure to return through the Amazon process and then leave a review to make sure others know your experience!

I only add recommended products to my Products page when I am confident that they are coming from a reliable, authentic source. You can shop my top picks for every skin concern on Amazon here.

Try Amazon Prime with a Free 30 Day Trial (affiliate)

Skin Care For A New Momma

Fresh home from the hospital with your new bundle of joy and you’re focus is likely almost entirely on your new baby. Babies show up with their own list of skin-related concerns but there are a number of skin questions for mothers that can arise post-delivery and I’m here with all of the answers for you! In general, after delivery your body is healing. It is important to nourish yourself with nutritional food and plenty of water in the days and weeks after having a baby. Our bodies heal from the inside out and if you aren’t providing your body with the resources it needs, healing will be a much longer process.

Delivery

C-section scars: If you have delivered your baby via C-section you will have to focus on making sure that your surgical incision heals completely. Your doctor will leave you with care instructions upon discharge from the hospital and it is very important to follow those instructions. Take care when in the shower to not scrub your wound but let soapy water rinse over the area. Most C-section incisions are mostly healed in about a week. If you develop a fever or find that the skin around the incision is red, hard, or painful or that it starts to ooze pus, it’s time to call the doctor as these are signs of an infection.

The scar – this is something that you can’t worry much about early on. There will be a scar but your genetics are what determines just how dark, wide, or big that scar is going to be. Once your incision has completely healed (about six weeks) you can begin to use scar-reducing ointments like bioCorneum plus SPF Advanced Scar Supervision (affiliate) which will help with the appearance of your scar. If you find that these ointments are not helping there are laser options that will help. These options should be discussed with your dermatologist. Sometimes, you can develop a hypertrophic (when the scar thickens and appears ropey) scar. If this happens, your dermatologist can help to smooth the scar out by injecting it with intralesional steroids.

Vaginal Tearing: If you delivered your baby vaginally and required an episiotomy or had any tearing, you have a few days of tenderness ahead of you. Minor tearing (1st degree) will heal without stitches in just a few days. Major tearing that requires stitches will take a bit longer. To help ease the pain, keep a squirt bottle (peri-bottle) and use warm water to pour warm water on your perineum while going to the bathroom. Cleanse the area with more warm water after and then pat yourself dry from front to back. Twenty-four hours after delivery you can soak in a warm tub or sitz bath for 20 minutes, three times a day.

Scarring can occur after your initial tear or cut has healed and can be painful, especially during intercourse. You should consult with your OB-GYN for options that can help to resolve this.

Post-Delivery

Cracked Nipples: If you have cracked nipples, you will want immediate relief so that you can continue with nursing your baby with as little pain as possible. Make sure that you check your babies latch and positioning to help prevent future cracks. There are many causes of sore, cracked nipples, including:

Poor latch
Thrush, which is a yeast infection on the skin of the nipple which can also be inside the baby’s mouth
Bacterial infection on the nipple or in the milk ducts
A nipple bleb (a tiny white blister on the end of the nipple)
Raynaud’s syndrome occurs when the nipple turns white after feeding and hurts as blood flows back in

If your cracked nipples are due to a poor latch, a product with lanolin will be your best friend. Apply after you feed your baby and leave your breasts exposed as much as possible to let them dry out. Some ladies also find hydrocolloid dressings very helpful. I, for one, found these to be extremely helpful and often alternated between lanolin and these dressings. A moist nursing pad or bra presents warm air and moisture, which will not help with the healing process. If you have corrected your latch and are still experiencing pain and cracks in your nipples, consult with a doctor who can assess your breasts and provide treatment accordingly.

Stretch Marks:

Mid section of pregnant woman touching abdomen over white background

You probably noticed these forming as your belly grew larger and larger during pregnancy. Stretch marks are caused by changes in the tissues that lie just beneath the skin and can range in color from pale pink to dark brown depending on your skin color. Once the pounds start to drop these marks may begin to fade but they never go away completely. Sadly, there is no cure for stretch marks but topical medications like Retin-A and glycolic acid may help to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Laser treatments can also help to restore the skin’s elasticity and change that pigmentation of the marks (so they will match the rest of your skin).

Melasma:

The “mask of pregnancy”, melasma occurs when pigment collects in excess quantities and creates a patch of skin that is irregular from your regular skin tone. You should see this hyperpigmentation slowly fade post-delivery. However, for some women these patches of discoloration do not go away and help from a dermatologist is required.

If you have some discoloration on your skin during or after pregnancy, SPF is your best friend (honestly, this statement applies regardless of being pregnant, SPF should be applied every single day). UV exposure is one of the key contributors to melasma so protecting your skin from the sun is very important. There are a variety of products available over the counter that promise to lighten and brighten your skin. In truth, many of these are moisturizers and won’t have much benefit to you. You need the right ingredients to treat melasma:

Hydroquinone is a powerful skin bleaching cream that produces quick results and will help to reduce the appearance of any hyperpigmentation related to pregnancy. Many people have luck with NeoStrata Targeted Treatment HQ Skin Lightening Gel
Many people do not tolerate Hydroquinone well which can result in the spots darkening or becoming irritated.If you find this to be the case, stop using your Hydroquinone product immediately. An alternative cream that does not contain Hydroquinone is Lumixyl Brightening Cream.
A dermatologist can also treat your skin with a chemical peel which will help to reduce the appearance of any spots.

Note: please consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding before treating melasma

Hormonal Acne:

After delivery of your baby, progesterone and estrogen levels will rise resulting to an increase in sebum production and clogged pores. This type of acne will typically appear on the neck, chin and lower areas of your face, ranging from mild to severe. The bumps are generally red and painful to touch. Non-Surgical Nose Job

A product containing Benzoyl Peroxide (such as Obagi Clenziderm Therapeutic Lotion or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment) is a safe option to treat acne when breastfeeding and will help to penetrate clogged pores. However, if you are suffering from painful, cystic acne, this likely will not clear your skin. A visit with the dermatologist would be recommended.

Hormonal changes can also result in dry skin immediately following pregnancy. Be sure to stick to a mild cleanser, lots of moisturizer, and drink plenty of water.

Enjoy that new baby, and make sure to show yourself some TLC to keep your skin looking and feeling great!

An Alternative to Hydroquinone – Introducing LumaProC

Over the last few months I’ve been testing out a product from HydroPeptide and I’m so excited that this product is going to be released to the market very soon. LumaProC is a skin brightening serum, and I’m hooked! It reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation due to aging, sun damage, post-acne spots and “pregnancy mask”.

12/1/2016 Update: You can now order LumaPro-C direct from Hydropeptide.

If you have any kind of brown spots or hyperpigmentation on your skin then you have likely explored the world of skin lighteners and brighteners. There are a number of products on the market that claim to target brown spots but the truth is that many of these products are just moisturizer. If you truly want to minimize the appearance of brown spots you will need active ingredients that have skin lightening benefits. Harmful UV rays from the sun are the primary cause of spots so if you suffer from brown spots then SPF should be your best friend.

A large number of the skin brighteners that target brown spots contain an active ingredient called Hydroquinone. Brown spots develop when there is an excess amount of melanin. Hydroquinone prevents melanin from accumulating which results in brown spots gradually fading. However, many people do not tolerate hydroquinone well. In some cases, people who use hydroquinone excessively will develop exogenous ochronosis which will result in the skin darkening where the product was applied. Skin lightening products that do not contain hydroquinone are often not very effective at reducing brown spots. If you are looking for an alternative to hydroquinone, LumaProC is for you!

Every summer, regardless of how much SPF I apply I always develop mild melasma. Certain areas of my face will darken, especially on my upper lip area. I put LumaProC to the test this summer and applied it every morning after washing my face. I was thrilled with the results – minimal brown spots where I tend to have very noticeable melasma.

What’s in it? How does it work?

LumaProC combines a resurfacing peptide with the most advanced and stable forms of vitamin C and resveratrol to combat signs of aging, defend against environmental stress and revitalize the skin. Add in eight key brightening ingredients that work to encourage skin resurfacing, prevent excess pigmentation from accumulating along with key brighteners to enhance skin luminosity and even skin tone and you have a safe, effective product that will help to minimize current brown spots and prevent new ones from forming.

This product is suitable for all skin types – even those with sensitive skin that haven’t fared well with skin brighteners and lighteners in the past should tolerate this product well. If you are looking for a hydroquinone alternative, this is definitely worth a try.

How should I use it?

With LumaProC, I learned that a little bit goes a very long way. One pump from the bottle will produce a pea sized amount which is enough to smooth over your face. After washing, dry face with a soft towel and then apply LumaProC. As it is a serum, it has a very smooth finish and applies easily. Follow up with a moisturizer and SPF. You could also use this product to treat brown spots on your hands, neck or other areas of your body. I suggest applying in the morning and evening to treat stubborn brown spots and once daily for preventative treatment. Non-Surgical Nose Job

You will soon be able to purchase LumaProC direct from Hydropeptide.

Hair Loss In Women

Today we’re talking about something that seems to be an increasing trend: hair loss in women. After the birth of my son almost two years ago, I noticed that my hair was shedding in abnormal amounts. With my medical background and knowledge, I knew that this shedding was likely caused by hormones and I shouldn’t worry. Honestly though, it was terrifying to see so much hair in the shower drain. Read on to determine if your hair loss is simply shedding, or if it’s something that requires medical attention.

Everybody loses hair on an ongoing basis. Hair sheds as part of the natural turnover process and is constantly regenerating. The average human will shed between 50 to 100 hairs during the course of a day. When the shedding hair becomes more than average and you begin to notice areas of baldness, many people begin to worry and this is when people begin to seek help. A dermatologist can examine your scalp and hair loss patterns to help identify the underlying cause of the hair loss. In some cases hair loss can be indicative of an underlying medical condition so it is important to seek out a medical opinion.

How much is ‘normal’

I think it is important to understand what a normal amount of hair loss looks like. This can be really hard to measure because at times – after washing, brushing, etc – it seems like A LOT of hair is falling out. However, it’s the cumulative effect over a day that we will monitor.

When it’s too much, you will notice

Clumps of hair on pillowcase in the morning
Areas of baldness and excessive thinning – check for a change in your part size, hair loss is usually more obvious here
An accumulation of more hair in your brush or shower drain than usual

When the amount of hair you are shedding goes beyond the average, it is termed excessive shedding. If the hair does not re-grow, it’s termed hair loss. Once you begin to notice a pattern of excessive shedding or loss, it is time to seek out the advice of a dermatologist.

Understanding the Cause

There are a number of reasons for excessive hair shedding and hair loss in women, and understanding the reason for excessive shedding will ultimately help determine the treatment options.

Genetic Causes

Our genes play a role in the most common type of hair loss. If your father or mother experienced hair loss – sorry but you probably will too. The good news is that there are options available to help prevent and treat this type of hair loss. If hair loss is a common pattern in your family, treatment can begin when hair loss is at its earliest stages and is often more effective.

Stress & Hormonal Factors

When we talk specifically about hair loss in women, the term Telogen effluvium comes to mind. This term is used to describe the thinning or shedding of hair resulting from the early entry of hair in the telogen phase (which is the resting phase of the hair follicle). Stress is one of the main causes of this – both emotional and physiological stress – and some medications can also cause it. Most common causes include:

Loss of 20 or more pounds
Childbirth
High fever
Operation or medical procedure
Nutritional changes – eating disorders
Stress (job change, caring for loved one who is sick, divorce, etc)

This type of shedding will typically begin a few months after the stressful event and will peak around 4 months. Within 6 to 9 months your hair should regain its original fullness and strength – although it’s worth noting that if the stressful condition causing excessive hair shedding remains, it could result in long-term excessive shedding.

Medical Conditions

There are a number of medical conditions that can result in the body shedding hair at an excessive speed. These conditions require attention from a medical doctor and often with management the hair shedding or loss can be reversed.

– Hypothyroidism occurs when the body produces too little thyroid hormone which will cause a variety of symptoms – including hair breakage. A blood test will confirm thyroid levels and there are medications that can help control the hormones.

– Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease which causes bald spots on the scalp (in some case the entire scalp).

– Anemia – iron deficiency anemia can cause hair loss. When you are anemic, your body will send oxygen to support vital functions which means your hair will be getting less oxygen.

Lifestyle

I think it is worth talking about lifestyle because many people don’t realize the damage they are causing their hair with certain products and hair styles. I’ve seen many cases where a person has damaged their hair through styling which resulted in bald patches and very thin hair. The AAD has some great tips on styling hair without damage. Personally, when I want my hair pulled back, I opt for a simple braid with a loose band to hold it in.

Treating Hair Loss

If you think that your hair shedding is becoming excessive or if you have noticed hair loss, it is time to consult with a dermatologist. There are a few basic tests that can be performed to help identify the cause of the problem.

Blood tests – helps to identify underlying medical conditions
Pull test – we will actually pull a small amount of hair and examine both how easily the hair sheds as well as the root that was pulled out.
Scalp biopsy – if we suspect an infection or certain condition we will scrape a small amount of skin from the scalp to examine.
Examination – a light microscopy is used to examine the base of the hair to help identify any issues with the hair shaft.

Some types of hair loss will require treatment by your primary care physician (for example, if you have hypothyroidism, you doctor will need to monitor your hormone levels and provide medication). However, if hair loss is hereditary or the result of a skin condition, a dermatologist can offer treatment plans. Treatments for hair loss in women will differ from treatments for men with hair loss. Treatments will help to produce some amount of hair growth but they are often most helpful in slowing down hair loss (which is why early action of any symptoms is important).

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only topical medication approved by the FDA for treating hair loss in women. When applied topically, this solution can help to stimulate hair growth. Available over the counter in strengths of 2% and 5%, this solution does take some time to work. In general, I recommend women use 5% rogaine one time a day. Results are usually noticeable in three to four month and treatment will need to continue once hair growth begins.

Hair transplantation is expensive but is growing quickly in popularity. This involves taking hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting to the affected area. For women, this surgery is not always beneficial and should only be considered if hair loss falls into certain categories. For example, transplanting hair to an area with scarring will not be effective.

Just shedding?

If you determine that you are experiencing hair shedding and not true loss, I have some tips for managing the shed:

Gentle styling – use a detangle spray to help with knots and a wide tooth comb to separate hair. Don’t pull and tug with a brush.
Avoid heat – the irons, driers, etc. Occasional use is ok but if used daily you will damage your hair over time. Non-Surgical Nose Job
Loose hairstyles – avoid tight ponytails and braids unless absolutely necessary.
Products – Volumizing shampoos can be helpful to improve the thickness of remaining hairs. I personally use Art Naturals Organic Moroccan Argan Oil and other patients swear by the Viviscal line which includes a hair growth serum.
Cover it up – Try moving your part around to help cover any thin areas. A hat or scarf can be a fun accessory too! Hair microfibers can also help when hair loss is more severe (try TOPPIK Hair Building Fibers.

Hair loss can be a very stressful experience for women. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of seeing your dermatologist, if you feel that you have unusual/excessive hair loss. Early intervention is key!!

Do you have any hair loss tips or stories? Share in the comments or email them to me at info@vibrantdermatology.com

Don’t miss this post where I share a DIY recipe for a hair oil that I used when I began to notice my hair shedding after the birth of my son: Can You Find Beauty In The Kitchen

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