What is the “UV Index” and why should I care?
The UV Index is a forecasting tool created by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help us understand the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation expected to reach the surface of Earth when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This index is measured on a scale […]
Sunscreens and other products are breaking my face out. Any suggestions?
Skin care products are well known to cause “breakouts” on the skin. The most common scenario is a product that is placed on the skin and is left to sit all day (as opposed to a product that is washed off). Sunscreens, moisturizers and “anti-aging” creams and serums are the most common products that lead […]
What food has the most anti-aging properties?
Although there are plenty of foods that have been touted to have anti-aging properties, the blueberry has the most research to back it up. This small berry packs one of the highest amounts of antioxidants per gram of fruit. Antioxidants are molecules that protect living cells from free radicals (or “oxidants”), mainly by stabilizing them […]
Do I really have to wait 30 minutes after applying sunscreen to go in the sun?
The answer to this question involves a process known as dry-down time, which basically is the amount of time before the sunscreen no longer feels wet on the skin. When you apply sunscreen, it creates a film on the skin that interacts and mixes with the oil, sebum, and sweat molecules that are already present. […]
I have a greasy, shiny forehead. What should I do?
A greasy, shiny forehead can interfere with a person’s daily activities in life, such as meeting clients and giving business presentations. At Dana Point Dermatology, we also see these types of skin conditions hamper a patient’s confidence when going out with significant others, leading to a less satisfying personal life. Simply put, a shiny forehead […]
I have a new scar on my face. What should I do and will Mederma help?
This is a question that a lot of patients have on their minds, considering that almost all people have had a scrape, burn or surgery that has left a scar on their skin. Scars are the result of the normal wound-healing process the body uses to repair trauma to the skin. The more damaged the […]
I have more hair loss on the right side of my head than on the left. Is this abnormal?
Most people will have some hair loss during their lifetime. It is not uncommon to see patients with pattern hair loss (hair thinning/loss) who have more hair loss on one side of the scalp compared to the other side. This is an interesting phenomenon and is probably due to more than one factor. First, most […]
I get constant dandruff in my hair and scalp. Any tips?
Flaky scalp and dandruff are a frequent concern for patients, as the condition can result in white scales on dark clothing that can cause some embarrassment. This condition is not one thing, as many dermatologic diseases can lead to dandruff. Dandruff is nothing more than dead skin cells that result from increased cellular turnover. The […]
Does aloe help burns heal faster?
Aloe vera is a tropical plant grown in hot climates throughout the world. The active gel, found in the pulpy flesh of an aloe vera plant leaf, has been used since Roman times to speed up wound healing, including sunburn. Want to speed it up more? Aloe can help. Although the exact mechanism is uncertain, […]
I’m still getting acne in my 20’s and 30’s. Is this normal?
Acne is the most common skin condition known to man. According to the latest research, over 90% of people have acne at some point in their life. One of the main drivers of acne is excessively oily skin, which corresponds to increased sebum (oil) production. Since men produce up to 40% more sebum than women, […]