Do collagen supplements boost collagen in the skin?
Collagen is the major structural protein in human skin, accounting for three-fourths of its mass. The strength of collagen fibers is what gives skin its firm, smooth and non-wrinkled appearance. Collagen is made and released by cells in the second layer of the skin called fibroblasts. Unlike women, men’s collagen starts to degrade at an […]
Do moisturizers really help with wrinkles?
Venture into a men’s or women’s skin care section of a department store or look at ads in magazines and you will undoubtedly see claims by skin care companies that state that their moisturizers “improve the appearance of wrinkles”. Men’s skin is different than women’s skin. For example, in men, male hormones tend to keep […]
Do laundry detergents that add sun protection to clothes really work?
Clothing’s ability to block the sun’s age-inducing rays largely depends on how tight the weave is: the tighter the weave, the better it blocks out the sun. A simple way to test a piece of clothing is to hold it up to the sun and look to see how much light shines through: the more […]
Can a multivitamin prevent skin aging?
Multivitamins are taken by some people daily as part of a healthy, nutrient packed diet. Products like Centrum and One A Day contain a host of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, D, calcium. Given that skin aging is in part due to toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) that get produced from […]
I get cold sores. Does Abreva work?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters and herpes simplex labialis, are common among patients. In fact, one in 5 persons have frequent cold sores and up to 90% of the population in the US tests positive for the virus that causes them. The virus itself, herpes simplex virus, is transmitted by saliva (usually from […]
For bad acne, I’ve heard isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis) causes major problems. What are the facts?
Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is FDA-approved for severe, recalcitrant nodulocystic acne or acne that is unresponsive to antibiotics. Since acne is driven by hormones (especially dihydrotestosterone and other androgens), nodulocystic acne is a common issue in both men and women. It is also used for acne that is associated with physical or […]
What do I need to know about sunscreen?
Sunscreens are an important component of a person’s fight against skin aging and skin cancer. There are plenty of misconceptions and misinformation about sunscreen that are passed along from one person to the next. Considering that 90% of skin aging and cancer is due to cumulative sunlight exposure, protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful […]
Does going to the beach help with acne?
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin that by hormones, inflammation and bacteria on the skin, which contribute to the red nodules and pus bumps that are seen. One often hears about how the beach can improve acne, mainly because of the sun, salt water or some other reason. Is this myth or […]
I have huge pores on my face. Is it possible to shrink them down?
Pores are nothing more than the opening of the hair follicle on the skin, causing a slight depression at the point of entry. The reason that pores are noticeable is that they form depressions in the facial skin that would be smooth otherwise. All of the hair follicles on a person’s face have large oil […]
My nose is enlarged and the skin is very oily and thick. Any tips?
Enlargement of the nose in people is usually due to rosacea. Specifically, a form of rosacea called rhinophyma (pronounced “rhi-no-fy-ma”). This subtype of rosacea is usually seen in men. In the typical scenario, men or women come in with red bumps and pus lesions on the nose that come and go over many years. These […]