Sunscreens at a Glance
When it comes to preventing skin cancer, sunscreen is essential. There are two main types of sunscreen — chemical and physical (or mineral). Both are effective, says Tahl Humes, DO, medical director of VITAHL Medical Aesthetics in Chicago. But what’s the difference between the two? “Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that absorb the UV rays […]
Does Diet Really Matter When It Comes to Adult Acne?
When I was a teenager, the advice I got about acne was clear and consistent: Avoid oily foods and chocolate because they trigger breakouts and make existing acne worse. Wash your face often. Try a topical, over-the-counter remedy such as those containing benzoyl peroxide (Clearasil) or salicylic acid (Stridex). By the time I got to […]
The Skin You’re In
A lack of representation in dermatology is impacting people of color Whether for acne, hives, or psoriasis, millions of Americans require routine skin care annually. But not all skin is the same. Some dermatology issues vary depending on the skin you’re in. Some skin conditions — such as acne scars, eczema, and keloids — occur more […]
5 Steps to Solve the Complex Eczema Puzzle
It’s winter in Chicago, and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re indoors more than ever. This spells trouble for skin. Outside it’s cold and crisp, while inside radiators and furnaces blow dry heat. We seek hot baths and showers, which further dry out our skin. And then there’s the ever-present worry of the pandemic, which […]
What to Eat (and Not Eat) for Healthy Skin
Skin is the largest organ in your body, making up 10 percent of your body weight and spanning a total area of about 20 square feet. Taking good care of it is essential to your health. You may not realize it, but your skin helps regulate your body temperature, allows you to sense hot and […]
A Deadly Skin Cancer, Melanoma Can Spread Throughout Body
What makes melanoma more dangerous than other forms of skin cancer? Unlike basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is considerably more likely to spread throughout the body, experts explain. While all forms of skin cancer are harmful, melanoma’s potential to travel to the lungs, liver, bones and brain is particularly dangerous and potentially […]
In Brief
Don’t Just Stand There; Move! We’ve long known that sitting all day is bad for our health. But since most of us can’t escape the cubicle farms and the sit-down culture they’ve created, we’ve instead turned to standing desks. And while standing is much better for us than sitting, it should not be mistaken as […]
Caring for Your Winter Skin
Helpful tips from top area dermatologists By Karen Schwartz It’s wintertime in Chicago, and most likely, your skin looks and feels much drier than it does during the warmer spring and summer months. Two Chicago-area dermatologists give helpful tips for keeping your skin in tip-top shape during the rest of the winter season. Clean and […]
Skin Cancer Weapons
Dermatologists have a useful arsenal against skin cancer Whether you’re lying out on one of Chicago’s beaches this summer, riding your bike to and from work each day or just sitting in your backyard on a beautiful sunny afternoon, think about this sobering fact: According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma, the most serious type of […]
Undercover Skin Care
Three Chicago-area dermatologists have some important tips for Chicagoans who are spending time out in the sun this summer. “I see a lot of young people lying out in the sun, and they feel [that] if they don’t burn, they don’t need sunscreen, which is a myth,” says Dr. Diana Bolotin, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained […]
