Category Archives: Dermatology

Retinol and Retinoids: 9 Things You Should Know Before Using – Vogue

When it comes to defense against fine lines and maintaining a healthy glow, theres no ingredient in skincare more lauded than retinol. The irony? Even though the revolutionary youth-enhancing active is a mainstay of drugstores, department store counters, and dermatologist offices alike, it still manages to mystify. And thus, its often underutilized or misused.

Here, experts break down how to carefully incorporate the powerhouse ingredient into your skincare routine to achieve a supernaturally fresh-faced complexion, now and for decades to come.

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To bring it back to the basics, retinolalongside other retinoids, such as retinoic acid and retinyl palmitateis essentially a derivative of vitamin A, which is one of the bodys key nutrients for boosting cell turnover. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology explains the retinols must be converted to retinoic acid, which means it can take longer than those prescribed retinoids and can be a less irritating option for the skin that has many benefits.

Retinol is a powerhouse of an ingredient for a reason: it targets most of our top skin concerns. Its added to topical skincare products to promote skin renewal, brighten skin tone, reduce acne, and boost the collagen production, explains New York City-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD. It also functions like an antioxidant to help address free radical damage, which leads to visible signs of aging. The way board-certified dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, sees it, its the ingredient that does it all in dermatology, both cosmetically and medically. I consider it a gold standard in skincare and often explain it to my patients as something that sweeps away dead skin cells, clogged pores, and dull skin, she explains.

Because it helps regulate skin cell turnover, it improves the appearance of both skin tone and skin texture, adds Garshick. By regulating skin cell turnover and encouraging new skin cells to come to the surface, it helps to resurface the skin and give an overall improved appearance to the skin tone and reduce the appearance of discoloration.

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So whats the difference between retinol, retinoids, and all the other vitamin-A derivatives? As Angela Lamb, MD, board-certified dermatologist explains, retinoid is a catch-all term for all vitamin A-based products on the skin. The different types of retinoids are just different forms of vitamin A and can vary in strength and are used for different things. Isotretinoin (the most common type youre probably familiar with is Accutane) is an oral retinoid medication that is used to treat acne. Tretinoin (or retinoic acid), Lamb says, is the most comm prescription retinoid on the market that can target both acne and signs of anti-aging. With retinol, it is an over-the-counter retinoid product that is not as irritating as the prescribed options and used to improve uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and texture.

Thirty has long been the banner year for introducing retinol into ones routine, but many women are starting before then, motivated by early signs of aging, such as sun spots or crows feet, or simply eager to get a head start and utilize the latest technologiesunder the careful watch of their dermatologist. Your mid-twenties are a great time to start using retinol, says Ellen Marmur, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. Many patients who have used it for years swear by it.

But the best time to start retinol really depends on your specific skincare concerns. For example, if youre dealing with acne in your teens, Garshick says that it can be a good time to start looking into incorporating this ingredient into your routine. For preventive measures against fine lines and other signs of aging (such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, discoloration, etc.), youll want to start in your 20s and 30s. To treat those signs of aging skin when they actually occur, you should start in your 40s and 50s.

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Balance is critical, cautions Bowe. Retinol can be very irritating if used too frequently or if the formulation is too strong for your skin. She recommends starting off with a pea-sized amount of a low percentage over-the-counter formula (.01 percent to 0.03 percent), and using it two times per week, slowly increasing the usage to give the skin a chance to acclimate. Moreover, you should skip your retinol product on the day before you exfoliate (Bowe recommends exfoliating two to three times per week). Exfoliating is abrasive and irritating, and you do not want to compound the skin irritation by heightening your skins sensitivity, she says, adding that if youre getting certain in-office treatments like lasers, microneedling, microdermabrasion, you will want to take a break from your retinol. In the spirit of not overdoing it, theres a spate of new time-release formulas fit for skin types prone to redness or breakouts. Theyre a good option for people who have sensitive skin, explains Fusco. It releases the active ingredient over time and may offer less irritation. In terms of prescription retinol versus something over the counter, the former is much more potent with a higher percentage of retinol, and one may graduate to it over time, says Bowe. Once your skin learns to tolerate such a strong ingredient, Garshick says you can work your way up to using retinol nightly.

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There are certain side effects that come with using retinol that are considered normal as your skin will have to adjust to the active ingredient. Garshick says to expect some mild irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity when youre first introducing the ingredient into your routine. But if youre experiencing any intense flaking, redness, or burning sensations, its best to shy away from retinol altogether.

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Retinol and Retinoids: 9 Things You Should Know Before Using - Vogue

Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. – pdclarion.com

Millennials, you can delay traditional markers of adulthood all you want, but your face doesnt care whether or not youve bought your first home. It does care, however, how often you sunbathed and bummed cigarettes in your younger years.You can certainly show off those fine lines and gray hairs with pride. Getting older is a...

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Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. - pdclarion.com

8 Wintertime Skin Conditions to Look Out For – Health.com

Winter weather may prompt serious skin issues.

Whether its skating, sledding, or simply walking to work, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside during the colder months. However, exposure to cold air can leave some people with bothersome or even dangerous skin issues.

When the temperature and humidity drop, skin can become dry, cracked, and prone to infection. In severe cases, frostbite can occur.

Heres what experts had to say about the most common winter skin ailments and tips for keeping skin hydrated and healthy year-round.

Getty Images / miniseries

Wintertime dry skinon the hands, face, lips, or elsewhereis the most common ailment that people see during the winter months, said Mark Quitadamo, MD, a retired dermatologist at Dartmouth Health.

Youll see it in the morningyour skin is more dry and flaky. And youll notice symptoms-wise, its perhaps more itchy, Quitadamo told Health. Lips may be dry, fissured, and painful.

Cold temperatures can make the skin lose water or moisture, drying it out, Angad Chadha, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, told Health.

The most obvious and easiest solution to fight dry skin is to stick with a good moisturizing regimen.

Chadha explained that there are three levels of moisturizer: lotions, creams, and ointments (like Vaseline). Each step increases in intensity.

In general, people should moisturize once they get out of the shower, Chadha said. A second applicationbefore bedmay be necessary if dry skin persists.

While most people opt for either creams or lotions, ointments are good for people with extremely dry skin, he said.

In addition to prioritizing a moisturizing routine, its also important to mitigate anything that might be aggravating your dry skin, like licking your lips or using fragranced lotions or other products, Quitadamo and Chadha explained.

While several things can cause a nosebleed, dry, winter air is oftentimes the culprit.

[During the winter], were breathing this very cool but dry air, Quitadamo explained. And that dry air is drying out what should be a nice, moist membrane inside the nose.

Once someones nose is dry, he explained that their blood vessels are exposed and more likely to bleed.

If someones getting more nosebleeds in the wintertime, its again important to hydrate the skin, Jason Rizzo, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in private practice in Southwest Florida, and former clinical adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo, told Health.

That means using a humidifier, drinking water, and even using a thin layer of ointment to moisten the inner lining of the nose, known as the mucosal tissue, he said.

There are a few different types of rashes people may be more prone to in the winter months.

Though not exclusive to the winter months, atopic dermatitisthe most common type of eczemais a skin condition that dermatologists frequently see when temperatures get cold.

People who have a history of eczema-prone skin often flare in the winter, Chadhasaid.

Another type of dermatitis that causes red, itchy, and scaly skindry winter itch/eczemais also common in the winter months, Quitadamo added.

If someones suffering from eczema or other types of itchy, inflamed rashes in the winter, they should at first try to manage it like they would dry skin, with a moisturizer, Chadha explained.

However, people should [seek] out dermatologic care sooner rather than later, especially because sometimes when the cycle of eczema triggers, its really hard to get under control, he said.

People can get angular cheilitis at any point during the year, but its oftentimes more severe, robust in the winter, said Rizzo.

This condition is inflamed, cracking skin in the corners of the mouth that becomes infected.

With angular cheilitis, moisture accumulates on the skinor in this case, in the corner of the mouthand then the skin starts to break down, Chadha explained.

From there, people can develop a fungal infection.

If the skin is cracked or broken down in some way, said Chadha, Vaseline or similar products can help repair that. But if the skin is infected, people may want to use antifungal cream in the corners of the mouth.

These products are usually available as an athletes foot or a jock itch cream, he said. Even though its advertised as that, at the end of the day, its just an antifungal product that you can use anywhere on the body.

Winter temperatures may also bring on cold urticaria, which is hives brought about by cold temperatures, Chadha explained.

This is technically considered an allergic condition and causes a red, itchy rash on the skin.

In conditions like cold urticaria, actual temperature changes can trigger an inflammatory response from the skin, said Rizzo. But thats very rare.

Its unlikely that the rashes people see during the winter are actually cold urticaria, Chadha said. Quitadamo added that this condition is seen more so in the spring or early summer when people are jumping into cold bodies of water.

However, if someone is breaking out in hives when theyre in cold air or water, oral antihistamine products can help the rash subside, Chadha explained.

Other elementsnot just cold temperaturescan take a toll on peoples skin during the winter months, too.

Windburn is a skin irritation caused by the wind, and it usually presents with redness and sensitivity.

Though theyre separate conditions, windburn often goes hand in hand with sunburnthe wind can leave the skin more prone to UV damage.

Theres a fallacy that you cant get sunburned or sun damage in the winter because the suns not out, said Rizzo. And thats actually incorrect.

The snow can reflect sunlight, he explained, so he often sees sunburns in snowskiers.

To avoid windburn, cover up the areas that you tend to get windburnbalaclavas are not in fashion anymore, but if you can swing one, that would be great, said Chadha.

And using daily sunscreen is always a good idea, Rizzo said, including during the winter months.

When exposed to extremely cold temperatures, people can experience frostnip, a very mild form of frostbite. When this happens, the skin turns cold and white, and people may experience pain or pins and needles.

Frostnip can turn into frostbite, which can cause red, blistering skin, or in the most serious cases, blue or blotchy skin that can turn into blisters and black scabs.

Youll see it maybe on fingertips and toes, ears, and the tip of the nose, said Quitadamo. The body closes down the peripheral circulation and brings the warmth to the center of the body. So those distant areas dont get as much blood as they should.

Essentially, the cells die as a result, Chadha said.

Unlike many other skin ailments, frostbite can only happen in the wintertime, as the cold is directly damaging the skin cells.

Severe frostbite can sometimes lead to permanent sensitivity to cold or numbness, or in some cases, may even require amputation.

If someone is concerned that they may be experiencing frostnip or frostbite, the first thing to do is to warm up the skin, Chadha said. If symptoms dont go away promptly, people should seek immediate medical attention.

You want to keep your body and your skin insulated appropriately to protect from extreme temperatures, said Rizzo. Appropriate winter clothing is also key.

Wintertime skin issues can happen to anyone, however, people who work or do activities outside, and unhoused people are at a higher risk.

Genetics may also play a rolepeople who are prone to allergies, asthma, hay fever, and hives are also the same people who are often more prone to dry skin, Quitadamo said.

And, age can make someone more prone to skin conditionsolder people and young children are at a higher risk, Rizzo and Chadha said.

In most cases, protecting the skin with warm clothing, using good moisturizers, and using humidifiersespecially while you sleepare surefire strategies to avoid the worst winter skin conditions.

However, if over-the-counter techniques arent working, pain is getting worse, or there are signs of infection, people should seek help from a dermatologist.

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8 Wintertime Skin Conditions to Look Out For - Health.com

9 Tips for Common Winter Skin Conditions, According to a Celeb Dermatologist – PEOPLE

As the weather turns colder, there are a few things you can count onhot chocolate, warm coats and, unfortunately, your skin rebelling against the conditions.

In the winter, our skin tends to be drier, and the skin barrier becomes compromised, explains New York City-based celebrity dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, who is the medical expert behind Hailey Biebers Rhode line and counts Martha Stewart among his patients. Given the change in weather, conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis commonly flare up.

If youre someone who experiences these kinds of skin changes in the winter, dont worry Dr. Bhanusali has plenty of tips to help you take care of your delicate skin during the cold months and keep these conditions under control.

Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD FAAD/Instagram

First, lets pull back the curtain a little bit on why the winter can be so tough for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes itchy, dry skin. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the body makes skin cells too quickly, creating scaly, inflamed patches of skin. Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy, flaky skin (often on the scalp, aka dandruff). All three of these conditions can worsen when the temperature drops because cold weather dries the skin out.

Given the lack of hydration, a damaged skin barrier can lead to increased flaking and dryness. This is common in both eczema and psoriasis, explains Dr. Bhanusali.

Eczema in particular can be susceptible to this weakened barrier it makes it much harder for the skin to protect itself from bacteria and other irritants, he says. The dryness is (perhaps obviously) a big trigger for dandruff flakes, and cold and dry conditions are also a common trigger for psoriasis.

Some other conditions, like rosacea, a long-term flushing on the face, sometimes flare in winter, though Dr. Bhanusali says it's much more common for rosacea to be affected by what you consume think spicy foods, caffeine, or alcohol.

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But just because it's expected for this time of year, that doesnt mean you just have to deal with itchy, patchy, flaky, uncomfortable skin all winter long. With some smart changes to your routine, you can protect your skin from cold and dry weather. (And of course, if your skin condition is moderate to severe and impacting your quality of life, get yourself to a doc a few extra slathers of moisturizer and a humidifier probably wont make much of an impact. But if its milder and triggered by weather, this definitely can help.)

First, says Dr. Bhanusali, its important to have a good routine with consistent moisturizer use. This may mean using a seasonal one, too. I have people switch to thicker moisturizers, rather than lotions and gel/creams, he says of patients at his practice, Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.

When looking for a winter moisturizer, Dr. Bhanusali recommends seeking out calming ingredients like niacinamide and azelaic acid, to help keep flares at bay. You may even want to up your moisturizing game to twice a day, if your eczema or psoriasis is really bugging you.

Another add to your routine that may help: I also encourage the use of humidifiers to supplement the change in humidity over the colder months.

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Some changes to your shower routine also could have an effect on your skin; for example, don't utilize your favorite summer skin exfoliant in cold months, says Dr. Bhanusali, unless you have very oily skin and even then, less is more."

And while a long, hot shower can be tempting when the outside temp is chilly, avoid them as much as you can.

Showers should be five minutes or less, with medium temperature water, he says. Scalding hot showers can strip the good oils from the skin and flare conditions [like eczema and psoriasis].

When youre done with your quick shower, pat yourself dry (this is important you dont want to inadvertently exfoliate by scrubbing at your damp skin!). Then, apply that wintertime moisturizer right away, while your skin is still a little wet. This is optimal for absorption and can really make all the difference, he says.

We'll take any skincare advice that Martha Stewart has also gotten and bonus points if it keeps our skin looking great and feeling good all winter!

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9 Tips for Common Winter Skin Conditions, According to a Celeb Dermatologist - PEOPLE

FDA Approval of ZELSUVMI Berdazimer Gel: A Revolutionary Achievement | Health News – Medriva

FDA Approval of ZELSUVMI Berdazimer Gel: A Revolutionary Achievement

Ligand Pharmaceuticals has made a groundbreaking announcement that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given approval for its topical treatment for a viral skin infection. This topical gel, known as ZELSUVMI berdazimer 10.3, is designed to treat molluscum contagiosum in adults and pediatric patients aged one year and older. The approval of this treatment offers a new, promising solution for individuals grappling with this contagious viral skin infection, marking a significant advancement in the field of dermatology.

The approval of ZELSUVMI berdazimer gel is not just another FDA approval. It is the first of its kind in the United States, offering an at-home treatment option for molluscum contagiosum. This highly contagious viral skin infection, characterized by skin-colored to red lesions with a central umbilicated viral core, has been a challenge to treat and manage until now. The introduction of this gel represents a shift in patient care, offering increased accessibility and convenience.

ZELSUVMI is a nitric oxide releasing agent, and while its exact mechanism of action is currently unknown, its efficacy has been demonstrated in 2 Phase 3 trials. This makes it the first novel drug approved for the treatment of molluscum infections. Its also the only topical prescription medication that can be applied at home by patients, parents, or caregivers, making it a game-changer for those dealing with this condition.

Adverse reactions to ZELSUVMI were primarily limited to application site reactions, which is another promising element to note for potential users. The expectation is that ZELSUVMI will be commercially available during the second half of 2024. For more information about this groundbreaking treatment, visit http://www.zelsuvmi.com.

The FDA approval of ZELSUVMI berdazimer gel to treat molluscum contagiosum is a significant milestone in the field of dermatology. It signifies progress and innovation in the management of viral skin infections, particularly those that are highly contagious and challenging to manage. The new treatment is expected to improve patient care by offering a more accessible, convenient, and effective treatment option.

Additionally, the ability of patients, parents, or caregivers to apply the medication at home is a significant advantage. This means that treatment can be administered without the need for regular clinic visits, which is particularly beneficial during these times when minimizing contact is a priority. This level of convenience could also lead to improved adherence to treatment, thereby increasing its effectiveness.

With the commercial availability of ZELSUVMI expected in the second half of 2024, this represents a beacon of hope for those affected by molluscum contagiosum. The approval of this novel drug demonstrates the possibility of more innovative solutions in the future, paving the way for improved patient care and treatment outcomes in the field of dermatology.

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FDA Approval of ZELSUVMI Berdazimer Gel: A Revolutionary Achievement | Health News - Medriva

Revolutionary Research Towards Acne Vaccine and Gene Editing Treatments – Medriva

Acne, a common skin condition that affects 70 to 80 percent of the population at some point in their lives, might soon be preventable, thanks to pioneering research conducted at the San Diego School of Medicine and the University of California, San Diego. Scientists are making strides towards creating an acne vaccine that targets a specific bacterial enzyme known to cause acne. This revolutionary research, focusing on bacterial enzymes, was recently published in Nature Communications and offers a ray of hope for individuals grappling with this skin condition.

Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria present on our skin, is often the culprit behind acne outbreaks. This bacteria produces a specific enzyme that leads to inflammation and subsequently, acne. Researchers are working on a vaccine that neutralizes this enzyme, effectively blocking its acne-causing effects. What makes this development groundbreaking is that the vaccine targets the acne-causing bacteria without affecting the beneficial bacteria residing on our skin. This targeted approach could revolutionize acne treatment and prevention, bringing substantial health benefits to many.

While the prospect of an acne vaccine is exciting, its crucial to remember that its still in the early stages of development. Predictions estimate that the vaccine might be available to the public in five to ten years. Despite the wait, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor. The vaccine could significantly reduce the prevalence of acne and improve the quality of life for those affected by this often distressing and stigmatizing skin condition.

Beyond the development of the acne vaccine, other innovative approaches are being explored to combat acne. Eligo Bioscience, a gene-editing company, is working on a treatment for moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Their approach involves the delivery of synthetic DNA payloads to the microbiome, effectively turning microbiome populations into local drug factories. This cutting-edge technology could greatly impact the treatment of acne and other chronic diseases driven by bacterial genes.

A deeper understanding of the skin microbiome and the relationship between specific gene expression and diseases such as acne is crucial for these developments. Recent studies have shown that the skin microbiota, including Cutibacterium acnes, may play a role in skin conditions beyond acne. These findings underline the potential of microbiome-targeted treatments in dermatology and indicate the possibility of an exciting new era in skin health.

In conclusion, the development of an acne vaccine and the exploration of gene-editing treatments for acne represent significant advances in dermatology. These breakthroughs could drastically change the way we prevent and treat acne, providing much-needed relief for individuals suffering from this common skin condition. As research continues and these treatments move closer to becoming a reality, the future looks brighter for those battling acne.

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Revolutionary Research Towards Acne Vaccine and Gene Editing Treatments - Medriva

Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. – Corydon Times

Millennials, you can delay traditional markers of adulthood all you want, but your face doesnt care whether or not youve bought your first home. It does care, however, how often you sunbathed and bummed cigarettes in your younger years.You can certainly show off those fine lines and gray hairs with pride. Getting older is a...

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Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. - Corydon Times

Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. – Hometown Register

Millennials, you can delay traditional markers of adulthood all you want, but your face doesnt care whether or not youve bought your first home. It does care, however, how often you sunbathed and bummed cigarettes in your younger years.You can certainly show off those fine lines and gray hairs with pride. Getting older is a...

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Dermatology treatments can become an expensive ongoing cost. - Hometown Register

Rice Water for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work? – Health.com

Rice water has become a trendy way to improve hair health, but despite its online clout, the simple hair growth hack may not be all that helpful, experts said.

To assist with hair growth and repair any damage, TikTokers swear by rinsing their hair in the starchy, cloudy water thats drained after soaking or cleaning rice.

And the internet at large is intrigued by the conceptvideos tagged with rice water have garnered a whopping 986 million views on TikTok.

With the wide interest in rice water for hair health, applications and methods tend to vary person-to-person. Sometimes people let the water sit and ferment, often with added citrus peels to mask the odor. Some apply the concoction every day, while others reach for it monthly.

In general, people promoting the hair care method claim it can transform hair into silky, healthy locks. But dermatologists arent so sure.

Rice is full of nutrients, said Deirdre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology. However, that doesnt automatically mean it can improve peoples hair.

The problem is that were making this leap that something that is meant to be consumed can be applied to your hairwhich is dead cellsand that it can make all these changes, she told Health.

Here's what experts had to say about rice water and its effect on the hair, plus other ways people can keep their hair looking healthy and strong.

vasare/Getty Images

The practice of soaking rice in water and using it as a hair treatment is not new.

Rice water has been used by people living in a number of Asian countries for thousands of years. Many social media posts credit the Yao women of China, who use fermented rice water on their incredibly long hair, with the technique. Its also been tied to Japanese women around the year 1000, who combed their hair with Yu-Su-Ru, or the water from washed rice.

With its long history and current devoted fanbase, there are many people who have anecdotal evidence that rice water has improved the health of their hair.

Rice itself contains nutrients such as magnesium, iron, folic acid, thiamin, and niacin. And rice water contains phenols, which may help in treating alopecia areata.

However, experts say theres not yet enough evidence to prove that rice water does improve hair health. In fact, for some people, it might even make things worse.

Rinsing the hair in rice water could damage it, especially for people with coiled hair that tends to break more easily, said Rhonda Farah, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Rice water contains a lot of starch, which can pull moisture from the hair, causing it to become brittle, Farah told Health.

[Rice water] can actually be harmful because it isnt actually formulated for your scalp. You dont get the same delivery to the hair follicle or the hair shaft, Farah explained.

The treatment is something inexpensive and low risk, I just think its also probably low gain, Hooper added. Theres no evidence that this is going to do anything.

Rice water may not be able to improve someones hair, experts agreed. In fact, the treatment may be unfairly getting credit for other lifestyle changes or products that can boost hair health.

Diet is one potential explanation.

People who have traditionally used rice water rinses on their hair are also likely eating healthier diets that are low in processed foods, such as those seen in Blue Zones, Hooper said. The silky hair seen on the Yao women or others may come from their diets or another aspect of their lifestyles, rather than from fermented rice water rinses.

Its also possible that people have confused rice water rinses with rice bran mineral extract. This ingredient is found in certain hair care products and can help promote hair growth.

A review published in 2022 included 10 studies on the topic. Researchers concluded that rice bran mineral extract may lengthen the time the hair follicle is in the anagen phase, which is when follicle growth occurs.

But rice bran mineral extract included in hair products is not the same as rice water made at home, Farah cautioned. In fact, rice bran is removed in the milling processby the time rice gets to the grocery store, this part is removed.

So while rice bran mineral extract looks promising for hair health, rice water made from processed rice doesnt hold merit based on current scientific evidence, said Farah.

Like other health trends and advice that become popular online, people should proceed with caution before joining in on the rice water trend, Hooper and Farah agreed.

Just because you like that persons hair, that does not mean the method they use is going to work on your hair, said Farah. Each type of hair is so different, its really hard to apply one thing to everyone.

These kinds of natural products or at-home remedies dont always work, Hooper added, which can be discouraging, particularly for people looking to prevent or slow hair loss. People may be wasting their time on rice water treatments instead of moving forward with a solution from a healthcare professional, she said.

Because hair, skin, and nails are so accessible to every person, I think some people forget that these are organs, said Hooper. While you can manipulate them, there is a reason for scientific evidence and there are many factors for why a persons hair is acting a certain way.

If someone does want to try to improve their hair health or boost hair growth, certain lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, treating dandruff, and avoiding hair heat tools may be able to help. People can also reach for rice bran mineral extract products or similar products, so long as theyre formulated to be safe for hair, Farah added.

And not all social media advice is bad, she said. People can follow board-certified dermatologists or the American Academy of Dermatology on Instagram and TikTok to ensure they are getting vetted information from experts.

But if someone is concerned about the health of their hair, or theyre experiencing more serious issues such as hair loss, Farah recommends they see a dermatologist to get to the root of the issue and prescribe a treatment.

There has to be a word of caution for what youre seeing on the internet and extrapolating as true, said Hooper. Its a bit of a disservice to make people believe that if they could just live their lives perfectly, they wont have any issues.

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Rice Water for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work? - Health.com

Dermatology Times 2023 In Review: NP and PA News – Dermatology Times

Physician Assistant Ranked as 4th Best Job in 2023

The need for physician assistants is expected to increase.

Atopic dermatitis is not a "one-size-fits-all" condition.

Miller shares upcoming news from the SDPA and important legislative updates for dermatology physician assistants.

Dermatology advanced practice providers work alongside physicians to improve patient care and access.

Discussing photoprotection with patients is crucial as Melanoma May" kicks off this month.

Jennifer Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, oversees the American Academy of Physician Associates and advocates for the role of PAs.

Bush revealed what she is looking forward to in the coming year and the goals she wants to accomplish.

From bug bites to poison ivy, the skin can be exposed to a large spectrum of trouble while patients spend extended time outside.

NPs and PAs in dermatology are encouraged to monitor their own cardiovascular health and support their peers.

Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, delves into the important and ever-evolving role of physician assistants in dermatology.

Dermatology Times, the SDPA, and more are celebrating the invaluable contributions of nurse practitioners in dermatology this NP Week (November 12-18).

The approval of Galdermas Restylane Eyelight was one of Martins top highlights of 2023.

For more NP and PA news, click here.

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Dermatology Times 2023 In Review: NP and PA News - Dermatology Times