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The Real Reason You’re Avoiding the Doctor’s Office (And What It’s Doing to Your Skin)

5 min read -

July 8, 2025

Let’s get real—going to the doctor can be scary. Not just for kids, but for adults, too. And if you’re someone who avoids appointments or delays care because you’re afraid it might hurt (hello, shots, blood draws, biopsies), you’re not alone. And when it comes to dermatology, fear can prevent people from seeking answers about that changing mole, that lingering rash, or the spot they know doesn’t look right.
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Daily habits, routines, and mindset shifts that support skin health and whole-body wellness.

Lifestyle

Daily habits, routines, and mindset shifts that support skin health and whole-body wellness.

How and when to get off the ‘Hot Girl’ hamster wheel!

Do you ever feel like your skin care and beauty routine is a never ending cycle…a hamster wheel with no end
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Optimal Health for Your Skin and Body

Creating Optimal Health in Mid-Life Think skincare is just what actives you use and procedures you have done. Nope.
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Burn Out And Our Health

Who here hasn’t felt underappreciated, overwhelmed, overworked, and quite frankly ready to quit some days at their job.
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Why All Sleep Is ‘Beauty’ Sleep!

If you’re anything like me circa 2010, you may have thought of sleep as a waste of time in today’s busy
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Productivity Hacks For People Who Have No Time!

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending game of catch-up, trying to balance work, family, and everything else life throws
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How to Get Rid of Mom Guilt and Perfectionism!

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, love, and a never-ending to-do list. Can I get an amen.
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New Year’s Resolutions- set yourself up for success!

Wow, I am still in shock that we are already embarking on a new year (insert eyes wide open emoji please).
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Skin Health

Foundational tips and everyday practices to strengthen, protect, and maintain naturally healthy skin.

The Real Reason You’re Avoiding the Doctor’s Office (And What It’s Doing to Your Skin)

Let’s get real—going to the doctor can be scary. Not just for kids, but for adults, too. And if you’re someone
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Sunscreen, Eczema, and Bug Bites – Summer Skincare for Kids

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably questioned what’s truly safe for your child’s skin.
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Closet Full of Clothes, Nothing to Wear? The Style Mistake That’s Costing You Confidence

Ever looked at your overflowing closet and thought, “Why do I still feel like I have nothing to wear. ” If
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Acne is temporary, but the scars can last a lifetime:

Let’s talk acne scars. Because even after the pimples have cleared, the emotional and physicalreminders often stick around—and I get it.
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Skincare, Savings, and Self-Worth: Redefining Self-Care in Midlife

We’ve been sold a lie—and it’s showing up on our credit card statements. The lie. That expensive beauty = better self-worth.
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Look Better, Not “Done”: Real Skin Solutions for Men

The New Face of Men’s Skincare Let’s get one thing straight: Skincare isn’t just for women.
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What Kids Need to Know About Their Skin

Skincare for Kids Isn’t Just Cute — It’s CriticalBy Dr.
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Let’s Talk Lasers: What You Really Need to Know Before You Zap

Real skin care. Real simple. Real expertise. If you’re considering laser skin treatment, you’re not alone.
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Procedures for Menopausal Skin

Menopause, Hormones and Your Skin – What You Need to Know. Let’s be honest: menopause doesn’t exactly sneak in.
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Why Gut Health Matters for Skin Health

When we think about glowing skin, we often focus on serums, sunscreens, and skincare routines.
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The Truth About PRP: Myths, Facts, and What You Need to Know

PRP: Hype or Hope.
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40s Skin Survival Guide: What’s Happening & How to Treat It

Turning 40 is a milestone in many ways, and your skin is no exception.
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Why Coaching Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Life (and Your Skin Routine)

Life moves fast.
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The Truth About Fillers!

Let’s talk about fillers—because, let’s be honest, they’ve gotten quite the reputation.
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Are Med Spas Safe?

Medical spas, or med spas, are seemingly everywhere.
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Your Best Skin During Menopause

Aging is a privilege—it means you’re alive.
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Vitamin A For Your Skin: All About Retinoids

Ah, retinols and retinoids—the skincare heroes every dermatologist swears by and every newbie finds, well, a little intimidating.
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The Myth of ‘Balanced Hormones’

If there’s one truth in life, it’s that you will age if you live long enough. And hopefully we do.
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Laser-Focused! How to Choose the Right Laser for Your Skin

When you hear the word “lasers,” what comes to mind. Sci-fi gadgets. Wrinkle-busting treatments.
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Enhancing Your Beauty Span from the Inside Out

At The Skin Real, I celebrate the science of skin, the art of self-care, and the power of longevity.
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Nailed It?! Derm Approved Healthy Nail Habits

Nails aren’t just there to show off your favorite polish or nail art—they’re a direct reflection of your overall health (yep,
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More Than Skin Deep: How Skin Conditions Shape Lives

When Things Are Skin Deep, but Life Changing Let’s face it: chronic skin conditions aren’t just about what’s happening on the
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Aging Gracefully-Facts and Fiction

Aging gracefully—is it just a feel-good buzzword, or something we can genuinely aspire to. Does it mean letting nature take its
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Lean Into the ‘No Filter’ Life with Real Skin Care

In a world where glossy filters and airbrushed perfection dominate, let’s get real for a second. Do you even remember what
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Laser Resurfacing—The Safe, Effective Way to Turn Back Time on Your Skin

When it comes to skincare and cosmetic treatments, few buzzwords spark curiosity and fear quite like “laser resurfacing.
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Skincare Actives You Need…And What You Should Ditch!

As a dermatologist who’s seen it all, I’ve met patients from both ends of the skincare spectrum—from the minimalists to those
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Winterize Your Skin: Ultimate Guide to Winter Skin Care

Winter is approaching, and while it brings cozy sweaters and holiday cheer, it can also bring dull, dry, and flaky skin…no
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Creating a Safe and Effective Skin Care Brand

What does it take to really create safe and effective skin care and not just buzz wordy ‘clean beauty’. When it
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Living with Vitiligo: One Woman’s Unique Skin Journey

Have you ever seen someone with light, even white patches on their skin and wondered what was causing it.
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Beyond Fillers…All About Biotstimulants!

If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of fillers, you’ve likely heard of hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane.
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How to Live and Thrive, with Allergic Contact Dermatitis!

As dermatologists, we diagnose and manage over 3,000 skin conditions, and one of the most common, and often challenging to treat,
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Why Your Intimate Relationships Deserve As Much Attention As Your Skincare Routine!

Okay be honest… How much time do you spend each day thinking about or doing your beauty routine and skincare steps.
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Don’t be embarrassed to ask your dermatologist about this!

Who here has ever had a skin problem but was too embarrassed to ask someone about it. I know I have.
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Overcoming Hair Loss to Find Your Authentic Self!

I’ve talked about hair loss so many times, and yet, people still have so many questions. Why.
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Could your rash be autoimmune?

That dry patch of skin that just won’t go away, the flakiness in your scalp, or even the rash that appears
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Understanding Skin Cancers

As a dermatologist who treats skin cancers, I can’t stress enough how important it is to understand skin cancers and how
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The dirty truth about ‘clean’ beauty!

Who hasn’t come across the term ‘clean’ beauty. I know I have. And really, who wouldn’t want their beauty products to
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5 tips from a ‘Skinthusiast’

I love connecting with other dermatology experts, and my recent chat with Amy Koberling from ‘The Skinthusiast’ was such a treat.
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Will Biohacking Save Your Skin?

We often associate our skin with our appearance only, but did you know that our skin actually reveals the inner workings
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Will AI replace your dermatologist?

By now, who hasn’t heard about artificial intelligence (AI) and programs like ChatGPT.
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Sunscreen’s BFF- the powerful fern extract you didn’t know you needed!

As a dermatologist, I am always reminding people about the importance of sun protection. And for most people, that means slathering
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The Number One Reason You Have Acne!

Think acne’s just a teenage problem. Think again. Many women in their 30s, 40s, and even older still deal with breakouts.
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Dry skin, weight gain, hair loss?…it may be this!

Have you ever found yourself dealing with hair loss, feeling constantly tired, always feeling cold, or struggling with weight gain that
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The mid-life ‘Pause’ and what it means for your skin!

If you’re in midlife and noticing that you’re forgetting things more often, feeling more anxious, experiencing heart palpitations, mood swings, weight
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5+ Pediatric Skincare Myths…BUSTED!

It’s no secret that navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to our little ones.
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The next frontier in Skin Health!

Who hasn’t heard about stem cell therapies curing disease, organs being grown in petri dishes, and 3D printing of crucial body
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Next-Level Sun Protection…Beyond Sunscreen!

If you’re someone who values your skin’s health, but loves soaking up the sun’s warmth, then UPF clothing might just be
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The real scoop on ‘Sephora Babies!’

Ok, ok, ok. By now, who hasn’t heard the hype about tweens as young as 9 and 10 getting into the
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Hair loss- it takes a village, and the kitchen sink!

Not a day goes by without someone asking me about hair loss, both in and outside of my clinic.
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You’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer…now what?!

CANCER. It’s a scary word. And when it comes to skin cancer, the fear is no different.
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Getting Your Glow Up For Your Big Day-wedding ready skin dos and don’ts

Tan lines, overdone filler, and bruising – these are the last things a bride needs to deal with.
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Practicing Dermatology the New Old Way with Direct Pay

Ok raise your hand if you’ve ever been frustrated by ever rising health care premiums, higher and higher deductibles, long waits
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My Top Skin Care Myths…Busted! PART 2

Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through beauty blogs, skincare forums, or social media platforms, wanting to find the best
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My Top Skin Care Myths…Busted! PART 1

In today’s constantly growing beauty and skincare world, there’s no shortage of myths and misunderstandings about how to care for our
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Shades of Skin: Exploring Truths & Myths in Skin of Color

Did you know that in the U. S. , over 40% of people identify as ‘skin of color’ (SOC). And by
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The chronic skin condition you’ve never heard of….all about HS!

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic skin condition characterized by the development of painful, inflamed lesions
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Want your tween to have healthy skin habits? Do this!

Who could have thought that the world of skincare and beauty has now permeated into the preteen arena.
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The Holy Grail of dermatology (and it’s not sunscreen)

If you’re into all things skincare, you’re probably familiar with retinols and retinoids.
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Can’t stop obsessing over your skin? You may have this!

As a dermatologist who also focuses on aesthetics, I come across many people who want to look and feel their best.
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What you need to know if you have skin of color!

Have you ever come across the term Skin of Color (SOC).
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Dark Under Eyes…Oh My!

As a dermatologist, one of the questions I’m frequently asked revolves around treating dark circles under the eyes.
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Is ‘Ozempic Face’ Real?

Who hasn’t felt bombarded by the relentless marketing of the latest wonder drug for weight loss.
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The ‘sunshine’ vitamin: all about vitamin D

As a dermatologist, I am always advising people to wear sunscreen and protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the
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What your style says about your skin!

Did you know that your style could actually communicate a lot about your perception of your skin and beauty. Okay, hear
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Exosomes- the next generation for regeneration!

Are you fascinated by the incredible world of regenerative medicine. If so, you’ve probably come across the buzz about exosomes.
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If your goal for 2024 is healthy skin, you must do this!

Hold on, can you believe another year has slipped away already. It’s January 1st, 2024.
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‘More Than A Pretty Face’ recap!

It’s Christmas Day, December 25th, 2023, and if you’re anything like me, you’re at home, cherishing these moments with family on
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Holiday Skin Care!

Can you believe it’s the end of the year already. I don’t know about you, but the holidays are such a
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Why Skin Care in Your 30s is Clutch!

For anyone out there in their thirties or beyond, you know what I’m talking about when I say things start to
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Is your sunscreen causing cancer?

The short answer for those who like to get straight to the point is NO. No, your sunscreen is not causing
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Will this device replace a face lift?

The aesthetic community is abuzz with excitement about an innovative technology that tightens skin and improves skin laxity, all without the
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Healthy skin reset with microneedling!

Microneedling has become incredibly popular lately, but what exactly is it, and does it deliver on its promises.
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2 steps to find your healthy skin care habits!

Who hasn’t been lured by marketers and influencers based on the promise of healthy, beautiful skin. I know I have.
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The Power of Self-Image

What do you think of when you hear the words ‘self-image. ‘ Perhaps how you look, how you feel, what you
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The good and bad with facial plastic surgery trends!

We’ve all encountered them – the ever-changing skincare and aesthetic trends that come and go on social media. But how do
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How to Un-do Summer Damage!

The weather is getting cooler, the days are growing shorter, and pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere you look. It can only
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The Deadly Skin Cancer You’ve Probably Never Heard About

While melanoma, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas are well-known skin cancers, there exists another type that is steadily rising
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7 Ways To Really Boost Your Collagen!

Collagen is definitely a buzz word these days.
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Why your skin is ‘More Than A Pretty Face’ with Dr. Azi

Being both a practicing dermatologist and a podcaster brings with it a wonderful opportunity to connect with some of my amazing
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Who’s leading your skin care journey?

The skincare industry is a BILLION $$$ business promising people eternal youth and amazing skin. But is it all too good
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Do you know your skin type?

We often hear people say that we need to ‘know our skin type,’ but what does this actually mean.
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Can we reverse the aging process?

Getting older is something that happens to those lucky enough to live long lives. However, not all the changes that happen
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Botox in a bottle…or too good to be true? All about peptides!

Imagine this: Botox in a bottle. Sounds too good to be true, right. But wait, does it actually work.
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Are you forgetting this important step in your skin care routine?

Yes, it’s really hot outside, and my plants are clearly telling me they’re thirsty. But let me ask you this: are
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Acne- not just for teenagers!

Acne vulgaris, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition, occurs due to the dysfunction of pilosebaceous units in the skin.
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Baby Skincare- How to Pick the Right Products

Are babies and children simply small adults. Absolutely not. Not too long ago, people used to believe this misconception.
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Poison Ivy- leaves of 3, let them be!

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors but amidst the lush greenery, there’s an unwelcome guest that can turn
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Silicone Patches- Facts or Hype?

If you’re an avid user of TikTok, chances are you’ve come across the term ‘Silicone patches’ in your feed.
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It’s Getting Hot In Here- Sweating 101

As the sun blazes and temperatures rise, summer brings along the discomfort of feeling hot and sweaty.
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The Sun: relationship status–> it’s complicated!

Our relationship with the sun is…well, it’s complicated. The sun plays a vital role in sustaining life for both plants and
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Postpartum Skin Care- Welcome to the 4th Trimester!

Congratulations. You’ve accomplished something incredible by nurturing a real, tiny human being throughout the past 9 months.
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Vitamin C Packs a Punch with Dr. Jenny Liu

Powerful, attractive, and slightly unstable, no we’re not talking about your ex, rather a mighty anti-oxidant.
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Affordable Skin Care: yes, it’s possible!

Did you know that the skin care industry is a multi billion dollar business.
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Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin!

Is the saying “you are what you eat” really true. Well, It could be.
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May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Did you know that May is Melanoma awareness month.
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Do you know JAK?

If you’ve ever dealt with a chronic inflammatory skin condition like psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, you know just how challenging it
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How to Prep for your Injectable Visit

If you have an upcoming injectable appointment with your dermatologist, it’s time to get pumped (and plumped).
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Spring Clean Your Skin Care!

Spring is here, and with the arrival of warmer weather(at least here in the U. S.
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How Best To Prep for Your Dermatology Visit

The wait is over and your general dermatology appointment is finally here. Some of you may have been eagerly anticipating this
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This Little Light of Mine- All About Dermoscopy!

If you’ve been to the dermatologist recently for a skin check, you may have noticed your doctor using a little light
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Treatments

Expert guidance on aesthetic and medical dermatology treatments to help you make informed, confident choices for your skin.

Everything You Need to Know About Hair Transplants: What You Wish You Knew Sooner

Hair Loss is More Common Than You Think Hair loss can be a deeply emotional experience, and it affects more people
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Tired of Looking Tired? Everything You Need to Know About Tear Trough Filler

If your under-eye area makes you look perpetually exhausted—no matter how much sleep you get—you’re not alone.
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PRP for Hair Loss: Does It Work and Is It Worth It?

Hair loss is one of the most common concerns patients bring to dermatologists.
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Getting to the Root of Hair Loss

Hair loss is one of the most frustrating beauty concerns out there.
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Hair Loss Treatments That Work!

Hair loss is a deeply personal and often emotional journey, especially for women.
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Thinking about getting an aesthetic procedure? Do this first!

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of aesthetic procedures and products. You’re not alone.
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Are our eyes really the window to our souls?

Are our eyes really the window to our souls.
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Hair loss hacks- what works and what’s the worst!

Losing your hair can feel like you’re losing your mind, right.
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Healthy Hair After Baby!

So your new bundle of joy is finally here. You are slowly adjusting to your new normal and trying to get
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Lasers and the Skin- what you need to know!

Lasers and light-energy devices have been around for decades, but in recent years, they have become more popular than ever.
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Losing Your Mind About Losing Your Hair?

A top concern for both men and women is hair loss, whether it’s thinning or straight up falling out.
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All About Dermal Fillers

You’ve probably heard about them, and perhaps even know someone who’s had them. But do you really know what dermal fillers
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Myths and Truths About Taking Care of a Wound

So how do you really take care of a wound. This is probably one of the most asked questions I get,
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Welcome To Mohs!

Mohs (pronounced like the food chain, Moe’s) surgery is considered the ‘gold standard’ in skin cancer treatment, but what is it
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Scars and Wound Healing- what really happens?

Who hasn’t been afflicted with a scar at some point in their lives.
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Science

Breaking down the research and skin biology behind what really works, no hype, just skin science made simple.

Your Skin Barrier- what it is and why it’s important!

If you read any beauty blogs you may have heard about your skin barrier.
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Nicotinamide- a mighty B vitamin!

Most people take at least one vitamin on a daily basis and there’s now a pill that could help you prevent
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Longevity

Tools and insights to help you age gracefully, protect your skin long-term, and feel confident at every stage of life.

Longevity: The Inside-Out Approach to Thriving at Any Age

Aging isn’t merely about accumulating years—it’s about enhancing the quality of those years.
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My 3 tips to age in reverse!

Okay, okay, okay, made you look. Age in reverse—is that even possible, you ask. Sounds too good to be true, I
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Losing Your Mind About Losing Your Hair?

A top concern for both men and women is hair loss, whether it’s thinning or straight up falling out.
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Want to know what my no. 1 anti-aging secret is?

When people find out I’m a dermatologist, one of the first questions I’m asked is this: “How do I keep my
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