May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and it’s our opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of melanoma, the importance of early detection, and the many ways to practice sun safety. Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer because it can be fatal, but the majority of melanomas are totally preventable. Melanomas come from the skin’s pigment cells that produce skin color. These cells can be found anywhere we have skin, so melanoma can develop anywhere we have skin, even where the sun doesn’t shine. But it is most common in areas of most sun exposure or sun-damaged skin. When detected early ..read more

RETINOL – Also known as a form of vitamin A, retinol increases cell turnover and boosts collagen production. As a result, loose skin is plumped up so lines disappear, and pigmentation is lightened so skin appears brighter. Since it stimulates cell turnover in the lower layers of skin and prevents pore clogging, it’s also an effective anti-acne ingredient.  BAKUCHIOL – A plant-derived retinol-like ingredient from seeds of the babchi plant. Also used for anti-aging in place of retinol (above). It might be less irritating than retinol itself.  NIACINAMIDE – Also known as vitam ..read more

Fraxel is a nonsurgical way of treating aging skin and wrinkles, scarring such as after acne, as well as brown spots and sun damage. It is skin resurfacing at its finest. Fraxel laser treatment helps your skin build its own collagen by creating microscopic laser columns that our skin then tries to “fill” naturally with new collagen, truly amazing when you think about it! It has limited downtime and beautiful results. It can be used to focus on wrinkles and fine lines, brown spots and pigmentation (such as melasma), or areas of acne scarring. It can be used on all skin tones. Treatment reg ..read more

What is Sofwave?! Sofwave is an FDA-approved, NONinvasive procedure to help lift and tighten the face and neck using ultrasound technology. It can improve laxity of the skin along the jawline and neck, help lift the brows, and improve fine lines by building collagen. Who should have Sofwave? Anyone who wants to PRESERVE their face firmness and smooth jawline- basically anyone who wants to fight gravity on their face! That means you may be 30, 40, 50, or even 60 and want to prevent what’s going to happen over time. AND Sofwave is for anyone who wants to help CORRECT or improve what gravity and ..read more

The holiday season is all about love and cheer, but we can’t forget what cold weather, added stress and dietary changes can do to your skin. Add in the holiday parties where it’s hard to not indulge in the eating and drinking, and even your skin will start to rebel. To make sure your skin stays in the best shape for the holiday season, we’re here to offer some ways you can prepare for the crazy months ahead. 1. Bulk up the Hydration As the cooler temperatures roll in, it’s time to bring out the super hydrating products and add a thicker moisturizer to your skin regimen. Ramp up by using a moi ..read more

If you’ve never thought about how long you should keep your beauty products or just not paid attention, then now is the time! Do beauty products expire? Absolutely. Any cosmetic product will expire within a few years after the date you open it, usually sooner. “Clean” or “natural” beauty products expire more quickly because they usually have natural, plant-based ingredients and do not contain preservatives that prevent spoiling. Expiration dates show how long you should keep a product open and use it. Once you open a cosmetic product, you’ve broken any airtight seal it might have had. This se ..read more

One of the most commonly asked questions from our patients is about discoloration of the skin. From freckles and sun damage, to dark spots after acne or rashes, to discoloration from hormones or pregnancy, hyperpigmentation comes in many forms, and we address it all at DermPhysicians of New England. In this month’s blog, we will cover some of the most common types of hyperpigmentation and how they can be treated. What is Hyperpigmentation? Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin, the skin’s pigment or color, is overproduced in certain spots on the skin, causing discoloration or darkening of the ..read more

Being a teenager is difficult, and skin changes can contribute. It can also be difficult to tell teens and tweens what to do, including for their skincare routine. This guide covers teen skincare routines for girls and boys. Encourage your teens to make the most out of their skincare routine- sooner than later! Navigating Teenage Skin There are many biological differences between teenagers’ and adults’ skin. Teenagers’ bodies go through so much change and so rapidly that their skin is bound to react. As a result, many teenagers struggle with acne and other skin problems. Skin problems can get ..read more

Fun Facts Did you know that moisturizer with sunscreen in it still only gives you 2 hours of sun protection? Did you know sunscreen sticks are easy, quick ways to reapply, especially on the hands and for kids’ faces? Did you know that when the average person applies a sunscreen with an SPF 30, they are actually getting an SPF 16? That’s due to the amount that we put on. SPF Explained SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is how we measure the protection from the sun’s UVB rays. We recommend staying over 30 SPF. You’ll also want to make sure your sunscreen is “broad spectrum” — meaning it pr ..read more

There is more fiction than fact on the internet about many things- including acne! Let’s clarify some common untruths about acne! Myth #1- “Exfoliating with scrubs will help clear acne.” With names like “blackhead eraser” and “pore minimizing scrub,” who wouldn’t want to try one to treat their acne? But unfortunately, the names don’t deliver, and using harsh scrubs for sensitive acne-prone skin will typically only cause further irritation and inflammation. It may “feel” good to you, but it isn’t helpful for your skin or acne. Myth #2- “Acne always goes away on its own.” Unfortunately, some for ..read more