Category: Our Blog

It’s pretty safe to say that scalp problems of any nature (itchiness, flaking, and the like), are highly annoying to anyone suffering from them. But scalp psoriasis — a common condition characterized by thick, red scaly patches of skin that can cover the entire scalp and be chronic — is arguably the most painful and inconvenient of them all. Scalp psoriasis treatment often comes in the form of oils, steroid solutions, and even ointments, but basic care for it starts in the shower with the shampoo you use. Those battling scalp psoriasis want to aim for a formula that simultaneously sloughs away flakes as it soothes irritation.

The list doesn’t include the Canadian product Sebcur-T which is very popular with Canadian dermatologists. Check out the rest here.

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Women have been preaching the importance of moisturizer for generations. While there is zero doubt these days that it’s a must-have step in any skincare routine, there are a few old wives’ tales about face cream still going around that may be affecting your beauty game. From trusting your lotion’s sun protection to putting product on dry skin, we’re revealing the top five myths about moisturizer you should stop believing ASAP.

Myth #1: All creams are basically the same.

Most moisturizers have some combination of water-attracting humectants and occlusive ingredients to lock hydration in, says Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Toronto dermatologist and medical director of Toronto Dermatology Centre. The difference, he notes, is that every product features a range of ingredients in various concentrations, accounting for the wide array of formulas featuring unique consistencies (think cream vs. lotion vs. ointment). All of which is to say, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all product, so always choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type.

To learn more about the top myths about moisturizer click here.

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“Breakouts are the worst. And if you’re one of the 40 to 50 million Americans that acne affects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, then you know just how much it sucks.

So, what causes this skin disorder ruiner of first dates slash everything? Mainly the overproduction of oil; blocked hair follicles that don’t allow the aforementioned oil to leave the pore, which often results in a clogged pore; and the growth of bacteria inside the hair follicles called P. acnes.”

Find out what reasons might be causing you to break out here!

Credit: Cosmopolitan.com

“You’ve seen the (google “Blackhead Removal SHOCKING Video” — or don’t), the DIY facial-scrub recipes, and yes, even the little black dots all over your nose in your 10x magnifying mirror. Blackheads are exceedingly common. But, why are they so irksome?” Click here to learn why our pores get clogged and blackheads form,  and how to properly get rid of them with proper skin care routine and what products to use.

Credit: Fiona Gibb, refinery29.com

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It is one of the most tried-and-trusted skincare ingredients out there and has been added to anti-ageing products for decades. Despite this, many people are too scared to use it. Why? If it’s not used properly, it can cause your face to fall off (well, peel off, but equally horrifying in our books). This is because retinol is strong and, if used incorrectly, can cause skin to become red and irritated. It isn’t pretty and it can cause damage that will require months of tending to. But it doesn’t have to be this way. For a break down of all the things you should to know about this antiaging vitamin, click here.

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If you’ve tried all the creams and magic serums in the world yet are still looking for an effective way to treat fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars, you might want to try microneedling. Exactly how it sounds, microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment in which a dermatologist or aesthetician creates tiny punctures in the skin using micro-fine needles (from 0.5 to 2 millimeters in diameter). This triggers the body’s wound healing process, stimulating collagen and elastin production. Additionally, once punctures are made, products applied topically (such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C) are able to penetrate deeper into the skin in order to work more effectively. But like any treatment, there are a few factors to consider before deciding whether microneedling is the best choice for you. Click here and find out 8 things you should know before trying it.

Credit: By Brooke Shunatona, Cosmopolitan.com

Some things, like fine wine and leather jackets, get better with age. Unfortunately, your skin is not one of those things. Sun, collagen loss, pregnancy and stress all contribute to dark spots, wrinkles and scars—and the sooner you come up with a treatment plan, the better. Click here to find out when dermatologists suggest it’s time to head to the dermatologist’s office to fix a variety of common skin issues.

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While we all know it is important to take care of our face, we often tend to forget the rest of our body. The neck, décolleté, and hands are quick indicators as to our true age if left unattended.

Treating off the face is actually easier for most patients because either there is no downtime or the areas can be covered while healing. Practically any treatment or concern for the face can also be a concern for other areas.

Last summer I was watching a commercial on TV and a well-known model was the spokesperson. She was popular in the 80’s and she still looked very good. However, as the camera panned out, her neck, obviously without makeup, looked a good 10-15 years older than her face. It was so obvious that even my husband, who was just walking by the room pointed it out say  “what happened to her neck?”

We can alleviate sun damage on all area of the body, including the areas mentioned above, arms, back and even legs with great success. It is possible to stimulate collagen and smooth out the neck, arms and hands with PRP and microneedling or lasers. I find the chest tends to be easily neglected and can be covered in both brown spots and broken vessels as it is easily forgotten with regular home care. In fact the centre of the chest can often form lines for those who sleep on their sides. All of these concerns are treatable at Toronto Dermatology Centre.

Don’t be afraid to ask for fillers for the hands if you find them to appear veiny and aging. Our dermatologists are professional and experienced in treating off the face when it comes to fillers.

Bottom line is simple: if there are areas on your body that you notice that need a little TLC, come in and find out what options are available to you. You may be surprised to see how easily your concerns can be addressed, and all it takes is a free 15 minute consult to find out exactly where to begin.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre