SPF for Lips
Lip balms tend to use thicker wax-based ingredients intended to protect the thin skin of the lips while also sealing in moisture to add...
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Erum Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist | CEO | Functional Textile Expert | Bioethicist | Educator | Author | Mom
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Dr. Erum Ilyas
Dec 2, 20234 min read
Chin hair
Some women report the development of chin hair as early as puberty while many women note these hairs poking out by their mid-30s....
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Nov 9, 20235 min read
How to shop for retinol
If you are just starting on a retinol product, I recommend starting with brands found at the drugstore. The reason is simple. These...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Oct 21, 20233 min read
Antioxidants in Photoprotection
In some ways, you can think about safe sun protection similar to sex education. In other words, abstinence or avoiding the sun and photo...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Oct 2, 20235 min read
What’s in your clothing | Textile Dyes
Most textiles will have some sort of textile dye to impart a color to the garment and yes, this may trigger some skin issues that it's...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Aug 21, 20235 min read
Towels & Skincare | How to choose a towel with skin in mind
The ideal bath towels for skincare quickly absorb moisture, are soft against the skin while still retaining a texture to provide a...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Aug 13, 20234 min read
Forehead | Pigment, wrinkles, inflammation, dryness, pores & laxity
A lot can go on with the forehead. Some of the changes our forehead experiences as we age are anticipated, while others did not have to...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jul 7, 20236 min read
Mosquito Repellents | A must-have skincare essential for summer
Mosquito repellents work by making us less attractive to mosquitoes. They work by repelling insects, not killing them. There are a...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jul 3, 20233 min read
Sunscreen That Won't Stain Clothes
Sunscreens can either stain your clothes or leave a residue behind depending on the type chosen. In general, it can be easier to lift a...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 10, 20232 min read
Not loving that new clothes smell? Toxic chemicals and clothing
You may have noticed that when you order new clothes online, there can be a distinct toxic or “chemical-like” smell emanating from the...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 10, 20234 min read
Reapplying sunscreen | Why does this matter?
The general rule of thumb when it comes to reapplying sunscreen is to reapply every 2 hours, regardless of the SPF listed on the...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 7, 20238 min read
Shopping for Sunscreen | What People With Eczema-Prone Skin Should Remember When Buying SPF
Here is an ironic fact: some chemical sunscreen ingredients are actually common causes of photoallergic contact dermatitis. This means...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 7, 20234 min read
Hats | Sun protection simplified
To get sun protection from a hat, it has to cover your head and provide shade for the face and scalp. Shading the face alone with a...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 4, 20236 min read
Morning SPF | Sunscreen in your am skincare routine
Aside from protecting our skin from premature aging and skin cancer, choosing the right sunscreen can play a role in reducing the...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jun 4, 20234 min read
Baby Sun Protection | Sunscreen, hats, clothing
It is important to take measures to protect babies, regardless of skin tone, from sunburn. The pigment in the skin does not offer full...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
May 31, 20235 min read
Back Acne
Body or back acne (bacne) can be triggered by various causes- not all of which are true acne. Not every pimple is acne, especially when it c
Dr. Erum Ilyas
May 29, 20233 min read
Product Claims | What does "Dermatologist Tested" mean?
There is not necessarily a specific criterion a product has to meet from a regulatory perspective to use the claim “dermatologist tested”....
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Feb 11, 20232 min read
Body Odors | Can you identify the source?
When it comes to body odors and inflammation, smell can generally points to an infectious cause. Read more... Photo: Wix Disclaimer:...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Feb 4, 20235 min read
Washing your face the right way
It's amazing to talk to my patients that are 80+ with beautiful skin and say they never really washed their faces except in the shower. ...
Dr. Erum Ilyas
Jan 29, 20232 min read
Cosmetic Product Claims | "will appear" vs "will have"
Have you ever tried to decipher cosmetic product claims? These are pricey products and learning how to decode skincare can help you save...
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