Dermatology After Dark
Fluorouracil: How To Use, When To Stop (Smart Skin Dermatology Guide)
What Is Fluorouracil Cream and Why Is It Used? Fluorouracil cream is a topical chemotherapy medication that destroys fast growing cells by interfering with their DNA production. When you apply it to sun-damaged skin, it selectively targets abnormal cells while largely sparing healthy tissue. Fluorouracil is available as both a cream and a topical solution,…
Will Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?
Key Takeaways Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Really Cause Hair Loss? Here’s the straightforward answer: seborrheic dermatitis does not usually destroy hair follicles, but it can absolutely cause noticeable hair shedding and hair thinning in some people—especially during flares. If you’ve been watching more hairs circle the drain or noticing your ponytail feels thinner, your scalp inflammation…
Steroid Cream Side Effects for Eczema: How to Use Them Safely and Avoid Skin Thinning
Steroid creams have been helping people with eczema for many years. They are very good at calming down the redness and itching that come with eczema. But, it’s important to use them the right way. Using steroid creams for too long or using a strong one on delicate skin can cause side effects like thinning…
How Long Will Contact Dermatitis Last?
If you’re dealing with an itchy rash caused by something your skin touched, you’re probably wondering exactly how long this discomfort will stick around. The answer depends on a few key factors, but here’s what you can generally expect. Quick Answer: How Long Does Contact Dermatitis Last? For most people, mild cases of contact dermatitis…
How to Restore Collagen in the Face
If you’ve noticed fine lines deepening, cheeks looking a bit deflated, or your jawline losing its definition, you’re likely experiencing what happens when collagen production decreases over time. The good news? You can take meaningful steps to restore collagen in the face and rebuild what time and sun exposure have taken away. This guide breaks…
What is Exosomes Treatment
Regenerative medicine continues to evolve, and exosome-based treatments represent one of the newer approaches being explored in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. If you’ve been researching options for skin rejuvenation or hair restoration, you may have encountered claims about exosomes online or through social media. This article provides a medically accurate overview of what exosomes are,…
What Is the Best Cream to Treat Psoriasis?
If you’ve searched for the best cream to treat psoriasis, you’ve probably encountered dozens of conflicting recommendations. The reality? Finding effective psoriasis treatment requires more nuance than picking a single product off the shelf. Here’s what you need to know before reaching for any cream. Quick Answer: There’s No Single “Best” Psoriasis Cream There is…
Can Lipomas Go Away on Their Own
Discovering a soft, moveable lump under your skin can be concerning. If you’ve been diagnosed with a lipoma—or suspect you have one—you’re probably wondering whether it will simply disappear over time. Quick Answer: Do Lipomas Ever Go Away by Themselves? Lipomas almost never disappear on their own. These benign fatty tumors consist of mature fat…
How to Use Retinol: Best Practices for Glowing Skin
Are you looking to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine but unsure how to start? This guide on how to use retinol will walk you through the essential steps to get the best results while minimizing irritation. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, you’ll find practical advice and tips to help…
How to Get on Accutane: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re struggling with severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments, you’ve likely heard of Accutane. This powerful medication is a form of vitamin A and can be life-changing for many, but the process of starting it can seem complicated. From dermatologist appointments to strict government programs, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.…
How Long Does It Take For Accutane To Work? Your Complete Timeline
Accutane (isotretinoin) represents one of the most effective treatments for severe acne, but patience is essential. Understanding the timeline can help you stay committed to the treatment even when results feel slow to appear. It’s important to note that accutane start working is not immediate—many people expect Accutane to start working fast, but this is…
How to Prevent Keloid Scars After Surgery (Smart Skin Dermatology Guide)
Key Takeaways Surgery comes with many considerations, but for those prone to abnormal scars, one question often weighs heavily: will I develop a keloid? If you’ve ever watched a surgical incision transform from a thin line into a thick, raised scar that spreads beyond its original boundaries, you understand why this concern matters. Keloid scars…
Choosing the Best UVA and UVB Sunscreen for Optimal Skin Protection
At Smart Skin Dermatology here in Lehi, Utah, we understand how important it is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. UVA and UVB rays affect your skin in different ways — UVA rays contribute to aging, while UVB rays can cause burns. That’s why choosing a good UVA and UVB sunscreen that…
Can a Dermatologist Remove a Cyst
Key Takeaways You’ve noticed a firm, round lump under your skin. Maybe it’s been there for months, slowly growing. Maybe it recently became tender, red, or started draining something unpleasant. Whatever brought you here, you’re likely wondering: can a dermatologist remove a cyst? The short answer is yes—and it’s one of the most common procedures…
What Are Cosmeceuticals And Are They Worth It?
Navigating the world of skincare can feel like learning a new language. Walk into a dermatologist’s office or a high-end medispa, and you might be greeted by shelves of products labeled “physician-grade,” “medical-grade,” or the elusive “cosmeceutical.” These bottles often come with sleek packaging and a higher price tag, promising results that your drugstore moisturizer…
IPL Photofacial vs Microneedling: Tone vs Texture & How to Choose Your First Treatment
Choosing between an IPL photofacial and microneedling can feel overwhelming when you’re new to cosmetic dermatology. The good news? These two popular treatments target completely different skin concerns, which makes the decision more straightforward than you might think. Here’s what you need to know to take your first confident step into professional skin rejuvenation. Quick…
Does Birth Control Cause Acne Breakouts? A Dermatologist’s Perspective
If you’ve ever noticed your skin acting up after starting a new contraceptive—or watched your complexion clear up when switching to a different one—you’re not imagining things. The relationship between birth control and acne is real, complex, and highly individual. This guide breaks down exactly which birth control methods tend to help, hurt, or have…
Eczema vs Psoriasis: How to Tell the Difference
Both eczema and psoriasis cause red, inflamed, itchy skin that can significantly affect your daily life. Yet these two common skin conditions require different treatments, and confusing one for the other often leads to frustration and delayed relief. Understanding the key differences between eczema and psoriasis helps you have a more informed conversation with your…
How to Get Rid of Melasma: A Realistic Approach to Managing This Common Skin Condition
Those brown patches on your face that seem to appear out of nowhere and refuse to budge? You’re likely dealing with melasma, a frustrating skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you’ve been searching for ways to get rid of melasma completely, this guide will provide you with the honest truth about this…
How Much Does a CO2 Laser Treatment Cost? Pricing Factors Explained
Wondering how much a CO2 laser treatment costs? Typically, sessions for deep resurfacing with the CO2 laser range from $2,500 to $5,000+. The cost can vary based on factors like the provider’s expertise, the size of the treatment area, and the clinic’s location. Read on to understand what influences these prices. Understanding CO2 Laser Treatment…
Is CO2 Laser Worth It? A Complete Guide
CO2 laser treatments have become a popular choice for those seeking significant skin rejuvenation. With promises of turning back the clock on aging, it’s natural to ask the big question: “Is CO2 worth it?” The short answer is yes, absolutely. While the upfront cost can be significant, the dramatic and long-lasting results offer an unparalleled…
