Read Dr. Ellis’ interview with Gayle Turim from EveryDayHealth.com

Hair loss can be very frustrating. There is a long list of reasons why one may develop hair loss, and it is important to see your dermatologist to explore the different possibilities. At times, a medication you have been prescribed may cause hair loss as a side effect. The list of medications that can be associated with hair loss can be found here. If you are experiencing hair loss and started taking one of the following medications shortly before your thinning started, you should ask your doctor if your medications may be contributing to your problem.

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Most of us care a great deal about our hair.  We grow it, cut it, wash it, condition it, style it, brush it, comb it, primp it, curl it, straiten it, relax it, dye it, perm it, braid it, etc. etc.  We may even describe our day by it…. with a ’good’, or ‘bad’ hair day.

With so much time, effort, and money spent on a healthy head of hair, it is no wonder that hair loss in women can be unexpected, frustrating, and devastating for both self image and emotional well being.  Though most of us picture a man when we think of  “balding,” women actually make up forty percent of hair loss sufferers, affecting some 30 million women in the United States.

There are many reasons why women may lose hair, and it is very important to determine the reason for the hair loss.  Here, we will discuss only the most common type, called female pattern hair loss. (more…)

Here are some tips to keep you looking your best for 2008! 

DISCARD OLD, USED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Because bacteria is transferred from your fingers to your cosmetics, we suggest you discard your products one year after opening them. Products used near the eye (like mascara) should be replaced after three months. 

STOP SMOKING

We have already discussed several reasons to stop smoking here.  Smokers are more likely to have psoriasis, and to loose their hair.  It is also readily apparent that smoking makes your skin age prematurely - giving you wrinkles around your lips and eyes.

UNHAND THOSE PIMPLES!

Squeezing pimples is not the best thing for you.  Though it may appear as if you are getting the “bad stuff out”, often you are actually pushing bacteria and debris deeper into the skin.  Think of a pimple as a balloon under the skin.  When you squeeze it… you pop the balloon.  But balloons rarely pop in one direction.  They shatter.  The same thing is happening to you when you go for a zit.  You are much more likely to develop scars from pimples that you popped.

MORE SLEEP, LESS STRESS

Stress plays an important roll to our body, & our skin is no exception.  Studies have shown that stress can decrease the skin’s barrier, slow down wound healing, and lead to flairs of inflammatory skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss.

WEAR SUNSCREEN & BE SUN SMART

Regular use of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the peak hours of the day can help you avoid some types of skin cancer as well as keep your skin looking its best.  The sun’s rays may make you feel good, but it is making you look older.  Exposure to UV light makes the skin blotchy in color and wrinkle prematurely.

The best sunscreen is the one that you use regularly!  There are several good sunscreens to choose from… but it might be worth looking for a broad spectrum sunscreen that also contains strong antioxidants like green tea polyphenols.  We will discuss the benefits of green tea in future posts. 

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY

Going to the pharmacy can be overwhelming!  There are so many products, and many many claims of efficacy!  Being on too many creams can be not only confusing, but also counterproductive.  If you want to do the best you can for your skin, you should ask your dermatologist about products that they recommend.  They can help you through the marketing, and get you products that are easy to use and effective.

WASH YOUR FACE

As we make our way through the day, our skin picks up environmental debris.  It is a good idea to wash your face nightly before bed.  After washing your face, we often recommend a variety of night creams - to help you achieve the goals you are after.