Protecting Skin of Color: Understanding Photodamage and Optimizing Sunscreen Strategies
Recent advances in photodermatology have expanded our understanding of how multiple wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum contribute to skin damage, aging, pigmentary disorders, and skin cancer risk. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation has traditionally been the primary focus of sun protection, visible light (VL), high-energy visible (HEV) light, infrared (IR) radiation, and even heat have …
Recent advances in photodermatology have expanded our understanding of how multiple wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum contribute to skin damage, aging, pigmentary disorders, and skin cancer risk. While ultraviolet (UV) radiation has traditionally been the primary focus of sun protection, visible light (VL), high-energy visible (HEV) light, infrared (IR) radiation, and even heat have … 
At the 2024 Pigmentary Disorders Exchange Symposium in Chicago, Dr. Zoe Draelos, an expert dermatologist and research scientist, gave a comprehensive lecture on skin aging, emphasizing that photodamage is just one aspect of a broader spectrum of factors influencing skin health. Her lecture focused on understanding how various elements contribute to skin aging beyond traditional UV radiation, inclu … 
There’s a new moniker for facial puffiness: “cortisol face.” As described in an article in Parade, cortisol face is a catch-all term for facial swelling due to elevated cortisol levels. The term became popular on TikTok to describe facial puffiness, roundness, and redness or flushing. Physicians quoted in the article pointed out the benefits of cortisol and recommended people talk to their d … 
Another summer means another season for dermatologists in battling sunscreen misinformation, which is a tougher job nowadays thanks to social media. The anti-sunscreen movement, as chronicled by CBS News, is especially influencing young people. Dermatologists are responding by trying to set the record straight on the safety of sunscreen ingredients and the benefits of wearing sunscreen. Dermatolog … 
Health recently asked if it’s ever OK to go outside without sunscreen. The article highlighted the American Academy of Dermatology’s approach of always wearing sunscreen when going outside as well as recent discussion in the U.S. and Australia that questions the strict guidance, especially in light of vitamin D.
For an expert’s take, I reached out to Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, director of …