My skin has been sweating badly, especially under my breasts! My skin turns so red and there are bumps. Is it hives or excema?
Sweating under the breasts is very common in the summer. Sometimes this can cause an overgrowth of yeast which looks like a red bumpy rash. Try an antifungal powder in the area daily to prevent excess moisture.
How frequently should sunscreen be applied throughout the day?
If you will be out in the sun all day, you need to apply every two hours to get the best protection. For everyday use, a moisturizer with SPF 30 in the morning should be sufficient.
What if I’m allergic to SPF? Is there an alternative?
Try a chemical-free sunscreen with zinc oxide such as Specific Beauty Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield SPF 50
What about blocking the vitamin D from sunscreens? Isn’t Vitamin D important, especially for African-Americans?
Vitamin D deficiency should be treated with Vitamin D supplements. In addition, even if you apply daily sunscreen to your face, you will still get vitamin D from the sun exposure on your arms.
What’s the best protection for construction workers?
Wear a hat. A hat with a four-inch brim is ideal. Long-sleeved sun protective clothing also prevents sun exposure.
Are there any sunblock products for Black skin that don’t make us look ashy?
The ingredients that cause ashiness are the physical blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They now have micronized versions which don’t cause ashy skin such as Specific Beauty Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield SPF 50.
What are some good products in addition to sunscreen for hyper-pigmentation?
Use an antioxidant in the morning to prevent further damage from the sun. You can also try Specific Beauty Dark Spot Corrector Pads which are excellent for hyper-pigmentation.
I’m a Black woman, 31 years old, and cannot seem to get rid of acne. I have combination skin. What can I use that will clear this up?
If your acne does not get better with over the counter treatments with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you may need to see a dermatologist. There are many new acne treatments for adult women that are extremely effective.
How can I get rid of dark circles under my eyes?
Dark circles can be challenging and are often hereditary. Getting more sleep can help. Make sure to wear sunscreen. You can try an eye cream which can offer some improvement.
The SPF in lip balm broke me out. I believe I’m allergic to it. What should I use for sun block?
The most common sunscreen allergy is to oxybenzone. Look for lip products that don’t have this ingredient.
I hear that African shea butter is a natural sunscreen but does it meet the 30% SPF? And what does SPF stand for?
SPF – sun protection factor refers to protection from UVB rays. Unfortunately, although shea butter is one of my favorite natural products it does not provide SPF30 protection.
Is there a type of sunscreen for oily or sensitive skin types?
The most common sunscreen allergy is to oxybenzone. Look for products that don’t have this ingredient. Physical blockers contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and do not irritate the skin.
Does the doctor have any suggestions on how to make keloids less notable on light skin?
See a dermatologist. Injections with cortisone can flatten keloids.
Good morning, Dr. Woolery Lloyd. My question is, how prevalent are skin tags and how concerned should people be about them?
Skin tags are not dangerous and very common. I see them everyday in my practice. They can removed if they get irritated or for cosmetic reasons.
Doc, I’m a male and always get ingrown hairs on my head and beard. It also causes skin discoloration. What can I do to eliminate it?
Laser hair removal completely eliminates this problem. However, this is not covered by insurance and can be expensive. Shave in the direction of hair growth. Try clippers or a razor designed to prevent razor bumps. For dark spots, try Specific Beauty Skin Brightening Serum, which is helpful for dark spots and has retinol to help exfoliate and prevent the ingrown hairs.
What are some good products in addition to sunscreen for hyper-pigmentation?
Use an antioxidant in the morning to prevent further damage from the sun. You can also try Specific Beauty Dark Spot Corrector Pads which are excellent for hyper-pigmentation.
What’s the difference between a sunblock and sunscreen?
We used to use the word sunblock, but have now switched to sunscreen since no product completely blocks the sun 100%.
How do you prevent or treat an underarm boil ?
Warm compresses. If it doesn’t improve, see the dermatologist for possible drainage and antiobitics.
What is the best way to treat very oily skin?
A benzoyl peroxide wash and benzoyl peroxide gel daily will help. Also, the Specific Beauty Dark Spot Corrector Pads are excellent for oily skin.
What’s the name of the sunscreen that tested well ?
That study looked at some common sunscreens. The one that tested the best in that study was La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Milk.
What is the best daily moisturizer with SPF 30?
Try Specific Beauty Daily Hydrating Lotion SPF 40 or Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30 Is there a natural organic sunscreen? I don’t particularly like putting chemicals on my 6-year-old. Physical blockers contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and do not irritate the skin and are great for kids.
I’m an African-American woman, 49 years old. I live in Florida and have lived in Florida my entire life. I have skin tags on the side of my face and neck they’re not big or ugly, but lately one or two have become somewhat tender to touch. Is this a cause for concern?
Skin tags are not dangerous and very common. They can removed if they get irritated or for cosmetic reasons.
What is a good remedy for large pores, including laser treatment?
Fraxel is a laser used for large pores. Make sure you see a dermatologist that has experience in all skin types.
I have a I have a slight rash that comes and goes on my wedding ring finger. I thought it was because of the type of gold. What can I do?
You may be allergic to nickel. You might have to look for a nickel-free band.
I clean/moisturize my face daily but still have dry places on my chin/cheek and around side of nose AND skin is oily. What can I do?
Try a lightweight moisturizer with ceramides for combination skin like Specific Beauty Professional Moisture Complex.
Please ask the doctor: What are brands of sunscreen that works well alone & under makeup for African American skin? Why do you get a gritty feeling after working out with sunscreen on? Should our children’s sunscreen be SPF 30 as well or more?
Try Specific Beauty Daily Hydrating Lotion SPF 40 or Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30. Some sunscreens can get gritty after sweating. After working out, wash your face and reapply.Yes, children’s sunscreen should be SPF 30, especially when they are out in the sun all day.
Doctor, I have a softball size area on my upper back that always itches. It stared off about a quarter size and has grown over the last several years. Should I go to a regular doctor or a specialist?
This is probably something called notalgia paresthetica. It is very common. See a dermatologist for a prescription cortisone to help with the itching.
Good morning. Which is best to use to reduce character lines or laugh lines in men, retinol or collagen?
A topical retinol can help.
Does wearing makeup and sunscreen affect its ability to protect you skin?
Apply SPF first and then apply makeup. The makeup will not affect your SPF 30.
How do I get rid small hair bumps all over my thighs, even though I shave properly? I want smooth skin.
Try Amlactin12% lotion daily. It is a moisturizer with 12% lactic acid to exfoliate the rough skin on your thighs.
I have used many different brands of sunscreen on my 7-year-old and it seems like they all cause a hive like break out on his skin. Is there a particular ingredient that i should look for not being in the ingredients?
The most common sunscreen allergy is to oxybenzone. Look for products that don’t have this ingredient. Physical blockers contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and do not irritate the skin.
I’ve heard the chemicals in sunscreen aren’t good for you and people should use coconut oil instead. Is that true?
Although coconut oil is one of my favorite natural ingredients, it does not provide sun protection.
Can the doctor provide the list of the sunscreens that provide the true SPF listed?
Here is a link to an article that summarizes the study.
Why is sunscreen so oily? Are there n e brands that are not oily?
Specific Beauty Ultra Clear Daily Sun Shield SPF 50 is a matte sunscreen and causes no oily sheen. It is excellent for oily and sensitive skin.
Can you put sunblock on a 9-month-old baby?
Yes. Choose a physical sunscreen such as Coppertone Water Babies.
My wife has eczema on her neck that comes and go what can she use?
She can try gentle cleansers such as Dove for sensitive skin. Also hydrocortisone 1% ointment twice daily should help. If there’s no improvement with over-the-counter treatments, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger cortisone ointment.
Is there a connection between sarcoidosis and vitiligo?
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition which means that the immune skin is attacking certain cells in the body. Some people also consider sarcoidosis an autoimmune condition.
I went to my skin doctor, and she told me that I had a skin fungus in my skin that was causing my skin to get vary itchy. What kind of fungus does that? And do you know of any natural ways to treat it?
Fungal infections in the skin are very common and can be controlled with topical anti-fungals. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-fungal but can cause burning in sensitive skin so you need to try a test spot and use sparingly. Topical anti-fungals from the dermatologist are the easiest way to get rid of fungus in the skin.
Dr. Lloyd, are you accepting new patients? I live in South Florida too and have been looking for a good dermatologist for me and my son. He plays high performance tennis and is in the sun all day.
I see patients in South Florida. Go to at drwoolerylloyd.com for my office hours.
I am African American female who has some acne scarring. Is there something you can recommend?
There is a new filler to treat acne scars called Bellafill. There are also some lasers such as Fraxel that are helpful. Make sure you see a dermatologist that is experienced in all skin types.
Is there a cure or treatment for hidrentitus supprativa?
Surgery to remove the affected skin for most patients can stop hidradenitis from returning. However, there is a small chance that the disease can return.
Should I transition to natural hair if I have seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis can get worse with chemicals so natural hair is a good option. However, there are excellent treatments for seborrheic dermatitis that you can get from your dermatologist. If you do decide to transition to natural hair, use a hair vitamin like Regrow Solutions to help strengthen and promote hair growth.
What is a good body moisturizer for African-American skin for summer and winter? I have dry skin and I was told to stay away from lotions because of the alcohol ingredient.
Aquaphor ointment is excellent at night. Pure shea butter is another excellent natural option.
My grandmother is 89 and for more than year, has been getting pimples all over her body, which progress into boil-like blemishes, which become hideous black marks that vary in size from a penny to a half-a-dollar and linger for months. They are most painful at the core but also around the perimeter of each blemish. She’s been to several doctors and dermatologists, in particular, to no avail. Help!
Go to a dermatologist at a university. They are more accustomed to seeing rare and unusual cases and should be able to solve the problem.
My face broke out with a few bumps and I went to dermatologist. She gave me two different medications. My face turned 10 shades darker and I looked like a crocodile. She gave me two other medications to fix that. The crocodile face has cleared some but I am still 10 shades darker on the face.
It sounds like you may have had an allergic reaction. This can take a while to heal. Avoid sun exposure and try a hydroquinone free skin brightener. Do a test spot to make sure you are not allergic.
Electrolysis works on black hairs on a woman’s chin, but what works on grey hairs on the chin? I’m tired of shaving.
Electrolysis should work on grey hairs also. They are more challenging but it should still work. Make sure you see an experience electrologist for best results.
Doc. I’m in the lawn care business I use lotion on my skin I heard you say that I need to use sun screen lotion what kind do I need?
For the body, try Banana Boat SunComfort Continuous Spray SPF 50+. It is easy to use and provides good protection on the body.
I am allergic to latex. I am using a ointment called triamcinolone acetonide. What else can I use when the prescription runs out?
Try Hydrocortisone 1% ointment twice daily. This is not as strong as the triamcinolone ointment but is available over the counter. Also, just try asking for a refill when your prescription runs out if the hydrocortisone does not work.
My son is prone to blackheads, what should he do?
Try a salicylic acid wash and gel. These are excellent over the counter options for blackheads. If there is no improvement, see a dermatologist.
I’ve had surgery and injections to remove keloids. What else can I do? They are becoming sensitive to touch. Thank you!
Injections are important after surgery to prevent keloids from coming back. Injections also help with tenderness. See a dermatologist experienced in treating keloids.
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