Q. I recently used a new shampoo and it caused my scalp to go bright red, itchy and flaky. My doctor said this was a reaction to sulfates in the shampoo called contact dermatitis. Is this a shampoo allergy? Can you tell me more about what happened? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Most shampoos today contain fragrance, and [...]

Q. I’m a 40-year-old woman with sensitive skin, and I get some flaking around the eyes. What anti-aging products would you suggest? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: The best anti-aging product is still sunblock. Unless you’re spending a lot of time outside, a moisturizer with added SPF 15 is enough for the winter. Steer clear of products that [...]

Q. My teenage daughter just found out she has a sun allergy. Can you explain what her symptoms mean, and what type of sunscreen she should be using to best protect herself? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Many patients develop itchy, red, raised lesions while on a sun holiday, or during the spring in Canada. Though this reaction [...]

Q. In the spring, the skin around my eyes seems easily irritated, and becomes flaky and peels when I wear most eye shadows or use certain moisturizers. Could these be symptoms of an allergy to eye makeup? What do you suggest? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Because the skin around the eye is the thinnest on the body, [...]

Q. My eczema always flares up during the winter. What eczema treatments can you suggest? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Characterized by inflamed, scaly and red skin, eczema is a problem that those with asthma, allergies and/or hayfever are particularly prone to developing. The good news is that eczema can be managed. Here’s how: 1. Avoid fragrance. It’s [...]

Q. I’m a busy mother of two, and I recently found out that I have rosacea. Can you suggest a daily rosacea skin care routine that will fit my skin and lifestyle? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is a skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, pimples and broken blood vessels. The most important [...]