Q. I get severe skin breakouts to parabens. They seem to be in so many cosmetics, body creams and sunblocks. Can you tell me what parabens are, what causes this allergy and what I can do to avoid them? Dr. Skotnicki-Grant: Parabens are one of the most commonly used preservatives in the cosmetic and toiletry [...]

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 [...]