What is the best anti-aging cream? As we age, there are natural changes in practically every organ system in our bodies.  But none are more visible than the changes that occur in aging skin.  While the natural aging process cannot be stopped, we can take steps to slow the effects and reverse some of the most obvious signs of skin aging. What causes skin aging? Age-related skin changes occur due to both genetic and environmental factors. Changes in the natural aging process are [...]

What causes brown spots on the skin? They go by names like brown spots, age spots, liver spots, sunspots, and solar lentigines. But whatever you call them, brown spots are a common sign of aging and can have a negative effect on your self-confidence. While most brown spots are harmless, they can occasionally be cancerous. This is why it is important to seek qualified dermatology care when determining whether a spot on your skin is harmless or not. What does a brown spot [...]

What are skincare essentials? Great skin isn't simply a factor of great genes.  Your daily skincare routine dramatically impacts how your skin looks and how you feel.  But when trying to build a skincare routine, the mind-boggling number of skincare products can confuse you.  That is why we here at Village Dermatology have created our CORE 4 Skincare Program to simplify your decision-making process.  Board-Certified Dermatologist Jenny Sobera, MD, created this skincare program to categorize each goal you should aim towards instead of getting [...]

What are peptides in skincare products, and how do they work? Every time you log on to the internet or browse your supermarket shelves, there’s a new trend in skincare that claims to work magic for your skin. And it’s impossible to tell whether the latest trend is just plain hype or actually good for your skin. A large percentage of the time, these skincare products promote something called “peptides.” In order to understand how these claims are made, you need to have a [...]

What is the difference between a serum and a cream? When you are shopping for skincare products, it can be overwhelming due to the sheer variety of options available.  Add to this your skin type and seasonal variations, and the choices can leave you scratching your head. In this article, we will talk about the differences between face serums and face creams. The goal is to help you understand which one is right for you and help you choose the best skincare products with [...]

What is hyaluronic acid, and why is it good for your skin? There’s an ingredient that you’ll find in practically every skincare product category – cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and more. We’re talking about hyaluronic acid, an all-star skincare ingredient that has been scientifically proven to help your skin retain moisture and fight the signs of aging. But what is this substance, and why is it everywhere, including in our skincare products? What is hyaluronic acid? Hyaluronic acid (or HA) is a natural compound [...]

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen? The majority of Americans love to spend time in the sun, and the sunlight is good for us in many ways. But the harmful UV rays in sunlight can lead to sunburns, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens are scientifically proven to prevent these negative effects of sun exposure. There’s no doubt that sunscreens are good for skin and a necessary part of your daily skincare routine. But when you look at supermarket or pharmacy [...]

What are Retinols? Retinols are natural substances that are a form of vitamin A. They are present in some of the best skincare products because of their powerful anti-acne and anti-aging properties. Please continue reading to learn more about retinol and its effect on your skin. What does retinol do for the skin? Retinol is a type of vitamin A. When it is applied to the skin, it penetrates the stratum corneum (upper layer of skin) and partially into the dermis (middle layer [...]

What are Growth Factors? Growth factors are natural substances that play an important role in cell growth, renewal, and differentiation in various parts of the body. In the skin, growth factors are essential to maintain the skin’s structure and function. Many types of cells in the skin secrete growth factors. Some skincare products contain growth factors, but not all products are created equally in this regard. How do growth factors work? Growth factors are proteins that support the repair and regeneration of skin [...]