Zoe Diana Draelos, MD

What are ectoines? Nutricosmetics and how do mascaras increase eyelash curl?

The short answer is "yes," sunscreens are able to penetrate the skin. This fact is proven by the ability to recover sunscreen chemicals in the urine, but the amounts are extremely small.

loe vera gel can be obtained in commercial burn preparations or by cutting open the leaf of this succulent plant. The gel that oozes from the cut leaf is considered a mucilage - a thick, viscous, clear liquid. The mucilage is 99.5 percent water, with mucopolysaccharides, choline and choline salicylate making up the remaining 0.5 percent.

Powder cosmetics are the simplest formulation and least likely to cause problems in sensitive-skin patients.

Q What is the mechanism of action of lip plumping cosmetics?

Numbers can mean many different things to many different people, and are used for many different purposes.

Q How do the "no nick" razors work?

Q What is the best way to remove false eyelashes without damaging the natural eyelashes?

Water loss from the skin is scientifically referred to as transepidermal water loss, abbreviated TEWL.

In dermatology, we are losing products more quickly than we are gaining products.

Q. Why do so many topical moisturizing products claim to have effects similar to botulinum toxin A injections?

I have grown accustomed to thinking that I probably know more about myself than anyone else. After all, I am me, and, as such, I am the foremost expert on myself. How could anyone possibly know more?

Q. What is the dermatologic value of the new soy proteins that seem so popular these days?

Q. What is the difference between an azelaic acid gel and an azelaic acid cream?

HIPAA is finally in effect! I must say this has been a momentous day in my office, as we have been busily preparing for the ultimate in patient privacy protection for the past year. Even though my office had to file an extension, as did all other dermatologists and governmental agencies, I assure you we have a plan that will "knock your socks off," as we commonly say in North Carolina. Prior to this time, I used to lay awake at night wondering who was going to break into my office and steal patient charts. Why, one of my recurring nightmares was opening the office door, only to find a completely bare chart rack. Can you imagine the horror of having to report this catastrophe to the police? But worry no more, I sleep at night knowing that my office is under 24-hour surveillance by a security guard and my HIPAA

Q. Is vitamin E allergenic? This is an important question, since there is some confusion regarding this issue. Vitamin E can be an unstable substance prone to oxidation in the presence of light and air. It is a potent antioxidant and in the process becomes oxidized itself.

Should I continue to allow my male patients with seborrheic dermatitis to use bar soap for hair cleansing?

As physicians who care for large volumes of patients of all ages, dermatologists develop bedside manners and communication skills to a high level