There are many skincare ingredients available now with numerous claims of efficacy. There are a few ingredients however that have been studied extensively for many years and have clearly demonstrated their skincare benefits. Niacinamide (also called nicotinamide or NAM), which is the physiologically active form of the essential vitamin niacin or vitamin B3, has been shown to effectively treat various dermatological conditions. This ingredient has been shown to have antioxidant…

Tretinoin is a vitamin-A derivative that has been available for many years. It is known for being able to treat a variety of skin conditions effectively and safely. Most frequently it is prescribed for acne but it may also be used to treat melasma, hyperpigmentation, sun spots, fine lines/wrinkles, and more. One of the more difficult-to-treat skin complaints – stretch marks – may also be helped with topically applied tretinoin…

While lightening treatments like tranexamic acid cream are gaining in popularity, hydroquinone remains the standard treatment for hyperpigmentation of various causes. Certain over-the-counter products like Porcelana cream contain hydroquinone in low concentrations – usually around 2%. The higher concentration creams with 6%, 8%, or 10% hydroquinone in combination with other ingredients can only be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. In addition, a compounding pharmacy can make customized creams with several…

Skin lightening pads are most frequently used to treat hyperpigmentation of the face, especially melasma. Melasma is a common skin condition among women that results in brown patches of skin on the face. Age spots (also known as sun spots) can also be treated with skin lightening products. Skin lightening pads made by a compounding pharmacy can contain a mixture of ingredients for lightening hyperpigmentation and improving skin tone. These…

Our benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine anesthetic cream is used by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals throughout the country. In the majority of cases this cream is applied correctly and there are no serious adverse effects. However, negligence does occur in some cases when proper precautions are not followed. It is important to understand BLT cream before using it on a patient and understand the symptoms of anesthetic toxicity. What is BLT…

Tranexamic acid has been used for many years for managing blood loss. It is also an effective treatment for melasma that has fewer side effects than hydroquinone. This makes it an appealing option for a skin condition that is resistant to medication and may require repeated treatment courses. While there is no commercially available preparation of tranexamic acid in topical form, it can still be obtained by taking advantage of…

Topical antifungals are used for treating a variety of conditions affecting the skin, nails, mouth, ears, and more. As fungal infections of these areas are common, topical antifungals are some of the most frequently prescribed compounded medications. There are several antifungals that have been available commercially for many years. Nystatin, for example, was first discovered in the 1950s. However the dosage strengths and methods of administration can often be limited.…

It seems that new research demonstrating the benefits of daily low dose naltrexone (LDN) usage is published every month. Recently there have been case studies and reports showing that LDN may an effective treatment for dermatological conditions. A majority of existing treatments for these conditions are topical, making LDN a unique oral option that is non-toxic and can be used on a daily basis. LDN and Dermatology LDN (low-dose naltrexone)…

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are lesions on the skin caused by exposure to UV rays. These precancerous lesions have the potential to become squamous cell carcinoma. AKs can be caused by unprotected sun exposure or from using a tanning bed and are commonly found in patients over 65. They occur most frequently on the face and the back of the hands but can be found on any area of the skin.…

Melasma – an acquired condition that results in hypermelanosis of the skin – is a common condition among women that is notoriously difficult to treat. However, it is manageable and can be helped with the right topical treatment. While there is no cure for being susceptible to developing melasma, the appearance of hyperpigmentation can be reduced. This is accomplished through a combination of topical treatments and vigilant sun protection. Many…