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Dr Shamsa Kanwal Dermatologist

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Pakistan
Rawalpindi
Dr Shamsa Kanwal Dermatologist

With an MBBS, FCPS(dermatology), AAMA certified MRCPI (UK), I offer top-notch medical and aesthetic treatments to help you look and feel your best.

Book a consultation at my clinic for personalized care and a range of aesthetic procedures.

22/05/2026

I have been featured in NBC News, sharing my dermatologist's perspective on whether beauty pillows actually help prevent sleep lines and reduce facial compression while sleeping.

In the article, I discussed how repeated side or stomach sleeping can press and fold the skin over time, which may contribute to sleep lines. Beauty pillows are not a miracle anti-aging solution, but they may be a helpful, supportive tool when combined with good skincare, sun protection, and healthy sleep habits.

Read the full article here:
https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/do-beauty-pillows-work-rcna342333

ExpertCommentary Dermatologist AntiAging HealthySkin SleepAndSkin SkinHealth DrShamsaKanwal

19/05/2026

Those dark marks after acne are often not true scars.

If the skin looks flat but darker, you may be dealing with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), not permanent scarring. That difference matters because treatment is different.

Acne marks (PIH): • Flat areas of red, brown, or purple discoloration
• Caused by inflammation triggering excess pigment
• Often fade gradually over weeks to months
• Respond well to acne control, SPF 30+ daily, and pigment-targeting skincare

Acne scars: • Changes in skin texture such as dents or raised areas
• Caused by collagen loss or excess collagen during healing
• Usually do not fade completely on their own
• Often need procedures such as microneedling, subcision, lasers, or targeted treatments

For fading acne marks: • Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day
• Consider ingredients like azelaic acid, retinoids, Niacinamide, tranexamic acid, or gentle exfoliation when appropriate
• Avoid picking or squeezing active acne
• Stay consistent because pigment takes time to improve

Quick check:
Close your eyes and run a finger over the area.
If you feel a change in texture, think scar.
If it feels smooth but looks darker, think mark.

Treat the cause first. Preventing new breakouts is the fastest way to prevent new marks.

SkincareEducation DermatologistTips ClearSkin Hyperpigmentation AcneTreatment SkinBarrier HealthySkin NonComedogenic SPF30Plus

16/05/2026

Purging and breakouts are not the same.

Purging usually happens when you start an active ingredient that speeds up skin cell turnover, like retinoids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or azelaic acid. It often appears in areas where you already tend to break out and should gradually settle as the skin adjusts.

A breakout is different. It may appear in new or unusual areas, last longer, feel more inflamed, or be triggered by stress, hormones, diet, heavy products, or irritation.

How to tell the difference:

Purging: • Starts after a new active • Appears in your usual acne areas • Usually improves within 4 to 8 weeks • Skin gradually looks clearer after it settles

Breakout: • Appears in new areas • May be painful, itchy, or very inflamed • Does not improve with time • May be due to product irritation or clogged pores

Do not keep pushing through severe irritation, burning, swelling, or worsening acne. That is not normal purging.

When in doubt, simplify your routine: cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and one active at a time.

RetinolPurge SkinPurging BreakoutTips DermatologistTips HealthySkin SkincareRoutine AcneTreatment SkinBarrier NonComedogenic SkincarePakistan

13/05/2026

Hair growth is not just about shampoos and serums. Sometimes the real cause of shedding shows up in your blood work.

Common lab markers linked with hair thinning include:

• Ferritin and iron levels
• Vitamin D and B12
• Thyroid function including TSH, Free T3, and Free T4
• Zinc and folate
• Blood sugar and insulin markers

Low iron, thyroid imbalance, stress, insulin resistance, and nutrient deficiencies can all affect the hair growth cycle and trigger excessive shedding.

Important reminder:
“Optimal” ranges shared online are not universal medical targets and can vary from person to person. Lab results should always be interpreted with symptoms, medical history, and a proper clinical evaluation.

If you are dealing with ongoing hair fall, thinning, or slow regrowth, it is worth looking beyond topical products alone.

Healthy hair growth starts from within.

ThyroidHealth HealthyHair Dermatologist ScalpHealth HairCare HairTips WomensHealth HairRegrowth

12/05/2026

Dark circles are common, but the right habits can help improve how they look over time.

5 practical ways to reduce dark circles:

• Wear SPF 30+ daily around the eyes to prevent pigmentation from getting darker
• Sleep 7 to 8 hours regularly because poor sleep makes under-eye vessels more visible
• Stay hydrated and eat iron and Vitamin C-rich foods to support healthy skin and circulation
• Use eye creams with ingredients like caffeine, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, or retinol for puffiness and brightness
• Apply a cold compress for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce swelling and temporarily tighten blood vessels

Dark circles can also be linked to allergies, genetics, pigmentation, stress, or low iron levels, so treatment depends on the cause.

Consistency matters more than quick fixes.

UnderEyeCare SkinHealth SPF30 VitaminC HydratedSkin SkincareRoutine GlowSkin

11/05/2026

May is Melanoma Awareness Month.

A mole is worth checking when it follows the ABCDE rule:

A: Asymmetry
B: Irregular border
C: Multiple colors
D: Diameter larger than 6 mm
E: Evolving or changing over time

Do not ignore a mole that is growing, bleeding, itching, changing color, or looking different from your other moles.

Early detection can save lives. Check your skin regularly and see a dermatologist if anything looks new or unusual.

Dermatologist HealthySkin SkinCareAwareness SunSafety SPF30 SkinHealth EarlyDetection

10/05/2026

Your skin may be asking for a refresh if you notice: • Persistent acne or clogged pores
• Uneven skin tone or dark spots
• Rough, dull-looking skin
• Fine lines and early aging signs
• Sun damage and pigmentation

Chemical peels help exfoliate dead skin, improve texture, brighten complexion, and support smoother healthier skin over time.

The key is choosing the right peel for your skin type and concern. Overdoing strong peels at home can damage your skin barrier, so professional guidance matters.

Always wear SPF 30+ daily after a peel to protect fresh skin and maintain results.

HealthySkin DermatologistTips SkinRejuvenation Pigmentation AntiAgingSkincare

08/05/2026

✨ Excited to share that my expert insights on menopause-related acne have been published on NBC Select!

Navigating skin changes during this transition can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to restore balance and confidence. 🧴💫

Grateful to contribute to this important conversation and help more women understand what’s happening beneath the surface.
🔗 Read the full piece here: https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-treat-menopause-acne-rcna342737

NBCSelectFeature

06/05/2026

Not all exfoliants are the same and choosing the right one can completely change your skin results.

AHAs are best for dry, dull, uneven skin. They work on the skin surface to improve glow and texture.

BHAs are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. They go deeper into pores to help with blackheads and breakouts.

PHAs are the gentlest option. Perfect for sensitive or reactive skin that needs mild exfoliation with hydration support.

Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, so start slow and always use SPF 30+ daily.

HealthySkin DermatologistTips SkinCareRoutine GlowingSkin AcneCare

05/05/2026

Stop touching your face… it’s one of the simplest ways to prevent breakouts.

Your hands carry bacteria, oil, and dirt that can clog pores and trigger acne. Even small habits like resting your chin on your hand can make a difference.

What to do instead:
• Keep your hands off your face
• Wash hands regularly
• Clean your phone screen daily
• Use clean tissues, not fingers
• Apply skincare with clean hands

Small habits = clearer skin.
HealthySkin SkinCareRoutine AcneCare GlowingSkin

03/05/2026

Not all dark spots are the same… and neither is the treatment.

They can be caused by sun exposure, acne, hormones, or even genetics. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.

Common types include: • Sun spots
• Post-acne marks (PIH)
• Melasma

What makes them worse: • Skipping SPF
• Picking acne or irritation
• Excess sun exposure

What actually helps: • Daily SPF 30+ (non-negotiable)
• Targeted ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Azelaic acid
• Consistent skincare, not quick fixes

The key is identifying the type of pigmentation before treating it.

Because treating the wrong cause = wasted time and slower results.

EvenSkinTone SPF SkinCareRoutine HealthySkin Pigmentation

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Plaza 13, Near Chaye Khana, Bahria Phase 7
Rawalpindi
46000

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