Dr. Aleksandra Brown, DO, FAOCD, FAAD

Dr. Aleksandra Brown, DO, FAOCD, FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
🔥Skincare tips from your perimenopausal derm 💁‍♀️
✨ Skin longevity without the fluff
🎯 Real results. Real science.

https://linktr.ee/draleksandrabrown Aleksandra Brown was born in Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina and came to the United States as an exchange student in 1999. She decided to pursue a career in medicine after working in a hospital emergency room as an undergraduate. She earned her D.O. from Des Moines University in 2009, where she was awarded the academic and service excellence award for outstanding academic and interpersonal leadership. She lives in Blacksburg with her family, and is fluent in Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian in addition to English. Dr. Brown is board certified by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. She is a member of several medical groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Association, and the Virginia Medical Society. She joined River Ridge Dermatology in 2013.

11/01/2025

🎧 Ever noticed a tiny hole near your ear? It’s not a piercing or a pimple…

What you’re seeing might actually be something called a Preauricular Pit, a small opening that some people are born with right in front of their ear.

🧬 It forms during early development when the tissues that create the ear don’t completely fuse together, leaving a tiny tract under the skin.

While it’s usually harmless, it can trap oil, keratin, and dead skin cells, which sometimes causes drainage or a funky smell when expressed.

🚫 But here’s the catch: squeezing it might do more harm than good.
Pushing on it can drive bacteria deeper, causing redness, inflammation, or even infection.

👉 If it’s painful or swollen, see a dermatologist or ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist). They can evaluate it and even permanently close it if needed.

💬 Did you know about preauricular pits before? Comment “👂New to me” or “✅ Already knew this”

10/31/2025

✨ 5 Proven Ways to Keep Your Skin Radiant This Holiday Season ✨

As the holidays approach, many of my patients ask how to achieve that natural, healthy glow without overcomplicating their routine. After 15 years in dermatology, these are the fundamentals I always recommend.

1️⃣ Skip the $300 “miracle” cream.
No single product can transform your skin overnight. Focus on formulas with ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide to strengthen and hydrate the skin barrier.

2️⃣ Stick to the basics.
A gentle cleanser, a barrier-repairing moisturizer, and daily SPF 30+ form the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. Consistency matters more than complexity.

3️⃣ Add Vitamin C in the morning.
This antioxidant brightens skin tone, supports collagen, and enhances sun protection when layered under sunscreen.

4️⃣ Exfoliate 1–2 times weekly.
Lactic acid suits sensitive skin, glycolic acid improves texture and fine lines, and salicylic acid helps unclog pores and manage oil.

5️⃣ Sleep on a silk pillowcase.
Silk minimizes friction and irritation, reducing morning creases and helping the skin retain moisture overnight.

✨LESSON: Glowing skin doesn’t come from expensive products—it comes from consistent, science-backed care.

💬 Save this post to reference later and share it with someone who’s building their skincare routine for the holidays.

10/30/2025

If your skin starts feeling itchier or more irritated at work, you’re not imagining it. It’s not always just stress.

Office air can be brutal on your skin. Dry, recycled air from heating or A/C pulls moisture out, weakens your barrier, and makes inflammation from acne or rosacea feel even more reactive.

👩‍⚕️ And if you’re in healthcare or wear a mask for long shifts, the mix of friction, humidity, and pressure can trigger even more irritation.

💡 Derm Tip:
Acne itself usually isn’t itchy, so when it is, that’s a clue your barrier’s compromised or there’s overlap with periorificial dermatitis or rosacea.

✅ Keep your routine gentle and barrier-focused:
• Mild, non-stripping cleanser
• Hypochlorous acid spray (soothing + antimicrobial)
• Barrier repair creams like Avene Cicalfate or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast

If itching and redness keep coming back, check in with your dermatologist. There’s often more going on beneath the surface. 🩺

VC on TT

As you enter your 40s, your skin begins to reflect years of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and slower cell renewal. Col...
10/29/2025

As you enter your 40s, your skin begins to reflect years of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and slower cell renewal. Collagen and elastin, the building blocks of firmness and elasticity, start to decline, and your natural moisture barrier weakens. But with the right skincare strategy, you can support your skin’s repair system and keep it healthy, radiant, and strong. 💪

Here’s what changes:
🔹 Collagen and elastin decline
🔹 Dead skin cells shed more slowly
🔹 Hydration decreases
🔹 Sun damage becomes more visible

What to do:
✅ Use Vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection
✅ Apply a rich, hydrating moisturizer with ceramides or peptides
✅ Add a retinoid at night to boost renewal
✅ Don’t skip eye cream because fine lines form faster here
✅ Exfoliate gently once or twice a week to brighten
✅ Finish with sunscreen every single morning

✨ Consistency, not complexity, is the secret to glowing, healthy 40s skin.

💬 Comment “SKINCARE” and I’ll send you the link to the full YouTube video on how to care for your skin in your 40s!

10/28/2025

When it comes to managing melasma, the most effective products are often not the trendiest or most luxurious. The real progress comes from using evidence-based, dermatologist-recommended ingredients consistently and correctly.

After 15 years in dermatology, these remain my go-to essentials that quietly but effectively deliver results:

🧴 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Provides protection against both UV and visible light (including blue light from screens) with the help of iron oxides. Daily application is non-negotiable.

💧 Tranexamic Acid
A gentle but powerful brightening ingredient that targets pigment formation. Use twice daily for optimal results.

🌙 Retinoid
Enhances cell turnover to fade discoloration and refine skin texture. Start with a lower strength if you have sensitive skin or are new to retinoids.

☀️ Vitamin C
Offers antioxidant protection to prevent oxidation and minimize melasma flares. Ideal for morning use under sunscreen.

These may not be “aesthetic” products, but they deliver consistent, visible improvement—the kind of radiance no filter can replicate. ✨

💛 Would you like the exact dermatologist-approved product recommendations?

Comment “melasma” below and I’ll send the links your way.

10/27/2025

✨While high heat is known to cause damage to hair, low heat with constant dryer movement and distance of 15cm (6in) is preferred over air drying. Air drying prolongs water exposure causing damage to cell membrane which is more damaging than outer layer cuticle damage produced by hair drying. PMID 22148012.

💬 Comment below “new to me” or “already knew this”…curious to see who has this derm insider knowledge

10/26/2025

So excited for this video yall! Check it out on my YT channel or comment YouTube and I’ll send you the link.

10/25/2025

Ever notice a mark on your forehead where your bonnet knot sits? 👀
That’s not just pressure. It’s your skin reacting! 🧠🩺

💡 When something presses on the same spot all night (like a bonnet knot, headband, or sleep mask), it can cause friction, inflammation, and even trap sweat, oil, or products, leading to redness or bumps.

✅ Derm Tips:
• Move the knot to the side or back
• Loosen it slightly
• Wash your bonnet often
• Skip heavy skincare before bed
• Soothe with a gentle cleanser + moisturizer

Repeated friction in the same area can weaken your skin barrier over time, making it more prone to irritation and breakouts. By adjusting your sleep setup and keeping your bonnet clean, you can help your skin recover and prevent those forehead flare-ups. 🌙💆‍♀️

✨ Healthy skin starts with small, consistent habits — not just products.
If this helped, save this post and share it with someone who wears a bonnet nightly! 💖

VC .nicole__ on IG

̇ncareti̇ps

10/24/2025


Oily skin girlies, listen up 👀
My secret to shine-free skin that still feels hydrated? The Oil Balancing Jelly Toner ✨

Powered by 2% niacinamide, kombucha, and kaolin clay, it keeps excess oil in check, minimizes the look of pores, and leaves skin velvety soft—without stripping 💆‍♀️🧖‍♀️

Your skin is ready for this jelly. 💧 Shop now on Amazon! 🛒

10/24/2025

💊 Let’s Talk About Swallowing Pills

I know this might ruffle some feathers… but if you’re 13 or older and still can’t swallow a pill, it’s time to learn like yesterday.

Here’s why ⬇️
Some medications can’t be crushed, melted, or turned into gummies or liquids. And chances are, at some point, you’ll need to take one.

So let’s make this easier, especially for parents teaching their kids:
👶 Ages 5 to 10: Start small! Cut gummies into tiny pill-sized pieces and let them practice with water.
👦 Ages 10 to 13: Level up with small, safe supplements like a low-dose vitamin D (nothing over 1,000 IU).

This simple skill can make a huge difference in health and treatment down the line. 💪

⚠️ I want to acknowledge that this doesn’t apply to those who have medical conditions like esophageal dysmotility or other challenges that make swallowing unsafe. My heart goes out to you — this message is meant for everyone else who simply needs a little guidance and practice. ❤️

Let’s focus on being practical and proactive together.
Learning this now saves so much stress later.

10/23/2025

As someone who’s dealt with periorificial dermatitis more than once, I really feel this one. 😩 It looks like acne, feels like eczema but treating it like acne can actually make it worse.

Periorificial dermatitis = rash around your mouth, nose, or eyes (called perioral dermatitis when it’s around the mouth).

🚫 Common triggers:
• Overusing skincare or makeup
• Topical steroids or inhalers
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Occlusive moisturizers or harsh exfoliants

✅ What to do instead:
1️⃣ Stop topical steroids (unless prescribed)
2️⃣ Simplify your routine - gentle cleanser, light moisturizer, mineral SPF
3️⃣ Avoid acids, retinoids, and essential oils

🧴 Stick to basics:
Start with a gentle cleanser like Hydrating Cleanser or Cream-to-Foam Cleanser.
After washing, apply a hypochlorous acid spray such as or SOS Daily Rescue Spray.
Once dry, finish with a barrier repair cream like Cicalfate or Cicaplast Balm B5 to restore your skin barrier.

Start early and your skin might heal in 5–7 days 💆‍♀️
If not, see your dermatologist for oral or topical antibiotics to calm inflammation.

👇 Have you dealt with perioral dermatitis?
Share what helped calm it down!

Video Credit on TT

10/22/2025

Ever wonder what’s actually going on behind common skin and nail issues? 🧠💅

What most people see as “just redness” or “a weird nail color” often has a real dermatologic explanation.
Let’s translate these “normal people” moments into dermatologist brain mode 👇

🩸 Rosacea flare? Could be Demodex (aka face mites) living their best life on your skin. Totally normal, but they can overgrow and trigger inflammation.

💅 Green nail? That’s not a cute chrome effect. It’s likely a Pseudomonas bacterial infection. Usually happens when moisture gets trapped under acrylics or gel polish.

💋 Only using Aquaphor on your lips? If you’re outdoors a lot, that glossy balm can actually intensify UV exposure and cause lip sunburn. SPF balm > plain petrolatum.

👩‍⚕️ Moral of the story: What seems “normal” might have a deeper derm story behind it. Stay curious, stay skin smart!

Address

3706 S Main Street
Blacksburg, VA
24060

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+15409513376

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