Dr DermaGleam, Skin Diaries

18/11/2025

🚨 Stop Calling DPN “Skin Tags”! 🚨

Those tiny dark bumps on your cheeks, temples, or around your eyes? They’re NOT skin tags. They’re Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) — a harmless but hereditary skin condition common in darker skin.

❌ Why it matters:

Mislabeling = wrong treatments

Risk of scarring or dark marks

Delayed proper care

✨ Here’s the solution: Electrocautery or Laser Therapy
💎 Precision: Targets each bump without hurting surrounding skin
💎 No Bleeding: Clean, controlled procedure
💎 Fast Healing: Just a few days
💎 Safe for Darker Skin
💎 Better Cosmetic Results: Smoother, clearer skin & more confidence

💡 Don’t let misinformation hold you back — get the right treatment and feel confident in your skin!

12/11/2025

Breakouts build character. Smooth skin builds confidence. Wrinkle? I call them experience highlights.
# # :

08/11/2025

08/11/2025

Scars can be devastating and draining. Good news is that there are better ways to deal with them now

19/07/2025

C02 LASER RESURFACING FOR HYPERTROPHIC SCAR

CO₂ laser resurfacing is a well-established treatment for hypertrophic scars—those raised, thickened scars that stay within the boundary of the original injury. Here's a focused breakdown to help you explain or understand it clearly, whether you're preparing for a video, presentation, or just personal knowledge.

🔬 What Is CO₂ Laser Resurfacing?

CO₂ (carbon dioxide) lasers use focused light energy to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage to surrounding tissue. It's an ablative laser, meaning it actually vaporizes the top layers of scar tissue to promote smoother, healthier skin regeneration.

🎯 How It Helps Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are made of excess collagen. CO₂ laser resurfacing helps by:

🔥 Ablating thickened scar tissue

💡 Stimulating collagen remodeling (to realign and soften collagen fibers)

🧬 Improving skin texture, flexibility, and appearance

⚖️ Reducing redness and thickness over time

🩺 What to Expect During Treatment
Local anesthesia or numbing cream is usually applied.

The laser pulses across the scarred area, removing layers.

The procedure can take 15–60 minutes, depending on scar size.

Most patients feel a warm or stinging sensation.

⏱️ Recovery & Aftercare

Downtime: 5–10 days for initial healing; redness can persist for weeks.

Aftercare includes:

Keeping the area clean and moisturized

Avoiding sun exposure

Using prescribed ointments to aid healing

⚠️ Risks & Considerations

Temporary swelling, redness, peeling

Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation

Infection risk if not properly cared for

Multiple sessions may be needed for best results

✅ Who’s a Good Candidate?

People with persistent, raised hypertrophic scars

Not keloid-prone (CO₂ lasers can aggravate keloids)

Patients with realistic expectations

Individuals not actively using isotretinoin (Accutane)

18/07/2025

ACNE SCARS - FIVE WAYS TO FADE THEM

🌞 1. Sunscreen – Your First Line of Defense

Why it's essential:

Sun exposure darkens scars and increases pigmentation, making acne scars more visible and harder to fade. UV rays can also break down collagen, slowing the skin’s natural healing process.

How to use it:

Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.

Look for non-comedogenic formulas to avoid new breakouts.

Best for:
All scar types – especially post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) (dark marks after acne).

🧴 2. Retinol – A Powerhouse for Skin Renewal

Why it works:

Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) boosts cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, helping to smooth out textured scars and fade dark spots over time.

Tips for use:

Start with a low concentration (0.25% or 0.5%) 2–3 nights per week.

Use at night and pair with sunscreen during the day.

Can cause dryness or irritation—moisturize well.

Best for:

Atrophic (indented) scars

PIH (dark spots)

Overall texture and tone improvement

💉 3. Microneedling – Collagen Induction Therapy

How it helps:

Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body to produce collagen and elastin, which can smooth out acne scars and improve skin texture.

In-office vs. at-home:

Professional microneedling penetrates deeper and yields better results (often combined with PRP or serums).

At-home rollers are less effective and require strict hygiene.

Best for:

Boxcar and rolling scars

Mild to moderate textural irregularities

💧 4. Niacinamide – A Gentle Brightener and Anti-Inflammatory

Why it's effective:

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and lighten dark spots without irritating sensitive skin.

How to use:

Safe to use daily, morning or night

Often found in serums and moisturizers

Pairs well with retinol and other active ingredients

Best for:

PIH (post-acne dark marks)

Redness and uneven skin tone

Ongoing acne-prone skin

🧪 5. Chemical Exfoliation – Smoother Skin Through Acids

How it works:

Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) help slough off dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This process helps fade pigmentation and smooth uneven texture.

Tips for use:

Start with once or twice weekly, then increase as tolerated

Use sunscreen daily, as exfoliation increases sun sensitivity

Don’t mix too many strong actives at once (like acids + retinol)

Best for:

PIH

Mild textural scars

Dull or uneven skin tone

🔄 Combine for Best Results

Many of these methods can be used together for faster, more visible improvement—but always introduce new products slowly and patch-test first. For deeper or older scars, combining at-home care with professional treatments (like laser resurfacing or microneedling with PRP) often delivers the best outcomes.

17/07/2025

Find yourself a dermatologist. Not lotion. 😄 🤣

13/07/2025

Van Damme Anakwiya, naMfuti 😄 Vikacha

12/07/2025

VITILIGO IS NOT SU***DE

Vitiligo is a skin condition — not a curse, not a punishment, and definitely not a reason to give up. It’s pigment, not pain. It’s difference, not despair.

To those living with vitiligo: you are not alone, and you are not defined by your skin. You are whole. You are beautiful.

Yes, vitiligo has treatments.

Options include:

✨ Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors
🌞 Light therapy (phototherapy)
💉 Depigmentation or skin grafting (in some cases)
🧴 Camouflage cosmetics or natural cover-ups
💊 Newer treatments, like JAK inhibitors, are also showing promise

But remember: seeking treatment is a personal choice — not a requirement for worth. You are enough with or without it.

Let’s support each other. Let’s educate, not judge. Let’s choose empathy over ignorance.

12/07/2025

Thanks for showing up Chellah Mpali. Join team Gleam!

10/07/2025

CHEMICAL PEELS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished for smoother, brighter, or more even-toned skin, you’re not alone. Many people deal with common skin concerns like dark spots, acne scars, uneven texture, or dullness. One of the most effective, dermatologist-approved treatments for these issues is the chemical peel.

But what exactly is a chemical peel? Is it safe? And will it work for your skin? Let’s break it all down.

💡 What Is a Chemical Peel?

A chemical peel is a professional skincare treatment that uses a specially formulated solution (usually containing acids like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid) to exfoliate the top layers of the skin. This process helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and encourage the growth of new, healthy skin.

Depending on the strength and depth of the peel, results can range from a subtle glow to a complete transformation in skin texture and tone.

🌟 Key Benefits of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are multi-tasking treatments with several proven benefits:

✅ Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation – Whether caused by acne, sun exposure, or hormonal changes, peels can help reduce uneven pigmentation.
✅ Treats acne and reduces breakouts – Salicylic acid peels are especially effective in controlling oil and preventing clogged pores.
✅ Smooths rough or bumpy skin texture – By removing the buildup of dead skin, your face feels softer and looks fresher.
✅ Minimizes the appearance of fine lines – With repeated sessions, chemical peels can improve signs of early aging.
✅ Boosts your natural glow – You’ll notice your skin looks healthier, brighter, and more radiant—no makeup or filters needed!

👩🏽‍⚕️ Is It Safe for All Skin Types?

Yes—but only when done by a trained and experienced professional. One of the biggest myths is that chemical peels "burn" the skin or are only for certain complexions. The truth is, modern chemical peels come in various strengths and formulations designed for all skin types, including sensitive or melanin-rich skin.

Mild (superficial) peels offer a gentle refresh, while deeper peels target more advanced concerns. A proper skin consultation will help determine the best option for your needs.

🔍 What to Expect Before, During, and After a Peel
Before:

You’ll have a quick consultation where the specialist will assess your skin type, discuss your concerns, and explain which type of peel suits you best. You may be asked to avoid using harsh products (like retinol or exfoliants) a few days before the treatment.

During:

The peel itself usually takes about 20–30 minutes. You may feel a tingling or warming sensation as the solution works, but it shouldn’t be painful. After a few minutes, the solution is neutralized and removed.

After:

You might experience mild redness or flaking over the next few days—this is normal and part of the renewal process. Within a week, your skin will look noticeably brighter, smoother, and clearer.

🌟 Pro Tip: Always wear sunscreen after a peel. Your new skin is more sensitive to sunlight and needs protection to maintain results.

🧴 How Many Sessions Do You Need?

While you may notice a difference after just one session, most people see the best results after a series of 3 to 6 treatments, spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Your skincare provider will guide you based on your goals and skin condition.

🙋🏾‍♀️ Who Is a Good Candidate for a Chemical Peel?

You might benefit from a chemical peel if you have:

Acne or frequent breakouts

Acne scars or dark marks

Uneven skin tone or texture

Sun damage

Fine lines or early signs of aging

Dull, tired-looking skin

If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is book a skin consultation to find out what your skin really needs.