Dermatologist Talks: Skincare Science

This week's podcast is all about evolving beauty standards. Cultural and psychological factors have shaped our past perceptions of beauty. Dr. Teo Wan Lin tackles interesting perspectives as surreal as beauty being associated with evil, physical torture in the form of tiny bound feet in ancient Chinese culture, as well as modern day “mean girls” who bully individuals who are perceived to be better...

Are dark eye circles genetic? If you’ve had dark eye circles from childhood, there are two possibilities. The first is known as post-inflammation hyperpigmentation, which is caused by constant rubbing due to underlying eczema. Or, you may actually have inherited especially thin skin that causes the underlying veins to appear prominent. Photoaging also causes overall skin thinning and loss of colla...

Heard about the skinification of hair? It is a trend that emphasizes integration of active cosmeceutical ingredients in hair and scalp care. This week's podcast episode focuses on the importance of regular scalp and haircare to achieve natural, beautiful and healthy looking hair. Those with dandruff and oily scalps will benefit from the use of medicated shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione and sa...

There are various underlying causes of hyperpigmentation. Dark spots is the colloquial term for solar lentigo, which is a form of age-related hyperpigmentation. Melasma is hormonally triggered and is more common in skin of color. It's important for us to understand that there are now non-laser treatment options for all these types of hyperpigmentation, including post inflammation hyperpigmentation...

Not all pigmentation needs to or can be treated, but some types can be outright dangerous if misdiagnosed. Did you know that hyperpigmentation is commonly misunderstood? Firstly, many forms of it are not cosmetic concerns associated with aging and dermatologists do not advocate treatment of all types of hyperpigmentation. An example would be freckles, which are not harmful and should not be regard...

In this week's podcast episode, Dr Teo Wan Lin shares about the active ingredient Astaxanthin, which is the ideal blue light blocking ingredient incorporated in the multifunctional Happy Blush Stick-a blush and lipstick in a handy bullet case. This superfood is a micronutrient that occurs naturally in bacteria and algae. It has evolved to be protective against ultraviolet light in its natural envi...

Happy Blush by Dr. TWL Lip Lab contains the novel blue-light blocking edible superfood Astaxanthin to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation- it also naturally confers a unique shade of striking coral pink to the buildable lip-cheek stain. Mood-boosting Crocus Sativa is a potent antioxidant that also enhances your natural endorphins.  This week, Dr. Teo Wan Lin discusses a prototype of multi-fun...

This episode is all about bringing out the natural beauty of hair. Perfectly healthy hair is beautiful hair. In this episode, dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin covers hair shaft defects and how these contribute to hair loss due to fragility. Grooming practices that involve the use of heated tools, excessive styling products and tight hairstyles can all contribute to a mechanical form of hair loss. She...

Dermatology Weekly Flash Briefing - This week, Dr. Teo Wan Lin highlights the importance of a well designed home LED facial device that delivers red light. Red light therapy used in the dermatologist office setting stimulates cellular mitochondria, increases collagen production and reduces inflammation.  Besides being highly effective, the LG Pra. L Derma LED Mask earns top marks for its safety fe...

Dermatology Weekly Flash Briefing - If you've ever wondered how to effectively volumize your hair without leave-on hair styling products, this podcast episode is for you. Dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin shares that using the correct shampoo and hair conditioner can effectively increase the volume of your hair starting from roots all the way to the hair shaft. Seborrhea, which is excessive production...

In this podcast episode, Dr Teo Wan Lin talks about the latest from Dior research, which tells us that the eyes are not just a significant part of our appearance, but also relevant in terms of evolutionary psychology. The Dior Eye Power Study uses occulometry to determine how individuals perceive age based on the appearance of the eyes alone. The key biological processes behind the skin signs...

Eyebrows not only accentuate the eyes, but also frame the face, which makes choosing the right brow treatment so important. In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin breaks down popular eyebrow treatments - microblading, brow lamination, as well as hacks such as 'Soap Brows'. Listen on to learn all about a dermatologist’s approach to browcare. Want more of our podcast? Episode Recaps and Notes: https://www...

What we wear to sleep not only influences our sleep quality, but can also make a difference to our skin. In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin breaks down the science behind how different materials affect the functioning and physiology of our skin. She also explains the properties of silk that has made it a popular fabric for sleepwear, and discusses silk alternatives in the form of biofunctional texti...

From at-home microneedling, DIY face masks, and dental floss to remove whiteheads, Tiktok is full of beauty and skincare “hacks” that have gone viral. Join dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin in this episode where she breaks down the science behind these and separate fact from fad. Want more of our podcast? Episode Recaps and Notes: https://www.scienceofbeauty.net/ ; Instagram: @drteowanlin; Youtube:&nb...

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure that is used to treat certain signs of photoaging such as uneven, dull skin tone, acne scars, as well as superficial wrinkles. In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin explains how a microdermabrasion facial works and its benefits for the skin. She also discusses the difference between a chemical peel and microdermabrasion procedure, and the difference bet...

How do retinols work? How do I start on retinol? In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin explains how the mitochondria plays an important role in cell energy and the health and appearance of our skin - especially when it comes to skin aging; and how the Super Berry complex™ and Energy Glyco in the LANEIGE Perfect Renew range helps to restore skin cell energy. She also discusses how the LANEIGE Perfect Re...

Skin icing refers to the application of frozen ice globes or cubes taken from the freezer directly on the facial skin in attempt to minimize pores, soothe redness and reduce puffiness. In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin explains the potential dangers that can come from applying ice directly on the facial skin, and the skin conditions linked to thermal regulation. She also discusses the effects of ot...

Superfoods are mostly plant-based foods that are nutritionally dense and beneficial for one's overall health and skin. In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin discusses the role of functional foods in the aging process, and discusses the evidence - or lack thereof - behind beauty supplements for our skin. She also shares the dietary advice she offers to her patients - the specific foods to avoid, those w...

In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin chats with Victoria Wondersnatch, the drag queen dermatologist who is featured in Conscious Beauty - a coffee table book that chronicles different perspectives on beauty. Sharing stories about her passion for musical theatre and drag, Victoria talks about completing a PhD in hair biology at Columbia University, and how she is using her Youtube channel as a way to e...

Noticeable hair thinning or hair loss can enormously affect one’s confidence. In this episode, author of the Haircare Bible, accredited dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin discusses the various causes of hair loss, and when to see a dermatologist for your hair condition. She also covers evidence-based hair loss treatment options and recent innovations - Sandalore, which is now in the form of a treated h...

Dermatology Weekly Flash Briefing - Perioral Dermatitis is a fairly common condition that's often misdiagnosed as acne - hormonal acne and rosacea, and it is a very troubling condition which can lead to long term scarring and worsening sensitivity if left untreated. In this episode, Dr Teo Wan Lin discusses the important skincare tips you can implement if you suspect you have perioral dermatitis,...

In Asia, the idea of having fair skin is unfortunately tied with the concept that beautiful, healthy skin has to be first of all, fair, then smooth and without wrinkles. In this episode, Dr. Teo Wan Lin shares her thoughts on the unhealthy obsession with skin whitening in Asia, the potentially dangerous, yet still widespread practices that are used in the quest for fairer skin, and how increasing...

Dermatology Weekly Flash Briefing - Bacne is the colloquial term for back acne, which is essentially a type of acne-like rash that occurs over oil-producing parts of the body such as the chest and back. In this episode, dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin will cover the causes and triggers of back acne, tips for back acne prevention, and the novel concept of applying biofunctional textiles for treatment...

In this special podcast episode for National Sunscreen Day, Dr. Teo Wan Lin answers all your essential questions on sun protection. We start with the evidence behind SPF labelling, the Korean PURITO sunscreen scandal and move on to the science behind what makes an ideal sunscreen. Learn about the differences between chemical and physical sunscreens and why it’s important to incorporate both. Final...

Dermatology Weekly Flash Briefing - Studies suggest that the right diet - specifically, one that is rich in vegetables and fruits, fish consumption, and food with low glycemic index can help to prevent and treat acne. In this flash briefing, Dr. Teo explains how certain foods like highly processed “fast food” and junk food can affect inflammation and the process of comedogenesis, which has a direc...