Ask Dr. S

Many of the products made for adults won't help the skin concerns of teens and may lead to irritation or in general just a waste of time and money.  Teens need the basics, even washing your face 2x a day with a gentle cleanser can reduce the appearance of acne.  Harsh products with active ingredients like retinol, exfoliants, toners and some serums may actually irritate teen skin or inadvertently worsen acne.  The bottom line, teens don't need expensive skincare products packed with active ingredients that might irritate their skin and cause breakouts.  One of the reasons we made Stryke Club...

Dr. Sheilagh gets real about spot treatments. Question: Why should I use a spot treatment for breakouts? Answer:  A large pimple is always unwanted and inconvenient. But don’t stress! There are things you can do to shorten the lifespan of a large pimple. Studies have shown that the simple act of washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice daily will already get you off to a great start by reducing the tendency for acne. Still, if that large pimple occurs - reach for a quick and portable spot treatment that you can apply a few times daily even on...

Don't stress about acne, Dr. S has the answers! Question:  It's finals week.  How do I fight stress-related acne? Answer:  Stress-related breakouts are caused by a spike in cortisol, the stress hormone.  While finals are a stressful and busy time, taking a few minutes to practice stress-reducing techniques can help reduce those cortisol levels. Go for a walk, get exercise, eat balanced, nutritious meals, and try to keep a regular sleep schedule (I know that one's hard).  It's also important to stick with your skincare rountine - taking that extra minute to wash the day's oils and bacteria away will...

Get advice from a doctor, not TikTok! Question: Will staying up really late (or pulling an all-nighter) make my acne worse? Answer: While there isn't direct scientific evidence to suggest this, inadequate sleep can contribute to other factors that may affect skin health. Lace of sleep can trigger and increase in cortisol levels (stress hormones) as well as inflammation, and those two things have been linked to acne.  So while sleep alone won't be the sole cause of breakouts, it's important to get those 7-9 hours for overall skin health. 

Dr. Sheilagh helps you protect your skin the right way! Question:  Every time I wear sunscreen I break out.  What should I do? Answer:  Don't stop wearing sunscreen!!  There are tons of great options that won't irritate acne-prone skin.  Here's what to look for: 1.  Non-Comedogenic, a.k.a won't clog pores.  These formulas are specifically designed to avoid pore blockage and minimize breakouts.  2.  Fragrance Free.  Added fragrance can irritate the skin, leading to breakouts or allergic reactions. 3.  Physical Sunscreen.  Mineral (a.k.a physical sunscreen) relies on ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier against UV rays,...