Skin Health Blog
Evidence-based skin health guidance, educational insights, and treatment breakdowns written by GP Dr Maha Shariff.
Latest clinical insights
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Rosacea Explained (Part 1): Symptoms, Triggers and What You Need to Know
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition causing facial redness, flushing, sensitivity and sometimes spots, yet it is often mistaken for acne or sensitive skin. Symptoms, triggers, how it differs from acne, and when to seek medical advice.
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Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Part 1): A Doctor’s Guide to the Questions Patients Actually Ask
Anti-wrinkle injections (botulinum toxin), sometimes referred to as muscle-relaxing injections, are one of the most commonly discussed aesthetic treatments in clinic, yet most consultations are not focused on the treatment itself. They are focused on uncertainty.
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Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Part 2): What to Expect Before, During and After Treatment
What to expect before, during and after anti-wrinkle injections. From the initial consultation to daily recovery and treatment longevity, this guide answers the most common practical questions.
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Microneedling Explained: How It Works, What to Expect and How I Use It in Clinic
How microneedling works, what to expect, and how it is used in clinic to treat acne scarring, uneven skin texture, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and support overall skin quality.
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My approach to ageing well: how I support skin health in clinic
A doctor-led approach to ageing well focusing on skin quality, barrier health, collagen preservation, and inflammation control.
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Why Acne Keeps Coming Back | Causes of Persistent Acne Explained
Why acne keeps coming back and why single treatments often fail. A professional look at oil production, inflammation, hormones, and barrier function, and how a stepwise plan achieves long-term control.
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Is Your Skin Barrier Damaged? Signs, Causes and How to Support Recovery
If you have been experiencing dryness, redness, sensitivity, or unexpected breakouts, your skin barrier may be compromised. This guide covers symptoms, causes, and how to repair barrier impairment.
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Skin Boosters vs Mesotherapy: SuneKOS® vs Profhilo® Explained
Skin boosters vs mesotherapy: what's the difference? Understanding injectable hyaluronic acid-based treatments, SuneKOS, Profhilo, and how to choose the right treatment for your skin.
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How to Use Retinoids Safely in Summer
How to use retinoids safely in summer. From starting low and increasing gradually, to specific SPF and photoprotection protocols, and supporting your skin barrier.
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Can I Use Retinoids in Summer? A Skin Doctor’s Guide to Retinol, Tretinoin & Sun Exposure
Can I use retinoids in summer? A skin doctor's guide to retinol, tretinoin, cell turnover, sun sensitivity, and why evenings are best.
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Retinoid Purging vs Irritation: How To Tell The Difference When Starting Retinoids
What is retinoid purging versus irritation? Learn how to distinguish temporary breakouts from barrier disruption, what causes them, and how to manage the transition.
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Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Why Dark Marks Linger And What Can Help
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Why dark marks linger after breakouts, eczema, or friction, and evidence-based treatments that actually help.
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Chemical Peels 101: Understanding Skin Peels in Cosmetic Dermatology
Chemical peels are a well-established skin resurfacing treatment used to improve post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne, uneven skin tone, and textural irregularities.
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Acne Scarring Requires More Than Skincare Alone
Topical skincare plays an important role in acne management and, when used consistently, can make a meaningful difference to overall skin health and clarity. However, if atrophic (depressed) scarring has formed, skincare alone cannot change the underlying structure of the skin.