Skin and derma

Common skin treatments explained in plain words.

13 articles

A clinic waiting room with armchairs and a low table with magazines

Laser hair removal: what to ask before you book

Laser hair removal questions to ask before booking: who is licensed, how skin and hair are assessed, side effects, aftercare and what to get in writing.

Thomas LefèvreNov 7, 20264 min read

Skincare bottles and cotton pads on a bathroom counter

Skin and derma

Acne: when to see a dermatologist, not a salon

Acne is common and has many treatment options. Here is when official advice suggests seeing a doctor or dermatologist, and what to ask at the visit.

Thomas LefèvreNov 6, 20262 min read

Skin and derma

Should I get a mole checked? What to do next

Wondering whether to get a mole checked? Here is when the NHS says to see a doctor, who to ask and what to bring, in plain words. Not a diagnosis.

Thomas LefèvreNov 4, 20262 min read

Plain skincare bottles and a folded towel on a white tray

Skin and derma

Questions to ask before a chemical peel

Thinking about a chemical peel? Here are the questions to ask a licensed professional, red flags to watch for and what to expect before and after.

Thomas LefèvreOct 30, 20265 min read

Several sunscreen bottles lined up on a bathroom shelf

Skin and derma

How to choose a sunscreen: SPF, stars and amounts

How to choose a sunscreen for daily use: what SPF and UVA star ratings mean, how much to apply and when to reapply, based on NHS and AAD advice.

Thomas LefèvreOct 27, 20265 min read

A forearm with a small black line tattoo resting on a wooden table

Skin and derma

Laser tattoo removal: what to ask before you book

Thinking about laser tattoo removal? Here are the questions to ask about who is licensed, the laser used, skin checks, side effects, sessions and aftercare.

Thomas LefèvreOct 6, 20264 min read

A glass of water and a folded towel on a beach chair in shade

Skin and derma

Sunburn: what to do and when to get help

Sunburn: general first steps from official advice, such as getting out of the sun and cooling the skin, and the signs that mean you should seek medical help.

Thomas LefèvreSep 22, 20262 min read

Two small amber dropper bottles standing on a marble shelf

Skin and derma

Retinol or vitamin C serum: how they differ

Retinol or vitamin C serum? Here is how they differ in general, how people usually fit them into a routine and what to ask a pharmacist or dermatologist.

Thomas LefèvreSep 4, 20263 min read

A small dab of white cream on the inner wrist of an arm resting on a table

Skin and derma

How to patch test a new skincare product

How to patch test a new skincare product: where to put it, how long to wait, what a reaction can look like and when to stop and ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Thomas LefèvreAug 27, 20262 min read