Hydroquinone is commonly used to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation. However, prolonged or unsupervised use can rarely cause exogenous ochronosis, a condition in which the skin becomes darker instead of lighter. What Is Exogenous Ochronosis? Exogenous ochronosis causes blue-black or slate-gray discoloration, most often on the cheeks, temples, or neck. It is an acquired skin condition [...]
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, commonly called MoCRA, is one of the biggest changes to U.S. cosmetic regulation since 1938. Signed into law in December 2022, it gives the FDA broader authority to oversee cosmetic manufacturing, safety reporting, and product information. What Does MoCRA Require? MoCRA introduced requirements including: Reporting serious adverse events Registering [...]
Ambient AI scribes listen to conversations between clinicians and patients and automatically generate clinical notes. Their use is expanding across medicine, including dermatology, with the goal of reducing documentation time and allowing clinicians to focus more directly on patients. However, a proposed class action lawsuit in California has raised concerns about consent, privacy, data storage, [...]
If you follow K-beauty, you probably already know Olive Young, South Korea’s dominant beauty and lifestyle retailer. Often described as a K-beauty version of Sephora, the chain is known for its extensive selection of skincare, makeup, hair care, supplements, and trending products. In May 2026, Olive Young opened its first U.S. store in Pasadena, California, [...]
For more than 30 years, topical minoxidil has been the only FDA-approved treatment for female pattern hair loss. Veradermics is now developing VDPHL01, an extended-release oral minoxidil tablet designed specifically for pattern hair loss. Early Phase 2 results are promising, but the medication remains investigational and is not yet FDA approved. Why Is a New [...]
In October 2025, the FDA issued a safety communication about radiofrequency microneedling, commonly known as RF microneedling. The agency cited reports of serious complications, including burns, scarring, facial fat loss, disfigurement, nerve damage, and injuries requiring medical or surgical treatment. What Is RF Microneedling? RF microneedling uses small needles to create controlled punctures in the [...]
Squalene: What Your Skin Already Makes Squalene, with an "e," is a naturally occurring oily compound found in humans, animals, and plants. It is a component of sebum, the oil your skin produces to help keep itself moisturized. Natural squalene production declines with age, which is one reason skin often becomes drier over time. The [...]
Glutathione has become a buzzword in skincare and wellness circles, marketed everywhere from IV drip bars to whitening supplements. But it is not a trendy new discovery. It is a molecule your body makes and relies on every day. Here is what glutathione actually is and what the research says about its potential skin benefits. [...]
Scroll through K-beauty TikTok and you've likely seen the term "reedle shot," a combination of "needle" and micro-spicule technology used to describe products that promise needle-like results without an actual needle. VT Cosmetics' Cica Reedle Shot line, including its two-step hydrogel mask, is one of the most discussed examples. Here's what's actually happening in the [...]
If you've spent any time in the K-beauty aisle, you've probably seen "cica" across serums, creams, and sheet masks. It is not simply a trend created by marketing teams. Cica is a plant extract with a history that goes back thousands of years, and there is scientific evidence behind why it has become a staple [...]
