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Does Finasteride Cause Depression? - Putting it in Perspective
In short, the risk of depression or sexual side effects from 5-alpha reductase inhibitors is low, though likely not zero.

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Nov 29, 202510 min read


What's In Your Sunscreen, Part3: Are Sunscreens Endocrine Disruptors?
Introduction In a 2020 FDA-backed trial, six widely used sunscreen active ingredients— avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate,...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Apr 6, 202514 min read


Isotretinoin ("Accutane") Dosing Options: Should You Go Low, Standard, or High?
With low-dose regimens becoming popular, what dose of isotretinoin ("Accutane") is right for you?

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Apr 2, 20254 min read


What's in Your Sunscreen, Part 2: Major Sunscreen Ingredients, FDA Approved or Toxic Substances?
Sunscreen has long been a cornerstone of public health recommendations for preventing sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. In...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 29, 20254 min read


What’s in Your Sunscreen, Part 1: The Most Common UV Filters
As spring approaches and you start stocking up on sunscreen, you're likely to encounter a familiar lineup of ingredients on the back of...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 29, 20255 min read


Why Minnesota Burns: Melanoma Risk Beyond Latitude
Latitude isn't destiny, but sunburns and excessive sun exposure could be.

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 23, 20253 min read


What's in Sunlight (and Why Do We Care)?
Understanding the impact of UV light on skin at different times of the year and locations can help you enjoy life and consume sun safely.

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 19, 20257 min read


Does EMOTIONAL Stress Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be a deeply distressing experience, often leading to significant emotional strain. But can emotional stress itself...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 9, 20256 min read


NUTRAFOL® Women: Does it REALLY work?
This is an unpaid, independent review. I have no vested interest in promoting this product other than providing people with accurate...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 9, 20258 min read


Risks of Topical Tretinoin Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
"the key safety message is that the absence of evidence of harm is not absolute proof of safety"

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 5, 20258 min read


Will Tretinoin Reduce the Size of My Pores?
What causes large facial pores? Unfortunately, there is no one single thing that contributes to pore size. It is a mix of multiple and...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 2, 20255 min read


Myth: Tretinoin Reduces Oily Skin
If you have oily skin and were counting on tretinoin to help , you may likely be disappointed. Although tretinoin has been shown to have...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Mar 1, 20254 min read


Tretinoin: What is it?
If you’ve ever wondered about the connection between tretinoin, vitamin A, and retinol, you’re in the right place. In this post, we...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 23, 20253 min read


Tretinoin: Does It Really Cause Sun Sensitivity?
Anyone who has used tretinoin before remembers the instructions: apply a pea-sized amount at night. It’s true, tretinoin should be...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 22, 20254 min read


Myth: You Need to Apply Tretinoin Every Night
Research suggests that you don’t need to apply retinoids every night to reap their full benefits.

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 17, 20253 min read


Myth: Biotin is an effective hair growth supplement.
Biotin for Hair Growth: Miracle Supplement or Marketing Hype? Biotin has long been marketed as a go-to supplement for hair, skin, and...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 17, 20255 min read


Valentine's Myth: Chocolate Causes Acne
For decades, the idea that chocolate causes acne has been both debated and dismissed. (Fulton et al, 1969) Some swear that indulging in...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 13, 20255 min read


Myth: Popping pimples causes scarring.
Last time you had a breakout, you might have been tempted to pop that pimple, believing it will make it disappear faster. But does...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 12, 20253 min read


Myth: Daily washing causes hair loss.
Many people worry that washing their hair too often can cause hair loss. But is that really true? Let’s break it down. What Happens When...

Ryan M. Trowbridge, MD, MS, MA
Feb 10, 20254 min read
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