News
Dr. Callender featured in the article “Gone Baby Gone” A high-tech treatment could be the solution for extra hair in ELLE Magazine March 2008.
Turns out, hormones are almost always to blame for hair that has gone into hyperdrive. When estrogen dips, testosterone-which all women have in varying amounts- comes into play, spurring extra growth in a classic male pattern: on the chin and upper lip, among the jaw. How much, and how light or dark, is very individual. While this type of hormonal change is most often triggered by perimenopause- the reason many women in their forties, such as I, find themselves fuzzier-it can also be due to non-age related factors such as certain medications (steroids and diuretics) or weight gain, since an increase in fat can alter hormone levels. Imbalances can also spring from the adrenal glands or the ovaries (a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome, in which the ovaries produce an overload of androgens), explains Valerie Callender, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
“A simple blood test can determine if androgen levels are high, at which point an endocrinologist can identify the source and prescribe treatment. But there’s no such fix for my case of fuzz, since my drop in estrogen during perimenopause is permanent”.
– Dr. Callender
Dr. Callender is featured in the article “no more scars!”
If, despite your at-home efforts, a scar still forms, a dermatologist can help. Cortisone shots instantly smooth bumpy skin. If you’ve had the scar for months (or years), a fractional laser like Fraxel will help even out your skin’s texture and tone. You’ll need about four treatments at around $1000 a piece.
“The sooner you treat a wound- ideally within 5 days of getting cut – the less likely it is to scar,” says Valerie Callender, M.D.
“Best of Beauty 2007″ More Magazine selected a panel of 15 top dermatologists, hairdressers and makeup artists to evaluate the newest skin, makeup and hair boosters at their beauty summit in New York City.
Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser
“Breaks the bonds between dead surface cells with glucosamine, a mild exfoliant, so makeup goes on easily. Even sensitive skin with rosacea tolerates it well.” – Dr. Callender
Aveeno Positively Ageless Rejuvenating Serum
“A long-term cell renewal solution for those who can’t tolerate retinoids or AHAs. Shitake extract evens skin tone and fine lines, and it won’t promote hypersensitivity. This light serum can be layered under moisturizer or sunscreen.” – Dr. Callender
Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Anti-Aging Serum with Coenzyme Q10
“True to its name, this sensitive skin tamer calms with licorice-root extract; its subtle green tint neutralizes pink tones, even rosacea.” – Dr. Callender
Dr. Callender featured article “The Black Woman’s Guide to Hair Loss” in Essence Magazine August 2007.
Traction Alopecia
“Patients often have only vellus fine hairs; it’s the thick terminal hairs that are gone,” says dermatologist Valerie Callender.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
“Inflammation of the scalp usually precedes scarring, which results in permanent hair loss,” says Dr. Callender. “The goal is to stop the inflammation in order to reduce the scarring.”
New Research on Hair Loss
“The in-depth questionnaire asks for such information as the age of onset, family history, medications and hair-grooming processes,” explains dermatologist Valerie Callender, M.D.
