Dr. Katie Beleznay
820 - 943 West Broadway V5Z 4E1 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Meme Monday is back. Lots of discussion around J Lo’s new skincare line (and her recent video promoting her mask)... Remember there is no such thing as a miracle product that can take years off your appearance overnight.

I had such a wonderful winter break this year with these two curious and joyful boys! With the relative calm of this holiday season at home, I feel grateful to have had more time with this family of mine! Today marks the end of Jacob’s first week back to school. I’m so grateful he can go to school in person and he absolutely loves it, but it was nice to have him around for 3 weeks. Plus, Henry was pretty excited to have his best playmate back in the house. Now that... the hustle and bustle returns with back to school and work in January, we have been thinking about how we can continue to enjoy moments like the ones we shared during our quiet holiday at home with just the 4 of us. Jacob has reminded me on more than one occasion Mom, aren’t you happy that one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to spend more time with me and Henry? Family has always played an important role in my life, but reflecting on the past year and planning for the future has brought it even more into focus, and the New Year is always a good time to set a reminder! So what are we doing? Well Ben and I have decided that once a month we will both have a one-on-one date with one of the boys. That way each of the kids gets a little time with each of us. We have also instituted a weekly family game night which is loosely defined how many of you have tried playing board games with a toddler? (Swipe to see a photo of a recent game night ) What ideas do my fellow IG moms and dads have to help facilitate family time? @ Vancouver, British Columbia

You have likely seen photos of dermatologists and influencers holding up their preferred skincare items or unboxing a new product line. I do it too! For those of us who believe in skincare, we like to talk about our favorite products, the evidence behind them and the outcomes you may achieve. But, as I’ve mentioned before, skincare has to be individual what works for my skin, won’t necessarily work for yours. Aside from sun protection, there is not a one size fits all answ...er when it comes to skincare. While some people may thrive with a multi-step skincare routine morning and night, that isn’t right for everyone. And I don’t recommend simply picking a trending skincare item to add to your routine because you have seen lots of people posting about it, or trying someone else’s published routine because their skin is glowing in photos. ? I believe in products and ingredients backed by science It is essential to tailor the choice of products to your skin type and needs The best regimen is the one you will actually adhere to (be realistic in what you will consistently put on and when). You can absolutely keep it simple! When in doubt, seek out an expert like a dermatologist for further assistance in finding the ideal products or routine for you! Skincare can form an important foundation for your overall skin health and the right products can help prevent photodamage, even and brighten skin tone, and work to minimize fine lines and textural changes. Also, a good skincare routine can work in conjunction with other in-office procedures like injectables and lasers if that is part of your comprehensive skin treatment plan. So, if you are interested in optimizing your routine and giving your skin a little boost, talk to your local skin expert! @ Vancouver, British Columbia

I have often been asked about the benefits of CBD and its role in skincare. CBD is touted for everything from treating anxiety and depression to healing muscle pain and more recently its benefits for the skin. But is CBD really a miracle ingredient to combat everything from acne to premature aging? Unfortunately the research to support these claims is lacking, and even where there may be benefits the effective dosage is often unclear. Further, the topical CBD you see on the... shelf may differ from what has been studied in the lab. When coupled with the fact that CBD is not always well regulated, it becomes even more difficult to substantiate the benefits of a given CBD product. In fact, in one study only 31% of products sampled contained the amount of CBD stated on the package** Let’s break it down a little further , ? CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many types of cannabinoids, with the other most common one being THC. Compared to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive, which means ingesting it or putting it on your skin will not get you "high." It is also worth noting that CBD is not the same as hemp oil, though both have become popular ingredients in the skincare world. , ? There have been studies linking CBD (ingested) with possible liver damage** but for the most part CBD is assumed to be safe, especially in topical form. Because everybody’s skin is different, it is possible to have a skin reaction to CBD as with any other active ingredient. And of course if your skin does react you should stop using it. , ? As stated earlier there is not a lot of data to substantiate the multitude of claims about CBD. Some studies indicate CBD may possess anti-inflammatory properties and that it can help hydrate the skin, however, more research is needed. : Until the research is conclusive I typically recommend ingredients with more rigorous data such as antioxidants like vitamin C or retinol. **Source: AAD @ Vancouver, British Columbia

Which image above is your favorite - left, center or right? Comment below I first saw this David Beckham image at a conference a few years ago and have seen further discussion online recently on the interesting topic of symmetry and our aesthetic goals! It has often been asserted that symmetrical faces are considered more attractive and that there is a biological reason that people exhibit this preference. So is it true or just another beauty myth? While there have been s...tudies showing that a preference for symmetry exists* what happens when we see true (mirror image) symmetry as in the photos above? The truth is that faces are not perfectly symmetrical and when we artificially create that symmetrical appearance it may actually be less desirable. In the pictures above, the center and right images are mirror-images of his right and left sides respectively. The perfectly symmetrical faces have distorted his appearance. Even when changes are subtle they can be more disconcerting and not perceived as normal. The fact that our facial structure and volume varies from one side of the face to the other is normal and may actually enhance appearance. So while it may be true that people are drawn to a certain amount of symmetry (versus a high degree of asymmetry), it also seems that perfect facial symmetry does not necessarily equate to true beauty. I know that my face has a number of non-symmetrical features, and while it is possible to use cosmetic treatments to try and even out certain aspects of our appearance, it is important to appreciate the facial features that make you uniquely YOU! *https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3130383/

Happy New Year to all of you! I had a few messages asking how I rang in the New Year. We got dressed up for an evening at home. The kids loved my sequins. We made a fancy dinner and celebrated with cocktails and kid wine made especially for our private party. We set up the camera with the self-timer as Ben sprinted to jump in the photo since we didn’t have any other revelers to take our picture. We watched the midnight EST (9 pm PST) Times Square ball drop on TV with the empty streets of NYC... It was a weird one, but I loved our quiet family celebration with just us. Here’s to 2021!

Thanks Dupuis Langen Group, what an amazing initiative... Love the mask and happy to wear it in support of the Richmond Foodbank. #DL12DaysofGiving

Today I want to address a problem that we all must face (pun intended ): Facial aging. Two of the primary culprits responsible for aging of the face are fat loss and bone loss, both of which start to become increasingly visible as early as your 30s! Over time, volume loss, sagging of the skin, and formation of deep lines and wrinkles begins to occur. This is why early prevention is The images above show how internal fat loss and gravitational changes present over time (s...wipe to see image of the fat and bone structure at age 35 vs 55). Fat pads are what give our face volume. With age these fat pads start to shrink in size and move down the face. The first signs of this tend to occur in the malar fat pad or cheek (pictured). This causes separation at the lid-cheek junction, which results in the appearance of a tear trough or under eye hollow. At the same time, bone resorption causes structural changes to our face. Loss of bony support, along with volume loss from fat pads can cause the skin to sag, as it has lost the underlying support structures. Skin elasticity also degrades as we age. Aging occurs in a downward and medial direction, which is why you can see heaviness in the nasolabial fold and jowls. That may sound like a lot of bad news, so what can we do? A comprehensive treatment plan (and the earlier the better) may be able to slow the sands of time using non-invasive treatments. Neuromodulator injections (e.g. Botox) can soften dynamic lines, fillers can replace lost volume and skin treatments such as Thermage and Ultherapy can help stimulate collagen synthesis and tighten the skin. @ Vancouver, British Columbia

Did you know that it takes 12-15+ years of post-secondary education to become a board-certified dermatologist! A dermatologist is the expert in all things skin, hair and nails: We are skin oncologists who diagnose and manage cancers like melanoma We are surgeons who remove skin cancer We are cosmetic specialists who have expertise in injectables like neuromodulators (e.g. Botox) and fillers, as well as lasers and other devices for body contouring and skin tighten...ing We are experts in skincare, understanding the scientific evidence behind different products and their effects at a molecular level We are pathologists who correlate clinical findings with our biopsy results We are anatomy experts understanding facial anatomy in detail Dermatologists have pioneered many of the cosmetic and surgical procedures in the aesthetic space and I love being involved in the latest and greatest when it comes to research and innovation! It’s important to understand and trust the qualifications of the provider you are seeing to make sure they have the expertise to safely and effectively treat you! What was my path? I did 4 years of an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, 4 years of medical school, 5 years of dermatology residency at the University of British Columbia (UBC), including an internship rotating through everything from psychiatry to surgery, and a 1 year fellowship in cosmetic and laser dermatology where I was trained by some of the best including @carrutherscosmetic (the inventors of cosmetic botox) and @humphreyderm and also spent time in San Diego doing further training with @sabrina.fabi and @cosmeticlaserdermatology and in Washington D.C. with @drtinaalster! So it took 14 years to get here and receive the MD, FRCPC, FAAD designation (Canadian & US Board Certification). I wouldn’t trade any of it and I am grateful to be practicing this amazing specialty with so many brilliant and supportive colleagues. @ Vancouver, British Columbia

Over the past few weeks I’ve shared a series of neuromodulator (e.g. Botox, Dysport) injection videos treating frown lines, forehead wrinkles, lateral brow and crow’s feet. These are a couple of before and after photos of my patient showing the improvement 3 weeks after treatment of her frown and horizontal forehead lines. With a bit of neuromodulator strategically placed she was able to look more rested and refreshed with notable softening of her lines. DID YOU KNO...W? Botox can also help with tension headaches and migraines, and there is even data that it may help with mood. How does that work? Well it’s hypothesized that this may be due to facial feedback hypothesis: Muscle expressions play a key role in how the brain evaluates mood and how we feel. So when we smile or laugh our brain evaluates this as being happy and mood improves. Similarly, if you can’t frown, it may create feedback that we can’t be angry or depressed. There have been other suggested contributions to the benefit in mood - if you look good you may feel better and if you don’t look grumpy than others may respond to you more positively making you feel better! See more

An experienced and well-trained injector is your best chance at getting optimal results in the safest manner. While there are always some risks to any medical treatment, it is not worth sacrificing safety and outcome to save a little money. It’s your face #drkatiebeleznay #boardcertifieddermatologist #trainingmatters #topinjector #botox #fillers #safetyfirst #beautytips #beautymemes #memes #dermmeme #Vancouver #YVR

It’s only the first week of December and I feel like we are late getting our tree this year given all the activity on social, but we are now fully in the holiday spirit as you can see. I love this time of year and, especially this holiday season, I am appreciating all of the little things even more the smell of the tree, Christmas music blasting while we decorate (and for most of the next three weeks ), eggnog by the fireplace, and watching Home Alone tonight (with Jacob for the first time ). Given we may not be able to enjoy all our usual holiday traditions with family and friends this year, we figured we would go all in on what we could including letting the kids pick out matching pajamas (and insisting we wear the hats).

It’s only the first week of December and I feel like we are late getting our tree this year given all the activity on social, but we are now fully in the holiday spirit as you can see. I love this time of year and, especially this holiday season, I am appreciating all of the little things even more the smell of the tree, Christmas music blasting while we decorate (and for most of the next three weeks ), eggnog by the fireplace, and watching Home Alone tonight (with Jacob for the first time ). Given we may not be able to enjoy all our usual holiday traditions with family and friends this year, we figured we would go all in on what we could including letting the kids pick out matching pajamas (and insisting we wear the hats).

Microneedling has become quite popular and is a treatment we really like in our office It can help with skin texture, tone, appearance of scars, and for treating fine lines in difficult to treat areas, including under the eyes and the perioral lip lines. It can also be used all over the body including for stretch marks! Here’s a video showing a microneedling treatment on one of our patients So what is microneedling? It involves the insertion of micro-fine needles into... the skin (typically in the range of 0.5 - 2.5 mm in depth) for rejuvenation. The punctures are like small superficial pin-pricks . The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen . The idea is that the pinpricks cause slight injury to the skin and the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. According to a 2008 study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment . It is minimally invasive and the most common side effects are minor skin irritation and redness. Some people opt for home rollers instead. Unlike professional microneedling devices, rollers don’t puncture the skin to the same depth. While this might seem like a less painful and less costly option, the problem is that you won’t achieve the same results. If you’re interested in microneedling you can contact my office for more information (link in bio). See more

With all the craziness and my busy fall schedule we decided to take a quick getaway to the mountains We lucked out with perfect weather and had a really nice time in Whistler. Today we are back to Vancouver (and lots of ) and tonight we will watch along with much of the world to see what direction US voters will choose @ Whistler, British Colombia

Fall has traditionally been the busiest time of year with conferences and post-summer clinics! I thought it might be quieter this year, but... Now with everything online, Instagram lives, and virtual meeting and education platforms becoming more popular it seems there have been even more speaking activities. So what have I been up to? Presenting at the American Society of Dermatology Surgery Meeting as part of the Masters Round Table sharing advice on aestheti...cs & practice management Presenting on filler gel science and injection techniques Preparing for some new filler launches with @galdermaaestheticsusa Advisory boards on psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, a new hair care product, and an innovative moisturizer for sensitive skin. Helping develop content for a nationwide initiative on education around acne management and presenting the material to physicians, nurses, and pharmacists across Canada Presenting on retinoids and the benefit for treating acne on the face and trunk ... and all the other anti-aging benefits Recording talks on fillers and facial anatomy and preparing for our panel with some of my super awesome colleagues @jeremygreenMD and @michaelkaminermd for Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar Recording an IG Live with @skinceuticalsca on cosmetic treatments of the neck and discussing the amazing new Tripeptide-R neck repair (check out their page and IGTV for the video) Collaborating with the amazing @BeautyUnknowns team on the evidence behind different skincare products, my favourite routine, and highlighting injectables and safety. More to come in November and December including filming with the awesome @skin.terviews team for season 2, recording more content with @beautyunknowns, presenting with my wonderful colleagues at Controversies & Conversations in Lasers and Cosmetic Surgery Meeting, and moderating a discussion with my US colleagues on the launch of a new cheek filler! While it’s been busy I’ve loved it all! Sharing knowledge, learning, staying up to date with the latest products and treatments, and teaching really does keep it exciting See more

I found this photo from the summer when Jacob eagerly set up his lemonade stand, something he had been talking about doing ever since some neighborhood kids had one last summer! At first as he set it up it made me sad thinking about this pandemic year and our crazy new reality. But, then as neighbour after neighbour showed up to buy lemonade, leaving generous tips and stopping for a socially distanced chat with Jacob as he happily counted out the change, I felt grateful and hopeful - we will get through this and the future remains bright. Jacob wasn’t phased by wearing his mask or sanitizing his shop. Kids are resilient and they show us that we can adapt and find joy in all the small things.

#FBF to the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) last year when we were all able to meet, learn and socialize in person . I had so much fun speaking as faculty on various cosmetic topics. I miss my #ASDS family and wish I could see everyone in person! But, I am really looking forward to the 2020 ASDS Virtual Annual Meeting to celebrate the Society’s 50th year! It’s happening in 2 weeks. Register now (link in bio) . I’m so proud of my awesome work partner @humphreyderm for chairing the meeting and all her hard work - the line up looks so amazing

So excited to see these lips that I treated appearing in print and on social media! Just before COVID I had so much fun with the @galdermaaestheticsusa team and several models when they flew to Vancouver for me to treat them with Restylane Kysse. We had a full day of filming where I injected lips for training videos and discussed lip anatomy and lip filler!! And while many of our official @canfieldsci after photos got postponed because of COVID, it’s nice to see that they were able to get some photos for this campaign for the launch of Restylane Kysse in the US!

As I get to know a patient’s goals, one area we often discuss is desired facial shape. Instead of focusing on individual treatments, this allows me to determine the best possible combination of treatments that will work in tandem and complement each other to achieve that outcome. This particular before and after is a great example of a patient who wanted to get back to the more heart shaped face shape she once knew . Over time she had lost definition in her jawline. The ...result was a double chin and extra width in the lower cheek area that made her face look rounder. We started with a single CoolMini application to sculpt away the bulk under her chin. I then used a slightly new technique, injecting Belkyra directly into the jowl, just underneath the jawline and into the cheek itself to recreate definition. As a last step we added filler in the chin and lateral cheek to pull everything up. With a few non-invasive procedures she was able to regain the face shape she was used to See more

Tomorrow is the last official day of summer! This summer has been different for sure but I’ve managed to spend some quality time with these two guys.We have loved exploring locally and really enjoyed #beautifulBC. We are all a little unsure of what the fall has in store, but I am holding family close and enjoying all this extra quality time with reduced work travel for both Ben and I! What was your favourite part of this summer?

In a prior post I had discussed how the increased use of video conferencing has people looking at themselves in a whole new way. This recent Elle article focuses on the increased interest in jawline treatment, which is a trend I observed prior to COVID but certainly has been of higher interest as of late. Some great contributions to this article from my colleagues @doftnewyork @dravasays @laradevganmd @GoodSkinclinics. The jawline and chin is one of my favorite areas to t...reat as there are now multiple non-surgical options available. I actually just treated a patient to enhance her jawline using both CoolSculpting (CoolMini) to reduce the double chin, Kybella/Belkyra to define the jawline and reduce cheek and jowl fat, and filler to the chin and lateral cheeks to lift and create shape with fabulous results. I will post before and after photos here soon! See more

There are a lot of skin (and hair and nail) issues that can cause embarrassment and I get to see all of them in my practice as a dermatologist. These conditions are surprisingly common, often just not discussed, and can all be treated. Below are four of the most common: Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) : Sweating of course is normal but for some people their sweat glands produce an excessive amount, which cannot be controlled with normal anti-perspirant. The under ar...ms and palms are the most common areas. This can be treated with Botox injections (yes it’s not only for wrinkles!) with the results lasting 6 months or longer. I find this is one of the most satisfying treatments for my patients. Dandruff : Though more common in men, many people have experienced this at some point in their lives. The small white flakes are the result of your skin on your scalp shedding. It is caused by a harmless yeast-like fungus that feeds on the oils in your scalp. Often over-the-counter shampoos (e.g. Nizoral, Head & Shoulders) are sufficient but if you can’t get it under control then your doctor can help Thinning hair : Thinning hair is a concern for men and women alike, and it can be caused by a number of factors including hormones, stress & underlying health conditions. The first step is to evaluate for and manage any potential triggers and if that doesn’t work then there may be over-the-counter or prescription treatments. Injections of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is another treatment that may be used to help regrow hair. Nail fungus : The scientific term is onychomycosis. It is a common condition that begins as discolouration under the tip of your fingernail or toenail and as it goes deeper it may cause your nail to thicken and crumble. Onychomycosis is more common with age, in men, and in those with a family history. There are prescription treatments that can be effective including both topicals like jublia and oral medications. So if you suffer from any of these, just know you are not alone and all of these conditions are very manageable See more

Thrilled to be a part of this and to teach with such an amazing group of aesthetic specialists! There is still time to register (link below) Repost @cosmeticbootcamp... We couldn't be happier with our 2020 faculty! Learn from the best of the best when you register for CBCs Summer Bootcamp online (content expires Oct. 17th!). Registration is here: https://bit.ly/37fXspG See more

Virtual platforms are becoming the norm for all of our previous scheduled in-person conferences! It was great to still be a part of #dermacon talking all things dermatology with such an amazing turnout. I’m getting used to the virtual presentations now and even doing it from the home office on a Saturday with my @onepeloton in the background and my kids happily distracted upstairs watching the US Open Women’s Final Thanks @rbconsultants for putting a great event together! Photo credit : Jacob (age 4)

Hard to believe this kid started kindergarten today. Grateful that we are able to return to school in person here in BC. Hoping for a safe and fun school yearWhen asked what he wants to be when he grows up he was very specific that he wants to be a dermatologist like mom for 2 years, a business man like dad for 2 years, (and a construction man for 2 years,) but the bulk of his career (70 years) will be spent as a baggage cart driver . This kid has a lot of education and a long career in front of him .

Healthy skin habits start at a young age, as my son Jacob has shared in his videos. Every dermatologist will tell you the most important thing for all ages is to protect your skin from sun damage! While everyone’s skin is unique I wanted to share some general tips for skin health as you age. In-office cosmetic treatments may also be helpful and I have shared some of those on my blog (link in bio). In your 20s, if you haven’t established a skin care routine now is the tim...e. Prevention is important at this age. A gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen are the key elements. You may also want to consider an exfoliating product to help turn over the skin cells. Many people in their 20s may still be dealing with acne so if you are having flare-ups and don’t have a treatment that works well for you, be sure to talk to a dermatologist. In your 30s is when you will likely start to notice more changes to your skin. For the most part, the routine you established in your 20s is still relevant (especially the sunscreen part - seriously, wear it every day!) Loss of collagen is one big change you may experience and this is the perfect time to introduce retinoids to your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient that I recommend to help hydrate the skin and soften the appearance of fine lines. For most people the 40s is when you start to see more signs of aging. Women in this age group may experience the onset of peri-menopause and the increased hormonal activity can wreak havoc on your skin. Adult acne may even be a problem and I often encourage the use of a retinoid for both anti-aging and acne concerns. It’s also a great time to incorporate an antioxidant like topical vitamin C into your routine. 50s and beyond - yes I know there are a lot of years beyond the 50’s and everyone’s skin is unique, but especially as we age our needs differ. Unfortunately I’m running out of space for this post, but in brief, with age the skin dries out so hydration and a good emollient is key. In addition to the above, incorporating a growth factor could also be considered! No matter your age it is important to develop a plan that is right for you.

Labour Day always seems to mark the end of summer Although our travel has been limited this summer, we've had some wonderful vacations within #BeautifulBC. We wrapped up the summer with a week on Salt Spring Island staying at @greenacres.saltspring: swimming in the lake, playing cards on the deck, hiking and exploring the island, quality time with Rara and Grandpa, Uncle D and Aunt Shel & my nephews Bodie and Levi . Now it's back to work and time to get Jacob ready to start kindergarten this week !

I'm Canadian so I guess hockey is in my blood . I have great memories of growing up watching Hockey Night in Canada with my dad and brothers. We started participating in playoff hockey pools as toddlers! While this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs "in the bubble" aren't quite the same, it has been fun to watch the Canucks Jacob and Henry mainly enjoy watching for the commercials but we're working on it. And yes, we did squeeze two boys in one jersey for the photo

Happy to contribute to this @healthline article . I always recommend evidence-based skincare and while higher end physician-directed skin care brands generally invest more in research, some of the same active important ingredients can be found in popular mass-market brands. It's key to find a skincare routine that is right for you and works within your budget . Link to article in bio.

I feel incredibly lucky that this man is my dad . When the kids kept saying "I miss Papa, let’s FaceTime Papa," I told my dad and he said, "Well how about if I come over for the weekend?" Needless to say, the boys were so excited. They have such a special relationship with him. When Ben had to be out of town unexpectedly for work last Halloween, my dad jumped on a ferry to Vancouver and this 6 foot 6 logger agreed to dress up in a bumble bee costume to complete our family be...e ensemble. Whenever we need him, miss him, or he misses us, he’s here for us in a heartbeat. When I first got into medical school and had to move to the big city (Vancouver), my dad helped move all my stuff into a small basement suite. He came to my first day of medical school orientation for the parents. There was a lot of discussion on how hard it would be and how much we would need support to get through it. My dad came out and said, You don’t have to do this. You’ve worked so hard already and you are so young. You could travel for a year, pick an easier path. I’ll support you. He wants what’s best for me and as I have committed to my path in dermatology he has supported me every step of the way. My dad is one of the hardest workers I know. He started out his job as a logger when he was only in grade 9. He still works and is one of the best in his field to this day! The children love getting videos of him cutting down trees on the frontline of forest fires to try to prevent the spread. And even though he works so hard, he taught me the value of work-life balance and the importance of family. And, there is no one else who will spend hours with the kids building towers or wrestling and tossing them in the air, on repeat, and love every minute of it! @ Vancouver, British Columbia

Not everyone realizes that as dermatologists we not only specialize in skin but also treat issues with nails and hair . Hair loss is one of the more common and frustrating concerns that our patients experience. With August being National Hair Loss Awareness Month, it is a good time to address this subject that is a source of concern for men and women alike. There are many different presentations of hair loss - everything from round circular patches of hair loss, to s...carring hair loss. Several things can cause hair loss, including stress, diet change, hormonal fluctuations and underlying health conditions. There are many reports that hair loss is at an all-time high as we face the impact of the pandemic. Recently COVID-19 has emerged as a trigger for increased incidence of hair loss. Many survivors of COVID-19 have reported hair loss following recovery from the illness. It is generally believed this is a result of something called "telogen effluvium" - hair loss triggered by stressors on the body such as an illness. But even those who have not contracted COVID-19 and are merely experiencing stress, hormones, or changes in diet as a result of the pandemic may also be seeing increased hair loss . The good news is that hair generally regrows once the trigger (e.g. stress, diet) has been removed . But if you are noticing an abnormal amount of shedding when you brush your hair, or loss of hair in areas you never have before, you can see your doctor to rule out any medical causes and identify how best to treat it.

So thankful to be able to get out and enjoy the summer with these guys! We have so much space in #beautifulBC and fresh air and the sun shining makes everyone feel good. It's nice to see people out enjoying our city while practicing safe physical distancing

Today has been 16 years since my Uncle Marc passed away. I often think of him and the profound impact he had on those around him. When he walked into a room everyone gravitated toward him. He loved to joke, laugh, and tell stories, and he had a great appetite for life. My uncle dropped out of school in grade 10, but he became an incredibly successful entrepreneur with a passion for learning. He showed us all that when you work hard and pursue your dreams you can have great sa...tisfaction and create joy around you. Sometimes how you come to a particular path in life is clear. I view my path to becoming a dermatologist as a series of fortunate events. In medical school I did a bench research project where my supervisor happened to be a dermatologist. I also met wonderful and generous people along the way (including @humphreyderm & @carrutherscosmetic) and it all came together. But, I also think about some of the less explicit influences. When I first told my uncle I was planning to apply to medical school, he said listen we are all getting older and you should get into a field like dermatology or plastic surgery where you can help people look and feel better. He was so excited as he started talking about the amazing practice I could build in Vancouver. This seemed like a crazy idea to me at the time, having grown up in a small logging community on a farm. But, I wonder if that subconsciously influenced me and here I am living that dream he had suggested for me! Uncle Marc was always sending my mom quotes and she would share them with me to help motivate and support me along my journey. Days before he died he sent this one: "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly... I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection." -Thomas Paine I’m so grateful for the career path I came upon and while it hasn't always been easy, I am so thankful for those who influenced and helped me get to where I am today. My Uncle Marc is certainly one of those people and as I think of him on this day I remain inspired and thankful for his role in my life. See more

Had such a great time at our outdoor mini family reunion this weekend on my granny’s farm! It was so great to see family on the island. The kids got to play with all the animals, we enjoyed friendly competitive sports & games, a giant slip and slide, and even made matching tie-dye shirts. Very grateful we could do this safely within our family bubble