Your complete guide to effective hair loss treatment in South Africa
Hair loss is a complex issue influenced by genetics, health, hormones, and hair care habits. Whether you’re experiencing shedding, thinning, or scarring alopecia, understanding the latest advances in hair loss treatment in South Africa can help you take action early and effectively. In this blog, we explore key treatment options for 2025, from new technologies […]
What is mole mapping? How it works and the latest technology
Get expert winter skin care tips from Dr. Nokubonga Khoza. Learn how to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate your skin with treatments like HydraFacial.
From sunscreen to salmon sperm: 2025 trends in skincare
The world of skincare is always evolving, and 2025 is bringing some exciting (and slightly surprising) trends. From the power of peptides to the curious case of salmon sperm, we’re seeing a shift towards science-backed simplicity and long-term skin investment. But, as new innovations emerge, some outdated trends are making their exit. Let’s break down […]
Skin care for dark skin: 6 gaps in dermatological understanding
Skin care for dark skin is often misunderstood and mishandled in the dermatological community. And unfortunately, this often stems from a biased education. We’ll unpack the gaps in knowledge fostered by this education, and address them together. As a dermatological practice, we want all our clients to feel understood and cared for, so they are […]
An educated approach to black skin care
When it comes to skin colour, the world is blending. The US Census Bureau estimates that by 2050, half the citizens of the US will have dark skin. It’s important that the practice of dermatology acknowledges this, and adjusts its understanding and approach to black skin care. For decades, medical dermatologists have recognised the role […]
Pseudofolliculitis Barbae And Keloidalis Nuchae
Pseudofolliculitis barbae and keloidalis nuchae are two chronic disorders that affect hair follicles. The conditions are particularly common to men with dark skin tones of African descent. The conditions are not well known, despite being quite common. Treatments can be challenging and require a multi-faceted approach and even so, the treatment efficacy varies from person […]
Make up: The different types and their uses (Part 2)
The purpose of make up is to highlight our most attractive facial features. This also means concealing flaws and imperfections. We want to draw attention to the eyes, the shape of the mouth, and add arching and full eyebrows for a striking look. Some of the trending videos on social media depicting ways to add […]
Make up: The different types and their uses (Part 1)
Makeup has received fairly negative coverage in the media. However, it is still the most popular way to hide imperfections and achieve smooth and healthy-looking skin. Many people get trapped in a cycle: they wear makeup to hide a skin condition. Due to their choice of makeup, the symptoms associated with the condition worsens and […]
How To Treat Thinning Eyebrows And Eyelashes
Treatment of Eyebrow Conditions Thinning eyebrows and diminishing eyelashes can be deeply upsetting. It is tempting to try and remedy the situation with cosmetic treatments and “quick fixes”. Many of these treatments may hide the symptoms of thinning hair without addressing the underlying cause and while placing added stress on the hair follicles, which are […]
The Truth About Eyebrows and Eyebrow Shaping
Eyebrows serve an important function. Primarily, they are there to protect the eyes, diverting moisture such as sweat and other impurities – like dirt – away from the eyes and down the sides of the face. This is true for the unkempt eyebrow that hasn’t undergone eyebrow shaping, in its original state. Today, eyebrows also […]
10 myths not backed by dermatologists
On our quest for beauty, we’ve been fed many misconceptions. Some beauty hacks have been passed down over generations. From egg white to bicarbonate of soda, potato peels to lemon juice, turmeric to avocado. Women seem to put almost anything on the skin, any quick fix that promises beauty is always so tempting to try. […]
Understanding and treating psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterised by an overproduction of skin cells. The result is scaly patches on the skin’s surface that are itchy, uncomfortable and very noticeable. So the condition is not only physically debilitating, but emotionally debilitating too. It’s common for sufferers to experience low self-esteem and feelings of guilt and shame […]
Welcome to the beauty blog
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But what does beauty mean to you? Is it about beautiful skin? Perfect hair? Maybe you feel that beauty is about holistic health, and being the best version of yourself, inside and out. The truth is, beauty is all of these things, and so much […]
Skincare Trends in 2019
Beautiful-looking skin is always in style – we are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve our skin’s health and aesthetic appeal. Each year introduces new skincare trends, with innovative product formulas and alternative ingredients. And these new skin concoctions are usually worth a try, depending on your skin type and condition. After all, […]
Birthmarks and newborn skin conditions
What are birthmarks? A birthmark is a small spot of discolouration on the skin which is either present at the time of birth, or it develops shortly after birth. Most birthmarks are harmless. Different types of birthmarks There a number of different types of birthmarks. They can be sorted into the following categories: Vascular (from […]
Dandruff aka Scaly scalp
Treating dandruff: A medical approach Dandruff can be controlled with the help of a dermatologist, a diagnosis is the first step towards a healthy flake-free scalp. What causes dandruff? There are a number of possible causes for a scaly scalp. Contrary to the stigma, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. In most instances, dandruff […]
Skin Camouflage (cover up makeup): Masking medical conditions
Providing practical solutions and options to my patients is just as important as giving them a script or treatment plan. While most conditions can be cured, some, are devastating and simply have no cure. Even with treatment, it can take up to eight weeks to see noticeable results from treatments for acne, pigmentation and even […]
Revealing the secrets behind botulinum toxin (Botox)
Crow’s feet, frown lines, midlife crises. We associate Botox with ageing, most typically, but what is it really? Botox is the word people typically use to talk about Botulinum Toxin, but in reality, Botox is one of the brands of the product, like Cadbury is to chocolate. Botulinum is a muscle relaxant which can be […]
Beat dry skin: Tips from a dermatologist
Dry skin in winter is a common occurrence. It can be caused by age, our occupation during the day, certain skin diseases can cause dry skin, or, in the case of winter, the dryer air. Severely dry skin can lead to other problems, which is why it is important to ensure your skin is healthy […]
Rosacea – dermatology relief for red and rashed skin
Rosacea affects around 415 million people worldwide, although only a small fraction of this number of people actually receive treatment for the condition. As with all skin conditions, like eczema, vitiligo, and even acne, it can impact on your quality of life. Self-confidence, anxiety, depression, and a reluctance to socialise can all become issues as […]
Helping you face the day with an effective acne treatment plan
An effective acne treatment plan is vital. The eyes are the window to the soul, but what about our faces? After all, the face plays such an important role in the way we function as part of society. When we enter the world each day, we ‘face it’. When we look at people, we ‘face […]
Vitiligo treatments – essential facts to familiarise yourself with
Vitiligo is a skin condition characterised by loss of colour, typically in the skin and hair. It is thought to be autoimmune related, meaning the immune system is overactive. Rather than attacking infection, vitiligo primarily attacks the skin’s pigment cells. Pigment cells are responsible for colour, which is why the affected areas of skin turn […]
Skin care for darker skin tones
Understanding the fundamental differences between dark skin and light skin goes beyond the concept of melanin. So how do we take care of dark skin? Dark skin is unlike light skin in many ways, understanding the challenges and predispositions that come with it are both cornerstones to providing your skin with the care that will […]
Are your nails off-colour? You might have a fungal infection
Finding something odd about one of your nails can feel very worrying. Is your nail is lifting out of its nail bed? Or you’ve noticed some odd colour changes? White streaks across the nail? Yellow spots? Read on, because you might have a fungal infection. How do I know if I have a fungal infection? […]
Cantharidin treatment for molluscum
Molluscum, being a common viral infection, is caused by a pox virus. It presents as small bumps on the skin which look similar to warts. Molluscum is contagious, and can spread to other areas of the body, favouring warm corners like armpits, especially. Fortunately, it is a self-limiting disease, the infection is harmless although it […]
Help with hair loss: Platelet rich plasma treatments
The world of medicine is simply revolutionary. It is continuously discovering new and fantastic ways of advancing, whether it is finding easier ways to yield better results from older procedures, or creating new innovations all together. One example of medical science and its advancement is platelet rich plasma treatments. Brushing away hair loss Hair […]
Hidradenitis suppurativa treatments, diagnoses, and causes
This painful condition affects the skin, but the pain aspect along with the ongoing inflammation certainly impacts every aspect of life. Hidradenitis suppurativa is chronic, there is no cure for it, but thanks to a multi-faceted approach, the symptoms can be managed. What is Hidradenitis suppurativa? Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic condition that affects both […]
Microneedling: The non-invasive key to a collagen boost
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a treatment which will rejuvenate and restore the radiance of the skin. The name ‘collagen induction therapy’ gives us a good clue as to the benefits this treatment offers: it stimulates the production of more collagen, which brings about a healthier skin and a more youthful appearance. […]
Electrocautery: Who, what and how?
In dermatology, electrocautery is done with a device which uses electricity, delivering it to the skin via a needle-like top to burn closed or remove harmful or unwanted tissue from the skin. As the patient, you will not feel the electricity nor will it enter the body at all, the treatment will only affect the […]
A dermatologist mother’s story: My journey with Eczema
Although I have spent most of my life studying and practicing dermatology, my real job first and foremost is being a mom. My kids are my pride and joy and I would do anything for them. As a mom, your instincts to protect can overwhelm your most basic logic and reasoning, even rejecting reality to […]
Chemical Peels: The beauty of medicine
No one has perfect skin. We learn to live with our flaws and some of them even become part of the little quirks we consider friendly, making us who we are. On other occasions, however, these quirks can hamper our quality of life as a result of poor self-esteem and the time and energy devoted […]
Chemical Peels: We’re busting the myths
A chemical peel is wonderful way to remove dead skin cells. This allows the healthy, younger skin to access moisture and nutrients better, allowing higher levels of collagen to be produced and a smoother, younger skin. As with any great discovery, a broken-down telephone phenomenon means there are some misconceptions doing the rounds. Let’s straighten […]
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Dermatologist
1. I will have to study for at least 12 years just to be a dermatologist and continuously for the rest of my life to perfect the skin Dermatology is the study of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the skin and its appendages (i.e. hair and nail). Becoming a Dermatologist can only be achieved […]
When eczema is eating you: Diet inspiration
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed. Hardened, abrasive patches form and intense itching and irritation make it an unpleasant experience for the patient. While the cause of eczema is still unknown, it is often experienced alongside hayfever and asthma. Unfortunately, there are no cures for eczema as yet, […]
Eczema in the summertime
Nine steps to living your best life Now that summer is here, South Africans should be aware of the sun and its effect on the skin. Those battling eczema will need to take extra precautions in hot, humid conditions to prevent flare-ups and discomfort. While there is no cure for this volatile condition, a few […]
Beyond UV Protection
If you thought that UV protection was something you only need to worry about later in life, think again. Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in people between the ages of 20 and 29 years old. In fact, the number of young people with skin cancer is rising all the time. Even […]
FAQ – Sunscreens
“Sun protection doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive – it needs to be consistent. Keep it simple, but do it forever!”⠀- Hillary Fogelson⠀ If you’re still not 100% sure how to protect your skin against the harsh rays of the sun, these frequently asked sunscreen questions will help shine a bit of light on […]
Hair Loss in Women: Causes & How To Avoid It
Hair loss in women does not have to mean the end of the world. Your HAIRitage is every bit as part of you as your personality, history and skin. “When I lost my hair, I was so focused on what I had lost, that I hadn’t necessarily realized what I had gained. I had gained […]
Celebrating Heritage at Durban Skin Doctor – Why It Is Time To Love Your Skin
At Durban Skin Doctor, we are all about celebrating beautiful skins of all colours. Daily we are inundated by the media, Hollywood and even well-known brands trying to tell us what our skins should look like subconsciously we start accepting that as the truth. This heritage day wanted to tell you that you are gorgeous […]
Dangers of Skin Lighteners
This interesting publication will explain why skin bleaching and lightening is NOT cool, the dangers of it, permanent side effects and common problems. Please click here to download. This interesting publication will explain why skin bleaching and lightening is NOT cool, the dangers of it, permanent side effects and common problems. Please click here to […]
Top Of Form – Get It Magazine
The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Specialist Dermatologist, Dr Nokubonga Khoza runs the only Immunobullous disease clinic in the province every Tuesday at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, Dermatology clinic. Read the full article here …
Pharmacos Article
Dr Khoza was featured in the article below from www.pharmacos.co.za in their Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review: