So many of my female friends and family members are not educated on how to properly care for the skin and hair. They use products that are ineffective, too harsh or way too expensive. Even I have used products and done some beauty regiments that left me peeling, scarred or in pain. I have always had acne, Eczema, Dermatitis and overall extremely sensitive skin. In the winter time I am scaly and dry, but in the summer I'm oily with heat rash. The doctors that I were going to seemed to just give me anything even if they knew it would not work.

And as silly as this may sound but I listened to Oprah Winfrey when she said that it is best to find dermalotogists that specialize in your skin type. How can someone truly understand your issue if they cannot relate or have the proper knowledge? So a few years ago I decided to research black dermatologists in my area because I felt that I was wasting money on acne medications and creams that were not doing what they should. I found Dr. Susan C. Taylor, MD at Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia (http://www.societyhilldermatology.com/).

During my online research, I made note of the different services Dr. Taylor provided, patient testimonials and her qualifications. (About Dr. Taylor: http://www.societyhilldermatology.com/about_main.htm) I really felt that I would benefit greatly if I made an appointment. Even if she told me my skin would always have flare ups over time or that I would always have to use a shampoo or cream, I would be content with that information because I knew she was knowledgeable and experienced in her field.

Even if you are not in the Pennsylvania area, you can still visit the Society Hill website for information about various topics such as acne, hair loss and dryness, pregnant skin, laser hair removal and more.

I asked Dr. Taylor if she would be willing to do a one on one interview with me to answer some questions that my friends and family had submitted. She agreed so below I have included the questions and answers below. Please feel free to leave comments and feedback. Enjoy!

                                                                    Q&A with Dr. Susan Taylor

What is the best laser procedure for burns and scars for people of color? None as the risk of hyperpigmentation is too great. However, fractional laser can help with deep acne scars.

What can you buy over the counter to help remove blemishes and scarring from acne? Hydroquinone cream 2% applied twice daily for up to 6 months can be used to remove or reduce the dark marks (also termed hyperpigmenation) that result from acne. For the depressions of the skin (also termed scars) resulting from acne, there isn't a good OTC medication.

Is it still necessary to use a moisturizer during the spring and summer seasons? Necessary particularly if your skin tends to be dry even during the warmer seasons and if you are using a drying topical cream (for acne for example). However, during the day your sunscreen will probably have moisturizers in it so sunscreen alone may be sufficient.

What services do you provide to the community or charity involvement? I have endowed a scholarship for a minority student who attends the University of Pennsylvania (my Alma mater). I frequently lecture to high school students about becoming a doctor or about dermatology. I have donated products to homeless shelters.

What can you do to prevent Hydradnitis flair ups and to control them? Unfortunately, not much preventatively but oral antibiotics help to control flares.

Are astringents to strong or harsh for the skin? No, particularly those that contain witch hazel.

Do hormones affect the oiliness or dryness of skin? Absolutely. The androgen hormones (testosterone for example) stimulate the production or sebum or oil from the sebaceous glands.

Does cocoa butter really help to even skin tones? There is no scientific proof that it works.

Are any products scientifically proven to get rid of stretch marks? In general, no. However there is a study that demonstrates improvement of stretch marks that are red in color with tretinoin (Retin A) and another that demonstrates some improvement with Mederma stretch mark cream.

What can you do to keep the pigment in your tattoo over time? Use sunscreen to help prevent fading.

Does eating chocolate really cause acne? No, that's a myth.

For people with eczema and/or dermatitis are sensitive skin products the best to use...such as Aveeno, Dove, Aquafor etc..? Yes they definitely are.

If a person cannot afford laser hair removal, what are other options for sensitive areas like bikini or underarm area? They should try the usual options (shaving, waxing etc..)

Is a person allergic to deodorant if they have irritation or bumps? Maybe. They should try different varieties as it may be a specific ingredient that they are sensitive to.

Is oatmeal best used in its natural form or an Aveeno oatmeal bath? Aveeno which has a concentrate of a special type of oatmeal, colloidal oatmeal.

                                                                                          BIO

Susan C. Taylor, MD, Director is Board Certified in both Dermatology and Internal Medicine. Dr. Taylor is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University and attending physician at both Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia and St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York. She received her medical degree from Harvard University and she currently practices at Society Hill Dermatology in Philadelphia.

Dr . Taylor's Rx for Brown Skin is a clinically inspired, expertly formulated line of beauty solutions that deal with all of your skin concerns acne, dry skin, sensitive skin, uneven skin tone while preventing and treating your hyperpigmentation. Watch her videos on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/RxforBrownSkin)

Visit http://www.societyhilldermatology.com/ for more information on services, book signings and videos.