For more than 12 years Dr Mary Henderson has bridged clinical dermatology with textile science, focusing on how seams, dyes, and moisture impact skin health—especially for deeper skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. She has overseen 700+ wear-test patch studies for brands developing hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking underwear, and her clinic in Atlanta is a referral center for chronic folliculitis and contact dermatitis caused by apparel. At UnderwearIQ Dr Henderson validates the dermatologic safety layer of our IQ Score, ensuring every product we recommend protects the skin barrier and respects the skin microbiome.
Core Expertise
| Discipline | What Mary Delivers |
|---|---|
| Contact & Dye Dermatitis | Patch-testing reactive azo dyes, disperse dyes, and metal snap alloys; formulates safer dye protocols for manufacturers |
| Folliculitis & Ingrown-Hair Prevention | Evidence-based guidance on seam placement, fabric stretch, and laundering to reduce friction-induced flare-ups |
| Skin-Tone Inclusive Safety | Researches post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on Fitzpatrick IV–VI; designs grading scales for “invisible” marks on darker skin |
| Microbiome-Friendly Fabrics | Evaluates antimicrobial finishes vs. native skin flora balance; collaborates on probiotic yarns |
| Moisture & pH Management | Uses transepidermal water-loss (TEWL) mapping to optimize wicking layers and maintain vulvar/scrotal pH between 4.5–5.5 |
Credentials & Affiliations
- MD, Howard University College of Medicine – Cum Laude
- Dermatology Residency – Emory University School of Medicine
- Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)
- Editorial Board Member, Journal of Cutaneous Microbiome
- Committee Member, ISO/TC 38 WG 34 (Performance textiles next to skin) – U.S. delegate
- Founder, SkinSmart Lab – clinical testing facility for apparel-related skin reactions
Notable Projects
| Year | Project | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Pro-Biome Cotton Briefs study (n = 120) | Demonstrated 38 % reduction in Staph aureus colonization vs. untreated cotton; zero microbiome dysbiosis |
| 2022 | Seam-Free Nursing Bra irritation trial | Cut contact-eczema reports by 52 % in postpartum group; adopted by a leading maternity brand |
| 2020 | Inclusive Patch-Test Panel | Added 12 melanin-rich skin markers to standard series; now referenced by three U.S. dermatology boards |
| 2018 | Community program “Derm-Fit” | Educated 4,500 high-school athletes on moisture management to prevent tinea and folliculitis |
What Dr Henderson Covers on UnderwearIQ
- “Skin-Safe Underwear” – Breakdowns of wicking rates, pH buffers, and dye safety in plain English
- Microbiome Myth-Busting – Separating marketing hype from peer-reviewed evidence on antibacterial fabrics
- Hyperpigmentation How-Tos – Preventing and treating dark marks from friction or razor bumps
Research Philosophy
“A garment is your second skin. If it disrupts your first one—barrier, microbiome, or pigment—it fails, no matter how stylish it looks.”
All content authored by Dr Mary Henderson is peer-reviewed by the UnderwearIQ medical board. She receives no compensation or equity from brands evaluated here.
