About Dr. Erum Ilyas: Dermatologist, Innovator, and Advocate for Skin Health

About Dr. Erum Ilyas: Dermatologist, Innovator, and Advocate for Skin Health

Dr. Erum Ilyas is a trailblazer in dermatology, functional textiles, and patient advocacy, blending 20 years of experience as a Board Certified Dermatologist with her expertise in bioethics and textile innovation. As Chair of Dermatology at Drexel University College of Medicine and a patent holder for UV-protective textiles, Dr. Ilyas is dedicated to advancing both dermatological care and public awareness of skin health.

A Diverse Career Rooted in Excellence

Dr. Ilyas specializes in adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic treatments, and skin cancer care. A graduate of the University of Maryland with two bachelors degrees -- a BA in Philosophy and BS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, she earned her medical degree from MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) and completed her residency at Cooper University Hospital. She also holds a Master’s in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Dr. Ilyas founded Montgomery Dermatology in 2009, growing it to serve over 30,000 patients before merging with Schweiger Dermatology in 2020. She has received numerous accolades, including being named repeatedly a Top Doctor by Philadelphia Magazine and Main Line Today.

Advocacy and Public Health Impact

A passionate advocate, Dr. Ilyas has worked with the American Academy of Dermatology to improve access to care, promote skin cancer prevention, and successfully lobby for legislation permitting students in Pennsylvania to apply sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing at school. Her teledermatology efforts in the past provided fast, effective care locally and internationally, including underserved regions through programs like AccessDerm.

AmberNoon -> UVtec | Merging Medicine and Design

Driven by her concerns about textile safety and sun exposure, Dr. Ilyas founded AmberNoon, a sun-protective clothing line that combines style with UV protection. Through research, she explores how sun-protective clothing can reduce the need for sunscreen, benefiting both personal health and the environment. She has brought worked across disciplines hosting a seminar on Fashion Branding and Merchandising at Jefferson University and a Business mentor for Immaculata University students. AmberNoon’s success led to the creation of AmberNoon II by Dr. Erum Ilyas, a diffusion line on QVC for 5 years. Dr. Ilyas was live on-air routinely, well over a hundred times, preaching UV protection in clothing through smart design and style.

Since securing a patent for my UV-protective textiles, she has transitioned from building a traditional clothing line to founding UVtec, a licensing brand dedicated to bringing sustainable UV-protective materials to a wider market. The mission of UVtec is to provide instant consumer validation—if you see the UVtec logo, you can trust that the textile offers proven UV protection. By partnering with established brands, UVtec enables the integration of skin-safe innovation into everyday wear, without compromising style or sustainability.

Author

In addition to her work in textile innovation, she is thrilled to announce that my first book will be published in early 2026. It’s an expert guide to skincare for all ages and stages—a kind of “What to Expect When You're Expecting” for your skin. This practical, evidence-based handbook is designed to empower readers with the knowledge to understand and care for their skin throughout every phase of life.

A Personal Touch

Dr. Ilyas, a 3rd-generation female physician, balances her thriving career with being a mom of three adult children and wife to her med school sweetheart, Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Asif Ilyas. She is celebrated for her practical, compassionate approach to skincare, focusing on listening to patients and addressing their concerns effectively.

Dr. Ilyas’s unique blend of expertise and personal commitment continues to inspire her patients, colleagues, and the broader community. Whether advocating for better sunscreen legislation, innovating UV-protective textiles, or providing practical skincare advice, she remains a trusted authority in dermatology.