Hair Removal: Shaving

*This is the third post in a three-part series on hair removal.

Did you decide the cons outweighed the pros after reading our previous blogs on waxing and laser hair removal? No worries, we’ve got you covered. If waxing or laser hair removal isn’t for you, there‘s always shaving. Let’s take a look at this more traditional method of hair removal.

What is shaving?
Shaving is a temporary form of hair removal, typically done in the comfort of your home, hotel room, gym, wherever. A razor made up of one or multiple blades cuts the hair off at the surface of the skin. Re-growth or stubble is usually evident within one to two days.

Are there different types of shaving?
There definitely are a variety of products you can use to shave your body, but they all typically work in the same way; some sort of lubricant is used to help soften the skin and hair, making for a closer shave with some sort of razor.

The lubricant may come in the form of a gel, cream, lotion, foam or oil. The chosen product will help soften the hair shaft, soften the skin and help the razor to glide across the skin to produce a close, and, hopefully, a nick-free shave. You’ll want to make sure that you choose a lubricant suitable for your skin type that doesn’t contain any ingredients that might irritate your skin.

The razor can be an old-fashioned straight razor, a double-sided razor, a multiple-blade razor or possibly a corded or battery-powered electric shaver. Again, this is about preference. Some people work better with a five-blade razor, while some may prefer the older, double-sided razor. Figure out the style you are most comfortable using and gives you the best results.

What areas are safe to shave?
For the most part any area of the body is safe to shave, the questions are (1) do you trust using a blade on that part of your body and (2) is it the most effective form of hair removal for that part of your body? You could shave your eyebrows, but will it give you the result you’re looking for? You can shave your bikini/groin area, but are you comfortable with using an incredibly sharp object around that area of your body?

What are the cons of shaving?
Although shaving is usually the first method of hair removal that most people experience, that doesn’t mean it’s the best. Some of the cons to shaving are:

• Skin irritation at the site - Razor burn occurs when the skin becomes irritated, breaking out into little red bumps after shaving. This can occur due to the lubricant you use, razor you use, how much pressure you use while shaving, the type of lotion you apply after shaving or a host of other reasons. You may also experience ingrown hairs, depending on how close of a shave you achieve.
• Potential for injury - If you’ve ever shaved any part of your body, most likely you’ve cut or nicked yourself at least once. The nick in question can range from a little nick on your ankle to a large laceration while shaving your head. Make sure to be careful while shaving as most people who try to balance their legs on the side of a shower wind up with a few cuts after the fact. If you’re shaving a large or awkward area, like your head, consider asking someone to help you or get it done professionally.
• Short-lived results - Regardless of what combination of products you use, shaving doesn’t last much longer than one to two days, maybe three depending on your hair’s growth rate. At least with the warmer weather, stubble won’t be apparent immediately after shaving.

How should I prepare for shaving and care for the site afterward?
Before shaving:

• Exfoliate the day before, but not right before, to avoid irritating the skin.
• Shave in either the shower or a bath. The heat and moisture will help soften your skin and hair.
• Skip lubricants with alcohol and/or fragrance listed in the first three ingredients. (Hint: Ingredient labels are always listed in order of potency, with the first ingredient having the highest concentration in the bottle.)
• Don’t shave dry. Always use shaving cream, conditioner or some other lubricant.
• Don’t use a dull razor. This can result in razor burn if you have to shave the same area multiple times, and it will not be as effective in achieving a close shave.
• Don’t shave over the same area too many times. 

After shaving:

• Apply a lotion or product appropriate to the area of the body immediately after shaving.
• Exfoliate the area to avoid ingrown hairs, but not immediately after, as the skin is a little sensitive after shaving.

Do you have any lingering questions about shaving? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll try to help you out.

Hair Removal: Laser Hair Removal

*This is the second post in a three-part series on hair removal.

In our first post about hair removal, we talked about the semi-permanent method of waxing. In this second post, we’ll address a more permanent method – laser hair removal. Currently, electrolysis is the only treatment that can be called permanent, as laser hair removal can leave behind some fine, small hairs that sometimes can’t be eliminated by a laser. Still, it’s a great option for people looking to eliminate the need for shaving in some areas. Here’s the skinny.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is one of the most permanent hair removal solutions available. It is very common, and works by beaming highly concentrated light into hair follicles, which kills the follicle and keeps new hair from growing. Although it may take several treatments to remove most hair, laser hair removal has become quite popular due to its effectiveness and relatively quick results.

Are there different types of laser hair removal?

Yes and no. The principle is the same for these types of treatments, but there are a few different lasers that doctors choose from.

• Alexandrite is a near-infrared laser that is most effective on pale skin.
• Pulsed diode array is a near-infrared laser that works best on pale to medium-toned skin.
• Nd:YAG laser is a near-infrared laser made for treating darker skin types, although it can be effective on lighter skin, as well.
• IPL/intense pulsed light is not actually a laser, but it is sometimes used as a laser for pale to medium-toned skin.

What areas are safe to laser?

It’s safe to laser just about any area you want. This includes eyebrows, legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, chest, feet, back or anywhere else on your body. I always recommend letting a professional do this for you, rather than using some of the at-home gadgets now available.

What are the cons of laser hair removal?

Although it is an effective method of hair removal, there are some drawbacks. These include:

• Multiple sessions – The average patient needs about seven treatments to remove most of the hair in their desired area. However, this depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the area, type of hair or type of skin. Some patients may only require two or three sessions.
• Hair grows in several phases, and a laser can only affect hair that is currently growing. This explains the need for multiple treatments, as hair grows at different rates.
• Expense – The average cost per session, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is $235. However, this is once again dependent on the size of the area being treated, how many sessions are required and more.
• Skin irritation or discomfort – Laser hair removal is not totally painless. Some people experience side effects like inflammation, redness, blistering or even hypo- or hyper-pigmentation at the site. Your doctor should give you some anti-inflammatories, cooling creams or other means to help relieve this discomfort.
• Sun damage – If you’re going to have laser hair removal, make sure you won’t be getting much sun exposure immediately afterward. It’s important to wear sunscreen every day, of course, but extra important if you’ll be outdoors and your recently lasered area will be directly exposed to the sunlight.

How should I prepare for laser hair removal and care for the site afterward?

Before each session, make sure to:

• Avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing, as these activities temporarily remove the root of the hair. If there is no root, laser hair removal will not work.
• Avoid sun exposure for your desired area. This can lead to more complications during and after the procedure, and also make the treatment less effective.

After the treatment:

• Wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF on your treated area, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
• Use a mild anti-inflammatory, cooling creams or cold compresses if you experience inflammation, burning sensations or discomfort in your treated area.
• Redness is to be expected, but if you experience painful blistering that lasts several days, call your doctor. Although it is rare, laser hair removal can result in burning of the skin.

If you’d like to learn more about laser hair removal at Advanced Dermatology, click here. If you’d like to make an appointment, click here.

Have any questions about laser hair removal that I didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll try to answer them. 

Hair Removal: Waxing

*This is the first post in a three-part series on hair removal.

With summer and warmer temperatures (finally!) approaching, it’s time to talk about something no one wants to talk about – undesirable hair growth. It’s a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be inconvenient. I have patients ask me all the time about options for hair removal, and as it happens, there are three very good solutions: waxing, shaving and laser hair removal.

In this first post, let’s talk waxing.

What is waxing?

Waxing is a semi-permanent form of hair removal. It can be done at home or at a medi spa or salon. There are various forms of wax, but most of the time it involves a warm wax that adheres to the hair and removes it from the root. This prevents the hair from growing back for at least a few weeks.

Are there different types of waxing?

Yes!

• Strip waxing involves spreading a thin layer of a warm wax combination over the hair and desired area, laying a strip of cloth or paper over it, allowing it to harden and then, pulling the hair out.  
• Hot waxing, or hard wax, involves a product that is often warmer than strip wax. Some people don’t like the heat involved here, but this method does not require a strip. The wax hardens around the hair, which may also keep the skin from getting as irritated.

What areas are safe to wax?

It’s safe to wax just about any area you want. This includes eyebrows, legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, chest, feet, back or anywhere else on your body. I always recommend letting a professional do this for you.

What are the cons of waxing?

Although it is an effective method to remove hair for several weeks, there are some drawbacks. These include:

• Pain at the site – This depends on the area – for example, bikini waxes are often more painful than eyebrow waxes because the area is larger and more sensitive.
• Expense – Waxing can get pricey, depending on how many areas you’re waxing and how often.
• Skin irritation at the site – All skin is different. Redness is typically short-lived and common, but if you experience frequent ingrown hairs, red bumps or other side effects, consider changing the type of wax or avoiding waxing altogether.
• Potential for burns – If you opt not to use a professional, be very careful that your wax is not too hot when applying to skin. Be sure to read instructions for do-it-yourself wax kits carefully to prevent accidental burning.

How should I prepare for waxing and care for the site afterward?

Before the wax, make sure to:

• Avoid exfoliating. Waxing will exfoliate your skin, and exfoliating before can cause more irritation or even tearing.
• Make sure the hair in your desired area is at least ¼ of an inch long. That will ensure it is long enough for the wax to adhere to the hair.
• Don’t schedule a wax if your skin is already in a sensitive state. This includes immediately before or during your menstrual cycle, if your skin has recently been sunburned or if you’ve used aggressive skin care products or had a procedure like a chemical peel.

After the wax:

• Avoid hot water or anything else that might further dry out the skin.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing around the area to keep the skin cool and dry.
• Redness and bumps will usually go away within a few hours, but if your skin is extra-sensitive, look for a soothing oil or moisturizing cream to aid in the process.

Have any questions about waxing that I didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll try to answer them. 

Addressing the Unsightly: Warts

Photo © geopungo, Flickr 

As a child, did you ever hear that warts came from playing with toads and frogs? Either a lot of people play with amphibians or that simply isn’t true. I assure you that the frogs in your backyard won’t give you warts. So, let’s review some common types of warts, how you get them, how to treat them and how to prevent them.

Types

• Common warts - As the name indicates, they’re common. They’re most often found on the hands, but can occur anywhere on the body. They have the distinctive “cauliflower” appearance. They are normally painless and cause few problems.
• Plantar warts - These warts occur on the feet, are usually painful and cause a feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe. 
• Flat warts - They look exactly as their name implies, flat.  These warts usually occur in large numbers on the face, arms and legs.
• Filiform warts - These warts usually occur on the mouth, nose, cheeks and along the jaw. They take on a “finger-like” shape and look like a thread is protruding from the wart.
• Periungual wart - These warts usually occur around the toenail or fingernail area. Depending on the location, this type of wart might be painful.
• Genital warts - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least half of all sexually active people will contract genital warts in their lifetimes. Not only can genital warts be found in and on the genitals, they can also be found in the rectum and the mouth and throat of someone who has had contact with someone infected with genital warts.

Infection
Contracting any of the above forms of warts results from contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This can occur from scratching at a wart on one part of your body and spreading it to another part of your body; coming into contact with someone who has a wart on their body; or touching a surface someone else touched with their wart. The HPV infection rate varies, and some people can fight certain forms of the virus better than others, so simply coming into contact with a wart does not guarantee you will also get a wart. Normally, the virus enters the body through a cut, other damaged skin or warm and moist areas of the body. Children, young adults and people with weakened immune systems have the highest risk of getting warts.

Treatment
Most warts are painless and don’t require treatment, but there are many methods for removal. In some cases, the warts will heal and disappear on their own. There are several over-the-counter methods for wart removal, though, as well as methods available through your doctor (freezing, burning, cutting or using a chemical peel) in case the warts persist. Get medical advice for warts on the face or genitals before treatment and never use over-the-counter products to treat genital warts.

Keep in mind that although a wart may be removed, it may come back in the same spot or a different one since the HPV virus will remain in your system.

Prevention
Wart prevention consists of many of the same steps for preventing contact with any other virus. Wash your hands regularly and be conscious of people and public surfaces you come into contact with. Also, wearing flip-flops in locker rooms, gyms and pool areas and avoiding using someone else’s wet towel will help prevent contact with HPV.

Do you have any other questions about warts or HPV? Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out. Thinking you might need an appointment? Schedule one by visiting our website. 

Recommended Routine: Four Daily Steps to Healthy Skin

Like many of our patients, you probably hit the ground running first thing in the morning. Work, kids, errands and meetings can keep you going until right before your head hits the pillow each night. With time being such a valuable commodity, it’s common to wonder how you’re supposed to fit a whole host of products and processes into your schedule to keep the stress from affecting your skin. Let’s go over what you absolutely must do on a daily basis to keep your skin in good shape.

Cleansing/exfoliating
Your skin sheds cells on a regular basis, releases waste through sweat and picks up pollutants in the environment – all of which need to be cleaned off your skin every day. To save time, find a facial cleanser that exfoliates or use nylon gloves to gently wash your face. Remember to make sure the cleanser is tailored to your skin type and that the exfoliant is suitable for your skin type, as well. If you’re not sure which cleanser is right for you, read our blog post on the subject.

Moisturizer/sunscreen
Moisturizers are key in helping skin stay plump, healing existing damage and preventing further damage caused by dry skin. Likewise, sunscreen is essential to slowing skin damage and premature aging caused by sun exposure. If you plan to be outside at all between sun up and sun down, you need sunscreen on all exposed skin. Again, you can knock out two steps in one by using a moisturizer that has at least an SPF 30, but remember to use separate products for your face and body. 

Lip balm
Love your lip balm, cherish your lip balm and carry it with you always! Lip balm will help keep those unsightly lip lines at bay and keep your lips smooth and supple. Plus, there’s the added benefit of almost any flavor you’d like available in some pout-protecting product. Tasty, glittery, shiny or even environmentally friendly, find your favorite lip balm and use it often.

Water
You had to know this one was coming. Almost any health-related blog you’ll read mentions drinking water. It’s essential to your health and your existence. The human body is made up of roughly 85 percent water, and that supply has to be replenished somehow. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out your body, prevents water retention and improves your complexion. Avoid those pesky mouth lines I mentioned above by drinking from a glass, a squirt bottle or a wide mouthed bottle to avoid pursing your lips unnecessarily around a straw. Reserve that for something fun – like smooching. ;-)

Do you have any other questions about what you absolutely must do on a daily basis to keep your skin looking good? Leave them in the comments below! Want to have more of a one-on-one chat about your skin? Schedule an appointment today!

Tips for Effective Wound Care

Everyone deals with bumps and bruises from time to time, but when does a minor scratch become major? Is there a difference between a cut and a scratch? Does that even matter? This post covers various wounds, general care and what to watch out for, and might help prepare you for the next time you have a minor, or even major, accident or surgery that leaves a wound.

Types of wounds

In general, there are five different kinds of wounds: abrasions, contusions, incisions, lacerations and punctures.

Abrasions occur when the top layer of skin is rubbed or scraped off. Think of a friction burn from sliding across carpet or skinning your knee from falling outside.

Contusions occur from blunt force trauma and don’t break the skin. Think of a normal, everyday bruise. There are three different kinds of contusions: subcutaneous, which are surface bruises; muscular, which can occur on or within a muscle; or periosteal, also known as a bone bruise.

Incisions are neat and clean cuts to the skin from a sharp object. Think of a cut from a knife, glass or another sharp object. The key here is it’s a smooth, clean cut and the edges of the wound are not rough and jagged. While incisions can be a result of an accidental cut, this is most common after a planned surgical procedure.

Lacerations are similar to an incision in that the skin is cut or torn open. The big difference is the edges of the wound are rough and jagged. This makes a difference when it comes to caring for the wound.

Puncture wounds occur when something pokes through the surface of the skin. Think of an animal bite, stepping on a nail or even receiving a shot.

General Care

Although most of these wounds are somewhat similar, they do require slightly different care than simply applying a bandage and calling it a day.

Always start by cleaning an abrasion with clean running water, allowing the flow of the water to clear away any debris in the wound. Exercise caution when trying to remove anything lodged in the wound such as gravel or hair, as this may further aggravate the wound. Once the wound is clean, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage or pad.

For a contusion, keep R.I.C.E. in mind: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate. Make sure not to wrap the contusion too tightly, which can cut off your circulation. If necessary, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin or ibuprofen to help with pain, inflammation and swelling.

Incisions, lacerations and punctures can be treated in much the same way: clean the area, apply antibacterial ointment to aid the healing process, and cover with a bandage to keep it clean and free of debris.

Further Treatment
Go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room for further treatment for any of the following reasons:

• The wound won’t stop bleeding
• It is large and/or deep
• It may require stitches
• It may be contaminated by a foreign substance
• The wound has something embedded in it
• It shows signs of infection (swelling, redness, oozing, etc.)
• You notice any other issues or troubling symptoms

Of course, if you have an emergency situation, call 911 for further help.

Hopefully, this will help you the next time you get a minor or major wound.

If you’re looking for more information on Mohs surgery or post-surgical wound care, download our wound care recommendations:

• New sutured wound care
• Open wound care

Have any other questions regarding wound care? Visit our website or post your questions in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out!

Skin Through the Ages: 50s and Beyond

photo © 2012 Quinn Dombrowski, Flickr

*This is the final post in a series called “Skin Through the Ages.” The series will focus on how to take care of and manage skin at various points in life.

You may be wondering why I’m even writing this post, because worrying about your skin in your 50s seems pointless. Why bother if you can’t stop Mother Nature? While that may be true, there’s no reason to feel like you should just let go of your skin care routine. Actors like George Clooney and Jamie Lee Curtis look amazing after 50, and you can too. It’s true that they have access to Hollywood plastic surgeons, personal chefs and trainers, but you can get great results without those things. Here are some tips to keep you looking and feeling fabulous in your 50s and beyond.

Same song and dance
You’ll want to keep up the good habits that I hope you developed in your teens and 20s. Wash your skin on a regular basis with products tailored to your skin type and needs. Eat a healthy diet. Stay hydrated. Stay out of the sun. Wear sunscreen. Stay active. Following these basic health tips will help you look and feel younger.

Neck & décolletage
You’re probably noticing some sagging and drooping in the jaw, neck and décolletage areas. This happens over time as collagen in skin breaks down, along with other factors such as losing weight too rapidly. The skin simply doesn’t have the elasticity and the ability to bounce back like it used to. Check out our post on “The Science of Aging” for more information on why this happens. To combat it, make sure to use a rich facial cream (yes ladies, even on your “ladies”) to help these areas as much as possible. If need be, look into more intense methods like surgery and lasers to help get rid of those jowls.

Lighten up
If you haven’t been diligent about using sunscreen, then sunspots are probably a side effect you are unhappily dealing with. Luckily, there are products designed to help lighten those areas. Look for makeup that gives the appearance of even-toned skin or bleaching facial products that actually lighten the spot over time. Our blog post on the best anti-aging makeup can help you identify the best products for you. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to keep using sunscreen to avoid new skin damage.

The big guns
Fillers, injections, lasers or surgery are always viable options. We’ve seen and heard of plastic surgery horror stories, so do your research before choosing a skin care professional to perform any of these services. Make sure they are fully accredited, are using quality products and that they review all of the information and answer any questions pertaining to the service with you before you pay or sign on anything. You can also start by reading our posts on Botox and fillers to familiarize yourself with these options.

Smile
Simply put, smile. Nothing looks better on a person than a bright, confident smile. It makes you feel good, makes you look good and they’re oftentimes infectious. That’s the best and cheapest piece of advice I can suggest for any age.

Do you have more specific questions about skin care issues in your 50s and beyond that I didn’t touch on? Leave your questions in the comments below and I’ll try to help you out! If you need an appointment with Advanced Dermatology, click here.