The Glowing Skin Effect

Do you find yourself coveting the airbrushed skin of models on TV, billboards or magazine covers? We all yearn for radiant skin, but can you get movie star skin naturally? How do you avoid crossing the line of natural shine to having greasy skin? Beauty may only be skin deep, but the importance of skin health goes much deeper. Here’s the skinny on how to keep your skin young and healthy while maintaining a sensible amount of its protective moisture. 

Do

• Protect skin from sun damage by using SPF 30 sunscreen every day and avoiding prolonged exposure.  
• Wash your face in the morning and at night.
• Moisturize twice daily. Be sure to change your moisturizer twice a year to adapt to seasonal changes. In the fall and winter, you should use a heavier moisturizer due to the dry air; while in spring and summer, use a lighter moisturizer with SPF for sun protection.
• Exercise regularly. Cardio can be especially helpful as it stimulates blood flow.
• Drink six to eight glasses of water each day to help flush out toxins from your body.
• Maintain a healthy diet. Fruits will help hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, and foods rich in vitamin C will help collagen production to keep your skin looking youthful and smooth. Some common foods containing vitamin C include oranges, guava, kiwi fruit, leafy greens and red peppers. For more information on the best foods for your skin health, read my blog post here. 
• Exfoliate weekly to buff out imperfections and remove dead skin cells, revealing a stunning new layer of skin. Use a loofah pad or facial/body scrub (sugar, salt, beads or crystals) gently against your skin in a circular motion. (Hint: This blog post will help you with at-home exfoliation.)
• Take a multivitamin daily that contains vitamins A, D and C.
• Switch from using pressed powder to loose powder, as pressed powders contain oil as an ingredient.
• Be patient. Most people start seeing their desired results in about two to six weeks.

Don’t

• Bathe in very hot water or take long, hot baths – Bathing in hot water strips skin of its moisture and washes away protective oils.
• Rub the wrong way – Rubbing your skin hard or aggressively can result in peeling, breaking small blood vessels and stretching the skin.
• Touch your face – Touching thousands of surfaces daily makes your hands magnets for dirt, germs and oils. While most of us are guilty of touching our faces throughout the day, doing this can spread these unwanted germs and oils on your skin, resulting in clogged pores.
• Smoke – This nasty habit can cause wrinkles, unwanted skin color and texture, and potentially skin cancer.

What to Use

• Mild, non-detergent cleansers – These include gels, foams or cloths. Using heavy-duty cleansers can dry out your skin and sometimes worsen a prior condition.
• Fragrance-free products –Fragrances cause most common skin-related allergic reactions.
• pH-balanced products – Make sure any acid-laced products are pH-balanced, meaning the pH is in sync with your skin. This will help remove makeup without robbing your skin of natural oils.
• Multi-tasking moisturizers – Look for moisturizers that will hydrate and protect.
• Toner – There are tons of mixed signals floating around about skin toners, and rightfully so. Toner is used to clean deep into the pores of your skin, but depending on your skin type, it may further dry out your skin. If you have found an appropriate toner for your skin type, be sure to apply a moisturizer afterward. Your dermatologist can help determine if toner is right for your skin and the best toner for your skin type.

Have more questions? Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out! If you need an appointment with Advanced Dermatology, click here.

22 Common Sunscreen Questions Answered

Photo © 2009 Robert S. Donovan, Flickr

If you’ve ever read one of these blog posts, you know I constantly and consistently mention wearing sunscreen. But I realize that there may be some misconceptions or confusion when it comes to the wealth of sun protection information out there.  Here is a little Q&A to enlighten you before getting out in the sun.

Sunscreen products can go all the way up to 100+, but an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 96 percent of UVB rays. Above an SPF 30 the product doesn’t block much more in the amount of UVB, and it doesn’t drastically extend the time you can be in the sun. For any increase in SPF, you may get a few extra minutes before your skin begins to redden.

2. What is a broad-spectrum sunscreen? Is it better than other types of sunscreen?
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which can prematurely age you, and UVB rays, which burn your skin. You want a product that will give you the most protection possible, and broad-spectrum is a great option for that.

3. Should I protect my hair?
Absolutely! The sun can damage any area of the skin, including you scalp. Plus, the sun can bleach and dry out your hair. Make sure to use at least an SPF 30 on the part in your hair or any other exposed area of your scalp. Also consider a moisturizing and protecting product on your tresses. Of course, you can always be ultra-fashionable and use a large hat to protect your locks and face.

4. What’s the right way to apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied about 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and 1 ounce should be applied to each extremity. That’s 1 ounce for each arm, 1 ounce for each leg, 1 ounce for the front of your torso, 1 ounce for the back of your torso and 1 ounce for your face and neck area. Yep, that’s 7 to 8 ounces total, but you want to block the sun, not simply screen it.

5. How do I keep sunscreen out of my eyes?
The best solution is to use a physical barrier, like a hat, visor or sweatband. You can use a stick sunscreen, but studies have shown that they aren’t as effective as traditional sunscreen products.

6. How long does SPF last?
I’ll answer this as a two-part question. First, SPF should be applied at least every two hours  and more if you’re sweating a lot, swimming or doing any other activity that is rubbing off or wearing away at your sunscreen. As far as the actual breakdown of the product, sunscreen is effective for three years after its purchase date, but this is given it's stored at room temperature and not exposed to extreme heat, like in a hot car, which breaks down the product more quickly. 

7. How should I apply sunscreen to my back?
If you don’t have someone you trust to apply sunscreen to your back, there are products available to help with applying lotions to the hard-to-reach areas of your back. You can use spray products, but studies have shown they aren’t as effective and you would also want to be careful about breathing those types of chemicals in to your lungs, as some have been shown to be carcinogenic.

8. Does sunscreen affect fish?
Unfortunately yes, some of the chemicals in sunscreens have been found to have an adverse affect on the environment. If this is a concern for you, there are plenty of physical barriers like clothing, hats and sunglasses that you could use to protect yourself and the environment.

9. Are there special sunscreens for people who suffer from rosacea?
People who suffer from rosacea can be susceptible to some of the chemicals in traditional sunscreens. If you find yourself in this scenario, try mineral sunscreens, fragrance-free sunscreens or sunscreens formulated for people with sensitive skin.

10. Should I wear SPF clothing? (UPF)
Sun-protective clothing is actually referred to as UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor. And of course you should use these! They protect better than regular clothing, and there’s no need to worry about reapplying your sunscreen on the covered parts of your body.

11. Can chemicals in sunscreen hurt me?
Yes, some chemicals in sunscreen can harm you, but you shouldn’t skip the sunscreen for fear of the chemicals. Studies have shown that oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate are chemicals you should avoid in sunscreen products. If you are concerned about or sensitive to certain chemicals, look for sunscreen without them, if possible, or consider physical barrier options like UPF clothing and products.

12. Are sport formulas really waterproof/long-lasting?
Not really. All sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and if you’re doing something that wears away at that sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied even more often.

13. Is sunscreen a “fountain of youth”?
In a way, yes; a recent study in Australia showed that people who used sunscreen consistently tended to age slower than those who didn’t. This is likely due to protection from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause your skin to show signs of aging like wrinkles or sun spots.

14. How much sunscreen do I need to use?
You should apply 1 ounce to each extremity; that’s 1 ounce for each arm, 1 ounce for each leg, 1 ounce for the front of your torso, 1 ounce for the back of your torso, and 1 ounce for your face and neck area. Yep, that’s 7 to 8 ounces total, but you want to block the sun, not simply screen it.

15. Do people with darker skin need to use sunscreen? If yes, should they use something different than lighter-skinned people?
Yes, people with darker skin don’t burn as easily, but they still sustain the same damage. They usually aren’t aware of the damage because of the lack of sunburn, though. People with darker skin should still use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplied every two hours, with 1 ounce of product on each extremity.

16. Will sunscreen aggravate my acne?
Sunscreen can trigger acne, so use fragrance-free or oil-free options to avoid breakouts.

17. Will using sunscreen keep me from getting enough vitamin D?
Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen can inhibit vitamin D absorption, but most likely, you won’t wear it to the extent that you develop a vitamin D deficiency. If nothing else, you can take vitamin D supplements to correct this possible issue.

18. How often should I buy new sunscreen?
Sunscreen is good for three years unless it’s left out in the sun where the chemicals break down more quickly. Find a product you like and store it at room temperature.

19. Are spray sunscreens and stick sunscreens OK to use?
Studies have shown that these forms of sunscreens aren’t as effective as traditional sunscreen lotions. Also, the chemicals in spray sunscreens can be harmful if inhaled. I would recommend sticking to lotion-type sunscreen products.

20. How effective are sunscreen-insect repellent combos?
These combination products tend to be less effective than each product on their own. For maximum protection on all levels, apply sunscreen first, then apply bug repellent.

21. Is there a way to remove sunscreen?
Most sunscreens will wear away on their own over the course of the day, but if for some reason you feel like the product has left a residue behind, simply using water, soap and a little bit of elbow grease is best.

22. Can my diet help protect my skin from the sun?
There are studies that suggest beneficial chemicals in fruits and vegetables can provide added sun protection, but they do not replace sunscreen or physical sun barrier products.

Do you have any questions that weren’t answered in this post? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll try to help you out!

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. 

Skin Through the Ages: The 40s

*This post is the fourth 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. This post focuses on the 40s.

So you’ve made it to your 40s. There is a dirty word I have to bring up that’s going to be a big game changer for you – menopause. The years after turning 40 are typically when women begin to experience menopause, although it can start much younger in rare cases or, for some lucky women, not until they reach their 50s. Along with that hormonal phenomenon, your skin is retaining less moisture and becoming drier. Combine that with a blotchy appearance and sunspots and you may not be thrilled about the condition of your skin. Don’t fret. It’s not all bad! There are steps you can take to look younger than your years and keep turning heads.

Proper products
As your skin is changing, make sure the products you’re using are suitable for your skin type and needs. As your skin becomes drier, you shouldn’t continue to use the skin care products for extremely oily skin you were using in your 20s. The last thing you want to do is strip even more moisture away from your skin. Reevaluate your products and the state of your skin, and ask a skin care professional if you’re unsure of where you stand. Whatever you decide, make sure the products you’re using are tailored to your current skin care needs.

Moisture outside
Speaking of drier skin, moisturizers are going to be your new best friend if they weren’t already (and they should be by now). Although skin isn’t retaining moisture like it used to, you can still help it out. Use moisturizers on a regular basis and on all your skin, not just on your face. Make sure they are tailored for the right parts of your body. Your delicate eye area, face, body and hands have different moisturizing needs. Use moisturizers liberally and use them often.

Moisture inside
Make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water every day, as well as eating the right fats to help keep your skin hydrated. If you’re not a fan of straight water, add some fruit.  Lemons, limes or even cucumbers can give water a nice, light flavor. If that’s not cutting it, look into a low-calorie drink mix, like Crystal Light On The Go, to help give your water the punch it needs for you to stay well hydrated. You can also eat foods with high water content. Plenty of fruits and vegetables like peaches, cantaloupes, cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content. Don’t forget foods like almonds, avocados and fish to give your body the healthy fats it needs to keep everything well oiled.

Exfoliation
With all this talk of drier skin, recall the exfoliation blog post a little while back. If you’ve been using a manual exfoliant like a scrub or a brush, now is the time to change your method. Dry skin is more susceptible to damage than oily skin, meaning your old exfoliant may now be too aggressive. Change to a chemical exfoliant like an acid or a peel, but do it sparingly to avoid damaging your skin.

Hopefully these tips will help you fell better about taking care of your skin during your 40s. Still have questions? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll try to help you. If you want to make an appointment with Advanced Dermatology, click here. 

Skin Through the Ages: The 20s

 
This post is the second 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. This post focuses on the 20s.

Your 20s are all about choices: choosing who you want to be, what you want to do, where you want to live, where to go for spring break…. Along with all those choices is choosing the type of skin you want. “Huh? I already know my skin type, so what gives?” Yes, you already have the dry, normal, oily, combination or sensitive skin you had in your teens. That will start to change in your mid- to late 20s. But how you care for your skin during your 20s will determine how soon you see signs of aging in your 30s and what type of damage appears in your 40s. So let’s get to what you should do to help your skin age as gracefully as possible.

A routine
Did you mean to start a regular skin care routine in your teens, but never quite got around to it? Don’t worry. There’s no time like the present, but this is the time you have to establish a routine if you want to set yourself up for good healthy skin down the road. Choose the proper products for your skin type and use them every morning and every night. No exceptions.

Sunscreen
Yes, you hear this everywhere, including in multiple posts on this blog. That’s because it’s so important! We can’t change the body’s aging process (at least not yet), but you can prevent sun damage from adding to the aging process. Use a lotion with at least 30 SPF every day to keep sun damage at bay and avoid unnecessary sun exposure.

Acne
Your teens may be over, but dealing with acne is not. Many people continue to experience issues with acne well into their 20s. Make sure to continue using acne treatment products as needed and avoid triggers that may cause breakouts. These include touching your face unnecessarily, using overly drying products, not moisturizing properly or stress, among others.

Anti-aging
Although we were just talking about acne – traditionally a teenage problem – skin care in your 20s is tricky. There’s a reason why skin care lines offer products that are both anti-aging and acne treating. In your mid-20s, the rate your skin turns over will start to slow, and in your late 20s, you may start seeing some fine lines. These combination products are meant for that unfair time when acne and fine lines creep in at the same time. Introduce a gentle exfoliant into your skin care routine in your mid- to late 20s to avoid the fine lines, but also to make sure that it won’t irritate your acne.

All those other pesky -ings
Now is the time to stop those other bad habits you’ve picked up: smoking; drinking (too much); eating (too much and the wrong foods); and sleeping (too little). These things may seem fun now, but in 10 to 20 years, you’ll think differently. You’ll want to make these changes now before they leave their permanent mark on your body.

Are there any other skin problems that you’re experiencing in your 20s? Post them in the comments below and I’ll try to help you out! If you need to schedule an appointment, visit our website.