The Scar Solution

Scars are like tattoos but with better stories. Have you ever heard that quote? It’s so true. Scars are the result of a change to the skin as it heals from a wound. Scars can result from just about any type of wound, from abrasions to incisions. (For more info on the types of wounds, read my blog post here.) This blog post will give you some basic info on scars, as well as how to prevent them or make them less noticeable.

What is a scar?

Scar tissue is comprised of collagen, which is the same tissue content as normal skin. What makes it look different than the skin around it is that collagen fibers in scar tissue will form a different pattern. Where normal collagen has a woven pattern, scar tissue exhibits a “cross-stitch” type of pattern.

Scar tissue is weaker than normal skin tissue. It is more susceptible to damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and sweat glands and hair follicles do not grow back after the wound heals.

Are there different types of scars?

Yes. While all scars are composed of the same type of tissue as the once-healthy skin they occupy, not all scars are created equal.

• Hypertrophic scars are a result of the body producing too much collagen. They present as red bumps on the skin on the scarred area. They typically take shape a month or two after the wound heals.
• Keloids are a type of hypertrophic scar. They also present as red bumps on the skin, but can grow beyond the original wound site and do not go away over time. Keloids are most common in people with darker skin. While they are often the result of a wound, some people do form them spontaneously. It is important to note that keloids are not dangerous, although they are a cosmetic issue for some people.
• Atrophic scars make the skin appear sunken. They are generally the result of losing fat or muscle in one area, causing the skin to sink a little. Acne scarring or surgical scars are generally atrophic.
• Stretch marks are a result of the skin stretching rapidly and for prolonged periods of time. Often caused by quick weight gain or loss, growth spurts or pregnancy, stretch marks are also more of a cosmetic issue than a medical concern. For more information on preventing stretch marks, read my blog post here. 

Can I prevent scars?

Not really. Not all wounds will form scars. For example, a simple knee scrape or a scratch will generally not cause enough damage to form scar tissue. A deeper wound will form scar tissue. A general rule of thumb is that the longer it takes your skin to heal, the more likely you are to develop a scar. If you want to prevent a scar, prevent any injury or wound on your skin.

Can I treat a scar or make it less noticeable?

Absolutely. There are a variety of treatments available for scars, some more effective than others. It’s important to note that no treatment will result in complete restoration of your healthy skin, but there are several options for reducing the scar’s appearance. Some options include:

• Over-the-counter treatments – Creams like Mederma often advertise their ability to reduce the appearance of scars. To be honest, it isn’t going to speed up the process a whole lot, if at all. Most scars will become less noticeable over time anyway, particularly things like stretch marks. If you don’t want to break out the big guns and visit a dermatologist, you should consider waiting before trying anything from the drugstore.
• Collagen induction therapy – Often referred to as “skin needling,” this procedure is performed by a doctor and is meant to introduce normal collagen into the scarred area.
• Exfoliation, chemical peels or dermabrasion – Removing the scarred layer of skin can often result in a lighter appearance for a scar. Traditional at-home exfoliation is probably not enough, depending on the depth and size of the scar. I recommend visiting a trusted dermatologist to discuss whether a chemical peel or dermabrasion procedure can help you.
• Fillers – Like collagen induction, fillers will introduce normal collagen into an atrophic scar, helping raise them to the level of surrounding healthy skin. You can read my post on fillers here.  It’s important to note that fillers are not permanent, so if this is your chosen solution you may need to have the procedure done every few months to maintain your desired results.
• Laser treatments – Different types of laser treatments are available for all types of scars. You’ll need to meet with a dermatologist to understand your options and which treatment, if any, is right for your scars. Like chemical peels or dermabrasion, most lasers work by burning or removing the most scarred layer of skin to reduce the appearance of a scar.

Have any more questions about scarring? Leave them in the comments and I’ll try to help if I can. Additionally, if you’d like to make an appointment at Advanced Dermatology to discuss your treatment options, click here.

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.

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. 

A Chilly Weather Skin Care Routine

It’s that time of year -- when heavy clothes, blankets and hot cocoa are in full fashion. Along with those changes, have you considered altering your skin care routine? If not, you should. Cold air doesn’t hold humidity as well, hence the dry winter air. Plus, furnaces, fireplaces and heaters only serve to further dry out your skin. Here are some tips to help your skin endure the winter months unscathed.

Change exfoliants
I can’t say it enough. Pay attention to the condition of your skin. If it seems flakier than normal, you may want to increase how often you exfoliate or change products. By that same token, if your skin looks like it’s more damaged than normal, you’d want to ease up on exfoliating or find a product that is not as harsh. Winter weather can really throw your skin a curve ball, so adjust your exfoliants as needed. For more info, check out our exfoliation blog post.

Don’t forget sunscreen
It may be cold out, but you still need your sunscreen. You should still be wearing a lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Try to find a thick, moisturizing lotion with an SPF of 30 or higher to do double duty on the moisturizer and sunscreen. For more info and tips on winter sun care, check out our “Sunburn in a Winter Wonderland” blog post.

Moisturize inside out
Although the weather is perfect for cocoa, tea or coffee, you still need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. While those beverages do contain water, your body still needs plain water for optimal hydration. Add foods that are rich with healthy fats like nuts, fish and avocado to help add essential oils and nutrients back into your body. If need be, take supplements like fish oil and vitamins C, E and B complex to keep skin healthy through the winter. There is more information on the best foods for skin health in our blog post from a few months ago.

Moisturize outside in
Step up your beauty products to formulas that are more moisturizing than your summer products. Use a heavy cream to keep your skin soft and non-flaky. Consider adding aromatherapy oils to your body wash to help nourish dry skin. Also, take warm baths and showers, as the hot water will only further dry out your skin. Use a humidifier in your home to put moisture back into the air. Apply lotion to your hands and feet before bed, and then put thick socks on them (yes, your hands too) to help seal in moisture over night. Use eye drops to keep dry eyes at bay. Finally, use lip balm like there’s no tomorrow.

Hopefully these tips help you fare the winter months better. You still have questions? No problem, just leave them in the comments below and I’ll try to help you out!

Skin of Many Colors

The skin is your body’s largest organ. For that reason, it’s usually fairly obvious when something is wrong with it. The color of the skin is particularly noticeable, as most people with healthy skin also have a healthy, even tone.

Skin discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors, but this post will address a few common ones, as well as when to see a doctor.

1.    How does the skin get its color?

The outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, has what is called melanocytes. Everyone has different levels of melanocytes, which determine how dark your skin will be. Darker skin has more active melanocytes.

When exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin. The melanin works to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, often resulting in your skin darkening. While many people consider the resulting tan as an advantage, remember that any change in the color of your skin means that it has been damaged in some way.

2.    Common causes of discoloration

Discoloration can be temporary, but rarely just happens. It’s almost always associated with some other (sometimes preventable) cause. Common causes for skin discoloration include:

• Side effects from medication
• Signs of aging
• Sun exposure/sunspots
• Genetics (birthmarks, melanocyte deficiency/albinism)
• Scars
• Stretch marks
• Skin growths (moles, skin tags)

Some of these causes – like sun exposure – are preventable. If you wear sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every day, you’ll be less likely to experience sunspots or other discolorations associated with ultraviolet rays.

3.    Types of discoloration

As mentioned above, discoloration can results from preventable factors or from genetic or other medical causes. There are a few common medical terms related to discoloration that you should know:

• Hyperpigmentation – This is when the skin is darker than normal. It usually results from an injury or scarring in darker-skinned people. Some people even get it as a result of blemishes. This is why it is important to take care of breakouts properly, as explained in a previous post.
• Hypopigmentation – This is when the skin is lighter than normal.
• Melasma – This is a term for skin discoloration that is often related to hormonal changes. It is sometimes called “the mask of pregnancy” due to the mask-like discoloration on the face that often occurs during the rapid hormone changes during pregnancy.
• Albinism – This is a medical term for a person without any melanin in their skin. It is a genetic condition resulting in very light skin, white or pale yellow hair and light eyes.
• Vitiligo – This is a disorder that creates smooth white spots with no pigment on the skin.

4.    Treating skin discoloration

How you should treat your skin discoloration depends on why you have it. There is no cure for albinism, for example, but some temporary discolorations can be treated.

• If the discoloration is recent and only in the top layers of skin, exfoliation may help.
• First, try a cleanser with glycolic or lactic acid. These types of cleansers are not abrasive, but will exfoliate gently.
• If you decide to try something beaded that will help remove layers of dead skin cells that may be discolored, be aware that if it’s too abrasive it could make the discoloration worse.
• Make sure to follow the tips in our blog post on exfoliation.
• If the discoloration is a result of medication, talk to your doctor about stopping or changing medication to something without skin discoloration side effects.
•  If the discoloration is a result of sunspots or other sun exposure, prevent it in the future by covering your skin and wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every day.
• If it’s simple and involves something like freckles, just use a good makeup to cover what you don’t like.
• Our blog post on the best anti-aging makeup may help.  
• If the discoloration is long-term and deep in the skin, talk to a dermatologist about laser treatments. These are often minimally invasive and can correct discoloration related to hormones, aging, birthmarks or other causes.
• If you have a strange mole, remember the ABCDE of melanoma, and get it checked out by a doctor if it starts to concern you.

Have questions about skin discoloration that I didn’t address here? Ask them in the comments and we can discuss them there.

Exfoliation Education: Do's and Don'ts for a happy face

Exfoliation is essential for keeping skin young and fresh-looking. Exfoliation can be done either through a manual process or a chemical process. Exfoliating manually consists of using a scrub, a brush or loofah, or a method like microdermabrasion. Chemical exfoliations use acids like glycolic or salicylic acid, among others, or even going so far as a laser peel. Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to exfoliating.

Don’t worry about exfoliating if you’re in your 20s or younger. Your skin is turning over at a healthy rate, and adding exfoliation won’t make much of a difference.

Do exfoliate if you’re in your 30s or older. Your skin’s natural exfoliation process has begun to slow, so adding exfoliation will make a difference to the appearance of your skin.

Don’t exfoliate often if you have dry or sensitive skin and already use the gentlest products available. Either method (manual or chemical) can potentially do more damage. DON’T exfoliate visibly damaged skin at all.

Do exfoliate if you have oily skin. This will help clear out your pores.

Don’t exfoliate before you cleanse, otherwise you’ll just skim the surface and the product won’t do its job.

Do remove all makeup before exfoliating. This way you get the deep cleansing you’re looking for.

Don’t use too much pressure. This is your skin were talking about. You aren’t buffing a car.

Do use mild to moderate pressure and allow the product to do the job. Gentle pressure is better than harsh in order to avoid skin damage.

Don’t mix waxing with other procedures. While it is an excellent hair remover, waxing exfoliates skin, as well. Don’t exfoliate skin before or after waxing.

Do use proper moisturizers and sunscreen to protect the newly revealed layer of skin.

Don’t have intensive procedures like chemical peels or microdermabrasion done more than two times per year, unless recommended by a medical professional.

Do use a mild or moderate exfoliating product as needed. Usually, one time per week to as often as twice daily is appropriate. I usually recommend something like a toner applied with a cotton pad, depending on your skin type and skin care needs.

Do let your skin tell you when to exfoliate, how often to exfoliate and what products to use.

Do use the proper exfoliating products on the proper part of your body. Exfoliating products meant for your feet will be much more harsh than an exfoliate meant for your lips. Again, only use one product on each part of your body.

Do be careful with sensitive areas of your body, especially around the eyes, décolletage and the bikini area.

Do remember that pink and tingling skin after exfoliation is good, but red, peeling, burning or painful skin after exfoliation is bad. Seek medical attention if necessary.

If you have any other questions about exfoliating that weren’t answered in this post, leave them in the comments below!