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. 

Skin Through The Ages: The Teenage Years

 
This post is the first 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 addresses the teenage years. 

Do me a favor. Take a minute and close out the chats, games and other apps you have running. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let me get to the point quickly. You’re going to get old one day. Yeah, I know, it’ll happen a million years from now, but one day in the not-so-distant future, you’ll look in the mirror and ask, “What are those lines? Where did I get this spot on my face? I AM getting old!” Then you’ll wonder why you didn’t listen to that blog post you came across when you were still young and had great skin. So consider yourself lucky and listen to these skin care tips that will have your friends in the future seriously jealous of your youthful complexion.

What am I?
You can’t take care of your skin if you don’t know what type of skin you have. The five basic skin types are dry, normal, oily, combination and sensitive. The names describe each skin type exactly as they sound. If you’re still unsure, you can have your skin analyzed at a skin care counter in the mall or make an appointment with a dermatologist or other skin care professional.

Do it to it.
Now that you know your skin care type, it’s time to take care of it twice a day. Wash and moisturize your skin every morning and every night. Use spot treatments as needed for your acne, scars or other problems. Most importantly, use products meant for teenage skin. The stuff your grandma uses is probably not right for you now.

Too slick?
You may think your skin is already soft enough or too oily for lotion, but that isn’t true. After washing, your skin needs moisture. If you don’t use a proper product, your skin will likely over-compensate, producing its own oil to get back to its natural state. This can cause your face to be even more oily and at risk for acne. Use the right moisturizer for your skin type, including an oil-free lotion and one with sunscreen.

Take it off!
Hold on a second, we’re talking about your makeup. Yes, morning-after makeup looks good on TV and in the movies, but it will look quite the opposite in real life. Leftover makeup can suffocate your skin overnight and make your eyes feel gritty and irritated in the morning. Even if you’re too exhausted to do your whole skin care routine, AT LEAST take off your makeup.

Hands off!
Yeah, I know, we’re really bossy when it comes to your skin, but keep your hands off of your face! Unless you just washed your hands, wherever they’ve been is going to wind up on your FACE! Pretty gross, right?  Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Hands off! (Part deux)
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, don’t pick at your pimples! Although your face is nice, it isn’t magic. You know how when you scrape your knee or arm and get a scar? The same will happen to your face. That’s not cute.

You aren’t a baker…
So don’t cook your skin! Yes, that nice golden glow looks really good, but you should think twice unless you want to look like this. If you must have the tan-like glow, use a bronzer or self-tanner, but leave the frying in the kitchen.

So off you go, and if for some reason your skin confuses you, leave me a comment below and I’ll help you work it out! You can also schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology by clicking here.

A Guide to Healthy Fingernails

Fingernails are like frontline soldiers. They go through a lot, but they’re usually tough if you take care of them.

It’s that last part that seems to trip people up sometimes. Nail care is kind of an ambiguous art. Until you break one, experience a painful ingrown or need them to look nice for an event, odds are you don’t pay very close attention to your nails. Here’s The Skinny on a few things you can do to ensure healthy nails – for both your fingers and toes – as well as when to consult a dermatologist for any problems.

Don’t drown them.

Most people don’t even think about potential damage to the nails when they wash dishes, take long baths or wash their hands multiple times per day. If you’ve ever taken a long bath and then tried to clip your nails, you may have noticed they seemed softer or more pliable. That’s what happens when they’re submerged in water for too long – they get soggy! Keep your nails dry and clean to avoid fungus or weak nails that will break or tear. This includes wearing gloves while washing dishes.

Don’t bite them!

This is a given, and I assume most of your mothers told you not to bite your nails. Not only is it gross (do you really want that stuff in your mouth?), it can cause them to fracture at the edges, resulting in breaks later on too. If you need to, paint your nails to avoid biting them. You may even try a strengthening clear polish. Remember though, it’s important to let them breathe at least once a week, so be sure to remove your polish periodically.

Feed them well.

Your nails are made of a protein called keratin that grows from underneath your cuticle. As it regenerates, the harder, tougher parts get pushed out to become your fingernail. Just like the rest of your body, your nails need nutrients. Make sure your diet includes lots of good protein. If you’re looking for a supplement, go for a vitamin with biotin in it. You can also help repair damaged nails topically with Vitamin E. Just use a pin to poke a hole in the supplement pill and rub the gel onto your nails to aid in their healing process.

Give them a little TLC.

Your nails are important! Keep them strong and healthy by taking care of them. When you clip them, be sure to clip them straight across, using a nail file to round out the corners. This will help avoid ingrown nails that are often caused by clipping the nail too close to the bed. Also, don’t forget your nails when moisturizing – while water can “drown” them, a little hand lotion can go a long way in revitalizing them.

And don’t ever use them as a tool! It’s tempting to use your nails to break into a box or get underneath a stubborn bottle cap, but it will ruin them. Also, never “rip off” a hangnail, as it can damage healthy tissue.

You should consult a dermatologist if…

Healthy fingernails are smooth, close to the skin’s natural color and free of discolorations, ridges or blemishes. While white marks or other small imperfections may pop up periodically as a result of injury or other external cause, but some irregularities need to be checked out by a dermatologist. These include:

• Dark or substantial discolorations
•  Change in the growth direction of the nail
• Curling nails
• Bleeding or redness/swelling around the nail bed
• Substantial thinning or thickening of the nail

Have any questions I didn’t answer here? Leave them in the comments and I’ll try to answer them there. If you’d like to get more information about Advanced Dermatology or book an appointment, visit our website 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!

Quick Tips for Men and Their Skin

I know this blog is probably frequented by women more than men, and I also know men don’t tend to think as much about their skin care needs. But I also thought it was high time to address some quick pointers for men’s skin care – and the women who are most likely to make sure they follow directions.

Wash your face. And I don’t mean with a regular bar of soap or body wash. There are plenty of inexpensive face wash options out there that won’t leave you smelling like a girl. For example, Dove carries a men’s line of washes for your body AND face.

Exfoliate your face. Put the sandpaper down. You need to exfoliate several times a week to remove dirt and grime from your face that can cause acne and razor bumps. Look for either a scrub or use nylon gloves when you wash to knock out two steps in one. If you’re wondering how to exfoliate, check out our blog post on the topic.

Moisturize your face. Again, there are face lotions out there designed for men, so don’t think using a moisturizer means smelling fruity all day. Choose one with an SPF of 30 or higher and you’ll again knock out two birds with one stone. Check out Neutrogena’s men’s product line that carries several different types.

SPF on all exposed areas. Sun damage isn’t limited to just your face; it can affect your whole body. Think about those older men whose skin looks like tanned leather. Use a body lotion with SPF 30 or higher to keep your skin protected (and make it a little softer).

Heat up before shaving. Put a warm, damp towel around your face before shaving, or even shave in the shower. The heat will help open your pores and soften your facial hair, giving you a closer shave and exfoliating your skin at the same time.

Lather up before shaving. Make sure to use a lotion, cream or gel product when you shave your face. Just soap and water doesn’t cut it. The more smoothly the blades move across your skin, the closer and better the shave you’ll get.

Shave with hair growth. Don’t shave against the “grain,” so to speak, which will only cause irritation. Shave in the direction your hair grows to cut down on razor bumps and irritation.

Don’t rub, pat dry. Rubbing your face dry will only cause irritation. Pat your face dry and immediately follow up with an after-shave product.

Protect your eyes and lips. These are sensitive areas on your face, so you want to keep them kissable and looking good. Again, there are manly products for these areas, so choose ones you like and use them on a daily basis.

Powder up. Whether you’re an athlete or a couch potato, guys have lots of crevices that can get itchy with a little bit of sweat. Use an antifungal powder or spray to keep jock itch and athlete’s foot at bay.

If you have any other skin care concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out!

The Truth About 10 Common Beauty Myths

Anti-aging, beauty solutions and skin care tend to attract a lot of rumors. We’ve addressed some myths related to acne in a previous post, but here, I’ll offer expert advice on 10 of the most common rumors out there. Here’s The Skinny on whether they’re true or not.

1. Use a little toothpaste on a nasty pimple to help clear it up.

True.

Technically, a little toothpaste on a pimple will help dry out the oil, which is the root of the problem. It serves a similar purpose to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid solutions. That said, I still don’t recommend it as a long-term solution to the problem. While it may dry out a zit within a few days, it doesn’t provide any healing properties and could also dry out the skin around the zit too much. Not to mention it’s messy, and toothpastes with whitening beads could be too rough for your skin.

2. Cucumbers can help reduce puffy eyes.

True.

We addressed this claim in our post about puffy eyes not too long ago. This is probably more related to the fact that the cucumbers are cool and help reduce any swelling, because cool strawberry slices, cotton balls soaked in cold milk or even a chilled spoon will do the same thing.

3. Lemon juice can lighten your hair.

True.

Lemon juice can act as a bleaching agent, not unlike peroxide. While it can help, keep in mind that you and your lemon juice are not the same as a professional with long-lasting chemical solutions. While the juice may help lighten your hair, it may not be the right color, it may not be as intense as you’d like and it may look blotchy or unnatural. It also may not work at all if you have very dark hair.

4. Caffeine can help reduce puffy eyes.

True.

But probably not in the way you’re thinking. Drinking a cup of coffee in the morning won’t help reduce the puffiness, but an eye cream with caffeine in it will. The caffeine, when applied topically, can help draw water away from the skin and create a tighter appearance.

5. Rubbing egg whites on your skin can help stop or prevent cellulite.

False.

Unfortunately, rubbing egg whites on your skin will just leave you with a big mess on your hands. Actually, nothing will cure cellulite. It develops when fat deposits get caught between the fibrous bands connecting the skin’s tissues. Not even liposuction will completely cure it. And it is almost always genetic – if your mother had cellulite, you’re more likely to have it. Rubbing egg whites on your skin may make the skin look smoother, but it won’t cause any drastic changes.

6. Use dryer sheets on your hair to help quell flyaway strands.

True.

Just like they do for your clothes in the dryer, these sheets reduce the static effect – also known as the culprit behind these pesky flyaway strands. Ever notice that when you try to smooth them down with your hands, they just get worse? Try keeping a dryer sheet in your purse. They’re also great for static on clothes that are sticking to each other!

7. Massage olive oil into your hair to help it grow faster.

False.

Sorry if you’ve pinned something that says olive oil mixed with honey or vinegar or some other common kitchen product will result in long, beautiful locks. I pinned that to my “Myths” board. It’s really the massaging motion that helps your hair grow faster, because it increases blood flow to the scalp. If you want to stimulate hair growth, just wash your hair with regular shampoo. You’ll avoid the oily mess that results from coating it with olive oil.

8. A little hairspray on your face will help your makeup look fresh for hours.

False.

This probably came about by accident when someone with oily skin noticed they didn’t need to blot as often after using hairspray. While hairspray may help quell the oil a little, it won’t actually keep the makeup on in just any condition. You may be better off washing your face (with the right soap!) before applying, using a good oil-free moisturizer or just carrying a little powder with you.

9. Wash your hair with cold water to make it look shinier.

False.

Hot showers can dehydrate the hair shaft when it evaporates, which may actually seem like a good thing if you have persistently oily hair. While a little cool water may help your hair lay flat and appear shinier, it won’t actually change anything – much like those egg whites won’t change anything!

10. Sleeping on your back helps prevent wrinkles.

True.

This is one of the stranger myths out there, but it’s worth remembering! While there is no guarantee, the reason this works is that you avoid spending eight or more hours a day with your face smashed into a pillow. Sleeping on your back is not only good for your face, it’s good for your spine and posture too.

Have any questions or rumors I didn’t address here? Leave them in the comments and I’ll be glad to help!

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.