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!

Stretchy Skin - Avoid Those Marks!

Going through pregnancy, weight gain or loss or puberty can be stressful enough. Who has time to worry about stretch marks, too?

Let’s be real, no one likes stretch marks. Stretch marks, or “striae,” are a form of scarring that appears on the skin as pink, purple or red streaks. While they normally fade over time, they usually result in shiny white or gray lines. They can appear on men and women and occur when the dermis is stretched beyond its limit or during drastic hormonal changes.  Most people develop stretch marks due to rapid weight gain or weight loss, pregnancy or puberty. They usually develop on the abdomen, upper arms, breasts, buttocks, thighs or lower back.

Prevention

The best way to deal with stretch marks is to try to prevent them!

• Stay hydrated – It may seem excessive, but try drinking the recommended eight glasses (or 64 ounces) of water every day. Water helps keep your skin healthy by keeping your skin cells plump and more likely to bounce back from the stress caused by stretching.
• Eat healthier – If you aren’t currently pregnant, chances are you have yet to associate stretch marks with your diet. Including foods containing vitamin E, vitamin A, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants will greatly benefit your skin health. If you need more information on the best foods for your skin, check out our blog post on the subject.
• Some of these super foods include fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, walnuts, red bell peppers, fish, eggs and oysters. 
• Exercise – No exercise will eliminate or reduce stretch marks (and for guys bulking up at the gym, it can cause them if you gain too quickly), but may help prevent them from occurring. Exercising helps the skin retain its elasticity by improving circulation. It may also help you avoid gaining too much weight, too fast. 
• Avoid scratching – Don’t do it! Scratching areas where you are likely to get stretch marks will further harm your skin from the pulling and stretching. If you feel itchy, apply massage oils or creams instead of scratching. Massaging the skin will promote new skin growth and blood circulation.
• Use stretch mark creams – People anticipating stretch marks, especially pregnant women, should apply a stretch mark cream or ointment at least twice each day. Did you know that 75 percent to 90 percent of pregnant women get stretch marks related to their pregnancy? By applying the recommended creams (listed below), you can decrease your chance of developing stretch marks.

Best Creams for Stretch Mark Prevention

• Dermology
• Revitol
• Strivectin

These products are relatively cheap (between $20-50) and can be purchased from Amazon or other online retailers.

Treatment

While treatments may help stretch marks fade, they will not completely remove them. Remember to treat stretch marks as early as possible for the best results. In the later stages, stretch marks are much more challenging to reduce.

• Tretinoin cream – Use if the stretch marks are only a few months old (still red or pink). Tretinoin works to help rebuild collagen, making the striae look more like your normal skin.
• Microdermabrasion – This involves a hand-held device that blows crystals onto the skin. The crystals help exfoliate the skin while the tiny vacuum removes the crystals and skin cells. This method promotes the growth of new, more elastic skin.
• Laser therapy – By using intense wavelengths of light, laser therapy stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin production in your skin.
• Glycolic acid – This is a type of fruit acid used in chemical peels that can be applied at home or by a dermatologist.
• Vitamin C – Certain formulations and supplements of vitamin C may also increase collagen production.

Please note, your degree of success with any treatment will be impacted by your age, skin tone and even your diet. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist before starting any treatment or prevention methods to determine the best approach for you.

Have more questions? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll try to answer them there. If you’d like to make an appointment with Advanced Dermatology, click here.

Coping With Rosacea

Do people comment on your constantly rosy cheeks? Have you noticed your face appearing sunburned for no apparent reason? Getting tired of people telling you to lighten up on the blush? If any of these things are common for you, it could be rosacea.

Rosacea is a common skin condition affecting approximately 16 million Americans. It typically manifests at or after age 30. This chronic disease is characterized by redness or pimples on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. Although rosacea is more common in women, men tend to exhibit more severe symptoms. The cause of this condition is unknown, and there is no cure. But don’t lose hope just yet! Having rosacea does NOT mean you have to suffer! By knowing the symptoms and proper treatment methods, this condition can be easily controlled.

Symptoms

Persistent redness is the most common symptom of rosacea. This flushing may come and go and often resembles a sunburn that does not go away.

Bumps and pimples, often resembling acne without blackheads, sometimes develop and may cause a burning or stinging sensation.

Visible blood vessels may also appear on the skin.

If left untreated, rosacea usually worsens over time. In severe cases, rhinophyma may develop. This refers to the enlarging of the nose due to a buildup of tissue, causing a swollen and bumpy appearance. Though it can be corrected with surgery, the condition may return. 

Triggers

As triggers may vary from patient to patient, constant monitoring is necessary to determine what causes flare-ups for each individual. Common triggers include:

• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Emotional stress
• Heat
• Sun and wind exposure

Treatment

The good news is that rosacea is easily controllable and medically manageable! Because the signs of this disease vary from person to person, you should see a dermatologist for treatment that is tailored to your specific skin type. Your doctor may prescribe oral or topical medications, but daily skin care also can help reverse the symptoms of rosacea. Some at-home treatment methods include:

• Use skin care products for sensitive skin that are non-abrasive. Rinse the cleanser with lukewarm water and blot (don’t rub) your face dry with a cotton towel.
• Ladies should consider green-tinted foundations. It may sound odd, but think about it: Because red and green are complementary colors, the green makeup will help counter facial redness. Even if you don’t use the green-tinted foundation, always make sure to avoid pink or orange hues that will make your rosacea more prominent!

Do you have any other questions regarding rosacea, symptoms or treatments?  Leave your questions or comments below, and I’ll try to help you out! If you need an appointment with Advanced Dermatology, click here.

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.