Covering the Signs of Aging - The Market's Best Makeup

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Anti-aging seems to be the topic on every woman’s mind nowadays. One of the big questions we receive from ADSCA patients is whether they can use makeup to aid in that quest for the fountain of youth. At the very least, they want to know which brands aren’t contributing to the problem.

In this blog post, I’ll identify some tips for which brands to use, how to identify your skin type and the best way to keep your skin looking young using everyday makeup. Did I miss anything? Leave your questions or suggestions in the comments below.

The Best Age Fighters: Moisture and Sun Protection

The absolute best way to fight wrinkles and other signs of aging is, without a doubt, to moisturize and protect your skin from the sun. Even if you already have oily skin, use an oil-free moisturizer (like Aveeno) to help your skin maintain its elasticity as it ages.

Protecting your skin from the sun is another must-do. Although a tan may look nice when you are in your teens and 20s, it definitely leads to skin damage, wrinkles and other signs of aging later in life. Make sure a sunscreen is part of your daily routine, and make sure you’re using at least SPF 30. Many moisturizers have sunscreen as part of their formula, so choose one with SPF to combine these two critical steps.

Avoid Powder-Based Foundation and Concealer

Avoid using powder-based foundations or concealers, as these types of makeup, when used on dry skin, can actually sink into wrinkles and make them more visible!

Start by remedying your dry skin problem. To do that, first refer to my first tip and moisturize! Second, use liquid or cream-based foundations, eye shadows and other products applied directly to the skin.

Makeup with Additives

Retinol is the newest buzzword in the anti-aging and makeup world. It is often added to a variety of foundations. Although it may increase cell turnover (which helps slow the aging process), it’s not something that has been proven. If you’re already using a retinol foundation, keep it up. If you’re not, don’t bank on it being the end all be all for anti-aging makeup.

The Tint

As women age, they often experience a dullness in their skin tone. Using a foundation and/or moisturizer with bronzer or other tinted, luminescent qualities makes a huge difference. By reflecting light, the makeup gives the illusion of a more evenly tinted, vibrant skin tone. Although this won’t actually change your skin, it will improve its appearance.

Don’t Spend a Fortune!

While there are lots of brands out there, most of them offer a similar product. According to Good Housekeeping, the following products scored highest among women for their anti-aging qualities:

• Concealer – Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer
• Foundation – Chanel Lift Lumière Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup SPF 15
• A note from Dr. Patel: Although SPF 15 is better than none, I recommend using at least SPF 30 on a daily basis.
• Primer – Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Aging Age Reversing Face Primer
• Lipstick – Dior Rouge Serum SPF 20
• Eye Shadow – MAC Paint Pot
• Mascara – MAC False Lashes

For more information on the magazine’s findings, click here.  

The Beauty of Botox

Photo by Charles Williams

Last year, 5.6 million people received Botox injections. If you don’t know a Botox user personally, odds are you have heard of a few – Simon Cowell, Jenny McCarthy, David Hasselhoff and Vanessa Williams have all had Botox treatments for a variety of reasons.

But what is Botox? Although it’s often the butt of bad jokes in movies, Botox is pretty revolutionary, and it might even work for you. Let’s start by addressing a few common questions, misconceptions and recommendations. 

If you have any questions not included here, leave them in the comments, and I’ll answer them there.

Where did it come from?

Botox is derived from Botulinum toxin. The word may sound familiar if you’ve heard of botulism, a type of food poisoning. Although it can be toxic in very high doses, 10 years ago, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved the patented small dose, now known as Botox, to treat a variety of cosmetic issues.

If you’re wondering how the idea to use the product to treat wrinkles came about, it was totally by accident! In the late 1980s, it was being used as a treatment for facial muscle spasms, and patients began commenting on the benefits to wrinkles and other cosmetic issues. That led to more research and, eventually, FDA approval in 2002.

What does it do?

Botox can be used to treat a variety of minor cosmetic issues. These include:

• Filling in wrinkles, like crow’s feet, to make them less visible
• Injections under the arms can help control heavy sweating.
• Erasing frown lines around the mouth or wrinkles on the forehead
• Correct crossed eyes

The effects of Botox typically last up to four months. Regular injections are safe, and the effect is the same with each injection. There is no “wear” or “getting used to” the effects of Botox.

Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer of Botox, recently received FDA approval to use Botox to treat incontinence and chronic migraines. They are exploring its use for other conditions, as well.

How does it work?

Quite simply, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, essentially “deadening” them and keeping the muscles from contracting. This causes the muscles to relax and soften, lessening or even eliminating visible signs of wrinkles.

Is it safe?

Yes! Although technically derived from a neurotoxin, Botox is 100 percent safe. In small doses, the injections are very well-received and highly effective for cosmetic issues. There are no known long-term safety risks associated with Botox injections.

Although the injection itself is safe, it is possible to experience a bad outcome. Be very selective when choosing the physician who will administer your shots. Always choose a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Risks associated with poorly performed Botox injections are primarily cosmetic, and include shiny skin, visible ripples or the “frozen” look often portrayed in movies.

Should I get Botox?

It’s important to note that Botox is a brand name. There are now two competing products on the market, as well – Dysport and Xeomin. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates, we recommend a certain brand to patients based on a few factors: how often the patient plans to get injections, the specific area to be treated and the patient’s medical history or concerns.

Oftentimes, Botox is used as an alternative to more invasive or expensive procedures.

If you have a question about pursuing a Botox procedure, call us at 901-759-2322. 

The Itchy Child Eczema Issue

Eczema almost seems to be a buzzword nowadays. With more than 15 million Americans suffering from eczema, odds are you know someone who is dealing with it.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, but it can be treated. Eczema almost always presents itself in infancy, or at least by the time a child is 5 years old. I’ve answered a few questions below, as well as offered some tips for treating pediatric eczema.

If I missed anything, comment on this post, and I’ll answer it for you!

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that involves itchy, red rashes, dry skin and breakouts. It is primarily a hereditary condition, running in the same gene pools as asthma and allergies. Approximately 80 percent of cases present before a child turns 5 years old.

What can I do about it?

Eczema is inconvenient and annoying to the child suffering from the condition, but unfortunately, there is no cure.  Eczema can be treated though.

Follow these tips to avoid breakouts:

• Avoid irritants like harsh soaps, allergies, sweating too much or any allergies your child may have.
• Moisturize daily.
• Talk to a doctor about topical steroids or other medications that can help control breakouts when they happen. 

How can I recognize eczema in my child?

Eczema almost always presents before a child turns 5 years old. The symptoms include:

• Red, itchy rashes
• Dry, cracked skin
• Affected areas feel warm to the touch
• Raised bumps and blisters

If you recognize the symptoms of eczema in your child, contact Advanced Dermatology to set up an appointment to discuss treatments and your child’s case today. 

Sporting a Breakout? Don't Sweat It!

Photo by Anne Rossley, some rights reserved

At Advanced Dermatology, we often get questions about a variety of acne problems. At the beginning of the school year, it never fails that a few athletes come in for breakouts they attribute to their strenuous activities. This blog post will answer some of the common questions, and possibly help athletes prevent, treat and avoid these breakouts.

Don’t see your question answered here? Leave it in the comments, and I’ll respond!

What causes body acne?

First, let’s clear one thing up – acne is acne. Whether it’s on your body or your face, it’s all caused by the same factors. Acne is a result of clogged pores, which often present themselves in the teenage years as a result of over-productive hormones that make the skin very oily.

Why does playing sports seem to contribute to breakouts?

Teenagers, who are often already at risk for breakouts as a result of their hormone changes, often find that their acne gets worse during the school year when they are playing sports and being very active.

With pores already being clogged by oily skin or hormones, the extra sweat doesn’t help. Breakouts can also be exacerbated by the harsh rubbing or friction often caused by equipment like chin straps or pads.  

For athletes such as dancers or cheerleaders, “performance makeup” can also be a contributing factor. In these situations, the athlete wears heavier makeup than usual or uses a different product provided to him or her. In these cases, the athlete’s skin could be experiencing a reaction to the product.

How do I treat, avoid or prevent these breakouts?

There are several over-the-counter face and body washes that can treat and help prevent breakouts, including those associated with playing sports. Any wash containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or a combination of the two is a good place to start.

Athletes with serious acne problems should wash their face and other affected areas both before and immediately after their activities. They may also consider wearing a clean T-shirt underneath sports equipment that can help absorb some of the sweat and keep it from clogging pores.

For athletes using makeup for performances, consider an oil-free product that will not contribute to clogging pores.

What if I already use acne washes, but still break out?

Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to breakouts because of genetics or other factors. While the washes can certainly help treat and prevent breakouts, they may not be a cure-all. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary.

If you find that over-the-counter products just aren’t cutting it, call to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dermatology. We can assess your specific situation and recommend antibiotics or other prescription solutions to treat sports-related acne. 

The BB Basics

Photo by SodanieChea, some rights reserved.

In the last few weeks, BB cream has become a household word – sort of. There are a variety of advertisements extolling the value of a good BB cream, and some extolling the value of a not-so-good BB cream. But what is it? I’ve answered a few key questions below.

What is a BB cream?

Originally developed in Germany in the 1960s, BB creams rapidly gained popularity in Asia over the next few decades.

BB creams are billed as an “all-in-one” solution to replace serum, moisturizer, sunscreen, foundation and primer. Most of these creams are mineral-based, and are often used to cover and treat acne, age spots and sun spots.  

Do they really work?

Although BB creams are a great solution for women without the time or money to use separate products that are already proven to work, they are not a perfect substitute. To the extent that you can use a separate, proven moisturizer, foundation or other product, do. We already know that the separate products work. Until more research is done specifically on BB creams, there is not enough information to say that they are a perfect substitute for all other facial creams.

Who should use BB creams?

BB creams are best suited for women who are too busy to consistently keep up with a multi-product facial routine, or who do not have the budget to do it regularly.

Additionally, in the U.S., BB creams have become more of a substitute for foundation due to their good coverage.

Bottom line, if you aren’t already using moisturizer and sunscreen every day, a BB cream is a step in the right direction. If you already have a routine that works, don’t change it unless you have to.

Which BB creams are the best?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on a budget, the over-the-counter drugstore BB creams will run about $12 to $15. Maybelline, L’Oreal and Garnier all sell these creams. I like the L’Oreal brand, as it offers the best sun protection with 30 SPF. Department store beauty counters sell creams for $35 to $40 or more. The comparison is similar to that between a drugstore foundation and a department store foundation.

Deciding which brand of BB cream to try varies with each woman’s need. Pay attention to whether the cream offers coverage, light reflection, antioxidants or better sun protection, and then decide what works best for you. There are even vegan and cruelty-free varieties.

Have more questions about BB creams? Leave them in the comments below and we’ll answer them!