The Rudolph Effect: How to Avoid a Raw Red Nose

Unless you're guiding Santa's sleigh this Christmas Eve, having a red nose at this time of year is probably not ideal. It can be unsightly and painful to boot. But it doesn't have to be that way! Here's the skinny on raw, sore noses.

Maybe you recently spent a weekend skiing on the slopes, or maybe you’ve come down with some sort of cold/allergy/flu combination. Regardless, you’re probably experiencing one common side effect: a raw, red, extremely sore nose. No need to worry! Here are some quick tips to help give your nose some TLC.

• Don’t use hot water on your nose, as this will only further dry out your skin. Instead, use lukewarm or cool water when washing your face to avoid more irritation.
• Don’t use irritating soaps or other chemicals on your nose. These will just add to the irritation.
• Don’t unnecessarily touch or rub your nose. This also will make your sore nose worse.
• Do use a gentle lotion, like shea butter or a natural balm, to help seal the broken skin and introduce healthy nutrients back into the skin.
• If you must touch your nose during this painful time, use a soft, clean tissue, and gently blot your nose if need be. If possible, choose tissues that have lotion in them and are labeled for “sore noses.”
• Refer back to my winter skin care blog post. Moisture is the biggest factor when discussing winter skin. Cold temperatures, heaters and overly hot showers rob skin of valuable moisture during the winter. To combat these issues, drink plenty of water, use a heavier moisturizer than you use during the summer and use warm, rather than hot, water when showering or bathing.

Hopefully, with the help of these tips, you can pull through this last bit of winter without looking like Rudolph. Do you have more questions regarding your red and raw nose? Leave them in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out!

Dealing with Dark Circles

Dark circles are a cosmetic concern for many people. Age, fatigue and stress often contribute to this issue. Although these factors can influence their formation, it is important to pinpoint the specific causes for the dark coloration so it can be properly resolved.

It’s also important to note that the skin under your eyes is thinner than anywhere else on your body. For this reason the dark-colored blood vessels under the skin are naturally more exposed in this area. 

Causes

Typical causes for dark circles include eczema, physical or emotional stress, nasal congestion, sun exposure and thinning skin with loss of collagen and fat.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Physical and emotional stress, including associated behaviors like smoking and chronic alcohol consumption, can disrupt your vitamin balance and cause dehydration. Vitamin imbalance and dehydration can accelerate the aging process, causing the skin to thin and lose fat and collagen around the eyes. This exposes the dark blood vessels under the skin’s surface, causing dark circles to appear very pronounced.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion can create dark circles by dilating veins under your eyes, causing the skin to appear darker.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure increases your body’s melanin production, which can lead to darker pigmentation.

Genetics

Dark circles can be hereditary, meaning they can be attributed to particular family genes. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid your genes, but there are ways to help remedy the problem.

DIY Solutions

If you are concerned about dark circles under your eyes, try the below treatments. Many times, these remedies help reduce or remove that unwanted discoloration without a visit to a doctor.

Cold Compresses

Hold chilled peas or ice cubes wrapped in a towel under your eyes to dilate blood vessels.

Extra Sleep or Pillows

Lack of sleep can give your skin a pale appearance. Make sure you’re getting your eight hours! And don’t forget how you sleep. Lifting your head when you sleep can stop your blood vessels from pooling with too much blood, which causes dilated vessels.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, which increase melanin production, can prevent long-term skin darkening under your eyes.

Saline Washes or Sprays

These can help relieve nasal congestion that sometimes causes dark circles.

Cosmetic Creams

Some people see relief after using serums that contain certain root extracts, such as Brazilian Suma.

Medical Solutions

It is best to follow the directions above to see how your skin responds to certain treatments. If those treatments prove futile, your medical professional can recommend a more effective treatment. Options a medical professional can prescribe include prescription creams, laser therapy, chemical peels, injectable fillers and surgery.

Prescription Creams

Retinoic acid, commonly called tretinoin, is a topical treatment that helps lighten dark or discolored skin. Other prescription creams include Tri-Luma, Eladopaque, Alustra and Glyquin XM.

Laser Therapy

Lasers send rays of light under the skin to be absorbed by the blood vessels. The light absorption brightens the skin, as well as reduces fine lines and wrinkles. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can remove the top layers of skin that have been permanently altered to a darker color as a result of sun damage. Removing the older skin reveals fresh, lighter skin.

Injectable Fillers

If the space under your eyes appears hollow or sunken, certain derma-fillers can be injected to eliminate the shadows that form dark circles. Fillers also separate your dark blood vessels from the skin by placing a padded layer in between. This can diminish the dark color of the blood vessels.

Surgery

A belpharoplasty procedure can remove bags around eyes that cast dark shadows, creating the appearance of dark circles. Surgery is always the most extreme option to treat a problem, so I recommend a detailed discussion with your medical provider before looking into this option.

Dark circles are not harmful to your health, but they can be unpleasant and difficult to hide or cover up. If you see little to no results with DIY remedies at home, I encourage you to seek the counsel of your medical professional. If you have any other questions about dark circles or other skin care topics, please call 901-759-2322 or visit our website. 

Ultherapy: The Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Solution

Ultrasound is a versatile tool in medicine. It can help diagnose cardiovascular disease, track the progress of child development and aid in the injury healing process for physical therapy. Recently, it has been proven to stimulate collagen production, allowing it to serve as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. It has been labeled Ultherapy^®, and this FDA-approved skin rejuvenation treatment is showing up in many dermatology offices, including ADSCA, as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.

What is it?

Ultherapy does not provide the same drastic results as a surgical procedure, but it also carries a much lower risk to the patient. It is a non-invasive procedure that requires no preparation prior to the treatment and little or no downtime to recover from it afterward.

This link provides a visual representation of the treatment’s effects underneath the skin.

How does it work?

Essentially, the ultrasonic waves delivered by the device stimulate your body to naturally produce collagen, the proteins that form the web of fibrous tissue that give the skin a firm appearance. The collagen production takes place over time, showing increasing improvement throughout the following year. You are likely to see the greatest results after three months.

Who is it for?

People who have seen a mild or moderate decrease in their skin laxity (firmness) are candidates for this procedure. The procedure is recommended for use on the brow, face and neck.

What are the risks?

The most common side effects of the treatment are facial redness and tenderness in the treated areas. There is a small potential for post-procedural side effects. I always recommend consulting your health care provider before participating in any health procedure, even one as simple as Ultherapy.  

For more information on Ultherapy at ADSCA, visit our laser skin rejuvenation page here. Ready to book? Call 901-759-2322 to schedule an appointment today.

The Rash Under The Ring

No, you’re not allergic to marriage. That rash under your wedding band — or any ring — is simply your skin’s reaction to an irritant. It happens when you wear a ring all the time, such as a wedding band.

There are two common reasons for ring rash:

1. Some people develop an allergic reaction to the nickel in the band. Even if your band is made of gold, almost all rings have a small amount of metal alloys, like nickel, to help them maintain their sturdy structure during normal wear.
2. Your skin could be irritated from washing your hands without taking your ring off. Soap particles can get trapped between the band and your skin, causing irritation. This is often called “detergent burn.” Additionally, harsh soaps can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it raw and irritated. This can be compounded by dry skin in colder months when there isn’t as much moisture in the air. Those with a history of sensitive skin, eczema, allergies or atopic dermatitis are more prone to this reaction.

Luckily, you can take some measures to help combat this skin irritation:

• If you don’t feel like removing your ring every time you wash your hands, you can invest in a lotion that contains ceramides, which are lubricants that moisturize and protect the skin. If you apply the lotion to your hands after washing, it can help alleviate detergent burn.
• If you are concerned that you are allergic to nickel, painting the inside of your ring with clear nail polish can create a protective barrier between the band and your skin. But don’t worry, the polish won’t damage your precious metal!

If these remedies don’t work at home, we encourage you to seek out a doctor’s opinion. For more information about ADSCA and our services, click here to visit our website.

Thinking After Inking - The Skinny on Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are a very popular form of self-expression. Often, people get tattoos as a reminder of someone special, an achievement in life, their heritage or simply as a form of individual expression. Don’t worry – I’m not here to tell you that tattoos are unsafe. In fact, they are generally very safe if done by a professional. But what if you change your mind after the fact?

Thankfully, tattoos can be removed. However, it‘s not a quick trip to the doctor’s office, and your skin won’t look the same as it did before. It takes time, money, discomfort and a lot of Neosporin. Even then, your tattoo is not guaranteed to fade away. After going through the tattoo removal process, it is important to consider taking further steps to help with the scarring.

What is laser tattoo removal?

The most popular and effective method for removing tattoos is with laser tattoo removal. Most doctors use a quality-switched (or Q-switched) laser that uses light and energy to create high-power pulsing, which goes into the skin and breaks up the ink into smaller particles. The body can then dissipate the particles. The procedure is not guaranteed, but it is the best available option for removing a tattoo.

Are there any other procedures to consider?

Before laser removal was a common practice, doctors performed dermabrasion, salabrasion, surgery and cryosurgery to get rid of unwanted body art. None of these procedures are recommended today, and all of them are unpleasant, potentially skin-damaging processes. If you’re trying to remove a tattoo, I’d avoid any of these older methods.

Additionally, there are lots of over-the-counter fading creams available online that are inexpensive when compared to laser treatments. The sales pitch is quite tempting, but the FDA does not recommend this at-home DIY treatment, as the creams are likely to cause skin reactions from chemical irritants in the products that are used to erode the skin.

Are some tattoos are easier to remove than others?

Yes. It is easier to remove tattoos from parts of the body that have more circulation. For example, tattoos in distal extremity regions (where there is little body fat) such as hands and ankles, are more difficult to remove. Tattoos in the proximal extremity regions, such as upper arms and torso, are easier to remove.

A larger contrast between skin and ink helps speed up the removal process. Darker colored tattoos like black and grey are the easiest to treat, while colors like red, green and purple can be a bit more challenging. For example, black tattoos on fair skin are the easiest to treat. Just like how sunlight is attracted to darker pigments, lasers can pick up darker ink colors more easily. 

How long will it take?

Generally, tattoo removal can require anywhere from four to 12 sessions. The number of sessions required depends on how old the tattoo is and the size, placement, depth and color of the tattoo.

Patients will need to wait about a month between each session to give the body a chance to absorb the ink. Expect the entire process to take from about six months to a year and a half, not including the healing of the scar.

Are there complications?

It’s possible. Tattoos are meant to be permanent. Although it’s less abrasive than older procedures, even the state-of the-art laser technology we have today can be painful and may not result in complete removal. As with all laser treatments, laser tattoo removal may cause allergic reactions for some people. Additionally, tattoo composition fluctuates and the pigment may not respond as expected to the treatment.

How much will tattoo removal cost?

Treatment sessions do add up, and can be costly. Each session can cost $350 or more.

Is it possible to prevent or treat scars?

Pre-and post-laser care is critical for all laser treatments, including tattoo removal. Immediately following treatment, the skin may resemble a healing burn for a couple of days. The newly bare skin should be treated like a burn, too, frequently applying Neosporin and keeping the skin bandaged.

As with many of my blog posts, I mention that the sun is a major contributor to skin problems. A good SPF is even more important for vulnerable skin and should be applied daily around the treated area to avoid discoloration and infection.

Please refer to my recent blog post here for more information on the best ways to help with scarring. 

Have any questions about getting or removing a tattoo? Leave them in the comments and I’ll address them there! 

Long Lashes for a Long Time - The Beauty of Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are a quick, effective way to get the length all those mascara brands promise. Celebrities like Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Michelle Obama have donned them recently. Although they look expensive, eyelash extensions aren’t a rare and pricey cosmetic benefit. They are becoming a common service offered by medical aestheticians and doctors as a low-risk and cost-effective way to achieve lengthy lashes.

What are they?

Similar to regular hair extensions, eyelash extensions are synthetic hairs that are glued to your existing eyelashes. 

How are they applied?

The synthetic hairs are applied individually to your existing eyelashes using a special adhesive paste. The process can take from an hour to two hours depending upon how many extensions you are having added to your lashes. They usually are packaged as a half set or full set. We recommend starting with a half set and moving up to a full set if you decide you would like more. 

What’s the upkeep?

Lash extensions last through the growth cycle of your natural lashes. Typically, that time period is six to eight weeks. It varies for each person.

When you start to see length that you are unhappy with, set up a fill-in appointment. After the first several times, you can be proactive with fill-in sessions by setting up a standing appointment.

What are the risks?

Your eyes are closed during the procedure, so you should not fear getting anything in your eyes. However, there is potential for the glue to irritate your skin. Ask to see the ingredients of the glue if you are worried or if you know of a specific allergen that could affect you.

Tips for healthy, natural eyelashes

Because eyelash extensions are applied to your natural lashes, the results will partly be based upon the look of your natural lashes. Keep your expectations reasonable based upon the thickness, length and quantity of your natural lashes. Below are some tips for increasing the health of your natural lashes.

Avoid pulling your lashes or rubbing your eyes.

This might seem obvious, but many people do this, perhaps without realizing it. Your eyelashes are liable to easily break under the force of your fingers. Be mindful of this when using a lash curler as well.

Remove mascara at night.

Mascara can make lashes stiff and easier to break when pressed against a pillow or when rubbed by sleepy hands. Remember to avoid rubbing your eyes!

Condition your lashes.

Applying a lubricating substance around your eyes that is safe, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, helps to condition lashes and keeps them from being dry and brittle. Also, there are conditioning products specific to eyelashes that are available for this reason.

Eyelash extensions are an effective way to get a fuller, more dramatic set of lashes with minimal risk. Also, due to the nature of the procedure, you are able to provide feedback during the application process to help achieve the results you are looking for.

ADSCA offers eyelash extensions as part of our medi spa services. If you are interested in more information about the process or scheduling an appointment, click here or call 901-759-2322. 

Back Off, Blackheads

Photo © 2013 UrbaneWomenMag, Flickr

The word blackhead can conjure up images of awkward pre-teens with oily faces just entering their first year of puberty. Although puberty is a common time for blackheads to appear due to increased skin oil production, they can show up on the face, neck, back or any other area at any age. Read further to learn more about this unwelcome skin issue and what you can do to treat it.

Definition

As mammals, we have hair all over our body. Blackheads are hair follicles clogged with sebum (oil and keratin) and skin cells. They are similar to whiteheads, except their color comes from their exposure to oxygen. Open pores or follicles that contain this buildup can turn dark or appear yellow when the accumulation of oil and skin cell material come in contact with oxygen, just as an apple or banana browns when it has been cut open.

Location

People most commonly find blackheads on their face, especially in the T-zone. The T-zone is the skin area across the forehead and down the nose and chin. This is an area of skin that typically produces more oil than others. Although the T-zone is the most common area for blackheads, they can be found on the back, ears and shoulders as well.

Treatment

Don’t “Pop” A Blackhead!

It might be tempting to squeeze the skin around the blackhead to push the buildup out, but this is not a good idea for several reasons. Your hands have bacteria on them. When you press them against your face, you are increasing your chance of clogging other pores by spreading the bacteria from your hands to your face. Also, squeezing the clogged pore can spread the bacteria from the affected pore to others around it. Similar to the bacteria on your hands, the bacteria from the original clogged pore can cause other clogged pores to develop. Lastly, by squeezing the clogged pore, you actually risk squeezing pus buildup into the blood source for the follicle. This can carry bacteria to other parts of the body.  For all these reasons listed, you should not attempt to squeeze the blackhead out of the pore.

Do

If you don’t already have a daily skin care routine, get one! Once you have that, incorporate a cleanser or exfoliant that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help loosen the dead skin cells and unclog blackheads. These products are available over the counter at any drug store. Brands like Neutrogena, Cetaphil and Cerave are popular selections for this type of product.

Also, try a facial to treat existing blackheads and to prevent others from forming. A facial is a cosmetic treatment that cleans, exfoliates and takes preventive measures to protect the skin from issues like blackheads. Products used during a facial help clear the skin of dead cells and unclog pores by gentle or deep exfoliation (depending upon products and methods used). Typically wet heat, like a warm, wet towel, is used during the process to help open pores so they can be cleansed. Also, toners used on the skin toward the end of a facial help shrink pores so it is more difficult for bacteria to enter them.

Facials can be performed at home, but we recommend having a medical aesthetician or doctor perform this service. These professionals have been trained and certified to diagnose and treat skin issues with the appropriate products. There is little risk of harming your skin by practicing facials at home, but they are likely to be more effective when someone with knowledge and access to the most advanced skin care products is performing them.

ADSCA’s medi spa offers facial services, all of which can be customized to your needs. We offer a deep pore facial that targets skin problems like blackheads and whiteheads with a multi-layered exfoliation of the skin. For more information about deep-pore facials and other medi spa services visit our website, read our medi spa blog post or contact ADSCA at 901-759-2322.

 

Beyond The Hair: Showing Some Love to Your Scalp

Sometimes we are so concerned about the skin that people see every day that we forget about the skin they might not see. The upkeep of the skin on your scalp is just as important as the skin on your face, arms and legs. Below are some topics of concern when it comes to scalp heath:

Sun Exposure/Heat

Over exposure to UV rays is dangerous for any area of skin, and your scalp is no exception. Because most scalps are covered with hair, the skin often lacks the protective resistance built up by skin in other areas. Hair does act as a barrier in some capacity, but it does not protect the skin from all harmful UV rays. The best way to protect your scalp from the sun is by wearing a hat. People who are balding or who have thinning hair should be especially conscious of the sun’s effect on their exposed scalp. Protect exposed skin on your scalp with sunscreen if possible.

Along the same line as sun exposure, excessive heat can negatively affect the skin on your scalp. Avoid holding styling tools that use heat, like hairdryers, curling irons and straighteners, too close to your scalp. Excessive heat deprives your scalp of moisture and strips it of natural lipids. Without moisture and natural lipids, your scalp can become dry and itchy.

Hair Products

Dyes, relaxers and washes can help your hair look the way you want it to, but they can also damage the skin underneath. Whether you are using these products at home or seeking out a professional’s skills, you should always test the product you are using on a small patch of skin first to see how your will skin react. A burning, itchy reaction is a clear sign to not use the product.

You may not have a reaction to harsh hair products at first, but be aware of the effects on your scalp after repeated use. Continuous use of harsh hair products can result in long-term effects like dry or raw skin, along with redness and hair loss.

Diet

Although diet doesn’t play a large factor in scalp health, it can still affect it. Niacin, biotin, zinc and vitamins A, B6 and C all are nutrients that have been shown to positively impact scalp health. Incorporating fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains and dark leafy greens into your diet will help ensure a healthy intake of all of these nutrients.

Dandruff

All of the above topics play into the most common scalp health concern: dandruff. Dandruff is not contagious and in most cases is easy to treat. For mild cases, try shampooing with a gentle cleanser daily in addition to taking all the preventive measures discussed above. If the dandruff still persists, consider consulting a dermatologist about the issue. You may need a medicated shampoo.

It may seem daunting to remember the upkeep for skin care, but key topics repeat themselves. Sun protection, product usage and diet are factors that affect the health of your skin no matter where it is on your body.

Next time you have a concern about your scalp health, consider what measures you are taking to ensure the health of the skin on your face, arms and legs. Are you giving your scalp the same attention?

Have any questions not addressed in this post? Leave it in the comments and I’ll try to help!

The Medi Spa Advantage

Spa days are like baseball. They’re a popular pastime for many, they are a good way to relieve stress and, for some, they’re almost a rite of passage. Spa treatments can also be an important part of your skin care routine. The various treatments can help anyone maintain youthful, radiant skin at any age.

When considering who to trust with your skin care treatments, consider that not all spas are medical spas. While many spas offer treatments like facials or chemical peels, a medical professional may not perform the procedures. That’s the biggest difference between your average day spa and a medi spa. At Advanced Dermatology, for example, you’ll get the full spa treatment and trust your skin to a board-certified dermatologist.

In this blog post, I’ll address common treatments offered at ADSCA and other medical spas, as well as questions to ask that will help you make an informed choice when choosing the spa for you.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are topically applied formulas that revitalize the skin’s surface by creating a controlled shedding of the outermost layer of skin. This allows new layers to be exposed, creating a fresh appearance and smoother texture for the skin’s surface.

Types of Chemical Peels

• Light Exfoliating Peels – These are great for patients new to chemical peels. For maximum results, these peels should be done every two weeks in a series of up to six treatments.
• Light peels can improve mild to moderate cases of acne, soften the look of fine lines and improve skin texture. There is little to no downtime after the procedure.
• Modified Jessner’s Peels – This blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid and resorcinol is great for reducing acne, and can help diminish the appearance of sun damage and decrease the appearance of fine lines.
• Patients can expect about three to five days of downtime after the procedure, with the skin showing some peeling and flaking.
• TCA Peel – This peel offers a deeper peeling depth and is great for improving skin texture, superficial blemishes and pigmentation problems.
• This peel can be used on the face and other areas of the body. Patients will experience three to seven days of downtime afterward. 

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What level of skin improvement do you hope to achieve? This is important, as various peels may be more beneficial for different goals.
• Is your skin sensitive? Not everyone’s skin is cut out for chemical peels. Some people may require a lighter peel; others may not need one at all.
• How much downtime should you expect after you peel? Depending on the peel, your skin may appear blotchy, flaky or very red after your treatment. This can last from a few days up to a week. It’s also important to note that after a peel, you should avoid sun exposure for at least a week.
• What type of care is provided or recommended by your provider? Some peels may require some follow-up care. 

Facials

Facials include any of a number of services intended to exfoliate the skin, aid in anti-aging and eliminate dead skin cells. Generally, facials refresh the skin with less downtime than chemical peels. The types of facials available depend on the spa you visit, but generally focus on one area, such as the pores.

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What are your expectations for the facial? This will help you and your provider choose the type of facial that is best for you.
• Have you had any exfoliating treatments or other facials recently? You should allow your skin some recovery time before having another similar treatment.
• What type of post-facial treatment does your provider recommend? Many facials may require protecting your skin from the sun for a period of time, using gentler face washes or certain moisturizers. 

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that involves using a diamond-tipped wand to remove impurities from the skin. This treatment can take care of pollutants, ultraviolet rays and other outside factors that may cause the skin to age prematurely. The end result is smoother, softer skin. Some spas, including ADSCA, offer a type of microdermabrasion that infuses oxygen with a healing serum to create immediate results. 

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What are your expectations for the treatment? Depending on your goal, you may need multiple treatments to see your desired results.
• Do you have any existing skin conditions or concerns? Microdermabrasion is not ideal for patients with visible, broken capillaries or rosacea.

Dermaplaning

This exfoliation procedure uses a special surgical blade to gently slough away the top layer of the epidermis. Removing the dead skin cells leaves the skin looking vibrant and smooth. Dermaplaning can also be useful in removing vellous facial hair (also called peach fuzz), which can trap excess dirt and oil, as well as rejuvenating skin tissue and reducing acne scarring, uneven pigmentation and fine line wrinkles.

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• What are your goals? Most people see results after just one treatment, but maintenance requires more over time.
• Is it necessary? Not everyone needs this treatment.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

This treatment combats the effects of aging and sun damage through the use of lasers. This procedure is often combined with other medi spa treatments, such as facials or microdermabrasion.

One type of laser skin rejuvenation is Ultherapy™. The ideal candidate for this treatment experiences:

• Laxity of the facial skin
• Sagging skin around the jaw line (jowls)
• Loose neck skin
• Wilting brow
• Puffiness around the eyes

Before getting this treatment, it’s important that the patient not use any aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products for a least a week prior. Patients should also not take any fish oils or omega oils for at least a week prior to treatment. Most spas will require the patient to arrive early for medication before treatment.

Important Things to Discuss With Your Provider

• Do you qualify for laser skin rejuvenation? It isn’t for everyone. Pay attention to the criteria listed above, and consider whether this treatment is necessary or if another method will satisfy your goals.
• Is there another, easier method to achieve your skin care goals?
• What activities should you avoid before or after treatment?
• How much downtime should you expect after treatment?

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or get more information about ADSCA’s medi spa, click here. If you have any general questions, comment below and I’ll try to address them!

The C-Word: Cellulite

Cellulite might as well be a foul word, because nobody wants anything to do with it. There are numerous myths, procedures and plans for how to get rid of it. Before you get too worked up and take drastic measures, read below to find out what cellulite really is and what safe choices there are to aid in its disappearance.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the trapping of swollen fat cells between fibrous bands of tissue. As these pockets become denser, sometimes lumps or dimples can be seen on the surface of the skin. Cellulite is not a disease, illness or condition. It is simply the way your body’s fat cells have deposited between connective tissue. People of all shapes and sizes can have cellulite.

What causes cellulite?

Some situations that may cause cellulite include poor diet, fad dieting, slow metabolism, lack of physical activity, hormone changes, dehydration, total body fat and thickness or color of the skin.  Keep in mind that most of these also lead to basic weight gain. Thickness and color of skin do not factor in to weight gain, but they do influence the appearance of cellulite. The lighter and thinner your skin is, the more likely you are to see cellulite on the surface of your skin.

Can cellulite be prevented or treated?

While cellulite can be treated, there is no quick fix or guaranteed method for getting rid of it. Although it is not harmful, cellulite isn’t exactly pleasing to the eye. Many people want to get rid of it once it shows up. People have used a variety of methods to reduce the existence and appearance of cellulite. The below methods vary in effectiveness, but all generally have some impact on cellulite.

1. Liposuction – Probably the most well-known “quick fix” for cellulite, this procedure has been quoted in songs and popular culture for the past decade. A surgery that removes fat cells from the body by essentially vacuuming them out, liposuction is not a guaranteed solution for cellulite. In fact, the erratic vacuuming of the fat cells may actually cause more defined dimples afterward. This is because liposuction may not remove all fat cells.
2. Mesotherapy – Not as well-known as liposuction, mesotherapy is the regimented injection of substances such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids into the tissue just beneath the skin. It can result in a slight improvement to the appearance of cellulite, but it has potential risks that include swelling, infection and irregular contours.
3. Massage and spa treatments – Endermologie is a treatment that involves kneading the skin with a suction device to stimulate collagen production by increasing circulation to the treated area. Laser treatments are becoming more frequent in spas as well. FDA-approved laser treatments claim to sever the connective tissues that press the fat cells together, creating the bulging. They also claim to melt the fat, creating a smoother appearance. These are relatively new procedures, so there aren’t many stories, positive or negative, to support their validity. These treatments do not remove the fat cells that cause cellulite, so any associated benefits are only temporary.
4. Cellulite Creams – These creams claim to dissolve fat and smooth the skin, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Many of the creams contain aminophylline, which is an agent to that can cause the blood vessels to narrow and help flush water from the skin. This effect can be dangerous to people with existing circulatory problems and may cause allergic reactions in others.

Don’t forget about your diet!

Because cellulite is the accumulation of fat cells, your best chance of changing its appearance lies in shrinking those fat cells. This can be done through a lifestyle change focused on healthier eating and increased physical exercise. Remember that poor diet, fad dieting and lack of physical activity can all cause cellulite.

Keep in mind:

• Diets low in sugar and salt help prevent water retention and the plumping of the fat cells within the fibrous bands that create the cellulite dimples. Take note of the sodium and sugar content in the foods you eat. Try to stay below 6 teaspoons of sugar and 2000 mg of sodium each day.
• Diets high in protein promote lean muscle mass. Protein rich foods include meat, beans, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds.
• Exercise helps to use utilize fat stores to burn energy and build muscle mass. Focus on strength exercises that tone the areas where cellulite appears. Also, cardio workouts help to utilize those fat stores and keep your metabolism elevated even after you are finished working out. 

As the fat cells shrink in size and increased muscle mass replaces body fat, you should experience a reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

Although cellulite is not pleasant to the eye, you should know that it is not something to rush to your doctor about. Before you resort to extreme solutions, try altering your daily diet and exercise programs for a healthy low-risk fix. And if you do decide to consult a dermatologist or aesthetician, make sure to check their credentials! If you’d like to make an appointment with ADSCA’s new medi spa, click here.

Latisse's Long Lash Effect

Photo courtesy of Latisse

LONGER, FULLER, DARKER EYELASHES! For years, cosmetic brands from L’Oréal Paris to Dior have boasted their over-the-counter mascara that can give you false-looking eyelashes without the struggle or mess. Now, Latisse (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), the first FDA-approved topical product for “inadequate” eyelashes, is promising to surpass previous beauty industry claims by simulating natural eyelash growth.

You may have first heard of Latisse from Brooke Shields, a former model. She has appeared in television ads talking about Latisse and the great results she experienced. Below are a few key points to know before consulting your doctor about the product.

Origin

Latisse was introduced after researchers discovered that its main ingredient, bimatopost, was causing consistent eyelash growth in glaucoma patients using Lumigan (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), a prescription eye drop regimen, in their treatment plan. Latisse has been labeled an effective treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, having lower than average length, thickness and/or number of eyelashes.

Application

Latisse should be applied once daily in the evening or as instructed by your medical provider. Wash your face to remove any makeup on or around your eyes prior to application. You can still use Latisse if you regularly wear contact lenses; just make sure to remove them to apply the Latisse. They may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward.

Latisse is a clear liquid to be applied only to your top eyelid at the base of your lashes. It should not be applied to the lower lash area. Only a very small amount is needed per application, around one drop.

You do not need to rinse your eyes if the medication touches them, unless you experience an allergic reaction, in which case you should contact your medical provider. An allergic reaction occurring is unlikely because Latisse contains the same basic ingredients approved for use in glaucoma medication.

While eyelash growth will last as long as you use the medicine, it is not permanent. If you stop using Latisse, expect eyelash growth and appearance to return to its normal state.

Results

Latisse’s website provides a gallery of before and after pictures of women who saw positive results with the product. View the gallery here. 

You should expect to see increased length around week four and full results by week 16.

In clinical trials, close to 80 percent of users saw longer, fuller and/or darker lashes from using Latisse.  Approximately 25 percent saw longer lashes, 100 percent saw fuller lashes and 20 percent saw darker lashes.

Potential Side Effects

Like most other medications, there are potential side effects associated with the use of Latisse.

Redness, dryness, itching or discomfort in or around the eye may occur. If these side effects continue or worsen, consult your medical provider.

You may experience darkening of the skin around your eye, inside your iris, the colored area around your pupil, if you use Latisse constantly over time. Skin discoloration is likely to fade after stopping the use of Latisse, but a change in iris color is likely permanent.

In extreme cases, Latisse could cause eye pain, eye infection or rapid vision changes, Stop the use of the product if these side effects occur and contact your medical provider immediately.

Purchasing Latisse

There has been debate over the validity of physician offices and cosmetic studios that have sold Latisse online. Although there are ways to purchase this product without a doctor consultation, I always recommend seeing a doctor to discuss the pros and cons of this product. And I highly recommend an eye exam first to determine if you are at risk for any ocular complications when using Latisse.

The FDA requires that a prescription must be written for the sale of this drug because of the potential harmful side effects. You should keep this in mind when considering how to purchase this medicine.

Be honest with your medical provider about your medical history when discussing Latisse, especially if you have eye pressure problems or other eye problems such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis or lens extraction/alphakia. The potential benefits of Latisse do not outweigh the potential risks if your vision is in jeopardy.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about using Latisse, please leave a comment below or click here to schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology!