(Don't) Fear the Beard

Spring is on its way in and sweaters, scarves and mittens are on the way out. The temperature is rising, but that doesn’t mean the beard trend is going anywhere. Although this manly fashion staple has been around for quite some time, the art of growing and maintaining facial hair hasn’t always come as easy for some as it has for others. The amount of time it takes for a cleanly shaven face to sprout a full beard varies for every man, but the average is about four weeks. Take note of these tips for growing a beard from the beginning to ending stages.

Ingrown Hairs

Sometimes known as razor bumps, ingrown hairs will sometimes occur in the beginning stage of growth when hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. This will occur after your initial shave before you start growing out your beard. It is common, but very painful and uncomfortable. Be careful when treating the irritated area. Don’t pull it out from the top, as that can cause it to break instead of come out, which will create more irritation. Instead, put a hot, damp towel over your face, disinfect the area with some alcohol and use tweezers to gently pull out the hair as close to the base as possible to pull the bulb out. Don’t ever squeeze them with your fingers! Dirt under your fingernails could lead to an infection. 

Itchiness

Don’t stress. This should only last a couple of weeks. If you’re new to growing out your facial hair, this initial stage can be uncomfortable and will make you feel like you’ve got a rash under all of that stubble. Don’t worry! It’s most likely just your face drying out and collecting dust. Apply some lotion to your face daily, and you’ll be good to go. Remember, that annoying itch is only temporary!

Growing Pains

Like I mentioned before, the amount of time it takes to grow a beard is different for everyone. Be patient and avoid trimming or shaping your beard for at least a month. For some men that’s too long, and for others it takes two months to get rid of that patchy look. Use your best judgment, but avoid the clippers for as long as you can!

Grooming

When you’ve achieved your desired beard length, which should be after a month or so, you should start a beard grooming routine. You’ll experience the best results by shampooing and conditioning your beard a couple of times a week. Most guys use their regular bar soap in the shower, but you shouldn’t! It will dry out the skin underneath your beard and cause the hair to be brittle.

Trim your beard every week to every few weeks, depending on how long you want to keep your beard and the speed at which your hair grows. When trimming or shaping your beard, always use the right tools. For trimming full, thick beards, comb your beard before using shears. Some men prefer to use scissors, while others prefer to use electric trimmers with a high guard. For a more scruffy, stubble look, use a stubble trimmer every couple of days and an after-shave moisturizer afterward.

Do you have any questions about growing a beard that weren’t answered in this post? Ask your questions in the comments below, and we’ll help you out!

Quick Fixes for a Wedding Day Skin Dilemma

Planning your dream wedding can be very rewarding, yet extremely stressful. High levels of stress and other factors can lead to surprise breakouts in the days leading up to your wedding and even the morning of your big day. But have no fear! We’ve come up with some great preventive tips and emergency fixes that will help you get that bridal glow before you say “I do!”

Preventive Actions:

• Don’t change your normal skin care routine. New products have the potential to cause skin irritation, so it’s best to stick with what your skin is already used to. If you don’t already have a regular skin care regimen, start one at least two months before your wedding day. 
• Always remove your makeup at night. This should happen during your regular skin care routine, but nerves and stress could cause you to forget the night before your wedding. Make sure this is on your to-do list! Not removing your makeup at night could lead to breakouts caused by clogged pores and excess oils. Additionally, makeup left overnight can cause swelling and redness, which are two things you definitely want to avoid on your big day. 
• Hydrate! Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized and fresh. Hydrating will not only boost your skin’s appearance, but also your mood!
• See a skin care specialist. At Advanced Dermatology’s medi spa, we offer oxygen facials and other services that can ensure that your skin looks flawless.

Quick Fixes:

• For a quick and safe fix, apply benzoyl peroxide gel on the inflamed spot. Benzoyl peroxide is commonly found in over-the-counter acne treatments. In a gel form, it can be an effective way to spot-treat a surprise breakout. 
• Try using a few home remedy solutions if you don’t have time to run to a store. Crushed aspirin with a few drops of water will help with problem spot redness and inflammation. Honey is another home remedy that is a natural antiseptic. Both can be used as spot treatments the night before or morning of your wedding. Don’t expect them to immediately make the pimple disappear, but they can help reduce the size and redness enough to cover with makeup.
• Don’t touch it! The old adage “it’ll only make it worse” is true. Although tempting, try to avoid touching the area completely. Bacteria from your hands can spread to other pores on your skin and can also cause more inflammation around the already irritated area.

Have any questions about quick-fix treatments I didn’t mention? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll try to answer them. 

Treating and Preventing Varicose Veins

 

What are they?

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that are usually dark blue or purple. Varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs, particularly the calves, but they can form in any part of the body. A healthy working vein has a one-way valve that carries blood from the body to the heart, keeping the blood from stagnating or flowing back. An unhealthy vein, in this case a varicose vein, occurs when the valves within the vein become weakened or damaged, allowing the blood to flow back toward the heart and accumulate in the vein(s). When this occurs, the vein becomes enlarged and swollen, making it varicose.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms can include:

• Bulging, swelling and/or twisting of the vein(s)
• A weak feeling in legs and muscles
• Cramping pain in legs when resting
• Heavy limbs
• Itching or aching of the affected area

Severe case complications:

• In severe cases, the varicose vein may rupture from the thinning of the skin above the affected vein.
• The affected veins are more susceptible to ulcers.
• Blood clots may develop in deep varicose veins.
• The affected veins are prone to inflammation, also known as phlebitis.

Causes

Varicose veins are very common and may occur anywhere in the human body. When a vein becomes less flexible and weak, the valves within the vein become faulty. Many theories exist as to why varicosities occur in the veins, but overall the consensus is that defective valves within the vein are the leading cause. That being said, here are a few other factors that may contribute to the development of varicose veins:

• Age: Varicose veins usually develop between the ages of 30 and 60 years and tend to worsen with time.
• Genetics: Varicose veins often run in families.
• Sex: Recent studies have shown that females are more susceptible to varicose veins than males.
• Pregnancy: A pregnant woman has much more blood in her body, which puts additional pressure on the circulatory system, raising the risk of forming varicose veins.
• Excess weight: Excess fat places added pressure on the veins of the lower limbs, making it easier for varicose veins to develop.
• Hormonal factors: A change in hormone levels can cause the walls of the blood vessels to relax and expand, which causes the vein to become weak and more vulnerable to varicosities.
• Chronic constipation: Constant pushing may contribute to the development of rectal varicose veins, also known as hemorrhoids.
• Lifestyle: Experts say that some jobs that require standing and walking for prolonged periods of time, which places extra pressure on the veins of the lower limbs, can contribute to the formation of varicose veins. Gravity pulls blood down to your legs and feet when you are standing up or sitting down. The veins have to work extra hard to get that blood back up to the heart, and some of those veins can wear out over time.

Treatment/Prevention

Varicose veins can be tender, painful and, more importantly, unsightly, unwanted and just plain annoying. There is no guaranteed method for preventing varicose veins, but there are steps you can take now to help decrease your chances of developing them.

First and foremost, daily exercise is the best way to get your blood flowing and moving. A happy and healthy body keeps your veins happy and healthy, too! Keep moving and your body will love you for it. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs when resting and avoiding constipation are all good habits to form.

If you already have varicose veins, it’s good to know that they are harmless. Although they may not look pleasant, they usually do not require treatment.  Exercising, losing weight, avoiding tight clothes, elevating your legs as much as possible and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can all ease the pain and also help prevent varicose veins from worsening.

If you don’t like the way varicose veins look or if you experience extreme swelling, aching, discomfort or complications, like ulcers, treatment might be necessary. Here are a few options for treatment of varicose veins:

1. Compression stockings
2. Sclerotherapy
3. Laser treatment
4. Mini-stab avulsion
5. Vein stripping
6. Radiofrequency ablation
7. Endoscopic vein surgery
8. Ambulatory phlebectomy

Be cautious when it comes to your treatment options for varicose veins. Advertisements claiming “painless” or “permanent” methods to remove veins may not live up to those claims. As always, it is important to communicate with your doctor in full detail about the health risks, side effects and costs of surgery.

For more information about ADSCA and our services, please click here to visit our website.

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!

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!

Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy

With all the changes taking place inside your body as a result of your pregnancy, it should come as no surprise that you might see some changes on the outside, too (other than the baby bump!). While many people think that pregnancy only produces negative side effects for the skin and body, knowing what to expect and how to care for your skin can help make the next nine months just a little less stressful. And don’t worry. It’s not all bad!

What kind of changes can occur?

• Stretch marks (striae) – This is a form of scarring that occurs when the dermis is stretched beyond its limit or during drastic hormonal changes. They appear on the skin as pink, purple or red streaks and normally fade over time, resulting in shiny white or gray lines. For more information on stretch marks and preventing them, check out our blog post on the subject here.
• Skin darkening (pregnancy mask) – It is common for pregnant women (especially women with darker complexions) to develop blotchy areas of darkened skin. These patches may be caused by hormonal changes that stimulate a temporary increase in your production of melanin, the substance that gives color to your skin, hair and eyes. New patches may appear and current spots may worsen with sun exposure.
• Fixes: Protect your skin by using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day and avoid sun exposure as much as possible during pregnancy. Wash your face twice daily using gentle oil-free and soap-free cleansers. For more information on facial cleansers, read our blog post here.
• Pregnancy glow – This isn’t just an old wives’ tale. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush. Increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen, which also make your skin appear to glow.
• Acne breakouts – More than half of pregnant women experience problems with acne during their pregnancy. An increased level of hormones and retention of fluids that can contain toxins are often the root cause of the breakouts. Always tell your dermatologist if you’re expecting, as some acne drugs should not be used during pregnancy.
• Fixes: Like with other problems, washing your face gently twice a day with oil-free and soap-free cleansers will reduce existing breakouts and help prevent more from occurring. Avoid using harsh chemicals, vigorous scrubbing or cleansing too often as this can remove natural oils from your skin, making it produce excess oil to compensate.
• Varicose and spider veins – During pregnancy, the extra blood in your body and growing uterus can cause your veins to expand. Varicose veins are often blue, red or flesh-toned in color, usually appearing on the thighs, backs of calves, buttocks or on the inside the legs. Varicose veins may look like clusters of veins surrounded by thin red capillaries, known as spider veins. Spider veins are similar, but appear smaller and closer to the surface of the skin.
• Fixes: Exercise regularly and try to maintain your recommended weight to ensure healthy blood flow. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. While sitting, elevate your feet when possible and don’t cross your legs or ankles.
• Itchy abdomen – As your bump grows, the expanding skin becomes moisture-deprived, leaving it uncomfortably itchy.
• Fixes: Don’t scratch as this will only cause further skin irritation. Cocoa butter, lotion or even petroleum jelly will help provide your skin with the necessary moisture it needs as your skin expands. Too many baths and overheated water can also strip your skin of moisture, and will often make skin itchier. Stick to short showers in warm water. Taking an oatmeal or baking soda bath can help moisturize skin while easing itching.
• Linea nigra – This is a dark line running from your belly button to pubic bone. It was there prior to your pregnancy, but you probably didn’t notice it because it was the same color as your skin. The same increase of melanin that is responsible for darkened skin spots causes this line on your belly. This will more than likely fade to its normal color after delivery.
• Red palms and soles – This condition is caused by an increase in estrogen and blood volume, but will disappear after you give birth.
• Eczema – Eczema, or dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition or rash that is hereditary and can be triggered by exposure to environmental allergens, chemicals, detergents, yeast and metals. Pregnancy tends to either make you experience more flare-ups or go into remission, but there’s no way to tell which will happen to you.
• Fixes: Moisturize your skin gently and frequently. Again, sticking to short showers in warm water (instead of long, hot baths) will help your skin retain its moisture. 
• Heat rash and chafing – This is caused by hormones, sweating and friction from skin rubbing against itself or clothing. Symptoms are usually found under the breasts or on thighs.
• Fixes: To combat a heat rash, avoid further friction from scrubbing the skin with loofahs or sponges. You may also try applying cornstarch to your skin after you shower. Wear loose-fitting, natural fiber clothes. Breathable fabric like cotton is best. Tight clothing may cause chafing, heat rash or itchy skin.
• PUPPP (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy) – The PUPPP rash is relatively uncommon, found in just one of every 150 pregnancies. It is usually found on the abdomen, but can spread to the thighs. While PUPPP is annoying, it is benign and poses no threat to your baby.
• Fixes: As previously stated, oatmeal or baking soda baths may help sooth itchiness. Applying a cold compress may also help relieve itching.
• Sensitive skin – Surging hormones make skin more sensitive to substances and materials that might not normally affect you. These may include sunlight, heat, detergents, chlorine and even certain foods. Your stretching belly is usually the most sensitive spot, but you may also experience sensitivity on your hips, thighs and buttocks.
• Changing keratin levels – Keratin is a structural component of your skin, hair and nails. During pregnancy, keratin levels are affected, but everyone experiences these changing levels differently. Some women’s hair and nails may become shiny and luxurious, while others may get greasy and oily. No matter which change you experience, it will most likely return to normal after giving birth.

General skin care during pregnancy

• Stay hydrated by drinking 64 ounces of water each day to make skin appear smoother and brighter.
• Maintain a healthy diet. For more information on foods that promote skin health, read our blog post here.
• For extremely itchy and irritated patches of skin (from PUPPP, heat rash or eczema), a dab of calamine lotion should temporarily ease itching.
• Consult your doctor or dermatologist before taking any skin-related medications or steroids, or applying anti-itch creams.

A Chapped Lips Conundrum

Chapped lips can be irritating. They are very common in the wintertime but also can occur during the spring or summer. So the question is, how can you refrain from experiencing the inconvenience of chapped or cracked lips?

• Drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated can cause your lips to become chapped. 
• Refrain from licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly and once it dries, it can leave your lips drier than before. While licking your lips may seem like a natural reaction, avoid the urge to keep from worsening the problem.
• Use a soft toothbrush and softly buff your lips.
• Take vitamin B pills. Vitamin B deficiency can cause chapped lips.
• Prepare yourself!  Make sure to use lip balm before going outside. This is particularly true in dry, cold weather.
• Avoid scented lip balms or those that taste good, as those added ingredients can actually burn or further irritate dry, cracked lips.
• It is good to put on lip balm before you are about to go into cold weather. Make sure to re-apply when you’re spending time outside in those conditions.

There’s no denying that a good lip balm is the way to go to prevent and treat chapped lips, but it is also important to know what you’re putting on your skin. Some ingredients included in lip balm products may actually cause lips to chap or require frequent re-application. These ingredients include camphor, phenol and menthol. Additionally, alcohol (labeled as “OL” on lip balm) will dry quickly and leave you reapplying often. Make sure you’re reading the labels, and if all else fails, try good old-fashioned petroleum jelly (also known as Vaseline!).

Have any questions not addressed in this post? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll try to answer them there. 

The Scar Solution

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

What is a scar?

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

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

Are there different types of scars?

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

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

Can I prevent scars?

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

Can I treat a scar or make it less noticeable?

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

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

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

The Skin Type Identification

If you’ve ever seen a makeup commercial, visited a dermatologist or read anything about skin care, you’ve probably heard the term “skin type.” There are five skin types generally accepted by the dermatology community, and they include dry, normal, combination, oily or sensitive.

While skin type is often determined by genetics, it can change over time. Recognizing your skin type is crucial to determining what skin care routine and products will work for you. Below are some tips for identifying your skin type and how to care for it.

Dry Skin

While dry skin has its downsides, it’s not all bad. Those of you with this skin type will experience smaller, less noticeable pores and fewer blemishes or acne problems.

Signs of dry skin include:

• Small, nearly invisible pores
• A dull complexion
• Redness or peeling, especially after being outdoors
• Fine lines
• Lack of elasticity

 The symptoms of dry skin can be exacerbated by:

• Weather (particularly at high altitudes or in very cold, dry climates)
• UV radiation from tanning outdoors or in a tanning bed
• Long, hot baths or showers
• Some soaps or cosmetics
• Some medicines

 To manage your dry skin:

• Moisturize daily. People with dry skin are more likely to see signs of aging like wrinkles at an earlier age. Choose face lotions and body lotions offering “deep moisture” and watch for ingredients that will help your skin retain the moisture, like:
• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Mineral oil
• Petroleum jelly
• Lanolin
• Ceramides
• Dimethicone
• Take shorter showers, and don’t use steaming hot water if you can avoid it. Also, avoid multiple showers in a single day, as hot water can strip oils from the skin.
• Avoid scented soaps or cleansers. Choose mild or unscented products instead.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can check out our blog post on good foods for skin health here.

 Normal Skin

If you’ve got normal skin, consider yourself lucky! Normal skin is most prevalent in younger people. Signs of normal skin include:

• Few, if any, imperfections
• Few, if any, sensitivities
• Small pores
• A clear complexion with a natural “glow”

 For you lucky people with normal skin, you won’t have to follow any sort of strict regimen to keep it relatively healthy. However, it’s important to remember my basic skin care recommendations:

• Moisturize daily
• Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF daily
• Review our “Through the Ages” posts to make sure you’re caring for your skin differently as you age

 Oily Skin

If you’ve got oily skin, you may have noticed that it gets shiny throughout the day or that your clogged pores often produce blemishes. But just as with dry skin, it’s not all bad! People with oily skin tend to retain moisture well, which is great for preventing visible signs of aging later.

Signs of oily skin include:

• A shiny complexion
• Blackheads, pimples or other blemishes resulting from clogged pores
• Larger, more visible pores

 Oily skin is often a result of genetics, but can be exacerbated by stress, humidity, using the wrong skin products or hormonal imbalances from life events like puberty.

To care for your oily skin, remember to:

• Use oil-free cleansers and moisturizers
• Don’t pop your pimples! As stated in our blog post on acne myths, it doesn’t make them go away. “Popping” a pimple can actually push the infection back into the skin and bring that thing back with a vengeance.
• Wash your face regularly, especially after working out or sweating heavily. Don’t wash more than twice per day or you risk your skin creating more oil to replace what has been washed away.

 Combination Skin

This is exactly what it sounds like. Some people experience signs of dry skin, oily skin and normal skin all at once. Usually, the various types are spread throughout the face and body, with oily skin taking over traditionally acne-prone areas like the “T-Zone” (the area that includes your forehead, nose and chin) and dry skin taking over areas that get less attention, like the cheeks.

To recognize or manage your combination skin, identify whether you experience symptoms associated with dry, oily or normal skin as noted above. It’s probably better to use oil-free moisturizers and unscented soaps as these will be beneficial for all skin types.

Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin often experience reactions to a variety of skin care products or outside other outside factors. The most important thing to remember is to understand what causes the reaction and adjust your routine accordingly.

Signs of sensitive skin include:

• Redness or rashes, particularly related to specific products or ingredients
• Itching
• Burning
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Varied reactions depending on the product

 If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to discuss your routine with a dermatologist. Sometimes, medicated soaps or other products may be the best route for you.

Have any questions about your skin type, routine or products? Leave the in the comments or make an appointment with Advanced Dermatology!

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.