Questions and Answers

As the holiday season approaches, so does the hustle and bustle of  shopping, social gatherings, and colder weather. November is the perfect  month to start thinking about your skin’s needs to keep it glowing and  healthy through holiday stress and winter’s chill. Here’s how you can  get a head start on holiday skin prep and protect your skin as  temperatures drop.

Between festive makeup, late nights, and holiday travel, our skin can  take a hit during the busy season. Preparing now can make a world of  difference, helping you look refreshed and radiant for every  celebration. Here are some tips to keep your skin holiday-ready:

• Hydrating Facials and Treatments: A professional  facial can give your skin an instant hydration boost, making it look  smoother and brighter. Treatments like chemical peels or gentle  microdermabrasion can also help remove dead skin cells, allowing your  skin to better absorb moisturizers.
• Brightening Ingredients: Start incorporating  products with ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to maintain  hydration and brighten skin tone, creating a fresh, glowing look that  will hold up even after a long night.
• Maintain a Simple Routine: It can be tempting to  try new products for a quick glow-up, but holiday season is not the time  to experiment. Stick with what you know works, and introduce any new  products gradually to avoid potential irritation.

With cooler weather comes a new set of challenges for our skin. As  the air gets drier, your skin’s natural moisture can quickly deplete,  leading to dryness, flaking, and irritation. Here’s how to protect your  skin:

• Moisturize Generously: Swap lightweight summer  moisturizers for richer creams that contain ceramides, glycerin, or  squalane. These ingredients help lock in moisture and support the skin  barrier.
• Limit Hot Showers: While it’s tempting to turn up  the heat, hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving  it feeling dry and tight. Aim for lukewarm water instead and apply body  moisturizer immediately afterward.
• Invest in a Humidifier: Combat indoor dryness by  using a humidifier at home. This can help replenish moisture in the air,  preventing your skin from becoming overly dry as you spend more time  indoors.

Between prepping for Thanksgiving and holiday shopping, stress levels  can rise quickly. Unfortunately, stress can take a toll on our skin,  leading to breakouts or dullness. Incorporating small self-care  practices into your routine can make a big difference.

• At-Home Masks and Treatments: Take 15-20 minutes to  unwind with a hydrating sheet mask or a clay mask that targets pores  and breakouts. This can give you a spa-like experience from the comfort  of your home and give your skin a healthy boost.
• Mindful Breaks: Incorporate mindfulness practices  like deep breathing or meditation to help manage stress. Even a few  minutes of mindful breathing can help you reset and reduce the stress  hormone cortisol, which may impact skin health.
• Book a Skin Check: November is a great time to book  a skin check if you haven’t already done so this year. Routine checks  with your dermatologist are an important part of overall skin health,  helping you catch any concerns early and keep your skin looking its  best.

Planning ahead can help you feel more confident, comfortable, and  prepared for the holiday season. From simple skincare adjustments to  taking time for self-care, your skin will be better equipped to handle  the extra demands of the season.

Need help tailoring your skincare routine or want to schedule a  treatment? Our team is here to support your skin health and holiday glow  goals. Reach out to book an appointment or ask any questions about  protecting your skin this season!

We recognize the desire some of our patients have for a healthy glow  going into the winter months. Since we all know the extreme dangers of  too much sun exposure and tanning beds, we asked our very own Cynthia  Price, MD of https://www.skinsciencemd.com/ to provide her best tips for getting that highly sought after glow this holiday season.

As a dermatologist, I often encounter patients who desire a  sun-kissed glow. While tanning may seem appealing, the dangers of  prolonged sun exposure cannot be overstated. The harmful effects of  ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and  an increased risk of skin cancer. In this article, I will discuss the  importance of sun protection and why opting for spray tans can be a  healthier alternative.

Understanding UV Radiation

UV radiation from the sun comes in two main types: UVA and UVB. UVA  rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are primarily responsible for  aging, while UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburn. Both types  can contribute to skin cancer. The skin’s natural defense against UV  radiation is melanin, which gives skin its color. However, excessive  exposure leads to an overload of melanin production, resulting in  tanning that often hides deeper damage.

The Risks of Sun Exposure

1. Skin Cancer: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five  Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The most common  types—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—are  linked to UV exposure. Melanoma, in particular, is the deadliest form of  skin cancer.

2. Premature Aging: Chronic sun exposure accelerates the aging  process, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. This  condition, often referred to as photoaging, can be difficult to reverse.

3. Sunburn: Even a single sunburn can damage skin cells and increase  the risk of skin cancer later in life. Repeated sunburns, especially in  childhood, significantly raise this risk.

The Benefits of Spray Tans

Given the risks associated with sun exposure, many individuals are  turning to spray tans as a safer option for achieving a bronzed look.  Here are some key benefits:

1. No UV Exposure: Spray tans provide a tanned appearance without the  harmful effects of UV radiation. This means you can enjoy a glow  without the associated risks of skin damage.

2. Customization: Professional spray tans can be tailored to suit  your skin tone, providing a more natural look than traditional tanning  methods. Many salons offer various shades and formulations.

3. Quick Results: Unlike sunbathing, which can take hours, a spray  tan provides immediate results, allowing you to achieve your desired  look in just a few minutes.

4. Longevity and Maintenance: With proper care, spray tans can last  from five to ten days. Regular touch-ups can keep your glow fresh  without the need for continual sun exposure.

Safe Sun Practices

If you still wish to enjoy the outdoors, it’s crucial to practice sun safety:

– Wear Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at  least 30, and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every  two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

– Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

– Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin from direct sunlight.

– Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin for any changes, such as new  moles or changes in existing moles, and consult a dermatologist for  regular skin checks.

While the desire for a tan is understandable, the risks associated  with sun exposure are significant. Choosing spray tans over traditional  tanning methods can help you achieve the look you want without  compromising your skin health. By prioritizing sun protection and making  informed choices, you can enjoy a beautiful complexion while minimizing  your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Remember, healthy skin is  always in style.

As the holidays approach, schedules get busier, and our calendars  fill with events, gatherings, and festivities. October is the ideal time  to schedule your cosmetic treatments, ensuring your skin is glowing and  refreshed by the time the holiday season is in full swing. By taking  care of your skin now, you’ll not only beat the holiday rush but also  give your skin plenty of time to heal and reveal its best results.

With holiday parties, family photos, and year-end celebrations on the  horizon, you’ll want to look and feel your best. Cosmetic treatments,  like injectables, laser treatments, or chemical peels, often require a  bit of recovery time to see the full effects. By booking your  appointment in October, you’ll allow enough time for any redness,  swelling, or minor side effects to subside, leaving you with radiant  skin just in time for the holidays.

• Avoid the Holiday Rush: Dermatology offices get  busier closer to the holidays, so securing your appointment early  ensures you get the treatment you want at your preferred time.
• Optimal Results by the Holidays: Many cosmetic  treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser procedures, take a  few weeks to show full results. An October appointment gives your skin  the perfect amount of time to heal and rejuvenate before the festivities  begin.
• Less Stress, More Glow: You can focus on enjoying the holidays with confidence, knowing your skin is in its best shape.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshed appearance or addressing  specific concerns, October is the perfect time to give your skin the  boost it needs. Book your consultation today, and step into the holiday  season feeling and looking your best!

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to prioritize  your skin health while making the most of your healthcare benefits. If  you’ve been putting off a skin check, now is the time to schedule your  appointment. Many insurance plans reset at the beginning of the year,  and you could still have benefits to use before they expire.

Additionally, did you know that some HSA/FSA (Health Savings or  Flexible Spending accounts) can be used on medical-grade products* like  sunscreens, cleansers, acne-treatments, lotions, and more? Plus, if  you’ve already met your deductible for 2024, now is the time to come in  and see us. With most plans, once you’ve met your annual deductible,  you’ll often pay significantly less out of pocket for any healthcare  expenses you have.

Skin checks are vital for early detection of skin cancer and other  dermatological conditions. Regular checks give you peace of mind, and  catching any issues early can save you from more extensive (and  expensive) treatments down the road. With deductibles met and leftover  HSA/FSA dollars in play, now is the ideal time to schedule an  appointment with your dermatologist.

Book your appointment today and start the new year with healthier skin and peace of mind.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this reminder is not unique to  your insurance, HSA or FSA. Now is a good time to check with your  carriers about your benefits, specific coverage and annual deductible.

WILL DYEING MY HAIR MAKE IT FALL OUT  MORE?

Hair dye does not discourage hair growth, but dyeing can damage the hair that is color treated. Hair that has not emerged through the skin can not be affected by the dye.   Now  hair shedding can increase with hair dyeing by the manipulation of the hair shafts as part of the dyeing process, rubbing and combing can loosen hairs in causing increased shedding.Next, some of the ingredients in the hair dyes on the market contain both ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which also loosens hairs that are currently not in the growing phase. Lastly, hair dye can physically weaken hair shafts increasing breakage-caused hair loss, which I see frequently.   Now, hair dyes that lighten hair from its natural color are the most disruptive as they contain high amounts of peroxide. Peroxide is necessary to remove the pigments from the hair shaft and replace them with lighter colors. Many people that lighten from dark to light will experience Many individuals who dye their hair from brunette to blonde will notice breakage at the ends of the hair shafts, which are the oldest. Fortunately, the treatment recommendation is simple. The patient should no longer lighten their hair color and pick another darker shade. Thus, hair dyeing can cause temporary hair loss due to breakage.

SO IF DIET HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ACNE, WHY DOES MY FACE BREAK OUT AFTER EATING CHOCOLATE?

Science still does not know whether diet and acne are related, but evidence is starting to trickle in. Based on what we are seeing in clinical research, it seems prudent to eat a relatively low-glycemic diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables and omega-3 fats and to perhaps supplement with 30mg of zinc gluconate per day. However, due to our modern diets and Western style of living, achieving sustainable relief of acne from changes in diet alone remains an elusive goal.No matter what anti-acne diet you embark upon, while you may see a short-term reduction in acne.  Due to the lack of concrete evidence on the subject of dairy and acne, and major design limitations in the studies researchers have performed thus far, scientists in the Journal of Clinics in Dermatology wrote after a review of the existing evidence, "Our conclusion, on the basis of existing evidence, is that the association between dietary dairy intake and the development of acne is slim

MY ZITS HAVE GONE AWAY, BUT THE MARK STAYS, HELP!

The red zit that occupied your face for a week has finally calmed down but months have passed and the dark spots that took it’s place makes it seem like it never went away at all.  Luckily, the dark “scars” left over from acne are not actually scars at all. Post-pimple red and brown spots are actually caused by a condition called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and they are usually a temporary side effect of those red, pimples called inflamed acne. 

ACNE MARKS ARE DIFFERENT FROM ACNE SCARS
Scars, by definition, are permanent marks caused by changes to tissue resulting from an injury. True acne scars show up as textural changes in the skin and usually appear as raised or indented/depressed marks. Dark marks are also a defense mechanism triggered by inflammatory acne but they are the result of pigment being injected into skin cells, not changes to the tissue.

There is no magic eraser that will instantly get rid of PIH and it usually takes a few months to over a year for them to go away whether you treat them or not.   Exfoliating products such as tretinoin, or azeleic acid along with hydroquinone can help.

I'M COVERED IN THESE UGLY MOLES, WHAT CAN I DO?

Well first of all they are not moles.  And you can thank your parents for them, since they are inherited.

Seborrheic keratosis is a common skin growth. It may seem worrisome because it can look like a wart, pre-cancerous skin growth, or skin cancer. Despite their appearance, seborrheic keratoses are harmless.Most people get these growths when they are middle aged or older. Because they begin at a later age and can have a wart-like appearance, seborrheic keratoses are often called the “barnacles of aging.”It’s possible to have just one of these growths, but most people develop several. Some growths may have a warty surface while others look like dabs of warm, brown candle wax on the skin.Seborrheic keratoses range in color from white to black; however, most are tan or brown.You can find these harmless growths anywhere on the skin, except the palms and soles. Most often, you’ll see them on the chest, back, head, or neck. Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious.  they can be removed, unfortunately the procedure is considered cosmetic and the outcome at times is a white area after removal.