Glick Skin Institute

WestDerm

The Different Types of Acne and What They Say about Your Health

Are all acne blemishes the same? Is there a difference between blackheads and pimples? What about cystic acne?
Not only are they dissimilar, but they also usually require different treatments. At our San Diego Glick Skin Institute clinic, our board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Stacy Tompkins, Dr. Brook Brouha & Dr. Shane Hamman are acne experts. We provide a variety of treatments, each designed to address different types of acne, and tailor-made to fit your unique skin condition. If you have acne that’s making you self-conscious, contact us today for a consultation so you can get the right treatment and get on with your life.

How Acne Starts

As your skin produces oil and sheds dead skin cells to make room for new ones, the pores of your skin can become clogged. Bacteria, which normally live on the skin, begin to spread and thrive in this area. As a result, the immune system goes to work attacking the bacteria, which results in a red, inflamed, and swollen pimple.
 

Different Types of Acne

 
A pimple is a closed, clogged pore that becomes red and inflamed. So how is it different other types of acne blemishes?
  • Blackheads occur when a clogged pore of a pimple fills with excess dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, yet but does not close, and a black spot becomes visible.
  • A whitehead is a clogged pore with excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria on which a tiny white or flesh-colored bump develops.
  • Papules occur when the bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil push deep beneath the surface of the skin, causing inflammation and swelling in the form of small, hard red bumps. 
  • Pustules can resemble an oversized whitehead because the bump that has formed contains pus, which appears as a yellowish-white center on top of a red, swollen blemish.
  • Cysts/Nodules penetrate deep below the skin and result in more swollen pustules or papules.

What Your Acne Says about Your Health

Acne can develop anywhere on the body, and where it occurs can give hints as to the condition of your health.
  • Forehead acne could signify poor digestive health, stress or, even simple skin irritation from hats and hair on the skin, which can clog pores.
  • Cheek acne could be the result of air pollution, as the skin on the cheek is affected by the respiratory system. Acne here could also be due to cell phones, dirty hands, makeup brushes, clothing, and pillowcases.
  • T-zone acne consisting of your forehead, nose, and chin is believed to result from food allergies or an imbalance of the GI tract
  • Nose acne is thought to correspond to the heart and blood pressure problems. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flaxseed and olive oil may be a reason for this type of underlying health ailment.
  • Chin acne is commonly associated with a hormone imbalance.
  • Acne on the back, arms, and thighs could develop due to friction from genetics and hormone fluctuations.

Acne Treatment at Glick Skin Institute

Individual treatments will vary due to the factors contributing to your breakouts. Treatments may include: retinoids that help unclog the blocked pores of whiteheads or blackheads. While, OTC retinoids are available, we may prescribe stronger retinoids for stubborn, more serious breakouts. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide cleansers help rid your skin of the P. acne bacteria responsible for clogging those pores.
Pustules and papule treatment involves washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid 2-3 times. If the wash routine does not deliver results in 6-8 weeks, an upgraded treatment plan may be necessary.
For nodules and cysts, see a dermatologist ASAP, as permanent scarring can result after healing. Only a professional dermatologist can treat these effectively and the sooner you get treatment, the less chance there is of widespread scarring. Possible options for these more serious types of acne include lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, and minor surgical procedures to drain and extract.
 

Improve Acne and Your Skin Health at Glick Skin Institute

 
At Glick Skin Institute, we customize treatments based on your condition and individual needs. Because your healthy skin is our passion, we will address your concerns with compassion and support. Contact us today so we can provide you with a comprehensive consultation and address your condition.

Skin Discoloration: How to Treat & Prevent

With the summer season officially coming to an end, you’re probably starting to miss those long days outdoors. Spending a moderate amount of time in the sun (while using sunscreen!) is great for getting our fill of Vitamin D, but too much exposure to UV rays during the summer months can lead to signs of skin discoloration. 
If you overindulged in the sunlight and are starting to see signs of discoloration or ‘hyperpigmentation’, read on for some tips on how to minimize and how to protect from future skin damage.
 
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
There are several factors that can cause discoloration including hormonal changes and certain medications, but the most common reason comes from sun exposure. This can result in some parts of the skin becoming darker in color than your normal skin tone. These areas usually appear as brown spots and are a collection of pigment called melanin. Melanin is made by cells in your skin to counteract the harmful rays of the sun and is the natural skin pigment that gives us our hair, skin, and eye color.
 
Ways to Treat & Prevent
There are many different ways you can treat skin discoloration that includes IPL photo facials, or Intense Pulsed Light, and using medical-grade skincare products! 
 
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away.
 
When choosing skincare products to help with discoloration, make sure to use products with ingredients like Vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin because they are natural skin brighteners. These products will leave your complexion looking bright, even, and unblemished. Here are some of our recommendations:
·      Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: apply this potent Vitamin C serum in the morning to soften discoloration and fine lines.
 
·      Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense: apply this concentrated serum in the morning and night to lighten stubborn dark spots. This is a great alternative to prescription hydroquinone cream.
 
·      SkinMedica’s Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum: formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration, this serum can be applied both in the morning and at night, before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen.
·      Glick Skin Institute Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy Pads (available in 2%, 4%, or 6%): these pads combine the botanical skin tone brightening ingredients of Kojic acid, arbutin, and Bearberry, along with skin protective antioxidants to soothe the skin and help with redness and discoloration.
When it comes to preventing most skincare concerns, including hyperpigmentation, you should always remember our #1 skincare tip: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!! It’s important that you always wear sunscreen to not only prevent future damage, but to ensure that your current dark spots don’t get any darker. Usually the reason for this is because when the sun hits skin, the melanin absorbs the harmful UV rays usually resulting in your skin tanning which will cause already dark spots to tan more and become darker. So be sure to invest in a great sunscreen that will properly protect.
We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA Repairsomes SPF 50: this tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. The special blend of peptides and antioxidants repairs existing sun damage and fight signs of discoloration.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the above skincare products, or want to learn more about our other discoloration treatments, give us a call and make your appointment today. Our board-certified dermatologists can assist you with putting together a specialized treatment plan specific to your skincare needs.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your Glick Skin Institute Team

Reveal Beautiful Skin with IPL🌟

Are you guilty of spending hours in the sun? It happens to the best of us and, even if you’re really good at slathering on sunscreen every day or not, it’s possible to still get sun damage and skin discoloration. At our clinics, our trusted board-certified dermatologists can help you transform your blotchy and sun-damaged skin into a youthful and radiant complexion with IPL.
What Does IPL Stand For?
It stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and can also be known as a Photofacial. The treatment works by using a variety of wavelengths of light instead of a laser. This technology is generally used to reduce signs of sun damage such as brown pigmentation and redness. 
How does it work?
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away. 
How many treatments do I need?
Due to the advanced nature of our laser, only 1 treatment is needed to see results instead of the usual 3 treatment series with most IPL devices. If you do still see some discoloration after your treatment, you can choose to do a laser touchup session for those resistant dark spots.
Who is a candidate for IPL?
Because the treatment works by sending light through the skin to target pigment, not everyone is a candidate. Some darker skin types, including deeply tanned skin, are not suitable as they have too much melanin to treat safely. The best way to know if IPL is right for you is to book a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists. They will listen to your concerns and explain the best way to achieve your goals.
So…are you ready to schedule your IPL appointment?
Now through the end of Feb, we’re offering treatments 10% off on ALL treatments.
WANT MORE?
We’re also offering 10% off ALL Laser Hair Removal treatments as well. Get rid of that unwanted hair for good! Learn more about Laser Hair Removal here. 
Give us a call today to learn more or book your appointment. Our board-certified dermatologist are always here to help and assist you with putting together a treatment plan that is right for you!

Beat those Winter Blues with our Simple Tips

Sure, hot chocolate and roaring fires are cozy, but short winter days can make anyone feel sluggish and sad. This time of year, when we’re all spending more time alone and indoors because of COVID, in addition to the colder weather, it’s especially easy to get down in the dumps. It helps to remember that simple habits, like the ones below, can lift your spirits in the colder months—and year-round! And of course, these tips help out with skin health, too! 😉
Let the light in. Let natural sunlight through your windows. The sun’s rays allow the body to make vitamin D, an essential nutrient for mood health. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you’re in the light, even indoors! Our Moisturizing Sunscreen is a tried-and-true formula that we know you’ll love!
Get some exercise. The physicians at the Mayo Clinic recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. In addition to promoting good heart health, exercise also eases anxiety and stress by increasing the body’s production of endorphins (the happy hormones!). Thankfully, it’s easy to exercise even while you’re sheltering at home—you can always stream workout videos online! Exercise also increases blood flow to the skin, which promotes new skin cell growth = glowing skin! Double win!
Eat healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in salmon), folic acid (like that in green leafy veggies), and vitamin D (found in dairy) can all help you balance your mood in the wintertime, according to Healthline. And don’t forget…these foods work wonders on your skin too because they help with inflammation, protection against environmental stressors and contain amino acids, the building blocks for firm skin. Feel good, look good!
Have a spa day. Pampering the body can be good for the soul. For example, you could soak in the tub with a bath bomb and then rehydrate with our Skin Softening Body Lotion. Or you could restore suppleness to your complexion with SkinCeuticals’ Hydrating B5 Mask and Avène’s Cold Cream Formula Moisturizer. Whatever you choose to do, take your time and enjoy how it feels to balance your skin and lift those spirits! .
If your sadness seems unshakeable, a mental health professional is the best person to help. But for the plain old winter blues, thoughtful self-care might just be the remedy you need. If you have any questions regarding your skin health, our team of board-certified dermatologists would be more than happy to answer them for you. Reach out to us anytime! 

20(21) Skincare Tips for the New Year 💫

With the exciting welcome of the New Year comes the opportunity for new beginnings and goal-setting. Now’s the time to set all your skincare goals that you wish to achieve this year. Read on for our top 21 essential tips to jumpstart your 2021 skincare routine and get your skin glowing from the inside out.
DAILY ROUTINE & SLEEP 
1. Switch up your showering habits
While soaking in a hot shower sounds heavenly, especially in these colder months, it can actually be damaging to your skin. Hot showers can dry out and irritate the skin because the hot water causes damage to the keratin cells that are located on the epidermis (our skin’s surface), preventing the skin cells from locking in moisture. Your best bet is to take a lukewarm shower with a gentle cleanser and body wash.
2. Don’t dry your face with a towel
When getting out of the shower, don’t dry your face completely off with a face towel. Leave some of the moisture on your skin before applying your moisturizer. The cream will seal in the hydration and enhance the benefits.
3. Exercise more
By getting regular exercise, you’ll not only start looking and feeling better, but your skin will benefit as well! Exercise boosts blood flow, which increases skin cell renewal and can aid in
speeding up your body’s process of removing any skin-aggravating toxins by helping lymph fluids circulate through the body easier.
4. Get a humidifier for your bedroom
If you find yourself waking up in the morning with really dry skin, it may be time to get a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air will help replenish some of that moisture back into your skin while you sleep. Both warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers are great options.
5. Get your beauty sleep
Sleep is so important for our overall health and skin. While you’re counting your zzz’s at night, your skin’s metabolism is working overtime, reproducing skin cells so it can repair and replenish itself more efficiently. Try and aim for eight hours a night so you can wake up rested and feeling your best. Your skin will thank you for it!
FOOD & NUTRITION 
6. Start drinking more water
The saying really is true, we are what we eat and drink. What we consume on a daily basis is so important for our overall skin health. Start moisturizing your skin from the inside out by drinking more water (8 8-oz glasses a day!).
7. Eat more nutrient rich foods
Along with drinking more H2O, you’ll want to start eating more nutrient rich foods like avocados, spinach (& other leafy greens), berries, nuts, and yellow / orange fruits & veggies like oranges and bell peppers. All of these foods contain vitamins and minerals that nourish your body from the inside out. Your diet can significantly impact the overall health and aging of your skin.
8. Consume more fish or add a Fatty Acids supplement into your routine
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in much of the fish that you eat but if you’re unable to incorporate fish into your diet regularly, an easy way to get those nourishing fatty-acids is to start taking a fatty acid supplement. Your skin uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce lipids (moisturizing oils), which in turn improve the skin’s lipid levels and hydration.
BUILDING A SKINCARE REGIME
9. Get to know your skin type
Getting to know your skin type is the first step to putting together a skincare product regime that will benefit your skin and help with your concerns. The most common skin types are oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, and mature. An important thing to note is that your skin type can change as you age and can also change based on the season. Need help decoding your skin type? For more deets, check out this article from Healthline.com.
10. Vitamin C serums are your friend
Vitamin C is one of the most sought after ingredients in face serums today because it’s the strongest antioxidant you can find. This powerful little vitamin helps protect your skin from environmental stressors that can cause aging and inflammation, which in turn, reveals brighter and more youthful looking skin. We recommend our tried and true best-selling Vitamin C serum from SkinCeuticals, C E Ferulic, shop HERE.
11. Invest in a high quality moisturizer
During the colder winter months, you’ll want to invest in a richer moisturizer because colder weather can deplete the skin of its natural oils. A thick, creamy moisturizer will protect the skin barrier more efficiently than a thinner one better suited for the warmer months where your skin can become oily. We recommend SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream, shop HERE.
12. Lather on the sunscreen
Wear it at all times, even when inside. The majority of fine lines are caused from sun exposure, which makes sunscreen that much more crucial. Make sure to use one with SPF 30 or higher everywhere! Pay extra attention to areas with more sensitive skin like your hairline, face, neck, hands and chest. Shop for sunscreens HERE.
13. Learn how to layer your daytime skincare
After choosing what skincare products you want to incorporate into your routine, make sure you know how to layer them on your face properly. If products aren’t put on in the right order, this could prevent them from being fully-absorbed, causing them to be less effective. There is a difference between your daytime and nighttime skincare routine. For daytime, make sure to layer in this order:
-> 1. wash your face with cleanser 2. face serum 3. eye cream 4. face cream 5. sunscreen. Read our daytime winter skincare routine blog post.
14. Learn how to layer your nighttime skincare
Like your daytime routine, make sure you’re layering your nighttime skincare products in the right order as well. Layer in this order:
-> 1. wash your face with cleanser 2. One to two times a week, swap out your cleanser for an exfoliator 3. face serum 4. eye cream 5. night cream. Read our nighttime winter skincare routine blog post.
SKINCARE ROUTINE TIPS
15. Skip the soap on your face
Most soaps are incredibly drying to the skin because it damages the protective layer of the skin, especially the face where the skin is more sensitive. This can lead to inflammation, acne, and wrinkles. Next time you wash your face, opt for a gentle facial cleanser or face wash. We recommend Glick Skin Institute Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser, shop HERE.
16. Don’t touch your pimples
We know it’s super tempting to want to pop those pimples, but leave them alone! When you pop them you’re more likely to spread bacteria around your face, causing more breakouts, or pushing the bacteria deeper into your skin which could cause more swelling and redness. And picking at them could cause scarring, no thanks!
17. Take your time when applying your products
When putting on each skincare product, allow some time in between each application to let the product fully absorb. Give each product at least 1 – 2 mins to absorb before applying the next one so you can make sure you’re not diluting anything and getting the best bang for your buck with each product.
18. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week
Exfoliation is key and a very important step in all skincare regimes because it helps slosh off dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores (= fewer breakouts!). These are best to use only one to two times a week to prevent over drying and stripping the skin of its natural oils. We recommend doing this at night in lieu of your regular face cleanser, following with your face serum and other night products. Try using SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, shop HERE.
19. Don’t forget about your neck and décolleté
Neglecting your neck and décolleté is one of the most common skincare mistakes made because we typically don’t think about them when applying our skincare. Those areas can be just as exposed to the sun as your face which causes them to age as well. As you put on your products, make sure you continue all the way down your neck and chest and apply in an upwards motion so you’re not tugging on the skin downwards, which can cause sagging over time.
20. Stick to a consistent nighttime routine
Night time is when our skin repairs and replenishes itself so this is the time to put in that extra effort. Make sure you wash off your day and remove all traces of makeup from your face. This will help reduce inflammation in the skin, free radical damage and will help prevent signs of aging. This will also ensure that your night creams and treatments fully absorb into your skin better. For a great night cream, we recommend Glick Skin Institute Enriched Night Cream, shop HERE.
21. Change up your skincare regime throughout the year
The weather is another culprit that can wreak havoc on your skin. The winter months are notorious for drying out your skin while the summer months leave your skin sun damaged and oily. That’s why it’s essential to switch out your products throughout the year so you’re able to combat the different conditions. In the winter, you’ll want thicker more rich creams while the summer calls for lighter formulas. Check out our summer skincare guide and our winter skincare guide.
There’s no better time than now to get your skin in tip-top shape. Make 2021 YOUR year and the year you finally achieve your skincare goals! All of the above tips will help you put together a skincare regime that you’ll love and will also help you make little lifestyle changes that will do wonders for your skin and skin health over time.
As always, if you have any questions about any of these tips or need help putting together a skincare routine specific to your skincare needs and goals, our board-certified dermatologists would be more than happy to help! Give us a call today or schedule your appointment HERE.
 

Night-time Winter Skincare Routine ââ€žÃ¯¸

Winter weather often brings flaky, itchy skin that cries out for hydration. You should not have to settle for dry skin just because the days are getting shorter, and with theright body care regimen, you won’t. By making a few simple adjustments to your nighttime routine, you can rehydrate your skin, feel more comfortable , and make the most of the season’s celebrations. Check out our suggestions below:
🔥 Don’t overheat your home:  Home heating systems can dry out the air, which leads to drier skin. If your dry skin bothers you, turn your thermostat down to the lowest temperature you find comfortable.
💧 Get a humidifier: Both warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers will add moisture back into the air and keep skin from becoming too thirsty.
ðŸÅ¸ Eat more fish: Moisturize from the inside out by consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, chia seeds, and walnuts, among other foods.
🛀🏾 Add oil to your bath to make it more hydrating: If fragrances irritate your skin, though, choose an unscented formula.
🧴 Use a heavier moisturizer: A thick, creamy moisturizer will protect the skin barrier more effectively than a thin, summer-weight one. Consider using dermatology-grade brands like SkinCeuticals, EltaMD, or SkinMedica, which we carry in our offices.
If you’re curious about how to customize your morning routine for dry, winter skin, check out our latest blog post HERE.

Skin (and Scalp!) Health is Our Passion 👱‍â™â‚¬Ã¯¸

When you think of dermatology, scalp and hair health probably isn’t one of the top things that comes to mind. We’re happy to tell you (since we love all things healthy skin, even healthy scalps!), that we DO treat mild to severe scalp and hair conditions like alopecia, dry scalp, dandruff, and hair loss. Read on to learn more about how our dermatologists can help you take care of your luscious locks and scalp concerns.
 
HAIR LOSS
The average person can expect to naturally lose about 50-100 hair follicles daily. But what if you’ve noticed that you’re starting to lose well over 100 hair follicles a day? If your hair loss is becoming noticeable, it might be time to see your dermatologist. The most common causes of hair loss include genetics, frequent stress (which we are all feeling this year!), poor nutrition, certain medications, trauma, or injury. It could also be early signs of Alopecia Areata or other skin conditions that your dermatologist can diagnose. 
ALOPECIA AREATA
Alopecia Areata, is an autoimmune skin disorder that causes unpredictable hair loss on the scalp, face, and in some instances, on the body as well. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, it is caused when your immune system attacks your healthy hair follicles, causing hair growth to slow to the point where it may stop growing altogether in some areas. Roughly 6.8 million people in the US. are affected by the condition. Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, our dermatologists can help put together a treatment plan that is best for you.
DRY SCALP
Everyone experiences mild to moderate dry scalp at some point, especially during the dry winter months, but for some, it’s a much more chronic problem. Common signs of dry scalp are chronic itching, flaking, irritation and redness. According to WebMd.com, this is typically caused by washing your hair too frequently, contact dermatitis, (an allergic reaction to products you apply to your scalp), changes in the weather, and aging. Some remedies to help with dryness can be done at home by applying certain types of oils, or moisturizing over-the-counter shampoos, to the scalp. This includes coconut oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera, or witch hazel. Check out the rest of the list provided by Healthline.com here.
DANDRUFF
Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on your scalp to flake, it can also be considered to be a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Like dry scalp, you can treat most of your dandruff issues yourself with over-the-counter shampoos. If you’ve tried a shampoo specific to dandruff for at least a month and you have still not seen any improvements, or its getting worse, call your dermatologist to schedule an appointment. Your provider can determine if its dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or another condition like eczema, or psoriasis.
Your overall skin and hair health is very important to us! If you have any questions about any of the above or how we can help you with your hair health, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists, call us or send us an email today!

Dry Skin Tips 🌾

With the time change and chillier temperatures, some of you may be experiencing skin dryness and unfortunately, it’s pretty common this time of year. Environmental factors like low humidity and wind can draw the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dull, flaky, itchy, and even cracked. Turn on that indoor heating system and it will dry the air and make those problems even worse. Ã°Å¸Ëœ¥
Since we can’t control the weather, sadly, we can give you our best dermatologist-approved advice on sealing moisture into skin, even as temperatures continue to drop. See 5 simple steps below:
  • Cleanse gently, only when needed. If you wash your face twice daily in the summer, you might wash it just once daily in the winter. Our Gentle Soothing Cleanser is a cream formula that draws out impurities without stripping the skin.
  • Choose a more intense facial moisturizer. The water-based formulas that fly off the shelves in summer might not cut it in November. We recommend SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair Cream for parched skin, which restores moisture readily with hyaluronic acid.
  • Use a humidifier. Reintroduce much-needed moisture into the air with a humidifier. Your skin (and your sinuses) will thank you.
  • Apply lotion right after showering. It will give you the best chance of sealing moisture into your skin. We recommend ISDIN’s Uradin Lotion10, which helps itching and lasts up to 24 hours.
  • Continue to wear sunscreen. Short winter days can still be sunny days, and your skin is still vulnerable to sun damage in the cooler months. For dry skin, choose a moisturizing formula like EltaMD’s UV Sport SPF 50.
If you have any questions about moisturizing your skin or you still don’t feel your best after following the steps above, just give us a call. Happy Hydrating! Ã°Å¸’¦

Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors?

It’s a no-brainer to wear your sunscreen when outdoors, but because of all the time being spent INDOORS, has wearing sunscreen been put on your back-burner? If your answer is YES, then this is for you! 
Sunscreen should most definitely still be worn indoors because if you’re sitting near windows or are in front of a computer screen for most of the day, you could still be exposing your skin to damaging light. Read on for reasons on why you should still be wearing your sunscreen while indoors and the type to use that will protect your skin the most.
REASON #1: Ultraviolet B (UVB) Rays
These rays affect the outer layer of the skin. This is the type of ray that causes most skin cancers, which is why protecting against this type of ray is very important. Overexposure to UVB rays can lead to sunburn and skin cell DNA damage.
REASON #2: Ultraviolet A (UVA) Rays
These types of rays go further into the skin and affect deeper, inner layers. These are most responsible for causing wrinkles and loss of elasticity, resulting in signs of aging. They can even penetrate windows and cloud cover according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. “While these rays are slightly less intense than UVB, they penetrate your skin more deeply.” Exposure can cause damage to the cells on the deepest level of your top layer of skin, which is where most skin cancers occur.
REASON #3: Blue Light (from smart devices, computers & TV’s)
Blue light is the light that comes from all digital screens, including your computer, tablet, phone, and TV. You don’t typically think that this type of light can damage your skin but it can in two different ways. 1) it can increase the production of melanin, or pigmentation, in the skin, which over time could lead to age spots or melasma. 2) It can also create free radicals, which is known for causing inflammation and breaking down collagen and elastic tissue in the skin. Bottom line – if you’re indoors using digital devices (which, who isn’t at this point?) then you should be protecting your skin with sunscreen.
WHAT TYPE OF SUNSCREEN SHOULD I BE WEARING?
When choosing which sunscreen is best for indoor use, there are many options for protection against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you are wearing an SPF of 30 or higher, with broad-spectrum, as well.
We recommend lighter options that still protect your skin but are not as thick as those you would wear when exposed to direct sunlight for hours at a time, like you would be at a day at the pool or beach.
·     SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32: this hypoallergenic, oil, paraben & fragrance free sheer sunscreen has physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc, which make it ideal for blue light protection and for people with sensitive skin. More info here.
·     EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: its a sunscreen great for those with acne and oily skin because it contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and regulates sebum build-up. Antioxidant protection combats skin-aging free radicals associated with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation (IR). More info here.
·     Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen – it is a fast-absorbing, ultralight emulsion that provides all-mineral broad spectrum sun protection. Its the perfect lightweight sunscreen for all day use, every day. More info here.
·     Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen – protect, repair, and correct with this ultralight tinted sunscreen! It is 100% mineral based and has zinc oxide which helps fight the signs of photoaging and repairs exiting sun damage while reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. More info here.
If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists, contact us now.
 
Yours in good health,
Your Glick Skin Institute Team

Do You Know What Type of Eczema You Have?

If you’ve noticed that your skin is itchy, very dry and turns red from time to time, it might be an indicator that you have eczema. October is eczema awareness month and a time when we put more light on the subject to create awareness and provide important information on the condition. Do you have one of the many types of eczema? According to Healthline, there are 7! Read on for some indicators that you might have one of the types, as well as treatment tips. 
1. Atopic Dermatitis
This is the most common form of eczema. This type is most recognizable by a rash that often forms in your elbow and knee creases. You may also notice small bumps that leak fluid if you scratch them and skin that appears to be turning lighter or darker and getting thicker in rash areas. This form of eczema usually starts in childhood and often gets milder or completely goes away by adulthood.
2. Hand Eczema
As the name suggests, this type of eczema only affects the hands. This type is common if you work in a profession that requires you to regularly use chemicals that can irritate the skin, like if you’re a hair stylist or work in dry cleaning. You will notice red, itchy and dry hands as well as blisters and cracks.
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
This type causes small blisters that form on your hands and feet. It’s typically more prevalent in women than men. Symptoms include fluid-filled blisters on your fingers, toes, palms, and soles of your feet. The skin can also scale, crack and flake.
4. Contact Dermatitis
If you notice that when you touch certain substances, you develop red, irritated skin afterwards, you may have this type of eczema. It comes in two forms: Allergic Contact Dermatitisis, which is an immune system reaction to an irritant like latex or metal, and Irritant Contact Dermatitisis, when a chemical or other substance irritates your skin. Symptoms include itchy, red skin as well as burning and stinging on the skin. Itchy hives and fluid-filled blisters can also form that may ooze and crust over.
5. Neurodermatitis
This is similar to atopic dermatitis as it causes thick, scaly patches that pop up on your skin. In this type, the thick, scaly patches can form all over your body including your arms, legs, back of the neck, scalp, bottoms of your feet or the backs of your hands. These patches can be very itchy and can bleed and become infected if you scratch them.
6. Nummular Eczema
If you notice round, coin-shaped spots that form on your skin, this could be the type you have. Nummular eczema is very distinct from the other forms and looks different with its very itchy, coin-shaped spots. This type can be triggered by a reaction to an insect bite, or by an allergic reaction to metals or chemicals. Dry skin and already having another type, like Atopic Dermatitis, can cause it as well.
7. Stasis Dermatitis
This type is caused when fluid leaks out of weakened veins into your skin, mostly in the lower part of your legs. The fluid can cause swelling, redness, itching, and pain. You may notice that the lower legs are swelling up, especially after you’ve been walking during the day. Your legs may also feel achy and heavy. You’re likely to already have varicose veins and have dry and itchy skin over them, and you may develop open sores on your legs or on the tops of your feet.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
If you suffer from eczema, there are a few paths you might take to treat it. First, it’s always important to visit one of our board-certified dermatologists who can assess your condition in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you and your skin type. Our dermatologists help thousands of Eczema patients a year and have the knowledge and experience to provide relief. A treatment plan can involve any of the following options: Moisturizing ointments, oils, lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, topical corticosteroid creams or ointments, intramuscular or oral corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and/or light therapy. Whatever you do, make sure to take care of your skin at home by moisturizing (preferably fragrance-free) regularly (especially after bathing) and avoiding irritating personal care products and clothing. 
Our dermatologists understand how skin rashes like eczema and dermatitis can be bothersome, as the itchiness and skin inflammation can make you self-conscious about your condition. What sets us apart is our focus on you as a person. We have the knowledge and experience to establish your type of eczema from a visual examination. We can also determine the triggers for your specific case from a thorough consultation and evaluation. Give us a call or book your in-clinic or Telederm appointment today and we will help you develop the best treatment plan for your needs.