Glick Skin Institute

WestDerm

Check & Protect…with Sunscreen!🧴

One of the most important pieces our Check+Protect reminders is none other than: Please wear sunscreen!
 
The temperature is warming up, and with so much beautiful sunshine, it’s only natural that you’ll be outside enjoying yourself! While it’s a great time of year to enjoy time outdoors, don’t let your skincare take a backseat. Now more than ever, you should prioritize your at-home skincare routine (sunscreen included!) so that your skin remains healthy. 
 
One of the best ways to protect your skin from damage or exposure to harmful UV rays is to slather on sunscreen. This can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Plus, you have peace of mind that you won’t get sunburned – ouch!. 
 
Did you know that wearing sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can actually reduce your risk of carcinoma by 40% and reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%? Yes, wearing sunscreen is THAT important. Some people simply don’t know just how much it can really save your skin and protect you from skin cancer. 
 
Some other things you may not know about sunscreen application:
·      You should still wear sunscreen even if you’re indoors. Why? Because harmful UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate your skin via windows. Plus, you’re likely to step outside at least once in a while, so you don’t want to forget to apply sunscreen simply because you may spend most of your day indoors.
·      Don’t forget to reapply! If you’re outside, you should remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours to ensure that you haven’t sweat it off. 
 
But wait–what type of sunscreen should you wear? The truth is, the type of sunscreen you choose should be appropriate for your skin type. Here’s a brief breakdown of the best sunscreens we offer that are suited for certain skin types:
 
·      Normal skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
 
Not sure what type of skin you have? Not to worry, we can help with that too! When you schedule your next skin check appointment with us, we can help identify which products are best for your skin. 
 
And the best news we’ve been saving for last: Throughout the entire month of May, our sunscreen is on sale for 20% off! Just use SUNSCREEN20 at checkout on our online store. Stock up now to protect your skin and save money. Don’t wait–this deal doesn’t last forever, and you want to be sure that your skin is protected to the max. 

Six Delish Foods for Healthy Skin ðŸ¥â€˜

We get it; you’re tired of hearing about healthy eating. You know you should care because it’s good for your skin, but what you really want is flavor—juicy, dripping, oozing yumminess. Is this too much to ask? Not at all! We know the most delicious foods for alluring skin (including chocolate). Let’s celebrate World Heath Day together by eating our way to attractive skin. We promise to recommend only scrumptious foods.
 
1) Go Nuts with Almonds
The meatiness of almonds with their crunchy, substantial flavor is so enticing it’s hard to stop with just one small handful. But that’s all you need to get the health benefits of this skin-boosting food. Not only are they loaded with flavor, but they’re also rich in vitamin E. This antioxidant protects your skin against inflammation and UV damage.
 
2) Spice it Up with Cinnamon
There’s nothing like the fragrant, spicy goodness of cinnamon to wake up your senses in the morning. Add it to your hot cereal, or sprinkle it on warm toast or coffee for a satisfying treat for your taste buds. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cinnamon will make your skin glow.
3) Eat Tall, Dark, and Chocolate
As we wrote about in our Valentine’s Day blog post, dark chocolate is not only decadent eating; it has fringe benefits for your skin. “Antioxidants help the skin fight free radicals, and with free radicals at bay, you’re less likely to develop fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.” This good news makes us dream of chocolate factories and want to burst out singing, “I’ve got a golden ticket.” 
4) Ole for Guacamole
Why wait for Super Bowl Sunday to slurp this superfood? Dip into the benefits of guacamole all year round. This antioxidant-rich food will make your taste buds sing—the tomato and garlic punch up the creamy avocado flavor, and juice gives it that zippy tang. And all of these ingredients are packed with the skin-helping vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids you need for radiate health. That’s why guacamole sits pretty at the intersection of healthy and yummy.
 
5) Grab some Grapes
Eat red grapes straight from the fridge for a burst of cool, juicy sweetness. This superfood works wonders on your skin from the inside out. Brimming with good-for-skin nutrients like antioxidants, grapes will stimulate collagen production and protect your skin. It’s a win-win!
 
6) Get to the “Root” of Good Skin Health
Vitamin A supports skin health, and just one sweet potato exceeds your recommended daily allowance. They also contain a natural sunscreen, beta carotene, that can help protect your skin. Eating them is a ticket to beautiful skin. But don’t eat them all. They’re also great to apply topically. So next time you cook, save some for this sweet potato face mask.
Healthy food can lead to healthy skin, but only if you eat it regularly. You’ve heard people say the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. The same adage applies to eating. The best skin-healthy food is the one you’ll actually eat. So, what’s it for you? Is it dark chocolate, cinnamon, almonds, grapes, sweet potatoes, or guacamole? Find what appeals to you and glow for it. Have any questions about anything written here? Call us today or schedule your appointment now.

Why Everyone Needs an IPL Photofacial

*Content provided by our sister practice Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
As warmer weather waltzes in, there’s no better time to revamp your skin for a fresh, healthy look. Spring is the season for renewal, and one versatile cosmetic skin treatment that will refresh your appearance is the IPL photofacial. This procedure helps people of all ages not only achieve better skin tone and texture, but also helps alleviate the symptoms of some skin conditions such as rosacea and melasma.
At Glick Skin Institute, we offer a comprehensive variety of 50+ laser, light, and energy treatments including our most popular IPL photofacial device Lumenis M22 Stellar to suit our patients’ unique skincare needs. Dr. Mitchel Goldman, our Medical Director, pioneered the field of IPL. He has published dozens of medical papers, including a review with colleagues regarding his early experiences with IPL and the development of its use over time. (Almukhtar R, Emily Carr E, Goldman MP: Intense Pulsed Light: The Early Years. Dermatological Reviews 2020;1-10) We are proud to share our research findings with you and offer this skin rejuvenating treatment at our San Diego medical spa.
Based on the review mentioned above, IPL is clearly an effective treatment modality for a wide range of dermatologic lesions, from pigmented to vascular and inflammatory lesions. The flexibility of IPL’s wavelength also allows for it to treat a variety of skin conditions. And in addition to the team’s constant investigative pursuits of IPL, we also have more experience performing IPL treatments than any other practice in the world.
What Can IPL Do For You?
If you enjoy being out in the sun but don’t enjoy the spots or lined and leathery appearance it’s caused, IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, can effectively treat sun damage (age spots), other signs of aging, as well as pigmentation issues and other dermatologic diseases just in time for spring.
The review authored by Dr. Goldman, Dr. Rawaa Almukhtar, and Dr. Emily Carr highlights the safety, efficacy, and versatility of IPL, which can treat the following issues:
  • Lentiginous disease
  • Melasma
  • Poikiloderma of Civatte
  • Acne Vulgaris
  • Rosacea
  • Vascular lesions
  • Pre-malignant and malignant lesions
  • Hypertrophic scars and keloids
  • Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
How Does IPL Work?
Now that you’re ready to get that healthy, younger looking skin this spring, it is good to first understand how IPL works and why it is effective.
The published review explains that IPL utilizes light with a broad spectrum of wavelengths (ranging between 400 and 1200 nm), which allows the device to target melanin within the skin. With the device’s cooling system, IPL can safely penetrate down to the dermis (second layer of your skin) without damaging the epidermis (top layer). Pigment in the skin then absorbs the light energy, heating the photodamaged cells in the skin and breaking them down. The body then naturally removes the damaged tissue and unwanted pigment, helping you achieve a more even skin tone. 
Some IPL devices have a single pulse, whereas our Lumenis IPLs have multiple sequential pulsing. Furthermore, some devices will vary depending on the pulse duration, the energy fluence, or both in each pulse. Other variables include the size of the delivered light, power outputs, and cooling system, meaning that not all IPLs are the same. The devices available at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are some of the most powerful IPL machines available today, offering superior results for our patients no matter what their skin concerns might be. 
Pigment Issues IPL Can Treat for Your Spring Refresh
  • Lentiginous disease – a variant of melanoma found on sun-damaged skin. IPL has been shown effective in treating pigmented lesions, particularly lentigines and ephelides on the face and body after an average of 3-5 treatments. 
  • Melasma – a common pigmentation disorder. IPL can lead to an improvement in patients with melasma in conjunction with topical therapy.
  • Poikiloderma of Civatte – chronic discoloration commonly seen on the neck. Results of a study report a significant reduction in vascular, pigmented, and atrophic skin changes in 81%-82% of patients after 3-5 IPL sessions.
Other Concerns IPL Can Address
  • Acne vulgaris – occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil (sebum). The blocked follicles cause pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Several studies explored IPL as a treatment option for acne vulgaris or as an activator of PDT (photodynamic therapy). The study showed a significant reduction in the surface area of the sebaceous gland following IPL treatment. IPL also has anti‐inflammatory effects, with acne patients showing a reduction of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. 
  • Rosacea – a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and bumps on the face. IPL effectively reduces blood flow, telangiectasia, and severity of erythema in individuals with rosacea, with efficacy equal to that of PDL (pulsed-dye laser). Typical reported improvement was 50%.
  • Vascular lesions – consist of telangiectasias, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains. These are the easiest conditions to treat with most going away quicker and with less bruising than with a pulse dye laser treatment. 
  • Premalignant and malignant lesions – Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common pre-cancer that forms on sun-damaged skin. Several studies investigated the use of IPL as an activator of photosensitizing agents for PDT of AK. Results suggest IPL alone may be effective in the treatment of AK, but it is enhanced by the addition of a photosensitizer. IPL with photodynamic therapy also shows promising results for the treatment of superficial BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and Bowen’s disease.
  • Hypertrophic scars – A hypertrophic scar is a thick, raised scar that does not extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound, while keloids are enlarged scars that grow bigger and wider than the original injury. One study demonstrated a 50% improvement in all hyperpigmented, erythematous, and proliferative scars treated with IPL after a mean of 2.97 sessions.

Low Risk, Multiple Benefits
We understand that renewing your skin this spring and achieving that coveted glow shouldn’t come with a dangerous price. The good news is that studies have found IPL to be well-tolerated for most patients. Minimal side effects include mild discomfort, erythema, purpura, edema, blistering, and crusting. These issues typically resolve within 48 hours, although some patients find they can persist for up to one week. Post treatment hyperpigmentation and hyperpigmentation are also possible very rare adverse effects of IPL. 
In addition to its low risk, benefits of IPL include:
  • Quick and effective – each session typically lasts 5-15 minutes
  • Appropriate for all skin types
  • Minimal discomfort – since dermatologists use a cooling gel and cold air during treatment, most patients report minimal pain
  • Long-term results – the better you care for your skin, the longer the results will last. Many of our patients have seen their results last for several years, coming in every year to touch up age spots or to simply rejuvenate their skin.
  • Ability to combine with other treatments – for a more comprehensive skin transformation this spring, IPL can be done in conjunction with other treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injectables, Botox® Cosmetic, and Ultherapy.
To schedule your IPL Photofacial, request your appointment here: https://www.westdermatology.com/request-appointment

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 🎀

Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your mom how much you appreciate her and all the things she has done for you. We encourage you to celebrate and make things extra special for her this year. (She deserves it!) Give the gift of beauty with our top gift picks for your mom, or for any of your other favorite moms.
Glick Skin Institute Collagen Rejuvenation Serum
Fortified with citrus stem cells and green tea extract, this serum leaves skin youthful and vibrant.
To SHOP, click here.
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
For the mom that loves her cosmetic dermatology treatments, this one’s for her! Skin Nectar strengthens the skin and supports faster recovery from IPL, laser and chemical peels).
To SHOP, click here.
SkinCeuticals Tri-Peptide-R Neck Repair
Helps fortify the neck’s fragile skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and firms up neck skin.
To SHOP, click here.
Isdin Hydrating Gel Foot Oil
Hydrating gel oil that repairs and hydrates dry, cracked feet.
To SHOP, click here.
Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum
Lightweight, leave in hair serum that supports thicker-looking, stronger hair.
To SHOP, click here.
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
This Mother’s Day you know the gift of radiant + healthy skin is at the top of our list (but don’t forget…) that also includes getting an annual skin check. Give your mom the gift of a skin check so her skin can be glowing and healthy all year long!
To Schedule, click here.
Celebrating all the moms!
If you have any questions about any of the products we have recommended above, be sure to drop is a line or give us a call today. We would be more than happy to help you put together the perfect gift for your mom!

Acne OR Rosacea? The Differences Between These Skin Conditions

Acne and Rosacea are different skin conditions. Few people will have all of the signs and symptoms shown in the picture, but know what to look for helps.
It can be easy to confuse the two but it’s important to know that both conditions require different treatments, so it’s important to know the difference.
In honor of April being Rosacea Awareness Month, we encourage you to chat with one of our providers if you show any of the above symptoms. To learn more about Rosacea, head to our website to learn all about what it is, what causes it and how to treat it. To learn more about Acne, click here.
Do you have questions about your Rosacea? We are now offering Telehealth visits! Call your office today or request an appointment online to virtually meet with one of our dermatology providers.

We’re Ensuring Your Health With Our Safety Protocols

As our state and communities continue lifting Covid restrictions, we want to continue to update you on our approach to health and safety guidelines because the health and safety of our employees and patients is our first priority. Throughout this pandemic, our clinics have and continue to closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and still have Covid safety practices in place.
Skin health can’t wait. That’s why our offices remain open to serve you. We are available for medical dermatology, skin cancer detection and treatment, cosmetics, aesthetics and allergy appointments. For your convenience, we also continue to offer virtual visits via video from the comfort of your home. We’re here for your skin health however you prefer to visit us. 
It is safe to come back in. We are committed to your safety and well-being. We have implemented numerous operational procedures to ensure our clinics are taking extra precautions to keep you and our staff safe.
Our Patient Screening & Safety:
·      We check temperatures and screen for symptoms for all patients. Anyone exhibiting symptoms will be asked to reschedule their appointment for a later date or book a virtual appointment via video, if appropriate.
·      We require face masks for all patients, staff, and visitors in our clinics – regardless of vaccination status.
·      We are social distancing between patients and staff where practical and necessary.
·      Our providers and team members are trained in infection control measures. We are disinfecting high-traffic areas (e.g. doors, iPads, computers, front desk, bathrooms, breakroom, etc.) multiple times a day.
Our Healthy Team:
·      Every employee has their temperature checked and is screened for symptoms daily. Anyone exhibiting symptoms is required to stay home. 
·      Our team members take pride in your safety by wearing clean scrubs, using eye protection, masks, and gloves, in addition to other personal protective equipment (PPE).
·      We practice frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer before patient interactions.
Our team is here to help you safely maintain your healthy skin and also help you be active and enjoy the outdoors safely again. Our hope is that you stay safe and healthy. Please call to schedule or CLICK HERE to request an appointment. 
Yours in good health,
The Glick Skin Institute Team

Don’t Be Fooled By These Skin Myths

Only a fool doesn’t want flawless skin this April Fool’s Day. Can you tell facts from foolish fiction with our fun quiz?
 
Choose foolish (false) or wise (true) answers to these questions and see if you guessed right, below. No fooling!
 
1.    Only wash your face with water. 
2.    Never wash your face in the shower.
3.    Use sunscreen with the highest SPF on your face. 
4.    Apply sunscreen only during the warmer months.
5.    Get a light tan to even out age spots.
6.    Prevent age spots by drinking lots of water.
7.    Eating chocolate or bacon causes acne.
8.    Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol can age your skin.
9.    Wrinkles are in your genes. There’s nothing you can do to prevent them.
10.  Cellulite is forever. You can’t get rid of it.
ANSWERS:
1.    Foolish (false). Plain water won’t remove environmental pollutants, dirt, and makeup. All that gunk will clog your pores, irritate your skin and make your skin look dull. Wash your face morning and night, but no more than twice a day. Use fingertips to apply a gentle cleanser, rinse with warm water, and follow with a moisturizer. Moisturizer softens and prevents water loss through the skin’s outer layers, we recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer. Click here to shop now.
 
2.    Wise (true). The skin on your face is delicate and hot water will dry it out and remove natural oils. Exfoliating scrubs may be used once a week as long as it’s not an abrasive formula, such as crushed walnut shells. Yuck! Foolish or what? We recommend the SkinCeuticals Exfoliating Scrub. Click here to shop now
 
3.    Foolish (false). While sunscreen is vitally important year around to prevent sun damage, there’s no evidence that a higher SPF protects better. SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. You’ll gain more protection by reapplying it at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
4.    Foolish (false). Use at least two tablespoons of sunscreen to cover all skin unprotected by clothing all year round. Apply 30 minutes before going out, and reapply it every two hours. And it’s just foolish to be in the sun during the peak burn hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when suns UVA/UVB rays are at their strongest. But, don’t hide in a dark cave. A lack of regular sunlight can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight activates your skin to produce vitamin D, essential to keeping your bones and immune system strong and lowering your risk of some cancers. We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen. Click here to shop now
 
5.    Foolish (false). Without sunscreen protection, tanning (direct sun or tanning booth) will only add more dark spots and increase your skin cancer risk. Too much time in the sun damages your skin, makes it age prematurely, and increases wrinkles.
 
6.    Foolish (false). The dark age spots on your face and hands are due to years of sun damage. While plenty of water is good for your overall health, it doesn’t affect skin discolorations.
7.    Foolish (false). Acne is caused by sebum, an oily substance produced naturally by the skin. There’s no evidence that any food causes skin blemishes. To keep your skin looking young, eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.  
8.    Wise (true). Banish those from your diet, and you’ll see an improvement in your skin. Experts also recommend regular exercise to improve circulation and boost your immune system – both help generate more youthful skin.
9.    Foolish (false). There are many ways to prevent wrinkles including not smoking, limiting alcohol and using a high-quality sunscreen and moisturizer every day.
10.    Sad, but true (wise). You can diminish some of the cottage cheese look from your thighs with a firming cream. A fake tan (spray or self-tanning lotion) can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular exercise will tighten muscles for a more toned look.
 
How did you do on the quiz? Your prize for a perfect score is beautiful, healthy skin. But, if you couldn’t tell the foolish advice from the facts, make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists and improve your score!

Tips on Building a Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

Does your skin tend to act like a rebellious teen, throwing tantrums in the form of irritation, rashes, and sudden breakouts? No matter how hard you try to protect and nourish your skin, it just doesn’t seem happy? You may have a sensitive skin type! Here are five simple steps you can take to help put together a skincare routine great for sensitive skin.
 
1.    Start with a gentle cleanser.
Cleansing is important, but don’t go overboard with harsh cleansers that can rob your skin of healthy oils and lead to dryness. The right cleanser should be gentle and support a healthy balance of moisture. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser.
The Alastin Gentle Cleanser contains calming antioxidants that help soothe and protect the skin. Key ingredients include:
·      D-Panthenol is a Vitamin B5 derivative that helps soften and moisturize skin
·      Oat Beta Glucan is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce redness, itching and irritation
·      Bisabolol is a concentrated form of chamomile that has strong anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties
·      Oat Kernel Extract is an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent
2.    Soothe irritation with a calming serum.
A calming serum can help reduce redness and flare-ups, common signs of sensitive skin. Choosing the right serum is key to reducing redness and improving the appearance of discoloration and uneven skin tone. We recommend SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel. This serum contains thyme, olive, cucumber, Eucalyptus leaf, and hyaluronic acid.
 
Thyme has strong antibacterial properties that help fight acne and inflammation. Cucumber also possesses anti-inflammatory properties necessary to soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation. Eucalyptus leaf is another powerful ingredient with cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. 
3.    Choose a hydrating moisturizer.
The best moisturizer for sensitive skin should be lightweight but carry potent ingredients that provide intense hydration, nourish and restore the skin’s natural protective barrier, while also soothing the drying effects of environmental aggressors, skin disorders, and dermatological treatments. Choose a moisturizer with safe ingredients, such as glycerin, dimethicone, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate. We recommend
 Avene Cold Cream Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. This moisturizer contains pharmaceutical grade mineral oil and white beeswax to hydrate, soothe, and soften skin
 
4.    Use a hydrating sunscreen.
Sunscreen is key to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Choose a sunscreen packed with antioxidants and vital minerals, such as micronized zinc oxide. We recommend
 Glick Skin Institute Sheer Physical Spray SPF 50 Sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and contains the following key ingredients: 12 % Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Polyphenols, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Emblica, and Co-Q10.
Zinc oxide may help reduce irritation and seal in moisture without clogging the pores. Green tea polyphenols contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin.
5.    Restore balance with specialized treatment.
Use a calming mask once a week to give your sensitive skin that extra protection and care it needs. Be sure to choose a product with plant-based ingredients that possess anti-inflammatory properties.
We recommend SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Calming Masque. This corrective mask is clinically tested effective post-procedure to provide:
·      20% reduction in visual redness
·      47% reduction in discomfort
·      5°F average reduction in skin surface temperature
Bonus Tip: Ingredients to avoid
When building your skin care product regime, pay careful attention to the ingredients. Avoid products that contain sulfates, retinol, alcohol, fragrance, and parabens. These ingredients can work against the good ones and do more damage than good when it comes to your skin health.
 
Got Questions?
If you have any questions about building a skin care routine for sensitive skin, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. They’ll be happy to build a customized skincare routine that is right for you!

Now Offering Botox Treatments!

It’s no secret that as we age, many things start to change when it comes to our skin. The outer layer of skin, the epidermis, starts to become more thin, saggy and dry, revealing more fine lines and wrinkles (especially in areas where we have a lot of movement, like by our eyes and mouth). And who wants that? Not us! Thankfully, we now have a solution!
At Glick Skin Institute Riverside, our trusted board-certified dermatologists can now help you tackle those pesky lines and wrinkles with our newest cosmetic treatment, Botox!
What is it and how does it work?
Botox is a revolutionary injection that improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is a great alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures, like chemical peels and dermabrasion, that require more recovery time. There is no downtime with Botox, allowing it to fit in nicely with your active lifestyle.
It is injected through a very fine needle into a muscle underneath of a wrinkle. This process blocks signals from the nerves to the muscle, causing it to relax because the muscle can’t contract. The result is a smoother wrinkle and softer-looking appearance.
How long does it last?
The effects of Botox will last roughly between 3 to 6 months, depending on the person and how fast your metabolism is. The faster your metabolism, the quicker your body will absorb and deplete the solution injected. Most patients come back in 2 – 3 months following treatment to see if any more is needed.
What areas can I treat with Botox?
Botox is ideal for the upper half of the face, including the areas around the eyes (also known as ‘crow’s feet’), the upper nose, forehead, the ‘11′ lines in-between the eyebrows, the cheeks and jaw.
So…are you ready to schedule your Botox appointment?
Call us 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!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…
We are so excited about our new Botox treatment, we want to celebrate! Join us for our Botox Week event from April 5 – 9th where we’ll be offering exclusive discounts on treatments and skincare products!
$50 off 30 units or more of botox
$75 off 40 units or more of botox
20% off all skincare products
$25 off (each) for referring a friend

Can Diabetes Have An Impact On Your Skin?

Today is Diabetes Alert Day: a day when healthcare professionals explain the warning signs of this common condition. Though you might not think of the skin when you think of diabetes, there IS a strong connection. Certain skin conditions indicate that someone is more likely to have or develop diabetes. 
 
Because your skin tells the story of your overall health, it pays to watch out for anything abnormal. According to the CDC, 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and 25% of those people don’t know they have it. That’s why it’s so important to have your annual skin check with a professional. If you think you see any of the below on your body, be sure to give us a call.
 
Yellow, reddish, or brown patches surrounded by shiny skin: This skin condition, also known as necrobiosis lipoidica, often starts off looking like a patch of pimples. Though it may feel itchy, it’s harmless on its own—it’s significant mainly because it can indicate that someone has diabetes.
 
Hard, waxy skin on the fingers and toes: Known as digital sclerosis, this skin condition can limit movement. It usually develops as a side effect of diabetes. 
 
Dark, velvety skin on the neck, armpit, or groin: This condition, also called acanthosis nigricans, is often one of the earliest indicators of diabetes. Treating it requires treating the root cause of the discoloration, whether that’s diabetes or something else. 
 
Caved-in dark spots on the shins: The incidence of these spots is called diabetic dermopathy, and it often affects people with diabetes. The spots typically disappear on their own after a year and a half or two years.
 
If you’re not sure whether your skin fits one of the descriptions above, or if you have other concerns, please give us a call or schedule an appointment today. Our West Derm providers are experienced and trained in diagnosing and treating skin conditions caused by diabetes. We’re more than happy to raise awareness and boost your overall health, on Diabetes Alert Day and every day.