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5 Ways to Honor Skin Care Awareness Month

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5 Ways to Honor Skin Care Awareness Month

August 30, 2021
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The largest organ in our body, surprisingly, is our skin. This big surface does so much for us: it keeps germs out; it cools; it lets us feel sensations. So, how about treating our skin right this month and celebrating National Skin Care Awareness with these five ideas: 
 
Protect Your Skin 
Old sunscreen that’s expired loses its ability to protect our skin. So, check your expiration date and if it has passed, toss the old bottle and buy yourself a new sunscreen this month. Sunscreen is the most potent product we can use to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays and maintain our youthful, dewy glow.  
 
Rub A New Moisturizer Into Your Skin 
It can be light and thin or rich and creamy. Whatever your preference, the key is to hydrate your skin with something that feels nourishing to you. Go beyond moisturizing your hands and slide lotion all over your body, including your feet. We recommend you try ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 for intense hydration.  
 
Give Your Skin A Laser Treatment 
Whether it’s wrinkles, sun spots, acne, or unwanted hair, expect all your skin worries to fade when you book yourself in for a laser treatment. Lasers give instant gratification for anyone looking to treat their skin this month. West Dermatology offers laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing.  
 
Feed Your Skin Antioxidants 
Eat vegetables and fruit to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. Harmful things like alcohol, fried foods, and inflammation bombard our skin daily from the inside. Air pollution and UV rays bombard it from the outside. Help your skin regain its balance by eating the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day this month. And remember to eat all the other skin-benefiting foods, too. You can go nuts with almonds, spice it up with cinnamon, and amend your skin with avocado. You can also try this Sun ISDIN Softgel Capsules Antioxidant Supplement. 
Take Your Skin To Its Annual Exam 
You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to get your annual skin check-up. Your dermatologist will start by asking you a few simple questions about your skin. Then, they’ll gently examine it. There are about twenty square feet of skin on your body, and only one square foot of that is on your face. Although your face is the most visible part, other areas are more hidden but still essential to check, like your back. Your dermatologist will pay special attention to the spots and moles on your body. They’re looking for things like the size of moles, irregular borders, and specific colors. Expect them to ask you if you’ve noticed any changes to your moles over time. Our dermatologists can answer any other questions you have about your skin at your annual check-up.  
 
Our skin organ is massive at twenty square feet. All that skin needs protection and nourishment. September is the month to raise our awareness and start taking even better care of our skin. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or treat your skin to one of the fabulous products from our online shop.

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The Difference Between Male & Female Acne

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The Difference Between Male & Female Acne

June 28, 2021
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When most people think about acne, they often first associate it with puberty but this is not always the case. Many adults are still affected by acne well beyond the teenage years (about 50 million Americans), and the experience is different for both men and women from various factors. 
MALE ACNE
For men with acne, hormone levels are usually the main trigger. Men produce more of the hormone testosterone than women, which results in thick and oily skin. The production of sebum, or oil, is also higher in males because their sebaceous glands are more active (from the testosterone), which can lead to clogged pores, causing breakouts. Lastly, while those beards may look cool, facial hair can trap oil and act as a breeding ground for the bacteria that exacerbates pimples and acne.
In addition to the face and neck, men are more susceptible to acne on the chest, back, upper arms, and shoulders. Sweating may increase the severity, especially during the warmer months and after exercising, especially from wearing nylon fabrics.
Finally, the addition of supplements to enhance muscle growth may also promote and enhance underlying acne.
FEMALE ACNE
According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 22% of adult women are affected by acne, compared to less than 5% of adult men. Like men, female acne is the result of too much oil being produced by the skin, which results in clogged pores = breakouts. This may be attributed to estrogen and progesterone hormone fluctuations, especially just before the menstrual cycle..
Unlike men, women’s hormone levels become disrupted when birth control pills are taken, during the menstrual cycle, and menopause. The fluctuations can cause increased oil production in the pore. “14 – 50 year old women can get a deeper type of acne around the face and neck, that mostly spares the nose, chest and back” said Dr. Brook Brouha, West Derm board-certified dermatologist. “The unique hormonal influences make it a different disease entirely and you need to have the right game plan in order to treat it,” said Brouha. 
So what do you do when you want to slow down and prevent these breakouts from happening?
How to Treat:
Face acne: keep that face oil at bay by making sure to wash your face twice a day with an acne face wash, preferably one with salicylic or glycolic acid. Your skin needs to stay hydrated, not dry, in order to stay in balance and prevent breakouts so follow with a moisturizer that works best with your skin type.
For men, be careful when you shave around acne blemishes and make sure not to shave off the tops of pimples because this can irritate the skin and make it worse.
Back (bacne) / Body acne: nobody wants an army of angry pimples on their back or body. Make sure you are showering daily with an antibacterial soap and exfoliating to slough off all dead skin cells and unclog pores. You can also use over-the-counter spot treatments that have salicylic acid in them for those extra pesky zits. 
Female Acne: “Classic acne regimes are more effective for adolescent style chest, back and face acne and tend to be largely ineffective for this unique acne,” said Brouha. “At times, we recommend an oral treatment with isotretinoin, especially if your acne is severe.“
The most advanced treatment for acne is photodynamic therapy. This procedure is presently being investigated in a clinical study and is utilized in some of our clinics.
Acne affects us all at some point during our lifetimes. The level of severity is different amongst every person but just know we are always here to help! If you are not seeing results with any of the above treatment options or have any questions about your acne, schedule an in-clinic or TeleDerm appointment with one of our West Dermatology dermatologists today!

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Father’s Day Gift Guide 🎁

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Father’s Day Gift Guide 🎁

June 8, 2021
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June is an important month, not only is it Men’s Health Month, it’s also time to celebrate all the dads we know and love out there with Father’s Day.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your Dad, make his day special and help him maintain his skin health with one of these products from our Father’s Day Gift Guide. All can be found on our very own online skincare shop and can be shipped straight to your front door in time for June 20th.
Featured Products for Men
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
This thick, rich foam gently cleanses leaving your skin feeling clean and balanced.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum
our award-winning Vitamin C serum, proven to enhance skin radiance and protect against free radicals.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
with DNA Repairsomes. This is a great broad-spectrum light-weight sunscreen for all day use, every day.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Nutrafol Men Propack
this 3-month supply improves hair growth to visibly promote thickness and scalp coverage, by targeting root causes of thinning hair.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
With June being Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Give the gift of a skin check this year!
Click HERE to BOOK NOW!
Celebrating all the dads!
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 dad!

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Why Everyone Needs an IPL Photofacial

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Why Everyone Needs an IPL Photofacial

April 27, 2021
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*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 West Dermatology, 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

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide 🎀

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide 🎀

April 27, 2021
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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.
West Dermatology 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!

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

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

January 18, 2021
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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 West Dermatology 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 West Dermatology

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 West Dermatology

 
At West Dermatology, 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.

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Skin Discoloration: How to Treat & Prevent

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Skin Discoloration: How to Treat & Prevent

January 18, 2021
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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.
·      West Dermatology 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 West Dermatology Team

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Reveal Beautiful Skin with IPL🌟

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Reveal Beautiful Skin with IPL🌟

January 18, 2021
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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!

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20(21) Skincare Tips for the New Year 💫

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20(21) Skincare Tips for the New Year 💫

January 5, 2021
Home » You searched for hair » Page 5
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 West Dermatology 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 West Dermatology 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.
 

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Skin (and Scalp!) Health is Our Passion 👱‍♀️

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Skin (and Scalp!) Health is Our Passion 👱‍♀️

December 10, 2020
Home » You searched for hair » Page 5
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!

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