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Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month: Aren’t You Forgetting Something?

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Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month: Aren’t You Forgetting Something?

July 7, 2022
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It’s easy to forget about some of our most vulnerable spots when we’re applying sunblock. Unfortunately, the sun never forgets to emit harmful UVA and UVB rays that can wreak havoc on our skin and eyes if we aren’t relentlessly careful. Here are a few parts of the body we are the most likely to neglect to apply sun protection.
The Scalp 
How often do you put sunblock on your scalp? If you have a full head of hair (or if you think you have a full head of hair), probably never.
Yep – your scalp needs sun protection too! While hair does shield your scalp from the sun, unless your hair is uniformly thick, you should give your scalp extra protection.
The easiest way to protect your scalp from ultraviolet (UV) rays is to wear a hat while outdoors. However, if you aren’t fond of hats, you can apply sunscreen to parts of your head where your scalp is exposed. These include:
  • The hairline 
  • The part in your hair 
  • The crown where hair might be thinner 
It’s a good idea to apply sunscreen to any part of your head where your scalp is visible. 
The Feet 
The soles of the feet have a layer of thick, callused skin that protects them from harmful UV rays, but the tops of the feet do not. If you wear sandals, flip-flops, or other shoes that expose the tops of your feet, make sure to apply a layer of sunscreen. 
The Lips 
Did you know that skin cancer can affect the lips? If you have fair skin, you are particularly vulnerable to basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the lips (particularly the lower lip), so make sure your lips are protected. 
Not all lip balms offer sun protection. Make sure the brand you choose has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. You should also reapply your protective lip balm every hour or so, and after you eat or drink. 
The Ears 
When applying sun protection to your ears, make sure to apply it to the backs of the ears in addition to the tops, earlobes, and any other exposed areas. Wide-brimmed hats are also extremely effective. You may not know it but the third most common location for skin cancers is the ears. 
The Eyes 
The area around the eyes is extremely delicate, so it’s understandable if you’re reluctant to apply thick sunscreen near your peepers (particularly if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts). However, most mineral-based formulas designed to be applied to the face are perfectly safe and effective – you just must be careful to keep the sunblock out of your actual eyes. If you have concerns about sunblock melting into your eyes, stick sunscreens are easy to apply and are less likely to run into your eyes. 
As for the eyes themselves, always sport a pair of shades with 100% UV protection. 
The Neck 
Just because you can’t see the back of your neck doesn’t mean the sun can’t reach it! Always apply sunblock to your entire neck – not just the part under your chin. If you do a lot of driving, make sure you pay attention to the left side of your neck, since that area gets the most direct sunlight. 
The Hands 
You’ve probably done a fair amount of hand-washing these last few years, but how often do you apply (and reapply) sunscreen to your hands? Not only does sunblock help lower your risk of developing skin cancer, it also helps prevent the development of sunspots and other signs of premature aging and skin damage. 
Regular visits to a qualified dermatologist are essential for assuring a lifetime of healthy skin. Schedule an appointment with our team today! 

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Battling Breakouts? 10 Reasons Your Acne is Getting Worse

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Battling Breakouts? 10 Reasons Your Acne is Getting Worse

July 7, 2022
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We all have different physical characteristics – “perfect imperfections” – that give us our individual appeal and charm. Our different traits can tell a unique story, whether it’s a sprinkling of freckles, a gap between our two front teeth, or a childhood scar across an eyebrow.
And then there’s acne. 
Most of us have had to address acne at some point. Sometimes it’s just a pimple or two. Other times, it’s a cluster of painful cysts. Without a doubt, the best way to manage acne will always be the personalized care you receive from a qualified dermatologist. What you do between visits to your dermatologist matters too. Here are 10 common habits that can jeopardize even the best acne treatments. 
1. Popping your pimples. 
Popping pimples is one of the worst habits for your complexion. Not only do you risk exacerbating the problem and causing scars, but you can also introduce harmful bacteria that can lead to infections and even serious medical issues. The risk is particularly great if you pop pimples around your mouth, on your nose, and between your eyebrows. 
2. Not wearing sunscreen. 
If you struggle with acne, smearing thick, greasy sunscreen on your face every day might seem like a recipe for pore-clogging disaster. However, wearing the right sunscreen can actually help prevent acne by protecting your skin from UV damage that can aggravate your skin and make acne worse. Just make sure you use sunscreen that is appropriate for your skin type, like the ones we carry on our online shop. 
3. Failing to cleanse your face before exercise. 
We all know that we should cleanse our skin after a hard, sweaty workout. But how often do you cleanse your skin before working out? 
Exercising is fantastic for your skin. However, sweating with a dirty face can irritate your skin and clog your pores. Your skin is especially vulnerable if you routinely wear makeup (primer, foundation, blush, etc.) before hitting the gym. You don’t have to perform an entire skincare routine before your CrossFit session – just use a gentle makeup remover to get rid of the residue from makeup, oil, or dirt. After your workout, gently wash and moisturize your face. 
4. Cleansing your face too aggressively. 
Over-washing your face and using acne treatments that are too harsh will cause your skin to become irritated, dry, and more prone to breakouts. Gentle cleansing is key. 
5. Failing to change your pillowcase. 
Your pillow and pillowcase can accumulate bacteria, oils, and dirt very quickly (yuck!), so make sure to launder your pillow when necessary and change your pillowcase at least twice weekly. 
Also, use a pillowcase that isn’t rough on your skin – silk pillowcases are great because they’re non-irritating and extremely gentle, but hypoallergenic cotton and satin pillowcases are great, too. 
6. Failing to cleanse your makeup applicators. 
Makeup brushes and sponges harbor bacteria, accumulated makeup products, dirt, skin cells, oils – basically everything that causes acne. Wash your makeup applicators at least once weekly to ensure you don’t re-introduce harmful irritants to your skin. 
7. Touching your face. 
It’s hard to stop touching our faces, but our hands can spread acne-causing bacteria, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Avoid wiping or scratching your face with your bare hands; keep a tissue handy if you need to wipe away sweat or scratch your nose. 
8. Using skin-irritating hair styling products. 
While some products are great for your hair, they might not benefit your skin. Products with heavy silicones and emollients can trigger breakouts by attracting bacteria and clogging pores. If your hair serums and stylers are too effective to give up, wear your hair away from your face and don’t apply products too close to the hairline. 
9. Not washing your hats. 
If you wear sun hats, visors, ball caps, helmets, or other headgear that touches your face, wash them regularly according to the manufacturer’s directions. 
It’s also important to let your skin breathe. If you wear headgear for most of the day, remove it periodically to wipe away accumulated sweat and allow your skin to dry. Also, make sure your hat isn’t too tight; the friction can lead to – you guessed it – breakouts. 
10. Skipping visits to the dermatologist.  
If you struggle with acne, the best way to address it successfully and quickly is by having customized treatment from a dermatologist. Not only will you get to the root of the issue, but you will also save money on skincare; no more buying drugstore products on a trial-and-error basis. 
Take charge of your skin and banish blemishes once and for all! The team at our clinic offers next-generation skincare solutions that help people of all ages and skin types achieve healthy, clear, beautiful skin. Schedule your visit with us today! 

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Teen Acne and How to Deal with Breakouts 🔴

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Teen Acne and How to Deal with Breakouts 🔴

June 17, 2022
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If you’re a teen, then it’s likely that you’ve had acne at some point. Not only can acne be uncomfortable, but it can also be a bit embarrassing. If you’ve been struggling, know that you aren’t alone. In fact, 8 out of 10 teens have acne. Even though your friends likely struggle with acne, too, it’s still probably something you want to get a handle on right now when school is out. It’s the perfect time to get your skin prepped and ready for the new school year ahead.
 
And if you’re a parent with a child that is currently experiencing acne, read on for tips on how to help them overcome it.
 
What Causes Teen Acne?
It helps to know why you get acne, so you can also learn how to treat it. Your skin is made of thousands of little pores, and each of those pores contains oil glands. When you hit puberty, you have an increase in a hormone called androgens. The excess of this hormone causes your glands to produce too much oil and your pores to become enlarged. This is the perfect recipe for acne breakouts. 
 
What Can You Do About It?
While teen acne is incredibly common, there are some things you can do to help your skin out. Here are some quick tips for what you should do to help avoid or treat acne.
 
Choose a Mild Cleanser
It’s important to choose a mild cleanser because even though you’ll need to wash your face daily, you definitely don’t want to dry it out. Avoid scrubbing with a cloth or exfoliating brush, and instead, gently wash your face with your fingertips. You want to avoid irritating your skin. We recommend West Dermatology Acne Clearing Cleansing Gel.
Don’t Rely On Over the Counter Medications
Over-the-counter acne medication can work for some people, but if you have a severe breakout, you’re going to need professional help. The severity of your acne will determine which types of treatment are best for you, and you may need a prescription-strength medication.
 
Don’t Skip Moisturizing
It may feel counterproductive to apply moisturizer to a face with breakouts. However, you should never skip moisturizing as your skin needs it for hydration and repair. In fact, some people break out because their skin is not properly hydrated, so make sure that you choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. These terms simply mean that the moisturizer won’t create whiteheads or blackheads that clog your pores. We recommend SkinMedica Ultra Sheet Moisturizer.
Wash Off Your Makeup
Never, ever sleep in your makeup. Doing so will only clog your pores and irritate your skin. Make an effort to go to bed with a clean face every night. 
 
Be Mindful of Your Hair Products
Sometimes people don’t realize that their hair products can also cause an oil buildup on their skin. If you use oily hair products that touch your face, then it is likely that your pores will clog. Choose products that are oil-free, especially those that may come in contact with your skin. 
 
Creating a quality skincare routine that protects you from breakouts is an excellent way to avoid breakouts as much as possible! If you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment for yourself or for your teen, contact us today for an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.

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What Causes Acne? Tips on How To Treat & Prevent

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What Causes Acne? Tips on How To Treat & Prevent

June 17, 2022
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All of us experience a few pesky pimples from time to time but what if your case is more severe and considered chronic acne? With June being Acne Awareness Month and 50 million Americans currently affected by the condition, we figured we could shed some light. 
Whether you’re trying to avoid the occasional zit or looking for answers on how to get your acne under control, read on to see what the main causes of it are and learn about treatment options and prevention. 
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a common skin condition, in fact, it’s the most common skin problem in the country. It shows up in the form of anything from red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads, to cysts and nodules. It’s most commonly found on the face but can also appear on shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
According to Medical News Today, dermatologists have identified different factors that can largely impact the appearance of acne:
·     Your skin is producing too much oil: When your skin produces too much, your pores can clog up easier. If you have oily skin, you are more prone because your sebaceous glands in the skin are producing too much sebum, the oily, waxy substance that protects and hydrates the skin
·     You have too many dead skin cells building up in your pores: when dead skin cells accumulate and don’t break away from the skin regularly, they start to collect in your pores/hair follicles. These combined with the body’s natural oils (sebum) can cause the pores to clog, resulting in pimples, whiteheads and blackheads
·     The presence of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes): when the clogging of your pores builds up too much, they become a breeding ground for the bacteria. This bacteria turns sebum into fatty acids that activate inflammation in nearby skin cells, causing acne.
WAYS TO TREAT & PREVENT
Many methods of treatment and prevention are available to keep acne at bay. Results can differ from person to person and depend on the acne severity level.
For mild to moderate cases of acne (a few blemishes, whiteheads, and/or blackheads), you can use simple over-the-counter medications with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid. 
For severe cases (red, swollen, often painful blemishes consisting of cysts and/or nodules), a variety of treatments can work, this includes prescription-strength topical or oral medications, antibiotics to destroy the acne-causing bacteria, and a variety of light therapies that reduce the presence of P. acne bacteria on the skin.
There are many ways to help prevent acne from popping up in the first place:
·     Wash your face twice daily: it’s important to remove excess oil and sebum from the skin by washing morning and night. Its best to use a mild cleanser to not irritate the skin.
·     Know your skin type: oily skin is the most acne-prone. Combination skin is also prone because it is a mixture of both dry and oily areas. Knowing your skin type will help you choose the right skin care products. If your skin is oily, opt for an oil-free moisturizer. 
·     Use over-the-counter acne treatments: over-the-counter creams and serums can reduce breakouts on the chin, nose, and forehead. Look for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
·     Reduce stress: stress is not the cause of acne but can certainly make it worse. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, research has shown that when you’re stressed, your body tends to produce more oil-stimulating hormones. Some things you can do to manage your stress levels are to practice yoga, meditate, or use aromatherapy.
We know how acne can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. 
One of our board-certified dermatologists can help you identify which factors or combinations of factors are causing your acne, and then put you on the appropriate treatment plan. Call us today or book your appointment HERE!

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How Skin Cancer Can Affect All Skin Types

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How Skin Cancer Can Affect All Skin Types

May 12, 2022
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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it can affect you whether you have light, medium, or the darkest skin tones. 
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. While fair skin tones are most at risk for sunburns and skin cancer, we are all exposed to UV rays which puts us all at risk for developing skin cancer, no matter our skin tone. Yes, even those that tan easily and never burn can develop skin cancer. 
 
What causes skin cancer? 
Too much UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. When your skin gets excess UV from exposure to the sun, the cells in your skin can change. Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. This happens because of damage to DNA that isn’t repaired, which causes the cells to mutate and multiply quickly. 
  
What is your skin type and why is it important to know?  
We use the Fitzpatrick scale which is a tool used to assess your risk of skin cancer based on your skin type. It rates two things: the amount of pigment in your skin and how your skin reacts to the sun. It can also indicate how likely you are to develop skin cancer. What’s your Fitzpatrick skin type? Take the quiz here. 
 
What are the risk factors involved in people with lighter skin developing skin cancer? 
People with light skin are susceptible to skin cancer because they have less melanin in their skin. Melanin is a pigment that helps to protect the skin from UV radiation damage. The less melanin someone has, the more likely they are to develop sun damage and skin cancer. People with red hair, freckles, and/or blue eyes are especially vulnerable to UV radiation. 
  
What are the risk factors involved in people with darker skin developing skin cancer? 
Certain risk factors make people of color vulnerable to skin cancer. There is a common myth out there that those with naturally tan or darker skin tones are not as at risk, leading them to be less likely to wear sunscreen or take other preventative measures to protect themselves. Did you know that Bob Marley died at just 36 years old from skin cancer? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, he had “acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a serious, rare disease that is also the most common form of melanoma in people with darker skin tones.” 
  
Tips to prevent skin cancer for people of ALL skin types 
Skin cancer rates are on the rise in the US, and people of all skin colors can develop skin cancer. The good news is that there are steps that everyone can take to help prevent skin cancer.  
  
Shade 
No matter your skin tones, it is important to seek out shade when spending time outdoors, as UV rays can be most damaging during those midday hours. 
  
Clothing 
Wearing protective clothing, like hats and long-sleeved shirts, can also help to shield the skin from harmful rays. 
  
Sunscreen 
Regardless of skin color, everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it regularly throughout the day. 
  
Treatment options for skin cancer 
The good news is that there are many effective treatments available, and our dermatologists will work with you to create a plan that is tailored to your unique needs. 
 
It’s important to know that everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer, no matter their skin tone or type. If you have any concerns about skin cancer, we are here to help. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to get the care you need. With the right treatment plan, you can benefit from many more years of good health and great skin. 

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30 Minutes Could Give You 30 More Years

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30 Minutes Could Give You 30 More Years

April 27, 2022
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Your skin is an amazing organ. In addition to being beautiful, your skin performs a series of vital functions. It regulates your body temperature, protects you from potentially harmful pathogens, detects environmental changes like intense heat or cold, and prevents water loss. It can also grow thick and luxurious hair! 
However, sometimes the first signs of serious illness appear on the skin. 
The most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. While the overwhelming majority of cases are nonmelanoma skin cancers that aren’t typically life-threatening, a significant portion can become very serious. 
Early detection is the best tool for assuring good outcomes. Additionally, if abnormalities are detected quickly, you are less likely to require invasive, lengthy rounds of treatment. 
A routine 30-minute skin check at West Dermatology could alert you to potentially significant skin changes, from easily treatable skin disorders to more serious conditions like cancer. 
If you have been putting off a skin exam, here are a few facts about skin cancer that highlight the importance of routine screenings. 
Skin Cancer Facts 
According to a study published in 2010, approximately one-fifth of all Americans will have some type of skin cancer by the age of 70. 
There are three common forms of skin cancer: 
  • Basal cell carcinoma. This is the slowest-spreading form of skin cancer. It originates in the basal cells in the outer skin layer. If caught early, it can effectively be cured after one round of treatment. Basal cell carcinoma has a very low recurrence rate. 
  • Squamous cell carcinoma. This form of skin cancer originates within the squamous cells located in the outer and middle skin layers. While it can be aggressive and destroy surrounding tissues, it is not typically fatal. 
  • Malignant melanoma. Melanoma is a type of cancer that grows within the melanocyte cells that generate skin pigment. It is an extremely fast-spreading form of cancer that develops largely within existing moles. It is also the deadliest if left unaddressed.
Malignant melanoma at its earliest stage is called melanoma in situ, or stage 0 noninvasive melanoma. This stage means the tumor is localized and exists only at the epidermis (the very top skin layer)
Stage I melanoma is still localized but has become invasive and has spread below the top layer of skin. At stages 0 and I, skin cancer has a survival rate of more than 98 percent. 
Once the cancer cells move beyond the localized stage more than 2 centimeters from the original tumor, it is called in-transit melanoma, or stage II melanoma. In-transit melanoma has a survival rate of approximately 62 percent. 
If the cancer progresses, it can spread to surrounding tissues and possibly the lymphatic system. When it spreads to the lymph nodes, the cancer cells can be carried to the organs and throughout the body. When cancer reaches the lymph nodes, it is considered stage III melanoma. Sadly, the 5-year survival rate drops considerably at stage III, particularly if it has spread to distant organs. 
Approximately 1% of all cases of skin cancer are invasive melanoma. Malignant melanoma can go from noninvasive to invasive in a manner of weeks. 
While a skin cancer diagnosis is scary, discovering an abnormality quickly could add decades to your life and preserve the health and appearance of your skin. In addition to having regular skin checks by a dermatologist, a routine home skin check will alert you to any potential concerns. 
How You Can Protect Yourself 
You’ve probably heard (or used) the expression: “I know that like I know the back of my hand.” But how well do you really know the back of your hand? Or the backs of your knees, for that matter? 
We might think that we are familiar with our own skin, but subtle changes are easy to miss. Also, a change that might seem unimportant – something we misidentify as a bruise or insect bite – could be something more sinister. 
A 30-minute full-body skin check is a crucial early skin cancer detection solution. Here are some tips for performing a basic skin check at home. In addition to doing self-checks, scheduling an examination at West Dermatology will alert you to changes that could save your life. 
West Dermatology offers expertise, experience, and technological innovations that deliver extremely accurate assessments and exceptional outcomes. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to our patients’ unique needs. 
Love Your Skin! 
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month; isn’t it a good time to take control of the health of your skin? You can keep your skin strong, supple, and healthy with the right care. Schedule an appointment at with us today. 

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Vitamin C: How it Can Benefit Your Skin and Health 🍊

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Vitamin C: How it Can Benefit Your Skin and Health 🍊

April 1, 2022
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If you’ve admired someone’s glowy skin lately, chances are they’re benefiting from the beautifying effects of vitamin C. You can have that glow, too! You just need to kick it up a notch with a great serum and good nutrition. Let’s do this together in honor of Vitamin C day this month.  
 
You Need Vitamin C
You need vitamin C from a topical serum (and food) to protect your cells from free radicals. Your body produces these molecules when it’s exposed to damaging things like too much sun, smog, and stress. Free radicals wreak havoc on cells, they contribute to dull skin, wrinkles, and premature aging. Vitamin C’s antioxidant powers protect you from these free radicals.
 
How it Works
Vitamin C helps repair your skin by stimulating collagen production. This precious protein makes your skin supple and radiant. It also evens out your skin tone. So, if you have age spots or freckles, vitamin C keeps them from getting darker by blocking a key melanin-producing enzyme. It also blocks some of the sun’s harmful rays. Check out these helpful
 
Protect Your Skin with a Vitamin C Serum
This powerful vitamin is one of the most popular skincare ingredients because it’s an amazing (ANTI)oxidant. We all know that a freshly sliced apple will turn brown as it begins to interact with the air and oxidize. But did you know that the oxidizing process slows down if the apple is rubbed, and protected with, vitamin C serum? Imagine similar protection for your skin.
 
And don’t forget, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. There are plenty of duds on the market that just don’t work. That’s why it’s so important to use a high-quality serum to get the best results.
 
Think of it this way: Vitamin C is the diva of skincare ingredients. It demands perfection in lighting and temperature to work its magic. Vitamin C serums are easily damaged by air, light, and heat. They can lose their antioxidant properties even while they’re being made, so they’re challenging to formulate and manufacture.
 
Lucky for us, our shop carries Skinceuticals CE Ferulic antioxidant serum, which has published more studies than any other brand. Our dermatologists consider it the gold standard, and we highly recommend it.
 
We’re so passionate about vitamin C serum; it’s one of our top skincare tips for 2021.
 
Vitamin C for Health (and Hair)
Eating foods high in vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which benefits your entire body because it repairs tissues and helps burns and cuts heal. It also maintains bone and teeth health. Studies say it can reduce your chance of getting a chronic disease like cancer. Vitamin C consumption even helps your hair grow and prevents split ends.
 
Eat Your Veggies
Here’s a quiz for you. Which of the following vegetables contains vitamin C: cabbage, spinach, or potato? If you said all three, you’re right. It’s common knowledge that fruits are high in vitamin C. But fewer people realize that just as much vitamin C is found in most veggies. Try to get the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day to “vitamin see” your best skin ever!
 
If you have any questions about the above information or want more personalized skincare advice, one of our board-certified dermatologists would be happy to see you for an appointment.

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Is it Rosy Cheeks, or is it Rosacea?

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Is it Rosy Cheeks, or is it Rosacea?

March 25, 2022
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We all blush and get flushed sometimes—it’s normal. But if the blush on your cheeks is frequent, you might have a skin condition called rosacea. But how do you tell the difference between a healthy blush and a skin condition? In honor of April being Rosacea Awareness Month, we’re breaking it down below:
What is Blushing
Blushing is getting red-faced from shame, shyness, or embarrassment. It results from an emotional reaction that makes your glands release adrenaline. This hormone affects your nervous system, and blood is brought closer to the surface of your skin and your capillaries widen. But blushing is temporary.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea, on the other hand, is a permanent skin condition. With rosacea, the blood vessels show through the skin enough that your face frequently looks red. This redness can come and go, depending on exposure to triggers. Although it is an incurable skin condition, the good news is that treatment options to help you are abundant once you’re diagnosed.
Diagnosing Rosacea
The providers at West Derm are trained to diagnose rosacea by examining your facial skin. They’re primarily looking for enlarged blood vessels. If you’re diagnosed with rosacea, you can do several things to manage your condition.
Reduce Rosacea Triggers
Rosacea triggers include hot weather, hot food, intense exercise, and menopause.
Avoiding Irritants
People with rosacea have sensitive skin that can also redden from irritants in some products. Everyday things like skincare and haircare can contain irritants that cause rosacea flare-ups. It’s helpful to avoid any product that makes your rosacea worse than it was before you used it and also get personalized product recommendations from your dermatologist.
Keep a Rosacea Diary
A rosacea diary can help you keep track of things that trigger your flare-ups. This information can help you remember to avoid these triggers in the future. You can also benefit from keeping track of products that affect your skin and identifying the irritating ingredients so you can avoid them.
Extra Sun Protection
People with rosacea need extra protection from the sun’s harsh UV rays, so remember to wear dermatologist recommended sunscreen daily.
Treatments for Rosacea
If your provider decides that you need rosacea treatment, there are many options, from prescription creams and gels to antibiotic pills and light and laser therapy.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to manage rosacea like avoiding triggers, reducing irritants, keeping a rosacea diary, and ensuring extra sun protection. There are also many dermatological treatment options that your provider can help you with.
West Derm practices provides Healthy Skin for LifeTM and our providers are rosacea experts. Contact us to schedule an appointment, and a knowledgeable provider will assess you for rosacea and, if you have it, can recommend treatment options.

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Find Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type

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Find Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type

March 11, 2022
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Is it just us, or does Fitz-patrick sound like St. Patrick? We think it does! And so in honor of St. Patrick’s Day this month let’s take a test to find out your unique Fitzpatrick skin type. It’s fun to find out where you fall on the scale. Plus, it’ll give you some important info that could save your skin. 
 
What is the Fitzpatrick Scale 
The Fitzpatrick scale is a tool for dermatologists to assess your risk of skin cancer. It rates two things: the amount of pigment in your skin and how your skin reacts to the sun. It can indicate how likely you are to develop skin cancer. 
 
Classify Your Skin 
The Fitzpatrick Skin Scale is a scientific way of classifying skin types. It breaks them down into six categories starting light and moving up to the darkest tones of skin. Just knowing your skin type can give you the information you need to protect your skin and prevent skin cancer.  
 
What’s Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type? 
Ready to take the test to find out your skin type? Just choose the number that best describes you. Then add up your numbers and check your score at the end of the quiz.  
 
What color are your eyes? 
0 – Light blue, gray or green  
1 – Blue, gray, or green 
2 – Blue 
3 – Dark Brown 
4 – Brownish Black 
 
What is the natural color of your hair? 
0 – Sandy red 
1 – Blonde 
2 – Chestnut/ Dark Blonde 
3 – Dark brown 
4 – Black 
 
What color is your skin in places where it is not exposed to the sun? 
0 – Reddish 
1 – Very Pale 
2 – Pale with a beige tint 
3 – Light brown 
4 – Dark brown  
 
Do you have freckles on unexposed areas? 
0 – Many 
1 – Several 
2 – Few 
3 – Incidental 
4 – None 
 
What happens when you stay too long in the sun? 
0 – Painful redness, blistering, peeling 
1 – Blistering followed by peeling 
2 – Burns sometimes followed by peeling 
3 – Rare burns 
4 – Never had burns 
 
To what degree do you turn brown? 
0 – Hardly or not at all 
1 – Light color tan 
2 – Reasonable tan 
3 – Tan very easily 
4 – Turn dark brown quickly 
 
Do you turn brown after several hours of sun exposure? 
0 – Never 
1 – Seldom 
2 – Sometimes 
3 – Often 
4 – Always 
 
How does your face react to the sun? 
0 – Very sensitive 
1 – Sensitive 
2 – Normal 
3 – Very resistant 
4 – Never had a problem 
 
When did you last expose your body to the sun? 
1 – More than 3 months ago 
2 – 2-3 months ago 
3 – 12 months ago 
4 – Less than a month ago 
5 – Less than 2 weeks ago 
 
Do you expose your face, or the area to be treated, to the sun? 
1 – Never 
2 – Hardly ever 
3 – Sometimes 
4 – Often 
5 – Always 
 
Quiz Score For Fitzpatrick Scale 
0-7 = Type I 
8-16 + Type II 
17-25 = Type III 
25-30 = Type IV 
Over 30 = Type V-VI 
 
Fitzpatrick Skin Type Characteristics 
  • Type I – Your skin color is white, your hair is blonde, and your eyes are green. You Always burn in the sun and have freckles. 
  • Type II – Your skin is white, your hair is blonde, and your eyes are green or blue. You Always burn, have freckles, and it is difficult for you to tan. 
  • Type III – Your skin is white, your hair is blonde or brown. Your eyes are blue or brown. You tan after you burn. You may freckle.  
  • Type IV – Your skin, hair, and eyes are brown. You tan more than average and rarely burn. Freckles are rare.  
  • Type V – Your skin is dark brown, your hair is brown or black, and your eyes are brown. You can burn very rarely and tan readily. You don’t have freckles. 
  • Type VI – Your skin and hair are black. Your eyes are brown or black. You tan and never burn. You are deeply pigmented and don’t have freckles.  
 
Does Everyone Need Sunscreen? 
Yes, you need sun protection regardless of your Fitzpatrick skin type. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF if your skin is on the light side. You can get away with sunscreen with a lower SPF if your skin is on the darker side.  
 
Book an Annual Exam 
If your skin is on the light side (especially if you have red hair or freckles) you should see a dermatologist for an annual skin check starting at about age 30. If your skin is tan to dark, see a dermatologist for a yearly exam starting at about age 40. 
 
Ready to join the dozens of patients who know their skin type and use it to take care of their skin? Or, are you still not quite sure which category your skin fits int?  Book your appointment and your dermatologist will help you figure out the answer.  

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Dermaplaning

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Dermaplaning

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About Dermaplaning

What is it?

To improve dull, lifeless skin that makes you look older than you are, you have many options. For an easy, non-invasive way to smooth skin, many women and men turn to simple exfoliation. This helps reduce dead skin cells, excess oils, and other debris to leave your skin fresher and softer.
However, there’s mere exfoliation and then there’s dermaplaning exfoliation. Dermaplaning takes the freshening aspects of exfoliation and amplifies them to skin-rejuvenating levels that are simply stunning.
Dermaplaning is a quick, noninvasive procedure that scrapes away dead skin cells, excess oil, and other debris. This helps maintain or restore the rate of cellular turnover that’s crucial to keeping your face fresh and youthful-looking. The result is skin that’s smoother and softer immediately.

Why dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is designed to address a variety of skin-related issues, including:
• Dull, lifeless skin
• Rough, dry skin
• Unwanted fine facial hair

Impact of dermaplaning

In effect, by scraping away dull surface skin, the procedure kicks the body’s self-healing properties into high gear. In turn, your body produces new skin cells that are healthier and plumper, which firms and tightens your skin while also brightening it.
This painless procedure also removes the fine peach fuzz, or vellus hair, from the face. This is a crucial bonus because this excess hair, despite being so fine, can trap dead cells, oil, dirt, and other debris, all of which contribute to dull, lifeless skin as well as other skin issues like acne. Because your skin is free of this debris, makeup can go on more easily and won’t cake as quickly. Cleansers that you use at home clean your face better because they penetrate more readily.

Our approach & expertise

Our providers are highly trained in the execution of scraping away dull surface skin, the procedure kicks the body’s self-healing properties into high gear. The goal is to make sure that you are looking your best, and our team will talk you through all the benefits of dermaplaning. Ask us more about this procedure and if it’s right for your skin. After all, Healthy Skin Is Our Passion.™ West Dermatology is here to support all your dermatological needs with expert care.

Schedule your appointment today.

 

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