The foods you can eat that will help make your skin more elastic and youthful!!

 

What can you do to prolong your youthful appearance?  First we all know that avoiding the sun and using sunscreen is the NUMBER 1 thing you should do, but there are some foods that can help you keep that youthful look.

 

PROTEIN

Proteins make up the matrix of our cells and are very important for good collagen and elasticity.  East some of the below for good elasticity:

• Almonds

• Almond butter

• Peanut Butter

• Salmon

• Sardines

• Eggs

 

LUTEIN

Lutein is an antioxidant.  In a recent study, lutein was found to improve skin elasticity by almost 20%.  You can find lutein in:

• Egg yolks

• Spinach

• Other leafy greens

 

FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables isn’t just good for your insides, but also your outsides, specifically good skin elasticity.  The best for your skin:

• Red peppers

• Oranges

• Grapefruits

• Strawberries

• Broccoli

• Carrots

• Mango

• Apricots

• Sweet potato

• Avocados

 

So, if you have lost elasticity due to poor habits or weight loss… the above list should give you guide on how you may improve your skin starting now.

 

 

 

Five Things Your Dermatologist Wants You to Stop Doing ASAP!

 

1-SKIMPING ON SUNSCREEN

You might think that if it’s overcast you don’t have to rub on extra SPF. Or maybe you’re under the impression that the sunscreen in your makeup is enough to keep you covered. It’s not. Be warned: UV light exposure causes skin cancer and premature aging.

 

2-PICKING YOUR PIMPLES

Even if you’re one of the many who inexplicably find pimple-popping to be a stress-relieving activity, it’s time to cut that habit. Picking your pimples is the fastest way to spread bacteria and breakouts and also leads to inflammation and redness

 

3-TAKING HOT SHOWERS

You might love a long, hot shower, but it’s not doing your skin any favors. Excessive exposure to water, particularly hot water, can strip the skin of essential oils and disrupt the skin barrier. Try limiting your shower to less than 10 minutes and using only lukewarm water.  The ideal temperature should be somewhere around 84 degrees F.   Also, remember to moisturize within five minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in hydration.

 

4-AGGRESSIVELY REMOVING YOUR EYE MAKEUP

Aggressively removing eye makeup can cause trauma to the skin.  Even low-grade inflammation caused by rubbing can promote pigment production and cause damage to elastic fibers.  Instead, use gentle, circular motions — and don’t forget an eye cream to help keep the skin around the eyes looking young.

 

5-SKIPPING YOUR YEARLY SKIN CHECK

You might feel like you have enough doctor’s visits on your plate, but your yearly visit to the dermatologist isn’t one to let slide. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an annual visit to ensure you’re doing all you can to protect against skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer.

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3 Reasons why regular skin screenings are a great idea

 

You’ve had your skin since the day you were born, so it’s probably safe to say you’re pretty

familiar with your freckles and moles, right? Maybe you’re even diligent about skin self-checks

every year, checking for the A-B-C-D-E’s:

•             A: Asymmetry (oddly shaped)

•             B: Border (irregular)

•             C: Color (more than one color present)

•             D: Diameter (bigger than 6 millimeters)

•             E: Evolution (is anything changing?)

 

Even so, it's important to get your skin checked at least once a year by a medical professional. They’re trained to look for more than just obvious abnormalities in skin and can answer any questions you may have about questionable spots. Here are a few more reasons you should get a yearly skin screening.

 

1. Skin cancer is dangerous.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. It’s the most common form of cancer in the United States and the number of women under 40 who are diagnosed each year has more than doubled in the past three decades. Every hour, one person in the U.S. dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

 

2. But with early detection, it can be stopped.

When skin cancer is caught early, there’s a 98% (or greater) chance that it can be cured. There are several different types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma and all have a much higher cure rate early detection and proper treatment.

 

3. Abnormalities can be hard to spot.

Sure, you’ve checked your arms, legs and torso for any out-of-the-ordinary spots, but what about the roof of your mouth? Your scalp? In between your toes? A dermatologist knows where to look, and what to look for on your body to give you a greater chance of early detection. A trained medical professional can also tell the difference between a mole that might not be a typical benign type, but also isn’t life-threatening melanoma.

 

The best way to avoid skin cancer is to protect yourself from risk factors like UV light. Wear sunscreen, hats and protective clothing if you’re going to be out in the sun, and avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Proper protection, along with annual screenings, will give your skin its best shot at staying healthy for your lifetime.

 

 

Tips to soothe sunburn

 

We forgive you!  We know it happens!  Try as you might there will be times when you get a sunburn.   Whether you left your sunscreen at home or didn’t reapply it enough times, we understand that it’s going to happen.  So, when it does there are tips and remedies that can help ease the pain and speed healing.

 

Cool it down

Water is the easiest and most immediate remedy for sunburned skin. A cool, wet towel is welcome relief from the pulsing heat. Place a damp towel over your sunburn for 10 minutes or so several times a day. Don’t be afraid to use ice; just don’t put the ice directly on your skin.

 

Besides water, topical astringents such as witch hazel (directly on skin) or apple cider vinegar (add a cup to cool bathwater) act as anti-inflammatories and can minimize swelling while temporarily relieving discomfort.

 

A fan blowing directly on your skin can help lower your body temperature, too. Cool air can also help you sleep, which can be uncomfortable otherwise. Rest is a key component of healing, so switch on that fan!

 

Hydrate inside AND out
Fight the drying effects of sunburn with a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy. Aloe cools your skin and relieves pain. If your sunburn is particularly bad, use a hydrocortisone cream.

If your skin is too tender for rubbing in lotion, try an aerosol hydrocortisone or aloe product. Just be sure to avoid your face and eyes when applying.

Don’t forget to hydrate yourself as well.  Having a sunburn is very dehydrating, so drink extra water.

 

Raise them up 
If your feet are burned, raise them up above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.  Ibuprofen is another option to minimize swelling, with the added benefit of temporarily reducing pain.

 

Keep an eye on it 
Make sure you watch how your sunburn is healing and whatever you do… DO NOT POP BLISTERS.  They are your body’s way of preparing the next layer of skin to replace what’s been damaged.  Take extra care to protect sunburned skin while it heals. If a blister should pop, keep it clean and use an ointment like petrolatum to help guard against infection. Also avoid further sun exposure and injury while the sunburn is healing. 

 

REMEMBER… if your symptoms escalate, if you suffer from nausea, chills, fever, lightheadedness, if there is significant pain, if the blisters cover a large portion of the affected area… CALL YOUR DOCTOR.

 

FINALLY… remember that sunburns cause damage to the skin and can increase the risk of skin cancer. So prepare for the next time you enjoy the outdoors by purchasing in advance and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses

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You’re drying your face ALL WRONG!!

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The skin on your face is delicate. When you wipe excess water away, you’re tugging at the skin. The likelihood for wrinkles and wear and tear increases and you’re removing all the moisture your skin needs prior to product application. You should be just patting your face dry with a clean towel.

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Now using a clean towel is THE KEY. Using the same towel as you use on your body can spread bacteria and lead to more break outs.  Trying using a new towel daily.  We know it sounds like a lot but it will prevent anything that’s been floating around in the bathroom air or the dead skin you sloughed off the day before from getting on your newly cleaned face.  A hand towel works great or even a paper towel.  Yes, you read that correctly… a paper towel.

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You can take the drying process one step further and air dry. Giving your skin a few seconds of dry time before applying serums or creams means you don’t risk pulling or putting anything unnecessary on your face. When your skin is slightly damp, then apply your skin care favorites.

 

You shouldn’t wash your face in the shower!!

 

Yes, you read that correctly.  We know in this fast paced, 140-character world multi-tasking is a must.  Chances are you sleep until the very last moment before jumping in the shower and heading out to work.  Time is of the essence for most of us, but washing your face in the shower isn’t great for your skin.

 

Here’s why:  It’s trickier to control the temperature in the shower.  You need to make sure the water is right for YOUR skin.  Since the skin on our face is typically more sensitive than the skin on our body, temperature matters.  While hot water can help open your pores (making it easier for skincare products to clean deep), it can also dry out your skin and strip your face of its nature oils.  You should wash your face with lukewarm to cold water, which is better for delicate faces.

 

There’s also the issue of residue from other shower products that can wreak havoc on your facial skin. Washing your face in the shower can mean you end up mixing shampoo and conditioner left on your hair onto your face by accident. Neither of which are designed for face-cleaning purposes.

So. Wash your body in the shower, wash your face at the sink.
 

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9 Things Which Could Worsen Psoriasis

 

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, genetic, systematic inflammatory autoimmune disease.  Simply put, it’s a condition that causes skin cells to build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches.  Psoriasis typically occurs on the knees, elbows and scalp but can also affect the torso, palms and soles of the feet.  Treatment for it aims to remove scales and stop skin cells from growing so quickly usually using topical ointments, light therapy and medications.  While these treatments offer must psoriasis sufferers relief, there are 9 things which could worsen it.

 

1. Alcohol:  It leaves your body dehydrated causing your kidneys to work overtime.  It can also decrease the effectiveness of psoriasis meds.  Make sure water outweighs the alcohol consumption.

2. Stress:  The National Psoriasis Foundations reports that psoriasis is sometimes the body’s way of coping with stress.  The body sends out false signals tricking it into producing skin cells it doesn’t need.  It’s important to find ways to cope with stress if you suffer from psoriasis.

3. Hot showers:  The hotter the water the more it will dry out your skin.  Hot showers strip away natural oils the body produces.

4. Cold weather:  This also dries out your skin.  If relocation isn’t an option, make sure you moisturize several times a day to combat it.

5. Heat:  When it’s cold outside we want to turn on the heat.  Excessive heat can dry out your skin.  Try adding a few more blankets instead of raising the thermostat.  Also place a humidifier in your room to keep the moisture in the air.

6. Smoking:  Researchers can’t pinpoint exactly how it worsens psoriasis, but it has shown to worsen in those who smoke compared to those who don’t.

7. Laundry with fragrance:  This can cause allergic reactions, hence triggering psoriasis.

8. Scratching:  Itching is one of the biggest complaints of psoriasis sufferers.  While scratching may feel good at the time, it can worsen your condition and set you up for other infections.  If need be, to stop yourself from itching invest in a pair of gloves.

9. Allergies:  Allergens cause the immune system to overreach which can trigger or worsen psoriasis.  Take an allergy test and if anything shows up positive, try eliminating it to see if it improves your psoriasis.

 

If you think you suffer from psoriasis, consult your doctor immediately.

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Should you be putting venom on your skin?

 

Seems like a crazy question to ask, but in the world of skincare care it may not be crazy at all.  The latest “it” skin care ingredient appears to pack a poisonous punch with more and more products touting venom as an ingredient. 

 

First, it’s important to know what kind of venom is being used.  Bee venom is common and does have science behind it.  You can find bee venom in any number of products including masks, oils and creams.

There were some small studies that indicated honey bee venom can be helpful with:

 

Acne – because it’s antibacterial

Eczema – because it’s anti-inflammatory

Anti-aging – because it may help with collagen production

 

Now what about snake “venom”.  Yes, you read that correctly, but don’t worry it is typically a synthetic blend of proprietary peptides.   The snake “venom” is used like a topical Botox and anti-aging treatment.  It relaxes the skin and evens out the wrinkles and fine lines.   There isn’t a lot of evidence showing that venom actually does inhibit muscle activity long enough to work as well as an injectable neurotoxin.  If you find one that does work, it won’t last so long as something like Botox, but if you aren’t a fan of needles they be worth it for you.

 

Overall, these “venoms” won’t put you in danger but Dr. Stephen Schleicher says “Yes, these products have potential, but until valid scientific studies are performed best to spend your money elsewhere”.

 

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Does sunscreen expire or become ineffective with age?

 

Sunscreens are designed to stay “fresh” for three years and the expiration date on the bottle is reliable.  It does depend on where the sunscreen has been sitting since last summer, though.  If you find a bottle in car, toss it.  The active ingredients in sunscreen can break down in the heat.  And if your sunscreen doesn’t have an expiration date, you probably shouldn’t take the chance that it’s still good. 

 

But what’s most important is that you are USING the sunscreen.  You need about an ounce to cover your face and body and you should reapply sunscreen every two hours.  If you use that formula, you shouldn’t have an old sunscreen after the summer, so you don’t have to worry about it expiring.

 

 

How often should you change your pillowcase?

 

Well, if you didn’t change it last week or this week, your skin could be in trouble… depending on your skin type that is.  Ask the Derm’s Dr. Stephen Schleicher says the answer to that question revolves around just how dirty your facial skin is and if you wash it before you go to bed.  But first, do you have the right type of pillowcase?  There are certain types you should avoid.

 

The next time you go linen shopping, you may want to reconsider buying high thread count sheets.  The higher the threat count, the more your sheets will irritate your skin.  Your skin needs oxygen so that the pores can be opened.  With higher thread counts less oxygen will pass through the pillow and it will create a shelf of sweat, dead skin cells, oils, pet dander and dust mites leading to more possible skin issues.

 

It’s best to avoid having a pillowcase made out of a course, sweaty material or that doesn’t breathe or dry easily, such as rayon or polyester.  Fibers which do not allow the skin to “breathe” and sweat cause sweat retention which will in turn cause your pores to clog.

 

Overall, Dr. Steve says for the average person without any major issues with the face, Dr. Steve recommends changing your pillowcase once a week.  For those with acne, oily-prone skin, you may want to change it every other day and with particularly bad acne every night.

 

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Retinol…. Retin-A… Retin what??

 

As you age, fine lines and wrinkles begin to form.  Sorry, but it’s the truth and on top of that, your skin also loses its smoothness and elasticity.  Skincare and drug companies have worked feverishly to develop products that will reverse these signs of aging.  These products contain derivatives of vitamin A.  The two popular forms are retinol and Retin-A (which is a brand name for tretinoin).  These retinoids are often believed to be interchangeable, but there are some very important differences.

 

The biggest difference between Retinol and Retin-A is how they are formulated.  Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A and can be found naturally in the body.  It is usually added to other ingredients in order to create creams and serums that can be applied directly to facial wrinkles.  Retinol is the most common form of vitamin A used in over-the-counter skin care products, in concentrations of .075 to 1 percent.  It is much weaker than its prescription retinoids.  Unless vitamin A is listed as one of the top five ingredients and the product is packaged in an airtight opaque bottle (need to prevent oxidation), what you’re getting might not be all that effective.

 

While Retin-A is not a natural form of vitamin A and is created synthetically in labs where skincare products are developed.  Retin-A, as previously mentioned, is the brand name for tretinoin.  Unlike Retinol, it is only available by prescription. 

 

Both work in the same way; by speeding up cell turnover, which means that they both encourage dead and dying skin cells to slough away from the surface more quickly, causing new growth underneath to be revealed at a faster rate.  They are also both used for acne treatment as well as for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles because when dead and dying cells are shed from the surface of the skin more quickly, clogged pores are cleared away as well.  Retin-A also keeps dead skin cells from sticking together and clogging pores, which means that existing acne is cleared away more quickly and new breakouts are prevented.

 

Both Retinol and Retin-A have similar side effects that include stinging and redness at the point of application, peeling, burning, itching and flaking.  You may also see a temporary increase in acne breakouts if you are using either one to treat this problem however, these symptoms should resolve in a few weeks and then start to see improvement.

 

Most importantly, no retinoid products should be used by pregnant women or those that are breastfeeding.  And remember, before you shop for skincare products and try to figure out the Retinol and Retin-A dilemma, you should work closely with your dermatologist in order to make an informed decision and how these two ingredients are formulated and which would be best for your skin.

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6 Products for your face

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Is your medicine cabinet bursting with the latest and greatest skincare products??  Well get ready to get your mind BLOWN because you have probably been spending money and space on products you simply don’t need.  Ask the Derm has the 6 products you need to keep your face in tip top shape and how to use them!!

 

1.  Cleanser  - We all know washing your face is important, but you need to be careful what you wash it with.  Ask the Derm suggest a mild cleanser both in the morning and at night.  You need to be extra thorough at night to get off all the day’s makeup and germs.  If you are having trouble finding a mild cleanser, please check out our DermDox Formulations.  We have a great All-Clear Gentle Cleanser that works for all skin types.  We also offer DoxMax Acne Wash for those with acne-prone skin.

 

2.  Exfoliate - It’s important to remember to this, but also important to not do it too often.  Ask the Derm recommends twice a week.  You should use an enzyme exfoliator which won’t be too aggressive on your skin.   We realize this seems counter-intuitive, but you don’t want to beat your skin up, you just want to shed the dead skin.

 

3. Toner - Toner used to be a MUST and it still does have benefits, but if you have dry or regular skin, toner isn’t something you need to do.  For those with oily skin, Ask the Derm does recommend using it once a day after the cleanser.

 

4.  Cream/Serum - Ask the Derm recommends using this at night and making sure it contains Retinol if concerned about wrinkles.

 

5.  Moisturizer - You should moisture your skin after the cleanser, toner and serum (at night).  Ask the Derm recommends a non-comedogenic moisturizer if you have dry skin.  These are formulated to minimize the clogging of the pores.  For those with oily skin be aware of how much you’re using and apply a thin layer.  DermDox Formulations offers a Gly-Juva Smoothing lotion that is non-comedogenic, and lightweight with high powered hydrators.

 

6.  Sunscreen - This is a MUST, especially if your moisturizer doesn’t already contain it.  Ask the Derm recommends applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 and to reapply as the day wears on.  If you are worried about slathering it on during the day, there are powder sunscreens available.

 

 

5 Questions You Should Definitely Ask the Derm

 

When was the last time you saw your dermatologist?  While we recommend scheduling a visit once a year (or more if you see something suspicious on your skin), most people probably don’t.  It’s important to not only go regularly, but when you do go, be prepared with some key questions to make the most of your visit.  Here are five questions you don’t want to skip.

 

1.  What is this?

We believe that when in doubt get it checked out, but if you have a rash, bump or nodule that doesn’t go away on its own in a month, it is DEFINITELY time to ask the question.  Most bug bites or pimples generally resolve within a month whereas a more serious condition will not.  A skin condition that persists or gets worse could indicated a skin disease and require treatment.

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2.  Is my skincare routine working for me?

Your Dermatologist’s job is to look carefully at your skin and analyze it.  From aging to rosacea, dry skin to acne, a dermatologist can help you tweak your skincare routine to fit your exact needs.

 

3.  Where is the sun damage?

You may already be aware of spots that show sun damage, but what about where you can’t see.A Dermatologist can help point out places you may not be able to easily see or think to check.Your scalp, ears and feet are all areas that are frequently unprotected from the sun and can be missed when checking for sun damage.

 

4.  Do any of my moles look suspicious?

It’s important to have a Dermatologist thoroughly check to see if your moles might be troubling.  Don’t forget the ABCDE’s of skin cancer.  A – Asymmetrical ; B – Border ; C – Colors ; D – Diameter ; E – Evolved.

 

5.  Are there any new treatments that might be good fit for my skin?

There are always new treatments coming out for skincare, but that doesn’t mean they are the right move for your skin.  Take advantage of Dermotologist’s expertise.  He/She will know what treatments will or won’t work best for your skin.

 

5 Things to know if you have Eczema

 

Eczema is very common with over 30 million Americans having some form of it.  In many cases, it’s also manageable.   It’s most common for babies and children to develop eczema on their face, but it can appear anywhere on the body.  While some children continue to experience eczema into adulthood, it will go away for others as they get older.  Now adults can develop it too, even if they never had it as a child.  The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone.  Here are 5 things to know if you have eczema.

 

1.  Don’t soap up EVERY DAY!

While your face, underarms and groin need soap every day, the remainder of the body does NOT and can actually lead to your skin drying out even more.  Use mild soaps every other day.

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2.  Soak, smear, THEN dry

Apply your moisturizer when your skin is WET, so it locks in the moisture.

   

3.  Avoid sugar

Studies show consuming too much simple sugar may negatively affect your body’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses, including eczema.

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4.  Humidify your bedroom at night

It will help maintain a good moisture level in the air, which will calm your skin, which means you’re preventing flare-ups.

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5.  Avoid fragranced products

The fragrance in the product may make you smell pretty, but it may also make you itch.

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The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone.  The only way to know if you have it for sure is to visit your doctor.

5 Things to know if you have Eczema

 

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The ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer - Moles or Melanoma Recognition

 

It’s important to check your skin for suspicious moles once a month.  Self-exams can help identify potential skin cancer early, when they can almost always be cured.   This is why learning the ABCDE’s for skin cancer and moles is so important.  This system provides an easy way to recognize moles and growths that might be cancerous.

 

A – Asymmetry

Normal moles or freckles are completely symmetrical. If you were to draw a line through a normal spot, you would have two symmetrical halves. In cases of skin cancer, spots don't look the same on both sides.

 

B – Border

A mole or spot with blurry and/or jagged edges.

 

C – Color

A mole that is more than one hue is suspicious and needs to be evaluated by a doctor. Normal spots are usually one color. This can include lightening or darkening of the mole. Melanoma cells usually continue to produce melanin, which accounts for the cancers appearing in mixed shades of tan, brown and black.

 

D – Diameter

If it is larger than a pencil eraser (about 1/4 inch or 6mm), it needs to be examined by a doctor. This includes areas that do not have any other abnormalities (color, border, asymmetry). But, don't be fooled by size alone - it can be smaller.

 

E – Elevation/Evolving

Elevation means the mole is raised above the surface and has an uneven surface. Looks different from the rest or changing in size, shape, color.

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In addition, there are other features of melanoma such as surface changes (bleeding, oozing, flaking) or signs of itchiness, pain, or tenderness. After examining the mole, if your doctor thinks the mole is a melanoma, then a biopsy will be performed for further analysis.

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Basically, any mole or growth that is CHANGING needs to be checked by a physician and if you see one or more of these make an appointment with your physician immediately.

 

Skincare tips for the changing weather

 

These days the weather changes faster than Usain Bolt runs the 100 meters.  One day you are in flip flops, the next minute you are putting on a bulky sweater.  But this weather whiplash isn’t just causes wardrobe changes, it’s also hitting your skin.

 

Drastic flip flopping temperatures not only confuse us on what to clothes to wear each day, but it also confuses the skin.  Consider your skin like a spring flower.  The 70-degree weather in February may cause that daffodil to bloom earlier than it should.  The same goes for your skin especially when the next day the temperature plummets back to the 30’s. 

 

The warm and wet air will add some moisture to your skin, but the drastic temperature difference from one day to the next may adversely affect your skin.  Skin may dry out and become itchy very quickly especially with your hands.  If you suffer from Eczema your skin’s reaction to the temperature changes may be even worse. 

 

So what can you do?? 

Ask the Derm says when the temperature changes, check out your cleanser first.  Some cleansers may prove too harsh in colder weather.  Cold weather dries skin out, while the warmer weather is much kinder. When frigid, moisturize more frequently. And when sunny and gorgeous enjoy the outdoors but don’t forget your sunscreen.

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5 Tips to Beautiful Skin Most Dermatologists won’t tell you, but Ask the Derm will!!

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Having beautiful skin doesn’t have to be reserved for people who can spend big bucks in the department store.  There are 5 simple tips most dermatologists won’t tell you, but Ask the Derm will.

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1)    Sugar math
Watch how much high glycemic foods you eat including fruit.  The sugar math is simple…   
Sugar → Insulin
Insulin → Oil-producing hormones
Oil-producing hormones → Acne  
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Sugar = Acne

 

2)    Eat Vitamin C
Vitamin C can help create collagen and attacks free radicals.  Collagen fills in those fine line and wrinkles.  Now be aware how you are eating your Vitamin C.  You don’t want to consume too much sugar (please see #1).

 

3)    Get the RIGHT sun exposure
Getting sun exposure is important, but only if it’s the right one.  UVB rays are the ones that will help you produce Vitamin D.  UVA rays are responsible for sunburn, wrinkles and dry skin.  Make sure your sunscreen blocks those UVA rays.  Also, make sure you are wearing that sunscreen even in the car because UVA rays can pass through glass.  A good sunscreen doesn’t nanoparticles and stay away from sprays because it’s difficult to apply evenly.

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4)    Use the speaker
Plan on being on that phone for a while… then use that headset.  Heat and sweat are two things you generally want to avoid if you have acne prone skin, so having a phone pressed to your face isn’t the best idea if you want beautiful skin.

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5)    Moisturize from the inside
Everyone knows about slathering on moisturizer, but you can also moisturize your skin from the inside.  Omega-3 supplement or foods high in fatty acids can hydrate your skin and prevent inflammation.  So enjoy an avocado every once and a while.
 

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5 MORE Things Most Dermatologists won’t tell you… but Ask the Derm will!!

  

#1) Use the Men’s formula

Ladies, if you are losing your hair simply apply men’s Rogaine 5% minioxidil formula.  You may be surprised to find out the women’s version is only 2% minoxidil.

 

#2) Drinking 8 glasses of water is NOT going to hydrate your skin

Yes, you need to drink water, but you don’t need to drink it to hydrate your skin.  Your skin is affected by your environment.  So, if you live in a humid area, your skin will be plumped up no matter how much water you drink.  If you live in a dry heat, you could drink water all day and your skin will still be dry.

 

#3) Working out will make you fitter, but sadly NOT make you look younger

Thinner and more athletic people over age 40 have less fat under their skin and can look older than overweight people.

 

#4) Skin cracking in between your toes?

Sorry to tell you this but it isn’t dry skin.  Chances are that cracked skin is caused by fungus.  Over-the-counter creams will clear it up. 

 

#5) Shave every day or NEVER

Yes, you read that correctly.  If shaving bumps are wreaking havoc on your skin you probably choose to shave every OTHER day.  Well you are actually making it worse.  Shaving every other day causes the most problems because the hairs get long enough to curl back in.  So we say shave every day or never.

 

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5 Things Most Dermatologists won’t tell you… but Ask the Derm will!!

 

#1)  I can tell how you sleep

No, I really can.  Did you know if you sleep on your side or your stomach you will create a furrow on one side of your face.  Ask the Derm recommends you sleep on your back to minimize wrinkles.

 

#2) Sleeping with EVERYTHING you touched

That just sounds gross doesn’t it, but it’s true.  If you hit your pillow at night without washing, every SINGLE thing you came into contact with that day is on your skin.  Ask the Derm recommends you keep a box of alcohol-free towelettes by your bed.  So if you are ever too tired to lather up you can just wipe off your face.

 

#3) Squeaky-clean is NOT good

Have you ever washed your face and it’s felt squeaky-clean??? STOP right now!!  It’s NOT a good thing!  Any product that makes you feel like that is actually stripping out all the moisture.  If you have dry or sensitive skin, Ask the Derm recommends washing with gently or moisturizing cleanser, not soap.

 

#4) Ditch the magnifying mirror

A magnifying mirror may be better to SEE your face, but it may also cause you to PICK your face.  Picking at your face is the WORST thing you can do.  If you have acne, think of your face as a no-fly zone for your hands.

 

#5) Go to the drugstore FIRST

We all want to fight aging, but at what price?  Ask the Derm recommends you try to the drugstore brand anti-aging creams FIRST.  The brands you find at the drugstore have the same active ingredients and can be just as effective as products that cost four to ten times as much at a department store.

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A Green Christmas tree can mean red skin

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Are you itching to deck those halls??  Well, the last thing you want to is be itching when you are finished.  Handling Christmas trees can leave many with red and irritated skin.  Many trees are sprayed with preservatives or a coating that can irritate the skin, while some other people are irritated by pine needles.

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It happens almost immediately and has a very simple name, contact irritation.  Ask the Derm’s Dr. Stephen Schleicher says the treatment is just as simple as its name and says as soon as you see the red blotches or start to itch get yourself to the sink and wash your skin thoroughly.

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Dr. Steve says that while the tree is usually the most obvious culprit for holiday decorating itchiness, there may be something lurking in your decorations.  He says “many people keep decorations in the attic where they can collect dust mites which can also cause skin problems.”   He advises people with sensitive skin take extra precautions and wear gloves when trimming the tree or digging out those decorations.   

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While Dr. Steve says these are usually mild irritations, he says if avoiding contact and washing with mild soap doesn’t help or if the rash does not appear until a day or two after contact, it may be a sign of a more serious condition and you should contact your doctor.

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If you have a question you would like answered, Ask the Derm DIRECTLY!  Email Dr. Steve directly and get your questions answered.  Email him now!!  sschleicher@dermdoxcenters.com