Sun Safety Tips

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Sun Safety Tips

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Sun Safety Tips

Spring and summer are a great time to get out and get the daily recommended dosage of twenty minutes of sunlight for sufficient vitamin D production. Due to this, it’s also important to take the necessary precautions when protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

Application of sunscreen is critical, as the skin is susceptible to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. While repeated exposure to UVA and UVB (ultraviolet) rays without adequate protection can lead to skin cancer; if much of this UV damage comes before the age of 18, that can put an individual at risk for melanoma, which is the most serious one. For these reasons, the good actions to take are to, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, matched with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) reading that is the most suitable for your individual skin type.

To give a little more insight as to how much protection specific SPF readings provide, SPFs 15, 30, 50 will typically re-absorb 93% 97%, 98% of UV-B radiation respectively. Also, be sure to reapply periodically, it is recommended that one should use one quarter to one half of an 8 oz. bottle of sunscreen during a long day at the beach and thirty minutes before sun exposure.

If you already have sun damage on your skin, a great treatment option is photorejuvenation.  It removes redness and brown pigment by using light and heat to treat discolorations and promote collagen growth in your skin, stimulating fresh skin growth so that your skin tone becomes more even and develops a better, more youthful texture. It’s safe and effective, and in just a few sessions, there will be a noticeable improvement in your overall skin tone. Please call us at 716-688-0020 to get more information about treatment options.

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Contact Dermatitis

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs from exposure to a substance that irritates the skin. The effects are represented by redness and inflammation. This may be caused by certain soaps, deodorants, jewelry or even some plants.

The most infamous form of the condition stems from contact with Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy is a plant that secretes oil, which upon contact with the skin causes irritation leaving behind a rash. Although the rash is extremely uncomfortable, itching or scratching the infected area will cause the condition to worsen. Not only will the inflammation further increase, but it may also lead to scarring and darkening of the skin (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Within the first few days of contraction, the treatment methods tend to be more effective and efficient. For periods beyond that time, such as a week or two, options may include a topical steroid.

The most successful treatment options when dealing with any form of contact dermatitis include identifying what causes the reaction, avoiding it (if possible), and taking the corrective steps and it should improve within a few weeks. Although this condition can become quite serious it is not life-threatening, nor contagious. If you believe you may be experiencing contact dermatitis call our office immediately.

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Seal’s Skin Condition Uncovered

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Musician Seal has been entertaining audiences since the early ’90s with hits such as “Crazy” and “Kiss from a Rose,” but what the singer may be most well known for is the marks on his face. Those marks are a result of a skin condition known as discoid lupus erythematosus. This is where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue leading to long term inflammation causing sores. Generally affecting the skin above the neck, the sores can leave deep scarring.

Although no one knows exactly what causes the condition, there are ways to effectively manage it. Cortisone ointment and injections directed at the sores can help reduce the scarring associated with the condition. If you believe you may be suffering from discoid lupus erythematosus contact our office immediately.

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Garner Great Skin With Clarisonic

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

After watching the Oscars last night, it may seem like celebrity skin is the epitome of perfection, but don’t be fooled, they struggle with the same issues that everyone else does. Whether it’s acne or wrinkles, they are always looking for the latest trends or products to keep their skin looking fantastic.

Actress Jennifer Garner is no different. Her secret to keeping her blemishes at bay is the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System. It improves skin tone, reduces the appearance of pore size, and helps other skin care products work that much better. The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System utilizes a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften, and smooth the skin. In just a minute, it removes six times more makeup and twice as much dirt and oil than cleansing with just your hands.

Jennifer has reaped the benefits from using Clarisonic, you should too! Call our office today to get yours!

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The “ABCDE’s” of Melanoma

Posted on February 28, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Did you know that melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer? Although it is less common than other forms of skin cancer it can spread quickly and develop anywhere on the skin. The disease is caused from overexposure to sun or ultraviolet radiation, especially within people that have fair skin.
There are five major signs/symptoms to look for when determining if you may have some form of Melanoma. These are known as the ABCDE’s of Melanoma and they include:

A-Asymmetry: Early forms of melanoma are asymmetrical, meaning that you cannot draw a line down the middle and have equal parts on each side.

B-Borders: Uneven borders with irregularities or blurs.
melanoma borders

C-Color: Varying shades of brown, blue or black.
melanoma color

D-Diameter (size): Melanoma tend to be larger than normal moles, ones the size of a pencil eraser are something that you should look at closely.melanoma diameter

E-Evolving: Any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel.
melanoma evolving

If you are unsure if any of these signs pertain to you or notice that some might, do not hesitate to set up an appointment immediately at the Lisa S. Ball, NP Building.

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Introducing DermCare NP, Our Own Exclusive Skin Care Product Line

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Are you ready for beautiful, flawless skin? Introducing DermCare NP – a brand new skin care product line exclusively available at the Lisa S. Ball, NP Building.

With only the purest ingredients, DermCare NP is scientifically formulated to provide versatile skin solutions for all skin types. Currently, DermCare NP features six products:

  • Advanced Eye Restore + Lifting Cream – improves your skin from the inside out, resulting in profound hydration, helping to improve the appearance of skin texture and overall skin radiance.
  • Human Growth Factor Daily Serum – formulated to unlock your youth using a blend of peptides, regenerative cytokines and botanical extracts to promote beautiful, radiant and youthful skin.
  • Hydrating Cooling Mask – a unique medical grade gel mask that restores skin elasticity, structure and suppleness. Immediately, skin appears firmer, toned and sculpted as it hydrates and rebalances skins naturals oils.
  • Intensive Hydrating Serum – formulated with a high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and niacinamide to restore hydration, stimulates collagen and improves overall skin radiance. These ingredients help the skin’s appearance look plumper and fuller as the skin’s hydration is replenished.
  • Lash Enhancer Serum – achieve the look you’ve always wanted by transforming your eyes with this iconic eyelash serum. It works to enhance beauty and create red carpet looking lashes. Lash growth can be seen to improve within 28 days with once-a-day application.
  • Lifting + Firming Gold Mask – gives an immediate radiance boost for a plumper, fresher, brighter complexion. It minimizes irregularities, smooths skin tone, skin texture and softens lines and wrinkles, while it illuminates the skin appear. This lavish, pampering treatment helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful-looking complexion. Caffeine helps tighten and firm the look of skin, it re-energizes and helps reduce the aging effects of stress. The 24K gold imparts an opulent, radiant glow and locks in moisture for ultra-hydrated skin.

If you’re looking for safe, instantly effective products that deliver optimal results for all skin types, look no further than DermCare NP. To learn more about DermCare NP products call our office at 716-688-0020 today.

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Understanding Eczema

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Eczema is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by itchy red bumps on the skin. The skin starts out rather itchy (progressively becoming worse), thereafter developing into a rash. The rash tends to be very dry and scaly in appearance, but is not contagious.

Eczema

The exact cause of Eczema is unknown and can arise at any age. It is most prevalent in infants and young adults. It was recently reported that it is on the rise as the biggest skin disease for children nowadays. In older sufferers, eczema typically occurs on the hands or feet, but may appear anywhere on the body. Certain foods, allergens, or bacteria have been known to all be contributors to the condition.

Although there may be no cure for eczema, understanding certain irritants is crucial in prevention or re occurrence. If you believe you may be experiencing eczema contact our office at 716-688-0020 today. The earlier treatment is made, the more manageable the condition.

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Dreaded Locks

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

With dreadlocks rise in popularity, it is an increasingly common hairstyle to see nowadays. Many famous actors, musicians, and athletes wear the hairstyle and it is a big part of their look. As prominent as dreadlocks may be though, they do come at a price.Dreadlock_Hair_Loss

The process of this trendy look can be detrimental to the hair follicles because over time it twists, mats, and tangles the hair. This in turn, causes the rise of additional hair loss, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. This damage can be irreversible and lower the longevity of the hair follicles by years accelerating to hair that is in poor condition.

One of the most common forms of hair loss that can occur is traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a gradual form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles in the scalp become irritated due to a continual pulling force. This causes loss of hair in patchy areas, usually residing in the front of the hairline and behind the ears.  Other hairstyles that place a constant strain on the scalp such as braids, extensions, and even ponytails can also be responsible for the condition.

dreadlocks-hair-loss

Traction alopecia caused by dreadlocks

Although traction alopecia is categorized as a temporary form of hair loss, it can be permanent depending on the amount of damage done to the follicles.  If you believe you may be suffering from traction alopecia give our office a call right away as early diagnosis is important.

 

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The Benefits of Gold in Skin Care

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

Gold has long been a sign of beauty and elegance. Commonly used in jewelry, it is now becoming a popular skin care ingredient. Below are some benefits that it can have on your skin.51p8JLHJQCL._SY355_

•  Reduce wrinkles and fine lines.  Gold can increase the elasticity of your skin helping you to look younger.
•  Anti-aging benefits.  Reduces the likelihood of dryness and slows down the reduction of collagen in the skin cells.
•  Can lighten complexion.  It can enhance the appearance of the skin by minimizing irregularities and smoothing skin tone.
•  Treats age spots and sun damage.  Lessens the production of melanin in the body which is responsible for tanning of the skin when exposed to sunlight.

These reasons are all the more incentive to add gold to your skin care routine and now at the Lisa S. Ball, NP Building we exclusively offer the DermCare NP 24K Gold Mask. To learn more about it or to order yours, call 716-688-0020 today.

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The Health and Skin Benefits of Coconut Oil

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Lisa S. Ball, FNP

CocoCoconutnut oil is as unique a food as it is beautifying to our health.  The saturated fatty acids or saturated fats, in coconut oil were for a long time thought to contribute to heart disease and fat deposits in our arteries.  Recent studies have proven this to be untrue.  Studies have shown that total and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels of cholesterol are actually reduced while the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) are increased resulting in a lower risk for heart disease.

Other important health benefits we get from the saturated fatty acids in coconuts (accounting for 90% of the total fatty acids) are weight-loss and curative properties for certain brain disorders.  The fats in coconut oil are special because they are MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides) so they require more energy to burn in our body than the longer fat chains.  Some of this metabolic enhancement is also utilized when some of the fat is sent directly to the liver from the digestive tract for immediate energy use.  There it may be converted to a ketone which helps in reducing the risk for epilepsy (seizures) and alzheimers.

It is a natural appetite suppressant which is wonderful for keeping your heart healthy and your skin looking younger longer.

One of the most interesting medicinal uses for coconut oil is that it helps kill off pathogens such as fungi, viruses and bacteria.  The lauric acid (contained in 50% of fatty acids) in coconut oil turns into monolaurin (a monoglyceride); both help in killing the previously mentioned pathogens and keep our bodies away from harmful organisms.

For the hair and skin, topical application of coconut oil is great for refining our appearance.  Not only is coconut oil a natural sunscreen, blocking about 20% of UV rays.  It also helps the skin retain moisture and lipids.  When applied to the hair, the oil protects hair from damage by strengthening it; maybe even protected it from falling out.

Source: www.authoritynutrition.com

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