Hormonal Breakouts

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Hormonal Breakouts

hormonal breakouts

Throughout adolescence nearly every woman deals with acne breakouts of some kind. And a common misconception is that they will eventually go away later in life. Unfortunately, that is not true, and acne breakouts can occur at any age.

The main reason for them to occur beyond adolescence can be attributed to hormones, and in women in particular, their menstruation cycle. Prior to menstruating, an imbalance in hormone levels can stimulate the sebaceous glands which in turn produces excess oil. This causes the pores in the skin to become clogged, leading to inflamed lesions on the skin. These hormone driven breakouts typically occur on the lower part of the face, around the jaw or chin area.

Although these breakouts are internally influenced, topical treatments are important to ensure that the condition is maintained and does not worsen. SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense is a great option because it helps decongest clogged pores and fight the formation of acne. Not only does it help with that, but it can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For more serious hormonal breakouts, providers may recommend certain contraceptive pills. This is due to the fact they can regulate hormone levels and prevent stimulation of the oil glands in the skin.

Unfortunately, the relationship between hormones and breakouts will always be prevalent, but there are options to keep the condition under control. Contact our office today if you believe you are experiencing hormonal breakouts.

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Posted in Dermatology

Tiger Woods Is Back…His Hair Not So Much

Tiger Woods’ epic comeback victory at the Masters yesterday captivated the nation. With it being his first win in a major since 2008, it’s been an incredible journey back to the top for golf’s biggest star. Despite all that he has endured, his hair loss has been something he has not been able to overcome.

Tiger Woods Hair Loss
Tiger Woods raises his hat showing off hair loss after winning the Masters

Showing signs of hair loss throughout the top of his scalp, he has somewhat retained his frontal hairline. This pattern is not typical and could possibly be the result of a prior hair transplant procedure. If that is the case, it looks as though proper consideration was not given towards future hair loss.

Either way, his situation looks to be perfect for the FUT hair transplant method. This is where a strip of hair bearing skin is removed from the back of the scalp, dissected into hair grafts, and then transplanted to areas of thinning or hair loss. With patients that have existing hair on top of their scalp like Tiger, it is important to take into account potential further loss. So, when transplanting to the recipient sites, it is crucial to place the grafts closely around and within the existing hairs (this must be done very carefully, as to not disturb them). In regards to hair transplantation, it is not only about how it looks in the present but how it will look in the future as well.

With Tiger’s recent improved play, it seems likely we will be seeing more of him without a hat raising a trophy, so why not improve the look of those victory pictures with a hair transplant.

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Posted in Hair Transplantation

Marionette Lines

Marionette lines can be described as wrinkles located at the outer corners of the mouth that extend down around the chin. Although they usually start out as fine lines, they can eventually become more apparent as someone ages and loses facial volume.

Marionette Lines

Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, are great options for marionette lines. Not only do they help improve the appearance of them, they also keep the skin in the area plump and moisturized. Best of all, results are clinically proven to last a year or more in patients. To learn more about Juvéderm and Restylane, contact our office today.

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Posted in Skin Care

Clarisonic Brush Cleaning Tips

So you picked up a Clarisonic Mia 2 from our office and now you’re wondering exactly how to clean the brush head. Here are some great tips from Dr. Robb on how to do just that:

1) Remove brush head by gently turning counter clockwise.

2) Gently rinse brush head in warm water.

3) Apply anti-bacterial soap to the brush head to clean the bristles. If necessary rinse out the interior of the brush under the sink or shower head. 

4) Reattach the brush head to the unit.  You are ready to sonic cleanse again!

Source: Blog.Clarisonic.com, “Ask Dr. Robb”

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Posted in Dermatology

Triggers of Rosacea

Rosacea woman

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness or blushing. Usually residing in the center of the face (nose and cheeks), it may spread to other areas of the face and body as well. There are many different things that can trigger a rosacea flare-up according to the National Rosacea Society and they include:

Foods
• Liver
• Yogurt
• Sour cream
• Cheese (except cottage cheese)
• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Soy Sauce
• Yeast extract (bread is ok)
• Vinegar
• Eggplant
• Avocados
• Spinach
• Broad-leaf beans and pods, including lima, navy or pea
• Citrus fruits, including tomatoes, bananas, red plums. raisins or figs
• Spicy and thermally hot foods
• Foods high in histamine

Beverages
• Alcohol, especially red wine, beer, bourbon, gin, vodka or champagne
• Hot drinks, including hot cider, hot chocolate, coffee or tea

Emotional Influences
• Stress
• Anxiety

Physical exertion
• Exercise
• “Lift and load” jobs

Temperature-related
• Saunas
• Hot baths
• Simple overheating
• Excessively warm environments

Weather
• Sun
• Strong winds
• Cold
• Humidity

Drugs
• Vasodilators
• Topical steroids

Medical conditions
• Frequent flushing
• Menopause
• Chronic cough
• Caffeine withdrawal syndrome

Skin care products
• Some cosmetics and hair sprays, especially those containing alcohol, witch hazel or fragrances
• Hydro-alcoholic or acetone substances
• Any substance that causes redness or stinging

Understanding what can cause a rosacea flare-up is key to prevention.Contact our office today for more information about this relatively common condition.

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Posted in Dermatology, Skin Care

How to Address Lip Lines

Lip lines can be described as folds or wrinkles that develop around or by the mouth. They can be caused from many years of smoking or prolonged exposure to the sun. With both of those things contributing to the breakdown of collagen (a naturally occurring protein found in the body that gives skin volume), those lip lines can become more prominent.

Here are a few tips to prevent and/or reduce lip lines:

Avoid smoking. This one may be listed above, but it is very important.

Avoid unnecessarily puckering lips. Puckering or pursing the lips (done when drinking through a straw or whistling) can actually cause lip lines to form.

Hydrate your lips from the inside and out. Try drinking lots of water and applying a lip balm. The PCA Skin Peptide Lip Therapy is a great option because the peptides it contains can help to stimulate collagen production in the lips, promoting a fuller, smoother appearance.

Try a treatment. Treatments such as injectable fillers, rf skin tightening, and chemical peels have been known to effectively smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Lip lines can be relatively tough to manage, so if possible, preventing them may be the best option. Learn more as to what options may be available for you by contacting our office today.

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Posted in Skin Care, Uncategorized

Sun Safety

Spring Sun Safety

Spring is almost here, and that means more time spent out in the sun. Since the sun is a major source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, exposure to it can pose serious risks to our skin.

Although there are three types of UV rays, UVA and UVB are of the most concern. UVA rays are long wavelengths that penetrate deep into the dermis causing skin aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are shorter wavelengths that are more superficial, causing damage in the form of redness and sunburns. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.

The first step you can take to protect your skin from these harmful rays is to use a broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum sunscreen. Make sure it’s an SPF of at least 30, combined with ingredients titanium and zinc dioxide. Reapply every two hours.

Next, avoid the sun and seek shade when the UV rays are strongest. This usually is between 10am and 2pm.

Lastly, try taking one aspirin an hour before going out in the sun to avoid a potential burn. If you do contract a sunburn however, try taking Advil or Motrin. This will help minimize the pain and inflammation associated with the burn.

These precautions will significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, while allowing for proper exposure to the sun. If you do notice anything suspicious on your skin, contact our office immediately. Early detection of skin cancer is crucial.

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Posted in Dermatology

Hairline Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a common treatment that permanently reduces the growth of unwanted hair. Usually addressing areas on the lower face or body, the hairline specifically has become a more popular treatment area as of late.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian had her hairline altered with laser hair removal a few years back, and it’s quite remarkable to see what a difference it made. As you can see before, baby hairs in the front left her hairline looking irregular and asymmetrical. After the treatment though, she obtained a cleaner, more uniform look.

Kim Kardashian Hairline Transformation
Reality TV Star Kim Kardashian showing off a different hairline.

“The hairline is important, it really frames the face” says Lisa S. Ball, NP nurse Lauren Paella. “I have a lot of patients lately wanting to come in to even out their hairline, it really can make a big difference.”

For laser hair removal in general, most areas need a minimum of 6-12 treatments. When it comes to the hairline however, a few more treatments are needed. This is because the hair there is much denser than others. Treatments are usually spaced 4-6 weeks apart until the hair growth cycle starts to slow. After that, maintenance treatments are done twice a year or until the patient is satisfied. It is also important to avoid sun exposure pre and post treatment.

As an effective option for reshaping the hairline, laser hair removal provides patients with optimal results. If you are interested in learning more about the process or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact our office today.

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Posted in Dermatology, Laser Hair Removal

Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Skin Care

hyaluronic acid skin care

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps retain moisture in the skin. As skin ages, the production of this natural moisturizer slows, dehydrating the skin, and causing it to lose elasticity. This is why using a product that contains hyaluronic acid is crucial in maintaining youthful-looking skin.

The PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum available at our office is a great option. Being one of the only hyaluronic acid serums for all skin types, this advanced formulation provides instant and long-lasting hydration. It does this on three levels: on the surface, deeper in the skin, and by increasing the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production. Regular use not only protects the skin’s natural collagen/elastin, but also defends against environmental damage.

To learn more about it, or any of the other skin care products containing hyaluronic acid we offer, contact our office today.

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Posted in Skin Care

Get Rid of Unwanted Hair With Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Body hair maintenance and removal has been commonplace among men and women alike for years. Having smooth, hairless areas on the body is ideal for many people. With recent advancements, specifically with laser treatment, the popularity and prevalence of hair removal has increased dramatically.

First introduced to the public in the mid 1990s, laser hair removal is a technique that uses beams of highly concentrated light to penetrate hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the dark pigment (melanin) within the hair follicles destroying them on contact. This causes a permanent reduction in the overall amount of hair growth. Due to the cycles that hair grows in, repeated treatments are necessary to effectively eliminate the hair follicles.

After treatment you may notice redness, sensitivity, small bumps (resembling shave bumps), but that will resolve on it’s own rather quickly. Most of the lasers used for this kind of treatment are equipped with a cooling device that reduces the discomfort from the laser light. With treatment done typically every four to six weeks, patients may need up to twelve treatments to see the full results.

Possessing precision and speed, laser treatment has proved to be the most effective and efficient means for hair removal. If you are interested in learning more about laser hair removal or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact our office today.

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Posted in Dermatology