I’m sure you’ve noticed that as we get older, the appearance and physical qualities of our skin change.

With time, the skin loses its underlying layers of fat, and the production of collagen and elastin fibers slows. Unfortunately, this causes the skin to lose its fullness; it starts the sagging process.

The 6 Basics of Aging Skin

1. Gray Hair:
   Hair loses pigment and turns gray or white hairs.
   
2. Spots on Skin:
   Aging skin develops darkened spots called lentigines.
   
3. Thinning Skin:
   Aging skin becomes thinner.
   
4. Dry & Itchy Skin:
   Aging skin becomes drier and susceptible to itching.
   
5. Noticeable Blood Vessels:
   Aging skin loses underlying fat, leading to hollowed areas near the eyes and cheeks. This loss of fat also causes tendons and blood vessels in the hands to become more noticeable.
   
6. Lines & Wrinkles:
   Aging skin develops fine lines and wrinkles.
   

These changes are slow and continuous, starting in our twenties.

The pace of aging is due to a combination of genes (our inherited tendency) and external factors, such as tanning and exposure to sunlight and its ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and smoking.

A few minutes of sun exposure each day can cause noticeable changes to the skin over time. “Photoaging” describes sun-related skin damage. In sunny climates, photoaging may be seen in people as early as in their twenties.

To minimize the premature aging of the skin, practice sun protection habits. If you are a smoker, you may see improvement in your skin after quitting, even if you have smoked for many years.

Aging skin should be examined regularly for precancerous and cancerous lesions. Doing this at home is referred to as a skin self-exam.

Have you ever heard of the term “Chemical Peel”?

Have you ever had one?

To help clients be better familiar with some of the services we offer at our Utah medical spa, we hope this information will be useful.

During a chemical peel, chemical solutions of varying strengths are carefully brushed onto the skin.

The chemicals remove skin cells on the surface of the skin and stimulate the production of new skin cells below. This leaves the skin smoother, less wrinkled, and more youthful in appearance.

Chemical peels can be used effectively for a wide range of skin conditions.

Why Get a Chemical Peel?

• Helps with fine lines and wrinkles
• Helps reduce uneven pigmentation
• Treats shallow acne scars
• Assists with sun-damaged skin
• Treatment for age spots
• Freckling

Before

After

Chemical peeling can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, or legs. It is most effective at changing the appearance on the surface of the skin. Effects of aging in deeper tissues, such as drooping eyelids and loose skin below the chin, must be treated with other procedures.

Chemical peels are categorized by how deeply the chemicals penetrate the skin: superficial, medium, or deep. Superficial peels use mild chemicals, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, which penetrate only the uppermost layer of the epidermis. Medium and deep peels use stronger agents.

A superficial chemical peel is usually sufficient to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. These may be referred to as “lunchtime peels”. Patients with minimal skin damage often respond best to a series of superficial peels combined with a skin care regimen, including topical retinoids and daily sunscreen use.

A medium-depth peel is more effective for patients with moderate skin damage, including age spots, freckles, and actinic keratoses. It may be combined with another treatment such as laser resurfacing for maximum effectiveness.

Deep chemical peels may require bandages to be applied for 1-3 days following treatment. In addition, ointments and creams may be recommended to keep the skin moist. Cosmetics can be applied after about two weeks.

During treatment, most patients experience a warm sensation for about ten minutes, followed by some stinging. Anesthesia may be recommended for deep peels.

In general, the deeper the peel, the longer the recovery.  A superficial peel produces redness similar to mild sunburn and lasts 3 to 5 days. Medium or deep peels can make the skin look severely burned, sometimes with blistering and peeling for 7 to 14 days. You may be prescribed pain relievers to reduce the discomfort following a deep peel.

Following a treatment, treat your skin gently. Avoid sun exposure because the renewed skin will be tender and susceptible to injury.

Following a chemical peel, your new skin will be tighter, smoother, and perhaps slightly lighter in color than before surgery.

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Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.

People have a lot of random ideas about skin care in Utah. Many of these skin care myths are quite a bit out there.

What are a few skin care myths you’ve heard recently? Did you believe them?

False skin care concepts cause a lot of bad skin health decisions and horrible monetary choices. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid these difficulties without too much problem.

The Top 5 Skin Care Myths to Be Aware Of

1. Tanning is safe.

All the gorgeous girls with awesome tans would like to know that tanning is risk free. Unfortunately, the UV rays can actually be fatal and hugely damaging, especially to your skin. This can create early wrinkles, cancer, and infection.

2. Skin care problems can be erased swiftly.

Unfortunately, some conditions are chronic, meaning that their healing process is sluggished and methodical. Luckily, they can still be take off, so commitment and control will help explain these evils.

3. Dry Skin creates wrinkles.

Although crumpled skin looks nicer when moisturized, there is zero proof that shows that the moisturizer will actually stop old wrinkles.

4. Males do not have as many skin problems as girls.

Guys have just as many wrinkles as ladies and get other skin care difficulties just as often. It is more common that women are more fretting about their appearance, so they speak about and spread these myths a lot more. Wonder what Michael Jackson thought about this skin care myth?

5. Acne is generated by your food.

Acne is created by oils and clogging of the pores. Food products can not create these issues, unless you massage your face with the grease from tons of these products. However, consuming these products directly will not create the skin difficulties you presently are faced with.

How many of these skin care myths have you heard?

Have you been looking for a quality Utah dermatologist?

What are factors you consider in your search?

As I’m sure you already know, dermatologists are doctors that treat a variety of skin conditions.  As you look for the right dermatologist in Utah, here are some important factors to consider:

Utah Dermatologist: 4 Factors to Consider

1. The level of comfort you have when speaking with the doctor.
2. The doctor should treat you with respect.
3. The doctor should be willing to listen to all of your issues to come up with a solution that will make you happier.
4. You want a doctor that will promptly return your calls and answer all of your questions.

Dermatologists in Utah treat conditions such as acne, rashes, questionable moles or cosmetic procedures. Acne is often bothersome and can make you feel self-conscious. It is in your best interest to consult a dermatologist to help alleviate the symptoms and avoid unnecessary self-consciousness.

Usually, people who look for dermatology treatments are those who have a bothersome skin condition or wish to improve their appearance with a wrinkle reducer or collagen filler application. For acne, the problems can include blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pimples. A dermatologist will examine the problem and decide on a treatment. Rashes can require a number of follow up visits as they may be difficult to diagnose right away, require biopsies and possibly allergy testing.

For those with a rash, it can be difficult to show the problem to someone and if it is in private areas the patient can feel awkward.

We look forward to working with you and taking care of your dermatology needs.

How often do you check for new or odd shaped moles?

When was the last time you had a complete skin examination by a Utah skin care professional?

Are moles something that worry you?

The “ABCDs of Melanoma Detection”

Do not use the following pictures to try to diagnose melanoma yourself. Pictures are useful examples, but they cannot take the place of a Utah skin doctor’s examination.

A for Asymmetry:

Does one half of a mole look different from the other?

B for Border:

Is the edge (border) of the mole ragged, notched, or blurred?

C for Color:

Does the mole have a variety of hues or colors within the same lesion? (The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown, and tan may be present. Areas of white, grey, red, pink, or blue also may be seen.)

D for Diameter:

There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (1/4 inch or 5 millimeters).

Melanomas can vary greatly in how they look. Many show all of the ABCD features. However, some may show changes or abnormalities in only one or two of the ABCD features.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people perform a skin self-exam once a month.

The best time to examine your skin is immediately after a shower or bath. Check your skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look and feel like. Have someone you trust help by examining hard-to-see areas.

Check for anything new:

• A sore that does not heal
• A new mole (that looks abnormal)

Have you ever wondered why your skin is so dry in Utah?

Many of our clients, especially those who have lived in other parts of the country, visit us because of complications with dry and cracked skin.

Dry skin, also referred to as xerosis, is itchy and irritating. Dry skin results from the loss of oils (sebum) in the skin that serve as a natural moisturizer. This may occur with excessive bathing (particularly with hot water), low humidity (in desert climates like Utah or cold winter weather), advancing age, or the use of drying soaps (antibacterial, deodorant soaps, Ivory).

In addition, several skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, lead to dry skin.

The tendency for dry skin runs in families and is usually a recurring problem, especially in winter. Because of this seasonal occurrence, it is sometimes referred to as “winter itch.”

It is important to regularly apply a moisturizer when your skin becomes dry. Moisturizer is best applied within 3 minutes after a shower or bath when your skin is still damp, but not wet.

Use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizers. The drier the skin, the “thicker” the moisturizer should be. For some people with very dry skin, petrolatum (Vaseline) is quickly absorbed and may be required to sufficiently moisturize the skin. Other effective moisturizers that are readily available include:

• CeraVe
• Cetaphil
• Eucerin
• Aquaphor

In severe cases, your Utah skin doctor may recommend a urea- or lactic-acid-based product.

© 2008 – 2010 Vivacare.

In our last article, we talked about how to treat the irritating skin condition of eczema in Utah.

We talked about how the goals of eczema treatment are to heal the skin, prevent new flare-ups, and reduce the urge to scratch, which can lead to even greater problems.

We now want to discuss medications you can use to treat eczema.

Eczema Medications

Topical corticosteroids

Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to calm the irritation from an eczema or atopic dermatitis flare. These anti-inflammatory medications are available in various strengths, with “super potent” being the strongest. The more potent, the greater the risk of side effects.

Mild or acute cases of atopic dermatitis usually respond well to mild corticsteroids. Severe or chronic atopic dermatitis, with skin thickening, or on the palms or soles, may require more potent corticosteroids.

If topical corticosteroids are used for too long or inappropriately, they can cause side effects such as thinning of the skin, or become absorbed into the blood.

Use only mild corticosteroids on delicate areas like the face, groin, underarms, and genitals. Potent formulations should only be used for a few weeks at a time and never on wounds or skin that is thinned from overuse. Potent corticosteroids should be used with special care in children.

In general, moderate-to-potent corticosteroids are recommended for use on thick lesions for a limited time.

Calcineurin Inhibitors (Elidel, Protopic)

Calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), also called “topical immunomodulators”, are a type of medication applied to the skin that can help control the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and reduce the need for topical corticosteroids. They are a useful alternative for sensitive locations, such as the face and skin folds. They are generally effective and well tolerated.

There are currently two FDA-approved topical immunomodulators for treating atopic dermatitis: Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus). Both work by reducing inflammation and other symptoms of atopic dermatitis.  These medicines have fewer side effects than topical corticosteroids, but it has been theorized that they may lead to an increase risk of skin cancer.

Antihistamines (Benadryl, Atarax)

Oral antihistamines help reduce the itching and scratching of eczema that can further damage the skin. They are often recommended for use at night to help prevent scratching during sleep, and some people find them too sedating for use during the day.

Antibiotics

Bacteria, such as staph, can live on the surface of skin without causing any problems. However, at times, these bacteria can trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups or prevent inflamed skin from healing.

Topical antibiotics are useful because they can be applied directly to an inflamed area. However, an oral antibiotic, such as cephalexin or erythromycin, may be recommended if larger areas are inflamed or appear infected,

Oral corticosteroids

Short courses of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may help control a severe case quickly. Risks of this treatment include a rebound of symptoms and side effects such as dizziness or fatigue. The medication is usually limited to a few weeks and the dosage is often tapered off.

Immunosuppressive drugs

When atopic dermatitis fails to respond to any other therapies, immunosuppressive drugs may be recommended to calm the immune system. These include cyclosporine, methotrexate, azathioprine, and mycophenolate (Cellcept).

© 2010 Vivacare. Last updated October 1, 2010.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

Happy Holidays from your Utah skin care professional!

We’ve seen quite a few cases of eczema during the holiday season due to the change in air condition and temperature.

How to Treat Eczema

There are several options for eczema or atopic dermatitis treatment.

We recommend an eczema treatment plan based on several variables including:

• the type or cause of your eczema
• the location of the rash (face vs. knee)
• the severity of eczema and its impact
• the duration of symptoms (acute vs. chronic). Long-lasting symptoms may require more potent eczema medications.
• Results from previous treatments
• Your personal preferences

The goals of eczema treatment are to heal the skin, prevent new flare-ups, and reduce the urge to scratch, which can lead to even greater problems.

Eczema treatment may need to be sustained for many months to bring it under control, and eczema treatments often need to be repeated.

There are a variety of eczema medications available. These can be categorized as follows:

• Topical corticosteroids
• Calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel, Protopic)
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Oral corticosteroids (prednisone)
• Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine)

Eczema and Skin Care

It is critical that basic skin care measures be maintained in order to keep atopic dermatitis under control. Basic steps include avoiding substances that trigger eczema, selecting and using appropriate skin care products and frequent moisturizing.

Moisturizers for Eczema

One of the most important steps for treating and managing atopic dermatitis is to use a moisturizer. Moisturizers provide a layer of protection from irritants, trap moisture in the skin, help restore the skin barrier, and improve the skin’s appearance.

Regular use of a moisturizer for eczema may reduce the need for other medicines.

Moisturizers are best applied at least twice a day within 3 minutes after a bath, shower, or swim.

When choosing an eczema moisturizer, look for a hypoallergenic and ointment-based product. Thicker moisturizers will protect the skin longer than lighter lotions. Avoid moisturizers containing alcohol, fragrances, or other chemicals that can irritate the skin. Even seemingly harmless substances like glycerin can dry the skin of people with atopic dermatitis.

Brand names of frequently recommended moisturizers include:

• CeraVe
• Cetaphil
• Eucerin
• Aquaphor
• Vaseline Petroleum Jelly—-though thick, it is quickly absorbed by very dry skin

Before applying the moisturizer for eczema, use tepid water and a gentle cleanser to remove dead skin cells. Do not scrub or rub excessively. Apply the moisturizer immediately afterward while the skin is still damp.

Remember to use plenty of moisturizer to keep atopic dermatitis at bay, especially in children. Keeping a child’s skin sufficiently moisturized could require as much as 1-2 bottles of moisturizer per week. Adults will need even more.

Bleach Baths

Bleach baths may be recommended for some individuals, particularly children, to help keep eczema under control and to reduce the chance of developing skin infections, such as impetigo.

What causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs because of clogged pores that result from an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance secreted from the sebaceous glands under the skin of the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest. Acne in teenagers is most common because of the hormonal activity of puberty, which stimulates sebum production.

How is acne different in boys?

In most teens, acne starts with the onset of puberty, a time of increased hormonal activity. In boys, puberty starts later than it does in girls, so boys typically get acne at a later age.

Another key difference is that boys have more androgens, a type of hormone associated with male characteristics (deeper voice, body hair). Androgen stimulates the sebaceous glands, making it a chief culprit in boys’ acne.

Boys are more likely to get acne on the chest and back, and their acne tends to be more severe and long-lasting.

Boys who shave may also be at a higher risk for acne flares, especially if using dull, low-quality razors or not using shaving cream.

Finally, boys tend to be less likely to use acne skin care products than girls, so they may not be aware of the topical treatments available for acne. They may also be less likely to seek help for their acne.

Did you know that the largest human organ is the Integumentary system?

More commonly referred to as skin, its importance is often times overlooked. Skin is frequently associated with beauty, probably because it is the most visible part of our body. Any irregularities are often times found to be a turnoff and aesthetically displeasing. However, the skin has a more useful function that that of deciding who is and who is not attractive. It is the first line of defense against bacteria and germs. For these reasons, it is essential to take care of one’s skin, and to find a good Utah dermatology center for the best treatment.

How to Find a Utah Dermatologist

• Referrals. Asking friends and family or even your family doctor is always a good way to find out basic information about Utah dermatology centers. They may also be able to discuss the conditions of the facilities and they can describe the health professionals working at that center.
• Online Search. It is interesting to note that many dermatology centers have their own websites. A simple internet search can show the location of local centers. Going over their websites may also help in providing in-depth and simple data about the place.
• Advertisements. Magazines and newspapers may be advertising some dermatology centers. Usually, basic information is displayed in the advertisements, along with recommendations.

Making a Commitment

What things should you be aware of before you make the commitment to a specific Utah Dermatologist?

• Personal experience with that establishment is a must. One can visit the dermatology center and ask an agent to provide a tour and answer any unanswered questions.
• It should be remembered that the information being gathered does not have to all originate from agent. Make use of observations made while exploring the center. For example, the cleanliness and sanitation of the hospital should be scrutinized.
• Professionalism of the workers can also be measured based on how they work and conduct themselves. Time can also be spent in examining the legitimacy of the health professionals working there. Licenses, permits, and even college diplomas of the doctors should be inspected to see how valid they are as health practitioners.

After all the research on the different dermatology centers, the client should decide which center is best for them. This includes setting one’s price range, and basic needs. If the client is looking for a dermatology center for simple skin care, like acne treatment, a high-end, exclusive center might not be necessary for them. However, if someone has a chronic skin disease that needs plenty of treatment, they should consider a more expensive, and qualified place to seek treatment.

Finding a good dermatology center means finding a company that fits the need of the client. In addition, it should be remembered that the most important aspects to consider is how safe, clean, and reliable the center itself and the workers in it are.