SKIN is the largest organ in your body.

Surprised?

Because of the dry air in Utah, it’s important to understand the basics of dry skin care in Utah County in order to revive the skin and give it the proper protection it needs.

Skin is all over you, providing a protective covering to your muscles and tissues. In today’s dry Utah environment where the weather and air quality change on a daily basis, our skin needs protection from harmful UV radiation, pollution, and dust.

Unfortunately, our skin takes the beating and protects our muscles, tissues, and various organs from getting directly impacted. This direct impact can lead to dry and itchy skin.

When we talk about dry skin care in Utah, most of us are reliant on only moisturizers because we think it’s logical to moisturize. Before we even go there, let’s first understand what causes dry skin.

Cause of Dry Skin in Utah

Our body produces natural oils and moisturizer to maintain a balance. If this oil is lost for any reason our skin becomes dry. The loss of oil could be because of cold weather, pollution in the environment, and exposure to dirt. This oil is used to keep the skin moist and also helps our skin maintain natural nutrients. When this oil is lost our skin becomes dry and itchy.

Dry skin care in Utah is not a very complex process to follow.

5 Natural Ways to Help Dry Skin in Utah

1. Stay away from skin care products that are not natural. 
These products might be manufactured using harmful chemicals or harsh chemicals that can further make your skin dry. Instead use natural skin care products
2. Use natural ways to moisturize the body. 
Drink ample amount of water to provide natural moisture
3. Avoid dry and harsh weather. 
Protect your skin from weather. Cover it properly if you are going out.
4. Avoid unnecessary prolonged hot showers. 
Long exposure to hot water washes the natural oils of our body.
5. Work with a Utah County dermatologist. We had to put this one in

Dry skin care is very easy if you follow these tips.

If aging skin is bothering you, there are a variety of treatments available to improve damaged & aging skin:

9 Essential Treatments for Aging Skin

1. Dermal fillers, or soft-tissue fillers, can be injected into the skin to fill out areas that look hollowed or wrinkled.
2. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that is injected into targeted facial muscles to prevent and correct wrinkles and other damage related to certain facial expressions (such as squinting or frowning).
3. Dermabrasion is a common treatment in which the top layer of skin is abraded so that a new, smoother layer grows in its place. It’s used for many skin conditions, including acne, skin cancer, and photoaging.
4. Chemical peels have many dermatological uses, including the treatment of wrinkles, age spots, and scars; a chemical solution is carefully applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers, leaving smoother contours and an improved appearance.
5. Laser resurfacing helps correct wrinkles and age spots through use of a laser that vaporizes damaged skin tissue.
6. Unwanted hair can be removed through one or more methods, including waxing, chemical depilation, electrolysis, or laser removal; for best results, all methods should be performed or supervised by an experienced dermatologist.
7. Liposuction is a way to reduce visible effects of aging by vaporizing and removing unwanted fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Common target areas include the face, chin, neck, hips, and buttocks.
8. Microdermabrasion gently scrapes away damaged and aging skin to trigger the growth of new layers.
9. Topical medications, such as topical retinoids, have been shown to reduce fine wrinkles, splotchy darkened areas, and signs of chronic sun exposure.
10. Over-the-counter products, such as moisturizers and “cosmeceuticals,” products containing agents designed to reduce the signs of aging, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or antioxidants.

These may be used alone or in combination for a more complete skin care regimen.

In helping you evaluate your treatment options, your physician will consider these factors:

• Areas to be treated
• Darkness of your skin
• Results of past treatments
• Personal preferences

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?

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.

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths.

Most skin cancers develop on the visible outer layer of the skin (the epidermis), particularly in sun-exposed areas (face, head, hands, arms, and legs). They are usually easy to detect by examining the skin, which increases the chances of early treatment and survival.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer, each named for the type of skin cell from which they originate. The majority of skin cancers fall into one of the following categories:

• Basal cell carcinoma (also called BCC) comes from the basal cells in lowest part of the epidermis. 80-85% of skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (also called SCC) comes from the skin cells (keratinocytes) that make up the top layers of the skin. About 10% of skin cancers are SCC.
• Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes, which create pigment called melanin that gives skin its color. 5% of all skin cancers are melanoma. Although less common, melanomas are a very dangerous type of skin cancer and are the leading cause of death from skin disease.

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are sometimes referred to as “non-melanoma skin cancer” to distinguish them from melanoma.

There are a variety of less common types of skin cancers, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and Merkel cell carcinoma.

Skin cancer is considered low risk when the affected cells remain clustered in a single group. It is considered high risk when the cells have invaded surrounding tissues. High risk forms of cancer require more aggressive treatments.

Almost all skin cancers start as a small, low-risk lesions, but can grow and become high-risk lesions if left untreated. Melanoma is the most alarming type because it has a higher risk of invading surrounding tissues or spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis) before being detected. Squamous cell and basal cell skin cancer are more likely to be detected and treated effectively before they become malignant.

If skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues, chances of a complete cure are excellent.

Precancerous skin lesions (precancers)

Skin cancer may often be preceded by lesions called pre-cancers. The most well-known of these lesions is called actinic keratosis (AKs).

An actinic keratosis is considered an early form of squamous cell carcinoma. An actinic keratosis, a new or changing mole (nevi), and other unusual lesions on your skin should be carefully monitored and brought to the attention of your doctor.

Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) is a potentially dangerous prescription medicine that should only be taken under the close supervision of your healthcare professional and pharmacist. If you are pregnant or may get pregnant, isotretinoin (Accutane) can cause birth defects, miscarriage, premature births, and death in babies. (Isotretinoin is sold under the brand name of Accutane and in generic versions called Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.)

Buying this product over the Internet bypasses important procedures to ensure that patients can take this drug safely. When these procedures are ignored, isotretinoin can cause serious and harmful side effects. Patients taking isotretinoin may experience side effects including bad headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, stroke, diarrhea, and muscle weakness. Additionally, serious mental health problems, such as depression and suicide, have been reported with isotretinoin use.

• You should NEVER buy Accutane (isotretinoin) or any of the generic versions of Accutane without first seeing your healthcare professional.
• You should NEVER take Accutane (isotretinoin) or any of the generic versions of Accutane if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant or could accidentally become pregnant.
• Some websites sell prescription drugs without a prescription. This is illegal and DANGEROUS.

When you buy drugs over the Internet, especially from sites that don’t require a prescription, you may get counterfeit products, products with dangerous ingredients, products that don’t work, and products that were not labeled or shipped correctly.

For more information about the safe use of isotretinoin:

• Visit FDA’s Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information
• Visit FDA’s Medication Guide on Accutane (Isotretinoin Capsules) [PDF]

For more information about buying health products online, you can:

• Visit FDA’s Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online
• 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

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