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Dermatologist Blog
Saving Face: 7 Skincare Tips for Men
Let’s face it guys: it is no longer just the ladies that have to concentrate on looking after their skin. Men want to look just as good and as young as their female counterparts, but unfortunately that means a little bit more care will need to be taken from now on. But don’t panic – it’s not complicated, and it’s not expensive. Just follow our seven skincare tips for men, and you can’t go wrong.
1. Wash your face every day.
Your skin is one of the most incredible things ever seen, because it absorbs everything that it comes into contact with. Sadly, this means all of the dirt you accumulate through the day is going to be absorbed into your body unless you get rid of it. Washing your face properly (not with a bar of soap…) will prevent any toxins from entering your blood stream.
2. Invest in a quality razor.
Nothing says young and fresh than a clean shave, but men often don’t have a good enough razor to do them justice. Don’t just use the same old one that you have been since your teenager days. Razor technology has dramatically altered the game. Spend a bit of time and money, and get one that has more electronics than the first Moon mission. You won’t regret it.
3. Moisturize!
Our skin can be quite absorbent and gets ‘thirsty’ quickly. When the skin is dry and dehydrated fine lines and wrinkles become more apparent and also raises the possibility of razor burn/skin irritation. To combat this, quickly brush over your skin with a moisturizer every evening. If you have oily skin, ask about glycolic washes and moisturizers. If you have very dry skin, look into a moisturizing cleanser plus emollient.
4. Slap on that sunscreen.
Yes, you may want a tan, but do you also want age spots and sagging skin? Thought not. It is completely possible to get a tan whilst wearing sunscreen, so slap on factor 30, and sit in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
5. Wise up about skin cancer.
Know the warning signs and make an appointment with a dermatologist for routine skin checks. If you don’t take sun protection and skin care seriously then you accept the risk of growing a skin cancer. Who wants to get cut on every 4 to 6 months?
6. Indulge in a monthly facial.
If this sounds too feminine for you, you may want to think again. Washing your face and moisturizing are both excellent ways of looking after your skin – but a professional facial will be able to cleanse your skin far better than you ever can. With monthly facials, you will see that your skin will thank you with improved radiance.
7. Rinse and repeat.
Don’t make changes one week then forget about them the next. The heart of a truly great skincare regime is consistency – it’s a regimen! Train yourself to follow a regime and you will be complimented for the rest of your life.
Protecting Your Eyes From UV
You are probably already aware of the dangers of overexposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays, as well as the measures you can take to protect yourself from harm.
However, you might not be aware of the consequences of exposing your eyes to UV radiation. Although the eyelid is designed to protect the eye for various purposes, its skin is exceedingly thin and contains many fragile tissues that may be injured by UV light. Inside the eye, the crystaline lens – a transparent structure used to focus light onto the retina – also filters harmful UV radiation. But after doing so for many years, and without proper protection, the lens may become damaged and form a cataract, a progressive clouding and / or yellowing of the crystalline lens. According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are the most common cause of treatable blindness worldwide.
The eyes, unlike the skin, are maximally exposed when the sun is lower in the sky – anytime the sun is at or below an angle of about 45 degrees above the horizon. This means maximum UV radiation exposure to the eye can occur all day during winter, spring, and fall, and early and late in the day during the summer months.
While it’s important for all of us to protect our eyes, it’s critical that kids start protecting themselves early. They tend to spend more time outside, often without hats or sunglasses, and those under age 20 have less natural protection from UV radiation affecting the lens inside the eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics published a paper in 1999 that recommended the prevention of UV exposure in kids due to the potential damage it may have on the retina later in life.
As is the case with skin, UV exposure is associated with aging and can also lead to loss of clarity, redness and yellowing of the eye. While short-term damage to the eyes may be hard to notice, over the long term the sun can cause irreversible harm to the eye and surrounding tissue that is left unprotected or under-protected. These conditions may not be noticeable for years, by which time the damage is already done for some people, and it is too late to reverse the effects of the sun.
Therefore, it’s important for all ages to seek multiple layers of protection at all times when outdoors – all year long. This means wearing well-fitting UV-blocking sunglasses – preferably a wrap style – a hat for blocking midday sun, sunscreen for the skin and UV-blocking contact lenses, if contact lenses are appropriate for you. Although UV-blocking contact lenses provide important added protection for wearers, they should not be viewed as a stand-alone solution. Contact lenses should always be worn in conjunction with high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. You should ask your eye-care practitioner about his.
Remember these three basic principles in regard to UV protection for your eyes:
- You can never start too early – kids are especially vulnerable.
- You can never do too much – as with skin, multiple layers of protection are recommended.
- Don’t wait to start – UV damage to the eye is cumulative and often irreversible.
This article first appeared in the May issue of The Costco Connection. It is written by Dr. Cristina M. Schnider. She is senior director of professional programs at VISTAKON, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.
Why Upgrading to Medical Grade Makeup May Save Your Skin
Most of us have heard a women say they won’t leave home without their makeup applied. Women wear makeup for a variety of reasons. In their teens, makeup constitutes a sort of “rite of passage” into womanhood. For many, makeup can reduce or hide flaws like acne, rosacea, and pigmentation. As a woman grows older, makeup can help aging skin looking younger and fresher. With makeup being used by so many, does medical grade makeup make any difference to your skin?
Typically, over the counter cosmetics contain parabens, dyes and fragrance. These ingredients can result in skin irritation and redness. Often the look from over the counter makeup is more of an unnatural face mask: thick, chalky, or pancake-like in texture (think “stage make-up). Women may desire to cover flaws, but a more natural result creates a more youthful image with less skin irritation.
Medical grade mineral cosmetics were developed to help HEAL and PROTECT the skin’s natural barrier. They also offer other benefits:
- Light-weight & Water Resistant
- Requires only small quantities for effective coverage
- Act as a sunscreen
- Can reduce facial redness
- Free of sensitizing chemicals
- Appear more natural on skin
- Ideal coverage with optimal protection from UVA/UVB
- Soothe skin
- Tested for allergies, bacteria, and sensitivity
- Doesn’t promote acne (Non-comedogenic)
Healing and protecting the skin are important uses for medical grade makeup. For example, the Oxygenetix brand of medical grade makeup was invented by a physician for immediate use after laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and cosmetic surgery. Oxygenetix reduces redness or irritation, aids in cell repair, in addition to minimizing wrinkles and spots on the skin.
The choice to use medical grade makeup brands such as Oxygenetix or Colorscience should be easy. Medical grade mineral makeup provides barrier protection and natural coverage at a reasonable cost. For about the same investment, your skin can be healthier and better protected with medical grade makeup!
Ask your Aesthetician to recommend the best products and color selections to keep your skin young and vibrant all Spring and Summer long.
Don’t Stay Red Faced – Wise Up About Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition experienced by many people, but understood by very few. On a very basic level, it is when a person’s face is red and blotchy continuously, regardless of whether they are hot, angry, or even awake! It commonly covers the cheeks, nose, and forehead of the person suffering from it. For many people, this condition can be incredibly embarrassing, but it can also be very sore, especially if it develops on the eyes.
But what causes rosacea? Although the skin condition is three times more common in women, men suffer from it, too. Rosacea typically strikes people between the ages of thirty and sixty. Unfortunately, there is such a wide variety of causes that no one can possibly avoid them all. Possible causes have been identified by scientists as:
- sun exposure,
- stress,
- extreme heat,
- alcohol consumption,
- hot baths,
- certain cosmetics that cause a reaction, and
- even dairy products!
For some people, developing rosacea is a natural part of their life. A 2008 survey by the National Rosacea Society found more than 50% of the 600 rosacea respondents had a relative who suffered from the condition. Many even recalled a grandparent afflicted with some form of the facial disorder.
Keeping rosacea, on the other hand, is a choice. There is something that can be done to treat it, but the embarrassment of having the condition often prevents people from asking for help. In fact, leaving rosacea untreated actually means it could get worse, and potentially lead to permanent scarring. The sooner you consider you may have rosacea, the sooner you will go to your dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
There is no cure for rosacea, but it can be kept under control and suppressed by avoiding triggers, certain medications, and laser therapy. Some of the most popular treatment of rosacea are creams and ointments. Although this may help in many cases, creams will not cure rosacea and often just temporarily cover it up. The three most popular and medically sound treatments for rosacea are behavior therapy, medications, or laser treatment. The behavior therapy aims to remove any trigger factors that may be exacerbating the condition. The medications will be carefully formulated for your skin, and so will not damage the delicate cells. Laser treatment is fast becoming the most popular treatment, as it has a very high success rate.
Don’t be frightened about the idea of having rosacea. Bill Clinton and Princess Diana both lived with and conquered it, and so can you. If you have symptoms of rosacea, be sure to schedule a visit to your Newport News dermatologist today.
Get Shapely Eyebrows with Eyebrow Waxing
If you’ve got a face, you’ve got two eyebrows. Your eyebrows are an integral part of your face and appearance. Well groomed, nicely shaped, symmetrical eyebrows can brighten your eyes and enhance your overall look. However, the dreaded uni-brow can age your face or even make you look perpetually angry. Spring is here and summer is around the corner. We all need a boost! Consider improving the look and shape of your eyebrows with eyebrow waxing.
Eyebrow waxing can be messy and dangerous with the typical heated waxes. We don’t recommend performing eyebrow waxing at home. Instead, select an experienced, licensed Aesthetician and schedule regular eyebrow waxing every 3-4 weeks.
Avoid Irritation
Waxing the hair in your eyebrows is a widely accepted means of removal. However, used incorrectly, it may rip off some of your skin when the wax is removed. Hence the unsightly, red, irritated skin around the hair removal area. This redness and inflammation may be significantly reduced by using a sensitive skin hard wax instead of the more traditional soft waxes.
Get the Look Your Desire
Shaping the best eyebrows for your face is not a “one-size fits all” proposition. The shape of your face, location of your brows, and density of the brow hair come into play when determining the ideal shaping for your eyebrows. Properly shaping your eyebrows can soften sharp features, provide some lift to your face, or even help your face look younger. Be sure to consult with your Aesthetician before you begin the waxing process. She will be able to advise you on the best shape and weight for your eyebrows.
Keep it Clean
While waxing your eyebrows isn’t surgery, you want the procedure conducted in a clean, safe environment. With cleanliness in mind, be sure check that the wax applicator is used for you alone and not shared with previous clients. A gentle cleanser is usually used over the brow initially. Then, after waxing, a wax remover / skin soother may be used to calm the skin and decrease redness.
If you’re interested in more long term results, you may want to consider laser hair removal or dermaplaning. Speak to your licensed Aesthetician to discuss your specific needs.
Is Your Face In Need of a Spring Makeover?
Admit it. After the cold, dry, and snowy winter we have experienced in Hampton Roads, your face is craving the warmth (and even humidity) of the coming spring. While you have been moisturizing your face, you may have noticed your skin is flaky and dry, even a little itchy. Spring is around the corner and it’s time to consider some serious skin rejuvenation!
To overcome the effects of winter, the perfect spring facial is now available. The combination of medical grade facials and the right skin care products will help soothe, hydrate, and revive your skin’s complexion. Bring spring to your face a little early.
One facial will benefit you, but like exercise or healthy eating, one session will not make your skin fit. We recommend a series of facial treatments combined with antioxidants for best results. Our professional staff can determine what is best for you after a skin care consultation and exam. We specialize in cosmetic esthetics and acne treatment protocols.
Anyone and everyone can benefit from a spring facial! What you can expect? How about more radiant, smoother, softer skin? Long term results include skin that is resistant to signs of aging and a higher immune system. Since the skin is the largest organ of your body, it makes perfect sense to take care of it!
So why not try a simple healthy approach to daily skin care? We have treatment plans, educational material and an informative team of professionals that consult and answer questions.
We offer product samples, a friendly caring medical staff and prompt effective treatments with follow up care. These features set us apart from any department store or medical spa.
We are making dramatic changes…one face at a time!
Please contact our office to schedule your appointment at 757-838-8030.
Turn Back Time: Erase Years from Your Face with Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fractional CO2 resurfacing is the physician’s choice for turning back the clock on aged skin. CO2 laser resurfacing decreases wrinkles and improves texture creating healthy radiant skin. While one of the most popular skin tightening and skin rejuvenation treatments, fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing can also be an effective treatment for scars from burns, acne or other trauma. One of the advantages of using Fractional CO2 Laser is the ability to target multiple cosmetic problems afflicting facial skin at the same time:
- Uneven pigmentation from UV damage and aging
- Loose skin on neck and lax skin about the eyes
- Deep creases around the lower face and mouth from age or scaring
- Fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks
Time Tested Therapy
CO2 lasers have been around for over a decade. In that time, CO2 laser technology has improved in effectiveness as well as dramatically reduced negative side effects. With Fractional CO2 Skin Resurfacing Laser treatments, longer recovery times are no longer necessary. Results can be seen soon after treatment and continue to improve during the coming months.
Safer Than Traditional Laser
Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is safer than traditional laser resurfacing treatments. During treatment, no oral medication, injections, or sedation is required due to minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic is applied to your skin to make the procedure more comfortable during treatment. Patients are treated faster and more precisely because the doctor has much more control and customization with the fractional CO2 laser. While delivering excellent results, this therapy is minimally invasive and extremely safe.
Shorter Recovery Time
With Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing the laser creates thousands of tiny pin points into the skin but leaves the skin around each point intact. This allows for more rapid healing. The fractional CO2 laser can also be customized to allow variable levels of penetration. But even with the most aggressive settings healing is rapid and similar to that of a chemical peel. Minimal redness and swelling only last a few days making the recovery time relatively short.
The fractional CO2 laser resurfacing transformation is truly amazing and tightens skin in a way that the other treatments cannot.
To see if fractional CO2 laser resurfacing is for you, contact our office for an appointment today.