Category: Skin Care

Cosmetic Treatments for Acne Scarring

Whether you suffered from acne as a teen or in adulthood, it can sometimes lead to unfortunate acne scarring. Not everyone will experience acne scars, but it is more common in individuals who have inflammatory acne (which penetrates deeper in the skin), pop or pick pimples, or have a family history of acne scars.

According to the American Academy for Dermatology, as we age acne scars often become more apparent because our skin begins to lose collagen. Safe and effective treatments are available for acne scars, but a consultation is first needed. During the consultation, a board-certified dermatologist will examine your skin to determine the best treatment plan for your type of acne scars.

According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist for Forefront Dermatology, “there are three types of cosmetic procedures that are the most effective in reducing acne scars – microneedling, chemical peels and fractional resurfacing lasers.”

Microneedling

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy and is commonly used to improve tone and texture, surface scarring (such as acne scars) and treat fine wrinkles. This treatment uses fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. It may sound painful, but the treatment is virtually painless and incredibly effective. “Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural ability to heal itself. In the process, it produces more collagen and elastin resulting in a thicker skin and softened acne scars,” stated Dr. Negrete, “the healing process begins right away and the downtime is minimal.” For best results, it is recommended that microneedling be performed in a series of treatments over time.

Chemical Peels

Think of your skin in layers. Underneath the surface of your skin is a flawless complexion just waiting to be revealed – a chemical peel is the fastest way to it. A chemical peel helps remove dull surface cells, improve fine lines, acne scars and discoloration. According to Dr. Negrete, “After the solution is applied to your skin, the acid starts to help shed the top layer of your skin causing the living skin cells below it to multiply and move to the surface. The result is an increase in collagen production and smoother, more radiant skin.” After a consultation with your local dermatologist, the right peel can be determined to help soften the scars from acne. For example, a glycolic acid peel dives deep into the skin to help unclog pores and fade your acne scars.

Fractional Resurfacing Laser

There are several types of fractional resurfacing lasers including Fraxel, Halo and Pixel. These lasers work best for patients under 50 with mild to moderate acne scarring. During this type of treatment, the laser creates tiny “pixels” deep into the skin which, during the natural skin repair process, causes the skin to push out the old, damaged skin cells. Each treatment replaces about 15 to 20 percent of the scarred skin with healthy new cells and collagen. Although fractional resurfacing laser treatments are not painful during the procedure they do cause slight discomfort after the numbing cream wears off. Redness can also occur over a 24 to 72 hour period. Dr. Negrete mentions, “It is important understand that fractionated laser treatments should be performed in a series of treatments. It is typical for a patient to need anywhere from 2 to 4 treatments for optimal results.”

Struggling with Acne Scars?

If you struggle with your acne scars and would like to find relief, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are here to help. Find your nearest provider and schedule your acne scar consultation today.

10 Common Causes for Acne Breakouts

Acne can happen at any age, and specifically as adults we often wonder why we are experiencing acne. “Acne is for kids”, says adult acne sufferers. Unfortunately that’s not the case, but since prevention is the key it’s best to be aware of the common causes that could lead to your acne breakouts.

1. Have you cleaned your cell phone recently?

Cleaning your cell phone is probably not the first thing you think to do. We are all guilty of skipping this from time to time.  Think about it for a second though – you rest your phone right about against the side of your face. Then maybe your arms get tired so you switch it to the other side. You have taken that bacteria-covered cell phone and spread bacteria all over your face potentially causing future breakouts.  The oils from makeup and our skin unknowingly accumulate on our cell phones. If you are seeing breakouts happening on your cheek or jaw, your cellphone could be the possible cause.

2. When was the last time you washed your pillowcase?

Just like a cell phone collects your skin oils and dead skin cells so can your pillow case. Regularly washing your pillow case as well as sleeping on your back can help eliminate acne caused during sleep. Specifically sleeping on your back can keep pores open and refreshed, preventing angry breakouts and flare-ups the next day.

3. Are you eating a balanced diet, or is it heavy on the processed food?

Foods that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly boost your insulin levels. Too much insulin can trigger changes in your body that in turn boost the activity of oil producing glands. According to a study by the American Journal of Nutrition, you may have fewer breakouts if you add more whole grains, beans and veggies to your diet while cutting back on the pasta, white rice, white bread and sugar.

4. Do you touch your face a lot?

You may think you don’t touch your face often, but do you ever subconsciously touch it throughout the day? Maybe rest your chin in your hand or rub your hands on your face if you are tired? Take some time throughout your day and try to pay attention to the amount of times you touch your face. Touching your face all day quickly makes it the dirtiest part of your body.  It is important to not only wash your hands, but your face.

5. Are you often times stressed out?

Stress not only affects acne flare-up, but also worsens your overall skin health. It is common for stress to cause your skin to produce more oil. The best solution is to find a daily stress reliever that works for you. For some it may be doing yoga or reading a book and for others just getting a relaxing night’s sleep will help reduce those stress levels.

6. Are you washing your face before bed?

Oil on the skin makes for a breeding ground of bacteria, and bacteria will cause blemishes. Sleeping with not only your makeup on, but also the addition of oil, dirt and debris that has built up on the skin during the day, can trigger new acne breakouts.

7. Have you traveled recently?

Whether traveling to a destination with different weather than your hometown, or just flying in an airplane, the change in humidity levels and lack of normal water intake can throw your skin health off balance. Humidity levels can cause skin to get extremely dry. The dry cells cause a buildup resulting in post-travel breakouts.

8. Did you pop a pimple lately?

If you did, then don’t complain if you experience more acne breakouts or even a scar. It’s impossible to pick your own pimple and not make a red mark. When you pop a pimple you run the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper or spreading it around underneath your skin, multiplying your pimples.

9. Are your clothes a little tight?

Have you been wearing a hat or maybe a fitted shirt lately? Anything that can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin can clog your pores and develop pimples. If you must wear a hat or fitted shirt try to pick a material that is moisture wicking to help pull the sweat away from your skin. Ideally though, it is best to wear lose-fitting clothing and regularly wash your skin with a cleansing product.

10. Are you pregnant?

Many women commonly experience acne during the first and second trimesters of their pregnancy. An increase in hormones can cause the glands in your skin to produce more oil and bacteria causing clogged pores. Studies have shown that women who were prone to acne breakouts during their menstrual periods have a greater chance of pregnancy acne. No fear though, your breakouts will most likely clear once your hormones return to normal.

 

Still Struggling?

Determining and treating the underlying cause to acne breakouts isn’t always as easy one would think. If you, or your child, are struggling from acne the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

Acne at Any Age

Acne, unfortunately, can affect people of all ages. So why does acne affect everyone differently? What causes a pimple is pretty much the same regardless of how old you are. When you combine the skin’s oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, a pore becomes plugged and a pimple appears. Some are small and near the surface, and go away pretty quickly, where others are deeper in the skin, more painful, and tend to take a while to disappear.

Beyond the basics of what causes acne, there are two big factors that affect your odds of getting acne at any age:

► Family History: If your mom and/or dad had acne, you are very likely to develop it as well in your teens. If they suffered from acne as adults as well, your likelihood of experiencing it in adulthood also increases.

► Hormones: When hormones surge—which happens during adolescence and during pregnancy—breakouts become more likely. This is a primary reason why, for many people, acne improves after their teenage years and after pregnancy. Your hormones have leveled off and no longer fuel those bad breakouts.

Acne Prevention is Key

While genetics and hormones are contributing factors of acne, there are other factors at play – most of which are preventable. Using cosmetics that are not oil-free may clog pores. Friction caused by a hat, tight-fitting clothing, backpacks or even constant touching of your skin, can also worsen acne.

If you’re an adult dealing with acne, chances are your dry skin may be an underlying cause. As we age, our skin loses the ability to retain moisture, causing dry skin which ultimately can lead to clogged pores – a true domino effect.

Diet also plays a role in acne breakouts. To help prevent future acne breakouts, try to reduce or eliminate dairy and high glycemic foods while focusing more on fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

Lastly, regardless of your age, if you are picking or squeezing blemishes you need to stop. Popping pimples spreads bacteria and increases inflammation often leading to more breakouts and acne scarring.

Get in a Routine

The best acne treatment for teens and adults starts with a proper skin care regimen. It is important to incorporate regular cleansing of your body, especially after sweating, and the use of oil-free products, like makeup and moisturizer, to help keep your skin oil free and moisturized.

When breakouts do happen, you have a variety of acne treatments to choose from.  When looking for a product, choose ones that include the following ingredients:

  • Salicylic Acid: a master exfoliator, it helps get rid of the dead skin cells
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: effective at killing acne-causing bacteria
  • Glycolic Acid: exfoliates the skin and helps remove oil and dirt on the skin

While it’s tempting to take a “more is better” approach by using a lot of products, doing so may likely over-dry your skin, which can make acne worse. Start with one product and allow it time to treat your acne breakouts.

5 Things You Need to Know About Shingles

Many of you may have heard the term shingles, but might not actually know what it is. Let’s start out by reliving our childhood. Remember when you had chicken pox? A good way to define shingles is that it’s the ghost of chicken pox past. It’s a viral infection that stays behind after chicken pox, lying dormant in your nerve tissue. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (the same one that causes chicken pox) reactivates itself. Here are five important facts you need to know about shingles:

1. On average, 1 in 3 people will develop shingles during their lifetime

According to the Center for Disease Control, an estimated one million cases of shingles occur each year in the United States. Anyone who’s ever had chicken pox is susceptible, but as we age our risk for shingles increases. Approximately half of the shingles cases occur after 60 years of age. Also, if you have a compromised immune system or are taking medications that suppress the immune system, you are at a greater risk of shingles. According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “what triggers the shingles virus to reactivate is a mystery, but it is important to realize that any condition that impacts your immune system will increase that chance of reactivation.”

2. Shingles is apparent and painful

Shingles often starts with flu-like symptoms combined with a pain or tenderness. When the virus reactivates, it travels your nerves and develops into a painful, itchy, blistery rash in the area of skin around that particular nerve. The rash can wrap around the left or right side of your body, but can also appear on your face. Because the virus travels along your nerves, the pain associated with shingles can be mild to severe. People affected by shingles commonly refer to it as shooting pains or sensations that feel like your skin is ‘crawling’.

3. Shingles is not contagious, but…

If you are someone who never had chicken pox then it is technically possible for someone with shingles to spread it to you. Because the virus is the same as chicken pox, and chicken pox is highly contagious, your risk is higher. Studies have shown though that 99 percent of Americans had chickenpox in their youth, making the likelihood of spreading minimal.

4. Shingles has no cure

Just like the virus becomes dormant after chicken pox, the virus again goes dormant after shingles. Dr. Negrete states, “You can never eliminate this virus from your body. Although it is uncommon, there is always a chance you could get shingles more than once.”

5. There is a vaccine

Introduced in 2006, a vaccine known as Zostavax® was developed and FDA approved for use in the United States. Studies have shown that the vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51 percent. The vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years and older and lasts about 5 years. Even if you already developed shingles, it is suggested to receive the vaccine to help prevent any future occurrences.

Be Proactive

The reality of shingles is that the chance is always there, but the best prevention is maintaining a healthy immune system. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy, balanced diet and managing stress will all help in the prevention of shingles.

If you’re worried that you may have shingles, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help.  To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

UV Index: The Sun Safety Scale

The UV Index scale is a great tool to tell you how quickly sunburn can occur if you are not applying proper protection. The ultraviolet levels are measured on a daily basis by the National Weather Service and then are converted to a scale of exposure risks.

0-2: Low
A UV Index reading two or lower means there is a minimal risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to wear sunglasses, use broad spectrum sunscreen and watch out for bright surfaces like sand, water and snow which reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a low UV level it is approximately 60 minutes.

3-5: Moderate
A UV Index reading between 3 and 5 means there is a moderate risk of sunburn for the average person. At this level it is suggested to seek shade between 10AM and 4PM when the sun’s rays are its strongest. Wearing protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses, is a great way to limit exposure. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours, even on cloudy days, and reapplied after swimming or sweating. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a moderate UV level it is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

UV INDEX CHART6-7: High
A UV Index reading 6 or 7 puts you at a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Following the steps from the moderate level is suggested. The time to burn can vary by skin type, but at a high UV level it is approximately 15 to 25 minutes.

8-10: Very High
A UV Index reading 8 to 10 puts you at a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions for both your skin and eyes because damage occurs quickly, typically within 15 minutes. Try to minimize your sun exposure during peak sun times, but if not possible then diligently apply and re-apply sunscreen and SPF lip balm.

11 or more: Extreme
A UV Index reading 11 or higher puts you in a very dangerous spot for sunburn with damage occurring in less than 10 minutes if unprotected. At this level it is best to avoid all sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM.

Find out the UV Index Level near you and protect yourself from damaging skin exposure. Research has shown that getting severe sunburn, just once every two years, can triple the risk of melanoma skin cancer.

 

Sunscreen: Picking the Right One for You

Research has shown sunscreen use can help prevent skin cancer by protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Walk into any store and you will see an abundance of sunscreen options to choose from. It is important to understand not all sunscreens are created equal. There are three main areas to look for when considering which sunscreen to buy.

Broad-Spectrum Protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you against the two types of UV light harmful to your skin – UVA and UVB. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, where UVB rays can burn your skin. Too much exposure to either type increases your risk of skin cancer.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
SPF is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays – UVA protection is not currently rated. When applied correctly, a sunscreen with SPF 30 can block 97 percent of the sun’s rays. A higher number SPF blocks slightly more of the sun’s rays, but does not allow you to spend more time outside without reapplication. No sunscreen can block 100 percent of the sun’s rays.

Water Resistance
The term water resistant means the SPF within the sunscreen can be maintained for up to 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. Regardless, it is important to dry off and reapply often for continued protection.

While these three areas are crucial in deciding which sunscreen to choose it is also important to determine the type of application you need. Ultimately, it is a personal choice, but each comes with their own benefit:

• Creams work well if you have dry skin, especially on your face
• Lotions work well when needing to apply over a large area
• Gels work best in hairy areas such as the scalp or chest
• Sticks are useful in applying sunscreen around the eyes
• Sprays are useful to apply on children, but note that it can be difficult to tell how well you are applying.

Be Proactive
Remember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local board-certified Forefront Dermatologist can truly mean the difference between life and death. Contact us today to schedule your annual skin screening.

What to Expect During a Skin Cancer Screening

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing it in their lifetime. Regular self-skin exams and a yearly skin cancer screening by your local dermatologist are crucial in finding the cancer early.

Not knowing what occurs in a skin screening can be a bit unnerving to a first timer. A typical skin cancer screening is a simple 10 minute appointment where a dermatologist examines your body looking for any areas of concern.

A skin cancer screening starts out with you changing into one those hospital style gowns we all know and love. Before the skin exam, your doctor will ask if you have any concern areas. Now is not the time to not be shy, point out any areas that you may have noticed changes in. According to Sean Pattee, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon with Forefront Dermatology, “the doctor will examine each part of your skin, and may use a special magnifying glass with a light—called a dermatoscope—to examine certain suspicious spots. If a suspicious lesion is identified, you may need a biopsy.”

A biopsy is a quick, simple procedure that helps diagnose the condition. A local anesthetic is applied and a small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area. The sample is then sent to a pathology lab where results are determined. If the biopsy reveals skin cancer, the remainder of the growth will be removed at a later date.

Cryotherapy is another common and quick treatment that, if needed, is sometimes performed during a skin screening. A quick spray of liquid nitrogen is applied to a pre-cancerous lesion causing the tissue to freeze thus eliminating the need for any cutting.

Be Proactive
Remember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local board-certified Forefront Dermatologist can truly mean the difference between life and death. Contact us today to schedule your annual skin screening.

Skin Cancer Facts

Let’s review some important facts about skin cancer. If you are ready to talk to a board certified dermatologist about your concerns, book an appointment with one of our cancer specialists.

Skin cancer is defined by two categories, melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is the most likely to grow and spread. While it can develop anywhere on the skin, Melanoma is more likely to start on the chest and back in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites.

Melanoma Risk Factors

• Light-colored skin, hair and eyes
• People with moles or abnormal moles
• Excessive sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Family history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Sunny or high-altitude climates

Non-melanoma cancer accounts for around 96% of all new cases of skin cancer each year. There are several sub-categories of skin cancers that fall under the general term non-melanoma, but the most common are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers are most often found in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck and arms. While very common, they are also usually very treatable.

FACT: Skin Cancer is More Common than You Think

Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than combined cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Research has estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Cancer Society, about 3.3 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed in America each year with an estimated 87,000 new cases of melanoma predicted for 2017.

FACT: Skin Cancer Does Not Discriminate

One of the most important facts about skin cancer is that skin cancer knows no boundaries. While your chance of getting melanoma does increase as you get older, melanoma is also one of the most common cancers in young adults ages 25 to 29. There are certain factors that can increase your risk, but even if none of these apply to you it doesn’t mean you are safe.

FACT: Early Detection Saves Lives

Especially in the case of melanoma, early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death. According to American Cancer Society research, if melanoma is caught in stage one, the 5 year survival rate is 97% whereas, late detection survival rates can be as low at 15%. This is why monthly self-skin checks and yearly skin exams by your local dermatologist are important steps to help stop skin cancer in its tracks. If you spot an abnormal mole, don’t overlook it and don’t delay your appointment.

Can You Prevent Cancer?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk! According to SkinCancer.org, about 90 percent of non-melanoma cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It is important to properly, and regularly, apply sunscreen, seek shade while the sun’s UV rays are their strongest, and cover up with protective clothing.

Preventative measures should also start with infancy. Keep infants under the age of six months out of the sun. Infants over the age of six months should be wearing proper sunscreen and kept in shade. Just five blistering sunburns can increase a child’s risk of developing melanoma by 80 percent.

Be Proactive

Remember, early detection saves lives and a simple, yearly in-office skin screening with your local board-certified Forefront Dermatologist can truly mean the difference between life and death. Contact us today to schedule your annual skin screening.

Amazing Fun Facts About Your Skin

There’s a lot more to you skin than you might think. In addition to being your largest organ, your skin plays a vital role in detecting hot and cold, regulating your body temperature and protecting your muscles, bones and internal organs from outside infection and disease.

Download Infographic

Ringworm: What You Need to Know

After covering Rash 101, we thought it would be a good idea to cover another type of rash, ringworm. Although this could have been shortly covered in Rash 101, we felt it needs its own moment in the spotlight because of its common appearance in summer, and its level of contagiousness.

According to Andrea Garrett, MD, a board-certified Dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in St. Louis, Missouri, “a common worry with ringworm is that you may immediately think you have worms, or this rash was caused by worms. In reality, neither is the case. Ringworm is actually a skin infection caused by a fungus. The name signifies the visual signs of this rash which includes a ring-shaped pattern that features a raised and scaly boarder.”

Ringworm has the ability to occur anywhere on your body. While the general name is ringworm, the area it is located on your body will change the name. If it occurs on your feet, it is athlete’s foot. If it occurs in your groin, it is known as jock itch. If it lands on your scalp, it is scalp ringworm.

How do you get Ringworm?

Ringworm can happen to anyone, anywhere. It is not a regional problem. Your chances increase though if you live in a tropical area, spend time in hot and humid weather, or sweat heavily. It is also more common for people who play contact sports including wrestling and football.

Ringworm is also possible to contract when you come in contact with an infected individual or animal that is carrying the skin infection. Ringworm is actually the most common skin disease seen in cattle, and is also seen in dogs and cats.

How can I prevent getting Ringworm?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the first step to prevention is education. Be aware of the signs, and make sure to teach children what to watch for and how to avoid it. Next, stay cool and dry. Avoid wearing thick clothing for long periods of time when the weather is warm and humid. Lastly, avoid sharing personal items. Sharing items such as clothing, towels and hairbrushes can spread ringworm.

Treatment is Key

Ringworm is an extremely contagious skin infection, and it is important that you prevent spreading it to others. Without treatment, the rash tends to grow and cover a larger area or possibly infect other areas of your body. If you suspect that you may have Ringworm, visit your local Forefront dermatologist for treatment. According to Dr. Garrett, “ringworm is typically treated with antifungal medicine like a cream, ointments or sprays. If it covers a large portion of your body, sometimes a prescription pill is necessary.”