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What is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is becoming a popular treatment to help combat a variety of skin issues including acne scars, wrinkles, stretch marks and even encourage hair growth.

According Dr. Abigail Donnelly, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana, “Microneedling involves the insertion of very fine, short needles into the skin for the purposes of rejuvenation. While the needles may sound scary, they are actually more like carefully controlled pin pricks that enter only skin deep. It works well to improve sunken areas on the skin such as atrophic acne or traumatic scars, fine lines, discoloration and general skin rejuvenation.”

This procedure isn’t just for the face, though. It can also be used on many areas of the body, including the arms, neck, legs, abdomen, back and hands.

How it Works
“First, an anesthetic cream is applied to your skin to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Once the skin is numbed, it is thoroughly cleansed, and a serum or other product is applied to lubricate your skin to allow the device to glide more smoothly,” added Dr. Donnelly. “As the device is moving across your skin it creates tiny holes in the surface. Microneedling is commonly used in combination with other treatments like topical anti-aging serums or platelet rich plasma therapy for rejuvenation or hair regrowth. The process typically takes less than 30 minutes, and afterward, your skin can be somewhat pink or red, similar to a sunburn.”

Results
On a short-term basis, microneedling plumps the skin and gives it a radiant glow for weeks to months post treatment. Long-term, it is best to receive multiple sessions over the course of a few months to improve problems like scarring or wrinkles, and to increase overall skin health. A 2008 study showed that it can increase your collagen and elastin tissue by 400% six months after completion of the last treatment. This increase helps reduce the appearance of scars, fill in wrinkles and stretch marks and makes aging skin appear more youthful.

Don’t Try this At Home
While home devices for microneedling are available, we strongly advise only having this treatment done under the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist. When performing at home you increase the risk of infection and scarring.

Skin Struggles?
At Forefront Dermatology, we know that life is all about the moments when you don’t need us. That’s why we’re here for all the moments when you do. We offer comprehensive and compassionate care for all skin conditions and create customized treatment plans for all ages – even the tiniest of patients! Find a location near you today.

How to Treat a Cold Sore

Cold sores are a common skin condition caused by a virus called the human herpesvirus (HHV). According to the American Academy of Dermatology more than half of Americans ages 14 to 49 carry the virus that causes cold sores. These sores are small blisters that typically form on the lip or around the mouth and are highly contagious.

The cold sore virus sits dormant until it is triggered. These triggers may include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• A cold, fever or the flu
• Exposure to the sun
• Hormonal changes
• Exterior trauma such as shaving, accidental cuts, dental work or facial treatments

“Most cold sores will heal on their own overtime,” added Dr. Donnelly, “but there are steps you can take to manage your symptom and abbreviate the duration of the episode”

• Apply antiviral cream at the first sign of burning, itching or tingling around the mouth. This will help slow the reproduction of the virus and relieve the symptoms
• Take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and inflammation
• Avoid acidic foods like tomatoes and oranges – when coming in contact with the cold sores, these acidic foods can further irritate the skin and increase pain
• Place a cool, damp towel on the cold sores for 5 to 10 minutes, a few times a day to reduce redness and irritation

While most cold sores heal on their own within a few weeks, prescription medication can be prescribed that will shorten that window. If you frequently get cold sores, speak with your local board-certified dermatologist to find the right treatment plan for you.

Skin Struggles?
At DermSpecialists, we know that life is all about the moments when you don’t need us. That’s why we’re here for all the moments when you do. We offer comprehensive and compassionate care for all skin conditions and create customized treatment plans for all ages – even the tiniest of patients! Find a location near you today.

Skincare on a Budget

You do not need to break the bank in order to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. Here are 5 practical tips to maintaining healthy skin while on a budget:

1. Keep clean and hydrated. Don’t let a 12-hour period go by without washing your skin with a cleanser and applying a moisturizer. Drink plenty of water during this time as well to keep your skin moisturized from the inside, out.

2. Use sunscreen year-round. Sunscreen helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, or even skin cancer. It may cost money up front, but in the long run skipping the sunscreen could lead to more money spent treating the effects of sun damage.

3. Get the most from your body moisturizer. In the winter, apply it to damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in the moisture, eliminating the possibility of needing to reapply later in the day.

4. Consider using petroleum jelly. This common, inexpensive product has several uses for skin care including:

  • moisturizing rough, cracked feet, elbows, and hands
  • preventing chafing during exercise;
  • protecting skin injuries including bumps and scrapes

5. Use 2-in-1 Products. Limiting product lines saves money and storage space. Look for products that serve multiple purposes. Examples include a moisturizing sunscreen; SPF lip balm and moisturizing body wash.

Skin Struggles?
If you are struggling skin issues and don’t know where to turn, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

The ABCs of a Healthy Skin Lifestyle

As you age, you may notice your skin is changing. Did you know that the lifestyle you live and the foods you eat have a direct impact on the overall health of your skin? Follow the ABCs and start living a healthy skin lifestyle.

A is for Attitude.
Positive attitude can mean the difference between clear skin and unhealthy skin. According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “stress is the biggest contributor to poor skin health. Stress can lead to sleepless nights, under-eye bags, dry skin, acne breakouts, wrinkles… the list goes on and on. Keep a positive mindset by finding a stress reliever that works for you.” Common techniques for stress relief include meditation, yoga, music, reading and exercise.

B is for Beauty Routine.
No matter who you are and the life you live, make skin health a priority. Spend time, both morning and night, removing environmental irritants the skin has collected over the last few hours. Boost your skin’s health by adding moisturizer to your entire body and protect it by applying sunscreen before you head out the door. These simple habits can have a big impact on your skin health.

C is for Consumption.
The old saying “you are what you eat” rings true for your skin health. The healthier the foods you eat, the more radiant your skin will be. Your diet should include foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eat well rounded with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Green vegetables, melons, berries, walnuts and avocados will all help your skin feel and look refreshed. Consume plenty of water and less sugary drinks and alcohol. Water refreshes the body and flushes out the toxins that can cause skin problems.

Skin Struggles?
If you are struggling skin issues and don’t know where to turn, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

5 Tips for the Perfect Fall Skin Care Routine

November is National Healthy Skin month and it’s a great time to reconsider how you handle your skin care routine as the temperatures continue to drop. Here are the top 5 tips from Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, to keeping your skin healthy as the seasons change.

1. Continue to Wear Sunscreen – Sunscreen may be the last thing you think about as the days continue to shorten, but in truth it needs to be applied year-round, not just during the summer months. The sun’s UV rays are still powerful enough in the winter months to cause skin damage. At minimum, apply a moisturizer containing SPF30.

2. Seek out Healthy Foods – With holiday season in full swing, our lives are surrounded by sweets and treats every corner we turn. It is important to maintain a healthy diet to keep your skin’s health in check. Eating a diet that is rich in Omega 3s, whole grains and vitamins is essential to maintaining your skin’s natural glow. Find balance to the sweets by consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

3. Don’t Forget Your Lips – At a time of the year where we cover up our skin from the cold, our lips take the brunt of the cold, wind and sun exposure. To prevent chapped and sore lips from ruining your holiday season, carry an SPF lip balm with you and apply generously throughout the day.

4. Keep Your Skin Moist – Your skin needs to stay hydrated in order to stay healthy. We have lost the “natural” moisturizer known as Mother Nature’s humidity so it is important to supplement with a whole body moisturizer. Apply a moisturizing cream morning and night and as needed throughout the day. Find a shower body wash that includes a moisturizer if you are short on time.

5. Check Your Stress – The holiday season can mean increased stress levels for many. From holiday planning, family, shopping, you name it stresses can find their way into our lives. Unfortunately, stress is a huge contributor to skin problems like acne and wrinkles. If you find your stress levels increasing, find a way to relax. For some it may be taking a walk or reading a book, and others it may be enjoying a bubble bath. Find what works for you and make sure to incorporate it into your week.

The Hidden Way Pumpkins Can Benefit Skin Health

In the heart of fall, we find ourselves in a sea of orange. From carved pumpkins to pumpkin seeds, did you know pumpkins are a hidden secret to healthy skin? If you are looking to boost the appearance of your skin and hair, consider adding more pumpkin-infused products to your regimen. This signature fall specialty is packed with vitamins and minerals that promote glowing skin and healthy hair.

Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin B and C, which help protect skin from damage such as wrinkles.  Eating foods rich in vitamins B and C help promote collagen production and improve circulation. Overtime these benefits can improve skin tone and elasticity and increase skin cell renewal.

In addition, pumpkins are packed with carotenoids commonly known as alpha-carotene and beta-carotene. These carotenoids are responsible for giving pumpkins their classic orange glow.  Eating foods rich in carotenoids provide your body with protective antioxidants that can help to reverse UV damage and improve skin texture.

Pumpkins are also packed with minerals including potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, and iron. These minerals help promote healthy skin and hair by promoting hair growth, protecting cell membranes, maintaining collagen, fighting acne and increasing skin renewal. An easy way to add pumpkin to your diet is through pumpkin seeds. Try adding them into salads, soups, yogurt and oatmeal or bake in the oven to eat as a snack.

Besides consumption, pumpkin can also be applied topically in the forms of peels, masks, creams, and conditioners to promote healthy skin and hair. Pumpkin is widely used in facials in combination with other soothing ingredients like honey and lemon to help brighten skin and treat a dull complexion.

Skin Struggles?

If you are struggling with skin issues and don’t know where to turn, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help.  To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

Skin Fun Facts

Your skin is your largest organ and 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. But that’s just for starters. There is so much more to your skin than you might think. Here are some of the most interesting facts about your skin:

  • The average person’s skin covers an area of 2 square meters.
  • Skin accounts for about 15% of your body weight.
  • The average adult has approximately 21 square feet of skin, which weighs 9 lbs and contains more than 11 miles of blood vessels.
  • The average person has about 300 million skin cells. A single square inch of skin has about 19 million cells and up to 300 sweat glands.
  • Your skin is its thickest on your feet (1.4mm) and thinnest on your eyelids (0.2mm).
  • The skin renews itself every 28 days.
  • Your skin constantly sheds dead cells, about 30,000 to 40,000 cells every minute! That’s nearly 9 lbs. per year!
  • Some sources estimate that more than half of the dust in your home is actually dead skin.
  • Dead skin comprises about a billion tons of dust in the earth’s atmosphere.
  • Your skin is home to more than 1,000 species of bacteria.
  • Skin that is severely damaged may try to heal itself by forming scar tissue, which is different from normal skin tissue because it lacks hair and sweat glands.
  • Skin can form additional thickness and toughness — a callus — if exposed to repeated friction or pressure.
  • Some of the nerves in your skin are connected to muscles instead of the brain, sending signals (through the spinal cord) to react more quickly to heat, pain, etc.
  • Your skin has at least five different types of receptors that respond to pain and touch.
  • Changes in your skin can sometimes signal changes in your overall health.

These fun facts are just some of the thousands of important aspects of your skin and its health. Forefront Dermatology’s skin care experts have all of the information you need, including how to best care for the health and beauty of your skin, and the advanced expertise and experience to help you protect it throughout your lifetime.

5 Reasons for Dry Skin in Fall

As the leaves begin to fall and days start to get shorter you may notice changes happening to your skin. It is common for people to develop dry, itchy skin during the colder months and there are 5 top reasons behind it.

  • Cold, Dry Air
    Cold air is dry air. In summer the air is warm and moist keeping your skin moisturized without you even realizing it. Once the cooler air arrives, the humidity levels drop and you lose that “natural” moisturizer leaving you with dry skin.
  • Harsh Winds
    Strong, cold winds can strip your skin of its natural barrier that keeps it from drying out. It is best to cover up your skin during a cold, windy day with long sleeves, a hat and a scarf.
  • Cold Outside, Warm Inside – Dry Everywhere
    Just because the weather has changed doesn’t mean we stop being active both indoors and out. Going back and forth between cold and warm air can be tough on your skin. Not only is the outside air cold and dry, but the forced warm air in your house is also dry causing your skin to dry out quickly no matter where you go.
  • Hot Showers
    A hot shower always feels great after coming in from a cold day, but hot showers are very harsh on your skin. Hot water removes many of natural oils promoting dry, itchy skin and causing it to redden and become irritated.
  • Itchy Fabrics
    Sweater weather is here, but it is important to watch the fabrics you are wearing. Fabrics like wool can cause irritation, leaving you with itchy skin. If you must wear a wool sweater, layer it with a cotton shirt to prevent rubbing.

Fall Checklist: Skin Cancer Screening

Find it. Treat it. Beat it.

A simple statement, but the meaning behind it is strong. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than combined cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Early diagnosis through a skin cancer screening 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%.  Late detection survival rates can be as low at 15%.

What Happens in a Skin Cancer Screening?

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 a hospital style gown. When the dermatologist enters you will first discuss any areas of concern you may have. According to Dr. Michelle Cihla, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “this is not a time to be shy, point out any areas that you have noticed changes. Remember, you know your skin the best because you see it every day and notice the new or evolving moles.” 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.

Skin Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate.

Skin cancer knows no boundaries. While your chances of getting melanoma increase as you get older, it’s 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.

  • 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

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 fall skin screening.

 

Eczema 101 : Get the Facts

October is National Eczema Awareness Month so let’s spread awareness starting with some basic facts.

What is Eczema?

We asked our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Michelle Cihla. She explained, “eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. It commonly appears as dry or scaly patches and can develop anywhere on your body. It isn’t contagious, but develops because of a combination of environmental triggers and genetics.”

FACT: Eczema is very common, with over 30 million Americans having some type of this skin condition.

What Are the Types of Eczema?

  1. Atopic dermatitis – This type is caused by a malfunction in the immune system and problems with the skin barrier.
  2. Contact dermatitis – When skin touches a known irritant and/or allergen, it can cause this type of eczema.
  3. Dyshidrotic eczema – Exposure to allergens causes this kind eczema, which presents itself as itchy blisters on the feet and hands.
  4. Hand eczema – This type is caused by a combination of genes, irritants and/or allergens.
  5. Lichen simplex chronicus – Too much scratching and rubbing lead to this type of eczema, which presents as thick, scaly patches on the skin.
  6. Nummular eczema/discoid eczema/nummular dermatitis – Allergens or very dry skin cause this kind of eczema to develop. It manifests as round lesions and can weep fluid. You will find this type of eczema most commonly in older populations.
  7. Seborrheic dermatitis –  This form of dermatitis appears as white or yellow flaky, greasy patches in places with more oil-producing glands. A combination of genetics, hormones and microorganisms on the skin all contribute to the development of this type of eczema. In addition,  “cradle cap” is the common name for this skin condition in infants.
  8. Stasis dermatitis – This kind of eczema occurs when poor circulation to the legs causes the veins to swell and leak fluid. As a result, swelling, skin redness, as well as itch may occur.

Treating Eczema – Get the Facts

Living with eczema can be an ongoing challenge, but the condition is manageable. This is largely due to the various treatment options that are now available. For example, your dermatologist may recommend: prescription topical medications, phototherapy and/or biologics. However, your dermatologist will consider your age and the severity of your case before making any recommendation.

According to Dr. Cihla,

“if you are affected by eczema it is best to know your triggers to avoid exposure. Be consistent with your treatment plans and develop a daily moisturizing regimen to help soothe dry skin.”

In conclusion, if you are struggling with eczema or other skin issues and don’t know where to turn, we can help. Our board certified experts are available at three convenient locations in Kentucky. Call a local dermatologist today!