Category: Uncategorized

The Do’s & Don’ts for a Man’s Skincare Regimen

Many men have a skincare regimen of washing their face in the shower with a randomly selected bar soap and nothing more. However gentlemen, if you would like to look your best, some very easy changes and additions to your skincare regimen can really help. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to healthy skin.

DO Learn Your Skin Type

The first step in developing a skincare regimen is to determine your skin type—dry, oily, normal, sensitive or a combination. Once you determine your skin type you can tailor your regimen to meet your specific needs. According to Christian Millett, MD, a board-certified Dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia, “knowing your skin type will allow you to choose the right cleansers, moisturizers, and other products to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.”

DON’T Use a Bar of Soap

When using a harsh bar of soap with high pH, it is common for your skin to dry out.  On top of it, you let that soap just sit out on the counter after you are done with it, right? Next time you pick it up say hello to the bacteria breeding ground it has now become. Doesn’t sound very clean anymore does it? Instead, swap that bar of soap out morning and night with a glycolic acid cleanser. A good cleanser helps remove the dead skin cells that leave skin looking dully. For a deeper clean, wash with an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week. Just don’t overdo it—cut back if skin starts to get red or irritated.

DO Buy a High Quality Razor

Shaving is a frequent process for most men, so select a high-quality razor that matches your facial hair coarseness and skin sensitivity. Consider purchasing a multi-blade razor that cuts hair more easily. A multi-blade razor eliminates the needs for re-shaves, thus reducing your risk of skin irritation.

FIVE-MALE-SKIN-TYPES-600
Image from www.menworthy.com

 

DON’T Forget Moisturizer

Whether you are shaving or not, you should follow up with a moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer when skin is still slightly damp to help seal in moisture. Most face lotions are oil-based, which works well for guys with normal skin. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, look for a water-based product.

DO Think About Wrinkles Early

You may be the guy at the bar still getting ID-ed, but adding a retinol cream to your skincare regimen now will help fight fine lines and wrinkles down the road. Retinol boosts cell growth and collagen production, which improves even the non-wrinkled skin. Retinol creams do make skin more sensitive to sun, so use this product at nighttime only.

DON’T Forget the Sunscreen

We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again – just put on the sunscreen. The sun’s rays speed up the aging process by slowing down collagen production and forcing skin to lose its elasticity. Let’s not forget, those rays also increase your risk of skin cancer. Your best defense is a good sunscreen. Double up by purchasing a daily moisturizer that already contains SPF 30 or higher. Also, if you use chapstick, make sure that also contains SPF 30 or higher. No one wants burnt lips!

Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help
If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront dermatologist to discuss how we can help.

Ditch the Itch: Treating Eczema

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by the inflammation, swelling or irritation of the skin. Eczema affects as many as 35 million Americans. Eczema is not dangerous, but it can cause significant discomfort if the skin itches. When that happens, the condition may worsen if the eczema is scratched.

Though there is no cure for eczema, its’ effects can be controlled through diligent care. Treatment options include:

  1. Bathing follow-up. After bathing, applying a moisturizer on the affected area can help control eczema. In many cases, the most effective moisturizer is available only by prescription after a visit to a physician.
  2. Topical steroids. These are a common and effective relief option for eczema. Topical steroids help reduce inflammation, soothe the skin to prevent soreness, reduce itchiness and allow the affected area to heal. As a naturally-occurring substance in our bodies, steroids regulate growth and immune functions. Of the many types of steroids that are available, corticosteroids are the type used to treat eczema because of their ability to control inflammation.
  3. Non-steroid drugs. A topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) is a prescription drug that does not contain steroids. If you are concerned about the use of steroids to treat your eczema, ask your doctor about Elidel® and Protopi®, the two types of TCI that can provide effective alternatives.
  4. Phototherapy. On occasion, eczema can be treated through the use of ultraviolet (UVB) light, known as phototherapy. In phototherapy, UVB rays are isolated and directed toward the affected areas. Phototherapy treatments should be applied under medical supervision.

About Eczema: Causes and Symptoms

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by the inflammation, swelling or irritation of the skin. Eczema affects as many as 35 million Americans. Although it is not dangerous, it can cause significant discomfort if the skin itches. If scratched, the condition can worsen.

Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, is the most common form of eczema and is often found in babies and children. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 20 percent of children, and one to three percent of adults will develop atopic eczema.

Causes include:

  • An overreaction to environmental triggers by the body’s immune system
  • Family history of allergies or asthma
  • A defect in the skin which causes it to not properly regulate moisture and germs
  • Irritants – Environmental elements such as soaps, detergents and certain fabrics
  • Stress – Any form of stress, such as work, family or social issues, can trigger eczema
  • Climate – Dramatic decreases in humidity can trigger eczema and cold, damp conditions can hamper eczema treatments
  • Perspiration
  • Animal dander
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Genetics

Who Gets It?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology:

  • Up to 20 percent of children and one to three percent of adults will develop atopic eczema
  • Eczema is an equal opportunity condition that does not favor males or females
  • Although atopic eczema is most common in babies and children, it can also appear during puberty or throughout adulthood
  • Most of the infants who develop eczema are likely to outgrow it by their 10th birthday
  • A family history of eczema can also play a part in determining whether the condition will develop
  • Children with asthma or hay fever, or adults who develop asthma or hay fever before age 30 also seem to be more susceptible to eczema
  • Stress can trigger eczema, eczema can also trigger stress, which occurs when the affected skin is visible, leading to social stigma over the appearance of the condition

According to the National Eczema Organization, the most common symptoms of eczema are:

  • Dry, sensitive skin
  • Intense itching
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Recurring rash
  • Scaly areas
  • Rough, leathery patches
  • Oozing or crusting
  • Areas of swelling
  • Dark-colored patches of skin

If you or a family member is living with eczema:  How Can You Feel Better?
Find a Forefront physician nearest you to learn about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help prevent flare-ups and eliminate eczema disease symptoms in many cases.

Love the Skin You’re in This Valentine’s Day

As the cooler temperature and lower humidity of winter have been present for a couple months now, you are probably noticing some unfavorable changes to your skin’s appearance. According to Betsy Wernli, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Manitowoc, WI, “Winter is rough on the skin, with low humidity and freezing temperatures. Create an overall healthy lifestyle and daily skincare routine to positively impact your skin.”

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, here are some tips to counter skin dehydration and keep your skin looking radiant and feeling fresh and full of L-O-V-E.

L is for lotion. With the dry winter air wreaking havoc on your skin, you will need to modify your moisturizing regimen. Your skin needs richer, creamier lotions that will keep the skin hydrated. Create a daily skincare routine by focusing on skin hydration both morning and night. After a daily shower, pat dry and immediately apply a thick cream moisturizer.  Repeat the moisturizer at night before bed to ensure skin hydration even while you sleep.

O is for oily skin. The first step in developing a skincare routine is to determine your skin type — dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive. Based on that, you can tailor your regimen to meet your specific needs. Oily skin is shiny and greasy, often with enlarged pores; it can be prone to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. If you have Oily skin wash it twice daily with a salicylic acid cleanser to help keep pores unclogged; however, the skin should not be scrubbed. After cleansing, apply an oil-free moisturizer. Look for products that say “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog pores.

V is for vegetables (and fruits too!). Load up on leafy greens. Foods such as kale and spinach contain Vitamin A, which is essential for keeping skin smooth and wrinkle-free. Eat more carotenoid based foods, such as carrots and pumpkins, to give your complexion a healthy, natural glow. Finally, give kiwi a try. This fruit is packed with vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis, keeping skin taught and free of fine lines. Vitamin C also fights free radicals that can damage cells, resulting in skin that is less dry and with less noticeable wrinkles.

E is for exfoliate. Dehydrated skin can show signs of dryness, including flaking, scaling, and cracking. Dead skin cells can prevent moisturizer from absorbing completely, so use a mild exfoliator once or twice a week to prevent buildup.

Avoid using harsh peels, toners, and astringents which can remove oil from the skin. Instead of foaming scrubs, use hydrating scrubs to gently remove old skin cells without stripping the skin of its moisture.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help
If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to discuss how we can help.

February is National Cancer Prevention Month

While skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, it is also one of the most treatable and preventable. With early detection and proper treatment, skin cancer has a very high cure rate. While there is no sure way to guarantee you won’t get skin cancer, there are things you can do that can lower your risk.

  1. Have an Annual Skin Cancer Screening A skin cancer screening is a visual inspection of your skin by a board-certified dermatologist specially trained to detect skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. No blood work is conducted at a screening. You may be wondering what a skin cancer screening will be like and how long it will take. When you see your local Forefront dermatologist for a complete skin check-up, you can expect a 10-15 minute visit, including a review of your medical history and a head-to-toe skin examination. At this time, let your dermatologist know about any spots you are worried about; your dermatologist can teach you what to look for in the future if you’re not sure, such as any changes in the size, color, borders, or shape of a mole. Any notable changes in a mole should be checked out. Typically, a spot that the doctor suspects is cancerous will be biopsied. During a biopsy, a sliver of tissue is removed for evaluation by a pathologist, who confirms (or refutes) the dermatologist’s suspicions.
  2. Conduct Monthly Skin Cancer Self-EvaluationsThe Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone practice monthly, at-home, head-to-toe self-examinations of their skin, so that they can find any new or changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. This quick 10-minute procedure could be life-saving.  You can have your dermatologist give you an initial lesson on performing a skin examination and you can also learn how to perform one here. This will help you to monitor any changes in spots on your body and bring them to your dermatologist’s attention as early as possible.
  3. Avoid Intentional Tanning and Using Indoor Tanning Beds

    “The most common negative choice made this time of the year is the use of tanning beds. Many desire the glow of summer,” commented Betsy Wernli, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Manitowoc, WI, “but the negative effects of tanning bed exposure simply are not worth the risk.”  Protecting your skin with sunscreen daily and staying away from tanning beds not only reduces wrinkles and improves skin tone but also helps limit your chance of skin cancer.  According to American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

    Stay indoors or look for shade in the middle of the day when UV radiation is strongest, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM. Seek shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter to seek relief from the sun. Cover up with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses for the best protection against UV radiation.

  4. Keep Children and Especially Newborns Out of the Sun According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. Infants 0-6 months should be kept out of the sun completely. Their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen. Babies 6-12 months are now able to be exposed to very limited sun when completely protected by a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Protecting toddlers and older children requires a little more thought and effort. It is important to educate your children and caregivers as well. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF 30 or higher. Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who won’t sit still. Spray sunscreens should not be applied directly to the face; sprays should be misted into the hands, and then spread on the face. Even in the fall and into the winter, it is still important to practice sun safety, especially for babies and children. Keep them indoors between 10 AM and 4 PM, cover them up with protective clothing, and stay in the shade whenever possible.
  5. Continue Using Sunscreen Year-Round

    If you can’t cover up completely, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on all exposed skin throughout the year. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 filters out ultraviolet rays, reducing the risk of sunburn. Adults and children should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing ingredients designed to filter dangerous ultraviolet rays, as recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation.

Your Local Skin Cancer Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help

If you or a family member would like to have a skin cancer screening or have a skin concern find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

Skin Renewal Tips for the New Year

If all of the eating, drinking, and extra stress from the holidays have left your skin feeling dull, or if you have damage such as fine lines and dark spots, there are many cosmetic treatments that can improve the look of wrinkles, dull skin, and uneven skin tone. The beginning of the year is a fantastic time to schedule a personalized cosmetic treatment that will leave your skin glowing!

If you are experiencing wrinkles and fine lines:

Botox® is a safe and easy method for reducing wrinkles and fine lines that gives quick results with no downtime. In as little as one Botox® injection treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, your skin will look more youthful. Wrinkles and fine lines can also be treated with procedures know as laser skin resurfacing and microneedling. Patients may have their skin resurfaced at almost any age. You may have certain characteristics that make you a better candidate for one technique rather than another, or your board-certified dermatologist may have a preference based on his or her personal experience with the different methods and will discuss the option they believe is best for you.

If you are experiencing volume loss and deep wrinkles in your face from aging and prolonged sun exposure:

A board-certified dermatologist can restore that lost volume and bring back a more youthful appearance, softening the years on your face. The fastest way to replace volume is with an injectable dermal filler. These work quite well to give significant improvement, have minimal downtime, and cause very little discomfort.

If you have uneven skin tone and brown spots:

A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate the severity of your skin tone issues and treat the brown spots and unevenness with chemical peels or lasers. Chemical peels are nice fresheners and can help with brightening overall dull skin tone. For individual dark spots, the quickest way to eliminate them is typically to use a laser treatment.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help

If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, click here to find a dermatologist near me.

Top Five Tips for Updating Your Beauty Regimen for the New Year

Have you been caught in a makeup rut or does your beauty regimen need a boost for 2017? Do you have products on your bathroom counter that have been collecting dust since the last decade? Do you find that some of the products you are using on your skin sometimes seem to cause more harm than good? Whether you need a complete beauty and skincare overhaul or would just like to make some small changes to brighten up your skincare routine, the following tips can help to bring some sparkle back to your skin.

1. Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria. Be sure to clean your brushes weekly to avoid this build-up. There are products specifically designed to clean brushes, or you can also use very hot water and face soap.

2. Moisturize your Hands and Treat Your Cuticles

Hands and cuticles become very dry in the winter, so it is important to protect them with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and thoroughly moisture them with a rich and creamy lotion at least twice a day. If your cuticles are in need of extra attention, try a specialized cuticle cream that relieves dryness, repairs, and protects cuticles with its blend of raspberry stem-cell extract, shea butter, and vitamins A, C, and E.

3. Update Your Makeup Routine

Have you recently looked in the mirror and realized you’ve had the same makeup routine since your freshman year of college? Or perhaps your concern is not this dramatic and you just need a small update to your look? Try selecting a few new products, such as a new lipstick shade or eyeshadow to change up your look. If you need more advice on how to select the best products for the look you would like to achieve, consider schedule a consultation with your local Forefront Dermatology esthetician. They can provide product recommendations that will help you develop a new customized routine to get you looking current and glowing!

4. Replace Old Makeup and Skincare Products

Old skin care products and make-up not only work less efficiently, they can also do damage to your skin. There are a few different reasons for this. First, the active ingredients become ineffective over time. For example, after a foundation with SPF has expired, the sun protection may not be as strong as it was when the product was first purchased. Second, the efficiency of active ingredients also become compromised over time. Finally, your expired makeup can start to grow bacteria. When you apply these products to your skin, this can cause irritation and bumps that look like acne. And when it comes to your eyes, this bacteria buildup can actually cause infections and pink eye. Look through your make-up and other skincare products, such as moisturizers and cleansers, and replace products that are more than 12 months old or lipsticks that are more than eighteen months old.

5. Use a Foundation with More Coverage for Uneven Skin Tone

Look for a foundation that provides ample coverage for uneven skin tone, dark spots, and fine lines that is at least one or two shades lighter than your current skin tone. It should also offer repair elements such as evening and brightening skin tone and minimizing and treating the appearance of fine lines to gradually repair the impact of sun damage while providing a base for your make-up to make you look radiant.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help

If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, click here to find a dermatologist near me.

Smoking and the Skin: How Cigarettes Damage your Appearance

You already know that cigarettes are horrible for your health, but are you aware that they are also ruining your appearance? Each time you light up, the chemicals in cigarettes are damaging your skin in many different ways. Cigarettes are one of the top causes of premature aging, second only to the damaging UV rays from the sun.

Premature Aging, Wrinkles, and Saggy Skin

Experts agree that smoking accelerates aging, so that smokers look 1.4 years older than nonsmokers, on average. Cigarettes hamper the blood supply that keeps skin tissue looking supple and healthy and breaks down collagen and elastin.

Psoriasis

According to a 2007 study, if you puff a pack a day for 10 years or less, psoriasis risk goes up 20%; 11–20 years and your risk is 60% higher; and for those who pass the two-decade mark, the psoriasis risk more than doubles. If you do have psoriasis, smoking can also cause psoriasis plaques to flare up.

Under-Eye Circles

Nicotine withdrawal during the night can cause disruptions in sleep, which can make smokers develop dark circles under their eyes.

Yellow Fingers

The nicotine in cigarettes can not only stain your teeth, but it can also cause your fingers and nails to become yellow.

Scarring

Nicotine can limit oxygen-rich blood flow to the tiny vessels in the face or other parts of the body, which means your injuries will take longer to heal and you’ll have scars that are bigger and redder than you would if you were a nonsmoker.

Poor Skin Tone

Smoking depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause smokers to look pale or even a grey skin tone in heavy smokers.

Deep Lines around the Lips

People who smoke use certain muscles repeatedly around their lips that cause them to have dynamic wrinkles that nonsmokers do not. Second, you have the loss of elasticity. Together, these factors can lead to deep lines around the lips and a puckered appearance of the mouth.

The good news is that if you quit smoking today, some of the improvements to your appearance and overall health will be almost immediate.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are here to help

If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to discuss how we can help.

Start the New Year with These Top-Five Skincare Resolutions

The start of the New Year is a time we all think about making resolutions to improve our lives, like eating healthier and getting more exercise, but what about protecting our skin and keeping it healthy? Even the most beauty and health-conscious of us occasionally forget the sunscreen or sleep in our make-up. There are many simple steps you can take to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Review the following tips below and make a resolution to get your skin in its best shape ever for 2017!

  1. Do Not Skip the Sunscreen, Regardless of the Season
    Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you are taking a winter ski trip or spend a lot of time outdoors in a snowy climate, be aware that the snow can reflect the sun’s rays, so it is especially important to use and reapply sunscreen.
  2. Avoid Stress and Get Exercise
    Stress has been proven to increase breakouts, so try to find natural ways to decrease stress and find time to exercise. Exercise can help you both reduce stress, as well as sweat out toxins, oil, and dirt in your skin that can cause trouble with your complexion. Try a yoga class or sign up for a 5K in the spring to get yourself motivated.
  3. Eat Healthy
    Skincare experts agree that eating certain foods and avoiding others can significantly improve your skin. Culprits that have been linked to skin problems are sugary foods, dairy products, and unhealthy fats. Instead, add healthy foods to your diet such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy greens like salmon and kale, which can help your skin look and feel its best.
  4. Limit Alcohol and Drink Plenty of Water
    Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, can cause existing skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, to flare up. Drinking alcohol can also dry out the body and the skin, which can cause your skin to look flaky, dry, and dull. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding heavy drinking can help you avoid these issues.
  5. Avoid Smoking
    The inhalation of more than 7,000 chemicals produced by burning cigarettes can also cause damage to your skin in many ways. Smoking decreases the oxygen in the blood, constricts the blood vessels, and will lead to visible signs of premature ageing, such as wrinkles, discoloration, red capillaries, and dullness. Smoking also weakens the immune system, and this can lead to an increased risk for psoriasis and other auto-immune disorders.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help
If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to discuss how we can help.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Frostbite

For those who spend a lot of time outdoors at this time of year when temperatures are at their very coldest, either for work or pleasure, the risk of frostbite is very real. Frostbite is a potentially very serious skin condition that occurs when skin is exposed in freezing temperatures. In extremely frigid weather, your fingers, hands, toes, feet, nose and ears can freeze in as few as five minutes.

To prevent yourself from getting frostbite, it’s important to know the symptoms and how avoid getting frostbite if you will be outdoors in extreme cold.

Signs of Frostbite

Symptoms of frostbite depend on how deep it goes into the body. There are three stages. Early frostbite affects the top layers of the skin. More advanced cases can go all the way through to the muscles and bones.

Frostnip

  • Skin turns a pale color
  • It may itch, sting, burn, go numb, or feel like “pins and needles.”

Superficial Frostbite

  • Skin becomes hard
  • It looks shiny or waxy
  • When the skin thaws, blisters filled with fluid or blood form

Severe (deep) frostbite

  • Skin is very hard and cold to the touch
  • Skin darkens quickly. It may look blue and later turn black

According to Erik C. Alexander, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, “It is critical to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of severe frostbite; have increased pain, swelling, redness or discharge in the area that was frostbitten; or if you have a fever.”

Preventing Frostbite
Follow the tips below to protect yourself from frostbite.

  • Limit time you’re outdoors in cold, wet or windy weather.
  • Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing.
  • Wear a hat or headband that fully covers your ears.
  • Wear mittens rather than gloves.
  • Wear socks and sock liners that fit well, wick moisture and provide insulation.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite.
  • Carry emergency supplies and warm clothing in case you become stranded.
  • Don’t drink alcohol if you plan to be outdoors in cold weather.
  • Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated.
  • Keep moving.

Your Local Skin Experts at Forefront Dermatology are here to Help
Establishing a relationship with a board-certified dermatologist is an important step you should take to keep your skin healthy, especially if you suffer from an itchy, painful, or irritating skin condition. If you or a family member have a skin concern or would like to schedule a consult, find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you to schedule an appointment or to learn more.