March 9th, 2010
Please join us on Friday, March 12th for an all-day SkinCeuticals product event. We will have snacks, free samples and a representative from the company available to answer any of your questions. We are particularly excited to introduce a few of their new products like the Pigment Regulator (an effective non-hydroquinone alternative to correct pigment), Retexturizing Activator (a resurfacing and replenishing serum) and A.G.E. Interrupter and Eye Complex (to combat the aging effects of glycation in the skin). In addition, all SkinCeuticals products will be 20% off!! Please drop by our office and take advantage of the savings!
Tags: A.G.E, glycation, non-hydroquinone, pigment regulator, retexturizing activator, san francisco bay area dermatologist, skinceuticals
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March 4th, 2010
Soon we will be launching our new and improved website! Be sure to visit us a weloveskin.com to view information about our office, procedures and specials!
Tags: weloveskin
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February 26th, 2010
Do you know someone or do you have a wedding that you are preparing for in the near future? If so, don’t forget to make getting your skin in picture perfect shape part of your plans. Check out the Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2010 issue for an interview I did with the magazine on brides-to-be. It includes recommendations and tips on how to prepare for the big day. Brides have enough to worry about on their wedding day without stressing about their skin. I truly enjoy helping brides create a treatment plan that is effective, budget friendly and helps them look their best, especially when I get to see the beautiful pictures from the wedding afterward! Hope you enjoy the article.
Tags: bay area dermatologist, bride, martha stewart, san francisco dermatologist, skin, weddings
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February 23rd, 2010
Having two teenagers, you learn to stay up on what today’s youth is watching, listening to and surfing for, especially if it can impact them negatively. A recent trend among the younger set is watching the MTV reality show “Jersey Shore.” While I can’t say I’ve actually watched this show myself, I’ll admit to being familiar with images of the cast that I’ve seen on magazines and television excerpts, mostly because of the shock and concern I feel for them and their overly tanned skin. When I learned of the “tanning intervention” that the TV show “Extra” had with the cast, I was delighted. These young adults are not only ruining their skin and dramatically increasing their chances of skin cancer with their tanning habits, but they can potentially influence viewers into thinking tanning is “cool” - a dangerous trend. Check out this clip from Extra and share it with someone who needs to know about the dangers of tanning!
Tags: jersey shore, san francisco bay area dermatologist, skin cancer, tanning
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February 17th, 2010
We’ve been excited about the Zeltiq targeted fat reduction treatment since we began using the device in December and have often discussed it in our blog. It has once again come up in the mainstream media as a new way to help whittle our middles and as an alternative to liposuction. Check out the video from ABC News on February 16th to see the Zeltiq in action! Please contact our office for more details about the procedure.
Tags: fat reduction, liposuction, san francisco bay area dermatologist, san francisco dermatologist, zeltiq
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February 16th, 2010
My new favorite product from the Clarisonic line of products is the Opal Sonic Infusion System! I’ve been using this device for over a month now and feel it has given the skin around my eyes a fresh look. This area of skin is notorious for being poor quality, especially as we age. I always say that if there were something to eliminate under eye wrinkles then I wouldn’t have any! While the Opal cannot eliminate eye wrinkles either, it does make the skin under my eyes area appear smoother, softer and less puffy.
The Opal is a small hand held device that uses sonic vibrations to infuse an anti-aging serum into the skin. I like to use mine first thing in the morning to “awaken” my eyes, although it can be used anytime and as often as you like. The benefits of the Opal, like increased firmness and wrinkle softening can be seen right after using it and last for hours. These results also start to build over time and lead to improved texture in this tricky area. Any skin type can benefit from the Opal. Its another at home device to help keep your skin a few steps ahead in the anti-aging game! Please contact our office for a free demo or more details.
Tags: Clarisionic, eyes, Opal, san francisco bay are dermatologist, san francisco dermatologist, under eye wrinkles, wrinkles
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February 10th, 2010
A recent study conducted by UC Davis has found that dermatology ranks as one of the most satisfying medical specialties to practice. One of the reasons dermatology tops the charts is its diversity, ranging from medical to aesthetic. This couldn’t be more true for my practice. Being able to help a patient suffering from acne or skin cancer to advising another on choosing a cosmetic treatment right for them is one aspect of my job that I enjoy immensely. There is nothing more satisfying than helping patients set and achieve their skin goals, seeing them through the process from beginning to end. Its the relationships I have with my patients who are of all ages and walks of life that always keep me smiling.
Tags: Acne, bay area dermatologist, cosmetic, Dermatology, medical, san francisco dermatologist, skin cancer
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February 3rd, 2010
Not only has the Isolaz treatment been beneficial to my patients suffering from acne, but it is also an excellent treatment for rosacea as highlighted in this clip from Good Morning America. The features of Isolaz treatments that I like best are that they are safe and effective for all skin types, they are painless, there is no downtime and there is an overall improvement in the skin’s appearance. Call our office for more details!
Tags: Acne, bay area dermatologist, Isolaz, rosacea, san francisco dermatologist, skin
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January 19th, 2010
Pregnancy brings about so many physical changes that it can feel a bit like something out of invasion of the body snatchers - where your body is no longer your own! While each woman’s journey varies, there are some common skin changes that you may notice as you wait for bundle of joy to arrive.
Itchy Abdomen Skin: You do not need to spend a fortune as any good over the counter moisturizer (like Aveeno, Cetaphil) can help relive the tight, dry, itchy skin that occurs as your belly stretches during pregnancy - especially the last few months. Shea butter can also be very soothing. I tell my patients to avoid oils as they tend to not absorb well. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you shower or bathe, as they merely allow your skin to hold onto moisture. Heavier creams are better moisturizers, but can be messier and harder to use. With any product on the skin, be sure to use common sense and stop if it causes any irritation.
Stretch Marks: Perhaps my patients’ number one fear and/or complaint. Stretch marks are the result of stretching skin and appear as reddish or pink linear marks on the abdomen, breasts or hip/buttock area. It is a rare woman that does not earn at least a few marks during her pregnancy. There is no medical evidence that any creams or vitamin E prevent them from occurring. In fact, vitamin E oil applied directly to skin can cause irritation, so I would not recommend it. However, if you feel that it never hurts to try, then I would recommend using moisturizers as noted in the previous section to relieve tightness. Generally, the marks will shrink and fade some time after delivery. However, if they are bothersome to you there are two treatments that can be helpful. Vbeam laser treatments will help reduce the pink discoloration and can help build collagen to strengthen the skin, minimizing the marks. Fraxel laser treatments help to renew the texture of the skin, making it smoother and the marks less visible. If you are interested in Vbeam or Fraxel to treat stretch marks, please contact our office.
Skin Tags: These are tiny flaps of skin that can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and typically occur in areas of friction, like under your arms or around your breasts. Some of these may disappear after delivery, but any remaining tags can be quickly and easily removed by a dermatologist.
Acne: Hormonal changes can cause your skin to become more oily and prone to breakouts. To help this, you can use over the counter cleansers or moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy Acid (AHA), lactic or glycolic acid, which help to exfoliate the skin and keep plugs from forming. Some of our pregnant patients also come in for monthly pregnancy safe chemical peels to keep their skin in balance. Benzoyl Peroxide is safe to use on your skin during pregnancy and helps exfoliate the skin and kill acne causing bacteria. If breakouts become severe or do not respond to basic treatment, be sure to contact your dermatologist.
Mask of Pregnancy (Melasma or Cholasma): Hormones at work yet again. Some women develop dark patches of pigment on their forehead and cheeks (like a mask) during pregnancy as a result of their hormones. Your skin is extra sensitive to the sun during this time, so be sure to wear your sunblock everyday to keep the sun’s rays from making the condition worse. Phytic acid is a botanically derived skin lightener that is not as strong as prescription grade products like hydroquinone (not medically advised for use during pregnancy), but is a safe alternative and may help reduce excess pigment. After delivery, check with your dermatologist on the most effective and safe ways to quickly get rid of any leftover pigmentation.
Linea Nigra: Around the fourth of fifth month of pregnancy you may notice the appearance of a dark line that runs from your belly button to the top of your pubic bone. The line is thought to be a result of…you guessed it…hormones. There is no way to prevent this line, but take comfort in knowing that it will fade after delivery.
Changes in Moles & Freckles: We often find that moles and freckles become more “active” during pregnancy, meaning that they may darken in color due to hormonal fluctuations. You may also notice other areas of skin like the nipples, areolas and labia become darker. Should any mole or freckle change significantly change in shape or size, or specifically catch your eye that didn’t before, please have it checked by a dermatologist right away.
Spider & Varicose Veins: As a result of increased blood flow throughout your body, tiny red to larger blue veins may appear on the legs and ankles during pregnancy. While there is a genetic component to their appearance, the best way to minimize them is by trying the following: keep active by walking to increase circulation; avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; wear support hose; prop your legs up when sitting; avoid excessive weight gain. After delivery these veins can be reduced with either injections or laser treatments.
The good news is that this increase in blood flow to your body is also what gives you that pregnancy “glow” which is beautiful on every woman, so may you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery!
Tags: Acne, bay area dermatologist, hormones, itchy skin, pigment, pregnancy, san francisco bay area dermatologist, skin tags, spider veins, stretch makrs
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January 15th, 2010
As you may the recall, the Senate healthcare reform bill originally proposed a 5% tax on cosmetic medical procedures, which would have unfairly impacted the cost of many elective treatments like Botox and Restylane injections. However, with encouragement from the Amercian Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Medical Association (AMA), public support and other public entities this tax has been replaced in the revised Senate bill. The new bill proposes a 10% tax on indoor tanning services instead. Not only will this generate billions of dollars over the next ten years, but it will support public health by discouraging indoor tanning, which is known to cause skin cancer. Treating skin cancer only adds to healthcare costs and can be prevented. This tax will help on both fronts.
Both the House and Senate bill are now headed to conference committee hearings for deliberation.
Tags: bay area dermatologist, Botox, cosmetic tax, indoor tanning, restylane, san francisco dermatologist, senate healthcare reform bill
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