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Still Doubting the Safety of Sunscreen Ingredients? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, October 24th, 2011

On the heels the FDA’s new sunscreen label regulations in June 2011, a report was released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommending that consumers avoid products that contain retinyl palmintate and oxybenzone, two ingredients commonly found in sunscreen.

The EWG based their conclusion on a study of rats that were fed active sunscreen ingredients. In the July 2011 issue of Archives of Dermatology, a letter was published (Wang, MD, Lim, MD & Burnett) putting the findings from the animal study into perspective. They concluded that the length of time and application necessary to produce systemic oxybenzone levels in humans equal to those studied in rats is “essentially unobtainable.” The authors of the letter found that it would take a woman who applied sunscreen every day on her face, neck, hands and arms, 277 years to apply enough to even potentially lead to absorption sufficient enough to cause any systemic issue. I think most of us would agree that using any product in a manner which it is not intended can, of course, cause problems - just read the back of your aspirin bottle for example!

Based on public use for many years and the available scientific literature there is no evidence to support that oxybenzone in sunscreen contributes to hormonal alterations or any other significant health issues in humans. If there were any threats to humans, we would have seen them by now given their widespread use. The risk of skin cancer, which is known, documented and studied, far outweighs any hypothetical risk of using sunscreens topically. So, keep your skin healthy and continue to use your sunscreen!

Acne Myths Exposed! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, September 19th, 2011

New as well as old myths continue to shape people’s views about acne and how to treat it. Here is a quick rundown on the most popular myths in the mainstream today.

#1 Acne is Just Cosmetic - Acne is more than skin deep. It is a medical condition, that can cause anxiety and depression.

#2 You Can “Sweat” Out Acne - Many patients believe that using steam or hot towels helps open pores and will lessen acne. The truth is that sweating, increased temperatures and humidity can make acne worse. In fact it may cause more broken capillaries (increased redness in the skin) and faster breakdown of collagen, making pores look larger over time. There is no scientific data to back up the sweat it out theory.

#3 Sex and Masturbation Cause Acne - This myth is a carry over from centuries past as a way to dissuade people from having pre-marital sex. There is no link between having acne and sex.

#4 Dirt Causes Acne - Acne is caused by a bacteria (P. acnes) deep within the skin’s follicles. Blackheads (open comedones) seen on the skin are not a build up of dirt, but the oxidation of sebum (oil) in the follicles. Intense scrubbing or squeezing to remove blackheads will only irritate the skin. Blackheads can be helped with topical medications.

#5 Wash Your Face More Often to Lessen Acne - Acne cannot be washed away. Abrasive scrubs, plain soap and water or frequent washing are not a treatment for acne. Overwashing or scrubbing harshly will only irritate the skin further.

#6 Acne Will Eventually Go Away on its Own - Acne is not something that people “outgrow”. Acne is a medical condition that can last for years or a lifetime if left untreated. It can also occur at any age, not just in teenagers. Treating acne will not only improve skin and reduce scarring, but also increases self-esteem.

#7 Tanning Helps Acne - Ultra Violet light exposure from tanning beds or the sun does not improve acne. It will only increase your risk of skin cancer and induce premature aging. This can actually make any scarring look worse as you age because the collagen in the skin has been damaged.

#8 Popping Pimples Clears Them - While it may seem like you are helping to clear a pimple by squeezing out the fluid inside, you are actually doing more harm then good. Some of the pimple’s contents do come out, but you actually end up pushing more of the fluid down deeper and into the surrounding tissue. This causes more inflammation in the area, which can lead to extended redness and scarring.

#9 You Cannot Use Makeup if You Have Acne - Cosmetics can be worn, even by people with acne prone skin. It is important to choose non-comedogenic products. I always recommend mineral based makeup which covers acne well without irritating the skin.

#10 More is More - In hoping to clear their acne more quickly, patients, tend to overuse their topical medications. It is very important to use your medications as intended. Most acne treatments contain strong medicines or exfoliators that may irritate your skin if used improperly, setting your skin back even further. Make sure you understand how to use all your products and follow instructions for the best result.

#11 I Will See Results Right Away - We would all love to see acne clear after one use of a topical or after a few days of an oral medication, but treating acne is a process. Skin cells cycle about every six weeks, so patients need to know that improvement may not be seen for at least that long, if not up to a few months. Give your acne products a chance to do their job and change your skin. If you don’t see results right away, don’t give up! Stay in communication with your doctor and change medications as necessary.

#12 Over the Counter Products Work as Well as the Doctor’s - Don’t believe the hype. Products like Proactiv, may have you believe that your acne will magically disappear, but it does not work for all types of acne or all types of skin. To truly get yourself set up on the right regimen, see a dermatologist.

#13 Accutane or Isotretinoin is Dangerous - This oral acne medication has been subject to all kinds of misinformation and rumor. For the right patient it can not only clear their skin, but can send their acne into remission. Many of my patients feel like it changed their life. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, as it may be the best option for you.

#14 - Diet Does Not Cause Acne - This is a myth that is still under study. There is some evidence to suggest that diet and acne may be linked. When asked about changing their diet by patients, my advice is to give it a try. It doesn’t hurt to reduce dairy and processed sugars and white flour in your diet, and if it helps your skin too then all the better!

With acne, like any medical issue, its important to know the facts and not just rely on what your best friend, mom or Aunt Edna thinks. Everyone’s skin is different, so the best way to treat your acne is to work with a dermatologist. They will help determine what type of acne you are dealing with and the best treatment. Be sure you have all your questions answered, set realistic expectations and understand how to use all your medications.

Dr. Welsh Pledges Her Support to the Tiba Foundation.

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

Special announcement: Dr. Welsh now supports Tiba Foundation. Beginning this summer, 10% of purchases made at the We Love Skin Store will be donated to Tiba. Click here; weloveskinstore.com to visit the store, or visit Tiba Foundation tibafoundation.org to learn about the work to provide quality health care in rural Kenya.

Sun Protection that Doesn’t Miss a Spot: Notes from a San Francisco Dermatologist

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Forgetting to reapply sunscreen, especially when we are outside having fun, is the most common way to get a sunburn and sustain photodamage from UV rays. Even if you are a committed sunscreen wearer, missing a spot, especially in hard to reach areas, is easy to do.

So what is the most complete way to protect yourself this summer? Try the Heliocare pill!

Heliocare offers the unique properties of a natural fern extract (PLE) to increase the skin’s tolerance to the sun (decreasing sunburn response), it reduces skin cell DNA damage and scavenges free radicals helping to protect against sun-related effects and aging. Because it is taken orally, it is effective in protecting cells deep within the skin layer. Heliocare is taken daily and is active within half an hour of the first dose.

Over 12 years of research has confirmed the antioxidant and photoprotectant properties of Heliocare. It has shown that the PLE agent is effective when taken in capsule form or used on the skin. It has also confirmed that the capsule form has no known harmful side effects.

My staff and I always grab a bottle when we go on vacation or when we will be outdoors for long periods of time because we know it makes a difference. Application of your sunscreen lotion every two hours is still extremely essential, but you can protect your skin even further with this simple supplement. Give your skin extra protection from the inside out with Heliocare!

A New Look for your Old Sunscreen: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, June 20th, 2011

Your sunscreen bottle may look different in the next year or two! Earlier this month, the FDA issued new labeling regulations on sunscreens. Below is quick summary of the new requirements:

Sunscreens may be labeled “broad-spectrum” if they provide protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher can state that they protect again skin cancer if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 2-14 will be required to have a warning stating that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
The terms “sunblock”, “sweatproof” and “waterproof” are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.
A sunscreen may claim to be “water resistant”; however, the product must specify if it offers 40 minutes or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water resistant must include a direction instructing consumers to use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
Sunscreens cannot claim to provide sun protection for more than two hours without reapplication.
Sunscreen manufacturers will have one year to comply with the FDA ruling; smaller companies will have two years.
The ingredients in sunscreens marketed today have been used for many years and FDA does not have any reason to believe these products are not safe for consumer use.

The FDA reiterated that sunscreen alone is not enough, and should be used in conjunction with a complete sun protection regimen, including seeking shade, wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses.

As always, be sure to use a shot glass sized amount of sunscreen for your body and a large nickel size for your face. Re-application is key! Make it easy to remember by carrying sunscreen in your purse, bag and car. If you don’t like to reapply a lotion form of sunblock, try the Colorscience Pro Sunforgettable Mineral Powder, a quick and easy way to touch up throughout the day.

For more details on the changes to sunscreen labeling, please visit the FDA’s website.

Dry Skin, What’s Itching You?

Sunday, January 9th, 2011

If you are like most people this winter season, you’re itchy. There are many contributing factors that can ultimately lead to this scratchy annoyance. Virtually all patients suffer from some form of dry skin during winter months. Soaps and frequent, long showers can cause sensitivity, because the harsh chemicals and steamy temperatures can remove lipids. In addition, dry air conditioning reduce the atmospheric humidity as well, which leads to decreased moisture levels in the skin. Left untreated, dry skin can actually lead to complications such as atopic dermatitis (a form of eczema). Other complications can occur such as folliculitis, or the inflammation of the hair follicules, as well as cellulitis, the infection of the skin tissue. In order to prevent or alleviate dry skin, harsh soaps should be avoided and mild cleansers should be used to clean the skin. Immediately applying lotions or oils to help trap in water on the surface of the skin is recommended as well. Special creams, known as barrier creams, that are specially formulated for hand, are particularly effective as they stay put despite frequent hand washing. If these methods are not effective, then make an appointment with your physician to determine if the cause of your dry skin is actually a condition. When there is irritation to the skin and dryness, the skin barrier becomes impaired, and we are more prone to developing infections. In these cases, treatment with prescription medications is necessary to clear infections and calm down inflammation so that the skin barrier can heal and re-form. In any case, there are many ways to alleviate you dry, itchy skin.

An Aspirin a Day, Can Keep Cancer Away! Notes From a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist.

Monday, December 20th, 2010

Normally we don’t blog on general health related issues, but after reading a newly published study, Dr. Welsh felt compelled to share its findings with all of her patients. Research from Oxford University shows that taking 75 milligrams of aspirin daily for more than five years cut deaths from cancers such as colorectal, throat, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancers, by 21%. Additionally, in age matched control studies, there were also fewer cancers found in groups who took aspirin regularly. Aspirin is believed to have a protective effect against these cancers by inhibiting the enzyme that promotes rapid cell division in cancer tumors. Aspirin now has enormous potential in its preventative effects if used in conjunction with other proven measures including screening for certain cancers, and lifestyle factors, such as not smoking, taking care in the sun, and avoiding obesity. Although more research is needed to determine which age groups should take aspirin, in what doses, and for how long, the study shows that something cheap and easily available can have a profound effect on cancer deaths. As always, please consult your doctor before starting an aspirin regimen, and Dr. Welsh reminds you to discontinue its use a week before any Botox or filler treatments!

Got an Issue With Your Skin? Roll It Away!- Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, October 4th, 2010

The most amazing new device has finally arrived at our office! The Dermaroller is the newest way to rejuvenize your skin, even out pigment, tackle acne scarring, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, and even rid of those annoying stretch marks! All with a simple in office treatment that takes less than an hour. This tiny device has the amazing ability to stimulate natural collagen and elastin production in the skin without harming it. Prepping the skin with an application of numbing cream, our estheticians roll tiny micro needles into the dermis, triggering the healing process, which in turn releases growth factors. Basically, as you skin heals, wrinkles, stretch marks, scarring, and pigment begin to fade!! This treatment is safe, virtually painless, and effective! And the best part is, following treatment, we offer an at home device to further your results . Call to schedule an appointment!

Nervous about using Vitamin A? Don’t Be. It’s Perfectly Safe! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

You may have come across the recent health warning issued by the Environmental Working Group that sunscreens containing the ingredient retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) could pose a cancer risk. This warning garnered significant media attention and has caused considerable confusion among the public. However, an independent analysis published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology determined that including retinyl palmitate in sunscreens cannot cause cancer in humans, and in fact, “years of research suggests retinoids are helpful in reducing your risk of skin cancer.”

To be clear, retinyl palmitate (which is not the same as tretinoin, or Retin- A, a popular anti- aging cream) when used in sunscreen is not an active drug ingredient, but rather a cosmetic ingredient. Additionally, it can serve as an antioxidant to improve the product performance against aging effects of UV exposure.

The study done by the Environmental Working Group cited evidence from non- human testing on albino, hairless mice that retinyl palmitate may lead to the production of free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to skin cancer, or may speed up the development of tumors. After reviewing the findings, the American Academy of Dermatology announced that there was “no conclusive evidence to indicate the combination of retinyl palmitate and UV radiation causes increased rates of skin cancer.” The AAD also warned that since the mice used in the Environmental Working Group study are highly susceptible to the effects of UV radiation and can develop skin cancer within weeks of exposure with or without retinyl palmitate, extreme caution should be used when relating these findings to humans.

So what’s the bottom line? Lather up, and use your sunscreen freely. Your skin will thank you!

Neocutis Bio-Serum in SF Examiner! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

With all of the anti-aging skin products on the market, how do we choose what to carry in our office and recommend to our patients? Well for us to bring on a product, there must be scientific data behind it that it actually works to penetrate and improve the skin. Also, the product must be tried and liked by myself and my staff of varying skin types.

The products from Neocutis definitely meet both criteria. And while we can talk someone’s ear off about the benefits of their formulations, it is always reassuring for patients when a third party review backs up our findings too! Check out this article in the San Francisco Examiner on Neocutis Bio-Serum.

Neocutis Bio-Serum uses PSP® (Processed Skin Cell Proteins), a balanced mixture of skin nutrients including cytokines, growth factors and antioxidants, combined with pro-collagen amino acids and a bio-mimetic peptide to safeguard the skin’s collagen and elastin against damage. Skin plumping hyaluronic acid and line softening technology also work synergistically to help visibly transform the appearance of skin. Contact our office to start and see the benefits of Bio-Serum for yourself!

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