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Posts Tagged ‘san francisco bay area dermatologist’

All Obagi Kits 10% Off Until 12/29: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, December 14th, 2011

Afraid of commitment?  Don’t be.  Now is a great time to try an Obagi skincare program and change your skin for the better!  Obagi offers several “kits” designed to address specific skin issues like pigment and wrinkles, acne and rosacea.  The products found in each comprehensive kit are made to work synergistically, dramatically improving your skin in a minimal amount of time.  Take advantage of our 10% off sale on Obagi skincare kits now thru December 29th and get started on a system today!

10% off Obagi Kits*
Obagi Nu-Derm Kits (Products 1-6)
Obagi NuDerm Travel Kits (Products 1-6)
Obagi-C RX System
CLENZIderm Kits for Acne
Rosaclear Kits for Rosacea
* 10% off valid on complete kits only

 

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!

 

Mineral Makeup & Fall Makeup Trends: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, August 21st, 2011

Mineral makeup is always the best choice for your skin, but keep in mind that not all are created equal. Most of the major makeup brands now have their version of a “mineral” line to take advantage of its growing popularity.  But to make sure you are getting a truly mineral based product, take a minute to read the label.  Titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide should be listed as one of the first ingredients, not at the end.  If its not at the beginning, then you aren’t getting the real deal.  I have long trusted Jane Iredale and Colorescience mineral makeup brands and so have a majority of my patients, especially those with sensitive skin.

Mineral based foundations and bases illuminate your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and large pores, especially if your skin is in good shape to start (i.e. at minimum using a skin care regimen that includes an antioxidant and some form of Retin-A).  They are light in appearance and can be easily reapplied throughout the day without looking like you’re wearing a mask.  The most appealing part of mineral makeup is that it can be used by all skin types.  Some products even have an SPF rating for extra protection from sun damage.

The most universally wearable looks among this fall’s makeup trends include sheer metallics and sandy shades for the eyes (think shimmery, not glittery, so they can be worn by any age group), flushed cheeks and creamy matte lipsticks in floral or vintage hues.  Mineral based makeup eye colors, blushes and lipsticks are all highly pigmented, long-wearing and won’t dry out your skin, so your makeup will look fresh all day.

Eyelashes will also be on trend, so start using Latisse now to grow your own longer and darker lashes!

To help you get started with mineral makeup and the latest fall makeup trends, please visit our makeup counter and chat with our new dedicated makeup expert, Julia.  She will help you with an updated look, incorporating all the best Jane Iredale and Colorescience makeups have to offer!

 

An Even Tan Only Comes Without the Sun! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

To help answer the question of why different types of skin cancer tend to occur in different parts of the body given they all are caused by UV exposure, researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently conducted a “tanning” study published in the Journal of Experimental Dermatology.

The study exposed the backs and buttocks of 100 volunteers to six doses of UVB rays.  A week later their skin was analyzed, revealing that the buttock area remained lighter in color and was much more resistant to tanning than the back area, despite the same level of UVB exposure.  In the UK’s Telegraph, Professor Jonathan Rees (Unviersity of Edinburgh) reported the reason being that the skin on bottoms is thicker than other areas of the body.  Part of the defense mechanism of a tan is to thicken the skin in a given area to protect its lower layers from UV damage.  Areas where the skin is already thick, like our bottoms, is less likely to tan as a defensive response to UV exposure.

What is the take home message?  If you are seeking an even, all-over tan, then you are chasing an impossibility.  The skin is not physically able to tan in this way and this study is simply more evidence to discourage tanning through UV exposure at all!  The still safest and most effective way to get an even tan is through topical tanning products like lotions, tan towels and shower bars.

 

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!

 

Still Tanning Despite the Risks? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Excessive sun exposure and tanning bed use increases the risk of getting melanoma, basal cell cancer and other non-melanoma cancers.  We have several patients who, despite having been treated for serious skin cancer, continue to tan.  Why?  Well, it turns out that they may suffer from a tanning addiction.  They suffer uncomfortable physical and mental symptoms when they try to stop.  Many repeat tanners exhibit addictive behaviors similar to those exhibited by people addicted to substances such as meth and alcohol.  In a recent study (Arch Dermatol 2010 Apr;146:412) 70% of study participants who visited tanning parlors met criteria for addiction to indoor tanning.  Study participants who met criteria for addiction also had greater anxiety and greater alcohol and marijuana use.  Tanning addiction seems to involve the same drives as other  forms of substance related  disorders.  Of course , it is important to distinguish addicted from non-addicted tanners.  It is hoped that lessons learned from treating other addictions can be translated into concrete interventions to reduce risky tanning behavior.

 

Do Sunscreens Cause Cancer? Are they safe? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The latest question on patients’ minds this summer is the safety of sunscreen.  A few websites have posted articles scaring people into questioning whether or not they should use sunscreen.  The bottom line is that sunscreens protect us from skin cancer and here’s why:

What do we know?

Numerous studies have looked at this issue, and none have confirmed any link between sunscreens and skin cancer. Some researchers have speculated that since sunscreens allow users to stay out in the sun longer they may increase the risk of skin cancer.  There have also been worries about physical sunblocks zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (micronized).  The worry is that these may pose a danger if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.  A large National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study found minimal skin absorption of titanium nanoparticles and this has been confirmed by other studies.  It is possible that inhaled nanoparticles may be risky.  So if you use a spray sunscreen keep it away from your face (spray on your hand and rub in) or hold your breath when you spray.

We do know that the sunscreens help prevent skin growths called actinic keratoses.  These are rough scaly patches that can develop into squamous cell cancer.  There  is less evidence that sunscreens protect against melanoma and basal cell cancer.  This may be because these two cancers are strongly linked to sunburn.  Your risk of melanoma doubles if you have had five or more sunburns at any  age or from just one blistering sunburn before the age of 20.  Basal cell cancer seems also to be linked to  the  amount of freckling and number of burns.  In other words excessive sun exposure definitely causes cancer!!

Given that we know the sun can cause cancer and the evidence is nonexistent that sunscreens cause cancer common sense should prevail. Use sunscreen!

Are sunscreens safe for the environment?

Unfortunately sunscreens are bad for the ocean environment!  They come off in the water and settle down to the coral reefs blocking vital UV radiation. What can you do?  I am a huge proponent of  light weight wetsuits and  UV protective rash guards used for surfing.  I always wear one when I snorkel or windsurf. It is easier to put one of these on your kids and yourself than to deal with suncreening your whole body and reapplication after swimming.  They come in cute colors and styles and are widely available.  You can bolster their UV blocking abilities by washing with SunGuard or a similar product.  They claim they are effective up to 20 washing  cycles or swimming dips!  Apply your sunscreen to your face and hands and cover up  the rest with UV protective clothing!! You save your skin and the ocean!

 

Ultrasound Tightening with Ultherapy! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Friday, June 25th, 2010

We all hate it when someone says that we look tired, because what they are really is saying is that we look old.  When you feel like you hear this comment more often than you would like or when you actually had 10 hours of sleep the night before, it may be time for a bit of rejuvenation.

Sagging skin around the brow, cheeks, jawline and neck all contribute to a “tired” appearance, which can easily be addressed with the latest in non-invasive skin tightening procedure called Ultherapy.  My staff and I truly love the Ulthera.  Ultherapy uses ultrasound heat to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen building process, resulting in more sculpted skin.  Our nurses are expert at using the Ulthera applicator to focus the ultrasound energy at just the right depth below the skin to give you the safest, yet most effective treatment possible.  Your skin’s response to the energy is to generate new collagen, resulting in a natural lift of the skin over time (approximately 2-4 months).

The procedure lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the areas being treated and is appropriate for all skin types.  Comfort levels do vary with Ultherapy, so we will generally counsel patients prior to treatment on their medication options.  While some patients have reported mild swelling and tenderness in the treated areas, the Ultherapy procedure allows you to return to your normal activities right away - no special measures need to be taken.

I always like to stay on the “non-cutting” edge of the latest in skin tightening and after much research, I have great confidence in the results of Ultherapy.  Since having had the Ultherapy done myself,  I can see that my cheeks are now higher and my jawline is tighter, which definitely makes me look and feel more “rested.”  No more comments about looking tired for me!

Contact our office for more details on Ultherapy!

 

The Latest on Thermage! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour your skin in a single treatment – with no surgery, no injections, and little downtime.  It is one of the few treatments that can be used to improve areas of the body like your arms, tummy and thighs.  It is also a great treatment for the eyes and face.  Here’s a great clip from NBC New York demonstrating Thermage on the arms.

For even more video clips on Thermage, check out this montage on YouTube.

Contact our office to learn more about Thermage and how it may work to keep your skin looking fitter and tighter in the years to come!

 

Interview on CBS 5 about the MTS-Roller: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, May 17th, 2010

In case you missed it, here is the link to my interview with CBS Channel 5 News (KPIX) discussing the benefits of the MTS-Roller!

This instrument is one of my favorites.  Its a hand-held roller dotted with micro-needles that can be used on the face, neck and body. While the MTS (Microneedle Therapy System) Roller does not look like something you’d naturally be inclined to used on your skin, it has been shown to deliver results.  It helps induce collagen growth in the dermal layer and helps products penetrate more deeply into the skin where they can be much more effective. This translates to skin that appears softer, smoother and less wrinkled over time.  It may also help with scarring and hyperpigmentation. The treatment is virtually pain-free and no damage is caused to the skin. The roller can be used safely on the skin 3-4 days per week and comes in two sizes.  The 0.2mm needle roller is to be used on dry to sensitive and mature skin types.    The 0.3mm needle roller is better for thick and oily prone skin.  We will be happy to help you choose which is most appropriate for your skin.  The roller retails for $125 each, which includes sterilizing equipment.

Our staff will instruct you on the proper use of the roller, so you can use it in the convenience of your own home.  You can use the roller with nearly any product, however, we find that the best products include Neocutis Bio-Serum, hyaluronic acid serums, bio-restorative creams, hydroquinone and retinoic acids.  Let us help you take advantage of this handy little tool and add it to your anti-aging warchest!

 

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