Posts Tagged ‘skin’

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

Martha & Me, Weddings Spring 2010: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Friday, 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.

Isolaz for Rosacea Treatment on Good Morning America: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, 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!

Youthful Skin and Water - Less of a Connection than you May Think: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Friday, December 4th, 2009

For those of you who are downing glasses, canteens or bottles of water to improve your skin and for those that beat yourself up daily because you don’t, you may be interested in the following information.

The UK’s Telegraph (11/20) reports that “drinking lots of water doesn’t give you a clearer complexion, according to” a new report called “Food For Skin.” The report, from the British Nutrition Foundation, “highlights a lack of any robust studies backing up the popular advice that water makes the complexion glow.” The report’s author said, “Just drinking water for the sake of drinking water really has no effect on improving the appearance of skin.”

What has been shown to keep your skin looking younger is a healthy diet including lots of fruits and vegetables and wearing sunscreen daily.

Dermaroller - Torture Device or Latest Skin Care Advance? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

We are very excited to introduce the Microneedle Therapy System at our office! The UK’s Daily Mail reports that the Dermaroller, a device that “looks like a medieval instrument of torture” with its “barrel covered in ultra-fine ‘microneedles,”’ works by producing thousands of microscopic needle holes in the dermis, which prompts the skin to produce new collagen and elastin.”

While it’s true that the MTS roller does not look like something you’d naturally be inclined to used on your skin, it has been shown to deliver results. Our staff will instruct you on the proper use of the roller, so you can use it in the convenience of your own home!

This instrument is a hand-held roller dotted with micro-needles that can be used on the face, neck and body. Its job is to induce collagen growth in the dermal layer and to help 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.

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!