Tips for Choosing the Best Anti-Aging Skincare Products
We all want to look our best and keep our skin youthful, but selecting the right anti-aging skin care products and developing an anti-wrinkle regimen can be daunting. There are so many products out there, it’s difficult to know where to start. Today we’re sharing dermatologists’ top tips for choosing the best anti-aging skincare products in order to maximize your results for healthy, beautiful skin.
- Start with sunscreen: Exposure to the sun speeds up the process of natural aging of your skin, causing wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Dermatologists agree that sunscreen is the most-effective anti-aging product you can buy. Use sunscreen on exposed skin year-round when outdoors. Choose sunscreen that includes:
- Broad spectrum – blocks UVA and UVB rays
- Non-comedogenic, sensitivity-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistant
- Add a moisturizer: Though moisturizers can’t prevent wrinkles, they can help minimize fine lines. This is so effective that moisturizer often is the secret ingredient in many anti-aging products. We recommend moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid because they help to smooth and plump fine lines and wrinkles. If you use a tinted moisturizer for your face, be sure to select one with a built-in SPF of at least 15.
- Treat your #1 aging-skin concern: It’s important to remember that a regimen to rewind fine lines or fade sun-damaged spots can take time, and compliance is key! Too often, regimens are not followed because of skin irritation and over-doing it on intensive, results-oriented products. Acclimation is important before introducing more products that can create more inflamed skin.
- Buy products formulated for your skin type: No one product works for everyone. Select a sunscreen, moisturizer, and other anti-aging skin care products that are formulated for your skin type. If your skin tends to be oily, select a moisturizer made for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, you want to see the words “sensitive skin” on the label.
- Read product labels: Look for products that offer all of the following:
- Hypoallergenic – the product can still cause an allergic reaction, but the risk is lower
- Non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic – the product does not cause acne
- Consumer hotline number – contact for questions regarding the product
- Not tested on animals
- Buy anti-aging products from a cosmetic practice: It’s always better to purchase anti-aging products from a cosmetic practice rather than over the counter or in a spa. Qualified aestheticians can help create a personalized skincare plan that is right for your skin type and targets your key skin concerns. Additionally, they can recommend medical treatments with a well-rounded approach that encompasses wrinkles and brown spots, prescription creams, serums, injectables and fillers as well as skin-resurfacing and can guide you to the right combination of treatments for you.
Schedule a skin assessment today at Water’s Edge Dermatology. We can help create a skincare regimen that fits your lifestyle and recommend the best products for you. Click here to request an appointment.
Hot Tips for Buying Skincare Products
Water’s Edge Dermatology is celebrating 20 years as Florida’s premiere skincare provider, and if we’ve learned anything over the years when it comes to skincare products, it’s how to help our valued patients buy what’s best for them and what to consider regarding skincare products on the internet. So, the Water’s Edge team has compiled a tips list based on our two decades of experience. Here’s to taking great care of your birthday suit!
Tip #1: Don’t purchase skincare products on the internet from off-brand sites
Quality skincare products can be damaged if they are not stored and shipped properly. Exposure to heat or cold can negatively affect the chemical ingredients, such as delicate antioxidants, that were developed to help your skin look and feel more youthful. Even if they have a top name-brand label on them, products sold on the internet could be past their expiration date. You’ll have no way of knowing that when you shell out your hard-earned cash. Once you receive your product, if you find that you are not happy with it, making a return and getting your money back can be a big challenge.
Tip #2: Beware of counterfeit products
The fake skincare product market is alive and well, just like fake designer handbags and clothing. Because these products often contain cheaper, less effective and sometimes dangerous ingredients, counterfeit products can damage your skin. Price often will tell you if a product is counterfeit. Many fake skincare products are offered at a very low price, enticing buyers who want deep discounts on brand cosmetic products. The truth is that quality skincare products rarely go on sale for more than 20 percent below their retail price. To ensure that you are getting the authentic product, purchase directly from the brand retailer, and look for legitimate sales from that retailer.
Tip #3: Get recommendations from a dermatologist, not retail store clerks
Sales associates at a department store cosmetics counter are paid to sell you their product line. Your dermatologist is committed to helping you get the right product that will deliver the results you want. With years of medical training and experience in skin science, your dermatologist can guide you to the best skincare products for your skin and your goals.
You’ll be able to test a product at your dermatology office before you purchase it, saving you money in the long run. It’s important to remember that not all skincare products – in spite of their great reviews – are right for every individual and skin type. Those with oily skin may fare better with serums rather than heavy moisturizers. People with dry skin typically need added moisture in their skincare products. Making an appointment with your dermatologist is the best place to start.
Your skin is an important asset. It’s one of the first things people notice about you. When you take the time to get the right information and advice backed by medicine and science, your skin will know it and show it. It’s why we practice the Art, Heart and Science of skincare.
Click here to learn more about Water’s Edge MediSpa & Aesthetic Skin Care Services.
Shingles, Seniors & Medicare Coverage
Chances are, most young people have little idea of what Shingles is, much less how doctors treat it, or Medicare covers it. But the skin disease that’s scourge to so many millions of seniors has its roots in childhood. Chickenpox, in fact.
Back in the day as they say, there wasn’t a vaccine preventing most kids from contracting the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. On the other hand, children traditionally experience a significantly milder version of the virus than adults do. In fact, many parents have breathed a sigh of relief when their little ones presented with the telltale red, itchy spots; relieved to get it over and done with.
Well, there’s over and done with. And then there’s the difficult reality that if you did have chickenpox as a child, your body still hosts the varicella-zoster virus. It hides out in your nerve tissue near the spinal cord, waiting for years. Then, when the immune system of some unsuspecting senior dips low enough, it can reactivate as shingles.
So, What’s Shingles & What Do You Do About It?
While chickenpox is generally not feared, shingles is another story. While not a life-threatening condition, it remains a skin disease dreaded by at-risk seniors. Dreaded, because as anyone who’s suffered through it can tell you, shingles can be extremely painful. Think itchy red rash, fluid-filled blisters, numbness and/or burning in the skin.
The good news is, shingles is preventable for more than 9 out of 10 people, with a new, more effective-than-ever shingles vaccine. And if you do contract shingles, more good news is that it usually goes away on its own after 2-3 weeks.
Getting to your dermatologist’s office in the first 2-3 days of a shingles outbreak can be a huge help. This allows common treatments such as oral antiviral medication, pain relievers and possibly corticosteroids to provide real relief before things get out of hand.
If you’re over 50, certainly if you’re over 60, the shingles vaccine is highly recommended. Good alternative to all the medical care and treatment you’ll need if you do get it. Which raises a question important to so many senior healthcare patients/consumers:
What Will Medicare Cover When It Comes To Shingles?
Medicare Part A covers hospital benefits and Part B covers outpatient benefits. If you develop shingles, your visits to the dermatologist for diagnosis and treatments are covered by Medicare Part B.
After you meet your annual Medicare Part B deductible ($183 in 2018), Medicare pays 80% of the cost of your doctor visits and related lab tests. You’re responsible for the other 20%, unless you purchase “Medigap” coverage to help limit out-of-pocket costs for such deductibles and copayments.
While Part B covers your doctor’s visits related to shingles, the medications for treating and/or preventing shingles are generally going to fall under Medicare Part D coverage.
How can Medicare Part D Drug Coverage help with Shingles?
Beneficiaries purchase Part D policies from private insurance companies. Some Part D companies include the varicella-zoster vaccine in their drug formularies. When considering aPart D policy, you’ll want to check on that. While this vaccine might cost $200 or more without coverage, beneficiaries with Part D often pay around half that amount when they use their coverage.
For individuals with an active case of shingles, Part D plans should cover a number of medications which help control the infection. Having Part D coverage means you’ll only be responsible for your plan’s required copayment for any of these covered medications instead of full cost.
The most common and least expensive medication is Acyclovir. This medication has been around since the 1980’s and is a generic form of the brand-name antiviral medication called Zovirax.
Your doctor may also prescribe valacyclovir or famciclovir, which are two newer forms of antivirals that may treat shingles more rapidly than acyclovir. That means it’s worth checking for Part D coverage of these drugs too.
Do take note though; many seniors with Medicare Part D Drug coverage still have to confront the infamous Medicare Part D “Donut Hole” (till 2020). This is an actual reduction in coverage that kicks in for seniors whose drug costs exceed a prescribed monthly and/or annual limit.
For the time being, seniors and their loved ones need to take this and all the other above information into consideration when evaluating the costs and coverages for prevention or treatment of shingles.
Ten Tips for Super Spring Skincare Routine
Spring is a time for reawakening, rebirth and renewal – including for your skincare routine! If you’re wondering what updates to make, and which cosmetic treatments can work a little extra magic in combination with a spring-freshened skincare routine, read on.
Winter to Spring Skincare Transition
The winter months are dehydrating for your skin. It’s not uncommon for your outermost layer of skin (epidermis, and you knew that, right?!) to appear dull, rough, even raw. Think of what happens when you dry out a plump and juicy plum. Yup… prunes.
In similar fashion, when stripped of moisture your skin tends to shrink and wrinkle. That’s fine for a plum, not so hot for your face. Staying well-hydrated inside and out is an important baseline for spring skincare.
Take heed of some of the following tips too, and you'll have your gorgeous, youthful glow back in no time.
Ten Tips That Can Help
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- Spring cleaning of your skincare supplies: Throw out old makeup and other skin products and refresh your bathroom shelf.
- Reboot your cleansers: Use moisturizing cleansers to hydrate winter-dried skin. Products with vitamins A, E, C work best when used with warm and not hot water.
- Lighten up: Revise that winter skincare routine for spring by using fewer products overall. Swap heavy creams for lightweight moisturizers with an SPF 30 or more.
- Exfoliate: Once a week, remove dead skin cells to help get all your glow back where it belongs. This also helps your moisturizers penetrate and benefit your skin.
- Wear sunscreen daily without fail: With longer days and stronger sunshine, you have to be more careful than ever to use daily SPF 30+ moisturizer. Using lightweight moisturizer with the sunscreen already included is a good option.
- Eat your way to restored elasticity: Promote collagen formation with foods rich in Vitamin C. Oranges and other citrus, broccoli, kiwis and peppers, all great choices. Foods with the bioflavonoid anthocyanins, such as cherries, and most berries, also help promote collagen levels and elasticity.
- Account for allergies: Facial fallout from seasonal allergies can wreak havoc with even the most seasonally fine-tuned skincare routines. Talk to your favorite dermatologist about impact and treatment for springtime allergies, which cause redness, inflammation, under-eye bags.
- Soothe and comfort your skin: Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts and/or soothing natural botanical ingredients. Maybe a massage with using therapeutic body oils to slough off dead skin and flush out toxins? You get the idea!
- Consider a cosmetic peel or other rejuvenation treatment: Spring is a great time to get a seasonal-specific chemical peel or other aesthetic treatment. Best to do that with a licensed aesthetician in a dermatologist’s office. These treatments can be game-changers, sloughing off dead skin, brightening the fresh new layer, and reducing age/brown spots.
- Find & wear the right hats: Can't hurt to make a little shopping part of your new spring skincare routine. Look for wide-brimmed, fashionably fun hats that will protect as much of your head and neck as possible.
In addition to the tips above, consultation with an aesthetic medicine specialist will give you great options for treatments best-suited to your individual skin type this spring. There’s an exciting new range of aesthetic treatments available to help you put your best face forward, right through Labor Day and beyond.
Working in partnership with your dermatologist and/or aesthetic medicine specialist, here’s to hoping your skincare routine gets the “Spring Awakening” it needs and deserves this year!
How to Deal With Period-Related Skin Problems
When we talk about menstrual skin, we’re talking about a whole range of skin problems women can encounter during their menstrual cycle each month.
Between the ages of 10-15, most girls begin to menstruate, i.e., they start getting their monthly period. This shedding of tissues and blood from the uterine lining occurs every month for the next 40-something years in most women.
Powerful hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which help regulate your skin’s ongoing elasticity, circulation and appearance, also control menstruation. That means your period and your skin condition are intimately related, for decades.
The hormonal changes associated even with normal menstruation alone can wreak havoc on a woman’s skin. Added to that, some women also struggle with hormonal imbalances and menstrual cycle irregularities – adding to skin problems such as acne, dryness and flakiness, excessive facial and body hair.
So, what menstrual skin changes occur during your period? Are there special skin care tips for healthy, glowing skin at every stage of your monthly cycle? Here’s the lowdown on menstrual skin, and how to cope with it.
The Menstrual Cycle & Skin Changes
With the start of each monthly period and menstrual cycle, estrogen levels fall and tend to give your skin a dull, washed-out appearance. Then as if that’s not challenge enough, while you’re on your period, your skin is drier and more sensitive than usual.
But have the smartphone and selfie-stick ready for the days immediately after menstruation; because that’s when your skin is at its healthiest.
Then towards the end of the menstrual cycle, just before your next cycle and period begin, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol levels all go up, helping lead to excessive oil production and sending many women with acne-prone skin into an outbreak.
Menstrual Skin Care: What to do when?
For dull, flaky skin at the start of your period:
- Moisturize with gentle skin care products that help retain moisture.
- Hydrate from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.
- Eat healthy fats, such as avocado, nuts, and fish.
For dry, sensitive skin during your period:
- Calm and soothe with gentle products containing Aloe Vera and chamomile.
- Use only a lightweight moisturizer, since the roller-coaster that is your menstrual cycle will have you overproducing oil within a couple of weeks.
- Improve circulation and nourish your skin with regular exercise.
- Eat vitamin-rich foods, such as broccoli, almonds, and fruit.
To maximize skin benefits immediately after your period:
- Go easy on make-up and let your skin breathe.
- Consider a HydraFacial to extract pore-clogging, acne-causing debris from your skin.
- Eat and drink foods rich in anti-oxidants, such as green tea.
For oily, acne-prone skin in the premenstrual period:
- Cleanse with gentle products containing salicylic acid.
- Exfoliate and moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer.
- Eat acne-fighting foods and avoid greasy foods.
All-in-all, it can be daunting, trying to maintain healthy, glowing skin at each stage of your menstrual cycle. But it is entirely possible, and worth the effort. Plenty of sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise and some basic skin care; these are the first steps. They should lay a solid foundation for maintaining healthy, attractive skin throughout your menstrual cycle.
And if you run into a menstrual skin problem persistently pestering you that you just cannot seem to solve, it’s time to consult with your professional partner in skincare – hopefully one of our outstanding ed providers located across South-Central Florida.
Three Major Misconceptions & Myths About Professional Acne Treatment
We’ve heard more than our share of acne treatment myths in recent years; from how people get acne, to how they can get rid of it, and just about everything in between. Let’s look at three of the more common misconceptions about professional acne treatment.
Myth 1: Dermatologists are basically professional strength pimple-poppers
This is probably the biggest myth about what dermatologists bring to the table when treating acne here in 2018. If psychiatrists are sometimes referred to as “shrinks”, and chiropractors as “bone crackers”, maybe it's understandable that dermatologists are labeled by some (we forgive you!) as glorified “pimple poppers”. But, it's also inaccurate.
Popping pimples is what plenty of people choose to do for themselves already. Plenty more watch graphic videos of the process on YouTube. But our Water’s Edge Dermatology acne experts and others will tell you, pimple-popping is perhaps the worst thing you can do to cystic acne.
This inflammatory act may satisfy an emotional need in the heat of an impulsive moment. But it traumatizes the pimple – both the clogged pore and the skin surrounding it. Your fingers may also be introducing bacteria to your skin and bloodstream that can actually worsen an acne outbreak.
Perhaps the worst part about giving in to frustration and impulsively popping a pimple (or carefully plotting the dark deed for days, either way!) is that it greatly increases your risk of developing an acne scar — either a permanent depression or bump.
So, no; professional acne treatment by a credentialed, qualified dermatology provider has nothing to do with pimple popping. The provider actually uses a very thin, sterilized needle to inject the pimple with medicine, usually an anti-inflammatory. Within minutes to hours, the pimple shrinks from the inside, which smooths the skin. No blood, pus, popping or scarring involved.
Myth 2: I had isotretinoin treatment, so I can’t have a facial
People with severe acne sometimes need a powerful oral medication called isotretinoin. Doctors used to caution patients to wait up to a year after stopping isotretinoin treatment before having cosmetic procedures and/or aesthetic treatments. Imagine just how frustrating that would be. You’re finally getting control of your acne with the right medication – but then hear you have to wait a year to have treatments that could rid you of acne scars and blemishes!
Thankfully, a panel of experts has concluded that there isn’t sufficient evidence to support such cautionary recommendations or restrictions any longer. While patients who have taken oral isotretinoin should still avoid mechanical dermabrasion and laser ablation procedures for 6-12 months, that’s all they need to avoid. There is no good reason to avoid manual dermabrasion, superficial chemical peels, laser hair removal, fractional laser procedures, or even some forms of facial surgery. If you have taken isotretinoin and want a cosmetic treatment or aesthetic procedure, discuss what for you with your cosmetic dermatology provider.
Myth 3: Stronger (more highly concentrated) treatments are always better
While a “stronger” dose makes sense for many medications (e.g. extra strength pain relievers, maximum strength cold relief, etc.), a higher concentration on the label doesn’t necessarily mean an acne treatment is any better for treating acne, or better for you.
When you apply something to your skin for acne, there’s a delicate balance between effectiveness and irritation. Products like benzoyl peroxide do tend to work a little better at higher concentrations. But the maximum concentration isn’t the best for everyone. In fact, many skin products such as benzoyl peroxide can be highly irritating to the skin at higher concentrations.
The bottom line on “stronger” formulas is to proceed with caution, always doing spot tests of any topical ointment being introduced to your skin for the first time. The most foolproof way to be sure you’re getting the best possible treatment for your particular skin and acne, at the right concentration and strength, is to find a Water’s Edge Dermatology office near you and receive professional acne treatment and guidance from a licensed, credentialed and experienced dermatology provider.
How to Deal With Dry, Itchy Winter Skin
Updated November 19, 2020
There’s nothing worse than dry skin in winter… except maybe itchy skin in winter. Let’s face it: For most of us, winter skin is not our best skin. But the right winter skin care routine can help skin maintain that healthy summer glow.
What puts the “dry” in dry winter skin?
Winter skin is pretty much synonymous with dry skin (aka xerosis) thanks to outdoor air that’s naturally less humid and indoor air that’s less humid because of forced-air heat. The water content in the top layer of skin tends to change with the water content in the air, so drier air means a drier hide.
Dry skin in winter becomes a bigger issue with age, since the skin thins as we get older and doesn’t hold as much moisture. As the years go on, the skin’s sebaceous glands also produce less oil. This happens in women sooner than in men.
The skin may become so dry that it cracks and bleeds. In winter, eczema is also more likely to rear its ugly head.
RELATED: 5 Reasons Hand Eczema Flares Up (And How to Tame It)
The best moisturizer for dry skin in winter
The best way to prevent and treat dry skin in winter is to get in the habit of applying moisturizer at least twice a day. But choose your moisturizer carefully.
Before you grab a bottle of lotion, understand this: Most lotions contain a lot of water. After you apply the lotion to your skin, some of that water evaporates. When it does, the skin dries out further. Generally speaking, especially if you live in a cold climate, for dry, winter skin you’re better off with a cream or, for real trouble spots, an ointment. Creams and ointments contain more “grease” and less water.
Creams have another advantage over most lotions: Because the contain less water, they require less preservative, which means they have less potential for irritating sensitive skin.
Over-the-counter moisturizer brands dermatologists often recommend include CeraVe, Cetaphil, Vanicream and Eucerin. For ointments, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is one of the best. Other good ointment brands are Vaseline, Cetaphil, CeraVe and Aveeno.
Benefit-boosting ingredients to look for in a moisturizer include lactic acid and urea. Both are humectants, substances that pull water into the outer layer of skin to keep it moist. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid (gentler than it sounds) also pamper winter skin.
Cool your jets to stop the itch
Tempting as a long, steamy shower can be in winter, just say no. Save the hot water for washing dishes. Hot water can strip skin of its natural oils and make dryness and itching worse. Take warm showers instead, and try to limit your time under the spray to 10 minutes. On vacation, bypass the hot tub.
Use soap only where you need it, and choose a mild, fragrance-free soap or a non-soap moisturizing cleanser such as Dove. Pat yourself dry with a towel (don’t rub) and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. For extra-dry spots, petroleum jelly works well. After a shower is the best time to apply it, since it works by sealing in existing moisture. Unlike lotions and creams, petroleum jelly doesn’t contain water.
Other winter skin care tips
Slathering on the moisturizer and turning the hot water faucet lower should go a long way toward preventing and easing winter dryness and itching, but don’t stop there. These measures can also help keep your skin soft, supple and crack free all winter long:
- Run a humidifier in the room you use most. A humidifier is the best weapon against dry indoor air.
- Wear loose clothing. Winter is not the time for form-fitting pants or tops if you’re prone to itchy skin. Dress in layers if necessary.
- Review your skin care routine. Continue to use a mild exfoliating product, whether it’s a gentle scrub or an exfoliating cleanser containing glycolic acid, since removing dead skin cells helps moisturizer penetrate better. But if your skin is dry and itchy, you may want to take a break from products containing ingredients such as retinoids, which may be too drying in winter.
- Avoid irritants. That includes wool and other scratchy fabrics. It may even include your regular laundry detergent. Try switching to a hypoallergenic laundry detergent and see if that helps. Wear gloves to protect your hands when washing dishes.
When to see a dermatologist
If you’re still battling dryness and itching after babying your skin, it’s time to consult your dermatologist. You may need a topical steroid cream or another prescription cream or ointment. Your dermatologist can also rule out underlying health conditions, including hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease, that can cause dry, itchy skin.
In the meantime, do yourself a favor and resist scratching. It only makes things worse.
Written by Marianne Wait, an award-winning health and wellness writer based in New Jersey.
Finding Your Family’s Perfect “Skincare Partnership”
Skin problems can begin appearing during infancy, and continue right into old age. That’s why it’s well worth establishing a lifelong “skincare partnership” with the best dermatology practice within your ongoing, convenient reach.
When Benjamin Franklin famously said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, chances are he wasn’t referring to healthy skin. But given how preventable, detectable and treatable most skin disorders and diseases are, he might as well have been.
That’s one big part of having a professional skincare partnership. As you and your family age, the skin issues and challenges facing you keep changing. A great dermatology practice will be by your side throughout. Educating and assisting with preventive care; putting knowledge of each family members’ medical history to good use when needed to develop customized treatment plans.
As with other organs in our human bodies – but on a larger scale because it’s our largest human organ – our skin goes through different stages of development and vulnerability as we age. Getting ongoing, age-appropriate information about a variety of age-specific skin conditions promotes prevention and early detection of skin disease. And that can be life-saving.
Throughout childhood and adolescence, having a qualified partner in skincare can be a game-changer. From molluscum contagiosum in young children to acne in teenagers; from “chicken skin” to warts, hives and assorted rashes… knowing how to prevent such skin conditions and getting personalized treatment for them when needed saves a whole lot of hassles, and heartache.
As we grow into adulthood and then hopefully old age, skincare challenges persist. Our skin gets thinner, and drier. There’s less elasticity and more sagging, as at first fine facial lines and then deeper wrinkles appear. Hormonal changes and challenges can cause adult acne and other skin troubles. And the stress and lack of sleep so many adults endure can cause a wide range of skin disorders.
With such skin vulnerability throughout our lives, it’s undeniable that a skincare partnership with a leading dermatology practice such as Water’s Edge Dermatology can only help you and your family cope — especially in Florida, “The Sunshine State”.
For one thing, WEderm is an undisputed leader in state-of-the-art skin cancer diagnosis and treatment at more than 30 local community offices.
For another very cool thing, when WEderm is your partner, you also have an incredibly effective range of cosmetic and aesthetic anti-aging and beauty-enhancing services at your disposal.
By now, you likely know that exposure to UV rays from sunlight or artificial devices such as tanning beds is the leading cause skin cancer.
The occurrence of skin cancer and its deadliest form, melanoma, doubled from 1982-2011. Upwards of 50 percent of us reaching age 65 will have had at least one occurrence of Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
A single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can almost double the risk of melanoma. Five before age 20 can raise the risk by 80 percent.
And another American dies from melanoma every 54 minutes.
Statistics don’t lie.
Best defense (alongside faithful sunscreen usage)?
Establish an ongoing relationship with a premiere dermatology practice. One that’s committed to both preventing skin cancer, and to being equipped with the best possible practitioners, technologies and treatment options to beat it whenever necessary.
Whether it’s the scourge of skin cancer, or the more common skin problems that plague so many of us from childhood into adulthood and old age… finding the right skincare partnership and sticking with it will help you and your family achieve and maintain the healthy, beautiful skin you want, through every age and stage of life.
Tanning Safety & Skin Cancer Risk for Young Women
Ask most young women if appearing tanned is important to looking and feeling their best, and the answer will often be yes. Simply put, many still perceive a tanned face as a sign of health and attractiveness. It's a long-standing, common perception that still motivates millions to hit the beach and/or tanning salon, searching for that sun-kissed look. That means we need to do all we can to increase understanding of tanning safety.
Exposure to sunlight and indoor tanning means exposure to damaging UV rays, proven to be the leading cause of skin cancer. The bottom line is, young ladies still pursuing a tan via UV light are at significantly higher risk of getting skin cancer later in life.
Tanning Safety Facts & Figures
As the popularity of the “tanned look” continues, so does the rise in skin cancer cases among young women. Statistics show that more people develop melanoma from tanning than those who develop lung cancer from smoking. And current data from the Skin Cancer Foundation reveals that more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the USA are related to indoor tanning.
In fact, anyone under the age of 35 using tanning beds increases their risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent. This has prompted several states to restrict people under age 18 from patronizing businesses and using devices related to indoor UV tanning.
Prevention
Evidently, one effective way for you to prevent skin cancer is by avoiding tanning beds. Usage of them is in fact the leading cause of melanoma in the USA. And because younger women tend to be out in the sun more, here are other tips to keep the UV rays at bay:
- Apply and regularly reapply (every 80-90 minutes) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever out in sun.
- Start carrying other tanning safety essentials in a bag you leave in your car, or can carry in a shoulder bags items – such as a wide-brim hat, lightweight and long-sleeved shirt and pants, sunglasses, and an umbrella.
- Be sure to schedule a full-body skin exam at the dermatologist’s office at least once a year, more if you and/or your family has a history of skin cancer.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
In between dermatologist skin screenings, it’s important to track the status of any moles and skin spots you may have, especially new ones. You can do that with regular self-exams (or you and your significant other can examine one another), using the simple ABCDE system to look for any of the following characteristics:
- Asymmetrical moles or those with irregular shapes
- Blurry border or jagged edges
- Color not even
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving or changing moles after weeks, months, or years
If the ABCDEs don't apply to your moles, good news! You may still want to explore paying to have a mole removed, but it likely isn't a health concern. However should any of the above characteristics be found, it’s time to play it safe and find a great dermatologist in Avon Park, Jensen Beach, Lighthouse Point, or any other Florida city you happen to call home.
Getting the tanned look – safely
While being tanned may be an undying – or just a slowly dying – beauty trend that you choose to follow… that doesn’t mean you have to rely on UV rays to do so. The selection of safe, indoor tanning creams and sprays just keeps getting bigger and better. So, if you want that tan… consider getting it from a can (or jar, bottle… you get the point)!
Call Water’s Edge Dermatology at (877) 900-3223 today, or request an appointment online.
Top 5 Causes of Children's School Year Skin Problems
When summer officially ends every late September, the somewhat stressful “Back-to-School” season is also pretty much over with – whew! The question is, did shopping for school supplies and other preparations also leave you well-prepared for dealing with inevitable school year skin problems?
Below are 5 of the most common causes of skin problems among schoolchildren, plus some practical skincare tips on how to prevent or treat them.
Stress
It’s remarkable how much stress affects the skin. Various rashes and acne are commonly caused by stress. So what can you do to help minimize the impact of stress on your children's skin? Find the right tools and techniques to keep their stress levels low (easier said than done, but think communication, exercise & relaxation). Ensure they gently wash their face twice daily with a mild, natural cleanser and warm rather than hot water. And get them to use a hypoallergenic, lightweight moisturizer (with SPF 30 or higher sun protection) daily.
Hormones
Hormones can play a huge role in causing acne for teens, and for an increasing numbers of "tweens" too. Getting your schoolkids into a consistent daily facial cleansing and skincare routine is extremely important. Visiting a dermatologist for the right acne treatment will be warranted in some cases. In extreme instances, you may also want to ask your family physician if hormone therapy is worth consideration.
Sweat
Let’s face it. Here in South Florida, everyone sweats, which can cause rashes and acne breakouts. Training your children to seek shade outside and stay as dry as possible can help. Same with washing off sweat as soon as possible. Consider adding gentle, individually wrapped facial wipes, a lightweight, comfy cap or hat and a soft, absorbent washcloth or bandana to their daily backpack load. But remember to put that bandana in a baggie to keep it clean, and replace with a clean, dry one each day!
Sports
Autumn sports such as football can cause their own set of skin conditions. In Florida, there’s still the sun and heat causing heavy sweating. And sports helmets can cause folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). Washing the face immediately after sports activity and cleaning helmet pads with rubbing alcohol are good preventive measures. Some sports uniforms and gear can also cause allergic reactions to some kids. If skin irritations develop in weeks after donning uniforms, a trip to your nearest Water’s Edge Dermatology office is in order.
Shoes/Clothing
Switching from summer’s tank-tops, shorts, and flip-flops to shoes, sneakers, and school uniforms can trigger common skin conditions, such as athlete’s foot. Breathable socks that wick away moisture from damp feet and over-the-counter foot powders that do the same can help prevent such fungal skin infections. New school uniforms should always be washed before first wearing, and if possible, given a day of “test-wearing” to identify any possible irritation or allergic reaction.
Of course, getting the kids on board with a program that addresses the 5 issues above can be…challenging. Explain to them that getting and keeping the clear skin they crave is the goal, the reason for all the extra efforts. Putting sticky notes on bathroom/bedroom mirrors at home with gentle and/or humorous reminders can also help. And if/when needed, virtually all of our dermatology providers specialize in pediatric dermatology as well as adult skincare.
For questions on common school year skin conditions affecting children, such as skin rashes, skin infections and head lice, please contact Water’s Edge Dermatology for an appointment with one of our practitioners by calling your local office, or toll-free at (877) 900-3223. You can also request an appointment online.
Here's to you and your children having a happy, healthy school year!