skin care Archives | Page 2 of 3 | Water's Edge Dermatology

Woman in lab coat holding skin care products

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.

by Bishara Gattas

Teenage girl examining the skin of her arm

Three Common Skin Rashes in Children

It’s that time of year again when children are back in school. Like every parent, you purchased school supplies and new school clothes so your child is comfortable and ready to hit the school room. But what about your child’s skin health, which can have a serious impact on their ability to thrive in school?

One of the most common skin show-stoppers are rashes. A rash is a skin reaction that can be caused by contact with a skin irritant, allergy, bacteria, or virus. Let’s take a look at three common skin rashes and what to look out for now and throughout the school year.

Eczema causes patches of dry, scaly red skin. Though eczema tends to flare up in cooler, dryer months when there is less moisture in the air, dryness from frequent exposure to air conditioning, overheating and sweating in the summer, and chlorine from swimming pools can also trigger eczema. Tree and plant allergies are also known to cause this skin rash. Your child’s doctor can draw up a treatment plan to help your child feel more comfortable and keep the symptoms under control.

Impetigo is a superficial skin infection caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. This rash is often found near the nose and mouth but can occur anywhere on the body. It is more common in warmer months and can also occur as a secondary infection in the skin that has been damaged by insect bites, poison ivy, eczema, or abrasions.

Impetigo begins as small superficial blisters that rupture, leaving red, open patches of skin. It may be itchy and is highly contagious. Children can transfer the infection to other parts of the body or to other children through physical contact. Though rarely a serious disease, it is important to seek treatment. Doctors typically prescribe topical or oral antibiotics and anti-itch medication if needed.

Molluscum contagiosum is a contagious viral infection that causes pearly bumps on the skin. The virus enters the skin through small breaks in the skin barrier causing bumps, also known as “water warts” which may have a dimple in the center. This skin condition is caused by the poxvirus that is more common in hot, humid climates and may be spread in swimming pools, clothing, or towels shared by other children who may be infected. Though the bumps will typically go away on their own in six to twelve months, a dermatologist can help with topical creams to reduce the itching in order to prevent a secondary bacterial infection from occurring.

Water’s Edge Dermatology treats all types of skin rashes and diseases. We provide comprehensive, advanced skincare for children of all ages, whether your child is a newborn, a toddler, teenager, or young adult. We understand the importance of putting kids at ease with our kid-friendly, compassionate approach to care.

As experts in spotting and treating all kinds of skin diseases, we take the time to correctly diagnose the issue and provide an effective treatment plan that is right for you and your child. And we take the time to explain everything, so you and your child can have peace of mind.

by Bishara Gattas

Is Blue Light from Screens Bad for Your Skin?

Updated June 3, 2020

Medical review by Ted Schiff, M.D.

Americans are inseparable from their screens, and it’s not just teens staying up late into the night on YouTube and Snapchat. A Nielsen survey found that adults over age 65 spend nearly 10 hours a day watching TV and using computers, smartphones and tablets. The blue light those screens emit can rob us of sleep if we don’t power down a few hours before bed. (Blue light suppresses the release of melatonin, which induces sleep.) But lately, some people have been wondering: Is blue light bad for your skin?

Researchers have begun to investigate whether too much screen time might accelerate skin aging and even cause dark patches to form.

As you read this article in the glow of a digital device, you’ll discover what scientists know and don’t know, and what you can do to protect your skin if you’re concerned about blue light damage.

What is blue light?

Visible light from the sun is made up of rays from all the colors in the rainbow — red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Light in the blue/violet range, also called high energy visible (HEV) light, has a short wavelength and more energy than other colors. It’s the scattering of these rays that makes the sky look blue in the daytime.

Your home is probably awash in artificial sources of blue light, including screens and also LED lights, compact fluorescent light bulbs (the coil-shaped variety) and any fluorescent lights you may have.

What are the concerns about blue light and skin damage?

A small amount of research suggests that exposure to blue light from digital devices could potentially damage the skin, causing premature aging and hyperpigmentation, or dark patches. (There’s no evidence that blue light causes cancer.)

In one experiment, scientists exposed skin cells that make collagen (the main building block of skin) to light from two models of iPhones and an iPad. After just one hour, the cells experienced oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to skin aging and wrinkles. However, the screens were positioned just one centimeter from the skin cells — a whole lot closer than you hold your smartphone or tablet to your body.

Other research suggests that too much exposure to blue light may cause hyperpigmentation in certain people. In one study, exposing skin to blue-violet light caused dark patches to form in those with a medium or dark skin tone (not fair-skinned people), and the patches lasted for three months. Red light had no such effect. In a later study, skin cells that produce melanin, the dark pigment responsible for skin tanning, seemed to respond to blue light by making more pigment. Dark skin is rich in melanin.

What we don’t know

These studies raise interesting questions, but much more research is needed to know what harm to the skin, if any, artificial blue light causes.

Some studies have found no evidence that exposure to blue light from devices causes skin problems. A report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 202o found that exposure to light filtered to contain the same color as device by screens for eight hours on five consecutive days didn’t worsen melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the skin. Blue light from the sun does cause melasma to flare up.

“We don’t need to be overly worried about this at this point,” said Dr. Ted Schiff, founder and chief medical officer at Water’s Edge Dermatology. “All of the research that has been done in the past 50 years has been about ultraviolet light, first UVB and now UVA. It’s only recently that people have considered visible light on the skin. That’s all being researched now. The main focus of skin protection is always going to be ultraviolet rays — they are much more powerful and damaging than any visible wavelengths.”

What can you do if you’re worried?

If you’re concerned about blue light from screens, some fairly simple steps can lower your exposure. In most cases, you can reduce the amount of blue light your computer, tablet or smartphone emits by switching the display settings to “dark mode.” (You can find instructions online.) You can also purchase clear screen coverings designed to filter blue light or download apps that do so.

Some skin care products are said to block blue light (regular sunscreen doesn’t). But be prepared to pay a high price for questionable benefits. Only sunscreens that contain the minerals titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or iron oxide block blue light. In the first two cases, only products that look white on your skin do the job.

“Very little research has been done on these products,” said Dr. Schiff. “Current sunscreens have been tested only for UV, but not any other wavelengths.”

You can also find skin care products containing antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which in theory help prevent or repair damage from oxidative stress. In addition, some “sun supplements” claim to protect you from free radicals and UV rays from inside the body. But eating colorful foods and using sunscreen are likely the best bets.

“A healthy diet and lifestyle and use of sunscreens have proven to be effective, compared with supplements that have not been rigorously studied or approved by the FDA,” said Dr. Schiff. “The best way to avoid free radical damage is by wearing sunscreen.”

Finally, to cut down on blue light exposure from screens, consider a digital diet — maybe take a walk after dinner instead of binge-watching Netflix. Unlike the effects of screens on skin, the (positive) effects of walking are well known.

Written by Timothy Gower, an award-winning journalist who writes about medicine and health. His work has appeared in more than two dozen national magazines.

by Bishara Gattas

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.

by Bishara Gattas

8 Great Food Tips for Super Skin

Medical review by Michael Siino, PA-C

Just about everybody knows the old saying, “You are what you eat”… right?

Let’s get real, it can be… disconcerting, to look in the mirror and notice a new wrinkle forming on your face, or to see newly visible signs of aging anywhere on your skin, for that matter. Well, here’s the skinny on eating your way to better skin, 8 great tips and skin foods to keep the largest organ in your body looking and feeling as good as possible, for as long as possible:

“Good” fats – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, to be specific. Foods high in these include olive oil, along with peanut, canola, safflower oil and sesame oils; plus avocados, peanut butter, and most nuts and seeds.
Protein, such as lean beef (grass-fed would be good!), skinless chicken, seafood, low-fat milk & dairy products, especially yogurt.
Antioxidant-rich foods boost your skin’s sun-blocking capacities, and since sun exposure is a major cause of skin aging and wrinkling, not to mention skin cancer, you’ll want to eat more whole grains, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, salmon, asparagus… and wash it all down with the antioxidant-rich green tea!
Unprocessed and unrefined grains and flours, which can help fight skin damage and contain vitamins such as Biotin, which helps prevent dry, scaly skin. On the other side of the coin, eating processed and refined carbs – think white bread, most bagels, donuts, pizza, etc. – can mess with your blood sugar and initiate an acne outbreak. So, the more whole grains, the better.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in tuna, salmon, sardines and herring, and also in walnuts and flax seed. Omega-3 is proven to keep skin hydrated and smoother by reducing the loss of water from skin cells.
Vitamins A, B, C and many other natural nutrients found in fruits and vegetables; with berries of all kinds, oranges, kiwis, and dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale, all tops for skin health and youthfulness.
Isoflavone has been found helpful in reducing signs of aging in the skin, and can be found in soybeans and soy-based foods.
Silica, a mineral that’s great for strong bones and teeth, has also been shown helpful for both hydrating your skin, and for helping it to retain its elasticity. One easy way to get your natural silica is to eat the fruit/veggie peels and skins that you’ve probably been throwing away without thinking… but they’re a fantastic source of silica!

Last but in no way least, know that you can eat all the scientifically-proven skin-boosting foods you want without reaping the benefits – if you give in to empty calories and junk food cravings too often. Sure, you’ve got to live your life and have some fun. But if you want your skin looking its best while you’re doing it, for many years to come, then you’ll keep the junk to a minimum.

One more thing. Don’t forget to visit your dermatologist at least once a year for a skin screening, and for news on any new developments or breakthroughs in anti-aging treatments, and skin care.

by Bishara Gattas

Men’s Skin: Saving Face

For too many men, a daily facial care “regimen” means swiftly swirling a bar of body-deodorant soap across their face before rinsing off and rushing out of the shower. And word has it, some men even use trickle-down lather from their shampoo for a quick facial scrub!

Let’s face it, lots of guys need to step up their facial skincare game. Aside from maintaining good health and hygiene, the potential anti-aging and physical appearance benefits make it a no-brainer.

First, a Word on Sun Exposure

Protection. That’s the word on the sun exposure. The single best action any man can take to keep his face in good health, and looking good, is to wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) every day, without fail, not just when you go to the beach!

Statistics on increasing rates of skin cancer in men are alarming; and nothing increases the risk of developing it — not to mention deeper facial lines and wrinkling — like exposure to the UV rays of the sun, and indoor tanning devices. The easiest way to protect yourself on a daily basis is to make sure that the moisturizer you use in the morning after cleansing is labeled as having SPF 30 or above.

So... what kind of cleanser and moisturizer to use?

Know Your Skin Type

Different types of facial skin call for different cleansing and moisturizing regimens. As you probably know, the three basic types are oily, normal, and dry. But the most common is “combination skin”, which usually means oiliness in the t-zone (forehead, nose, chin and around the mouth), with varying degrees of dryness on the cheeks.

For normal skin, choose a gentle, natural facial cleanser, perhaps something coconut-based that gets rid of the day’s accumulated dirt, oil, and bacteria, without being overly drying. Then you’ll want to use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate the skin effectively.

If you have oily skin, look for a liquid cleanser with salicylic acid, which helps to “mattify” the skin and counterbalance the oiliness and shine. Then follow with very moderate application of a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that also contains a little salicylic acid.

Dry skin calls for an all-natural, soap-free gel or cream cleanser that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Then, add extra hydration (and try to hold onto it!) with a weightier moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which helps bind moisture to the skin.

If you do have dry skin, you may also want to try some natural facial oils, hydrators that relieve tightness and make your skin feel smooth. Argan oil is a good one to try.

And for combination skin, the trick is to effectively cleanse and moisturize without adding excess oils, or overly drying. Try a liquid cleanser with glycolic acid, which tones the skin without over-drying; and a lightweight-to-moderate moisturizer, using in careful moderation in that oily t-zone.

Avoid Shaving Irritation Issues

Shaving irritation may be the bane of many a man’s existence, but unless you’re ready for the bearded look, you’ll have to face up to it!

It helps to prep your face before you shave with plenty of warm water, which opens up the pores and loosens those hair follicles. However, if your face is actively irritated already and you must shave, cold water may actually feel better.

Then, use a higher quality shaving cream made for sensitive skin, and always shave with a still-sharp razor. If you use disposables, buy high quality ones, and change them often.

After shaving, consider using a cream or lotion made to help ease razor burn. Nivea makes an affordable “Men’s Sensitive Post Shave Balm” that’s usually available at your local drugstore. Or, you can go for more “upscale” selections at specialty and department stores, such as Kiehl’s “Razor Bump Relief”.

Make Regular Dermatologist Visits

Statistically speaking, men are more reluctant and unlikely to go to the doctor when something is bothering them — especially when it hasn’t risen to the level of being in-your-face life-threatening.

But when it comes to preventing skin cancer or diagnosing it early enough to cure and/or effectively treat it; and when it comes to looking your best and putting your best face forward... any man’s long-term plan for “saving face” should include having an experienced dermatology provider at the ready, both for annual skin cancer screenings, and for any facial or other skin care problems that come up in between.

by Bishara Gattas

Men’s Skin: The Big Picture

When you see skin care ads, they’re mostly geared towards women, right? Does that mean women care more about their skin than men? That’s open to debate, but there’s no doubt men have their own specific set of skin care irritations and issues to deal with.

When you look at human skin generally speaking, you find the same three basic layers in both sexes. From the outside in, so to speak, you have the epidermis, then the dermis, and then the deeper subcutaneous layer of fat and connective tissue, the hypodermis.

Biological Differences

Hormonal factors, lifestyle choices, diet/nutrition/exercise factors, skin care routines and habits; they all contribute to creating different sorts of biological reactions, dermatological conditions and skin care needs for each individual person.

But it’s safe to say that most men, especially younger ones, face challenges posed by higher levels of testosterone in their blood. That can result in excessively oily skin, and trigger acne problems.

Men also have thicker hair follicles to contend with, including of course on their faces. That can lead to its own set of skin care problems, including ingrown hairs, aggressive hair growth in unwanted places, and shaving irritations such as the dreaded “razor burn”.

So, what’s a man to do with his skin? Or put another way, what’s a woman to tell the man in her life about how to take care of his skin? Well either way, let’s follow the KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie) principle and stick to the three main components that comprise “The Big Picture” in Men’s Skin Care: Cleanse. Moisturize. Protect. How fussy a man wants to get with his skincare is up to him, but keeping up with these basics should be as easy as 1-2-3!

Cleanse Gently

On most days, a moderate amount of dirt, oil, and bacteria builds up on your skin. For men who work outdoors and/or have jobs that require physical exertion, that can turn into significantly more than a moderate amount.

Choosing the right gentle cleanser for your skin type will help take care of that, without being overly drying. If you have oily skin and/or blemishes, you may want to look for a cleanser containing at least 2-percent salicylic acid, to prevent and control acne outbreaks. Or, if you have normal to dry skin, you can choose a gentle foaming or gel cleanser made from mostly if not all natural ingredients.

Whatever skin type you have, avoid cleansers with harsh ingredients that dry the skin, such as isopropyl alcohol. Also, avoid using overly hot water when washing your face, as it’s also overly drying. And when done with your minimum twice-a-day facial cleansing, don’t rub your face dry with the same vigor you might use on the rest of your body, just go easy and pat dry.

Moisturize Regularly & Correctly

Using the right moisturizer after facial cleansing can help a man’s skin in a number of ways – from reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to evening out the complexion and giving the face a healthy glow, to combating razor burn and other shaving irritation, to adding much-needed daytime sun protection to your skin along with moisture.

Maintaining a well-balanced moisture level in facial skin is the key. Look for a moisturizer geared for your type of skin, and be sure that it’s oil-free and won’t clog your pores. A morning-on moisturizer should be mostly or all natural, lightweight and have a Sun Protection Factor or SPF of 30 or more; while a slightly more substantial bedtime moisturizer, minus the SPF but with retinol and hyaluronic acid, can be very helpful in maintaining a youthful appearance.

It also helps to moisturize from the inside out! Drinking at least 6-8 glasses of water a day will not only help hydrate your skin, it will help every other organ in your body too.

Sun Protection Is Key

Whether men admit it or not, they care about aging. Chances are, most are looking in the mirror just about as much as women do, wondering where that new little smile line or age spot came from all of a sudden. And the answer is, many visible signs of aging are caused simply by sun exposure.

In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90 percent of premature aging of the skin is caused by UV radiation in sunlight. So, effective protection from the sun can go a long way to aging gracefully, and remaining skin cancer-free. SPF 30+ sunscreen in a daily moisturizer can be a huge help. So can applying – and reapplying every 90 minutes or so without fail – plenty of strong sunscreen to every inch of your exposed skin when sunbathing or otherwise spending hours under the sun.

The Payoff

Taking a little time (and maybe getting a little help from a fabulous female in your life) to develop a customized, daily cleansing and moisturizing routine that fits your skin, along with getting smart and careful about sun exposure, can only improve the look, feel and long-term health of almost any man’s skin. And it’s really pretty easy. But, men being men… means that reminders and other forms of assistance can only help!

by Bishara Gattas

The 3 Things Your Dermatologist Can Do For You

We are only given one body and the skin we're in is built to last a lifetime. However, it is up to us to treat our body and our skin as well as possible to keep it healthy and to increase our longevity. One of the best ways to do this is by taking frequent visits to your local dermatologists. While dermatologists are indeed experts when it comes to clear, beautiful skin, their knowledge runs further than skin deep and can help you improve more than just your complexion.

Still curious? Here are three things your dermatologist specialist can do for you:

Acne Treatment

Did you know that nearly 85% of people who suffer from acne at some point in their lives? And sometimes, even the best over the counter acne treatment doesn't cut it. Luckily, that's where dermatologists come in. From skin care routine to giving you the best acne treatment for your skin, dermatologists tackle your dermatological issues from a number of standpoints in order to ensure that your skin is clear and healthy.

Cosmetic Procedures

From unsightly acne scarring to excessive body hair to unwanted varicose veins, dermatologists offer a number of solutions to your cosmetic dermatological wants and needs. Using state-of-the-art technology such as laser treatment for and glycolic peels, dermatologists are able to restore your skin to its clearest, healthiest, and most natural state.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Approximately one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. And because skin cancer can develop quickly and relatively silently, a seemingly harmless misshapen mole can reach stage four in a matter of months. Consequently, it's important to do regular mole checks and to visit your local dermatologist regularly. Your doctor will examine any existing moles on your body to assess your current risk level. In the event that they do find cancer, your dermatologist will work swiftly to alleviate the problem, finding the least invasive and most effective treatment possible.

by Bishara Gattas

Younger woman and older woman, both with great skin.

Could You Be Making These 4 Common Skin Care Mistakes?

It's not easy to have a glowing complexion. Just look at the statistics: 85% of people will suffer from some sort of acne in their lifetime, and around 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. Despite this, the beauty and skin care industry is doing better than ever.

So what gives? Unfortunately (and fortunately), the secret to perfect skin isn't just about buying the best skin care products for women. Rather, it takes a commitment to a certain lifestyle that will not only have your skin looking better, but will have you feeling better, too.

Here are 4 skin care mistakes to avoid:

Not getting enough sleep

During the day, your skin is working hard to protect itself from damaging free radicals, pollutants, and ultraviolet rays. Just like your mind, your skin is able to rejuvenate and repair itself overnight, keeping skin in top notch condition. However, a lack of sleep will effectively accelerate the aging process, delay healing, and will result in a number of skin problems, such as acne, dark circles, and puffy eyes. To look and feel your best, shoot for eight hours of sleep per night.

Not washing your face before bed

While applying SPF, primer, makeup and the like has your skin looking good and feeling good during the day, these products are built to last and will remain heavily on the skin, clogging your pores and leaving it susceptible to dry skin, breakouts, and sensitive areas. Instead, use a gentle cleanser before bed and an evening formulated moisturizer that will help your skin to rejuvenate as it intends to. Ask a dermatologist about what night-time routine and products are best for your skin.

Not moisturizing your skin

Many of the 50 million Americans dealing with acne believe that people with oily skin should skip the moisturizer before bed. But like previous tips have shown, the skin has a tendency to dry out as you sleep. Providing it with the essential moisture necessary will help to halt excess oil production that leads to breakouts in the first place.

Not staying informed

Ignorance is bliss, but it also makes for poor skin habits and a bad complexion. Visit your local dermatologist regularly, or schedule a dermatology appointment to find out what skin care routine is best for your specific skin type. Whether you choose in-person or online, an expert will help you to correct any mistakes that are disrupting your current skin care routine.

by Bishara Gattas

Three Ways You Can Help Your Dermatologist Improve Your Skin

Did you know that acne affects an estimated 40 million to 50 million Americans? Or that an estimated one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their lives, causing more than 2 million people to be diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States every year? Because of the prevalence of these and other skin conditions, it is extremely important that the average person visits a local dermatologist regularly to stay healthy, comfortable and confident in their appearance.

However, even after you have read all of the online dermatologist reviews and consulted with the best rated dermatologists in your area, there is still a chance that your skin might not see results. This is because the best skin care regimen is a collaboration between the doctor and the patient, which relies on communication and effort to succeed. Read on to learn how you can change your habits to help your acne treatment products and other skin care methods succeed.

Too Many Products Might Only Make Your Skin Worse

If you're like many people, you probably try product after product at the first sign of a breakout. However, combining all of these different solutions without giving your skin time to acclimate to one of them will often only cause redness, flakiness, itchiness, irritation and inflammation. Instead, if you're buying something over-the-counter, find a product with positive dermatologist reviews and try it for a few weeks while taking good care of your skin to see if it has an effect. Meanwhile, if you are using a medication your dermatologist recommended, try to wait at least 3 months before requesting something new, unless you notice a serious reaction.

Oil Isn't Always the Enemy

Many magazines, books and even doctors portray oil as the culprit behind breakouts and other skin conditions. However, our bodies produce oil naturally to protect the skin and keep it supple. For this reason, removing it with harsh solutions will only make the body over-produce the substance. Instead, the goal should be to regulate oil production with moisturizers and cleansers to keep the skin clean but still supple. Ask your dermatologist what products they recommend for basic skin care.

Your Mental Health Plays a Powerful Role

A number of patients with acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions notice that their skin gets worse when they are under a great deal of stress. They aren't wrong: studies show that our emotions can have a significant impact on our health, especially over time. For this reason, it is important that patients seeking help with their skin make healthy choices, take care of their bodies and work to establish a positive state of mind if they want to see long-term results in their skin.

Are you looking for a dermatologist who will work with you to change your skin for the better? Read local dermatologist reviews and schedule consultations with the best rated doctors in your area today!

by Bishara Gattas