WestDerm

MYTH OR FACT: Does the sun clear acne? â˜€ï¸

There are many benefits to the sun. It can lift our mood, help create vitamin D which is essential for healthy and strong bones, and according to many people, it helps with acne. Unfortunately for the sun bakers out there, this is outright wrong as sunlight can actually trigger a particular variety of acne known as Acne Aestivalis, more commonly known as Mallorcan Acne. And while you may not care about the formal names of this reaction, what you should know is that it darkens the appearance of acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. GASP! This may come as a shock to you if you grew up listening to a mother or grandmother tell you that the sun in fact does help with acne.

Why did people get it wrong?

The reason people believe the sun helps with acne is that the sun deposits different wavelengths of light. Some of these wavelengths can help acne, however, they are accompanied by harmful rays that not only darken and worsen the appearance of acne, but also other components that cause skin cancer and other negative side effects. Overall, overexposure to the sun far outweighs the temporary affect the sun CAN have on acne, but most of the time does not.

So what on earth can I do about acne?!

If you are going into panic mode thinking of all the time you have spent in the sun trying to clear pesky acne spots, fear not! Instead, you can visit one of our board-certified dermatologists who can assess your acne in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you and your skin type. We’ll find a solution for you without all the troublesome side-effects.

Schedule your visit today and we will have you taken care of in no time!

Yours in good health,

A Family of Dermatology Practices

Help Your Teen Eliminate Acne ðŸš«ðŸ”´

For a teenager, no time of year holds more promise than summer, when they have longer days and fewer responsibilities. They treasure the chance to relax, watching hours of TV or hanging out at the beach with their friends. Still, there’s one little assignment we’d like to suggest for this summer and that is banishing acne and uncovering clearer skin!

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 85 percent of people between 12 and 24 have some form of acne. That’s a lot of self-conscious young adults for whom small changes could make a big difference. Teenagers can start clearing up their skin with a basic anti-acne regimen: a gentle cleanser, a salicylic acid or retinol serum, and a lightweight moisturizer. We recommend clinical brands like EltaMD and SkinCeuticals.

Fortunately, summer is the perfect time for a teenager to try a new skin care routine or treatment. They won’t have to go to school if they experience a skin purge the phenomenon where acne gets worse before it gets better. Better yet, they’ll have a clear complexion in time for the school year, so they can truly have a fresh start.

When your teenager has already tried every skin care product at the drugstore, it can seem as though their acne is here to stay. It’s a discouraging feeling! If you’ve tried all the low-hanging fruit, or you’re tired of waiting for results, then it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist.

What can dermatologists do for acne sufferers that nobody else can? For one thing, practitioners like ours can work with teenagers to create a personalized skin care routine, complete with medical-grade skincare products. We can also do targeted in-office procedures, like laser treatments or chemical peels. These procedures are safe and nonsurgical, and they usually involve little to no pain. After a 1-3 treatments, our patients walk out the door feeling prouder of the face they show to the world, and that’s priceless!

For at-home care, we recommend this West Dermatology Acne Clearing Regime for a clearer complexion:

CLEANSE – Gly / Sal 2-2 Foaming Cleanser $32: This specially formulated oily skin cleanser delivers ultra pure glycolic acid and salicylic acid USP, 2% for gently cleansing acne prone and oily skin.
CLEANSE MEDICATED – Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Wash w/ Aloe Vera $22.50: a therapeutic cleanser containing a combination of benzoyl peroxide USP 10% with soothing aloe vera gel for the treatment of acne.
TONE – Gly / Sal 5-2 Pads $26.50: Salicylic acid USP, and glycolic acid are used in combination with hydrating ingredients in these easy-to-use pads to promote exfoliation, control oil, reduce breakouts and clogged pores. They help enhance skin clarity and are pH balanced.
TREAT – Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel $18: This gel is the perfect spot treatment utilizing the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide USP, 2.5%.

We can’t wait to make a difference for your child’s skin and self-image. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an in-clinic or TeleDerm visit for treatment, or click HERE to schedule your appointment today!

Yours in good health,

Your West Dermatology Team

Father’s Day Ultimate Gift Guide! ðŸŽ

June is an important month, not only is it Men’s Health Month but it’s also time to celebrate all the dads we know and love out there with Father’s Day.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your Dad, make his day special and help him maintain his skin health with one of these products from our Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide. All can be found on our very own online skincare shop and can be shipped straight to your front door just in time for June 21st.

FEATURED PRODUCTS FOR MEN

1) SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser $35: pore-refining gel cleanses, exfoliates, and soothes normal, combination, or oily skin. SHOP NOW

2) SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum (NEW): perfect all-in-one product with no fragrance. Launches Monday, 6/15. SHOP PRE-SALE

3) West Dermatology Gly / Sal 2-2 Pads $26: Smooths complexion, promotes exfoliation, controls breakouts and clogged pores. Perfect for post-workouts. SHOP NOW

4) Isdin Sunscreen Eryfotona Actinica $50: with DNA Repairsomes. This is a great broad-spectrum light-weight sunscreen for all day use, every day. SHOP NOW

Don’t forget to schedule your skin check!

With June being Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm appointment today!

Now Offering Telehealth Visits!ðŸ“±

At West Dermatology, our mission is to serve our patients to the best of our ability each and every day. This is why, for your convenience and peace of mind, we are now (virtually) coming to you and offering Telehealth visits!

From the comfort of your own home, you can now ask our board-certified dermatologists questions, show your skin concerns right through your device and chat about treatment options.

APPOINTMENTS: same-day and next-day appointments are available.

We can address the following skin concerns via Telehealth:

Dry Skin; Acne; Psoriasis; Skin Rash; Rosacea; Scalp Issues; Skin Cancer; Nail Problems; Complexion Concerns; Moles; Warts; and so much more!

INSURANCE INFORMATION: patient responsibility for co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance will be requested at time of appointment check in.

WHAT YOU NEED: All you need is a device with audio and video capabilities.

IN-OFFICE VISITS: are still available for essential or emergency care only but we are always available via phone or email for any urgent issues or follow-up questions.

If you have any questions about how the process of your Telehealth visit works, please do not hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to explain. Schedule your Telehealth appointment today and we’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Yours in good health and happiness,

Your West Dermatology Team

Screen Your Skin during Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a favorite way to honor the occasion…by SCREENING OUR SKIN!

DID YOU KNOW?

A 15-minute skin check could save your life? Early cancer detection leads to prevention so we’re encouraging you to screen your skin this month, because healthy skin is always in.

Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm skin check today!

How to Pick the Best Sunscreen â˜€ï¸ðŸ’ª

As summer temperatures rise and you spend more time outside, you’ll probably want to keep a tube of sunscreen or one of the newer sunscreen powders in your gym bag or glove compartment. If you pop into any makeup counter, drugstore, or grocery store, you’re likely to see at least a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose!

That’s why we’re going over the sunscreen basics and listing some of our favorite formulas. With this handy email, you can figure out what works best for you and avoid getting burned.

First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen. Physical sunscreens deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The old versions used to feel thick and sometimes leave a white cast on the skin. Newer versions of microniadized zinc and titanium feel great, are not thick and do not leave a white sheen on your skin.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays and make them less harmful. These formulas blend invisibly into skin. The drawback is that the chemicals in sunscreen may be absorbed in minute quantities when applied in large amounts every 2 hours. This has recently gotten some bad press but there’s no conclusive proof that they’re harmful. Still, pregnant women, young children, and cautious types may want to go for physical sunscreen.

If you already know which type of sunscreen you prefer, you may be wondering: Which brand is the best? We’re glad you asked!

> For your face and body, try ISDIN- Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin it absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup, doesn’t smell like SPF, is made with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, as well as an ingredient that helps repair previous sun damage.

> We also love ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 for your face, or Total Defense and Repair from SkinMedica.

> For your lips, EltaMD’s UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31 neutralizes free radicals with antioxidants and offers both physical and chemical sun protection.

> For on-the-go, grab an ISDIN Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.

> For when you’re exercising or going swimming, make sure you reapply even a”waterproof”sunscreen every two hours

Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing and scheduling an annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin all summer long!

Yours in good health,

Your West Dermatology Team

DIY Skincare to Keep Your Skin Glowing During Quarantine âœ¨

It’s time to turn up the positive vibes and treat yo’self with a DIY skincare day! It will do wonders for your mental health and help keep your mind focused. Here are some of our favorite dermatologist approved DIY skincare recipes that you can make right at home with all-natural ingredients:

Avocado Honey Face Mask

· Mash 1-2 avocados into a bowl

· Add 1/8-1/4 of a cup of honey to the mix

· Apply to face and leave on for 10 â€“ 15 min, then rinse with warm water

Why it’s good for your skin: Avocados’ high fat content is a great skin softener that will maximize your skin’s moisture. Honey is a natural humectant (like hyaluronic acid) and will help your skin hold in the hydration, while offering antibacterial benefits and antioxidants.

Soothing, Softening Oatmeal Mask

· Blend 3 teaspoons of oatmeal with 1 teaspoon of warmed milk or water.

· Stir 1 teaspoon of coconut or plain yogurt into mix, if you have on hand

· Apply to face and leave on for 10 -15 min, then rinse with warm water

Why it’s good for your skin: Oatmeal has been used for centuries to soothe dry skin and calm sunburns, bug bites, and more. Yogurt has probiotics and enzymes that will soften and smooth the skin.

Green Tea & Rose Water Face Mist

· Steep two bags of green tea in half a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes

· Take tea bags out and mix in ½ cup of rose water

· Pour in a spray bottle to apply and refrigerate the leftovers in a sealed jar

Why it’s good for your skin: this calming face mist is great for irritated skin because the antioxidants in the green tea and the anti-inflammatory benefits of the rose water soothe skin.

Exfoliating Oatmeal & Honey Face Scrub

· Add 2 teaspoons finely ground dry oats into a bowl (you can use a coffee grinder or blender to finely ground oats)

· Add 1 teaspoon honey

· Add 1 teaspoon warm water and mix together, until it has a paste like consistency

· Apply scrub to entire face and massage, in circular motions, for 1 min. Then let sit for 4 mins

· Rinse off with warm water

*can use once a week

Why it’s good for your skin: Honey is a humectant (helps hold in hydration) and a natural antibiotic, that contains healing properties that soothe and clear up the skin. Oats are soothing and gently exfoliate dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and brighter

By trying the above skincare recipes, your mood will be lifted in a snap. It feels great to treat yourself and focus on your well-being once in a while. Taking your mind off of what’s going on is important, and why not practice self-care in the process! Another great thing about these DIY recipes is that they are all safe for your skin. There are so many great natural ingredients to help nurture, heal and nourish your face and body.

As always, we’re here for you and we’re now offering medical and aesthetic telehealth visits! If you have any questions at all regarding your skin health, do not hesitate to give us a call and we are more than happy to answer them for you or help you setup your telehealth visit.

Covid-19 Info From the Skin Experts

Here at West Dermatology, our mission is to serve our patients to the best of our ability, each and every day. This also includes providing info to you that is beneficial for maintaining your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read on below for some tips from the skin care experts at the national organization, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). This includes information and tips around COVID-19, like how to identify symptoms, how to prevent getting the virus and whether or not you should go to your scheduled dermatology appts at this time.

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Symptoms:

· Fever

· Cough

· Difficulty breathing

· Loss of taste and/or smell

· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

· New confusion or inability to arise

· Bluish lips or face

High Risk Populations:

· Adults older than 65 years old

· People with underlying medical conditions including, but not limited to, heart or lung disease, or diabetes.

Medications That Might Increase Risk:

· Prednisone/CsA

· MTX/MMF

· Tofacitinib

· TNFi

· IL-12/23i

· IL-17i/IL-23i

· Apermilast

· Acitretin

· Dupilumab/Omalizumab

*Source: Mark Lebwohl, MD; Webinar Summary â€“ March 19, 2020

During this time, some medications are in limited supply or are more challenging to be delivered. Contact your physician with any concerns or question on the medications you are taking.

EVERYONE IS AT RISK. All ages, genders and races have been diagnosed and have died from this virus. Please take this virus seriously and protect yourself, your family and your communities.

HOW TO PREVENT GETTING THE VIRUS

Disinfect:

· Frequent hand washing (at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). Use moisturizing hand cream to avoid cracks and skin breakdown

· Avoid touching your face

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

Social Distancing:

· Avoid large gatherings of 10 or more

· Limit / avoid travel

· Maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and others

· Stay at home whenever possible

Wear a Mask:

· Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water

· Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask

· Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water

· Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks

· To take off the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water

Stay Home If You’re Sick, Except To Get Medical Care:

· Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze

· Wear a mask when with others

DERMATOLOGY SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Should I go to my scheduled dermatology appointment?

Transmission of COVID-19 is especially high in health care settings. Health care facilities and clinicians are prioritizing urgent and emergency visits at this time. Make sure to check with your physician about your individual situation before canceling or proceeding with your scheduled visit. Please note, most states are enforcing no elective procedures regulations at this time. This would include cosmetic or aesthetic treatments which will need to be rescheduled once these regulations are lifted.

Your doctor may triage your care based on the individual risk of your condition, your risk of complications for COVID-19, and your risk for contracting COVID-19.

Some skin cancers (including squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinomas) can be slow growing and treatment can be safely delayed for a period of time.

Other cancers may pose an immediate risk to your health, and thus, urgent treatment would be recommended. Instead of canceling or delaying your care, your physician may offer you a virtual visit via phone or video in order to optimize your care.

What To Do When Going To A Medical Appt?

Before visiting a clinic or hospital, make sure to understand the active safety protocols in place. During the pandemic, you may be screened for symptoms and/or asked to wear a protective mask, and there may be restrictions on bringing a family member or visitor with you.

You might be put in a private room or have specific waiting room instructions enforcing social distancing requirements. Also, your physician may be taking extra precautions including wearing a mask or other protective gear, avoiding handshakes or use verbal consent instead of written signatures to limit multiple people touching a pen or paperwork.

Avoid Going To The ER

Not only are health care settings high risk transmission locations, but the emergency room needs to be for the most critically ill, especially during this challenging time. Please contact your physician first before heading to the ER. Your physician will evaluate your immediate need.

ADDT RESOURCES

· Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) â€“ cdc.gov/coronavirus

· World Health Organization (WHO) â€“ who.int

· Coronavirus.gov

Many of our clinics are offering telehealth options to help diagnose and provide treatment for various skin conditions, all from the comfort of your own home! If you have any questions regarding telehealth or how the visit works, please give us a call and we will be happy to explain. Schedule your telehealth appointment today and we’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Yours in good health and happiness,

Your West Dermatology Team

3 Reasons You Need To Protect Your Skin While Self-Isolating!

We know that these times have been a huge change for most of us. With many people working from home for the unforeseeable future, we recommend (for the first time ever) spending more time outdoors. But hear us out. Spending time in your front yard, backyard, or patio for fresh air can create a feeling of freedom when you begin to feel uncomfortably confined.

However, these times may make you question your need for sun protection (sorry, but you can’t get out of putting on that SPF with us!). Listed below are three busted myths that explain why you should still be taking care of your skin while self-isolating.

Myth #1: Windows block UV rays.

While you shouldn’t forget to wear your hats and sunscreen when outside, you also should protect your skin with clothing or SPF when you are working near a window or driving in your car. This is because glass is great at blocking UVB rays that cause sunburns, but does not block out UVA rays, or the UV rays that cause skin aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation.

Myth #2: SPF prevents Vitamin D absorption

With most people staying indoors due to current circumstances, we understand the panic of not getting enough Vitamin D. Many people believe that sunscreen and sunblocks will prevent their body from absorbing Vitamin D, but this is untrue. Even when wearing SPF, small amounts of the sun’s rays penetrate the skin and allow for adequate Vitamin D absorption. (So don’t skip that sunscreen!)

Myth #3: Clouds are like nature’s sunscreen.

While clouds shield our skin from intense sun rays, this is not a reason to not wear sunscreen. This is because up to 80% of the sun’s rays pass through clouds according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

So whether you are driving to the store, doing some home workouts in your backyard, or working by your window, we recommend using an SPF 50 sunscreen and/or UPF sun-shielding clothing to protect your gorgeous skin.

If you are struggling with skin related concerns, call your local clinic today so we can answer any questions you may have or schedule a Telehealth appointment for you.

Yours in good health and happiness,

Your West Dermatology Team

How to Keep Your Beautiful Hands Moisturized When Frequently Washing Your Hands!

Raise your (super clean) hand if your (very clean) hands feel dry. ðŸ™‹â€â™€ï¸ðŸ™‹â€â™‚ï¸ You’re not alone. In an attempt to keep ourselves and others safe, we’ve been sanitizing and washing more than ever. With all of the alcohol in hand sanitizer, harsh soaps, and warm water, our hands are more susceptible to extreme dryness and it can get really uncomfortable. We thought we would give a lending hand with our tips to keep your paws soft and hydrated during this time.

Seal in the moisture! Immediately apply a cream or ointment to the hands post-washing. Doing this will seal in the moisture from water and keep your skin supple.

Use a fragrance-free cream or ointment instead of a lotion. This is because fragrances can be irritating to sensitive, chapped skin, and creams and ointments lock in moisture and to protect the skin more so than a lighter lotion.

Try to use a hand sanitizer with a moisturizing base. These types of hand sanitizers have emollient ingredients to nourish the skin and sometimes humectant ingredients like aloe vera. Hand sanitizers are hard to come by these days, so work with what you have to stay clean.

Use cotton gloves. Before going to bed, apply your cream or ointment, like Vaseline or petrolatum product, and cover your hands with cotton gloves. This works similar to a mask as the ointment nourishes hands and the gloves protect your skin from external objects. This can be fun and relaxing to do while you’re on the couch watching Netflix at night.

If you are struggling with extreme skin dryness or have any other skin related concerns, call your local clinic today so we can answer any questions you may have or schedule a Telehealth appointment for you.

Yours in good health and happiness,

Your West Dermatology Team

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