Blog
Sunscreen Selection 101
Posted on August 10th, 2011Featured in Inside SCV Magazine
Nowadays, when you go shopping for sunscreen to protect your family during hot summer days, you are faced with a variety of choices that can leave you wondering: which sunscreen should I purchase?
Sunscreen can block ultraviolet sunlight in the “A range” (UVA) and the “B range” (UVB). It used to be thought that UVA only caused skin aging and UVB caused skin cancer. Dermatologists now understand that the UVA can also be a skin cancer causing risk factor, as well!
Many people simply look at the “SPF” rating for sunscreen, which measures how well it protects from UVB. However SPF does not measure how well a sunscreen stops UVA, which is more difficult to block. Thus, a sunscreen that has a lower SPF but blocks UVA well may be better than a very high SPF sunscreen that only blocks UVB.
To date, only three sunscreen ingredients have been approved by the FDA: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide and Parsol 1789. The best suncreens contain Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as these physically block both UVA and UVB. You will not see these chemicals as the main ingredient in many sunscreens because they tend to be more expensive. These products may also leave a white hue when applied to darker skin, although some makers apply a tint to prevent any “ashy” appearance.
Parsol 1789 (also called Avobenzone) also reduces the potential harm of UVA, but by absorbing it, not blocking it. This ingredient is very popular in sunscreens, but doesn’t last long on the skin. Some companies have developed stabilizing compounds that help it last longer on the skin, but these products are usually the more expensive products. Most dermatologists prefer zinc for UVA blocking.
SPF numbers can be misleading. You might have a sunscreen with 10% zinc in it but it is only an SPF 40. You may have another that has Parsol 1789 in it and it is an SPF 55. Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide provides you with better protection because of the Zinc Oxide lasts longer on the skin. Most dermatologist’s recommend at least wearing a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30.
Next month, we will provide more guidance on how and when to apply sunscreen. In the meantime, for help in determining which sunscreen may be best for you and your family, call Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care at (661) 254-3686 or visit our website at www.CreatingBeauty.com.
Laser Skin Care Just Got Better
Posted on August 10th, 2011Featured in SCV Magazine
Leading dermatologists recently discovered that treating skin discoloration and aging with two different advanced technologies during the same session offers significantly better results in much less time. Combining a Photofacial treatment with an Erbium skin rejuvenating laser can simultaneously reduce skin pigmentation and redness while smoothing out wrinkles.
Until now, single treatments took months to improve either skin discoloration or signs of aging; both conditions could not be addressed at the same time. Patients had to visit dermatologists or even a facial plastic surgeon over many months to see progress in one area before attempting the other. Double laser technology programs reduce patient downtime considerably.
The Photofacial is good for reducing pigmentation and redness by flashing an intense light beam onto the area. The Erbium laser resurfaces the skin to smooth out superficial and fine wrinkling. When both procedures are performed simultaneously at full power, significant improvements occur. However, only a well-trained provider in both the Photofacial and Erbium technologies will be able to provide the results possible. Since few skin care facilities offer both technologies, you should check with your dermatologist to make sure they have the tools, the ability and the experience needed for this innovative program.
If you have more questions about double laser technology, call Dr. Bernard I. Raskin, renowned Board Certified dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care in Valencia, at 661.254.3686 or visit their Web site at www.CreatingBeauty.com.
You Should Know Mohs
Posted on August 10th, 2011Featured in SCV Magazine
Most people are knowledgeable about skin cancer, what causes it and how to prevent it. What most people are not aware of, though, is what their options are in treating it. In fact, the treatment for cancer with the highest reported cure rate, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, is rarely mentioned in media reports about the growing spread of cancer!
Mohs Micrographic Surgery is the best method of skin cancer treatment that can eliminate all of the “roots” and extensions of the cancer while preserving the most amount of the normal tissue that surrounds the cancerous tissue! Mohs is an outpatient treatment in that the patient is awake during the entire procedure and can return home while experiencing only mild discomfort that can usually be relieved with Tylenol. Even though Mohs leaves the smallest scars versus other skin cancer treatments, there may be some swelling or bruising around the wounded area initially.
Mohs is covered by most insurance policies and is often recommended for instances in which patients have recurring skin cancer, high risk cancer, or cancer located in areas that are critical for cosmetic or functional purposes. For this reason, one might want to find a highly skilled Mohs physician who can also perform post-operational cosmetic enhancements. Physicians who offer laser resurfacing, chemical peeling and/or injectable implants are particularly well suited to offer skin cancer surgery and cosmetic enhancements in the same facility.
Only dermatologists perform the exacting Mohs Micrographic surgery. If you have skin cancer, make sure you consult with a dermatologist skilled in Mohs surgery, dermatologic surgery and dermatopathology and that they have the proper facilities for needed laboratory work. The physician must be supported by a nursing staff trained in Mohs and histotechnology. You can find a physician who is a member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery by visiting their Website at www.mohssurgery.org
For more information about Mohs Micrographic Surgery, you can also contact the Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center of America, Bernard I. Raskin, MD Medical Director in Valencia at 661.254.3686 for a consultation, or visit our Website at www.CreatingBeauty.com.
Sample of the Month
Posted on August 10th, 2011Stop by the Creating Beauty Skin Care Center and try a free Sample of Skin Medica TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20.
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For day, wear sunscreen and consider using products containing antioxidants because they also have sun-protection properties.
At night, consider using products containing retinoids, peptides or growth factors for their repair properties.
Get to know your skin. If something doesn’t look right, see a dermatologist.
Talk to your dermatologist about how lasers, wrinkle fillers and botulinum rejuvenation can be used to diminish signs of aging that concern you.
Product of the Month
Posted on August 10th, 2011Skin Medica Hydrating Complex is a hyaluronic acid rich serum that replenishes skin’s moisture reservoir and provides instant and long-term hydration.
