Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Mother's day is just around the corner.  It is a day were we choose to honor the wonderful women who have shaped our lives. There are many gift ideas that come to mind for Mother's Day.
Many of us go the traditional route with a nice bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates or a night out on the town. But what if you wanted to do something different for the special "mom" in your life?

For the whole month of May at Florida Skin Center, EVERYDAY is MOTHER'S DAY with our new Mother's Day special.  Please visit our website or call to find out more details about this great offer. 

  Mother's Day package includes: 

An $845 Value for $645

2 TNS Essential Serums

1 TNS Eye Repair

1 Tri-Retinol Complex

1 Daily Defense SPF 30

$20 FSC bucks

1 Deep Pore Cleansing Facial

 Give mom something she would never expect but deserves!

Getting ready for summer

Summer is right around the corner, and many of us are starting to think about getting back in our bathing suits. While we can exercise and make smart food choices, those unpleasant stretch marks and cellulite still remain. TNS Body Lotion targets these blemishes with a unique combination of growth factors, retinol, and hyaluronic acid. This is the only body lotion on the market with TNS, a serum of naturally secreted growth factors proven to improve skin’s tone and texture. The ingredients in this lotion work together to increase collagen and increase cell turnover, improving the overall appearance of the skin, while instantly plumping skin. Ask FSC how this lotion can help you become even more bathing suit ready!

Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a devastating and frustrating condition to battle for both males and females. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss and refers to any form of hair loss.  Hair loss can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors and associated with medical conditions such as thyroid disease and anemia. 

The most common type of Alopecia is called Androgenetic also known as male and female pattern baldness. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be due to receptors in the hair follicles being attacked by hormones.  This type of hair loss can also be hereditary.  Men tend to lose hair at the front of their scalp also known as the widows peak.  In females the hair loss tends to be on the back of their scalp.

A common hair loss seen in women after pregnancy is called Telogen Effluvium.  This is a rapid sudden loss of hair. It can also be caused by trauma, surgery, rapid weight loss, and medications. This type of hair loss generally resolves within a year.

A more rare type of hair loss is called Alopecia Areata. This is rapid hair loss that occurs in round oval patches on the scalp.  The exact cause of this type of hair loss is unknown but it is thought to be an autoimmune response where our body attacks the hair follicles.  This type of treatment can be unpredictable and is more difficult to treat.

The most important step when dealing with hair loss is to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune disease, thyroid disease or anemia.

It is also important to get a diagnosis for your hair loss because each type of alopecia has different treatment options. Florida Skin Center offers the latest treatment for all types of hair loss including prescription medications and products and treatments including platelet rich plasma treatments.

New Year, New You!

The new year is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to make the most of your skin care regimen!  Are you looking for a product to help with acne breakouts while also diminishing fine lines and wrinkles?  Skin Ceuticals Blemish and Age Defense is a serum that targets acne breakouts in multiple ways, while also diminishing surface signs of aging.  It contains five different types of acid that work to reduce the bacteria that cause acne, decrease oil production, and decongest clogged pores.  These acids both prevent and treat acne breakouts.  Not only does this product target acne, it diminishes signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation caused by the sun!  Blemish and Age can be used twice a day on the face, neck, and chest in place of, or in addition to, current acne medications.  Call FSC, and let our experienced staff help determine if Blemish and Age can be a beneficial addition to your skin care regimen.

A Common Medication Side Effect Many of Us are Unaware Of

A common complaint from patients is that they get red, itchy, burning skin after minimal exposure to sun.  After further questioning, we often come to the conclusion that the patient is on a photosensitizing medication that they were unaware of.

Photosensitivity also known as sun sensitivity is inflammation of the skin caused by the combination of sunlight and certain medications. It causes a redness of the skin similar to sunburn.  The range of skin damage can vary from mild redness to blistering in more severe cases.  The best thing to do when on a photosensitizing medication is to use general sun precautions.  Wearing sunscreen daily with an SPF of 30, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, and wearing protective clothing are great ways to protect your skin from the sun while on these medications.  Below is a list of common photosensitizing medications.

Diuretics : Lasix, HCTZ

Antibiotics: Tetracyclines, Cipro, Sulfa, Bactrim

Cardiac: Cardizem, Procardia, Cordarone

Acne: Topical Retinoids, Isotretinoin,

Antidepressants, Diabetic medication

This list is just a few of the general medications that can cause photosensitivity. If you are unsure the side effects of your medication it is best to ask the prescribing physician.

Knowledge is Power.

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States?  And that each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.  If that doesn't scare you, current statistics show that 1 American dies every hour from Melanoma.  Makes you rethink that trip to the beach right?

Knowledge is power. The more we educate ourselves on the harmful effects of the sun, the more power we have protecting ourselves and our loved ones from it. 

So what can you do?

• You should examine yourself regularly.  The best time to do this is after a bath or shower, standing in front of a full length mirror.  If you notice any odd-looking mole or marking, contact your dermatology office ASAP
• Don’t  sunbathe
• Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• When outdoors use SPF 30  and reapply every two hours
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, UV- protective sunglasses
• Stay away from artificial tanning beds and lamps

If you have never had a baseline skin check or can’t remember the last time you saw your dermatologist, now is the time. If caught early, most skin cancers are curable.  Don’t be another statistic.

Make A Great Impression

The holiday season is quickly approaching and in a blink of an eye the new year will be upon us.  And with the new year brings New Year resolutions. We all make them, resolutions to eat better, work out, make time for each other.  How many of us though make our skin health a top priority?  Our skin tells a story and  is often the first impression we give to others. Why not make a resolution this year to take care of your skin?  If you or your family has never had your skin checked now is a great time. Dr. Badia and her providers will examine your skin from head to toe for any suspicious lesions or moles. We often can provide same day biopsies if necessary for any spot that is suspicious for a cancer or precancerous lesion.  We also urge you to preform self skin check examinations to look for the ABCDs of moles.

1. Assymetry: one side of a mole or lesion doesn't look like the other
2. Borders:  if a mole or spot has jagged edges
3. Color: not only dark colors or any changing colors in a spot or mole
4. Diameter: if a mole or spot is large or has changed in size                     

We can also provide you with great skin care regimens that are affordable and acutally work as well as cosmetic treatments for those of us who not only want to be healthy, but want to look and feel better too.

Make a great impression this year and make a resolution to take care of you!

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Florida Skin Center