Beware of Home Remedy for Skin Cancer

   In the age of this internet, we are bombarded with all kind of “remedies” and “at home fixes” for certain medical conditions. Skin cancer is no exception. One of the most publicized and dangerous over the counter treatments in the dermatology field recently is a compound called Black Salve.  It is a corrosive topical cream that destroys any skin it touches.  This product is not regulated by the FDA, and has the potential to cause infection and scarring. It is marketed as a cancer cure, but can actually lead to a delayed diagnosis and worse prognosis if area is actually cancerous.

   If there is any area for concern when doing your self-skin exam, you should see a Dermatologist for evaluation.  Often times a new concern can also be benign and no treatment warranted. A head to toe skin exam performed once yearly at the Dermatologist is sufficient for a person without history of skin cancer or abnormal growths.  Prompt diagnosis and treatment is the key to the best prognosis and outcome. 

Fall is here, What do you plan on doing to correct the sun damage and brown spots from this summer?

  Fall is here, what do you plan on doing to correct the sun damage and brown spots from this summer?

  Melanin is a dark brown pigment that is found in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye. It is responsible for tanning or darkening of skin exposed to sunlight. It is also responsible for melasma, age spots or liver spots.

    Lytera is a safe lightening and brightening regimen that contains licorice extract to inhibit an enzyme that causes dark spots from sun exposure. Lytera is a natural skin lightening alternative to chemical hydroquinone. It can help to control redness, flushing, and other types of inflammation as well as diminish the dark pigmentation in scars.

Even up is an amazing 3-in-1 product that helps to treat brown discoloration of the skin while providing coverage and protection.

• Vital ET helps to treat existing pigment
• Antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties
• Improves UV- induced erythema if used before and/or after sun exposure
• Calms inflammation and slows melanin activation.
• LUMIRA Skin Brightening Complex Immediately diffuses the appearance of discoloration
• Helps to Prevent and Protect from future hyperpigmentation with:
• 11% Zinc Oxide 
• 8%Titanium Dioxide
• Physical UV Protection with SPF 50
• Reflects and refracts UVA and UVB rays
• Venuceane 
• Defends skin against IR heat induced inflammation

The Glaring Truth about UV Exposure Risk for Eyes

  While we know how important it is to protect our skin from damaging UV rays, we often forget about the effect the sun can have on our eyes.

  It is a known fact that excess UV exposure to our eyes can lead to many issues including cataracts, melanoma cancer, and even bothersome growths. Some of these problems can show up early in life for those who spend long periods outdoors in intense UV conditions. Other diseases like cataract and most eye cancers develop over many years of repeated UV exposure.

  The UV exposure leading to damage of the eye can occur not only in direct sunlight, but can also occur from reflection from water, sand, and snow. Prevention is the same in any climate, and should include both eye protection and hat.

  The recommendation from the American Academy of Ophthalmology is to “Wear sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection": Use only glasses that block both UV-A and UV-B rays and that are labeled either UV400 or 100% UV protection. Choose wraparound styles so that the sun's rays can't enter from the side.”

The Dirty Truth on Why a Good Facial Cleaner is So Important for Skin Care

Our parents have always told us to wash our face, but what is the purpose? Besides cleansing the dirt and makeup off from throughout the day, it also helps to get rid of oil, pollutants, dead skin cell buildup, bacteria and viruses. When our pores our blocked with the debris accumulated from throughout the day, inflammation, acne, and increased pore size can follow.

There is evidence that night while sleeping, cell rejuvenation and DNA repair take place. Sleeping with your makeup on or without washing debris off deprives it of this oxygen which the skin needs to repair itself.  Also when makeup and daily debris is not cleansed from the skin, it blocks the natural exfoliating process. This will lead to dull and dry appearing skin.

Also at night, the blood flow in the skin is higher. With increased blood flow is increased absorption and penetration of products. Without cleansing the buildup doesn’t let products penetrate appropriately and are less effective.

Evaporation of water from the skin increases at night due to a rise in skin temperature.
Applying moisturizer to the skin after cleansing will help to keep skin hydrated as you sleep.

After the skin has gone through its rejuvenation process and increased cell turn over at night, you wake up with more dead skin cells that needs to be exfoliated from the skin, and more oils to remove.
And if you need one more reason to wash your face with a good cleanser… Water alone removes only about 65% of oil and debris from the surface of the skin!!!

Florida Skin Center carries a variety of Facial Cleansers that are tailored to every skin type and concern. Ask one of our knowledgeable staff members what is best for you!