Laser Treatments for Acne and Acne Scarring

Acne is a condition that affects over 50 million people a year in the US. Over 85% of the population of 12-24 year olds have experienced at least mild acne. Besides the common over the counter treatments, and prescription medications there are also many procedures that can help to reduce acne.

At Florida Skin Center, one of the procedures offered in all 3 office locations is the Vbeam Laser for acne, and post acne scarring and redness. 

The Vbeam laser:

• Uses heat to reduce the amount of oil or sebum produced by the oil glands.
•  Helps to destroy bacteria that cause acne and inflammation. 
• Helps to treat redness in acne scars. 

There is minimal to no downtime after treatment with this laser. Most people will require a series of treatments based 2-4 weeks apart to see best results. 

The patient above was using prescription medications and had 2 Vbeam treatments to help with acne and acne scarring. 

Happy Thanksgiving from Florida Skin Center

Happy Thanksgiving from our Florida Skin Center family!

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday!

Don't be a turkey.... and get you skin check before the end of the year if you haven't already.

Best Preventative Anti-aging Product Available

As a Dermatology office, we are frequently asked “what is the best anti-aging product?” The truth is simple… it’s sunscreen!

While the natural aging process will occur and cause loss of collagen in our skin, UV damage will most certainly cause the skin to age more quickly.  The sun and other UV sources such as tanning beds produce both UV-A and UV-B rays.

•      UV-B rays are responsible for tanning/burning of the skin , and may lead to skin cancer. 
•        UV-B only penetrates the epidermis (very top layer of skin).    

•    UV-A deeply penetrates the skin in the dermis and causes the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is what gives our skin its support and youthful elasticity. UV-A induced breakdown is what can lead to wrinkly and leathery skin. 

Some interesting facts about UV-A (Aging rays) to make you think twice about applying your sunscreen daily.

• UV-A is the same strength year round 
• You don’t feel this UV ray as heat, and temperature does not dictate the amount of UV radiation being emitted.
• 99% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface is UV-A
• Up to 40 percent of the sun's UV radiation reaches the earth on a cloudy day.
• Car windows can block approximately 97% of UV-B rays, but UV-A rays are only          blocked - out by 37%. 

You are getting UV-A exposure anytime the sun is out.  Any time of day, and any day of the year. UV-damage does not show up as sunburn, and will silently age your skin. While it is most important to get the first application on in the morning, it is also important to reapply if you know you will have longer periods of exposure. There are many choices for a great broad spectrum sunscreen that will protect against damaging UV-A and UV-B rays. Ask one of our knowledgeable staff members about these products during your next visit and Florida Skin Center

Why the Sun Causes Skin Cancer

  Everyone has heard that too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, but have you ever wondered why?

  1 in 5 people will be diagnosed with a skin cancer during their lifetime. UV light that comes from the sun and tanning beds are the main risk factor for developing skin cancer.
The two types of Ultra Violet radiation are UVA and UVB. Both of these UV rays penetrate the skin and cause damage to the underlying cells.

  UVA can penetrate more deeply in the skin causing damage to the normal genetics of our cells. This affects not only skin cells that can lead to cancer, but also breaks down the support structures in our skin. UVA leads to premature aging and wrinkling.

  UVB penetrates less deep, into the top layer of the skin causing damage to the cells there. The pain you feel when sunburned is actually the body’s response in attempt to repair the damage.  UVB causes cumulative damage to the DNA in our skin cells. While the body is good at repairing itself when damage occurs, some abnormal cells may be left behind. Over time damage to the genetic material can cause uncontrolled growth of these abnormal cells, resulting in skin cancer.

You can protect yourself by:

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays.) Use a sunscreen with a   SPF or sun protective factor of at least 30. Reapply approximately 1oz of sunscreen every 2                 hours.

• If using a spray sunscreen, MAKE SURE TO RUB IT IN.

• Limit sun exposure during hours when the UV rays are the strongest, between 10AM and 4 PM

• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

• Avoid tanning beds

• Have an annual skin exam performed by a dermatologist.

• Do self-skin exams, using the ABCDE's every month, and look for new or changing moles.

Diabetes Related Skin Disorders

  Diabetes is a disease that affects a person’s blood sugars. This is due to either the body not producing enough insulin, or ineffectively using the insulin to help clear the sugars from the bloodstream. Diabetes can affect a person’s entire body if not controlled well with diet and/or medications.  The American Diabetes Association states, “As many as 1/3 of people with diabetes will have a skin disorder caused or affected by diabetes at some time in their lives.”
 
  The skin can sometimes give the first clue that someone is having a problem with insulin resistance and may have diabetes. A skin condition called Acanthosis Nigricans is an area of skin that is darker and thicker that is most commonly seen around the neck, under the axillae, or in the groin. Some describe it as their skin looks dirty, but it won’t wash off. The discoloration usually improves with improved control of the blood sugars as well as weight reduction.

   People with diabetes often have dry skin due increased blood glucose(sugar) levels. Dry skin can lead to itching and scratching of the areas and increase risk of infection. It is important for diabetics to keep their skin moisturized daily with a gentle moisturizer. Diabetes also significantly increases a person’s risk of bacterial and fungal infections ,and slows wound healing. High blood sugars over time can lower a person’s immunity and can also affect the blood vessels necessary for healing wounds. If there are any areas where the skin is open due to injury, surgery, or compromised circulation it is important to follow up with a health care provider immediately.
 
  There are other rare skin disorders associated with diabetes such as Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum, Bullosis Diabeticorum, and Eruptive Xanthomatosis. These conditions are usually benign, but can lead to secondary infection.  A new onset of any of these conditions might signify a sudden change in control of blood sugar, and tend to improve with better diabetic control.

   Skin care is essential in people with diabetes. Most complications can be prevented or treated if recognized early. Maintaining blood sugars is crucial to help prevent skin and other systemic complications related to diabetes. Keeping the skin moisturized and self-inspection can help prevent rashes or wounds from going unrecognized and becoming more of a problem over time.