Nail Salons and UV Lamps

UV nail lamps can be found in almost every nail salon, and may even be purchased for home use. UV nail lamps are used to help dry nail polish, and cure gel and acrylic nails. Similar to tanning beds, nail lamps primarily emit UVA rays. These types of UV rays have been proven to cause premature aging and mutations in DNA that can lead to skin cancers in exposed skin. There are other ways to obtain a great looking polish without being exposed to UV light. Both regular nail polish and gel polish can be dried in other ways.  Visible light or topical applications that can be sprayed, brushed, or applied by a dropper can speed the process of drying. If UV light must be used it is suggested to use a sunblock on your hands and/or feet prior to heading to the salon. Those containing Zinc or titanium dioxide are best because they help to protect the skin from UVA rays.

Can Stress Really Make You Lose Your Hair?

The sad answer is yes.  Stress can make your lose hair.  Telogen Effluvium is a common type of hair loss that is brought on by any stressor to the body including pregnancy, surgery, significant weight loss, severe illness and even extreme emotional stress.  Hair growth occurs in stages.   The anagen phase is the growth phase of the hair cycle where hair cells are dividing rapidly.  During this phase hair grows 1 cm every 28 days.  The catagen phase is the transitional stage between the active and resting phase of the growth cycle.  Finally the telogen phase is the resting period of the hair cycle where the hair follicle is completely at rest.  Stress can trigger hair cells to stay in the Telogen or resting phase of the hair cycle longer than normal causing hair to thin and fall out.   The good news is that this type of hair loss is rarely permanent and hair will regrow once your body has gotten over the stressor.  Over the counter Rogaine combined with prescription medications can be used to maintain hair growth until your body bounces back.  In addition, baseline blood work to check for anemia, thyroid disorders and autoimmune conditions should be ruled out as a cause for this type of hair loss.

Is your Jewelry Giving you a Rash?

Do you ever feel itchy after wearing a certain pair of earrings?  The culprit could be Nickel. Nickel is a metal that often gets mixed into jewelry that is a known allergen.  It may be found in earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Besides jewelry, it can also be found in watch straps, belt buckles, and the metal tab at the waistband of jeans, bra clasps, and hair clips.  If you develop a red itchy rash after wearing certain jewelry or clothing you may have a Nickel allergy and should contact your dermatology provider.  A prescription medication can be prescribed for severe cases. There are also products on the market available today that you can purchase to help coat your jewelry to protect it from your skin such as Nickel Guard.

What are these spots on my body that won’t go away?

Tinea versicolor is an overgrowth of yeast that is found on everyone’s body. It tends to be more prevalent in warm humid climates like here in Southwest Florida. It can present as spots that can either be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. These spots can be found anywhere on the body. They can be dry, and may cause itching. It tends to become more noticeable as the surrounding skin tans, because the yeast prevents the affected areas from tanning. Tinea versicolor is not a contagious condition and is treatable. It may take time for the affected skin to regain its pigment once the yeast is treated. Tinea versicolor can reoccur if the person continues to be exposed to a warm and/or humid climate.

To learn more about Tinea versicolor, please visit:

http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q---t/tinea-versicolor/tips

Ever wonder what is causing those white blotches on your towels and bedding? It could be your face wash.

Have you noticed that all of your good towels and bedding now have bleach stains?  Have you been blaming it on your new detergent?  Turns out, it maybe your face wash.  The main ingredient in many over the counter acne treatments and washes is benzoyl peroxide which can bleach clothing. 

Some tips to help prevent your clothing and bedding from getting stained are

·         Use white bedding and towels
·         Making sure you wash your hands after applying treatment or medications
·         Make sure medication is completely dry before going to bed
·         Ask your dermatology provider for effective prescription acne mediations and products that do
        not contain benzyl peroxide

Skin Care For Acne Prone Skin

I have oily skin, should I still be moisturizing?

 The answer is YES! Not only is it crucial for overall skin health and appearance, but it helps you to better tolerate acne medications and treatments. Often acne medications can cause dryness and irritation. This often leads to not using the medications as directed or not at all.

 At Florida Skin Center we have a variety of skin care products to meet every need and skin type. Below are some of our great products for Acne Prone Skin.

• SkinCeuticals Clarifying Cleanser: Great for oily or acne prone skin, unclogs pores, treats acne blemishes.
•  SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel: Great for oily or acne prone skin, decongests pores while smoothing and brightening skin.
•  SkinCeuticals Blemish and Age Defense: Reduces acne causing bacteria, diminishes sebum production, decongests pores, and helps to reduce hyperpigmentation.
•  Skin Medica Purifying Toner: Targets and controls active acne breakouts, natural antiseptic to bacteria on the skin, helps shed dead skin cells, and reduces size of pores.
• Skin Medica TNS Recovery Complex: Great for patients with acne scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles. Strengthens skin ability to regenerate itself.
•  Skin Medica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer: Light, oil-free formula. Conditions and firms skin while reducing scarring, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.

 

For a complete list of our products, please visit the Products tab on the website.

 For more information on the importance of moisturizing visit:

http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/proper-skin-care-lays-the-foundation-for-successful-acne-and-rosacea-treatment-

How Does Sun Exposure and Sunburns Contribute to Skin Cancer?

Sun exposure is directly related to the risk of developing a skin cancer.
If a person had five or more sunburns in their life, or just one blistering sunburn, their risk for developing a Melanoma doubles.

 Sun exposure also contributes to developing non-melanoma skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. These skin cancers are influenced by cumulative sun exposure over a person’s lifetime.

 How To Stay Sun Safe:  Do Not Burn

-          Try to avoid direct sunlight between 10AM-4PM

-          Use a UVA/UVB Sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every 2 hours
-          Use clothing to cover up- Long sleeved shirt, Broad-brimmed hat, Sunglasses
-          Avoid tanning booths
-          Do self skin checks once a month
-          Have a professional skin exam yearly

 For more facts about Sunburns and Skin Cancer see the article below:

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/facts-about-sunburn-and-skin-cancer