Skin Care Blog

Teenagers are the group most people think of when they discuss acne. However, for many kids this skin condition begins earlier. In fact, most 12 year olds have a problem with pimples. Acne treatment for preteens is a little different than it is for other age groups. For example, no doctor is likely to prescribe birth control pills as a solution. Heavy duty drugs like isotretinoin are also off the table. So, a combination of prevention and mild medication ...

Adult women are in a demographic that is particularly difficult to treat when it comes to acne. Remedies that may be beneficial for adolescents just don’t seem to work as well for patients in the 30-50 age group. It appears that acne in adults is on the rise in the United States. The possible reasons for this range from high stress lifestyles to poor overall dietary habits that place additional strain on the immune system. These suggested causal links ...

In November, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its recommendation regarding sun-protection counseling. Previously, the organization had refrained from taking a stand because they felt there was not enough evidence that such interventions reduced skin cancer risk. Now, the USPSTF does recommend counseling for individuals between the ages of 10 and 24. However, they restrict this category even further to apply only to individuals with fair complexions.

Why Is The USPSTF Limiting The Scope Of Its Recommendation?

It ...

The American Academy of Dermatology has issued guidance about skin care products that are OK for people with chronic skin problems. Patients with acne or rosacea are typically on a regimen of topical medications to control their symptoms. However, these same individuals may also have secondary skin concerns to address. For example, they will definitely want to wear sun screen to prevent UV damage. A good moisturizer is another must-have item. A product to minimize wrinkles or other cosmetic ...

When the term “dermatology” comes up, most people think of doctors who specialize in helping patients with skin problems. However, hair and nail issues are also treated by dermatologists. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) published a helpful article for patients this year outlining ways to maintain healthy nails and treat common nail conditions. Here are some highlights:

Fragile Nails Should be Pampered

Fingernails are designed to protect delicate fingertips. However, nails don’t do this job well when they split, peel, ...

Microdermabrasion treatments are designed to rejuvenate skin through exfoliation. Unlike dermabrasion which removes the epidermis and even portions of the underlying dermis, microdermabrasion focuses on the surface of the skin. The very outermost layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum. This tissue is made up of dead skin cells. These serve an important purpose in protecting the skin from day to day. However, the stratum corneum is also where many of the visible signs of aging ...

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug for the treatment of spider veins. The medication is called Asclera and its active ingredient (polidocanol) is a detergent consisting of alcohol and polyethylene compounds. The solution works by irritating the veins into which it is injected. This causes the cell walls ...

A chemical peel is a rejuvenation treatment that is designed to remove some of the signs of aging from facial skin. Last year, over 1 million peels were performed in the U.S. alone. Despite the competition introduced by laser technology, the number of patients seeking this treatment is almost as high now as in 2000. However, the accuracy and depth of treatment tends to be easier to control with lasers than with the application of a chemical solution. In addition, ...

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is currently the industry standard for reducing the evidence of aging around the eyes. This surgical procedure is not likely to be replaced by non-invasive treatments any time soon. However, doctors in Italy have documented evidence that fractional laser rejuvenation can provide a significant level of enhancement for some patients without the side effects and downtime associated with surgery. Individuals in their mid-forties without severe sun damage or excess eyelid skin tend to have the best outcome. ...

The fact that too much exposure to UVA and UVB radiation from the sun harms skin cells has been known for a long time. However, scientists are still exploring the underlying mechanisms of sun damage. Skin has a number of defense mechanisms that make it hardy and resistant to many environmental factors. However, these are not a foolproof defense against radiation – especially after a lifetime of sun exposure.

Inside the Cell

A 2007 studyrep on the inner ...