WestDerm

Between finding everyone the perfect gift, making travel plans, and entertaining relatives, sometimes you just need some comforting and delicious wintertime goodies – goodies that might not always agree with your skin. Moreover, the exhaustion, travel, and extra holiday stress could leave you looking less than refreshed. While we won’t ask you to forgo the yuletide treats and tipples (hello, eggnog season!), we will give you some suggestions on how you can lessen the impact on your skin. Check out our list of dos and don’ts that can keep your complexion looking bright & merry during the holidays and beyond! 

Don’t: Forget to remove your makeup. 

Whether you slay your makeup every day or just use a dab of tinted moisturizer, you must always remove your makeup thoroughly before bed. Even the gentlest cosmetics attract environmental pollutants that will remain on your skin until you cleanse your face. These pollutants can contain free radicals that damage skin and accelerate aging. 

Moreover, wearing makeup overnight can clog pores and create an environment where acne-causing bacteria can flourish. 

The holiday season is filled with parties and get-togethers; performing a full nighttime cleansing routine after an evening of celebrating can seem like a drag, but it’s worth it in the long run. A fantastic (and fast) makeup remover is ISDIN Micellar Solution 4-in-one cleansing water. This fragrance-free, soap-free, alcohol-free solution removes makeup, oil, and impurities quickly, leaving skin soft and hydrated. 

Do: Have a gentle, consistent cleansing routine. 

Keeping your skin free of dirt, makeup, and environmental toxins is a key step in maintaining a healthy complexion. Your cleansing routine should start with a gentle product that removes daily impurities while addressing your unique skin needs.  

If you have oily, breakout-prone skin, a great product to try is WestDerm Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Wash with Aloe Vera. This oil-free cleanser offers powerful anti-acne ingredients that target bacteria that cause breakouts and inflammation without drying or irritating sensitive skin. Soothing aloe vera facilitates healing existing breakouts and keeps skin soft and hydrated. 

If you have dry skin, WestDerm Green Tea Cleansing Cream offers hydrating Green Tea Polyphenols, effectively moisturizing your skin while combatting free radical damage. 

Don’t: Visit the tanning salon. 

When winter approaches, it can be tempting to retain a sun-kissed glow with the help of a tanning bed. Tanning beds are in no way safer than sun exposure; UV exposure from indoor tanning beds can significantly raise the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – two types of skin cancer. 

To get a healthy, radiant glow, skip the tanning bed and wake up the beautiful and healthy skin underneath. A rejuvenating facial boosts collagen production enhances circulation and aids in the flushing of toxins. 

Do: Remember your lips! 

Keep your lips mistletoe-ready by making sure they are always soft, smooth, moisturized, and protected with WestDerm Plumping Lip Treatment with SPF 30. This multipurpose lip plumping and protecting treatment not only shields lips from damaging ultraviolet exposure but also delivers several forms of hyaluronic acid that attract and retain moisture. Best of all — it facilitates collagen production for healthy, youthful lips year-round! 

Don’t: Make a habit of using UV nail lamps for your mani-pedis. 

To be clear: While there have been reports of squamous cell carcinoma of the hands connected with continued, long-term use of UV lamps for drying and curing nails, a single, isolated use of a UV nail lamp has not been shown to raise the risk of cancer. Nevertheless, it’s best to avoid unnecessary UV exposure if you have a health condition that makes you sensitive to UV rays or if you are on medications or supplements that increase your UV sensitivity. 

Also – don’t be fooled by a curing lamp that is labeled “LED” lamp rather than “UV” lamp. Both devices emit UVA rays and present the same level of risk to your skin and nails. 

If you have a nail condition that compromises the appearance of your nails, don’t use mani-pedis to cover it up – have it treated. To keep your nails healthy and beautiful this season, have them checked for issues and infections that can compromise their appearance.   

Do: Wear sunscreen. 

Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean you can forget sun protection; the sun’s rays are just as powerful in the fall as they are in the warmer months. 

One of our favorite sunscreens is EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, a water-resistant, mineral sunscreen that will shield your skin and nails from harmful UV rays. 

Do: Schedule an appointment with a qualified dermatologist physician or provider. 

Give yourself the gift of healthy skin this holiday season with a visit to one of our state-of-the-art dermatology centers. To find the location nearest you, please visit our information page and book an appointment today! 

With the end of the year nearly here, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your 2021 health and skincare routine. If you find there’s room for improvement in your daily practices, fear not…simple adjustments can make all the difference! Take a look at our 12 days of skin tips, and follow along to boost your skin health in less than two weeks.

DAY ONE: Put a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher near your toothpaste. This way, you’ll see it first thing and remember to apply it every day. Limiting your UV exposure is a proven way to reduce your skin-cancer risk. We recommend ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50. Shop HERE.

DAY TWO: Perform a skin self-check. Look at every inch of your skin from head to toe for any dark spots with irregular borders or other suspicious marks. If anything seems out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get tested for skin cancer. Repeat the self-exam at least once every month—it could save your life. Outcomes are much better when patients get a cancer diagnosis early.

DAY THREE: Schedule a dermatology exam. If you’ve had skin cancer before or have a family history of skin cancer, then make a habit of seeing a dermatologist at least once a year. Your provider will check for any suspicious growths and biopsy as needed, so you have a diagnosis if necessary and a plan of action.

DAY FOUR: Buy a humidifier. Dry winter air leads to dry, itchy winter skin, and indoor heating can make the problem worse. Add some much-needed moisture back into the air and your skin will thank you.

DAY FIVE: Buy a gentler soap. Clarifying cleansers can strip skin of the oil it needs to stay smooth and supple. A sensitive skin formula could keep your skin from drying out. We recommend WestDerm Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser. Shop HERE.

DAY SIX: Put your lotion next to the sink or shower. Your skin absorbs moisture most effectively after being wet, so make it easy for yourself to moisturize right after bathing.

DAY SEVEN: Dig out your warmest, loosest clothes. Loose clothes are less likely to cause chafing than tight ones.

DAY EIGHT: Cook yourself a fish dinner. If you don’t eat fish, try walnuts or chia seeds. The omega fatty acids in these foods help prevent dry skin.

DAY NINE: Read or look up the ingredients on your soaps and lotions. If they contain alcohol or fragrances, they might be drying out your skin. To minimize the risk of dehydration, you might try sensitive-skin or fragrance-free formulas.

DAY TEN: Drop lip balm in your purse or briefcase. Dry winter weather can lead to chapped lips. Take a balm or salve wherever you go to keep your lips hydrated. We recommend SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair. Shop HERE.

DAY ELEVEN: Swap out your laundry detergent. If you have sensitive skin, a harsh detergent can lead to irritation when your clothes contact your body. Opt for a fragrance-free formula instead.

DAY TWELVE: Sign up for a yoga class. If yoga’s not your thing, go for a hike or meditate. Stress relief benefits your whole body, including your skin.

You can use this tip list to pick and choose the best ones that work for you and your specific skin type and lifestyle. The important thing is to consider your health and give your skin what it deserves at year-end and year-round!

We cannot stop the aging process, but we can ensure we age gracefully. Adopting a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to slow the signs of aging. Did you know certain seasonal foods can help your skin preserve and even enhance its radiant glow? But before you dive into the pumpkin pie, it’s important to learn more about the effects seasonal foods can have and how to get the most out of them. In recognition of National Healthy Skin Month, here’s how to keep your skin healthy from the inside out. 

The air is crisp and clean, and the leaves are turning beautiful shades of gold and red, but for most of us, the month of November means festive holiday tables filled with delicious food – food that isn’t necessarily always great for our skin. However, some of the most nutritionally dense fruits and vegetables are also coming into season. 

The benefits of eating seasonal produce are endless. When your fruits and vegetables are in season, they are likely fresher and more flavorful. You can also supplement your diet with nutrients that might not be as prevalent in spring and summer produce. Many of these nutrients are particularly good for the skin. 

Fall Foods for Healthy Skin 

Limit your consumption of sugary, fatty, high-calorie foods and instead enjoy a fall harvest of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the most skin-friendly autumnal foods you can enjoy at the Thanksgiving table and throughout the season. 

Butternut Squash 

Orange vegetables are high in vitamins that provide tremendous skin-nourishing benefits. Vitamin A is among the most potent nutrients for beautiful skin – it supports cell turnover and wound healing. It also facilitates the hydration of skin cells. One serving of butternut squash delivers the full recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. 

Some of the other nutrients in butternut squash include magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. This powerhouse vegetable can aid in managing blood pressure and diabetes, and might even reduce the risk of certain cancers. 

Sweet Potatoes 

Sweet potatoes are also among the orange vegetables rich in vitamin A, and they are also very high in fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients promote skin health by aiding in nutrient delivery to skin cells, improving circulation, and combatting oxidative stress. These root vegetables also contain high concentrations of vitamins B3, B5, and E. 

Pumpkin

While this popular squash is commonly found in pies around holiday time, it can be enjoyed in soups, roasted on its own, and put in ravioli. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, this high-nutrient orange vegetable is a fantastic addition to your meal rotation for its blood pressure-lowering, immune system-boosting properties. 

Bonus: pumpkin seeds can boost HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). They also contain magnesium and tryptophan, which can help facilitate restorative sleep. 

Cranberries

That cranberry sauce shouldn’t be an afterthought – cranberries contain phytonutrients that boast significant anti-inflammatory benefits. These nutrients help keep acne breakouts at bay too! 

Factors That Affect Skin Health 

Unfortunately, many of our favorite holiday foods are less-than-great for our health. You can adversely impact the health of your skin by consuming high-fat foods, processed food, and high-sugar drinks. It has been shown that eating too many processed foods containing refined sugars, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can trigger hormonal fluctuations that cause acne and inflammation of the skin, which contribute to the aging process. 

Although eating the right foods can mitigate many common skin issues, there are other elements that impair skin quality. 

• Oxidative stress: An overabundance of free radicals harms your cells by causing a phenomenon called oxidative stress. This reaction contributes to the outward signs of skin aging: skin discoloration, loss of elasticity, and the development of lines and wrinkles. Smoking, stress, sun exposure, and consuming alcohol all contribute to the excessive development of free radicals.   
• Inflammation: Skin damage can be caused by inflammation in the body. Lack of restorative sleep, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the inflammatory response, leading to rashes, hives, skin dryness, and chronic health conditions.   
• Poor hydration: Dry skin occurs when your cells are dehydrated; the outermost skin cells shrink in size, lose elasticity, and alter the texture of your skin. While drinking sufficient water is important, dry skin tends to be exacerbated by lifestyle and environmental factors. These factors include dry weather, excessive sun exposure, harsh soaps, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption.  

Skin-Freshening Solutions 

If you want to look your absolute best this holiday season, there are numerous rejuvenating procedures that can restore your gorgeous glow. 

• Wrinkle Reduction: If you have deep lines or wrinkles, you can significantly diminish their appearance via injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers. We also offer radiofrequency-based treatments that accelerate cellular turnover and collagen production, leaving skin smoother and firmer. 
• Acne Control: Acne struggles can be demoralizing. If you want to get rid of pimples and blackheads, we offer prescription retinoids, oral or topical medications, chemical peels, and laser therapies that can yield dramatic improvement. 

Skin-friendly lifestyle changes  

If you have skin concerns, see a dermatologist before taking corrective measures. However, there are steps you can take to improve the appearance and texture of your skin.   

Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, reduce alcohol consumption, and stop smoking. Limiting alcohol consumption means you aren’t exposed to as high a volume of free radicals, so your skin is less likely to suffer from oxidative stress. If your skin is dehydrated, increasing your water consumption could help, but ambient moisture — from a humidifier or even house plants — could also be beneficial.  

If your complexion isn’t what you’d like it to be, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a qualified dermatology provider at a clinic near you. Please visit our information page to find a convenient location.

Is thin skin a normal part of aging? Can you prevent thin skin? Can thin skin be made thicker? Yes, yes, and yes! Here’s what you need to know about how to keep your skin plump and healthy in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. 

Don’t take this the wrong way, but you might be a little thin-skinned.

No, we don’t mean you don’t know how to take criticism – we mean that your skin is literally getting thinner every day.

Not only is thin skin a cosmetic concern for many people, but it’s also a significant medical concern. Skin is our first line of defense against pathogens, toxins, ultraviolet rays, and extreme temperatures. When it becomes thinner and more fragile, it loses some of its ability to protect the body from environmental stressors. It also becomes less sensitive to different sensations, making us less receptive to touch.

Thin skin is extremely delicate and prone to injury. It is very common for older adults with thin skin to cut, bruise, and scrape themselves after an impact that they don’t even feel. This can raise the risk of infection and subsequent health challenges. 

Fortunately, it is possible to slow the thinning process. While skin that is already thin cannot be restored to its teenage glory, you can adopt lifestyle habits that enhance collagen production, increase skin volume, and preserve skin health. There are also extremely effective topical products and dermatological treatments that can help accelerate skin cell turnover, strengthening and rebuilding your skin’s outer layers. 

What Causes Thin Skin?

Normal, healthy skin loses roughly 30,000 dead skin cells every minute. (Fun but gross fact: Roughly 50% of the dust in your home is actually human skin!) Every year, we lose nearly 10 pounds of dead skin cells. 

When we’re young, we regenerate skin cells quickly. Skin regeneration is a natural exfoliation process known as desquamation (skin peeling). New skin cells are generated within the epidermal layer called the stratum germinativum, and by the time they travel up to the top layer – the stratum corneum – they have reached the end of their life cycle, and they are sloughed away. This complex biochemical process reveals the newer, fresher, and healthier skin cells underneath. 

Unfortunately, the aging process slows skin regeneration significantly. Moreover, a lifetime of not-so-great habits – drinking alcohol, tanning, smoking cigarettes, and eating junk food – can reduce the skin’s propensity for regeneration even further. 

The skin regeneration process occurs approximately every 28 days in young adults. After the age of 40, the turnover cycle starts to slow, sometimes dramatically. After the age of 50, skin cell turnover can take as long as three months. Hormonal fluctuations and changes can also affect skin thickness; thinning skin and elasticity loss tends to accelerate after menopause. 

How Can I Prevent Thin Skin? 

If you haven’t yet noticed signs of thin skin, you can nip the aging process in the bud. Start by immediately eliminating all activities and lifestyle habits that can compromise dermal health and adopting practices that preserve and enhance your skin’s youthful volume. 

Avoid:

• Tanning 
• Alcohol consumption 
• Smoking 
• Recreational drug use 

Embrace: 

• Wearing sun protection daily 
• Staying hydrated 
• Exercise 
• A heart-healthy diet with lots of colorful fruits and vegetables 
• Moisturizers 
• Gentle skin cleansing 

Your skincare routine can also have a dramatic effect on your skin’s ability to repair itself. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss the best skin-preserving products and techniques for your skin type. 

Are There Treatments for Thin Skin?

If you already have delicate, paper-thin skin, you are probably not going to restore the volume and elasticity you had in your 20s. However, you can strengthen your skin and enhance its brightness and clarity by improving your overall health and being vigilant about skincare. 

If your skin is becoming delicate and susceptible to injury, here are a few things you can do to keep it protected and strengthen it over time. 

• Improve your circulation. Maintaining optimal blood circulation is essential to preserving the health and elasticity of your skin. If your skin is becoming dull and dry, make sure your heart and circulatory system are functioning properly. Have a medical evaluation to check for any issues that could be inhibiting optimal blood flow to your skin and organs. If you are medically cleared to exercise daily, make sure you work up a sweat! 
• Protect your skin from the sun. Not only should you wear sunscreen on your face and neck, but you should also make sure your clothing offers sun protection, too. Check your clothing labels for a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating, which tells you what percentage of UV rays can penetrate the fabric to your skin. 
• Keep moisturized, lubricated, and hydrated. Moisturized skin is more supple and less susceptible to tears and breaks. Keeping your skin hydrated and protecting your moisture barrier can keep it from succumbing to further environmental damage and facilitate your skin’s ability to repair itself. The right moisturizers will both introduce hydrating ingredients into your skin while preventing moisture loss with an occlusive ingredient. 
• Eat your protein. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, reduced protein consumption is associated with greater skin fragility in older people. 
• Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable to thinning skin. Estrogen replacement has been clinically shown to enhance skin thickness. 

There are also numerous cosmetic products and treatments that can significantly improve skin texture and volume. 

What Topical Products Treat Thinning Skin? 

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) 

There has been a long-standing internet rumor that products with AHA cause skin to become thinner. Actually, the opposite is true! 

Skin products containing AHA have demonstrated significant efficacy in combatting thinning skin. A study published in 1996 found that the application of a lotion containing a 25% concentration of glycolic acid for six months led to a 25% increase in skin thickness in the study group. 

Retinols 

Retinols accelerate skin cell regeneration. The topical application of retinol was found to facilitate significant skin repair when applied to photo-aged skin, increasing dermal thickness, enhancing elasticity, and reducing lines and wrinkles. 

What Cosmetic Procedures Treat Thinning Skin? 

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive in-office procedure that delivers controlled micro-injuries to the skin that initiate a wound healing cascade. This process causes the connective tissues to activate growth factors within the epidermis, stimulating a dramatic increase in collagen and elastin production and skin cell activity. 

Laser Skin Resurfacing 

Laser skin resurfacing enhances collagen production by directing beams of intense energy deep into the epidermis, accelerating the growth of collagen fibers, and increasing skin volume and firmness.

The best treatment for your skin will depend upon your unique skin type, your lifestyle, and the degree of skin thinning. If you have concerns about thinning skin, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for a full consultation about your treatment options at a location near you. 

As summer draws to an end, we might be tempted to stop slathering on sunscreen as aggressively as we did only a month ago. But while the temperatures aren’t as high as they were during the dog days of summer, the UVA and UVB rays are every bit as potent – and as dangerous. 

Sun damage can cause a wide variety of cosmetic and medical issues in any season. Not only does sun exposure accelerate aging and lead to sunspots, but it also raises your risk of carcinomas and dangerous melanomas. Here are a few tips for integrating sun protection into your fall routine. 

Use Thicker Sunscreen 

It seems counterintuitive, but you might need more – not less – sun protection during the fall and winter. 

The humidity decreases as the weather cools down, leaving skin drier and more vulnerable to sun damage. Your light, oil-free summer sunscreen might not offer the same level of protection during cooler months. Boosting the hydration in your sun care products helps protect the skin barrier and keep your skin moisturized longer in the dryer climate. A great product is our own WestDerm Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen with hyaluronic acid. 

Don’t Forget to Protect Your Lips 

Even if you wear sunscreen religiously, it’s easy to forget that our lips need sun protection, too. Every year, roughly 40,000 lip cancer cases are diagnosed, making up about .6% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. 

Make sure you apply a lip balm with sun protection after you apply your sunscreen, and make sure you carry lip balm with you throughout your day so you can reapply it after you eat or drink. If you want to plump up your pout, WestDerm Plumping Lip Treatment with SPF 30 is an excellent option, offering hydrating ceramides that encourage moisture retention while protecting the skin barrier from environmental aggravators. 

Incorporate UPF Clothing into Your Wardrobe 

When the weather is hot, wearing long sleeves and long pants outdoors is just flat-out uncomfortable. But the lack of UV-absorbing clothing means you must repeatedly apply sunscreen on your exposed limbs. Sun protective clothing, labeled as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), is a convenient sun shield that you don’t have to reapply – you just put it on and forget it. 

When selecting your sun protective clothing, make sure the fabric is tightly knit and can either effectively absorb UV rays or reflect them. Natural cotton materials are effective absorbers of UV rays, while shiny polyester materials can reflect UV rays away from the skin. 

It’s also important to find clothing that fits somewhat loosely, because tight clothing might stretch the fibers and lower the effectiveness. If you want to take the guesswork out of choosing sun-protective clothing, look for a tag that gives you the UPF rating. 

The UPF rating of your clothing matters. A UPF 50 rating indicates that the fabric shields you from approximately 98 percent of ultraviolet rays. But what’s the difference between UPF and the SPF on sunscreen? 

UPF Vs. SPF 

UPF differs from the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating on liquid sunscreens because SPF measures the amount of solar energy the product can effectively block before the skin begins to burn. For example, if you tend to burn after spending 15 minutes in direct noon sunlight, a sunscreen of SPF of 30 indicates that you can multiply that time by a factor of 30 before your skin starts to react. 

However, it is critically important to note that solar energy changes throughout the day, and the amount of solar energy differs in different environments. So, noontime sun at sea level with slight cloud cover will expose you to less solar energy intensity than noontime sun at a high altitude with no cloud cover. 

Also, be on the lookout for broad-spectrum sunscreen. Unless your sunscreen is labeled “broad spectrum,” it will only offer protection against UVB rays, not UVA rays. While UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer, UVA rays can cause sun damage and premature aging. 

If you want to make sure your skin stays healthy year-round, make sure to have your skin checked regularly by an experienced dermatologist. Please visit our information page to find a clinic near you.

The largest organ in our body, surprisingly, is our skin. This big surface does so much for us: it keeps germs out; it cools; it lets us feel sensations. So, how about treating our skin right this month and celebrating National Skin Care Awareness with these five ideas: 

Protect Your Skin

Old sunscreen that’s expired loses its ability to protect our skin. So, check your expiration date and if it has passed, toss the old bottle and buy yourself a new sunscreen this month. Sunscreen is the most potent product we can use to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays and maintain our youthful, dewy glow. 

Rub A New Moisturizer Into Your Skin

It can be light and thin or rich and creamy. Whatever your preference, the key is to hydrate your skin with something that feels nourishing to you. Go beyond moisturizing your hands and slide lotion all over your body, including your feet. We recommend you try ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 for intense hydration. 

Give Your Skin A Laser Treatment

Whether it’s wrinkles, sun spots, acne, or unwanted hair, expect all your skin worries to fade when you book yourself in for a laser treatment. Lasers give instant gratification for anyone looking to treat their skin this month. West Dermatology offers laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing. 

Feed Your Skin Antioxidants

Eat vegetables and fruit to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. Harmful things like alcohol, fried foods, and inflammation bombard our skin daily from the inside. Air pollution and UV rays bombard it from the outside. Help your skin regain its balance by eating the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day this month. And remember to eat all the other skin-benefiting foods, too. You can go nuts with almonds, spice it up with cinnamon, and amend your skin with avocado. You can also try this Sun ISDIN Softgel Capsules Antioxidant Supplement. 

Take Your Skin To Its Annual Exam

You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to get your annual skin check-up. Your dermatologist will start by asking you a few simple questions about your skin. Then, they’ll gently examine it. There are about twenty square feet of skin on your body, and only one square foot of that is on your face. Although your face is the most visible part, other areas are more hidden but still essential to check, like your back. Your dermatologist will pay special attention to the spots and moles on your body. They’re looking for things like the size of moles, irregular borders, and specific colors. Expect them to ask you if you’ve noticed any changes to your moles over time. Our dermatologists can answer any other questions you have about your skin at your annual check-up. 

Our skin organ is massive at twenty square feet. All that skin needs protection and nourishment. September is the month to raise our awareness and start taking even better care of our skin. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or treat your skin to one of the fabulous products from our online shop.

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