Skin Care

The Importance of Skin Protection and a Skin Care Routine For Healthy Skin

The skin is the body’s largest organ and our first point of contact with the world around us. Often times, it is also the first place that our health care and self-care practices (or lack there of) can be seen. It is true that there are positive general care practices that can help us naturally maintain healthy skin. These include:

Sun Protection and Sunburn Prevention

A good skin care regime goes beyond using anti-aging creams and potions, or acne medication when things start to go wrong. Instead, it involves everything from eating well and exercising to protecting ourselves from over-exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. Not surprisingly, skin care measures geared towards the latter become increasingly important as summer approaches and the likelihood of sunburns increases.

Sunburn prevention and sun protection precautions to help us stay protected from overexposure and sunburns.

Of course, the obvious way to avoid sunburn and the other damaging effects of the sun on the skin is to avoid being in the sun. However, this is not always a realistic option (especially during the summer), so the next best thing is to take preventative measures designed to help reduce the harmful effects of the sun. Here are a few tips to help you prevent sunburn during your outdoor activities:

Wear sunscreen. As you probably know, wearing sunscreen is one of the best ways to avoid sunburn. Sunscreens are designed to be topically applied to the skin to block out the harmful rays of the sun. The best sunscreens are those with an SPF of 15 or greater (the greater, the better). When using sunscreen, pay attention to the following, as they will all affect how effectively the sunscreen will work:

– the amount of sunscreen applied to the skin (SPF of 15 or more)

– how often it is applied (or reapplied)

– the time of day it is being applied is

Sunscreen should be generously applied, and reapplied when necessary, especially during the times of the day when the sun is at its peak (like noon for example). It is generally recommended that sunscreen is reapplied about every two hours or so for maximum effect. Still, as different sunscreen brands come complete with their own set of directions for use, be sure to pay attention to the same.

Use umbrellas. Rain or shine, use your umbrella this summer! Umbrellas are effective tools for sun protection and sunburn prevention. Using an umbrella outdoors can help to block the sun’s rays from coming into direct contact with the skin. This tip can be used along with using sunscreen, particularly during the hottest times of the day. Grab a cold drink and enjoy a beach day in the shade under your umbrella!

Re-organize your schedule when possible. In addition to the above tips, try to limit your time in the sun during the middle of the day, when the sun is the hottest. Plan your run for the early morning or your pool party in the late afternoon when the sun is less harmful.

Protective clothing. Wearing sun-protective clothing or hats is a simple and effective strategy for reducing sunburn and sun poisoning. Sun protective clothing like wide brim hats is a great option for protecting your face from the sun. Retailers that specialize in sun-protective items, such as https://www.sundayafternoons.com, are a great place to start on the search for your warm-weather accessories. #dontforgetyourhat

4 Skin Care Tips To Help Protect You From Skin Cancer During Spring

Springtime is a favorite season for many. As flowers and plants begin to bloom again, the sun becomes a more prominent feature of everyday weather conditions. Protecting your skin from skin cancer and other kinds of skin or sun damage should be an important part of your skin care routine as much as it during the summer and winter months. The following skin protection tips can help you do just that.

1. Use sunscreen with recommended SPF balance

The sun’s rays are harmful. The less of them that your skin is directly exposed to, the healthier your skin will be. Protecting your skin from the harmful sunrays is something you should be doing all year round. Sunscreen is one of the things you can do to protect your skin during the spring. Make sure that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or more on a daily basis to stay protected.

2. Avoid being in the sun between 10AM and 4PM

In addition to wearing sunscreen, avoid being in the sun whenever possible, and especially at times when it is most harmful. The sun is at its hottest and most harmful during the hours between 10AM and 4PM. If you must be in the sun during these hours, enhance your skin protection by moisturizing properly and using a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF.

3. Continue to moisturize for skin protection

While moisturizing heavily may be associated with the winter months, your skin needs to be continuously moisturized to stay healthy. Try using a lighter, oil-free moisturizer as you transition from winter to spring. This will help keep your skin from drying out and keep it looking and feeling great during springtime.

4. Drink water

Drinking water is one of the things you can do for your body that helps keep it healthy both inside and out. Ensuring that your water intake is sufficient will help you maintain hydrated and glowing skin as well as keep your body functioning well. Getting in the recommended daily amount is a good place to start.

4 Top Reasons to See a Dermatologist for Mole Removal

Most American adults have some type of mole on their bodies. Adults who have lighter skin often have more moles. Moles can be removed for cosmetic or medical reasons

Most moles do not require treatment. A dermatologist can remove a mole due to pain, possible skin cancer risk, or for many cosmetic reasons. There are many “at home” treatment options as well, but some of these treatments can cause complications.

Here are four reasons to have your mole treatment performed by your dermatologist:

Skin disfigurement. “At home” treatments could end up leaving unattractive scars on your body or face. Especially if a mole is on your face, it is much less risky to have your mole treated by your dermatologist.

Infection. An infection can be caused by mole removal creams and other over-the-counter treatments. We can prevent infections from happening by properly closing the wound and treating the area.

Biopsy. Your mole could be pre-cancerous, which you could miss if you don’t have a proper exam conducted by your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will have your mole tested for cancer and help you start the proper treatments to help prevent the spread of potential skin cancer.

Growing back. Your mole may not completely be removed when using an at-home treatment. If your mole starts to grow back, this could be an early sign of melanoma, which means you need to see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Our board-certified medical team specializes in all types of skin related matters. At Universal Dermatology & Vein Care, we can remove your skin moles with the appropriate techniques that don’t risk your health.  Click here to make your appointment to discuss your mole treatment options today!

Jump Start Your New Year’s Resolution For Healthier Skin Today

Many people make New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of each year. This is a respectable thing to do, but most give up on their resolve to change within a week or two because it is just too difficult to work something new into daily routines. Nevertheless, some resolutions are just too good to neglect. One of those is ensuring you start the New Year with healthy skin.

Winter has a way of taking its toll on skin with its lack of humidity and our use of dry heat to compensate for this season’s cold temperatures. We often overcome this dryness through the use of moisturizers and humidifiers, but there are some skin conditions that require the touch of a professional dermatologist.

Skin cancers, unwanted tattoos, varicose veins and age spots are just some of the skin conditions for which dermatologists prescribe treatment every day. They also advise patients in the best methods for treating psoriasis, eczema and acne while offering laser hair removal services. If you have a skin condition that has been bothering you, maybe you should consider scheduling a consultation with a board certified dermatologist.

You really can jump start your New Year’s resolution for healthier skin with a visit to a skin care clinic. Regardless what it is you hope to achieve through dermatological treatment, it is absolutely imperative that you choose a medical team that specializes in the treatment in which you are interested.

For instance, you may want to get a jump on summer by taking advantage of professional cosmetic services that include laser treatments to remove a tattoo that seemed like a good idea at the time, but embarrasses you now. By having this tattoo removed now, before warm weather gets here, you will be ready to show off beautiful skin again. Of course, you may be proud of the image on your skin, and if so, why not show it off in all its glory by having laser hair removal to remove distractions.

Not everyone is satisfied with the way they look, and this is particularly true for anyone with visible lines and wrinkles. There is no reason for these signs of aging to cause distress when there are options for getting rid of them. Chemical peels, Dermaplane and Dermasweep are three procedures that can dispatch lines and wrinkles and make you look the way you feel inside again.

If you have acne, this year’s resolution should be about clearing it up so you can feel better about yourself. Seeing a dermatologist is the first step in getting this done because a qualified skin specialist can help you treat the underlying cause of the condition by teaching you about what causes it and prescribing the most appropriate skin care treatment.

Healthy skin is one of the most important gifts you can give to yourself. Choosing now to jump start your New Year’s resolution for healthy skin by visiting a dermatologist will allow you to enjoy the skin you’re in for the rest of 2016.

The Importance of Rejuvenating Your Skin During Winter

Many people get depressed during the cold winter months. It is a time when a majority of individuals cover up and hide. However, a chemical peel is the perfect aesthetic procedure to make you feel better as it brings renewal and rejuvenation to your skin.

Reasons Winter is the Perfect Time for a Chemical Peel-

Winter is a time when the sun does not shine as much or as often as in the months of the summer. Low UV levels provide the perfect conditions for quick skin healing. There are many other reasons why it is important to undergo this treatment during winter.

During the cold months of the year, skin tends to become dry and tight, especially when it experiences extreme temperature changes. Also, conditions like rosacea and eczema tend to flare at this time of year as well. A skin peel targets these issues by exfoliating dry and dead skin and adding hydration.

Misconceptions about Chemical Peels-

Many people believe chemical peels are painful and cause the skin to become extremely dry. However, this is not the case. Most treatments include vitamins and gentle acids that remove various layers of damaged skin with minimal discomfort.

What are the Benefits of Chemical Peels?

With the use of chemicals, the body is able to shed its outer layer of skin. This eliminates dead cells that clog pores. After treatment, a new skin layer is revealed, which provides a fresh and more youthful appearance. It is a smart way to get rid of sun damage and minimize the look of mild scars. A chemical peel can also lower the appearance of fine wrinkles and regulate skin color. If you suffer from mild acne or blackheads, the treatment offers a clearer complexion.

Other Winter Skincare Tips-

Even though the sun does not shine as brightly in the winter, it is still important to apply sunscreen each day, especially after receiving a chemical peel. It is also wise to use humidifiers throughout the house. Heating systems pump hot air, which dries the atmosphere and your skin. Humidifiers add moisture so that skin remains hydrated.

Universal Dermatology & Vein Care uses the latest technologies to improve the health and appearance of clients’ skin. Do not let winter conditions negatively affect your body. For more information about chemical peels, schedule a consultation today.

Tips For Your Skin During The Winter Months

Winter gives your skin a double whammy. When outside, cold temperatures and high winds combine to stress your skin. Indoors, warm air from the furnace continues the work, drying it out to produce dull, lifeless and sometimes cracked skin. Skin health doesn’t have to suffer during colder weather if you use simple techniques to alleviate dry skin. Follow these skin tips for great-looking skin over the next few months.

Use Sunscreen. Yes, it’s important even in winter. The sun may not be out much, but your skin still needs protection. Winter sun combined with snow glare can damage your skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide does a great job of repelling rays before they enter your skin.

Moisturize More. Light moisturizers are great for spring and summer, but as the weather changes, so must your routine. Choose a moisturizer that is oil-based to create a protective layer over the skin, but chooses with care. Look for oils that won’t clog the pores such as avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil or almond oil. Lotions with glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy that attract moisture to your skin are also good. For your entire body, mix a few drops of olive or grapeseed oil into the bathwater, or try an oatmeal bath to make irritated skin feel better.

Ditch Overly Hot Baths. Speaking of baths, soaking in a hot tub may feel great in chilly weather, but your skin won’t thank you. The intense heat breaks down lipid barriers leading to a loss of moisture.

Take Extra Care of Hands and Feet. Winter takes a heavier toll on your hands because the skin there is thinner. Wear gloves outside and apply moisturizer frequently, especially after washing your hands. For very dry hands, apply cream instead of lotion. Applying cream right before bed and then wearing cotton gloves is a great way to avoid extreme dryness.

Similarly, don’t let your feet, especially the heels, turn into a callused and cracked mess. Exfoliate and moisturize frequently and don’t forget to wear socks at night to help creams absorb.

Sometimes no matter what you do, your skin health suffers in winter so much so that you need a prescription or professional advice. Visit the professionals at Universal Dermatology before your dry winter skin turns into a crisis.

National Sun Safety Month And You!

Here at Universal Dermatology and Vein Care, we can help you improve the appearance and health of your skin, hair, nails and veins using a wide range of our technology-based treatments. We can also help you to protect yourself from the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun by practicing sun safety. Where skincare is concerned, prevention goes a long way. During the summer, the sun is at its hottest and most harmful. It makes sense therefore that extra care is taken to protect your skin. Sun safety should be practiced by persons of all walks – ethnicities, ages, and creeds. In celebration of National Sun Safety month this August, we are sharing with you some of our best tips!

National Sun Safety, Safety Tips:

National Sun Safety month is designed to raise awareness about the dangers of overexposure of the skin to the sun’s rays. Overexposure can lead to premature aging, unsightly and uneven skin tone and even various forms of cancers – some of which can be fatal. It is important that one becomes aware of these risks, as well as how to ward against them. You can proactively protect their skin and health by:

Wearing sunscreen:

Sunscreen helps to block many of the sun’s harmful rays from negatively affecting the skin. Persons should use sunscreens with both UVA and UVB ray protection, and an SPF of 15 or greater. If you are using insect repellents, ensure that you use a sunscreen with an even greater SPF than you would normally use. This is due to an approximate 1/3 reduction in the overall effectiveness of sunscreens when coupled with repellents.

Wearing protective clothing:

We know summers are hot. However, wearing protective garments such as long-sleeved tops and pants wherever possible will help to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. One good compromise is to wear protective clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, which are cooler as they are more breathable. Natural fabrics in this way are also better for the skin, as they help keep you cooler and reduce the likelihood of irritation.

Simple Steps To Treat Sunburn

There are few things in life worse than having a sunburn. Though not a necessary part of summer for those who practice proper sun safety, it is still quite easy to find yourself in pain after a long day in the sun. Some of the most important summer tips that can be given are sunburn tips – after all, you don’t want to deal with the pain any longer than absolutely necessary. With a little preparation, you should be able to get through the pain as quickly as possible and come out the other side a bit wiser about skin care.

The best thing you can do for your sunburn is to keep it moisturized. Use a cool, damp towel when you can to reduce the heat in your skin and to alleviate a bit of the dryness from the sunburn. It’s also a good idea to make use of a moisturizer that has aloe vera as a primary ingredient to promote a bit of healing. Neither of these solutions is going to provide perfect relief from the pain, but they will help you to get back to normal a bit faster than would otherwise be possible.

You also need to protect your skin once it has been sunburned, as you can still cause damage even when you’re dealing with the condition. That means wearing clothing that covers the burn even if it’s uncomfortable – it’s not that pleasant, but it will help you to get through the period of pain more quickly.

The best way to deal with a sunburn is to make sure that it never occurs in the first place. Always go out of your way to wear sunscreen and to wear a hat that will protect your face if you are going to go outside. Remember, sunburn can occur even if you think that it is cloudy or overcast – the sun is still there, after all, and so are its harmful rays. Play it safe in the sun, and you should not have to deal with the pain of sunburn at all this summer.

Skin Cancer Protection Tips

With the cold season-ending, many people will be excited to feel the sun on their skin again. However, it is important for all individuals to enjoy the outdoor weather responsibly. The proper skin protection procedures should always be observed in order to minimize the risk of developing skin cancer. By following a few simple tips, you can stay safe throughout the spring and summer.

To begin, one of the most important things that all individuals must avoid is burning or tanning. No matter whether you intentionally tan in the sun or use tanning beds in a salon, it is vital to avoid going out of your way to tan. The ultraviolet light that comes from tanning beds and sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer.

The sun’s rays are at their strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. During this time, individuals should seek shade and avoid direct exposure to the sun. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants can always help as well. A wide-brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasses can also be good options to avoid skin problems.

During particularly hot days, it is important for all individuals to use sunscreen. There are many different sunscreen products that customers can look into, many of which cater to specific skin needs. For a first time purchase, consider using a broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF rating of 30 or higher to protect your skin from the brunt of ultraviolet radiation. The sunscreen should be applied roughly fifteen minutes before going outside and then reapplied every two or so hours.

Individuals should also take care to exercise caution near sand and water. These surfaces can reflect the sun’s damaging rays, which may increase the individual’s chances of developing a sunburn. Finally, one of the best tips to avoid melanoma is to always try to catch it early. The earlier that the first signs of this cancer are detected, the greater the individual’s chances of fighting the disease. Everyone should take the time to examine their skin once a month, noting any new developments or changes along their dermis.