skin care Tag

How To Prepare For A Botox Treatment

Skin care is an important part of our physical and mental well-being as it helps us put our best physical self forward. We feel better about ourselves when our skin looks great. There are lots of new technologies and facial treatment options that are available to help us achieve our best skin yet. Botox is one of the most popular choices of facial treatments.

About Botox Treatments:

Botox is a safe, effective, and widely used, non-surgical skin care treatment designed to target and treat active age lines cause from frowning and squinting. Botox treatments take only a few minutes and can be used to shape and lift the eyebrow. It mostly helps prevent and treat wrinkles on the face caused by overactive muscles. There is no need for recovery or downtime and treatments last anywhere between four and six months.

Preparing For Your Botox Skin Care Treatments:

Although Botox is not a surgical skin care facial treatment, there are still some things that clients must do in order to get ready for the treatment.

Preparations include:

1. Inform Your Doctor. Due to the fact that Botox is a facial treatment, it may be easy to brush it aside as no big deal. However, there are several factors that can affect whether or not you have a good Botox experience. For your safety, it is imperative that you share with your Botox treatment doctor as much of your medical history as possible. Share information including any allergies you may have, the medication you may be currently taking.
2. Avoid Blood Thinners.  Here at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care, we recommend Arnica Montana as a homeopathic supplement to help prevent brusing.
3. Get Sleep. As you prepare for Botox, ensure that you have a reasonable expectation of what to expect. Results differ from one person to the next and it may take more than one treatment for you to see the results you wish. Finally, ensure that you get a good night’s rest the night before your treatment. You will feel and look even better.

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

May Is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month: Here’s What You Need to Know

It is often said that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. This old saying is one that remains true as far as it relates to the detection and treatment of Melanoma. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, one person dies of melanoma every 52 minutes.

Early detection can decrease your risk of being diagnosed with Melanoma. While prevention is always preferred, the good news is once the condition is detected early in those who have it, and is subsequently treated; the Melanoma has a higher chance of being cured.

Preventing Melanoma: What You Need to Know

Being that the leading known cause of Melanoma is coming in contact with the direct Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, limiting one’s exposure is the best place to start with your efforts to prevent Melanoma. In this case, prevention can be as simple (and as difficult) as adjusting your daily habits. Here are Melanoma prevention tips you should practice in your everyday life:

1. Staying out of the sun as much as possible, to avoid direct contact with UV rays.
2. Avoid using tanning beds to decrease your direct contact with UV rays.
3. Wear at least SPF 30 when exposed to the sun and reapply every 1-2 hours.
4. Raising your level of self-awareness by regularly inspecting your own skin as best as possible for any apparent abnormalities. (Monthly self-examinations of moles.)
5. Everyone should have their skin checked by a dermatologist at least once a year.
6. Wear protective clothing, like hats, and seek shade during the midday peak sun hours.

While the tips above can help decrease your exposure to Melanoma, there are numerous causes that cannot always be prevented. For example, people with a family history of Melanoma have a higher likelihood of getting it. There is also an increased risk for people who possess a genetic predisposition to Melanoma, such as people who are fair-skinned, blonde and blue-eyed or people who have red hair.

Getting Involved: Raising awareness in May

May is all about Melanoma and skin cancer prevention, detection, treatment and of course, general awareness. There is much you can do to raise your own level or awareness about the disease, as well as the awareness of others. For example, you can:

• Encourage accountability at the level of the family, so that family members can encourage each other to wear sunscreen and limit the times spent in the sun
• Help build awareness through schools and the formal education systems. By equipping and encouraging teachers and administrators to pass on the necessary information about Melanoma to their students.
• Organize health fairs and/or events focused on sharing information about Melanoma with your community.

Tips For Rosacea During Spring

Spring has sprung and so has flare-ups from rosacea. Many patients have difficulty with this common skin disease when the seasons change, but the changes from winter to spring seem to be the worst.

Springtime is the season where rosacea is most aggravated by the increased sun, wind exposure, temperature change, and outdoor activity.  It’s essential for rosacea patients to know what triggers their condition, learn how to avoid the triggers and follow a rigorous skin care regimen when flare-ups occur. Here are some skin tips to keep your rosacea under control as the weather warms.

1. Medical Therapy

Sticking with medications and treatments recommended by your dermatologist. Oral antibiotics, as well as those applied to the skin, along with other prescribed topical treatments, can go a long way towards keeping a flare-up in check. Considering undergoing laser and other light treatments during this time.

2. Proper Sun Protection

If your rosacea is exacerbated by sun exposure, make sure you wear a wide-brimmed hat whenever you are outside. Soaking up those rays after a long winter is tempting. Make sure that you always wear sunscreen that is rated SPF 30 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Try a pediatric formulation or one for sensitive skin if sunscreen tends to irritate your skin.

3. Shield Yourself from Wind

Spring brings a lot of windy days. Whenever possible, trying to shield your skin as heavy winds trigger outbreaks in more than half of patients.

4. Moderate Exercise

It’s also tempting to go full out with exertion after a cold winter, but heavy exertion often triggers flare-ups. Try low-intensity exercise at more frequent intervals. When not exercising, avoid situations with high heat and/or humidity.

5. Lifestyle Considerations

Take care of allergies and colds as these conditions can cause flare-ups along with other conditions. Seek medical attention when appropriate. Limit stress and anxiety when possible and if certain foods tend to trigger flare-ups, also limit their intake when other conditions are present.

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.

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.