tips Tag

Trendy Skin Care Treatments That You Don’t Need

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and its first line of defense, so it is very important to take good care of it. If you have been looking for skin treatments that target acne, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, or cellulite, you may have stumbled upon various trendy skin treatments that claim to eliminate or reduce those skin imperfections.

Treatments such as at-home micro needling, at-home chemical peeling, and other DIY “miracle treatments” may actually do more harm for your skin than good.  Here is a brief guide on trendy skin treatments you simply do not need.

At-Home Microneedling

Many proponents of micro needling claim that this treatment can reduce or erase scars, wrinkles, and discoloration. Recently, there has been a surge of at-home micro needling kits and devices available for public use. Many medical professionals have urged users to be cautious when utilizing these at-home kits and devices since micro needling does, essentially, injure the skin in order to stimulate collagen production and induce repair. Since microneedle causes injury to the skin, improper use of this treatment system can cause bleeding, scarring, bruising, excessive pigmentation, and infection.

Because of the nature of micro needling, it is wise to go to a professional for this procedure. A healthy alternative to micro needling is using products that are medical grade and exclusively sold by dermatologists. These products typically have multiple clinical studies to guarantee the best results. Retinol, Vitamin C, and SPF are highly recommended. Retinol helps with cellular turnover, acne, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. In order to rep a bright flow and protect the skin from free radical damage, patients are encouraged to use vitamin C typically on a daily basis. SPF should be worn 365 days a year to block harmful UVA/UVB rays that cause premature aging.

At-Home Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling has become a widely sought-after procedure for those seeking to reduce or eliminate spots, blemishes, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. Skin peels with mild, medium and high concentrations are now widely available on the market and at-home skin peeling has become a very popular practice. Though these peels may seem enticing, many medium-depth and deep chemical peels can cause severe complications such as scarring, discoloration, and infection, especially when used without doctor supervision or sedation. Many people have reported that chemical peeling left their skin feeling extremely dry and sensitive. To avoid these complications and sensitivities, you may want to seek alternatives to chemical peeling. Some healthy alternatives to at home chemical peels include using glycolic acid cleansers and retinol to exfoliate chemically at home. If you decide to proceed with a chemical peel, do it under the supervision of a doctor.

Other At-Home Skin Treatments

Since the dawn of time people have been getting creative with at-home solutions for everything, and skin is no exception. You’ve probably heard many wives tales about ways to clear up your skin using just the ingredients around your house. While some of these may merit a little bit of truth, others completely miss the mark. For instance, some people try to use apple cider vinegar as a toner. This can burn your skin, which many mistakes for it working, while in reality, it’s just damaging your face. Another common DIY treatment is putting toothpaste on facial blemishes. While this isn’t incredibly damaging, there is very little evidence that this is actually an effective way to clear up your face.

If you hear of a skin care treatment that seems just good to be true, consult your dermatologist. Odds are, especially with dermatology, that there is a better safer solution waiting for you at your dermatologist’s office. If you have any questions about skin care treatments, call the experts at Universal Dermatology. Together, we will find a safe and healthy treatment plan for your skin.

How To Have a Sweat-free Summer

It is normal and healthy to perspire in hot weather, but if you sweat excessively, this may be related to certain health conditions. Excessive perspiration is embarrassing and can make daily life difficult when you have to worry about sweat stains. There are a few basic steps that you can take to have a sweat-free summer, but you can also visit a dermatologist for professional treatment at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care in Columbus, Ohio. Here are some of the ways to combat excessive perspiration:

Change Your Daily Diet

Did you know that some foods can lead to additional perspiration, including smelly sweat? If you have a problem with too much sweating, then changing your diet is essential. The foods that can cause a smelly body odor from extra sweat include dairies such as milk, cheese, and ice cream. You will also want to avoid pungent foods such as onions, asparagus, and garlic. Moderate your consumption of salty foods that can lead to edema or water retention because when you are hot, these will cause you to perspire more.

Wear Clothing Made From Natural Fibers

Rather than wearing man-made fibers, select clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. You should avoid wearing tight garments or multiple layers of clothing that don’t permit proper air circulation. You can find garments that are made from moisture-wicking fibers so that you won’t sweat as much.

Use Specialized Antiperspirant

If you have excessive perspiration, basic deodorant or antiperspirant won’t control your sweating or body odor. You can find an antiperspirant that is made with special formulas that will control sweating in the armpits and other clammy areas of the body. It is also possible for a dermatologist to prescribe antiperspirant that is formulated for anyone with hyperhidrosis.

Drink a Lot Of Water

You might think that not drinking water is the best way to stop perspiring, but if you are dehydrated, then your sweat will have a more intense odor. If you don’t drink any liquids for several hours, your body conserves its moisture to sustain your internal organs. As soon as you drink water again, you will begin to sweat more. Remain consistently hydrated as much as possible to avoid the sudden onset of perspiration that can come from drinking water sporadically.

Eliminate Some Of Your Sweat Glands

You can visit a dermatologist to have the sweat glands eliminated in your armpits with a cool laser treatment that uses microwave technology. Mira-dry is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment on the sweat glands that are located underneath the arms. This is a noninvasive treatment that is fast and painless, but you will need two Mira-dry procedures that are spaced about three months apart. The results from Mira-dry will last from two years to a lifetime.

Exercise To Lose Weight

Losing weight can help you to perspire less, so you should have a regular exercise routine. While you will sweat during exercise, you will also lose weight, and with less fat on your body, you will feel cooler in hot weather. If you have never consistently exercised before, consider a consultation with a personal trainer.

Regulate Your Hormone Levels

When your hormones fluctuate, you may perspire more. Teenagers often sweat excessively because they are going through rapid growth along with an increase in hormone levels. Women who are pregnant or going through perimenopause also have problems with excessive perspiration. If you perspire a lot without these reasons, then you might have a thyroid condition that requires specialized treatment and you should consult a doctor.

Remove Body Hair To Reduce Sweating

Shaving your legs or armpits can help you to remain cooler in the summer. While females are more likely to shave the hair from their bodies, males can also benefit from reducing their amount of body hair. You can also use depilatory creams to dissolve the roots of body hair.  A dermatologist can also use electrolysis to eliminate excessive hair.

Reduce Your Caffeine Consumption

If you drink coffee, tea or caffeinated soft drinks all day, then you may have excessive perspiration that has a strong odor. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the temperature of your body along with activating your sweat glands. If you regularly consume a lot of caffeine, it is important to ease yourself off of these drinks gradually to avoid intense cravings that will make you sweat.

Remain In Cool Environments

When you have a problem with excessive sweat, you should remain in a cool environment as much as possible. Stay in air conditioning as much as possible. You can also install dehumidifiers and circulating fans to eliminate the humidity in the air.

Quit Smoking Cigarettes

There are several reasons why cigarettes are harmful to the body. One of these ways is that they increase how much you sweat. The nicotine in tobacco triggers a chemical in your body that leads to a higher heart rate, making you perspire more. When you stop smoking, the withdrawal symptoms from tobacco will also cause excess perspiration, but this symptom will subside within a few days.

Botox Injections

Botox is an appropriate treatment for excessive sweating, but you should visit a dermatologist for this treatment. Vials of this neurotoxic protein are injected into the armpits to block the chemical messengers in the sweat glands that cause excessive perspiration. Treatment with Botox for sweating is suitable for most adults, and the benefits will last for approximately seven months.

Contact a Dermatologist Today To Learn More

A dermatologist at Universal Dermatology & Vein Care can help you have a sweat-free life this summer, call us today!

Why You Should Use Sunscreen and How to Find the Best Kind for You

Spring means sunshine and sunshine means outdoor activities. While soaking up the sun has its benefits, such as providing the body with a natural source of vitamin D, it is important to use caution when spending extended periods of time outside. The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can be very damaging to the skin. In fact, UV rays from the sun are directly responsible for skin conditions such as premature aging. sunburn and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Tips for Finding the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin

The technology used to make sunscreens is constantly evolving. Today, the best kinds offer fuller protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Some scatter the UV rays and others absorb them before they get to the skin. In sifting through the broad spectrum of sunscreens, ensure the sunscreen has:

• An SPF of 15 or higher to protect against UVB rays
• Titanium dioxide, ecamsule, avobenzone, oxybenzone, zinc oxide, or sulisobenzone among the ingredients as they indicate protection against UVA rays
• Sweat and water resistance

In addition to ensuring the sunscreen has the right properties, it is important to use sunscreens as directed in order to gain maximum benefits. When using sunscreen, keep these application tips in mind:

Tips for Combating Dry Skin in the Winter

Each season of the year affects the skin differently. Of the four seasons, winter can be the harshest on the skin. This is particularly true where chronic dryness is concerned. Winter is almost synonymous with causing significant dryness, peeling, cracking, and other similar conditions of the skin if not tended to with special care. These conditions can occur in people of all skin types, including those with normal or oily skin. Below are skin care tips you should add to your skin care routine to help keep your skin moisturized healthy all winter long.

Practice Skin Care From the Inside Out

What you eat inadvertently affects the appearance of your skin. During the winter season, it is more important than ever to eat well and drink plenty of water. While it is true that the holidays allow for a little indulgence, it also remains true that sugar and refined carbohydrates intake should be as minimal as possible. Start by steering clear of sodas and sugary drinks. Instead, focus on drinking the suggested eight glasses of water a day. Fresh fruits and vegetables (especially water-logged ones) and lean meats should also be incorporated into your diet.

Be sure to get ample rest as well. Stress and fatigue can cause the skin to look aged. And, as tempting as it is to lounge around during winter, ensure you get ample amounts of daily exercise.

Tips for Amping Up Your Skin Care Routine

Topical skin care routine is important for complementing the self-care practices listed above. Your skin should be cleansed gently (but thoroughly) at least once a day, and special attention should be paid on moisturizing. Although winter is known for freezing temperatures, the winter sun can still cause damage. Be sure to use moisturizers with SPF protection when spending time outdoors during the day. Also, ensure you wear appropriate clothing at all times. Suitable winter clothing should help protect you from the sun’s harmful rays while also keeping you warm.

Tips For Taking Care of Your Skin During The Holidays

During the holidays, your skin may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is more important than ever to protect your skin from harsh winter conditions that can cause it to become dry or irritated. Here are skin care tips to make taking care of your skin during the hectic holiday season simple and effective:

Clean, Moisturize, and Exfoliate. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to capture your memories in photographs. It is important to cleanse and moisturize your skin every day to make sure it is glowing and photo-ready! Before putting on your makeup, apply an oil-free moisturizer to your skin. This will create a smooth base and keep your skin healthy and happy. Before going to bed, remember to cleanse your skin and remove all of your cosmetics. To remove dead skin cells, you should exfoliate a few times a month as well.

Below are just a few of the many products Universal Dermatology & Vein Care offer to help cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate.

• ZO Foamacleanse is great for all skin types, helps reduce oil production but also mild enough for dry skin.
• Epionce Milky cleanser works well for dry skin and can help nourish the skin in these harsh winter months.
• Environ super moisturizer+ is a moisturizing cream formulated to help comfort the skin while moisture levels are being restored.
• Universal Gentle Glycolic Cleanser is formulated to help gently exfoliate the skin without harming or irritating the skin.

Drink Plenty of Water. Alcohol is often served at holiday parties. Drinking this type of beverage can cause your skin to become dehydrated. If you will be enjoying a few cocktails, it is essential to drink plenty of water so that your face keeps its rejuvenated appearance.

Avoid Sugar. Although the holidays are filled with cookies and other sweet treats, sugar can make your skin appear puffy. Maintaining a balanced diet will keep your skin looking its best.

Clean Your Makeup Brushes. Make sure you keep your brushes and applicators clean before applying your makeup. Bacteria and oil accumulate on these tools, which can cause acne breakouts and irritation. To avoid these problems, rinse your brushes and applicators in warm, soapy water then allow ample time for them to dry.

Following these tips will help ensure that you have beautiful skin throughout the holiday season. If you want to receive professional help to look your best for the holidays, contact us!

The Benefits of Dermaplane

Your skin is your first point of contact with the world. Taking care of your skin health should be of high priority. Making sure you have the highest level of skin care treatment possible is the best place to start.

Quick Facts About Dermaplane – An Effective Non-Invasive Skin Care Treatment

Dermaplane is an effective skin care treatment alternative to microdermabrasion for rejuvenating and replenishing the skin. It involves gently removing the top layer of the skin and peach fuzz, revealing smoother, more youthful, glowing skin. Below are some of the facts and benefits associated with the procedure:

1. Dermaplane procedures must be carried out by licensed aestheticians who are certified and trained to safely perform the treatment.

2. Dermaplaning is performed every three to four weeks to safely and effectively remove skin buildup, including dead cells and vellus hair (the tiny hairs on the skin’s surface commonly referred to as ‘peach fuzz’).

3. With the exception of some slight redness post procedure, dermaplane is quick, painless, and has virtually no downtime.

4. The dermaplane procedure is simple and can be easily likened to shaving the skin.

5. Dermaplane is great for exfoliating skin, offers better results than traditional microdermabrasion and is gentle enough to still be performed with a chemical peel.

6. Removing vellus hair will not cause hair to grow back thicker, fuller, or darker.

7. Skincare products will be able to penetrate the surface of the skin easier, making the products more effective.

8. Makeup will be easily applicable to the skin and will result in an effortless look.

Our Dermaplane Procedure:

If you have tried traditional microdermabrasion and have not had the results you want, then dermaplane may just be the skin care procedure for you. Here at Universal Dermatology and Vein Care, our team uses the latest available technologies to help safely and effectively bring you the results you want – smooth, healthy, youthful, glowing skin.

The Importance of A Skin Care Routine In The Fall

As the days become shorter, the air becomes drier and the temperatures drop, your skin may need extra attention. Autumn is the season of transition and the best skin care routine will set right any summer damage that has happened and prepare your skin for the upcoming winter months. Read on to learn about some important skin care tips to help keep your summer glow into the fall.

Your skin has been exposed to a lot of sun, chlorine and salt water, so fall is the time to exfoliate and moisturize. While it is crucial to exfoliate all through the year, it is especially important to do so during the drier, cooler seasons when the dead skin cells tend to accumulate on the skin surface. The buildup of dead skin cells can make the skin appear dull and rough. Exfoliation is essential to keep the skin smooth and radiant.  Try one of our gentle glycolic cleansers for adding daily exfoliation to your fall skin care regimen.

Make time to schedule a full body scrub or an exfoliating facial that gets rid of summer’s marks too from your skin and makes it look fresh and beautiful. While choosing exfoliating products, keep in mind, oil-based scrubs are the best as they both exfoliate and hydrate.

During the season, it is best to avoid using harsh soaps. Fragrant soapy scrubs may feel great after a day at the beach, but they can leave your skin irritated and dry. With the arrival of the dry months, it is time to opt for a soap-free moisturizing cleanser. Also, your skin requires a thicker moisturizer around this time. If you have been applying lotions on your skin in the summer, it is now time to switch to thicker creams.

The sun may not feel extremely harsh during the fall, but that is no excuse to forget your sunscreen to prevent wrinkles. Whether it is a clear autumn day or a gray one, you will still need protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  Our aestheticians can help you choose a sunscreen according to your skin type for daily wear during fall

As you adjust to a new season, do not forget to make these important changes in your skincare routine. The holiday season will soon be here before you know it and you want to be ready for it with your best fall skin health routine.

Laser Treatments Tips

Laser treatments, such as laser hair removal, are meant to help you put your best skin forward. Laser treatments include a host of relatively non-invasive and effective procedures for treating a wide range of skin conditions. Common skin conditions which can be treated using these treatments 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

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.