tips Tag

Tips to Prepare for Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment

If you have considered removal of an unwanted tattoo, but have worried about the procedures involved in tattoo removal, it’s time to reconsider. Just as getting a tattoo has become more popular over the last several decades, so has the process of removing body art become more advanced and less painful. Now is the time to say goodbye to a reminder of something that is no longer applicable in your life.

When considering tattoo removal, one of the wisest tips is to consider your options. Older removal techniques that included surgical excision, dermabrasion, salabrasion, chemical peels, and cryosurgery have largely been abandoned because they usually failed to deliver desirable results and included adverse side effects.

Although the most common side effects of hypopigmentation and scarring may still occur in some individuals, the new generation of Q-switched Alexanderite and Nd-Yag lasers have produced outcomes that are more favorable. Color and absorption characteristic of the ink used in the tattoo slated for removal will help determine the ideal laser for use in the process.

The Alexandrite is effective for removal of black, blue, and green inks. It penetrates to a depth of approximately 1mm and has spot sizes up to 6.5mm. The Nd-Yag system doesn’t involve excessive melanin absorption and is used to remove blue and black inks in darker skin types along with red pigment.

Patients should remain aware, however, that removal of intricate and colorful tattoos can present a challenge as both lasers may be required with treatment occurring over several sessions. Mild, pinpoint bleeding can occur following the procedure. The patient’s skin type can affect response to treatment. Complete pigment removal is often more difficult in lighter-skilled individuals, while some older tattoos also may not be completely removed as some pigment may have penetrated too deeply for removal.

Prevention tips to achieve the best results when considering tattoo removal include waiting to have treatment until summer suntans are mostly gone. Lasers can darken or lighten skin pigment around the tattoo Apply sunscreen before and after treatments to minimize pigment changes. If skin darkening concerns you, have your doctor test the laser on a small spot first.

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.