Arizona Dermatology

WestDerm

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING 🎿 (*and your sunscreen better be too)

Sunscreen is always in season!
When you’re on the slopes in the dead of winter, almost completely covered by protective clothing (like us above), sun protection might not cross your mind—but for your skin’s health and safety, it really should!
For the skiers and snowboarders among us, cold weather can actually mean more time outside, and more time outside equals more sun exposure…4 to 5 percent more skin-damaging UV rays  for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude to be exact. At a 10,000-foot elevation, that gets to be a very risky 40 to 50 percent increase in UV ray exposure.
That’s concerning news for anyone at risk for skin cancer, which really is everyone. Plus, the intensity of the sun’s rays doubles when they’re reflected off the snow …quite the “snowball” effect, huh?
 
All that said, you can still have fun in the mountains, and do it safely, if you follow these skin health check points below.
No matter how diligently you apply sunscreen, the best defense against sun damage is the care of a dermatologist.  Schedule an appointment and we’ll give you our best insights into protecting your skin.
See you on the slopes!
Your West Dermatology Team

Hydrate Your Skin Before, During & After a Flight ✈️

Airplane air is very dehydrating! But never fear, world travelers. We’ve rounded up a list of tips to keep your skin supple and healthy-looking before, during, and after your flight, so you look just as great at your destination as you did at departure.
Before the Flight
  • Don’t wear makeup, which tends to look cakey over dry skin and could potentially irritate your complexion.
During the Flight
  • Spray a hydrating facial mist over your skin whenever you need a refresh. Ingredients like rosewater and glycerin are especially effective.
  • Use a hydrating serum or face oil to rebalance your skin’s moisture levels. 
  • Layer a moisturizing cream on top of other products to prevent fluid from escaping your skin.
  • If you’re going to have the window open, apply SPF, since you’ll be even nearer to the sun’s rays than you are on the ground.
  • Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free tea to replenish your skin’s moisture from the inside. Aim for one cup for every hour of the flight.
  • Avoid alcohol, since it dehydrates your whole system.
After the Flight
  • Cleanse with a gentle formula to rinse away germs and debris without dehydrating skin further.
  • Wear a heavy moisturizing mask to help replace the lost fluid.
  • Apply eye patches to concentrate moisture on the delicate skin below the eyes.
Follow the steps above, and your skin should look as good as new, wherever you land. If you still have questions about how to stay hydrated on a flight—or anything else related to your skin—just make an appointment, and a dermatologist will help you look and feel your best. Bon voyage!

A Morning Routine for Your Best Winter Skin 🌞

When the colder months approach and we start reaching for our heavy coats, the moisture levels in our skin drops. For many of our patients, dry and itchy skin is the most unpleasant part of the winter season. Everything from cold wind chill to hot water showers and baths can make our skin feel dried out.
For these patients (and anyone with dry skin), we recommend a few simple morning routine adjustments to get you back to feeling hydrated and comfortable. Some of our insights are a little surprising to some—for example, hot showers actually make dehydration worse! Read on to see our tips for keeping skin hydrated and happy all winter long. 
Take shorter, cooler showers: The last thing you want to do on a cold winter’s night is take a cold shower. We get it! Instead of turning the nozzle completely, consider adjusting it just slightly. Before you bathe, close the door to the bathroom so the steam gets trapped inside and you benefit from the extra moisture. Keep your showers to 10 minutes or less and use warm water instead of hot. When it’s time to lather up, use a gentle cleanser, but don’t use too much product, since that can dry skin. 
Moisturize right after showering: Your skin absorbs moisture most readily right after it’s been washed, so apply product right away. For dry skin, creams are more restorative than lotions, which tend to be on the thin side. We recommend the brands EltaMD and SkinMedica, which we carry in our offices.
Wear a layer underneath wool clothing: Though it’s a time-tested material for keeping warm on cold winter days, wool can irritate your skin and cause itchiness. Wearing an undershirt beneath your favorite sweater can keep you from chafing. 
Apply sunscreen every morning: If you’ve been with West Dermatology for a while, then you probably saw this piece of advice coming. We suggest that everyone wear sunscreen daily, even in the winter. Sunburns are drying to skin, and a sunscreen with SPF 30-plus (along with protective clothing and sunglasses) is the best way to stave off UV damage. 
Drink more water: Hydration starts on the inside. Consider having a glass of water with breakfast instead of your usual coffee or tea, and your skin could reap rewards.
If you’re following the tips above and your skin’s still feeling dry, or if you simply want personalized suggestions, we’re here for you. Just make an appointment and we’ll help you take your skin from flaky and dry to firm, hydrated and smooth.

Set Your Skin Up To Glow With Our 12 Days of Skin Tips ✨

With the end of the year nearly here, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your 2019 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.
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.
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 alcohols or fragrance, 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.
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!

Finally! 💦 A Simple, Non-invasive Way to Stop Excessive Sweating

With hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, you know how annoying it is to sweat profusely for no reason. You feel uncomfortable, embarrassed and isolated…but you’re not alone!
About 1 in 20 Americans suffer from this condition. Nearly 2/3 of all hyperhidrosis sufferers endure underarm excessive sweating, yet it’s also common on the palms, soles and face – affecting every aspect of your life.
There’s always been solutions out there for the treatment of Hyperhidrosis in the armpits, but they’re either too costly or inconvenient. Thankfully, the FDA just approved a new and innovative solution for underarm sweating which is now available from our office:  Qbrexza
“Hyperhidrosis affects millions of American and can be an embarrassment as well as an impediment to work. Qbrexza represents a major advance in treating this all too common problem.” – Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, Medical Director, West Dermatology
Prescription-only Qbrexza is a cloth that you use to wipe your underarms once a day. One wipe is all you need to stop excessive sweating and many patients start to see results within a week.
 
The FDA also believes its safe and effective for kids 9 years old and above.

Failsafe Routines to Target Acne and Discoloration 🎯

It happens to the best of us: After too much exposure to UV rays, our skin starts showing signs of sun damage, like dark spots or fine lines. On top of UV rays, factors that may seem unrelated to your complexion—like stress and a poor diet—can also lead to skin problems like acne. Nearly every factor of your lifestyle influences your skin’s appearance, so it can be hard to figure out what to change in order to get a clear, glowing complexion.
Our answer: Change up your skincare routine! The right combination of products can help correct acne or discoloration, leaving your complexion looking bright, even, and unblemished. Below are two tried-and-true routines using products from SkinCeuticals, a dermatology-grade brand we recommend.
To make it easier for you to revamp your routine, we have a special offer: Purchase any of these products in our offices at 15% off, or 3+ products at 20% off! Purchase $250 in SkinCeuticals products and receive a complimentary A.G.E. Eye Complex (a $98 value): An anti-wrinkle eye cream to fight the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness.
Uneven Skin Essentials
  • Phloretin CF (AM): Vitamin C serum softens discoloration and fine lines
  • Discoloration Defense (AM/PM): Concentrated serum lightens stubborn dark spots
  • Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (AM): Tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and radiance
  • Retinol 0.3 (PM): Night cream smooths and refines skin tone
Acne Care Essentials
  • Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser (AM/PM): Chemical and physical exfoliator purifies skin and clears away dead skin cells
  • Phyto Corrective Gel (AM/PM): Botanical ingredients soothe sensitive skin
  • Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 (AM): Tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and radiance
Follow the routines above, or modify them to your needs, and you could see clearer, more even-toned skin in as little as a month. As always, if you have any questions about the specifics of your skin-health needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to invite you into our offices and help you look and feel your best.

The Skin Care That Keeps You Looking Good Every Day ✨

Thanks to the magic of Instagram filters, Photoshop and iPhone apps, anyone can have luminous, even skin in a photo. If you want that look in real life, though, it takes more than tapping and swiping! 📲 Even expertly applied makeup won’t get the same skin-smoothing results as a simple, effective skin care routine that includes washing, moisturizing, serums, and using daily sunscreen. Your daily habits make all the difference.
 
So, how can you tell which daily skin care products will get the best results?
The answer depends on your skin type and concerns, but we always recommend that our patients use dermatology-grade products (also known as medical-grade products) from brands like SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, Isdin, Sente, Alastin, Neocutis and our own in-house skincare line of products – all of which have long-lasting and highly concentrated active ingredients. Sure, they might be more expensive, but you’ll get your money’s worth with faster, more noticeable results.
 
Choosing dermatology-grade skin care is a way of protecting your investment and making sure your cosmetic and laser, light and energy-based treatments performed by our board-certified dermatologists are all worth it.
 
To help you get started on your new skincare regimen, we have a special offer for you: Enjoy 15% off all skincare. Give this simple introduction regimen a try, and see the difference it makes for your skin, filter-free! Once you see a glowing complexion in the mirror, we bet you’ll be back for more. ✨🧴 *Offer expires September 30th.

Do You Have Eczema?

If you suffer from eczema, there are a few paths you might take to treat it. First, it’s always important to visit a board-certified dermatologist who can assess your condition in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you and your skin type. Our dermatologists help thousands of Eczema patients a year and have the knowledge and experience to provide relief. A treatment plan can involve any of the following options: Moisturizing ointments, oils, lotions and/or creams, topical anti-itch medications, topical corticosteroid creams or ointments, intramuscular or oral corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and/or light therapy. Whatever you do, make sure to take care of your skin at home by moisturizing (preferably fragrance-free) regularly (especially after bathing) and avoiding irritating personal care products and clothing. 
Our dermatologists understand how skin rashes like eczema and dermatitis can be bothersome, as the itchiness and skin inflammation can make you self-conscious about your condition. What sets us apart is our focus on you as a person. We have the knowledge and experience to establish your type of eczema from a visual examination. We can also determine the triggers for your specific case from a thorough consultation and evaluation. Once we know this, our compassionate neighborhood staff works with you to find the best solution possible.
Schedule your appointment today!

Great Skin Is a Journey, Not a Destination 🗺️

If it feels like your medicine cabinet is a magnet for new skin care products, we feel you. It’s normal to change up your skin care routine to try to get the best results and find the products you love most. We always say that great skin is a journey, not a destination and frankly, what may work for one person may not work for you. So trial and error, consistent care and daily efforts, like wearing SPF and moisturizer, will make your skin look radiant and healthy in the long run.
Cosmetic dermatology could be part of your journey, but you may want some doubts resolved before you decide. That’s where we come in. Our board-certified dermatologists are trained to provide the most complete cosmetic care available. Whether you’re interested in Botox, dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, or elevating your skincare routine, why trust your skin and appearance to anyone other than a dermatologist?
If you are committed to achieving great skin and go in for a cosmetic dermatology service every once in a while, you’ll see results accumulate over time, even between treatments. And if you’re still struggling with your skin, don’t get discouraged. Our dermatologists are committed to achieving your desired skin health, even though it may not be right away. Again, “it’s a journey, not a destination.”
Skincare may be completely new to some of you. And that’s okay! To get you started, we are offering you: 15% off all skincare through the end of this month. If you still have questions about where to start, feel free to call us to schedule your appointment. Let’s get your skin looking radiant for years to come. *Offer expires September 30th

How To Cure Dry Summer Skin 💧

It can be more than frustrating to realize that dry skin is not just an issue during the colder months. Unfortunately, the summer not only brings sunshine, warm weather, and outdoor sports, but also sneaky triggers to our dry skin that most people are unaware of.
 
Desert Igloos: Air Conditioned Homes
Ah, the rejuvenating feeling of walking into a what feels like a freezing cold room after being outside in the heat. We love the air conditioning, too. Sadly, this sweet blessing of an invention can not only dry out your skin, but can also cause irritated eyes and headaches. Especially for those who live in hot desert climates, spending 40+ hours weekly in an air conditioned office only to go home to an air conditioned home can wreak havoc on dry skin.
 
Our tip? Use a humidifier! Humidifiers are an amazing way to relieve dry skin caused by air conditioning by adding moisture, or humidity, to your home and/or office space.
 
Over Doing Your Skin Care: Too Much of a Good Thing Can End in Bad Results
Foaming cleansers, toner astringents, and exfoliation. Too much of these skin treatments can end with bad results. You might be feeling a sense of doubt when we say that your skin care could be the cause of your dry skin. Summer heat usually equals oily skin. While this is true, you might be overdoing your skin care past the point of oil control.
 
Our tip? Be gentle on your skin. Use an oil-cleansing, yet non-drying face cleanser, and make sure to add light layers of moisture, even if you are oily. Our recommendation is a hyaluronic acid serum topped with an SPF 30+ sunscreen in the morning and a moisturizing face cream at night. 
 
The Best Parts of Our Week: Swimming Pools & Hot Showers
Okay. Don’t hate us for saying this, but your beloved swimming pool dips and glorious hot showers may be good for the soul, but are pretty terrible for your skin. Swimming pools contain loads of chemicals and the wretched chlorine that can do a number on dry, summer skin. Following your dip with a hot shower only causes more damage as hot water strips the skin of natural oils.
 
Our tip? Take a cool shower following a day in the pool using a gentle body wash to rid your skin of drying chlorine chemicals. Following your shower, rub a thick and moisturizing cream into your damp skin for the soothing relief of moisturized skin.
 
If your skin has become painful, irritated, or you think it needs attention by a professional, we are here to help. Schedule your appointment today!
 
Yours in good health,
A Family of Dermatology Practices