Mythbusters Edition: Q & A with Dr. Lily

Q: Do goosebumps cause hair growth?

A: No, goosebumps occur when the muscles around the hair follicle contracts causing the base of the follicle to push up and sit higher above the skin’s surface.  This results in the prickly feeling when you get goosebumps. Once the goosebumps subside, your hair will relax back to its original position.





Q: Is it true that you should only wash your face once a day?

A: Everyone envies that blemish-free complexion, but washing your face several times throughout the day may be your downfall.  You only need to wash your face with a cleanser once a day, advisable at night before bed.  Choose your cleansers well because not all face washes are one-size-fits-all.  For sensitive skin, look for cleansers that are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free like the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser sold in our office.  And be sure to wash with lukewarm water; anything too hot will dissolve your skin’s natural oils and cause dry skin.

                                                                                      

 

Q: Does Vitamin E really help fade scars?

A: For years people have been convinced that Vitamin E helps to improve and fade scars such as stretch marks, acne scars, and help heal wounds.  There is no scientific evidence to confirm that Vitamin E helps heal scars.  It actually has been linked to acne and blemishes.  No current evidence has proven that Vitamin E speeds the healing process and improves the overall look.

Q: Does your diet have any effect on how your skin ages?

 

A: High-glycemic foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and sweets are skin enemies. These carb-loaded foods trigger the body to produce more insulin causing age-accelerating inflammation. Instead, try eating colorful vegetables that fight swelling and redness. Recent studies have shown that those who eat more green and yellow vegetables have fewer wrinkles. If that isn’t motivation to go grocery shopping, I don’t know what is.

Q: Do my facial expressions contribute to my wrinkles?

A: Yes, the muscles between the eyes, the forehead, and around the eyes (crow’s feet) form from our facial expressions.  Over the years, the lines can etch in the skin and become noticeable even at rest.  The only treatment and prevention of these is Botox.

Cut the C.R.A.P. for 2013

If you are looking to create a healthier version of you in 2013, C-caffeine, R-refined sugar, A-alcohol and P-processed foods should be consumed in moderation. Coffee should be limited to two cups a day. A little caffeine is known to burn fat however, too much can stimulate cortisol production and interfere with your metabolism. Green tea is a great alternative to coffee and you can drink as much as you like. Sugary foods should also be kept to a minimum. Studies show that 40 to 60 percent of the sugar you eat is converted to body fat.

Alcohol use is a slippery slope. Moderate drinking can offer some health benefits however, too much can lead to serious health consequences. The key to alcohol consumption is moderation. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men.

Processed foods are harder to digest, absorb and eliminate from your body. Products containing the following ingredients should be avoided:

·       Nitrates and nitrites (including sodium nitrite

·       Sulfites (including metabisulfites)

·       Sulfur dioxide

·       Benzoic acid (aka sodium benzoate)

·       BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

·       BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

·       Coloring

·       MSG (monosodium glutamate)

·       Refined or bleached flour (i.e. whitened using chloride oxide)

No need to eliminate all of your favorite foods from your diet-just consume them in moderation for a healthier you!

Steps to Insure a Smooth Shave

Shaving can be rough on your skin particularly in the winter months. Shaving bumps can best be avoided with the following technique:

1. Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it.

2.             Next, apply a shaving cream or if you have dry skin, hair conditioner works best.

3.             Shave in the direction that the hair grows. Never shave against the grain!

4.             Change blades or throw away disposable razors after 5 to 7 shaves to help minimize irritation. Do not leave razors in the shower. Mold and bacteria grow on the blades in moist environments.

5. Men/Women who have acne should take special care while shaving. Shaving can irritate your skin, making acne worse.

If you have acne on your face, try experimenting with electric or disposable blade razors to see which work best for you.

Use a razor with a sharp blade.

Shave lightly to prevent nicks and never try to shave off the acne as both can make acne worse.

6.   Always apply a moisturizer after shaving.

If you have questions or concerns about caring for your skin or irritating shaving bumps, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Lily.

The Dangers of Search Engine Diagnosis

On the first onset of a cold, many of us turn to various Internet search engines for symptoms of the current bug that has decided to creep up on us. When all else fails, “Google it!”

However, the Internet is NOT a doctor. There are dangers associated with these search engine diagnoses.  Research shows that more than half of the information on the Internet relating to medicine was proved both inaccurate and irrelevant.  Online tools are meant to be informational, not provide medical advice.  The intention is to inform people and should not serve as a substitute to a medical professional.  Any treatment options provided on these sites should be consulted with a doctor before any actions are taken, as all treatments may not apply to everyone. 

So if you have a rash or lesion that is not healing, call us for a visit or skin check.  Self-education is important. With the guidance of a medical professional you can rest easy knowing you have received the most knowledgeable treatment options available. 

Men Get Wrinkles Too!

More and more men are turning to Botox to erase early signs of aging. Often thought to be a cosmetic procedure for women, men are increasingly showing up at Dermatologist’s offices across the country to take advantage of this wrinkle-reducing technology.  Unlike women who prefer Botox treatments in multiple locations for a complete makeover appearance, most men prefer to receive treatments in the forehead and brow area. Men often say that the wrinkles between their eyes make them look stressed out and angry. Since these lines respond well to Botox, the effects can be seen almost immediately. Botox does not make men appear more feminine. These injections simply reduce the appearance of fine lines and make men look more rested and less tired.

Botox has been increasing in popularity for men over the years for multiple reasons. Research has shown that Botox injections are rarely associated with complications and since the procedure is only temporary, there are no long term effects if the client is unhappy with the procedure. In addition, more and more men are now getting Botox and it is no longer considered “something for women.”  To see if Botox is right for the man in your life, contact our office at 703-356-5111.

McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center