You may have acne, but do you know which TYPE?

Whether you suffer from troublesome blackheads or embarrassing pimples, we all know the uncomfortable feeling acne can cause.

At McLean Dermatology, we are dedicated to both teaching you about the possible causes of your acne and how to treat it.

What most people don’t know is that there are several different types of acne, meaning not all products are “one size fits all.”

Comedonal Acne - the typical blackheads underneath the skin’s surface. These are essentially small non-inflamed, clogged pores.

Papular/Pustular Acne - develops as red bumps and pus-filled whiteheads. These bumps have a tiny opening to the skin’s surface.  So tiny, in fact, that it makes air hard to reach the follicle causing the white bubble.

Nodular/Cystic Acne - the most severe type of acne. These are hard (nodules) or fluid-filled (cystic) painful bumps. Cystic acne is known to take much longer to heal and often results in scarring and discoloration of the skin.

Hormonal Acne - the result of fluctuating hormones in the body. This type of acne can occur into late adulthood. Easily recognized by the bumps located on the chin and jaw, hormonal acne can also advance to the neck and posterior scalp. These develop into hard, painful bumps that can take weeks to heal.

Treatment options are available for each of these particular types of acne and can be addressed with various oral and/or topical agents. However, not all medications are a right fit.  If you suffer from acne and have yet to find relief, please call today to schedule an appointment.

Gleam by Melanie Mills

If you're looking for that perfect velvet, bronzed glow then look no further.  McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center is happy to announce we now carry Gleam Body Radiance created by Emmy award-winning makeup artist Melanie Mills.

Melanie started her Gleam line in 2010 while working on the set of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, and soon her brand was made known to A-list celebrities.

Gleam Body Radiance provides that perfect spray tan finish in seconds and made with ingredients that are actually good for your skin.  Olive oil, green tea extract, and jojoba seed oil are just a few healthy agents that help nourish the skin while leaving a gleam-tastic effect!

Under Eye Concealer vs. Blemish Concealer

Conceal (kuh n – seel): to hide or remove from observation; cover from sight; keep secret.

We are well aware of what a concealer can do for our unwelcome facial flaws.  It’s no secret that we utilize makeup to cover up unwanted blemishes from the public eye.  There is a difference though between under eye concealer and blemish concealer. Do NOT use one product for both problems because they are not the same.

The trick to getting the perfect concealer is based on color, not product. The redness caused by a blemish is best concealed with a green or yellow-toned concealer. Choose one that is the same color of your skin tone. 

For those persistent under eye circles that are a blue/brown hue, choose a pink-toned concealer.  For the region under your eyes, the concealer should be several shades lighter than your skin color. This highlights your eyes giving them a fresh, bright look.

Each problem area has a different cause and a different regimen for proper coverage.

What comes first, foundation or concealer? Always put foundation on first and then highlight with the concealer.  Using a makeup brush will provide the best coverage for both foundation and concealer. Choosing the right color to fit the problem will give you the best results. 

Remember makeup not only conceals but also contours your face so choose wisely!

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!