" I Have Sensitive Skin! " But Do You Really?

Q: What exactly does “sensitive skin” mean?

A: The term “sensitive skin” is a marketing expression that really has no medical definition.

With over 60% of the population claiming they fall victim to so-called “sensitive skin,” it is easy to see why so many cosmetic companies market their products to this group.

There are three types of skin that tend to make up the population of sensitive skin sufferers: subjects with rosacea, subjects with atopic dermatitis, and subjects with cosmetic intolerance syndrome.

Tips:

1. Avoid over washing of the face.

2. Avoid products with fragrance, formulated with propylene glycol, lanolin, and paragons.

3. Moisturize 2 x a day to preserve the normal layer of the skin.

4. Avoid treatments with retinol, glycol acid or peels.

5. Test it...before you buy it.

Introducing Lizette!

Get Always Perfect Eyebrows in an Instant!

Introducing, Lizette, our new line of under eye concealers, conditioning mascaras, and 

the perfect eyebrow.

Come by the office this week for a true color match.

Before You Get Your Next Mani Pedi...

Manicure and pedicure safety is extremely important if you get your nails professionally done on a weekly basis. Here are a few Dermatologist-recommend tips before you make your next trip to the salon:

1. Apply a cream to moisturize your nails, especially after removing nail polish since most removers contain chemicals that dry the nails.
2. To prevent infection, never cut or forcefully push back your cuticles. If you must push them back, only do so gently after a shower or bath.
3. While most nail salons follow strict cleanliness and disinfection guidelines, look for the following when visiting a salon:

1. Does your nail technician have the necessary experience and/or license, if required?
2. Are the stations clean?
3. Does the nail technician wash her hands between clients?
4. Are there dirty tools lying around?
5. In addition, do not hesitate to ask how they clean their tools.

4. Shave your lower legs after getting a pedicure, not before. That means not shaving your lower legs for at least 24 hours before you get a pedicure. If you nick yourself while shaving, a pedicure could put you at risk for an infection.
5. If you get frequent manicures and pedicures, consider purchasing your own tools to be used at the salon.
6. In addition, check that the pedicure footbaths and filters are thoroughly disinfected before you use them. If they are improperly cleaned, they can harbor bacteria and fungus. If the salon does not appear clean, then move on.
7. If you want to wear a bright red or orange polish, prevent discoloration by applying an extra layer of base coat. If your nails become yellowed and discolored from the polish, your nails should return to normal color over several weeks if the same color is not reapplied.
8. While some people beg to differ, there is no scientific evidence that immersing nails in gelatin makes them stronger. Polishes that contain strengthening ingredients increase nail stiffness, which may make nails break more frequently.
9. Do not wear artificial nails to cover up nail problems as they may make them worse. Artificial nails are not recommended for people who are prone to fungal infections or have brittle nails. For people with healthy nails, artificial nails can be fine as long as they are not worn continuously.

1. Know what products are used in your artificial nails as the substances used can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you develop a rash or other reaction, tell your doctor what products you used.

If you have any nail care questions, be sure to call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Talakoub. 

http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/skin-health-tips/manicure-and-pedicure-safety/manicure-and-pedicure-safety#.UWmoqu2zK-I

Baby Contracts Melanoma While Still in the Womb

Read this article from ABC News about the risks of Melanoma.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/arizona-baby-melanoma-mothers-womb-alive/story?id=18922718

Spring = Skin Check Season

Before the summer sun cooks your skin and you start to look like your leather handbag, come in for a comprehensive head-to-toe skin check and cancer screening.

At McLean Dermatology, we are committed to providing you with the best dermatologic care – that includes ensuring you and your skin are ready for this, and every, summer.

The rate of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased in the U.S. at a rapid pace. Why, do you ask? Everybody knows you must live by the rule: apply and reapply!  Proper sun protection - sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, rash guards, and surf shorts – are all must-haves in the sun.

There are so many choices of sunscreens, which one do I buy?

-Look on the bottles for these words: water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher (Ex: Elta MD)

Do I still have to wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy?

-Yes! The most harmful, UV rays, can pass through windows, clouds, rain, and cement.

If I wear foundation with SPF, is that enough?

-Although it helps, wearing just makeup with a built-in SPF is not strong enough. Make it a habit to put on sunscreen before your makeup.

Outsmart skin cancer with these helpful hints:

Avoid tanning beds

   -Even one tanning session increases your lifetime risk of developing melanoma by 20%!

Apply your SPF in the morning (and REAPPLY!)

   -If you’re out all day and not reapplying sunscreen every 40-80 minutes you’re putting yourself at risk.

Eat your fruits and veggies

   - Leafy greens and citrus fruits guard against UV damage

Perform self-tests

   - Any mole or spot you think might be harmful very well could be. Making an appointment with your dermatologist is the first step to healthy skin.

Do not smoke

   -Up there with tanning beds, smoking in a Class 1 carcinogen.

Is Your Birth Control Breaking You Out?

Are you breaking out and have no clue as to why? It could be your birth control...

Come in for an acne consult and find out if your monthly oral contraception is causing your acne.

The Epidemic of Over-Washing

“My skin is dry AND oily!”

 Do you find yourself constantly frustrated with the condition of your skin? You are not alone! There is an epidemic sweeping the nation - Over-washing.  As a dermatologist I have several patients come to me with skin issues that could easily be alleviated by actually decreasing the amount they wash their skin! Many believe washing their skin again and again is the only way to get rid of the oil and bacteria that covers their skin. Believe it or not, constantly washing is not the answer - it actually makes your skin more oily!

The oil your skin naturally produces acts as a barrier to protect your skin from the environment. When you wash your skin, especially with harsh soaps, cleansers, and hot water, it strips away all oil and leaves your skin with out any protection. Your skin then dries and cracks. Because your skin is too dry, it then overcompensates by producing MORE oil and the unfortunate cycle repeats itself.

So how do you break the cycle?

• Cleanse gently.
• Start by only washing your skin with gentle, non-foaming cleansers. If you have acne prone skin, try Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser. Dry skin? Try Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser or Avene Trixera Gel Cleanser.
• Limit time under the water.
• Water, especially when it is hot, whisks away the protective oil barrier that protects and moisturizes your skin. Limit your time under the showerhead to only 5-10 minutes.
• Rebalance your skin.
• Use an exfoliating scrub to remove the dead skin cells. This is a great way to diminish the rough appearance of your complexion. SkinKure microdermabrasion is the best product I have found and is sold in our office! Simply use once or twice a week for fantastically smooth skin.

As a rule, if your skin feels tight after you wash or if it feels “squeeky clean”, the wash you are using is too harsh. It is a hard transition to make, but one week of limiting the over-washing cycle will make a world of difference in rebalancing your skin.

Don’t fall prey to the endless cycle of over-washing! End it today!