Do you know the difference between Ointments, Creams, and Lotions?

Ointments are oil-based (80% oil and 20% water) and preservative free. They are the most absorbent and provide an occlusive barrier on the skin that prevents moisture loss, allowing the greatest benefit.  The greasier the better, especially with dry, cracked skin.  They are also good for allergic skin, sensitive skin and for skin that is not going to easily absorb, like psoriasis.  To improve efficacy, you can even use a covering over the area.  For example, if you have dry and cracked knuckles, apply the ointment and put on gloves.

Creams (50% oil and 50% water) are non-greasy and disappear when rubbed in. Typically a patient favorite, creams are useful when it might not be cosmetically appealing or realistic to use an ointment, such as on the face or under clothes, which might cause them to get ruined.  However, they wash off easily and contain both preservatives and alcohol with can burn on allergic or cracked skin.

Lotions are similar to creams, but they are lighter and less thick.  Their absorption is very fast.  Most over-the-counter body moisturizers are lotions but they are terrible because they absorb quickly and evaporate just as quickly.  The skin is then left just as dry as before.  They do not form the emollient barrier that makes an ointment so effective.

So, what treatment is right for you?  It depends on the skin condition, but as a general rule choose something in a tub, not a pump.

Written by: Gina Coons, PA Student, GWU

Introducing: Farmhouse Fresh!

McLean Dermatology is proud to announce that we now carry Farmhouse Fresh products in our office.

Each Farmhouse Fresh product is made with 90-99% natural and naturally-derived ingredients. Everything they make is Paraben and Sulfate FREE. Man

y of their products are also Vegan and Gluten FREE.

Not to mention, they smell so good you could almost eat them!

To learn more about these awesome products visit their website and stop by the office to pick up yours today!

" 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.

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!

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.