Skin Care & Products
The skin is the largest organ of the body. Keeping it looking healthy and feeling good can be a big job! We are here to help. Here are some tips for year to keep you comfortable in the skin you are in.
Sun Protection
Healthy skin starts with daily sun protection. Damage from the sun is cumulative, and the consequences of this damage may not show up right away. Each day is an opportunity to prevent these effects including development of skin cancers, brown spots, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The SPF number of your sunscreen refers only to its ability to protect you from UVB rays. You also need protection from UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and play a major role in skin aging and wrinkling. Not all sunscreens provide good UVA protection and there is not yet a rating scale to measure this protection. Always choose a sunscreen that is ‘broad spectrum’ or that says ‘provides UVA and UVB protection’. Medical grade products available in a physician’s office offer some of the best protection. Good sunscreen habits are an essential part of keeping your skin at its best.
Dry Skin
Winter is a particularly challenging time for those who suffer with dry skin. But dry skin can be a problem any time of year. Adding a humidifier to your home can be beneficial. Use a gentle non-soap cleanser for bathing. Harsh soaps can disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. Dial down the temperature. Hot water may feel good in the moment, but it strips the skin of its natural oils. Following the bath or shower gently pat dry. Apply a moisturizer to damp skin. This helps trap the moisture in the skin. For very dry skin a cream may be more effective than a lotion. Facial skin requires special treatment. Look for products that are made for the face, often labeled ‘noncomedogenic’.
Eczema
Eczema is an extreme form of dry skin that leads to dry, red, itchy patches. When eczema is not controlled the symptoms can be miserable. Caring for a child with eczema is stressful for everyone. In addition to the tips for dry skin as above, look for cleansers and moisturizers developed for eczema. They contain ingredients that assist with barrier repair to help heal the damaged skin. Hydocortisone cream may offer some relief. Controlling eczema can be frustrating. Eczema may also mimic or mask other skin conditions. If you are unable to get relief from your symptoms with these conservative measures, prescription treatments such as steroids can be helpful. The team of specialists at Dermatology Associates of Northern KY specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of eczema.
Acne
At some time in our life most of us will have to deal with acne. This most commonly occurs during the adolescent years. It is important to wash your face twice daily to remove accumulated skin oils and debris, dirt and pollutants. Use a gentle facial cleanser and your hands or a soft cloth. Do not scrub. When acne is mild over the counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can be helpful. A variety of products is available and can be matched to skin type. Medical grade products available from physicians may offer advantages over drug store products. When acne is not controlled with over the counter products see one of our providers for expert advice. Early intervention may prevent or minimize long term consequences such as scarring.
Skin Care Products
Realizing and maintaining healthy, youthful skin is a priority. A daily regimen that integrates the use of medical-based anti-aging skin care products with the regular use of sunscreen can help diminish the unwanted effects of premature aging and sun damage. When you choose medical-grade products, or cosmeceuticals, the higher concentrations and more refined formulations of these products provide superior results for fighting age-related skin problems. They are pharmaceutically formulated and researched to ensure balance and stability.
The experts at Dermatology Associate of Northern Kentucky can help you find the products that are right for you. We offer both medical-grade over the counter products, as well as superior formulations of many prescription products including bleaching agents and retinoids. Our aesthetic consultant is very knowledgeable about products and product ingredients. She is available to answer your questions and provide guidance with your skin care regimen. Call to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Attaining and maintaining healthy, youthful skin is a priority. A daily regimen that integrates the use of medical-based anti-aging skin care products with the regular use of sunscreen can help diminish the unwanted effects of premature aging and sun damage.