Skip to main content

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

 

The fresh green of spring is symbolic of nature, growth, freshness, and fertility. Winter can have a drying effect on the skin, so spring offers a renewed opportunity to get your skin, spring-ready and back in top condition. From exfoliation to properly caring for your skin in the spring sun, here are a few tips that will lead to dew-kissed, glowing skin.

Exfoliation

Shedding winter layers also applies to the skin. Prepare your skin to look and feel its best by sloughing off the dead, clogged skin cells that have accumulated throughout the winter. Exfoliation aids in boosting the circulation of the skin. This circulation stimulates the skin and produces new skin cells, which gives the skin that radiant, beaming look.

A physical exfoliant is a body scrub or product that contains grainy particles, usually sugar or salt, providing the scrubbing feeling when used. A chemical exfoliator is the milder of the two and recommended for sensitive skin. Consult with your dermatologist to determine which is the best type for you and your skin. A dermatologist is uniquely qualified to craft a personalized skin care regimen that will yield the best possible results.

Exfoliation is one of the oldest beauty practices and has been embraced by many cultures with their own unique traditions. The Chinese would rub ground pearls across their skin to rid it of dead cells with hopes of developing an illuminating glow. A traditional Scandinavian method involved vigorously scrubbing naked bodies with cedar branches in the snow before finding refuge in hot saunas.

Although those traditional methods served their purpose at the time, less expensive (and less-rustic) practices are now the norm. Here are some things to keep in mind when exfoliating:

  • Consider your skin type. Everyone’s skin is different; thus, everyone must consider the products and methods that will be safest and the most beneficial for their specific skin type. Those with sensitive skin may want to use a soft washcloth and mild chemical exfoliator; while those with oily, thicker skin, should consider a stronger, mechanical product.
  • Review the products you already use. Certain products or medications in your daily routine may cause your skin to be more sensitive and prone to peeling. Research what you already use and consult with your dermatologist about any over-the-counter products you are using.
  • Be gentle. Gently apply products to your skin using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, before rinsing with lukewarm water. Avoid any open wounds, sunburns, bug bites or acne breakouts as it could lead to scaring.
  • Moisturize: Exfoliation has a drying effect on the skin, so be sure to immediately apply a moisturizing product to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Interested in more in-depth tips, specific to your skin care needs? Click to request a complimentary skin care analysis

Hydration

It is imperative to stay hydrated for overall health reasons, but especially for your skin. After exfoliation, take extra steps to keep your skin hydrated so it will stay supple and smooth. Moisturize when you get out of the shower and before bed. Swap the heavier, moisturizing cream you’ve been using all winter for a lighter, hydrating product to create spring-ready skin.

Don’t forget to drink water. The more water you drink, the more your skin will love you and reward you with a youthful, brighter glow. As the temperatures rise, you’ll likely be sweating and spending more time in the sun. The amount of water you are supposed to drink in a day depends on your overall weight and daily physical activity, but a few extra cups a day will help as you adjust to the heat.

Sun Protection

Did we mention the sun? As the layers fall off with the warming weather, you’ll naturally want to expose more skin. It is imperative to wear sunscreen every day to best protect the skin. At the end of winter, your skin will be at its palest and most vulnerable state. This is when your skin will burn the easiest resulting in the most damage. Applying a product with at least an SPF of 30 will reintroduce your skin to the UV rays and absorb them at a healthy rate.

By making this part of your daily routine you’ll be thankful in the long run. Your spring-ready skin will age the healthiest it can, without sun damage or spots, and your risk for skin cancer will be drastically reduced.

Want to learn more about how you can get your skin ready for spring? The staff at Anne Arundel Dermatology have years of experience in recommending medical grade skin care products that deliver the best results. Visit us online or make an appointment today by giving us a call at (443) 351-3376.

Skin Care Tips For Every Age

Skin Care Tips For Every Age

Our skin evolves with age. Your skin isn’t the same in your 60’s as it was in your 20’s.  Should you be worried about acne or wrinkles? What can you do at your age to benefit your skin later? Your skin care routine should evolve as you age.

20’s & 30’s

Fighting acne is the main concern, especially in your 20’s. Water-based, oil-free wash is a safe staple to keep in your medicine cabinet. Keep your skin free of dirt and oil by removing makeup, washing your face and start a basic skin care regimen with a moisturizer and antioxidant every day. Wearing sunscreen every day will also help protect your skin from premature aging, even in the winter. This will help the signs of aging that begins to develop in your 30’s. Start using anti-aging lotion and vitamin A as soon as possible. Vitamin A helps smooth wrinkles and combats the signs of aging.

40’s & 50’s

The skin loses some of its texture and fullness in your 40’s. Wrinkles and age spots begin appearing as well. Products with peptides in them even out pigment and increase collagen growth. An estrogen drop in your 50’s may dry out your skin and decrease its elasticity. Combat this symptom of hormonal changes with glycolic acid, which helps increase skin cell production and turnover. Additionally, introduce a heavier treatment cream high in ceramides and natural cholesterol to replenish dry skin into the routine.

60+

Expand your skincare regimen to include all skin aspects. Apply SPF every day to keep the sun from advancing sun aging. Use cleansers that won’t dry out your skin and products with hydroquinone to help eliminate dark spots on the face hands. Keep up with your regular routine and continue to wash your face and apply your products daily.

 

Need some extra advice on what to include in your skincare routine? Visit one of our dermatologists.

Keep Sunscreen On-Hand this Spring

 

Spring is here, which means the sun is back out! Just because it is not blistering hot outside does not mean you can skip out on the sunscreen. Harmful UVA rays can pass through clouds and cause damage to your skin. Even if it is cloudy out be sure to lather up on sunscreen. Also, there are sunscreens for different parts of the body. For instance, your face. Use a sunscreen that is specifically designed for your face. Your facial skin can be more sensitive to irritation and face sunscreens account for that. Lucky for you, we carry sunscreen for purchase in all of our offices. Check out some of our best sellers below:

EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Serious UV protection and superior hydration join forces in this sheer facial sunscreen. EltaMD UV Daily has hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention and diminish fine lines. This lightweight moisturizer with UV protection can be worn alone or under makeup. Choose from tinted and un-tinted formulas for use every day.  The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Benefits:

  • 9.0% transparent zinc oxide
  • Hyaluronic Acid increases skin smoothness, softness and decreases wrinkles
  • Glides on easily and absorbs quickly into the skin
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Fragrance-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic

EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41

For oil-free sun protection with just a touch of color, the lightly tinted UV Physical is a healthy choice. This chemical-free natural mineral sunscreen contains antioxidants to help eliminate free radicals. Water-resistant UV Physical withstands water, humidity, and perspiration. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Benefits:

  • 9.0% transparent zinc oxide, 7.0% titanium dioxide
  • Lightly-tinted formula
  • Water-resistant (40 minutes)
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free, chemical-free and noncomedogenic

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear is an oil-free sunscreen. It helps calm and protects sensitive skin prone to breakouts, rosacea, and discoloration. Also, it contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid. Very lightweight and silky, it may be worn with makeup or alone. Choose from tinted and un-tinted formulas for use every day. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Benefits:

  • 9.0% transparent zinc oxide
  • Calms and protects acne-prone skin
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, sensitivity-free and noncomedogenic

Colorscience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Bush-On Shield SPF 50

The Colorscience Sunforgettable brush is powered by EnviroScreen™ Technology. This all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides complete protection in one convenient, on-the-go application. This can be worn alone or over makeup.

Benefits:

  • Convenient, easy-to-apply, portable brush
  • Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
  • UVA/UVB sun protection
  • Water resistant (80 minutes)

ZO Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

This is a non-greasy, quick-drying sunscreen. ZO Sunscreen + Primer has a sheer matte finish and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays. It has a universal tint and a matte finish. This helps reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. It can be used alone or worn under makeup for a long-lasting application.

Benefits:

  • Exclusive 12-hour time-release antioxidant complex guards against photodamage
  • Use alone or wear under makeup for a more even, long-lasting application
  • UVA/UVB/HEV sun protection
  • Helps to smooth the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines

Sunscreens are available at any of our office locations (note: not all sunscreens are available at all locations). To purchase products or to schedule a skin care consultation to see which products are best for your skin, please visit our website.

How to Screen Your Sun Protection

If everyone’s skin is different, then why do we try to protect it like it’s the same? Companies create makeup and skin care products designed to cater to different skin types. However, when it comes to sunscreen, people rarely research what they are buying, and which product will best protect their skin. Luckily for you, the American Academy of Dermatology released tons of tips and information that will help you choose a sun protection that will best guard your skin.

What to Buy

Sunscreen is typically sold in the forms of lotions, sticks and sprays. You will want to purchase something that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen must be applied every two hours, or after swimming and physical activity.

While lotions are recommended due to their full-coverage, sticks and sprays tend to be more convenient. A stick of sunscreen should be applied in four layers for maximum coverage. Rubbing it in after application ensures that an even layer has been covered. Spray sunscreen should be applied generously to your skin. Do not use a spray on a windy day to avoid inhaling the chemicals.

Types of Sunscreen

There are two different types of sunscreens available on the market: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens work like a shield, as they sit on the surface of the skin to deflect the sun’s rays. This type of sunscreen should be used by people with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens will include ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens are designed to be applied easier to the skin. These products don’t leave the white residue that is frequent in physical sunscreens. Instead of reflecting the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb them. Ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate and homosalate are common in these products. The FDA has also issued a warning against sunscreen pills, which have been found to be ineffective.

Ingredients to Avoid

It’s very important to look at the ingredients in sun screen to see if it is suitable for your personal skin type. Recently, Hawaiian legislators banned the distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These ingredients are used in chemical sunscreens and have raised environmental concerns. The chemicals are also linked to the damage of marine life and coral reefs.

The FDA has yet to ban these chemicals, as they are still approved and considered safe for human use. In fact, according to American Academy of Dermatology President Suzanne M. Olbricht, MD, all of the active ingredients in U.S. sunscreens have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as safe and effective for human use..  When one in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, the FDA is encouraging everyone to take the proper steps to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays.

Do you have a concerning spot you need looked at? Or need help finding suitable sun protection for your skin? Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group today to make an appointment at (865) 690-9467.

5 Tips for Protecting Your Baby from Sunburn

Baby-on-the-BeachApplying sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but you might be surprised to learn that it’s not so safe for the little ones. Infants under 6 months have skin that is far too sensitive for both the sun and most sunscreens. It’s best to wait until they’ve developed a stronger natural sun protection in their skin before exposing them to harmful sun rays or the strong ingredients found in most sunscreens.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is best to keep infants younger than 6 months out of the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During those hours, the sun’s UV rays are the strongest, so both adults and babies are at greater risk for sunburn.

To keep your baby safe from painful sunburn, we recommend these 5 methods:

  • Keep your baby cool by staying in shaded areas or providing your own shade by using an umbrella.
  • Clothe your baby in loose fitting clothing that will protect his or her skin from exposure to the sun.
  • Have your baby wear a cute wide-brimmed hat at all times.
  • Watch your baby for signs of sunburn or dehydration, like redness, irritability and excessive crying.
  • Provide your baby with sufficient liquids to prevent dehydration, such as baby formula or breast milk.

If you have any questions about changes in your or your baby’s skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Chocolate Dreams Come True – Eat Chocolate for Sun Protection

Did you know you can have your cake and eat it too? Well, only if it’s chocolate. Research has shown benefits for your skin from eating dark chocolate high in flavonols (plant-based antioxidants).

These antioxidants give your skin protection against damaging UV rays. A well-known 2006 German study shows that women who drank flavonol-rich chocolate beverages suffered less from UV exposure than the women who didn’t drink the flavonol beverages. This study along with a 2009 study in The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate provides an SPF of 2 or 3. It’s better than nothing, but it should not replace your current sunscreen regimen.

If you’re out scanning the nutrition label of your favorite chocolates, you won’t find flavonoids there. Your best bet is to eat brands with at least 70% cacoa. So pack up the sunscreen and chocolate before you head to the beach!

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Baby Sun Safety – Part 2

In East Tennessee, summer is meant for outdoor adventures. And for all the parents out there, it involves a whole new set of skin safety precautions. Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to provide sun safety tips for children of all ages. In this entry, we will focus on tips for babies.

Babies

Children ages 6-12 months old can now safely wear sunscreen. While this expands the options for summer fun, it also increases the need for protection from  sun exposure. You should still avoid the peak times of 10 AM to 4 PM if at all possible. Dress children in lightweight clothing so their skin can breathe. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher to areas that are left uncovered like hands, face and neck. Thankfully, most  companies that offer children’s sunscreens make them in tear-free formulas.

Timing is everything when it comes to effective sun protection. It’s important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping outside. It’s absolutely crucial that you reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Sunscreen does not protect children 100%. It is a powerful tool, but staying in the shade and wearing a sun visor or hat are simple, additional ways to  lower the risk of over exposure and keep kids cool.

Sunburn Relief

Having a tan is perceived as a healthy glow but it’s really a mask for an angry sunburn. Truthfully, sunburns and tanning cause more harm than good. So the best defense is prevention with sunscreen and a healthy diet filled with antioxidants. But if your skin does get overexposed to sunlight, a few home remedies can help ease the pain while your body repairs itself. Here are some of our suggestions:

  • Take a cool bath with a few big scoops of baking soda to soothe your burn. Soak for about 15 to 20 minutes and no more, as long baths can irritate dry skin. Resist the urge to towel-dry so you don’t wipe off any of the baking soda. Another option is to add ½ to 1 cup of oatmeal to your cool bath.
  • Moisturize immediately after a bath or shower. You can even put lotion in the refrigerator for more cooling relief.
  • Apply aloe vera to your skin five to six times a day for several days to sooth the sting and ease the redness of your sunburn. Or apply a cool compress multiple times a day, rewetting the cloth throughout the day.
  • Drink up! Your skin is fried and dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your burns heal better.

If you have any questions about sunburns or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

 

 

Gel, Cream or Spray – the best of SPF

Thanks to daylight savings and the sporadic beautiful weather, Knoxville is out soaking up the sun. We know SPF is part of your skincare routine, but what type of SPF do you use and when? Here are our suggestions for the best time and place for each type of SPF.

GEL SPF

Protect everything you’ve got – your head, your arms, even your feet! Hairier places call for gel SPFs. It provides enough coverage without causing an overproduction of oil.

CREAM SPF

Multitasking is such a beautiful thing. SPF creams allow you to do just that! They moisturize and protect your skin. Whether you’re looking to manage oily skin or hydrate dry skin, there are SPF creams for various skin types.

SPRAY SPF

Sprays are sometimes a safe route to go when dealing with children eager to head to the swing set or run in the sand. The trick with the spray is to make sure you get a nice, even coat. Be sure not to inhale it or keep the bottle near heat or an open flame.

Regardless of your preference, be sure to apply the appropriate amount 20-30 minutes prior to sun exposure. For more SPF tips, read our blog post SPF Savvy.

Don’t Forget the SPF!

It’s a time for boots and scarfs, hats and coats, staying in and cuddling up. Just don’t let your sunscreen routine disappear – you may need it now more than ever!

During the warm summer months of sun and baring a little skin, it’s easy to remember your skin needs protecting. The heat hits our skin and signals us to lather up. In the winter, the heat that typically serves as our cue to use SPF has disappeared. But remember, the sun still burns in the winter. The UVA rays from the sun are the same strength year-round. The ozone layer even thins out during the winter and UV rays become more harmful. And once we see snow and ice, remember that they reflect the sun’s rays. So definitely lather up once the storms hit!

Because clothing and layers are likely to protect most parts of your skin, try to pay special attention to exposed areas such as your face, scalp and hands. Try using a moisturizer or lotion with sunscreen to stay protected. Prevent getting weather burn by using a product with SPF 30 or more.

Call us today at 865-690-9467 for help with your fall skincare routine or if you have any questions about your skin. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.