More Skin Tips for your Teen

February 29th, 2012

A couple months back we shared a blog post about how to get teenage skin beautiful, healthy and set to be great for life.

We already explained the importance of using a cleanser and toner daily and explained why it is important to shampoo hair regularly to keep oil and acne at bay along the scalp line.

Read on for some more tips for how to keep young skin looking good now and for years to come.

1. Sun protection- 80% of the sun damage we experience throughout our lives happens before the age of 18—so slather on an oil-free sunscreen daily and reapply often if you are swimming or sweating.

2. Use a topical treatment to spot treat breakouts- Use an over the counter salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cream directly on a pimple, but remember—these topical treatments dry out skin, so don’t use it all over your face or more than once a day, and remember to wear sunscreen because these products increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun!

3. Don’t touch your face or pick at pimples- Touching your skin is a sure way to spread oils—so keep your hands off your face, pull your hair back at night and stay away from wearing tight-fitting hats for prolonged amounts of time. Popping your pimples will result in scarring, so use a spot treatment and hands off!

If you’d like more information on how to treat teen acne, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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Thinking about Skin Tightening Procedures?

February 25th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on Thermage and Exilis.

Thermage and Exilis skin tightening are non-invasive, single-visit procedures that instantly reveal tighter, smoother skin with no surgery or downtime.

Without the use of any needles, Thermage and Exilis heat the lower layers of the skin the same way a laser does.  Unlike a laser however, these procedures use radiofrequency technology to get deep into the skin to reach the dermis and subcutaneous layers. Deep heating stimulates the development of new collagen.

As Thermage and Exilis heat the skin, they simultaneously cool the top layers of skin to keep them from being harmed throughout the procedure.

Thermage and Exilis only require one treatment because they heats the skin at the deepest layers. Without the burden of recovery time, you can get back to your life the second you walk out of your doctor’s office!

The deep heating technique reveals results you see instantly and will last for months to come. After  one treatment you will have smoother, tighter skin with improved tone and texture.

If you are interested in Thermage or Exilis Skin Tightening, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on eczema.

February 23rd, 2012

Eczema, the inflammation of the outer layer of skin,  is a huge inconvenience to a lot of people, especially children. Eczema results in red, itchy, dry skin. Flare ups are more common during the winter. Although there is no cure for eczema, it can be kept under control by following a few guidelines.

If you or someone you know has been struggling with eczema, the most important thing to remember is to not irritate the skin.

1. Take short, warm (not hot!) showers and use a gentle cleanser to wash skin.

2.  After you get out of the shower make sure to moisturize with a thick cream or petroleum jelly.

3. Although you may be tempted, don’t scratch! Scratching can open the skin which could lead to infection. This also means avoiding rough, irritating clothing like wool.

4. Avoid triggers like allergies, stress, and extreme temperature changes. Extreme shifts from the norm can be very difficult on your body and could lead to flare ups. To reduce your chances of having an eczema outbreak, avoid exposure to allergies, actively engage in calming activates like meditation, and keep your body temperature consistent by wearing loose, light clothes in the summer and warm, covering clothes when you go outside during the winter.

5. A sunburn can make eczema even itchier, so use a sunscreen daily.

6. If changing your daily habits isn’t enough, try taking an over the counter antihistamine to control the itching.

Luckily, most children outgrow their eczema in their teenage years, but if you or your child is extremely uncomfortable because of eczema, contact your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger antihistamine, antibiotic creams, ultraviolet therapy, or steroid cream or pills to treat the discomfort associated with eczema.

If you are interested in learning more about living with eczema, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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The Benefits of Green Tea

February 20th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on green tea.

We are all about getting great skin from the inside out. A great way to treat your  way to better skin is adding green tea to your diet.

Green tea has been consumed by Asian cultures for centuries, and they have long known the benefits of green tea. Green tea has been used to create a rejuvenating face mask (Check out Asian Beauty Secrets by Dr. Jhin to read more)! This article in WebMD explains that the high amounts of antioxidants in green tea can lead to improvements in the appearance of your skin.

A refreshing glass of iced green tea is high in anti-inflammatory agents which can reduce redness and bluishness.

Green tea is also rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallete), which may prevent the appearance of wrinkles by stopping collagen production before it starts. EGCG may also reduce discoloration and other damaging effects of the sun.

Sip your way to better skin by adding a relaxing cup of green tea to your afternoon!  

If you are interested in learning more about keeping your skin looking beautiful, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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A High Sodium Diet Could Spell Disaster for Your Skin

February 15th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on sodium.

Americans consume a diet notoriously high in sodium, and although some salt is necessary for the human body, too much can wreak havoc on your body. An overabundance of sodium can lead to hypertension, high blood pressure, bloating, and a host of skin problems.

Sodium decreases the amount of water that our skin is capable of retaining, which leads to dehydration.

Lack of moisture in the skin can lead to rough, cracked skin. Eventually, your body may start to increase oil production to overcompensate for the lack of moisture. This could lead to too much oil production—which causes breakouts on your face and body.

Dehydrated skin also increases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, makes your skin puffy, and causes bags to develop under your eyes.

The easiest way to decrease your sodium intake is by adjusting your diet. Decrease the amount of white bread you are eating (white bread is super high in sodium) and choose fresh fruits and vegetables over salty snacks. Opt for other products to season your food instead of salt, such as lemon and fresh herbs.

If you are interested in learning more about keeping your skin hydrated check out these articles on New Beauty and Live Strong, and contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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What is SPF?

February 10th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on SPF.

No matter where you are spending your winter vacation—the slopes or the sand, you need to remember to use sunscreen, but do you really know what SPF means?  

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) refers to the amount of protection you are getting from UVB rays, not how long you can stay in the sun without burning. A sunscreen with an SPF of 45 filters out about 97% of UVB rays.

But UVB rays are not the only damaging rays that come from the sun, there are also UVA rays, and both types of rays have a different, negative effect on your skin.  UVB rays cause sun burn and UVA rays result in skin damage like wrinkles, but both lead to cancer. Sunscreen that doesn’t specify whether it blocks both types of rays may not protect you from UVA rays—so make sure to opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays!

Whether you are at the beach, the mountains, or in your own backyard, remember to reapply often and use a hat to shade your skin. No sunscreen blocks out 100% of UVB rays so be sure to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially between 10am- 2pm when the sun is its strongest!

If you are interested in learning more about safe sun practices or want to get a skin cancer screening, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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Great Laser Treatments in time for Valentine’s Day

February 9th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area discusses lasers.

Looking for a great Valentine’s Day gift for yourself or your loved one?
Premier Dermatology is offering a great deal on some of our best laser treatments, just in time for Valentine’s Day!


 
The GentleMax Laser and the Medlite laser are non-invasive laser treatments that will improve the look and feel of your skin. At Premier Dermatology, we are offering $100 off either of these treatments, or your 4th session free if you buy 3! But hurry in, this deal is only valid through February!

The GentleMax laser is a non-surgical laser treatment that reduces sagging skin through the use of a high-intensity light that penetrates through skin to spring your bottom skin layers back to life. The upper layers of skin are protected from the effects of the laser with a cooling spray that is applied before the procedure.
Each GentleMax session lasts less than 45 minutes, and profound, skin tightening results are achieved within 4-6 sessions.
Discomfort has been compared to the sensation of having a rubber band snapped against your skin, and lasts only a few seconds. That doesn’t sound bad at all for younger looking, tighter skin!

Medlite laser toning is used on fair skin to treat mild scars, redness, fine wrinkles, uneven texture and large pores.
Like the GentleMax laser, Medlite treats the skin below the surface. The laser is held about an inch from the skin. The bottom layers of skin are heated by the laser which increases collagen production. The laser will feel warm on the skin, but not uncomfortable. After the treatment, the skin may be red, but this mild redness goes away in a few hours. 
After each session, you will observe subtle changes in the appearance of your skin, and after 4-6 sessions, you will have a youthful glow and smaller pores!

If you are interested in learning more about laser treatments or this offer, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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Dermabrasion

February 6th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on dermabrasion.
 
Dermabrasion is a resurfacing treatment that is over a century old. Dermabrasion, also known as skin planning, is used to treat facial scarring from acne, chicken pox, wrinkles, sun damage, tattoos, or pigmentation.

Dermabrasion is the physical removal of the top layers of skin. This treatment reveals fresh, new skin that hasn’t been exposed to the elements, and is free of sun damage and scarring. The procedure has extremely profound and long lasting results.

So what should I expect if I go in for a dermabrasion treatment?

First, your dermatological surgeon will cleanse the treatment area with a cleansing serum. Then, a spray is applied directly on the skin to freeze it. Once the skin is frozen, a high speed instrument with an abrasive surface is used to remove the upper layers of skin.

What happens after the surgery? 

Initially, the skin will look and feel burned, but within a few weeks, this look and feel will disappear, making way for newly formed, pink skin. This pinkness will take 2-3 months to go away and make-up is usually used to camouflage the raw appearance of the face while it heals. After the healing is complete, your skin will have a young revitalized look, free of wrinkes and spots! 

If you are interested in learning more about dermabrasion, contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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Facials For Your Skin Type

February 1st, 2012
Are you feeling stressed and looking for a quick and easy way to take some time to unwind and relax?
A great way to carve out a little “you time” while improving your skin is by having a relaxing facial!
At Premier Dermatology, we offer a huge selection a facials for every skin type. And right now, we are running a special on any service performed by one of our aestheticians. As long as you don’t bill your service through insurance, you will get $50 off! That is a big discount on facials, skin peels, and more!
Some of our best facials to leave you fresh-faced and relaxed include:
“Radiant”- The Anti-Aging Facial 
This power facial is to work in conjunction with your Rx skin care, taking years off. A custom cleanse and enzyme therapy to meticulously prepare skin for light extractions, chemical and physical exfoliation to promote collagen and elastin, antioxidants to prevent and brighten, a soothing facial massage to hydrate and plump. Sunscreen to protect.
“Clear”- The Acne Facial 
This treatment is for the acne prone skin, giving extra attention for extractions. This treatment eliminates the buildup of bacteria that causes acne bumps and helps reduce inflammation. With a deep pore cleanse and a soothing mask to clean and calm the toughest of acne.
“Glow”- The Pregnancy Facial 
This treatment is customized using products that are safe and effective for expectant or nursing mothers. A gentle steam and mask to clarify skin, extractions if needed. A light peel to encourage cell renewal, a light facial massage to relax, antioxidant serum to prevent, sunscreen to protect.
Call Robert, our patient manager, to schedule an appointment for a facial, skin peel, or any of our other great services performed by our aestheticians. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).


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Checking for Skin Cancer at Home

January 25th, 2012

Dr. Marie Jhin, a dermatologist in the SF Bay area answers your questions on how to perform a skin cancer check at home.

According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over a million cases being diagnosed each year.

Fortunately, skin cancer is treatable and removable—as long as it is caught early.

The best way to stay ahead of cancerous growths is to know your body. Performing self-checks on your entire body including your scalp and hidden places like behind your knees and under your arms once a month is the best way to avoid dangerous growths from becoming a problem.

So once a month, remove your clothes, get in front of the mirror (with a hand mirror for those hard to spot places) and look for these signs!If you see anything unusual, tell your doctor, and keep a log of your body (like this one from The Skin Cancer Foundation) to review with your physician at your annual skin cancer screening.

Self Checks are all about the ABCDEs

Asymmetry- Your mole doesn’t look the same on both sides.

Border- Your mole has uneven borders.

Color- The color of your mole is uneven and it includes different shades of brown, black or tan.

Diameter- Your mole is greater than ¼ of an inch (the size of a pencil eraser).

Evolving- A change in the size, color or elevation of your mole. If your mole starts bleeding or itching get it checked out.

Check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website to learn more and contact Robert, our Patient Manager, to schedule an appointment. He can be reached at info@premier-dermatology.com or by phone at 415-371-8600 (SF office) or 650-551-9700 (Peninsula office).

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