The Skin Doctrine

Types and Treatment of Acne Scarring

1. Atrophic Scars (Depressed scars)
Ice Pick Scars: Narrow, deep, and pitted scars that resemble small holes in the skin. These are often difficult to treat because they pe*****te deeply into the skin.
Boxcar Scars: Wider depressions with defined edges. They often look like craters and can be shallow or deep.
Rolling Scars: Broad depressions with a sloping edge, creating a wave-like appearance on the skin.
2. Hypertrophic Scars (Raised scars)
Keloid Scars: Raised, thick scars that extend beyond the original wound area. They occur when the skin produces too much collagen during the healing process.

Treatments for Acne Scarring:

1. Topical Treatments:
Retinoids: Promote skin regeneration and improve skin texture. Useful for mild scarring.
Chemical Peels: Use acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid) to exfoliate the top layer of skin, improving the appearance of shallow scars.
Silicone Gels/Sheets: Effective for flattening hypertrophic scars and reducing redness.
2. Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive technique that exfoliates the outer layer of skin. Best for mild acne scars.
Dermabrasion: A more aggressive technique that removes deeper layers of skin. Effective for more severe scars.
3. Microneedling:
Tiny needles are rolled or stamped over the skin to stimulate collagen production and promote healing. Suitable for atrophic scars, especially rolling scars.
4. Laser Treatments:
Fractional Lasers: Treat small areas of skin by targeting damaged tissue, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin.
Ablative Lasers: Remove the top layers of skin, helping to reduce deeper scars.
Non-ablative Lasers: Stimulate collagen production without removing skin.
5. Subcision:
A minor surgical procedure where a needle is inserted under the scar to break the fibrous bands pulling the skin down. Best for rolling scars.
6. Fillers:
Temporary or permanent fillers can be injected into depressed scars to lift the skin. These can be collagen, hyaluronic acid, or other materials.
7. Steroid Injections:
Used to flatten and reduce the appearance of hypertrophic or keloid scars by reducing inflammation and collagen production.
8. Surgical Treatments:
Punch Excision: The scar is surgically removed, and the skin is sutured or grafted.
Punch Grafting: Healthy skin is grafted from another part of the body to replace the scar tissue.
9. Radiofrequency:
This treatment delivers heat energy deep into the skin, stimulating collagen production, and is particularly effective for treating rolling scars.

Tips for Patients:
Prevention will be our most impactful tip. Early treatment and regular management will prevent scarring.
Treatment Choice: The treatment depends on the type and severity of scarring, skin type, and personal preference.
Multiple Sessions: Often, more than one treatment or session is required for optimal results.
Aftercare: Post-treatment care, including sun protection and moisturizing, is crucial to prevent further skin damage.
Consultation: It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment plan for individual skin conditions.

These treatments can vary in cost, recovery time, and effectiveness, so personalized advice is essential for achieving the best outcome.

Pimples can be distressing at any age, whether we are experiencing breakouts as teenagers or adults. Blemishes can make people embarrassed about their appearance and may negatively impact social interactions. Insecurities about appearance may result in withdrawing from activities that may otherwise be enjoyable. Teens may avoid playing sports, speaking up in class, or trying out for the school musical. Adults suffering from acne may find they don’t pick up hobbies they are interested in or attend social events because of the state of their skin. Some people may even develop depression or anxiety secondary to acne. There is a misconception that acne is caused by poor hygiene or diet, which is untrue; however, this stigma can exacerbate anxiety associated with breakouts. Even once acne has cleared and calmed, hyperpigmentation and scarring can continue to cause distress over the appearance of the skin.

Regardless of what age we are affected by acne, there are treatments that can diminish breakouts, prevent secondary scarring, and subsequently boost self-esteem. Topical antibiotics, retinoids, and exfoliating acids are just a few of the most common types of medications used first-line. Oral antibiotics, hormone therapies, and vitamin A analogues are also options for stubborn acne resistant to topical treatments. Certain lasers and cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels, can also aid in acne treatment. Chemical exfoliants, retinoids, vitamin C, and hydroquinone can also be helpful for fading lasting pigmentation from old acne spots. Cosmetic procedures, such as microneedling, laser, and filler can be used to treat varying types of scarring from acne. If you are experiencing acne that is affecting your self confidence, speak to your dermatology provider to come up with a regimen tailored to your specific needs.

How is ROY G BIV affecting your skin?

Remember our old friend from middle school science class, ROY G BIV - best known as the acronym that most of us likely still rely on to remember all the colors of the rainbow? These colors, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet, comprise what is known as Blue Light.

Blue Light is the visible light emitted from the sun as well as LEDs found in some indoor lighting, computer screens, televisions, smartphone and tablet screens.

It’s fairly well known that blue light can negatively affect the eyes, but how are all the hours most of us spend in front of a screen affecting the skin?

Well, that depends - on the “strength” and duration of exposure to blue light.

Short durations of exposure to blue light at “low energy” can actually help treat some skin conditions.

But, lets be honest - sitting in front of a computer for 8+ hours a day at the office topped off by (at least) a couple extra hours scrolling on a smart phone in the evening likely isn’t considered a “short duration”.

While blue light may be of a lower energy than UV rays, long term exposure to blue light has been shown to cause DNA damage in the skin. In fact, blue light pe*****tes deeper into the skin than UVA and UVB rays, consequently much of this damage occurs in the dermis (ie deeper layer of skin). The dermis is comprised, in part, of collagen and elastin. Damage to these structural or support fibers leads to development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Not only has blue light exposure been shown to contribute to premature aging, but also development of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) in the skin. One study, albeit small, even found the hyperpigmentation caused by blue light to be deeper and longer lasting than that caused by UV rays.

As our exposure to blue light sources continues to increase there will undoubtedly be more research done regarding it’s effect on the skin, but it’s no secret that exposure to blue light can disrupt the circadian rhythm. So all that late night scrolling could be negatively impacting sleep. Indirectly this is also negatively impacting the skin as most repair to the skin is done in the nighttime hours.

So how do we keep our screen time from aging us prematurely? Well obviously limiting exposure to blue light sources, but this is only possible to some extent. Using a sunscreen containing zinc or iron oxide or titanium dioxide has been shown to provide some protection. Some research has also shown products containing antioxidants and niacinamide may be helpful in warding off the negative effects of blue light on the skin.

So, tell us - how many hours do you spend in front of a screen on an average day?

Facial moisturizers
Benefits of tinted moisturizers with UV protection

Tinted moisturizers with UV protection offer several benefits, combining the advantages of a moisturizer, foundation, and sunscreen in one product:

1. **Hydration**: They provide essential moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness.

2. **Even Skin Tone**: The tint helps to even out skin tone and cover minor imperfections, providing a natural, flawless look without the heaviness of full-coverage foundation.

3. **Sun Protection**: With built-in SPF, they protect the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term sun damage, including premature aging and skin cancer.

4. **Convenience**: Combining three products in one saves time and simplifies the skincare routine.

5. **Lightweight**: Tinted moisturizers are generally lighter and less likely to clog pores compared to traditional foundations.

6. **Natural Look**: They provide a more natural finish, making them ideal for everyday wear.

7. **Versatility**: Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, as they often contain fewer irritants and are non-comedogenic.

Using a tinted moisturizer with UV protection can streamline your skincare routine while offering multiple benefits for healthy, radiant skin.

Is a separate eye cream 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 necessary?

While your regular facial moisturizer is typically safe to use around the eyes it’s important to keep in mind that the skin around the eyes has specific needs that differ from the rest of the face.

To learn more about how to select an eye cream that targets your specific needs and goals be sure to checkout this informative read 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Hrj7gd2QfV9HRmGj/?mibextid=WC7FNe

The order in which to apply skin care products is a common question.

Eyes first is a good one place to start.

For more on eye creams and how to select one that fits your specific needs checkout this quick read 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Hrj7gd2QfV9HRmGj/?mibextid=WC7FNe

It’s no secret that repeated and prolonged sun exposure accelerates the aging of skin, but have you ever wondered why it does so?

Generally speaking, UV rays cause DNA damage to the skin (a tan is evidence of that DNA damage).

This damage occurs in the deeper layer (or dermis) of the skin. This is the layer of the skin in which collagen and elastin are found. Collagen is what provides the structural support to surrounding tissue and elastin, as it’s name suggests, is responsible for the elasticity as well as the strength of the skin.

Thus, when UV rays pe*****te the unprotected skin these collagen and elastin fibers are compromised. Eventually, this results in wrinkling and sagging of the skin - both of which are widely recognized as signs of aging.

The skin will become thin, bruise and tear more easily and can exhibit “liver spots”, “spider veins”, freckles and increasingly uneven skin texture.

All this damage to the skin may go undetected in early years because as mentioned above the damage is occurring in the deeper layer of skin. It’s not until years later that the evidence of this damage becomes evident as what is known as photoaging.

So while a sunburn may seem like a short term inconvenience, the effects of the UV rays (both from the sun as well as tanning bed) are far more long lasting. And once the damage is done, it’s done. The DNA damage that occurs in the skin as a results of UV rays is not reversible.

For fun - tell us at what age you think the first wrinkles appear?

There are so many different eye creams on the market promising to provide flawless under eyes, and it can be overwhelming to decide which products to purchase. Regular facial moisturizers are perfectly safe to use around the eye area, generally speaking. However, the skin around the eyes has specific needs that differ from the rest of the face. It is thinner, tends to age more rapidly, loses moisture more easily, and can be more sensitive and delicate overall. Eye creams are specifically formulated with these factors in mind.

When looking for an eye cream, pick one containing ingredients that will target your specific needs. Moisturizing eye creams are typically rich in hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Formulations containing retinol can decrease fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production. The appearance of puffiness can be reduced with caffeine and antioxidants, such as vitamin C and ferulic acid. Vitamin C can also be helpful in treating dark circles or hyperpigmentation under the eyes, as can niacinamide and kojic acid. Peptide-rich creams can decrease the crepey skin that can plague the eye area.

Eye creams can be applied once or twice a day, typically following whatever directions the product manufacturer recommends. They should be used prior to application of your facial moisturizer to maximize benefit. When applying eye creams, gently dab the product around the eyes and lightly tap to work into the skin; avoid pulling or tugging on the skin.

If you have been inspired to go out and buy a new eye cream, remember that it may be a good idea to patch test the product on a small portion of your skin to ensure it is not going to cause irritation. As always, if you have any specific questions regarding eye products that would be suitable for your specific concerns, speak with your dermatologist.

Did you know Niacinamide can help fade dark spots?

Look for a formulation of at least 5% to get the most benefit.

And take a min to read about what else Niacinamide can do for your skin 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/x9kGGooVSkKBPv2R/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Acne, Rosacea, Retinols, Exfoliants - they can all cause some redness & irritation.

Curious what other benefits niacinamide has to offer?

Find out here 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/151TEsSqYJd5wKcs/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Does your skincare regimen have what it takes to fade those pesky sun spots on your face?

Checkout this short read on how a retinol can help with this (and more) 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/bCRU1FVk8tt4p4vm/?mibextid=WC7FNe

BENEFITS OF RETINOL
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is widely acclaimed for its various skincare benefits. Here are some key advantages:

1. Anti-Aging: Retinol stimulates collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful look.
2. Improves Skin Texture: It promotes cell turnover, leading to smoother skin texture and a more even skin tone.
3. Treats Acne: Retinol helps unclog pores, reduce acne outbreaks, and prevent new pimples from forming by promoting cell turnover and reducing oil production.
4. Hyperpigmentation: It can lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation by accelerating the shedding of pigmented cells.
5. Skin Firmness: By boosting collagen and elastin production, retinol can improve skin firmness and elasticity.
6. Brightens Skin: Regular use of retinol can result in brighter, more radiant skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting new cell growth.
7. Reduces Scarring: It can help fade acne scars and other forms of scarring by promoting healthy skin regeneration.

Using retinol should be done carefully, as it can cause irritation, redness, and sensitivity, especially when first introduced. It’s important to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase usage while incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine to protect your skin from increased UV sensitivity. As always, it’s best to consult your dermatologist with any questions or concerns.