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Does Sunscreen Actually Prevent Sun Damage?
There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat before releasing them from the skin. These sunscreens penetrate the skin deeply to dissipate UV rays. Mineral sunscreens do not penetrate the skin but rather sit on top where they work to reflect UV rays away from the body. Both can be effective against sun damage.
Daily use of a chemical or mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher has been shown to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Daily use of sunscreen can also help to reduce the risks of sun damage such as lines and wrinkles, dark spots, textural irregularities, and more.
Damage done to the skin by UV rays is cumulative. The more frequently you are exposed to direct UV rays, the higher your chances of developing a sun-related skin imperfection. But not all sunscreens are equally safe and effective. Selecting a high-quality, full-spectrum option is essential for optimal results.
We can help you choose the best sunscreen for your skin during your next visit.
Treating Sun Damaged Skin
Cosmetic imperfections brought about by UV exposure can be treated with a variety of non-surgical options. At our office, we can treat non-cancerous sun damage with:
- Chemical Peel. Applied directly to the skin, peels work to deeply exfoliate, encouraging smoother, blemish-free skin
- IPL Photofacial. IPL penetrates deep into the dermis to eliminate damaged and discolored skin cells
- Laser Skin Resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing removes the top layer of skin to expose healthier layers underneath. This service also stimulates collagen production, helping to address a range of age-related skin concerns
Age, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and more can combine to impact the appearance of the skin. The treatments we offer for sun damage help to produce a smoother, more youthful, and more attractive appearance – often after just one treatment.
If you are struggling with sun-damaged skin and would like to learn more about your treatment options, please call The Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle at 206-402-4797 to schedule a consultation today.
Next Page »2021 Summer Skin Care Tips
Summer is here, and while many are eager to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, it also means that your skin is also at more risk. Whether you have allergies or spend most of your time out in the sun, there are several ways your skin can become damaged if precautions aren’t taken. Thankfully, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your skin stays smooth and healthy all summer long. Here are some skin care tips to keep in mind to prevent sun damage.
Use Sunscreen and Wear a Hat
This is by far the most important tip on our list. If you are going out in the sun for more than 30 minutes, you need to wear sunscreen. This is even more important if you are going outside between 10am and 4pm, which is when the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the strongest. Clouds don’t block much sunlight either, so it’s critical that you wear both a sunscreen and a hat during the summer. Make sure to apply SPF 30 or higher for long-lasting protection.
Drink Plenty of Water
If you get a sunburn or are exposed to sunlight for more than 30 minutes, make sure you drink a lot of water. Sunburns can cause what is known as vasodilation, which dilates your skin’s blood vessels and make the skin lose water. This can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink water frequently when exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.
Be Careful With Exfoliants
While it is important to exfoliate your skin year-round, try not to overdo it during the summer months. Too much exfoliation will leave your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so try to use gentler scrubs on sunnier days.
Want to Reduce the Appearance of Sun Damage?
If you have any sunspots or other forms of hyperpigmentation due to sun damage, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today at 206-402-4797 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Greene. He can identify the best treatment for your condition, ranging from IPL to laser skin resurfacing. We are happy to serve patients living in Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and other neighboring Washington communities.
Next Page »What Are the Most Common Causes of Acne?
When it comes to acne, there are several factors that can cause a flare-up. Generally, there are four things that can cause someone to develop acne: excess oil, clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation. This can happen on any part of the body, but is most common on areas that have a lot of sebaceous glands, including the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Here are some of the conditions that can trigger the development of acne.
Hormonal Changes
During puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, the production of androgens increases dramatically, causing the sebaceous glands to enlarge. As they expand, the sebaceous glands make more sebum, the natural oil of your skin. This excess oil can create blockages in your hair follicles, leading to the formation of acne.
Diet
Some studies have shown that eating foods high in refined sugars or carbohydrates—such as candy, soda, or white breads—can worsen acne. Since these foods have a high glycemic index, they can increase your blood sugar, causing an increase in hormones. While the correlation between diet and acne needs more research, many people find that their skin health improves when eating foods with a low glycemic index.
Pomades
This is a possible culprit for the development of acne in patients with skin of color. Since the oil in pomade blocks pores on the forehead and scalp, it often leads to blackheads or whiteheads. In rare cases, it may lead to a bacterial infection in the scalp called folliculitis. If using pomade, only apply it one inch behind your hairline.
Certain Medications
Any drug that affects the production of hormones can cause you to develop acne. This includes corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, B vitamins, and testosterone.
Need Help Controlling Your Acne? Dr. Steven Greene Can Help
Acne can be difficult to treat on your own, especially if there is an underlying cause. If you want to achieve clearer skin and explore the different treatment options available, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle at 206-402-4797 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Greene. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Greene can create a personalized treatment plan that meets your goals. We welcome patients living in Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and the surrounding areas of Washington.
Next Page »What Causes Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is caused by the excess production of melanin in your skin. While sun damage is one of the most common reasons for hyperpigmentation, there are other factors that can cause increases in melanin production. At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, Dr. Steven Greene can evaluate your skin and determine the ideal treatment for your poikiloderma, melasma, or other pigment changes.
Hyperpigmentation usually occurs as spots on the skin that are darker than the surrounding tissue. The extra melanin in these spots can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Sun Exposure: Over time, excessive exposure to UV rays can create sunspots or darken freckles. Around 80% of all skin aging and hyperpigmentation is caused by too much sunlight. To help prevent photoaging, make sure to wear sunscreen if you are outside for prolonged periods of time.
- Inflammation: Any inflammation in the skin can cause hyperpigmentation. The most common culprits for post-inflammatory pigmentation changes are acne, scars, and stretch marks.
- Hormonal Changes: Major hormonal changes can cause hyperpigmentation such as melasma to appear on multiple areas of the body. This condition mostly affects women who are pregnant or starting/stopping birth control. It also affects those undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
- Medications: Some medications may lead to hyperpigmentation like patches or dark spots. This includes drugs for malaria, antibiotics, and antiarrhythmics.
At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, we have several treatments available for patients looking to correct their skin pigmentation. Some lesions may be successfully treated with laser therapy, chemical peels, or HydraFacial. While not all types of hyperpigmentation respond to treatment, Dr. Greene can help determine if there is a safe, effective solution for you.
Learn More About Our Hyperpigmentation Treatment Options Today
If you want to know what treatment options are available for hyperpigmentation, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today at 206-402-4797 to set up an appointment. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene and his team can carefully evaluate your condition and create a custom treatment plan that addresses your concerns. We are proud to serve patients living in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and other nearby Washington communities.
Next Page »Restore Your Skin’s Former Glory with Laser Skin Resurfacing
Your skin can really take a beating. Over the course of your lifetime, your skin has to deal with several issues, leaving it worse for wear. But fractional laser skin resurfacing with the Cynosure Icon 1540® can give your skin its former glow in as little as one treatment. This fractional, non-ablative laser covers a wide range of skin problems, including sun damage, scarring, and the signs of aging.
Next Page »How Are Different Skins of Color Treated for Acne?
Acne is a common condition that typically affects areas of the face, back, neck, and shoulders. Despite being commonly associated with adolescence, acne outbreaks can happen to women and men of any age. Due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, while starting birth control pills, or just before a menstrual cycle, women are particularly prone to acne.
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Mole Removal – Medical or Cosmetic?
Surgical mole removal is an effective medical dermatological procedure that can simultaneously improve your appearance and address suspicions of skin cancer.
If you’re bothered by the appearance of a new mole on your skin, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today to schedule a full skin exam with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene. Dr. Greene has more than twenty-five years of proven experience diagnosing and treating every type of skin cancer.
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How to Create a Morning Skin Care Routine for Glowing Skin
Beautiful, glowing skin takes work to achieve. Not only must you use the right types of skin care products, but you need to apply them in the right order. We’ve created the following list to help ensure you’re including all of the right products in your morning skin care routine. More »
What is the Best Treatment for Sunburn?
The summer is a beautiful season in Seattle. Going out for a socially distanced activity in the sunshine is a breath of fresh air right now. As you embrace the rays, we urge you to remember to practice safe fun in the sun: UV damage and sunburns not only increase your risk for skin cancer, but also cause wrinkles, sagging skin and brown spots.
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How to Prevent Face Mask Acne
The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks the American public to wear facial coverings, particularly in crowded situations in which social distancing is difficult or impossible, to prevent spreading COVID-19. But what if your cloth face mask leads to the dreaded “maskne” – acne caused by the friction, sweat, heat and irritation that sometimes accompanies mask wearing? Nobody wants a fresh crop of pimples on their jaw, chin and cheeks. Here are a few tips for preventing breakouts:
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