Just about every skincare blog or article regarding protecting your skin against fine lines and wrinkles will reinforce that a healthy and effective skincare routine consists of cleansing, moisturizing and, maybe most importantly, wearing sunscreen. Layering sunscreen over your serums and moisturizers but before makeup application should be part of your daily regimen to avoid the signs of aging by safeguarding the skin. But what level of SPF should I be wearing?

The term SPF stands for sun protection factor and serves as a measurement for protection against UVB rays, the type of ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn, skin damage and can increase the risk of skin cancer. Most dermatologists will recommend using an SPF 30 sunscreen because SPF 30 filters out 97% of UVB rays. The SPF number compares the amount of time it will take the skin to become red or noticeably affected by the sun versus the time without wearing any sunscreen. For example, if you were to correctly apply an SPF 15 sunscreen, this means it would take 15 times longer to burn than if you did not wear sunscreen. Most people under-apply their sunscreen and should focus on generously applying about one ounce for full body coverage and reapplying every 2 hours.

Sunscreens with the label “broad spectrum” indicate that the sunscreen has both UVB and UVA protection. Broad spectrum is the type of sunscreen beauty influencers and board-certified dermatologists alike will recommend since the UVA rays are responsible for causing premature aging of the skin, while redness and burning are blocked by the UVB protection. While broad spectrum can provide dual protection, increasing the number of SPF will not necessarily promise a greater defense against aging skin damage as higher SPF sunscreens usually offer greater UVB protection than UVA. 

When out in the sun, wear a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Apply liberally and reapply every 2 hours. If possible, wear sun-protective clothing and a wide brimmed hat to shield your skin from prolonged sun exposure. Early detection with self-exams as well as a yearly skin assessment with a dermatologist at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology will help eliminate risk factors and provide treatment before skin cancer develops or progresses. Make your appointment today by calling 602-867-7546 or booking online at WEBSITE.

Quality makeup brushes can improve the final look of your beauty routine. Makeup brushes help to build coverage by layering and blending makeup seamlessly. Effective yet gentle cleaning of your makeup brushes will ensure you are able to use them for the maximum amount of time. For face brushes such as foundation, concealer and powder, you should wash your makeup brushes once a week. It is recommended that washing makeup brushes at least every 2 weeks, especially if there is visible makeup on the brush, is a good idea for protecting the skin against harmful bacteria, including acne-causing bacteria, that may linger in the makeup brushes. Brushes can also contain dead skin cells and oils that can clog the pores and cause dull skin. Removing old makeup from the bristles of the brushes can also preserve the brush from becoming hardened; soft bristles are less irritating for the skin and assure a smoother application. 

On average, makeup brushes should be replaced every 1 to 3 years. Though initial quality and weekly cleaning play a role in maintaining the longevity of your makeup brushes, there are other factors that may signal it is time to throw out the old and replace with a new set of fresh brushes. If the brush is shedding and losing a lot of bristles, the brush will no longer serve to blend and smooth out makeup well and may be leaving behind clumps of the brush hairs. In addition to bristle shedding, if the brush handle has any cracks or is broken, it is time to throw the brush away. Over time, some makeup brushes tend to lose their original shape and thereby not work as effectively. Daily makeup wearers know that despite the best efforts to carefully wash makeup brushes, product residue and makeup stains cling to makeup brushes and when permanently tinted can affect makeup quality as well as cause breakouts. If your makeup brushes get oily and change texture even with regular cleaning, it is probably best to replace your makeup brushes.

For more information on when to replace your makeup brushes and other skincare benefits, visit THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology website at WEBSITE. For any skin concerns, schedule your appointment today by calling 602-867-7546.

Dullness, tiredness, dryness, and redness are all signs of stressed-out skin. The outermost part of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, better known as the skin’s protective barrier. The skin barrier regulates water loss, retains moisture, and provides hydration. It also serves to protect the deeper layers of skin from pollution, ultraviolet rays, toxins, dehydration, infection, irritation, and inflammation. When the skin barrier is damaged, it affects the quality of the skin as because the skin barrier is resilient yet delicate. It requires plenty of nourishment and hydration to function optimally. 

Three ways to calm down stressed-out skin include knowing what causes your skin to have a reaction either to hormones, environment, or products, to implement a daily skincare regimen, and effective ways to hydrate and soothe as you wait for your skin to rid itself of redness, inflammation, severe dryness, stinging or burning from product application, breakouts, and dullness to complexion. First, internal stress can manifest on the skin. Stressed-out skin can be brought on by emotional stress, hormonal fluctuations, and the lack of a healthy diet and adequate internal hydration, or  (not drinking enough water). If you are able to make changes to these factors in even the smallest of ways, you may experience relief in some or all of your skin symptoms. Second, keep your skincare routine simple by avoiding products with extra fragrance, colors, or dyes. Skincare regimens are all the rage these days with layer upon layer being promoted from influencers around the world of what will give your skin a glass-like, dewy finish when in reality some of these products may be too abrasive for your skin or the wrong combination or quantity could be the culprit for your stressed-out skin. Wash your face with a mild, gentle cleanser, add a hydrating serum, and moisturize the face. Keep your steps minimal and only introduce new products one at a time to give your skin time to adjust to the efficacy and compatibility of your unique skin. Third, if you find that a certain product has caused redness, burning, or irritation to your skin, discontinue use of the product and take care of the skin by applying hydrating facial masks or creams containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid to refresh and rejuvenate the skin.

 For a full assessment of your skin’s health and personalized, effective options to calm down your stressed-out skin, book an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting WEBSITE.

Acne and rosacea are both common skin conditions that cause breakouts but although they may look similar because they have some overlapping symptoms, they are very different. The main difference is in appearance: as acne is typically isolated to pimples and the pimple area whereas rosacea covers a larger area. Rosacea appears on the face, usually on the cheeks and nose, sometimes on the chin or forehead, while acne can be found on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. Both acne and rosacea show up as bumps and pimples which is often what causes confusion between the two.

Whiteheads, blackheads, swelling, bumps and pimples, and deep, hard nodules are characteristics of acne. Large affected areas of redness, smaller bumps, pimples, thickening of skin, eye irritation, itchiness, and flushing are common symptoms of rosacea. Typically, teenagers, young adults, and those who are pregnant experience acne whereas those over the age of 30 are affected by rosacea. One of the biggest differences between acne and rosacea is in the comedones, the skin-colored bumps that are either open blackheads or closed whiteheads in the pores of the skin or hair follicle that become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. Comedones are specific to acne and can help you determine if the inflammation on your skin is acne or rosacea. Inflamed bumps can be a little trickier to classify as acne or rosacea because papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts can be related to both. Knowing what is triggering the changes to your skin will help you narrow down which skin condition you are experiencing. Acne is often brought on by hormonal fluctuations which is why it commonly presents during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and even menopause. Rosacea is more commonly triggered by environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, cold, and stress, certain drinks or foods, and harsh skin care products.

Although there may be a difference between acne and rosacea, treatment options might be the same. It is not uncommon for a dermatologist to recommend prescriptions that may be beneficial for both conditions. For example, antibiotics are great for reducing inflammation and may be recommended in either case. Common acne treatments include topical treatments, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments, isotretinoin, laser therapy, and fillers. Common rosacea treatments include topical anti-inflammatory treatments, oral medications to decrease inflammation, topical medication for flushing and redness, and laser treatment.

Is it possible the mythical fountain of youth is not really a legendary place but can be found just beyond the surface of your skin? Peeling back old, damaged skin to reveal a fresh, healthier layer of skin may be the magic fix to rejuvenating your look. With a deep chemical peel, you may discover a host of benefits all in one treatment. Now Does the thought of putting anything with the name “chemical” on your face sounds counterproductive, ? Don’t worry about causing further damage not helping tothis type of treatment really does repair it. So, what is a chemical peel and what are the benefits?

For youthful, glowing, and softer skin, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers many types of dermatological treatments to help you look and feel your best. Chemical peels can diminish signs of aging on the face, as well as the hands, neck, and decollate. A chemical peel is a technique where a chemical solution is applied to the skin causing it to exfoliate and eventually peel away. Based on your needs and skin sensitivity, there are various levels of chemical peels: a superficial or “lunchtime” peel that penetrates only the outer layer of skin with an alpha-hydroxy acid, a medium peel that penetrates the outer and middle layers of skin with glycolic or trichloroacetic acid to remove damaged skin cells, and a deep peel that penetrates the deep layers of the middle layer of skin with trichloroacetic acid or phenol. As the most aggressive of the treatment options, a deep chemical peel will make a dramatic appearance in the skin and will not require multiple treatments. 

Benefits of chemical peels include boosting collagen production in the skin improving the skin’s elasticity. A chemical peel is a simple exfoliation that evens skin tone and texture. Chemical peels can reverse sun damage, control melasma, fight acne and reduce acne marks, soften fine lines, fade age spots, and tighten the skin. In addition to all the good that chemical peels provide, treatment is fully customizable. Your board-certified dermatologist can mix and match different acids to give you the best boost to your skin possible. Chemical peels are low risk and safe for all skin types and color. 

Ready to peel back your layers to find the best skin of your life? Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or WEBSITE. 

Laser treatments most effectively work to restore the surface of the skin, eliminate sunspots and age spots, erase fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, smooth acne scars, and tighten skin. Lasers provide direct, short, pulsated beams of light at skin irregularities to stimulate and promote collagen growth while removing layers of skin. At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology we offer a variety of laser treatment options that include fractional C0₂ laser, erbium laser, fraxel laser, radiofrequency skin tightening, intense pulsed light, non-ablative, and ablative laser treatments. The correct treatment for you can be determined with a consultation from your dermatology provider so that you can select the best skin resurfacing treatment for your facial rejuvenation.

Before you spend hours researching the different types of laser treatments and how effective they are on various parts of the body, seek the guidance of your dermatologist. Dermatologists can offer any of the laser treatments above along with a combination or alternate suggestion that would best work for you. Patients should know that laser treatments are hyper-sensitive to sun exposure, and you will have to greatly limit your time in the sun. Laser treatments can be more painful compared to other skin treatments as the pulsation of the laser has been described as a rubber band snapping back against the skin. Additionally, skin type can determine which laser is right for you. Different lasers are optimized for different issues and skin concerns. Certain medication and health conditions can cause poor healing or scarring from laser resurfacing; be sure to explain your full; medical history with your dermatologist so that an alternative treatment may be suggested if necessary. Laser treatments have been proven to be highly effective but vary patient to patient. Many patients will require multiple laser treatments for full effectiveness and long-lasting results.

At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology we provide the highest quality care and service in both medical and cosmetic services in a friendly and comfortable environment. During your consultation, you will have access to a full range of treatment options with innovative dermatological solutions provided by board-certified, skilled doctors. Call our office today at 602-867-7546 or visit our website at WEBSITE to get started. 

When our patients seek treatment for vein-related swelling, varicose veins, or spider veins, aside from wanting to know how quickly those purplish-blue lines will disappear, patients ask “do vein treatments require downtime?” Recovery time varies patient to patient as well as the type of treatment you need, along with the possibility of requiring multiple treatments.

Spider veins are not generally a cause for concern that require medical intervention. If you are bothered by spider veins on your skin, you can try self-care remedies such as losing weight, wearing compression garments, or reducing your need for sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you are still feeling self-conscious, spider veins can be eliminated with minimally invasive treatment options that include sclerotherapy and laser therapy. Although varicose veins are generally benign, unlike spider veins, they can bulge causing bumps in the skin along with aches, pains, and discomfort. These damaged, enlarged, and twisted veins could signal an underlying circulatory problem. However, varicose veins are treated in the same way as spider veins, with sclerotherapy advised by doctors as the top treatment option. Radiofrequency ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy are also options. All these procedures are considered minimally invasive and require little to no downtime. Most patients can return to work the same day or next day.

Ablation treatments are considered more effective, less complicated, and have less pain associated with recovery than surgery. Although for some patients vein stripping surgery is recommended. Recovery from surgery can take two 2 to four 4 weeks. Your surgeon will advise you to stay off your feet for at least three 3 to four 4 days post-surgery and then you will be able to remove the bandages after that. By week 4, you should be cleared to resume normal activities.

If you are concerned about the look of veins on your legs, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers safe, effective, and virtually pain free treatment methods. Call 602-867-7546 for your appointment or visit WEBSITE to schedule or request information about our services. 

When making resolutions to improve something in your life, the 21-day rule is the general standard. If you dedicate yourself to committing to a goal for three 3 weeks, the pursuit of that goal typically becomes a habit. When it comes to your skincare regimen, dermatologists will advise patients to minimally adhere to these three 3 healthy skin habits daily: cleanse, moisturize, and wear sunscreen. Yes, daily. That means even when the seasons change or even when you are indoors, sunscreen should still be applied as a protectant for the skin. 

Is it true that I need to wear sunscreen even when it is not summer? UVA and UVB rays do not hibernate in the winter. In many places, not only does the sun shine all year round but even on cloudy days, you are still at risk for sun burns. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate light cloud cover and affect the skin. Additionally, even if the sun is not bright overhead, it can reflect harshly off snow and water. The sun is just as intense from one season to another even if the temperature is not high. Leaving your skin unprotected while exposed to sunlight can prematurely age the skin by causing fine lines, wrinkles, freckles, moles, discoloration, and dark spots, as well as lead to precancerous or cancerous lesions and marks, loss of collagen and elastin fibers, and dilation of small blood vessels under the skin. With excessive sun exposure, ultraviolet rays can reach the inner layers of skin, potentially causing cells to die, become damaged, or develop cancer. You can help protect the skin by wearing a broad-screen protective sunscreen of at least SPF 30 at least thirty 30 minutes before heading outside. Even indoors, sunlight pours through windows, including the windows and windshield in your vehicle. You can also add high concentrated antioxidant products to your skin care routine to help reduce UV damage.

No matter your risk for skin cancer, patients should schedule a yearly skin cancer screening. A simple, non-invasive checkup can diagnose, monitor, and treat suspicious growths, moles, or marks on the skin to prevent cancer from spreading. For more information on how to safeguard your skin daily, visit WEBSITE. To schedule an appointment to discuss your skincare needs or any concerns you may have, call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 and let us help you fight sun damage all year round with patient proven skin care. 

It matters who you trust to treat your face. Dermatologists are one of the most versatile yet specialized groups of doctors as they possess extensive training and expertise in diagnosing and treating more than 3,000 conditions and diseases pertaining to the skin, hair, and nails. While you can go just about anywhere for a laser treatment or dermal filler, holding a board-certified designation is different than simply being a licensed practitioner. 

What does “board certified” mean and is it important? Medical licensure is the minimum requirement to diagnose and treat patients. All physicians in the United States must be licensed to practice and prescribed medicine. A dermatologist is a physician who has earned an MD or a DO degree in dermatology which is centralized around the medical treatment of diseases, impairments, and issues related to the skin including the scalp and under the nails. Dermatology uniquely bridges the gap of many medicinal fields ranging from cosmetic enhancements and aesthetic treatments to repairing disfiguring traumas or resolving life threatening cancers. To become certified by the American Board of Dermatology, in addition to a four4-year medical degree and licensure, must meet certain voluntary requirements as well as ongoing training and education. These include three 3 or more years of residency at an accredited dermatology program, passing of exams demonstrating knowledge and ability to treat patients in dermatology, and making a commitment to remain up to date on the latest advances in the field of dermatology with continuing education assessments and certifications. Additionally, after completing training and passing the medical boards, applicants must gather letters of recommendation and academic transcripts for board certification testing. Testing is rigorous and requires a passing score from the American Board of Dermatology following completion of the dermatology residency. Periodic recertification is required as well. 

Patients can have greater confidence in the success of the treatment they will receive with a dermatologist who has undergone extensive training to show competency in their field. Additionally, dermatology residency programs are very competitive. With so many qualified applicants vying for limited opportunities, residency programs likely choose to accept the best and brightest dermatologists. Choosing a board-certified dermatologist is important to ensure your care is in the hands of a doctor who has dedicated their study to the utmost safety, latest research, and up to date technology. 

For more information on our board-certified dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, visit our About page on our website. To schedule your next appointment, give us a call at 602-867-7546. 

Spider veins are tiny varicose veins that appear in the form of thin lines, often in a web-like or tree branch pattern. They develop when one-way valves inside the veins weaken causing blood to flow backward and to accumulate in the vein. The extra blood puts pressure on the walls of the vein causing the walls to bulge creating red, purple, or blue lines that are visible on the legs. Treatment options for spider veins range from at home self-care to minor surgery. To determine the best option for you, visit THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology so our board-certified dermatologists can provide a physical exam to assess your needs and determine which option is not only best but safest for you. A common question we receive from our patients looking for a solution to spider veins is “can lasers be used to treat spider veins?”

While the most common treatment for spider veins is a procedure called sclerotherapy, laser treatment is another effective treatment option. Both options work similarly in that they both cause scarring of the vein to close the vein by preventing blood flow so the body can remove the vein and it will no longer be visible on the skin. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a highly concentrated saline solution directly into the vein. The chemical reaction collapses the vein causing it to scar and disappear gradually over approximately three 3 to six 6 weeks, although larger veins could take longer. Laser treatment involves using a high beam of light to heat and destroy the veins.  It targets the pigment in the blood and warms up the vessel causing the body to reabsorb the vein over the course of four 4 to six 6 weeks. Although either treatment will provide the result you desire, more dermatologists are likely to recommend sclerotherapy over laser treatment. Laser treatment would be best suited for patients with a minimal amount of spider veins and those who are allergic to the chemicals used in sclerotherapy. Advantages of sclerotherapy over laser therapy include hypopigmentation (because laser therapy addresses the pigment changes can be made to surrounding areas of the skin), pain (laser treatment can feel like the snapping of a rubber band on the skin or a burning sensation whereas sclerotherapy is not painful), and number of sessions to achieve elimination of spider veins (laser treatment can require multiple sessions for full effectiveness). 

If you have spider veins and are interested in treatment options to remove them, call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today for an appointment. Our number is 602-867-7546 or you can book conveniently online at WEBSITE.