The natural aging process, sun exposure and everyday pollution work against the youthful tone and texture of your skin by damaging collagen. Skin resurfacing treatments in Phoenix can effectively reduce signs of skin damage and improve the skin’s appearance. With just a few quick treatment sessions, you’ll notice a smoother, more radiant and healthier-looking complexion. Resurfacing treatments are safe and efficient, requiring little downtime to provide effective results.

There are several skin resurfacing techniques. The three most common methods to resurface the skin are chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. All three procedures have the ability to remove the surface layers of the skin. Once the old skin is removed, it is replaced by newer, healthier, smoother and much younger looking skin.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels remove the top layers of skin with a chemical solution. The depth of the peeling is determined by the concentration, duration of contact and where the peel is applied to the skin. For a few days following treatment, your skin will flake and peel, allowing new healthy skin to grow in its place. Chemical peels are best for treating sun damage, wrinkles, pigment changes and growths on the skin. Dr. Holy will recommend the most appropriate type of peel for your needs.

Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is literally sanding of the skin. During the procedure, a high-speed rotating tool abrades the skin until the entire surface is evened. The depth of abrasion is carefully controlled to produce maximum results with minimal risk of scarring. The principles upon which dermabrasion functions are the same as those for all types of skin resurfacing: the outer layer of the skin is removed, injuring the underlying collagen layer, and stimulating the healing process to produce fresh, smooth skin.

Laser Resurfacing: Lasers are a popular method for skin resurfacing. Laser resurfacing directs pulsating beams of light at irregular skin to correct wrinkles and scars. Laser resurfacing is performed using a beam of laser energy which vaporizes the upper layers of damaged skin at specific and controlled levels of penetration. Laser resurfacing produces less bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort than is typically seen with other resurfacing methods.

The results of skin resurfacing are dependent on several factors including your skin type and individual needs and goals. During a consultation in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will evaluate your skin and determine the best resurfacing technique for you. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment today!

It’s no surprise that skin, your body’s biggest organ, behaves like the rest of your body when it comes to health and disease. The dietary connection to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other common diseases is widely recognized. There is a clear connection between diet and common skin problems:

How Diet Affects Acne: Acne is caused by inflammation and infection of the sebaceous glands of the skin. Sebaceous glands are stimulated by hormones (particularly androgens). To avoid acne, try cutting back on saturated and hydrogenated fats, especially those in processed foods. Also cut down on junk food and foods high in sugar. Eat more raw vegetables, wholegrains, fresh fruit and fish. Try to include selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, fresh tuna, sunflower seeds, walnuts and whole meal bread.

How Diet Affects Psoriasis: Psoriasis appears as red skin patches with silvery scales, most commonly on the elbows and knees. The patches are caused by rapid growth and proliferation of cells in the outer skin layers. Patches can be itchy and sore and in severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. Although research has yet to confirm a definitive link between diet and psoriasis flare-ups, you might discover that your symptoms improve when you avoid certain foods. An elimination or exclusion diet is the best way to determine what foods trigger your symptoms, though always check with your doctor before cutting out major food groups. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish oil or cold-pressed nut and seed oils are important to include in your regular diet. It is recommended that your diet also be low in saturated fat and include anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, red pepper, ginger, cumin, fennel, rosemary and garlic.

How Diet Affects Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition that usually begins as patchy redness, often on the hands but can appear anywhere on the skin. Although there are many triggers, one of the most common is food sensitivity. The most common provoking foods are milk, eggs, fish, cheese, nuts and food additives. Omega-3 fats, zinc and vitamin E may help reduce symptoms.

Getting the best nutrition you can is essential for maintaining healthy skin. There are many treatments to keep your skin looking its best, but the first step to beautiful, glowing skin is nourishment from within. Once you make changes to your diet, don’t expect your skin or overall health to improve overnight. It takes 6 weeks for new skin to emerge up to the surface, so the visible benefits from dietary changes can take just as long.

Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website to learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy. 

Dermatologists treat a wide range of skin problems, from mild irritations to quite serious diseases. In some cases, common conditions that affect the skin can be hazardous to your health or even life-threatening if left untreated. Below are 5 common reasons to consider seeing a dermatologist.

1. Acne: Acne is caused by oil trapped in ducts beneath your skin. On your face alone, 15,000-20,000 oil glands work to keep the skin elastic and soft. When the oil cannot rise to lubricate the surface of your skin, it builds up in the ducts, bacteria grow and inflammation occurs. Acne is most common among teenagers, but it can start or continue into adulthood. 

2. Contact Dermatitis: Many substances in the environment react with our skin. Some are found in plants such as poison ivy. Chemicals found in clothing, jewelry, creams and perfumes may cause direct irritation or stimulate an allergic response. The affected skin becomes tender or itchy and, in extreme cases, blisters may appear. If the offending chemical is unknown, allergy testing may be able to identify the cause.

3. Eczema: This is a chronic condition in which the skin becomes itchy, reddened, cracked and dry. It affects both males and females, as well as people from different ethnic backgrounds. This condition can affect children, teens and adults. Dr. Holy offers many treatment options for relieving eczema.

4. Sun Damage: Overexposure to the sun can cause a variety of skin conditions, not just sunburns, wrinkles or skin cancer. You may also experience uneven pigmentation, lentigines (also referred to as age spots or liver spots), labial lentigo (a dark brown lesion that develops on lips) and solar elastosis (a breakdown of collagen and connective tissue, which causes the skin to sag). Dr. Holy can effectively diagnose and treat existing sun damage and help you prevent future damage.

5. Atypical Moles: These most commonly appear on the back but may appear anywhere on the body, including below the waist, on the scalp or other areas. They may fade into surrounding skin and include a flat portion that is level with the skin surface. They may be smooth, slightly scaly or have a rough, irregular appearance. Atypical moles are usually not present at birth but develop some time later. Several types of atypical moles are known to develop before melanoma. Atypical moles are the most common precursor, but not all atypical moles develop into melanoma. It is important to have Dr. Holy examine any mole that you feel is suspicious or is changing.

At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, we offer treatment options for these and many other skin problems that may affect you. Contact us today at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an exam.

Acne is a very common condition among teenagers and adults. Acne is individualized to each patient and can involve different types of lesions (blackheads, cyst-like, pimples and whiteheads), can affect various body parts (face, neck, chest, shoulders and back) and resolve in different ways (scars, redness and darker skin). Understanding the causes of acne or what triggers the condition is helpful in managing the symptoms and knowing how to properly treat it. 

Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. Sebaceous glands are tiny glands found near the surface of your skin. The glands are attached to hair follicles, which are small holes in your skin that an individual hair grows out of. Sebaceous glands lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it drying out. They do this by producing an oily substance called sebum.

In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle. If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a whitehead. Alternatively, the plugged follicle can be open to the skin, creating a blackhead. Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

There are triggers that can encourage acne. These include:

Testosterone – Teenage acne is thought to be triggered by increased levels of the hormone testosterone, which occurs during puberty. This hormone plays an important role in stimulating the growth and development of the penis and testicles in boys and maintaining muscle and bone strength in girls.

The sebaceous glands are particularly sensitive to hormones. It’s thought that increased levels of testosterone cause the glands to produce much more sebum than the skin needs.

Acne in Women – More than 80% of cases of adult acne occur in women. It’s thought that many cases of adult acne are caused by the changes in hormone levels that many women have at certain times.

These times include:

• Periods – Some women experience a flare-up of acne just before their menstrual cycle.
• Pregnancy – Many women have symptoms of acne during pregnancy, usually during the first three months of their pregnancy. 
• PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition that can cause acne, weight gain and the formation of small cysts inside the ovary. 

Understanding what causes acne or what is triggering the condition is the first step to managing and treating it. Each acne patient in Phoenix is unique and Dr. Holy can offer you a customized treatment plan to control your acne. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that skin cancer effects 1 in 5 Americans? Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, but they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) in men and on the legs in women. The neck and face are other common sites. Melanoma most often arises on normal skin, but may also occasionally occur in conjunction with a benign nevus (beauty mark or birthmark). Because melanoma is common, it is vitally important to regularly check for potential melanoma lesions. Checking your skin for melanoma is as easy as remembering the first five letters of the alphabet:

Asymmetry – Melanoma lesions are often irregular, not symmetrical, in shape. A non-cancerous mole is typically symmetrical in shape. If you were to draw a line through the middle of a mole, the two halves should roughly match. 

Border – Typically, a non-cancerous skin spot will have smooth, even borders. Melanoma spots usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define. 

Color – A non-cancerous mole is commonly a single shade of brown or tan. If there is a presence of more than one color, or an uneven distribution of color, this can be a warning sign of melanoma. Melanoma can occur in a variety of colors including brown, black, red, blue or purple. These spots can be flat or raised and can bleed easily. Non-melanoma skin cancer, also known as basal and squamous cell carcinoma, typically appear as small, pearly or pale bumps or as dark red patches that can be raised, flat or scaly in texture.

Diameter – Non-cancerous lesions are typically smaller than malignant ones. If the diameter is greater than a pencil eraser, it may be a sign that it is growing or changing. Larger spots that have been stable for an extended period of time are not typically cause for concern; though continued observation is recommended.

Evolving – The evolution of a skin lesion is the most crucial factor to consider when performing a self-skin check. This is why regular self-checks at home are so important. If you know what is normal, you will easily be able to tell if it has grown or evolved overtime.

Melanoma is one of the most common of all cancers. The good news is that skin cancer is highly curable when diagnosed and treated early by a skilled dermatologist. Knowing the signs of melanoma can help you notice when a spot on your skin is a cause for concern. The ABCDEs of melanoma is an easy way to remember what to watch for. 

When it comes to spots on the skin, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you have a suspicious skin lesion, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Holy.

Skin care is very important and often overlooked. If practiced properly, skin care practices can keep you looking your best and reduce the amount of anti-aging treatments or products needed.

In Phoenix, Dr. Holy recommends a proactive approach to skin care. Let’s take a closer look at some skin care tips that will help maintain your skin in a healthy and young-looking state.

Exfoliate – Exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin cells and that extra dirt and grime. Your body sheds skin cells at an amazing rate every minute of every day. If you don’t get rid of them, they’ll just set in on your skin making you look dull and dry. From face scrubs, body scrubs, and even sponges, finding an exfoliator that works on your skin is a vital tool to add to your skin care routine this summer.

Sunscreen – Sunscreen can help protect you from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protecting against UVA and UVB rays), SPF 30 or higher, and water resistant. Re-apply it every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe sun fun. 

Hydrate – It is especially important to drink enough water when outside on these warm, summer months because our bodies tend to lose more water than average on hot days. It is common practice to have a drink of water every 15 minutes when activity levels are high because of excessive sweat and water loss. Over the summer be sure to stay hydrated while maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.  

Moisturize – It’s time to pack away your thick winter body butters for lighter summery lotions. Dry skin can get even drier in the summer. Make sure you apply right after you dry off from your shower so that you seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

Avoid Harsh Soap – Deodorant and antibacterial soaps can be especially harsh on your skin, compromising your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Instead, opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers.

Limit Sun Exposure – Dealing properly with sun exposure helps prevent many skin aging problems ranging from wrinkles to skin cancer.

The skin you have now is the only skin you’ll ever get. Keeping it at its best starts with how you treat it every day. With proper skin care to pamper skin from the outside and with a good diet to nourish from within, healthy skin is achievable with simple steps. Should you ever notice any problems, get medical attention to resolve them quickly and avoid putting your skin at risk. If you have concerns about aging skin or would like more information about aging skin prevention, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website.

Microneedling is a popular, minimally invasive treatment that stimulates the natural production of collagen and is shown to be effective in improving various issues of the skin. The treatment can be used safely on all skin types and requires little to no recovery time.

Microneedling can help improve the following:

• Lift and tighten your skin
• Balance skin tone
• Reduce the appearance of acne or other scars
• Minimize fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduce pore size
• Improve the appearance of stretch marks

How Does Microneedling Work?

A microneedling tool is used to create microscopic pricks on the problematic area of the skin. The tiny needles on the tool make invisible perforations in the epidermis and the top layer of the dermis. These tiny pricks cause your body to recognize an “injury” which causes it to start to heal itself. Collagen and elastin are rushed to the area, where they then rejuvenate the skin. This repair process begins almost immediately and results in a thicker dermis and softened wrinkles or scars. 

There is no tissue destruction with microneedling. The small channels in the epidermis close very quickly and the skin begins a healing response right away. 

Microneedling Results

Results from microneedling can usually be noticed within a week of treatment. You should see some improvement in skin texture during this timeframe however it may take several treatments to see significant results. For deeper, more serious scars or lines results may not be noticeable until 3-6 months following a series of microneedling treatments. 

After the Treatment

Following treatment in Phoenix, you’ll likely look as if you have a sunburn. This may last for just a few hours to up to a week depending on treatment depth. For the best results, you’ll need more than one treatment to continually build collagen and elastin.

If you’re interested in microneedling or other skin treatments, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment with Dr. Holy.

As we age, collagen production in our skin slows and existing collagen begins to break down, causing the skin to show facial lines and wrinkles. Injectable wrinkle fillers can give facial skin a plumper, smoother appearance and can give you a more youthful look for a fraction of the cost of a traditional facelift. Most will fill lines and wrinkles in less than 30 minutes with results that can last from a few months to more than a year.

Today we have a wide range of safe, effective wrinkle fillers to choose from:

• Collagen injections replenish the skin’s natural collagen. By supplementing your skin’s own collagen, these wrinkle injections help smooth facial lines and some types of scars. 
• Calcium hydroxylapatite is a semi-permanent wrinkle filler that’s suspended in a watery gel and used to increase soft tissue. This is a collagen stimulator to improve the surface texture of your skin as well as stimulate your own collagen to enable the product to last longer. 

• Hyaluronic acid is a substance normally made by the body that gives your skin its volume and fullness. Hyaluronic acid injections fill the space between collagen and elastin fibers within the skin, which replenishes the natural volume lost with aging.
• Poly-L-lactic acid is an injectable filler used to replace lost facial fat. This synthetic polymer has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches. This product stimulates the body’s own collagen for better skin texture and a longer lasting result.
• Natural body fat from your own thighs or abdomen can be also be used as a wrinkle filler. There’s no risk of allergic reaction, and most people achieve semi-permanent results. Several injections may be required to get the most benefit.

Although wrinkle fillers are a minimally invasive treatment, some pain, swelling, and bruising can result from the injections.  

If you are considering fillers for wrinkles in Phoenix, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology today at 602-867-7546 or website to schedule an appointment. Dr. Holy can help you choose the right filler to help you achieve younger looking skin.

Microneedling is a popular, minimally invasive anti-aging skin treatment that stimulates the collagen in your skin, helping it to heal and reverse the signs of aging. Microneedling is not an injection and although it uses needles, it does not pierce or puncture the skin. 

Microneedling benefits your skin in many ways, causing it to appear more vibrant, brighter, younger, and you will start to see wrinkles disappear and your appearance improve. In addition to stimulating the skin, microneedling can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars. It can help heal sunspots and sun-damaged skin. The following issues can all be improved by the micro needling procedure:

• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Premature Skin Aging
• Scars
• Stretch Marks
• Hyperpigmentation
• Age Spots
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Large Pores
• Hair Loss

The process of microneedling stimulates anti-aging elements by speeding up and increasing collagen production. The number of treatments and the medicines used vary from patient to patient and condition to condition. Results are generally noticed within a month of beginning the procedure. Micro needling patients will benefit with firmer skin, fewer wrinkles, lighter folds, better texture of skin, smaller pores and improved appearance of stretch marks and scars. Additional benefits of skin needling are that there is no recovery time, no damage to your skin and it is a painless procedure. 

It is important that microneedling only be administered by a dermatologist, nurse or licensed aesthetician or a skilled professional trained in the technique. If you have been looking for an easy, painless anti-aging solution, then consider microneedling in Phoenix. Contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website for more information. 

Botox is a nonsurgical treatment designed to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that appear on the face over time. Also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, Botox is a muscle paralyzing neurotoxin. When injected into a predetermined area, the product will temporarily relax the muscle and smooth facial creases.

The most common areas of the face to get Botox are between the eyebrows (to treat frown lines), at the corner of the eyes (to correct crow’s feet), forehead creases and wrinkles around the lips. 

Administered through tiny injections directly into the targeted muscle area, Botox injections takes less than 30 minutes in the office. Prior to a treatment in Phoenix, Dr. Holy will determine if you are a suitable candidate for Botox, which areas of the face will be targeted, and how much will be needed. Virtually painless, Botox injections do not require an anesthetic. Patients normally report a slight pinch during each injection.

No downtime is required after Botox; patients can return to their usual activities immediately after a treatment. Minor bruising may occur at the injection site, although this will quickly resolve. The results from a Botox treatment can first be noticed in 5 to 7 days. The full benefits from a treatment will appear in approximately 2 weeks. Results last between 3 to 4 months; after which time, patients will need a repeat treatment to maintain results.

Botox treatments are beneficial for men and women of any age and safe for all ethnicities and skin types. People frustrated by the early signs of aging due to facial lines and wrinkles, can find that cosmetic Botox injections provide excellent results.  

Botox can be performed alone or in conjunction with other aesthetic treatments to achieve optimal results. To learn more about products and services available in Phoenix to further improve the look of your skin, contact THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or website.