As we grow older, certain signs of aging can begin to reveal that age is more than just a number. Characteristics like wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin develop over time. Skin rejuvenation provided by Dr. Holy in Phoenix can help you look more natural, younger and more beautiful than ever.

Skin rejuvenation procedures seek to achieve one or more of the following:

• Reduce or remove wrinkles
• Remove or lighten sun spots
• Tighten loose skin
• Improve skin tone and color
• Eliminate damaged, visible blood vessels

The variety of procedures available today provides you with choices when it comes to your treatment. Many treatments take only a few minutes to perform and require little to no recovery time. Other options may be slightly more invasive, but can deliver results that you can enjoy for months to years post-treatment.

The particular treatment you will need depends on a variety of factors, including your age, skin condition, desired recovery time and the concerns you wish to address. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended to provide optimal results. This ability to customize an ideal treatment plan is another benefit of skin rejuvenation.

There are many ways in which skin rejuvenation treatments can put years back on your face. The Center for Advanced Dermatology offers skin rejuvenation treatments to help you look and feel your best. Our skin rejuvenation therapy is great for combating common signs of aging to restore a more youthful appearance.

Wrinkles: Many treatments target wrinkles. They take away the dead skin cells that crowd around the wrinkles on your skin. In addition, many of the treatments will put more collagen into your skin. Collagen is something we lose when we get older, but it is essential for plump, soft and younger looking skin.

Sun spots and age spots: Sun spots and age spots are just a part of life, but they can disappear with a quick skin resurfacing procedure. These spots are a buildup of discolored skin, but many treatments can break up these discolorations and reveal the beautiful, even-toned skin beneath.

Scars from acne and other incidents: If you have scars on your face or other areas of your skin, these can also be removed or diminished with some great skin rejuvenation treatments.

There are many reasons why our skin tends to look worse as we get older. You cannot avoid the wrinkles that come along with age, but you can make your skin look and feel much better with skin rejuvenation treatments. Contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology to learn more about our amazing skin procedures. Call 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule your appointment.

Our face is one of the most distinguishing features on our entire body. However, as we grow older, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging appear. Age, sun exposure, smoking and other factors can all contribute to this appearance. While there are those who choose to accept aging as a way of life, many people seek rejuvenating procedures to find a way to recapture their youthful appearance. There are several procedures that can help restore a youthful appearance to faces, as a group these are  called facial rejuvenation treatments. Improving your facial skin tone and repairing skin damaged by aging, sun damage or injury often involves skin rejuvenation. There’s a huge variety of cosmetic therapies available to restore and renew skin.

While some of these facial rejuvenation procedures involve surgery, like facelifts and dermabrasion, more and more minimally invasive procedures have emerged. These treatments cannot stop your face from aging, but they can take years off your appearance by reducing the number of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Benefits can vary depending on the type of treatment used.

Any person looking to enhance the appearance of their face would represent an ideal candidate for facial rejuvenation treatments. Although reasons vary from person to person, the more common include:

• Enhancing appearance and boosting self-confidence
• Becoming less self-conscious about appearance
• Achieving smoother looking skin
• Removing unsightly skin conditions (age spots, uneven pigmentation, spider veins, etc.)
• Regaining a more youthful look

The most common facial rejuvenation treatments are:

• Facelift
• Dermabrasion
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical Peel
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• Photo Rejuvenation
• Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)
• Botox Injections
• Collagen Injections
• Fat Injections
• Thermage

These facial rejuvenation procedures are just some of the many ways to help enhance one’s appearance. To learn more about these facial rejuvenation procedures, please contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.

Aging skin problems develop as we get older. Wrinkles and sagging skin are usually the most noticeable aging skin problems but there are many others that may be present such as:

• Age Spots or Liver Spots
• Skin tags
• Hair loss
• Excess hair (Hirsutism)
• Skin Cancer
• Sun Damage
• Varicose Veins
• Spider Veins
• Dry Skin

Most aging skin problems can be avoided if proper skin care is taken from a young age. Since the skin is on the outside of the body and it ends up protecting the body in so many ways, the aging process can affect it in an obvious way. Here is a look at some of the problems that can occur to the skin, what causes aging and some information on prevention and treatment.

Causes of Aging Skin It’s important to understand that a variety of different things can cause problems with the skin. There are two types of causes for aging, which include intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging.

Intrinsic aging causes are basically natural. Usually the body begins to age once you are in your mid 20s, and some of the skin processes begin slowing a bit after you reach a certain age. Collagen production may slow down, dead skin cell shedding doesn’t occur as often and the body doesn’t produce skin cells as fast anymore. While it may take a long time for us to realize these issues are occurring, it will eventually begin showing up on the skin in the form of thinning, sagging, fine wrinkles and lines. Skin may become dry, it may lose some firmness and cheeks may appear more hollow as well.

Some aging causes occur due to external causes. These external causes may make the skin age prematurely. Gravity, sleeping on the side of your face or even repeating certain facial expressions may cause extrinsic aging to occur. Smoking and too much sun exposure can be extrinsic causes of aging as well.

Prevention

The best thing you can do is to be proactive in preventing aging skin problems from developing in the first place. Smart skin care can help you to prevent problems from occurring in the future or to slow the progression of current problems. Many things can be done to prevent the skin from aging as quickly. Eating foods that include antioxidants, avoiding the rays of the sun and using quality skin care products may be able to slow or prevent many aging skin problems.

Treatment Options

While you can do your best to prevent skin problems from occurring, you can’t always prevent the signs of aging. The good news is that there are great treatment solutions available today. In Phoenix, Dr. Holy has several treatment options available depending on your unique skin. If you would like to schedule a skin examination with Dr. Holy, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today.

If you have moles, it is important to keep an eye on them for any significant changes which can be a sign of skin cancer. Most people have moles on their skin and moles can appear anywhere on your body. Although your pattern of moles is most likely determined by your genetics, sun exposure can cause you to have more moles, and can cause the ones you already have to get darker. New moles tend to appear and existing ones tend to get larger and darker during the teen years and during pregnancy.

Moles may change over time. They may get bigger, grow a hair, become more raised, get lighter in color, or fade away. Many people develop new moles until about age 40. Most of these are normal changes. But some changes in moles or skin growths are caused by skin cancer.

If you have a mole, you may be wondering if it’s harmless or if you should see your dermatologist about it. It is important to have a suspicious mole checked since it could be an early sign of melanoma, which is a potentially fatal form of skin cancer.

Examine your skin regularly to check for new moles or changes in existing ones. When you examine your moles, remember the following guidelines for potentially harmful moles:

Asymmetry: A mole in which one side does not match the other.

Border that is irregular: A mole with a scalloped or poorly defined border.

Color that is varied: A mole that consists of more than one color.

Diameter that is large: A mole that has a diameter larger than a pencil eraser.

Evolving: A mole that has gotten bigger over time, or has changed its shape or color.

If you are concerned about moles getting bigger or any other changes in your skin that you may have noticed, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com. Dr. Holy can provide you with a complete skin evaluation and address any issues that you may have.

Dermatology skin problems can range 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.

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.

Psoriasis, (red, scaly patches on the skin) is a genetic disorder. The scalp, elbows and knees are commonly affected, although it can surface anywhere. Arthritis is associated with this rash in 40% of psoriasis patients. Topical creams and ointments are successful in controlling small areas of psoriasis. More severe cases can be treated with ultraviolet light or systemic medications.

Contact Dermatitis is caused by many substances in the environment which 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.

Eczema 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.

Warts are skin growths caused by a virus.  The virus causes the top layer of skin to grow rapidly, forming a wart. Warts can grow anywhere on the body and are most common in children and young adults.

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.

Atypical Moles 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 a wide variety of dermatology skin problems that may affect you. Contact us today at phone or website to schedule an exam.

What Causes Our Skin to Age?

Many things cause our skin to age. Some things we cannot do anything about and others we can influence.

One thing that we cannot change is the natural aging process. With time, we all get visible lines on our face. It is natural for our face to lose some of its youthful fullness. We notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely control when these changes occur. This type of aging is called intrinsic aging.

There is another type of aging that affects our skin called extrinsic aging. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin.

Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging

To help our patients prevent premature skin aging, Dr. Holy in Phoenix offers the following tips:

1. Protect your skin from the sun every day. The sun plays a major role in prematurely aging our skin. Whether spending a day at the beach or just running errands, sun protection is essential. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher) and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
2. If you smoke, stop. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull complexion.
3. Avoid repetitive facial expressions. When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines become permanent. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce lines caused by squinting.
4. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging.

5. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages it. This can make us look older.
6. Exercise. Moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
7. Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate it. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup and other substances without irritating your skin.
8. Wash your face daily and after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can irritate the skin, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
9. Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizers keep water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.

It’s Never Too Late

Aging of the skin can be slowed down with lifestyle changes that promote good health and diligent skin care habits. Even people who already have signs of premature skin aging can benefit from making lifestyle changes. If aging skin concerns you, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

RealSelf Q&A with Adriana K. Holy, MD

Acne is a very common skin condition – about 85% of us will have it at some point in our lives.  And, with the abundance of over-the-counter acne treatment products available today, it’s easy to forget that acne is not just a cosmetic issue.  It’s an actual medical condition that very often should be treated by an acne doctor. Acne vulgaris is a long-term skin disease that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil from the skin. Acne is characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and greasy skin. It often results in scarring. The resulting appearance can lead to anxiety, reduced self-esteem and, in extreme cases, depression.

So, how do you know when to call a dermatologist about your acne? Here are 5 signs that it’s time:

1. You’ve Never Been Diagnosed with Acne Before

If you suddenly begin to break out in red bumps on the face, upper chest, back or elsewhere, and you have never before been diagnosed with acne, you should contact your dermatologist.

2. Your Acne Is Getting Worse Despite Using Over-the-Counter Acne Products

Mild cases of acne can often be successfully cleared with over-the-counter acne products.  But many cases just don’t respond well to OTC treatments.  In this case, it’s best to see an acne doctor about prescription acne treatments.

If you’ve been treating your acne consistently and your breakouts aren’t getting better, or if your acne seems to be worsening, you should contact your doctor. Your dermatologist can prescribe an acne medication that will give you better results and will have helpful advice regarding proper acne skin care and home treatment.

3. You Have Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne, Nodules or Cystic Breakouts

If your acne is moderate to severe or very inflamed, skip the over-the-counter products altogether.  They just aren’t strong enough to improve acne at this level and you’ll waste time and money on products that won’t work for you.

Nodules and cysts are very severe forms of breakouts and should always be evaluated by a dermatologist. These deep blemishes can easily cause scarring, so they should be treated promptly.

4. You Think Your Acne May Be Caused by a Medication

Certain medications such as steroids and birth control pills may cause acne. If you are taking any medications and your skin begins breaking out, let your doctor know.

5. You Are Extremely Upset or Depressed About Your Skin

Let’s face it — acne can affect more than just your skin, it can affect your life! At Center for Advanced Dermatology in Phoenix, Dr. Holy  has treatment options available that can not only improve your skin, but also help you deal with the feelings of frustration and despair that can come along with acne.

Don’t wait! There’s no reason to just accept acne breakouts. With the right treatment you can see your skin start to improve in just a few short weeks. Contact Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com today to schedule an appointment.

Aging skin prevention is important but often overlooked. If practiced properly, it can reduce the amount of anti-aging treatments or products needed.

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

Sun Exposure:

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

• For maximum skin aging prevention, avoid sun exposure on the skin during the hours that the sun is most intense.
• Wear a hat, protective clothing and sun ray blocking glasses to guard against exposure, especially during peak hours.
• Use appropriate sunscreen offering UVA and UVB protection (broad spectrum protection). Sun Protection Factor (SPF) should be greater than 15 and applied at least 20 minutes before the skin is exposed to the sun; sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Use antioxidant topical products (usually include ingredients such as vitamins A, C, E, selenium, coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid) to protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging; antioxidants neutralize free radicals which will cause damage to skin cells.
• Avoid using tanning beds.
• Avoid sunburns.

Diet and Health:

• Adequate fluid intake (6 to 8 glasses of water per day) is essential for hydrating skin, flushing out toxins from the body and for aging prevention.
• A diet with plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, use of healthy oils such as olive oil or flax seed oil and reduction of saturated fats helps protect the skin.
• Exercising regularly helps promote capillary functioning, brings oxygen to the skin which is important for healthy skin and flushes out body toxins.
• Avoid stress.
• Avoid large weight fluctuations.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Quitting smoking is effective in skin aging prevention.
• Not smoking prevents the formation of skin wrinkles, yellowing of the skin, certain types of skin cancer and the breakdown of collagen in the skin.

Dry Skin and Itching:

• Clean the skin, exfoliate the skin surface gently to remove dead skin cells and moisturize the skin regularly especially in cold and dry climates to prevent dry skin.
• Avoid the use of fabric preservatives, harsh detergents, bleaches and harsh soaps in order to prevent allergic type itching.

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 Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546  or mddermsolutions.com.

When it comes to your health and skin cancer, it’s a good idea to be proactive and keep an eye out for dangerous moles. It is recommended that moles be checked every month for irregularities that might indicate a problem like skin cancer. The following are some signs to look out for when checking a mole:

• Color Changes: The first sign of a potentially cancerous mole is a drastic change in color—for instance, moles that are dark, brown, grey or inconsistent in color.
• Evolving Moles: A mole that has inconsistencies—for example, it transitions in color, shape, height or surface texture—might be dangerous or unhealthy and should be inspected by a medical professional.
• Blurred Border: Healthy moles have a defined border around the outside circumference. However, melanomas (or cancerous moles) tend to appear blurred or irregular around the outside edges. They can also feel raised to the touch with ragged, scalloped edges and color may run into the surrounding tissues.
• Pain: Any mole that causes pain or is tender to the touch should be considered dangerous, particularly if the mole exudes fluid or blood.
• Size: Healthy moles don’t grow any larger in size than 6 millimeters (or ¼ inches) in width. If you have a mole that’s large or gradually growing in size, book a medical exam to determine if it’s cancerous.
• Asymmetry: Healthy moles are usually symmetrical, which means they are equally sized (or both sides would match if folded in half). If you find a mole that’s uneven, you may want to get it looked at.
• Sores that Don’t Heal: A new mole or a sore that won’t heal no matter how much time, air, cleaning and ointment you apply may be a potential cancer risk.
• Bleeding and Scabbing: Particular attention should be paid to any mole that is lumpy, rough, dry or scaly on the surface, especially if it’s itchy or tender to the touch. Any mole that bleeds or develops a crusty scab needs attention immediately.
• Heredity: Unfortunately, many of our health issues are passed down by family members. In the case of skin cancer or a lot of suspicious moles, a history of the disease can put you at increased risk.

If you notice changes in a mole’s appearance, contact Center for Advanced Dermatology  in Phoenix at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com to schedule an evaluation. Dr. Holy is an experienced dermatologist, able to diagnose and treat many skin conditions.