Psoriasis is a very common skin disorder where skin cells multiply 10 times more rapidly than normal. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease that causes raised, scaly patches on the skin.  An autoimmune disorder is one in which the body’s immune system turns its defenses on itself, attacking cells and tissues it mistakenly thinks are harmful. With psoriasis, the epidermis, the top layer of skin, suffers the ramifications. Anyone can develop psoriasis. Genetics are thought to play a role in developing psoriasis as studies have shown that psoriasis runs in families and is associated with gene mutations. Around 10% of the population inherits one or more of the genes that are linked to psoriasis development, although just 2-3% acquire psoriasis.

Genetic changes make psoriasis more likely to occur, but environmental factors can contribute to changes in the immune system, effectively activating the disease and producing symptoms. The most common risk factors include family history, infections, medications, skin trauma, smoking and obesity. Stress, gluten intolerance and cold weather are other additional and surprising contributors to psoriasis. It is not uncommon for those with psoriasis to have more than one auto-immune disease with overlapping symptoms. Changing or eliminating some of the outside factors that contribute to psoriasis can alleviate symptoms.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are options to manage flare-ups and even possibly eradicate symptoms. Topical treatments for psoriasis include steroid creams, enzyme inhibitors, salicylic acid, calcipotriol (a strong form of synthetic vitamin D), Tapinarof, and Tazorac. Immunosuppressants, and prescription retinoids. Phototherapy, laser therapy and UVB therapy are also proven treatment options. Natural remedies include colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar and a healthy diet. For severe psoriasis, Methotrexate and Cyclosporine are top solutions offered by doctors, but they do come with risks that include lung and kidney problems as well as high blood pressure.

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of psoriasis, contact a dermatologist at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology to begin a treatment plan to improve skin and alleviate discomfort. To schedule an appointment call 602-867-7546 or visit us online at WEBSITE. 

Although there are different skincare regimens available to men than women, identifying what type of skin type you have will help you best in the long run to treat your skin than distinguishing what is a traditionally marketed as a male or female product, as we all have skin that performs the same function. The 4 main skin types are normal, oily, dry, and sensitive skin. You may also find that you have combination skin that includes one or more of these types. Normal skin is usually tolerant of most products without any harsh results. Oily skin is often associated with breakouts and extra shine. Dry skin requires additional moisturizing for skin that can produce redness, flaking or be a result of skin conditions such as eczema. Sensitive skin can react negatively to new products so they should be introduced with patch testing and verifying that the ingredients list is both minimal and as gentle and natural as possible. 

Men may seek out specific products with ingredients to better suit their needs that might include focusing on oilier skin or denser hair growth compared to women while women may wish to use products that help the triggers of the hormonal or menstruation cycle. The most simplistic skin care regimen for men or women is to focus on 3 basic steps: cleanse, moisturize and protect. A gentle, PH-balanced cleanser is recommended to suit all skin types. Typically cream based cleansers are recommended for dry or sensitive skin while foaming cleansers are recommended for oily skin. After the skin is cleansed and patted dry, moisturizer is the next step. As we age, skin loses collagen, elastin, and hydration. A good moisturizer will help to plump and hydrate the skin. Ceramide-rich moisturizers are highly recommended for all skin types but especially for men who shave. Within the moisturizing step, many men choose to include serums and toners to combat acne, even out skin tone, add brightening to the skin and another layer of hydration. Good old fashioned beard oil is also a great addition for those with facial hair. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, a gentle exfoliation scrub will help to remove dead skin cells. Finally, the best way to protect your skin when you will be outside is to put on a layer of sunscreen. In addition to preventing skin cancer, sunscreen aids in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation as well as help to slow the look of aging. 

Your skin is as unique as you are. While the information above helps to differentiate skin types and provides a basic overview for skincare regimens for men, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology can help you determine the products and ingredients that are best suited for your skin. Call today for your appointment by calling 602-867-7546 or schedule online at WEBSITE. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology will offer you a skincare regimen that can benefit a man’s skin with a dedicated approach to skincare. 

All the benefits of skin tightening with no downtime, no scarring, and no surgery, radiofrequency sounds like a thing of the past but is really the new “wavelength” of the future in dermatology. Although radiofrequency has been used on the skin for over 20 years, it continues to evolve and improve making RF treatments an in-demand option for laxity and crepe-like skin. Radiofrequency therapy is a skin tightening treatment using energy waves to heat the deep layer of skin known as the dermis. Radiofrequency treatments have garnered high praise for a host of skin conditions and can aid in tightening up sagging skin, smoothing cellulite, reducing stretch marks, plumping out wrinkles, decreasing fine lines, and brightening up the skin to look more youthful and rejuvenated. 

Thermal energy warms the deep layers of skin by sending energy waves to wake up skin cells, stimulating collagen and promoting tissue contraction to improve the appearance and quality of the skin. Radiofrequency treatments create “micro-injuries” to cause the skin to improve itself but are considered safe and effective. Treatments can be performed on the face and neck as well as for fat-targeting treatments in the belly and underarms. Radiofrequency is also a treatment option for vaginal rejuvenation. 

There are different types of devices and device modes depending upon the level of treatment you need as well as what issues you are looking to address. While tightening and lifting are great benefits of radiofrequency, RF can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as micro needling for even greater results. Secret RF is a device that combines radiofrequency and micro needling specifically to treat white stretch marks to stimulate regeneration and cell turnover. 

If you are looking to repair the look of your skin with the added benefit of some fat loss and contouring, radiofrequency treatments may be the right option for you. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology has a variety of skin rejuvenating treatments that can accommodate a range of budgets and aesthetic goals. Your personalized consultation is just a phone call at 602-867-7546 or click away at WEBSITE.

In pop culture, facial moles that appear in just the right place, like Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor or supermodel Cindy Crawford, have been deemed beauty marks. Formed when skin cells begin to cluster instead of spreading evenly, moles and beauty marks share the same genetic makeup, they are only labeled differently based on placement and aesthetic value. While celebrities of today are more likely to promote plastic surgery benefits over natural occurring beauty marks, moles are typically harmless and, in most cases, it is not necessary to have them removed. However, if you have a mole or moles that you find irritating or uncomfortable, have undergone a biopsy and tested positive for cancer, or simply think a blemish is making you feel anything but beautiful, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers mole removal procedures with permanent solutions. 

Do moles grow back? Although highly unlikely, it is possible for a mole to return after it has been removed. Noncancerous moles have the same chance of regrowth as cancerous moles so there is no reason to be concerned right away if regrowth occurs. To prevent moles from growing back, it is important for your dermatologist to remove all the mole cells including those in deeper layers under the skin. There are 2 main types of mole removal, shave excision and surgical excision. Because a shave excision procedure cuts off the mole at the surface of the skin, shave excision moles are the ones that are more likely to grow back because deeper mole skin cells may have been left behind. In addition, patients should not try to remove moles at home but instead seek the expertise of a dermatologist who can perform the treatment safely and effectively. 

Signs that a mole should be evaluated by a doctor include moles that have an asymmetrical shape, irregular bordering around the mole, changes in color, larger than 6mm in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser), and a mole that continues to evolve by changing shape, size or color. In the event a mole is cancerous, a dermatologist may opt for Mohs surgery as your mole removal option especially for cosmetically sensitive areas like the face. Mohs surgery removes cancerous cells to eliminate skin cancer while also sparing healthy tissue and leaving minimal scarring. Mohs surgery has a very high cure rate of up to 99% for skin cancer that has not been treated before and up to 94% for a recurring skin cancer from a previous treatment.

If you are looking to have a mole removed for common cosmetic reasons or have concerns about skin cancer, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology can help. For a convenient appointment time, call our office at 602-867-7546 or visit online at WEBSITE.

Although most warts are considered harmless, it is best to avoid any type of do-it-yourself fixes and seek the treatment options only a skill and certified dermatologist can provide. While over the counter medications can be effective, they often take weeks to fully get rid of the wart. THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology understands that warts can be embarrassing and unsightly especially depending where it is located on the body. Rest assured, dermatologists have seen everything related to the skin. 

Warts are infected skin cell growths caused by HPV, the human papilloma virus, which includes many different strains and modes of transmission. In some cases, HPV is sexually transmitted leading to genital warts. Some more common types of warts are found on the hands, feet, elbows, knees, face or other non-genital parts of the body due to contact of HPV, although not everyone with HPV exposure will develop warts. Types of warts include common warts, plantar warts, flat warts, filiform warts and periungual warts.  

A dermatologist can remove a wart via several options including prescription-strength wart medications with salicylic acid applied topically to kill the virus, cryotherapy to freeze the wart off completely, laser therapy or wart removal surgery. It is never advised to cut off a wart yourself. Not only can it lead to further injury, but the wart can spread. Always seek the care and direction of a dermatologist to remove a wart. 

To prevent warts from spreading, patients should refrain from touching or picking the wart, do not scratch the wart, always wear shoes in public places if you develop warts on the feet and keep the wart as dry as possible. 

If you have an unwanted or stubborn wart, our board-certified dermatologists at THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offer clinical and cosmetic dermatological services with expert, quality care in a compassionate office setting. Call 602-867-7546 or fill out our patient request form at WEBSITE. 

Although a seemingly new trend for cosmetic procedures, Euro threads have been used for over 30 years medically as absorbable surgical sutures. In the world of dermatology, Euro threads are a minimally invasive alternative to facelift surgery. While Euro threads will not fully replicate a traditional facelift, they can provide dramatic benefits before committing to major surgery. Euro threads work in 2 ways: to provide a mechanism to lift the skin and to stimulate the natural production of collagen. 

Euro threading is an anti-aging cosmetic treatment that uses biodegradable threads to improve skin laxity by lifting and tightening the face. Tiny threads are inserted under the skin in specific locations, usually along the cheeks, hair line and jawline where, over time, the threads will lift the skin and improve the skin’s appearance by increasing both collagen and elastin produced by the body. Once the work has been completed by the Euro threads, the body will absorb and eliminate them. 

Euro threads last under the skin for about 4 to 6 months before they dissolve. The benefits after treatment will last anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Patients choose Euro threads to correct sagging eyebrows and eyelids, jowls, aging neck and deep furrows between the nose and corners of the mouth. Euro threads are one of many cosmetic procedures that can be performed in conjunction with another dermatological service or plastic surgery such as a brow lift, chin lift, neck lift or face lift. 

If you are looking to rejuvenate your skin while addressing the concerns of aging, Euro threads may be the option for you. Reducing the appearance of lines, folds and wrinkles, Euro threading will tighten, lift and contour your skin with noticeable results right away with continued improvement as your body responds to the stimulation of new collagen. 

THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology welcomes you to book your consultation today to learn more about Euro threads and the ways we can help you look younger. Call 602-867-7546 or visit online at WEBSITE for more information. 

Skin is the largest organ in the body. Because the skin is porous, common daily dermal exposures ranging from toxins in makeup and skin care to chemicals in cleaning products to environmental factors such as dirt and dryness impact the condition and health of the skin. Coupled with natural aging, the skin loses hydration, collagen and elastin over time. At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the most effective and advanced aesthetic services to enhance and rejuvenate your natural beauty.

Hydrating and exfoliating facial treatments work to combat imperfections and damage to the skin. If you are looking for improvement to fine lines, wrinkles, and dull skin, you may be a candidate for Dermalinfusion offered by THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology.  

Dermalinfusion is a non-invasive, 3-in-1 facial treatment originally patented by SilkPeel, now known as Diamond Glow, that simultaneously exfoliates, extracts and infuses skin with customized serums to stimulate and transform the skin. Dermalinfusion has been described as the next level of microdermabrasion; the key difference being the methodology of using a medical grade wand with diamond-shaped tips to abrade the top layer of skin while extracting dirt, debris and other impurities. Next, the skin is infused with serums that provide a hydrating, natural glow while improving texture and tone. Common serum ingredients include decapeptide-12, salicylic acid, licorice root extract, oregano oil, grape seed extract, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Studies have shown that with a single treatment, Dermalinfusion volumizes the skin by 70% and lasts up to 3 days. While 1 treatment will provide instant, noticeable results, many patients can anticipate requiring multiple treatments to fade fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, stretch marks and scarring. Patients experiencing acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can also benefit from Dermalinfusion. Benefits of Dermalinfusion include smoothing of the skin, evening of skin tone, brightening complexion, unclogging pores and reducing dark spots and wrinkles.

If you are interested in a fully customizable facial treatment that can aid in a variety of concerns, Dermalinfusion is a gentle rejuvenation option that will leave you with soft, fresh, dewy skin. No matter your skin type, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology has hydrating facial options just for you. Call 602-867-7546 or book your appointment online WEBSITE today!

Radiofrequency facials promise to smooth, tighten and firm the skin without any downtime. Usually when one thinks about getting a facial, the vision comes to mind of relaxing lotions and oils being spread on the skin, not the words radiofrequency, sparking to mind the use of electrical currents. Similar to laser and LED treatments, radiofrequency uses energy to stimulate both collagen and elastin production but with heat energy rather than pulses of light. 

Radiofrequency treatment, referred to as RF skin tightening, has become increasingly popular as a gentle way to tighten up sagging skin. RF energy heats the dermis without damaging the epidermis, top layer of skin. Despite its name, radiofrequency currents flow through the cell and tissues without shocking the body. This is because nerves maintain electrical charges of their own. RF currents travel too rapidly to induce pain at the source. During treatment, RF stimulates the structures under the skin and with the heat it produces causing targeted but controlled damage. This causes collagen in the body to shrink and contract allowing the skin to lift and tighten. As the body begins to heal itself, fibroblast cells in the deepest layer of the skin begin to produce new collagen and elastin fibers, a process known as dermal remodeling. This new production increases the skin’s elasticity, erases fine lines and wrinkles, tightens and firms tissues, and improves the overall texture and volume of the skin. RF treatment also increases cell metabolism and works to detoxify tissues. The heat generated by radiofrequency helps blood vessels to widen both increasing blood flow and increasing the oxygen and nutrient flow to the cells creating overall healthier skin.

Like most facial treatments, RF skin tightening is not a one and done solution. It will take multiple treatments, usually between 6 and 12, for full effectiveness. The number of radiofrequency treatments will vary person to person and depend upon each patient’s skin laxity. Suggestions from doctors vary as well from as little to 1 week in between treatments to 1 treatment per month. Visiting with your dermatologist for your specific goals and care is advised. 

RF skin tightening can be combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments such as microneedling or dermaplaning. To find out which option is the right fit for you, schedule your consultation with THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology by calling 602-867-7546 or visit us online at WEBSITE for more information. 

Skin cancer unfortunately holds the distinction as the world’s most common cancer. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States each year than all other cancers combined. At least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 with more than 9,500 people diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Development of skin cancer can be attributed to the following risks: indoor tanning, sunburns, skin type, unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays, genetics, atypical moles, organ transplant and those with naturally red hair. 

Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. These mutations that cause skin cell growth form a mass of cancer cells. If these mutations lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly, does skin cancer spread quickly? Yes and no. The rate of spreading is dependent upon the type of skin cancer. Skin cancer presents as 3 major types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer but it also grows slowly, is the most curable and causes minimal damage when diagnosed and treated early. Growth rates vary, with some basal cell carcinomas growing as much as 1 centimeter in a year. Although basal cell carcinoma can develop into other types of cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, it is very rare that it spreads (metastasizes) to nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous cells found in the middle and outer layers of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer, and unlike basal cell carcinoma, it can spread to lymph nodes and even to internal organs. When it does spread, it spreads slowly. Left untreated, it can destroy nearby healthy tissue but is not typically life-threatening. While less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is a serious and dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread quickly to other organs if not treated in the early stage. The 4 main types of melanomas are superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma and nodular melanoma. Doctors use what is called a staging process for diagnosing, assessing and treating melanomas. These are classified by the extent of the original tumor in its thickness and ulceration meaning the breakdown of skin on top of the melanoma, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if has spread or metastasized to distant lymph nodes, skin areas or organs. Because the levels of classification can be complex, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist with any changes to the skin and to schedule routine skin screenings. 

Prevention of skin cancer begins with ways to decrease risk that include daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF, wearing sun protective clothing, staying out of the sun whenever possible, protective window films in cars and homes, healthy diets, monthly self-exams and annual skin exams with a dermatologist. 

To book your skin examination, call THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or visit online at WEBSITE. 

Moles are very common, especially in those with fair skin, with over 3 million cases accounted for in the United States annually. Moles are the result of overgrown skin cells known as melanocytes appearing as small, dark brown spots caused by the pigment in those cells. Moles, also called birthmarks or beauty marks, are quite common and considered normal. In fact, on average, most people have between 10 to 40 moles on their skin developing anywhere on the body including the scalp, armpits, and even between the fingers and toes. Moles are generally harmless and are not a cause for concern unless there are changes in size, shape, color or texture of the mole in which case it would be necessary to visit with a dermatologist to determine whether the mole has become cancerous. 

If moles are common, what causes a person to have a lot of moles? Some moles, known as congenital nevi, are present at birth or develop during infancy. These moles are almost always non-cancerous. Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 25 years of a person’s life. Heredity is thought to be the largest contributor to the development of moles. Similar numbers of moles seem to develop on familial generations, so it is possible  family history causes a person to have a lot of moles, or the specific number of moles, but studies are still inconclusive. Moles often occur on parts of the body exposed to the sun or ultraviolet radiation, increasing the number of moles on a person’s skin. It is also common for new moles to appear as hormone level change, for example during adolescence and pregnancy. Certain medications that suppress the immune system can also trigger a response from the body in the form of moles on the skin.

Having a lot of moles or noticing an increase of moles on your skin can be indicative of particularly active skin cells. The greater number of moles would increase the likelihood of skin cancer, so it is encouraged to meet with your dermatologist for a skin screening to determine if your moles are of normal size, shape, color and texture. 

Do not let your skin get you stressed. While moles are normal, it is always best to get an expert diagnosis from a dermatologist who can examine your skin and prescribe any necessary course of treatment. At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, we recommend a professional skin examination once a year. Contact our office today to schedule your exam by calling 602-867-7546 or visiting online at WEBSITE.