Common Effects of Aging:

• Wrinkles.  Most common in sensitive areas such as the corners of the mouth, around the eyes, and near the nose, wrinkles can even appear on the forehead, the cheeks, or the chin as the symptoms of aging become more acute.

• Weakness. Our ability to resist and/or recover from injuries decreases with age, which means scratches and bruises may begin to appear with greater frequency as you get older.

• Thinning. We’ve all heard the expression thin-skinned to describe a person who cannot take a joke — but what you might not know is that our skin tends to literally get thinner as we age, causing a translucent look that can sometimes be tinged with blue due to the network of tiny blood vessels beneath facial features.  

• Driness. Because hormonal imbalances become more common with age, the natural oils that keep your skin moisturized may not be produced in the quantities that your body needs, leading to excessive dryness.

• Sun Spots. Years of sun exposure can add up, eventually leading to the development of discolored patches of skin commonly referred to as sun spots.

Why Does Aging Affect the Skin?

• Hormones. As we already mentioned, the body tends to produce fewer hormones as we age, which limits the natural ability to control skin function.

• Gravity. Our bodies literally fight against the weight of gravity — and, over time, this battle takes its toll.

• Genetics. Some people are simply genetically disposed to resist the effects of aging, while others are disposed to show their age and then some.

• Sun Damage. Not only can the sun cause discoloration, as we already stated — it can also cause damage that leads to dryness, increases thinning, and destroys collagen — a key protein that promotes elasticity.

• Accumulated Damage. There are many ways that skin can be damaged — from sun exposure to dehydration to bruising to alcohol consumption and much more. Though one-time occurrences will not cause irreversible effects, your habits can add up over the years, leading to significant changes.

As you can see, several important causes of aging are avoidable and/or treatable. If you want to improve your skin and fight the effects of aging, visit BH Skin online today for more info!

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Using Your Cellphone.

Not only do most cell phones have a bacteria-per-square-centimeter count up to 10 times that of your average toilet seat, the types of bacteria that can be found are disturbingly similar. A

study published in 2011 by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that roughly 1 in every 6 smartphones has microscopic traces of fecal matter on the screen. The bottom line? Clean your smartphone screen frequently, and avoid using it in the bathroom all together!

                                                                     Wearing Makeup.

Every time you touch your makeup, you transfer bacteria from your hands to the product. The same applies to brushes and applicators. Should you accidentally cough or sneeze while putting on your makeup, you had better bet that some microorganisms are going to end up in the product as well. Therefore, every time you apply makeup, you are inevitably applying a bit of bacteria to your face as well. In addition to this, many makeups can clog the pores and prevent the skin from fighting off infections which only adds to the problem. Practicing careful sanitation with your makeup, always cleaning brushes, washing your hands, and opting for a non-comedogenic makeup product, are the best ways of controlling this risk.

Wearing Glasses or Sunglasses.

Taking glasses off and putting them back on again is inevitable — but it also creates lots of opportunities for germs to cover the surface. Unfortunately, many of the makeshift cleaning methods that people use, (i.e. wiping them off with a shirt or breathing on them) only add bacteria to the equation. Cleaning glasses daily with a specially designed product is the best way to prevent exposure to bacteria.

                                                        Sleeping on Your Pillowcase.

Changing your pillowcase at the same time you change your sheets seems easy and logical — but the truth is that pillowcases tend to accumulate bacteria at a much faster rate. Moreover, because pillowcases come into contact with the sensitive skin on your face, they put you at a special risk for breakouts. Changing your pillowcase frequently is the best way to protect yourself.

For more information on keeping your skin safe from harmful bacteria, or to browse our selection of acne-fighting skincare products through our online shop, visit BH Skin online today.

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1. Not Wearing Sunscreen. Thanks to effective awareness campaigns and patient education, most people now understand the importance of wearing sunscreen every single day. You can even get a sunburn on cloudy days. Every day sunscreen usage decreases skin cancer risk and slows down the appearance of aging.

2. Failing to Give Sensitive Skin Areas the Care they Deserve. The skin under your eyes, your lips, and your scalp are all highly sensitive areas that are especially susceptible to problems such as dryness and scaling. It is important to understand that these areas need special care — and specially designed products are available.

3. Choosing the Wrong Makeup. Hypoallergenic makeup is a must: you could be causing your skin to flare up without even realizing it. Also, it is important to remove your makeup at the end of the day to prevent clogging of your skin pores.

4. Taking Long Showers. The longer you expose your skin to hot water, the more natural oil it will lose. There’s nothing wrong with taking a nice, long shower from time to time — but if you allow this to become a daily habit, it can cause problems, as your skin relies on its natural oils for moisture rentention.

5. Exposing Your Skin to Bacteria. Your phone, your sunglasses, and other items and accessories that come into contact with your face all have potential to expose your skin to harmful bacteria that can cause acne, red spots, and other problems.

6. Popping Pimples. As tempting as it may seem, refrain from popping pimples! This
can cause scarring and long-term damage, and puts you at immediate risk for infection.

7. Failing to Upgrade your Skincare Routine. Have you been following the same skincare routine for years on end? Your needs are always changing — and so should the way you respond to them.

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1. Take Care of Your Skin. Don’t let wear and tear rob you of your healthy, youthful skin! With healthy doses of conscientiousness, cautiousness, and self-love, you can keep your skin looking great for years to come. The key is to pay close attention to your needs and respond appropriately. Wearing sunscreen in sunny weather, using moisturizer when your skin is dry, preventing breakouts with proper cleaning techniques, and visiting your dermatologist on a regular basis are all effective anti-aging strategies.

2. Take Care of Your Body. Living a healthy lifestyle offers many benefits — and
looking great even as you age is certainly one of them. Getting plenty of exercise, good nutrition and sleep are all components of this. Regular medical checkups and screenings are also important, as they can help you prevent potential health problems and/or catch problems in their earliest (and therefore most treatable) stages.

3. Make The Best of What You’ve Got. Everyone’s body is different: we all have our
good qualities and our bad qualities. Instead of lamenting this basic fact, try to focus on how you can make the most of the body that you’ve been given. Even changes as simple as getting a haircut, shaking up your wardrobe, or using a new accessory could make a tremendous difference in both your physical appearance and your confidence.

4. The Sooner You Make Positive Changes, The Better! Making changes isn’t always easy — but the sooner you take initiative, the better. Deciding today that you will take better care of your skin will help you minimize skin damage in the future. Deciding today that you will take better care of your body will help prevent serious conditions in the future.

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● Acne. The most common skin problem in the US acne: an umbrella phrase that covers pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and nodules. Teens are the most likely to suffer from acne; but it’s not uncommon for adults to experience breakouts from time to time, either. When mild to moderate acne occurs, it is mostly a temporary cosmetic issue that can be treated according to the patient’s desires, oftentimes with a simple washing routine that may include a product such as salicylic
acid. Severe acne, however, can cause long-term skin damage, and in these cases more drastic measures, such as prescribing antibiotics or accutane, may be necessary.

● Skin Cancer. Every summer, millions of people expose themselves to excessive UV radiation that may cause sunburns. Using sunscreen is a must, as sunburns pose both long and short term risks, such as skin cancer. It is also worth pointing out that, if you are unlucky enough to get a severe sunburn, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid scratching/peeling, as this can
lead to infection or scarring.

● Shingles. If you’ve had chicken pox, then you have already been exposed to the virus that causes shingles. At some point in your life (usually in a moment when your immune system is already compromised by advanced age or another illness) you may experience a painful blister eruption known as shingles. Shingles can also be accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue as well. Thankfully, an antiviral such as Valtrex may be able to alleviate your symptoms. There is a shingles vaccine for seniors over the age of 60 who have had chickenpox.

● Rosacea. This chronic swelling and redness of the face is most common in women over the age of 30, but it can affect both men and women of all ages — and when it does, the results can be very frustrating for many patients. Fortunately, a number of treatment options for rosacea are available.

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Here are a few dermatologist-approved ways that you can ensure that you’re washing your face properly, according to the latest medical understanding of skin health:

● Use Luke-Warm Water. The hotter water is, the more effectively it will strip your skin of useful oils that keep your skin functioning properly. There’s no need to go all-out and be uncomfortable using icy water, but it is recommendable to avoid steaming hot water.

● Choose Cleansing Products Carefully. Different people have different needs for their skin. If you struggle with dry skin, for example, a gentle cleanser is likely the best option. If, on the other hand, you have moderate acne problems, then a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid is likely worth the drying effects. (Just be careful with sun exposure in this case, as many acne drugs make the skin especially sensitive to sun.)

● Pat dry. When drying your skin, it is best to “blot” the water off with your towel rather than rubbing, as the latter option can cause redness and damage.

● Moisturize dry skin. It’s a good idea to end your cleansing routine with a moisturizer, especially if you have dry skin. Those using medications such as the aforementioned salicylic acid may also wish to discuss moisturizing options with their dermatologists, as many acne drugs cause dryness as a secondary effect.

● Inspect. As you clean your skin, inspect it for changes that can develop slowly over time. Paying close attention is the best way to stay aware of potential problems as they develop — and whether it’s as simple as a slight increase in the amount of acne, or as complex as early-stage skin cancer, detecting problems early is always in your best interest.

● Shave/remove hair carefully. Shaving and/or plucking hair are both important parts of many people’s skin care routines. Unfortunately, removing hair can be extremely irritating to the skin, which is why it’s important to be careful. When shaving, use hot water, shaving cream, and a sharp razor — and when plucking hair, use a good light source and a strong pair of tweezers.

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BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C ON YOUR SKIN

● Brightens Skin. Everyone would love to have a more radiant complexion — and vitamin C can help give you the vibrant, natural glow that you’ve been dreaming of. It accomplishes this in several ways. For one, it helps facilitate natural exfoliation, removing dead skin cells. Moreover, vitamin C helps promote even production of melanin, thus inhibiting melanin concentrations referred to as sun spots.

● Improves Skin Texture. Vitamin C plays an important role in helping the body produce collagen — a protein that helps keep skin strong yet soft and elastic. Collagen production tends to decline with age, which is why vitamin C is especially useful as an anti-aging product.

● Heals Skin Damage. Vitamin C is also renowned for its antioxidant properties. By helping the skin fend off damaging free radicals, it promotes strong, healthy skin that can is better at resisting and healing from damage caused by environmental pollutants, poor lifestyle choices, and natural aging.

● Prevents Harmful Skin Conditions. Obviously, taking vitamin C is no replacement for using a dermatologist approved SPF 50+ sunscreen. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that, as an antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect your skin against the harmful effects of UV exposure, which, left unchecked, can cause skin cancer and other serious medical conditions. There is also evidence that vitamin C can help prevent/minimize the effects of other skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Many patients find these conditions very uncomfortable and/or embarrassing — and, over time, they can also cause damage to the skin.

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Melanomas are derived from melanocytes, the skin color-producing cells in the skin. These cells are not only in the skin, but also in the eye, since both areas derive their cells from melanocytes precursors. Melanocytes give our skin its color, and, also are grouped together in moles. Melanoma is the result of a malignant (cancerous) transformation of melanocytes. As there is melanoma of skin, there is also an ocular melanoma. Risk factors for melanoma include family history and sun exposure. Melanomas can initiate from previous moles or can start de novo (on it’s own without a previous mole present). A vast majority of new melanomas are the risk of cumulative sun exposure on sun exposed skin, especially if that sun exposure included a history or strong or intense sunburns. A first degree relative (parents, siblings, children) with melanoma also increases risk.

Melanomas are best identified through routine skin exams, both at home and in your primary MD / dermatologist’s office. Skin exams should be performed monthly with particular attention to any mole that seems new, different than other moles (ugly duckling sign), or is changing in any way (ABCDEs). The ABCDEs are as follows:

Asymmetry: one half of the mole looks different than the other half
Borders: moles should be round and brown; if the edges are scalloped, or if the mole looks like a country, that would be suspicious
Color: any other color other than brown or dark brown (red, blue, black, white, purple) is suspicious
Diameter: not used as often. Melanomas can be small or large.
Evolving: any mole or growth that is changing in any way (size, shape, borders, color) is suspicious

Helpful tips in skin exams include looking between your toes and paying attention in non sun exposed areas (buttocks, genitals), asking a friend or family member to look at your back, and doing self full body photography including more detailed pictures of moles that seem more concerning and you’d like to watch / follow. In the digital age, it’s fairly easy and much less inconvenient to take full body pictures as home on your smartphone. Make sure to upload these photos to a cloud service such as Google Photos, so that they are always saved and available. Should a new lesion arise that concerns you, take new pictures and compare to the previous pictures. Should there be any questions or issues, please make sure to see your physician immediately.

The treatment for melanoma depends on the depth of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and metastasis. All primary melanomas without evidence of obvious metastasis are treated with surgery. Thinner melanomas are excised with a very high 5-year survival rate. Deeper melanomas require a more extensive surgery and possible lymph node removal. Likewise, invasive melanomas may also require more intensive screening (x-rays, CT scans, labs, etc). In all cases, routine followup is strongly recommended.

Melanoma prevention and early detection is essential. Prevention involves using protective clothing, an SPF 30 or higher, and direct sun avoidance. Early detection can involve doctor office visits, self photography, and routine monthly self skin exams.

Dermatologists can aid in the education, prevention, and detection of melanoma. Dermatologists will biopsy any suspicious lesion first, and then will recommend the correct treatment based on the depth and characteristics of the lesion once confirmed. Routine excision and closures for melanomas can be done in the dermatologist’s office for those confirmed melanomas of less that 0.75mm in depth on microscopic exam. Those deeper than 0.75mm may need a sentinel lymph node biopsy (the first lymph node that the area drains to) and are usually referred to general surgeons for the excision and this procedure. Additional screening can be done by your dermatologist or the general surgeon. There are now tests to indicate metastasis risk (DecisionDx – Castle Biosciences), so that screening is adjusted more or less aggressively depending on this result.

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Food. Various types of food, particularly spicy food, have been known to aggravate the blood vessels underneath skin. Notice what types of food cause your face to turn red as different types of food may cause different reactions.

Alcohol. There is a reason alcohol is associated with rosy cheeks and red noses. Wine, beer, liquor, all have been known to trigger rosacea. Although the occasional drink or two won’t cause any harm, try to limit yourself as long term frequent use can make redness last.

Hot Drinks. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are all delicious and comforting, but it’s worth noting that hot drinks are known to cause redness in the face. If you’re having problems with persistent redness, cutting down on the hot drinks may help calm things down.

Weather. Cold, dry weather as well as humid and warm weather, can exacerbate rosacea. Though it’s impossible to control the weather, you can control your exposure to extreme conditions. Bundle up your face in cold weather and try staying indoors and hydrated when it’s hot.

Medicine can help ease symptoms but some medications can cause blood vessels in the face to become aggravated. Read the fine print and side effects of your medication and talk to your dermatologist about alternatives.

Stress is one of the leading factors of inflammation and rosacea flare-ups. Try stress management techniques to reduce the stress in your life and to keep the redness under control.
Exercise. Physical activity helps the body in a number of ways, and studies have linked being overweight to a higher risk for rosacea symptoms. Nonetheless, it is important to know that exercise can be a short-term trigger for flare ups. Avoiding exercise is not the answer — rather, make an effort to hydrated and reasonably cool when you workout. This will help mitigate any potential symptoms, and allow you to enjoy the many benefits of exercise.

UV Exposure. Tanning beds, sunlight and other sources of UV rays can cause irritation in the skin and intensify chronic flare ups. Always use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds altogether.

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1. Only teens get acne. Although many people see acne disappear in 20’s due to hormonal balance, for some people, acne can continue well into adulthood. For others, acne may not appear until adulthood. Hormonal imbalance is a leading cause of acne, and although it is more common in teenagers, adults are not immune.

2. Popping pimples will make it go away. Popping pimples might seem a simple solution to getting rid of them, but don’t be tempted. Popping will most likely make acne worse by causing pain and potentially scarring. Not only that, popping zits could push bacteria deeper into a pore or spread it around the face creating even more pimples.

3. Sun exposures can dry your skin and get rid of breakouts. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Sun exposure can dry out your skin, but this will ultimately make the problem worse! Sun damage can leave your skin exposed and vulnerable to acne flare-ups. Moreover, as any dermatologist will tell you, excessive sun exposure increases your risk for a number of dangerous skin conditions, including skin cancer. Limiting your exposure to the sun and always using sunscreen is the healthiest way to care for your skin.

4. Washing your face more often prevents acne. Acne is not a hygiene issue. Although washing can help, it does not cure the problem — and excessive washing can dry out the skin, leaving the area irritated and more likely to breakout. Washing twice a day is enough to help keep your face clean and still hydrated. If this causes moisture trouble, it is usually a good idea to use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizing product.

5. Sugar and fat causes pimples. There is no evidence that food causes acne. Although food can affect hormonal balance, what you eat will not directly cause your skin to erupt. A good diet and regular exercise is always a good idea, but a chocolate bar is not going to put zits on your face.

6. Medicine “cures” acne. Medication can help ease symptoms, there is no “cure” for acne — just a diverse range of treatments that must be customized to the needs of each individual. This is why it’s a good idea to go to your dermatologist if you have persistent breakouts. Always take your dermatologist’s advice and to take your medicine as directed for the best results — over medicating or self-medicating will not solve your acne problem, and could make it worse.

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