Skin Care Tips - Eastbay Acne & Skin Care Clinic

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Considering Laser or IPL? Important Questions to ask...

It's Spring!
Days are growing longer and and we become more active, as skiers are getting their last runs in before the end of the season. Others are getting outside to hike, bike and play tennis. That means our skin is producing more oil and perspiration, and we're getting more UV exposure as well.

Cleansers should help maintain your skin's natural pH, so avoid alkaline soaps in favor of a facial cleanser like our Facial Shampoo that won't strip the natural protective oils in our skin. With the increased oil production, you might consider switching from Sensitive to Normal; or from Normal to an Extra-Strength skin formula. The objective is to keep your skin clear of oil and debris that clog pores and lead to blocked pores, inflammation and breakouts, without drying your skin out.

Remember to protect your skin from the number one cause of premature aging and skin cancer: UV radiation! Exposure increases dramatically in the Spring as we move outside. Our skin is extra sensitive because of the decreased Wintertime exposure to the sun. The rule of thumb is "avoid the burn."

Zinc's role in fighting infection is well documented, and we use it to combat acne. But did you know that it can also help the body fight against cold and flu viruses? But not all zinc is created equal. Colloidal zinc is totally absorbed by the body, while the zinc in mineral tablets is absorbed at the rate of only 10%, or less. Combine it with vitamin C, and you get a powerful and effective virus-fighting medication! It won't interfere with other medications and it's natural, too!

Colloidal Zinc is the weapon the pharmaceutical companies don't want us to know about, and we have it here! Flu season seems to be here to stay with West Nile and Bird Flu threatening. Colloidal zinc should be part of everyone's nutrition and "preventive maintenance" program.

Tablet zinc is good, but colloidal zinc is best, because your body absorbs 100% of it.

Keep in mind that the FDA's Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) numbers apply to tablet minerals. They can't be equated with colloidal minerals due to their 100% absorption rate and colloidals' different (ppm) measurement system.

The proper skin cleanser and a sunscreen are two of the best ways to help your skin maintain its role as our body's first line of defense against the elements.

When travelling through airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all liquids be enclosed in a ziplock bag, and the containers of those liquids must be no more than
3.4 fluid ounces. It doesn't matter if the container is 8 oounces and there's only 3 ounces of product left in it — the TSA will confiscate it!

So, remember to pack the larger bottles in your baggage in plastic bags to contain any leakage. Repackage any carry-on products so they'll pass TSA requirements!

Skin Care Treatment

Give your skin a fighting chance and maintain your home care program! It's been proven time and time again that home care and clinical treatments complement each other for clear, healthy skin.

Have you just had an exfoliating facial? It's important that you let the peel take it's course. Cortisone creams, such as our Aloe Cort cream, will calm the skin, but it will actually stop the peeling process. So, you should avoid using Aloe Cort for 3 to 7 days, depending on the peel, and let the peel do it's work. To alleviate any dry skin during that time substitute an ultra-light moisturizer.

Want you skin to look better, faster?
Be persistent and consistent with your skin care program, to achieve the desired results. When you stray from the prescribed schedule, you give your skin condition an opportunity to reestablish itself. Also, your skin won't become acclimated to ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid, as quickly. This prevents full-strength application of those ingredients, and can prolong your treatment.

Remember, you'll save time and money by sticking to the prescribed clinical and home care programs, and your skin will look better, faster!

Are you using Retin-A, AHA or Glycolic Acid products?
These products increase the skin's sensitivity to Ultraviolet (UV) rays and should be used in conjunction with a sunscreen to minimize skin damage and premature aging.

We recommend a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30, or higher, be used on a daily basis.

Using Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO) on Dry Skin can be difficult. BPO tends to dry and irritate your skin, while moisturizers applied to alleviate the dryness aggravate the condition for which you are using BPO.

We recommend you gradually acclimate to the BPO by applying it in the evening for 10 minutes to an hour. Then, wash it off and apply a glycolic and Age Intervention Serum. After one to two months (longer in the Winter) your skin will become acclimated to the BPO medication, and will not be so dry. An application of the Age Intervention Serum two or three times a week will keep your skin hydrated, and the inflammation under control. The goal is for you to be able to wear glycolic acid and BPO medication nightly without redness, dryness and irritation.

Environment

If you get a sunburn, bathe gently in cool or tepid (lukewarm) water using a gentle cleanser, then apply a cortisone cream or Karin Herzog's 3% Oxygen Body Cream. Over the next 12 hours, apply cold compresses and take an oral, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine*. Do not cover the affected area with oily, occlusive preparations like butter or petroleum jelly - they restrict oxygenation and slow healing.

Discontinue use of potentially irritating glycolics and benzoyl peroxide preparations (for treating acne) until the burn has healed.
If sunburn or inflammation is painful or severe, consult your physician.

* As always, observe all warnings and precautions when taking any medication.

SPF 30 isn't always SPF 30...
Sunblock/Sunscreen ratings are based on a very liberal application ~ much more than the typical person applies at one time. To be sure you are getting adequate UV protection, apply a second layer of sunscreen after the first layer dries.

Sun damage is a leading cause of prematurely aging skin.
Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protector Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher every day! Remember to use sunscreen in the winter as well as summer; on cloudy days, as well as sunny days. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is reflected off of shiny surfaces such as snow, sand and water. Shade is not adequate protection from the sun.

Make it a habit to check for localized areas of sun damage. These often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the bridge of the nose, above the eyebrows, and the arm that sticks out the window while driving.
See our article, "Prevent Skin Irritation and Promote Healing" to learn about clinically proven treatments for controlling and repairing skin damage.

Skin cancer rates have increased dramatically in recent years, so be sure to protect yourself. The reason for the increase is partly environmental and partly lifestyle. The way to prevent skin cancer is clear: use a sunscreen! The #1 cause of skin cancer is excessive and/or unprotected exposure to the sun's (or other source's) UV radiation, so be sure to apply sunscreen to your skin every day.

When it comes to your skin, the "Golden Rule" applies!

According to the British Journal of Cancer, using a tanning bed 5 times in a year makes you 4 times more likely to get melanoma (skin cancer).

Is your skin reacting to something?
Sometimes the bumps, pimples and dry patches of skin are reactions to the soaps and shampoos we use. Try to isolate them, one by one, to determine which one is irritating your skin. It could be the ingredients, a reformulation of an old product, or the essence or perfume in the product (try an unscented version, if available). Shampoos are often the culprits, as they contain multiple ingredients for everything from cleaning to conditioning, that can clog follicles as the shampoo drains off your head to the rest of your body. It could also be your water. If you suspect a higher than normal level of chlorine and/or salts in your water, install a filter on your shower head. If it's not from outside, could it be a change in your diet? Remember that skin responds to environments both inside and outside our bodies.

Moisturizers act as a barrier to water loss through evaporation. Phospholipid molecules hold moisture in the skin for up to 2 weeks.

For more helpful tips
on keeping your skin healthy and beautiful, see our skin care
Information, Articles and FAQs.

Fine skin care products, including
skin hydrators and moisturizers
can be found online at
Eastbay Skin Care

Lifestyle, Nutrition and Diet

Rosacea has a reputation for flaring up after eating certain foods, especially spicy foods, but the triggers vary with each individual.
If you have rosacea and are not sure what foods are triggering it, keep a food diary. This will make it easy to identify the foods that trigger your rosacea so that you can avoid them.

Are You on Cholesterol-lowering Medication? These drugs will tend to dry your skin out. If so, increase your intake of essential fatty acids by eating more oily fish, like salmon, or take an Omega-3 supplement. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of this oil. This will not impair the function of the medication, in any way, nor will it increase blood cholesterol.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important part of everyone's diet, and especially for those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Remember to Moisturize! Not just externally, but internally, as well. Health experts recommend that you drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure water per day. High water intake is good for your health. Your skin, in turn, reflects your general health.

Eat right, sleep right, exercise and avoid stress!
Remember, your skin reflects your general well-being — good health care habits are good for your skin!

Vitamin C is strongly recommended in a daily dosage of 2000 mg to help you maintain your good looks and prevent the appearance of broken capillaries. Vitamin C is one of the building blocks of blood vessels and helps strengthen them. The result is more resilient skin.

Avoid or cut down on caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, spicy foods and extreme temperatures if you have fragile, superficial blood vessels. This will reduce dilation of the blood vessels in response to these stimuli, and helps reduce stretching the superficial blood vessels which may not spring back into shape.

Use only your own clean hands to wash your face. Don't use harsh or abrasive cleansers or puffs which aggravate fragile blood vessels. The skin on your face is thinner than skin elsewhere on your body and cannot tolerate harsh treatment.

Skin cell production slows down as we get older. This leads to a build-up of dead skin cells in the top, outer skin layer. Harsh scrubbing damages the skin and dulls your complexion. Chemical exfoliation safely restores a youthful glow to your skin.

Our lips have no oil glands and only a very thin keratin layer to prevent moisture loss. Lip products, including balms, which contain petroleum derivatives actually draw oil out of the lips. Petroleum products are also easily assimilated into the body over time and can build up in your body tissues. In fact, if you use a lip product every day, you will eat two tubes a year! So, we think it's important to look for products with natural oils like vitamin E, castor oil, avocado oil and natural crystals which have small molecules that are easily absorbed into the lips and help to moisturize the tissue naturally. Beeswax and Carnauba wax have larger molecules and form a needed protective barrier against moisture loss and the elements.
We recommend Cosmedix' Eye Believe Crystals for the lips and the eyes to keep delicate lip tissue soft and hydrated. Jane Iredale's lip glosses are in a base of white lily gel that helps protect and moisturize. These should be used daily, and can be applied over your own lipstick color; otherwise, choose a colored lip gloss.

Looking for the Right Plastic Surgeon?

An effective way to minimize your risk is to ask the following questions when selecting a Plastic Surgeon:

Is the doctor "Board Certified"? A five-year residency is required by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Has the doctor applied to a hospital's review board for surgical privileges? If the answer is no, it may mean the doctor's credentials are sub-standard.
Don't choose a doctor based on price alone. Low fees may mean the doctor is cutting corners on treatment, or expensive life-saving drugs and equipment.