Upland Laser Dermatology

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Tips on How to Look Your Best on Zoom đŸ’»

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If you’re like the majority of us, by now you are very well acquainted with the ever-popular Zoom virtual call. Most likely you’ve spent several hours in the last few months on Zoom for meetings, classes, happy hours, and family gatherings. With virtual meetings becoming more and more regular for working professional and distant learner students, we may as well optimize how our skin looks on camera. Why rely on good lighting and filters to make your skin glow on screen when you could just follow a few of these simple steps to putting your best face forward on Zoom. 
STEP 1: WEAR NIGHT CREAM
The first thing you should do is set your skin up for morning success the night before. After cleansing your skin before bed, apply a good quality night cream on your face, neck, and dĂ©colletĂ©. This will rejuvenate your skins’ appearance, tone, and texture, creating a good skin base in the morning. We recommend West Dermatology Enriched Night Cream.
STEP 2: CLEANSER
After you wake up fresh and rejuvenated, you’ll want to start taking on the day by using your face cleanser on your skin. This will wash away the night cream, and any oil and sweat that could have collected while you slept. This necessary step will get your skin prepped for your daytime skincare routine and will help the products absorb better. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser for a gentle clean that wont dry out or irritate the skin.
STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM
Next you’ll want to apply an antioxidant rich face serum. This is an important step in protecting your skin against environmental and UV damage. Vitamin C serums are a great choice and are key in brightening up your complexion and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Hello face glow! Your skin will love SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant vitamin C serum.
STEP 4: EYE CREAM
Moisturizing the skin around your eyes comes next. Eyes are the window to the soul and the first thing people see on your zoom calls so you’ll want to ensure that your eyes look bright and youthful. Opt for a rich eye cream that will improve the look of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. We recommend Skinmedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream.
STEP 5: MOISTURIZER
When reaching for your moisturizer, make sure you’re using one that is lightweight since you don’t want to add extra shine to the already unforgiving video camera. Apply to your entire face, neck and dĂ©colletĂ© to create instant vibrance and glow. We recommend EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer.
STEP 6: PROTECT! APPLY SPF
Finish off your routine with some good old-fashioned SPF. You know this is our #1 tip always! You’ll still want to apply SPF even when you’re indoors and near windows because glass does not block out UVA rays that can cause skin aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation. You can even opt for a tinted version that will act as a foundation and cover up discoloration and even skin tone. We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA RepairsomesÂź.
*BONUS TIP*: PROTECT AGAINST BLUE LIGHT
One more special tip to add to your ‘look amazing on Zoom’ skincare routine – give your skin one more added boost of protection against the blue light that you’re exposed to while on video calls. Long-term blue light exposure can cause skin discoloration, inflammation, and weakening of the skin’s surface. We recommend this Lumivive two step system by SkinMedica. Swap out your daily serum for this Day Damage Defense Serum and before applying your night cream at night, liberally apply the Night Revitalize Repair Complex.
Starting with a great skincare base is key here to look your best on Zoom! Once you’ve got that down, you can follow with your makeup and hair routine to finish off your look. If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists, click here. 
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

Do You Have ‘Maskne’ & Skin Irritations From Your Face Mask?

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Whether you’re on a grocery store run, or an essential healthcare worker wearing protective gear for hours on end (thank you!), you may be noticing a skin reaction known as mask acne, or “maskne,” that could look like redness, irritation, or pimples around your cheeks, mouth and jawline. Since masks are necessary in the effort to reduce the spread of C-19, the only thing we can do to give our skin some well-deserved relief is to follow these guidelines suggested by a few of our board-certified dermatologists. 
But first, WHAT IS ‘MASK-NE’?
Mask-ne is a new term that refers to the acne, skin irritation and redness that is caused from wearing a face mask. “Acne that occurs under the face mask results from pressure of the mask on the skin,’ said Dr. Jessica Riley, a West Derm board-certified dermatologist. “This process clogs pores and creates a unique environment for bacteria to flourish.” To say ‘Goodbye’ to pesky mask-ne, try some of these tips below:
BE SELECTIVE WHEN CHOOSING YOUR MASK
Make sure you’re choosing your daily mask wisely. Pay extra close attention to the material / fabric that it’s made from because this could be an indicator of how likely you are to develop mask-ne. Choosing a more breathable fabric, like 100% cotton, will lessen the chance of sweating as much and trapping unwanted oil and bacteria, which can cause breakouts. Also make sure to regularly clean your mask with hot water and air or tumble dry.
AVOID USING A LOT OF MAKEUP
Makeup can always be a potential skin irritant, depending on your skin type. But adding in another factor, like a face mask, can cause even more irritation because it traps oxygen and doesn’t allow the skin to properly breathe. “There’s really no need to wear lower face make-up under a mask,” said Dr. Mitchel Goldman, West Derm Medical Director. “Give your skin a breather and just apply to your eyes.” This will also help your makeup supply last longer. Why waste makeup under your mask when no one can see it anyways, right?
STREAMLINE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Now is a great time to simplify your skincare routine and go back to basics. Air flow is restricted under that mask and causes stagnant air, which creates the perfect recipe for sweat and oil to clog up your pores and cause acne. For that reason, it’s still important to cleanse & protect your skin barrier with cleanser and moisturizer. “To cleanse the skin, use a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser or micellar solution,” said Dr. Riley. “And when choosing a moisturizer, make sure it is ‘non-comedogenic’, meaning it will not further clog pores.” You can also incorporate some acne treatment specific products as well. ‘If trying to treat your acne at home, avoid topical steroid creams as this can thin the skin, promote new blood vessels and cause acne breakouts,” said Dr Goldman. We recommend our West Derm 4-Step Acne Treatment Kit, with proven acne-fighting ingredients.
STILL WEAR SUNSCREEN!
We can’t preach this enough, and this is always our #1 tip! Make sure you are still wearing sunscreen all over your face because sun rays can still get past the mask fabric. Pay extra close attention to the exposed skin on your forehead and around the mask. Always wear an SPF of 50 or higher and try to wear added layers of protection when out in the sun, like sunglasses and a hat. Take it from us, you probably want to avoid getting funny looking tan lines of a mask outline on your face. Just sayin’! 😉 Check out our favorite sunscreens available to ship directly to you here.
If you’re still experiencing maske and irritation after following the above tips, or have any questions, give us a call and make your appointment today. Our board-certified dermatologists can assist you with putting together a specialized skincare regime specific to your skincare needs.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

5 Summer Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin!

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For many, summer is the best time of the year with its long days, endless bbq’s, and time underneath the sun. With all the fun we’re having outdoors and getting our tan on, we need to be extra cautious of our skin health and make sure that we’re still moisturizing and protecting with SPF. 
Warmer temps do bring on more sweating and oily skin which can cause breakouts, so you may be wondering, ‘should I really be wearing moisturizer when it’s 95 degrees outside and my face feels oily?’ The answer is yes! Read on to learn more about summer skincare tips and how to keep your skin healthy this season (without that extra unwanted shine!) 
Make some adjustments to your skincare regime
Just like you wouldn’t wear thick, heavy clothing from colder months right now, you won’t want to use heavy skincare products either because it could just weigh your skin down and add more oil than you want. So lighten up your routine
instead of using thick, heavy cream cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens, opt for more gentle options like a foaming cleanser or lightweight moisturizer. 
Don’t stop moisturizing
Even though summer brings on heat and humidity, you don’t want to completely stop moisturizing. FYI, that extra layer of sweat on your face does NOT count as moisturizer! You still want to follow cleansing with a moisturizer because it protects your skin from harmful pollutants and prevents further dryness. We recommend lightweight moisturizers like SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal.
Introduce an antioxidant rich serum to your routine
Investing in a high-grade antioxidant serum (containing vitamin or polyphenols) is great year round but even more important in the summer months. Vitamin C helps improve the appearance of fine line which can be caused by sun damage. It also helps combat inflammation, prevents hyperpigmentation and helps with collagen production. Rub in a few drops into your skin after cleansing and before your moisturizer. We recommend SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum.
Slow down on exfoliation
Continue exfoliating in the summer but keep to a minimum, one to two times a week because exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity and irritate sunburned skin even more. You’ll still want to exfoliate to get rid of pore-cloggers such as pollution, humidity, SPF, and sweat but instead of using irritating scrubs, opt for gentler options like foaming cleansers or a cleanser with gentle exfoliants like SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
The most important tip of all is to always make sure you’re wearing sunscreen! Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and, if you’re in the sun, don’t forget to apply every few hours everywhere, including your hands, feet, ears, and lips. We love EltaMD’s UV Daily Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen w/ SPF 40, either the Tinted version OR Non-Tinted version. Both are amazing and will protect your skin all summer long!
 
If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our West Dermatology dermatologists, click here. 
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

How to Perform a Skin Check on Yourself

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Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that if caught early, can be treated, including melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. In addition to your yearly skin evaluation with a dermatologist, another important key in prevention and successful treatment is performing a personal skin exam. When the disease is found early, the survival rate is an amazing 99%.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you perform a skin check monthly to help identify any changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. If you do find something atypical, it’s important you see one of our board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology, who are specialists in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. They can then conduct a more thorough exam to determine whether or not the abnormality is potentially harmful.

Learn What to Look for with Skin Cancer

First, don’t be alarmed if you find a mole or two (or more). A normal mole is smooth to the touch and has a consistent color, be it brown, black, or tan. It has a consistent border, as well, and is oval or round, and it could have a flat or raised profile.
 
An irregular mole that you should have checked more comprehensively has an irregular shape or jagged border. It’s rough to the touch and is often a combination of colors: various shades of brown throughout the lesion or a mixture of red, white, and/or blue.
 
In addition, be aware of new spots or lesions, or look for older ones that have changed in color, shape, size, or texture. Furthermore, be on the lookout for atypical sores, lumps, or blemishes, especially ones that crust over, bleed, itch, ooze, and itch as well as cause pain or are tender to the touch.
 

What You’ll Need to Perform a Skin Check

 
Although you can adequately perform a skin check any time, doing so at shower or bath time, is convenient, as you’ll already be naked. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after, but looking at as much skin as possible is a must. If available, enlist the help of a partner, as a second pair of eyes is always a good idea to make sure nothing is missed, particularly on the scalp or back.
 
Here’s what else you should use:
 
  • A good, bright light
  • A full-length mirror
  • A hand mirror
  • Two chairs and/or stools
  • A brush and/or hairdryer
 

The Simple Step-by-Step Skin Check Process

 

  1. Facing the full-length mirror, examine your lips, nose, mouth, forehead, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, underarms, hands, palms, between the fingers, the fronts of the thighs, and the shins. If you’re a woman, lift up your breasts to check the undersides.
  2. Continue by bending your elbows to examine your forearms and the backs of your upper arms.
  3. Standing with your back to the full-length mirror and using the hand mirror, inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back, and any part of your upper arms that you could not clearly view earlier.
  4. Continue in this position by scanning your lower back, buttocks, and the upper part of the back of your legs.
  5. Check your scalp by parting your hair – with a brush and/or hairdryer, if necessary â€“ as well as around and behind your ears.
  6. While sitting on a stool or chair, prop your feet up and check the backs of your calves as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet, including between the toes.
  7. Finally, still sitting, use the hand mirror to examine your genitalia and any parts of the buttocks or upper legs you may have missed.
 

Contact West Dermatology for a More Comprehensive Skin Check

 
If you find an irregularity or skin change that cannot be explained, contact the skin cancer experts at West Dermatology immediately to schedule a full, comprehensive skin exam. In addition to performing your skin check monthly, it’s important to schedule an annual skin check with our dermatologists. Don’t wait – it could save your life.

MYTH OR FACT: Does the sun clear acne? ☀

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There are many benefits to the sun. It can lift our mood, help create vitamin D which is essential for healthy and strong bones, and according to many people, it helps with acne. Unfortunately for the sun bakers out there, this is outright wrong as sunlight can actually trigger a particular variety of acne known as Acne Aestivalis, more commonly known as Mallorcan Acne. And while you may not care about the formal names of this reaction, what you should know is that it darkens the appearance of acne scars, or hyperpigmentation.  GASP! This may come as a shock to you if you grew up listening to a mother or grandmother tell you that the sun in fact does help with acne. 
 
Why did people get it wrong?
The reason people believe the sun helps with acne is that the sun deposits different wavelengths of light. Some of these wavelengths can help acne, however, they are accompanied by harmful rays that not only darken and worsen the appearance of acne, but also other components that cause skin cancer and other negative side effects. Overall, overexposure to the sun far outweighs the temporary affect the sun CAN have on acne, but most of the time does not.
So what on earth can I do about acne?!
If you are going into panic mode thinking of all the time you have spent in the sun trying to clear pesky acne spots, fear not! Instead, you can visit one of our board-certified dermatologists who can assess your acne in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you and your skin type. We’ll find a solution for you without all the troublesome side-effects.
Schedule your visit today and we will have you taken care of in no time!
Yours in good health,
A Family of Dermatology Practices

Help Your Teen Eliminate Acne đŸš«đŸ”Ž

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For a teenager, no time of year holds more promise than summer, when they have longer days and fewer responsibilities. They treasure the chance to relax, watching hours of TV or hanging out at the beach with their friends. Still, there’s one little assignment we’d like to suggest for this summer — and that is banishing acne and uncovering clearer skin!
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 85 percent of people between 12 and 24 have some form of acne. That’s a lot of self-conscious young adults for whom small changes could make a big difference. Teenagers can start clearing up their skin with a basic anti-acne regimen: a gentle cleanser, a salicylic acid or retinol serum, and a lightweight moisturizer. We recommend clinical brands like EltaMD and SkinCeuticals.
Fortunately, summer is the perfect time for a teenager to try a new skin care routine or treatment. They won’t have to go to school if they experience a skin purge—the phenomenon where acne gets worse before it gets better. Better yet, they’ll have a clear complexion in time for the school year, so they can truly have a fresh start.
When your teenager has already tried every skin care product at the drugstore, it can seem as though their acne is here to stay. It’s a discouraging feeling! If you’ve tried all the low-hanging fruit, or you’re tired of waiting for results, then it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist.
What can dermatologists do for acne sufferers that nobody else can? For one thing, practitioners like ours can work with teenagers to create a personalized skin care routine, complete with medical-grade skincare products. We can also do targeted in-office procedures, like laser treatments or chemical peels. These procedures are safe and nonsurgical, and they usually involve little to no pain. After a 1-3 treatments, our patients walk out the door feeling prouder of the face they show to the world, and that’s priceless!
For at-home care, we recommend this West Dermatology Acne Clearing Regime for a clearer complexion:
  • CLEANSE – Gly / Sal 2-2 Foaming Cleanser $32: This specially formulated oily skin cleanser delivers ultra pure glycolic acid and salicylic acid USP, 2% for gently cleansing acne prone and oily skin.
  • CLEANSE MEDICATED – Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Wash w/ Aloe Vera $22.50: a therapeutic cleanser containing a combination of benzoyl peroxide USP 10% with soothing aloe vera gel for the treatment of acne.
  • TONE – Gly / Sal 5-2 Pads $26.50: Salicylic acid USP, and glycolic acid are used in combination with hydrating ingredients in these easy-to-use pads to promote exfoliation, control oil, reduce breakouts and clogged pores. They help enhance skin clarity and are pH balanced.
  • TREAT – Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel $18: This gel is the perfect spot treatment utilizing the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide USP, 2.5%.
We can’t wait to make a difference for your child’s skin—and self-image. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an in-clinic or TeleDerm visit for treatment, or click HERE to schedule your appointment today!
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

Father’s Day Ultimate Gift Guide! 🎁

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June is an important month, not only is it Men’s Health Month but it’s also time to celebrate all the dads we know and love out there with Father’s Day.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your Dad, make his day special and help him maintain his skin health with one of these products from our Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide. All can be found on our very own online skincare shop and can be shipped straight to your front door just in time for June 21st.
FEATURED PRODUCTS FOR MEN
1) SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser $35: pore-refining gel cleanses, exfoliates, and soothes normal, combination, or oily skin. SHOP NOW
2) SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum (NEW): perfect all-in-one product with no fragrance. Launches Monday, 6/15. SHOP PRE-SALE
3) West Dermatology Gly / Sal 2-2 Pads $26: Smooths complexion, promotes exfoliation, controls breakouts and clogged pores. Perfect for post-workouts. SHOP NOW
4) Isdin Sunscreen Eryfotona Actinica $50: with DNA Repairsomes. This is a great broad-spectrum light-weight sunscreen for all day use, every day. SHOP NOW
Don’t forget to schedule your skin check!
With June being Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm appointment today!

Now Offering Telehealth Visits!đŸ“±

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At West Dermatology, our mission is to serve our patients to the best of our ability each and every day. This is why, for your convenience and peace of mind, we are now (virtually) coming to you and offering Telehealth visits! 
From the comfort of your own home, you can now ask our board-certified dermatologists questions, show your skin concerns right through your device and chat about treatment options.
APPOINTMENTS: same-day and next-day appointments are available.
We can address the following skin concerns via Telehealth:
Dry Skin; Acne; Psoriasis; Skin Rash; Rosacea; Scalp Issues; Skin Cancer; Nail Problems; Complexion Concerns; Moles; Warts; and so much more!
INSURANCE INFORMATION: patient responsibility for co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance will be requested at time of appointment check in.
WHAT YOU NEED: All you need is a device with audio and video capabilities.
IN-OFFICE VISITS: are still available for essential or emergency care only but we are always available via phone or email for any urgent issues or follow-up questions.
If you have any questions about how the process of your Telehealth visit works, please do not hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to explain. Schedule your Telehealth appointment today and we’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team

Screen Your Skin during Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a favorite way to honor the occasion…by SCREENING OUR SKIN!
DID YOU KNOW?
A 15-minute skin check could save your life? Early cancer detection leads to prevention so we’re encouraging you to screen your skin this month, because healthy skin is always in.
Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm skin check today!

How to Pick the Best Sunscreen ☀đŸ’Ș

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As summer temperatures rise and you spend more time outside, you’ll probably want to keep a tube of sunscreen or one of the newer sunscreen powders in your gym bag or glove compartment. If you pop into any makeup counter, drugstore, or grocery store, you’re likely to see at least a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose!
That’s why we’re going over the sunscreen basics and listing some of our favorite formulas. With this handy email, you can figure out what works best for you and avoid getting burned.
First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen. Physical sunscreens deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The old versions used to feel thick and sometimes leave a white cast on the skin. Newer versions of microniadized zinc and titanium feel great, are not thick and do not leave a white sheen on your skin.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays and make them less harmful. These formulas blend invisibly into skin. The drawback is that the chemicals in sunscreen may be absorbed in minute quantities when applied in large amounts every 2 hours. This has recently gotten some bad press but there’s no conclusive proof that they’re harmful. Still, pregnant women, young children, and cautious types may want to go for physical sunscreen.
If you already know which type of sunscreen you prefer, you may be wondering: Which brand is the best? We’re glad you asked!
> For your face and body, try ISDIN- Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin it absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup, doesn’t smell like SPF, is made with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, as well as an ingredient that helps repair previous sun damage.
> We also love ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 for your face, or Total Defense and Repair from SkinMedica.
> For your lips, EltaMD’s UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31 neutralizes free radicals with antioxidants and offers both physical and chemical sun protection.
> For on-the-go, grab an ISDIN Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.
> For when you’re exercising or going swimming, make sure you reapply even a “waterproof” sunscreen every two hours
Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing and scheduling an annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin all summer long!
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team