Get Summer Ready Skin, From Head To Toe

By Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD

Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center

. http://www.visagederm.com/

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Get Summer Ready Skin, From Head To Toe

It is officially spring, but as winter continues to linger, so do its many associated skin conditions – eczema, xerosis (dry skin), and dry hair.

Whether you have natural or relaxed you may need to hair deep condition, moisturize, and get regular trims. If you are experiencing thinning hair, scalp tenderness, or shedding more hair than usual, make an appointment with your dermatologist for a hair loss evaluation.

If you have facial concerns, whether it's acne, hyperpigmentation (dark spots) left behind from an acne flare, light spots, melasma (the mask of pregnancy which is, however, also common in men), or dry skin there is hope.

The instigating inflammatory process should be addressed first. Hyperpigmentation treatment is accelerated dramatically by the addition of prescription skin bleaching agents, chemical peels, laser treatments for complexion blending, and topical retinoids.

Lentigines (sun spots/liver spots/age spots) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, all require the use of sunscreens to prevent further darkening. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 for daily use all year round is recommended. For dry skin, a moisturizing sunscreen is even better. For patients requiring a little more moisture, hyaluronic-acid containing moisturizers are recommended.

If rosacea is your issue, then sunscreen use is essential. Add a topical prescription retinoid and you've made a BFF. An Nd YAG laser and broad based light therapy (BBL) can also address the facial and neck erythema (redness) associated with rosacea.

Some great over-the counter products for dry skin include Dove soap or body wash, Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash, Eucerin Calming Body Wash with lipids and natural Omega oils. If you must have fragrance, Lever 2000 soap is an alternative. Refrain from using antibacterial soaps (unless you were advised to use them for a specific condition) as they are drying to the skin.

Emollients are essential. Vaseline (white petrolatum), as inelegant as it may seem, is one of the best moisturizers. Aquaphor, a thicker white petrolatum, is also an excellent alternative. Curel Ultra Healing, Aveeno Eczema therapy, Aveeno Skin Relief, or Vanicream Skin Cream (for sensitive skin) are also recommended. Biotin and moisturization are also beneficial for dry, brittle nails.

For rough elbows and heels, salt or sugar scrubs in the shower or bath are good exfoliants. For added exfoliation, a pumice stone or pedicure foot paddle may be used. Glytone Ultra Heal and Elbow Cream is also recommended. It has an alpha hydroxyl acid (glycolic acid) and really softens the skin.

Be healthy, be happy, feel terrific!