In our relentless pursuit of healthy and beautiful skin, skincare has become an integral part of our daily routines. Amidst the myriad of ingredients and products available, one skincare superhero stands out – ceramides. These tiny lipid molecules play an indispensable role in maintaining the skin's well-being and radiance. From battling dryness to safeguarding against environmental aggressors, ceramides act as the ultimate defenders of our skin's health. If you're curious about the secret behind achieving a radiant complexion and want to discover the key to unlocking your skin's potential, join us on this fascinating journey as we delve into the world of ceramides – your skin's new best friend. Prepare to be amazed by the wonders these tiny molecules can work, as we uncover the science and beauty behind ceramides in skincare. Get ready to revolutionize your skincare routine and embrace the true power of ceramides.

Every day you risk your life as a first responder in order to protect the community you serve. Even while you may be ready for the physical risks of the job, skin cancer is one risk that you might not have considered. For first responders, exposure to the sun's dangerous UV rays poses a serious occupational risk, and skin cancer risk is substantially higher in this line of work.This blog post will cover the significance of protecting yourself against skin cancer while out on the line and offer helpful advice to lower your risk. By taking the necessary precautions, you can continue to serve your community while also protecting your health. 

Sunscreen functions by blocking, reflecting, or scattering the harmful UV rays of the sun, which can damage your skin and raise your chance of developing skin cancer. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause early aging and contribute to the growth of skin cancer by penetrating deeply into the skin. Sunburns are caused by UVB radiation, which are also linked to skin cancer.

During these unprecedented times many normal daily routines are shifting.  One of these changes includes many more people, healthcare workers, first responders and the general public, wearing masks and face coverings on a daily basis.  While masks are integral in preventing the spread of viruses and illness, their routine use can lead to undesirable side effects including irritation, dermatitis, and acne.  The irritation that arises from wearing a tight-fitting mask can cause discomfort, itch, skin breakdown, and bruising. 

During a national health emergency to prevent the spread of disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended frequent hand washing with soap and water and using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not feasible.  While frequent handwashing is very important in preventing the spread of viral disease, it can often lead to hand irritation, dryness, and itching (dermatitis). Hand dermatitis is often caused by irritation from over-washing, which leads to dry, cracked, itchy skin.  Other products and exposures that may cause hand dermatitis include triple antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin), nickel sensitivity, latex sensitivity, or allergy to ingredients in certain moisturizers. 

Skin cancer is THE most common form of cancer in mankind.  In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.  Skin cancer rates continue to rise, and some proven contributing factors are cumulative sun exposure, inadequate sun protection and sunscreen use, tanning bed use, and a history of sunburns.

 

Melasma is a common problem that causes discoloration and brown patches on the skin.  It is especially common in women, and commonly develops during or after pregnancy, or with hormonal treatments like birth control pills, because female hormones are thought to contribute to melasma development. However, hormones alone are usually not enough to cause melasma.  Sun exposure and sometimes heat exposure combined with hormones make melasma worse and more prevalent.  There is also sometimes a vascular component to melasma where blood vessels near the skin surface make the pigment more noticeable. 

A dermatologist may sometimes take a sample of a skin mole for a biopsy because of its unusual features, a patient’s symptoms or health history. Fortunately, most moles are not melanoma (a type of skin cancer). However, patients are commonly told they have an atypical mole, or atypical nevus, after a biopsy.

A question I often get from patients is whether they should stop their blood thinner before surgery.  The answer is almost always no -- do no stop your prescribed blood thinner.  This is especially important for patients with a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots.

While the best way to deal with a sunburn is to not get one, it does happen.  Sometimes, it even happens when sunscreen is used but not applied or re-applied properly.

Sunburn is your body’s inflammatory response to skin damage caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. High doses of UV, especially UVB, cause DNA mutations that usually lead to cellular death. The death of skin cells is why people may blister or peel after a sunburn.