Archive for January, 2010
iPhone a Treatment for Acne? There’s an App for That.
A Houston based dermatologist is the mastermind behind the new AcneApp, an iphone application that was designed to help treat and/or eliminate your acne. The new app was inspired by professional acne light treatments, sometimes known as blue light therapy that uses light energy to kill the bacteria that causes acne.
The AcneApp, is supposedly a mini version of traditional acne light therapy, and alternately emits blue and red lights to kill acne bacteria and ultimately clear up zits. The app recommends use of the “light therapy” at least two minutes per day.
Does the acne light app really work? In our opinion, no. The laser and light energy used in professional acne light treatments are much more powerful than those that would be emitted from a cell phone light bulb covered by a blue or red screen. So far, the FDA agrees with us and has not validated nor even investigated these claims.
If you have a real acne problem, you should make an appointment with a board certified dermatologist, and not rely on a blinking cell phone app to cure the problem. Any of the dermatologists at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta will be happy to meet with you and develop a treatment plan most suitable for your needs.
Become a Fan of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta on Facebook!
Become a fan of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta on Facebook!
Why? Not only will Dermatology Associates of Atlanta post links to interesting health/ dermatology news and information related to better skin health, but as a fan, you will be privy to exclusive specials not available to the general public! Fans of DAA can enter into contests/drawing for gift certificates and complimentary services or receive special discounts on our most popular procedures. Becoming a fan is also an easy way to ask our dermatologists and experienced staff any questions you may have via the wall and/or discussion page! Even if you are not a facebook user, the DAA fan page is public, meaning you can click on the link below and still view our page. The Dermatology Associates of Atlanta fan page is the ultimate resource for DAA specials, dermatological news, skin care tips and more! We invite you to become a fan and invite your friends… and as always, we thank you for your support!
Click here to access Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s fan page.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Discuss Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
More and more people are opting for hair removal and turning to laser hair removal and electrolysis. But, what are the differences between these popular methods and which is the best option for you? Dermatology Associates of Atlanta gives a rundown of the pros and cons of each:
Laser hair removal involves the use of a hand-held laser device that emits light energy beams onto the treated area. The light beam targets dark coloring (of the hair) and works to impair the hair follicle, destroying growth, and causing the hair strands to fall out within the following two weeks. Because laser hair removal targets dark pigment, this method works best on people with light skin and dark hair. Hair that is too light may not be picked up on; and skin that is too dark may be negatively affected by the laser, and in some cases, result in scarring.
Laser hair removal treatments are relatively fast (about 20-30 minutes to treat the underarms). Because hair grows in three different cycles, 4 to 5 sessions will be needed to achieve optimal results. Patients will experience some mild pain during treatment – feeling like the snapping of a rubber band on the skin. However local anesthesia may be requested and the pain does not last longer after the procedure.
While laser hair removal is FDA approved for hair reduction, it is not approved for permanent removal. While most patients are very happy with their results, the results are not always 100 percent, especially with light or fine hair.
Electrolysis, on the other hand, is a method of removal using a needle, which is inserted into the hair follicle and sends a current of electricity into each individual follicle to destroy its growth. While this sounds painful, it is usually described as a mild discomforting pricking sensation when performed by a skilled electrologist. Unlike laser hair removal, electrolysis can be used on any color hair or skin type, even blond and gray hair. Because each individual follicle is treated during a session, electrolysis takes longer that laser hair removal and requires more overall sessions (anywhere from 15 to 30) to achieve maximum results.
Electrolysis is also the only FDA approved treatment for permanent hair removal and can even be 100 percent effective on the light and fine hair that a laser misses.
While both methods of hair removal have their pros and cons, it is best to talk with a certified electrologist to decided which method is the best option for you and your skin/hair type. Jan Buckley, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s in-house electrologist, is certified in clinical electrology and is a graduate of the International Center for the Study of Electrology. Visit our website for more information or to set up a consultation.
What Your New Year’s Resolutions SHOULD Be to Maintain Healthy Skin
Every New Year people make resolutions to lose weight, quit smoking, and save money. But almost everyone neglects their skin health when making promises to themselves for the New Year. For 2010, considering making better skin care part of your improved lifestyle. Here are some “Skin Resolutions” you should considering adopting as we ring in the New Year:
Wear Sunscreen! Many of us remember to slab on the SPF while laying out on the beach, or relaxing at the pool, but neglect to think about dangerous sun exposure on an everyday basis. When you are exposed to the sun, you should be wearing sunscreen – even if it is cloudy, even when it is cold. An easy way to start wearing sunscreen regularly is to buy a skin moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply lotion to your face and body after you get out of the shower in the morning like you normally would, except with a new SPF lotion, you will now also be protecting your skin from sun damage.
Get your moles checked! We know you have been putting it off, but the New Year is as good a time as ever to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists and get a full body check. Being proactive about your skin health will help dermatologists to catch any problem areas early. In the event of a cancerous lesion detection, your skin cancer diagnosis and treatment will be so much better if it is dealt with in the early stages.
Develop a skin care plan specific to you! In the midst of our busy lives, oftentimes our everyday skin care gets put on the backburner. But everyone’s skin is different and needs different products and treatments to make it as beautiful and as healthy as possible. Make an appointment with a dermatologist or one of Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s experienced staff members. Whether you have blotchy skin, oily skin, dry skin, or acne – there is a solution to finally give you skin confidence!
Pamper yourself! Dermatology Associates of Atlanta has an in-house Medical Spa called Skin Medics™ to take care of all your skin care needs. Everyone feels more confident with smoother, healthy looking skin, so treat yourself to a chemical peel, facial, or microdermabraison treatment to maintain healthy, youthful looking skin.
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