Dermatology News
Our February Vein Center Specials Have Been Extended!
Right now you can buy 2 microdermabrasion treatments at our Atlanta Center for Veins and receive the 3rd treatment 50% OFF. Microdermabrasion works to exfoliate the facial skin for a brighter, healthier complexion. Check out the flyer below for more details.
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Simple Skincare: Maximizing Skin Health with a Few Easy Steps
For those with no serious skin conditions, skincare can be something that often falls to the wayside when schedules get busy during the holiday season. However, even if you don’t suffer from rosacea or acne and aren’t ready for wrinkle treatments, it’s important to take care of your skin now to prevent future issues like the signs of aging or even skin cancer. There are four main steps to maintaining healthy skin: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.
Cleanse: Choose a cleanser that works with your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, normal), and wash your skin once or twice a day with warm water. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin, and washing in very hot or cold water can cause broken capillaries or visible facial veins. Those with dry skin should choose a creamy cleanser, and oily-skinned individuals should opt for a clear cleanser. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it with a makeup remover before going to bed to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up in your pores.
Exfoliate: In order to protect you from outside elements, your skin is constantly regenerating new skin cells. However, sometimes dead skin cells don’t slough off as easily as they should. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Using a gentle scrub with small polishing particles, lightly rub the face in a circular motion working from the inside out.
Each person’s exfoliation schedule depends on his or her skin type. Those with more sensitive facial skin may need to stick to weekly exfoliation, while those with more durable or oily skin may exfoliate more often. The key to exfoliation is gentleness. Remember that the exfoliation process is supposed to leave the skin healthier afterward, not irritated and red.
Moisturize: There are multiple moisturizers on the market that work well for individuals of all different skin types. Cleansing the face removes any dirt or oil that could clog pores, but it also often strips the skin of its natural moisturizing and protective oils. By applying the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type, your skin can replenish the oils eliminated by the cleanser and protect itself from outside elements.
Apply Sunscreen: Of all the skincare steps one should take, applying daily sunscreen is the most important. The main cause of wrinkles is unprotected sun exposure. UV rays hasten the aging process, breaking down the support structure behind the skin creating lax tissue that makes us look older than we are. A simple daily application of a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen on facial skin can help prevent advanced signs of aging as well as skin cancer. There are currently many moisturizers on the market that include SPF for a combination of the last two steps.
Skincare is often much simpler than people think. A quick 4-step regimen takes less than 10 minutes to complete and sets you up for healthy skin now and in the future. Our Skin Medics™ Medical Spa can formulate an easy skincare program catered toward your age and skin type.
For individuals who may suffer from dermatological problems like psoriasis or eczema and need more than a simple skincare regimen, we recommend you make an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists. We can also offer information on our other services like vein removal, laser tattoo removal, facial rejuvenation, and treatment of other skin conditions.
You can keep up with DAA’s latest news on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Study Emphasizes Sun Protection over Water Consumption for Beautiful Skin
We’ve all heard that drinking 8 glasses of water a day keeps your skin glowing and dewy. However, a recent investigation by the British Nutrition Foundation found that protecting your skin from the sun along with maintaining a healthy diet is much more important in achieving a healthy complexion and fighting the signs of aging.
While drinking water is important as part of adequate nutrition, forcing down 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated may not be necessary. According to the BNF, “There currently appears to be very little scientific evidence relating to the effects of water consumption on skin hydration, and whether drinking more or less water actually has any impact on skin appearance.” Instead, eating a healthy range of fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, B, C, and E and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day are better actions to prevent wrinkles and fine lines.
Unprotected sun exposure is a proven cause of skin cancer as well as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. This is one reason that legislation in California was recently passed that banned teens under 18 from tanning salons even if they had their parents’ permission. Sun exposure breaks down the support structures in the skin speeding up the aging process and producing fine lines and sunspots.
While it’s still important to regularly drink water, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta encourages our patients to take further measures to ensure the health of their skin and postpone the signs of aging from appearing.
For more information on anti-aging, skin cancer prevention or treatment, skincare, or dermatology contact us. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter with the latest in dermatology news and updates!
Women and Men Get Skin Cancer Checks for Different Reasons
As the seasons change, we like to remind our patients that fall is the time we recommend our skin cancer body check. The Archives of Dermatology reported that in a survey of patients, men and women seek skin cancer screenings for very different reasons. Women are more likely to schedule skin cancer body checks after noticing a change in skin lesions, due to a family history of skin cancer and sun exposure. Men, on the other hand, most often attend skin cancer screenings much later in life after being prompted by a female spouse or family member or after a previous skin cancer diagnosis.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Evidence shows that while family history does play a part, extended unprotected sun exposure (including time spent in tanning beds) is a recognized cause of skin cancer, and that early detection is an important key in catching signs of pre-cancers.
While it seems as though women are seeking skin cancer screenings for the right reasons, it is still important to do so in a timely manner. The median age of women in the survey was around 53 years old. The truth is that people of any age should seek a skin cancer body check if they notice any troubling change in their skin texture or tone. Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancer that is most often found in commonly sun damaged areas like the face, top of the shoulders, and arms. These actinic keratoses are characterized by red, rough, and scaly spots of skin that become rough, and almost even tender when rubbed.
If left undetected and/or untreated, actinic keratosis can lead to one of three kinds of skin cancer including squamous and basal cell carcinoma as well as melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma appears as irritated, scaly patches of skin, while basal cell carcinoma is characterized by raised, smooth bumps around the head, neck, or shoulders. Sometimes it can look like a sore that never heals. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer and most often looks like a darker brown or black lesion. Actinic keratoses may seem harmless because they aren’t cancer, but if patients go too long without treatment, they can turn into basal or squamous cell carcinomas and even melanoma.
Though it’s the most serious form of skin cancer, it’s important to know that melanoma can be 100% curable if detected early.
Monitor your skin for changes in moles including changes in shape, size, elevation, and color. To help with at-home monitoring of potential skin cancers, we often tell our patients to look for the ABCDE’s when checking any moles or suspicious lesions:
- Asymmetry
- Borders (irregularities)
- Color (changes)
- Diameter (bigger than a pencil eraser)
- Evolving over time
During a medical skin cancer body check, your dermatologist will carefully examine your skin for any curious moles or lesions. If you have any concerns, it’s best to address them with your doctor, and he or she can track any new or existing moles from year to year to measure any growth or other changes.
If necessary, your dermatologist may recommend a treatment option based on any existing pre-cancers or cancers he or she finds. For example, photodynamic therapy uses laser light to destroy cancerous tissues, while cryosurgery uses extreme cold to eliminate abnormal cells and pre-cancers.
Skin cancer screenings are a short, painless prevention measure that can help individuals of any age recognize the signs and symptoms of skin cancer. The survey published in the Archives of Dermatology demonstrates that women are ahead of men in terms of staying on top of skin cancer checks. Regardless of age, sex, or sun exposure habits, it’s important to track your yearly skin changes.
Contact us for more information on Dermatology Associates of Atlanta and to schedule your skin cancer body check. You can also stay up-to-date on our news and events by “Liking” us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
Mark Your Calendar for Our Spooktacular Cosmetic Day!
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta invites you to spend this Halloween (Monday, October 31st) at our Skin Medics Medical Spa‘s Cosmetic Day Spooktacular event for one day only savings on dermal injectables, laser skin treatments, and skincare products.
Discounts will only be valid for procedures scheduled or completed on Cosmetic Day, so mark your calendar to join us! Make sure to take some time out of your busy Halloween day to take advantage of our offers on Botox®, Juvederm®, Radiesse®, and more!
To stay up-to-date on events like the Cosmetic Day Spooktacular and DAA’s most recent news, “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.
Save the Date for Skin Medics Medical Spa Peel Day October 25th
As the saying goes, beauty is only skin deep. However, the truth is that healthy, glowing skin is often actually just below the surface. Chemical peels can bring out your most beautiful skin by removing the dull, dead outer layers of skin, smoothing and evening out skin tone and texture. Now is the perfect time to try a chemical peel if you never have, or to come back for your favorite peel with Skin Medics™ Medical Spa’s Peel Day.
Join us October 25th from 7am to 4pm for great specials on our most popular chemical peels. A $125 reservation fee gets you a free Vitalize Peel® ($150 value) and credit toward select SkinMedica® Pre-Made Regimens and products (a $200-750 value). The Vitalize Peel® improves skin tone and texture while reducing fine lines for a youthful glow with little recovery time.
With a $200 reservation, you will receive a free Rejuvenize Peel™ (worth $250) and credit toward select SkinMedica® Pre-Made Regimens and products (a $200-750 value). The Rejuvenize Peel™ works deep within the skin to alleviate the appearance of skin conditions like acne, wrinkling, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Those who wish to purchase $299 worth of SkinMedica® products will receive a limited edition SkinMedica® Gift Set for only $99, or you can get a free gift set with a $400 SkinMedica® purchase.
These great specials are only available by reservation on Tuesday, October 25th. Make sure to save your spot by calling (404) 969-2943. You can also keep up with our other events and savings opportunities by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. See you there!
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta Featured in Jezebel Magazine Who’s Who of Atlanta
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta‘s Drs. Griffin, Karempelis, and Curtis were featured in Jezebel Magazine‘s October Who’s Who issue on newsstands now! For more information on DAA and our doctors or to schedule an appointment, contact us! You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for more news and updates.
Treating Skin Conditions for Children, Teens, and Patients of All Ages
Although Dermatology Associates of Atlanta offers various cosmetic skin services like laser hair removal, fat reduction, and facial rejuvenation (to name a few), we are still board certified dermatologists trained to treat a variety of skin conditions. A blog from Best Health magazine earlier this month reminded us of how difficult it is for children and teens to deal with acne, psoriasis, eczema, and more. The Article was intended to help parents teach their children how to maintain a positive body image and equip them with tools to deal with insensitive peers.
As we all know, acne is frustrating at any age. No one wants a big whitehead on his or her nose, but most of us remember a period when hormones seemed to cause pimples to crop up like crazy. It’s not only important to teach your children how to ignore teasing from their peers, but also to teach them how to take care of their skin so future breakouts are minimized. You could also take them to see a dermatologist for different alternatives such as skin treatment options like Isolaz™for acne if over-the-counter cleansers are not working and you want to avoid oral medications. However, tried and true medications for acne include benzyl peroxides (OTC), topical antibiotics, topical retinoic acid, and topical salicylic acid (OTC). While some of these medications are available over-the-counter a dermatologist can prescribe stronger versions if needed. Oral medications are usually considered in more severe cases, and in the most severe cases Accutane may be prescribed.
While not as common in younger people, psoriasis is another skin condition that can be physically, emotionally, and socially uncomfortable for a child or even teenager. We have an entire center devoted to psoriasis, the Psoriasis Treatment Center. While psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that is rarely relieved by ointments and medications, our patients often find relief with our PHAROS EX-308 Eximer Laser treatments. We also offer prescription compounds and other therapies like psoralen soaks for the palms and soles to relieve discomfort and itching. Light treatments are also common for psoriasis patients. Now for some patients biologics may be the only treatment that gives total body lasting control, but this is usually reserved for the older patients where all other forms of treatments have been tried.
Although it’s one of the most common skin conditions, itchy eczema can also make kids and teens want to hide their skin. Our dermatologists can prescribe compounds to help relieve eczema symptoms in hopes that children and teens with eczema will feel as comfortable as possible in their own skin. Light therapy is commonly used to tame the more difficult eczema cases. At times, dermatitis may be aggravated by certain laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Avoiding free washing with drying soaps and fabric softeners designed for the dryer seem to be most helpful in the long-term control of this unyielding dermatitis. DAA’s Laser Institute of Georgia can also provide removal of skin conditions or imperfections with laser birthmark removal (hemangiomas), laser wart removal, and mole removal.
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta believes it’s important to educate young patients on proper skin care, skin condition treatment, and positive body image. It’s very important for parents to support their children in dealing with their skin conditions. Talking about problems like skin conditions helps children understand that there are no underlying causes, although, genetics may have something to do with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Parents play a role in helping their child deal with these long-term conditions. We also think beginning regular dermatology visits is important for the continued health of young patients through adulthood. To learn more about our general dermatology services or to schedule a consultation, visit our website. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Be Sure to Add Skin Cancer Body Check to Your Fall Checklist
As the seasons change and fall begins to cool off summer, skin cancer and sun damage my be the last things from your mind. That’s why we wanted to make sure you added an annual skin cancer body check at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to your fall checklist.
Weekend Plans? Come Visit DAA’s Table at the For Sisters Only Expo
This weekend, representatives from Dermatology Associates of Atlanta will be present at the 20th annual For Sisters Only Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center. For Sisters Only is a two day marketing and entertainment expo with something for everyone to enjoy. Hip hop, jazz, R&B, and gospel music artists will provide entertainment, and over 200 businesses will be offering samples and selling products. Plus, there will be plenty of places to hang out like the sports bar, gaming zone, and kids zone (to name a few).
With artists like Monica, Jagged Edge, and Lloyd on the entertainment list, › Continue reading
SlimLipo Laser Liposuction Reduces Complications of Fat Reduction Surgery
Dermatology Associates of Atlanta adds SlimLipo™ to the menu of non-invasive fat reduction procedures and hosts Coolsculpting® event to educate patients on fat reduction and skin tightening options.
Drs. Edmond Griffin and Scott Karempelis have performed Atlanta liposuction since 1986; over two decades of fat reduction surgery experience serving tens of thousands of patients allows these Atlanta dermatologists to stay ahead of the dermatology technology curve to provide the most effective body contouring procedures available including the newest, minimally invasive procedures SlimLipo™ and Coolsculpting®.
The first practice in Georgia to introduce the Coolsculpting® procedure last fall, Dermatology Associates’ cosmetic specialty center, Atlanta Cosmetic Surgery Center will host A Cool Night Out Wednesday, September 21st to educate current and potential patients on the cosmetic uses of Coolsculpting® fat reduction. The free event will feature a live Coolsculpting® demonstration, raffle for $750 worth of the highly publicized “freeze the fat” procedure (also known as Cryolipolysis™ by Zeltiq), and an expert panel to answer questions about this and other fat reduction procedures. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to › Continue reading
Could Caffeine Be the Answer to Staying Bright-Eyed and Cancer Free?
Caffeinated beverages are an irreplaceable staple to many American morning routines. A new study performed by researchers from Rutgers and the University of Washington suggests that topical caffeine application could reduce the risk of developing melanoma.
According to the National Cancer Institute, skin cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. with a whopping one million new cases diagnosed annually. This fact, coupled with the unsightly cosmetic effects photoaging can have on the skin and its texture and the millions of dollars spent by Americans on treatments like laser skin resurfacing, Foto Facial® treatment, and chemical peels to reduce the appearance of photo damage, make it no surprise then that this study is not the first of its kind. › Continue reading
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