Why you should buy your skincare products from your dermatologist

The digital age has connected people to an endless amount of information at their fingertips. Sites such as WebMD have led to self-diagnosis which many times are wrong. The Internet allows people access to most cosmeceutical brands, the misuse of which leads to unintended consequences that can affect skin health. While it may seem less expensive and easier at the time, the risks of buying dermatology products online usually outweigh any benefits. Patients who receive advice from a trained medical professional have better outcomes than those who solely consult the internet. The risks associated with skin care products sold online include:

·         Counterfeit products

Pharmaceutical and personal care products are among the top five types of products seized by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents. These items are often brought into the United States from foreign countries in old bottles filled with inexpensive imitation creams. These imitation creams can cause adverse reactions to your skin.

·         Expired products

Many formulas found on the internet are sold at a lower price because the product inside has expired. Ingredients in certain dermatology products are sensitive to air, heat and the sun.  

·         Potentially illegal or toxic products

Several products that have entered the U.S. markets as antiaging agents, skin lighteners, and acne treatments contain mercury. Arsenic, lead, beryllium, and other harmful toxins have been in these products as well. 

·         Lookalike imposters

While generic formulas tend to have the same ingredients found in branded preparations, the order in which the ingredients are added play a significant role in the potential of the end product and the actions the product exerts on the skin.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Treat your skin with care; do not skimp when it comes to the health of your skin. It is important to remember that your costs can include skin irritation and the improper treatment may cost you more in the long run. Talk to your dermatologist today and make sure you are treating your skin properly!

An Athlete’s Guide to Beautiful Skin

Athletes know how important it is to keep their bones and muscles healthy in order to stay in the game, but sometimes we forget about our skin. Here are a few tips to remember to keep your skin healthy and clean when you are breaking a sweat.

1.       WATER, WATER, WATER

With temperatures hitting 100º F this summer, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. If you are not drinking enough water, your skin will become tight, dry, and flaky. It is recommended that you drink half of your body weight in ounces of water every day. That means, if you weigh 140 lbs., you should be drinking 70 ounces of water daily.

2.      Cleanse before and after your workout

Although you might want to look great for pictures during a competition, wearing makeup while exercising can be very harmful to the skin. Heavy foundations, powders, and concealers can all contribute to clogged pores. When you’re in the zone, breaking a sweat, your pores will open up to release toxins from your body. If you have a heavy face of makeup, those toxins will become trapped in your skin, causing irritation and breakouts.

A good habit to get into is cleansing your face pre and post workout. If you are in a crunch for time, there are a variety of cleansing cloths that are very gentle on the skin and can remove makeup in a hurry.

Post workout cleansing is extremely important too. Due to sweating, your pores will heat up and make it easier to dislodge the toxins trapped in the skin. This is why exfoliation is crucial after working out! There are many different types of exfoliators. Exfoliators will penetrate the skin and remove makeup, dirt, dead skin, and other bacteria from the surface.

3.      Shower within an hour of finishing your workout

Perspiration left on your skin after exercising allows bacteria to grow and spread rapidly. This can lead to breakouts and rashes. Back acne or “bacne” is a common occurrence in athletes and can come up suddenly. This condition occurs when hair follicles or pores become clogged with dead skin or sebum (oil).

It is important to shower off within an hour of finishing your workout to cleanse your skin from your perspiration. A body wash with salicylic acid will help to combat the bacteria and stop the breakouts.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms without relief, you might need stronger treatment or different products. Make an appointment to see a dermatologist at Greenville Dermatology by calling (864) 242-5872.

Happy exercising!

Rejuvenate with Juvederm Voluma

Juvederm Voluma XC is a popular product that is having a large effect on the skin appearance of those who choose to use it. But what exactly is it, and how can it make a difference for you? Below are some common questions and helpful information.

What is Juvederm Voluma XC?

Juvederm Voluma is a facial filler created from naturally occurring substances in the skin in order to recreate volume lost through the aging process. As you age, the skin on your face begins to lose definition and structure especially around the cheekbone area. Voluma is an injectable filler used to instantly add volume to your cheek area. The goal is to restore volume in a way to give you a natural, youthful look. 

Where does Juvederm Voluma XC work?

Voluma was created to redefine the cheek area, which tends to lose structure through the aging process.

How long does Juvederm Voluma XC last?

Voluma is the longest lasting injectable treatment on the market today. Reports have stated Voluma can last up to 2 times longer than other facial fillers. Voluma can provide your face contour and lift for up to two years with optimal treatment.

Is it painful?

Unlike other facial fillers, Voluma was created with the injection process in mind. Voluma is injected as smooth gel with lidocaine which makes the injection process comfortable.

If you are interested in learning more about this affordable, non-surgical option or finding out whether it would be right for you, schedule a consultation with our team. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.

Meet Mary Lauren Antici

Mary Lauren Antici, our newest Medical Aesthetician and Laser Technician, joined the Greenville Dermatology team in March 2015! Mary Lauren provides many services to our clients, including various medical grade facials and chemical peels, laser hair reductions, laser resurfacing, and IPL facial rejuvenation. Get to know Mary Lauren better with the quick Q&A session below. To schedule an appointment or initial consultation with Mary Lauren, please call us at 864-242-5872.

What inspired you to choose Dermatology?

I became passionate about skin care after struggling with hormonal acne in my early 20’s. I tried countless products over several months but nothing worked. Finally, I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that has many symptoms, including severe acne. I began taking medications to balance my hormones and started using medical grade skin care products, facial treatments and chemical peels. After six months my breakouts were gone but I was left with deep acne scars. My medical aesthetician recommended that I try laser resurfacing, and after five sessions my acne scars were non-existent.

After my personal skin success, I decided I wanted to make Aesthetics my career so I could help others. I completed my Aesthetics course and attended the National Laser Institute in Chicago, IL to become a certified Medical Aesthetician/ Laser Technician. It is incredibly rewarding to help my patients achieve their skin care goals and to see them gain their self-confidence back.

What is your personal skincare routine?

I start out by double cleansing my skin using a Clarisonic facial brush. I then use the following products in this order:

• Teamine® Eye Complex – helps to reduce dark circles under the eyes   
• Papaya Enzyme Cleanser – exfoliates the skin and is rich in vitamins and minerals
• Vitamin C 30% - helps to prevent sun damage, locks in moisture, lightens hyperpigmentation and brings back your skin’s natural glow
• Intellishade® Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 (matte finish) – helps to moisturize the skin, prevents premature aging and protects your skin from sun damage

All of the products mentioned above are made by Revision Skincare and can be purchased in the Greenville Dermatology retail store.

What are some skincare products (various cost levels) that you can’t live without?

My favorite skin care products are:

• All Revision products mentioned above
• Elta MD UV Clear by Elta MD: Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide that is non greasy and fragrance free
• Obagi-C Cleansing Gel – Very moisturizing! Helps balance skin, locks in moisture, protects skin against sun damage
• Hyalis by Neocutis: Hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid
• GloMinerals Luxe Foundation, High Beam Concealer, and the Texture Brush

How do you change your skincare routine from season to season?

When seasons change, I switch out my cleanser and moisturizer. I use an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer that are still very hydrating in the summer.

What are some things patients should know about laser procedures before considering them for themselves?

Laser can cause your skin to become red and inflamed from 2-7 days depending on treatment.  It is important to let your skin heal before returning to your regular outdoor or exercise activities that require you to have sun exposure or cause your body to become heated.

What type of things do you do to stay healthy (not necessarily skin care related)?

I try to drink as much water as I can throughout the day. Water is crucial for your body and skin’s overall health as well as appearance.

It’s hard to make time to exercise when you work full time. I have to make exercising as easy as possible. I try to power walk for one hour and lift dumbbell weights at home at least 3 times a week. When I have extra time I love to do hot yoga!

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Folly Beach!

What are your favorite spring/summer activities?

I love love love laying out at the pool! The sun on my face gives me a warm happy feeling like nothing else. There are ways to do that without “baking” in the sun like I might have when I was younger. Now I apply sunscreen hourly, wear a sunhat and sunglasses and sit back and relax!

Tips to Improve Dark Circles under the Eyes from Dr. Poinsette

We have all seen these circles and probably had them for one reason or another. There are five main reasons they occur, and each cause has different symptoms and requires different treatment. Read below for how you can reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Bags Caused by Fat Pads

Bags are caused by increased fat below the eye. The best solution is called blepharoplasty which is removal of this extra fat and lid by a plastic or dermatologic surgeon.

Puffiness

Puffiness occurs because the skin below the eye is very thin and sensitive to fluid collection. The loose thin skin around the eyes can swell for various reasons including seasonal allergies, sinus infections, crying, or water retention from high blood pressure or eating food high in sodium.  Suggestions for treating this puffiness include:

1. Treating seasonal allergies with over the counter allergy medications or see your doctor for prescription allergy or sinus infection medication.

2. Switch your sleep position. Sleeping on your stomach or sides can encourage fluids to collect under your eyes. Try sleeping on your back and add an extra pillow under your head.

3. Avoid rubbing your eyes, going to bed with makeup on, and harsh cleansers. Anything that irritates the eyes can cause fluids to pool.

4. Place an ice pack, slices of cucumber, or even a package of frozen peas on eyes. This causes tightening of the vessels around the eyes and can lessen puffiness.

5. Some eye puffiness can be the result of an underlying medical condition (thyroid, heart, or kidney diseases) especially if the eye bags appear suddenly and none of the above conditions apply. These conditions can cause fluids to be retained under the eyes.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation or darkness of color of the skin around the eyes is very common in darker skin types. Genetics, rubbing, and inflammation from skin diseases, such as, eczema may play a part in exacerbating the pigmentation of the thin under-eye skin.  Recommendations include:

1. Avoid rubbing the area around the eyes.

2. Retinoic acid creams (Retin-A, Tazorac, tretinoin) can help slough the dark pigmented skin. It should, however, be used in small amounts with increasing use over several weeks to avoid irritation.

3. Skin lightening creams with azaleic acid, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone have shown success in lightening the under eye darkness.

4. Light chemical peels and IPL (Intense-pulsed light) may help minimize the pigmentation especially if it seems to be the result of sunlight.

Tear Trough

Tear Trough or hollows under the eyes are caused by a loss of volume in the area and shows up as a dark circle. It can be caused by genetics, significant weight loss, and the aging process that causes the loss of fat in the area. The best way to treat this problem is with a filler like Restylane or Juvederm, etc.

The skin around the eye becomes thinner with age as well which causes the blood vessels to be more easily seen. This can lead to a bluish tone to the skin under the eye which casts a dark shadow under the eye making the area appear dark or sallow. This can be helped by eye creams that contain caffeine which constricts these vessels. Lasers can also be used to treat the larger veins.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles can be improved with Botox and laser resurfacing.

In addition to these solutions, there are some other daily steps you can take to reduce the dark circles, including the application of sunscreen and moisturizer, avoid smoking and use a concealer that is a slightly lighter color than your skin tone.  

If your at home treatment of your dark circles is not earning you the results you want, come see us at Greenville Dermatology. We can assess the reason behind your dark circles and figure out a treatment plan that will improve your look. Call us at (864) 242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.

Become a More Conscious Cosmetics Consumer in honor of Earth Day

As we celebrate Earth Day this month, there are many small changes you can make to become more eco-friendly.  One way is to change up your beauty routine by using some Earth-friendly skin treatments and products. Greenville Dermatology carries a wide selection of products that are proven to protect and rejuvenate your skin, ranging from makeup to sunscreen. Dr. Miller carefully hand-selects each product available at his practice to ensure the best quality and safety for his patients, and many are eco-friendly as well as beneficial to your skin.

The Huffington Post published an interesting article that lists organic and eco-friendly beauty products and suggests that eco-conscious consumers use the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetics database. This helpful database gives you access to online safety profiles for cosmetics and personal care products and catalogs 70,000 products ranked  into three hazard ratings (low, moderate, or high concern) based on each product’s ingredients. If you are curious about how your skin care products rank, take a look at the database for your health as well as the environment.

Many of Greenville Dermatology’s skin care products can be found in this database. NEOCUTIS®, VIVITE®, Anthelios, and Institut™ DERMed all have products listed in the low and moderate hazard category for skin.

If you have any questions or are interested in using more eco-friendly products, we are open to suggestions for cosmetic dermatology products. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.

Men More Likely to Die from Skin Cancer than Women

New research shows that men are 70 percent more likely than women to die from malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

The Cancer Research UK studied data from 2011 and found that although similar numbers of women and men were diagnosed with melanoma, 3.4 men per 100,000 die from the disease compared with two per 100,000 women.

Further analysis shows that, of the 6,200 men who develop melanoma each year, 1,300 die from it, while only 900 women out of 6,600 who develop the disease die.

This gap is predicted to widen even more in the future, since death rates from malignant melanoma are increasing in men, but remaining stable in women.

"Research has suggested the difference between the sexes could be in part because men are more likely to be diagnosed when melanoma is at a more advanced stage,” said Professor Julia Newton-Bishop, Cancer Research UK dermatologist from the University of Leeds.

We also know that men and women tend to develop melanoma in different places – more often on the back and chest for men and on the arms and legs for women.

According to Cancer Research UK, death rates for men with melanoma have increased by 185 percent since the early 1970s. On the other hand, death rates for women have only increased 55 percent.

“One of the reasons for the difference [between men and women] may be attitudes towards seeing a doctor. [Women] tend to be reluctant to 'waste' the doctor's time - men are especially likely to put it off,” said Sara Hion, director of early diagnosis at Cancer Research UK.”

It is essential for people to protect their skin from the sun. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Note that even products labeled “waterproof” or “sweatproof” only protect you for 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. Greenville Dermatology’s retail store carries a wide selection of broad-spectrum sunscreens that are ideal for everyday use.

Early detection of melanoma plus regular skin exams is vital for beating the disease. When detected in its earliest stages, melanoma is 99 percent curable. Call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 242-5872 to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

The 6 Foods that Will Save Your Skin

If you want clean, healthy skin look no further than what you are putting into your body. There is ample research these days that says what you eat can affect many aspects of your body, but especially your skin. There are many sources that cite specific foods that are good for your skin.  Below, we list six that we believe are most beneficial and are consistently credited with skin benefits.

1.       Water

Hydration plays a big role in keeping skin looking healthy and young, according to many sources. Additionally, it is suggested that hard water, the kind that is high in minerals, is especially good. Water is also helpful in getting cells to move nutrients in and toxins out of the body. Prevention says that water makes your skin appear plumper and less wrinkled.

2.       Dark chocolate

Chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants called flavanols, which Fitness Magazine says will hydrate your skin and make it firmer and more supple. Prevention.com also mentions dark chocolate as having skin benefits saying that it not only hydrate skin, but also improves circulation.

3.       Oatmeal

In this category, steel cut oats are the best choice because they are less processed, therefore retaining more vitamins, according to Fit  Magazine. The Huffington Post featured an article on oatmeal’s beauty benefits saying it is full of vitamins, minerals, and lipids that will add moisture to skin. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties so it is ideal for sensitive skin, and can be used in a bath soak or face wash.

4.       Green Tea

Green tea has health benefits that can reach all parts of the body, but in regards to skin, sources say that it can reduce redness, make your skin more elastic and smooth and boost blood flow and oxygen to the skin. WebMD says green tea may even help prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer.

5.       Walnuts

Walnuts contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which not only softens skin but improve its elasticity as well. Prevention.com lists walnuts as especially important to vegetarians who skip fish because omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the diet.

6.       Tomatoes

This vegetable is the most beneficial for your skin when it is cooked. This way, your body will gain the most sun shielding nutrients. According to Women’s Health Magazine, lycopene is the phytochemical that makes tomatoes red and has the ability to eliminate skin-again free radicals from UV rays. Prevention.com also says that tomatoes improve our skin’s natural SPF to protect against the sun’s harmful rays.

In general, remember to stay away from processed foods and added sugars as best you can, and instead stick with natural, whole foods. If you make an effort to incorporate some of these six foods into your eating habits, your skin will surely reap the benefits.

If you have any questions about what you are eating and its affect on your skin, our team at Greenville Dermatology is available for answers and advice. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.

Answers.com: Facial Rejuvenation on A Budget

The following is a preview of an article Dr. Miller wrote for Answers.com. Click here to read the full article.

Facial rejuvenation has become big business. Getting Botox injections and facial fillers like Juvederm and Restylane have become the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. These injections are much more affordable than a facelift, but can still be cost-prohibitive for some. However, you may be surprised at what you can get for your money. Here are some ideas for facial rejuvenation for the consumer on a budget.

1. Under $50 A Month Or $600 A Year

If you can only afford $50 or less, wear sunscreen. Regardless of what you decide to do to rejuvenate your face, wear sunscreen. Sun exposure will negatively affect any anti-aging procedure you decide to do which means you need to avoid the tanning bed as well. Also, by wearing sunscreen now, you will need less facial rejuvenation in the future because you will have less wrinkles and less damage to your skin. If you only have money to do one thing to improve your appearance, wearing sunscreen would be the single most important thing to do.

2. Under $100 A Month Or $1200 A Year

If you have a little more to spend, add an exfoliating cleanser to your sunscreen regimen. Exfoliating cleansers contain glycolic or salicylic acid and will remove photo damaged skin from the face. A good exfoliating cleanser will cost between $40 and $60. Most good brands are sold at cosmetic physician's offices, but some cosmetic counters in department stores have options as well. Adding an exfoliating cleanser with your sunscreen should cost less than $100 a month.

For more facial rejuvenation recommendations for budgets between $200-$400 a month, read Dr. Miller’s full article on Answers.com.

Depending on your goals and budget, our team of experts at Greenville Dermatology can help you determine what treatment is best for your skin. To schedule an appointment, call (864) 242-5872 today. 

Winter Skincare Tips

Winter is in full swing across the country, and while we are lucky in the South to avoid much of the snow and ice that northern climates experience, we still must deal with winter air that can negatively affect our skin. Temperature changes and lower humidity levels frequently can cause dryness and ashiness, and for those already with sensitive skin, winter is a very tough season.

It’s important to consider making changes to your skincare routine during this time because some of the things that you do in summer months may actually harm your skin in winter months. This article lists many tips for winter skincare and we have highlighted some of our favorites below.

·         Be Gentle: Use gentle products that are engineered for dry skin and are alcohol free, which will also dry out skin.

·         Moisturize when needed: Apply moisturizer whenever skin feels itchy or dry. Apply extra moisturizer at night, when your skin has a chance to repair while you sleep. Use moisturizers like shea and cocoa butter on your hands and feet and cover with cotton gloves or socks overnight.

·         Take shorter showers or baths: Exposure to hot water during a long shower will dry out your skin. Take shorter showers and lower the water temperature to minimize the damage.

·         Avoid wool: Harsh fabrics like wool will cause dryness when they run against your skin. Try to wear softer fabrics or place a softer fabric between your skin and the wool garment.

·         Reduce indoor heat: Turning up your heat inside will dry out your skin. Try to keep indoor temperatures between 68-70 degrees.

·         Use sunscreen: Use sunscreen or products containing SPF at all times when outside, including during cold weather. This is especially important if you plan to hit the slopes!

·         Remember the lips: Chapped lips are one of the most frequently felt pains during winter. Remember to put moisturizer on your lips 30 minutes before going outside. This will give the moisturizer time to absorb into the skin.

·         Be vigilant: Dry skin can often be mistaken for a more serious condition, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you see red, itchy patches that do not respond to moisturizer and appear to get worse, consult a dermatologist for more specific treatment.

Fortunately, winter weather will eventually disappear and your skin should feel less dry. However, if your dry skin symptoms are more severe or continue to worsen, please call our team at Greenville Dermatology so we can help determine whether you should receive further treatment. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.

Social Media and the Increase in Perceived Need for Cosmetic Surgery

Social media is becoming more and more important in our lives as a way to connect and share with family, friends, professional associates, and our favorite brands. Our use of our mobile devices has grown too, and now that most are photo and video capable, we are capturing photos and videos of our selves more than ever. This includes the wildly popular “selfie” trend that is so big that “selfie” was named the word of year in 2013.

This trend in social media has led to an interesting trend in cosmetic surgery. As more people are seeing their image shared across multiple platforms, many are seeing a perceived need for cosmetic surgery. A 2014 survey conducted by Glamour magazine found that 64 percent of the women surveyed said that looking at pictures of themselves on social media sites makes them feel bad about their body. This can often lead to considering cosmetic procedures to correct those perceived needs.

Real Self, an online information-sharing community that offers information related to cosmetic surgery and dermatology among other things, recently surveyed 527 visitors to the website. They asked, “Has social media influenced you to consider or choose to have a cosmetic procedure?” Shockingly, nearly half of the respondents confirmed that social media had in fact played a role in their decision. 15.37 percent of people said “yes” and nearly 34 percent responded “somewhat, I knew I wanted a change, but photos on social media made me more aware.”

The perceived need for cosmetic procedures is not always generated by looking at a photo of one’s self. The desire for a procedure can also be generated by seeing more photos of personal friends or associates that have undergone procedures. People see the positive effects of a procedure and are more likely to consider it in their own life. People are also using social media channels to connect with their doctors and give feedback about positive and negative experiences through online reviews on websites. A dermatology practice that is very engaged with patients over social media could potentially grow their business through that channel.

Whether you are seeing a need for cosmetic procedures through your selfies or your friends’ latest activity on Facebook or Instagram, our team at Greenville Dermatology can help you determine exactly what needs you may have, especially if you are showing symptoms of a more serious condition. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.

Surprising Ways you are Aging Your Skin

Many things can prematurely age your skin. There are the usual suspects, like smoking, lack of sleep, and not enough sunscreen. But there are other, more surprising things that you may be doing every day that are also aging your skin. View this article for the complete list and read below for some of the most shocking culprits.

·         Washing Your Face Too Much: While it is recommended to wash your face daily, it is possible to over wash your face. Do not wash more than twice daily and monitor the ingredients in your cleansers. A non-soap cleanser without alkaline is a better option for repeated washing.

·         Drinking through a Straw: Repeatedly pursing your lips around a straw can cause wrinkling around your mouth. These lines may not appear until a later age when your skin is weaker but actions at a young age may contribute to this showing up in your skin later.

·         Wearing Contacts:  Contact lens users typically pull at the skin around their eyes when putting in or taking out their lenses. Over time, this repeated action can cause inflammation, and lead to wrinkling and sagging.

·         Driving: UVA rays, which can cause skin aging, can penetrate through auto glass and affect your skin even while driving. Try to remember to apply sunscreen to your exposed areas, including your face and left forearm.  

·         Sleeping on your face: Sleeping on your face repeatedly might create more facial wrinkles because of facial compression against your pillow. If you must sleep on your side, switch to a silk or satin pillowcase which will decrease the amount of wrinkles and help your skin retain moisture.

·         Slouching at work: Slouching or resting your chin on your arm can stretch the skin and lead to wrinkles over time.

·         Eating too much sodium: You may already know that sodium will suck water out of your system, so it makes sense that too much sodium will also take water out of your skin. Cut out some salty foods and remember to drink plenty of water.

Some of these every day actions will negatively affect your skin over time. While not all habits are easy to break, it’s important to think about routine changes that could help extend the life of your skin. Should premature skin aging be something you are concerned about and would like to treat, our team at Greenville Dermatology can recommend products or treatments depending on your skin condition. Call Greenville Dermatology at 864-242-5872 to schedule an appointment today.