Stressing Stress Relief

More than ever before, life is stressing us out!

You may be familiar with the common effects of stress such as poor sleep or insomnia, headaches and even heart attacks, but from a dermatological aspect, stress can greatly affect your skin, hair and nails, too.

It’s normal to lose hair as part of its life cycle, but stress can significantly increase hair loss. You can lose up to ½ to ¾ of your hair, which may not fall out until three months after the stressful event. It takes a while to affect your hair, but will take an additional six to nine months to grow back!

Stress also can affect your skin by aggravating pre-existing conditions such as psoriasis, acne and rosacea. It also dehydrates your skin, which lowers the skin’s ability to repair itself.

When you’re tense, cortisol levels in your body shoot up, causing an increase in oil production and possible acne flare-ups. Worse yet, higher cortisol levels have been shown to advance the growth of harmful melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

To help fight against stress-causing acne, I prescribe to my patients topical treatment that they can apply to troubled spots to help decrease flare-ups and speed up recovery. I find that when patients feel more in control about handling stress, their stress levels actually decrease.

Brittle, broken nails are another result of stress. Stress not only weakens nail beds but also may form habits such as rubbing or biting nails, which also damage or destroy your beautiful digits.

To lower your stress, figure out what is the source of your stress so you are better equipped to handle it the next time.

You can also decrease the negative effects of stress when you exercise more, lower the temperature on your showers or baths, use detergent-free soaps and sunscreen, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!

For more information or for treatment options to help lower the side effects of stress, call (864) 242-5872 today.

Is Your Diet Affecting Your Skin?

Your diet is helping slim your waistline and keep you staying healthy, but if you’re not careful, you could be depriving your body of essential vitamins and antioxidants that keep your skin glowing. Read on to see if your diet passes the test!

Mediterranean Diet
This diet emphasizes fish, leafy greens, olive oil, fruit and red wine, all of which are heart-healthy options that may also protect against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Eating fish helps skin keep its elasticity, while leafy greens such as spinach and olive oil protect against UV damage.

Doctor’s Orders: Red wine contains an antioxidant that your skin loves, but drinking too much can leave your skin dry.

Vegetarian/Vegan Diet
Fresh produce and whole grains contain an abundance of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that are known to cause aging. Plant-based protein sources such as beans not only contain pimple-fighting zinc but also decrease inflammation that causes redness and premature wrinkles.

Doctor’s Orders: This diet is typically low in fat, but including ground flaxseeds and olive and safflower oils helps your skin stay hydrated.

High Protein, Low Carb Diet
Minimizing your intake of bread and pasta can decrease the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol, which in turn may reduce breakouts. Whole grains, fresh produce and lean meats provide you with antioxidants and collagen-building protein.

Doctor’s Orders: It’s important to limit your intake of red meat because animal fat can increase free radicals that age your skin.

Low Fat Diet
Vegetable oils contain linoleic acid, which strengthens the skin barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants out.

Doctor’s Orders: Cutting back on animal fat keeps free radicals in check, but your skin needs fat because it helps absorb antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins as well as strengthen your skin cells. Focus on unsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts and foods rich in omega-3.

High Carb Diet
Carbohydrates that act like fiber keep you feeling full, which help you resist snacks with high fat and sugar counts that produce oil and clog pores.

Doctor’s Orders: Be sure you are getting enough lean protein and fresh produce that arm your skin with antioxidants and skin-strengthening fats.

The 411 on Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a very popular cosmetic facial service due to the quick procedure is quick and little to no downtime. At Greenville Dermatology we offer two types, glycolic and TCA peels.

Glycolic peels involve applying alpha- and beta-hydroxy peeling agents in tailored concentrations for two to five minutes. The chemicals slough away dead skin cells and penetrate the upper layers of the dermis to smooth away fine lines, improve complexion and dry out an acne flare-up.

These peels also strengthen the effectiveness of other skincare products because the peel eliminates a layer of skin allowing the product to penetrate deeper.

The only effects patients will experience from a glycolic peel are mild redness or irritation.

Another type of chemical peel that is available at our practice is a TCA peel. TCA, which stands for trichloroacetic acid, is a deeper peel that reduces fine lines, smoothes skin’s texture and improves effects of sun damage.

TCA is often used in higher concentrations instead of laser resurfacing to diminish acne scarring, soften wrinkles and remove the surface layer of dead skin cells to reveal radiant skin.

In low concentrations, TCA peels require no downtime. The higher concentration peels may require one to two weeks of downtime to allow the skin to heal.

Chemical peels are a great way to improve complexion and give your skin back that healthy glow, but it is important to remember the increased risk of sun damage. After a chemical peel, using sun protection when you step outside is essential.

For more information about chemical peels or other cosmetic procedures, or to schedule an appointment, call (864) 242-5872. You’re just a phone call away from radiant, youthful skin!

AAD publishes latest Psoriasis guidelines

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently published its newest edition of Psoriasis guidelines that examines the use of a variety of treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients.

The guidelines stress the importance of treatment plans that are tailored to the individual patient because there are many factors that can affect treatment, from the severity of the disease to the overall health of the patient.

Nearly 7 million Americans have psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches of skin that itch and sometimes bleed. Psoriasis is widely known for affecting the skin and joints, however new research suggests that psoriasis patients are at an increased risk of developing serious medical conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, lymphoma and obesity.

The newest guidelines emphasize to dermatologists the importance of regular health screenings and continual monitoring of their psoriasis patients, and also discuss the key role that patients play in improving their outcomes.

The AAD encourages patients to not deviate from their treatment plans and keep their dermatologists informed of any concerns. Additionally, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients should avoid common triggers such as increased stress, smoking and consuming alcohol.

If patients notice changes in their condition or experience signs of associated medical conditions, they should consult their dermatologist immediately.

Call (864) 242-5872 today should you have any concerns or would like to schedule an appointment.

To access the guidelines, click here.

Probiotics- The Super Bacteria!

Probiotics are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to alleviate digestion problems such as irregularity, diarrhea, IBS and lactose intolerance. However, probiotics don’t just provide benefits internally. Dermatologists are learning the incredible benefits that probiotics offer your skin.

One main cause of acne is an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin’s surface. Probiotics taken orally help treat acne-prone skin by regulating bacteria in the stomach. They can also be applied topically to protect against harmful bacteria and restore skin’s protective barrier and normal bacterial flora to help prevent breakouts.

Not only do probiotics help combat acne but they also improve eczema by creating good bacteria that release oxygen so skin breathes easier, blood flows and skin balance is restored.

These powerful bacterial microorganisms even aid in the fight against premature aging. Sun, smoke and pollutants all speed up aging by destroying the skin’s protective barrier and increasing skin’s elasticity that eventually causes wrinkles. Probiotics work to balance skin’s moisture, boost cell function and regenerate skin cells so skin becomes softer and smoother.

Taken daily, probiotics will boost the effectiveness of the skin products you already use. Other daily supplements typically take weeks or even months to show results.

Probiotics are a great addition to your daily routine that will have you feeling and looking better, inside and out!

Didn’t get the gift you really wanted on Valentine’s Day?

My gift to you is longer, more beautiful lashes!

Right now we are offering buy one, get one free LATISSE® kits. This is a terrific opportunity to try the product everyone is talking about!

LATISSE® is one of the most requested products in my office, and the first and only FDA-Approved lash growth treatment used for the purpose of eyelash enhancement. With LATISSE®, my patients can expect to see longer, fuller and darker lashes in as little as four weeks. It is an excellent alternative to false eyelashes and leaves patients with natural looking and feeling results.

LATISSE® uses the active ingredient bimatoprost, which works with the eyelashes you already have to make them longer and fuller. The product is a topical solution you apply once a day to the base of your lashes.

The potential of LATISSE® was discovered accidentally as a side effect from a glaucoma medicine called Lumigan. Patients who used this medication developed longer and thicker eyelashes.

Years of research followed and LATISSE® was created by the pharmaceutical company, Allergan. Allergan performed studies and made changes to ensure that LATISSE® was safe and effective for general public use.

There has been a growing interest in the product since it was introduced in early 2009, and with this interest has come misconceptions. Many patients are concerned about using LATISSE® because they are afraid that it will change the color of their eyes. As earlier stated, the medication that is used in LATISSE® was originally created as a glaucoma medication. In extremely rare instances, there was a change in eye color when the glaucoma medication was applied directly to the cornea. However, in the clinical trials there were no patients that reported this side effect. At Greenville Dermatology, my patients have never experienced a change in eye color.

As with any prescription treatment, you should consult a doctor to determine if LATISSE® is right for you. Call Greenville Dermatology (864-242-5872) to make an appointment and find out how you can benefit from LATISSE®. You’ll be batting those lashes with confidence in no time!

Week 0

Week 16

Instantly Youthful

There is no way around it. As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. To combat this specific type of skin aging, the dermatology world has relied on new techniques to help patients stop the hands of time. Juvederm does just that.

Juvederm, or "filler", is the fastest growing non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. Juvederm consists of a very smooth gel made of hyaluronic acid - a naturally occurring substance in your skin - that helps to add volume and hydration.

As we discussed in last week's blog, BOTOX Cosmetic is not a filler. BOTOX Cosmetic relaxes muscle activity and is used to treat moderate to severe lines caused by the dominant frown muscles between the eyebrows.

With Juvederm, I am able to ease the product under the skin and instantly restore your skin's volume, while smoothing away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds - the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvederm provides a smooth, natural look and feel, so everyone will notice how great you look (but no one will know)! Juvederm is a convenient procedure and results are almost instantaneous.

The injection process takes about 15 minutes and normally, patients return to work, school or their usual routine, right after the procedure. Our office will provide cold compresses to help reduce swelling or bruising and make-up may be worn immediately after treatment.

Juvederm is FDA-approved for use in the United States and is the ONLY hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that will provide you with beautiful results lasting for up to 1 year. Call our office to learn more about Juvederm so you can start seeing results today! Olivia, After:
Olivia, Before:
Lisa, After:
Lisa, Before:

Clear Up Confusion - And Wrinkles

I've been intending to write about cosmetic services for some time. Of all the cosmetic procedures I perform in my office, Botox is the most popular, and in a lot of cases it is the most misunderstood. This blog post will provide some insight into the Botox procedure and hopefully clear up any confusion.

Botox was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, and since its inception into the marketplace it has fast become a favorite procedure for A list celebrities and housewives alike.

The protein Botox is injected into the facial muscle that controls the unwanted wrinkle and prevents nerve impulses from reaching the nerve. The surrounding skin then relaxes and produces a smoother area. Botox is specifically useful to rid a face frown or worry lines, crow’s feet, lip wrinkles, uneven brows and even severe underarm sweating. The result is the end of wrinkle-free days for its millions of loyal users.

It takes a skilled dermatologist to pinpoint the exact location of injection necessary to optimize the effects of Botox without causing any adverse reactions or downtime. I have been injecting Botox for eleven years, and because of my familiarity and advanced techniques, my patients suffer no downtime and minimal to no bruising.

The effects are natural and beautiful and require absolutely no downtime (many patients come in for appointments on their lunch break). You may be asking: what should I expect during the procedure? Botox takes only a few minutes, is virtually painless, and the amazing results can last up to four months.

I know many readers and patients are concerned about the “frozen face” look we see in the media and with celebrities, but this image of Botox is extremely rare. In fact, the majority of these expressions are as a result of surgical procedures like brow and face lifts- not Botox.

I encourage any of my patients who are looking for facial rejuvenation to schedule a consultation so I can explain in detail all of the options available to help you look and feel your best. Call our office at 864-242-5872 to make your appointment. Below are several before-and-after pictures that allow you to better understand what Botox can do for you.

Before

After

Before After

Myth 6: You just have to let acne run its course

Busting Myths on Acne! Myth 6 of 6
Myth 6: You just have let acne run its course. BUSTED!
There is no cure for acne, but it is treatable, which means you shouldn’t give up. From over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products to micro dermabrasion and light therapy, there are so many ways to fight acne.

If OTC products aren’t cutting it, let’s set up an appointment and discuss a plan of attack. Every product is different, and one may work for someone else that doesn’t work for you, so we’ll keep trying until we get results you’re happy with.

Be careful not to overuse acne medication. If you use your products more than recommended on the label or by the dermatologist, you may actually cause your acne to worsen by drying out and irritating your skin.

At Greenville Dermatology, we have a wide selection of facial cleansers, topical treatments, oral medications, and cosmetic procedures to choose from. It’s time to be proactive about your acne. Start 2011 off right and call (864) 242-5872 today to make your appointment!

Not all anti-aging products are created equal

In 2008, Americans spent over $7 billion on anti-aging products. It may be tempting to buy the product that claims you'll look 10 years younger, but the product doesn't always deliver. You need to be educated on safe and effective anti-aging treatments before you go shopping. With some help from the American Academy of Dermatology, here is some advice you should follow as a consumer:

1. Do your homework. You could try a bunch of products and feel disappointed when you d0n't get the results you want and then call your dermatologist for help, or you could call and make an appointment with us today and avoid wasting your money, time, and energy. Greenville Dermatology is your best resource on anti-aging information and treatment.
2. Protect by day and repair by night. All dermatologists agree that wearing sunscreen daily is your number one anti-aging weapon. Using a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection that is SPF 30 or higher will not only protect your skin against sun damage but will also help repair damage your skin has already incurred. Moisturizers are typically the "secret ingredient" in anti-aging creams because it plumps up fine lines and improves skin's complexion.
3. Expensive doesn't always mean better. Sometimes you're just paying for the name. There are many over-the-counter products that work just as well or better than their pricey competitors.
4. No one product works for everyone. Your friend may swear by a product, but you may not experience the same results because you have different skin types or skin concerns.
5. "Clinically proven" doesn't necessarily mean effective. Oftentimes the product is given to a sample of people to try for a few weeks and then they report whether or not they saw improvement. Products tested in this way are not reviewed by the FDA.

Your dermatologist is your best ally. Schedule your appointment with me and we'll work together to find the right product for you. Call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 242-5872 and make your appointment today!

The ABCs of Melanoma

Since the beginning of this year, Greenville Dermatology has diagnosed over 550 new cases of skin cancer, including one patient under the age of 30. Furthermore, 20 of those cases were classified as melanoma, the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. The best preventative for skin cancer is protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding tanning beds. In addition to visiting your dermatologist once a year for a full body exam if you are at normal risk, you should also perform regular self checks to look for lumps, discolorations, and changes in moles. The easiest way to determine if you may have skin cancer is as easy as your ABCs.

• Asymmetrical skin lesion
• Border of the lesion is irregular
• Color: multiple colors or changing color in a mole
• Diameter: moles greater than 6 mm are more likely to be melanomas than smaller moles
• Enlarging: enlarging or evolving

Make an appointment at Greenville Dermatology today for your skin cancer screening. Early detection is key for prevention!

The importance of board certification

Are you getting your skin care advice from anyone BUT a board certified dermatologist?
At Greenville Dermatology, your cosmetic dermatology procedures such as Botox, Juvéderm and Restylane are always performed by a board certified dermatologist. At a medi spa… it could be anyone.

I want to take the time to explain what being “board certified” in dermatology means.

When a dermatologist is board-certified, it means that the dermatologist has:

• Completed a three-year residency in dermatology;
• Passed a rigorous two-part test administered by the American Board of Dermatology.
• Required to maintain certification by completing prescribed courses yearly, having other dermatologists review my care, and re-testing by taking the board exam every 10 years.

The certification process is designed to assure the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and evaluation, including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in that specialty.

These rigorous standards are in place to ensure our patients safety and care. That is why it is so important for you to do your research when you are considering any type of cosmetic or medical dermatology procedure. Many medi spas and plastic surgery offices are providing these services without being supervised or administered by a Medical Doctor.

At Greenville Dermatology I administer all injections and fillers for my patients. I have been providing “Botox Cosmetic” (which is produced by Allergan in the United States) injections for the last eleven years, and have never had a single adverse reaction.

For an appointment or more information on any of our Dermatology services, call our office at 864-242-5872.

Dr. Miller