During their pre-pubescent years, sunscreen, water, and daily cleansing are really all that girls need to ensure their skin looks great. As time goes on, however, acne becomes a more common problem. Dr. Ford recommends that women in their teens, 20s, and 30s with acne prone skin get to the root of their issue – oil. Oily skin is to blame for the majority of breakouts that girls have during their formative years. Using a cleanser made specifically for oily skin is a great idea for women in their teens, 20s, and 30s.

By the time women get to their 40s and 50s, the oiliness that they once dealt with has often been replaced with dryness and cracking. The Frederick skin care expert says the No. 1 complaint she hears from women in their 40s is that their skin has dried up. This drying tends to occur simultaneously with wrinkling, which begins to appear during most women’s early 40s. To reduce dryness and decrease wrinkles, Dr. Ford is a skin care expert in Frederick who recommends using polypeptides and aggressive skin therapies. Older women generally need to use more products than younger women if they want to maintain the facial beauty of their youth.

When it comes to cleansers, specifically, Dr. Ford recommends against soapy cleansers. Most soap-based cleansers have a drying effect on the skin, which is good for women in their 20s but bad for women in their 40s and 50s. Instead, the Frederick skin care expert says mature women should be using non-soap cleansers. These products are better for the skin because they prevent drying.

At her dermatology practice, Dr. Ford gears her skin care recommendations toward the specific issues that each of her individual patients have. By listening to her patients and hearing about their past skin histories, Dr. Ford can get a good idea of what treatments are and are not going to work. If a woman has had a lot of sun damage, then a rejuvenation plan is usually what’s in order. Dr. Ford believes that every person should have a custom skin care program that has been developed by a professional dermatologist.

To get a program of your own, she recommends contacting her office directly.

Aside from the health concerns brought up by sun exposure, Dr. Ford says there are various esthetic concerns that people should be aware of, as well. As a dermatology expert in Frederick, MD, Dr. Ford explains that it is impossible to reverse the signs of sun damage. However, there are a number of treatments available to men and women who wish to diminish the physical symptoms that can result from sun exposure.

The best way to eliminate skin damage is to avoid sun exposure to begin with. People who wear copious amounts of sunscreen – along with sun protection like hats and sunglasses – while they are young can expect to have skin that looks wrinkle-free for years. People who fail to heed this advice will often be paying the consequences by their early 30s and 40s.

The most obvious esthetic symptom of sun exposure is premature wrinkles. At Dr. Ford’s Frederick, MD, dermatology practice, Botox is frequently used by women who want to diminish the look of wrinkles around their noses, eyes, and chins. Although the results of Botox are not permanent, they can be maintained with follow up treatment sessions at least once every few months.

For a less invasive approach, Dr. Ford recommends using vitamin C and vitamin A on the skin. Both of these vitamins are critical in helping to revitalize and freshen up the skin around the face, neck, and hands. These three areas can all become particularly wrinkled and discolored as a result of excessive sun damage.

Although a number of over-the-counter treatments claim to reduce the look of sun damage, Dr. Ford cautions people to avoid getting their hopes up about these products. The majority of the lotions and potions sold at discount stores and pharmacies do not live up to their claims. Even those that do create mild improvement are not as effective as the competing products sold at dermatology offices in Frederick, MD. Only a licensed dermatologist can prescribe the type of treatments and medications that have been proven to reduce wrinkles and revitalize aging skin.

When confirming a Hinsdale dermatologist’s candidacy, some of your decision making will depend upon personal preference, which involves the flow of the interaction and personal feel between a patient and a physician. Of course, you want to find an individual that you’re comfortable with. People go to visit Dr. Steil with issues that range from A to Z. She takes care of babies with eczema, teenagers with acne, mothers interested in Botox, and the elderly for their skin cancer concerns. So look for qualities in a doctor that would add comfort to any of your family’s visits.

Competency is important as well when you’re considering which Hinsdale dermatologist you want to visit. The board of the American Academy of Dermatology has high standards for their professionals. That certification alone speaks volumes to the doctor’s credentials. So once you confirm that, continue by clicking on the doctor’s website and reading through the reviews in order to get a feel for the personality types of the doctors you’re considering.

This is the age of technology. Patients can opt for a Hinsdale dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic procedures, just medical, or just cosmetic. Dr. Steil chooses to practice both, which necessitates her keeping up with the current technology, attending conferences, and staying up to date with the trends. One of the very commonplace practices is laser hair removal. For many reasons this is a top trend right now, mostly because of its convenience factor. This is one of the first elective procedures people opt for when addressing a cosmetic need in a medical office. There may also be a medical consideration, if there is a female patient with bothersome ingrown hairs in the bikini area.

This likely may be the patient’s first introduction to a laser treatment. Dr. Steil may treat younger girls who are just starting to get a little excess upper-lip hair. This is a very common problem in adolescence and early teenage years. In the past, it would be embarrassing for young girls, as there were no other options besides bleaching or shaving. But now this can be treated by a Hinsdale dermatologist in a couple of easy in-office appointments.

Start with the basics. Figure out what you need and then which Hinsdale dermatological professional can best meet those needs. Advocate for yourself by partnering with a top notch medical practitioner in your area.

Young girls may suffer from seemingly unmanageable upper lip hair growth. Older women may have inconsistent and unruly hormonal hair problems, like dark, coarse hairs underneath the chin. When these patients choose Hinsdale laser hair removal, there are many different lasers that can be used by the doctor during the procedure. The general rule is that people cannot be tanned and the hair has to be dark. These are the best candidates for the procedure – those with lighter skin and darker hair. Dr. Steil is such a professional that she firmly believes that if a potential client could better be served by a dermatologist with more appropriate lasers – suitable for African American skin, for example – then she will refer the patient elsewhere. She will choose the care plan that is most appropriate for the patient, and this means not hesitating to refer the patient to a colleague.

Hinsdale laser hair removal is so common now that people don’t question its efficacy. The standard course of treatment involves 6 to 12 visits, with about one month between each visit. They call it significant hair reduction. The likelihood is that on the armpits, bikini areas, and legs, the hair won’t return again. But with hormonally dependent areas, like the back for men or the chin and the cheeks for women, people may need occasional touch ups. The hair will be thinner and grow slower, but it still may require attention.

In preparation for your Hinsdale laser hair removal procedure, you should not tan, wax, or pluck the area that will be worked on. But Dr. Steil does recommend that you shave it the day before your treatment. As Hinsdale laser hair removal isn’t invasive, the side effects are very limited and the recovery will be as smooth as your skin.

Treatments

Some of the most requested and popular procedures are: chemical peels, microdermabrasion, skin care products, BOTOX, and fillers. These are all outpatient procedures that can usually be done in one visit and will deliver quick, natural results. The good news about many of these cosmetic procedures is that they are designed to be temporary. So if a patient feels like the outcome was too dramatic, they can simply wait and watch results fade. Dr. Bansal says most fillers for example, are designed to last for about one year. The most common type of fillers she tends to recommend are the hyaluronic acid based fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. However, for patients that want more aggressive treatment, there are additional options available.

Candidates

If patients are wondering if they are good candidates for cosmetic dermatology it is best to first get a professional opinion. Dr. Bansal says about 95% of people will respond well to injectables, but there is still a small group that may need to avoid or temporarily hold off on a procedure. It is always recommended to get a medical recommendation from your Columbia, MD cosmetic dermatology specialist before assuming you are a good candidate for any treatment.

Results

There can be some confusion for patients with these treatments because everyone’s body is so different, but on average Dr. Bansal says that with fillers your skin does return to normal with time, but you still look fuller than before or if no treatment had been done at all.  Five to seven months of results for BOTOX can be expected and the good news is that the more often you receive a toxin, the less you need it. Muscles are essentially frozen in time. With lasers and chemical peels, Dr. Bansal says it is critical to wear the right sunscreen, and recently more and more dermatologists are recommending those with physical blockers, which are better at reflecting light away from the skin.

For more information about cosmetic dermatology in Columbia, MD contact Dr. Bansal at her office for a personal consultation.

Teenage Acne

Dr. Bansal says that they way acne presents itself in pediatric patients is different than in an adult. It is different because their bodies are still growing and acne is a complicated condition with multiple factors. Dr. Bansal wants to explain that there are a couple of misconceptions about acne and what causes it. First, acne is not caused by dirt or poor hygiene. Scrubbing the face and washing abrasively can actually contribute to the problem of acne and most teenagers are unaware of this fact.

Diet is another thing that patients frequently ask the Columbia, MD pediatric dermatology specialist about, assuming that there are foods that contribute to acne. Dr. Bansal says this is much harder to prove scientifically, but that medical treatment is much more effective than avoiding certain foods. She explains that things like hormones, sebum production, and environmental factors are more to blame for the presence of acne in teens and adults than either of the above factors.

Medication Options

Dr. Bansal likes to prescribe certain medications that she believes are helpful for the right patients. She has seen good success from Retinoids as well as Accutane. Accutane is an oral medication typically reserved for the most severe cases of cystic acne. This can be beneficial when other treatments have failed. While it is important for patients to do their own research, an experienced dermatologist can help assess which treatment is the most appropriate for your or your child’s condition.

For more information about Dr. Bansal’s pediatric dermatology practice, Medical and Aesthetic Dermatology, in Columbia MD, contact them directly for an in person consultation.

What Is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a next-generation sugar-based injectable hyaluronic acid dermal filler. Hyaluronic acid is something that occurs naturally in the human body and acts as the skin’s “plumper.” Because Juvederm is so similar to the body’s own hyaluronic acid, no skin testing is needed before Juvederm can be administered.

Unlike BOTOX, which smooths wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements, Juvederm fills in creases and folds in the skin that are visible all the time. Juvederm can be used to:

• increase the fullness of the lips
• fill in small lines around the lips
• smooth nasolabial folds (the grooves from the edges of the nose to the corners of the mouth)
• soften frown lines
• fill in “marionette lines” (grooves from the corners of the mouth downward to the jawline)

One of the benefits of Juvederm is how long it lasts. Your results with Juvederm can last between six months and a full year. Juvederm is infused with lidocaine to improve comfort during treatment. And it doesn’t produce the same redness and swelling after treatment that some other fillers do.

To make the procedure more comfortable for her patients, Dr. Kronberg applies a numbing cream to the face about 30 minutes before treatment. It’s normal for some bruising to occur, so she recommends allowing at least a week before any major social events. You’ll see noticeable changes in your appearance immediately following treatment with Juvederm, but your final results will be apparent in about a week.

Where to Go for Juvederm in Houston

Although Juvederm and other injectable fillers are available at many medical spas, Dr. Kronberg believes strongly that administration by a physician offers better results, improved comfort and the assurance that any unexpected side effects (though very rare) can be properly managed.

At her practice in Houston, Juvederm is administered by Dr. Kronberg personally. Experience counts, she says, and she’s dedicated to providing her patients with the very best results and the highest possible level of comfort.

Arlington, VA, dermatologist Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center believes that it’s important to be selective when you choose someone to care for your skin. Dr. Talakoub says that there are several things to consider when you’re looking for a dermatology practice, among them expertise, a comprehensive approach, and a broad range of capabilities. For patients in northern Virginia, she believes that McLean Dermatology and Skin Care center is an excellent choice.

Breadth of Capabilities

There should be no reason, Dr. Talakoub says, to have one dermatologist treat your children and teens, and another dermatologist treat you. For this reason, when choosing a dermatology office, ask about whether or not the doctor treats patients of all ages.

Likewise, you shouldn’t have to take your cosmetic concerns elsewhere when you’re already seeing a dermatologist. At McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center, patients can be screened and be treated for skin cancers, but they can also receive BOTOX, Juvederm or other cosmetic treatments, all administered by a skilled physician’s hand and in a medical setting.

Philosophy and Approach

Be sure you’re comfortable with the doctor’s philosophy of care and approach to you as a patient. Choose someone you trust, who treats you as a whole person  –  not just a skin condition. Dr. Talakoub says that patients at McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center are given a comprehensive look at not only their skin problems, but also the ways in which certain lifestyle and environment factors can affect their skin.

“We don’t just give you a prescription cream and send you away,” she explains. “We talk with you about how to care for your skin on a daily basis to keep it healthy. One of our specialties is giving customized, comprehensive skin care advice.”

Experience and Qualifications

A dermatologist’s experience and qualifications should also, of course, be considered when choosing a practice for yourself or your family. Dr. Talakoub advises choosing a board certified dermatologist. Board certification is an important indication of expertise and reputability, she says. It assures that a physician has demonstrated a certain level of competency within his or her specialty, and that he or she continues on an ongoing basis to meet or exceed expectations for certification.

Dr. Talakoub is a board certified dermatologist who believes strongly in providing premier quality care in a safe and friendly environment. She says that her focus is  always on the patient, rather than the condition, and her talented, compassionate staff will listen to your concerns and fears before deciding upon the best course of treatment for you.

Arlington, VA, BOTOX specialist Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skin Care Center says that choosing the right provider for your BOTOX treatments is extremely important. Dr. Talakoub, whose practice serves all of Northern Virginia, says that a highly skilled, well-trained and experienced practitioner can reduce your risk for unpleasant side effects and provide you with the best possible results.

Although technicians at some medical spas are legally able to administer BOTOX in Virginia, Dr. Talakoub recommends opting for a doctor’s office – specifically, a dermatology practice or a plastic surgeon’s office. A thorough understanding facial anatomy is critical to the proper administration of BOTOX, and not all providers are adequately trained.

BOTOX works by temporarily restricting the movement of certain facial muscles. The repetitive movement of those muscles, prior to the administration of BOTOX, is what causes most age-related lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. A careful and conservative application of BOTOX can smooth those lines and wrinkles in a beautiful, natural-looking way that lasts for about three months. When BOTOX is administered by someone who isn’t adequately schooled in facial musculature, however, a patient may be left with less desirable results.

There are different types of facial musculature, Dr. Talakoub explains. Some of the musculature is not required for normal functioning, but some is, particularly around the eyes where BOTOX is most commonly used. For this reason, she believes it’s essential to find a doctor who is both extensively trained in BOTOX administration and board certified. Board certification is an indication of not only a physician’s expertise in his or her specialty, it is also an important indication of reputability.

Choosing a physician to administer your BOTOX treatments can provide you with the best possible results, and will also ensure that your provider is adequately prepared to manage any potential side effects. Although side effects are not common, they do occur. Those side effects can include ptosis (drooping of one or more eyelids), asymmetry of the face, or bruising at the injection sites. Such side effects cannot always be avoided, but choosing the best-trained provider will help to reduce your risk.

Less qualified providers may also over-administer BOTOX, resulting in an undesirable appearance or diminished muscle function. Using too much BOTOX or having your treatments too close together can result in a “surprised” look or a lack of facial expression. A reputable provider will take precautions against such effects and advise you as to the treatment schedule that will provide you with the long-lasting, natural look you desire.

Philosophy and Goals

When selecting a dermatologist (or any other health care provider), it’s important to ensure that the doctor’s overall philosophy is a good match with yours. Likewise, you’ll want to have confidence that the doctor’s goals for your treatments are consistent with yours.

For example, Dr. Goldberg says that her goal for each of her patients is simple: to improve him or her in a natural way. While that approach is appealing to many patients, certainly others are looking for something different.  Sharing the same overall philosophy with patients is an important part of establishing trust, she says. And this trust is an essential part of working together to achieve the best possible results.

Range of Services

Another thing to consider when choosing a dermatology practice is the range of services offered. Dr. Goldberg considers herself to be a “full-service” practitioner. That is, she doesn’t limit herself to handling only one aspect of a patient’s dermatological needs.

“It’s a very comprehensive field,” she explains, “and there are many different aspects to it. At Urban Dermatology, we pride ourselves in providing a comprehensive range of services.”

Those services include, for example, a thorough skin check to screen for melanoma as well as a broad range of cosmetic procedures. Naturally, the health and wellness of the patient is considered priority number one, but unlike some other strictly medical dermatologists, Dr. Goldberg doesn’t shy away from anti-aging regimens or laser treatments.

Included in Urban Dermatology’s extensive lineup of treatment options are popular cosmetic procedures like BOTOX, laser hair removal, injectable fillers, photodynamic therapy, and chemical peels. Naturally, Dr. Goldberg and her team are also equipped to handle medical issues ranging from a simple winter rash to skin cancers.

Convenience and Atmosphere

In a bustling city like New York, convenience is an extremely important part of choosing a dermatologist. The practice should be easy to get to, with a minimum of hassle, as many dermatology treatments require multiple clinic visits.

Likewise, atmosphere matters. It’s essential that patients feel relaxed and comfortable in any type of medical environment, and a dermatology practice is no exception. The staff should be welcoming, you should feel as though you’re cared for and appreciated, and the facility itself should feel warm and inviting.

“At Urban Dermatology, we provide patient-focused skin care in a relaxed, yet highly professional setting,” says Dr. Goldberg.