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Dear Valued Patients, Friends and Colleagues,
As the weather warms up, we look forward to sunnier days ahead as “everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.” We love summer for so many reasons, such as school vacation, endless fun, picnics, summer fruits, going to the beach, ice-cream, wearing shorts and sun dresses. The presence of lighter evenings means more time to spend with our loved ones, trying something new, or enjoying the great outdoors and exploring the beauty of Nature. To many, the sun symbolizes life, energy, positivity, clarity, confidence, happiness, vitality, and good luck.
While we can’t wait for summer to arrive, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) encourages us to #PracticeSafeSun whenever we're outdoors. When we Practice Safe Sun, we protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays. Here's why it's important:
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
- People of all skin tones get skin cancer.
- Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
- When we protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays, we reduce our risk of developing skin cancer.
To protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and reduce your risk, dermatologists recommend that you:
Seek shade
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can also look at your shadow. Any time your shadow appears shorter than you, seek shade.
Wear sun-protective clothing
Wear a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more effective protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
Apply sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
We wish you a safe and happy summer!
Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD
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SkinMedica® HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
HA5 isn’t just a moisturizer - it actually works with your body to maintain your naturally occurring hyaluronic acid (HA), as it blocks your body’s break down of hyaluronic acid and increases your own production by utilizing SkinMedica’s Vitisensce technology, which is an antioxidant blend consisting of vitis flower stem cell extract (derived from the grapeseed family), a peptide complex and polysaccharides. Restoring our natural supply of HA allows our skin to retain water and achieve true hydration.
The HA5 formulation includes not one, but five different forms of HA, extending the immediate hydration results of plumping the skin and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, from 2 hours to 8 hours. These HAs include a time released HA, sodium hyaluronate for immediate hydration, a non-crosslinked HA or a medium weight HA for smoothing effects, a nano or low molecular weight HA that soothes the skin and Allergan®’s cross-linked HA which is the key to providing long lasting results.
Why I love HA5
The hydration effects extend longer than most other over-the-counter HA formulations which usually last 1-3 hours. It is suitable for all skin types and can be incorporated in any skin care regimen. – Dr Young
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Exceed® Medical Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction (PCI), is a non-surgical treatment that uses very fine sterile needles to create tiny punctures in your skin, promoting a natural, collagen-stimulating healing process that corrects flaws and improves skin quality and texture. This minimally invasive facial treatment is clinically proven to deliver an improvement over time for several different dermatologic conditions, including facial wrinkles and facial acne scars.
Why I Love Exceed™ Microneedling
The Exceed™ Medical Microneedling device is the first dual-indicated microneedling treatment that is FDA-cleared and clinically proven to significantly improve facial acne scars and facial wrinkles, after just 12 weeks. As the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) remains intact and is not damaged, the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darker skin discoloration) after treatment is minimal. The rotating platform and the frequency of rotations up to 150 Hz allow for efficient treatment of facial contours, while providing an added effect equivalent to microdermabrasion. – Dr Young
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Dr. Young is excited to partner with Fullscript to give her patients access to high quality supplementations from the safety of their own homes. Look out for the Cyber Monday sale coming soon.
Fullscript is a smart, easy way to access supplements and meet wellness goals – from anywhere. You can pick your favourite supplements from your preferred device, and supplements get shipped right to your front door. Plus, getting started is completely free! It’s that simple.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Be Helpful Nutrient For Reducing Acne, Researchers Say
HealthDay (5/18, Munez) reports research indicates that “omega-3 fatty acids” may be “a nutrient helpful for reducing acne.” The study revealed that “among 100 participants with acne, about 94% had low levels of the fatty acid in their blood.” The study team “said these fatty acids reduce inflammation by stimulating the body to produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3 and leukotriene B5, and lowering levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor).” The findings were presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Spring Symposium.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients found in certain foods such as walnuts, seafood, fatty fish, and certain seed and plant oils. I recommend Omega-3 fatty acids supplement (1000mg a day) as they regulate the skin's oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue acne breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Omega-3s can also help soften rough, dry skin and have a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis. – Dr Young
Half Of Patients With Rosacea Have Ocular Involvement, But A Significant Number Of Cases Go Undiagnosed Due To A Lack Of Symptom Specificity, Researchers Say
HCPlive (5/19, Kaltwasser) reports, “Half of patients with rosacea have ocular involvement, but a significant number of cases go undiagnosed due to a lack of symptom specificity,” researchers concluded in a “rare large-scale study of ocular rosacea” involving 777 patients “that offered insights into how physicians could better identify and treat patients with rosacea who may have eye involvement.” The findings were published online in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Ocular rosacea may occur with or without underlying rosacea involving the skin. The symptoms may be subtle and may include dry eyes, easy tearing of the eyes, stinging, a foreign body sensation like a sandy gritty feeling in the eyes or crusting of the corners of the eyes first thing in the morning. Conjunctivitis or eyelid cysts and sensitivity to light and blurred vision may develop in some cases. It is important to diagnose and treat ocular rosacea early to avoid visual impairment. – Dr Young
Depressive Episodes Appear To Correlate, Fluctuate With Severity Of Atopic Dermatitis, Research Suggests
Healio (5/18, Bennett) reports, “Depressive episodes are closely correlated with and fluctuate with atopic dermatitis severity,” researchers concluded in a 695-adult patient study. The findings were published online ahead of print in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Successful treatment of eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a lifelong process and requires not just the use of the most appropriate and effective medications based on an in depth understanding of the etiology and mechanism of atopic dermatitis but an integrated approach in addressing skin care, diet, lifestyle (including sleep hygiene) and the emotional burden of the disease. I recommend early intervention with a comprehensive treatment plan for long term control of this condition to minimize the psychological impact of atopic dermatitis. – Dr Young
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Dr. Young's Tip of the Month
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A healthy, well-balanced diet can improve psoriasis
When it comes to treating psoriasis, no one treatment plan works for everyone. Research suggests that this may also apply to what you eat.
Weight loss diet can help if you’re overweight
If you have psoriasis and are overweight, losing weight can:
- Lead to fewer psoriatic skin lesions
- Decrease the severity of your psoriasis
- Make psoriasis medication more effective
These effects can happen quickly, according to studies. In one small study of patients with psoriasis who were overweight, half of the patients followed a low-calorie diet. In just 16 weeks, the patients following the low-calorie diet had less psoriasis than the non-dieting group of patients with psoriasis.
By week 24, many (66%) of the patients following the low-calorie diet had 75% decrease in psoriasis on their skin. By comparison, only 29% of the non-dieting patients saw this 75% reduction.
During a clinical trial, dermatologists saw similar results. In this trial, dermatologists enrolled 303 patients with long-term plaque psoriasis. All patients were overweight and receiving treatment for psoriasis. Even with treatment, all continued to have psoriasis on their skin.
In this clinical trial, half the patients were given a diet to follow and advice about the importance of exercising. The other group of patients was given information about how weight loss could be helpful. All patients were asked to lose 5% of their body weight within 20 weeks.
Patients in both groups lost weight. Those who lost 5% of their body weight had far less psoriasis on their skin. This trial shows that even a small amount of weight loss can reduce the amount of psoriasis on your skin.
Weight loss can help because both psoriasis and being overweight increase inflammation in your body. When you reduce inflammation, it can lead to less psoriasis on your skin.
Before starting a weight loss diet, talk with your dermatologist
Studies have found that weight loss diets which require you to get most of your calories from fat can worsen psoriasis, leading to more flare-ups.
Takeaway: If you are overweight, continuing to treat your psoriasis and following a healthy, balanced diet that allows you to lose weight could lead to fewer flare-ups and less severe psoriasis.
Gluten-free diet may help if you’re sensitive to gluten
Small studies suggest that if you have psoriasis and a gluten sensitivity, following a gluten-free diet may help reduce psoriasis flare-ups.
People who have a gluten sensitivity have one of the following:
- Celiac disease: Symptoms include frequent diarrhea, belly pain, passing gas often, and feeling tired most of the time
- Gluten sensitivity: You test positive for celiac antibodies, but you don’t have celiac disease
Here’s what happened during studies that looked at the effects of following a gluten-free diet.
In one study, 39 patients with psoriasis followed a gluten-free diet. Of these patients, 33 had a gluten sensitivity, and six patients did not have this sensitivity. After following the gluten-free diet:
- 73% of the patients with a gluten sensitivity had less psoriasis
- None of the patients without a gluten sensitivity had less psoriasis
In a very small study of seven patients who had psoriasis and a gluten sensitivity, all had completely clear skin after following a gluten-free diet. Six of the patients had plaque psoriasis, and one had palmoplantar psoriasis.
Takeaway for people living with psoriasis: If testing reveals that you’re sensitive to gluten, following a gluten-free diet may reduce the amount of psoriasis on your skin.
Mediterranean diet requires more research
People who follow this diet get most of their fat from extra-virgin olive oil. They also eat at least two servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit every day. Each week, they eat at least three servings of fish or seafood, beans, and nuts.
All of these foods are rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients. Because psoriasis causes inflammation throughout the body, it’s believed that this diet could lead to less psoriasis on your skin.
It’s still too early to know whether this is true. However, one large study suggests a Mediterranean diet could help people with psoriasis. In this study, 35,735 patients were asked to answer surveys about what they ate. The researchers collected in-depth information, such as how much fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and legumes they ate.
The patients answered these in-depth surveys three times over a six-month period.
After analyzing the results, the researchers found that the patients with severe psoriasis ate few — if any — foods found in the Mediterranean diet.
While this may suggest that following a Mediterranean diet can lessen the amount of psoriasis on your skin, it’s too soon to tell. Only about 2% of the patients in this study had psoriasis. The study also relied on people being able to recall what they ate. Sometimes, it can be difficult to remember what you ate yesterday let alone weeks ago.
Takeaway: More research is needed to know how the Mediterranean diet affects psoriasis.
Always talk with your doctor before changing your diet
While changing what you eat (and drink) may seem simple, some fad diets can worsen psoriasis. Your dermatologist and primary care doctor can help you find a diet that meets your individual needs and works well with the medication in your treatment plan.
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