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Dear Valued Patients and Friends,
The beauty of fall foliage makes me think of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s quote “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
As we study various mechanisms of renewal and repair to combat the effects of aging and explore ways to prevent harmful action of free radicals (including the use of nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, sunscreens, prescribed medications, energy devices and procedures), I would be remiss if I did not discuss the importance of a well-regulated lifestyle, or simply put, living well.
A well-regulated lifestyle consists of a balanced diet (with avoidance of processed food), body care and physical exercise (at least 150 minutes/week), sleeping well (7-8 hours/night), low stress conditions, not smoking, avoidance of exposure to environmental pollutants and pesticides, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi (for body and mind balance).
As I reflect, healing and renewal need to come from within us, first and foremost.
“ Promise me you’II always remember:
You’re braver than you believe,
Stronger than you seem,
And smarter than you think.”
Winnie-the-Pooh
It hasn’t been an easy year for all of us. I hope that this fall brings you renewal, restoration, regeneration and revitalization!
Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD
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FDA Approves Ruxolitinib For Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis In Patients 12 Years And Older, Company Says
HCPlive (9/21, Butera) reported the FDA “has approved janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor cream therapy ruxolitinib (Opzelura) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis” in “patients 12 years and older.” The treatment, which “is the first and only topical formulation of a JAK inhibitor approved in the US,” is “recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies, or when those therapies are not advisable.” Data from a phase 3, 1,249-patient study “presented at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Virtual Meeting Experience detailed significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.” Incyte, maker of the treatment, announced the FDA’s approval in a Sept. 21 press release.
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LaseMD ULTRA™
Treats Sun Damage, Freckles, Sunspots, Actinic Keratoses and Enlarged Pores
Lutronic LaseMD Ultra™ (Thulium 1927nm) is a gentle, non-ablative, fractional resurfacing laser which restores healthy, glowing skin by coagulating tissue in the epidermis and superficial dermis. It is used for the treatment of photodamage, actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), benign pigmented lesions including freckles and sunspots (lentigines) and enlarged pores. Ultra™ provides brightening and improvement of skin health for all skin types, with minimal downtime or discomfort. By generating microchannels in the skin, Ultra™ allows for laser assisted delivery of cosmeceuticals and medications, infused to boost the rejuvenating effects of resurfacing, including vitamin A (for improvement of epidermal turnover and collagen synthesis), vitamin C (for hydration, improvement of collagen synthesis, reduction of inflammation and hyperpigmentation), tranexamic acid (for treatment of melasma and hyperpigmentation) and growth factors in KeraFactor™ (for treatment of thinning hair and hair loss), during each laser treatment session.
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Vivier® AHA/BHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid/Beta Hydroxy Acid) Exfoliating Cream is for all skin types, especially “problematic skin”. The concentrated cream gives a smoother, more even looking texture and tone. Gentle enough to use daily as a moisturizer, nightly as a retinol alternative, or a few times per week to keep the skin decongested and purified.
Why we love it:
It differs from other AHA/BHA products because it is a multi-functional product. It gently exfoliates, clears problematic skin and offers anti-aging benefits, making it great for adult acne patients, those experiencing maskne and anyone with texture, uneven skin tone and acne prone skin.
Active Ingredients include:
- AHAs: It has a blend of different fruit acids which help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and brighten uneven pigmentation on the surface of the skin. AHAs also help to increase skin hydration by activating hyaluronic acid so it won’t dry the skin out.
- BHA/Salicylic Acid (SA) USP: It contains certified 99.9% pure SA which reduces breakouts, exfoliates and also reduces inflammation.
- Anti-aging ingredients: In addition to AHAs and BHA, it contains added additional ingredients that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten the skin, and increase hydration and elasticity. It contains antioxidants which further protect the skin from oxidative damage and free radicals.
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Peptides
- Panthenol
- Glycosaminoglycans
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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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Review Study: Long-Term Efficacy Of Currently Available Topical Therapies For Actinic Keratosis May Tend To Wane By 12 Months
Dermatology Advisor (9/14, May) reported, “Currently available topical therapies for actinic keratosis (precancerous lesions that may develop into squamous cell carcinoma) offer short-term clearance, but the initial robust efficacy of these agents tends to wane by 12 months.” This confirms the need for constant skin cancer surveillance and repeat field therapy to treat actinic keratoses, especially in high-risk patients.
Study Explains Pathway, Mechanism For Explaining Aging Hair
The New York Times (10/4, Kolata) reported research indicates that “at least in the hair of aging animals, stem cells escape from the structures that house them,” thereby contributing to age-related hair loss. In addition, the study “identifies two genes involved in the aging of hair, opening up new possibilities for stopping the process by preventing stem cells from escaping.” Those genes are FOXC1 and NFATC1.
The findings were published online in the journal Nature Aging:
Stem cell (SC) exhaustion is a hallmark of aging. However, the process of SC depletion during aging has not been observed in live animals, and the underlying mechanism contributing to tissue deterioration remains obscure. The authors found that, in aged mice, epithelial cells escape from the hair follicle (HF) SC compartment to the dermis, contributing to HF miniaturization. They demonstrated reduced expression of cell adhesion and extracellular matrix genes in aged HF-SCs, many of which are regulated by Foxc1 and Nfatc1. Deletion of Foxc1 and Nfatc1 recapitulates HF miniaturization and causes hair loss.
Cosmetic Topical Brightener Combined With Dual Serum Antioxidant System May Improve Facial Hyperpigmentation In Patients With Skin Of Color, Researchers Say
Healio (9/17, Forand) reported, “Facial hyperpigmentation was improved in patients with skin of color who used a cosmetic topical brightener combined with a dual serum antioxidant system,” researchers concluded in “an open-label, single center study” that “included 13 patients (mean age, 44; 92% female), of which 10 completed the study.” Study participants were all “Asian, Hispanic or African American and they each had investigator-assessed moderate to severe overall facial hyperpigmentation.” This confirms the need for the concurrent use of antioxidants with brightening agents to fade skin discoloration.
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Dr. Young's Tip of the Month
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If you have a pimple that you’re about to pop, stop! You’ll want to read this first.
Do-it-yourself pimple popping can backfire
Squeezing pimples and other acne blemishes may seem so simple that anyone can do it, but there is an art to doing it right. You need proper technique to avoid:
- Permanent acne scars
- More noticeable acne
- More painful acne
- An infection
These unwanted side effects are likely when you pop pimples at home. If you push some of the contents inside the pimple deeper into the skin, which often happens, you increase inflammation. This can lead to more-noticeable acne. Some people develop acne scars and pain. When you pop pimples yourself, you also run the risk of getting an infection from the bacteria on your hands.
Dermatologists know how to remove acne safely
Dermatologists use a few different techniques to physically get rid of acne. One is called acne extraction, which involves using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. it’s rarely a first choice because it takes time and can be expensive. When performed by a dermatologist, acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads.
Another technique that dermatologists use allows them to get rid of a deep, painful acne cyst or nodule. To do this, a dermatologist will inject the blemish with a corticosteroid. This speeds healing and reduces the risk of scarring. An injection is fine for treating one especially painful acne nodule or cyst. It cannot be used to treat several acne blemishes. If you receive too much corticosteroid, it can cause unwanted side effects. Only a doctor should inject a corticosteroid.
To remove a large pimple or painful acne cyst or nodule, your dermatologist may also use a procedure called incision and drainage. It involves using a sterile needle or surgical blade to open the blemish and then removing what’s inside. Because dermatologists use proper technique, this procedure can help drain a pimple, cyst, or nodule.
What to expect from acne removal procedures
During acne extraction, a dermatologist uses sterilized equipment to clean out your pores. You may need to have your skin exfoliated first.
Blackheads and whiteheads can return, so you’ll need to follow a skin-care plan to prevent new blemishes.
A corticosteroid injection will flatten most acne nodules or cysts within 48 to 72 hours.
The key to clearing a pimple with incision and drainage is to do this at the right time.
Three things that can improve acne clearing
These techniques aren’t necessary for every blemish. Acne often clears with acne medicine and the right skin care.
While you’re waiting for your skin to clear, it can be tempting to pop a large pimple or squeeze out a blackhead. That can delay clearing.
Here are 3 things you can do that will help you see clearer skin more quickly.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
Touching, picking, and popping can worsen acne.
- Relieve pain with ice.
Some acne can be painful, especially nodules and cysts. Ice reduces the inflammation.
- Treat your acne.
Many people can clear their acne with treatment that they can buy online or at a drugstore. Treatment takes time to work. If you don’t see results in 4 to 6 weeks, a dermatologist can help you clear your skin.
Patience today, clearer skin tomorrow
While you may still be tempted to pop that pimple, you now know the benefits of using a different approach. And that can lead to clearer skin.
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