A Message From Dr. Young

Dear Valued Patients, Friends and Colleagues,

This Spring, try incorporating novelty in your daily lives – that means seeing, trying, doing and thinking new things.

Our experience of time going by faster as we’ve gotten older has to do with a lack of novelty in our lives. A growing number of studies have begun to examine the role of novelty in increasing happiness, as well as the role lack of novelty plays in negative states.

‘Novelty is the fuel on which the imagination runs.’ A. Delmonico

I hope that you may seek personal fulfillment and happiness in trying something new or varying how you spend your time!
 
Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD

Please Follow Us Online!

Product of the Month

Procedure of the Month

Picoway® Laser

Picoway® is a versatile laser platform with four picosecond wavelengths (532, 730, 785 and 1064nm) and full beam and split beam capabilities. Equipped with high peak power and the lowest pulse duration for photoacoustic effect (which minimizes the risk of skin heating and collateral damage to surrounding tissue), treatment across a broad range of skin phototypes with high efficacy and low downtime is possible. The clinical indications include photodamage, benign pigmented lesions, acne scars, wrinkles, melasma and tattoo removal. By using the 1064nm Resolve™ handpiece, the split beam mode functions as a fractional laser that targets dermal collagen and treats acne scars and wrinkles, in addition to benign pigmented lesions in darker skin types.

Why I love Picoway®:

By combining Picoway® full beam and split beam applications to optimally target different benign pigmented lesions as well as skin rejuvenation with picotoning or 1064nm Resolve™ during the same laser session, skin brightening and an improvement in skin texture can be achieved after just one treatment, with minimal downtime and discomfort. – Dr Young

Did You Know?

Is spironolactone use associated with risk of cancer?

Spironolactone is an increasingly recognized effective treatment of acne.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology investigated the results of seven observational studies including 4.5 million patients to determine whether spironolactone use was associated with an increased risk of cancer. The findings indicate no statistically significant association between spironolactone use and the risk of breast (risk ratio, 1.04), ovarian (1.52), bladder (0.89), kidney (0.96), gastric (1.02), or esophageal (1.09) cancers. Four studies did, however, suggest a potential association between spironolactone use and reduced risk of prostate cancer occurrence (0.79).

Is topical finasteride for male and female pattern hair loss a safe and effective alternative?

Oral finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Topical finasteride, while not FDA approved, lacks the systemic adverse effects associated with oral finasteride. The efficacy of topical finasteride (1% finasteride gel or 0.25% finasteride spray) has been evaluated and found to be similar to oral finasteride 1mg daily, in two randomized, controlled trials. Also, a combination of topical minoxidil and topical finasteride may enhance efficacy. In addition, topical finasteride reduces both scalp and plasma dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, as demonstrated in an open-label pharmacodynamic study.
The side effects of topical finasteride are localized to the application site, for example, scalp itching, burning sensation, irritation and aredness. As topical finasteride reduces the potential for systemic side effects, including the risk of sexual dysfunction, it may be an alternative for patients who are concerned about potential systemic side effects of oral finasteride.

FDA warns against use of Renuvion/J-Plasma device for certain aesthetic procedures

The FDA has warned consumers and health care providers against the use of the Renuvion/J-Plasma device by Apyx Medical for aesthetic procedures intended to improve the appearance of the skin through dermal resurfacing or skin contraction.
The Renuvion/J-Plasma device is FDA cleared for general use of cutting, coagulation, and ablation of soft tissue during open and laparoscopic surgical procedures. The use of this device has not been determined to be safe or effective for any specific procedure intended to improve the appearance of the skin. The FDA has received reports describing serious adverse events when the Renuvion/J-plasma device was used directly on or under the skin, including second- and third- degree burns, infection, change in skin color, scars, nerve damage, significant bleeding, and air or gas accumulation under the skin, in body cavities, and in blood vessels.

Dr. Young's Tip of the Month

Skin Care Tips for Patients with Rosacea

Even if you’re already treating your rosacea, the right skin care regimen can make a noticeable difference. A rosacea friendly skin care routine can help your skin feel more comfortable, improve the results you see from treatment, boost your skin’s overall health and reduce rosacea flare-ups.

1. Cleanse your face very gently twice a day helps to remove oil and dirt that can irritate your skin.
   • Choose a mild, acidic cleanser. Low pH products are specially formulated to be slightly acidic, to restore and maintain your skin's natural balance.
   • Apply the cleanser gently with your fingertips, using a circular motion.
   • Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water, using only your fingertips. You want to thoroughly remove the cleanser. If some of the cleanser stays on your skin, it can cause irritation.
   • Pat your face gently with a clean, soft, cotton towel.
      
2. Moisturize twice daily to both hydrate the skin (e.g. with moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid) and repair skin barrier (e.g. with moisturizers containing ceramide). This can reduce irritation, make your skin feel more comfortable and improve the results you see from treatment.
    
3. Protect your skin from the sun year-round. Sun exposure is one of the triggers for rosacea. Even people with darker skin tones can have a rosacea flare-up after being outdoors in the sun. To reduce rosacea flare-ups caused by the sun, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen daily, even if you experience indirect light exposure. 

Choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin containing:

• Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both
• Tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides which protect you from visible light
• Silicone (may be listed as dimethicone, orcyclomethicone, or cyclomethicone)
• No fragrance (avoid unscented products which contain fragrance)
• Broad-spectrum protection
• SPF 30 or higher

4. Choose rosacea friendly skin care products. When you have rosacea, many skin care products and cosmetics can irritate your skin. While gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can help reduce this sensitivity, you may also want to choose your skin care products and makeup carefully.

To reduce the likelihood of irritation, avoid anything that contains:

• Alcohol
• Camphor
• Fragrance
• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Menthol
• Sodium laurel sulfate (often found in shampoos and toothpaste)
• Urea

5. Test skin care products and makeup before applying them to your face. If you’ve never tried a product or it seems that everything you apply to your face stings, performing a custom patch test prior to using it, can help. To test a product, apply a small amount near (but not on) your rosacea-prone skin and leave it on for 48 hours under a bandaid without getting it wet. If it irritates your skin (burning, stinging, etc.) within 48-72 hours, you know not to use it.
    
6. Be gentle with your skin. Anything that irritates your skin can worsen rosacea. Avoid physical abrasion, rubbing or scrubbing your face to avoid irritation. That means no washcloths, facial sponges, or exfoliating.

If you have trouble finding skin care products or makeup that doesn’t irritate your skin, a dermatologist can assist you. A dermatologist can examine your skin and recommend products for your skin’s specific needs.