Dear Patients and Friends,
As we enter the holiday season, we cannot help but reflect that this year is full of change and hope. If life is about the quality and depth of our experiences and emotions, this year has been most enriching indeed, despite its difficulties. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. They are so precious. Thank you for allowing me to share your happiness, accomplishments, milestones, passions, triumphs, concerns, fears, sorrow, pain and disappointments. Some of you have adapted to the challenges and uncertainties this year with creativity and new innovations and have become even more resourceful, productive and efficient than ever. Some of you have to put your dreams on hold, while not losing heart, and making use of this uncertain time instead for preparation, so that you will be ready for better days to come. Some of you have turned a crisis into an opportunity and have switched careers and ventured into newfound territories. Some have lost your loved ones during this difficult time. Some have new additions to the family (including human and furry babies!) Some of you have been working selflessly at the frontline throughout, putting others’ needs before your own. Some of you have survived COVID-19 and are still on the road to recovery. Some of you have been struggling with other medical problems, while taking care of loved ones with health concerns, amidst a pandemic.
Thank you all for being my inspiration. You have taught me that true courage is not knowing what tomorrow may bring, and yet we must always do our best. I have learned that it is through our most difficult challenges, that we find our tenacity and grit, our focus and our true north. Thank you for giving me a purpose in life - the opportunity to always strive to do better as your physician.
During this holiday season, I wish that you will connect with your loved ones, find inner peace and time for restoration, and celebrate survival and togetherness. I hope that 2021 will bring you good health, happiness, harmony and fulfillment of your hopes and dreams.
Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD
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Guidance on the use of Biologic Therapy during the pandemic
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One of the most frequently asked questions is the concern regarding the use of biologic therapy and the risk of severe COVID 19 infection. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have no guidelines on the use of systemic immunosuppressive agents during the pandemic, due to insufficient evidence. At this point, the main priority for dermatologists, is to continue to provide the best possible care for patients with skin disease, and in doing so, to keep our patients out of emergency rooms and urgent care to not burden the health care system unnecessarily. Not all biologic therapies are equal in their immunosuppressive effects. We must balance the risk of immunosuppression with the risk of disease flare requiring urgent intervention with patient-specific risks and comorbidities. Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatology strongly recommends that patients should not stop their ongoing systemic immunosuppressive therapy without consulting their physicians.
Recently, two large observational studies from Italy and France showed that there is no increased incidence of severe COVID-19 in psoriasis patients receiving systemic therapy in the treatment initiation period compared to those on maintenance therapy. In addition, Dermatology Advisor (11/30, May) reported, “The use of biologic agents among patients with moderate to severe psoriasis infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was associated with a lower risk for COVID-19-related hospitalization compared with patients who used non-biologic systemic agents, according to findings from a registry analysis.” The analysis was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In the context of the persistent COVID-19 pandemic, this information may allow physicians to initiate biologic therapy in patients with severe psoriasis, on a case-by-case basis.
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Product & Service of the Month
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"I love the radiance serum as it has brightened my PIH spot on my face. It doesn’t clog my pores or irritate my skin."
- Judy
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"My experience with the Picoway for Tattoo removal showed great results after 1 treatment, compare to other Tattoo Removal lasers I have trialed."
- Maddy
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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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Add a little sparkle to the holidays with radiant, glowing skin. Give the gift of Vivier this holiday season!
Message us for more details to get your very own holiday gift set.
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Dr. Young's Tip of the Month
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Maintaining a healthy and functioning skin barrier is important to protect against dehydration, entry of microorganisms, allergens, irritants, reactive oxygen species and radiation. An optimal daily skin care regimen aims to increase skin regeneration, elasticity, smoothness, stop degradation of collagen and elastin to prevent the formation of wrinkles and reduce inflammation.
Daytime Regimen:
- Step One: Cleanser
Wash with gentle face cleanser (oil free and pH balanced) designed for your skin type
Our favorites: Vivier Medicated Wash (contains 2% Salicylic acid that exfoliates), Vivier Hexam Gentle Cleanser (contains hexamidine, an antimicrobial that reduces irritation), Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser (contains Bromelain, an extract of pineapple that exfoliates), La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and Purifying Foaming Cleanser (formulated with Prebiotic thermal water)
- Step Two: Antioxidant Serum
Apply an antioxidant serum (Vitamin C reduces inflammation, neutralizes oxygen radicals, reduces fine wrinkles and hyperpigmentation)
Our favorites: Vivier CE Peptides serum, Vivier Radiance serum (contains Vitamin C, and Arbutin, which prevents formation of melanin and brightens the skin), Vivier GrenzCine serum (contains Vitamin C, and Polyamine-DAB, which is naturally occurring in our skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by thickening and firming the skin), SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum
- Step Three: Eye Cream
Apply an eye cream suitable for your needs
Our favorites: Vivier Dark Circle eye cream (contains Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which supports skin healing), Vivier GrenzCine eye cream (contains Vitamin C, and Polyamine-DAB, which thickens and firms the skin)
- Step Four: Moisturize
Our favorites: Vivier Ultimage or SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier (hyaluronic acid), SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, Vivier Lexxel Moisturizing cream, EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, CeraVe PM facial lotion, La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
- Step Five: Treatments
Apply prescription medications that target your skin condition (e.g. acne, rosacea, melasma, photodamage) and/or AHA/BHA, Glycolic acid/lactic acid formulations (which exfoliate and remove dead skin cells)
Our favorites: Vivier Exfoliant Forte
- Step Six: Sunscreen
Our favorites: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum (SPF 46), SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense (SPF 50), ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight emulsion (SPF 50+), ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight tinted mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Nighttime Regimen:
- Step One: Cleanser
Wash with gentle face cleanser (oil free and pH balanced) designed for your skin type
Our favorites: Vivier Medicated Wash (contains 2% Salicylic acid that exfoliates), Vivier Hexam Gentle Cleanser (contains hexamidine, an antimicrobial that reduces irritation), Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser (contains Bromelain, an extract of pineapple that exfoliates), La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser and Purifying Foaming Cleanser (formulated with Prebiotic thermal water)
- Step Two: Antioxidant Serum
Apply an antioxidant serum (Vitamin C reduces inflammation, neutralizes oxygen radicals, reduces fine wrinkles and hyperpigmentation)
Our favorites: Vivier CE Peptides serum, Vivier Radiance serum (contains Vitamin C, and Arbutin, which prevents formation of melanin and brightens the skin), Vivier GrenzCine serum (contains Vitamin C, and Polyamine-DAB, which is naturally occurring in our skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by thickening and firming the skin), SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum
- Step Three: Eye Cream
Apply an eye cream suitable for your needs
Our favorites: Vivier Dark Circle eye cream (contains Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, which supports skin healing), Vivier GrenzCine eye cream (contains Vitamin C, and Polyamine-DAB, which thickens and firms the skin)
- Step Four: Moisturize (if your skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, otherwise, apply Treatments in Step Five prior to Moisturizing the skin)
Our favorites: Vivier Ultimage or SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier (hyaluronic acid), SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, Vivier Lexxel Moisturizing cream, EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, CeraVe PM facial lotion, La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Moisturizer
- Step Five: Treatments
Apply prescription medications that target your skin condition (e.g. acne, rosacea, melasma, photodamage) and/or anti-aging night creams (retinoids including retinol and tretinoin, glycolic acid/lactic acid and resveratrol)
Note: When apply any retinoid formulation for the first time, moisturize the skin first, prior to applying a thin film of the treatment on the face. Begin application on every third or fourth night, and gradually increase the frequency of application to every night, as you build up tolerability to retinoids.
Our favorites: Vivier Retinol 1% Night Complex, Vivier Exfoliant Forte, SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE Antioxidant Night Concentrate.
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