A Message From Dr. Young

Dear Valued Patients, Colleagues and Friends,

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US; in 2023, an estimated 97,610 new cases of melanoma of the skin will be diagnosed in the US according to the American Cancer Society.

Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. It is estimated that approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Research estimates that non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, affects more than 3 million Americans a year. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer, are highly curable if detected early and treated properly. More than 1 million Americans are living with melanoma. Melanoma rates in the United States doubled from 1982 to 2011 and have continued to increase. The vast majority of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. 

While the sun plays a big role in our mental well-being and vitamin D levels, unprotected sun exposure can also increase our risk for skin cancer. Increasing intermittent sun exposure in childhood and during one’s lifetime is associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Because exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, the American Academy of Dermatology encourages everyone to avoid indoor tanning beds and protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

Skin cancer warning signs include changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesion, the appearance of a new growth on the skin, or a sore that doesn't heal. If you notice any spots on your skin that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching, or bleeding, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. After all, early detection gives us the best outcome and the highest chance of survival!

Please Practice Safe Sun as you head outdoors for warmer weather and fresh air in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Wishing you good health, new discoveries in nature and many happy memories with your loved ones!

Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD

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Get 20% Off Any Sunscreen (Vivier, Isdin, EltaMD, Alumier)

Introducing:

AlumierMD®

AlumierMD® is a skin care line with corrective formulas for various skin types and conditions, using products free from parabens, sulphates, petrolatum, artificial colors, artificial fragrances and dyes. 

By reducing inactive ingredients which may cause skin irritation, Alumier skin care products may be helpful to those patients who have very sensitive skin, and who are unable to tolerate most cosmeceuticals or topical medications. – Dr Young

Combining Two Best Strategies In Facial Rejuvenation:

Lutronic's Totalskin Solution and Laser Assisted Cosmeceutical Delivery of Polyamine-DAB® 

The TotalSkin Solution™ combines LaseMD Ultra® (a non ablative 1927nm fractional Thulium fiber laser) which reduces hyperpigmentation and fine lines related to photoaging by resurfacing the epidermis and superficial dermis, and Genius® (a radiofrequency microneedling device) which stimulates collagen and elastin production, thereby tightening, volumizing and lifting the skin over time by targeting the deeper dermis.

GrenzCine Face 

Vivier® GrenzCine Face is an advanced and concentrated face cream that hydrates and firms the skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and increasing luminosity. It is formulated with Vivier’s innovative GrenzCine technology, Polyamine-DAB® (1,4-Diaminobutane) which plays a vital role in the recovery of skin structure and barrier function through the upregulation of collagen and lipid synthesis in aged cells.
Active Ingredients include:

1. Polyamine-DAB® works from the “outside-in” to repair the Epidermal-Dermal Junction (“Grenz Zone”) and Epidermis.
2. Vitamin C works from the “inside-out” as a powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and boost collagen production.
3. Activ8 Complex is a proprietary blend of peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and moisturizers that help to enhance skin elasticity, brighten and hydrate the skin.

What is laser-assisted cosmeceutical delivery? 

Laser-assisted cosmeceutical delivery is a new and promising cosmeceutical delivery technique that is used to improve the efficacy of local skin treatments. With laser pre-treatment followed by topical cosmeceutical application, physicians can increase the amount of the active ingredient that reaches the skin and thus improve the efficacy of treatment.

The laser generates microscopic channels in the skin, penetrating its natural barrier and providing direct access to underlying skin layers. With the subsequent application of a topical drug or cosmeceutical, the laser channels facilitate cosmeceutical delivery, providing a faster and greater deposition in the skin.

When applied after radiofrequency microneedling and fractionated laser resurfacing, Polyamine-DAB® penetrates more efficiently into the skin and enhances wound healing, potentiating the results of both treatments. – Dr Young

Spotlight On:

Skin Cancer and Photoaging Prevention 

Behavioral changes, such as the use of hats, protective clothing, and sunscreens are effective and well-known means for preventing skin cancer. When used in conjunction with topical antioxidants and sunscreens, oral antioxidants further potentiate sun protection.

The prevention of common skin cancers and precancers is possible by taking oral vitamin B3 supplement (also called Nicotinamide or Niacinamide, to be distinguished from Niacin). Nicotinamide reduced the rate of new squamous-cell and basal-cell skin cancers by 23% compared with placebo after 1 year among patients at high risk for skin cancer. Nicotinamide also reduced the risk for developing actinic keratosis, a common precancer of the skin.

Polypodium leucotomos is a South American species of fern in the family Polypodiaceae. Clinical research has shown that it has antioxidant and photoprotective properties and taken orally provides protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by enhancing the activity of our own antioxidant systems responsible for blocking the formation of reactive oxygen species.

For skin cancer and photoaging prevention, I recommend:

1. Nicotinamide or vitamin B3 (included in Heliocare Advanced®) 500mg twice daily
2. Polypodium leucotomos (included in Heliocare Advanced®) 240mg twice daily
3. Apply an antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, prior to application of sunscreen (Vitamin C neutralizes oxygen radicals generated by UV and visible light)
4. Apply a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher (Isdin Eryfotona AK-NMSC contains DNA repair enzyme photolyase and has been shown in studies to reduce the recurrence of actinic keratoses after 3 months of continuous use)
5. Wear hats and sun protective clothing daily
6. Apply a retinoid (e.g., retinol or tretinoin) every evening to improve epidermal turnover/renewal and help stimulate collagen production in the dermis

What To Look For: ABCDE's of Melanoma

Did You Know

Why does my neck look like it’s aging faster than the rest of me, and what can I do about it? 

Accelerated aging of the neck relative to the rest of the body may be due to multiple factors including poor posture, insufficient skin care, sun exposure and the constant ‘wear and tear’ of your neck muscles.

How do I slow down the aging process for neck skin?
 

Protect your neck from the sun

Many signs of aging (including skin discoloration, sunspots, redness and broken capillaries, and crepey skin and wrinkles) on the neck are from sun exposure. UVA penetrates into the dermis and damage cells which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are two proteins that are essential for keeping your skin’s structure intact. Collagen helps to maintain firmness of the skin, and elastin helps it resume its original shape after it has been stretched. The dermis, which comprises these proteins, tends to be thinner on the neck compared to other parts of the body, like the face and the upper arms. We often forget to use sunscreen on our necks but protecting the neck is just as important as protecting the rest of our body. I recommend applying a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of 50 generously all over your neck every day, and if you are outside, reapply at least every 2 hours throughout the day.

Treat your neck as well as you treat your face

We tend to shower attention and care on our faces by regularly applying serums, moisturizers, and antiaging skin care products. Necks, on the other hand, don’t tend to get the same treatment. We should extend the same love to our necks.

As we grow older, our skin loses some of its capacity to retain moisture, and we are prone to have dry skin. The skin on our necks becomes dry, dull, and rough in texture. Avoid alkaline soaps (such as Ivory bar soap) and soaps containing surfactants which dehydrate the skin. Apply a moisturizer with a humectant (e.g. hyaluronic acid) and barrier repair cream (e.g. ceramide) both morning and night. I recommend adding a lotion or serum containing retinoids and peptides which help stimulate collagen production when used consistently, over time.
 

Beware of tech neck

Another factor that contributes to an older-looking neck is “tech neck,” or the tendency to slouch and look down when using a laptop or mobile device. In addition to causing neck pain and muscle strain, this posture also promotes horizontal neck lines and lines under your chin.

To prevent neck lines from forming (or deepening), position your computer and phone so you are not bending and craning your neck for prolonged periods of time. Unfortunately changing your posture won’t do anything to improve existing lines.
 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Avoid smoking which ages the skin.

Maintain a healthy diet with antioxidants.

If you’re looking to address signs of aging in your neck, consult a board-certified dermatologist about your options.