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Dear Valued Patients, Colleagues and Friends,
As we have been observing all over the world, climate change has been a growing concern for several decades and its impact on the environment, ecosystems, and our health is far-reaching. As temperatures continue to rise and the ozone layer depletes, the need for proper sunscreen application has become more important than ever before. The increased exposure to UV rays has led to an increase in photoaging and skin cancer incidence. Studies have shown that skin cancer rates have increased by 77% in the past three decades. With the increased exposure to UV rays, it is crucial to choose the right SPF level, formulation, and water-resistance, and to reapply sunscreen regularly to ensure maximum protection.
It is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen (that provides protection against both UVA and UVB) with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure for the level of protection against UVB). A higher SPF number provides more protection, and I recommend choosing a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher.
As climate change is causing an increase in water temperatures and a decrease in clouds, individuals who are active and enjoy water activities are exposed to UV rays for longer periods. Water-resistant sunscreens are tested to remain effective for a specific amount of time while our skin is exposed to water or sweat and are a great option for those who are active and enjoy water activities.
Above all, it is important to reapply sunscreen, at least every two hours, especially immediately after sweating or being in water.
I hope that by understanding the impact of climate change, the increased need for sun protection, and strategies to stay safe in the sun, we will be in a better position to protect our skin in a changing environment!
Sincerely,
Alison Young, MD PhD
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Buy Two Picoway Laser Treatments, and Get Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program and Jessner Peel FREE!
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Labor Day Flash Sale For Two Weeks Only:
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25% Off All Of Your Favorite Vivier® Products!
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Combining Three Best Strategies In The Treatment of Brown Spots and Photoaging:
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Picoway®, Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program and Vivier® Jessner Peel
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 superficial 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 with minimal downtime and discomfort.
Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program
Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program gently and effectively improves dark spots, aging skin, irregular skin texture, and skin tone in all skin types with mild hyperpigmentation, without the use of hydroquinone. The skin care routine takes 4 minutes a day to complete.
Each system contains pH balanced products that prepare the skin for the next step and restore the skin with gold standard, clinically proven ingredients:
- Medicated Wash contains 2% Salicylic acid USP (a beta-hydroxy acid with keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties) and Hexamidine USP (an antimicrobial agent that reduces acne, with emollient capabilities to provide hydration).
- Radiance Serum contains 8% L-Ascorbic acid USP (an antioxidant that calms, brightens and retains moisture), 2% Arbutin (a natural and effective skin-brightening agent extracted from plants such as bearberry and pear), Resorcinol (a tyrosinase inhibitor that decreases hyperpigmentation and exfoliates, resulting in smoother, softer skin) and Grapefruit Extract (with antioxidant properties).
- Exfoliant Forte contains 7% Glycolic acid and 3% Lactic acid (which exfoliate and moisturize the skin)
- Retinol 1% Night Complex contains 1% pure Retinol (which enhances skin’s radiance, reduces and prevents wrinkles and fine lines), Vitamin C + E (antioxidants that calm, brighten, hydrate, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and protect from free-radical damage) and Shea Butter (an anti-inflammatory agent that protects the skin from dehydration).
- Skin Brightening Cream contains Arbutin (a natural and effective skin-brightening agent), Resorcinol (a tyrosinase inhibitor that decreases hyperpigmentation and exfoliates), Lactic acid (which exfoliates and moisturizes the skin) and Niacinamide (an antioxidant that upregulates the synthesis of ceramides and reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles).
- Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Lotion contains 9.9% Zinc Oxide (physical UV filter for excellent UVA/UVB protection)
Why I love Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program:
While Vivier® Hyperpigmentation program works by itself to reduce facial hyperpigmentation, combining Vivier® Hyperpigmentation Program with Picoway® laser treatment enhances the results and lowers the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation post laser treatment.
Vivier® Peels
Vivier Peels are safe, non-invasive and self-neutralizing, suitable for all skin types and all patients looking for advanced resurfacing and an anti-aging glow with minimal to no downtime. They are ideal for aging skin, age spots, dehydrated skin, skin imperfections, oily skin, congested skin and acne-prone skin and mild rosacea. Gentle yet effective, they help refresh, brighten, tighten, and illuminate the appearance of skin.
Jessner Peel Ingredients:
14% Lactic Acid USP
14% Salicylic Acid USP
14% Resorcinol USP (for micro-exfoliation)
Designer Peptides
Panthenol (decreases downtime)
Why I love Vivier® Jessner Peel:
By combining Vivier peels with medical and cosmeceutical treatments, the penetration of topical agents into the skin is enhanced with better results and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is improved.
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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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Allergens in Popular Hair Products May Cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Certain allergens in hair care products may cause allergic contact dermatitis in some patients, resulting in redness, scaling, swelling, burning, itching, hair shedding and pain in the rinse-off distribution at the nape of the neck, behind the ears, hairline, eyelids, ears, and sides of the face, according to authors of a review published in Dermatitis.
Shampoos (including antidandruff shampoo) and conditioning products are often associated with neck and lateral face dermatitis. Potential allergens (fragrances, adhesives, dyes, emulsifiers, surfactants, and preservatives) can be found in hair dyes—including coloring, bleaching, and lightening products—waxes, oils, hair gels, hairsprays, minoxidil solution and foam, and topical steroids applied to the scalp.
The most common allergens associated with contact dermatitis from hair care products are paraphenylenediamine (PPD), an ingredient in permanent hair dye that can cause significant hypersensitivity reactions, including itchy, red, scaly (eczematous) plaques, followed by methylisothiazolinone (MI) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), preservatives commonly found in shampoos.
In addition, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used in many shampoos. Formaldehyde concentrations up to 2000 ppm are permitted in shampoos and cosmetic products. Conversely, formaldehyde-free keratin treatments can still release formaldehyde at levels exceeding occupational exposure limits. Reported symptoms of ACD caused by hair products containing formaldehyde (which is most frequently used in hair-straightening treatments) can occur within 24 hours of exposure; symptoms include swelling (edema) of the scalp, face, and eyelids, and itchy, red, scaly (eczematous) eruptions.
Patients may also present with allergic contact dermatitis from henna products that contain PPD. Patients who have (or are suspected of having) allergies to PPD are advised to avoid it. A custom patch test is recommended before the patient uses a new hair dye.
Among commonly used oils for hair (such as tea tree, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme oil), tea tree oil has been cited most frequently as a cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The allergic reaction often occurs as a result of application of pure oil (although allergic contact dermatitis can also be caused by shampoos, soaps, and shaving cream containing the same ingredient). It is generally due to oxidation that forms peroxides, endoperoxides, and epoxides.
Certain scalp and skin rashes can result from allergic reactions to specific irritants. For example, patients with an allergic response to nickel commonly used in hair accessories may present with localized dermatitis (eczema). Patients with a PPD allergy may often present with a reaction to thioglycolates found in permanent wave products. Patients, especially atopic dermatitis patients, with irritation caused by adhesives/glues (acrylates) in hair extensions and prosthetic/synthetic hair pieces (wigs) may present with dermatitis localized to the area of applied adhesive, and eczema on the neck and swelling of the eyelids.
If you develop persistent and recurrent itchy red scaly rashes and swelling of the scalp, face, eyelids, or in the ‘rinse-off’ distribution, consider the possibility of an allergic contact dermatitis from hair care products. If you suspect that you may have an allergic contact dermatitis, consult a board-certified dermatologist for patch testing, which is the gold standard for detecting such allergens.
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Non-tinted Sunscreens Do Not Protect Against Visible Light
Most studies regarding skin protection by sunscreens have focused primarily on the UV wavelengths of the solar spectrum. However, visible light comprises 50% of solar radiation that reaches the earth’s surface. As previously demonstrated, visible light has cutaneous biologic effects such as hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) and erythema (redness). Photoprotection against visible light includes sun avoidance, seeking shade, and the use of photoprotective clothing. Organic and inorganic UV filters used in sunscreens do not protect against visible light; only tinted sunscreens containing either iron oxide or pigmentary titanium dioxide do. As there are no established guidelines regarding visible light photoprotection, alternative protective measures including topical and oral antioxidants are being explored. Vitamins E and C, ferulic acid and their derivatives, as well as niacinamide, were the four topical antioxidants in sunscreens with the most in vivo and/or clinical studies reported. Oral antioxidants with the best evidence for skin protection from sun exposure include niacinamide and polypodium leucotomos (Heliocare®).
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