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Dr. Ip’s Tips for 4 Decades of Beautiful

On January 17th, our first lady, Michelle Obama, turned the big 5-0, and in an interview with PEOPLE magazine she admitted that she will not rule out the idea of Botox, fillers, or plastic surgery.

“Women should have the freedom to do whatever they need to do to feel good about themselves,” she states. As a dermatologist, I could not agree more!

In fact, a study in the Journal of Modern Aesthetics reported that 69 percent of women ages 45 to 60 feel at least 6 years younger than their chronological age.

The women studied said that when it comes to reversing signs of aging, they want a natural result and want to be the best version of themselves they can be, without looking too different. So, in honor of the season of love, I’d like to challenge all my patients to work toward loving the skin that they are in.

Here are my tips for 4 Decades of Beautiful Skin.

In Your 20s:

The number one skin complaint of my twenty-something year old patients is acne. Yes, acne.

It’s a myth that acne is something that only teenagers deal with. Furthermore, many people inadvertently worsen their acne through the inconsistent use of prescription acne medicines and by using harsh products that strip the skin of natural oils.

Plan

– Use gentle skin care products, and work on acne prevention.

– Wash your face once or twice a day (if you have an oily skin type) with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil.

– Generally, if you have acne, only prescription medications or acne lasers really work. If you have a prescription, you must use that prescription even when your skin is clear.

Remember it’s all about PREVENTION. Most importantly, wear a moisturizer with sunscreen. It’s anti-aging and can soothe irritated, sensitive acne-prone skin.

In Your 30s:

Even if you have taken good care of your skin, you may begin to notice subtle signs of aging in your 30s. This includes fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmented sun spots and melasma that give you a mottled uneven complexion.

Plan

Continue with good skin care habits–gentle cleanser and sunscreen.
You may want to consider asking your dermatologist to prescribe a topical retinoid, which is great for acne and is also anti-aging. (Every dermatologist uses one!)
It’s also a good idea to consider twice yearly chemical peels, which will exfoliate the skin and help you to maintain an even complexion.
If your skin is too sensitive for retinoids or peels, over-the-counter glycolic acid washes will gently exfoliate your skin and slowly help to improve unwanted hyperpigmentation.

In Your 40s:

Close-up portrait of happy faces of smiling friendly young famile with son

Many forty-year-old women feel even more physically fit than they did in their 20s. There is no reason your skin shouldn’t follow suit. However, those beach vacations, tanning, and years of not wearing sunscreen can really show up on your face. In your 40s, you have to work harder to maintain that youthful glow.

Plan

– Your dermatologist should be your best friend, with new state-of-the-art lasers such as the IPL photofacials and the Vbeam laser, your doctor can help you erase years of damage in a little as 20 minutes. What I love about these lasers is that patients experience little downtime—just minor redness usually—that can be covered with make-up.

– With respect to your home skin routine, I recommend using a gentle, creamy (rather than gel) cleanser morning and night.

– Supplement your broad-spectrum sunscreen with serums or lotions that contain antioxidants, such as green-tea and vitamin C.

Fifty and Fabulous:

Turning fifty does not mean that you can retire from your skin care game! It’s never too late to prevent sun damage, and skin cancer for that matter, with sunscreen.
However, in your 50s physiological changes slow skin cell turnover, and as a result you may notice significant skin dryness, and loss of elasticity. Expression lines may become etched into your skin, giving you a tired or angry appearance. You may also notice rough, scaly, precancerous lesions developing.

First and foremost, make sure that you see your dermatologist for an annual skin exam. With respect to anti-aging tips, neurotoxins like Botox® and Dysport® and fillers like Sculptra, Restylane, and Perlane, have completely revolutionized your dermatologist’s anti-aging armamentarium. You DO NOT have to go under the knife to replace volume loss and to address deep wrinkles. Many of these procedures have minimal downtown, and the results can last for up to 2 years with products like Sculptra!

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10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Face Waxed

As posted on http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a35411/waxing-facial-hair-female/

1. What’s the difference between face waxing and sugaring?

With all the different kinds of hair removal on the menu, it can get confusing to navigate what is what and which one is right for you. Here’s a quick rundown.

“Face waxing when you use a warm resin base that is applied to an area and then removed either with a strip or let dry and removed on its own, taking hairs out by the root,” explains esthetician Marta Grochowska of New York City’s Haven Spa. On the other hand, “sugaring is a warm sugar and lemon mix that’s applied to the skin and rolled across, thereby removing the hairs,” she adds.

2. Will waxing hurt my skin?

“If you’re very prone to breakouts, especially if you have acne mechanica, you should consider other options like electrolysis or laser,” advises Grochowska. (See #4 on this list for why your acne treatments are always necessary to disclose.)

More serious medical conditions, too, can play a part in whether face waxing negatively affects you. “If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, your skin is way more sensitive to getting burned or irritated,” warns Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, board-certified dermatologist and consultant for HydroPeptide. If you’re not sure whether your skin could be at risk, especially if you plan on doing a wax at home without an esthetician’s expertise, consult with a dermatologist first. Dermarolling Lips

3. Will the hair grow back thicker?

“The hair generally grows back the same — though everyone seems to have their own theory or old wives tale about it,” says Grochowska, who adds that generally, most people find that long-term waxing results in less regrowth. That said, the hair “will seem thicker if it’s broken than if it’s removed at the root” because it won’t have a tapered end.

4. Can my skincare routine affect how the wax works?

Listen up! “Topical treatments like Retin-A and Differin thin the skin, making it much more sensitive and prone to tears and peeling,” warns Grochowska. But these aren’t the only meds you should be mindful of before getting a wax, oral medications can put you at risk, too: “Accutane and many antibiotics will make your skin hypersensitive.”

5. What’s “double dipping” and why should I avoid it?

Double dipping is when the practitioner dips the stick into the wax, applies the wax to the skin, then dips the stick into the wax again for the next application, explains Grochowska. Basically, a big no no. Why? Bacteria and pathogens form one person’s skin can get introduced back into the pot, passing onto the next person. One woman even got an STD through this practice, so even if the spa is otherwise wonderful, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

6. Will I be red afterwards?

When you tear out hair and pull at your skin with wax, there’s a chance you will wind up with a little irritation. “Some people are red for a few minutes, some are red for 12 hours,” says Grochowska. “If you’ve never been waxed before or you’re trying a new place or wax, it’s best to err on the side of caution and give yourself plenty of time to recuperate.” If you’ve got a big event to go to and want to prep your brows or lip, schedule your wax a few days beforehand to ensure any redness goes down.

7. Okay, so how do I make the irritation go away?

Most of the time, you just have to wait it out, but there are ways to help speed up the process. “Most people respond well to aloe gel,” says Grochowska. Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip also advises using a little over-the-counter hydrocortisone to soothe the skin.

8. How long will it take to grow back?

The annoying thing about shaving is that if you’re particularly hairy, stubble will probably start cropping up within a day or two, which isn’t so much of a problem with waxing. “The great thing about waxing is that it’s semi-permanent — it lasts two to eight weeks,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip.

9. How can I tell if I’m having a bad reaction?

A little redness and irritation is normal, but there are some signs that you may be having more than the average reaction. If you’re noticing little pimples or pus-filled bumps around the waxed area, you could be experiencing folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles, explains Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. While folliculitis can occur simply from the trauma of waxing, it can also be caused by exposure to bacteria in the wax and result in an infection. If this is the case, Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip advises heading straight to the dermatologist.

Another big red flag: significant redness, swelling, and pain, which could indicate an allergy to the wax. “Wax contains a lot of additives like colors, fragrances, and essential oils that people may be allergic to, which we call contact dermatitis,” explains Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. “That won’t go away on its own — you may need topical medications or even oral meds,” so see a doctor as quickly as you can.

10. Is it safe to wax at home?

If you take all precautions and follow all the directions properly, like doing a patch test to check for an allergy, waxing at home can be safe. “A common mistake I see in at-home waxing procedures is not having a good gauge on the temperature of wax,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. While burns can happen anywhere, even at a reputable spa, she warns that they’re more likely when waxing at home. “People think if they leave it on a little longer, it will be more effective, but you can get a temperature burn.” If your skin gets torn off along with the wax, you could put yourself at risk for scarring or an infection.

Another bad habit to avoid: Waxing on a day you’re doing lots of other treatments. “People do their waxing in the context of a ‘spa day,’ so they do it along with peels, face scrubs, and face masks, which make you more susceptible to negative reactions from the wax,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. “For my patients who use retinoids or peels, I recommend they opt for other forms of hair removal like threading, which just grabs the hair instead of the skin and the hair.”

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When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is Key…

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, most skin cancers, including melanoma, can be cured if detected early. Yet one American dies from melanoma every hour. In 2014, that means an estimated 9,480 people will lose their lives to melanoma.

That’s why it’s important for you to know the simple steps that you can take to protect yourself from skin cancer, such as wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen every day. Checking your skin for skin cancer is as simple as looking for anything changing, itching or bleeding. Consult a dermatologist if you notice anything suspicious. If you have not had your annual skin exam, we encourage you to schedule an appointment today. These simple steps can help ensure that skin cancer is diagnosed in its earliest, most treatable stage. Dermarolling Lips

ABCD’s of early melanoma detection: Consult your dermatologist immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

A = Asymmetry

One half is unlike the other half

B = Border

An irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border

C = Color

Is varied from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown, or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue

D = Diameter

Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, but they can be smaller

E = Evolving

A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

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The Importance of Applying Sunscreen

Believe it or not, summer will be here sooner than we think. To help usher in spring, I thought it would be a good idea to offer a refresher on how to select and apply sunscreen. Rain or shine, sunscreen should be your best friend. Not only does sunscreen help prevent skin cancer, it also helps prevent wrinkles! However, it is not effective unless it’s applied correctly. Your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays every time you go outside, even on cloudy days and in the winter, so sunscreen should really be used year round. Remember, Healthy Skin is In! Dermarolling Lips

American Academy of Dermatology Recommendations for Sunscreen Application:

– Choose sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage, which means it protects you from UVA and UVB rays.

– Apply sunscreen generously before going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and protect you. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply sunscreen, your skin is unprotected and can burn.

– Use enough sunscreen. Most adults need at least one ounce of sunscreen, about the amount you can hold in your palm, to fully cover all exposed areas of your body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin.

– Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. Remember your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet and legs. For hard‐to‐reach areas like your back, ask someone to help you or use a spray sunscreen. If you have thinning hair, either apply sunscreen to your scalp or wear a wide‐brimmed hat. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with a SPF of at least 15.

– Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours to remain protected, or immediately after swimming or excessively sweating.

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Is Your Manicure Increasing Your Risk of Skin Cancer?

Manicure and Hands Spa. Beautiful Woman hands closeup. Manicured nails and Soft skin. Beauty hands with rose flower petals. Beauty treatment. Beautiful woman’s nails with beautiful french manicure

June is here and summer is just around the corner, even if Mother Nature hasn’t caught on yet! For many women, summer is a time to get our “groove back,” break out the new summer dresses, try out a new hair color, and of course get our regular manicures and pedicures. Summer is also a time when the sun’s UV rays are most intense, which means that most people will try to up their sunscreen protection in order to lower their risk of dangerous skin cancers.

However, there is increasing evidence that a seemingly benign manicure can substantially increase an individual’s risk of skin cancer. The good news is that not all manicures are risky; the bad news is that the extremely popular and convenient gel manicure is the culprit.

Gel polish is now offered at most nail salons with many brands and colors from which to chose. This manicure not only lasts longer than a traditional one—up to two weeks—but also offers the added convenience of being completely hardened with no drying time at all. The problem with gel manicures is that they require curing the polish four times under a UV light with each manicure. The UV light used in gel manicures is similar to that used in tanning booths, which have long been associated with an increased incidence of the most dangerous and deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma.

So, what’s a gal to do? First of all, you should know that there are alternatives that can be long lasting and safe. For example, Creative Nail Design’s Vinylux polish uses natural daylight to cure nail polish progressively over a week. It is applied just like regular nail polish, does not require a UV light box like gel manicures, and promises a full week of chip free wear. I’ve seen this polish at a few salons on the South Shore, but if your salon does not have it yet, you can order the color and top coat system online. If you are reluctant to let go of your gel manicures, you can still take steps to protect your hands from skin cancer. You can apply a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before your manicure. Another solution is to buy sunscreen impregnated gloves with SPF 50. Cut the tips off so that you can get your manicure while exposing the least amount of skin to the harmful UV rays. You can find these gloves online from Coolibar. Follow these steps and your hands will thank you. Remember, healthy skin is in!

Buying Personal Care Products On Amazon

Curing Your Acne With Over The Counter Products

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Surviving the Polar Vortex

It goes without saying that it’s been a rough winter! Although spring is theoretically around the corner, this harsh winter weather has definitely taken a toll on my patients’ skin. At least three to four times a day, I see patients who come in with a rash that is infamously known as the “winter itch.” What is the winter itch? It’s a type of eczema that results from dry winter skin. Winter itch is something that almost all New Englanders are susceptible to.

If you are over the age of 65, your risk of winter itch is even higher. In fact, according to a report from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), 81 million Americans claim to experience dry, itchy or scaly skin during the winter months.

So here is what you can do to survive these last few weeks of winter and repair your skin in time for spring! Here’s to healthy skin.

Add humidity to your home. Given the sub-zero temps we’ve been having, most of us have cranked up the heat. Unfortunately, this dries out your skin. Portable humidifiers or those that work with your heating system put moisture in the air that will be absorbed by your skin and hair.

Use an oil-based moisturizer. Ointments or heavy creams seal water in the skin and preserve moisture. Good old vaseline is my favorite emollient ointment. If you cannot tolerate that, then I also like Cerave cream, which is widely available. Dermarolling Lips

Quick Short Showers. Frequent bathing or hot showers or baths can strip your skin of natural oils. Avoid deodorant bars and perfumed soaps, as well as alcohol-based products. Showers should be luke-warm and no more than 10 minutes. When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately.

If you have a rash, seek help: Even with the best Dermatologist Boston, some people will still develop full blown eczema, which is basically a red itch rash. If this happens to you, you’ll want to make an appointment to see a dermatologist right away. Eczema can usually be treated with topical medication, although sometimes stronger oral medications are necessary.

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