look well
 skinsense
by Deborah S. Sarnoff, M.D.
skin revival
After a harsh winter you may want to freshen up dull, dry skin. Here are the “must haves” you’ll need:
1. Mild Cleanser – Today’s low alkaline products remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural protective oils.
2. Moisturizer Containing Antioxidants –
Oil-in-water emulsions are best for oily skin—they are lighter and more pleasant to apply. People with very sensitive skin should avoid moisturizers containing fragrances and preservatives that may be irritating. Water-in-oil moisturizers are usually recommended for dry skin—they are greasier and stay on the skin better.
3. Gentle Exfoliator – Alpha hydroxy acids are chemical exfoliators that contain moisturizing and exfoliating properties. Caution is advised for those with sensitive skin. Physical abrasive scrubs that contain a variety of granules, like oatmeal, nuts or apricot pits, target the rough, dry, outer layer of skin. The purpose is to reveal the soft layer of unspoiled, translucent, smooth skin beneath the horny layer.
4. Sunscreen – A broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB should be applied every morning.
5. Retinoid – At night, often a retinoid (a prescription strength topical Vitamin A derivative) such as Renova or Retin A is useful in increasing epidermal cell turnover and stimulating collagen formation. A retinoid will help smooth skin, fade brown spots, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Sun Savvy Beauty
We all know sun bathing is a major no-no, but now there is a product that will give you the appearance of a “sunkissed” glow. Olay’s Complete Touch of Sun is a 3-in-1 product that includes moisturizers, sunscreen (SPF 15) and dihydroxyacetone (self tanner). It can be used daily. The “tan” appears gradually and safely. Choose your desired shade, light/medium or medium/dark skin tone. Available In drug stores.
Q&A
My primary care physician wants me to see a dermatologist for a total body skin cancer screening. What is this?
A total body examination is performed by a dermatologist to search for any unusual moles or suspicious lesions on the skin that could be melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas). People who have a personal or family history of skin cancer, changing, irregularly shaped or numerous moles (more than 100) and those over age 40 should have a total body skin exam annually.
Before the exam, be prepared to remove all of your clothing and to put on a hospital gown. A chaperone most likely will be in the room and your modesty will be respected as the dermatologist examines one part of your body at a time. The dermatologist may use a magnifying glass or special device called a dermatoscope to better visualize the lesions on your body. A complete skin exam includes thorough examination of your scalp, face, neck, torso, external genitalia, arms, legs, hands and feet (including the skin between your toes).
Melanoma can arise anywhere on the skin surface, even in places that have never been exposed to the sun.
If your primary care physician does not suggest a total body skin exam, be your own health care advocate and request it.
Deborah S. Sarnoff, M.D., specializes in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery and Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer. She is an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center, President of the Long Island Dermatological Society and Vice President of the Skin Cancer Foundation. Send your questions for Dr. Sarnoff to Wellness Magazine, Island Publications, 235 Pinelawn Rd., Melville, NY 11747. |
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