A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Do you always remember to wear sunscreen when going outdoors?

After seeing this 69 year old gentleman  you'll want to make sure you do.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), researchers learned the photoaging effects of chronic UVA exposure. This gentleman was a truck driver for over 25 years, thus the persistent sun exposure on the left side of his face.

In the winter we sometimes think that because it's overcast or cloudy we don't have to wear sunscreen. After seeing this man's picture, hopefully we'll remember to wear sunscreen whenever we're exposed to the sun.

What's on Your List?

The new year is right around the corner and if you're like most people you've already thought about some things you'd like to do differently next year. Maybe it's losing weight, stop smoking, or being more organized.

Being healthier is probably the top new years resolution people make, and rightly so. If you are one of the many who wish to have a better, healthier 2013, here are a few suggestions of some simple things you can do to help your skin be the healthiest it can be.

• Know your skin - When was the last time you examined your skin? Regular, self (or partner)skin examinations are the first line of defense against skin cancer. You can download the Body Mole Map to record your spots and refer back to it on your next examination.

• Protect your skin - Whenever you are out in the sun, whatever the season, wear sunscreen. This simple step will only take a few minutes but could save you years on your life.

• Don't Pick -  We know it's tempting, but popping that pimple can make it take longer to heal and cause scarring.

• Stop Smoking - We all want to look our best. Smoking exposes your skin to toxins that age your skin. It can also aggravate some skin conditions.

• Chill out - Stress can make some skin conditions worse. This can lead to more stress and a vicious cycle.

• Eat Better -  A healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can provide your skin with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. Both of these help your skin look it's best.

Caring for your Tattoo

JD | Photography / Foter / CC BY

If you have a tattoo, no doubt you'll want to keep it looking it's best.
This article from the American Academy of Dermatology is all about how to care for tattooed skin. It's full of helpful information such as which colors can react more to sun and what can cause your tattoo to fade.
Let us know if you find this information helpful.

Does Chocolate Give you Acne?

Photo courtesy Flickr Bunches and Bits {Karina}

The kids came home from trick-or-treating last night and like any responsible parent you checked their candy.  If a parent checks Halloween candy, she's going to want to eat some. When your child gives you a piece of candy your going to want to eat some more...and more.

What happens if you over indulged last night?  Is all that chocolate going to show up on your face?

The answer is probably not. In this article, Myth or Fact: Eating Chocolate Causes Acne the answers to the question of what foods affect your skin are discussed. Read it and let us know what you think.

**Update**
Several new studies have looked into this age-old question further and have found there may be a link between diet and acne. You can find out more in this article from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Will this new information prompt you to change your eating habits, or does it confirm what you already suspected? We'd love to hear what you think.

Don't Stress

We think of our skin as a shield to protect our insides from what is going on outside us. Yet one of our skins worst enemies is what is going on inside - stress.

In this age of hussle and bussle, high demand jobs and worries over the economy, its no wonder that stress is a major problem for most people.

In this article, Stress and Your Skin, dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler discusses the science behind stress, how to handle it and some solutions to help if your skin is suffering from stress.

If you are feeling the effect of stress on your skin, come in and talk to us. We offer excellent products and services that can keep you looking your best, even if you may not feel like it.

Cosmeceuticals

Each year Americans spend billions of dollars on skin care products hoping they'll turn back the clock.
But do they deliver? What do all those antioxidants, retinols and vitamin c really do for your skin?

The American Academy of Dermatology gives us the low down on cosmeceuticals and what you should know about them.

North Idaho Dermatology carries an excellent line of beauty products. We only recommend those products we've tried and use.
If you have any questions feel free to call or come in so that we can help you determine what is right for your skin.

Hocus Pocus

Pepto Bismol on zits, hemorrhoid cream under your eyes? These and many other "beauty myths" tout sure fire results to solve your most common beauty emergencies. 

But, before you put anything on your face, beware. Many products that are designed for use on one part of your body may not help like you think they will on another. In the end you could end up doing more harm than good.

If you do run into a beauty emergency, give us a call. Our Cosmetic Services team can help you take care of your skin the right way. We're here to help answer any questions you may have and can give you the right information you need without all the hocus pocus.