Blog | Pure Dermatology

Pro Tips from a Dermatologist Series: How to Pick Your Perfect Facial

psadeghi99@gmail.com (Parrish Sadeghi) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:57:46 GMT

This post is part of our biweekly series “Pro Tips from a Dermatologist,” where you can receive tangible tips and all the latest in skincare directly from Santa Monica’s premier dermatologist. To have skincare tips sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.

Facials are a great way to pamper your skin and reveal your inner glow. But there are a lot of options on the market today. Here are the top tips from Pure Dermatology on discovering your perfect facial treatment:

Tip 1: Understand Your Skincare Goals

There are many different reasons people seek out facial treatment. For some, it’s a time to relax and treat themselves. Others might have specific skin issues or concerns they’d like to address, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or skin texture. Your goals for your skin will help determine the type of facial that suits your needs and will deliver the results you’re looking for.

Not sure what you want out of a facial? You can always start with a classic facial.

Classic Facial

This is a traditional and time-honored treatment in which an esthetician deep cleans and exfoliates the skin, and then manually extracts blackheads. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone new to facials. Estheticians may have different specialties, so choose yours wisely.

Insider Tip: Always ask about the products your esthetician uses. Remember that “organic” and “natural” tend to be terms used more for marketing than indicators of health. Some of these products may contain elements that are irritating to the skin, and could even cause allergic reactions.

Tip 2: Be Cautious of Chemical Peels

If you know you need something that treats more deeply than a classic facial, you may be interested in chemical peels. A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin, where it exfoliates and removes the top layer of skin. However, studies have shown that deep chemical peels can cause or exacerbate facial scarring , It’s wise to exercise caution when considering a chemical peel, and keep these tips in mind:

1. Opting for a Superficial Peel is Likely Safer Superficial peels usually include glycolic and salicylic acids, and provide an attractive but temporary glow. They also can be an effective way to treat mild acne.

2. Look for Alternatives to Chemical Peels If you don’t want the risk associated with deep chemical peels but still want the glowing, fresh, rejuvenated skin, we recommend exploring other treatments such as Fraxel Laser , which resurfaces the skin and also reduces brown spots and hyperpigmentation — something a chemical peel cannot do.

Tip 3: Get a Glow-Up with Hydrafacial Treatment

Hydrafacials are all the rage these days, and there’s a really good reason for that. Actually, there are three reasons:

1. Powerful Combination Facial Treatment

Hydrafacial combines elements of a classic facial with the benefits of a chemical peel by leveraging extreme skin hydration and antioxidant treatment.

2. Zero Downtime

Get ultra-moisturized skin on your schedule with Hydrafacial. The treatment takes around 45 minutes so it’s a perfect way to elevate your lunch break, or make some time just for you. Plus, there’s no discomfort and no downtime, so you can get back to your routine right away.

3. Noticeable Results Right Away

The unique spiral suction used during the Hydrafacial extraction process eliminates discomfort and ensures you see results immediately. You’ll see — and feel — that your skin is plumper, softer, smoother, and more radiant as soon as the treatment is completed.

Ask the Doctor: How do I Choose the Right Sunscreen?

This week’s question:

Dear Dr. Sadeghi, Can you recommend a specific sunblock brand that has the ingredients you specify and works well on the face areas? - David A.

Hi David,

I have a few picks for sunscreen, depending on your needs. Some people want prefer sheer coverage, while others want a tinted option they can wear under or in lieu of makeup. Here are my favorites:

Best Budget Option: This Cetaphil sunscreen is an excellent sheer coverage option that’s both effective and easy on the wallet.
Best Primer Sunscreen: This sheer mineral sunscreen from TiZO2 doubles as a primer for smooth makeup application.
Best Matte Finish: This lightly tinted sunscreen from EltaMD eliminates shine and provides smooth coverage in a variety of shades.
Best Hydrating Sunscreen: Tinted sunscreen from Alastin also hydrates and moisturizes the skin, leaving it smooth and protected.

I hope you can find an option among these top picks that works for your needs!

-Dr. Sadeghi

Pro Tips from a Dermatologist Series: Too Much Sun & Too Many Margaritas? Summertime Skincare

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:36:35 GMT

This post is part of our biweekly series “Pro Tips from a Dermatologist,” where you can receive tangible tips and all the latest in skincare directly from Santa Monica’s premier dermatologist . To have skincare tips sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Sunshine is a vehicle for Vitamin D and real mood-booster, but less is definitely more when it comes to our skin. You don’t have to hide away from the sun’s rays, but it’s important that you take steps to minimize skin damage and prevent skin cancer. Here’s how to adapt your skincare routine to be summer-safe:

Tip 1: Make Sunscreen Non-Negotiable

The question isn’t if you wear sunscreen, it’s how and what and when you wear it. Make sure sunscreen application is part of your everyday skincare routine, no matter how much time you’re spending outdoors. Here’s what you need to know:

How: Apply sunscreen every day, at least 15 minutes before leaving the house. Cover your face and all exposed skin. That means covering your hands, arms, the back of your neck, ears, the tops of your feet, and even the part in your hair!

What : Choose a physical sunscreen that contains both zinc oxide and titanium oxide rather than a chemical sunscreen. Look for broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher.

Insider tip: you don’t need to pay more or hunt around for SPF 100, as it only offers a bit more protection than SPF 30.

When : On a normal day, you’ll want to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re outdoors. If you’re at the pool, beach, or working out, up that to every 90 minutes. Basically, swimming + sweating = more frequent application.

Tip 2: Soothe Sun-Exposed Skin Right Away

Sun exposure happens, and sometimes it can’t be avoided. If you feel you’ve been in the sun a little too long, your skin deserves some after-sun care and pampering. Take these two steps to calm your skin:

Discontinue the Use of Photosynthesizing Products: Retinoids and retinol can increase skin sensitivity before and after intense sun exposure. Sun can also break down the retinol and render it ineffective. Save your money and your skin and skip the retinoids until your skin is calm and you’ve had a break from the sun.
Quench Your Skin with Gentle Hydration: Now is not the time to use harsh soaps or chemicals on your skin. You want to soothe, hydrate, and protect, so opt for gentle cleansers and products like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Follow up with moisturizing products like Aveeno with oatmeal and moisture-replenish in Aquaphor. Stay away from anything with fragrances or dyes.

Tip 3: Take Immediate Action for Sunburns

Despite your best efforts, you may still end up with a sunburn. Not all sunburns are dangerous, but they are often uncomfortable and unpleasant. Here’s what you can do as soon as you notice you’ve had too much sun:

Soothe

1. Whenever you’re going to be in the sun, make sure you have hydrocortisone cream and/or aloe vera gel on hand. Both of these can be applied to sunburnt skin for immediate soothing relief. A cold compress can also help with inflammation.

Relieve

2. Once your skin has been soothed, you may still have some overall discomfort or pain from the burn. It’s perfectly fine to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen to get some relief.

Moisturize

3. In the days after a sunburn, you will likely notice some peeling of the skin. When this begins, you can speed up the healing process by applying intense but gentle moisturizers, like Aquaphor or CeraVe Healing Ointment.

Ask the Doctor: What did My Margarita Do to My Skin??

This week’s question:

Dear Dr. Sadeghi, After my recent trip to Cabo, I noticed a weird, dark skin discoloration around my mouth. It’s been a couple weeks and it hasn’t completely gone away. What is going on? - Leila M.

Hi Leila,

Am I right in guessing you had a margarita or other citrusy beverage on your tropical getaway?

What you’re experiencing is called phytophotodermatitis , also aptly called “margarita dermatitis.” It can happen when the skin comes into contact with citrus fruits or foods and beverages that contain large amounts of citrus, like lemon or lime juice, and is then exposed to the sun.

Initially, you may have experienced blistering and inflammation of the affected area, which can last for a few days. After the initial reaction, many people notice hyperpigmentation of the skin in that same area, which is the brown discoloration you’re describing.

For anyone else reading this before a vacation or outdoor event in which citrus fruits, foods, or drinks may be consumed, prevention is the name of the game. Wear sunscreen and long sleeves if possible, and if you do end up with citrus juice on your skin, thoroughly cleanse it right away. If you notice signs of phytophotodermatitis, you can treat the blistering and inflammation with hydrocortisone cream and OTC pain relievers.

If you see signs of hyperpigmentation, give it time. Brown spots associated with margarita dermatitis will fade gradually over time. However, if you feel self-conscious about it or it’s taking longer than you feel it should, reach out to your dermatologist and get it checked out. They may be able to recommend specific skincare products or treatment to lighten and reduce the pigmentation.

-Dr. Sadeghi

Pro Tips from a Dermatologist Series: How to Stop Hair Loss and Promote Growth

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:32:15 GMT

This post is part of our biweekly series “Pro Tips from a Dermatologist,” where you can receive tangible tips and all the latest in skincare directly from Santa Monica’s premier dermatologist . To have skincare tips sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Hair loss and thinning is a struggle facing many men and women as they age, but the sooner it’s addressed, the better your chances of slowing its progress and keeping your hair looking stronger and thicker. Try out these three simple steps for lusher, longer, healthier hair, and read Dr. Sadeghi’s advice on when to act.

Tip 1: Take Your Vitamins

A balanced diet provides all the vitamins and minerals most people need for good health — including healthy hair. However, some people have vitamin deficiencies that require supplements to boost levels and deliver benefits. If you notice thinning hair or hair loss, talk to your doctor about having a lab workup to test your blood for key vitamins and minerals. If you’re found to have a deficit, your physician might recommend taking one of the following as a supplement:

Vitamin D: produced in humans when ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the skin
Iron : found in many types of food including red meat, poultry, tofu, greens, dried fruits, and nuts; creates hemoglobin that helps carry oxygen through your blood
Biotin : also known as vitamin B7; breaks down fats and carbohydrates and is found in egg yolks, oats, mushrooms, and spinach
Nutrafol : a multi-vitamin natural supplement said to increase hair volume and reduce shedding

Insider tip: Be cautious when supplementing your diet. Too many vitamins and minerals can have an adverse effect. Only take vitamin supplements under the advice of your physician.

Tip 2: Check for Hormone Imbalances that Lead to Hair Loss

Here’s the bad news: our hormones can fluctuate wildly as we age, resulting in many side effects such as hair thinning and hair loss.

The good news? That can be easily remedied with some hormone testing and possible hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Thyroid issues, elevated testosterone levels, and low estrogen secondary to menopause can all contribute to hair issues — but all can be treated by balancing out-of-whack hormones (which has numerous other health benefits, as well).

If you think you could benefit from HRT, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor.

Tip 3: Get Your Stress Levels Under Control

Hair loss causes a lot of stress. But stress also causes hair loss . You can see how it can become a vicious cycle. It’s time to break that cycle for good by prioritizing self-care and building healthy habits and routines, like these top three stress-busters :

Meditating daily
Getting regular exercise
Dedicating more time to sleep and rest

This stress-related hair shedding is called telogen effluvium , and you may notice it for 6-12 months after a period of severe stress or heightened emotions. Fortunately, it is self-resolving… if you resolve your stress triggers.

Ask the Doctor: When is the Best Time to Treat Hair Thinning and Hair Loss?

This week’s question:

Dear Dr. Sadeghi, I have been experiencing hair loss with noticeable hair thinning. How soon should I address my hair loss and what is the best treatment for hair growth? - Pat K.

Hi Pat,

When it comes to slowing hair loss, the time to act is now. The window to reverse hair thinning and loss is brief, but do not be discouraged — there are still many steps you can take right away to see improvements.

There is no silver bullet solution to hair loss, and I find a multi-therapeutic approach is best. I recommend a combination of vitamin supplementation, prescription shampoos, systemic/topical minoxidil, finasteride (for post-menopausal women), and a series of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to stimulate hair growth.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a ground-breaking new advancement in hair treatment that utilizes one’s own growth factors to nourish hair follicles and stimulate new growth.

The PRP process is relatively simple. Your doctor draws your blood and spins it in a centrifuge to draw out the platelet-rich plasma. It is then injected into the scalp in four monthly sessions that take just 10 minutes.

I hope this encourages you to take action and take control so you can get back stronger, thicker, healthier hair!

- Dr. Sadeghi

Pro Tips from a Dermatologist Series: Summer Sun Protection for Your Skin & Excel V for Rosacea

psadeghi99@gmail.com (Parrish Sadeghi) — Wed, 22 May 2024 19:17:31 GMT

This post is part of our biweekly series “Pro Tips from a Dermatologist,” where you can receive tangible tips and all the latest in skincare directly from Santa Monica’s premier dermatologist . To have skincare tips sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Summer’s almost here, and it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re protecting your skin from dangerous UV rays and sun damage. Let’s talk about incorporating sun protection in your daily routine — plus Dr. Sadeghi answers a question about using IPL for acne and rosacea.

Tip 1: Ensure Your Daily Routine Includes 3 Key Steps

You may be doing it wrong! With all the skincare products out there, it’s easy to overcomplicate your daily skincare routine and still miss the essentials. These are the 3 core components to a good anti-aging skin care routine:

MORNING: Use an antioxidant such as a Vitamin C serum
DAY: Put on a physical sunscreen that’s SPF 30+ — and use it every single day.
NIGHT: Before bed, smooth on retinol or tretinoin cream

If you’re following all three of these steps, you’re hitting the basics of a good anti-aging skincare regime.

Insider tip: As you choose products, please beware of those that tout themselves as "natural." Often times, the ingredients in these products are very irritating to the skin and in fact are one of the most common causes of rashes we see in the office

Tip 2: Consider A Pill for Additional Sun Protection

Oh yes, there’s not just sunscreen! Polypodium leucotomos is derived from a tropical fern plant found in South and Central America. Studies show that the extract of this plant provides UV protection, as well as other beneficial skincare effects, including reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. You can find this supplement at your local drugstore under the name of Heliocare®.

Please remember that this is not a replacement, but rather an addition to your sun protection regimen.

Tip 3: Pay Attention to Sun Protection While Driving

Excessive sweating, also known as “hyperhidrosis,” can be a particularly embarrassing condition. If you suffer from hyperhidrosis and experience worsening of the condition in social settings or stressful situations, you may want to consider treatment with Botox®.

Botox® is not only FDA-approved for treating excessive sweating in the armpits — studies also show it’s one of the most effective treatments for this condition. In a procedure that takes less than 5 minutes and has no downtime, small amounts of Botox® injected in the affected areas “turn off” sweat glands, resulting in less sweat and embarrassing wetness. It’s a safe and effective way to control hyperhidrosis.

Ask the Doctor: Is IPL a Good Treatment for Rosacea or Acne?

This week’s question:

Dear Dr. Sadeghi, I’m 32, fair skinned and rosacea/acne–prone. I’ve heard about IPL. What do you recommend to achieve a more even skin tone? - Monica S.

Hi Monica,

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light or Photofacial) is a kind of light therapy often used to improve skin texture or treat spots. It can be a somewhat effective treatment for acne and/or rosacea when combined with other topicals — but unfortunately, in our experience, IPL doesn’t do anything expertly well.

My recommendation: There are more effective solutions for your needs.

For optimal results, you should use a designated laser treatment designed specifically for that purpose. Excel V , a modern, noninvasive laser treatment considered the best in the field, is the right fit for what it seems you’re needing. For rosacea, it will improve the redness and capillaries associated with the condition, and for acne, it will reduce the inflammation component. One of the benefits of Excel V is that your dermatologist can be very precise in adjusting settings to address your specific skin conditions to bring the best results.

- Dr. Sadeghi

Pro Tips from a Dermatologist Series: Lip Lifts with Botox, Why Hydrafacial is Better, & a Quick Fix for Excessive Sweating

Fri, 17 May 2024 18:43:33 GMT

This post is part of our biweekly series “Pro Tips from a Dermatologist,” where you can receive tangible tips and all the latest in skincare directly from Santa Monica’s premier dermatologist . To have skincare tips sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

This week’s dermatology tips include a focus on getting a more natural look from your cosmetic treatments, plus an effective solution to a problem we all sometimes face: excessive sweating.

Tip 1: Use Botox® for Natural-Looking Lip Augmentation

Fillers can be a wonderful solution for cosmetic skin concerns — but we've all seen those unnatural-appearing large lips that make it obvious work has been done. Understandably, this can be a deterrent for those seeking a natural improvement of the fine lines around the mouth or wanting to regain lip volume when ever-thinning lips seem to worsen with age.

For those interested in natural-appearing lip augmentation that does not require the use of fillers, a little bit of Botox® injected in the right areas above the upper lip can reduce the wrinkles around the mouth and create a subtle lift of the upper lip. This more natural-looking lip augmentation treatment is fast, easy, and produces excellent results.

Tip 2: Choose a Hydrafacial® vs. a Regular Facial

Unlike typical facials that rely on manual extraction, Hydrafacial® relies on a suction-based device to gently cleanse and remove dirt and debris from your pores while infusing the skin with hydrating peptides and antioxidants for an instant glow. Unlike normal facials, Hydrafacial doesn’t require any downtime after the treatment, since there’s no redness or irritation — plus it’s unlikely to cause any skin eruptions.

Overall, Hydrafacial is more comfortable, gentle, and effective, with fast results. An added benefit of this hydrating treatment is the improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it an excellent treatment before an event or for those wanting a natural way to improve the appearance of their skin.

Tip 3: Use Botox® as a Quick Fix for Excessive Sweating

Ask the Doctor: How Can I Use Fillers for a Natural Look?

This week’s question:

Dear Dr. Sadeghi, I've tried Botox before and am happy with the results. Now I am open to filler but don't want to look "crazy." How do you suggest I start? - Maya K.

Hi Maya,

It is always best to consult with a trusted expert in the field of aesthetic dermatology to discuss whether a hyaluronic acid filler such as Voluma®, Juvederm® or Restylane® may be a good option for you. A talented cosmetic dermatologist can effectively use these tools to achieve the look you want without any “crazy” effects.

For those experiencing deepening folds around the mouth or more noticeable jowls, I would suggest a small amount of filler placed in the right areas to soften the lines and provide a subtle lift. Starting small in targeted areas lets your dermatologist fine tune your treatment for optimal results, helping to maintain your natural appearance.

- Dr. Sadeghi