Posts filed under ‘The Doctor is In’
The Doctor is in … Mind the Gap
By Dr. Kathy Fields
Young urban hipsters have embraced with affectionate irony some of the most unfortunate trends of the seventies and eighties, and of these the moustache is perhaps the most surprising of all. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Tom Selleck as the moustachioed Magnum PI, but let’s face it, it’s not really the best look for most guys. And certainly not for us gals!
If you’re one of the many, and I mean MANY women who suffer from extra facial hair above the upper lip, you know all too well how unattractive this trend looks on ladies. And you’ve probably tried lots of methods for minimizing or completely clearing your unwanted “stache” with bleaches, waxing or even laser removal.
Even when they work, these approaches can have residual effects like redness, dryness and even cause increased sun sensitivity and, consequently, hyperpigmentation. And whether as a result of irritation or melasma, a darkening of the skin between the upper lip and bottom of the nose is even harder to hide than a hairy moustache.
The solution? Well, as they say in my husband’s home country, England, when referring to the space between the edge of the subway platform and the train, “mind the gap.” In the case of your face, let this phrase act as a reminder that paying special attention to this little area when it comes to sun protection can make a big difference.
It’s a tough area because whether or not you actually apply sunscreen above your lip, chances are you sweat or wipe it off during the day, especially during flu season when runny noses abound. Make sure to pay careful attention to this gap between your nose and lips and take the time to reapply your SPF there throughout the day.
So, next time you apply your balm and facial SPF, I hope you hear my voice in your head saying to you: “Mind the gap.” And as I walk down the streets of San Francisco and pass the plaid-shirted hipster in the oh-so-skinny jeans, I’ll hear my own voice in my head saying “you may have a moustache, but you’re no Tom Selleck!”
February 21, 2012 at 5:48 pm Dr. Kathy Fields Leave a comment
The Doctor is In … The Inside Scoop on Beauty
By Dr. Katie Rodan
In January, bookings in my medical practice reflect a common New Year’s resolution—to improve our overall health and well-being. According to a recent New York Time’s article, as well intentioned as we are, come January’s end, one-third of us break our commitment(s). By July, the majority of us have long abandoned our resolutions altogether.
Why do we fail? The answer is complicated, seeming to stem from a desire for a quick fix coupled with a lack of a realistic strategy to achieve our goals. When it comes to reversing the signs of past skin sins, there is no magic laser chemical peel, or injection, providing a quick fix. A healthy, beautiful complexion requires daily commitment. Devoting a few minutes twice a day to a targeted skincare routine that addresses your specific issues, plus, making a few dietary changes are two steps to set you in the right direction.
So, if you were seeing me for a so-called “vanity visit,” here’s where I’d ask you to start:
First, look in the mirror (3x magnification will do) examining your skin without makeup. Determine your one or two top complexion concerns, i.e. discolorations, enlarged pores, wrinkles, broken capillaries, facial redness or acne. Once identified, we would discuss a straightforward skincare program, most likely containing a low dose OTC medication, to address your issue that would demonstrate visible improvement in a matter of weeks.
Second, I would ask you about your daily habits, including your diet. Our skin is more than just “window dressing” for the rest of our body. It’s a living organ that needs a constant supply of nutrients to do its job. Fortunately, making smart food choices often yields three huge benefits—a pretty complexion, a healthy body and weight loss.
So here are a few clinically-proven tactics to consider:
Subtract pro-inflammatory foods by cutting out high fat, high sugar and overly processed foods that accelerate aging. To help you resist temptation, clean your cupboard of “junk food.”Avoid more than the equivalent of 3 glasses of wine per week and eliminate added salt even if you don’t have high blood pressure (for more on why it may be time to throw away the salt shaker, visit http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2012/sep/salt-blood-pressure-092911.html).
Add foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries, blackberries and raspberries along with foods high in fiber and lean proteins. Not only will they act as skin beautifiers, they’ll fill you up and slim you down and help protect you from environmental aging factors.
Don’t get overwhelmed by making massive changes overnight; just tackle it a day at a time. And instead of thinking about what you’re giving up, just think of every meal or snack as an opportunity to improve your skin’s appearance and your overall health! Wishing you all the best in 2012!
The Doctor is In … the Christmas Crush
By Dr. Kathy Fields
Around the office, we call it the Christmas Crush—people putting off appointments until the last minute and then clamoring to be diagnosed, treated and recovered before the family photo op, the Hawaiian getaway, or the New Year’s bash. Not that I’m judging. I’m as likely as anyone to put off a doctor’s visit. In fact, I’ve come to believe procrastination for most of us is the rule, not the exception.
Ironically, accepting this truth has actually allowed me to change my behavior. Because I know I’ll likely delay or avoid things that are either not urgent (yet) or just plain unpleasant, I’ve learned to plan ahead for my inevitable procrastination by proactively implementing solutions before many of my problems start. For example, I know I tend to break out as life gets busy and stress runs high. So, as events start to ramp up, so do I ramp up my acne regimen, applying twice daily until after the holidays. This helps me keep my skin clear from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.
I share this advice with my patients, because whether you’re battling acne, sensitive skin flare-ups or even melasma, following this advice can help keep your skin clear this holiday season. So, instead of feeling overwhelmed by what we can’t achieve in entirety today and overly optimistic about what we’ll get done at the last minute, make mini commitments daily and keep them.
The Doctor is In … Battling Seasonal Sensitivity
By Dr. Katie Rodan
It seems the effects of the economic crisis know no bounds. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is one thing, but wearing the economy on your epidermis in the form of sallow, dull and dry skin is quite another.
But while we don’t yet have a solution to the debt crisis, real estate bust or Wall Street’s indiscretions, it turns out we can address some of the symptoms … when it comes to skin, that is. Take the following example: A month or so ago, a young man in his late twenties came into my office with a skin condition characterized by itchy patches of red, scaly and flaking skin. A successful investment banker, he had survived three previous layoffs, but was recently let go during a fourth layoff. After leaving New York and returning to his home state of California, the stress and climate change caused his sensitive skin and mild eczema to flare up into a painful and embarrassing condition. With confidence and job prospects low, his stress increased and his conditioned worsened.
I recommended he use the SOOTHE Regimen for sensitive, irritated skin and facial redness twice daily and set an appointment for three weeks later. When he returned, his skin was clear and his outlook was significantly improved. It turns out that although his condition was a symptom of his problem, the solution to solving his problem started with a soothing solution for his symptoms!
The Doctor is In … Turning Back the Hands of Time
By Dr. Kathy Fields
They say a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. And when it comes to preventing the appearance of aging hands, this maxim couldn’t be more true. The reality is, while corrective therapies and treatments are available, results are harder to achieve and less of a sure thing than the proverbial ounce or two of good old-fashioned prevention.
Unlike the dramatic results we see from invasive procedures on our faces and other parts of our bodies, restoring youthfulness to hands through lasers and injectables is a hard sell. Skin on the hands is thinner and there is less fat pad to work with so treatments require multiple visits, are extremely expensive and very uncomfortable. The cost and time commitment scare most people away … so they are left with scary hands.
The most effective method for prevention and correction is consistent, daily adherence to a topical anti-aging regimen. An effective anti-aging hand treatment should include proven ingredients to increase collagen and improve smoothness and thickness, and sunscreens to protect against wrinkles and discolorations caused by the sun.
So not only should you make hand care a part of your daily and nightly routine, you should keep your anti-aging hand products “handy” at the office and in your purse or car so you can make hand care a lasting habit with long-term results.
The Doctor is In … Fall Cleaning
By Dr. Katie Rodan
As cool, crisp mornings of September arrive and I find myself settling into my fall routine, I often feel a moment of nostalgia for the carefree days of summer … until I look in the mirror that is.
Yes, even dermatologists have autumn amends to make for their summer skin sins. Despite all the SPF protection and planning I did last summer, the bike rides, hikes and outdoor lunches have added up to some telltale changes in my skin tone and texture.
I erase the damage of summer days gone by each September with what I call “Fall Cleaning,” my derm version of spring cleaning, and my chance to clean the slate and start the new season with fresh, youthful looking skin. My “skintervention” starts with a hydroquinone-based regimen to clear the dullness and dark marks. I apply it daily for two weeks and then up to twice daily for a month or two, until the days of summer are a mere memory and I’m happy with the results.
Three times a week I also exfoliate to expedite the process by increasing cell turnover. And since the sun is still a serious concern in fall, I continue with sunscreen application every morning.
If you’re dealing with similar summer remnants, start incorporating this simple routine and before you know it, along with the colorful radiance of changing leaves, your skin will have a fresh fall start and a new, even glow of its own.
The Doctor is In … Acne for Two
By Dr. Kathy Fields
Because acne can have such a strong effect on self-esteem, any mom hates to see her child battle breakouts. But for someone who has made a name for herself helping others combat acne and reclaim their sense of self-worth, watching my own son battle acne is especially painful. When the stress of watching him struggle started to show on my own skin, I realized that while battling breakouts usually is all about controlling the acne cycle, in the case of my son’s skin, and mine, I would try a lot less nagging and become more strategic to get him to easily use his meds.
My son is great at homework, sports and finding time for his girlfriend and even the bands on his braces. But the early morning rush out the door and the late night studying leave no energy for his skincare routine. Miraculously, as soon as I surrendered to this realization, I was able to stop forcing a regimen on him and start subtly slipping the regimen into his routine.
Step one: I took his entire regimen out of hiding in the bathroom medicine cabinet and placed things strategically where he was most likely to see them and use them. The acne face wash went in the shower where I knew he’d be likely to use it at least once a day. The toner was placed next to his toothbrush. And the treatment product became un-ignorable when placed next to his computer.
Step two: Knowing he has an easy plan of action, I backed off and watched the transformation. It was a reminder for me to pay attention to my own skin needs and be more consistent with my routine despite all my travel and long days.
Sure he went to school with a zit or two but I had learned to accept it was his choice and not my character defect. And in the end both our skin and our stress cleared. All it took was some consistent compliance to a regimen and giving myself and my son the freedom to fight our own battles – our own way!
The Doctor is In … Practicing What I Preach
By Dr. Katie Rodan
Being a dermatologist is more than a day job. Sometimes I can’t help but feel compelled to be the constant voice of caution with friends, family or even strangers on the street. But at the same time, I am the first to head out for a long hike on Saturdays, opt for a bike ride with my family, or meet friends at an outdoor café for lunch.
I realize the grave importance of practicing safe sun, but I’m also not willing to give up my summers and hide indoors. The reality is, that, as with anything else in life, balance is the healthiest option. Taking back summer to me, is finding that precious balance between protecting my skin and enjoying summer outdoor activities. I make it all happen by following these three simple strategies:
1) Plan: I start each week by looking at my calendar, trying to note which events I’m looking most forward to, what I’m obligated to attend, and what I have some leeway with.
2) Prioritize: For each event that’s heavy on the outdoor/sun time and not set in stone, I try to search for alternatives. Whether it’s having lunch indoors after going out on a hike, or trying to move my weekend bike ride to the late afternoon (sleeping in on Saturdays is a must for me!), I try to limit myself to one high sun exposure activity per day.
3) Protect: No matter whether life takes me to the golf course, the office or the car, I never leave home without my sunscreen armor. I opt for a cosmetically elegant SPF 30 sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Even better are sunscreens that include peptides for double-duty sun protection and anti-aging benefits. Whenever possible I throw on a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses for additional protection.
It is possible to take back the summer you love and stay safe and healthy. As you enjoy the summer, remember, you can do it all. Just don’t do it all at once and find alternatives that give you the most bang for your summer buck.
The Doctor is In… Moles
By Dr. Kathy Fields
Medically known as melanocytic nevi, moles are small dark spots on your skin that appear predominately during the first 20 years of life. Hormones, sun exposure and genetics are all factors in the number, location and type of moles we each get.
Moles on their own aren’t necessarily dangerous; however, UV exposure can trigger malignant transformations, causing moles to become cancerous. The good news is that if caught early, melanoma is nearly 100% treatable. The best way to catch your moles before it’s too late is to map them.
Every year on your birthday, I recommend getting in your birthday suit and taking full body pictures. Compare them year after year, carefully checking for the ABCDE’s of melanoma.
A—Asymmetry: the spot isn’t symmetrical and may have an odd shape
B—Border: look for a border that isn’t sharp or defined
C—Color: the color is not uniform and may have different shades of red, brown or black
D—Diameter: the spot is the size of a pencil eraser or larger
E—Evolution: the spot is changing in size and/or shape
This may seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the day you are responsible for your health and well-being. Just like with breast cancer, most melanoma cases are self-diagnosed and not found in your annual exam. If you want a derm’s attention on your moles, make an appointment specifically for a mole evaluation. There’s not much money in mole checks … so while a great derm will make time for it, others will opt for more lucrative procedures like botox. And if you don’t feel your derm is taking your moles seriously, find a new one. There are countless great dermatologists out there who care about the health of their patients.
The Dr. Is In … Tanorexic
By Dr. Katie Rodan
I confess I am a reformed tanorexic. Growing up in Los Angeles, summer meant soaking up the rays on Topanga Beach. I delighted in seeing my bathing suit tan lines evolve day by day. The greater the contrast in my tanned vs. untanned skin color, the happier I was. I loved the slimming effect of my darkened skin courtesy of amped up melanocytes. My inflamed acne-prone complexion visually improved when camouflaged by a tan. And, the warmth of the sun quashed any remnants of the winter blues, known today as Seasonal Affective Disorder. Even today, a coconut fragrance evokes my favorite tan enhancing lotion and happy memories associated with using it.
My road to recovery began during my dermatology residency at Stanford. For the sake of my skin and my professional credibility (who would trust a tan dermatologist?) repentance was required. On occasion, I admit I relapsed. During a Caribbean vacation, I paid the ultimate price for my setback by sustaining a sunburn– in front of my children no less!
To set an example beyond reproach, I gradually learned how to replace my bad habits with good ones. Today, I use sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine, reapplying every two hours when outdoors. Poolside, I sit under an umbrella, sporting a large brimmed hat and big Jackie O type sunglasses. I even commissioned our company to design a gigantic visor (helps avoid “hat hair”) with a Rodan + Fields logo, hoping Glamour magazine would use it as a “Do” in their iconic fashion “Do’s and Don’ts” section. If an overcast day gives me the “blah’s,” 15 minutes spent in front of a non-UV emitting light box lifts my spirits. And, drum-roll please, I co-created the ultimate sunless tanning foam. It looks natural, dries quickly, smells great, goes on streak-free and lasts for days. It puts all the other ones I’ve ever used to shame.
I’m writing this while traveling en route to Hawaii for our Road to RFX Maui Incentive Trip. As I admire my faux tan, I can promise you that recovery never looked so good!
Derm RF
Mary Radford, RN
Dr. Katie Rodan
Dr. Kathy Fields
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