Patient Resources - Pediatric Dermatology of North Texas

Find what you need at Pediatric Dermatology of North Texas, including insurance and payment info, patient forms, and our online patient portal.

WestDerm

Escape From Eczema

by Leave a Comment

October is National Eczema Awareness Month. Eczema affects a whopping 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults. So, it’s likely that eczema will affect you or someone you know at some point. But you and your loved ones don’t have to suffer from eczema because it’s treatable. Read on to learn how you can escape from eczema.  
 
What is Eczema 
Eczema is a red, itchy rash. It can range from mild to severe. It is not contagious, and you can’t get it from somebody.  
 
Researchers Don’t Know What Causes Eczema.  
Eczema could be the result of an overactive immune system. Researchers think a combination of genetics and environmental factors triggers inflammation. People with eczema might have a gene variation that makes their skin more susceptible to allergens and irritants in the environment.  
 
The Different Types of Eczema 
Not all eczema is alike—there are seven different types. They affect different parts of the body and can look different from each other. What they all have in common is that they tend to be inflamed, red, and itchy. The seven different types of eczema include: 
 
  • contact dermatitis 
  • atopic dermatitis 
  • dyshidrotic  
  • neurodermatitis  
  • nummular  
  • seborrheic dermatitis 
  • stasis  
 
The Most Common Form of Eczema 
Contact dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It’s a delayed allergic reaction that appears a day or two after the skin is exposed to an irritant. People with sensitive skin do best with scent-free products like soaps and laundry detergents that help them avoid irritation.  
 
How To Treat Eczema Topically 
You can treat eczema topically with triamcinolone and hydrocortisone. These medications reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. They can be used alone or with other treatments and come in spray and lotion form.  
 
Eczema Can Be Treated Internally 
You can treat eczema internally with oral or injected medications like cyclosporine and methotrexate. They encourage the immune system to reduce inflammation but are only recommended for short periods.  
 
Treat Eczema with Biologics  
Biologics target the overactive immune system and decrease inflammation. One example is Interleukin inhibitors, which are injectable.  
 
The “Itch, Scratch, Repeat” Cycle  
Eczema can keep you awake at night in a cycle of itching and scratching. People of all ages, including children, can get caught in the “itch, scratch, repeat” cycle that can make for poor sleep.  
 
When It’s Time to See A Dermatologist 
It’s time to see a dermatologist if eczema is affecting your quality of life. This means that you aren’t able to sleep because it’s itchy. It can also mean that you are bothered by the way the rash looks. You must see a doctor if you see red streaks in your skin. The same is true if your eczema scabs or becomes filled with pus.  
 
National Eczema Awareness Month reminds us that eczema is a common skin condition that will likely affect you or someone you know. But you and your loved ones can “escape from eczema” because it’s treatable. If you think you have eczema, contact one of our board-certified dermatologists today to schedule an assessment.  
SCHEDULE SKIN CHECK HERE

Is More Better? How Much Skincare to Really Use🧴

by Leave a Comment

It’s sometimes hard to gauge how much skincare product to use. You don’t want to use too much or too little. You want that “Goldilocks” amount that’s “just right.” Finding this balance is simple if you understand some general product guidelines.
 
Most People use too Much Product
We all tend to over-apply our skincare products without even thinking about it. Maybe we subconsciously think the extra product will give us extra-good skin, but it doesn’t work like that. The excess we apply goes to waste, and that’s a sad thought when you love top-of-the-line skincare products as much as we do.
 
The Right Amount 
If you think of how much skincare product to apply in terms of fruit, it’s pretty easy to keep things straight. Imagine the smallest amount as a pomegranate seed. It’s just enough to tap onto your face. The next amount is the size of a blueberry— enough product to spread in an even, thin layer. A cherry represents the amount of product that can be liberally applied all over your face. 
 
·     Pomegranate Seed Size
Retinols and serums are effective in the tiniest pomegranate-seed amount. You want to use enough product to get the full benefit, but not so much that your skin turns red or dries out. Start small and build up to what your skin can tolerate. The retinol you buy from your dermatologist is stronger than over-the-counter retinol, so a little goes a long way. 
 
·     The Size of a Blueberry
The next category of skincare products requires an amount the size of a blueberry. This includes moisturizers, night creams, and oils. You want enough to cover your face, but not liberally.
·     A Cherry Size
Sunscreen is the one skincare product where more is better. Too little leaves you under-protected. It’s best to apply it liberally. No, it won’t increase the SPF; that’s a myth. But applying a cherry-sized amount will ensure that every inch of your facial skin gets adequate protection, whether the sunscreen is tinted or untinted. 
 
Read the Product Instructions
Most skincare comes with instructions that recommended the amount of product to use for best results. You’ll want to follow the guidelines…eventually. At first, it’s best to start small and work up to the recommended amount once you know how your skin will react. 
 
Experiment to See What Works 
Experimenting will help you figure out what works for you. We each have unique skincare needs that don’t always match up perfectly with the product recommendations. If you use the recommended amount of moisturizer, for example, and your skin still feels tight, add a little more. 
 
Our board-certified dermatologists know just the right amount of skincare product to use. They’re great at explaining it, especially when they can assess your skincare needs in person and give you individualized advice. Feel free to request an appointment with us anytime.

7 Common Reasons for Hair Loss in Women

by Leave a Comment

It is normal for women to lose about 100 hair strands every day.  If you are losing more hair than usual or notice bald spots, it is time to meet a dermatologist.
Contrary to popular belief, home remedies may not completely arrest hair fall. Hair fall may be due to various reasons. It takes a certified dermatologist to get to the root cause of hair fall and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Women?
1)    Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system attacks the hair follicles and other healthy cells. People with alopecia areata experience hair loss in patches. Some women experience complete hair loss and hair loss throughout the body.
Corticosteroid injections and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat the disease. The medications work by suppressing the immune system.
2)    Nutritional Deficiencies
A diet that is low in protein, zinc, Vitamin B3, and iron can cause hair fall. To treat a nutritional deficiency, your doctor may recommend a blood test. After an accurate diagnosis of the issue, health supplements like Nutrafol Women would be recommended.
3)    Birth Control
Changing to a new brand of hormonal birth control pills can induce hair loss. Some women experience hair loss even months after they stop taking pills.
Contraceptive pills with a low androgen index may control hormone-induced hair loss. Other forms of contraception such as implants, and skin patches cause hair fall too.
4)    Genetics
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) or Androgenetic alopecia is a common genetic condition that causes hair fall in women. Hair thins around the crown and on the sides. Hair follicles shrink, and the new hair is thinner and finer.
FPHL is more common in women over the age of 40 but can occur even during teenage. Dermatologists use more than one method of treatment to obtain optimal results.
5)    Postpartum Hair Loss
Most often, postpartum hair fall is normal. The dermatologist will perform the essential tests and suggest a breastfeeding-friendly treatment plan. Additional factors contributing to hair loss can be identified too through these tests.
One of the trusted recommendations from dermatologists is Nutrafol Postpartum. The product targets the major reasons behind thinning hair and fills the nutrition gap. Since it is made of natural ingredients, there are no major side effects to it.
6)    Lifestyle Habits
Common lifestyle practices can induce hair fall in women. Some of them are,
  • Wearing tight ponytails and braids can scar the hair follicles permanently (traction alopecia).
  •  Overuse of heat styling products (thermal damage) and overbleaching.
  •  Chemical procedures for straightening the hair strands can damage the follicles.
  • Over-washing of hair deprives the scalp of natural oils and makes it prone to damage.
  • Under-washing of hair leads to product build-up and hair fall.
7)    Stress
Hair fall is related to physical and emotional stress. High stress levels cause telogen effluvium. During this condition, the growth phase of the hair follicles slows down, and more hair follicles are moved into the resting phase.
The condition is temporary and reversible. Stress, when combined with sudden weight loss and poor diet, can aggravate telogen effluvium.
How to React to Excessive Hair Fall?
Do not panic! Hair fall can be controlled using different treatment options. It is best to talk to a dermatologist, go through a few tests to confirm the diagnosis, and proceed with the treatment.
If you want to learn more about hair loss and its various causes, talk to the hair loss specialists at West Dermatology. We curate customized treatment plans to help you deal with hair loss and improve your hair health.

How to Pick the Best Sunscreen ☀️💪

by Leave a Comment

As summer temperatures rise and you spend more time outside, you’ll probably want to keep a tube of sunscreen or one of the newer sunscreen powders in your gym bag or glove compartment. If you pop into any makeup counter, drugstore, or grocery store, you’re likely to see at least a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose!
That’s why we’re going over the sunscreen basics and listing some of our favorite formulas. With this handy email, you can figure out what works best for you and avoid getting burned.
First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen. Physical sunscreens deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The old versions used to feel thick and sometimes leave a white cast on the skin. Newer versions of microniadized zinc and titanium feel great, are not thick and do not leave a white sheen on your skin.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays and make them less harmful. These formulas blend invisibly into skin. The drawback is that the chemicals in sunscreen may be absorbed in minute quantities when applied in large amounts every 2 hours. This has recently gotten some bad press but there’s no conclusive proof that they’re harmful. Still, pregnant women, young children, and cautious types may want to go for physical sunscreen.
If you already know which type of sunscreen you prefer, you may be wondering: Which brand is the best? We’re glad you asked!
> For your face and body, try ISDIN- Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin it absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup, doesn’t smell like SPF, is made with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, as well as an ingredient that helps repair previous sun damage.
> We also love ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50 for your face, or Total Defense and Repair from SkinMedica.
> For your lips, EltaMD’s UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31 neutralizes free radicals with antioxidants and offers both physical and chemical sun protection.
> For on-the-go, grab an ISDIN Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.
> For when you’re exercising or going swimming, make sure you reapply even a “waterproof” sunscreen every two hours
Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing and scheduling an annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin all summer long!

How to Keep Your Skin Sun Safe this Summer ☀️

by Leave a Comment

This beautiful, warm weather has everybody outside enjoying their favorite activity. There’s so much fun to be had, but we want to remind you that your skin can easily get damaged this time of year. Whether you’re going for a dip in a pool, hiking, or just outside soaking up the sun, it’s important to make sure that your skin health remains a top priority. The great thing about it is that all of these tips are easy enough to implement in any summer activity.
Sun Safe Skincare Tips
Seek shade: When possible, sit in the shade as much as you can. Some activities such as swimming or hiking will require you to take regular breaks to get out of the direct sunlight. Be extra careful to avoid direct sunlight during the peak hours of 10 AM-4 PM.
Cover your skin: It’s important to wear proper clothing when you’re outside. This means investing in lightweight clothing (avoiding dark colors if possible), clothing with UV protection, hats, and sunglasses.
Consider advice from Dr. Mitchel Goldman, MD and West Dermatology Medical Director. He says, “Whenever I know I will be enjoying the outdoors, on a bicycle or hiking, I always wear SPF clothing with full arm covers, wear Isdin Erythrophotona sunscreen on exposed areas and take a Sunisdin supplement.”
Wear sunscreen: Everybody should wear sunscreen, even on overcast days. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. It’s a good idea to make sunscreen application part of your daily routine.
Dr. Jessica Riley, DO, adds, “I apply EltaMD UV Clear sunscreen in the morning. It goes on very elegantly and also has niacinamide in it, which helps to calm acne-prone skin. I also make sure to reapply every two hours if I’m going to be in the sun. The easiest way to do this is with the Isdin Mineral Brush. It goes on effortlessly and easily over my makeup.
Avoid tanning beds: It may be tempting to get a golden tan from a tanning bed, but know that this is not safe for your skin. Not only can it cause skin damage, but it could also lead to skin cancer. Protect your skin by avoiding tanning beds or overexposure from direct sunlight.
Wash your face: More sunlight usually means more sweating. Make sure you keep your face clean so that there isn’t a buildup of oil or dirt.
Continue skin checks: Don’t forget to continue regular skin checks. Take care to make a note of any skin changes and report those changes to your doctor right away.
Take care of your skin throughout the summer months. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen, wear proper clothing, and keep out of the direct sunlight whenever possible. For your skincare needs, schedule an appointment with us! We look forward to educating you about skincare to keep you healthy all year long!

Summer Sun-Safe Tips ☀️

by Leave a Comment

It’s time to dig out your swimsuit and shelve your sweaters: Summer is official here! We hope you have all sorts of fun plans for the season, like visiting the beach, strolling through a state fair, or taking a hike in nature. We have just one piece of advice: Make sure that you’re taking care of your skin as you enjoy the summer sun. Below are a few everyday tips for lowering your risk of sunburn and skin cancer.
👒 Wear a hat: A hat with a brim will keep sunlight from hitting your face directly, helping you to avoid UV damage. The wider the brim, the better!
👕 Cover up when you can: If you can comfortably wear long sleeves or long pants, the fabric will help to keep your skin from burning in the sun.
☂️ Pack a parasol: When you’re walking through an area without much shade cover, bring your own shade! If you want to be extra careful, choose a parasol with a UPF value. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor—like SPF, but for fabric. Parasols (and clothes) with a UPF value are proven to screen out harmful UV rays.
👧 Slather on sunscreen: Sometimes, you can’t avoid the sun hitting your skin. You might not always want to avoid it! Just cover any exposed skin in sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you need to stock up, you’re in luck: We’re selling some of our favorite, dermatologist-recommended sunscreen brands at shop.westderm.com.
However you choose to protect your skin, we hope it helps you enjoy the season. If you have any concerns, or if you want a personalized plan for your skin health, just make an appointment with us. Happy summer!

Let’s “Clear Up” Some Acne Myths

by Leave a Comment

“Bunk” is a slang term for nonsense, and in honor of June Acne Awareness Month, let’s debunk the nonsense of acne myths and aim for blemish-free skin.
Myth #1 Tanning Clears Up Acne
We’re calling “bunk” on this myth. The sun’s UV rays do nothing to zap acne. Instead, your skin dries out, inflames, produces more oil, and gets worse. It may feel at first like the sun is drying your acne, but it’s not healing it. We know this because we see tanned people all the time who still have acne. Plus, sun exposure increases your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.
Myth #2 Dairy Causes Acne
We’ve all heard that dairy causes acne, but this is definitely a myth. There’s been some speculation that an increase in insulin growth factor-1 leads to acne because it activates sebum production and that milk proteins inflame acne. The truth is that no scientific study yet has been strong enough to prove a correlation between dairy and acne.
Myth #3 Acne is Just a Teen Issue
Millions of adults who suffer from acne will tell you that it’s not just a teen issue. Yes, a whopping 85% of teens get some form of acne at some point. But just because the teenage years are over doesn’t mean acne ends too. 30% of adults ages 20-60, and beyond, deal with acne. It’s the most common skin disease. And it’s possible for women who had pretty clear skin as a teen to develop acne later in life.
Myth #4 Acne Will Clear Up Fast If You Scrub Your Skin
You can’t scrub away acne, and trying will actually make it worse. It’s true that all pimples begin with a clogged pore, and because acne can start forming several weeks before it appears, it makes sense to keep pores clear. A good acne-prevention routine includes using retinol for quicker skin turnover, washing your face before bed, and using non pore-clogging products. But once acne appears, scrubbing is a no-no. Instead, wash your face gently twice a day with a mild cleanser.
Myth #5 You Don’t Need to Treat Acne
Some people say acne will eventually go away on its own, so you don’t need to treat it. This is a myth because true acne is a chronic skin condition. If left untreated, it can damage your skin (and self-esteem) along the way. Acne is something that needs to be managed, and our dermatologists can help.
Dermatologists are up-to-date with all the latest breakthroughs for breakouts. They can clear almost any acne issue. The problem is that people often don’t ask for professional help. Instead, some people resort to home treatments that can do more harm than good, like dabbing toothpaste on acne to try to dry it up. Household products are not necessarily safe on the skin, and the fluorides in toothpaste can make acne worse. Leave all the guesswork up to the professionals and let us answer any questions you have.
Book your appointment today for personalized skincare advice to address your acne concerns. One of our board-certified dermatologists would be happy to see you!

The Dermatologist-Approved Guide to Summer Skin

by Leave a Comment

Summertime means beaches, barbecues, and baseball, but it also means skin-wrecking salt water, sand, and (if you aren’t careful) sunburn. These can cause serious stress to a healthy complexion, but c’mon – who wants to stay inside?

The warm summer months require unique skin care strategies. All the swimming, cycling, hiking, and other outdoorsy enjoyments are great for our overall health and wellbeing, but these activities can lead to significant ultraviolet (UV) overexposure to the face and body, not to mention skin dehydration and free radical damage. Over time, these environmental stressors can lead to accelerated aging, irregular pigmentation, and even certain cancers.

It can be difficult to determine which skin care solutions will yield consistently great results. However, starting with the methods used by experienced dermatologists is a great first step! Here are tried-and-true techniques our WestDerm dermatologists not only recommend to their patients, but also use to protect their own skin.

Check the Ultraviolet Radiation Index Daily

While standard weather forecasts will help ready you for blazing temperatures, your local weather team won’t reliably alert you to the UV radiation index (UVI). The UVI measures the degree of UV radi- ation on a given day, which is unrelated to the temperature.

Knowing the UV radiation levels in your area can help you apply the optimal level of sun protection for your outdoor activities. J. Ryan Jackson, D.O., recommends checking the UVI daily using an easy-to-access smartphone application. “I appreciate the UV index found on my weather app,” says Dr. Jackson. “This index assists me to make informed decisions about how much time I should spend in the sun and what types of sun protection I should include with my daily activities.”

Wear Sunscreen Religiously

Great summer skin starts with an effective sunblock. Mitchel Goldman M.D., WestDerm Medical Di- rector, is an avid cyclist who takes sun protection very seriously. “The single most important thing is sunscreen, in the summer and the winter,” he says. “We should all be using [sunscreen] every day, whether it’s in our morning moisturizers or foundations.”
While sunscreen is instrumental for minimizing sun damage and age spots, it significantly reduces skin cancer risk. Even if we’re careful to apply sunscreen when we know we will spend the day out- doors, we might not be as vigilant in the car. “We don’t realize we have to wear sunscreen when we’re driving,” Dr. Goldman says. “Your back window and side windows only block 2% of the ultraviolet rays, so the sun comes right in, even with the windows closed.” The left side of the face, the left arm, and the left hand are especially vulnerable.

Wear Clothing with SPF

Although sunscreen must be reapplied periodically throughout the day, a more convenient alterna- tive for the body is sun protective clothing. “In addition to applying sunscreen, I wear sun protective clothing,” Dr. Goldman says.

Sun protective clothing is extremely effective in blocking UV radiation. A garment with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 can block approximately 98% of harmful rays.

Combat Sun Damage

Skin rejuvenation is critical; boosting cell turnover can help dramatically mitigate superficial sun-re- lated damage. Dr. Jackson is an advocate for using products that facilitate this phenomenon. “To reduce the severity of actinic damage I often recommend topical retinoids to the face three times weekly at night, increasing to nightly as tolerated,” he says. A great starter retinol product is West Derm Retinol Serum 3X, a gentle, antioxidant-rich serum that penetrates deep into the skin without causing irritation.
Summer activities can also cause significant dehydration due to heavy sweating and even exposure to super-drying ocean water. Topical products that enhance environmental protection and boost hy- dration are excellent for minimizing and even reversing mild sun damage. “After exercising I always apply SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic to my facial skin to further decrease ultraviolet damage,” Dr. Goldman says. This vitamin C serum is a free radical-neutralizing formula that shields the skin from oxidative stress.

Get Plenty of Antioxidants

Healthy skin can also be achieved from the inside out. Antioxidants in deep green vegetables (spin- ach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli), beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark chocolate are fan- tastic for ensuring optimal cell health. They combat oxidative stress, boost collagen production, and reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions like heart disease and even cancer.
However, if your lifestyle is extremely active, you might want an antioxidant boost. “I and my cycling teammates take SunIsdin, a natural supplement that provides antioxidants to protect the skin from ultraviolet damage,” says Dr. Goldman. This daily supplement helps protect skin from photoaging (premature aging caused by continual exposure to UV radiation) and enhances elasticity, making skin less susceptible to dynamic wrinkles.

Dr. Jackson is also a big proponent of supplements and encourages his patients to enhance their anti- oxidant intake. “I often recommend Heliocare Advanced with Nicotinamide to my patients,” he says. “Heliocare Advanced with Nicotinamide helps support skin health and maintain the skin’s ability to protect against free radical damage.”
The best way to preserve the health and beauty of your skin? Regular visits to a dermatologist, of course! Our team of qualified, board-certified dermatologists offers comprehensive care for cosmetic and medical skin concerns. Whether you want your skin checked for abnormalities, would like effec- tive acne treatment, or think an Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial could be right for you, we are more than happy to offer a consultation.

To find a clinic near you, please visit our location page and schedule an appointment today.

4 Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid…and Why!

by Leave a Comment

Sun protection shouldn’t leave your skin vulnerable to irritation, inflammation, or acne, nor should it lead to the accumulation of synthetic chemicals in your bloodstream. Unfortunately, certain sunscreens contain ingredients that might not be optimal for your overall health.
You must apply sunscreen generously. If you plan on spending a full day outdoors, it is recommended that you reapply approximately one ounce of sunscreen to your body every few hours (more frequently when swimming). That means your body is continually exposed to the ingredients in the product.
Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid 
The next time you’re shopping for an effective sunscreen, here are a few ingredients that might be deal-breakers, particularly if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. 
Synthetic Ingredients 
Synthetic sunscreen ingredients are highly effective in deactivating ultraviolet (UV) rays before they cause damage to the skin. They are also used to create a more liquid, lightweight product that doesn’t leave a white cast. However, they might not be ideal for everyone. People with sensitive skin, for example, might be more likely to experience redness or inflammation from synthetic sunscreen ingredients. 
While synthetic sunscreen ingredients have not been conclusively shown to cause long-term harm, ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, and oxybenzone are stored in the body for weeks after one application. Because sunscreens must be applied and reapplied daily, some synthetic ingredients can build in the system and even become detectible in breast milk. 
Oxybenzone has been linked with hormone disruption, though not in humans. Hormone disruption occurs when chemicals mimic hormonal activity, causing the body to over or underproduce certain hormones. Moreover, if you have acne-prone skin, benzophenones could aggravate your skin and cause breakouts. 
Bug Repellants (DEET) 
Having an insect repellent in your sunscreen seems like a convenient time-saver, but it’s less-than-ideal for sun protection and overall health. When used with DEET, (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), some sunscreens’ efficacy is significantly diminished – sometimes by more than 30 %. This deficiency means that you must apply sunscreen more frequently to ensure sufficient protection, effectively exposing you to greater quantities of DEET. 
Moreover, because sunscreen formulations are designed to be absorbed into the skin, other ingredients are being absorbed, too. This phenomenon might enhance the quantities of DEET you are absorbing. 
To make sure you are getting the best possible sun protection while shielding yourself from pesky pests, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. After approximately 10-15 minutes, apply a separate insect repellent of your choosing. While DEET is highly effective, oil of lemon eucalyptus has been found to provide high levels of protection, though it must be applied more frequently. 
Comedogenic Oils, Butters, and Waxes 
Acne-prone skin is especially sensitive to sunscreens containing breakout-inducing ingredients because sunscreen must be applied and reapplied thickly and throughout the day. 
Coconut oil, cocoa butter, mineral oil, beeswax, and silicones can trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin. In addition to the ingredients listed above, check your sunscreen for the most common offenders: 
  • Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) 
  • Soybean oil 
  • Wheatgerm oil 
Fragrance 
Another no-no for people with sensitive skin: fFragrance. While fragrances are frequentlyoften used to make sometimes unpleasant sunscreen ingredients smell more inviting, the volatility of fragrance can cause irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. In fact, fragrance in cosmetics should be avoided whether you have sensitive skin or not! 
Effective, Non-Irritating Sunscreens 
Well, now that you know what to avoid, what should you use? 
Mineral sunscreens are the most effective sun protection products for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin. They are extremely gentle, and physically shield your skin from harmful UV rays. If you have oily skin, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide offer an additional benefit: they leave a smooth, matte finish that absorbs shine. 
At our clinics and online at shop.westderm.com, we offer a comprehensive range of sun protection products designed to deliver maximum SPF while being safe for all skin types. If you’re looking for the right sunscreen for your lifestyle, here are a few extremely effective products we recommend: 
To schedule an appointment at one of our California, Nevada, or Arizona clinics, please visit our location page to find one near you. 

Ultraviolet Safety Awareness Month: Aren’t You Forgetting Something?

by Leave a Comment

It’s easy to forget about some of our most vulnerable spots when we’re applying sunblock. Unfortunately, the sun never forgets to emit harmful UVA and UVB rays that can wreak havoc on our skin and eyes if we aren’t relentlessly careful. Here are a few parts of the body we are the most likely to neglect to apply sun protection.
The Scalp 
How often do you put sunblock on your scalp? If you have a full head of hair (or if you think you have a full head of hair), probably never.
Yep – your scalp needs sun protection too! While hair does shield your scalp from the sun, unless your hair is uniformly thick, you should give your scalp extra protection.
The easiest way to protect your scalp from ultraviolet (UV) rays is to wear a hat while outdoors. However, if you aren’t fond of hats, you can apply sunscreen to parts of your head where your scalp is exposed. These include:
  • The hairline 
  • The part in your hair 
  • The crown where hair might be thinner 
It’s a good idea to apply sunscreen to any part of your head where your scalp is visible. 
The Feet 
The soles of the feet have a layer of thick, callused skin that protects them from harmful UV rays, but the tops of the feet do not. If you wear sandals, flip-flops, or other shoes that expose the tops of your feet, make sure to apply a layer of sunscreen. 
The Lips 
Did you know that skin cancer can affect the lips? If you have fair skin, you are particularly vulnerable to basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the lips (particularly the lower lip), so make sure your lips are protected. 
Not all lip balms offer sun protection. Make sure the brand you choose has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. You should also reapply your protective lip balm every hour or so, and after you eat or drink. 
The Ears 
When applying sun protection to your ears, make sure to apply it to the backs of the ears in addition to the tops, earlobes, and any other exposed areas. Wide-brimmed hats are also extremely effective. You may not know it but the third most common location for skin cancers is the ears. 
The Eyes 
The area around the eyes is extremely delicate, so it’s understandable if you’re reluctant to apply thick sunscreen near your peepers (particularly if you have sensitive eyes or wear contacts). However, most mineral-based formulas designed to be applied to the face are perfectly safe and effective – you just must be careful to keep the sunblock out of your actual eyes. If you have concerns about sunblock melting into your eyes, stick sunscreens are easy to apply and are less likely to run into your eyes. 
As for the eyes themselves, always sport a pair of shades with 100% UV protection. 
The Neck 
Just because you can’t see the back of your neck doesn’t mean the sun can’t reach it! Always apply sunblock to your entire neck – not just the part under your chin. If you do a lot of driving, make sure you pay attention to the left side of your neck, since that area gets the most direct sunlight. 
The Hands 
You’ve probably done a fair amount of hand-washing these last few years, but how often do you apply (and reapply) sunscreen to your hands? Not only does sunblock help lower your risk of developing skin cancer, it also helps prevent the development of sunspots and other signs of premature aging and skin damage. 
Regular visits to a qualified dermatologist are essential for assuring a lifetime of healthy skin. Schedule an appointment with our team today!