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WestDerm

Six Delish Foods for Healthy Skin 🥑

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We get it; you’re tired of hearing about healthy eating. You know you should care because it’s good for your skin, but what you really want is flavor—juicy, dripping, oozing yumminess. Is this too much to ask? Not at all! We know the most delicious foods for alluring skin (including chocolate). Let’s celebrate World Heath Day together by eating our way to attractive skin. We promise to recommend only scrumptious foods.
 
1) Go Nuts with Almonds
The meatiness of almonds with their crunchy, substantial flavor is so enticing it’s hard to stop with just one small handful. But that’s all you need to get the health benefits of this skin-boosting food. Not only are they loaded with flavor, but they’re also rich in vitamin E. This antioxidant protects your skin against inflammation and UV damage.
 
2) Spice it Up with Cinnamon
There’s nothing like the fragrant, spicy goodness of cinnamon to wake up your senses in the morning. Add it to your hot cereal, or sprinkle it on warm toast or coffee for a satisfying treat for your taste buds. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cinnamon will make your skin glow.
3) Eat Tall, Dark, and Chocolate
As we wrote about in our Valentine’s Day blog post, dark chocolate is not only decadent eating; it has fringe benefits for your skin. “Antioxidants help the skin fight free radicals, and with free radicals at bay, you’re less likely to develop fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.” This good news makes us dream of chocolate factories and want to burst out singing, “I’ve got a golden ticket.” 
4) Ole for Guacamole
Why wait for Super Bowl Sunday to slurp this superfood? Dip into the benefits of guacamole all year round. This antioxidant-rich food will make your taste buds sing—the tomato and garlic punch up the creamy avocado flavor, and juice gives it that zippy tang. And all of these ingredients are packed with the skin-helping vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids you need for radiate health. That’s why guacamole sits pretty at the intersection of healthy and yummy.
 
5) Grab some Grapes
Eat red grapes straight from the fridge for a burst of cool, juicy sweetness. This superfood works wonders on your skin from the inside out. Brimming with good-for-skin nutrients like antioxidants, grapes will stimulate collagen production and protect your skin. It’s a win-win!
 
6) Get to the “Root” of Good Skin Health
Vitamin A supports skin health, and just one sweet potato exceeds your recommended daily allowance. They also contain a natural sunscreen, beta carotene, that can help protect your skin. Eating them is a ticket to beautiful skin. But don’t eat them all. They’re also great to apply topically. So next time you cook, save some for this sweet potato face mask.
Healthy food can lead to healthy skin, but only if you eat it regularly. You’ve heard people say the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. The same adage applies to eating. The best skin-healthy food is the one you’ll actually eat. So, what’s it for you? Is it dark chocolate, cinnamon, almonds, grapes, sweet potatoes, or guacamole? Find what appeals to you and glow for it. Have any questions about anything written here? Call us today or schedule your appointment now.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 🎀

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Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your mom how much you appreciate her and all the things she has done for you. We encourage you to celebrate and make things extra special for her this year. (She deserves it!) Give the gift of beauty with our top gift picks for your mom, or for any of your other favorite moms.
West Dermatology Collagen Rejuvenation Serum
Fortified with citrus stem cells and green tea extract, this serum leaves skin youthful and vibrant.
To SHOP, click here.
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
For the mom that loves her cosmetic dermatology treatments, this one’s for her! Skin Nectar strengthens the skin and supports faster recovery from IPL, laser and chemical peels).
To SHOP, click here.
SkinCeuticals Tri-Peptide-R Neck Repair
Helps fortify the neck’s fragile skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and firms up neck skin.
To SHOP, click here.
Isdin Hydrating Gel Foot Oil
Hydrating gel oil that repairs and hydrates dry, cracked feet.
To SHOP, click here.
Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum
Lightweight, leave in hair serum that supports thicker-looking, stronger hair.
To SHOP, click here.
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
This Mother’s Day you know the gift of radiant + healthy skin is at the top of our list (but don’t forget…) that also includes getting an annual skin check. Give your mom the gift of a skin check so her skin can be glowing and healthy all year long!
To Schedule, click here.
Celebrating all the moms!
If you have any questions about any of the products we have recommended above, be sure to drop is a line or give us a call today. We would be more than happy to help you put together the perfect gift for your mom!

Is More Better? How Much Skincare to Really Use🧴

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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.

Acne OR Rosacea? The Differences Between These Skin Conditions

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Acne and Rosacea are different skin conditions. Few people will have all of the signs and symptoms shown in the picture, but know what to look for helps.
It can be easy to confuse the two but it’s important to know that both conditions require different treatments, so it’s important to know the difference.
In honor of April being Rosacea Awareness Month, we encourage you to chat with one of our providers if you show any of the above symptoms. To learn more about Rosacea, head to our website to learn all about what it is, what causes it and how to treat it. To learn more about Acne, click here.
Do you have questions about your Rosacea? We are now offering Telehealth visits! Call your office today or request an appointment online to virtually meet with one of our dermatology providers.

Southern California Dermatology Joins West Dermatology

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West Dermatology is honored to announce the latest addition to our growing network of providers – Southern California Dermatology (SoCalDerm) of Santa Ana, Ca. SoCalDerm was founded in 1962 and has grown into one of the largest dermatology groups in Southern California. Currently led by Jonathan Baron, M.D. and Trevor Muirhead, M.D, their practice consists of 5 board-certified dermatologists, 5 dermatology physician assistants, a laser nurse, an aesthetician, and over 50 employees in total. Drs. Baron and Muirhead have been excellent partners to work with and they bring with them an exceptional team of providers and staff. With the addition of the SoCalDerm team, we increase our density in Southern California with 36 locations state wide and 62 companywide.
SoCalDerm consists of one clinic and serves the Greater Orange County community with a full spectrum of dermatology care which includes Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic dermatology. The practice also includes a robust clinical research department and an in-house Rx dispensary. They are joined by an excellent team including Albert Antonyan, MD, Jennifer Soung, MD, and Lisa Xu, MD; Physician Assistants Goli Parsa, Stephanie Clark, Sarah Frazier, Pauline Saedler, and Shawna Jones; laser RN Kimberly Flint; and aesthetician Kelsey Morgan.
Dr. Baron is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in all aspects of medical and surgical dermatology for both children and adults. Originally born in CapeTown, South Africa, Dr. Baron grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and went on to receive his medical degree also at the University of Arizona. He then went on to complete a year of internal medicine followed by a dermatology residency also all at the University of Arizona. He moved to Southern California in 2003 and joined Southern California Dermatology. Dr. Baron is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. When not at the office he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children.
Dr. Muirhead is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in all medical and surgical dermatological conditions of the skin, hair and nails for patients of all ages. He grew up in Long Beach and attended the University of Southern California for college and medical school. After completing an internship in Internal Medicine at Olive View-UCLA, he completed his Dermatology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Muirhead is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He is a former Volunteer Clinical Faculty in Dermatology at UC Irvine. 
This is an exciting time to be a part of West Dermatology. As we continue to add best-in-class providers, open, and expand our clinics across our group, we are better able to serve our patients, which remains our sole purpose.
To learn more about Southern California Dermatology, visit: https://www.socalderm.org/

We’re Ensuring Your Health With Our Safety Protocols

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As our state and communities continue lifting Covid restrictions, we want to continue to update you on our approach to health and safety guidelines because the health and safety of our employees and patients is our first priority. Throughout this pandemic, our clinics have and continue to closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and still have Covid safety practices in place.
Skin health can’t wait. That’s why our offices remain open to serve you. We are available for medical dermatology, skin cancer detection and treatment, cosmetics, aesthetics and allergy appointments. For your convenience, we also continue to offer virtual visits via video from the comfort of your home. We’re here for your skin health however you prefer to visit us. 
It is safe to come back in. We are committed to your safety and well-being. We have implemented numerous operational procedures to ensure our clinics are taking extra precautions to keep you and our staff safe.
Our Patient Screening & Safety:
·      We check temperatures and screen for symptoms for all patients. Anyone exhibiting symptoms will be asked to reschedule their appointment for a later date or book a virtual appointment via video, if appropriate.
·      We require face masks for all patients, staff, and visitors in our clinics – regardless of vaccination status.
·      We are social distancing between patients and staff where practical and necessary.
·      Our providers and team members are trained in infection control measures. We are disinfecting high-traffic areas (e.g. doors, iPads, computers, front desk, bathrooms, breakroom, etc.) multiple times a day.
Our Healthy Team:
·      Every employee has their temperature checked and is screened for symptoms daily. Anyone exhibiting symptoms is required to stay home. 
·      Our team members take pride in your safety by wearing clean scrubs, using eye protection, masks, and gloves, in addition to other personal protective equipment (PPE).
·      We practice frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer before patient interactions.
Our team is here to help you safely maintain your healthy skin and also help you be active and enjoy the outdoors safely again. Our hope is that you stay safe and healthy. Please call to schedule or CLICK HERE to request an appointment. 
Yours in good health,
The West Dermatology Team

Don’t Be Fooled By These Skin Myths

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Only a fool doesn’t want flawless skin this April Fool’s Day. Can you tell facts from foolish fiction with our fun quiz?
 
Choose foolish (false) or wise (true) answers to these questions and see if you guessed right, below. No fooling!
 
1.    Only wash your face with water. 
2.    Never wash your face in the shower.
3.    Use sunscreen with the highest SPF on your face. 
4.    Apply sunscreen only during the warmer months.
5.    Get a light tan to even out age spots.
6.    Prevent age spots by drinking lots of water.
7.    Eating chocolate or bacon causes acne.
8.    Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol can age your skin.
9.    Wrinkles are in your genes. There’s nothing you can do to prevent them.
10.  Cellulite is forever. You can’t get rid of it.
ANSWERS:
1.    Foolish (false). Plain water won’t remove environmental pollutants, dirt, and makeup. All that gunk will clog your pores, irritate your skin and make your skin look dull. Wash your face morning and night, but no more than twice a day. Use fingertips to apply a gentle cleanser, rinse with warm water, and follow with a moisturizer. Moisturizer softens and prevents water loss through the skin’s outer layers, we recommend SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturizer. Click here to shop now.
 
2.    Wise (true). The skin on your face is delicate and hot water will dry it out and remove natural oils. Exfoliating scrubs may be used once a week as long as it’s not an abrasive formula, such as crushed walnut shells. Yuck! Foolish or what? We recommend the SkinCeuticals Exfoliating Scrub. Click here to shop now
 
3.    Foolish (false). While sunscreen is vitally important year around to prevent sun damage, there’s no evidence that a higher SPF protects better. SPF 30 blocks out 97% of UVB radiation. You’ll gain more protection by reapplying it at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
4.    Foolish (false). Use at least two tablespoons of sunscreen to cover all skin unprotected by clothing all year round. Apply 30 minutes before going out, and reapply it every two hours. And it’s just foolish to be in the sun during the peak burn hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when suns UVA/UVB rays are at their strongest. But, don’t hide in a dark cave. A lack of regular sunlight can increase your risk of vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight activates your skin to produce vitamin D, essential to keeping your bones and immune system strong and lowering your risk of some cancers. We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen. Click here to shop now
 
5.    Foolish (false). Without sunscreen protection, tanning (direct sun or tanning booth) will only add more dark spots and increase your skin cancer risk. Too much time in the sun damages your skin, makes it age prematurely, and increases wrinkles.
 
6.    Foolish (false). The dark age spots on your face and hands are due to years of sun damage. While plenty of water is good for your overall health, it doesn’t affect skin discolorations.
7.    Foolish (false). Acne is caused by sebum, an oily substance produced naturally by the skin. There’s no evidence that any food causes skin blemishes. To keep your skin looking young, eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.  
8.    Wise (true). Banish those from your diet, and you’ll see an improvement in your skin. Experts also recommend regular exercise to improve circulation and boost your immune system – both help generate more youthful skin.
9.    Foolish (false). There are many ways to prevent wrinkles including not smoking, limiting alcohol and using a high-quality sunscreen and moisturizer every day.
10.    Sad, but true (wise). You can diminish some of the cottage cheese look from your thighs with a firming cream. A fake tan (spray or self-tanning lotion) can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular exercise will tighten muscles for a more toned look.
 
How did you do on the quiz? Your prize for a perfect score is beautiful, healthy skin. But, if you couldn’t tell the foolish advice from the facts, make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists and improve your score!

Tips on Building a Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin

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Does your skin tend to act like a rebellious teen, throwing tantrums in the form of irritation, rashes, and sudden breakouts? No matter how hard you try to protect and nourish your skin, it just doesn’t seem happy? You may have a sensitive skin type! Here are five simple steps you can take to help put together a skincare routine great for sensitive skin.
 
1.    Start with a gentle cleanser.
Cleansing is important, but don’t go overboard with harsh cleansers that can rob your skin of healthy oils and lead to dryness. The right cleanser should be gentle and support a healthy balance of moisture. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser.
The Alastin Gentle Cleanser contains calming antioxidants that help soothe and protect the skin. Key ingredients include:
·      D-Panthenol is a Vitamin B5 derivative that helps soften and moisturize skin
·      Oat Beta Glucan is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps reduce redness, itching and irritation
·      Bisabolol is a concentrated form of chamomile that has strong anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties
·      Oat Kernel Extract is an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent
2.    Soothe irritation with a calming serum.
A calming serum can help reduce redness and flare-ups, common signs of sensitive skin. Choosing the right serum is key to reducing redness and improving the appearance of discoloration and uneven skin tone. We recommend SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel. This serum contains thyme, olive, cucumber, Eucalyptus leaf, and hyaluronic acid.
 
Thyme has strong antibacterial properties that help fight acne and inflammation. Cucumber also possesses anti-inflammatory properties necessary to soothe skin irritation and reduce inflammation. Eucalyptus leaf is another powerful ingredient with cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. 
3.    Choose a hydrating moisturizer.
The best moisturizer for sensitive skin should be lightweight but carry potent ingredients that provide intense hydration, nourish and restore the skin’s natural protective barrier, while also soothing the drying effects of environmental aggressors, skin disorders, and dermatological treatments. Choose a moisturizer with safe ingredients, such as glycerin, dimethicone, shea butter, and sodium hyaluronate. We recommend
 Avene Cold Cream Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. This moisturizer contains pharmaceutical grade mineral oil and white beeswax to hydrate, soothe, and soften skin
 
4.    Use a hydrating sunscreen.
Sunscreen is key to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Choose a sunscreen packed with antioxidants and vital minerals, such as micronized zinc oxide. We recommend
 West Dermatology Sheer Physical Spray SPF 50 Sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and contains the following key ingredients: 12 % Zinc Oxide, Green Tea Polyphenols, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Emblica, and Co-Q10.
Zinc oxide may help reduce irritation and seal in moisture without clogging the pores. Green tea polyphenols contain powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin.
5.    Restore balance with specialized treatment.
Use a calming mask once a week to give your sensitive skin that extra protection and care it needs. Be sure to choose a product with plant-based ingredients that possess anti-inflammatory properties.
We recommend SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Calming Masque. This corrective mask is clinically tested effective post-procedure to provide:
·      20% reduction in visual redness
·      47% reduction in discomfort
·      5°F average reduction in skin surface temperature
Bonus Tip: Ingredients to avoid
When building your skin care product regime, pay careful attention to the ingredients. Avoid products that contain sulfates, retinol, alcohol, fragrance, and parabens. These ingredients can work against the good ones and do more damage than good when it comes to your skin health.
 
Got Questions?
If you have any questions about building a skin care routine for sensitive skin, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. They’ll be happy to build a customized skincare routine that is right for you!

Get to Know our Physician Assistant, Stacy Norman!

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Get to Know Stacy Norman, PA-C!
 
Stacy has been with West Dermatology since 2019 and offers both medical and cosmetic dermatology appointments.
 
What made you want to become a Physician Assistant?
I became a PA because I wanted to help people and better serve my community. I also have a background in cytotechnology, which is a visual field of study. This helped me pursue dermatology by combining visual diagnosis with patient care.
What do you love most about working with West Dermatology?
I love working at West because of the camaraderie with my coworkers and family feel of each office.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy volunteering for my children’s school working one on one with students in reading and math. I also enjoy volunteering for my kids soccer clubs. My hobbies include cooking and gardening.
What services do you specialize in?
I specialize in skin exams, excisions, biopsies, Botox, and fillers
Learn more about Stacy by clicking here.
Ready to book your appointment with Stacy Norman, PA-C?

Can Diabetes Have An Impact On Your Skin?

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Today is Diabetes Alert Day: a day when healthcare professionals explain the warning signs of this common condition. Though you might not think of the skin when you think of diabetes, there IS a strong connection. Certain skin conditions indicate that someone is more likely to have or develop diabetes. 
 
Because your skin tells the story of your overall health, it pays to watch out for anything abnormal. According to the CDC, 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and 25% of those people don’t know they have it. That’s why it’s so important to have your annual skin check with a professional. If you think you see any of the below on your body, be sure to give us a call.
 
Yellow, reddish, or brown patches surrounded by shiny skin: This skin condition, also known as necrobiosis lipoidica, often starts off looking like a patch of pimples. Though it may feel itchy, it’s harmless on its own—it’s significant mainly because it can indicate that someone has diabetes.
 
Hard, waxy skin on the fingers and toes: Known as digital sclerosis, this skin condition can limit movement. It usually develops as a side effect of diabetes. 
 
Dark, velvety skin on the neck, armpit, or groin: This condition, also called acanthosis nigricans, is often one of the earliest indicators of diabetes. Treating it requires treating the root cause of the discoloration, whether that’s diabetes or something else. 
 
Caved-in dark spots on the shins: The incidence of these spots is called diabetic dermopathy, and it often affects people with diabetes. The spots typically disappear on their own after a year and a half or two years.
 
If you’re not sure whether your skin fits one of the descriptions above, or if you have other concerns, please give us a call or schedule an appointment today. Our West Derm providers are experienced and trained in diagnosing and treating skin conditions caused by diabetes. We’re more than happy to raise awareness and boost your overall health, on Diabetes Alert Day and every day.