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Four Ways to Transition into Spring Skincare 🌸

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Throughout the colder, winter months, we tend to wear heavier moisturizers and skincare products to protect our skin, but sometimes even with all that protection, our skin is still left feeling dry. It still itches. It cracks. It isn’t always pretty, as you know. Luckily, that season’s now behind us. It’s time to say goodbye to winter and hellooo to Spring, which means time to revamp your skincare routine. We’ll take you through some of our favorite tips on how to transition your routine so your skin will blossom this Spring.
 
Lighten up on your moisturizer
You reach for thick, rich creams in the winter to combat dryness, but spring provides a nice relief from that dry air and calls for lighter formulas. With the humidity up, the springtime air gives your skin a natural moisture boost. You’ll need a lighter moisturizer now that you’re showered with more humidity than your skin’s seen in months. We recommend SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer.
 
Intensify your sunscreen
Brighter sun and more exposure? Spring it on! Just make sure to ramp up your protection factor. Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. If you’re in the sun, don’t forget to apply every few hours. Remember your hands, feet, ears, neck, and décolleté. Those areas can be just as exposed to the sun and vulnerable to aging as your face. The majority of fine lines are caused by sun exposure, which makes sunscreen that much more crucial.
 
Spring is the perfect time to have a fling with a foundation that has SPF. Just remember to put sunscreen on first because, sadly, SPF in the foundation isn’t enough. You first need that protective sunscreen base with an all-access pass to your décolletage and the back of your neck. Get the highest level of UVA/UVB protection with Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen.
 
Exfoliate for freshness
Spring is the time to slosh off all the dead skin cells you packed on during the winter. Exfoliation reveals fresh skin and prevents clogged pores and breakouts. Try to exfoliate your skin 1 to 2 times a week to improve your skin’s texture. We recommend SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub. Want to ramp up your exfoliation game even further?
Treat your skin to a facial or chemical peel with one of our board-certified dermatologists. These treatments will help eliminate those pesky dead skin cells even more to reveal radiant, glowing skin!
 
Spring Clean
It’s time to Spring break out your old sunscreens and throw them away. Because the SPF effectiveness will be worn out or gone completely, exposing your skin to harmful UV rays and sun damage. Anything expired or older than three years will only Spring you down. Check out our blog post, “Is it Time to Ditch Your Old SPF? It Might be!”, explaining why you should stay away from expired sunscreen.
 
And while you’re spring cleaning, make sure to wash or replace any dirty makeup brushes or sponges, and toss out your expired skincare products. Last season’s lotion, eye cream, serum, and foundation can harbor bacteria. Shop our store to treat yourself to something new.
 
Have fun with your spring skincare routine, and, as always, if you have any questions about any of the above products or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists, reach out today. Happy Spring!

Reveal Healthy Skin on St. Patrick’s Day ☘️

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Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and the world is celebrating all things Irish for an entire day. Revelers are dressed in shamrock-green head to toe, step dancing to a few Irish jigs and likely participating in several other Irish traditions. We like all of those things, but our favorite form of celebration on a day like today is to find creative ways to make skincare fun and festive. To avoid getting pinched, and to give yourself a healthier complexion, read on to learn how to use green-colored ingredients to make your skin glow:
Take a green tea supplement: Research shows that ingesting green tea can limit acne, rosacea, and inflammation. Green tea also has a compound, EGCG, that helps to control oil production.
Mask with avocado: Avocado lavishes the skin with vitamin E, which wards off free radicals and helps to slow signs of aging. It also offers lutein, which supports supple skin.
Take a chlorophyll supplement: Drinking liquid chlorophyll may reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin. Those benefits may ultimately lead to less acne and redness.
Eat more kiwis: Kiwi fruit is rich in vitamin C, which helps to heal injuries. It also supports the body in producing collagen—the compound that makes skin supple. Vitamin E, also in kiwis, slows signs of aging.
Make smoothies with green algae: Green algae may hydrate the skin and deliver a fuller look. It’s a great source of essential vitamins and minerals that help stave off environmental damage. 
Using these green ingredients will not only give you glowing skin, but you won’t get pinched either 😉 Because it’s your lucky day, and in honor of the Luck of the Irish, we have one more tip for you:
Schedule a skin check with us! You’re right, this isn’t green or in any way related to St. Patrick’s Day. However, in honor of the Irish Heritage, and anyone with light/pale skin, it’s important you stay on top of skin health.
If you would like more personalized info on ways you can protect your skin and get a glowing complexion, schedule your appointment with us today. We hope that this St. Patrick’s Day, you feel as lucky as a four-leaf clover!

Understanding Common Nail Disorders

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It’s not unusual for nails to change over time. While many of those changes aren’t a cause for concern, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by your dermatologist. Fortunately, nail conditions are often easy to diagnose and treat if you get an early start. While minor nail disorders can simply affect the appearance of your fingernails, untreated nail conditions can impact the function and overall nail health. 
While many people know that dermatologists treat various skin issues, patients sometimes forget that we can also help diagnose and treat nail concerns. At West Dermatology, we believe that quality dermatology care begins with patient education. Read on to learn more about the early symptoms of nail disorders and potential causes.
What are Nail Disorders?
Let’s kick this off by discussing what classifies a condition as a nail disorder. Essentially, nail disorders describe various conditions that impact the look and function of fingernails and toenails. Interestingly, your nails can tell a person a lot about their general health. If you notice any changes in your nails’ look, texture, or strength, you should certainly discuss that with your dermatologist. While there are numerous nail disorders out there, we will examine some of the more common nail conditions. 
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis often occurs in people living with psoriasis that begins to impact the skin on the nail beds or nearby. People with this condition often notice indentions and crumbling of the nails. Other symptoms may include:
·      Nail separation
·      Blood beneath nails
·      Yellow or brown nails
·      Pitting
Onychoschizia
Onychoschizia is the medical term for brittle splitting nails. People may develop this condition due to consistent wetting and drying of the nails. However, in some circumstances, onychoschizia may occur in people with an iron deficiency or another underlying disease. While a dermatologist can help diagnose the cause of the condition, you may be able to determine if it is an internal or external cause. For instance, if the condition is repeatedly drying and wetting your nails, then it is likely that only the fingernails will be impacted. Likewise, if the condition affects both your nails and fingernails, then it may be linked to an underlying internal condition. 
Nail Fungal Infections
Nail fungal infections commonly impact the toenails, but can also be seen in the fingernails. Nail fungal infections can result from exposure to certain molds or fungus that get trapped in cracks in the skin near the nail bed. While anybody can get a nail fungal infection, sweat, athletes’ foot, and salon manicures may put you in a high-risk category. Symptoms of nail fungal infections include:
·      Nail thickening
·      Nail discoloration
·      Cracked nails
·      Fragile nails 
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is a nail disorder in which the nail separates from the nail bed. Common causes for this condition are linked to nail injury or an underlying illness. Certain activities such as excessive filing or exposure to chemicals may be the cause of the nail separation. However, psoriasis, fungal infection, and allergic contact dermatitis may also lead to onycholysis. Other symptoms of this condition include:
·      Nail discoloration
·      Skin thickening
·      Bending of nail edges
·      Pitting
Paronychia
Paronychia is a type of infection that causes redness and inflammation near the edges of the nail bed. The disease can be classified into one of two categories: acute or chronic. Acute paronychia occurs when there is an infection resulting from trauma to the cuticle or nail fold. Chronic paronychia occurs as a result of exposure to an irritant or allergen. Common symptoms include:
·      Redness
·      Pain 
·      Swelling
·      Pus
·      Fever
Are you concerned that you may have a nail disease? If so, it’s time to contact a dermatologist. At West Dermatology, we are dedicated to helping each of our patients with all of their skincare needs. We look forward to working with you to restore your nail health.  

Love Your Skin This Valentine’s Day 💕

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When you think Valentine’s Day, you might think of candy hearts, champagne, or candlelit dinners. You probably don’t think of skin care—but of course, we do! Surprisingly for some, Valentine’s Day traditions have fringe benefits for skin. Read on to see which romantic rituals will leave you radiant.
Red wine and dark chocolate: These indulgences are high in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. 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.
Massage: Massages can reduce stress, and stress is the sworn enemy of skin health, known to cause acne, redness, and itching. Beyond limiting the negative effects of stress, massage can also boost skin’s radiance, soften the skin, even skin tone, and encourage cell turnover. That’s a recipe for a lit-from-within glow.
Taking a bath: A warm bath helps replace moisture in the skin, but be careful, because a hot bath can actually dry skin out! Once you step out of the water, you might gently exfoliate for a radiant look. You can get soft skin by sealing in the moisture from the bath with a dermatology-grade lotion or moisturizer. 
Apply rosewater to skin: Roses aren’t just for dramatic bouquets. They make great skincare products, too! Rosewater soothes irritation, helps balance redness, and could even diminish wrinkles.
Engaging in self-care for your skin isn’t an indulgence or vanity. It’s a powerful reminder that the largest organ in your body deserves love, no matter how it looks and even if you’re dealing with a dermatologic condition. Treating your skin right and liking the way you look can form a virtuous cycle that ultimately improves your confidence—and even your relationships. That’s why Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to fall in love with skin health.
For more tips on treating your skin right, on February 14 and every day, just give us a call or schedule an appointment today. We’re happy to spread the love.

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 💗

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It’s the month of love and time to spoil that special someone (or yourself!). Here are some of our top gift picks that are sure to get you, and your loved ones, speaking our love language.
For: The Skin Rejuvenator Guru
West Dermatology Rejuvenation Kit $275 ($347 value)
Ready to win their heart over? These 5 miracle workers will do just that. This perfect product pairing will address all anti-aging concerns, leaving skin looking dewy, brighter, and rejuvenated. Kit comes in a beautiful black velvet box. Click here to shop now.
For: The Hydration Honey
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel $83
For those wanting to add hydration back into the skin, this one’s for them! This oil free hydrating serum quenches dry skin faster than any love potion. It replenishes moisture and restores radiance for a hydrated, smoother complexion. Click here to shop now.
For: The Soft Skin Seeker
West Dermatology Lipid Replenishing Soft Cream $80 ($92 value)
The gift of softer skin has never been easier with this best-selling cream. Formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this little cupid replenishes skin’s texture, elasticity and total moisturize balance, leaving your skin super soft and kissable. Click here to shop now.
For: The Ultimate Skincare Enthusiast
SkinMedica Ultimate Trio $520 ($613 value)
This amazing trifecta of treats conquers all three major skincare concerns: anti-aging, skin discoloration, and hydration, truly making it the Ultimate skincare regime. Receive a FREE cosmetic bag, full of trial size products, with your purchase (a $125 value!). Click here to shop now.
Love is in the air, including our love for skincare! If you have any questions about any of the products we have recommended above, be sure to drop us a line or give us a call today. We would be more than happy to help you put together the perfect gift that is sure to please!

Important COVID Vaccine Update 🎉

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You may have read that in the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial only, 3 of the 30,000 participants as of December 2020 experienced temporary facial swelling. Of these 3 people, 2 received the vaccine and 1 received the placebo. The person who received the placebo had dental work two weeks prior. All 3 of these people had a history of receiving facial fillers. The swelling did subside in a few days without any adverse effects. What does this mean for facial filler patients?
As you may be aware, facial swelling is a known possible rare side effect of filler injections. It is usually brought on by the addition of other stressors, such as recent dental work, illness like the flu, or other vaccines. Of the other 29,997 vaccine trial participants, we do not know who among them had a history of receiving facial fillers but did not experience facial swelling after receiving the vaccine. Further, we are not sure if the swelling was caused by the interaction between the facial filler and the vaccine, although it is possible.
We do not recommend avoiding the COVID-19 vaccine if you are a facial filler recipient. We encourage all patients who are able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to get one, even those who have received facial fillers.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about swelling. Just remember that swelling has always been an extremely rare, mild, reversible side effect of facial fillers, and the swelling that the 3 vaccine trial participants experienced resolved quickly without any adverse effects. If swelling does occur, we can also recommend treatment options to swiftly cause its resolution.
We hope this explanation helps clarify the results of the COVID-19 vaccine trials. Our clinics will continue to abide by the best possible safety precautions to keep our patients and staff healthy during this time. Please continue to wear a mask, even two when in proximity to those not in your household, even after you’ve received the vaccine, until the CDC advises otherwise.

PUCKER UP – Easy Ways to Prevent Chapped Lips 💋

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During this time of year, it’s very common for many of us to experience that uncomfortably dry, tight feeling of chapped lips. It’s no wonder that it makes us wanting some serious relief, fast! Luckily, you no longer have to let the winter weather impact your perfect pout. Down below, we take you through the main causes of chapped lips and how you can give dehydrated lips a kiss goodbye with some easy-to-follow tips.
The thin and delicate skin barrier on our lips can become easily chapped by a variety of different reasons. Cold, dry and windy air are environmental factors that greatly impact our lip health, along with sun exposure. Licking your lips can also be the culprit! Saliva evaporates quickly and contains the same chemicals used to kick-off digestion, leaving you with dry and cracked lips. Some other factors include breathing with your mouth open, and eating foods with a lot of acid, salt and spice that could irritate the skin. While chapped lips are very common, it’s important to protect and hydrate them with proper treatment.
STAY HYDRATED
Fact: When you drink more water, your skin tends to stay more hydrated — even if you’re typically on the dry side. That said, it’s no surprise that the same also applies to your lips. Take that inside-out approach, and as per the recommendation of Harvard Medical School, try to drink four to six glasses of water a day. 
USE A LIP MASK
Invest in a lip mask, or apply a heavy-duty salve like Vaseline or Aquaphor to the area a few times a day to help protect your pout. You can also choose to apply a generous layer of the mask or salve before going to bed to help repair the skin barrier while you sleep. 
EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating your lips a few times a week can help to reduce a dry, flaky appearance. Consider investing in a lip scrub, or DIY one by mixing a small amount of sugar with lip balm or Vaseline. Make sure not to overdo it – use the lip scrub once or twice a week at most to maintain moisture levels.
KEEP A BALM ON HAND
Stash a lip balm in your handbag, at your desk, and in your car to make sure it’s within reach anytime you need a boost in hydration. If you’ll be outdoors, make sure to pick up a balm with SPF to prevent irritation or dryness caused from direct sun exposure. A great choice is the Antioxidant Lip Repair from SkinCeuticals. Click HERE to shop.
We tend to forget about our lips, but keeping them healthy should be an important part of your skincare routine. Follow the above tips and you’re parched puckers will be thanking you in no time! If you want more personalized advice, feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment today!

How to Keep Healthy Nails At-Home 💅

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As it’s been a little harder to get our nails done this past year, (for obvious reasons), we’ve had to fend for ourselves when it comes to nail care. Between the dry winter weather and regular hand washing, you have the perfect recipe for dry, brittle, and frail nails!
Make nail care a form of self care and here’s the good news: the best route to stronger nails is just a few simple changes to your weekly routine. Read on below for part 1 of our nail health series, providing some simple tips for keeping your nails strong and healthy. Part 2 is coming soon, where we’ll be talking about nail health and breaking down some of the most common nail disorders patients face (psst…our dermatologists can help you with your nail concerns, too!)
 
WEAR GLOVES
if you are washing dishes or using chemical cleaners, a pair of heavy-duty gloves will keep your nails from getting saturated with damaging compounds. Lots of water can also make your fingernails soft and prone to tearing, so use those gloves!
MOISTURIZE NAILS
Use your favorite lotion or cuticle oil to build strength and keep nails from breaking. By keeping dryness at bay, you allow your nails to bend rather than breaking.
KEEP THEM SHORT & ROUND
Shorter nails are less likely to snag or snap. Make sure to file them regularly to keep them from growing too long. Pro tip: Oval shapes are less likely to snag than square shapes!
CHOOSE NAIL POLISH REMOVER WISELY
Opt for one without acetone because it tends to dry out nails, weakening them. It also removes natural oil from your nails. Without that moisture, your nails look frail and dry. They’ll also be less bendable and more breakable if you use acetone—probably not the look you’re going for!
Well-groomed nails can make you look instantly polished (pun intended!) and can even make your hands appear more youthful. If you notice your nails are thick, distorted, or darkened and you feel pain or soreness, you may have a nail disorder that requires the attention of a dermatologist. If you suspect you have a nail disorder, or infection, give us a call or schedule an appointment today so we can perform a nail scrape for quick results.

Is it Time to Ditch Your Old SPF? It Might Be!🧴

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If you’re a skincare product hoarder like us, and sunscreen you purchased 3 years ago finally re-surfaced in your pile of products, you’re probably wondering “When is it really time to say ‘sayonara’ to my old, half-used sunscreen?”. News flash! SPF products DO expire over time. Read on for some tips on how to determine if it’s time to ditch that old sunblock and why using an old product could actually be harmful for your skin.
Does sunscreen really expire and how can you tell once it is?
Yes, it absolutely does! No more slathering on the same sunblock you used on that tropical vacation a few years back. Even though it’s currently winter, you will ll still want to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen at all times, even while indoors! So it’s especially important to make sure you’re using one that is still effective.
Every bottle of sunscreen should have an expiration date on the back, but you should also take note of when you bought it and throw it out after 3 years. Expiration dates are put in place to assure product efficacy over time and they shouldn’t be ignored.
Is expired sunscreen less effective?
The answer to this is yes as well. Chemical sunscreen ingredients can oxidize and mineral-based formulas that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can degrade over time, making new sunscreens much more effective than expired ones. If one of your sunscreens is questionable, you’re better off just getting a new one because the last thing you want is to get severely sunburned when you thought you were using effective sunscreen to avoid sun damage.
It’s also a good thing to note that heat exposure can also have a major effect on the active ingredients in your sunscreens. To maintain optimum shelf life, make sure to keep your sunscreens at room temperature.
What happens if I use expired sunscreen?
Using expired sunscreen not only puts you at risk for skin irritations like rashes, it also won’t be able to protect your skin in the way it was intended. The SPF effectiveness will be worn out or gone completely, exposing your skin to harmful UV rays and sun damage. Sunscreens should be looked at in the same way as your over-the-counter medications. You wouldn’t take expired medications would you? Same goes for your sunscreen since it is technically an over-the-counter medication due to its active ingredients. 
Bottom line: it really shouldn’t take you more than 3 years to finish up a bottle of sunscreen. BUT, if you happen to find an old product in your cupboard that just got buried, make sure to check the expiration date before you use it. 
Ready to Replace Your Old Sunscreens?
Click here to shop our sunscreen collection.
If you have any questions at all about your sunscreens or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists, feel free to reach out any time!

Coast Dermatology in Torrance, CA joins the West Dermatology Network

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Coast Dermatology in Torrance, Calif., joins the West Dermatology Network 
West Dermatology is pleased to announce the addition of Coast Dermatology Medical Associates in Torrance, Calif., to our growing network of providers. The office is owned by Mark Horowitz, DO, who has built a practice on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Horowitz has assembled an outstanding team consisting of Michael Kassardjian, DO, Deanne Newton, PA-C, Holly Buchko, NP, and Casey Troutman, NP. 
After completing his training at Michigan State University more than 10 years ago, Dr. Horowitz has mastered some of the most advanced techniques in dermatology and cosmetic surgery available today. He is Board Certified in Dermatology and is an expert in general and surgical dermatology. Dr. Horowitz has advanced skills in skin cancer detection and Mohs micrographic surgery to treat large and difficult tumors of the skin. He also specializes in cosmetic laser treatments to improve the signs of aging and wrinkling of the skin. 
In addition to his advanced surgical training, Dr. Horowitz has developed a special interest in chronic rashes that result from allergic reactions. He has developed a patch test center that detects chemicals in the environment that may be producing the rash. Coast Dermatology is one of the few medical practices in southern California offering this advanced service.
 
Board Certified Dermatologist and South Bay native Dr. Kassardjian joined the practice in 2011. Before that, Dr. Kassardjian was involved in medical research projects and dermatologic publications. While earning his bachelor’s degree at Claremont McKenna College, Dr. Kassardjian acquired international research experience at Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, and was engaged in an extensive study focusing on infectious dermatologic diseases in HIV patients at Harbor UCLA. While in medical school, Dr. Kassardjian participated in research in Mohs micrographic surgery at Touro University and in the use of confocal microscopy at Loma Linda University.
 
Dr. Kassardjian graduated among the top of his medical school class, earning Dean’s List and numerous academic merits. After completing an internship at Pacific Hospital in Long Beach, Calif., Dr. Kassardjian served as Chief Resident of Dermatology at Western University. He is a published author in several prestigious dermatologic journals and serves as Clinical Faculty to Western University. Dr. Kassardjian is a supporter of humanitarian causes and has gone overseas on medical missions to provide aid to people who do not have access to healthcare. He is a passionate advocate for early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Dr. Kassardjian is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, and is a member of the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and who embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork, and transparency.  
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact: 
Nina Jorajuria 
Director of Business Development 
To learn more about Coast Dermatology Medical Associates, visit www.coastdermatology.com.