Tag Archive for: sun damage

With the passing of the autumn equinox, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, dark nights will become more familiar than sunlight in the coming months. But by switching on the power of hydration, your skin doesn’t have to follow suit. Instead, help it glow with radiance—and guard it from the unforgiving winter weather—by introducing some high-performing, superhero products that work while you sleep. This season, it’s all about repair, repair, repair, and protect.

 

Goldfaden MD’s most powerful hydrators can be found in the Plant Profusion collection, which makes use of potent natural ingredients that you won’t find while browsing products at your typical, go-to beauty counter. Extracts from the white bird of paradise (not to worry, no animals were harmed—it’s the plant with banana-like leaves native to South Africa), garden cress, Butcher’s-broom; even raspberry and comfrey stem cells.

The powerhouse secret in Plant Profusion Supreme Serum? Japonica flower extract, which helps bring back skin to its youthful prime. “One of the most important medicinal herbs in history, it provides extraordinary levels of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and calming properties for the skin. Loaded with regenerative properties to deliver the appearance of repaired skin,” explains Dr. Goldfaden.

The oil-free serum works in synergy with the super hydrating Plant Profusion Regenerative Night Cream, a must for mature skin (but for those with very oily skin, try out the serum on its own first). If you’ve been used to applying the same light moisturizer in the AM and PM all summer, there are more than a few reasons why you’d want to swap in a more hardworking SPF-free cream while you snooze. For the 6-8 hours you’re in bed, your skin fully absorbs the hydration and active ingredients (aka you’re not sweating it off by the time you arrive at the office, or mixing in city grime from the polluted air). Melatonin levels rise at night, which also helps fight free radicals (there’s always more strength in numbers). Many night creams contain higher levels of retinoids or lightening agents that increase skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun—so it’s best to use them at home, in bed, away from UV exposure. Goldfaden MD’s Plant Profusion Regenerative Night Cream calms, soothes and hydrates—blending into the skin almost immediately, with no strong scent at all, a sheer difference from other night creams that are typically super greasy or chokingly thick.

Other routine changes to check off: transition out of aggressive scrubs and exfoliators—put that brush away!—and try something lighter. Goldfaden MD’s non-irritating Lactic and Multi-Fruit Enzyme exfoliating facial peel, Fresh A Peel, will remove the dead surface skin cells to soften and smooth out texture. Keep eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and fruits and veggies, to stay hydrated from within. And never stop drinking water!

As Summer comes to end a visit to your dermatologist is recommend. Having a whole body check is imperative for healthy skin. Skin cancer can be avoided and prevented and early detection is crucial.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are many types of skin cancer but the three we hear the most about are Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma. To the naked eye these can all look similar which is why it is imperative to see your Dermatologist once a year for a full body scan. If you notice something different or new on your body go see your doctor. All of these skin cancers can be cured or treated if detected early. SCC (in rare cases) and Melanoma more frequently can cause death if they grow and spread. Learn the symptoms and get checked. Most likely anything you find is in very early stages and is easily treatable. Knowledge is your greatest weapon.

1. Basal Cell Carcinoma

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  • Found in outer most layers of the skin
  • Can be disfiguring if allowed to grow
  • Very rarely metastasizes (spreads)
  •  Most common form of cancer

Symptoms/Warning Signs

  • Open sore that bleeds
  • Red patch (can be mistaken for rosacea)
  • Shiny bump
  • Pink growth-can be elevated with a depression in the middle
  • Scar like looking area that can be void of color and looks stretched and shiny

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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  • Found in upper layers of skin
  • Can cause disfigurement if allowed to grow
  • Can cause death if allowed to grow (although very rare)
  • Grow deeper into the skin than BCC
  • Usually found on face, ears, lips, neck and tops of the hands

Symptoms/Warning Signs

  • Thick and rough sore
  • Scaly red sore
  • Red patch/crusty/bleeds
  • Sore with irregular boarders and crust
  • Can be brown/darker than BCC
  • Can look like a wart
  • Can be elevated with depression in middle

3. Melanoma

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  • Caused by mutation of cells found in the pigment of moles and freckles.
  • DNA is mutated due to UV exposure or predisposition
  • Can cause death
  • Can return once treated
  • Can develop without having had over UV exposure or sunburn
  • Can spread fast

Symptoms/Warning Signs

  • Asymmetry
  • Changes in size or color(pigment) of an existing mole
  • Uneven boarders of a mole
  • Can be black in color or brown
  • Can be pink in color or multi-colored
  • Diameter can be large but not necessary
  • Cancer can show up in places we may not always think to check. Seeing your Dermatologist once a year can put your mind at ease and possibly save your life.

A few areas skin cancer can show up are the following:

  • Moles – look for change is size, color or shape
  • Nail beds
  • Scalp
  • Soles of feet
  • Palms of the hands

Protection and prevention are the greatest tools for staying healthy and skin cancer free. Always remember if something looks or feels different or abnormal see your Dermatologist.

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which can be derived from both animal and plant sources(carotenoids). Retinol in some topical form is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Wherever it is derived from, topical vitamin A plays a major role in maintaining the youth of your skin by boosting the process of cell regeneration. Vitamin A and its retinoid analogs stimulate skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of cell division. Through its powerful action as a signaling agent, vitamin A stimulates the binding of epidermal growth factor to your skin cells, thereby encouraging new cell growth. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth. In addition, vitamin A actually thickens your epidermis, which becomes thinner with age, and also improves the elasticity of your skin. Try our Wake Up Call or Fleuressence for a boost of Retinol.

“Liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and spinach are among the best places to find  vitamin A. We derive ours from carrots.”

Dr. Goldfaden

Why you need it:

  • Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Increases collagen production
  • Delivers an overall tighter, firmer, plumper appearance to the skin
  • Retinol will not negatively affect younger skin
  • Helps prevent the signs of aging.
  • Carotenoids = Vitamin A in fruits/plants is “Pro-Vitmain A” and delivers similar effects
  • Retin-A has been prescribed and used by teenagers battling Acne with no negative side effects. It is crucial however, to always wear an SPF if you’re using Retin-A or a retinoid product.