Tag Archive for: vitamin D

Protecting Your Skin When Traveling, Dr. G Reports

Screen Shot 2014-09-03 at 11.25.02 AMTraveling to a new place by plane, train or car, can present our senses and skin with a whole host of adjustment triggers, so we sat down with Dr. Goldfaden and enlisted his expertise to talk about how we can keep breakouts, dehydration and dullness at bay all while showing up in our final destination ready to charge forward!

How does flying take a toll on your skin? 

“Flying dehydrates skin which can cause dryness and possible breakouts. When skin gets dehydrated excess oil is produced to compensate and this can result in breakouts a few days after your flight.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

What measures can you take in the air to keep it moist and hydrated? Should you bring a spray, drink lots of water, continue to moisturize? Steer clear of alcohol? 

“Drinking water is always important but start hydrating a few days before, just drinking water during the flight is not going to do much. Before flying wash your face with a gentle cleanser that is alcohol-free and then seal it with a hydrating serum. Then apply an oil or very hydrating moisturizer. Wearing foundation is not the best idea but if you must try and use a light weight one or tinted moisturizer. Drinking alcohol on a plane or on the ground will absolutely dehydrate you and your skin-so steer clear in the air!” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

If you’re headed to a tropical locale with a hot, humid climate – how can that affect your skin? Cause breakouts, rashes, excessive oil production? What can you do to keep it calm? 

“Hot humid climates can cause skin to go a little crazy at first. Think about what types of products you are packing. Steer clear of heavy moisturizers, retinols or peels while there or at least until your skin gets comfortable with the climate. If using an oil make sure it is a balancing oil-nothing too heavy. Do not do a peel or use retinol products the night before you leave. Sometimes is is nice to let your skin breathe a little. Try just wearing an oil free serum instead of a moisturizer and see how it feels. If you feel dry then use a light weight moisturizer.  It is important to listen to your skin. If you tend to get flushed from heat and humidity cool compresses work great or a misting water. Always wear an SPF, look for a light weight dry mist that contains soothing ingredients such as Organic Red Tea.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

 What about a very dry, desert climate? What effects can that have on your skin? How can you treat it and take precautions? 

“A dry, dessert climate will dry your skin out quickly. Make sure to hydrate your skin with a serum and moisturizer. These types of climates can be windy, so be cautious not to get a wind burn. If you are outside for long periods of time cover your face with a light weight cloth and of course wear an SPF.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

What about high altitudes? 

“High altitude climates can be very harsh on the body and the skin.  Due to the location to the sun (you are closer to it) UVA rays are much stronger. Sun burn is more common as well as wind burn. If you know anyone who lives in a ski town you have seen what sun damage and high altitude can do to the skin-think leather baseball mit…..Always hydrate the skin by using extra layers of hydrating serums and moisturizers/oils.” Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

What about supplements and our diet in general? How can those help? 

“Regular intake of Vitamins and a healthy diet contributes to overall health and prevents your body from being sick and run down, especially when traveling. Clear and glowing skin starts from the inside. Eating foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the most beneficial is Salmon, can greatly reduce inflammation, reduce dryness and increase circulation – a key attribute to healthy, youthful-looking skin. Daily consumption of vitamins specifically my favorite vitamin – Vitamin D and an overall multi-vitamin and Omega-3 greatly impacts your overall health.” Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldfaden MD

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Let the Sunshine In

May is skin cancer awareness month and while we want to keep safe from the sun, we should remember that the sun does have some positive affects too. Yes, it feels so good on a cold day to bask in the warm rays of the sun. This may be linked to the fact that sunlight triggers the pineal gland, located in the brain, to produce chemicals called tryptamines, which elevate mood. This may in part explain why some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder and others do not.

The sun’s UV produces Vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D, sometimes referred to as the ‘sun vitamin’, helps increase immunity, bone and muscle strength and has been shown to lower risk for certain types of cancer.

The sun has also been shown to help those who suffer from certain skin conditions like psoriasis. Light treatment boxes have been simulated on doctor’s offices to produce a sun-like affect for sufferers.

UV has also been shown to kill virus and bacteria. The perfect example of this is when you hang out clothes to dry, the UV penetrates the cell of the bacteria/virus and kills it. Underwear, workout clothes and diapers are great to dry outside because of this.

UV is clearly very powerful and steps should always be taken to protect yourself. Just remember a little sun in the right way never hurt anyone.

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Should you take antibiotics?

I’m back from the other side….did you miss me? I got sick! I cannot believe it-it’s been two years. Despite all the daily Vitamin D intake, exercise and eating well, a germ got me. I guess I must’ve been run down.

Of course this happened at the worst time possible, three days before my cousin’s wedding, that I was a bridesmaid in. I was panicked, I could feel it coming on. I increased my vitamins to 6000 mg of Vitamin D, 2000 mg of Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea. Nothing was helping.  I slept, pushed fluids but the sinus infection was causing pain, pressure and a fever. I finally caved and started a z-pac. I usually am very against antibiotics because of the abuse of them in our society.  At the first sign of a sore throat Americans start popping antibiotics, eventually causing resistance to these drugs and possibly superbugs to thrive. In this particular situation I needed to take antibiotics to treat the sinus infection and relive my fever.  I have to admit that within 12 hours of starting I felt better.  Within 24 hours I was almost well and within 36 I completely better.

I think that taking antibiotics when necessary is fine but watch how dependent you are on them.  The problem is if you take them too often, they won’t work as well when you may actually need them. There is no way to stay safe from getting sick this winter season, just keeping washing your hands and getting as much sleep as possible.

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