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• Squamous Cell Carcinoma- This type of cancer is usually found on the areas of the body that have been damaged by UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Warning signs include:
  • Red, firm nodules
  • Flat sores with a scaly crust
  • Rough, scaly patches on the lip or open sores on the lip
  • Red, wart-like sores on or in the anus or genitals
  • Red sores or rough areas in the mouth
  • New sores or raised patches over an old scar or ulcer
• Basal Cell Carcinoma- This type of skin cancer typically forms on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, like your head and neck. Warning signs include:
  • Waxy skin growths: Typically, these appear lumps look almost like a scar, and can range in color from pale white to yellow pigment, and can even be the same color as your skin.
  • Sores that bleed easily: These sores are easy to open and difficult to stop bleeding.
  • Dome-shaped growth: These can appear as slow-growing, dome-shaped lumps that flatten out over time, may ooze, and leave a crust.
  • Eczema-like scales: Basal cell cancer can present itself as a shiny and scaly pink-red patch of skin that grows slowly and is often mistaken for eczema.
• Dysplastic Nevus- These are atypical moles that are noncancerous. These moles may resemble melanoma when using the ABCDE’s, however, they are noncancerous. People who have dysplastic nevus are often at higher risk of developing melanoma or a mole somewhere else on the body.
• Actinic Keratosis- Also known as solar keratosis and is a crusty, scaly growth caused by UV radiation damage. These spots are typically found on the face, lips, ears, bald scalp, shoulders, neck, back of the hands, and forearms.

As the bitter chill of winter sets in, you may find that your skin is begging for hydration. Dry, cracked, rough skin can not only be unappealing, but it can also be very uncomfortable. In some cases, your hands and feet may even crack and bleed during this time of year. Whether your dry skin is a result of a chronic condition, aging, or simply seasonal irritation, it is important that it is addressed. Here at The Pearl Dermatology, we know how important dry skin relief can be, so we’ve put together a few tips to help aid in combating dry skin woes this season.

Not all Moisturizers Are Created Equally

Are you the kind of person who can use lotion multiple times a day and still feel like your skin is constantly dry? Perhaps you should examine the moisturizer you are using and consider investing in one that will better suit your skin’s needs. Generally speaking, thicker, greasier moisturizers are more effective than smooth, thin lotions. While water is an important ingredient in moisturizers, you want to make sure your product is also working to seal the moisture into your skin so that it stays well hydrated as you move throughout your day. If cost is a factor and you tend to go with the cheapest product on the shelf, it is important to note that the most effective and often cheapest products are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils such as mineral oil. Many stores even sell travel sizes of these products so you can stick it in your purse or briefcase in case you need to reapply them throughout the day. The best time to use these products is right after you wash your hands or follow a shower or bath. Because your body will be damp, the products will help to seal in moisture and prevent clogging pores.

While these products are the most effective, they can be a bit messy if you are using them on the go frequently. If this is the case, consider using petroleum jelly or mineral oil after you bathe and using a less greasy, thick moisturizer while working throughout the day.

Other Ways to Hydrate

While moisturizing is the first step in hydrating your skin, there are other steps you can take to help lock in moisture and combat dry skin this season:

• Use a humidifier during the winter months
• Limit your time in the shower to 5-10 minutes. Try to use only lukewarm water rather than hot water, as hot water can wash away natural oils on your skin and leave it dehydrated
• Use gentle soaps that are meant to help moisturize the skin rather than heavily perfumed shower gels and soaps
• Avoid any sponges or brushes that might be abrasive to your skin while showering or bathing. Pat yourself dry rather than rubbing a towel across your skin.
• Avoid scratching your skin which can further irritate dry areas
• Use gentle detergents to wash your clothing, bed linens, and towels. Avoid anything that is heavily scented.
• Wear gloves and appropriate outerwear when going outside to avoid exposing your skin to the elements.

If you have any questions about how to best treat your skin during the winter months, contact The Pearl Dermatology today.

We all look forward to the warm touch of the sun’s rays on the skin, especially after winter. However, basking in the sun and endless outdoor activities can make your dry skin sensitive to the effects of UV rays. Dry skin (Xeroderma) is genetic. It produces very little natural oil, leaving it feeling or looking:

• Stinging and raw, sensitive to the touch
• Itchy, irritated, and painful
• Rough patches and cracks
• Flaky and red
• Tight and rough

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SKIN UNDER HOT WEATHER

As the temperatures become hotter, so does the heat become unbearable. Heat causes the skin to perspire, causing the skin to produce more oil (sebum) to protect itself. As a result, the pores dilate and may increase the appearance of pimples and acne for those with oily skin.

The sun’s heat may also affect the outer layer of the epidermis (top skin layer), known as the stratum corneum, which acts as the skin barrier. This barrier comprises lipids and dying or dead skin and has a layer of protection that prevents harmful toxins from entering the body. If it gets damaged by the sun’s rays, it results to dry or irritated skin. This is why applying sunscreen is essential to keep the skin hydrated, moisturized, and protected from sun rays.

DEHYDRATION

Warm weather increases water loss from the body and skin, leading to dehydration. This can lead to skin irritation, sunburn, and cracks on the lips. Dehydration can be caused by sun exposure, air conditioning, diet, or repeatedly wiping the face. The skin also loses moisture from the inside, making it itchy, dry, wrinkled, and dull.

If you are dehydrated, you may feel lightheaded and confused, and your tongue and mouth will also be dry. The best solution for dehydration is taking a lot of water to moisturize the skin inside and out. Carry a bottle of water with you and keep sipping at half an hour intervals. Take fruits like watermelon and other healthy juices suitable for the skin. Taking water also helps in eliminating toxins, unclogging pores, and helps keep the skin soft and smooth. Minimize coffee and alcohol consumption.

Humectants also help moisturize the skin by forming steam that gets vented into the air, resulting in a humid and moist atmosphere that helps improve dehydrated skin. Avoid harsh soaps and facial scrubs, especially gritty ones, since they can further irritate the skin. Some products in the market may help seal and moisturize the skin and form a protective barrier to reduce damage from environmental factors.

HEAT RASH

Sweat, dust, and heat can clog or block the sweat ducts, leading to a heat rash. This traps perspiration beneath the skin, causing blisters or bumps that can irritate the skin. Heat rash can also lead to very itchy skin. The rash develops from humid or hot weather conditions. Once the heat cools down, the rash usually goes away, but severe forms of heat rash may require medical attention from a skincare expert to rule out skin disorders.

If you sweat a lot, ensure you keep the skin clean by bathing twice daily using anti-bacterial soap or gel and keep the skin dry. If your skin is irritated, you can rub ice cubes to cool it down. Creams also help in clearing the irritation.

SUNBURN

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to UV (ultraviolet) rays causing damage to your skin. This causes red patches, and your skin may feel warm to the touch. The skin may flake or peel off after a few days. To avoid sunburn, don’t expose yourself to the sun. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 and above on your face, arms, legs, and neck before leaving the house. Ensure you reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours. If you are swimming or sweating excessively, then it should be applied more frequently. It is advisable to wear clothes which cover the skin as much as possible such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.

HYPERPIGMENTATION

It can be caused by hot and humid weather or inflammatory skin conditions like acne or eczema. UV rays trigger the production of melanin pigment in the skin’s melanocyte cells. Heat directly affects the skin, causing the blood vessels to dilate, which triggers inflammation. This inflammation causes the melanocytes to produce more pigments leading to hyperpigmentation.

To prevent hyperpigmentation, keep the skin as cool as possible and actively protect your skin from the sun by wearing and reapplying sunscreen, seek shade, and use topical antioxidants such as SkinCeuticals Phloretin Serum every morning. The antioxidants in this serum reduce inflammation caused by the sun’s UV rays and infrared (heat) rays. Topical prescription and cosmeceutical creams can improve skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation. Severe cases may require laser and skin rejuvenation treatments.

PREMATURE AGING

Spending too much time in the hot sun disrupts the skin moisture barrier reducing its elasticity. It also leads to low antioxidant levels thus raising protein levels that destroy collagen. This may lead to early signs of aging, fine lines, and saggy skin. Using skin rejuvenating treatments can help restore your skin’s youthful appearance.

UV RAYS DAMAGE

UV rays change the skin in several ways. The sun’s rays darken the skin, making it appear freckled. Excessive UV rays also may cause swelling, wrinkles, pigmentation, and premature aging. To prevent this, minimize the time spent outdoors. Always wear a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 for extended outdoor activity. This helps protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN DURING WARM WEATHER

Maintain good hygiene because warm and wet heat breeds bacteria. Use an oil-based removing cleanser to control excess sebum if your skin is oily. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers as they tend to dry out and irritate the skin.

Wear a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 whenever you are outdoors. Always moisturize your skin while it is still moist from the shower, and avoid hot showers or baths since they may dry your skin further.

If your skin has been severely damaged by the sun, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. For more information please contact The Pearl Dermatology.

Have you been experiencing redness on your face? Your skin can temporarily flush for various reasons like strong emotions, acne, sunburn, or hot flashes. Persistent flushing could be an indication of an underlying medical condition. Without a dermatological examination, it may not be easy to determine what is causing the redness on your face.

What Is Facial Redness?

Facial redness occurs when tiny spidery blood vessels beneath the skin dilate or expand rapidly, filling with more blood and making the skin appear pink or red. The skin appears flushed noticeably across the cheeks and chest.

Read on to find out the common causes of facial redness.

1. Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition that makes the blood vessels in the face swell and become visible. It causes flushing or blushing easily, which comes and goes or never fades. It is characterized by pus-filled bumps, swollen eyelids, dry eyes, or thickened skin on the nose.  Anyone can develop rosacea, although it is common in women with fair skin between 30 and 50 years.

The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it may be due to heredity, environmental factors, or an overactive immune system. It is commonly triggered by:

• Sun exposure
• Stress
• Certain medication
• Heat and cold
• Spicy foods
• Some skin or hair products
• Helicobacter pylori (an intestinal bacteria)
• Alcohol
• Exercise
• Emotions

Rosacea has no cure, but treatment can relieve and control the symptoms.

2. Seborrheic Dermatitis

This common skin condition affects the scalp, nose, eyebrows, chest, and ears. It causes an itchy rash, red skin, and scaly patches. It is caused by yeast or an irregular response of the immune system.

Risk factors include medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, HIV/AIDS, some cancers, depression, and some medications.

Seborrheic dermatitis is treated with antifungals to lower yeast levels and subsequently reduce inflammation and redness. Medicated shampoos, creams, or ointments may also be applied for a short time.

3. Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, dry patches or rashes that can appear anywhere on the body, including the face. The rash is itchy, inflamed, and not contagious. Eczema is common in infants and young children.

Eczema is caused by a genetic condition affecting the skin’s ability to protect itself from allergens and bacteria and has no cure. Prescription drugs, stress management, food allergy treatment, and skincare help control and manage the condition.

4. Contact Dermatitis

The condition develops when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, causing a red rash commonly on the face. Triggers include harsh chemicals in cleaning products or detergents, soaps, hair dyes, lotions, essential oils, fragrances, poison ivy, poison oak, and latex.

If it is not easy to figure out what is causing the rash, consult a dermatologist.

5. Medication

Some medications, like chemotherapy drugs, relax the blood vessels in the face making it look flushed. Other medications cause a sunburn-like reaction when the skin is exposed to the sun. Additionally, prolonged use of steroid cream can cause the skin to react.

To get rid of the redness, check the information about the medication or review them with your doctor to get an alternative treatment.

6. Acne-Related Redness

Acne is a common skin condition whereby hormonal changes cause the body to produce excess sebum or oil. The excess oil traps dirt and bacteria in the skin’s pores leading to painful, pink or red bumps, skin thickening, whiteheads, and inflammation. Treatment helps the symptoms to subside and includes antibiotics, gels, or laser therapy.

7. Sun Damage

Sunburn is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays which causes the skin to become red and inflamed. It affects any part of the body that has been exposed to the sun, including the face. Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent sunburn.

Various conditions can cause facial redness. It is essential to consult The Pearl Dermatology to get a diagnosis if you have been experiencing redness for over two weeks.

It doesn’t matter if it’s in your skincare routine or if you simply enjoy eating oranges, Vitamin C is a vitamin that has become a staple of many health routines. However, knowing what Vitamin C does and how to use Vitamin C isn’t always easy. If you want to get the most benefits from this Vitamin and avoid any side effects, you need to know how to use it right.

Vitamin C is one of those things that are just plain good for you. It can help with various issues, from keeping your skin healthy and glowing to easing sore muscles.

What is it?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It is not stored in fat cells throughout your body like many other vitamins and minerals. Therefore a daily intake is required to maintain healthy stores.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent free radicals from forming in your body and causing issues such as inflammation and disease. It also plays a role in collagen production, which allows you to keep your skin looking healthy and young.

It’s also the most crucial nutrient necessary for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. It’s involved in many body processes, including collagen production, iron absorption, proper immune function, wound healing, and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Vitamin C is also one of the top antioxidants in the body.
It’s found naturally in fruits and vegetables, which we eat, and it’s also commonly produced synthetically to be used in skincare products such as moisturizers, toners, and most often serums.

Why it’s great:

Vitamin C effectively treats everything from acne scars to dry skin to stretch marks to wrinkles! It’s even been used to treat sunburns because it helps protect against UV rays.

How to Use Vitamin C

Vitamin C should be part of everyone’s skincare routine—regardless of age or skin type. Being an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects the skin from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It’s also vital for the formation of collagen, which helps maintain firmness and elasticity.

Vitamin C must be correctly formulated for it to be effective, or else it may not have any effect or can even cause harm. Many forms of vitamin C are available, but L-ascorbic acid is the most effective. It absorbs quickly and remains effective longer when correctly formulated and packaged to avoid exposure to light and air.

However, Vitamin C is a highly delicate and unstable molecule, which makes using it correctly key to getting its full benefits. Here’s how to use it right:

Choose your formula wisely

You want your vitamin C to come in a serum or cream rather than a cleanser or toner. These products are rinsed off too quickly for the vitamin C to have any lasting effect. Be sure to get the best product for your skin type.

Choose the right product for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a serum with hyaluronic acid, which gives extra moisture without clogging pores. If you have oily skin or are acne-prone, look for a gel-based serum that won’t clog pores.

Store it properly

One way to tell whether a vitamin C product is of good quality is to see whether it comes in packaging that protects it from light and air, which degrade the ingredient’s effectiveness. Pump bottles are best, followed by tinted bottles that protect the serum from light. Glass jars allow too much air to get in.

Dark packaging is necessary because vitamin C degrades fast when exposed to sunlight. If stored correctly, a well-formulated product will stay potent for at least six months — ideally in a cool, dark place (but not in the refrigerator).

When to apply Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential part of any skincare routine, but how do you incorporate it?

For starters, there’s the debate about whether to use it in the morning or at night. Some say that morning is ideal because you are exposed to the sun and the free radicals. Others would argue that nighttime is best since vitamin C is already depleted and your skin rejuvenates at night.

However, there’s no right or wrong answer—it all depends on what works best for you!
Regardless of when you choose to use it, using a product with vitamin C will help protect your skin from damage caused by pollutants and sun exposure.

But we do suggest using ascorbic acid (the pure form of vitamin C) in the morning since it can be powerful stuff on sensitive skin! And when used at night, we suggest using a more gentle form of vitamin C.

Either way, make sure to use a serum with vitamin C before applying your moisturizer—and don’t forget the sunscreen during the day!

Still, suppose you want the benefits of vitamin C at night. In that case, You can also pair vitamin C products with other serums such as hyaluronic acid or retinol for an even more significant effect.

Potential Side Effects of Using Vitamin C

Vitamin C is highly concentrated and potent enough to affect the skin’s pH levels. Vitamin C is best used in concentrations between 5% and 15% and should be applied once daily after cleansing in the morning or night.

Keep in mind that vitamin C is highly acidic, which may lead to skin irritation. To avoid any irritations, test a small area of your skin before applying it to your face. If you notice any redness or itchiness, then stop using the product immediately.

Vitamin C serums may cause skin irritation. A person who experiences this might want to lower the amount of serum they use to once per day or once every few days.

Vitamin C serum also causes skin sensitivity to sunlight. Using sunscreen as part of a daily skincare routine when using Vitamin C serum is essential.

Vitamin C serums can be expensive and less cost-effective than creams or lotions containing Vitamin.

Conclusion

Vitamin C is the most popular ingredient in skincare products. And while there’s no doubting the effectiveness of Vitamin C, it’s important to remember that products come in varying strengths. If you want to get the best results possible, it’s necessary to use the correct dosage and application schedule. Be sure to read the packaging on your vitamin C product or contact The Pearl Dermatology if you have any questions about how to use your skincare serum effectively.

The skin beneath the eyes is extremely sensitive, and it needs a lot of care. Dark circles are one of the most common problems that most people face today. No matter how much makeup you apply, these circles will not go away unless you treat them from the inside.

Dark circles typically occur because of heredity, allergies, stress, and illness. Other common contributors include lack of sleep, a poor diet, and dehydration. Certain medical conditions such as eczema and a hormonal imbalance can also contribute to their formation.

There are multiple causes of dark circles under the eyes including: swelling, puffiness, increased melanin, thin skin, genetics, loss of volume, deep set eyes, shadows, allergies, and/or lack of sleep. Our dermatologist can help diagnose your reasons for under eye circles and create a custom plan for you.

In this post, you will learn about some remedies that can help in reducing dark circles.

Treat Your Allergies

Many people suffer from seasonal and environmental allergies that cause nasal congestion, leading to dark circles under the eyes. If you also have allergies that trigger nasal congestion, try taking an antihistamine or decongestant to reduce symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. You can also try using over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops to reduce eye redness and swelling that may be causing your allergic shiners.

Get Adequate Sleep

Fluid retention from lack of adequate sleep causes puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. You may also want to limit your alcohol intake before bedtime since having even one drink can disrupt your sleep cycle.

Cucumber

Cucumber is a natural skin toner and has soothing properties that can reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Cut one cucumber into thick slices. Place the slices in a bowl of cold water and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove the slices from the fridge and place them on your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. Do this daily for a few weeks until you completely get rid of the problem. You can also use cucumber juice or cucumber paste instead of cucumber slices.

Cold Press

Soak two cotton pads in chilled rose water or green tea and place them on your eyes for about 15 minutes. This will help in constricting the blood vessels and thus reduce dark circles. You can also use ice cubes wrapped in a muslin cloth but make sure not to apply ice directly on your skin as it may cause some damage. Repeat this 2 to 3 times a day to eliminate dark circles.

Caution: Do not use a cold compress if you have an eye infection.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is another nutrient that’s good for the skin, and many natural beauty products use vitamin E oil to treat dark circles and wrinkles. You can buy it from any pharmacy or health food store, but it’s important not to apply undiluted oil directly to the skin because some people are allergic to it. Instead, mix a few drops with coconut oil or olive oil and rub gently into the eyes with your fingertips until fully absorbed. Repeat once daily as needed.

Cold Tea Bags

Teabags are a great way to get rid of dark circles. Tea contains tannins, which are natural astringents that reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels to help reduce darkness and redness around your eyes.

How to use tea bags to reduce black circles;
Steep two black or green tea bags in hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags, cool them in the refrigerator for half an hour, and then place them over your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this daily until you see improvement.

There are many ways to reduce dark circles. It’s only a matter of finding what works best for your skin type, and when you take the right steps, you can get instant results to minimize their appearance—quickly and easily. One thing’s for sure: these efforts are well worth it since dark circles are a significant problem that can make even your most perfect makeup look less than stellar.

We offer multiple prescription and cosmeceutical skincare products which can address the individual reasons for your dark circles. For example, some products can be used to improve increased melanin in the skin, swelling, and/or puffiness.

For patients with under eye circles due to volume loss, treatment options include off-label usage of injectable hylauronic acid fillers placed under the eyes. In patients with extensive volume loss, fat transfer and/or blepharoplasty may be needed.

Most patients with increased melanin, called hyperpigmentation, under the eyes will see improvement with the above treatments. For those with more resistant cases, we recommend a series of treatments with nonablative, fractionated lasers with one of our board certified dermatologists. These lasers create microscopic channels of heat under the skin surface to boost collagen, thicken the skin, and create a bridge to allow the increased pigment to be removed.

For more information, contact The Pearl Dermatology today!

Spring is the ultimate time for a fresh start! Your outlook in the future is more optimistic, and the smell of blooming flowers is in the air. But there’s more to this exciting time of year than new beginnings: It’s also prime season for your skin to break out!

A change in the seasons can be hard on your skin, and spring is no exception. In fact, the change between winter and spring can be some of the hardest months on your skin — it’s cold, dry, then warm and humid, all within a few weeks.

As the seasons’ change, so should your skincare regimen. The winter season has finally ended, and it’s time to put away those heavy creams and ointments. That means that your skin will need some extra attention and TLC. Therefore, it is important to follow a skincare routine for the spring season.
Here are essential tips for your skincare routine in the spring season.

Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliating the skin is crucial in any skincare routine, especially before the warmer months arrive. The drier winter air can leave skin looking dull and flaky. Exfoliating helps slough off dead skin cells that have built up from the colder weather. This prepares your skin for the new season ahead.

Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother, brighter skin. In addition, exfoliating promotes cell turnover and collagen production, resulting in healthier, younger-looking. Choosing a mild exfoliating product is also important to avoid irritating your skin. However, over-exfoliating can be detrimental to your skin, be sure not to overdo it.

Wear Sunscreen

A good cleansing routine will help your skin look its best by preventing breakouts and removing dead skin cells. You may have used a creamier cleanser during winter, but as the weather warms up, you need to switch to a lighter formula that won’t clog your pores.

A gentle cleanser will cleanse and refresh your skin without stripping away natural oils. In the spring, you’ll want something that feels light and hydrating but won’t leave behind any residue on your skin.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider using a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help clear blemishes. A glycolic acid exfoliating cleanser can be helpful for those with dry or aging skin.

Switch your moisturizer

During the winter months, most people use a thicker cream or ointment to create a barrier against the cold air outside, but you may find you need something lighter in the spring. Switching to a lotion or gel-cream formula will help prevent clogged pores that lead to breakouts.

Be sure to moisturize twice daily after cleansing your face in the morning and at bedtime before you go to sleep. You need to keep your skin hydrated but not over-moisturize so it stays healthy and glowing.

That means you need to choose the right moisturizer for your skin type. The three main types of moisturizer are:

Lightweight lotions are great for normal or combination skin because they feel light on the face and don’t clog pores.

Creams: Heavier than lotions, creams tend to work best for dry or mature skin by acting as a barrier against moisture loss.

Oils: Oils are best for oily or sensitive skin because they’re generally hypoallergenic, which means they’re less likely to irritate.

Hydrate

Most people believe that dehydration only happens during the summer months because of the hot temperatures outside. However, this is not true! Dehydration can occur at any time of year as long as heat is involved.

Keeping hydrated is key to healthy skin all year round, but it’s important during the spring months when allergies and colds can leave you feeling dehydrated. We tend to drink less water during the winter months because we are not as thirsty or hot. As spring arrives, be sure to drink plenty of water so that your body is properly hydrated. Plus, drinking water can flush out toxins that may be causing blotchy or inflamed.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables

Clean your makeup brushes

You must clean your makeup brushes, especially after using heavy makeup during the winter season. When you use a dirty brush, they will be full of bacteria and transfer all that dirt on your face, clog your pores, and cause breakouts.

Clean your makeup brushes and sponges. If you’re using a foundation brush, clean it once a week. If you’re using a beauty blender or other sponge, wash it every few days.

Exercise regularly

Exercise improves blood circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all body parts. Regular exercise is great for the skin because it gets the blood flowing and helps carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells. However, after a workout, you should be careful since sweat can clog pores and create blemishes.

If you’re not a gym rat, you may be tempted to abandon your workout routine during the spring, especially if the weather is favorable. A better idea: Try to squeeze your exercise into the morning before starting your day. That way, it won’t be so easy to skip.

Final Thought

Take care of your skin more during this time of year. You can’t stop the cold, windy days that often accompany spring, but you can take extra precautions to protect your skin from the elements. By doing so and paying close attention to the products you’re using, you can ensure that this spring is enjoyable—and skin-friendly.

For more information please contact The Pearl Dermatology today!

Winter is here which can be great for warm nights by a fire, cozy clothing, and enjoying the great outdoors. But for those with eczema, it can also mean fighting off flare-ups. Going from cold outdoors to dry indoors often can irritate your skin leading to acute symptoms of eczema. Fortunately, we are here to help you reduce your risk of flare-ups this winter.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that affects millions of Americans. Often diagnosed in early childhood symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of eczema include dryness, itchiness, rashes, scaly patches, and blisters on your skin.

There are different types of eczema, but your dermatologist can help you determine which specific type you have.

Atopic dermatitis is a common type of eczema that can leave your skin dry, itchy, and irritated. Sometimes cracks or bumps filled with fluid may also occur and increase your risk of developing an infection. Symptoms can even become severe making it difficult to sleep and significantly impact daily life.

Why Can Eczema Worsen During Winter?

During the winter, the air outside can be cold and dry with low humidity levels both indoors and outdoors. Often, in the winter months, it can be difficult for your skin to stay hydrated on its own. These factors can make your skin dry and irritated leading to a flare-up.

Reduce Flare-Ups This Winters

Eczema affects each patient differently and may be triggered by various factors making it difficult to predict. However, we believe that the following tips can help to reduce your chance of flare-ups this winter.

Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes

Even people without eczema may experience dry or itchy skin during the winter early in the morning or towards the day. This is often due to the sudden changes in temperature such as when you enter a warm dry house after a cold day outside or vice versa.

For those with eczema, by avoiding dramatic temperatures you can reduce your risk of a flare-up. Keep rooms at constant, comfortable temperatures that are not too warm. Use layers of blankets instead of one thick layer so that you can throw off layers if you overheat.

If you are in the snow or get wet, be sure to change out of your wet clothes as soon as you get someplace dry. The cold and damp clothing can make your eczema worse and encourage fungal growth.

Be Mindful of Fragrances

Scented products such as soaps, detergents, lotions, body washes, cosmetics, and perfumes can irritate and dry out those with sensitive skin. If you have eczema-prone skin, it may be best to choose products that are fragrance-free or formulated for those with sensitive skin.

Consider Your Clothing

If you have eczema, it is important to consider your wardrobe choices during the winter. Wool, polyester, and some synthetics can cause your skin to become irritated. Instead opt for layers of cotton, silk, and cashmere.

By wearing multiple breathable layers instead of a single layer of clothing, you can stay comfortable inside and outside.

Remember to cover exposed areas including your hat, neck, chest, and hands when you go outside.

Humidifier

A humidifier can help restore moisture into the air and combat winter dryness. Place several humidifiers around your home so that your skin doesn’t get too dried out or irritated.

Be sure to clean out your humidifier every few days and change the water often to avoid bacterial or fungi growth and keep your air clean.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is important all year round, but during the winter you may find you may need to moisturize more often throughout the day or use “heavy” duty products such as ointments or thick creams compared to lotion. Keep travel-sized products in your car or bag so that you can reapply anytime you feel dry.

When shopping for moisturizers for your face and body, look for ingredients that will offer lasting hydration. Products with petroleum jelly, shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and dimethicone can be hydrating products for patients with eczema. For itchiness, use a cream containing hydrocortisone. Always check with your dermatologist about which products are safe and appropriate for you and your children.

Don’t forget to protect your lips as well! Licking them may add temporary moisture but dries out your lips even further. Instead, use a balm!

Shower Smart

Hot showers might seem like a good escape from the cold weather, but hot water can strip away your protective oils and cause further dryness and inflammation. Instead, bathe or shower in warm water. For children, limit bath time to under 10 minutes.

Remember to moisturize after patting yourself dry with a soft towel.

Light and gentle exfoliation can help to remove dead skin and allow for your moisturizer to penetrate better, but patients with eczema should be careful when exfoliating. Use gentle wash clothes as aggressive body scrubs and chemicals can irritate and further dry and harm your skin.

When To Visit Your Dermatologist

If you notice unusual changes in your skin, we always recommend scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist so that we can diagnose the cause and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan. Even though signs of itching, trouble sleeping, inflammation, and redness may be symptoms of eczema, they may also be symptoms of an underlying condition. With a professional diagnosis, we can get you on the road to healthy and clear skin once again with the right treatment and products.

For more information on eczema and how we can help you or to schedule an appointment, contact Pearl Dermatology today.