Category: Skin Care

Summer is the season for cookouts and vacations. It’s also the time when the skin tends to suffer from overexposure to the sun. If not properly protected, your skin can become irritated and dry enough to cause concern and bring an end to the great Summer vibes. However, these tips will make sure your skin is glowing during the most fabulous months of the year. 

1. Stay Hydrated

The skin is the largest organ of the body. When the body is dehydrated, the skin is instantly dehydrated as well. Most people can be mildly dehydrated with only a few, barely noticeable symptoms. 

One of those symptoms is having dull skin. Make sure that the entire body stays hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Enjoy fruits and vegetables that have a high water content, such as watermelon. Drinking more fluids during hot months is a necessity to replace important fluids that the body loses through sweating. 

2. Treating Skin Conditions

Untreated skin conditions, such as allergies or eczema, are another common culprit behind lackluster skin. Allergies often show up in the form of rashes, itching, bumps, and other noticeable symptoms in addition to dull skin. 

Allergies can come from various places. Some people that have lactose intolerance will notice that it has a drastic impact on their skin. Allergies can also come from ingredients in skincare and makeup products. Environmental allergies are extremely common, and often untreated. 

Finding the cause of allergies is the first step to having vibrant skin. Scheduling an appointment for rash treatment in Southampton, PA is the first step! 

3. Keep Skin Plump And Youthful

As people begin to age, their skin ages as well. Aging skin is known for losing both elasticity and collagen. This results in sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines because the skin cannot retain moisture like before. Instead, the skin often loses moisture quickly after it’s moisturized. Skin creams and moisturizers do help, as does staying properly hydrated, but this is rarely enough to combat the effects of aging. But no need to worry. Alternative methods of treatment such as Botox near Yardley, PA  help regain your glowing skin all Summer long

Contact the Professionals

The skin is the largest organ and often suffers the most damage. So make sure to wear sunscreen every day of the year to reduce signs of premature aging. Staying hydrated during those heatwaves is essential. Most importantly, reach out for help from a trusted professional like the ones from Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialist to address skin concerns when they arise. 

Squamous skin cells comprise a large portion of our skin’s upper and middle layers. When the normal, healthy function of these skin cells is damaged by UV radiation and other risk factors, DNA mutations and uncontrolled cell replication results in the development of squamous cell carcinoma. As the second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma accounts for ~20% of all skin cancer cases.

Fortunately, since most squamous cell carcinoma cases involve the superficial portions of the skin, most cases are identified and treated before cancer spreads. Even though most cases are not life-threatening, squamous cell carcinoma is still a serious skin disease that should be treated immediately. 

Common Causes & Risk Factors Of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 

• Prolonged Sun Exposure & Tanning Bed Use
• Lighter Skin Tones Prone To Sunburning
• Immune Disorders & Inflammatory Conditions
• Family History, Older Age, & Previous Skin Cancer Diagnosis
• Smoking & Arsenic Exposure
• Other Diseases That Affect The Skin

Skin-Cancer Prevention Strategies

No one is immune to squamous cell carcinoma, and the most common culprit is sun damage. It’s easy to wear sunscreen, and sun-safe clothing, and protect any burned skin from further sun exposure. If it’s too late and you already have a burn, apply aftersun products like aloe vera and relieve the skin with cool water to promote your skin’s natural healing processes. Paired with healthier lifestyle habits like quality nutrition, and better sleep, and by eliminating factors like smoking or tanning from your routine, you stack the odds of skin safety in your favor. 

If you have other unavoidable risk factors, like a lighter skin tone or a family history of skin cancer, you need to take extra skin-safe precautions. If you have health issues like an immune disorder or HPV, our dermatologist for skin cancer in Bucks County will help you design a proactive plan of action to reduce your long-term risks.  

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment Options

If you notice any new spots that are raised, rough, colored, or abnormal in any way, it’s never a bad idea to seek a dermatology evaluation. If we do identify a cancerous legion, there are a variety of safe and effective solutions we offer to remedy the situation. Depending on the severity and location, we’ll connect you with a personalized plan of care and strive to achieve 100% cancer-free results. To achieve the best results, our dermatologists provide: 

• Surgical Excision: The most effective treatment method is complete removal. We provide both traditional excision procedures as well as Mohs microsurgery when preserving the surrounding healthy tissue is the priority. Our microscopic margin of error control ensures that every cancerous cell has been identified and strategically removed. 

• Radiotherapy/Combination Therapy: For advanced squamous cell cancer cases that have spread to the surrounding tissues, approved cancer medications that demonstrate a higher success rate may be the best option to treat your specific case. 

Contact our experts at Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists to learn more, and receive the quality care you deserve the moment you notice any issues with your skin.  

Not all sunscreen is created equal and depending on your skin type, sensitivities, and overall health considerations, it’s a good idea to research anything you plan on applying to your skin. Before grabbing the cheapest bottle of sunscreen off the shelf, a basic understanding of the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens will help you make a healthier choice for your skin! 

How Do Mineral & Chemical Sunscreens Work? 

While both mineral and chemical sunscreens prevent sunburns and are proven to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, these two sunscreen types work very differently. Here’s how they protect your skin, and the pros and cons of each. 

Mineral Sunscreens Reflect Harmful UV Rays

Mineral sunscreens, also known as “physical sunscreens”, contain either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both to reflect UV rays away from the skin. Like a mirror for your skin, the tiny metal particles blended into the cream provide a reliable layer of sun protection. So, what are the benefits and downsides of mineral sunscreens?

• Since mineral sunscreens rest atop the skin rather than absorbing into the skin, your body is exposed to fewer chemicals. Look for mineral sunscreens that contain “non-nano” zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; these bigger metalized particulates are too large to enter your bloodstream. Nanonized mineral sunscreens may expose you to the risks associated with long-term metal toxicity. 

• To be effective, a consistent coating of mineral sunscreen is necessary. The result is a visible, white film along the surface of the skin that provides instant protection. Depending on your aesthetic preferences, this may not be your ideal look! 

• Mineral sunscreen is often a better option for anyone with skin sensitivities or chemical allergies. These products are also safe to apply on top of other skin products, and may be the perfect option if you’re concerned about the safety of products with a lot of chemicals! 

Chemical Sunscreens Absorb And Transform UV Rays Into Heat Energy

Using the power of absorbed chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and many others, incoming UV rays bind with these chemicals before being converted into heat energy. After this chemical reaction occurs, the produced heat is then released from your skin’s cells for a burn-free day in the sun. 

• Since chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin, you are exposed to more chemicals that will enter your bloodstream. Despite this fact, many believe that the cancer-protective benefits outweigh the potential chemical risks. 

• Chemical sunscreens are easily rubbed into the skin for a film-free, natural-skin tone appearance. After application, it takes around 20-30 minutes before these products will be effective. 

• If you have certain skin allergies or chemical sensitivities, certain chemical sunscreens may aggravate your condition. Always test the sunscreen on a small section of skin first! 

Early Detection Is The Best Prevention

If you’re concerned about your skin’s health, want to learn more skin-protective tips, or would like to schedule a skin cancer screening today, contact our family dermatology in Doylestown, PA for free information! 

Before the Summer sunshine kicks into full gear, a quick trip to our dermatologist for a pre-tan checkup is always a good idea. Why this time of year? Well, because your skin is still lighter, any obvious issues will be more noticeable. If our dermatologist detects any questionable spots or new damage, you’ll know which areas to protect and can keep an eye on any at-risk areas. 

The best defense in dermatology begins with early detection. Especially valuable if you’ve never visited a dermatologist before, you’ll learn about the most common skin health warning signs and symptoms. Our top dermatologist in the Philadelphia area will help you determine your skin’s baseline health while providing you with the skin-specific insight you need to keep your skin safe and healthy on the hottest of Summer days. 

What Do Our Dermatologists Look for? 

Since skin cancers and other skin conditions arise from genetic, environmental, and age-related factors, it can be tricky to determine if a visible change is a skin problem or just a normal occurrence. During a thorough skin investigation, a big-picture evaluation is performed with consideration for family risk factors, the amount of sun exposure, and other health factors that may be behind your questionable skin changes. 

Fortunately, most visible skin changes like freckles and normal age spots are not a cause for concern. If they are, most forms of skin cancer and other skin conditions are easier to treat when detected early on. In general, any time you feel any skin discomfort or notice a questionable new spot, don’t wait to schedule preventative dermatology services in Montgomery County, PA before a minor problem has the chance to progress. 

Look for These Common Melanoma Warning Signs

Known as the ABCDEs of early melanoma detection, here are 5 common skin appearances that our dermatologist will investigate for you: 

• Asymmetrical Spots: Any new sun or dark spot that has an awkward shape
• Borders Are Uneven: Look for bumpy ridges or uneven sections along the edges
• Colors: Dark or varying color patterns 
• Diameter: Any spot larger than ~6mm in diameter
• Evolving: Any gradual change in size, shape, or color 

Schedule a Skin Care Evaluation Today

In addition to identifying any noticeable issues, our dermatologists go beyond the superficial aspects of skin health during every thorough session. While evaluating your skin, we provide a wealth of preventative resources and offer incredible support for every other type of skin concern there is. Our long-term protective strategies go hand-in-hand with proven methods to promote skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, and other evidence-based care that improves your skin’s health from within. 

From minor cosmetic concerns like fine lines and redness to various medical skin concerns, there’s no complex skincare need beyond the scope of our caring dermatologists. We can also help you protect and revitalize your skin. Contact our licensed providers today for a quick and stress-free skincare evaluation before Summer.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who treats conditions that affect the hair, skin, and nails. They are required to receive three additional years of training in dermatology after medical school. You may be wondering how often you need to see a dermatologist. The answer to that question is it depends on the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

If You Are Healthy

You may think that there is no reason for you to go to the dermatologist if you are in good health. However, everyone needs to go to the dermatologist at least once a year. Your dermatologist will give you an exam and make sure that there is not anything unusual on your skin, such as moles.

It is important to note that skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. It is estimated that 20 percent of people will develop skin cancer at some point. Skin cancer is easier to diagnose and treat in the early stage. Even if you look at your skin every day, you may still not be able to tell whether you have skin cancer. Our dermatologist for skin cancer in Philadelphia will recommend the best cancer treatment for you.

Furthermore, our dermatologist can give you general skin care advice. There is a lot of misinformation about skin care. That is why you should get your skin care advice from our dermatologist.

If You Have Skin Conditions

In addition to skin cancer, dermatologists can treat hair loss, psoriasis, hives, and acne. They can also perform cosmetic procedures, such as wart removal and scar removal. If you are interested in getting treatment for a specific medical problem or want to get a cosmetic treatment, then you will likely need to see a dermatologist more than once a year.

What to Expect During a Dermatologist Visit

You will need to arrive at your appointment at least 10 to 15 minutes early. You will have paperwork to fill out. You will be asked questions about your family and personal medical history.

As one of the best dermatologists in Bucks County, we will give you a complete exam from head to toe. Our dermatologist will also ask you questions about your skin and health. You may have to arrange for a follow-up visit, but that will depend on the reason for your visit.

Studies show skin cancer carries a genetic component.  This means if a close family member has skin, your chances of having it increase.  However, there are things you can do to decrease the odds.  Here’s a list of six different ways you can work to keep your skin healthy and free of cancerous conditions.

Check Your Skin

The easiest step to take doesn’t involve any products or lifestyle changes.  Simply examine your skin at least once a month for signs of skin cancer such as a large brown spot with speckles, reddish or brownish patches of skin that feel rough or scaly in areas often exposed to the sun (face, ears, neck, lips, back of hands).

Dermatologists use tools to see further into skin cells to better identify what a growth is.

See A Dermatologist

Even if you don’t find any unusual spots, it doesn’t hurt to get looked at by a professional.  As the premier dermatologists for skin cancer in Montgomery County, PA we can give total body skin examinations to find early signs. Some signs of skin cancer can be mistaken for a boil, pimple, bug bite, or cyst.  Not only do we offer comprehensive examinations but we can help treat you if we find signs of pre-cancer or cancer. 

Minimize Sun Exposure

Using a strong sunscreen isn’t enough.  Not all sunscreen is waterproof so it may wash off in a pool or be removed by sweat.  When looking for sunscreen make sure that it’s waterproof as well as broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB).  No single form of sun protection is enough on its own, but some people feel a false sense of security when using a high SPF sunscreen.  The barrier it creates is not impenetrable, though.  Reapply as needed.

Dress For The Occasion

UV sunglasses will protect your eyes from sun damage.  Keep your skin as fully covered as possible using light, breathable clothing that’s comfortable in the summer heat.  

Keep Cool

Stay in the shade when the sun is at its peak, at noon specifically.  However anywhere between 10 AM and 4 PM you should still be careful about how much time you spend in the sun.

Avoid Tanning

Contrary to popular belief, tanning beds are not safer than direct exposure to sunlight.  Not only should you avoid sun tanning, but you should also avoid UV tanning beds.  Don’t deliberately expose yourself to UV rays.

Here to Help

If you think you may have early signs of skin cancer or just want a second opinion, contact our office today to set up an appointment.  Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists offers excellent melanoma treatment in Philadelphia, as well as other types of skin cancer.  Our specialists are trained to quickly identify any signs and work with you and your doctor to create a treatment plan.  Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.