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I Have Acne. Can Chemical Peels Help? A chemical peel is a cosmetic procedure that applies one of a variety of mild acids to your skin. All of the acids we use are low concentrations, although your doctor can decide which is the most appropriate for you so you can achieve your desired results. Chemical peels are very effective in treating several different skin conditions, including acne. The providers at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, explain more about what you can expect when you get a chemical peel for treating acne. What are Chemical Peels? Chemical peels use a variety of different acids applied to your skin. They vary in intensity, which makes some chemical peels more effective than others. The acids may include the following: The Vi® peel, a medical-grade peel  SkinMedica® products Salicylic acid Glycolic acid Lactic acid Mandelic acid, which tends to work better on darker skin Trichloroacetic acid Whichever option you choose, we can help you select the most appropriate option to address your particular skin’s needs. How Chemical Peels work First, we clean your skin before applying the chemical peel. The acid solution is usually only left on your face for 5-30 minutes. However, even this short length of time is enough to exfoliate the dead skin from the outer layers of your skin (called the epidermis.) Some people choose to get deeper peels, which can prevent breakouts from happening. Side Effects and Cautions Although chemical peels are very safe for most people, there are some conditions under which we don’t advise it. In general, the best candidates for chemical peels are people with light hair and skin, although they can work on other skin tones as well. You shouldn’t get a chemical peel if you have used isotretinoin (Accutane® or similar products) in the past 12 months. In addition, if your skin is darker, we may have to apply a greater concentration of these products, which may increase your reactions to them. People with darker skin are also more likely to experience uneven skin tone after a chemical peel. It’s very normal for most people to experience some side effects from a chemical peel, which are most intense in the first few days after the procedure. These may include the following: Redness Swelling Sensitivity, especially to the sun Dry skin Tightness Burning sensations, much like a sunburn Of course, your skin also begins to peel within a couple of days after the procedure. This is normal and expected, but it shouldn’t cause significant pain. Most people choose to get more than one chemical peel procedure to treat their acne on an ongoing basis. However, the side effects are usually greatest after the first procedure and lessen with subsequent follow-up visits. Things to do After a Chemical Peel We perform chemical peels in the office, so you won’t need to stay overnight, and most people can return to work the next day. However, your face can turn red and your skin often peels, so you should try to schedule it for a time when you don’t have a lot of social commitments. You also want to avoid wearing makeup while your skin is still peeling. And you should also wear sunscreen whenever you go outside because the chemicals used in a peel make your skin much more susceptible to sunburns. If you are considering getting a chemical peel, schedule a consultation to find out what it can do for you. Contact the providers at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, or request an appointment online.

Eczema Triggers and How to Avoid Them Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder that approximately 1 in 10 Americans develop in their lifetime. If you have eczema, you already know that flare-ups can worsen your symptoms seemingly out of nowhere. Fortunately, you can protect yourself from common triggers that cause flare-ups. The team of providers at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, D.C., discusses the most frequent eczema triggers and how to avoid them. What Causes Eczema Doctors aren’t sure what causes eczema, but it seems to come from a complex interaction between your genes and your environment. Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not an autoimmune disorder. However, overactive immune system responses, such as allergic reactions, have much in common with eczema flare-ups.  Additionally, every case of eczema is different and unique. What triggers your eczema to flare up might differ from what triggers the eczema of a friend. The Symptoms of Eczema While every case of eczema is unique, most people have similar symptoms during their flare-ups. Your skin might feel very dry and itchy, and you may have a rash. Other common symptoms of eczema include raw, sensitive skin from scratching and sores that ooze or crust. In severe cases, the itchiness and sensitivity of your skin can interfere with sleep and daily activities. If this happens, it’s more important than ever to work with your doctor to manage your flare-ups. Common Environmental Eczema Triggers Some of the most common eczema triggers occur naturally in your everyday environment. These include: Dry or cold weather Stress and anxiety Cigarette smoke Perfumes or colognes, including heavily perfumed products Metals Cocamidopropyl betaine (a thickening agent often used in shampoos) While dry or cold weather is the most common trigger, any change in the weather can produce symptoms. In the case of stress and anxiety, doctors believe that cortisol spikes may contribute to flare-ups just like other environmental factors would. The Role of Food Allergies Researchers have observed that many people with eczema also have food allergies, but they’re unsure if one causes the other. Nevertheless, if you’re struggling with eczema flare-ups, try to avoid possible allergens that can add to your symptoms. Some of the most common food allergens include the following: Dairy products Wheat Soy Eggs Tree nuts and seeds While some people outgrow some food allergies over time, others are permanent. In addition to managing your external environment, watch out for foods that may trigger flare-up symptoms. How to Prevent Your Triggers Once you know about the most common eczema triggers, you can take steps to prevent flare-ups and limit the hold that eczema has on your life. Apply moisturizer to your skin at least twice daily to protect it from drying out. Fragrance-free moisturizers may not be enough for eczema-prone skin, so look for products that are also hypoallergenic, unscented, and free of artificial coloring.  Stress isn’t avoidable for anyone, but you can minimize your stress as much as possible. Consider establishing a healthy new habit to promote relaxation, such as yoga or journaling. Exercise is a vital part of any lifestyle, but too much sweat build-up can deposit trace metals on your skin and lead to flare-ups. If this happens, choose exercises that cause you to sweat less, and be sure to shower as soon as you finish your workout. Keeping a diary or log of your exposures can help you learn about the eczema triggers that affect you. You may discover over time that you can identify new triggers and prevent future outbreaks. If you have eczema and it’s interfering with your life, you can get help and feel more comfortable. Contact the providers at 19th Street Dermatology or request an appointment online.

Who’s at Risk for Skin Cancer? Anyone can get skin cancer, even if you don’t have any family history of cancer. It’s one of the most common types of cancer that you can get. Skin cancer falls into two different categories: melanoma and non-melanoma. The non-melanoma type of skin cancer isn’t serious at all. Melanoma, on the other hand, is very aggressive. Fortunately, it’s also rare. However, while anyone can get it, certain factors may make you more predisposed to getting it. The team at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, D.C. explains more about what increases your likelihood of getting skin cancer. Two Types of Skin Cancer As mentioned above, there are two types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. But these two types of cancer differ somewhat from each other. Non-melanoma is by far the more common type. Non-melanoma type of skin cancer does not involve melanocytes, the cells in your skin that produce melanin. Melanin gives your skin its pigment, so the more melanin in your skin, the darker your skin is likely to be.  Non-melanoma cancers are usually either basal cell or squamous cell cancers. If caught early, these cancers are usually of little consequence. Melanoma, which develops in melanocytes, is rarer but much more serious. The cells that make up your skin start to reproduce abnormally and begin to multiply quickly. When this occurs, the cells may metastasize, spreading throughout your body through the lymphatic system. What Causes Skin Cancer Although there isn’t necessarily a single cause of cancer, most skin cancers involve exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. To reduce your skin cancer risk, regularly apply sunscreen, stay in the shade, and wear clothing to block the sun, such as hats and long sleeves. What Increases Your Risk of Cancer Several factors increase skin cancer risk for some groups of people. These people generally have the following traits: Pale skin Light eyes Light hair (including red shades) Location, as people who live at high elevations or in warmer climates are at increased risk Age, as more non-melanomas occur in older adults A history of sun damage, including blistering and peeling sunburns If you have many freckles or moles, you also may be at increased risk of skin cancer.  How to Prevent Skin Cancer Most skin cancers are preventable but you have to protect yourself. One of the best things you can do is to wear sunscreen, preferably with high SPF. Reapply every few hours. Read the packaging to see the recommendations for the product. Try to limit your sun exposure during the hours of 10 am – 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are at their peak, and avoid tanning beds. When used regularly, tanning beds significantly increase your risk of cancer as UV rays are a mild carcinogen. How to Check Your skin While it’s a good idea to get a professional evaluation of your skin each year, you can help by examining your skin at home. Check your skin for any moles or suspicious spots, especially using the ABCDE criteria. These stand for the following: Asymmetry. If the two sides of your mole or skin lesion are irregularly shaped, you should contact a dermatologist. Border. If the edges of your mole are crooked or jagged, this may be a sign of cancer. Color. Moles or skin lesions may be an unusual color if you have cancer. Diameter. If your skin moles are larger than about 6 mm wide, you should arrange a professional check. That’s about the size of a pencil eraser. Evolution. A cancerous mole may change over time, so you should monitor its evolution. Spotting changes quickly can help your dermatologist treat any cancers early that may develop. Regular skin cancer screenings can save your life. If you want to get your skin thoroughly evaluated for skin cancer, contact the providers at 19th Street Dermatology or request an appointment online.

Why Does My Rosacea Flare Up in Winter? Rosacea is a skin condition that can sometimes feel very bothersome. It often flares up when you least expect it. It’s estimated that at least 5.46% of people deal with rosacea but it’s sometimes misdiagnosed as acne or psoriasis. Rosacea is an inflammatory condition that causes enlarged blood vessels in your face, small pus-filled bumps, and redness. Most people notice that it flares up at unpredictable times. The providers at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, explain why rosacea tends to flare up in the winter. What is Rosacea? Rosacea is a very common skin condition, affecting approximately 14 million people in the U.S. Some of the symptoms of rosacea may include the following: Facial blushing or flushing Swollen bumps Visible veins Burning sensation Enlarged nose Eye problems, such as watery eyes or burning If you think you have rosacea, see our dermatologists to get diagnosed rather than just trying to treat a suspected case by yourself. What Causes a Flare-up Rosacea can lie dormant for quite a while with periods of flare-ups. Here are some of the triggers that can cause flare-ups: Stress Cold weather Heat, including saunas and hot tubs Exercise Diet, such as dairy products, citrus fruits, soy sauce, beans, and spicy foods Beverages, such as beer, red wine, spirits, and hot drinks Cosmetics, especially skin and hair products containing alcohol Medications, especially vasodilators and topical steroids Your individual triggers may vary from these. It’s important to keep a log of which things seem to cause a reaction. Dealing With Winter Flare-ups As cold weather and stress are common triggers, it’s no surprise that rosacea often flares up in the winter. The wintry weather outside followed by indoor heating can be tough on your skin, leading to dryness, cracking, and flare-ups. Additionally, holiday stress and festive diets can take a toll as well.  That’s why during the winter, it’s especially important to keep an eye on your diet and stress levels and stay on top of your prevention and treatment routine.  How to Manage Rosacea Flare-ups When you have a rosacea flare-up, you’ll want to do everything that you can to try to manage it. Some of the best self-care measures for a rosacea flare-up include: Use a humidifier, particularly in winter, when the air is drier Use a fragrance-free moisturizer Drink plenty of water Place a towel in cold water and wrap it around your neck Try stress-relief techniques such as yoga and meditation Many of these techniques should help give you some relief from your rosacea. If it doesn’t work, seeing a dermatologist can help. How a Doctor Treats Rosacea Unfortunately, there’s no cure for rosacea but we can help you get a handle on a rosacea flare-up. Here are some of the things we may try: Oral Antibiotics Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics to help manage your rosacea. These medications include tetracycline antibiotics, which are usually prescribed for 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of your rosacea flare-up. Topical Medications You can use topical medications, either alone or in addition to taking oral antibiotics. The topical medications may include metronidazole gel or cream, azelaic acid, sulfacetamide sodium or sulfur, brimonidine gel, or topical ivermectin. Other Procedures  Our doctors can also try other procedures to help a rosacea flare-up. These include the following: Dermabrasion to remove the top layer of the skin Intense pulsed light treatments or lasers to remove damaged blood vessels Electrocautery to remove damaged blood vessels If you think you have rosacea, you should seek a consultation with our dermatologists. Contact the providers at19th Street Dermatology or request an appointment online.

Help! I’m in My 40s and Still Get Acne You might expect acne to be gone after your teen years but sometimes it continues to affect you in your 40s. Learn more about why and how to get rid of it. You might expect acne to stop being a problem after your teen years. But for some women, the problem persists until their 40s or reappears with a vengeance. Acne is never something to feel happy about but it’s especially irritating when you’re well into adulthood. There are many possible reasons for having acne in your adult years, from your hormones to your diet. While it’s challenging to deal with, you can get help for it. The providers at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC, explain more about what you can do about adult acne. What Causes Acne? Contrary to some popular belief, acne often happens outside of puberty. Acne is caused by a variety of different factors. Some of the most common causes include: Genetics Environmental factors Diet Hormonal fluctuations Hormonal fluctuations are one of the biggest factors in getting acne in your 40s. Much like during puberty, your hormones shift rapidly in your 40s.  How Hormones Impact Acne Your hormones begin to shift in your late 30s or early 40s. This is part of perimenopause, the transition toward the end of your menstrual cycle. Declining estrogen levels are largely responsible for acne. When you’re in your 20s, your body naturally produces more estrogen. This can help your skin stay smooth and keep breakouts at bay, although you can still break out due to other factors. How to Minimize Acne One of the first essential things you can do to minimize acne is to avoid touching your face. Your hands are often covered in bacteria, which you can transfer to your face when you touch it. We also encourage keeping your hair away from your face, especially if you have oily hair. You should wash your face and follow a twice-daily skincare regimen. Ask us if you need recommendations for appropriate cleansers and skincare.  Finally, follow a healthy diet and make sure to drink a lot of water. Avoid fast food and junk food as much as possible. Your skin may show it if your diet begins to slip or you’re not drinking enough water. Professional Ways to Get Rid of Acne You may want to go to your gynecologist if you suspect that your acne has a hormonal component. They can prescribe hormone replacement therapy if they determine that you’re an appropriate candidate. When you come to Integrated Dermatology of 19th Street, we can customize a treatment program for your acne. We may recommend a range of treatments, including: An at-home skincare routine Over-the-counter acne treatment products Prescription acne products Antibiotics Isotretinoin Laser treatments Chemical peels In some cases, we may also recommend cortisone injections to help shrink a pimple, particularly if it is cystic. If you are struggling with acne, you don’t have to keep trying to cover it up. Contact the providers at 19th Street Dermatology or make an appointment online.

5 Common Eczema Triggers to Avoid Eczema is a common skin condition that often has specific triggers. In honor of Eczema Awareness Month, learn about the triggers of eczema. If you have eczema, you probably already know that certain things can trigger the disease to flare up. Sometimes, you may not know that you’re being exposed to a trigger until afterward when you have to deal with the rash and itching associated with an eczema flare-up. In recognition of Eczema Awareness Month this October, the providers at 19th Street Dermatology in Washington, DC explain more about 5 common eczema triggers that you should avoid so that you can prevent a possible flare-up. What is Eczema? According to the National Eczema Association, more than 31 million Americans have eczema. This inflammatory skin condition can affect anyone at any age, from newborns to the elderly. Common symptoms of eczema include: Itchiness Dry skin Scaly patches Rashes Skin infections Blisters Oozing or crusting There are different types of similar skin conditions that can look like eczema, including acne and psoriasis. 5 Common Eczema Triggers Although every individual has unique eczema triggers, there are still common triggers that affect people most often. They are as follows: Extended exposure to dry air or temperature extremes. Anything that causes your skin to become dry can trigger your eczema to flare up. These conditions include dry air, extremely cold air, or extreme heat. In these conditions, you’ll want to repeatedly moisturize your skin all day long, but make sure you use an appropriate eczema-friendly moisturizer. Stress and Anxiety. When you’re under a lot of stress or anxiety, you may notice that your eczema begins to flare up. Your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol when you’re under stress.  You can’t remove all stress from your life, of course, but you may need to find healthier ways to manage it. Yoga, meditation, exercise, and journaling are some tips you can use to keep your stress and anxiety under control. Check the fabrics of your clothing. People with eczema tend to be sensitive to certain fabrics. Some specific fabrics that are more likely to irritate include polyester and wool. You may need to experiment to find out which fabrics irritate you. If you can’t avoid them altogether, at least wear another layer underneath the offending fabrics. Be cautious about fragrances and fragranced products. When you have eczema, you may already be aware of fragrance sensitivity. But that includes more than just avoiding perfumes. You should make sure that your moisturizers don’t have fragrances that can bother you. Choose products with the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Be sure to use hypoallergenic, unscented products for both body care and cleaning products. Simply choosing “fragrance-free” products may not be good enough.  Check Your Diet Some people find that the foods they eat can trigger an eczema flare-up, too. Common foods that can trigger eczema include milk, eggs, wheat, and peanuts, as these foods are often allergenic as well. Other inflammatory foods include those that are heavily processed or high in sugars. Eczema is a complex skin condition and you may need additional help beyond just avoiding triggers. If you’re having trouble managing your eczema, contact the providers at 19th Street Dermatology or request an appointment online.

Undo Summer Skin Damage with a Chemical Peel Are you struggling with the after-effects of a summer spent outdoors? Is your skin beginning to show signs of sun damage? A chemical peel can be a fantastic solution for any blemishes you don’t want to carry over from summer to fall. Summer is on its way out, and fall is rolling in, which is a welcome prospect for some, but for others, it may help you recognize your skin damage from the summer sun. Being out in the sun all day can create discoloration and spots, causing you to feel self-conscious about your skin. Fortunately, several options exist for removing these imperfections, such as a chemical peel. At 19th Street Dermatology, our team wants you to feel as good about your summer plans after the fact as you did before. Our providers include Sarika Snell, MD, FAAD; Tinatin Gotsiridze, MD, FAAD; Urvi Gonzalez, MD, FAAD; and Clinzo Mickle, MD, FAAD. We offer safe and effective treatments for sun damage and other services that help our patients look as good as they feel. Sun Damage 101 Have you been enjoying the longer days, increased time outside, and rips to the beach only to discover that your skin has suffered from them? If you noticed new freckles, sun spots, or other discolorations this year, you might see the effects of sun damage.  Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so protect your skin as much as possible when you’re in the sun. Wearing sunscreen, donning a hat, and covering up when you can is still important. However, it’s inevitable that with a long, hot summer, you may see a little of the after-effects on your skin from the sun.   How a Chemical Peel Can Help So you’re ready to do something about these sunspots and other sun results, but you’re not sure what to do next. We suggest a chemical peel, a great way to rejuvenate your skin and return its healthy, luminous glow.  A chemical peel is the application of several solutions which create a medically-induced injury to the already damaged skin. This injury is controlled and burns away the damaged skin, leaving the fresh, unblemished skin exposed. This provides a clear, even look to the skin while minimizing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun damage spots, and wrinkles. Chemical peels have proven beneficial since they improve patient self-confidence as well as the overall look of the skin. You will see that sun damage disappears in no time!  When a Chemical Peel Is Right For You There are different levels of chemical peels, including light, medium, and deep. Depending on multiple factors like your skin’s sensitivity and the extent of its damage, one of these options may be more appropriate for your needs.  We offer two different brands of chemical peel — SkinMedica® and VI Peel® — under which several specialized peel types occur. At our practice, we are qualified aestheticians, certified to use these products. A chemical peel may be right for you if you’re dealing with summer sun damage and want to see effective results. Discuss the extent of the damage and goals for your skin with your doctor before you begin the procedure. If you are willing to take good care of your skin before and after the procedure, you are likely a fantastic candidate for a chemical peel.  Get a Chemical Peel Today! We are always happy to provide our patients with effective treatments for sun-damaged skin so you can enjoy the rest of the year to its fullest. Call 202-955-6995 today or book an appointment online at our office in Washington, DC.