Posts for tag: Sunscreen
We understand that dealing with the scars left behind by teenage acne can be upsetting and even embarrassing. We also understand how much it may impact not just your appearance but also your self-esteem; fortunately, a dermatologist is going to be the best doctor to turn to for safe, effective treatment. Not only will a dermatologist be able to help you better manage your current acne breakouts but also provide solutions to reduce and even eliminate the appearance of acne scars.While there isn’t one treatment that may work best for you (everyone’s skin responds differently to various treatments), a dermatologist can talk to you about multiple ways to improve the appearance of your acne scars. The type of treatment and the results you’ll get will depend on your skin type as well as the severity of your scarring. While no one treatment will get rid of your scars completely, these treatments below (alone or in combination with other treatment options) may provide you with the results you’ll looking for.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
It’s important that everyone apply sunscreen every day to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun, but this is particularly important if you have acne scars. This is a simple habit to adopt that can reduce the contrast between the scars and your skin tone.
Consider Dermal Fillers
While most people think of dermal fillers as a purely cosmetic treatment designed to plump up areas of the skin that have lost volume due to age, dermal fillers can also plump up scarred skin to reduce the appearance of indentations left by these scars. Of course, results are only temporary, so you will need to turn to your dermatologist for follow-up treatments in order to maintain results.
Get Laser Resurfacing
Another popular treatment option that a dermatologist can offer you is laser resurfacing. Laser technology has come a long way, particularly in the field of dermatology. The powerful lasers used can treat everything from sagging skin and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. This same treatment can also reduce the appearance of acne and other superficial scars. This is a great alternative to dermabrasion, which is a better option for those with more severe acne scars as well as those with darker skin.
Consider Microneedling
Another popular cosmetic treatment, microneedling helps to stimulate collagen production to keep the skin firm and supple. It may also be a simple but effective way to improve the appearance of scars. Since results are subtle, you may need to undergo several treatments to see the results you want.
If you are living with acne scars and want to speak with a dermatologist about your treatment options, then call one today to schedule a consultation.
There is a wide variety of sunscreens available, including lotions, sprays, creams, gels, wipes, and lip balms, to name a few. These topical products absorb or reflect some, but not all, of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin to help protect against sun damage. But which one is right for you? Our practice can help you find the best sunscreen for your needs and lifestyle.
SPF - what's in a number?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) provides an indication of how effectively a sunscreen can protect your skin from the ultraviolet-B (UVB) light - the rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. A higher SPF number represents a higher level of protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen products with a sun protection factor of at least 30.
Today, sunscreens with SPFs as high as 100 are available, but a higher number doesn't necessarily mean more protection. For instance, many people believe a sunscreen with SPF 45 would give 3 times as much protection as one with an SPF of 15. This is not true. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%. SPF 50 sunscreens filter approximately 98% while SPF 100 provides 99%. The higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. No sunscreen can provide complete protection.
Apply Sunscreen Properly
Regardless of the SPF rating, sunscreen should be reapplied often for optimal protection. A majority of people do not apply a layer of sunscreen thickly, so the actual protection they get is less. For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours, more often if you are swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen generously, paying close attention to face, ears, arms, neck and all other areas exposed to the sun. Sunscreens do expire, so always check the expiration date to make sure it is still effective.