Top 4 Interesting Facts About Skin

Although every single person is going to have skin covering their entire body, not many of them are going to know what attributes and characteristics their skin holds unless they have studied or inquired about dermatology. The following are the op 4 interesting facts about skin that everyone should know! 

Skin Properties 

 Skin is often regarded as one of the most curious aspects of the human body due to some of its most ludicrous properties. For example, it has been proven that the skin of an average person can be stretched out to cover an area of 2 square metres due to its supreme elasticity. While a person’s skin might not seem so big, it is actually pretty heavy and accounts for a minimum of 15% of a person’s body weight. While a person’s size and height is going to affect these statistics, most people can expect to be carrying around 9 pounds of skin.

Skin Regeneration 

What makes skin so special is that it acts as a live barrier between the outside world and the human body. While it may appear to not be alive, skin cells are always in constant motion and working towards renewing themselves at the end of every 28 days. In fact, skin is never not working, as it has been proven to shed anywhere between 30k to 40k cells every single minute. As a result of this, people experience dust that they usually associate with outdoor debris but it is actually a result of cumulative dead skin cells.

Skin Has a Mind of Its Own 

Another very special fact pertaining to skin is that it has a mind of its own, whose sole purpose is to shed out anything bad to make way for new skin cells. What makes human skin so fantastic is its ability to regenerate itself after having been subjected to trauma. When the skin’s surface is nicked and blood is dispensed, the skin is going to react by forming scar tissue. Scar tissue may not be the same exact same thing as skin, but it does do a similar job, with the exception of providing hair and sweat glands to the compromised region. On top of that, skin can react to popular demand, which is why it forms blisters, calluses, and scabs every time a specific region is being targeted by extra pressure, rubbing, or discomfort.

Health Can be Indicated Through Skin 

When a person first notices a significant change in their skin’s look, feel, and texture, it is highly important for them to visit their dermatologist palo alto. This is because a sudden change in someone’s skin and nails can be an indication of an underlying health issue.

Proactive Ways to Be Sun Smart this Summer

When an individual waits until they get a sunburn to protect themselves from the sun, it’s too late. Skin damage begins as soon as it’s exposed to the sun’s UV rays and it shouldn’t take a sunburn to scare people into being sun smart. It’s important for individuals to educate themselves on the risks of sun exposure and make responsible choices when it comes to the hot California summer sun. Below are some of the best ways for individuals to proactively protect their skin this summer

● Wear hats everywhere - It’s common to see individuals wearing sun hats when laying out by the pool or out on the golf course, but there are plenty of opportunities for skin damage to occur throughout the day, when people may not think to wear a hat. Lunch on a patio, taking the dog on a short walk, or mowing the lawn are all situations where an individual's head, face, and neck are exposed, even if it’s for a short amount of time. The more a person wears a hat in everyday situations, the more sun protection they’ll get.

● Install adequate shade in the yard - It’s not realistic to expect one sun umbrella or one tree to provide enough shade for everyone in the yard, and at all times of the day. Homeowners should have several patio umbrellas around the yard to offer enough protection for the whole family or guests, and to accommodate the sun’s movements throughout the day. In addition to umbrellas, homeowners may wish to install awnings, canopies, or create covered areas of their deck where they can find solace from UV rays. 

 ● Apply sunscreen everywhere - There are plenty of areas of the body that are neglected when an individual applies sunscreen. People tend to stick to the main areas of the arms, legs, neck, and face however those aren’t the only areas that are exposed to the sun. The part of the hair, tops of the ears, eyelids, and nostrils are all areas where sunscreen should be applied.

● SPF hand lotion - In addition to exposed areas on the head and face, individuals should take care to apply sunscreen to the backs of their hands and reapply often as it will come off with frequent hand washing. Some hand creams are available with SPF and applying them throughout the day is a great way to keep hands moisturized and protected from the sun at the same time. 

 ● Be diligent during the shoulder season - Individuals are well aware of the risks of sun exposure during July and August and many people are diligent about applying sunscreen during the peak summer months. While sunscreen should be worn year-round, any dermatologist palo alto will recommend that individuals be particularly careful during the summer’s shoulder seasons, including May, June, and September, where the Palo Alto sun can be just as damaging but is not on the radar for many people as being a hazardous time of year.

Signs of an Excellent Dermatologist

Finding the right skin doctor is a very important step in getting the right treatment.  Some dermatologists specialize in cosmetic dermatology, while another might specialize in surgical dermatology.  Sometime it is not clear upon initial consultation what the doctor is specifically qualified for – some will say they do surgery as well as cosmetic, but in actuality they delegate the surgical work to an associate doctor.  So asking the right questions is crucial to finding the right doctor.

When looking for a dermatologist Palo Alto, there are a number of signs to watch for in order to find the best doctor available.  These signs include:

Slow and Relaxing Appointments:  If the doctor is in a rush during an initial consultation, it is clear they do not have the time or interest in getting to the root of the issues at hand.  Appropriate skin treatment is never a simple one-time solution.  It’s important to work with someone that has the ability to offer a number of different interpretations and treatments, whether it is acne, rash, scars, wrinkles, or laser.

Amazing Credentials: Always look into the professional history of a doctor to make sure they have appropriate qualifications and a lot of experience in the field.  Dermatology is a highly competitive medical field that begins with an undergraduate degree, a four-year medical school degree, which should include a residency.  During the consultation, ask about the doctor’s history to get a sense of their experience and qualifications.  Because dermatology is so popular, a lot of doctors are in practice that are not a part of the American Board of Dermatology.  Make sure to avoid these doctors that pretend to be at the vanguard of their field but are actually unqualified for their position.

 Hands-On Lead Doctor: Aside from amazing credentials, the doctor should be hands on in all areas of treatment.  This is equally true if they are a cosmetic or surgical doctor, because both require consistent attention to ensure best results.  Like a standard GP, a cosmetic doctor should always be able to adapt their treatment plan to match the changing systems.  It’s far better if they are there to ensure the right changes are made rather than delegating to an associate.  Palo Alto is full of excellent hands-on skin doctors that grow and change with their patients.

A Holistic Approach: This usually means giving the patient a lot of options in terms of their treatment.  A great cosmetic specialist will give out a lot of samples to their patients to let them figure out for themselves which products work best.  This is a far more patient-friendly approach than a doctor who tells their patients what prescription to buy without even giving them a sample.

These four signs will make it clear which doctors are concerned for their patient’s skin care, and those that are just looking for a big paycheck.

Top 6 Reasons to Seek the Help of a Dermatologist

Many people visit their dermatologist on a monthly basis, and this is because they need their level of expertise when dealing with both complex and common issues. In many cases, dermatologist help their patients by supplying them with preventative procedures, or deal with more pressing issues. Dermatologists are in great demand in Palo, Alto, as there are many people suffering from skin, nails, hair, and other dermatology treated diseases.

Recurring Acne

Everyone has experience acne at some point in their lives, yet for some people, acne is something that never goes away. One of the most common reasons people visit dermatologist is to try and get rid of recurring cane. Since acne can create scars, emotional issues, and overall discomfort, dermatologist can attempt to treat acne with creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, and even oral medications.

Eczema

Eczema is a very common issue that people face, and it involves being susceptible to red, swollen, dry, and unbearable itchy skin. Eczema can occur in any age group and can be diagnosed by a dermatologist, who will then prescribe some creams or medications.

Psoriasis

When suffering from psoriasis, it is common to have mostly visits with a dermatologist, as they can track the autoimmune disease and attempt to soothe it. Psoriasis is most common on the scalp, elbows, knees, legs, fingernails, and face, and can easily be diagnosed by a dermatologist, who will in return, prescribe a cream that soothes the chronic condition.

Suspicious Growths

One of the most obvious signs that one should seek the expertise of a dermatologist is experiencing a skin growth. Since skin cancer is one of the most common and treatable cancers, taking immediate action when noticing a skin growth is very important.

Hair Loss

Losing hair is a normality for many people, as shedding is something that everyone goes through. However, when shedding starts to border extreme hair loss, it is best to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. There are many different issues that can lead to hair loss, while some can be as simple as stress and pregnancy, others can be a little more serious. Which is why seeking the help of a professional dermatologist Palo Alto, is recommended if unusual hair loss begins to occur. Once at the appointment, a dermatologist can take blood tests and examine their patient’s scalp to see if there are any abnormalities.

Aging

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but with the help of a dermatologist its course can be slowed down. To slow down aging, dermatologist have a handful of treatments they can suggest, many of which revolve around laser therapy, Botox injections, wrinkle fillers, and chemical peels.

4 Most Harmful Skin Care Habits

Skin is the soft outer covering that protects the internal functions of the body. Being such a delicate, vulnerable layer of tissue, skin needs regular, mindful care in order to be properly maintained. Unfortunately, the area of self-skin treatment is awash with pseudoscience, and most people tend to have their own subjective opinions on the best way to care for skin. This can lead to harmful skin care habits that might eventually necessitate a trip to the dermatologist palo alto office. Using Several Different Products In attempting to take proper care of their skin, people tend to overdo things by opting to use several different products in the same areas. From a dermatological standpoint, this is highly ill-advised. It’s normally much better to use one or two proven products than trying to use every skin care option under the sun.

The use of several products may lead to irritation, and the specific ingredients found in different products can clash together and cause further unforeseen skin issues. If a patient is adamant on using several skin care products, the dermatologist will commonly advise them to opt for natural products as opposed to abrasive chemical ones. Treating the Skin Roughly Dermatologists commonly cringe during consultations in which patients roughly point to irritated areas of the skin. In these cases, some patients might pull or stretch out the irritated areas with their fingers, which may cause the condition to worsen. Human skin is extremely sensitive, particularly when it is experiencing a certain issue. Therefore, it is always recommended that skin care patients treat their skin delicately when making contact with irritated areas

Laziness Toward Cleansing While many people apply great efforts to take care of their skin, many others don’t pay a single thought to skin care whatsoever. Certain people believe that a simple face wash in the morning provides enough skin care for the rest of the day, which is certainly not the case. In the cases of women wearing makeup, sometimes the makeup is left on the woman’s face overnight, which can lead to minor or even severe skin conditions in the future. Dermatologists advise regular, daily skin care, at least in the form of treating the face with proven cleansers twice a day.

Picking Pimples Picking or scratching at pimples can turn a relatively harmless irritation into a major condition. Most occurrences of pimples are benign, and would heal promptly if left alone. However, manipulating the infected area invites bacteria into the pores, which can unnecessarily augment the issue. Dermatologists would rather not have their patients deal with problems that could have been entirely avoidable, which is why they never recommend popping pimples, in any case.

Understanding Adult Acne

Acne can be as much of a problem for a 40-year-old as it is for a 16-year-old. Understanding why adult acne occurs and the options available to treat it can help reduce the stress associated with having this disorder. What Exactly is Adult Acne? For some patients, acne persists from their teen years through their 50s. For others, it appears for the first time in midlife. Adult-onset acne most frequently occurs in women undergoing menopause.

In general, females experience acne more than their male counterparts do. Among adults, more than 70 percent have outbreaks when they are between 20 and 50 years old. The cause is most often hormone- or bacteria-based. Comedones—blackheads or whiteheads—must be present to receive an adult acne diagnosis. Adult acne has four components: Sebum oil A bacteria called P. acnes A clogged hair follicle Inflammation caused by the immune system trying to kill bacteria

Researchers are still unsure of hormones' exact role in the development of adult acne. Another possible cause of the disorder is the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Some individuals also appear to be particularly sensitive to specific foods. Others might have undiagnosed underlying medical conditions. Treatment Options The most effective treatment for adult acne is available from a dermatology practice. A dermatologist Palo Alto will identify the principal driver of a patient’s acne and create a personalized plan to treat it. Getting the upper hand often requires patience. Options include: Topical and oral medications: Dermatologists sometimes prescribe an anti-inflammatory retinoid applied topically. An oral version of vitamin A is available (brand: Accutane). Some patients use topical treatments that combine an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide. Several new creams and other topicals are available that are less severe on the skin than their predecessors were.

Hormone blockers: Oral antibiotics are not effective for some adult acne. For these patients, oral medications that block hormones are sometimes a successful treatment. Photodynamic therapy: This treatment combines light therapy with a photosensitizing agent and is particularly useful for adult acne categorized as mild or moderate. Light activates a medication that kills bacteria and shrinks sebaceous glands. Most patients require several treatments. Surgical extractions: An aesthetician gently extracts plugs in blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and pustules. Treatment includes restoring a normal environment to the patient’s skin in order for healing to occur without scarring. Aestheticians might also perform microdermabrasion, a chemical peel, or a silk peel.

Why Skin Cancer Happens To People Who Use Sun Screen

Sun tan lotion can help protect the skin while a person enjoys being out in the sun. But, if not used correctly, the skin can become as damaged as if the person had not used sun screen at all. Here is how the sun interacts with the skin and the proper way to use sun screen.

Sunlight and the Skin

Sunlight is made up of three types of ultraviolet rays:

• Ultraviolet A - These rays travel deep into the skin tissue. They can travel through glass and light clothing.

• Ultraviolet B - These rays affect the surface of the skin and do not penetrate far beneath it. These rays can be blocked by clothing.

• Ultraviolet C - These rays are normally blocked by the ozone layer around the planet.

The skin contains special cells which produce a dark pigment, called melanin, in response to the UV rays of the sun. This is the tan that people experience when they are out in the sun. While many people enjoy the darkening of the skin, the real purpose is to shield the skin from UV rays.

The skin can produce a limited amount of melanin and when that is exhausted, the skin becomes vulnerable to damage. The UV-B rays can cause the cells to change on the surface of the skin and become cancerous. The UV-A rays can create malignant tumors deep in the skin layers.

The Use of Sun Screen

Sun screen lets a person stay out longer in the sun because it blocks out part of the UV rays so the melanin-producing cells don't have to work as hard. Sun screen is only an effective block if properly used:

• apply liberal amounts over all of the exposed skin

• reapply to areas where the sun screen as been removed by perspiration

• reapply often as directed on the container to maintain the protection

Failure to reapply sun screen per the manufacturer's instructions is one reason that people who use sun screen still have skin damage.

Signs of Impending Skin Damage

Red skin is an indication that the skin is no longer protected. Applying more lotion at this point won't help. A person with red skin needs to get out of the sun. Covering up with a shirt also doesn't help as the UV-A rays can pass through clothing.

Ifthe redness doesn't go away after a few hours, it's time to see a dermatologist Palo Alto to determine if there is skin damage. If the skin becomes dry, then there is likely damage and the doctor will prescribe lotions to re-moisturize the skin. If left untreated, dry skin can result in scars and skin cancer.

By knowing how the sun and skin interact, and how to properly use sun screen, a person can enjoy the sun and protect their skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays.