Category: Our Blog

Tips for Improving Sleep

Sleep loss is perhaps the most notable quality of life aspect impacted by eczema. Itchiness, discomfort and pain can all keep eczema sufferers up at night. Lack of sleep negatively impacts mood, and daytime functioning, and this can create a vicious cycle. Here are some tips for improving sleep, and hopefully getting better rest over the long term.

Tips for Improving Sleep

  • Create a solid, reliable bedtime routine which includes the same sequence of events each night, and ensure they occur at the same time each night. For example, start bath every night at the same time, followed by the skin care routine, then a story, and then lights out.
  • Avoid electronics before bed. It has been shown that the blue light emitted from electronics makes it more difficult to fall asleep. Create a rule in the house regarding electronic use, such as no electronics for the rest of the evening after dinner or even after school.
  • Create a cool and comfortable environment for sleep. Over-heated rooms can make eczema worse, and sleep more difficult. A cooling fan may be helpful.
  • Let your child provide input on what helps them sleep. Which cotton pyjamas are most comfortable? Which cream feels the best on his/her skin? Is there a stuffed animal, a blanket, or specific bed sheets that help them sleep?
  • You can also help to reduce nighttime scratching by covering and protecting the skin; access to the skin usually means a gateway to scratching.
  • Dress your child in soft breathable cotton clothing that covers the skin. Cotton pyjamas with long sleeves and long pants are helpful, as are soft cotton wristbands or wet wrappings.

Credit: Eczema Society of Canada thanks Melissa Cresswell-Sweet, Behaviour Therapist, for her editorial contributions on this article.

Report from the American Academy of Dermatology Conference

Eczema is not only a childhood condition; many adults suffer with eczema as well. Interestingly, many women report an increase in their eczema symptoms during pregnancy. Eczema Society of Canada was interested in this phenomenon; does pregnancy trigger eczema flares? Dr. Murase, a dermatologist certified with the American Academy of Dermatology sheds light on the impact of pregnancy on eczema.

Dr. Murase tells us that women who have previously experienced atopic dermatitis, or eczema, experience an immune system shift that may trigger their condition. “Atopic dermatitis is the most common rash dermatologists see in pregnancy,” she says. “Expectant mothers often see their existing eczema gets worse or have a flare for the first time in many years.”

Topical corticosteroids are an appropriate treatment option for pregnant women with eczema, Dr. Murase says. Mild or moderate topical corticosteroids are preferred to more potent formulations, which should only be used for a short period of time if the initial treatment is unsuccessful. Dr. Murase recommends that her pregnancy patients dilute topical corticosteroids with a moisturizer. This step helps contribute to healing while simultaneously reducing the amount of medication used.

Eczema Society of Canada recommends that women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or who are breastfeeding, consult with their own dermatologist for a treatment plan that is right for them.

No matter who we are, where we live or what we do for a living, there is something we all have in common: we all live under the same sun. Our big beautiful sun warms us up, helps us make vitamin D, and puts us in a good mood. It also causes sun damage in the form of brown spots, broken vessels, premature aging and skin cancers. There are ways to get the good and avoid the bad though, so let’s go through some things that will help.

Sun prevention doesn’t mean staying inside and avoiding the sun at all times. It means taking precautions when outside or exposed to the sun (like wearing a seatbelt while driving). The proper use of sunscreen is always the first consideration. Using an appropriate amount of sunscreen and remembering to reapply during the day is key. Sunscreen should be at least an SPF of 30 or more, be UVA/UVB protectant (or “Broad Spectrum”) and be hydrating for dry skin, oil free for oily skin. For dark skin types, I find the oil free sunscreens are lighter and go on more natural looking.

The strongest sun is midday, so if at all possible, try to make outdoor activities in the morning or later in the day (e.g. before 10am, and after 4pm). Sunburns can cause eventual permanent damage to the skin, so avoiding the time where sun is the strongest is a safer choice.

Sunglasses don’t just make us look cool, but protect the delicate skin around our eyes. Wearing a hat is a smart inclusion to your wardrobe. The bigger the brim, the better, and the more area the brim covers, the better the protection (nose & tops of ears are common for skin cancer and not protected by a baseball cap). It is possible to find clothing with UV protection (called “UPF”), although covering up in general is a plus if you are going to be outside for a long period of time.

I think it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway: avoid tanning beds. Don’t be fooled by tanning salons saying their beds are safer than the sun. It is simply not true. And for those that believe it is true, they feel safe enough to go over and over again, therefore increasing the damage they are inflicting on their skin. Remember: the sun doesn’t just cause freckling, it is the number one reason our skin ages and #1 cause for skin cancer! It affects us more than smoking, or drinking. It is called photo damage, and tanning beds are one of the worst abusers.

Close-up shot of a woman during the seance of facial massage in beauty spa

Finally, for those wishing to start reversing the damage that has already been done, there are many options available. One of the easiest ways to alleviate brown spots and dead skin cells is with chemical peels. There are multiple types and some only peel microscopically, therefore no down time is required. For skin with more sun damage, some of our stronger medical-grade chemical peels are a better option.

IPL (Intense Pulse Light) or BBL (Broad Band Light), photo facial and/or some lasers will not only help to alleviate brown spots on the skin, but will aid in stimulating new collagen to form and help smooth out the skin. Lasers & light-based devices will reduce broken vessels aggravated by the sun and give a nicer more neutral overall tone to the skin.

Once fine lines have formed on the forehead or around the eyes (“dynamic wrinkles”), the use of Botox can easily help to smooth the skin without downtime. It can be done at lunchtime and you can be back to work right afterwards. Botox takes a few days to kick in, and it is subtle and natural looking when performed by our physicians here at TDC. Botox is a purified protein and very safe with over 20 years on the market and millions of people treated all over the world (by far the most popular cosmetic procedure). There is no quicker way to reverse the signs of aging.

Of course prevention is better than correction.  If you haven’t done so already, be proactive and start protecting the only skin you will ever have. If the damage has already been done, call us at TDC for a complimentary consult and let us help get you on track to healthier skin.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

Join us this April in Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax   

Interested in learning more about eczema? Join us at our eczema education event to  hear from dermatology experts on topics including managing eczema, hand eczema, safety of treatments, natural options, and learn about the new treatments coming to Canada. Bring your questions for the experts during our Q&A session.

The first 50 people to register in each city will receive an Aveeno skin care gift bag.

Toronto
Session FULL (Register for our waitlist)
Monday, April 3rd 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at
Toronto Public Library, Northern District, 40 Orchard View Blvd, Room 200

Weddings can be a great joy to plan, look forward to or be an intricate part of. Of course there is always the stress associated with planning or being the main attraction. Whether you are the bride, groom, family or friend, we can help relieve some of that stress for you. We can get you picture-ready for the big day.

Starting to prep for the big day depends on what your skin concerns are. If you have acne scars or sun spots, it is good to consider starting treatments well before the wedding. If you want to be a little svelter in your dress or tux, consider treating with CoolSculpting about 3-4 months beforehand for optimal results.  And if you are an attendee or someone with pretty good skin to start with, then there are a few simple options that can be done right before the wedding. Of course these tips are relevant to any major life event.

For smoothing out scars and evening complexion, I would suggest a consult as soon as possible to set up a plan that will get your skin in its best shape before the wedding. This may be done even up to a year in advance. To create new collagen, which is required for scars, it can take several treatments and collagen takes a while to become apparent on the surface of the skin. If only a few minor scars are present, treatments and results will be quicker. If you have active acne, come in sooner rather than later to have our physicians clear it up for the big day.

Sun damage is a very common problem for many adults and treatment is comparatively quicker than treating scars. Generally about 3 treatments with Broad Band Light (BBL), done 2-4 weeks apart will clear the skin, with larger sun spots occasionally requiring an extra treatment or so.

For redness or visible veins on the face or legs (or elsewhere), treatments are done every 3-4 weeks and may require 3-6 treatments for full results.

Botox and / or fillers (e.g. Juvederm, Restylane) may be a great option for smooth skin and volume, reducing frown-angry lines, Crow’s feet, tired eyes & more. Our dermatologists believe in a natural look for our patients, preferring to inject the minimal amount needed for great results and have you come back in a few weeks if you choose to add more. If you have never had fillers or Botox before, I suggest coming in at least 6 months before the big day to try it out and make sure you like the look. If you have had it before, then 1 month before the wedding is a great time to get the product settled in and will give you time to adjust the dose if necessary.

For those who just need a little refreshing before the big day, and maybe want to look extra good for the showers or rehearsal night dinner, a quick microdermabrasion is fantastic. It involves no downtime and brightens the face up immediately. It is a way to exfoliate and replenish/infuse the skin with nutrients that make it glow. Make up can be applied right afterwards and it is a great way to get that make up to go on smooth and keep the skin hydrated.

Right before the wedding, and especially for the bride, a facial is ideal. I suggest it not only for the bride, but the groom, the wedding party and, well, everybody in attendance who wants to look their best!

The most important consideration is to get motivated to take the first step in planning for your big day. Let us help you by assessing your skin, listening to what your concerns are, and helping you to have wedding ready skin. Book your complimentary consultation today.

Strategies for keeping your skin soft and supple, plus what to look for in a moisturizer

Yes, it’s cold outside. But freezing temperatures aren’t the only cause for the itchy, flaky dry skin you’re experiencing underneath all those layers of clothes. Also responsible is the heated—and dry—air in our homes and offices, says Whitney Bowe, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

While moisturizers promising to eradicate your dry skin problems abound on drugstore shelves, first try these simple moves in your quest to heal and prevent dry skin.

Easy Ways to Prevent Dry Skin

Run a humidifier in your home and office space. Your goal is to keep the indoor air around you at between 30 and 50 percent humidity.

Carolyn Jacob, M.D., a dermatologist with Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, particularly recommends using humidifiers in the bedroom while you sleep, so that you’re exposed to moist air all night long. (See our humidifier buying guide and ratings.)

Shorten your shower, and use warm—not hot—water. A long, hot shower can dilate your pores, says Jacob, which can allow more water to evaporate from your skin. Once you’re out of the shower, pat (don’t rub!) away excess water, and apply a moisturizer to your skin while it’s still a bit damp. This helps seal moisture in. (See “Moisturizers That Work Hard for You,” below, for tips on picking the best products.)

Protect exposed skin when you’re outside. Cover as much skin as possible: We’re talking gloves, scarf, sunglasses—even a hat to keep your scalp from being exposed to cold, dry air. And although the days are shorter and the earth’s rotation means the sun’s rays are further away, it’s still important to protect your skin from the sun. You can use a moisturizer with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF on exposed skin, or check our sunscreen ratings for the best buys.

Moisturizers That Work Hard for You

Faced with the hundreds of moisturizers lining drugstore aisles, how can you choose what will work best? Making the right choice will require a little label reading, say experts. Here’s what to look for.

Lotion, cream, or ointment? A key difference between moisturizers is the amount of water they contain. According to Tyler Hollmig, M.D., director of laser and aesthetic dermatology at Stanford University, moisturizers labeled as “lotions” may contain a relatively high amount of water, while those labeled as “creams” and “ointments” have a much lower water content.

Those whose skin is just a little dry in winter may find that lotions are sufficient, but creams may be better for people with chronically dry, itchy skin. Ointments—think of a tub of petroleum jelly—usually contain little to no water, and can be a good option for those with severely dry skin.

Look for “humectants.” These are substances that act as moisture magnets. They pull water from the dermis, an inner layer of your skin that contains blood vessels—to the outer layer of skin. Glycerin is one of the most common and effective humectants. Other words signifying a humectant to look for on labels include hyaluronic acid, urea, and propylene glycol.

You also need an “occlusive agent.” These ingredients work by creating a water-repellent barrier that seals moisture into your skin. Petrolatum, better known as petroleum jelly, is a common ingredient in many moisturizers. Other occlusives you may see include lanolin, mineral oil, beeswax, paraffin, and silicone.

Moisturizer Ingredients to Avoid

  • Sensitive skin or eczema? Retinoids, chemical compounds similar to Vitamin A, are used frequently in anti-aging products. But they may irritate your skin if you have eczema or another skin condition.
  • Beware products with added fragrance if you have sensitive skin.
  • Acne prone? Look for products labeled “noncomedogenic.”

Finally, if you’ve tried humidifiers and moisturizers and are still experiencing dry skin troubles, consult your doctor. You may have a skin condition such as rosacea or eczema, requiring prescription medication. (See our rundown for more information on these common conditions.)

Credit: consumerreports.org, by Catherine Roberts

 

The Advanced Cell Stimulation pen (ACS) is the first of its kind. It is a culmination of the inventor’s 30 years of scientific research and experience in practice dealing with micro needles. The ACS pen incorporates a new Linear Needle Module that, held perfectly perpendicular to the skin, goes in straight for a better, precise and even penetration.

In contrast to many Dermarollers, the ACS pen is pain-free. Handled correctly, most bleeding is completely eliminated from the treatment. Redness is minimized so dramatically, that if treating for anti-aging, the patient can leave the clinic with nothing more than perhaps a mild flushing. When treating scars or stretch marks, erythema (redness) may be slightly more evident, but still dramatically less than previous options.

The treatment takes about the same time as either the Dermaroller or the eDS, but the actual protocol is very different. Instead of taking 30 minutes to numb, we start the treatment right from the beginning of the appointment time. Due to the comfort of the patient and the ease with which to handle the device, the treatment can be completed in next to no time. This gives us time to infuse the skin with collagen stimulating products and apply a gorgeous collagen mask. The mask is on for about 20 minutes, then it is eventually removed and finishing products are applied. 30-60 minutes would be booked for an appointment, depending on whether we are spot treating or treating a full face. Due to the timing being so much faster, we are also adding the neck to the treatment when treating the full face at no extra cost!

There is no downtime and the healing is basically the same as previous treatments. The patient will start to notice the skin’s improvement in 4-8 weeks, as with any collagen generating device. However, the lack of downtime and lack of excessive damage to the skin allows us to repeat treatments much sooner than ever before. In the past you had to wait 6 weeks in-between treatments. Now, treatments can be done in as little as two week increments for antiaging treatments and up to 4 weeks for more intense treatments.  That means that our patients’ end game is much sooner and the patient is much happier!

The ACS is appropriate for all skin types and most skin concerns, especially related to anti-aging and scar reduction. It is versatile, pain free and comes with almost no downtime at all. For more information, please contact us at 416-633-0001 ext.2 for all of your ACS questions.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

For more info on how to avoid and manage dry skin, check out this video from the American Academy of Dermatology:

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