Category: Our Blog

About a month ago, one of our dermatologists sent a patient over to the medical esthetics side of the clinic for a consult. I took one look at her and the problem was obvious. She said she had been dealing with acne for years and had tried everything in the book to get rid of it. I told her she didn’t have acne, but rosacea instead. The products she had been using to treat the acne were in fact adding to the negative effects of the rosacea. She got the biggest smile on her face, said that the dermatologist said the same thing, and that after years and years of misdiagnosis, she was thrilled to finally start treating for the correct problem.

In the past few months a strange trend has been popping up. Although patients have been trying to go “natural” for years (although not necessarily helping their skin) it seems there is a wave of coconut oil fanatics out there right now. Now don’t get me wrong, I love anything to do with coconuts, and I think the oil is great to cook with, add to dry hair, and use sparingly on dry skin. The problem is that my patients who have been using it have oily, acneic skin. Really? Does it make sense to put oil, any oil on skin that is producing too much oil? Of course not! The problem is that either the patient has misdiagnosed their skin, thinking it is dry when it’s really dehydrated, or they have read somewhere that coconut oil is great for all skin types.

Well first of all, people with oily skin do not have dry skin. Dry skin means the patient doesn’t produce enough oil. Skin types don’t flux back and forth either. The skin type you have after puberty will stay with you until your later years (menopausal?) with skin gradually producing less and less oil as we age. However it is possible for any skin type to become dehydrated, which means the skin is lacking water. So, dry skin = not enough oil and dehydrated skin = not enough water. In fact it is almost expected that a person with oily skin will become dehydrated, as they tend to use acne products that strip the water from their skin.

Guessing your skin type, misdiagnosing skin conditions, following foolish ideas you found on the Internet are more than just a waste of time. Without proper knowledge, you could be sending your skin down a path it could very well get lost in. In order to correct or improve your appearance, it is first necessary to understand what the problem is. You don’t treat a cancer patient for diabetes, and you shouldn’t treat an eczema patient for acne (yes I have also has a few of these patients).

At Toronto Dermatology Centre, we make it our goal to get you in to see us as soon as possible. With a referral and a waiting list of only 2-3 weeks to see one of our dermatologists, we are most likely the fastest clinic to get into in the country. And if your concern is not necessarily one requiring a dermatologist, our knowledgeable medical estheticians can probably see you the same week that you call in, and with no referral needed.

Don’t waste time and money mistreating your skin. Treat it right, right from the start. Be smart, be educated, know your options, and start the path to better skin today.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

Our very own Dr. Anatoli Freiman was quoted in a recent article on the importantance of sunscreen and sun protection. In the article “Sunscreen can protect against cancer-causing UV rays – if it’s used properly”, by Sheryl Ubelacker from The Canadian Press, can be found here.

Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin was recently honored in Toronto at the 89th Annual Conference of the Canadian Dermatology Association. He was awarded the prestigious Young Dermatologists’ Volunteer Award. This award is meant to recognize outstanding volunteer medical and dermatological services to the community by young Canadian dermatologists who are in private practice.

The awards committee noted that: “Dr. Barankin was chosen for this award for his exemplary commitment to the specialty of dermatology, not only as a physician, but also as an educator, mentor, researcher and author. He is generous in volunteering his time in lecturing medical students, educating physicians and other healthcare workers on skin disease. He has helped raise the profile of the CDA by assisting with various media requests and through his participation with the CDA “Ask a Derm” blog.”

The awards committee went on to say: “Dr. Barankin is extremely involved in the education of residents and is to be commended for taking a leadership role in developing the Dermatology Resident Innovation and Value in Education program, better known as DRIVE. He has also been able to assist recent dermatology graduates through the creation of the annual Emerging Leaders in Dermatology Conference. These highly successful programs are invaluable to both dermatology residents and new graduates.”

Don’t miss out! This is the last week you can purchase Latisse and get your $50 rebate from Allergan. Rebates must be received by Allergan no later than July 31/2014, but must be purchased by the end of June. And that is coming up really fast!

So, by now most of the world knows what Latisse is. But, if you have been hiding under a rock with your very tiny eyelashes for the last five years, allow me to explain why this is a deal that shouldn’t be missed.

Latisse is a medical grade eyelash product (brows too!!) approved in Canada to grow your own natural lashes (or brows). They will become longer, fuller and darker. Visible results can happen as early as eight weeks after beginning use, with full effects in 12-16 weeks.

In clinical studies, lashes were 25% longer, 106% fuller and 18% darker by the end of the initial 4 month application. To maintain results, participants are suggested to use the Latisse 2-3 times per week thereafter.

Latisse is believed to prolong the anagen stage of hair growth, the stage where the hair is attached to the root and is in the active growth phase. So, not only are the hairs growing longer, but the next layer of hairs start to come in as well, therefore creating not only longer lashes, but a fuller eyelash line as well. Unlike over-the-counter eyelash products that condition and moisturize the lashes, or mascara products that make your lashes look longer by coating them, Latisse actually makes your own lashes grow fuller, longer and darker…it doesn’t get more natural than that.

You can still wear mascara while using Latisse. In fact some people describe the effect as looking like false lashes as they are so much more intense than they would have been previously. As well, if you miss an evening application, not to worry. Just start back on schedule the following night and try your best to remember as often as possible that the application should be done nightly for the first 4 months.

I think of Latisse like plant food for the lashes. If you have a plant that is growing nicely but you want to make its blooms more stunning, you add plant food. The plant will become more alive, more brilliant, stronger and bigger. If you stop using the plant food, eventually the flower will go back to the way it was previously. It will not die; it will not recess, but will go back to its natural growth rate.

For the eyes, Latisse feeds the lashes, extending the length and fullness, like a beautiful bloom. If you were to eventually stop using Latisse, the lashes would also slowly go back to their natural state. Latisse can be used indefinitely without problems. Although some people are not right for Latisse, it is always best to speak with your medical health provider or medical esthetician for more details.

To consult with a medical esthetician to see if Latisse is right for you, contact us today @ 416-633-0001 ex 2. Take advantage of the great savings off Latisse this month. But hurry, there are only a few days left!

 ~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

This week we held a special event for our VIP customers. One of our premiere medical skin care lines, SkinMedica, was at hand to oversee the event. This was our first big event featuring one of our skin care lines, and we are thankful to all of our guests who were able to attend.

The event started out with a complimentary facial featuring not only some of our retail SkinMedica products, but some very exclusive products used only for in-clinic services. The customer was pampered with cleansing and exfoliating, followed by a special Uplifting Eye Serum that would enhance the tone and quality under the eye while the rest of the facial was being performed. Special hydrating serums followed a customized massage. Finally, an appropriate mask was applied and we topped it all off with our top of the line TNS Essential Serum, moisturizer, and of course no one could leave without sunscreen! 

The SkinMedica line is known for its growth factors. Growth factors help to create collagen. Although their lines target pigment issues, rosacea, and mild acne conditions, they are known for their anti-aging abilities. Many celebrities swear by SkinMedica, with Oprah being one of their biggest supporters. 

Working with active ingredients such as retinol, antioxidants, AHAs, BHAs and ceramides, it is no wonder their customers are so loyal. Give your skin 6 months on SkinMedica and see the difference for yourself. Instead of just “feeling nice” their products go into the skin and actually work on correcting issues that the skin is having.

Being able to speak with Kristy and John from SkinMedica was very informative for our patients. They were able to answer questions as well as help tweak a better home regime for each individual. Our patients were able to take advantage of great savings on package deals that day as well as receive free products and of course enjoy their free facial.

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to leave us your email address. Although we generally only send out a newsletter once a month (no junk mail), we are considering doing an event annually of this sort. By making sure we have a way of contacting you when something special like this comes up, you will be ensured to be among the first invited to these limited-space events.

Once again we would like to thank all of those who attended our event and for making the day so much fun. It was a long day for some of us, but the day just zipped by. We are hoping the next big event will be even better, and we are hoping all of you will be there too!

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

Medical skin-needling is an established clinical procedure with clinical results and skin improvements that are well known and undisputed. Peer review studies and clinical reviews have established this as an effective treatment with an excellent safety profile. Its suitability for all skin types has made it a key treatment for acne scarring, sun damaged and ageing skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and stretch marks. 

2013 marked a new beginning in medical skin-needling with the introduction of eDS™ Skin Rejuvenation. Using the eDermastamp®, the latest evolution in electronic automation, is again leading the way in quality, efficacy and safety assurance. 

eDS™ Skin Rejuvenation is only available from medical practitioners and authorised clinics using the eDermastamp™ CE marked medical device. eDS™ Skin Rejuvenation provides advanced, electronic medical aesthetic skin-needling, a procedure that stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely, creating smoother, brighter, younger, healthier looking skin. Applicable to treat most areas of the face and specific areas of the body, it is most advantageous for the following:

• Isolated scars and smaller scar formations.
• Distinct deeper mimic wrinkles.
• Isolated pigment conglomeration.
• Transdermal delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic formulations.

Only the technology in the eDermastamp™ skin-needle medical device combines the most advanced German, medically-engineered, electrical mechanism with the most advanced Medizinisch-Nadel-Technik™ German medical skin-needle technology providing an even more intensive, even more controllable and even more comfortable medical skin-needling procedure!

The eDS™ Skin Rejuvenation treatment has an excellent comfort level and this will normally be made more so by the application of a topical anaesthetic prior to treatment. Alongside this and to further enhance the efficacy and comfort of the treatment, the practitioner will incorporate a medi-grade, skin hydrating and enhancing solution to the treatment area providing an advanced mesotherapy procedure. 

Q: What benefits will I see in my skin, and when?

A: EDS is used to improve skin texture and tone, can reduce pore size and tighten the skin, and is one of our most effective treatments for blending surgical scarring and acne scars. Results can sometimes be seen as early as one week after treatment, and are visible at six weeks and often continues to improve for up to 6 months.

Q: How often should I have treatments?

A: While many people see results with just one treatment, we recommend 3-4 treatments, each about 6-8 weeks apart.  After your initial course of treatments, you may choose to have a ‘refresh’ treatment once per year.

Q: What will I look like after? 

A: Immediately after the treatment your skin will feel warm, like a sunburn. This settles quickly, usually within 24-48 hours.

Q: How can I best prepare my skin for EDS?

A: You will get the best results if you have great skin nutrition. We recommend using medical grade topical creams containing hyaluronic acid to keep the moisture in the skin. Use of Vitamins A and C are beneficial, although necessary to stop a few days before and after the treatment.

At Toronto Dermatology Centre, I tend to treat isolated lesions such as scars or large pores most commonly. However it is possible to treat an entire face with the EDS. With the ability to change the depth that the needles penetrate with just a twist of the wand, customizing any area is simple and quick. Patients also find the treatment to be almost painless too!

If you feel you may be a good candidate for the eDermastamp, come in for a complimentary consultation. Our results speak for themselves. 

~Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

Did you know that Dr. Benjamin Barankin and Dr. Anatoli Freiman recently held two skin cancer screenings at the Toronto Dermatology Centre? Both pre-cancers and a number of skin cancers were diagnosed and treated, as well as a number of high-risk moles were taken off. Stay aware of our free skin cancer screenings by following our blog, facebook page, or twitter feed.

START DOING, STOP DON’TING! I was driving home from work one night this week and I saw this on a billboard. I am not sure what the billboard was for, since I was driving and couldn’t stop, but I loved what it stood for. How often do we put off things indefinitely? How often do we look back and say” I should have done that when I had the time, the chance, the money?”

I couldn’t help to think of how that saying applies to so many of my consults at the clinic on a daily basis. Start wearing sunscreen, start applying moisturizer, start using anti-aging products. People can justify so many excuses in their minds as to why they shouldn’t look after themselves properly. They settle on things that are “good enough” until they are covered in sun damage, flushed with rosacea, acne or skin cancers. Don’t fool yourself, the best treatment is ALWAYS going to be prevention. 

People will come, sometimes in tears because their face is riddled with acne scars, inflamed acne or papulopustular rosacea. It is ruining their lives, their self-esteem, and let’s be honest, their social and professional lives. When an answer to their problem is provided, they might say” well I can’t peel for two days” or “I can’t stay inside for 48 hours, I have golf to play.” People, we are talking about fixing the problem that has been destroying your self-esteem for years! We are talking about giving you back your face, your social and professional esteem. We are talking about making you happy to be you again! And you come up with the silliest reasons not to act upon it!

START DOING something for you. Start taking control. Whether you have an existing problem or you know because of your neglect that your skin will suffer later on by premature aging or worse, skin cancers, act now. There are no excuses that can truly be justified. You have one life, you have one face, and time travel doesn’t exist, so you can’t go back. START DOING now.

STOP DON’TING. You are going to be traveling, your dog needs to visit the vet, and you really need those $500 shoes you saw in the storefront window. Ok fine, great excuses, but when it is all said and done, and you look in the mirror, will you be happy that you DIDN’T?

As a patient of mine, I get to understand you, your lifestyle and what you are capable of. I try to cater a treatment and home routine that best fits who you are. Can’t afford the downtime? There are things we can do to help. It may take a little longer to get the results, but it can be done. Don’t have the money? There are varied options for most skin conditions, and pricing varies accordingly. Perhaps less Starbucks, more skin care? Again, some options will work faster, perhaps better than others, but improvement is always the goal.

START DOING: book yourself in for a free consult, see what options you have. Get the ball rolling. Understand that there is always a light at the end of your tunnel.

STOP DON’TING: ignorance is not bliss, it is neglectful. Don’t look back when it is too late and regret that you didn’t act when you could have. Be informed, be educated and don’t allow silly excuses to stand in the way of your happiness. Even the smallest step is a step in the right direction, so take it now.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre