Dr. Anatoli Freiman is chair of the Canadian Dermatology Association Sun Protection Program and shares his expertise in the Toronto Star this week discussing sunscreens. Click here to read the article!
Everyone knows sunscreen protects against sunburn and skin cancer, but choosing the right product can be confusing. It’s important that a sunscreen is labelled “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both ultraviolet A and B rays. Both types contribute to the development of skin cancer.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) relates only to the sunscreen’s power against UVB. Dermatologists generally recommend a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Whether the sunscreen is a cream, lotion or spray doesn’t matter as along as it’s applied appropriately. That means using at least 30 mL, about an ounce (shot glass size), to cover the body. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and repeat every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Many moisturizers and makeup foundations now contain sunscreen. While they are better than nothing, they usually have only an SPF 15, which is not sufficient. And don’t forget to use a lip balm with sun protection. We’re seeing a lot of patients with sun-damaged lips.
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About 1 in 5 Americans (& presumably very similar numbers for Canadians) will be treated for skin cancer in their lifetime according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Throughout my esthetics career, I have had the honor of experiencing a plethora of beauty related jobs. I have worked the first half of my adult life as an esthetician, working in a spa and being self-employed. I have worked as a demonstrator for a skin care line, part time at a pharmacy as a beauty advisor and then I advanced my career to become a medical esthetician. I have worked in a medically supervised clinic, a medispa, owned and operated by a doctor, and finally here at Toronto Dermatology Centre, under the supervision of two of Toronto’s most renowned dermatologists.
When people ask me what the difference is between a spa and our medical clinic, I have the experience to answer that question truthfully and accurately.
A facility that is medically licensed is able to carry medical grade machinery, such as our lasers (e.g. ProFractional laser resurfacing) or Photorejuvenation/BBL machines. Although spas are sometimes able to provide their customers with laser services, the quality and strength of their equipment cannot possibly equal that of a medical clinic. Our lasers are reconfigured and updated as per the manufacturer, whereas many spas will purchase a spa-grade laser without the backup to upkeep what little power their machines have. Regularly, I hear from patients of mine that have tried laser hair removal at one of these places 10, 12, even 15 times with very little to show for it. With proper medical-grade lasers, dark hair and light skin, 6-8 treatments should reduce their hair to almost nothing.
The quality of spa-grade products is ok, certainly better than most products found over the counter at a pharmacy (remember, I worked there for a few years too). Yet, medical grade products need to be Health Canada approved and are most often FDA approved as well. There is more extensive testing done to give us proof that these active ingredients found at this highest level do what they claim to do. Active ingredients are rarely found in spa or store bought items, as they can cause irritation if not shown how to properly use. My training helps my patients to know what products go together, how often to use them, whether or not they interfere with either topical medications or services, and finally, simply, if they are in fact the right product for that patient’s concern.
I think beyond the fact that our equipment is superior as are our home care products, what I think the biggest difference is is our back up. For me, it has been a tremendous learning experience at our clinic. Previously, when I needed answers for questions that I didn’t have, I had to figure out a way to get them, figure out if they were accurate and then apply them to my circumstance. Here at Toronto Dermatology Centre, I have dermatologists and plastic surgeons to rely on. There are almost no answers I cannot relay to my patients, and I feel fully confident whenever I come across a new situation with a patient that I will be able to give them the best possible advice for their concern.
I am grateful for all the choices I have made to get me here to this place. I respect the road I have travelled as it has helped me find the place where my knowledge and experience can be best put to use. When my patients ask me the question: “why not just go to a spa?” I am confident in the knowledge that my answer comes from experience. There is no need to lie, embellish, or hesitate. Our overall quality is superior in everything we do and everything we are. The results are better, and the safety is bar-none. Period.
~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre
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Dr. Benjamin Barankin just published in the May 2014 issue of Consultant, an article on basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer and cancer overall in the world.
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Our very own Dr. Benjamin Barankin recently published an article on the common condition Pearly Penile Papules in the medical journal “The Journal of Pediatrics” which many men are bothered by from a cosmetic aspect. Thankfully there is a safe and very effective treatment for Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) at Toronto Dermatology Centre, email or call to find out more information.
Last month I finally took the leap and had a full face Profractional laser treatment done. I don’t have bad skin, but like everyone else, when I look into the mirror I see things I don’t like. I have large pores, a few small acne scars, fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes, and at my age I am starting to notice my skin is starting to droop just a little. I have a few small areas of sun damage that have resulted in pigment and I just had two moles removed that could use a little help healing. The Profractional laser can technically help to deal with all of my concerns. Sure, most people don’t see what I see when I look in the mirror, but if I can help to correct these imperfections with minor downtime and minor discomfort, why wouldn’t I?
I also think that by having at least one of every treatment we offer at TDC done on me, I can become better at what I do. I go through what my patients go through and maybe even come up with something that can help minimize downtime or discomfort. Since our Sciton Profractional Laser is probably our most invasive treatment, it was time to book the time to do it, be sure I had a weekend free to stay inside, and mentally prepare myself for whatever pain it may entail.
The Profractional laser is a collagen remodeling laser, which means the wavelength will destroy old collagen cells while stimulating new plump juicy cells to be formed within a 24 hour period. Because it is a fractionated laser, best results will be noticeable after 3-6 treatments, but every treatment creates new collagen. So, one Friday night right after work, and with our dermatologists’ blessing, Emily, one of our medical estheticians, performed my first Profractional laser treatment.
After my face was numbed for about an hour with a medical numbing cream, we decided that since my skin is so light, we would use a setting called Co-ag. This setting adds heat and can only be used on light skin, but it can really enhance collagen production and increase results for lines and wrinkles. It also intensifies the treatment itself, and may add length to the recovery time. But hey, I like to experience the extremes, so again, why not?
I was pleasantly surprised by how little it hurt when the treatment was being done, especially with the added heat. When the treatment was done, I was red with some pinpoint bleeding, which was expected. It stung a little when we applied the occlusive cream, but by the time I got home, I felt nothing at all. My 4 year old daughter was a little concerned when she saw me, but I assured her I felt fine.
During the weekend, I felt a stinging pain only when I applied my occlusive, but it would subside rather quickly. Not one to let it go, I chose to experiment a little and used different occlusive products to see which worked best. I found that by using our Soothing Gel first, the recovery was faster and discomfort was substantially reduced. I discovered that by washing with cold water and gauze (4”x4”), my skin was calmer.
By Monday I was able to use regular moisturizer, SPF, and even makeup if I wanted to. I chose not to wear makeup to work that day. My skin had only a slight pinkish hue to it, and I was very happy with the results. I know I will need a few more treatments to reach the desired look I am hoping to achieve, but not only have I been able to help the look of my skin, I was able to find a few tricks of the trade to help my patients have a more comfortable treatment too.
The following week I performed the Profractional on Emily, one of our Medical Estheticians at TDC, as she had some sun damage and has been battling melasma for a long time. The results were great and although I think she will need a few more treatments, it is very promising that she will finally be rid of the look of melasma for once and for all. Emily used the new ideas I had for recovery and even came up with a few ideas of her own.
Lasers can be a scary idea when it comes to your face. In the hands of a professionally-trained, medical esthetician, a series of Profractional laser treatments can reduce pigment, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and add volume and tighten your skin all at the same time. Ongoing education is important in being an “A class” medical esthetician, but hands on training and experience can’t be beat. The way I see it, I have the best of both worlds. I get the opportunity to become better at my job, and in the process, achieve more youthful, glorious skin.
~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre
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Did you know that May 5 is Melanoma Monday. The American Academy of Dermatology designated this day to raise awareness of skin cancer and motivate people to take simple steps to prevent and detect this potentially life-threatening disease.
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Ingrown hairs on the face, bikini line or anywhere on the body can be more than a nuisance, they can be downright embarrassing. In fact, they can get inflamed, infected and leave scars and stains in the form of post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation, red lesions or even bumps that just won’t go away.
In fact, it has on occasion been the cause of confusion for some. I have had both male and female patients come into the clinic with what appears to be acne, perhaps on their chin or along their jawline. While certain medications such as retinols, salicylic acids or glycolic acids may help to heal the problem, under amplified light, it is apparent that the acne is nothing more than inflamed ingrown hairs. The hairs are fine and may not be able to force their way through the blocked skin at the stratum corneum level.
What can be done for ingrown hairs? There are several answers, some that work for some and others that work for others. The one true answer of course, is laser hair removal. Depleting the affected area of the nuisance that is causing the trouble in the first place is obviously the easiest answer for the most complete results.
Laser hair removal can be done on all areas of the body, providing that the hair to be treated contains color. For laser hair removal, the energy emitted from the laser needs to be able to connect to its target, and thus add enough heat to effectively destroy the hair root. In doing so, each time the laser is performed, a percentage of hair roots should be destroyed, thus lessening the chance for hairs to become ingrown. Although lighter hair like blonde or grey doesn’t respond as well to laser, it can result in some improvement as far as some hair reduction, and thinning and weakening of remaining hairs.
If laser hair removal is not an option for you, or if the area affected by ingrown hairs is an area you do not wish to remove the hair from (beard area of face for men, for example), then there are some products that may alleviate inflammation and prevent ingrown hairs in the first place.
My patients have had excellent results using SkinCeuticals Phyto Correction Gel. It is both an inflammatory and an antibacterial serum. The serum can be applied to the affected area twice a day to reduce inflammation as a spot treatment or some of my patients will apply 3-4 drops all over the area generally affected to prevent new ingrown hairs from developing. Patients will claim that if they were getting 15-20 ingrown hairs at a time, it is quickly reduced to 1-3. That is a huge improvement! And while it is not a 100% cure, patients are very happy with the quick results.
The use of moisturizer with glycolic acid can reduce clogged pores and helps the hairs find their way to the surface of the skin. Retinols are also effective in a similar fashion, but are generally used predominantly on the face. Retinols can have anti- acne and anti-aging benefits as well.
To decide on the right choice for you, don’t hesitate to call us at Toronto Dermatology Centre. We will assess the affected area, determine the cause, and work with you to find the best solution for your problem. Our medical estheticians are experts in their field, and there is no referral needed from your doctor.
~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre
Ingrown hairs on the face, bikini line or anywhere on the body can be more than a nuisance, they can be downright embarrassing. In fact, they can get inflamed, infected and leave scars and stains in the form of post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation, red lesions or even bumps that just won’t go away.
