Probiotics, Now In Your Skin Care Products?

Probiotics were originally known for restoring the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract; however they are making their way into our topical skin care products. Bioecolia, an alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, obtained from natural sugars was one ingredient in many skin care formulas. Bioecolai promotes beneficial flora of the skin during times of stress and exposure to airborne bacteria. Many see probiotics as a more holistic way of treating health conditions, including those affecting the skin.

Do You Know What Your Dermatologic Surgeon Has Been Up To?

New statistics released by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) demonstrate the broad scope of practice and breadth of experience of dermatologists. In fact, ASDS members, like the physicians at Sanova Dermatology, continue to be a leading provider of a diverse range of cosmetic and other medical procedures among patients.

According to the 2011 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures, dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons performed:

• An estimated 2.6 million total skin cancer treatments.
• Nearly 1 million BOTOX® and 275,000 Dysport® procedures
• 1.6 million laser and light procedures, including 378,230 facial redness and/or vessels procedures)
• 830,800 soft tissue dermal filler procedures, including Restylane®, JUVEDERM® and RADIESSE®

Overall, the total number of cosmetic and medical procedures rose from 7.8 million in 2010 to more than 8 million in 2011. 

Dr. Susan Weinkle, president of the ASDS said, "These findings show that patients continue to choose dermatologic surgeons for their unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of skin through both cosmetic and medically necessary procedures. There are no other physicians with training and experience and our focus on the skin."

Hot Times! Summer And Your Skin

Summer is here and the heat and humidity can have pervasive effects on your skin. Excess heat increases sweat production and the humidity hinders its ability to evaporate away from the skin. This means more oil is available to clog pores and, in turn, acne on the face and body can be exacerbated. Also, extreme heat and humidity can facilitate bacterial infections such as impetigo and fungal infections like athlete's foot or jock itch. While we all try to keep cool in the summer, alcohol based toners and astringents can help clean the skin of excess oil, while washes with benozyl peroxide can help control acne breakouts and infections.  

Read more here: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/05/29/2064871/local-dermatologist-offers-summer.html#storylink=cpy

A New Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy: Anti-inflammatories!

A study published in the journal Cancer reported that people who used common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had a significantly lower risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) skin cancer . This benefit increased with the amount of medication taken and the duration of treatment. A 15% reduction in the relative risk of SCC and a 13% lower risk of melanoma was noted with NSAID use. The NSAIDs used in the study were prescriptions and not over-the-counter medicines, such as Advil or Ibprofen.

An Easy Way To Restore Your Skin's Youthful Appearance

We shed our skin everyday. However, some areas of our skin don't turn over as well as others, leading to an excessive build-up of dead skin cells. This, combined with loss of skin moisture and sun damage, creates an uneven tecxture and blotchy skin tone and can make you look years older. This build-up of dead skin cells will also keep your skin care products from working as they should.

Exfoliation is a simple way of revitalizing your skin's vibrancy and restoring its even tone and texture. Products containing retinol, glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids are key for this process. Products containing small particles and mechanical devices are also available to gently deep cleanse and exfoliate.

Exfoliate your skin twice a week to rejuvenate your skin, and follow with your favorite anti-aging face cream. Ask your dermatologist which method is best for your skin type and get ready to see your skin glow.

Tanners Anonymous

Researchers at the Center for Dermatology Research at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. found that tanning had similar addictive effects on the body as morphine and opium.  When participants in a study were administered naltrexone, a medication that blocks the effects of opium in the brain, withdrawal-like symptoms were noted in a number of tanners, but no infrequent tanners. Frequent tanning has reinforcing properties, just like gambling, alcohol or drug abuse.

Few US Hispanics Screened For Skin Cancer

Researchers at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey reported that only 1 in 14 Hispanic adults nationwide in the United States  have been screened for skin cancer. This trend has appeared despite the disease's tendency to be more severe and virulent in this population. Lack of screening can be attributed to a number of factors, including perception of the disease in this population and socioeconomic factors. No one is immune to skin cancer. If you see a spot, get it checked!

Vigorous Exercise Might Reduce Psoriasis Risk In Women

According to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, women who exercise vigorously may be reducing their risk of psoriasis.  After examining data on nearly 867,000 women who took part in the US Nurses' Health Study II, researchers found that the most physically active women had a significantly lower risk of psoriasis, compared to women who exercised the least.

The Latest Skin Cancer Treatment: Liposuction?

Obesity is known to increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. A new study published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, have found that surgical removal of abdominal fat from mice fed a high-fat diet reduced the risk of ultraviolet-light induced skin cancer.  In fact, 75-80% fewer UV-induced skin cancers were observed in mice that had their fat removed than mice that did not undergo fat-removal surgery. Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States with more than 2 million new cases each year. The effect of fat removal on skin cancer in humans is not currently known.

New Therapy For Advance Melanoma Safe and Effective

A new study published in The Lancet has shown the BRAF inhibitor medication dabrafenib is active and safe in patients with advanced melanoma, with positive results in those with brain metastases. Dabrafenib blocks the activity of the mutated BRAF gene, which is found in around half of all cases of metastatic melanoma. In a phase I trial, that dabrafenib treatment elicited responses in 69% and confirmed responses in 50% of 36 patients with the most common form of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma.

Something's Fishy Here

A group of British researchers sent a warning letter that was published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases - a publication of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - claiming that "fish pedicures" popular in a number of health spas can expose recipients to a host of bacteria and  infections. Exposing your feet to live freshwater fish that eat away dead or damaged skin for mainly cosmetic reasons can be a significant problem, as these fish may carry a wide array of organisms and disease. These diseases can include a number of invasive soft-tissue infections, some of which are resistant to antibiotics.

Keep Dull And Dry Away, And Get That Perfect Summer Glow

We all shed our skin cells every minute of every day. But if you don't do anything about it, these cells just sit on the skin leaving a dull and dry appearance. Sure you can moisturize, but no amount of lotion will give you glowing skin if you don’t exfoliate. With the change of seasons and beginning of summer, you want to reveal a fresh young complexion. A gentle facial exfoliator can help. A steamy shower can soften your skin and allow the scrub to easily slough off dead dull skin. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your face and neck and 2-3 minutes and rinse with warm water. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for beautiful skin and that perfect summer glow.

Azithromycin May Be Linked To Increase Risk Of Sudden Death In Adult Patients

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the widely used antibiotic, azithromycin, may increase the likelihood of sudden death in adults. The risk was increased in individuals with a history of heart failure, diabetes or a previous heart attack, and those who have undergone bypass surgery or have had stents implanted. The study analyzed health records and data on millions of prescriptions for several antibiotics given to about 540,000 Tennessee Medicaid patients from 1992 to 2006.  During this time, there were 29 heart-related deaths among those who took Zithromax [azithromycin] during five days of treatment. Their risk of death while taking the drug was more than double that of patients on another antibiotic, amoxicillin, or those who took none. Although small, this risk might be enough for physicians to look for alternative, less convenient medications in those patients with heart disease that require an antibiotic.

Zinc Versus Titanium - The Sunscreen Wars

While sunscreen manufacturers have tried to impress consumers by inflating their SPF number year after year, it is becoming clear what sunscreens should really be about is "broad spectrum". That is, broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA (the component of the sun's rays that ages the skin) and UVB (the part that burns the skin). 

Both zinc and titanium after often cited as excellent UVA and UVB blockers, but which one is better?  Well, for those fastidious sunscreen-ers, the winner is zinc! Zinc oxide blocks a significantly longer portion of UVA rays while still protecting against UVB. Does it hurt to have a sunscreen with both? Absolutely not. So why don't I hear dermatologists talking more about this? Well, with the majority of Americans not using any protection, some sunscreen is better than no sunscreen.

Women With Psoriasis May Have Increased Risk For Crohn's Disease.

According to data presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, women with psoriasis had a four-fold increase in the risk of Crohn's disease.  The Crohn's risk was present in data from two separate studies and in a combined analysis of data from both.

An Asprin A Day Keeps The Melanoma Away??

According to research presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology meeting, women who reported using assprin decreased their risk of melanoma by more than 20%.  This finding, derived from analyzing data from the Women's Health Initiative, also found that an increased duration of aspirin use was associated with even larger risk reductions. That is, women who reported using aspirin for five years or more had a 30% lower risk of melanoma compared with nonusers.  The use of non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) did not significantly influence the risk of melanoma.

Unfortunately "It's A Guy Thing" Doesn't Work Here...

A new survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology found that most men do not practice proper sun protection. When outside in the sun, less than one-third of men (29%) say they 'always' protect their skin, compared with 43% of women.  A significantly larger percentage of men (39%) than women (28%) agreed that they prefer to enjoy sunshine and not worry about what they should do to protect themselves from it. Finally, less than half of men (46%) indicated they knew how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer compared with 59% of women. It seems the guys don't understand that Caucasians and men over 50 are at a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population. Furthermore, while before age 40 melanoma incidence rates are higher in women, after 40, these rates are almost twice as high in men!

Sunscreen Labels Not Changing Just Yet

Last year, The Food and Drug Administration had asked all sunscreen makers to make clear the extent to which their product offers protection from the sun. This was done in order to distinguish which brands protect the skin against both sunburn-causing ultraviolet B rays and the deeper-penetrating ultraviolet A, linked to skin cancer and premature aging. Also, these makers needed to confirm if their product was actually waterproof or sweat proof or just water and sweat resistant.

Finding it hard to meet the set deadline which was June, 2012, sunscreen manufacturers have requested the government to extend this deadline by 6 months. The government has agreed to their petition and manufacturers now have till December, 2012 to comply with these rules. Small manufacturers, however, have till December 2013.

Regardless of when the label will change, patients are advised to find a sunscreen and is broad spectrum, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays, and to reapply often if spending time outdoors. Remember, one shot glass of sunscreen is the right amount to cover all your skin. Anything less is less effective.

The Return Of The Bronze Model

It wasn't but a few months ago when the British Fashion Industry was applauded for banning all models that used tanning salon from London Fashion Week. Skin cancer physicians and survivors around the world reveled in their new found partnership and the solidarity their groups presented in the fight against skin cancer. But now, with summer around the corner, should we have really expected this union to last?


This week, retail giant H&M has been severely criticized by cancer experts after its latest swimwear campaign showing the deeply tanned model Isabeli Fontana appeared on billboards around Europe and websites around the world. Unfortunately, the fight against skin cancer does not change with the season. Remember to protect yourself year round, and pale doesn't have to mean pasty!

Should The FDA Monitor The Cosmetic Industry?

Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.) held a press conference at L'Oreal USA's headquarters  this week to rally support for his Cosmetic Safety Amendments Acts of 2012 (HR 4395). The bill, which makes the voluntary measures the Food and Drug Administration has been using to monitor the cosmetics industry mandatory. This includes activities such as registering manufacturing facilities or tracking ingredients in products. The goal is to regulate cosmetics products without placing an undue burden on the industry.

Only 53% Of American Adults Know How To Look For Signs Of Skin Cancer

A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology released this week found that only about half of US adults (53%) know how to look for skin cancer signs.  In addition, the survey of some 1,151 adults polled online revealed that 74% of people didn't know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and 30% were unaware or weren't sure about how easy it is to treat skin cancer if it's found early on.  Unlike other types of cancer that can't be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it.

Dr. Mamelak Presents Sanova Skin Cancer Research At National Meeting

Sanova dermatologist Dr. Adam Mamelak presented new data at the American College of Mohs Surgery Meeting this past week in Chicago. In working with Dr. Joseph Doumit and researchers at the University of Ottawa in Canada, Dr. Mamelak showed that the rate of skin cancer in the Canadian province of Ontario increased 36% between 2003 and 2009. Think health care costs are only out of control in the U.S.? The cost of treating these skin cancers was 76% greater in 2009 than 2003! This research will directly help physicians and healthcare groups better allocate resources and but an end to the skin cancer epidemic in North America.

Do You Know A Tanorexic??

Frequent tanners often say their addicted and just can't stop. While this is often viewed as a bad excuse, there may be something to it. Those who suffer from 'tanorexia' feel more relaxed after sunbathing or a session in a sunbed. Some of these tanners even suffer from withdrawal symptoms including depression and anxiety. The medical reason for this is now becoming clear. Tanning can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that can increase a sense of well-being. Many tanorexics also ironically believe that they look healthier with a darker skin colour. Of course, a sunbed habit can have dangerous consequences, even for occasional users; the increased risk of skin cancer for excessive tanners will come as little surprise to anyone.

Women With Melanoma Appear To Have A Survival Avantage

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women who receive a melanoma diagnosis appear to have an increased likelihood of surviving it as well as a decreased likelihood for recurrence, compared to men. This analysis of four European studies found that women can expect a 30 percent better outcome than men following an early stage melanoma diagnosis.  Researchers hypothesized that gender differences with respect to vitamin D metabolism, immune system function, male testosterone levels and what is known as 'oxidative stress' in the body may all play a role in explaining the gender gap in melanoma patients.

Does Your Beauty Routine Go Beyond One Bottle?

So many people think that having younger-looking skin is simply a matter of not having wrinkles, but in fact it goes far beyond that. Changes in pigmentation, pore size, fine lines and skin tone all contribute to skin looking older. It's important to treat each of these problems and address the causes in order to maintain a youthful look. It's important for women of all ages to protect their skin - starting in their 20s and 30s. But no matter your age, consider these tips for keeping your skin healthy and looking its best:

• A well-rounded skin care regimen. Just as a diet made up of only one food wouldn't be enough to fuel your body, a one-dimensional approach to skin care won't be sufficient to keep your skin looking its best. A regimen that protects during the day, works to reverse signs of aging, and rejuvenates through the night will address all of your skin's needs.


• Sun protection. Avoiding the sun is the best way to prevent damage from its UVA and UVB rays, but as summer arrives and spending time outdoors takes over, it's often unavoidable. Using a skin cream with a minimum SPF of 15 will help protect your skin, but you should also use clothing, like hats, lightweight long sleeved shirts and long pants, to keep the sun off your skin.


• A skin-friendly diet. A healthy diet will be reflected in a healthy complexion. Focus on fresh foods that are abundantly available throughout the summer as part of a delicious solution for healthy skin. Avoid fried and highly processed foods whenever possible to look and feel even better.


• Staying hydrated. One of the best ways to keep your skin glowing is to keep it supplied with water. But you'll need to do more than keep a bottle of water handy. Use a moisturizer that keeps your skin continuously hydrated - not only will it help your skin look better in the moment, but it also helps to protect over the long term.