SkinCare Physicians Blog offers insights on the latest in medical and surgical dermatology, cosmetic and laser medicine, as well as aesthetics. All of our internationally recognized physicians and some members of our staff contribute to the Skincare Physicians Blog.
With summer here, it is more important than ever to be lathering up with sun protection every time you leave the house. With so many sunscreens out there, it is hard to know which one is right for you. The key is to choose a sunscreen that you will use and that offers the following characteristics: Broad spectrum (protecting you from both UVA and UVB rays) SPF 30 or higher Water resistant Below are a few recommendations for sunscreens based on your own skin and its needs. #1 Brown spots or melasma – Use a sunscreen that not only blocks … Continue reading »
Thermage has been used for over a decade to tighten skin of the lower face and jaw line, producing a more youthful and natural look. Now scientists have discovered that Thermage can also prevent aging. Based on experience with patients treated every one to two years, we have observed that those patients appear to age more slowly than those who have Thermage only once every 4 to 5 years, or don’t have any treatment at all. We know that patients start to appear older at 5 to 10 year increments, which was the original theory behind the timing between Thermage … Continue reading »
People participate in dermatology research for several reasons. Some hope to get the most advanced treatment available for dermatological conditions or illnesses. Others participate because they want to assist scientists in developing better ways to help and treat people. In the Clinical Studies Center at SkinCare Physicians near Boston, we see on average over one hundred volunteers every year. Research is our best hope for understanding and treating many dermatological conditions. Thanks to volunteers’ help, medical researchers are learning more and more about the causes of many disorders, and are finding new ways to treat and prevent illnesses. Without this … Continue reading »
Chances are if you have had an appointment at SkinCare Physicians you have met with some members of the nursing staff. The staff consists of many dedicated hard working individuals, each one bringing a unique mix of skills to the group. SkinCare Physicians employs a total of 28 on the nursing staff including 16 registered nurses, 2 licensed practical nurses, 7 medical assistants, 1 full time surgical scheduler and 2 prior authorization coordinators. Their roles vary from phone triage, medical care and education, surgical assistance and independent operation, to working with insurance companies to have necessary medications approved. All members … Continue reading »
As spring blooms, so does our joy and love of participating in outdoor sports and activities. However, ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun is the cause of the majority of skin cancers. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and accounts for half of all cancer cases. Therefore, proper sun protection is imperative in the prevention of skin cancer. Easy tips to follow for practicing sun safety are: Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the rays are the strongest. Try to get out and enjoy outdoor activities before or after … Continue reading »
The Boston Marathon bombings have left many people injured, with scars that will need care and treatment over the coming months. A few days after the tragic event, it struck us at SkinCare Physicians that our dermatologists could help by offering state of the art laser treatment to anyone injured in the Boston Marathon attack without charge. We have so many new devices and techniques available to improve scars. The Boston Marathon Project Heal was born! Breakthroughs in the last few years have dramatically improved the treatment of scars from burns and traumatic injuries. New technology and techniques have been … Continue reading »
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A. Prescription retinoids such as Retin-A (tretinoin) and Tazorac (tazarotene) have a massive body of scientific research supporting their superiority among all of the anti-aging products available. Over-the-counter retinoids are also available, although they are less potent. The combination of a sunscreen in the morning and a retinoid at night is a simple, basic skin care regimen that will maintain your youthful appearance by minimizing wrinkles and brown spots. So, why aren’t all of our patients using retinoids? These powerful anti-aging tools can be problematic to start, and many patients have had frustrating experiences of … Continue reading »
I recently returned from the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting, where I was chairing a symposium entitled “Wounds and Ulcers, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. While an elaborate topic for a blog post, it reminded me that many of my patients often ask for advice on how to best care for their wound. Below are my answers to the most common questions about wound care. 1. Shouldn’t I leave my wound open to the air so it can breathe? NO. Wounds heal much faster when they are left moist and covered 2. What should I use to … Continue reading »
Goodbye winter, spring has finally arrived! For many, that means getting back outdoors. But if your activity includes hiking, camping or gardening, beware! Poison ivy season is upon us as well. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac all contain an oil called urushiol that can cause an uncomfortable allergic rash in 85% of people. The itchy blistering rash, often appearing in streaks or lines, occurs 12-72 hours after skin contact with the oil. Springtime is the most common season, although the possibility of exposure continues well into the summer and fall. Tips to prevent the poison ivy rash 1) … Continue reading »
This is a great time to get rid of your spider veins in time for shorts, and skirt weather! Spider veins are enlarged superficial veins that appear as red/ purple clusters on the legs. They can occur for a variety of reasons including pregnancy, heredity or trauma. Sclerotherapy is an excellent, non-surgical way to eliminate these unwanted superficial veins. Through a tiny needle, a solution (we, at SkinCare Physicians, typically use either polidocanol or glycerin) causes these blood vessels to collapse and close. It is a safe and simple procedure done right in our office. Here are some things to … Continue reading »
