Author: rsiadmin

Clear + Brilliant & Bright for the Holidays

The time of year between Thanksgiving and Christmas is such a bustle—the Christmas lights, festive gatherings, gift giving, the promise of the New Year. It’s around this time of year that my patients are wont to look their very best, especially with all of those holiday photos!

Tis the season for all things merry and bright, so we’re chatting one of my favorite treatments to brighten and refresh complexions— Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser. We’ll discuss the science behind it’s glow-giving magic, why I love it so much, and whether or not it could work for your skin. Read on for more!

What Is Clear + Brilliant?

Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser is our most gentle laser treatment that works by creating microscopic controlled injuries to the skin, stimulating the skin’s natural healing and repair process. Clear + Brilliant treatment:

Promotes the replacement of dull, tired skin cells with new ones to reveal brighter smoother skin
Reduces hyperpigmentation from freckles, sun damage, and even melasma leading to a more vibrant complexion
Evens the surface of the skin by boosting collagen and elastin production thus minimizing fine lines and pore appearance
Creates a beautiful smooth canvas for easy moisturizer and makeup application—and flawless photos!

Who Benefits from Clear + Brilliant?

One of my favorite things about Clear + Brilliant is that people of all ages can see their skin transform with treatment—high school students struggling with acne scarring; college kids with lackluster complexions or large pore; and moms, dads, even grandmothers who want to look a little less tired, refreshed and more awake (can I get a “yes!” fellow moms out there!).

For my patients who want to reduce or eliminate their dependency on foundation to even their skin tone and conceal their flaws, Clear + Brilliant delivers exceptional results.

While it’s true that Clear + Brilliant can be used on just about anyone, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll have to wait to start your treatments as Clear + Brilliant is still a laser treatment. During our consultation, I can work with you for safer alternatives in the meantime.

What’s a Clear + Brilliant Treatment Like?

Treatment begins with a facial cleansing to allow the laser to penetrate most effectively. We’ll apply a numbing gel to your cleansed skin to make the procedure more comfortable. After the numbing gel has taken effect, we’ll begin the procedure. We’ll give you goggles to protect your eyes as we pass over the face with the laser device in a defined pattern so treatment is uniform and consistent.

You may feel a slight stinging sensation, but between the numbing gel and the cooling fan, most patients tolerate the procedure quite well, especially since it’s only about 20 minutes. When all is done, we’ll remove the numbing gel, apply a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen, and send you on your way with at-home care tips to maximize the effects of your treatment.

Is There Any Downtime After a Clear + Brilliant Treatment?

Unlike other more invasive lasers like Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant has no real downtime. Your face may feel slightly tingly and look like you got a little mild wind burn for about 12 hours after treatment, but none would be the wiser. Many patients go right back to work after their appointment.

We do ask that you refrain from any vigorous exercise, steam rooms, saunas and hot yoga for the rest of the day post-treatment, but all other daily activities are a go!

How Long Does It Take to See a Brighter Complexion?

Immediately after treatment, your skin will look flushed, and around days 2 and 3, you can expect a little flaking as the older skin sloughs off and virgin skin is revealed. By day 5, you’ll start to relish in your new complexion, and it will continue to improve over the next few weeks.

As the effects of Clear + Brilliant treatments are compounded, the most successful transformations occur in usually about 3-5 treatments, spaced about 6 weeks apart, but I work with you to determine the course of treatment optimal for you.

How Do I Maximize my Results with Clear + Brilliant?

The winter months are actually the best months for the greatest results because there’s less risk for UV exposure and thus an undoing of all the brightening as the days are shorter and the UV rays aren’t as intense. But as always, I recommend daily use of sunscreen with SPF 30+.

I also recommend that patients use Skinceuticals CF Phloretin Serum, an antioxidant-powered serum, daily after their Clear + Brilliant treatments as studies have shown that using the two together amplifies their skin brightening qualities. Win-win!

If you’re looking for a brighter, more even complexion with no downtime, call Greenwich Point Dermatology to schedule an appointment or make an appointment online here.

Stay merry and bright,

Dr. Dolder

The Best & Worst Holiday Sips for Your Skin

We love a good holiday party — festive bites, merry sips, and lots of tinsel! Indulging is part of the fun of the season, but we try to be mindful so as not to overdo it. Part of the not overdoing it means making smart choices around the table…and at the bar. Today we’re talking all about our favorite holiday drinks and how they stack up in terms of their impact on our skin — are they naughty, nice or somewhere in between?

Naughty

Spiked Hot Chocolate | Spiked Egg Nog | Mulled Wine

It’s no doubt that these frothy sips warm you from the inside out, but they’re not so great for your skin. Sweetened with lots of sugar, they’re high on the glycemic index which has been shown to have inflammatory effects on the skin, thus increasing the risk of acne breakouts and inhibiting the skin’s natural repair process.

With an added shot of alcohol in the form of rum, brandy or even Bailey’s, these drinks get a double dose of sugar which increases their inflammatory profile. Some even suggest that alcohol’s dehydrating effects on the body (it’s a diuretic) are evident on the skin, leading to reduced plumpness and less glow.

The real culprit behind these drinks, however, is their impact on our beauty rest. Alcohol may cause us to feel drowsy, but sleep after drinking is hardly restorative. Our skin cells recover and rejuvenate overnight, so compromised sleep means a lackluster complexion and unwanted puffiness.

Nicer

Red Wine | White Wine | Champagne

Although these options all contain alcohol and thus have the same sleep-limiting properties, they’re in their pure form which means no added sugar. Red wine, in particular, has resveratrol which is an antioxidant with anti-aging properties.

Nice

Holiday Spritzer | Sparkling Water

Spritzers are light and fizzy drinks that feel quite merry, especially when made with seasonal fruit juices. One part champagne or white wine to one part sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice, they’re half the alcohol which means half the damage to the skin. By adding a splash of 100% fruit juice like pomegranate, cranberry or orange, you’re ringing in the holiday cheer with a mini dose of antioxidants and only a tiny fraction of the sweetness from other holiday libations.

Sparkling water, or seltzer, has become quite popular in recent years, with more flavor combinations added to the shelves each year. While store-bought flavors like cranberry-pomegranate and mandarin orange can certainly feel festive and wintry, try adding a splash of 100% real fruit juice to your favorite plain sparkling water for a sophisticated, homemade, party-ready treat. Try a mix of organic pomegranate and cranberry juices or organic cherry and lime. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and a citrus wedge to make it extra special and to add to the antioxidant profile.

Healthy sipping,

Dr. Dolder

Body Love: Nurture the Skin Beyond Your Face

From managing acne to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, I spend most of my days focused on optimizing the health and beauty of my patient’s faces. As important as our face is in helping us make a fabulous first impression and feeling confident, it only makes up about 10% of the skin on our body. So what about the other 90%?

It’s easy to take our body skin for granted when we’re younger because it’s so resilient. It bounces back from a rough sunburn and heals itself quickly after cuts and scrapes. But as we age, it becomes more fickle, requiring a little more TLC in order to stay in optimal health.

This month, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing my top tips for showing your body some extra love, all year-round.

Rethink Cleansing

If only it were as simple as soap and water. I hate to get on my own soapbox with this — pun intended! — but your average soap is just way too drying for our skin. It does too good of a job stripping away dirt and our natural oils, leaving our skin without its natural protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss. Opt for a cleanser that’s oil-based. Like dissolves like, and oil cleansers dissolve dirt and grime while helping to maintain our skin’s barrier.

Also, lookout for cleansers with artificial fragrances. Synthetic fragrances can cause irritation and itchiness whereas those made from essential oils are more gentle on the skin — plus, they offer therapeutic benefits from relaxing us to energizing us, depending on the composition. Right now, I’m loving Earth Tu Face’s Salt Scrub* with sea salt and organic oils. Made from plant oils, Dead Sea salt, and a mix of intoxicating essential oils, it’s totally luxurious and is especially helpful in erasing particularly bothersome rough patches.

If you’re more of a bath person, or like to indulge in one once in a while, bath salts are a wonderful way to detoxify while softening the skin. I recently discovered African Botanic’s Kalahari Desert De-Tox Bath Salts*, and their magical combination of seaweed, botanicals, and salts cleanses while balancing the skin’s pH.

Also, I know that hot water feels good, especially in the winter, but it’s too harsh. Try turning the temperature down a smidge for happy skin.

Nourish & Replenish

I’ve been there, browsing the drugstore aisle, looking for the holy grail of body moisturizers. They all promise super soft, silky skin, but few of them really deliver. That’s because many are made with mostly water, which evaporates from our skin shortly after application, leaving us dry and flaky just a little while later.

For the best nourishment, look for a moisturizer that has ceramides or fatty acids, which are waxy substances naturally found within our cells, but that decrease as we age. They help us retain moisture, adding an extra layer to our own skin barrier. Just like cleansers, look for fragrance-free or naturally scented moisturizers to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

One of my favorites right now is Bio Body Body Restorative Cream by Neocutis*, which has an added benefit of salicylic acid to reduce bumpy skin. For stretch marks, scars, and really tenacious dry spots, I love Liha’s Gold Shea Butter*, which is made from raw, organic shea butter and feels supremely special.

Also, give a little extra attention to your application. Massage your moisturizer intentionally into your skin, giving it time to absorb into your skin.

Protect

I can’t say this enough, but sun protection is essential for all of our skin — not just the skin on our faces! In the winter, we’re all bundled up, but come spring, we’ll be out in the soaking up the rays. I find it easiest to apply before getting dressed, and I let it soak in for a few minutes. Look for an SPF that’s at least 30+ and reapply every hour or so if you’re outside for more than a few hours. And don’t forget the legs and tops of the feet!

My family uses Sun Bum Mineral Lotion SPF 50 and Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.

Dress Mindfully

When it comes to fabrics, there are some that suit our skin better and are less irritating. In the fall and winter, pure cashmere and silk are two of my favorites as they glide across the skin. A bonus is that they’re naturally hypoallergenic. In the spring and summer, organic cotton and linen are my go-tos for everyday wear as they breathe easily in the heat. If I know our family is going to be outdoors for most of the day, we’re all in rashguards with UPF protection which gives us added protection from the sun. I love these sun shirts with UPF protection from Acqua, a chic Australian brand.

Feed Your Skin

You’ve probably heard me talk about how important our diet is to our skin health. While I’m usually talking about how healthy fats can maintain a healthy, full complexion and antioxidants can nourish your natural glow, these same nutrients can work wonders for your overall skin health as well. I’m a big proponent of omega-3’s, which are found in chia seeds, wild-caught salmon, and other cold water fish, for their anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating these foods into your diet on the regular is essential for radiant skin.

Ritualize It

Like any healthy habit, consistency is key. I know how challenging it is to make time for our self-care when we’re always rushing to take care of kids or off to work, but a little investment each day makes huge differences over the long run. Give yourself five extra minutes to properly nourish your body skin and show it a little love for all the hard work it does each and every day. The mornings are always hectic for me as I get the kids ready for school — it’s a win for me to just get out of the door sometimes! So, for me, evenings are my time to wind down and take a little time for myself. Find a time that works for you, and commit. You deserve it!

Stay bright,

Dr. Dolder

*I can’t wait to offer these products in my new skin boutique launching April 2019!

Exercise and your Skin

Any doctor will tell you that physical activity is essential to your health. In fact, regular exercise can add anywhere from 2.5 to 4.5 years to your life. That’s because physical activity, even without weight loss, is linked to a reduced risk of chronic ailments including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cancer (even most types of skin cancer). I have always been a big advocate for making exercise a part of your regular routine, all year long and not just after holidays! I believe if you can find one or two forms of physical activity that you enjoy enough to do multiple times a week, you’ll be living proof of the benefits that come from getting your blood flowing. Pair that with a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and there’s no reason you can’t look as unstoppable as you feel.

As hectic as my schedule can be between running my own practice and chasing around two growing boys, I do make exercise a priority and try to work out every day. It keeps my mind clear, and I definitely feel happier when I know I’m taking time for myself. Some days I’ll go for a run through a local park and get inspired by the calm and beauty of my surroundings. I always wear my wireless headphones and make sure to set out either before 9am or after 4pm to avoid sun damage. Other days I’ll swim for 30 minutes. (If outdoors, I wear a full Ian Thorpe swimsuit for UV protection – no matter how much my husband teases me!) But my favorite form of exercise is Pilates. As much as I believe in the physical benefits, the practice feeds my soul like no other activity can. (Let me know if you haven’t yet but are interested in trying it out. I would love to point you toward my favorite local studios and instructors.)

Aside from a strong body and mind, it should be of no surprise that my favorite benefit of regular exercise is the glow it brings to your skin. By promoting healthy circulation and increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keeps them vital. That’s because blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including the skin, while at the same time carries away waste products, including free radicals, from cells. So by increasing blood flow, a bout of exercise helps flush cellular debris out of the system, essentially “cleansing your skin from the inside”. This is what creates that healthy, positive glow that makes us look (and feel!) younger and healthier.

Exercise is also a fantastic stress reliever, and we all know the toll stress can take on our bodies and overall health. Although researchers are still investigating the link between stress and skin, studies show that our oil-producing sebaceous glands are influenced by stress hormones. That means reducing stress can help ease uncomfortable conditions like acne and eczema – yet another reason to lace up those sneakers or roll out your Pilates mat.

I’ll see you out there.

Dr.Dolder

Glow-Getting Autumn Recipe: Curried Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

With the arrival of autumn and chilly days, I look forward to the mounds of butternut squash piled high at the farmer’s market. There’s something about its naturally sweet creaminess that I find incredibly nourishing. It’s super versatile in the kitchen; it’s also packed full of the good carbohydrates and micronutrients that our bodies love. It is loaded with beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A, a powerful vitamin and antioxidant that helps repair damage from UV exposure while strengthening skin, hair and nails.

While I love roasting butternut squash in the oven to bring out its sweet nuttiness, I most often find myself making this easy soup. It celebrates the season and is a cinch to pull together. I pair butternut squash with warming spices including turmeric, a potent yellow-orange root that has anti-inflammatory properties. Apples are my favorite fall fruit, packed with vitamin C for a collagen-boosting effect, and I find they lighten the soup while adding a touch of natural sweetness. Coconut milk is my secret to a dairy-free creamy soup as studies have shown the link between dairy and acne; it also complements the curry spices beautifully.

This soup freezes really well, so I like to make big batches to portion and store in the freezer for those days I’m craving something wholesome.

Curried Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
Serves 4-6

2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 small apple, seeded and diced (I like Honeycrisp)
5 cups water
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste

– Heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened. Add cumin, curry, and turmeric and cook 1 minute or until fragrant. Add butternut squash, apple, and 5 cups water. Bring to boil and then reduce heat to simmer.

– Cook 30 to 40 minutes or until vegetables are soft and falling apart. Add a little hot water if the mixture starts to look thick. Add coconut milk, and using an immersion blender or blender, puree soup until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

*Soup will thicken as it cools. Add a little extra water or coconut milk to thin.

Enjoy!

Dr. Dolder

Pre-Holiday Skin Prep: My 4 Beauty Musts

The holiday season is fun and festive, but fraught with over-indulgence!  Not to mention the stress of tackling our never-ending to do lists at this time of the year.  So how do we look our best when our social calendar and holiday stress seem to work against us? Hint: it’s more than just skin deep.

Spread Cheer: From finding that special gift to baking treats for the kids’ holiday school parties to coordinating Christmas travel, we often forget to relish the merriment of the holidays. With our to-do lists growing ever longer, our cortisol levels rise, causing a total-body inflammatory response. Inflammation in the skin can manifest as an acne breakout or more subtly as collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to a lackluster, less plump complexion. This holiday season, focus less on buying the perfect present and more on being present with those around you. By spreading joy and cheer to others, you’re inviting yourself to feel more joy and less worry, leading to healthier and happier holiday skin!

Sip Smart: I’m always an advocate for drinking ample water during the day (at least 8 glasses!), but it’s even more imperative during the holiday season to keep our skin bright. Dry winter heat and brisk December air challenges our skin’s natural barrier, making us more susceptible to water loss. To stay nourished, sip on herbal teas or water with lemon slices. We all know alcoholic drinks are dehydrating, so make sure you sip on sparkling water after each glass of wine at holiday parties. And when dashing about town in the holiday buzz, indulge in a superfood drink like (my favorite) turmeric latte, with healing ginger, anti-inflammatory turmeric, and almond milk.

Note: Whole Foods and Green & Tonic both make a great one!

Treat Yourself: Self-care is essential during the holidays. We spend so much time looking after others, we often neglect ourselves. Make time for an at-home spa night (face masks are my favorite!) and schedule an appointment for an in-office treatment to help you look and feel your best. Whether it’s a Botox refresher, a subtle boost of filler, or an IPL photo-facial treatment, use the appointment time for a mini-mediation, short nap, or just as a moment to hit the pause button on life, while invigorating your skin!

Glow Bright: Achieving radiant skin takes time and commitment, but there are a few quick tricks to getting holiday-ready. Nosh on skin-nourishing winter foods like butternut squash, leafy greens, citrus, and pomegranates. (Have you tried my Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup?). Indulge in omega-3 rich walnuts and salmon, both sources of healthy protein and good-for-you fats. Generate a natural flush with a circulation-boosting walk outside or restorative yoga class. Exercise works wonders to flush out those toxins from a night out.  And to really hit a skin reset, try an in-office chemical peel or laser procedure to remove flakiness, then restore the skin’s natural barrier with products that lock in moisture for a dewy winter look. Rejuvenating serums, like our HA5, help retain water which smooths fine lines and wrinkles so you can shine bright all holiday season long.

Here’s cheers to a festive, fun and merry holiday season!

Dr. Dolder

Cold Weather Skin Concerns & How to Fix Them

I’ve rounded up the 4 most frequent skin concerns I hear from patients throughout the winter and my very best remedies.

DULL, FLAKY SKIN

Rosy flushed cheeks and a dewy complexion seem too good to be true come the middle of January. But lackluster, crepey skin doesn’t have to be the norm.

DAY: During the summer, my all-in-one SPF/moisturizer often suffices, but in the cooler months, my skin needs an additional layer of nourishment.  I use restorative Neocutis BioCream* as a base layer, followed by Neocutis Journee* which contains SPF. I load up my diet with lots of healthy fats like omega-3 rich salmon and walnuts to calm additional inflammation and support skin health from within.

NIGHT: I opt for a gentle, creamy face wash like Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser (or Skinceuticals Daily Wash*) instead of a foamy one in order to prevent additional stripping of natural oils that are there to help keep skin supple. I then layer on SkinMedica HA5 serum that delivers concentrated hyaluronic acid to the skin, and turn on my humidifier. The moist air resets tired skin, and I always wake up feeling rejuvenated.

CRACKED & CHAPPED LIPS

The skin on our lips is especially thin and delicate, making it susceptible to harsh winds and cold temperatures.

DAY: I apply a lip balm like Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 with aloe and vitamin E all day long, especially after eating or drinking. For a pop of color, I sub lip conditioners or tinted balms instead of matte lipstick to prevent further drying. Also, avoid licking your lips at all costs, as this compounds the dryness.

NIGHT: I layer on Lucas’ Papaw Ointment* to lock in moisture and seal cracks at night. Applying a few millimeters outside the lip line really seals things in.

RED, RED NOSE

From blowing our noses to stifling sniffles, we can take on a Rudolph quality that’s far from festive.

DAY: Not all tissues are created equal. I opt for Kleenex with lotion and aloe because they are the least abrasive to the skin.  When skiing or outside for extended periods, shield your nose from the harsh winter gusts and sun with a facemask.

NIGHT: I help heal tiny cracks and soothe itchy, flaky skin around the nose with Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment *. Red skin is irritated skin so I be sure to dab it on gently, patting it into the skin rather than rubbing to prevent more damage.

SUPER DRY HANDS

Our hands become victims of blustery winter weather, dry indoor heat, and lots of lots of handwashing, especially in our efforts to fend off any unwelcome bugs going around.

DAY: I lather on my personal favorite hand cream—Aesop Resurrection Hand Balm with rich skin-softening emollients—in the car on my way to work and in the car on my way home. If I’m going to be outside,, I apply the cream and top with gloves as they provide a physical barrier from the elements and help lock in the moisture.  Also, try to reduce hand washing and exposure to water as much as possible. Wear BPA-free disposable gloves in the kitchen!

NIGHT: I keep a tube of hand cream next to my bed so at night, it’s the last thing I apply before hitting the sheets. Keeping our hands well-moisturized is essential to preventing painful cracks and ensuring our hands don’t look older than we actually are!  Once again, Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment is also excellent for healing cracks on the hands and feet (it’s an Aussie trade secret but believe me, it’s gold!)

*You can find these products in our office on your next visit.

Stay soft,

Dr. Dolder

The Secrets to Dewy Spring Skin

Officially, spring has sprung, and although the warmer temperatures and flower buds haven’t yet arrived, now’s the time to think about shedding our lackluster winter skin and transitioning our skin to spring. Let’s face it, no matter how hard we tried to keep our skin hydrated and nourished, the elements were against us. Today, I’m sharing my top favorite ways to achieve a true spring skin renewal.

Exfoliate & Repair

To begin the renewal process, it’s essential that we first remove the dry, dull outer layers of skin and repair deeper damage done over the winter months. Exfoliating masks and scrubs can give you an instantly smooth feel, but they’re not nearly as effective as in-office treatments that exfoliate in addition to kickstarting your skin’s natural repair and renewal process.

Clear + Brilliant Laser treatment is a gentle resurfacing laser treatment that causes controlled mild micro-injury to its outermost layer. As the body heals itself, it replaces the old, damaged skin cells with new cells and increases collagen production for a slightly uplifted look.

For skin that’s experienced a little more wear over the winter, the Fractora device goes even deeper, combining the best of radiofrequency and microneedling to smooth and tighten skin by inducing collagen production and cell turnover. The overall result is a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, a lift in sagging skin, and baby soft skin.

Nourish & Plump

As our skin begins the repair process, it’s so important to keep it nourished for maximum effect. Lately, I’ve been loving the subtle yet transformative effects of microinfusion with AQUAGOLD® fine touch™. A perfect complement to any of our resurfacing procedures, it infuses a cocktail of super-actives directly into the skin with tiny gold-dipped needles. It can even get at those hard-to-reach places like under the eyes.

At Greenwich Point Dermatology, we create a blend based on your skin needs, but my favorite elixir to help recover from the winter skin blues includes vitamin C, glutathione, a hyaluronic acid filler, and Botox. The best part is there’s no downtime, and skin looks instantly awake and more toned. Plus, the results only continue to improve as the ingredients work their magic.

Maintain & Protect

I can’t tell my patients this enough, but what we do on a daily basis to our skin at home is even more important than any in-office procedure we do seasonally. In the winter, we rely on intensely nourishing creams and emollients that lock in moisture and protect us from the dry winter air. But as the temperature and humidity start to rise, we can switch to lighter formulations that give our skin a little more breathing room — and that fresh, dewy look.

My favorite daytime serum is Skinceuticals Phloretin Serum* with vitamin C for brightening, and at night, I reach for Neocutis Hyalis™ Hydrating Serum*. It’s formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid for ultimate replenishment. For the delicate under eye area, Revision Teamine® Eye Complex* works serious magic, keeping things plump and bright.

And don’t forget the sunscreen! To keep that fresh new look for as long as possible, always choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Neocutis Journee Bio-restorative Day Cream* is my go-to for its unique hydrating properties and antioxidant profile, but I also love the smooth application and flawless finish of MDSolarSciences mineral sunscreens*.

Stay bright,

Dr. Dolder

*available in our skincare boutique

Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins

You would think that as a dermatologist, I most often get complaints about blemishes or imperfections on the face, chest, and hands. For the most part, you’d be right. But one of the most in-demand procedures in my office at this time of year actually involves…the legs. Why? Spider Veins. And because winter is the perfect time to treat and correct flaws on our legs, and allow time for our legs to heal before bikini weather is upon us.

So many of us have a complicated relationship with our legs. On the one hand, they’re powerful and strong, supporting us through each day and propelling us through new adventures. On the other hand, they can reveal signs of wear and tear that can be far from lovely, especially in shorts, dresses and swimsuits. And with spring break and summer vacation right around the corner, who wants that?

The biggest complaint involving the legs? Unsightly veins. Let’s break them down by type.

TYPES OF VEINS
Varicose veins: large blue, dark purple veins that protrude from the skin; may have a cord-like appearance and twist or bulge
Spider veins: very small and very fine red or blue veins; closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins
Reticular veins: blue and green veins beneath the surface of the skin

CAUSES
In short, anything that puts extra pressure on the veins trying to pump blood back to the heart.

Age: venous valves weaken over time, making it harder to pump blood effectively
Gender: women are 2-3x more likely to get them due to hormonal changes
Pregnancy and Weight Gain: extra weight causes increased pressure on venous valves
Sitting Too Much, Standing Too Little: crossed legs and gravity make the veins work extra hard
Genetics: if your parents have them, you’ll likely get them

TREATMENT
At Greenwich Point Dermatology, we’re proud to offer a minimally-invasive technique for removing these pesky veins: sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy refers to the removal of unwanted veins, most often on your legs. We use Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection, an advanced prescription medicine that treats two types of veins:
–  Uncomplicated spider veins (very small varicose veins ≤ 1 mm in diameter)
–  Uncomplicated reticular veins  (1 to 3 mm in diameter)

THE PROCEDURE
We inject Asclera® solution into the affected veins which instigates a clot that the body then repairs and replaces with tissue over the course of several weeks. The appointment takes less than an hour and noticeable results can be seen in 3 months. While some tenacious veins require a follow-up or two, the majority of cases can be resolved in a single treatment.

PREVENTION
Of course, prevention is key in minimizing their appearance. By alternating between standing and sitting frequently, wearing compression stockings, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly to stimulate blood flow, you’ll reduce the chance of developing spider veins.

Want to see if sclerotherapy is right for you?  Click here to schedule a consultation.