Skincare Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Greenwich Point Dermatology

What Australians Can Teach Us About Sun Protection

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so we’re talking about something for which I am so passionate — sun safety. As an Australian, I have a unique viewpoint and mindset on sun protection…for us it wasn’t a choice, it was a healthy habit from day one. Growing up in Australia greatly shaped my sun protection attitudes and impacted my career choice. I became fascinated with both preventing and reversing the sun’s effects, and I’ve built a career exploring advanced science and the ways in which lifestyle factors into overall skin health.

Simply put, sun exposure causes skin cancer. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined, and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. (In Australia, that statistic is 2 in 3 people). Multiple sunburn events during childhood double a child’s risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Adding insult to injury, all forms of sun exposure contribute to the aging process and damage our skin (even “gentle tanning”). But it’s not all doom and gloom. Studies show that sunscreen use and safe sun practices can prevent skin cancer and reduce the skin damage caused by UV radiation.

The “Slip, Slop, Slap” ad campaign in Australia that started in the early ‘80s has been wildly successful at normalizing the practice of sun protection and making it second nature. You get up, brush your teeth and put on your sunscreen. Everyone does it!! As a kid, I didn’t realize it at the time, but these principles have informed my approach to skincare even today.

Slip, Slop, Slap!

Slip on a shirt
Slop on sunscreen
Slap on a hat

Seek, Slide (these were added later)

Seek some shade
Slide on some sunglasses

Here in the United States, there is often a reluctance to embrace safe sun practices- it is seen as “uncool”, especially amongst kids. There is also a lot of confusion around the safety of sunscreen. The U.S. government may be a bit behind the Australian one in terms of sun protection policy change, but I believe we all can implement similar strategies, at least in our own families!

I’ll be honest, while sunscreen is still not my favorite skincare item — I much prefer applying a beautiful serum! — it’s such an important part of my everyday routine. And over the years as both a dermatologist and a mom, I’ve learned a few things to make the “slopping on sunscreen” part more palatable to even the biggest sunscreen skeptics. When my kids were little, I got them used to everyday application, especially in the summer, so now it’s part of their daily routine. I also seek out kid-friendly options, like the MDSolarSciences KidStick with SPF 40*, which is great for quickly swiping on the face when they’re rushing from one activity to the next. For me, I love the nourishing properties of Neocutis JOURNÉE Bio-restorative Day Cream Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30*.

Since regular re-application of sunscreen (every 2 hours) is essential for maximum protection, when we’re outside at the beach or pool for extended periods of time, we’re all in rashguards with 50+ UPF protection. We take the “slipping on a shirt” aspect to another level. New fabric technologies that absorb UV rays rather than allowing some to penetrate to the skin make sunscreen application on those covered parts a non-issue. I love the Quicksilver rashguards for my boys, and the chic ones from ACQUA, an Australian brand for myself. I’ve also heard amazing things about the Minnow rashguards for little ones.

No Hat, No Play

In addition to the “Slap on a hat” reminder, Australian school children have a rule, “No hat, no play!” Basically, unless you’re wearing a hat, you aren’t allowed to play outside. Hats are part of the school uniform, and because everyone wears one, it is embraced (rather than seen as “uncool”). I personally love hats — especially the wide-brimmed ones because they cover our ears and neck, two of the most sunburned areas I see in my patients. Bucket hats are great for children, and I love the Australian brand Wallaroo Hats for kids. For women, I think Helen Kaminski makes the most gorgeous woven hats around. It doesn’t hurt that she’s also a fellow Australian!

And in case you are wondering about the safety of chemical sunscreens like Oxybenzone, the impact on coral reefs, or the risk of Vitamin D deficiency by using daily sunscreen, DON’T WORRY! Recent and robust scientific studies have continued to show that regular sunscreen use is safe for our health and strongly recommended by the FDA and American Academy of Dermatology to prevent melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Vitamin D supplementation and diet modification is suggested if you have low levels.

Safe sun practices go way beyond just wearing sunscreen, and we’re fortunate that today, we have so many easy and fun options of making sun protection stylish and enjoyable. As with any skincare routine, starting early and being consistent are essential to maintaining safe, healthy, and happy skin!

Stay sun safe,

Dr. Dolder

*available in our skincare boutique

Summertime Favorites for Healthy, Happy Skin

In between seeing patients, running my practice and juggling my three little ones, I’m always trying to squeeze in a little fun and self-care. This summer has been a whirlwind of adventure, so I thought I’d share my latest summertime favorites in wellness, restaurant recs, shop finds and can’t-miss destinations.

Morning Love
I start every morning off with something healthy as it sets the tone for the rest of the day (and helps me hit reset for any late night summer indulgences!).

First, I take shot of Wellness or Vitality every AM followed by a homemade Banana Ginger Smoothie. I blend frozen banana chunks with coconut water, fresh ginger, almond butter, and maca powder for a zippy, energizing smoothie. Ginger keeps my digestive system happy and the turmeric and lemon (in the shots) help keep my skin clear.

Fitness Love
Another summertime favorite I love is being in the water when the weather is warm. I’ve squeezed in a 30 minute swim in a salt pool at least 5x/ week and do this workout. I complement it with pilates 3x a week as I truly believe this helps me stay sane and strong.

Weekend Love
Nothing beats a morning walk outside before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. We’ve been venturing to Stone Barns on Sundays for a walk through their preserve followed by a coffee at their quaint cafe.

Snack Love
All the running around this summer sometimes leaves me reaching for a snack to refuel. I recently discovered the not-too-sweet, super clean and organic Pop and Bottle Golden Turmeric Latte. It’s served chilled so it’s really refreshing and made of only organic almonds, dates, and grounding spices.

For the chocolate lover in me, I’ve been reaching for these GoodBites, raw mini chocolate truffles with anti-inflammatory ingredients, and Ritual’s handmade bean-to-bar chocolate which I discovered in Park City, Utah. I always opt for dark chocolate–not only for the complex flavor, but because of the extra dose of antioxidants!

Skin Love
I’m always on the hunt for chic ways to stay protected from the sun–and to keep my kids protected. Sunscreen is a given, but I also love these sun shirts with UPF protection from Acqua, an Australian brand. I don my Helen Kaminski sun hat whenever I’m out and about. She’s a fellow Australian who makes beautifully designed headwear that actually makes you want to wear a hat!

Flip-flops and summer heat do a number on my feel everyday, so I apply this avocado oil-based cream every night to my heels. I swear they feel as soft as my babies!

Kid-Friendly Love
I’m such a big believer that health begins in the kitchen. We participated in a private family cooking class from local nutritionist Jenna Lebowich of Cook, Learn, Live that helped them learn and appreciate the beauty of preparing organic and local food. My boys made Vietnamese Summer Rolls, Pad Thai Noodles with Shrimp, and Chocolate-Avocado Mousse and had such a blast! It’s amazing what they’ll eat when they make it themselves:)

Song Love
New Light by John Mayer has been on repeat all summer long. The music video, on the other hand, is baffling and amusing all at the same time! Also, check out Remind Me to Forget by Kygo and Brooklyn in the Summer by Aloe Blacc.

Shop Love
At Land in Dobbs Ferry is a treasure of a shop. It houses a beautifully curated selection of clothes, housewares, and a few self-indulgences. Everything there is on my Christmas wishlist!

Travel & Restaurant Love
We travelled to see friends and family in Nantucket, LA, and Park City, Utah this summer, so we got to explore their cool restaurant scenes. In Park City, we ventured to an Australian cafe called Five5eeds Café that served delicious loaded avocado toasts and nourishing superfood bowls and then had some dynamite local fare at Riverhorse on Main. We sat seaside at Galley Beach in Nantucket, and then we ventured to The Nautilus for Asian food served tapas-style. So yum!

Let me know if you try any of these out. I can’t wait to hear what’s been inspiring you all summer long!

Shine on,

Dr. Dolder

Reversing Summer Sun Damage with Serums, Lasers & IPL

So you followed all the sunscreen rules, but you still got a little more sun than you intended this summer. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. No matter your level of accidental sun damage, there are a few tricks and techniques to reverse the summer sun damage and get your skin looking bright and dewy again. We break them all down here, beginning with the least intensive, but we always recommend a skin consultation with Dr. Dolder and team to determine your optimal treatment protocol.

You were super diligent about wearing a hat and sunscreen every day, but you’re still feeling a little lackluster. You want to refresh tired, dull skin with minimal investment and no downtime.

Skinceuticals CF Phloretin Serum: This antioxidant-powered serum works wonders to help lighten and brighten. For best results, I recommend daily use post-cleanse and pre-moisturize during the daytime. Results are seen in 6-8 weeks and continue to improve over months to years. I also use it in combination with other, more intensive therapies outlined below like Clear + Brilliant as studies have shown their efficacy is amplified when used to in concert with other treatments.

Retinols/ Retin-A: I prescribe and sell specifically formulated and compounded prescription strength retinol and Retin-A (aka Tretinoin) creams, each of which is tailored to your skin type and the desired results. Retinols work by speeding up the cell turnover process resulting in renewed and refreshed skin. As they can be irritating for some, I work to find the perfect balance in strength and application frequency for each and every patient. Unlike the Skinceuticals CF Phlorectin Serum, retinols are only applied at night. Results are seen in 3-6 weeks.

VI Peel Precision: This is my favorite peel for reversing summer sun damage. Applied in office, the procedure takes only 15 minutes and leaves your skin just a bit flushed. It’s unique combination of chemical exfoliants, help to restore skin tone and smooth your skin’s texture. Best results are seen with a series of 2-4 peels completed over the course of 3 months.

You’re naturally freckly or prone to pigmentation and all of your freckles and dark spots popped out again. You want to lighten your freckles up and/ or even out skin tone with a small investment and minimal downtime.

Clear + Brilliant Laser: Our most gentle laser, Clear + Brilliant resurfaces the skin by stimulating the body’s natural processes to replace old, damaged cells with new cells. This not only brightens skin tone and removes sun spots, but it also boosts collagen production for a soft and uplifted look. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes and any redness subsides in 12-24 hours. Full results are seen in one week. As results for Clear + Brilliant compound, the most successful transformations occur after 3-5 treatments, each about 6 weeks apart.

You’ve been diligent about skincare prevention maintenance, but it’s been a few years since you’ve hit the reset button–now it’s time again. You want a more serious skin tune-up to undo signs of premature aging, and you’re okay with a bigger investment and a little downtime.

Lumecca Photofacial (IPL): Unlike Clear + Brilliant or Fractora (both laser treatments), Lumecca is a light-based treatment. It is also known as IPL (intense-pulsed light) or photofacial. It delivers a flash of light energy whose wavelength and frequency is targeted to facial redness, brown spots and freckles on the face, neck, décolletage, hands, arms, and even legs. The procedure lasts about 20-45 minutes and results in slight redness that subsides by the next morning. More radiant skin is revealed in about a week. Depending on your summer sun damage and skincare need, a series of treatments may be recommended for the best and brightest results.

You’ve spent several years worshipping the sun and could’ve been more proactive about skincare…and it shows. You want a complete skin overhaul and are ready to make a big investment.

Fractora Resurfacing: Fractora is a state-of-the-art technology that combines micro-needling and radio frequency energy to correct tone, texture and tighten the skin by heating the underlying collagen and stimulating production. Less invasive than other lasers, Fractora only results in minor redness and swelling that subsides in 1-3 days. Like other skin brightening treatments, optimal results are often seen in a series of treatments. Because the process of collagen remodeling takes time, final results are seen after 4-6 months. Read more about it here.

Want to brighten up and reverse any summer sun damage? Let’s chat and figure out the best options for you.

Make an appointment here.

How Permea Laser Let the Good Stuff In Your Skin

Science has well proven the benefits of topical antioxidants for the skin and now Permea laser technology has advanced to allow our skin to absorb these essential and youth-enhancing nutrients. Thanks to modern technology, we can better feed our skin the topical skin care that is proven to prevent aging. (See my previous post on topical anti-aging skin care.)

Greenwich Point Dermatology is proud and excited to be the only dermatology practice in the Greenwich area to offer the new Permea laser. Permea is a laser procedure that delivers micro energy beams through the skin surface to create “wells” through which your skin can “drink” topical antioxidants and growth factors. After a Permea treatment, your skin has 17x increased permeability (amazing, right?!)

Permea laser helps to:

PREVENT and address early signs of aging skin
MAINTAIN brilliant and younger-looking skin
IMPROVE tone, texture, and radiance
REDUCE pore size

This is a quick 15-minute procedure with minimal discomfort. There is no downtime after a Permea treatment, just a little redness that lasts a few hours the day of. You can repeat the treatment as often as every two weeks for continued delivery of nutrients. I recommend a course of at least three treatments for truly luminous results, but it can be repeated as many times as desired.

I believe there is no better way to get your skin glowing in the lead-up to the holidays. In fact, in clinical studies 100% of patients reported improvements in their skin. Schedule an office appointment with me to learn more about Permea’s incredible benefits and we’ll get your glow on together!

Find your light,

Dr. Dolder

Winter Skin Woes and How to Fix Them

We all know what happens when the winter season approaches: as the winds pick up and the air dries out, our skin’s moisture levels plummet just like the temperature outside. No better, all the steps we take to stay warm end up harming our skin even more! The dry heat pumping inside our homes and those long, hot showers we like to take certainly aren’t doing our skin any favors.

The good news is that there are indeed some easy ways to combat and prevent winter dryness. Here are my best tips:

1 Humidify
If there is one piece of advice I cannot emphasize enough, it is to invest in a good humidifier. Humidifiers pump moisture back into the air, which helps protect your skin from drying out. The best part is the machine does the work for you, while you sleep and work and go about your business. I recommend keeping one under your desk and by your bed. The new (and very sexy!) Dyson Humidifier is my pick. It exposes every drop of water to UVC technology (ultraviolet C light), which kills 99.9% of bacteria, projecting clean, hydrated air around the room quietly and evenly. I bought mine at dyson.com and it is worth every penny.

2 Skip the Soap
Start by limiting showers to once a day, and using lukewarm water rather than hot. If you can take a bath rather than a shower, do. Baths are better because water evaporates off your skin in the shower, while during bath your skin is soaking in and absorbing that water. The big secret here though is to put down the soap. Yes, really! During my dermatology residency training, my Program Director used to always say, “No soap is good soap!” And it’s true. It’s that indulgent lather that dries out our skin. During winter, I recommend avoiding liquid soap and body washes at all costs. In places where one must use a little soap, make it a good old-fashioned bar of Dove Sensitive soap. For the face, I prefer Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser.

3 Lock in Moisture
Immediately after your shower or bath, gently pat dry and liberally apply moisturizing lotion (the richer the better) to the entire body while the skin is still damp. This “soak and smear” technique locks in the moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. I keep a big tub of Cetaphil Moisturising Cream on hand at all times and lather my body in it after every shower. I do the same thing to my kids. (We’ve turned this into a fun process they like to call “getting juiced up”. Whatever works! They love it.) For a more elegant and ceremide-rich body lotion, I’m obsessed with Neocutis Bio-Body Bio-Restorative Cream *. It’s like liquid silk on your skin.

For the face, I recommend a richer moisturizer in winter months. I could not live without my Neocutis BioCream*, which I apply twice a day. And don’t forget to keep up with SPF sunscreen, even if the sun isn’t shining. UV rays filter through clouds and reflect off surfaces all around us all the time! Not only are those rays cancer-causing and photo-aging, but they can also prevent skin from holding on to moisture. For day protection, I wear Neocutis Journee* on my face. And to prevent chapped lips, there is nothing like Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 (in the jar, not the tube!) I keep one in my handbag, one in my car, one at my desk, and one in the bathroom. Wear it religiously like I do and you’ll have soft and supple lips all winter long.

*You can purchase any of these products from our office at your next visit.

Stay soft this season,

Dr. Dolder

My Favorite Superfoods to Feed Your Skin

Sticking to a balanced diet helps us feel good and stay healthy, but one added benefit of eating superfoods is that it shows. It’s true – taking care of our insides is one of the best ways to care for our outsides. While “superfood” isn’t technically a scientific term, it’s a common way to describe those foods that have both a low caloric content and high nutritional value. Superfoods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which offer a big boost to our skin’s overall health.

Like with exercise, I believe that eating well can be easy once you find a few healthy whole food go-to’s that you like enough to enjoy regularly. In case you’re in need of some inspiration, I’m going to share with you my personal superfood staples – a trio of powerhouse superfoods that I consume almost daily to nourish my skin from the inside out:

Green Tea

I have made a ritual of starting every morning with a cup of green tea. It wakes me up and livens my skin at the same time. The caffeine found in green tea has vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it de-puffs, tightens and reduces redness in the skin. Recent studies have shown caffeine to be an antioxidant that even has benefits when applied topically. Researchers have also found that caffeine may actually reduce the chances of developing sun-related skin damage, so drink up, buttercup!

Chia Seeds

Try not to be intimidated by chia – it is the highest combined plant source of omega-3, fiber and protein. Alongside a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, chia offers essential wholefood nutrition. Its rich nutrient profile plays an important role in keeping hair shiny, nails strong, and skin glowing. The rich fiber in chia acts as a natural detox for your skin by removing toxins from the body and aiding the absorption of antioxidants and vitamins. Omega-3 can help your skin retain moisture, while antioxidants protect the skin cells from oxidization and aging. Chia has a remarkable absorption quality (up to 16x its weight in liquid!) that acts as a natural anti-inﬂammatory for the skin. The protein in chia contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a ‘complete’ protein, essential for cell regeneration. Vitamin B promotes general skin health, while copper and iron help prevent hair loss, and calcium and magnesium encourage healthy hair growth. With all those benefits, what’s not to love?

Chia seeds make a healthy and filling addition to smoothies and baked goods, but my favorite way to prepare them is a berry-topped chia superfood pudding I make ahead of time and eat for brekkie. Give it a try:

Chia Pudding

2 tablespoons chia seeds
½ cup coconut water
½ cup of almond milk (I make my own homemade almond milk)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 or 2 tablespoons good quality maple syrup (or to your taste).

– Mix the chia seeds with the coconut water and almond milk. Continuously stir for 5 minutes or so until the liquid becomes a gel.

– Combine the chia gel with the other ingredients, and whisk well.

– Refrigerate overnight, or for at least a couple of hours. Serve topped with cacao nibs, shredded coconut or add your antioxidant fix with fresh berries.

Avocados

Avocados are nature’s own nutrient-packed multi-tasker and they do wonders for the skin! These superfood fruits contain omega-3 fatty acids (the good type of monounsaturated fat), beta-carotene, lutein, vitamins A, B6, C, E, K, selenium, zinc, copper, iron, folate, glutathione, and biotin. Biotin helps with collagen production to keep skin elasticity at its best. Copper is a key component necessary for melanin production (the molecule that gives skin, hair and irises their colors). Iron helps to defend against free radicals produced by radiation and toxic chemicals. The natural oils found in avocados moisturize skin, combating dryness and allowing skin’s barrier to replenish itself. Vitamins E and A (found in the oil) help cellular regeneration, while sterolin reduces acne, sun, and scar damage.

My favorite way to eat avocados is on toast. Aussies are the masters of avocado toast. Any self-respecting café in Australia will have it on their menu, so my love of this quick and simple meal also serves as a little taste of home.

Avocado Toast
Sourdough bread (or gluten-free alternative. I LOVE Le Pain Quotidien’s new gluten-free bread!)
1 ripe avocado, smashed
½ lemon
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes
a few sprigs of cilantro

-Simply toast the bread, spread with smashed avocado, squeeze over the lemon juice and sprinkle with the spices. Season to your taste.

-Serve with fresh coriander or scatter with organic microgreens.

Enjoy!

Dr.Dolder

The Mask of Melasma

Melasma, also known as the mask of pregnancy, it’s a hyperpigmentation condition that can manifest in women (and some men) in all stages of life, resulting in darker patches of skin on the face and neck. It’s a word in dermatology that’s always come with a lot of baggage—frustration from patients and head-scratching from doctors. As scientific research continues to hone in on what causes it and how to manage it, we’re staying abreast of the latest and greatest. Let’s break it down.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a pigmentation disorder that results from the hyperactivity of melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of our skin. While it often appears on the face, it can manifest on the neck and arms. Unlike freckles, melasma patches are larger and peskier, being resistant to fade long after summer is over.

The most common areas we find melasma are: the forehead, chin, cheekbones and upper lip.

What Causes Melasma?

Researchers are still learning the intricacies of what stimulates melanocytes to go into overdrive and what makes some people more susceptible than others, but there are some common triggers. These include:

Sun Exposure: It’s known that ultraviolet light (UV) light activates melanocytes, causing skin to tan, but UV light can also induce certain melanocytes to over-react, causing the characteristic grayish-brown patches of melasma.

Heat: Extreme heat has been shown to cause a melasma flare, making the summer months particularly difficult to those most at risk. Hot yoga studios, saunas and steam rooms are high-heat areas that can exacerbate existing hyperpigmentation.

Hormonal Changes: Melasma is often seen for the first time in some women during pregnancy as their hormones fluctuate. In pregnant women, melasma is referred to as “chloasma” or the mask of pregnancy. Other hormonal triggers include birth control and hormone replacement pills.

Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that there is a genetic component to melasma, so look to see if other women in your family have gotten it to anticipate whether you’ll be at greater risk.

Irritating Skincare Products / Aggressive Skin Care Treatments: Harsh products and more invasive skincare treatments, such as intense laser and light therapies, can aggravate melanocytes, causing them to be over-produce. My team at Greenwich Point Dermatology and I work closely with you to manage both in-office and at-home therapies to lighten existing patches and suppress future melanin production.

Who Gets Melasma?

Women of darker skin tones are most likely to get melasma. In fact, 90% of melasma patients are women. While people with fairer skin are less likely to get it, their patches are often more visible due to the contrasting skin tones. Of women, those who are pregnant are at higher risk because of their extreme hormonal changes.

What Are My Treatment Options for Melasma?

Treating melasma implies total removal of it, so we prefer to think of it as managing melasma, as this is where the scientific research is right now.

The goal of managing melasma is two-fold. We want to lighten the existing melasma patches, and we want to prevent future patches from forming. Melasma treatment is a marathon, not a sprint, as too aggressive a treatment can actually be counterproductive and cause overstimulation of the melanocytes. I employ multiple modalities to strike an effective balance, some of which include:

Sun Protection: We’re big advocates of limiting sun exposure for a variety of reasons, but UV rays are the #1 culprit in making existing melasma even worse. Prevention is key here so be sure to apply SPF on the face daily and wear a hat and sunglasses for outdoor adventures. Neocutis Journee Bio-Restorative Day Cream SPF 30* is my go-to.

Topical Retinols/ Retinoids: Retinol creams like Tretinoin speed up cell turnover, helping dark patches clear more quickly, but they aren’t safe to use when pregnant. Too high of doses used too frequently can cause skin sensitivity, so proper application is essential for the best results. I recommend prescription-strength formulations for best results, prescribing retinoids tailored to suit your skin’s tolerability.

Vitamin C Serums: Vitamin C serums are safe to use when pregnant or trying to conceive and have a natural lightening effect. I love ISDIN Vitamin C Capsules for its potent antioxidant profile.

Hydroquinone: One of the most popular bleaching agents, hydroquinone use is best managed by a dermatologist as it can cause hypopigmentation, or extreme lightening of the skin when not titrated correctly.

Chemical Peels: The VI Peel Precision contains a combinations of acids and vitamins that are gentle enough so they don’t risk making pigment darker but effective at helping brighten skin. We see the best results with a series of 2-4 treatments over the course of 3 months.

Clear + Brilliant Permea Laser: Our most gentle laser, Clear + Brilliant Permea stimulates the production of new cells to brighten the skin—with no real downtime. It has an added benefit of boosting collagen production and enhancing the skin’s surface. The most successful transformations occur after 3-5 treatments, each about 6 weeks apart.

Lumecca Photofacial (IPL): Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment uses light energy to target melanocytes and destroy melanin to brighten skin with minimal downtime. By controlling the intensity of the light, I use IPL carefully to target the hyperpigmentation without inducing a hyperactive response from the surrounding melanocytes.

Other options may include discussing other lifestyle changes that may help such as modifying your birth control method (i.e. switching from the pill to an IUD).

So I Think I Have Melasma, What Are My Next Steps?

Here at Greenwich Point Dermatology, I take a personalized approach to treating your melasma. During your consultation, I will assess your pattern of discoloration, its intensity, and other personal factors that could affect the treatment plan, like whether you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. I work with you to manage expectations and find the best option for you whether that’s a serum, cream, in-office treatment or combination of modalities.

If you’d like to find a solution for your melasma, call Greenwich Point Dermatology to schedule an appointment today or make an appointment online here.

Stay bright,

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!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

It seems like we have a month for everything these days, but if it means greater awareness to life-saving issues, then I’m all for it. May is especially important at our office because it’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of the month, I’m discussing melanoma here, in the hope that awareness results in prevention. Melanoma is deadliest form of skin cancer, with the highest rates occurring in my native Australia. The good news, however, is that it’s also the most preventable. Let’s explore a little bit about the cancer, how we spot it, and my go-to tips for prevention.

WHAT IS IT?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the melanocytes, the pigment producing cells in the bottom layer of our epidermis. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation—both UVA and UVB rays—from the sun or tanning beds, can cause melanoma. It can appear anywhere on the body but is especially common the back of the body as those areas are often neglected in sunscreen applications.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SKIN CHECK
I recommend annual skin checks for everyone, especially those with more than 50 moles or a family history of skin cancer, as they’re at greater risk for developing melanoma—or other types of skin cancer for that matter. During a skin check, I’ll examine the entire body from head to toe using my dermatoscope, paying close attention to the hard-to-reach places like the scalp, ears, and back of body. If I detect anything suspicious, I’ll do a biopsy and send it off to the lab. Depending on the results, I’ll continue to clinically monitor with photography or I’ll do a more invasive surgical excision to remove the skin cancer.

WHAT MAKES A LESION SUSPICIOUS?
We use the ABCDE’s to determine whether a mole or spot could be cancerous.

A = Is it Asymmetrical?
B = Does it have irregular Borders?
C = Is it variegated in Color
D = Is the Diameter larger than a pencil eraser?
E = Has it Evolved over Time?

TIPS FOR PREVENTION
As I mentioned, most skin cancers are preventable, including melanoma. We just all need to do our homework to lower our risk.

– Wear SPF daily—at least SPF 30. Don’t forget the backs of the legs, neck, ears and in flip-flop season, on the tops of the feet! My favorite sunscreens are physical sunscreens (without the chemicals) made by EltaMD*, Neocutis Journee*, and Sun Bum* for sensitive skin. And reapply every 2-3 hours while in the sun.
– Wear a hat; broad-brimmed hats are best to cover the back of the neck and ears.
– Avoid tanning booths at all costs. If you must get that sun-kissed look, try self-tanning lotions or spray tans instead.
– Keep an eye out for any suspicious moles throughout the year. Make note of how they change, itch or if they bleed.
– Schedule an annual appointment with your dermatologist—the 15 minute check-up could save your life!

Stay safe,
Dr. Dolder

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