A Dermatologic Tune-up For Spring and Summer:
Dermatologists like myself spend a fair amount of time looking for ways of brightening up our patient’s complexions, which tends to help morale and self-confidence. So what are the key options offered through Dermatologists that help tune-up a person’s complexion?
The first step is generally prevention: avoiding the sun, wearing sun-protective garb and a hat, and use of sun protective behaviors like avoiding mid-day sun. We also encourage our patients to use what are called broad-spectrum sunscreens, particularly if people are going to be outdoors between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM for more than 15 minutes. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are the more effective ones that protect against both the UVB rays and the UVA rays. Nice options include sunscreens included within many cosmetics (so long as the SPF or “sun-protection factor” is rated 15 or higher), as well as Purpose Facial Lotion®, Shade®, and a zinc oxide-based sunscreen called Vanicream Sunscreen Sport SPF 35 (available from a company of which I am the President - Big River Silk Skincare: www.Bigriversilkskincare.com).
Dermatologists now have available a number of helpful prescription options to help skin color and texture, including Retin A® Cream and Gel, a prescription called Differin® Bel, and a prescription vitamin A product called Renova® Cream.
Dermatologists also have a list of prescription medicines to reverse earlier sun damage, and to reverse growths that are called solar keratoses, which are precancerous growths which tend to develop on people’s faces, arms, or backs: a gel called Picato® (ingenol mebutate), a topical prescription cream called Aldara (imiquimod cream), and a topical chemotherapy cream called Fluoroplex or Efudex.
In 2016, I founded and became President of an organic and natural skincare products company: Big River Silk Skincare Inc. We have several lines of Alpha-Hydroxy Creams – called GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Cream, GlycoShea™ Hand&Body Cream/Standard Strength, and GlycoShea™ Hand& Body Cream/High Strength. These are a blend or emulsion of Shea Butter with Glycolic Acid, originally discovered in sugarcane and pineapple, which tend to smooth the appearance of fine lines in the skin, and to improve skin tone and texture.
www.Bigriversilkskincare.com. All products are available at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. 1-901-265-1189. We offer free USPS shipping for orders over $40.00.
So if you would like to obtain a skin check-up for yourself or for a family member, consider setting up an appointment with a Board-certified Dermatologist. My own Dermatology practice - at Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates – is at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, in Cordova TN 38018: info@rheumderm.com. 1-901-753-0168. Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own area by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site: AA.org>Public>Find a Dermatologist. Then plug in your zip code, and you will find a list of Dermatologists in your geographic area. We are indeed seeing an unfortunate increase in the number of cases of skin cancer including melanoma, so it’s wise to get checked at least once a year. Early detection saves lives. George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (03/07/2019)