Skincare Archives - The New Jersey Vein & Vascular Center

Vitamins for Healthy Skin

Nov 21, 2021 | Diet & Exercise, General Health, Skincare

What we eat affects our skin’s appearance as much as the products we use regularly. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you eat healthy foods that contain the following vitamins for healthy skin.

Vitamin D

Most people think that you can only get vitamin D through sunlight. This is not true. There are plenty of other valuable sources. But, getting vitamin D from sunlight may be the easiest way since only 10 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week will produce all your body needs.

That said, it’s important that you protect your skin from harmful UV radiation even in the winter months. As an alternative, you can also increase your vitamin D intake by eating fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and cod. Or, choose fortified foods like breakfast cereals and orange juice. Here are a few more examples of foods rich in Vitamin D:

White beans
Soybeans
Egg yolks
Cheese

Biotin

Biotin is a B7 vitamin that plays an important role in the health of your skin and hair. It also helps to convert certain nutrients into energy. Biotin aids in metabolizing fat, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

We recommend that you include meaty foods that are rich in biotin, such as fish, pork, and beef. Other examples include:

Seeds
Nuts
Raspberries
Avocados
Bananas

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has important antioxidant properties and supports collagen production. As one of the most important vitamins for healthy skin, you’ll find it included in many anti-aging skin care products. To achieve the maximum benefits from vitamin C, it’s best to utilize a combination of skin care products rich in this powerful vitamin and to incorporate it into your diet.

We recommend that you include foods that are naturally high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens. Some of the best options are:

Spinach
Broccoli
Pineapples
Strawberries
Brussel sprouts
Tomatoes

Vitamin B3

A strong form of Vitamin B3 is Niacinamide, which is an essential nutrient for skin health. Topical niacinamide is commonly used to treat acne conditions and eczema. Niacinamide also helps boost your skin’s production of keratin, a protein that keeps your skin firm and plump.

Ideal for oily skin types, this powerful nutrient regulates oil production while also minimizing the appearance of pores. There are many topical niacinamide products available, however certain foods have a high amount of Vitamin B3 as well:

Spirulina
Coffee
Rice
Peanuts
Chia
Eggs
Beans
Milk

Vitamin E

The purpose of vitamin E in skin health is to protect it against UV damage and maintaining proper levels of moisture. Ideally, your body will produce sufficient amounts of this antioxidant through sebum, an oily secretion from your glands.

But, when your skin becomes dry, the addition of vitamin E can help restore its moisture. Vitamin E can be applied topically, taken as a supplement or consumed in the form of nuts and seeds. Some of our favorite foods with vitamin E are:

Sunflower seeds
Peanuts
Almonds
Hazelnuts
Corn

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are plant compounds that are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Dark chocolate is loaded with these powerful compounds, which makes it a popular skin mask if you wish to apply it instead of consuming it.

The best way to boost your diet with flavonoids is through a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many plant-based foods contain flavonoids such as:

Dark chocolate
Green tea
Red wine
Berries

Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps your body heal wounds and bruises and aids in your body’s natural process of blood clotting. Vitamin K is especially important for anyone who has spider veins or dark spots, as its ability to promote healthy blood circulation reduces the appearance of these symptoms.

Leafy and green vegetables are the best source of vitamin K, such as kale, spinach, and lettuce. Other options include:

Edamame
Asparagus
Kiwi
Avocados

Vitamin K2

With its powerful amount of collagen, Vitamin K2 is known to smooth irritated skin as well as plump the skin to appear fuller. Vitamin K is also commonly used to combat acne scars, rosacea, and other skin conditions.

While Vitamin K1 is found in leafy greens and vegetables, Vitamin K2 is mostly found in meats and dairy.

Turkey
Beef liver
Pickles
Kimchi
Sauerkraut

Coenzyme CoQ10

A naturally produced bodily enzyme, Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant. CoQ10 is actually found in every cell of the human body. It’s extremely crucial for the production of new cells, making it a great addition to any anti-aging skincare routine.

Because it boosts the production of new cells, CoQ10 is often used to treat acne scars and can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. CoQ10 can be found in meat, various nuts, beans, and vegetables such as:

Peanuts
Soybeans
Spinach
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Oranges
Pork
Beef

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

ALA is a compound that comes straight from our mitochondria, otherwise known as the “powerhouse of the cell”. Our bodies naturally produce ALA, however, it’s often in small amounts.

Therefore, getting an extra boost in your diet is necessary for your skin. ALA is often used to combat dark spots, reverse sun damage, and even protect our skin from harmful pollutants.

ALA also has strong antioxidant properties, making it a great anti-aging aid. ALA can be naturally found in red meat and many vegetables such as:

Yams
Potatoes
Beets
Tomatoes
Red meat
Brussel sprouts

Spotlight: Neocutis and its Restorative Benefits

At the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center, we are proud to offer Neocutis products for our clients based on their skincare needs. These products are dispensed through select physicians, so you know that you are getting the highest quality of skincare that science has to offer.

These topical treatments work best to combat:

Signs of aging
Skin discoloration
Oxidative stress (the body’s ability to detoxify from free radicals)
Skin redness and dryness

They also include many of the beneficial vitamins we mentioned earlier. We want all our customers to look and feel their best, which is why we offer these highly regarded products.

Conclusion

Vitamins from foods and supplements support the health and appearance of your skin from the inside out. The right skin care routine with nutrient rich products will help to create a beautiful look from the outside in. Utilize a combination of both the important vitamins for healthy skin and good skincare products to achieve the best results.

This blog has been updated and republished in November 2021.

The Benefits of Pumpkin for Your Skin

Sep 21, 2021 | General Health, Skincare

Ah, Autumn. Also known as Pumpkin Spice season. Every year around this time, pumpkin-flavored everything makes its annual appearance. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, even pumpkin chili hits the shelves of stores and restaurants.

While you are likely familiar with all of the ways to eat this versatile veggie, did you know pumpkin also greatly benefits the skin?

It Starts with Super Ingredients

From the seeds to the flesh, pumpkins are loaded with nutrients that are helpful for the skin. Since pumpkin has a small molecular structure, it can penetrate deep into the skin. These nutrients do everything from hydrating to repairing damage from the inside out. Some of the beneficial enzymes and vitamins in pumpkin include:

Alpha hydroxy acids
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Beta-carotene
Magnesium
Zinc
Vitamin E
Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Awesome Anti-Aging Benefits

Pumpkins contain enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids that break down dead skin cells. By removing dead skin cells, normal cell regeneration speeds up. This has a smoothing and brightening effect, resulting in glowing skin.

Pumpkin enzymes are plentiful in antioxidant-rich vitamins A and C. These amazing ingredients refine and soothe the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

A derivative of vitamin A, beta-carotene, boosts collagen production to help minimize wrinkles. Beta-carotene also helps to reverse UV damage and improve uneven skin pigmentation. So, if you have any dark spots or freckles, pumpkin is the superfood for you.

Because of its high content of magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants, the pumpkin seed oil is especially useful in preventing the signs of aging. It promotes moisture retention and improves the skin’s elasticity.

Fights Free Radicals

Free radicals are skin-damaging molecules in our environment: light, smog, cigarette smoke, and fried foods – just to name a few. They speed up the aging process and may even be linked to cancer.

The vitamin C and beta-carotene in pumpkin works to combat free radicals. Both nutrients reverse UV damage and counteract free radical effects on the skin.

Using pumpkin to fight free radicals is easy. Make a simple pumpkin puree mask by spreading it onto your skin and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes.

Solves Skin Problems

Pumpkins have powerful acne-fighting and oil regulating properties. Thanks to a potent combination of zinc, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, you can ditch the zits.

Along with potassium and magnesium, zinc regulates oil production in the skin. This removes those obnoxious, overly oily and dry areas. Zinc also works in tandem with vitamin E to fight acne breakouts and improve skin tone. At the same time, anti-inflammatory vitamin A minimizes acne scarring.

Zinc, vitamin E, and omega 3- and 6- fatty acids are especially concentrated in pumpkin seeds. Simply eating these seeds is a great way to reap their many benefits. Roast pumpkin seeds at home (it’s super easy!) and then enjoy them on their own or sprinkled into yogurt or trail mix.

Hair Regrowth

Pumpkin can also help with hair loss or thinning. It is full of minerals like potassium and zinc which work to keep hair healthy and promote re-growth.

Pumpkin is also a good source of folate, a B vitamin that helps improve blood circulation which stimulates hair growth.

Fight Dry Skin

Pumpkin has the power to penetrate deep into skin to provide many benefits. It’s full of the antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, that both help to soften and soothe dry skin. Pumpkin also boosts collagen production which keeps skin from looking cracked and scaly.

If you want to protect your skin from becoming dry, pumpkin will do the trick. It’s are rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin E that nourish the skin and fight free radicals.

Bonus – Recipes Packed Full of Pumpkin

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Ingredients

1/2 c. Warm Whole Milk (105ºF)
1/4 c. Honey, Divided
2 1/4 tsp. Active Dry Yeast
1/4 c. Salted Butter, Melted
1 can (15 Oz. Size) Canned Pumpkin (Not Pumpkin Pie Filling Or Mix)
1 Large Egg
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
5 c. All-purpose Flour, Or More As Needed

Directions

Place warm milk and 1 teaspoon of the honey in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Allow to activate for 5 minutes.

Place milk mixture and remaining ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Switch to the dough hook. Knead on medium-low speed for 15 minutes. You can add more flour if dough is extremely wet, but dough should be quite sticky and won’t clean the sides of the bowl completely.

Scrape dough into a large, generously greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Scoop dough out onto a piece of parchment paper or a greased work surface. Divide dough into 15 to 24 pieces, depending on how large of rolls you prefer. Using buttered hands, shape the pieces into balls by first pinching the edges into the center, then rolling the ball on your work surface to create surface tension. Place in a greased 13×9-inch pan or 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet.

Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise until the rolls fill the pan, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Half an hour before the rolls are done proofing, preheat oven to 375° F. Bake risen rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and an instant read thermometer registers 200° F when inserted into the center of one of the rolls.

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto a cooling rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature (with butter, of course!).

Pumpkin-Hard Cider Cheese Dip

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 clove garlic, minced
1 12-ounce bottle hard cider
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh chives, for topping

Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and garlic; cook, stirring, until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cider, pumpkin puree, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the pie spice and cayenne until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Gradually whisk in the cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer the dip to a bowl, top with the bacon and chives.

Serve with sliced apples or raisin-nut bread.

Pumpkins are much more than just recipe ingredients or decorations. They also have amazing skincare benefits. Reversing the signs of aging, fighting acne, and improving skin texture are just some of the powers pumpkins hold. This October, before tossing your jack-o-lantern, consider using the remains for the benefit of your skin.

While pumpkin may be the perfect fruit for your complexion and health, it may not be enough. Whether you’re looking for a brighter glow or ways to get rid of wrinkles, contact us. At NJVVC we sell professional skincare products that will have you looking like a younger, happier you.

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on January 30, 2019. It has been updated to include additional information.

Winter Leg Care

Mar 21, 2021 | General Health, Leg Care, Prevention of Vein Conditions, Skincare

We all know the drill. Once the winter chill sneaks in, it’s easy to lack moisture and mobility in our lives. Our skin gets drier and our muscles get tighter. This means our legs need extra attention and care during the winter months.

You may have noticed your skin gets dry when the cold weather begins. But winter brings more than dry skin. If you’ve also noticed leg cramps and soreness, you’re not alone. These symptoms are common in many people and can be exacerbated by the cold.

But there’s good news. You can combat both dry skin and leg cramps this winter season. Read over these helpful tips your legs will love.

How to Combat Dry Skin:

Reduce Shower Time

What’s not to love about a long, hot shower when it’s freezing out? But did you know those hot showers could be drying out your skin even more?

Reduce the amount of time you spend in a hot shower or bath by half. Try to keep your shower time to 10-15 minutes or less.

Use Gentle Cleansers

You may have heard the term pH balance in the skincare world before. But if you haven’t, let’s go back to the basics. pH stands for potential hydrogen, which is a measure of the element’s activity in a substance.

The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14. A pH level of seven is neutral and anything lower is acidic. Anything higher than 7.0 is considered in the alkaline range. Skin tends to be naturally acidic and depending on the area of skin tested, it usually averages between 4.7 and 5.0.

An ideal skin pH is between 4.7 and 6.0, which is slightly acidic. Many soaps or body washes score over eight on the pH scale. The use of certain products disrupts the skin’s ability to maintain a healthy pH level. This could be a major reason why the skin on your legs is dry, flaky, itchy, and inflamed.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated is key for your skin to retain moisture. Try to drink more water. It’s easy to drink plenty of water in warmer weather. Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than a tall glass of ice water

But when it’s cold, we tend to reach for hot lattes, which dehydrate our body. Even more so if you’re not drinking enough water to counteract the caffeine.

Exfoliate

One of the most important tips for having smooth, healthy skin is exfoliation. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of our skin.

Did you know our skin naturally sheds dead skin every 30 days? But sometimes, dead skin cells don’t shed completely. This leaves the skin looking dry and flaky.

The key to exfoliating in the winter is knowing how often to do it. Meaning, don’t exfoliate more than once a week as it can be too harsh for your skin.

To exfoliate the legs, try “dry brushing”. This is exactly what it sounds like: brushing your skin with a dry brush. Brushing the skin while it’s dry will loosen dead skin so it will wash off easily in the shower.

Eat Fatty Acids

Eat more foods containing essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) such as lean meat, eggs, walnuts, and salmon. The body cannot make these fatty acids on its own. But they are essential for proper skin hydration and health.

Quit Smoking

Nicotine is a known blood vessel constrictor that can reduce oxygen levels in the body. Insufficient oxygen may lead to pale, itchy dry skin that worsens in winter.

Smoking also increases the risk of varicose veins, leg soreness, and leg ulcers. If you smoke, ask your doctor about medications or programs available to help you stop.

Moisturize

Hydration is key for many aspects of our bodies. Our skin needs to retain moisture to function properly. Basic moisturizers will do the trick on the surface of the skin. But oils work to lock-in moisture deeper into the skin.

Skin oils, like baby oil, also act as a protective barrier between dry air and our skin. Try rubbing a few drops of baby oil on your legs after a shower.

Winter Leg Cramps

Now that we have our leg skin ready to combat the cold, let’s move on to our muscles.

Why Do Muscles Cramp More in Winter?

Muscles contract when they get cold as a way of preserving energy. This means you must exert more force to move your muscles in the cold.

Not using our contracted muscles increases stiffness, spasms, and cramps. Add slight dehydration during the winter, and you’ve got achy, tired legs.

For Muscle Pain Relief

Epsom Salt Soaks

Soak your legs in Epsom salt to soothe your muscles. Epsom salt is a magnesium sulfate compound used as a healing agent and pain reliever. Magnesium works well for relaxing constricted muscles and heal minor inflammation.

If you don’t feel like getting in the tub, just give your feet some love. Make a foot soak by filling your bathtub or a basin with water that covers your feet. Then add a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt and soak your feet for about 30 minutes. You’ll provide your feet with some relief and your legs will thank you.

Heating Pads

Place a heating pad or a moist cloth warmed in a microwave on achy areas of your legs. Note that moist heat is always better, as the hot moisture gets absorbed into the muscles.

Hydration is one of the most important things needed for our muscles. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends drinking 10-16 cups of water a day.

If you have a bad habit of forgetting to drink water, don’t worry. Look for water bottles that light up or flash when it’s time to drink.

There are even water bottles that you can sync up with your phone and track your water intake. Add electrolytes to your water for an increased boost of hydration.

Exercises to Combat Leg Cramps

Basic Leg Scissors

Leg scissors are simple exercises you can do at home on the floor. This exercise increases circulation in your legs. It also helps maintain muscle tone in your thighs and lower abdomen. Although it doesn’t burn a lot of calories, it is a great way to reduce nighttime leg cramps. Try doing these daily for at least 15 minutes.

Lie on a mat and relax your back enough to feel the length of your spine against it. With your arms resting on the mat, lift both legs about a foot off the floor.

Raise your right leg slightly higher than the left leg. Then, lower your left leg down to the mat as you raise your right leg three or four inches higher. Repeat lifting and lowering legs if you feel comfortable doing so.

After several weeks of performing leg scissors, try wearing ankle weights for resistance.

Squat Rotations

Squat rotations are another great exercise for the legs. They improve flexibility, keep bones strong, and help prevent injury. Squat rotations are one of the best functional exercises to tone and strengthen the body.

Because of its low impact, this exercise is perfect for people of any age and body type.

You’ll need a light medicine ball or any small, weighted object for this exercise. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and hold the ball in your hands. Keep your chest up, back flat, and your body weight on your heels.

Twist your torso while bringing the ball down to the outside of your left foot. Stand straight with the force of your heels. Repeat on the right side. Keep your eyes locked on the ball during the entire exercise. Do 10 reps on each side.

Stationary Single Leg Holds

The stationary single leg hold exercise works on every lower body muscle. This includes your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. It’s a low impact exercise and doesn’t put too much pressure on knees or joints. Use a wall for support if you need to.

While keeping your knees close, pull your left leg behind your body with your left hand. Once you feel balanced, lift your right arm overhead. Try to keep as straight you can while holding this position and avoid turning your body to the side. Release and switch legs after 10 counts. Repeat three times on both sides.

Want to give your legs extra care this winter? Contact us at NJVVC today to learn more about our professional skin care and vein treatment options.

Chemical Peels for Acne Scars

Oct 20, 2020 | Acne, Chemical Peels, Skin Conditions, Skincare

When it comes to acne, getting a pimple is just the tip of the iceberg. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to reduce or eliminate breakouts fast. Face washes, acne creams, and even medication can help. But for many, it’s the acne aftermath of scars causes concern. And it’s the reason why so many people are turning to chemical peels for acne scars.

Why Acne Scarring Occurs

When acne cysts are painfully inflamed and penetrate deeper skin layers, the risk for scarring increases. Scarring is a result of the healing response initiated by the immune system.

As acne nodules diminish, the immune system tells the body to produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein used to support skin firmness and overall health.

Too much or too little collagen determines the severity of acne scarring. For example, depressed or “caved-in” scars occur when there is not enough collagen to repair skin damage. Scars that appear raised above the surface of the skin indicate the release of too much collagen.

Raised acne scars are seen more frequently in people of color. Depressed acne scars predominantly affect lighter-skinned individuals.

Reducing the Appearance of ScarsOne of the most effective treatments to reduce the appearance of acne scars is a chemical peel. Chemical peels smooth away scar ridges and indentations. They safely and gently exfoliate the topmost layers of your skin.

What is a Chemical Peel?

Chemical peels use various concentrations of alpha-hydroxy, trichloroacetic, and/or glycolic acid. A licensed medical professional will apply the concentrate to areas with scarring. This helps eliminate damaged skin cells and speeds up regeneration. As the peel stimulates collagen production by causing a mild wound event, old skin cells are replaced by new, healthy skin cells.

Chemical peels take about an hour to complete. After a peel, you should expect some redness like a sunburn. Mild chemical peels may be performed every two or three weeks. Minimize itching by keeping your skin hydrated or using a cold compress.

Severe acne scarring may require a “deep” chemical peel. This type of peel may use phenol to penetrate deeper into the skin. Communicate openly with your doctor to achieve the best results.

In addition to reducing acne scars, chemical peels smooth away fine lines, mild skin discolorations, and treat actinic keratosis.

A Great Time to Get Rid of Acne Scars

There are a lot of misconceptions about chemical peels. For some, that means it gets put on the back burner of things to do. But the number one myth about chemical peels is that you will have to hide in your home for days after due to redness and flaking. That’s not true! A chemical skin peel can be stress-free with very little downtime if any at all.

Chemical peels now consist of gentler but more effective solutions. Patients can even opt for a lunchtime peel that takes about 20 minutes. There is minimal redness, and you can resume normal activities directly following the procedure.

However, keep in mind that chemical peels formulated to reach deeper skin layers may cause more apparent redness and flaking.

Acne scars can easily be reduced or eliminated with safe and effective chemical peels. Call us today to schedule a free consultation appointment.

FALL CHEMICAL PEEL BONUS

Fall welcomes cooler temperatures and brisk breezes that bring a healthy, attractive glow to your cheeks. It’s also the time to wear cute, soft sweaters, leggings, and free-form hairstyles. While you sip your pumpkin spice, consider the following:

Chemicals peels rejuvenate your skin leaving your skin fresh and glowing. No more spending hours in the morning applying concealers, foundation, and powder. Just shower, get dressed, and be ready to greet the day.

The days are getting shorter and there is less sun. UV rays aren’t nearly as strong as they are during summer. You’ll still need to use sunscreen after your procedure, but you can go outside with less caution during fall versus summer.

The holiday season is upon us. Every year it sneaks right up. A chemical peel is a great way to get ready for the busy times during the season when makeup isn’t an option. For the gatherings you attend and everything between, a chemical peel can help revitalize your skin.

Get the look you want with a chemical peel this fall season at the NJVVC!

Prevent and Treat Hyperpigmentation

Mar 20, 2020 | Skin Conditions, Skincare

Prevent and treat dark spots on your skin with proper skincare and some helpful tips. Don’t be embarrassed by hyperpigmentation. Figure out the cause and treat the issue.

The reality is that hyperpigmentation occurs in more people than you may realize. Hyperpigmentation is a common problem that affects all skin types.

While this skin condition is often harmless, it could also be a sign of illness that requires medical treatment. It’s best to consult a doctor before taking action to remedy the issue.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which dark patches appear on the skin. This darkening of the skin occurs when melanocytes become hyper-stimulated.

In turn, from this excess stimulation, melanocytes create an increased production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin it’s color. So, when our bodies begin to produce more of it, it causes us to tan or in this case, develop dark spots.

People with a fairer complexion have less melanin and tend to develop hyperpigmentation more easily than others. However, individuals with darker complexions may have more difficulty getting rid of hyperpigmentation.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

There are a variety of causes for hyperpigmentation. The causes range from simple day-to-day activities to possible warning signs of illness. Here’s what you should know:

Hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of excessive exposure to the sun. With sun damage, darker spots appear in areas that are always subjected to the sun i.e., face, arms, and legs.

Melasma is characterized by brown patches that commonly appear on women during pregnancy. Heredity, sun exposure, and hormones play key roles in its development.

Inflammation can lead to discoloration of the skin. Dark spots can be triggered in areas that have become inflamed due to acne (acne scars), insect bites, or minor injuries.

Dark patches on the skin can also be a sign of serious illnesses such as lupus or cancer. Consult a doctor to rule these medical issues out.

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

The primary cause of hyperpigmentation is the sun. Avoid exposing yourself to its damaging rays for prolonged periods of time.

Sunburn leads to inflammation which is a big proponent of dark spots. Doctors recommend using a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection.

Since dark spots can also be caused by an injury, acne, or even a bug bite, avoid touching affected areas to prevent further inflammation.

Stay moisturized with ingredients that benefit the skin. Choose a product that will restore your skin’s barrier and boost cell turnover rate.

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation

If you have hyperpigmentation, the following will help reduce its appearance and minimize further damage:

Vitamin C boosts collagen and helps reverse cell damage.
Vitamin E protects skin from further damage and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
Hyaluronic acid offers additional moisture and speeds up wound healing.
Retinol to boost cell turnover rate.

Consult a medical professional for further information about topical prescription treatments. These treatments may include products that offer hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or corticosteroids; agents that provide a bleaching effect.

For more serious skin issues, laser treatment, ablative or nonablative, can be effective.

Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, effectively erasing the skin issue.

Nonablative lasers, on the other hand, pass through the skin without removing any. Both laser types are used to correct hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and tone.

New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center addresses a full range of issues that affect your skin. We specialize in creating a treatment plan that will meet your expectations and achieve your desired results.

Contact us for more information about changing the look of your skin for a more confident and healthier you.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

May 19, 2019 | General Health, Skincare

Excessive exposure to the sun can affect your skin in various ways. Some changes, like increased wrinkles and freckles, may be frustrating but not necessarily dangerous. However, changes in color or unusual marks may indicate a deeper problem, like early stages of skin cancer. To protect your skin from the sun, there are several things to keep in mind.

How dangerous is the sun? There are many elements to factor into this equation. With the right precautions, you can enjoy those blissful rays of sunshine without having to worry about causing permanent damage to your skin. And reduce your chances of developing various types of skin cancers.

Sun damage develops over time, so it is never too late to get started on a sun protection regimen and implement it in your everyday life.

Maximum Exposure

The sun is most intense between the hours of 10am and 4pm If you look down and notice a shorter shadow, try to find some shade.

While these are the prime hours for sun exposure, spending more than fifteen minutes out in the sun warrants some protection for your skin.

Things You Can Do to Protect Your Skin

If relying on shade is not an option, there are a few other things you can do to protect your skin:

Wear Sunscreen

Look for a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 to deflect and absorb damaging UV rays. SkinCeuticals offers a variety of sunscreen formulas, from mattifying sunscreens for oily skin to water resistant sunscreens specifically designed for extreme outdoor workouts. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Apply Protective Lip Balm

Many people forget to protect their lips when venturing out into the sun, even though they are highly susceptible to burns. Be sure to apply a protective lip balm every hour.

Shield Your Eyes

The sun can wreak havoc on the eyes, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. It could also cause cataracts, which affect your vision.

Cover your eyes, and the skin around them, with sunglasses. Wider lenses offer more protection, and make sure they have a label indicating 100% protection from UV rays.

Hang on to Your Hat

Create your own shade with a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face, ears, and neck.

Choose UPF Clothing

Like sunscreen, UPF clothing ranges from 15 to 50+, with higher levels offering more protection. These clothes have a special coating that help absorb UVA and UVB rays. Darker, tightly woven fabrics also provide more protection in general.

Treating Damaged Skin

There are several moisturizing creams and anti-inflammatories available for relieving sunburns. Even wearing sunscreen on a daily basis can help your skin heal and possibly reverse the damage. However, if blisters develop, you should seek medical care.

You should also watch for other warning signs, like freckles or other marks that are unusual in shape or color. Many symptoms of skin damage can be treated by medical professionals if caught in the early stages.

Sun Exposure and Damage: Q & A

Question: “How long can I safely be exposed to the sun, without sunscreen?”

Answer: It’s difficult to say. In the past, the ozone layer helped protect us by blocking harmful UV rays. Over the years the ozone layer has decreased due to air pollution and other environmental factors. As stated by the American Skin Association, we need to better protect ourselves.

A few minutes in the sun, here and there should be OK and can be beneficial, however, the time should be limited 10 – 15 minutes a day.

Question: “When do I need to wear sunscreen?”

Answer: The sun doesn’t sleep in the winter or even on a cloudy day. In fact, cloudy days can even be worse because you don’t feel the rays coming through as much. But guess what? They are still there. Incorporate sunscreen into your daily skin routine for maximum protection from the sun.

Question: “Is there any way to reverse or stop sun damage once you have gotten it?

Answer: Keeping up with regular sun protection throughout the year does help and can reverse or even stop further damage. Other things to do along with sunscreen use are moisturizing, exfoliation (to remove dead cells), staying hydrated, and always follow your doctor’s orders if there are any concerns.