skin treatment 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

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.

Editor’s Note: This blog was updated in May 2024

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.

Editor’s Note: This blog has been updated in May 2024

Three Essential Skincare Tips for Men

Aug 18, 2018 | Just for Men, Skincare

Men often face the same complicated skincare problems as women such as wrinkles, dryness, dark spots, and adult acne, but it gets spoken about a lot less. We do get many requests for skincare tips for men.

Fortunately, solving these problems doesn’t have to be complicated, time consuming or involve multiple skincare products.

In fact, your skincare daily routine doesn’t have to take longer than five minutes a day to complete! By following these three simple but essential skincare steps for men, one can achieve clearer, younger-looking skin without a hassle.

1) Get in a Daily Routine

Taking care of your skin should be a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Cleanse your skin once or twice a day using a gentle cleanser and follow up with a moisturizer.

To see the best results, use products that are tailored to your skin type. If you have issues with acne, dark spots, or wrinkles, add in an additional serum or cream once a day to problem areas.

There are numerous highly effective skincare products available for you to incorporate into your routine, providing your skin with the essential elements it needs to look its best.

2) Exfoliate

Regularly exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells that can block pores and make your skin look dull. You should exfoliate once or twice a week using safe products that can be used at home. This takes about the same amount of time as washing your face, and you can use basic items from your kitchen, such as sugar or lemon juice.

Exfoliation is an effective method for achieving a deeper clean of your pores. By using exfoliating products or techniques, you can get rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities that may be clogging your pores, helping to prevent breakouts, and promoting healthier-looking skin.

3) Protect Your Skin

Remember always to wear sunscreen, whether you’re spending all day in meetings or on the basketball court. The sun and UV rays can damage your skin, increasing your risk of skin cancer and aging your appearance.

Simply apply a non-greasy, quick-drying sunscreen after washing your face in the morning, and you’ll be set for the rest of the day!

When you have concerns about your skin, it’s important to consult a skincare professional. Everyone likes to look and feel their best.

Editor’s Note: This blog was updated in May 2024

How to Prevent and Control Acne

Apr 18, 2018 | Skin Conditions

We all get them…pimples. If you haven’t had a few, then you just might be the luckiest person on earth. One pimple doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but when they begin to multiply, things can get out of control quickly. Many factors lead to uncontrollable acne, such as your daily routine, what you eat, and how you deal with a breakout. If you have concerns, here’s how to prevent and control acne.

Acne Prevention: Your Daily Routine

It’s the small steps you take every day that add up and help prevent acne breakouts. Following the tips below will help keep acne away and help minimize any issues you may already have.

Wash your face – Twice daily with warm water and mild soap. A salicylic acid exfoliating cream cleanser or a lightweight cleanser with gentle foaming agents to remove surface debris will work best for acne prone skin.

Don’t touch – Avoid touching your face throughout the day and remember to wash your hands before doing so.

Wipe your phone – Clean your phone regularly and hold it away from your face while talking.

Clean your glasses – Glasses collect oils and dead skin. When you wash your face, you should wash your glasses too.

Change your pillow case – For the best results, change daily.

Hair care – Keep your hair clean and pulled back away from your face.
Avoid oil-based products – Choose skin, hair, and makeup products for sensitive skin that are non-comedogenic which do not clog pores.

Soften skin – Before shaving, use warm soapy water prior to applying shaving cream. Make sure your razor is sharp and clean.
Sun exposure – Many acne medications increase the risk of sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can cause the skin to produce more sebum or oil.
Anxiety and stress – Cortisol and adrenaline, both produced during high stress times will exacerbate acne.
Skin care products – It’s important to choose products that don’t irritate the skin and have been proven highly effective. Find a widely trusted skin care product, such as a multi-tasking blemish and age defense serum that fights the formation of acne, minimizes blemishes and scarring, and even reduces the signs of aging.

Foods That Help Control Acne: You Are What You Eat

There are many foods that are thought of as “acne causing” such as pizza, chocolate, fried foods, and caffeine. These foods have not been scientifically proven to bring about acne, but many people react to them by “breaking out” which has caused them to become synonymous.

Identify what triggers YOU to have acne and adjust your intake of those foods accordingly. Here are some of the most common foods that can cause breakouts and a few that will help control acne.

Just Say No

Sugar – Sugar raises your insulin level which has been linked to oil-triggering hormones. Soda is a major contributor of fructose or sugar that people ingest every day. Choose water and whole-grain options to keep your insulin levels even throughout the day and your skin healthier!
Iodine – Iodine builds up overtime in the body and causes acne. Choose foods such as shellfish, kelp, and spinach in moderation as eating them may cause large acne flareups.
Bread and Bagels – Try reducing gluten intake or go gluten free. Gluten increases systemic inflammation and inflammation is a trigger for acne.
You may have a sensitivity to gluten and not even be aware of it.
Dairy – Milk related products are hormone-dense. Acne has been linked to hormonal issues. If you have acne breakouts, dairy may be the culprit.

More Please!

Cruciferous Vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Grass-fed Protein
Healthy Fats – avocado, nuts, salmon, olives

Control Your Acne: When Acne Won’t Go Away

When you already have acne, prevention tips might stop future outbreaks but what can you do in the meantime Here are some ways to handle the breakout you are experiencing right now.

No scrubbing – Scrubbing and/or rubbing your skin will further irritate the area. Use clean hands or a cloth to lightly pat or touch your skin.
Avoid popping pimples – This can push infection further down causing swelling and redness. Pooping pimples also leads to scarring.
Let your skin breathe – Keep your skin free of makeup whenever possible. If acne is on your back, shoulders, or chest, avoid tight clothing.
Chemical Peels – Chemical peels cause the skin’s top layer to peel away. This removes dead and damaged skin cells which aids in the production of new and healthier cells. Chemical peels will also help minimize scars from acne.

Acne is a common problem. It can be embarrassing for anyone, but treatment is available and has proven to be effective in many cases.

Melasma: Symptoms and Treatment

Mar 18, 2018 | Skin Conditions, Skincare

Have you noticed skin discoloration on your face or chest? Melasma, a common skin problem, often presents as tan, brown or greyish-blue marks on the parts of our bodies that get the most sun. While this skin issue appears on a lot of women during pregnancy, men and woman of all ages are susceptible.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin discoloration condition that most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. It can also affect men; however, it is extremely rare. Melasma normally appears on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip in the form of dark irregularly-shaped blotches.

Pregnant women, those who take chemical contraceptives, or postmenopausal women who take progesterone replacement therapy commonly come down with this condition. Melasma in pregnant women is also known as chloasma, or “the mask of pregnancy”.

Cause and Symptoms of Melasma?

At the bottom end of your outer layer of skin, you have cells called melanocytes. These are what produce melanin. A change in your progesterone and estrogen levels combined with sun exposure can stimulate the irregular production of melanin. This is the most common cause of melasma. In and of itself, this condition causes no other symptoms beyond the skin blotches. It is a cosmetic condition and has not been linked to cancer or any other dangerous skin diseases.

However, autoimmune thyroid disease and Addison’s disease have been associated with melasma. The development of Addison’s disease can cause melasma above the kidney area. Therefore, if discoloration occurs in other areas than your face, you may want to consult a doctor for additional information and testing.

Can It be Treated?

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this condition. There are many topical treatments that will reduce melasma such as hydroquinone, cysteine hydrochloride, or azelaic acid. Some patients also respond to microdermabrasion which removes the outer layer of skin reducing dark areas.

There are products on the market recommended by skin care professionals that can help with skin discoloration treatment. Different products offer multi-layered hyperpigmentation correction that can assist with existing spots, block excess melanin, or boost pigment resistance.

An effective chemical peel can be an excellent option to consider. Chemical peels are capable of reducing discoloration and providing your skin with an overall improved, more even tone.

Melasma can develop slowly and it takes a while to clear up. Skin type plays a role in determining the best treatment. Melasma caused by serious sun exposure can be the most difficult to treat.

Preventing Melasma

While many cures exist, including chemical peels and skincare products, you can take preventive measures to lessen your odds of acquiring melasma.

Avoid excess sun exposure, and wear shade-giving hats if you must be outside for a long duration of time. Sunblock and sunglasses are extremely important as well. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 which contains physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended.

Editor’s Note: This blog has been updated in May 2024