Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery - Dermatologists and Plastic Surgery in Phoenix, AZ

Center for Dermatology & Plastic Surgery is the premier medical and cosmetic dermatology clinic in Paradise Valley and greater Phoenix area. Make an appointment today.

WestDerm

Your Guide to Melasma

by

Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown patches to appear on people’s faces. While it’s not a serious medical issue, it can certainly be a cosmetic issue that many people would like to treat. Here we will discuss what causes melasma and the possible treatment options.
Causes of Melasma
Unfortunately, there is no single cause for melasma, but rather it is a combination of things that occur at one time. Typically, melasma appears after excessive sun exposure, changes in hormones, and a person’s genetics. It’s not unusual for melasma to appear after a woman starts taking birth control or at some point throughout her pregnancy because there are significant hormone shifts that occur. For these reasons, melasma is also known as a “pregnancy mask.” Sometimes it simply occurs after ongoing sun exposure or if there is a family history of the skin condition. 
 
Treatment Options
It’s important to understand that melasma doesn’t fade completely, but it can be lightened in some cases that it is virtually non-existent. There are some ways that you can reduce the appearance of it and keep the condition more contained. Here are some treatment options to keep in mind:
Limit Sun Exposure
 
Help stop the spread of melasma by protecting your skin from the sun. You should always wear high SPF sunblock, proper clothing, and a hat when outdoors. Not only can sun exposure lead to melasma, but it can also aggravate an existing condition of it. 
Retinol-Based Creams
Retinol works to increase your skin’s cell turnover. As the pigmented skin exfoliates after the use of retinol, the faster the dark areas begin to fade. Be mindful of using this type of product, as it can be harsh for some people’s skin types. Talk to your dermatologist about the type of creams you should use. 
 
Pigment Blockers
 
Pigment blockers are used to lighten the skin and can be used in conjunction with your sunscreen. Talk to your dermatologist about the pigment blockers that work best for you. 
 
Laser Treatments
 
There are a variety of lasers that can be used to break up the pigmentation of melasma. The severity of your melasma will determine if this is the right treatment option for you
Other Considerations about Melasma
 
It’s important to know that melasma won’t completely go away on its own, but treatments can help. While this condition is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy mask,” it doesn’t only impact women. Men can also be affected by melasma, especially if they have a family history or have excessive sun exposure. People at higher risk are women and individuals with darker skin pigmentation. 
 
Discuss Your Options
 
At West Dermatology, we are committed to providing our patients with the information they need to make treatment decisions. While melasma may be something you’ll have to manage throughout your entire life, there are effective ways to lighten your skin and protect it from future damage. To learn more about melasma and the treatment options we provide, contact our office today. We are here to provide the guidance you need to achieve healthier skin. 

A West Dermatologist Dishes Her Pregnancy Skincare Tips

by

Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your skin with hormonal acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. Plus, pregnancy skincare has its own set of rules—like no retinol and retinoids. We talked to our very own board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Riley to sort out what is and isn’t allowed during pregnancy. She also let us in on how she expertly cared for her own skin before, during, and after pregnancy. 
 
What did you change about your routine once you found out you were pregnant, and why?
Dr. Riley said removing retinol was the number one change she made to her skincare routine. Retinols are known to harm a growing baby. She erred on the side of caution with all other skincare products. “We have to be so careful in pregnancy because most skincare products are not studied in pregnant women, so it’s hard to know what is safe to use,” Dr. Riley said.
 
What did your skincare routine look like before pregnancy?
AM routine: 
·      Skinceuticals gentle cleanser – is great for sensitive skin
·      Skinceuticals C E Ferulic – is a powerful antioxidant to combat aging and protect the skin from sun damage
·      Skinmedica Lytera 2.0 – helps with pigmentation and evening out skin tone
·      Isdin Ageless tinted sunscreen – is lightweight, easy to apply, and blends evenly with most skin tones
 
PM routine:
·      Retinol three times weekly, alternated with Skinceuticals Glycolic 10 – it gives skin a nice glow
·      Isdin’s Melatonik – is a serum that acts like a retinoid but doesn’t cause dryness or irritation
·      Skinmedica Lytera 2.0
 
What was your complete skincare routine while you were pregnant?
AM routine: 
·      C E Ferulic
 
PM routine: 
 
What about pregnancy acne?
Pregnant women may experience hormonal acne because androgen levels are higher than usual. Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide washes are safe to use in pregnancy. 
 “Once I found out I was pregnant, I switched to using the Skinceuticals glycolic acid wash,” she said. This wash helps with keeping pigmentation under control and fights acne, too. Dr. Riley said topical prescription options are available, so consult with your dermatologist if over-the-counter glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash is not working.
 
What about sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a must because too much sun exposure can contribute to pregnancy mask, also called melasma. You can manage these brown and tan patches of hyperpigmentation by wearing zinc oxide sunscreen. Dr. Riley said she was especially careful not to use chemical sunscreen while she was pregnant.
 “There was a study that came out a few years ago showing that chemical sunscreens can be absorbed systemically, even though the absorption is minimal,” she said. Dr. Riley stuck with Isdin Ageless sunscreen because it’s pure zinc oxide, without any chemicals.
 
Anything else you would like to include? 
“I went full-force after pregnancy to get my skin back into shape by using a prescription lightening cream called hydroquinone and retinol, in addition to the products I mentioned above,” she said. Dr. Riley said adding on the SkinMedica instant bright eye cream was helpful to mask the effects of sleepless nights after her baby was born. 
 
Partner with a dermatologist if you’re pregnant
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your skin, but partnering with a dermatologist to help you through pregnancy and afterward can be helpful. If you have acne or rosacea during pregnancy, please make sure to talk to one of our board-certified dermatologists about treatments that you can use safely in pregnancy. Reach out for an appointment or if you have any questions for us.

Get Your Skin Road Trip Ready with Our Tips 🚙

by

Summertime road trips are in full swing, and there’s nothing quite as liberating as the feeling of hitting the open road. But the cool wind blowing on your skin and the warm sun on your face needs to be balanced with extra protection and hydration. So follow these tips to get your skin ready for a road trip and keep it glowing for those selfies along the way.  
 
Maintain Your Skincare Routine
Keep your skincare routine consistent on your road trip. Stick to your familiar products. Now is not the time to buy something different just because it comes in a cute travel size. Instead, ensure you don’t get an unexpected reaction and keep your skin break-out-free by packing what you’re already using. 
 
Get Creative With Containers
If space is limited and you don’t want to haul full-size products, buy tiny travel-sized bottles and transfer your product into them. You can even get creative and make your travel-size containers from everyday household objects. For example, ziplock bags are a great way to store makeup remover wipes. Likewise, a clean contact lens holder can double as a moisturizer container. 
 
Remember The Essentials
Don’t Pack Retinol 
Retinols can make your skin extra sensitive to sun damage. Riding in a sunny car for hours means more sun exposure than usual, so keep it off your packing list. Also, remember to pause retinol use before your road trip to avoid redness and irritation.
 
Prepare for Emergencies
Despite the best-laid plans, sometimes things go awry on road trips. Bees sting. Bugs bite. Feet blister. So remember to pack emergency products that can bring you some relief in case the worst happens. Products to relieve insect bites and antibacterial ointments are rarely needed. But, when they are, it’s a relief to have them on hand. The same goes for sunburns. We all expect to protect our skin, but sometimes we miss a spot or forget to reapply sunscreen, and well, burns happen. Pack sunburn care just in case you need it.
 
Water, Water Everywhere
Drinking a lot of water is one of the best things you can do to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Water keeps your skin, body, and mind functioning at their best. So stick with water to keep your mind alert on the road and your skin hydrated. Also, you’ll want to rethink caffeine which can dehydrate you and can make you feel tired.
 
Reapply Sunscreen
You’re still exposed to UV rays inside a car, so you need to protect the skin on your face and body. And don’t forget those bare toes propped up on the dashboard—they need sunscreen, too. Be sure to apply sunscreen before your road trip starts. You can set the alarm on your phone to remember to reapply it throughout the drive.
 
Go Beyond Sunscreen
Wear a hat and sunglasses to prevent eye strain and squinting—and the fine lines it can cause around the eye area—while you drive. Improve the sun protection on your arms by slipping on a loose long-sleeve shirt in a thin, breathable fabric like cotton or linen. 
 
After The Trip
Continue your skincare routine when your road trip is over and you’re back home. Go ahead and enjoy some of those products you didn’t have space for in your luggage. Dive into exfoliating or soothe your skin with a hydrating mask. And as always, if you have any questions about any of these tips or want more personalized advice, Reach out for an appointment!

The Difference Between Male & Female Acne

by

When most people think about acne, they often first associate it with puberty but this is not always the case. Many adults are still affected by acne well beyond the teenage years (about 50 million Americans), and the experience is different for both men and women from various factors. 
MALE ACNE
For men with acne, hormone levels are usually the main trigger. Men produce more of the hormone testosterone than women, which results in thick and oily skin. The production of sebum, or oil, is also higher in males because their sebaceous glands are more active (from the testosterone), which can lead to clogged pores, causing breakouts. Lastly, while those beards may look cool, facial hair can trap oil and act as a breeding ground for the bacteria that exacerbates pimples and acne.
In addition to the face and neck, men are more susceptible to acne on the chest, back, upper arms, and shoulders. Sweating may increase the severity, especially during the warmer months and after exercising, especially from wearing nylon fabrics.
Finally, the addition of supplements to enhance muscle growth may also promote and enhance underlying acne.
FEMALE ACNE
According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 22% of adult women are affected by acne, compared to less than 5% of adult men. Like men, female acne is the result of too much oil being produced by the skin, which results in clogged pores = breakouts. This may be attributed to estrogen and progesterone hormone fluctuations, especially just before the menstrual cycle..
Unlike men, women’s hormone levels become disrupted when birth control pills are taken, during the menstrual cycle, and menopause. The fluctuations can cause increased oil production in the pore. “14 – 50 year old women can get a deeper type of acne around the face and neck, that mostly spares the nose, chest and back” said Dr. Brook Brouha, West Derm board-certified dermatologist. “The unique hormonal influences make it a different disease entirely and you need to have the right game plan in order to treat it,” said Brouha. 
So what do you do when you want to slow down and prevent these breakouts from happening?
How to Treat:
Face acne: keep that face oil at bay by making sure to wash your face twice a day with an acne face wash, preferably one with salicylic or glycolic acid. Your skin needs to stay hydrated, not dry, in order to stay in balance and prevent breakouts so follow with a moisturizer that works best with your skin type.
For men, be careful when you shave around acne blemishes and make sure not to shave off the tops of pimples because this can irritate the skin and make it worse.
Back (bacne) / Body acne: nobody wants an army of angry pimples on their back or body. Make sure you are showering daily with an antibacterial soap and exfoliating to slough off all dead skin cells and unclog pores. You can also use over-the-counter spot treatments that have salicylic acid in them for those extra pesky zits. 
Female Acne: “Classic acne regimes are more effective for adolescent style chest, back and face acne and tend to be largely ineffective for this unique acne,” said Brouha. “At times, we recommend an oral treatment with isotretinoin, especially if your acne is severe.“
The most advanced treatment for acne is photodynamic therapy. This procedure is presently being investigated in a clinical study and is utilized in some of our clinics.
Acne affects us all at some point during our lifetimes. The level of severity is different amongst every person but just know we are always here to help! If you are not seeing results with any of the above treatment options or have any questions about your acne, schedule an in-clinic or TeleDerm appointment with one of our West Dermatology dermatologists today!

Summer is Here! Time to Transition your Skincare Routine 😎

by

Summer is finally here and with it the smell of freshly cut grass, backyard barbecues, and sunscreen lotion. We’ve transitioned into a new season with its own skincare rules. They revolve around the sun and, protecting us from its UV rays. Summer puts extra stress on our skin, and using sunscreen with a high SPF is essential. 
 
Here are our favorite tips for getting you summer skincare ready.
 
Slip, Slap, Slop, and Wrap!
According to the American Cancer Society, we’re most protected from the sun’s harmful rays when we layer several types of protection. So, slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, slop on sunscreen and wrap on sunglasses. These all work together to supplement the protection we get from sunscreen, which is often not enough on its own.  
 
Remember The Two-Hour Rule
We all need to be extra careful about reapplying sunscreen every two hours. Clearly, if you’re spending most of the day indoors, this isn’t necessary. But for those days where you’ll be outside all day, reapply sunscreen every two hours and even more frequently if you’re doing a lot of sweating or swimming.
 
Lips need protection, too, so look for balms with SPF. This may seem extreme, but surprisingly, most cancers on the face occur on the lips. This sensitive skin is susceptible to sun damage, just like the rest of our faces.
 
Hydrate
The summer heat can zap the water our body needs for plump, youthful-looking skin. Remember to drink at least eight glasses of liquid each day (soda and other sugary drinks don’t count). You might need more than eight cups of water, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. You can also hydrate with sweet fruits like oranges and melons that are dripping with skin-quenching water. The same goes for many vegetables, including cucumbers. They have an amazing water content of 90%.
 
Switch to a Serum
The heavy moisturizers of winter gave way to the oil-free moisturizers of spring. And now that summer’s here, a silky serum might be all the hydration your skin needs. This gem from SkinCeuticals, the C E Ferulic Vitamin C serum, undos new damage from lazy days in the sun. A serum helps not just moisturize but also nourish your sun-exposed skin.
 
Retinoid Can Take a Summer Break
Summer’s the time to relax your retinoid use because it can make your skin extra sensitive to the sun. This also applies to alpha and beta hydroxy acids. If you still want to use these products, limit your sun exposure, use less than usual, or switch to every other day or less. You can ramp up your usage again during the shady days of fall and winter. 
 
Prepare for Events
Now’s the time to renew our friendships and our Botox and lip filler injections, too. We all want to glow during the summer weddings, galas, soirees, and other big events of the season. Botox injections are a quick, effective way to relax away crow’s feet and worry lines and reveal a more youthful, refreshed look for summer. Fillers can accentuate our precious pouts, which many of us are excited to show off this summer. Ready to book your Botox or filler appointment? Click here.
 
Whether you’re out and about enjoying the summer weather, or inside taking a much needed break and relaxation, don’t let your skincare fall by the wayside. If you have any questions, schedule your appointment now. We are here to help!

Get to Know our Aesthetician, Rachelle Pons!

by

Get to Know Rachelle Pons, Licensed Aesthetician….
 
“invest in your skin. Its’ going to represent you for a very long time!”
 
Rachelle Pons is the newest addition to our team at West Dermatology. She comes to us after successfully completing an Associates of Arts Degree in Beauty Industry Merchandising and Marketing from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchanting in Los Angeles, California, and completing her Esthetic Licensing from Golden West College and Cosmetology License from Fullerton College. Rachelle is also working towards her Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications and is expected to graduate in 2021.
 
Skincare has always been a passion for Rachelle, and she has a lengthy background working closely with aesthetics. She believes that a person’s skin can be a source of health and confidence. In her experience, she has learned that once a person sees their skincare results come to fruition, they radiate more confidence, and that spreads to other parts of their life, too.
 
Rachelle loves working with people and seeing their transformation over time. She approaches skincare with passion and tenacity and wholeheartedly believes that building a relationship with patients helps you better communicate with one another. She is a solutions-driven provider who takes the time to listen to each person and learn their goals to best identify the solution moving forward. She sees each patient as a unique person with individual concerns and goals. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to skincare, and Rachelle is willing to take the time to create a customized solution for each person.
 
Rachelle is especially excited to be part of the West Dermatology team because she loves to stay busy and is excited to work with many different people. She looks forward to meeting new patients and helping them on their skincare journey.
 
WHAT SERVICES DOES SHE OFFER?
She offers a variety of aesthetics services including chemical peels,  enzyme peels, acne surgeries, facials, back facials, Photodynamic Therapy, solutions for milia, extractions, derma-planing, hyfercation and microdermabrasion.
READY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH RACHELLE PONS?
Schedule an appointment with Rachelle at either our Rancho Santa Margarita or Newport Beach locations to get started on your path to better-looking and healthier skin!

Father’s Day Gift Guide 🎁

by

June is an important month, not only is it Men’s Health Month, it’s also time to celebrate all the dads we know and love out there with Father’s Day.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your Dad, make his day special and help him maintain his skin health with one of these products from our Father’s Day Gift Guide. All can be found on our very own online skincare shop and can be shipped straight to your front door in time for June 20th.
Featured Products for Men
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
This thick, rich foam gently cleanses leaving your skin feeling clean and balanced.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum
our award-winning Vitamin C serum, proven to enhance skin radiance and protect against free radicals.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
with DNA Repairsomes. This is a great broad-spectrum light-weight sunscreen for all day use, every day.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Nutrafol Men Propack
this 3-month supply improves hair growth to visibly promote thickness and scalp coverage, by targeting root causes of thinning hair.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
With June being Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Give the gift of a skin check this year!
Click HERE to BOOK NOW!
Celebrating all the dads!
If you have any questions about any of the products we have recommended above, be sure to drop is a line or give us a call today. We would be more than happy to help you put together the perfect gift for your dad!

Celebrate No Fry Day with Sunscreen 🔆

by

Every Friday before Memorial Day, we celebrate National Don’t Fry Day to continue raising awareness of the importance of sun damage prevention and wearing sunscreen. If you still haven’t booked your annual skin check, you can book here.
 
As summer approaches and you start spending more time outside, you’ll probably want to start keeping a tube of sunscreen or one of the newer sunscreen powders handy. If you pop into any convenience store, you’re likely to see at least a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose. That’s where WE come in!
With so many sunscreen options out there, we want to make it easier for you to find one that works for you and helps you avoid getting ‘fried’ in the sun.
 
First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen. 
1)   Physical sunscreens use minerals that sit on top of skin. They deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The old versions used to feel thick and sometimes leave a white cast on the skin. Newer versions of microniadized zinc and titanium feel great, are not thick and do not leave a white sheen on your skin.
Ideal for: all skin types.
2)   Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into the skin in about 15 – 30 mins and transform UV rays into heat making them less harmful. Chemical options tend to be more water and sweat resistant so these are great for those with active lifestyles.
 
At this point, you may be wondering: Which brand is the best? We’re glad you asked! Here are some of our top picks:
 
> For your face
West Dermatology Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin. It absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup and doesn’t smell like SPF.
Click here to shop now.
 
> For the body
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Body Sunscreen offers antioxidant protection that combats skin-aging free radicals associated with UV rays. It glides on and provides moisture to the entire body.
Click here to shop now.
 
> For on-the-go
grab an ISDIN Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.
Click here to shop now.
 
Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing and scheduling an annual skin check with one of our board-certified dermatologists. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin all summer long!

CDC Healthcare Setting Mask Reminder 😷📰

by

At West Dermatology and our Family of Dermatology Practices, the health & safety of our patients and staff are always our top priority. We continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for healthcare settings and implement procedures to adhere to such guidelines.
The CDC’s recently released new masking recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals no longer require vaccinated people to wear a mask or physically distance. However, as explicitly stated by the CDC, these new recommendations are NOT intended for healthcare settings.
While we can’t wait to see your smiling faces when visiting our clinics, because we are a “healthcare setting,” it’s important to note that:
  • All staff, patients, and visitors must continue to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status.
  • We will continue to follow the full infection control procedures required by the CDC for healthcare settings. This includes the use of masks, social distancing, enhanced infection prevention, and monitoring and screening staff, patients, and visitors (health survey and temp checks).
It is our commitment and obligation to provide a healthy and safe environment for each of our patients, staff, and visitors, regardless of individual risk level, vaccination status, or specific health condition. Please wear a mask and follow infection control procedures during your visit. It protects you, your loved ones, our staff, and other patients needing skin healthcare services.
We thank you for your commitment and continued trust in us as your dermatologic healthcare provider.
In good health,
Your Trusted Dermatology Team

Check & Protect…with Sunscreen!🧴

by

One of the most important pieces our Check+Protect reminders is none other than: Please wear sunscreen!
 
The temperature is warming up, and with so much beautiful sunshine, it’s only natural that you’ll be outside enjoying yourself! While it’s a great time of year to enjoy time outdoors, don’t let your skincare take a backseat. Now more than ever, you should prioritize your at-home skincare routine (sunscreen included!) so that your skin remains healthy. 
 
One of the best ways to protect your skin from damage or exposure to harmful UV rays is to slather on sunscreen. This can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Plus, you have peace of mind that you won’t get sunburned – ouch!. 
 
Did you know that wearing sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can actually reduce your risk of carcinoma by 40% and reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%? Yes, wearing sunscreen is THAT important. Some people simply don’t know just how much it can really save your skin and protect you from skin cancer. 
 
Some other things you may not know about sunscreen application:
·      You should still wear sunscreen even if you’re indoors. Why? Because harmful UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate your skin via windows. Plus, you’re likely to step outside at least once in a while, so you don’t want to forget to apply sunscreen simply because you may spend most of your day indoors.
·      Don’t forget to reapply! If you’re outside, you should remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours to ensure that you haven’t sweat it off. 
 
But wait–what type of sunscreen should you wear? The truth is, the type of sunscreen you choose should be appropriate for your skin type. Here’s a brief breakdown of the best sunscreens we offer that are suited for certain skin types:
 
·      Normal skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
 
Not sure what type of skin you have? Not to worry, we can help with that too! When you schedule your next skin check appointment with us, we can help identify which products are best for your skin. 
 
And the best news we’ve been saving for last: Throughout the entire month of May, our sunscreen is on sale for 20% off! Just use SUNSCREEN20 at checkout on our online store. Stock up now to protect your skin and save money. Don’t wait–this deal doesn’t last forever, and you want to be sure that your skin is protected to the max.