Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it can develop a number of unwanted conditions during your lifetime. There are several conditions that are very common among adults which can occur at different stages in your life. Dr. Diane Walder offers many different cosmetic treatments for these conditions which range from proper skin care to the use of lasers.
Acne
Acne is an extremely common skin condition that affects teenagers and even adults. It comes in several different forms, including red blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. Red blemishes are typically the result of inflammation around your hair follicles. Whiteheads and blackheads are usually the result of clogged pores. Cysts can be painful and may lead to acne scarring if not treated early. Acne occurs primarily on the face, but it’s also found in other areas of the body such as the chest, back, shoulders and arms.
It’s not very clear what causes acne. Excessive oil production or sweating, hormone fluctuations, and even genetics all play a role. Acne can cause your skin to have scars, dark stains (called pigmentation) or uneven skin texture, making it difficult to achieve a smooth look and have a great impact on your daily life. Laser treatments such as Laser Genesis and fractional laser resurfacing can even your skin’s texture and tone by removing the damaged skin layers. eMatrix is another treatment which uses radiofrequency energy to promote healthy skin layers and smooth your skin from the inside out. Chemical peels can remove the top layers of the skin to lighten pigmentationa nd improving the appearance of acne scarring.
Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by persistent redness, flushing or red bumps on the skin. It usually affects people who have lighter or fair skin tones. You might look like you are always blushing or overly warm after exercising, stress, or drinking hot coffee. It may also appear like broken blood vessels around the nose and cheeks. This condition worsens over time, so it’s important to begin treatment while rosacea is in its early stages.
Like acne, rosacea can be treated in a variety of ways. Topical creams or ointments can control inflammation. Special face washes or antibiotics also help lessen symptoms. For more severe cases, Laser Genesis, fractional laser resurfacing, V- Beam Perfecta and Intense Pulsed Light (or IPL) can also improve your skin by improving skin redness, flushing and prominent blood vessels.
Melasma
Though often referred to as the “pregnancy mask”, you don’t have to be pregnant to have melasma. Melasma occurs as dark brown or brownish-gray patches of skin around the face. The discolorations may vary in size, shape, and location. It occurs when the melanocytes (the pigment producing cells) in your skin are stimulated. This may happen as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy or it may occur from exposure to the sun.
Chemical peels are an effective treatment for melasma. This treatment involves using a chemical solution to carefully burn away the surface layers of skin. As new skin grows in, the darker skin fades. A comprehensive treatment with special brightening and lightening agents and daily sunscreen can also keep the brown patches faded.
Sun Damage
Too much exposure to the sun or UV rays can have a severely negative impact on your skin. Over time, your skin becomes dull-looking, coarse and blotchy. You can develop wrinkles much sooner and look much older than you really are. Severe damage like this can’t be treated with skin care alone. It usually requires methods that are more intensive and capable of reaching the deeper layers of your skin.
Removing sun damage often requires removing the damaged layers of skin. The superficial layers of your skin contain the most damage, whereas the deeper layers are younger and healthier. The top layers of your skin can be removed in different ways, including fractionated or non-fractionated laser resurfacing and chemical peels. Once the damaged cells are removed, healthier cells will take their place. A customized skin care regimen including sunscreen helps maintain these laser results!
Are These My Only Treatment Options?
No! Dr. Walder and her associates Dr. Stacy Chimento and Dr. Lucy Chen are board-certified dermatologists who understand the many different skin conditions and offer many different ways to treat them. They may recommend a combination of treatments or treatments that haven’t been discussed here. Each patient is carefully assessed to determine the right course of action and the appropriate individualized regimen to keep your skin looking healthy.
If you have any of these skin conditions and would like to schedule a patient consultation with Dr. Walder, Dr. Chimento or Dr. Chen, contact their office in Florida by calling (305) 866-2177 today.