Belaray Dermatology - Jericho, Plainview, Long Island, NY

Did you know that some ingredients in cosmetics, medications, make up, sunblocks, shaving creams, and hair care products can cause pimples and skin irritation? The only way to tell if your products may be contributing to your skin problem is to know what ingredients might be bad for your skin.

Here is a list to help you of common ingredients, rated for both comedogenicity (COM), and irritancy (IRR). “0” is a good score, and “5” is the worst score. If you have acne prone, or sensitive skin, you should use caution when using a product with an ingredient that scores a “3”, “4”, or “5”.

If you find an ingredient not on this list, let us know and we will add it.

This list is alphabetized for your convenience. Print it out, and bring it with you to your next visit to the cosmetic counter.

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MTV’s award winning documentary series, True Life has asked belaray dermatology to help them in their casting call.  They are planning an hour-long episode that will follow three people between the ages of 15 and 25 with acne.

If  selected, the true life video crew will follow you a few days at a time over the course of two and a half months.  You will have the chance to create your own documentary, and tell your own story.  By capturing your words and life experiences you will be able to share your life, and how acne affects it.  They will follow you as you seek treatment, and as you get better. 

If you have acne and want to be on TV - this may be for you: True Life: I Have Acne

If you have acne and just want to get better, please call our office.  We can help you!

Here are some tips to keep you looking your best for 2008! 

DISCARD OLD, USED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Because bacteria is transferred from your fingers to your cosmetics, we suggest you discard your products one year after opening them. Products used near the eye (like mascara) should be replaced after three months. 

STOP SMOKING

We have already discussed several reasons to stop smoking here.  Smokers are more likely to have psoriasis, and to loose their hair.  It is also readily apparent that smoking makes your skin age prematurely - giving you wrinkles around your lips and eyes.

UNHAND THOSE PIMPLES!

Squeezing pimples is not the best thing for you.  Though it may appear as if you are getting the “bad stuff out”, often you are actually pushing bacteria and debris deeper into the skin.  Think of a pimple as a balloon under the skin.  When you squeeze it… you pop the balloon.  But balloons rarely pop in one direction.  They shatter.  The same thing is happening to you when you go for a zit.  You are much more likely to develop scars from pimples that you popped.

MORE SLEEP, LESS STRESS

Stress plays an important roll to our body, & our skin is no exception.  Studies have shown that stress can decrease the skin’s barrier, slow down wound healing, and lead to flairs of inflammatory skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss.

WEAR SUNSCREEN & BE SUN SMART

Regular use of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the peak hours of the day can help you avoid some types of skin cancer as well as keep your skin looking its best.  The sun’s rays may make you feel good, but it is making you look older.  Exposure to UV light makes the skin blotchy in color and wrinkle prematurely.

The best sunscreen is the one that you use regularly!  There are several good sunscreens to choose from… but it might be worth looking for a broad spectrum sunscreen that also contains strong antioxidants like green tea polyphenols.  We will discuss the benefits of green tea in future posts. 

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY

Going to the pharmacy can be overwhelming!  There are so many products, and many many claims of efficacy!  Being on too many creams can be not only confusing, but also counterproductive.  If you want to do the best you can for your skin, you should ask your dermatologist about products that they recommend.  They can help you through the marketing, and get you products that are easy to use and effective.

WASH YOUR FACE

As we make our way through the day, our skin picks up environmental debris.  It is a good idea to wash your face nightly before bed.  After washing your face, we often recommend a variety of night creams - to help you achieve the goals you are after.

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times, but it can be confusing too.  Here are our tips on how to know how to “be good to your skin” during pregnancy

Here is a list of products that you will want to consider stopping

1. Stop using retinoids (like Retin-A, Tazorac, or Differin, for example) and over-the-counter products with retinol.
2. Salicylic acid is also not suitable for pregnant women, but can be safely substituted with lactic or glycolic acid, which work similarly.
3. Discuss all herbal supplements with your physician.  “Natural” does not always mean “harmless.” 

Here are some ideas to help you with the changes you may experience during your pregnancy:

1. Acne is common during pregnancy, and may last for several months after pregnancy while the hormones settle.  Though you may choose to avoid products that contain retinoids or sal-acid, there are plenty of other acne fighting medications that are safe during pregnancy.  Do not give up!  Speak with your doctor.
2. Melasma, or “the mask of pregnancy,” is very common.  Getting darkened patches of the forehead and cheeks can be distressing, but there are many treatment options.  The most important is to use sunscreen religiously.  Topical skin lighteners are also beneficial, and one that you might like to try is Olay Definity.  If that does not help, there are prescription grade skin lighteners that you can use after you deliver.
3. Stretch marks are difficult to treat, and can be challenging to avoid.  However, one helpful thing to do is to moisturize several times a day with cocoa butter, shea butter, or almond/safflower oil.
4. Brittle nails during pregnancy is often seen, and may be due to a biotin deficiency.  Many  prenatal multivitamins contain biotin, and you should discuss taking these supplements with your doctor.  The daily U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 400 micrograms for adults, 500 micrograms for breastfeeding adult women, and 600 micrograms per day for pregnant adult women.
5. When choosing a sunscreen, we recommend using one with only physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  An example is Blue Lizard, which you can find in gallon containers in our on-line store.

We are often asked about clinical trials that are available in our area.  Clinical trials are not for everyone, but should you choose to participate you will have several to choose from.  You should always speak to your physician before choosing to participate in a clinical trial.  Here is a list to help you learn about the resources in our area.

• Skin & Connective Tissue Disease (ie: Acne, Alopecia, Lupus, etc.)
• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome
• Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
• Dermatofibrosarcoma
• Melanoma
• Merkel Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Warts
• Xeroderma Pigmentosa

Acne is common.  Very common.  It affects more than 85% of teenagers, and can be troubling into and through adulthood.  If you have acne, we can help you.  It is what we specialise in.  The questions is… how much will it cost?  This past week, I had a patient in the practice who asked me just that.  As part of his acne care, he was going to need antibiotics.

If you have insurance, than oral antibiotics might cost you little or nothing.  If you don’t have insurance, or a good drug plan - have no fear.   We will make you better too.  Looking good, and feeling good about how you look is extremely important.  However, like everything else, there are choices to be made along the way.  I’m just not sure if it is appropriate- no matter who is paying - to offer medication for acne that costs $446.00 per month when there are alternatives that might be just as effective that cost $4 per month.  The same medicine will not work for everyone all the time, and I’m not suggesting that these are equivalent medications.  However, such a large price disparity is difficult to overlook.

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