If you’ve ever suffered from acne, or know someone who has, it can be painful, ugly and embarrassing. Acne is most prevalent in teenagers, but adults and even babies can get it too. Infant acne usually goes away, but unfortunately for teens and adults it may require treatment. Acne occurs from plugged pores; over production of oil and bacteria, and an overactive pore lining.  Hormones and stress are significant contributors to acne.  Keeping acne under control has long been a challenge to physicians. Heavy makeup can cover up acne, but it makes the problem worse, by further clogging pores.  Traditionally topical treatments and antibiotics have been used to restrict acne. But new advances in light treatment are bringing even more significant results. Photodynamic Therapy destroys the bacteria and shuts down over active oil glands in just a few treatments. In most cases, the side effects are minimal.

A solution called Levulan is applied to the problem areas and then activated with a blue light source. A photochemical action reduces oil production from over active glands and kill the bacteria.  You may feel some stinging during the treatment, but that should quickly go away when it is completed. Featured videos on our YouTube Channel explain the procedure. Your skin will be sensitive after treatment, so it’s important to wear good sunscreen. You should also use acne topical treatments to open up pores which allow Levulan and light to work on the bacteria and oil glands.  All these high quality, effective formulas can be purchased in person at my office, or through my website. 

Photodynamic Therapy is also effective in treating Rosacea and sun damage. It’s considered a method of chemoprevention because pre-cancers are removed and skin cancer may be prevented. If you want to learn more about Photodynamic Therapy, please contact my office in Dallas, TX @ 214.828.0016.

There are few risks in removing tattoos. As with any procedure, it’s not completely risk free. It’s very important to use a medical professional, as the site can become infected. There is a very slight chance of scarring.  The treated skin may become lighter (hypo pigmentation) or darker (hyper pigmentation), than the surrounding skin.  Cosmetic tattoos may become darker following treatment, but should lighten up later.  Most patients do not require anesthesia. However, depending on the location and pain threshold of the patient, we may use anesthesia on the site.

Treatment length will vary. Some tattoos can be removed in 2 to 4 treatments, others are more stubborn to remove and require additional treatments. I know tattoos are trendy, and are often done on spur of the moment, without really thinking through the consequences. The FDA has an informational brochure that everyone should read before getting a tattoo.

If you already have a tattoo, but don’t want it, we’re here to help.   Contact the office for an appointment, so we can make sure it’s safely removed.

Topical Antioxidants

Sunscreen is important, but it’s only one part of the protocol. Antioxidants can help prevent and restore negative effects of sun damage. Topical Vitamins C, E and Ferulic Acid Ester are among the most potent Antioxidants. They allow the body to heal the negative effects of UV exposure, prevent DNA damage and skin cancer.  They also help block sunburn, so they are considered “photoprotectants.” They protect collagen, elastin and other components of the skin, and can help spur new production to restore what was lost from sun damage and exposure. Several manufacturers produce an ineffective Vitamin C product that sits on the surface of the skin.  In my products we use  L-Ascorbic acid, a component of Vitamin C.  This is so potent, it can easily oxidize, so the L-Ascorbic acid is specially formulated for stability and absorption.  Antioxidants help repair damage, and used with a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, offer powerful protection. For antioxidants, I recommend CEGA 30 serum and Tea Derma.  The Tea Derma contains ECGC the most potent polyphenol antioxidant in green tea extract. For more extensive treatment, we offer a full photodamage kit. All these products are available in my on-line store.

The seasons are changing, but here in Texas, the sun will continue to be strong for many weeks to come. Have fun, but don’t forget to protect your skin!

The Venus Freeze® is a recent addition to my practice.  This system is new, gaining FDA approval in December of 2010. I am among a small group of cutting-edge physicians around the country to offer the procedure. Today I want to explain how the Venus Freeze® system tightens skin and reduces cellulite without discomfort.  There are many  technical reasons how the system works,  but simply stated,  Venus Freeze® penetrates several layers of skin with a patented technology using magnetic pulses and radio frequency.  Layers of skin are heated. This process stimulates collagen and elastin, which repairs tissue, and results in a more youthful appearance. In just a few treatments, you will notice tighter skin, less cellulite and fewer wrinkles. The Venus Freeze® is used for all those applications. Best of all, this is virtually painless. In fact, patients say it feels very pleasant. I think the result pictures speak for themselves.

Click here to see what patients are saying about the system:

Click here to see a video about the technology:

If you have additional questions about the Venus Freeze® be sure and contact my office for details.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/dallas-dermatologist/skin-tightening-laser/prweb8880222.htm

The FDA release grabbed headlines, but it’s certainly not the only issue these days surrounding sunscreen use. “Natural “ sunscreens are becoming a common buzzword on the consumer level. But what does this really mean? When chemical-free sunscreens made with blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are applied on the skin, they deflect light and heat. This is very helpful for conditions triggered by heat as well as light. Examples would be rosacea and melasma (dark skin discoloration). The natural blockers do not cause irritation or an allergic reaction and they have anti-oxidant properties which is helpful for acne sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens have the potential for allergic reactions. They are designed to absorb UV light, but it can actually cause skin irritations in certain people in the eyes and skin. Another difference is unlike the natural sunscreen, chemicals do not deflect heat. So if you have a problem with rosacea, which can be triggered by heat and sun, it’s best to go with a chemical-free sunscreen that deflects both.

There is a lot of additional information floating out on the web regarding sunscreens. However, in my professional opinion these are the primary issues. Don’t forget to always keep an eye out for suspicious moles or growths. You should do a self-examination on a regular basis and come see me if anything looks odd. This link to the American Academy of Dermatology will guide you through a self-examination and show you the various types of skin cancer.

As you may know, we offer premium quality, chemical-free sunscreens through my practice. I recommend Melashade, Heliocare and EltaMD. All these products can be ordered on-line through my website.

As always, enjoy fun in the sun, but make sure you are protected!

Skin cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer IF it is detected and treated in the early stages.  If it’s not treated, it’s one of the most deadly cancers. Untreated skin cancer can spread like wildfire and metastasize in the body.  Renegade cells can go far beyond the depth of the skin and infiltrate the lymph notes and vital organs. This is why it’s so important to watch for moles that change shape or color.

As a general rule, look for uneven borders and sides, a change in color or size, and moles larger than ¼ inch .

I do want to stress that even if you aren’t out in the sun regularly, or you are dark-skinned, you can still be at risk.  Even tanning in a sun bed can elevate your risk. In fact, you may be surprised how much sun exposure you can get during an average day.  Read more about it in a fact-sheet from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

 A highly effective form of treatment is Mohs Micrographic Surgery.  This procedure is more involved than just “cutting out” the skin cancer. The tumor is carefully taken out layer by layer, while healthy tissue remains.  I am certified in this procedure, and actively involved with  Mohs College.  There is a wealth of information about it on the organization website  http://www.mohscollege.org/about/

Sunshine is a marvelous gift; it brings us light and sustains the earth. Enjoy the spring and summer months. Just be wise about it, by limiting your exposure.  Please visit my previous blogs for the very latest on sun protection!

With so much publicity these days about skin cancer, it’s widely known that sunscreen use is important to protect your skin from the sun.  However, you should know that sunscreens are not the only line of defense.  It’s important to also use supporting measures that not only protect, but reverse damage.  Let’s review them here:

            Retinoids: These Vitamin A derivatives rebuild skin’s structural proteins such as collagen and elastin  as well as promote new vessels. Retinoids also help to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce unwanted discoloration. Over time skin cells become more normalized with retinoid use which helps to deter formation of precancerous changes. The net effect is smoother, healthier, younger appearing skin. Retinol or pure Vitamin A is the gentlest form of retinoid and is the easiest to tolerate.

            Green Tea Extracts: Polyphenols, especially ECGC are potent antioxidants which quench free radicals produced by sun exposure.  When applied topically, these extracts help to protect skin cells and the molecules inside them such as DNA, from the damaging UV rays. This is how green tea exerts its anti-tumor formation activity. As a photoprotectant and repair treatment, the acute as well as the chronic effects of solar radiation can be minimized. Patients should see an improvement of chronic sun damage, redness, and possibly less skin cancer.

            Vitamins C and E: These vitamins serve as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in the skin. They are vital to the production of collagen and other important structural components. Topical application significantly improves collagen production lost through chronic UV exposure. Blotchiness and unwanted discoloration is reduced by using these regularly.

            Heliocare: This compound is a fern extract oral supplement which has a long history of use in Europe. It is a proven photoprotectant with a systemic effect. Importantly, it has DNA reparative activity, unlike sunscreens. Thus, it can address the acute effects of over exposure, and when taken regularly, protect the skin from  chronic cumulative sun damage as well. Heliocare supplement is packaged as a kit to include the broadest spectrum sunblock available. This sunblock contains iron oxides which produce a natural bronze coloration to the skin. I am including this link if you want to read more about this unique product. http://www.heliocare.com/how.htm

The cosmoceutical (a marriage of cosmetics and pharmaceutical) agents described above are well grounded in the scientific medical literature. Proper formulation of these compounds  is essential to achieving maximal effects.  They are made available to my patients in the office and through my website at our online store.

Being Sun Savvy has its advantages, like being able to enjoy the great outdoors and not pay for it with extra sun spots and wrinkles! !

“Dr. Brown continues to be my “go to” doctor every few months and whenever a troubling blemish arises that may prove malignant or pre-cancerous.  Simply put, she gets the job done — professional, forthright, caring and her staff reflects these same values and standards within a clinical environment.  When I leave, I never have to wonder–”gosh, did she get it all?” – because she is both thorough and careful.  My Mom is a stage 3 cancer survivor (skin cancer) and her survival is due in large part to Dr. Brown’s care and practice.  Under Dr. Brown’s care, I myself have been diagnosed twice with skin — the first occasion was a spot previously missed by another dermatologist.  She’s not the first dermatologist I’ve been to, but she will be the last–she’s that good.  I trust my life and my skin care to her and as a skin cancer survivor–I can’t afford less than the best in terms of medical care and physician expertise.  Also, as a man from the “old school,” where modesty is a virtue–let me add that she and her staff put one completely at ease.  My family and I have been Dr. Brown’s patients for several years and are both satisfied and happy.  – Mike, age 52″

For more reviews, please visit our website, then click on “testimonials.”  www.christinebrownmd.com