Dermatologists recommend that you apply a sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 15. Additionally, it is important to be certain that the sunscreen you are using blocks both the ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Ultraviolet A rays are the rays that tan the skin and ultraviolet B are the rays that burn the skin. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer while UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin aging. It is important to remember that sunscreens lose their effectiveness when you are sweating or swimming, so you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours while engaging in outdoor activities. Use at least one ounce of sunscreen per application. This is the amount that fills a shot glass. As part of a comprehensive sun protection program, you need to also wear sun protective clothing like hats and long sleeve shirts and make sure to schedule outdoor activities either early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak hours of the sun (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). This prevention strategy helps keep skin looking young and healthy.
Another great way to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging is to use topical antioxidants. Scientific studies have shown that sun exposure causes buildup of free radicals within the cells causing damage to cell membranes, DNA, and collagen. It is believed that the collagen breakdown that occurs from damaging free radicals causes wrinkling. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting skin from their damaging effects. By applying antioxidants to the skin, we can boost the skin's natural protective mechanisms and protect it from free radical damage. Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant found in a variety of skin care products. When applied to the skin, vitamin C not only neutralizes free radicals, but also encourages collagen production in the dermis. Vitamin C lightens brown spots caused by the sun, thus improving the overall appearance of sun damaged skin. Topical vitamin C is a favorite among dermatologists because it protects and repairs aging skin.
Another popular ingredient used by dermatologists and available in many skin products on the market is hydroxy acids. Alphahydroxy acids are derived from fruit and milk sugars. The most commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid and lactic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin. The use of fruit acids to treat the skin goes back to the time of Cleopatra. Cleopatra, who was known for her beauty, bathed her skin in milk to keep it looking young. Milk is a natural source of lactic acid, a fruit acid that is popular today. Other fruit acids include glycolic acid and gluconolacotone, both of which improve that appearance of aging skin. Fruit acids work by making skin cells shed more evenly, thus leaving the skin smooth and bright. Fruit acids can also stimulate collagen production, improving the wrinkling seen in aging skin. Fruit acids pack a powerful punch against skin aging. Taking an Active Role in the Aging Process Aging is a natural process and unfortunately no one can avoid it, but you can take an active role when it comes to preventing and slowing the signs of aging.
Using products that contain ingredients such as vitamin C and hydroxyl acids and ensuring proper SPF protection will ensure the greatest benefits and results in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. An authority on topical treatments for aging skin and cosmeceuticals, Dr. Farris provides valuable insight to Nu Skin in the development of new anti-aging skin care products. Because of her vital knowledge, she has lectured internationally on this subject and appeared in more than 200 health related television segments on dermatology, including appearances on CNN and NBC Weekend. She has also been quoted extensively in newspapers and magazines such as Newsweek, Allure, In Style, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Currently, Dr. Farris is a clinical assistant professor at Tulane University School of Medicine and maintains a private practice in Metairie, Louisiana.Beauty To BuyLazy BeautyBeauty DiyMakeup BeautyBeauty PicksOrganics OilOrganics VitaminLove OrganicsBeauty And PamperingForwardCoffee to Collagen: My Morning Essentials from Annie of She's in the Glow
Menu Skip to Content Home > Patient Care We are dedicated to providing our patients with quality and innovative care, excellent outcomes and services in a safe and pleasant environment. We offer a comprehensive range of dermatological services at our convenient locations. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)Levulan (aminolevulinic acid 20%) is a naturally occurring photosensitizing compound which has been approved by the FDZ to treat pre-cancerous lesions called Actinic Keratosis. It can also be used to treat and improve the appearance of many dermatologic conditions: acne rosacea, acne vulgaris, sebaceous hyperplasia (enlarged and unsightly oil glands), decrease oiliness of the skin, and improve texture and smoothness by minimizing pore size. Levulan is applied to the skin for 1/2 hour to one hour, and subsequently 'activated' by exposure to specific wavelengths of light (blue light). The exposure time to the blue light varies according to the condition that is being treated, but is usually between 5-15 minutes.
The process of activating Levulan with blue light is termed PDT. Less than one minute after exposure to light, there will be a burning, tingling, or itching that peaks within a minute and subsides to the level of a "mild sunburn" in the treated area. The sensation disappears within 24 hours, but the treated area may be tender for a few days. The treated area may be slightly swollen and red. In heavily freckled or a very fair skinned individual, a 'hive-like' reaction may occur even outside the treated area. Very occasionally, some patients may experience weeping and crusting. Following the treatment, Levulan must be washed off the skin and strict sun avoidance must be practiced for 24-48 hours - sunscreens, hat, sunglasses, and sun avoidance. The sun avoidance must be strict and it is recommended that one should avoid direct sunlight for 24 hours following the treatment due to photosensitivity. Anticipated side effects of Levulan (PDT) treatment include - discomfort, burning, swelling, (this is most noticeable around the eyes the morning following the treatment), infections, redness, activation of cold sores, skin peeling, especially in any areas of sun damaged skin and pre-cancers of the skin, as well as lightening or darkening of skin tones and spots, and possible hair removal.
The peeling may last many days, and the redness for several weeks if an exuberant response to treatment. Contraindications to Levulan (PDT) treatment would include any form of porphyria, connective tissue Solar uticarcia, sun-induced rashes such as polymorphous light eruption, pregnancy, and the use of photo- sensitizing medications. Make sure you have consulted with our doctors so that they may evaluate your candidacy for this treatment. It is recommended that your face be pretreated with either Retin A or Vitamin C several weeks prior to treatment. This will enhance the penetration of the Levulan into the skin, and therefore make the treatment more effective. It may also hasten the recovery time. Discontinue all products for up to three days prior to the procedure. It is of paramount importance to avoid direct sunlight for 24-48 hours after PDT. Outdoor exposure should be limited and a physical sun block should be used with at least an SPF 30, a hat, sunglasses, and a physical barrier such as a scarf.
Please note that UV radiation readily penetrates through glass. If one has a history of cold sores or HSV, it is recommended that one take an antiviral medication (Valtrex) as prescribed by our office. During the post-treatment period, the skin may be sensitive and inflamed, and is more likely to have an allergic reaction to topically applied agents. It is therefore recommended that topical products (including medications given by our office) not be used for at least 48 hours, or until the 'sunburn reaction' subsides. Other products include Vitamin E, high-potency topical steroids, aloe vera, herbal agents, and most moisturizers, which may contain potentially irritating and sensitizing preservatives and perfumes. 1% hydrocortisone ointment (over the counter) may alleviate inflammation without side effects. Other special medications (Vitamin C products or Physioderm products) will also reduce inflammation post-op. If the skin becomes dry and feels 'tight', hydration is important and may be achieved by applying Aquaphor or Cetaphil moisturizers, which are known to be bland and generally non-irritating.