What is the largest organ of the body?  It’s your skin and the men and women that practice dermatology are the experts in its care.  The Chicago skin care experts of Nima Skin Institute have a few tips to help you in keeping your skin, hair and nails healthy.

1. Were you aware that the FDA is not required to approve all products for skin care?  The products that you see advertised and the results that they claim are not necessarily founded in medical truth.  To get the best regimen for the care of your skin, ask your dermatologist about products that they recommend.  What you’ll want is a skin care product that is safe and if possible, has scientific data backing up any claims that the product makers are asserting.  During the daytime hours, one product that you should never go without is sunscreen.  There are now skin care products that combine both sun protection and a cosmetic purpose.  In the evening, consider a skin care product that includes peptides or retinoids.
2. In avoiding skin cancer, Chicago dermatologists suggest:
   • Self-exams of your skin which should be added to your daily skin care routine.
   • If you see bleeding of a skin lesion or around a mole, contact your dermatologist immediately.
   • Have someone you trust perform a skin exam.  You can do the same for them too and possibly save their life.
3. Did you know that stress can harm your skin?  This is especially noticeable in patients that suffer from rosacea or psoriasis.  Stress can also cause acne to become more persistent and notably, more inflamed.  There’s a lot that can be attributed to stress and none of it is good in terms of skin health.  Some other common ways in which stress can harm are nails becoming weaker, loss of hair, appearance of hives and for many, an increase in perspiration.  If stress is one of the problems that may be causing issues with your skin, there are techniques that have proven helpful in managing stress.
4. A clean environment is absolutely necessary for getting a pedicure.  There are several risks that are involved in having manicures and pedicures.  Two of the most dangerous health risks from an unclean salon are staph infections that are resistant to antibiotics as well as fungal infections.  Talk to your pedicurist/manicurist about how they sanitize their instruments.  If the nail salon appears to be unkempt, then avoid it altogether.
5. Cosmetic procedures are a dermatologist’s field of expertise.  This is a good reason why you should talk to your Chicago skin care dermatologist about any “at home” treatments you are considering.  Many of these products may pose a serious health risk if used incorrectly.  Other risks could include scarring, rashes and possible chemical burns.  A dermatologist simply has more tools and knowledge at their disposal.  Your Chicago skin care specialist is trained in Botox treatments, filling of facial folds, and laser procedures.  Talk to your dermatologist and find out which cosmetic procedures might be right for you.

The safety and skin health of patients is the number one goal of a dermatologist. Chicago, IL skin care offices and practicing dermatologists must hold mandatory credentials and certifications in order to be considered medically trained and practicing professionals.  The years that a dermatologist attends school and their in-field training, makes them a reliable source for skin health care.  Verify that the person you are planning to go to for skin care treatments is a board certified dermatologist.   This background verification should take place for any medical provider, but also those that you are considering to perform cosmetic procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery Dermatologist Chicago IL

Your dermatologist should be willing to answer any questions that you may have about their experience with specific cosmetic procedures.  To get the answers that you are looking for, ask to see if there are photos of other patients before and after the cosmetic procedure.

Results and Risks will vary

Your doctor’s experience with cosmetic procedures is what will ultimately determine the outcome of your procedure.  A board certified dermatologist will be able to ascertain whether or not the procedure you want performed will produce the results that you are hoping for.  Based on factors such as your age, condition of your skin and your overall health, your dermatologist can determine the best course of action for you.  Cosmetic procedures are not only about improving appearance, they are also related directly to your health.  That’s why a dermatologist has your well-being as priority one.

Remember, it is up to you to know the doctor that you approve to perform your cosmetic procedure.

• Ask your doctor the following questions:
• Are you a board certified dermatologist licensed to practice in Chicago IL?
• How many of this particular procedure have you performed while in practice?
• Are there any risks that I should be aware of?
• Do you have before and after photos of patients this procedure has been performed on?
• Is this the right cosmetic procedure for me?

Is Botox right for you?  The only way to get the right answer is to speak with a Chicago Botox dermatologist because every patient is different.  Dermatologists that offer Botox as a solution to moderate to severe wrinkles and frown lines have extensive experience in the administration of Botox.  As a potential Chicago Botox recipient, you’ll want to work with your dermatologist on a treatment plan that will be right for your specific needs.

Chicago Botox, the Non-Surgical Answer

One reason that patients often give for selecting Botox is that they are looking for a non-surgical solution to reverse the signs of aging.  Botox provides that solution and even though Botox is a temporary solution, the duration of a single treatment has been known to last up to four months.  Results will vary from patient to patient, but working with your dermatologist will optimize your results.  Along with being a non-surgical solution to facial wrinkles and lines, Botox is also a very short procedure.  The actual treatment should take no longer than 10 minutes and patients should experience no downtime at all.  This makes Botox treatments the best solution for those with busy work schedules.

Chicago Botox, What to Expect

A Botox treatment is actually very simple.  Once you and your dermatologist have determined that Botox is right for you, the procedure will consist of several injections at key points around your brow, on your forehead, or around your eyes.  The small injections and their strategic placement into the muscles will ultimately result in minimizing wrinkles.  There should be very little discomfort during these injections and if any, it will occur only for a brief time.  After your treatment, your doctor will give you instructions for how you should care for the infection sites for the next few days.  For the most part, you will just need to keep an eye out for tenderness, pain or infection.  Make sure to follow your doctor’s after treatment instructions.

A Few Facts about Chicago Botox

Did you know that Botox is not just for women?  Roughly six percent of Botox procedures nationwide are given to men.

Botox is a prescription medicine that should only be administered by a board-certified doctor trained in cosmetic procedures.  Besides being used to treat wrinkles, Botox is also used to treat hyperhidrosis.

Botox works by blocking impulses to the nerves that control muscle activity.  Your facial expressions will be slightly different, especially in the first few days, but you will still be able to look surprised, smile, raise your eyebrows, just without the wrinkles.

Botox doesn’t work instantaneously, but you should see the lines and wrinkles continually improving over a month’s time with results lasting for as much as four months.

If you are interested in finding if you are a good candidate for Botox treatments, then contact a dermatologist today.  The treatments can be done in a very short period of time and the cost of the treatments is surprisingly reasonable considering the amazing results.

There are a few well-known facts about vitamin D.  The first is that exposure to UV rays from tanning booths and the sun can help the body make vitamin D.  The second fact that most of us know is that vitamin D is essential to healthy bones; primarily to aid in the absorption of phosphorus and calcium.  However, it would seem that with 1 in 5 odds of an American developing skin cancer, that not everyone is aware that it is healthier to get vitamin D from diet.  The Chicago Skin Care specialists at Nima Skin Institute and the American Academy of Dermatology want to remind everyone that UV radiation is the last place that you should turn to get vitamin D.

Chicago Skin Care and Vitamin D

Because ultraviolet radiation has been proven to cause skin cancer, the best alternative for a natural and healthy source of vitamin D is through foods and supplements.  Vitamin D enriched beverages like milk and orange juice offer a much safer alternative than sunlight either natural or artificial.  Not only can changing your sun exposure habits decrease your risk of skin cancer, but it can also prevent the premature aging of your skin.  It is important to remember that as you reduce your sun exposure, you will need to maintain a healthy amount of vitamin D in your diet.  Your primary doctor can prescribe vitamin D or suggest the appropriate amount of over the counter supplements.  Other foods where the body can obtain vitamin D are from vitamin enriched cereals, yogurt and some types of fish.

RDA of Vitamin D

The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D for healthy people from age one to age seventy is 600 IU.  This amount should be in normal dietary intake and supplements can help with that.  If you have a concern that you or your child are not receiving enough vitamin D, your primary doctor can run blood tests to determine whether or not you will require a higher dosage of vitamin D to prevent ailments such as rickets.

Studies regarding vitamin D and lowering cancer mortality are conflicting and inconclusive.   However, the direct link between skin cancer and over exposure to UV radiation is an incontrovertible fact that should be heeded.  Your Chicago skin care dermatologist can also provide you with more information about the benefits of reducing sun exposure.

We can all work towards reducing the number of cases of skin cancer being diagnosed each year by using sun safety techniques.  According to SEER statistics, 30,220 women and 40,010 men will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin.  Of those 70,230 women and men, close to 9000 are expected to die from that melanoma.  Those figures are according to 2011 statistics.  Reducing your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer is based on controllable and uncontrollable factors.  Of the controllable factors, the one that we have the most control over is reducing over exposure to the sun.  Take precautions and start protecting your skin today.

While some may opt for a face lift; that kind of surgery often requires an extensive recovery period as well as more pain and discomfort that goes along with it.  Face lifts are far more complex as well and can require days to weeks away from work or other strenuous activities.  Also, those that are allergic to antibiotics or anesthetics may not even be able to receive a face lift.

Botox is a much safer method of achieving tighter and more even skin with fewer lines and wrinkles, mostly on the forehead, around the eyes, and in between the eyebrows.   It’s a relatively painless procedure as well, and you will see results within 1-2 weeks.  You don’t have to be put under anesthesia to receive treatment, and Botox only takes a few minutes to finish the entire treatment.  Another great thing about Chicago Botox is how absolutely available it is.  All board-certified dermatologists have studied and earned the necessary licenses to administer Botox injections in their office.

There has been a lot of controversy over the safety of these injections.  That is because they are, essentially, a modified toxin that is found in nature.  This is not very different from any other types of vaccines that are given to prevent an illness.  The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Botox injections for different medical conditions, including overactive sweat glands as well as some types of recurring headaches.  It has also been approved for cosmetic treatment of facial fine lines and wrinkles.  Just like with any other procedure or injection, it is important to go over all of the different safety concerns with your physician.  You should also make yourself very familiar with any side effects.  Botox is best performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, since they are extensively trained in such cosmetic procedures.

Why You Should Choose a Dermatologist/Acne Chicago Specialist

Most skin conditions require medications, lotions or creams that can only be prescribed by a dermatologist.  Chicago area skin doctors are currently treating new patients every day.  Each patient’s skin is different, and each and every one of them requires a different skin care regimen and products to go with it to help rid their skin of embarrassing acne problems.

The medications prescribed at a doctor’s office are much more potent than what you can buy in any drug store, or even at a makeup counter at a department store.  The doctor will give you a few products to use that will help to clear up your acne.  Since they will have to do a very thorough examination of what your skin’s condition is, and how it will react to certain products and chemicals, you will be able to receive a more customized treatment than possible anywhere else.

Dermatologist Acne Chicago Specialist and You.

Acne is a stubborn skin condition that affects more than just teenagers.  More and more adults are visiting their dermatologists to see what kinds of solutions they can provide in helping to clear up their skin.  Acne happens to just about everyone, and does not discriminate about age, but some people are more affected than others.  If you do not treat acne quickly or effectively, it can lead to long term scarring and discoloration of the skin, which nobody wants to deal with.  Failure to treat acne in a timely manner can also result in necessary scheduling of other visits to skin doctors to heal even more problems that could have been avoided.

A number of people may be embarrassed by having this condition, but they should be aware that it is really very common.  One way people try to hide their acne is through the use of makeup products.  While there are plenty available that can work well with acne-prone skin, many more may make the condition worse or inflame the skin.  Simply put, covering up acne is not a solution to the problem.  Contact an acne Chicago dermatologist today and get on the path to healthier, clearer skin.

People tend to make a severe mistake when it comes to protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful rays.  While it is true that the people that are the most susceptible to sun damage are those with red hair, blue eyes, fair skin, or any combination of the above, the fact of the matter is that no matter what your skin tone, eye, or hair color is you need to take measures in an effort to protect yourself from sun damage.

Sun Protection Advice from Chicago Dermatology Experts

Nima Skin Institute professionals recommend that it is very important to protect yourself from the sun, particularly for people of color.  Darker skin tones, just like darker colored clothing, absorb the sun’s rays more quickly.  This makes them even more susceptible to sun burns which can be very painful.  Extended time in the sun can also cause things like premature aging, unwanted fine lines and wrinkles and a leathery look to your skin, in addition to skin cancer.  We live in a world where people do so much to stay as young looking as possible, and the beauty industry spends millions of dollars each year to develop new products to help bring back a youthful appearance, so why not do everything you can to help keep yourself looking as young as you can by taking small steps to help make this happen.

Applying Sunscreen

The simple act of applying sunscreen every day, according to Chicago dermatology doctors, regardless of your planned activities can make a massive difference in the way you will look five, ten or fifteen years down the road.  Many moisturizers are now including this as an added ingredient, and it makes perfect sense to do so.  An SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for the best protection, with an SPF of 45 being the ideal number.  This is what many facial moisturizers have included.  It doesn’t really change the way the product works or smells, and you really can’t even tell it’s in there.  Sunscreen used to have a certain smell and greasiness to it, but that is hardly the case.

Hydration

If you prefer to use a sunscreen in addition to another moisturizer you should apply the lotion prior to the sunscreen.  Make sure that you put on the sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before exposing your skin to the sun to make sure it has time to soak in and dry.  One of the biggest mistakes made by anyone is that they don’t put on enough of the product to make a difference.  If you just put on a thin layer you will hardly be helping your skin at all.  You should use at least an ounce of the product every time.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every couple of hours, but even more frequently if you find yourself sweating or in the water.  If you are a person of color then make sure to stay hydrated and give yourself a break in the shade every once in awhile.  You are less likely to notice the red hue your skin gets as the result of sunburn due to the darker pigment your skin contains.

Along with the snow and colder weather that the winter brings to most parts of the country, one thing is shared throughout; the dry air.  Dry winter air can lead to many different problems, but most common of these is dry skin.  Winter air tends to lack the humidity that the summer months have, and this can cause skin problems in most of the population.  It takes more of an effort to turn skin from being dry, flaky and itchy to maintaining a rich and soft glow that everyone strives to achieve.

A Chemical Peel Chicago Winter Skin

The very best, and easiest, way to prevent dry skin is to stay hydrated.  Yes, water is the absolute healthiest beverage option; particularly for those looking to stay in shape or lose weight, but it also does wonders for your skin.  Your body gets hydration through the foods and drinks you take in, and if you are drinking sugary sodas and salty foods then you can’t get the hydration necessary.  These types of things just don’t have a high enough water content to keep you healthy, no matter how good they taste.  One other option to consider is getting a chemical peel Chicago dermatologist to get rid of that dull winter skin.  A chemical peel Chicago dermatologist can protect your skin for the winter or rejuvenate it during or after the winter.

Another thing you can do to help your skin look good is by applying a moisturizer at least once a day.  This should be done within two minutes of exiting the shower to lock in moisture that the water has provided.  Long, hot showers, even though they feel great, can actually be very damaging to your skin, as they can dry it out faster and more easily.  For the best results moisturizer should also be applied at night, right before bed, in addition to after your daily shower.  Applying it overnight gives your body time to soak in the moisture while you sleep.

Winter Weather and Your Skin

Another thing that comes along with winter weather is winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding.  Before you hit the slopes make sure you apply sunscreen to your face and any other exposed areas.  Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburned!  Keep a lip balm with a moisturizer and sunscreen built in as well.  Chapped lips can easily be prevented by providing this often, whether you are out in the elements or not.  The winter weather can make getting sunburned even more painful than in the summer, because you don’t feel the heat of the sun and may not realize how much you are absorbing.  It is important to wear sunscreen, particularly on your face, every day of the year, not just in the warmer months.  The easiest way to do this is to use a face lotion with a built in SPF.

There are very few teenagers that haven’t experienced the embarrassment that acne may cause.  Most of the time you will hear cases of patients complaining about acne popping up right before a big event, like a date or school dance and how embarrassing it can be.  This is normal and can be easily treated.  There are many other teenagers who are the unfortunate victims of severe acne.  These cases include ones where the acne seems to be taking over your face, and no amount of cleansing or the use of facial products geared for acne prone skin make even the slightest difference.  Many times these harsh chemicals can only seem to make matters worse.

Chicago Acne Treatment Dermatologist

This is when a visit to a Chicago acne treatment dermatologist is long overdue.  Here you can get accurately diagnosed for your specific type of acne and find the treatment that will best suit your needs and help to clear up any blemishes and problem areas.  It may take numerous trips and several different products, or even a combination of different ones before the best treatment for you is found.  Most medications come in the form of topical creams or gels, but there are also a number of pills that can be taken orally to help.

Isotretinoin

When acne becomes too much for simple over the counter and traditional prescription acne treatments to handle, greater measures must be taken.  This is where a medication such as Isotretinoin can come into play.  This medication has been around for quite some time and is used to treat only the severest cases of acne, as a last effort to bring the condition under control.  It is a very potent drug that has numerous side effects, yet when taken as directed can be highly effective.  It’s taken orally as a pill.

iPledge Schedule

Since it has been known to cause birth defects in women who are taking the medication and subsequently become pregnant while on therapy, as well as possible link to depression, the FDA put a new stipulation into effect for patients who are looking to be prescribed this medication.  iPledge is a website that is dedicated to the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, and even though designed for women of child bearing potential, ALL candidates for isotretinoin therapy must register, including men.  It requires potential patients to sign a pledge stating that not only will you take all precautions put into place to refrain from getting pregnant but that you will also follow the doctor’s directions in taking the medication as precisely as they are written.  You must also maintain monthly visits with a Chicago acne treatment dermatologist and promise to notify them if you ever start feeling depressed.  By keeping up with the iPledge treatment schedule you are able to ensure that you are keeping yourself as healthy as possible while on the medication.  The iPledge website is a great way to stay up to date on anything regarding the product as well as allowing you to connect with others that may be in the same situation as yourself.

When most people think about going to see a dermatologist the first thing that comes to their mind is to treat acne.  This means that the first time the majority of people even consider getting their skin checked is when they are in their teenage years, if even that young.  The truth of the matter is that you should have an annual exam scheduled with a dermatologist every year.

Chicago Skin Care for Children

Children often show symptoms of various skin diseases at a very young age, particularly various forms of eczema.  This can be easily misdiagnosed as simply dry skin and the recommendation of using baby lotions may only inflame the skin further rather than providing relief to your young child.  This does not mean that your child’s pediatrician is not a skilled physician; it just simply means that dermatology is not their specialty.  In order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment options you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who specializes in pediatric care.  These doctors specialize in treating patients under the age of 18, and most start as young as just a couple of months old.

Eczema Most Common

Eczema is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin conditions, and the majority of the cases show up in children ages ten and younger.  This is a very treatable condition and it is not unusual to see most patients grow out of it as they get older.  Treatments usually involve specialty creams that may or may not require a prescription and avoiding certain things that may trigger the condition, including perfumes or scented lotions as well as fabrics and laundry soap.  Sometimes an outbreak of eczema is a sign of something more problematic, and is often associated with allergies and sensitivities to various foods.  Avoiding these items, or sometimes just limiting your intake, can reduce or even eliminate any outbreaks of eczema that you may have.  However, it is best to seek the advice of a Chicago skin care specialist.

Atopic Dermatitis

Another skin condition that can be easily diagnosed by your dermatologist is atopic dermatitis.  This is a form of eczema, but is a much more noticeable and treatable form.  Many cases occur before the age of 1 year.  Unlike the dry, scaly skin that traditional forms of eczema tend to produce, this one often has weepy areas that are very painful and itchy.  It can start off seemingly harmless as a slightly raised red area, similar to a rash, but can quickly spread causing symptoms.  This condition shares some common irritants with other forms of eczema, including sensitivity to certain fabrics and perfumes, and can also be triggered by cigarette smoke, dry skin, long hot showers or baths, and even stress.  This condition is very treatable by Chicago skin care experts and patients are usually given a wide variety of treatment options from topical creams to antibiotics.