Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Dysport vs. Botox
1. Dysport might be slightly faster acting. Both have similar mechanisms, but some patients seem to have a faster response with Dysport. Dysport reportedly takes effect within 4 to 7 days and lasts up to 4 months. Botox reportedly takes effect within 5 to 7 days and lasts 3 to 4 months.
2. Unit sizes are different. The unit sizes for Dysport are slightly smaller so you should expect a higher unit amount of Dysport than Botox.
3. Dysport is competitively priced. Dysport is offered at a cheaper rate than Botox, but you may need to pay more to receive the same results as Botox.
As you can see, the differences between the two products are mild. So, the next time you visit West Dermatology you may want to ask your physician about these two products.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Acne Survival: Why am I breaking out and when is medication necessary?
1. Does my acne significantly affect my self esteem or my emotional health?
2. Does my acne leave scarring?
3. Have I had significant acne for over the span of one year?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then seeing a dermatologist may be a good plan for you. We know that acne can be embarrassing and can affect your mental and emotional state. For all of your acne concerns contact the West Dermatology office nearest you to set up an appointment.
Product Recommendations
"I would suggest the Clarisonic® brush. It is an extraordinary device that cleans up to 6 x better than normal washing by hand. It also helps medications absorb better increasing the efficacy of anti-acne or anti-wrinkle topical treatments. Also, our new West Dermatology acne line is very effective and extremely affordable. The kits can be tailored to the individual needs of the patients with varying strength benzoyl peroxide gels, washes, scrubs, toner pads, etc."
Chris Carlin, MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Dermatology
San Clemente, CA
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Skin Care Tips for Men: How to Get That Perfect Shave
1. Use shaving cream that has a moisturizer in it. This will make the effect of shaving less abrasive to your skin.
2. Before shaving a beard, make sure to rinse it in warm water. This will soften your beard making it easier to shave.
3. Always use a sharp blade to avoid razor burn.
4. Don’t shave in the opposite direction as this can cause damage.
5. Try to avoid using aftershave lotions that contain alcohol as this can make skin dry.
6. Always apply a noncomedogenic (won’t cause pimples) moisturizer to your face afterwards.
At West Dermatology, we know that healthy looking skin can give you added confidence and a reason to smile. For more healthy skin tips check our blog often for weekly updates.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Product Give Away!
Thank you for participating and don’t forget to include the product of your choice and your email address so we can contact you if you win. This give away will end November 10, 2009. Good luck!
*This includes single products only. ‘Kits’ and ‘systems’ are not available in this give away.
Friday, October 2, 2009
An Introduction to Eczema
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a noncontagious skin disease that causes chronic, superficial inflammation of the skin. The skin disease is characterized by redness, edema (swelling), oozing, crusting, scaling and intense itching. While the disease doesn’t always follow a usual pattern, the dry patches are most likely to be found in areas such as the face, neck and scalp.
(Photo provided by James Q. Del Rosso, D.O.)
How is it treated?
The professionals at West Dermatology offer several treatment options including external medications such as creams or internal prescriptions such as antihistamines and oral antibiotics. In some cases, we may also recommend light therapy to achieve your desired results. Call one of our offices to find eczema relief today.
-Between 10 and 20 percent of people worldwide develop atopic dermatitis, making it the most common type of eczema.
-For an estimated 65 percent‚ atopic dermatitis begins during their first year of life, and 90 percent have the condition before age 5.
-While rare, atopic dermatitis can first appear at puberty or later.
For more information regarding eczema and its treatment, visit the American Academy of Dermatology website. If you feel you may be suffering from this disease, contact your local dermatologist.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Healthy Aging Month
Healthy on the Inside
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit sugary foods, salt, and refined-grain products
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Eat fiber rich foods
- Consume plenty of calcium and vitamin D for bone health
- Monitor fat intake in order to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Take a multi-vitamin
- Don't smoke
- Get moving
Healthy on the Outside
- Wear sunscreen
- Shield your skin from the sun
- Gently cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells and other unwanted particles once or twice a day, and/or after exercising.
- Moisturize your skin to retain water. The most effective time to moisturize is directly after a bath or shower.
- Don't pick at your skin as this can lead to scarring.
- Take advantage of aesthetic procedures that can help rejuvenate your skin.
- Get your skin checked on a regular basis, at least once a year, by a dermatologist.
Remember, you're never too old to look and feel young.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
From Pink to Peeling: How to Relieve a Sunburn
1. Apply a cooling substance, such as aloe gel (chilled in the fridge helps to magnify the cooling sensation), Solarcaine spray or cold compresses to the skin. These methods help reduce heat and inflammation caused by the sunburn.
2. Take some aspirin within the first 24 hours. Aspirin dulls the pain and reduces inflammation.
3. Shower in cold or lukewarm water. Hot water may aggravate the burn further and cause additional dryness to your skin.
4. Moisturize your skin. Lotions, creams and aloe gel can help keep skin hydrated and make the peeling process less irritating. A gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion is the best option. Also, never pick your peeling skin. That can lead to further damage and scarring. Let the skin shed naturally.
5. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Remember, your skin is your largest organ and it needs water to stay healthy, especially when damaged.
6. If you will be spending more time in the sun, be sure to wear clothes that cover the sunburned areas. Apply sunscreen to all other exposed areas and spend as much time in the shade as possible.
Lastly, if your sunburn is causing you intense discomfort and/or illness, and you develop severe blisters, please contact a dermatologist. He or she has the knowledge and ability to help you recover.
Be careful this summer and don't forget to wear your sunscreen.

