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Five Foods For Better Skin

What you put on your plate is just as important as what you put on your skin. To obtain glowing and vibrant skin, make sure you’re choosing the right foods. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to get healthy looking skin.

Here are some foods that experts say are the most important:

1. Low-fat dairy products – vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for skin health.
2. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums – these foods are high in antioxidants which help protect skin cells from sun damage. When you prevent skin from getting sun damaged, you also prevent premature aging.
3. Salmon – salmon is filled will essential fatty acids like omega 3s that help keep cell membranes healthy.
4. Healthy oils – oils are rich in fatty acids that keep skin lubricated and give it an overall healthier look. When looking for oil, look for cold pressed, extra virgin, and expeller processed oils.
5. Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals – all these foods contain selenium which helps keep skin cells healthy and helps fight against sun damage. Filling up on these wheat foods leaves less room for you to fill up on “white” foods that are not good for skin health.

What you put into your body is directly correlated to what you get out of it. Eating a healthy diet will not only improve the health of your skin, but will also improve the overall health of your body.

If you want to keep your skin healthy and glowing, check out the state-of-the-art skin treatments at Zimmet Vein & Dermatology and call to set up an appointment today.

Adult Acne: Causes and Treatments

“Bad Skin” is not just for teenagers anymore. Adult acne has become a very common problem that is often under-recognized.

Most people would assume that acne stems from bad hygiene, but that is not the case. Adult acne is caused by many different factors:

Hormones that can cause oily skin
Clogged pores
Blackheads
Faulty closing of hair ducts
Infection of the hair duct
Stress
Bad cosmetics

So What Is The Solution?

Depending on the severity of your acne, there are different types of treatments to consider:

Facial Cleansers

Try starting out by washing your face once in the morning and once before bed. Use warm water and wash your face using your hands instead of a washcloth. The cleanser you use will depend on the type of skin you have. Finding the right cleanser often requires a trial-and-error approach that may take time.

Creams

You can find over-the-counter creams that will help prevent acne scars and discoloration. There are also spot-treatment creams for smaller breakouts, make sure these contain benzoyl peroxide to help kill bacteria.

Antibiotics

The answer to your acne problems may be as simple as a visit to your dermatologist. Prescription medicines can balance hormones and help fight infection and inflammation.

High-tech Treatments

If none of the previous solutions has worked for you, ask your dermatologist about laser treatments. These treatments mainly target acne scars, but some treatments kill the bacteria that causes acne.

If you are suffering with acne problems, explore our skin treatments or call and schedule an initial appointment with Zimmet Vein and Dermatology today.

Your Skin’s pH: Why it’s Important

You may recall pH from science class- the measurement of a substance’s acidity or alkalinity. Did you know your skin has its own pH that is important to be maintained, though? Using the wrong cleansers can disrupt your skin’s natural pH, which can keep your anti-aging skincare from working effectively.

About pH

The pH scale ranges between two extremes, measured from 0-14. Solutions with an acidic pH range from 0 to 6, and solutions with a basic or alkaline pH range from 8-10. The neutral pH of 7 is reserved for a substance that is considered neither alkaline nor acidic, like pure water.

Your Skin’s pH

Your body tends to operate at the neutral pH of 7. Your skin acts as a protective barrier for your body, so it tends to be slightly more acidic at a pH of 5.5.

The Acid Mantle

The acid mantle is a thin film on the surface of the skin that serves as the very first line of protection against pathogens entering your body. The acid mantle is named after its inherent acidity, and it is very important to keeping your skin’s acid mantle intact. When you disrupt the acid mantle, it can damage your skin and susceptible to infection.

Your Concerns

So why does this matter? For one, if your skin is at a normal pH, it can effectively retain moisture and protect your skin from outside agents that can cause premature aging. Additionally, a recent study conducted over eight years found that women with more alkaline skin (a pH of 7 or higher) tend to have more fine lines and crows feet than women with more acidic skin.

Lastly, if you apply your anti-aging skincare to skin that is the incorrect pH, the active ingredients won’t have a chance to work properly. You can disrupt your skin’s pH by scrubbing it with a cleanser that is too alkaline (a pH of 6 or higher). It can take up to 16 hours for your skin’s acid mantle to return to normal after being disrupted. So, it is important to use a cleanser that ranges from a pH of 4-4.9. Anti-aging skin care should range from 3-3.9 for the best results.

If you have concerns about your current anti-aging skin care products or would like some recommendations on approved skin care products, contact Zimmet Vein and Dermatology today.

Do you have KP?

You may be suffering from Keratosis pilaris and don’t realize it. This skin condition is predicted to affect between 50-80% of young adults, and is more common in women than men. Do you have patches of small, acne-like bumps on the back of your arms? Those small bumps can be white or red, and aren’t itchy or painful. They are just there. So what are those things?

Causes

So what causes it? Keratin, a natural protein produced by your body, can be produced in excess causing buildup around hair follicles. The keratin can trap the hair follicle, forming small, hard plugs. Most people experience KP year-round, but it can be exacerbated in the dry, winter months. It is unknown what causes the keratin buildup, but KP can and will happen in otherwise healthy individuals.

Treatment

Keratosis pilaris can be difficult to treat, but can go away on its own as you age. It also isn’t usually considered a serious medical condition, meaning it doesn’t require treatment unless for aesthetic reasons. Typical treatment is a topical cream containing a chemical exfoliant or a retinoid.

Salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid and lactic acid are chemical exfoliants that can help remove dead skin cells.
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and promote cell turnover, which can prevent KP. Pregnant women should not use retinoids.

Your dermatologist can recommend the best treatment for you after a visual examination. Ongoing treatment will keep KP in check, but if you stop, it can return.

If you believe you are suffering from symptoms of Keratosis pilaris and would like to talk to a dermatologist about treatment options, contact us today at Zimmet Vein & Dermatology.

The 2 Types of Skin Exfoliants

The secret to smooth looking skin is in regular exfoliating once or twice per week. The purpose of exfoliation is to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from your skin, leaving newer, smoother skin underneath. Your skin cells are developed in the dermis and then move outward, toward the epidermis, as they age over a period of 30 days. After the 30 day mark, they are dead and fall off. Because of this, the outermost layer of skin is the oldest and can be removed through exfoliation.This is why after exfoliating, your skin feels so smooth and soft. It is important to exfoliate regularly because the buildup of dead skin can cause acne breakouts from clogged pores, small bumps from ingrown hairs, and overall dull appearance.

The following are the two main methods of exfoliation. Make sure you are using the right exfoliator for you, because some methods are better for certain skin types than others.

1.) Mechanical: This method utilizes an abrasive material to physically scrape and remove dead skin cells. They usually come in the form of scrubs or brushes, and are typically available over the counter to be used by the individual themselves. In scrubs, small particles suspended in a cream or gel exfoliate the skin. Brushes with stiff bristles can slough off dead skin cells, too. Microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliant, though it must be performed by a professional dermatologist because of its invasive nature. People who have dry or sensitive skin should avoid this type of exfoliant because it can be irritating and drying. People with oily or combination skin will find this type of exfoliant the most effective because of its ability to clear pores by removing dirt and oil.

2.) Chemical: If you have sensitive skin, chemical exfoliants with ingredients like enzymes, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid may be for you. Instead of physically scrubbing away the dead skin cells, these use chemicals to dissolve the dead skin away gently. Chemical exfoliants can be applied by a dermatologist in higher concentrations or can be purchased over the counter in lower concentrations. This method is also known to fade the appearance of scars and spots over time.

If you have questions or would like to schedule an exfoliating service, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today for an appointment and we will be happy to take care of you.

Eat Your Way to Better Skin

Everyone knows the easiest way to stay healthy is to eat right, because when you eat healthy, you look healthy. But did you know your diet can affect not just your general well-being, but your complexion, too? Your skin can serve as a good indicator of your overall health, and some skin afflictions can actually be remedied with a change in diet. Here are some common skin symptoms paired with foods shown to help.

Symptom: Pale, pasty skin

Food: Try eating iron-rich foods like mussels to give you a boost of color. Also, try eating foods rich in cartenoids. Cartenoids are pigments that are stored beneath the skin in the top layer of fat. Foods like apricots, papaya and mangoes can give you a youthful, rosy glow. You can also get glowing skin by eating foods rich in antioxidants. The four foods with the highest amounts of antioxidants are blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums.

Symptom: Wrinkles and fine lines

Solution: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines by plumping up cellular membranes. Try eating flaxseed, salmon, and walnuts. Also, try eating foods rich in vitamin C, like sweet potatoes and oranges, which is essential for the body to produce collagen.

Symptom: Sun damage

Solution: Protect your skin against further sun damage by eating foods high in selenium. Selenium is a mineral that can protect against UV rays that cause skin cancer. Drink green tea or eat whole wheat breads, tuna, and brazil nuts.

Symptom: Breakouts

Solution: Dead cells and sebum can clog pores on the outer layer of skin, resulting in breakouts. Eating foods rich in vitamin A can keep cells from overproducing and can help clear up breakouts. A well-known food high in Vitamin A is carrots.

A nutritious diet will not only make you feel better, but you will look better, too. Dr. Zimmet at Zimmet Vein & Dermatology is available to help you achieve your ideal skin image, so if you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned previously in this blog and would like to consult with a dermatologist, contact us today.

About Blue Light Therapy

What is it?

Blue light therapy is a type of photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is most commonly used to treat acne, but also can be used to treat a wide range of medical issues like cancer. Dr. Zimmet uses Blu-U Blue Light Therapy to treat his patients. During PDT, light-sensitive compounds, known as photosynthesizers, are exposed to light which causes a reaction. This reaction kills bacteria. For this minimally-invasive procedure, a photosynthesizer, which comes in the form of a liquid or gel, is applied to the skin.

Blue-Light-Therapy-Zimmet-Vein-Dermatology-Austin

What happens during a PDT treatment?

After that, you must wait for 30-60 minutes for an incubation period. Following the incubation period, the targeted area will be exposed to the blue light for a predetermined amount of time. The light activates the photosynthesizer, which kills bacteria that can cause acne. Blu-U is not a laser. In fact, it is more comparable to a fluorescent light.

Are There Side-effects?

After the treatment, your skin will be quite sensitive to light, so it is very important to wear sunscreen and avoid going outdoors for one to two days. Because of the nature of blue light therapy, some patients will experience redness, dryness or a faint sunburn after treatment.

How Often are Treatments?

Specific courses of treatment will vary based on the doctor’s evaluation of your skin. Typical PDT treatments are usually scheduled once or twice per week for about five week.

Who Should Use it?

Blue light therapy is a good option for people with moderate acne, but who don’t want to use antibiotic or drug treatments.

If you would like more information on Blu-U Blue Light Therapy, photodynamic therapy in general, or would like to know if your moderate acne is compatible with this treatment, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

Protect Your Skin Against Daily Sun Damage

When it comes to protecting your skin against sun damage, the best offense is defense. Wearing sunscreen containing SPF 15 or higher every day has shown to prevent sun damage, which can result in premature aging. What does premature aging look like? Signs include developing fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and rough skin texture. You don’t want to start treating your skin for sun damage once you have already begun to display symptoms. It is easy to take preventative measures by adding sunscreen into your daily skincare routine.

Choosing a sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with broad spectrum protection which will help block the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are what cause sunburns on the epidermis- the top layer of the skin. Typically, when someone applies sunscreen, he or she looks to block UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging. This type of sun damage is not immediately apparent, so it is easy to forget to apply sunscreen even if you are not going to be outside. The sun’s rays can penetrate a window, which means you must wear sunscreen even if you don’t spend very much time outdoors.

Protecting Your Skin

Reapplying sunscreen is necessary every two hours when sweating, swimming, or immediately after towel-drying. Be sure to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. It is also a good idea to avoid being outdoors when the sun is at its strongest, usually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as hats and sunglasses are another way to limit your sun exposure.

If you are struggling with sun damage, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology can help repair your skin. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Location

Austin, Texas

1500 W. 34th Street
Austin, TX 78703

512.485.7700