Father’s Day Gift Guide

June is an important month, not only is it Men’s Health Month, it’s also time to celebrate all the dads we know and love out there with Father’s Day.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your Dad, make his day special and help him maintain his skin health with one of these products from our Father’s Day Gift Guide. All can be found on our very own online skincare shop and can be shipped straight to your front door in time for June 20th.
Featured Products for Men
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
This thick, rich foam gently cleanses leaving your skin feeling clean and balanced.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum
our award-winning Vitamin C serum, proven to enhance skin radiance and protect against free radicals.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
with DNA Repairsomes. This is a great broad-spectrum light-weight sunscreen for all day use, every day.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Nutrafol Men Propack
this 3-month supply improves hair growth to visibly promote thickness and scalp coverage, by targeting root causes of thinning hair.
Click HERE to SHOP NOW.
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
With June being Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Give the gift of a skin check this year!
Click HERE to BOOK NOW!
Celebrating all the dads!
If you have any questions about any of the products we have recommended above, be sure to drop is a line or give us a call today. We would be more than happy to help you put together the perfect gift for your dad!
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Men’s Health Month & The Importance of Skin Checks

June is an important time for men because it’s Men’s Health Month! Its main purpose is to bring awareness to health issues and diseases prevalent among men and encouraging early detection and treatment. This also includes skin health! And with it being a time where we are all out in the sun more, it’s very important to consistently check your skin for abnormal moles that could be cancerous or precancerous, especially if you’re over 45.
As we age, the risk for developing skin cancers and other skin concerns increases. And according to a UK study, if you’re diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer between the ages of 45 – 59, your risk for other types of cancer, not just another form of skin cancer, goes up by 74%. Because of this, your health check routine should start by making sure your skin is healthy first.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you perform a skin check monthly to help identify any changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. If you do find something atypical, it’s important you see one of our West Dermatology board-certified dermatologists, who are specialists in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. They can then conduct a more thorough in-clinic or telehealth exam to determine whether or not the abnormality is potentially harmful.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHECKING YOUR SKIN FOR SKIN CANCER
First, don’t be alarmed if you find a mole or two (or more). A normal mole is smooth to the touch and has a consistent color, could be brown, black, or tan. It has a consistent border, as well, and is oval or round, and it could have a flat or raised profile.
An irregular mole that you should have examined more often has an irregular shape or jagged border. It’s rough to the touch and is often a combination of colors: various shades of brown throughout the lesion or a mixture of red, white, and/or blue.
In addition, make sure to check new spots or lesions, or look for older ones that have changed in color, shape, size, or texture. Also, be on the lookout for atypical sores, lumps, or blemishes, especially ones that crust over, bleed, itch, ooze, and itch as well as cause pain or are tender to the touch.
HOW TO PERFORM YOUR OWN SKIN CHECK 
Although you can effectively perform your own skin check any time, doing so at shower or bath time is more convenient because you’ll already be naked. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after, but looking at as much skin as possible is a must. If available, enlist the help of a partner, as a second pair of eyes is always a good idea to make sure nothing is missed, particularly on the scalp or back.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
  • A good, bright light
  • A full-length mirror
  • A hand mirror
  • Two chairs and/or stools
  • A brush and/or hairdryer
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Facing the full-length mirror, examine your lips, nose, mouth, forehead, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, underarms, hands, palms, between the fingers, the fronts of the thighs, and the shins.
  2. Continue by bending your elbows to examine your forearms and the backs of your upper arms.
  3. Standing with your back to the full-length mirror and using the hand mirror, inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back, and any part of your upper arms that you could not clearly view earlier.
  4. Continue in this position by scanning your lower back, buttocks, and the upper part of the back of your legs.
  5. Check your scalp by parting your hair – with a brush and/or hairdryer, if necessary – as well as around and behind your ears.
  6. While sitting on a stool or chair, prop your feet up and check the backs of your calves as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet, including between the toes.
  7. Finally, still sitting, use the hand mirror to examine your genitalia and any parts of the buttocks or upper legs you may have missed.
Be sure to honor Men’s Health Month by making skin checks an important part of your skin health routine. If you find an irregularity or skin change that cannot be explained, contact us immediately to schedule a full, comprehensive skin exam. In addition to performing your skin check monthly, it’s important to schedule an annual skin check with our dermatologists. Don’t wait – it could save your life.
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10 Summer Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Summer is almost upon us – nearly time for pool parties, barbecues, and beach vacations. Unfortunately, summer activities typically involve heightened sun exposure, raising the risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The condition is an abnormal growth of skin cells, frequently triggered by long-term heavy sun exposure, though a family history of skin cancer can heighten your risk.
The predominant types of skin cancer are the following:
  • Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. It generally presents as a raised pink, red, or white patch on the skin.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: This condition is the next most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinomas are typically scaly, crusted patches on the skin.
  • Melanoma: The rarest and most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanomas generally appear as dark, irregular spots on the skin.
Taking preventive steps can help lower your risk. To protect yourself from skin cancer, incorporate the following tips into your summer routine.
1. Enjoy the sun in the early morning or late afternoon.
Limit your exposure to the sun by avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
2. The more sunscreen, the better!
Wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and make sure to reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
3. Wear UPF-rated clothing.
If you can’t wear full-body sunscreen, wear clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating. This rating measures the amount of ultraviolet light that is able to penetrate a garment. A UPF of 50+ offers the best protection. Make sure to cover up with light-colored, loose-fitting clothes such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
4. Don’t forget to protect those peepers!
The eyes are just as vulnerable to sun damage and even cancer as the skin. Wear UVA and UVB protective sunglasses. When outdoors, wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
5. Avoid artificial tanning beds.
The radiation from tanning beds is just as dangerous as sun exposure. Tanning beds and sunlamps emit strong UV rays that can increase your risk of skin cancer.
6. Seek high-quality shade.
While all shade provides some protection from the sun, dense tree covers and walled structures offer superior coverage to single trees and sun umbrellas.
7. Be extra vigilant at the beach.
White sand and water reflect the damaging rays of the sun more efficiently than grassy areas or parks with dark pavement. Reapply sunscreen every two hours to avoid burning and sun damage.
8. Don’t forget your lips!
Your lips are just as susceptible to cancer and sun damage as the rest of your face. Make sure you use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapply it every few hours, and always reapply directly after eating or drinking.
9. Check the UV index before heading out.
The UV index is a measure of UV radiation that is unrelated to the weather. The higher the number, the greater the UV exposure. When the UV index is high – a score of 8 or higher – take extra precautions. If you burn easily or are at high risk for skin cancer, consider staying indoors.
10. Get regular skin checks!
Schedule regular skin checks with a qualified dermatologist every year. You should also perform self-examinations regularly for any changes.
The best way to avoid skin cancer is to stay proactive about sun protection. If you have any concerns about your skin health or if you have noticed any changes to your skin, please don’t hesitate to schedule a skin check with us.
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Why You Should Have a Pre-Summer Skin Check

Summer is a truly glorious season. It’s the time of year when we can break away from the daily grind and enjoy a more relaxed pace. (Even though the relaxed pace might involve swimming, hiking, and paddleboarding!)
From warm days at the beach to relaxing evenings spent with friends, summer is when we take a break from the stresses of the classroom or office and enjoy some fun outdoor activities.
Unfortunately, fun outdoor activities can put us at risk for sun damage and even skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. Approximately one-fifth of all Americans will have a skin cancer diagnosis at some point. Regular skin checks by a qualified dermatologist can help identify and treat worrying skin changes before they become dangerous. Detecting cancer in its earliest stages allows for faster, easier treatment and can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
The three most common forms of skin cancer are the following:
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that is caused by damage to the skin from ultraviolet (UV) light. It is the most frequently diagnosed type of skin cancer and is usually not life-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can cause damage to the skin and can spread to other organ systems.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma is a category of skin cancer that is potentially dangerous if not treated promptly. Although rarely life-threatening, it can cause serious damage to the skin and surrounding tissue if unaddressed. Squamous cell carcinoma might spread, leading to more serious problems such as lymph node involvement and organ damage.
  • Melanoma: Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that can be highly dangerous if left untreated. It is caused when melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin, become cancerous. Melanoma can be deadly if it spreads to other body parts, including the lymph nodes and vital organs.
We’ve often heard about having skin checks in early fall, but why schedule a skin exam before summer?
Pre-sun exams are more exhaustive.
A skin check in the colder months can help your doctor visualize skin abnormalities better. When your skin is lighter, skin changes are more noticeable. If your dermatologist identifies any worrying changes, you can learn the best ways of protecting and screening potentially vulnerable areas.
What’s involved in a skin check?
Because skin cancers and a variety of other skin disorders stem from hereditary, environmental, and age-specific influences, it might be challenging to distinguish between an abnormality and a benign issue. As part of a comprehensive skin examination, a holistic assessment is performed. This evaluation includes allowances for inherited risks, sun exposure intensity, and medical considerations that might lead to changes in the skin’s appearance.
In most cases, observable skin irregularities like melasma and freckles are not causes for alarm. However, if anomalies are detected, they can usually be treated effectively when caught early. If you feel any pain, irritation, or discomfort, or if you see a new spot, please schedule a skin evaluation immediately before the issue becomes serious.
During skin checks, your doctor will use the ABCDE guidelines for skin cancer detection. These include the following:
  • Asymmetry. A skin patch, spot, or mole with a jagged or irregular shape is more concerning than a perfectly round spot.
  • Borders. Uneven or undefined borders are potentially serious.
  • Colors. Inconsistent colors or colors that appear to fade within the spot should be checked.
  • Diameter. Spots larger than approximately 6mm should be examined.
  • Evolving. Spots that change color, size, or shape.
Besides addressing any observable conditions, a qualified dermatologist offers in-depth treatment options for a broad spectrum of skin issues. By providing protective and preventative strategies before summer, a skin check can help you improve the health of your skin from the inside out.
If you have any concerns about your skin, schedule a skin check today.
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How Sunscreen Protects Your Skin: Your Burning Questions Answered 

If applying sunscreen isn’t already a part of your daily routine, it should be.
Unfortunately, many of us aren’t vigilant about sunscreen application. Approximately one in five Americans will experience skin cancer during their lifetimes, and nearly 10,000 people are diagnosed with a form of skin cancer in the United States every day.
Wearing sunscreen can help preserve the health and appearance of your skin regardless of age. When used appropriately, sunscreen can significantly slow external signs of aging and protect against skin cancer.
But first, what counts as sunscreen? 
What’s physical sunscreen?
Physical sunscreen, or sunblock, is a form of sun protection that acts as a barrier between the skin and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a form of invisible, short-wavelength energy from the sun and certain types of artificial light sources (tanning beds). As ionizing radiation, UV energy can remove electrons from molecular and atomic structures, which affects the DNA in living tissues, potentially leading to cancer.
UV radiation is divided into three categories: 
  • Ultraviolet A (UVA): UVA radiation is most commonly associated with photoaging (wrinkles) and certain skin cancers.
  • Ultraviolet B (UVB): UVB radiation has a slightly longer wavelength than UVA. UVB rays are associated with sunburn and especially dangerous forms of skin cancer, notably malignant melanoma.
  • Ultraviolet C (UVC): UVC radiation has the shortest wavelength of the three types of UV energy, but UVC radiation is only produced artificially; the ozone layer filters out almost all UVC rays from the sun. UVC radiation is used to disinfect surfaces. It can cause significant damage to the skin and eyes.
Physical sunscreens contain minerals that reflect UV rays away from the skin, preventing absorption and UV damage. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved minerals are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Clothing can also act as physical sunscreen if made of materials that effectively block UV radiation. It is the most effective form of body sunscreen because it provides a continual barrier that does not have to be reapplied (unlike liquid sunscreens). Sun-protective clothing is made from fabrics with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). However, it’s important to learn the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions; a garment’s UPF can degrade over time.
What’s chemical sunscreen? 
Chemical sunscreens provide sun protection by disrupting UV radiation and dissipating it after it has been absorbed into the skin. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens in the United States are avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
Chemical sunscreens are easily absorbed into the skin and do not leave visible residue (some physical sunscreens can leave a white cast on the skin). However, some people experience inflammation, redness, and other reactions to certain ingredients in chemical sunscreens.
While both physical and chemical sunscreens offer numerous sun-protecting benefits, most products contain a combination of mineral and chemical active ingredients, effectively providing double-duty sun protection.
What is SPF? 
SPF is an initialism for Sun Protection Factor. SPF measures the amount of protection a sunscreen provides against UV radiation.
The SPF of a product is determined by the amount of time it takes for sunburn to occur when a person is wearing sunscreen compared to the amount of time it takes for sunburn to occur without sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen provides.
The CDC recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15, which will block 93 percent of UVB rays.
What are broad-spectrum sunscreens? 
It is important to use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. While a sunscreen’s SPF is important, the product’s ability to protect against both types of radiation is crucial in preventing sun damage.
How much sunscreen should I apply? 
Most people do not use enough sunscreen to be effective. The recommended amount of sunscreen for the face, ears, and neck is approximately one teaspoon. If you aren’t wearing sun-protective clothing, you should apply sunscreen to the body, too. Approximately two tablespoons should provide sufficient coverage, depending on body size and the amount of exposed skin.
If you plan to spend several hours in direct sunlight, reapply your sunscreen every two hours for maximum protection. If you anticipate swimming or sweating heavily, a water-resistant sunscreen is essential.
Do I need to apply sunscreen when I’m not spending time outdoors? 
Yes! It’s best to wear sunscreen at all times, if only to protect against accidental sun exposure. If you spend a great deal of time near a window (and you aren’t sure if the windows have UV filters) or have long commutes, sunscreen can protect you.
Consult a dermatologist to learn which type of sunscreen is best for your skin.
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Check and Protect in Honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month! 

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society reports more than 5 million cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed yearly, with nearly 10,000 new skin cancer cases discovered daily.
It’s impossible to avoid the sun completely. However, continual sun protection and skin checks can radically reduce your risk of developing a dangerous form of skin cancer.
Check Yourself 
It’s important to familiarize yourself with your skin to easily recognize any suspicious changes. Periodic self-evaluations should be a part of your routine, particularly if you have a history of sunburn or a high risk of developing skin cancer (family history of cancer or very fair skin).
Here are some tips for performing a skin check: 
  • Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room.
  • Be sure to look at the entire body from head to toe, including the scalp, the back of the neck, the back, between the buttocks, and the soles of the feet.
  • As you look at your skin, look for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture in any moles, birthmarks, or freckles. Pay special attention to any growths with an irregular shape or color, areas of skin that are tender, itchy, or bleeding, or moles that have changed size or shape over time.
  • Take note of any changes that you find, and be sure to mention any changes to your doctor.
While self-checks should not be considered a substitute for dermatologist-administered skin evaluations, periodic skin self-assessments can alert you to small changes that shouldn’t wait for an annual screening. If you find any skin changes, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a medical exam.
Have a Dermatologist Check Your Skin 
A skin cancer screening at a dermatologist is an important step in keeping your skin healthy. At the appointment, the doctor will generally perform a head-to-toe examination of your skin. They will look for any suspicious spots or moles and check for any changes in existing moles. Your doctor may also use a special tool, like a dermatoscope, to better view the moles and check for any signs of skin cancer.
You will be asked questions about your family history and any changes to moles or spots that you have noticed. Your doctor may ask you to monitor any suspicious moles and report back to them if you notice any changes.
Your doctor might also take a biopsy of any concerning moles or spots, which involves taking a small tissue sample. A lab will analyze and test the sample for cancer.
At the end of the appointment, your doctor will discuss the examination and biopsy results, if needed, and explain what to do if any further treatment is necessary.
Protect Yourself 
Preventing skin cancer requires a multi-faceted approach to sun protection. You might think applying sunscreen isn’t necessary if you don’t spend much time outdoors, but ultraviolet radiation can be quite sneaky.
You can reduce your risk by following the following sun safety tips:
  • Wear sunscreen daily. Even if you spend most of your day working indoors, you could be exposed to unfiltered UV radiation if you work near a window or have a long drive to work. Wearing a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) will shield you from inadvertent UV exposure.
  • When it comes to sunblock, more is more! Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. Your face and neck require approximately one teaspoon of sunscreen for thorough coverage. For full body protection, you’ll need at least two tablespoons to shield yourself from head to toe.
  • Wear clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+. If it’s not practical to slather your whole body with sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved sun-protective clothing is an excellent alternative. Choose garments with a UPF label to ensure you get the proper protection. Also – don’t forget sunglasses! Choose a UV-blocking, wrap-around pair for maximum coverage.
  • Stay in the shade. A shady spot can screen out a significant amount of UV light, but it depends upon the quality of the material blocking the sun and the degree to which you are exposed to indirect light. Dense tree covers provide greater protection than single trees, and structures with side walls offer more protection than shade structures mounted on poles.
Skin cancer screenings are important for early detection, increasing your chances of successful treatment if any abnormalities are discovered. It’s important to follow up with your dermatologist regularly to check for any changes, and to get a skin cancer screening at least once a year.
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October Specials

Sculpsure Targeted Fat Reduction – Zero-downtime fat-reduction treatment to reduce up to 24% of fat in treated area over 12 weeks – Buy 3 treatments for $2095 (same area) get 4th FREE

Fall Repair Treatments:

Calecim Serum – Stem-cell protein enhanced serum for brightening and reduction of fine lines – Buy 3 vials for $189, get 4th FREE

C-The Change CBD Serum (In-office only) – An elegant CBD concentrated serum for AM/PM application – 1000mg CBD – Buy 1 at full price ($89.00), get 2nd at 50% off

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June Specials

Father’s Day Special with Shirley – Dermaplaning/Micro-dermabrasion combo with a light peel – Zero-downtime treatment to renew and brighten facial skin & smooth surface – NOW $100, Reg $150

Need Botox?  Release those expression lines for a smooth and less stressed appearance – $50.00 off (35+ units)

Need Filler Too?  Smooth folds, enhance lips or add volume to cheeks -Additional $50.00 off (in stock filler when treated in the same appointment)

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Father’s Day Facial with Shirley

Dermaplaning/Microdermabrasion Facial with Light Peel
Zero-Downtime treatment to renew and brighten facial skin for a fresh & smooth surface. Now $100.00 through Father’s Day. Call and schedule now for the special Father in your life!

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May Specials

SculpSure – Fat Reduction Laser Treatment – Additional Treatments/Touch-up – Anyone having previously purchased SculpSure Fat Reduction treatments can purchase another treatment for $595 (any previously treated area)

Get Ready for Mother’s Day – Look your BEST for your special day – Purchase 2 vials filler & add Botox – $10/unit

Renewing Body Lotion – Excellent for dry arms and legs – Now $51, Reg $63

Restorative Eye Complex – Brighten and tighten – Now $57, Reg $72

Contouring Cream – Smooth and tighten, face, neck & chest – Now $57, Reg $72

Traveling Soon?  Free & Clear Shampoo for Sensitive Skin – TSA Approved 2 oz size – Now $5, Reg $6

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