Joel Schlessinger MD answers questions about this popular skin care ingredient.
Retinol is one of the most widely used and prescribed ingredients in the skin care industry. Many individuals use this ingredient to create a softer, smoother complexion and a more youthful appearance. In this presentation, Joel Schlessinger MD explains how this ingredient works and which retinol products are his favorites.
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that encourages cell renewal to fade the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. Unlike Retin A, another form of vitamin A, retinol is available over the counter and is much gentler than prescription tretinoin products.
There may be side effects to this skin renewal ingredient, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.
While using a product that contains retinol, it is normal to experience minor flaking, redness and dryness. Many retinol products contain ingredients that hydrate and soothe the complexion to help reduce these symptoms. Individuals with extremely sensitive skin should not use retinol products.
Because this ingredient is continuously renewing your complexion, it also makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. While using a retinol product, you should wear a broad spectrum sunscreen daily and reapply often when you are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.
Here are the top retinol products recommended by Joel Schlessinger MD.
There are a large amount of retinol products to choose from, including:
All three of these products smooth the surface of the skin and help create an even tone. You can also use a retinol product such as Revision Skincare Retinol Eye Repair around the eyes to diminish the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet.
Find out about other popular ingredients and skin care procedures by watching more presentations by Joel Schlessinger MD.
Researchers have developed a tiny blood-testing device that sits under the skin and provides instant results sent to a mobile phone. The technology can simultaneously check for up to five different substances in the blood, keeping doctors constantly updated on their patients’ health.
This tiny device could allow doctors to monitor their patients on a new level. Joel Schlessinger MD explains.
At half an inch long, this wireless device is designed to be inserted under the skin of the abdomen, arms or legs using a needle. It can remain in place for months without needing to be removed or replaced. The data collected is sent to doctors using radiowaves and Bluetooth technology.
Joel Schlessinger MD believes this device could have a huge impact on the medical field. This specific technology is set apart from other monitoring devices because of its ability to measure several different things all at once.
Joel Schlessinger MD says this kind of technology will benefit dermatology and other specialties.
Instant medical results will allow doctors to better treat their patients. Instead of following age or weight charts, experts can treat and diagnose their patients based on their personal tolerance.
“This is potentially very cool,” says Joel Schlessinger MD. “There are huge opportunities with this type of device that will impact both dermatology and other specialties.”
Experts say this device will be especially useful for monitoring chronic conditions like high cholesterol and diabetes, as well as measuring the impact of drug treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
This technology has already been tested in a lab and can reliably monitor cholesterol and glucose levels. Researchers hope to begin studying its effectiveness on intensive care patients, who require very close monitoring and frequent blood tests.
What do you think of this new blood-testing device? Would you be willing to try it? Share with us in the comments.
Joel Schlessinger MD describes the appearance of birthmarks that develop in many children.
The birthmark category consists of a large number of different skin concerns that can develop at birth or during early childhood. While many of these marks are harmless and eventually fade over time, there are certain concerns that should be addressed by a dermatologist. In this video, Joel Schlessinger MD describes several common birthmarks and what you can do if your child has one.
Certain birthmarks appear at birth and fade during childhood, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.
One common type of birthmark, nevus flammeus, is characterized by a red patch on an infant’s neck or forehead. This mark often appears when a child is born and is caused by a collection of blood vessels that generally dissipates and fades over time.
Hemangioma, another common birthmark described by Joel Schlessinger MD, appears as a dark red and slightly raised spot. This condition generally continues to grow from birth until the child is one year old. The mark then begins to fade over the next 7-8 years of the child’s life.
According to Joel Schlessinger MD, other types of birthmarks must be examined and treated by a dermatologist.
While most people develop moles later in life, some infants are born with moles known as congenital nevus. Joel Schlessinger MD recommends having these moles examined by a dermatologist to determine whether or not they need to be removed.
Port wine stains often appear as large red areas that can cover part or the entire side of a child’s face. This condition can be treated using laser or light therapy devices that effectively fade the appearance of the mark over time. If your child is born with or develops a birthmark, you should schedule an appointment to visit with a dermatologist.
Watch more videos by Joel Schlessinger MD on his YouTube channel.
Popular gel manicures may pose certain risks, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
According to an article from the Washington Times, gel manicures are becoming more and more popular among women. During this process, the polish is applied to natural nails, avoiding the need for damaging and uncomfortable acrylic nails. This more durable and quick-drying manicure is even popular with Nancy Schlessinger, wife of Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
“It’s a hybrid product, not a gel but a cross between nail polish and gel,” said Nancy. This makes the finish last longer without chipping or fading.
While getting gel manicures can save time and money, having them done regularly can pose serious health risks according to Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
UV drying devices used during gel manicures can cause skin cancer, reveals Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
After the polish is applied, many salons use UV light devices to dry the nails. The special blend of polish and gel requires UV light to set and solidify the manicure and prevent smudging.
According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, these lamps increase an individual’s risk of contracting skin cancer on the hands and feet. Read more about this risk and other nail salon dangers in Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s blog article.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how to protect yourself against skin cancer risks at the salon.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger advocates using LED lamps rather than UV lamps to dry your gel manicure. These devices do not emit ultraviolet radiation so there is no risk of skin damage. Look for salons that use these risk-free drying devices rather than UV light machines.
If your salon does use UV lamps, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends applying sunscreen to your hands or feet prior to your appointment as Nancy does. This can help protect against ultraviolet rays and minimize your risk of skin cancer.
Do you have questions about the risks of gel manicures? Ask Dr. Joel Schlessinger in the comment section below.
Joel Schlessinger MD recommends the Pellevé treatment to improve the appearance of an aging complexion.
One of the newest treatments available at the LovelySkin Spa is the Pellevé procedure. This non-invasive wrinkle procedure is designed to increase collagen production to firm and tighten sagging skin while filling in fine lines and wrinkles. This procedure is becoming more and more popular because, unlike many wrinkle treatments, there are no drugs, anesthetics or injections required and no down time or harmful side effects.
During this presentation, Joel Schlessinger MD explains how this advanced treatment works and how to tell if it’s right for you.
The Pellevé device uses radiofrequency technology to improve aging skin, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.
During the Pellevé treatment, electromagnetic waves are delivered deeply into the skin to generate heat. As the heat builds up, it stimulates collagen to create tighter, firmer skin and fill in wrinkles on the face, neck and chest area. Following the first treatment, many individuals experience a tightening and lifting effect that helps create a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Depending on the treatment area, this procedure lasts 30-60 minutes so it is perfect to fit in any time of the day. While some individuals experience slight tingling or redness, these symptoms dissipate quickly so there is no downtime.
Joel Schlessinger MD explains who this procedure is for and how to maintain your results.
This treatment is ideal for men and women who experience loose and sagging skin that ages their appearance. Pellevé is FDA-cleared to treat moderate wrinkles on the face for most skin types. Following your treatment, you can maintain your results by wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen such as SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 daily.
Research suggests that milk consumption may worsen acne symptoms, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.
Dermatologists are continuing to study the relationship between an individual’s diet and the condition of their skin. Many dermatologists, including Joel Schlessinger MD, are seeing an increase in acne and blemishes in patients who regularly drink milk.
A glass of milk contains approximately 60 hormones that are passed from the cow into the product during the milking process. Read more about this process in this blog post by Joel Schlessinger MD.
Joel Schlessinger MD recommends changing your diet to help reduce your acne symptoms.
If you think your acne may be related to milk consumption, try substituting other forms of the drink into your diet. Almond milk contains no hormones while soy milk only contains a small amount so these drinks may help reduce the appearance of acne.
Dry shampoo has become an increasingly popular hair product due to its ability to increase time between washing and add a boost of volume during the day. This oil-absorbing product is easy to use and requires just a few sprays onto the roots of your hair. Joel Schlessinger MD has compiled his top recommendations for dry shampoos to help you make the right choice.
Joel Schlessinger MD suggests using dry shampoo to maintain the health of your hair.
Using dry shampoo allows more time between washing your hair, which can prevent dehydration and damage. This product is designed to absorb excess oil on the scalp to prolong the life of blowouts and keep hair looking clean without washing daily.
Find a dry shampoo for any hair color with recommendations from Joel Schlessinger MD.
The biggest concern with dry shampoo is how it blends with darker hair colors. glo essentials Re-Energize Dry Shampoo Brunette applies invisibly into darker shades to add volume and eliminate oil. Another great choice for deeper hair colors is Rene Furterer NATURIA Dry Shampoo. This product uses rice and corn powders to absorb oil and offers undetectable coverage.
Find the answers to more of your beauty questions from Joel Schlessinger MD.
Read these posts to learn more about common skin care and beauty concerns:
A patient of Joel Schlessinger MD’s has developed a rash with reddish bumps on their arm in the shape of a ring. This person’s symptoms have appeared gradually over the past several months. So far, the patient hasn’t responded to anti-fungal ointment. What is it?
Joel Schlessinger MD diagnosed this patient with granuloma annulare. Often found in children and young adults, this chronic skin condition is characterized by a ring of small, firm bumps on the forearms, hands or feet. This rash may be slightly itchy, but granuloma annulare usually causes no other symptoms. At first glance, the rash looks like a fungal infection.
With very few symptoms, the majority of granuloma annulare patients only require treatment for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, strong steroid creams or ointments can sometimes help clear up the rash more quickly. Most granuloma annulare disappears within two years, but it is not uncommon for symptoms to reappear.
Joel Schlessinger MD recommends making an appointment to see your local dermatologist if you notice a rash or a ring of bumps anywhere on your skin, rather than waiting for the symptoms to disappear. With the help of a medical professional, you will receive proper treatment and care regardless of your diagnosis.
Have you been diagnosed with granuloma annulare? Share your experience with us in the comments.
Joel Schlessinger MD and colleagues attend the American Academy of Dermatology meeting.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) holds an annual educational conference to bring together dermatologists and skin care professionals. This year, the meeting was held in Miami, FL, where Joel Schlessinger MD and several LovelySkin staff members were able to meet with other professionals from across the country, attend lectures and visit exhibits featuring different skin care products and procedures. This conference allows skin care professionals to incorporate this knowledge into their practices for top quality patient care.
In this video, Joel Schlessinger MD discusses new products and procedures that were highlighted at the conference.
Several new and improved skin care products are now available on the market, says Joel Schlessinger MD.
ReGenica products, which were highlighted at the AAD conference, incorporate some of the newest growth factor formulas available. These reparative products were developed by Dr. Gail Naughton, who originally helped formulate SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum. The ReGenica line uses growth factors to dramatically repair the complexion for a more youthful appearance.
Joel Schlessinger MD also discusses the developments of Oxygenetix skin care line in this video. These breathable foundations are ideal for those with rosacea, acne or sensitive skin because they use a lightweight formula that does not irritate the complexion. New shades will soon be available to match even more skin tones.
The Pellevé treatment, featured at the conference, has already been incorporated by Joel Schlessinger MD.
Pellevé is a non invasive wrinkle treatment that helps create a more youthful complexion by increasing collagen production with electromagnetic waves. This skin tightening treatment, available at the LovelySkin Spa, is quick and easy with almost no side effects. Schedule an appointment at the spa and experience a softer, smoother and more youthful complexion.
Eyelash treatments are ideal for those who desire longer, healthier and fuller lashes. These products do not directly prevent loss or cause growth, but do provide nourishing ingredients to reverse dulling and breakage and encourage healthy renewal. While there are many options for enhancing the appearance of your eyes, Joel Schlessinger MD has a few recommendations.
Condition dry, thinning lashes with formulas recommended by Joel Schlessinger MD.
The first product clinically proven to promote dense, lush eyebrows and lashes was Jan Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner. This formula energizes your eyelashes and boosts hydration. Treatments like Jane Iredale PureLash Conditioner help strengthen and nourish brittle hair to prevent breakage and splitting. This formula is also ideal for priming your lashes prior to mascara application for a bigger, fuller effect.
Joel Schlessinger MD offers gentle lash and brow treatments for sensitive skin.
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is paraben-, hormone- and salicylate-free to prevent irritation. It uses a custom blend of peptides, botanical extracts and biotin to promote healthy growth. Another gentle treatment is Blinc Long Lash, which improves length, thickness and fullness with a vegan and gluten-free formula.
Obagi offers a nighttime treatment called ELASTILash Eyelash Solution to help condition hair in a matter of weeks. This formula has been ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested and approved. It will not affect the color of the skin or eyes as it enhances the appearance of lashes.
Combine one of these products with other eye treatments recommended by Joel Schlessinger MD.
Create a more youthful appearance by diminishing wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes. Read these posts to find the right products for your needs:
