Namita Rao - Rao Dermatology

Who’s in Your Shower: Gel, Wash, or Cream, or Bar?

Bathing is about as simple as personal hygiene gets, right? Wrong! After a simple stroll down the skin care isle at your favourite drug store to find the perfect soap to complete your shower you realize that confusion reigns. Shower gel? Body wash? Shower cream? So many questions and all you want to do is bathe. So what do you do? At Rao Dermatology, we understand how complicated skincare can become; we’ll iron the wrinkles out for you below.

Choosing the right soap to complete your shower has more to do with you than it does with the many different advertising schemes on any of the bottles in the isle. Specifically, your selection should be predicated on your skin type.

If you have particularly dry skin, you may find yourself scrubbing more aggressively in the shower, but that is not helpful at all. In doing so, you are removing your skin’s natural oils. Instead, Look for a body wash that has an added moisturizer to compensate for the oils you wash away during your shower.

If you tend to have acne-prone or oily skin, aim for shower gels as opposed to body wash. Shower gels are thicker mixtures, which adds more firmness and consistency to your skin.

While body wash and gels are favourable, our dermatologists recommend straying from bar soaps. The common misconception that bar soaps is the ultimate-cleaning agent for baths is inaccurate. These damaging devils actually promote unpleasant dryness and lack the capacity to the replace the oils that they aggressively strip from your skin.

To guarantee you’re choosing the best soap for your skin, look for a product that does not contain lye but has moisturizing properties. Pair your selection with warm water and moisturize immediately after showering.

Restoring Dry and Dark Lips

Between talking, eating, and kissing, your lips are kind of a big deal. As such, it’s unsurprising how much wear and tear can ensue from overuse and exhaustion. Further, consequences can range anywhere from excessive dryness to permanent discolouration. We know that your lips are often at the centre of attention, because let’s face it, every time you encounter someone and start a conversation, it’s show time for your biological microphone. Here are a few restorative tips for dry and dark lips.

Coffee consumption has become a ritualistic portion of beginning a new day and we know it might be difficult to loosen the grip on your mug handle, but we’re advising you so for good reason. Decreasing your coffee intake can significantly reduce darkness around your lips. Aim for a less stain-worthy alternative like herbal tea, and add a little milk to lighten the colour.

Keeping with the trend of liquid consumption, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking a minimum of 2 Liters of water per day can moisten your lips and decrease dryness. We recommend this especially if your day consists predominantly of public speaking. The more you talk, the dryer your lips become. Try taking sips of water at 5-minute intervals when speaking.

Avoid licking your lips. It is certainly a tempting habit most commonly practiced when there is a lack gloss or balm or as a mechanism for coping with nerves and social awkwardness. Instead, keep a lip balm close and when that’s not possible, reach for the closest bottle of water.

For a natural remedy that works overnight to restore your lips to its natural colour, apply a small amount of almond oil to your lips just before bed. The properties of natural almond oil helps to lighten your lips. Alternatively, you can apply some cucumber juice daily to decrease discolouration—it doesn’t hurt to drink some either, cucumber is loaded with anti-oxidants.

Don’t get too hung up on how your lips look right now, implementing these tips will have you talking and laughing again in no time!

Mosquito Skin care

Ahhh, that sweet smell of summer! It’s packed with the warmth of the beach, fresh fruit in the sweltering sun, and BUGS! That’s right, there’s no joy with a little pain, particularly in the form of mosquitoes. We know it’s natural to want to bare your skin to combat the heat and show off your summer body, but that often comes with the cost of reindeer red bite marks and they tend to clash with all your outfits. So how do you deal and protect your skin? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Check out our tips to defend against those pest little buggers.

Preventative Measures:

Be Mindful of the Scents You Wear

Mosquitoes are sniffers. Their attack methods are highly dependent on the scents they can decipher and detect. Particularly, they are drawn to chemicals that contain ammonia, lactic acid, carboxylic acid, octenol and carbon dioxide. Avoid wearing perfumes, sprays, or creams that contain any of the above-named ingredients.

Sweat Less, Cool More

Mosquitoes are most persuaded by carbon dioxide and the more you emit, the more attracted to you they become. This is why the more you sweat, the greater the attraction of mosquitoes towards you. Try to limit your physical activity around areas with mosquitoes. Experts suggest it is the high levels of physical activity that correlates with children being bitten more frequently by mosquitoes than adults.

Drain or Dispose of Excess water

Areas that have high levels of standing water are highly susceptible to mosquitoes. Be sure to drain any and all source of standing water around your home or in an environment that you intend to stick around for a little while.

Reactive Measures

Because mosquito repellent is highly chemical, we recommend using natural remedies to ease bites and itching.

Honey

We’ve talked about the benefits of honey in previous posts and by now you should be familiar with its benefits because there is no exception here. Put a small drop on mosquito bites for immediate relief. Honey has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for your skin.

Basil

A soothing basil rub might be just the remedy you need. Try boiling two cups of water and add half an ounce of dried basil leaves. Allow the mixture to cool and using a soft washcloth dipped in the mixture, gently rub your skin. The basil contains chemicals that relieve itching.

Rao Dermatology suggests that you try these tips to keep your skin mosquito-free. And if you insist on using a repellent aim for an all-natural fix.

Natural Remedies to Make your Skin Glow

The quest for flawless, glowing skin is prevalent. Individuals constantly seek restorative remedies for dull and lifeless skin. Whether it’s on the shelves of your local drugstore or the regular visit to our office for facial treatments, it’s undeniable that radiant skin is high on demand. Our treatment programs facilitate these needs to ensure that when you leave our office you have a healthy and rejuvenated glow. However, in between treatments, we encourage you to take an active role in preserving your skin’s natural light. Below are a few simple remedies to keep your skin glowing.

Ice Cube Trick

Ice cubes are not only for cooling down your warm drink; they can speed up your natural glow, too! Squeeze a few small drops of your moisturizer on an ice cube and massage it all over your face. This will immediately increase your blood circulation, freshen your skin, and provide the perfect foundational glow to which you can even apply makeup if you’re heading out for a spotlight event.

Tea time!

Gather approximately one tablespoon of tealeaves and bring it to a boil in water. Once you observe the colour impartation, allow the water to cool. Evenly mix two tablespoons of the tea water with one tablespoon of brown sugar and one tablespoon of cream. Gently massage the mixture into your skin and leave it for 10 minutes. Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry with a towel. Enjoy the undeniable glow.

Green Apples Galore

Green apples are great glow sources. Simply apply the pulp of a green apple to your face, leave it on for about 5-10 minutes, and then rinse in cool water. This remedy will even your skin tone, prompt blood circulation, and make your skin look radiant.

These quick and easy remedies will keep all the lights shining on you. Better yet, your radiance will illuminate the room and others.

Loving Your Skin

Mirrors: so personal, yet so impersonal. They have no voice yet the speak in ways that continually shape and reshape, not so much who you are, but rather, how you perceive yourself. At Rao Dermatology we encourage our clients to embrace their skin. It is your unique birthright—the covering to the anatomical mechanisms that allow you to function. We want you to love your skin, which will in turn, allow you to treat it with care, comfort, and respect.

Our catalogue of services provides you with myriad ways to embrace your skin’s versatility. Whether you want to combat wrinkles or aging, enhance the appearance of your skin, boost your skin’s radiance, or simply, develop a routine of care dedicated towards a holistic approach to dermatology, we work with you to help you achieve skin you deserve, skin you love.

One of the ways our company works to promote skin-love is in the products we use and endorse. We use products that have been dermatology tested and approved in both content and effectiveness. Further, we aim to use natural products to maximize the beauty in your skin. We consider your health history to best advise you on treatments, products, and programs that derive healthy and radiant-looking skin.

Loving your skin is a lot more than showing up to your scheduled appointment or purchasing the right preventative and restorative products. It is about being intentional, daily, in a way that allows you to know and understand when to be delicate and when to be rough, when to sleep and when to give it air. It’s being cognitive about what things will impact your skin’s health. More than anything, loving your skin is accepting its beauty, be it perfection and imperfection. Don’t let a mirror define when, why, and how to love your skin, make that your decision in practice.

If you want to understand more about loving your skin, give us a call and we’ll schedule you in for an appointment.

The Real Deal on Exfoliating

Exfoliating is a significant part of any effective skin care regimen. It’s the process by which dead cells are removed to allow new and radiant skin to protrude. Unfortunately, its effectiveness is distorted by misuse and misapplication. Our dermatologists at Rao Dermatology recommend exfoliating to optimize the health and wealth of your skin.

Exfoliating may not be a part of everyone’s daily routine. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid exfoliating more than twice per week. For all other skin types, the frequency of exfoliating is somewhat of a paradox: over-exfoliation is evident in irritable skin, redness, or tender skin. On the other hand, not exfoliating enough is apparent in rough and dull skin; you have to engage in trial and error to find a frequency that accommodates your skin type and peculiarity. Dermatologists suggest that if you are using exfoliating brushes you should limit yourself to twice/weekly regimens. If you are using washcloths you can increase exfoliation subject to your skin’s tolerance.

Understanding when and how often to exfoliate is crucial to the process of the removal of dead skin cells, but so is the understanding of what parts of your skin to exfoliate. Specifically, exfoliation should extend down to your neck and. during humid temperatures, span throughout your entire body. Try being more intentional in your exfoliation routines.

Now that we’ve clarified some of the most common misconceptions and misdirection regarding exfoliation, consider the following products to put your newly acquired knowledge into practice:

Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Targets congested and rough skin by combining natural microbeads with gently cleansing and hydrating agents to facilitate a deep cleanse pores. It helps soften and smooth rough skin, however, it is not favourable to sensitive skin.

Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator

Ideal for all skin types, this multi-functional activator simultaneously exfoliates your skin and replenishes moisture.

If you need further assistance on exfoliation, our dermatologists would be happy to help.

It’s Just a Little Skin care, MAN!

We’ve all heard these stories before: the struggle to find the right facial cleanser, celebrating the results of a recently acquired moisturizer, and sitting on the floor of the skincare isle overwhelmed by products; they are stories told by women! However, as more and more men begin to practice proper skincare, they too are sharing similar stories. Men, like women, need to make conscious and informed decisions about what goes in, out, and on the skin. The hygienic chore of shaving further illustrates the urgency of effective skincare among men. Here are a few manly tips you can incorporate into your daily routine to revolutionize your morning and evening skin regimens.

Cleansing to Remove Blockage

Men tend to sweat and accrue a significant amount of oil build-up on a daily basis. To protect your pores from bacterial blockage, wash your face a few times a day with a facial soap and lukewarm water, especially after physical activity and before shaving. This helps to keep your skin clear and creates a smooth gliding surface for your razor.

Embrace the Heat and Humidity

After any long day or sleepless night, your first instinct is, perhaps, to splash cold water on your face to give you that well needed awakening. Well, find another way to wake up! Splashing warm water on your face after a good wash opens up the pores, thereby facilitating a closer shave. Experts have recommended shaving in the shower to get the most out of the humidity.

Don’t fall for the Cheap, Cheap Bird

Always look at skincare as an investment; you’ll get out what you put in and then some more…or less. Purchase a razor that is comfortable for your skin, reduces residue, and requires very little pressure. This combination will decrease irritation and minimize acne potential. Further, ensure your razor has an effective cleaning system. Using dirty razors can result in the spread of bacteria, acne, and red skin.

Moisturize!

Finally, moisturize day and night. It is imperative to consistently hydrate your skin. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter and vitamin E. Your skin’s hydration will determine how smooth your shave will be.

These tips are not exhaustive, but they are a welcomed starting point. Be sure to consult your dermatologist when using any new products to alleviate any risk of potential irritation or medical disposition.

Skin Care Trends for summer ’16

Fashion shouldn’t be your only trend shifting as summer approaches; skincare trends are equally important and exciting. Here are some trends we endorse for the upcoming season!

All-in with SPF

We cannot stress enough how important it is to protect your skin from sun damage. Whether you are using facial sunscreens, hand and body creams, makeup or moisturizer, ensure that your product has ingredients with SPF properties to keep you guarded from UV exposure.

Facial Cleansing brushes

Washcloths are still reliable resources for facial cleansing, but you can expand your hygienic pallet and include a face cleansing brush to your routine. Beyond their obvious massaging techniques, face-cleansing brushes remove makeup at faster and more effective rates than traditional methods. Further, they tackle pores in a manner that reduces bacterial build up and promote proper product absorption. When used consistently, facial cleansing brushes create healthier looking skin.

Natural Products

Going natural is one trend that might be here for the long hull and we think that’s a great thing. This summer, get acquainted with natural oils such as coconut oil and argon oil, among others for noticeable skin maintenance. Implement or replace your products with natural remedies. For example, add a little coconut oil to your facemask or use honey as a cleanser. You can also opt to purchase products that contain natural ingredients. If you are unsure about their benefits, consult your dermatologist.

Go Green- Anti-Pollution products

There is an increased concern for the way in which the movement of people and products are affecting the environment. You may not have a university degree in environmentalism or sit on panels with persuasive rhetoric for donating to fix the global disaster, but you can contribute to the alleviation of the environmental crisis. Purchase anti-pollution products. Pollutants can destroy the skin’s most protective layer and catalyze premature aging. Check the labels to avoid making poor decisions for the earth and your skin.

Make these products your summer habit and watch your face work!

What is alcohol really doing to your skin?

Are you itching to take a break from your daily work-filled routine and let loose? We’ve all had stories of the odd random wild or crazy night—we welcome that. However, if alcohol consumption has a frequent slot in your week’s endeavors you might want to rethink your decision after considering the impact it has on your skin.

Alcohol is a toxin, simply put. After enough bodily exposure, it is destined to onset a series of negative effects, most prominently harming the liver. Scientifically classified a hepatotoxin, it functions as a blockage to cells that are responsible for detoxification. If the cells are inhibited from performing their natural purification process your skin suffers. Overtime, your skin begins to appear dull and may resemble characteristics synonymous with an individual with liver disease.

Alcohol consumption also prompts dehydration. Vasopressin, a hormone that promotes water retention, is a necessary process for successful hydration. When you consume alcohol, it delays vasopressin production, which causes your kidneys to do twice as much work to remove excess water from your body. As a result, your organs experience thirst. This internal dryness triggers wrinkles at a much faster rate than external dry skin. Your skin may also begin to look pale due to the body’s lack of vitamin A (cell renewal).

Finally, alcohol contains congeners, which are produced during fermentation. The greater the congeners in your beverage, the greater the hangover the next morning. Consequently, this positive correlation extends to your appearance. The more severe your hangovers the less appealing you look the following day. If you have more and more hangovers, your skin’s radiance will fade and you will trigger early aging.

Don’t be discouraged, you can still have a little wine, but do all things in moderation. Have a little gin, but don’t jeopardize your skin.

Your Summer Skincare Must-Have: The Dynamic Duo

It’s only natural to want to bare it all for the summer; it’s hot and humid and no one enjoys the sticky feeling that is often accompanied by the most anticipated season of the year. At Rao Dermatology, we want you to bare it all, but with a little cover up. Don’t leave your winter routines behind; instead, vary them. Skincare is a yearlong commitment; add these products to your summer routine to maintain healthy and refreshing looking skin.

Phlorentin CF

Many people are unaware how essential antioxidant serums are to the care and development of healthy summer skin. Skinceuticals’ Phlorentin CF is our highly recommended daytime antioxidant serum that defends potential skin damage with its advance environmental protection. Further, it contains dermatologically tested and approved ingredients that diminish the appearance of discolouration. One of the main ingredients, L-ascorbic Acid, is a highly potent form of pure vitamin C that once absorbed, remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. Phlorentin CF always works as a moisturizer and is an ideal solution for oily, combination, and aging skin types. With a simple procedure—adding three or four drops to your face, neck, and chest— there’s no reason not to add this product to your summer regimen.

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF

Our dermatologists recommend a reliable facial sunscreen to pair with the use of Phlorentin CF. Skinceuticals’ Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF is the perfect missing half. It contains physical filters that provide a broad spectrum of UV protection and has translucent color spheres that enhance natural skin tone forming a radiant tint for most skin tones. We suggest applying Pyhsical Fusion UV Defense SPF 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and before any makeup application. One of the additional benefits of this sunscreen is its water resistant property. If you’re going for a swim Physical Fusion will last for up to 40 minutes; don’t forget to reapply after that timeframe.

These two Skinceuticals products will have you avoiding the shade all summer. Feel comfortable sunbathing or embracing all kinds of outdoor activities. Finally, stay hydrated and maintain healthy eating and exercising habits to yield the best results.