Blog - Rao Dermatology

Sleep: The easiest skincare remedy

When your day typically consists of getting the kids ready for school, making a big presentation at work for the promotion you’ve been dreaming of since college, being on time for your child’s soccer kick-off, and cooking dinner, sleep looks like just another chore on your to-do list. The following tips on adequate sleep however, will persuade you to make sleep a priority.

WHEN YOU ARE SLEEP-DEPRIVED, YOU AGE MUCH FASTER

When you miss out on the 7-8 hours of sleep that you should receive on a nightly basis, you tamper with your body’s regenerative process. More specifically, when you achieve deep sleep, your growth hormones rise and this, in turn, triggers cell reparation. If you are not sleeping enough, you progressively deter this system; rather than repairing damaged cells, your body will experience small breakdowns that, overtime, will materialize as signs of aging.

A LACK OF SLEEP HAS A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON PRE-EXISTING SKIN CONDITIONS

When an individual has a pre-existing skin condition (hereditary or otherwise), a lack of sleep will likely worsen the symptoms. When you have missed out too much rest you may experience an increase in skin sensitivity or you may have severe acne breakouts—just to provide a few examples. It’s important to monitor any changes you observe as it relates to your pre-existing skin condition when you’ve haven’t had enough sleep in a significant time frame.

SLEEP MAINTAINS AND ENHANCES YOUR NATURAL BEAUTY

Finally, depriving yourself of proper rest is one of the most subconscious ways to sever your natural beauty. For example, during sleep your body undergoes a hydration process that promotes moisture for your skin. If you do not get enough sleep your body will retain a poor water balance that ultimately leads to wrinkles, bags, and eye puffiness.

Ultimately, you get from your body what you put in. if you want to maintain your beauty, be good to your skin.

Everyday Facial Practices You should toss from your Skin Care Routine

Practice becomes normal; consequently, it is unsurprising that you may have normalized some bad skin care habits that developed from imitation and imposition. Some of these practices may have become so innate that you are either unaware or desensitized to the harm they exude. Well, now its time to break bad habits and embrace a new normal.

Hot Showers

After a long day of work it is easy to be hypnotized by a hot shower. However, getting right in and allowing the hot water to beat down on your face is one habit that is sucking more life out of you. Hot water strips your skin of its moisture leaving you with overwhelming dryness. If you have oily skin, this dryness promotes further oil production. Dermatologists recommend using lukewarm water to allow your skin to retain its natural oils and maintain a healthy balance of your skin’s properties.

Removing Makeup

The process of makeup removal is daunting, but the reality is, you should be just as invested in removing your makeup as you are in applying it. It is bad enough that individuals fall asleep or choose not to remove makeup at all. Simply washing your face is not the most effective way either. These practices usually result in clogged pores, breakouts/acne and the spreading of bacteria. Our dermatologists at Rao Dermatology suggest using makeup removal products such as wipes, cleansing oils, and cleaning water. These products are specifically designed to ensure that you clean your face properly. It is worth investing in a routine that will ultimately promote your best face.

Body Lotion

Convenience is surely the enabler of a lot of your bad habits. Body lotion is no exception. Applying body lotion to your face does not promote healthy facial care. They are designed with the body in mind, which tends to have much thicker skin than your face. Further body lotions are curated with a greater composition of fragrances and resilient ingredients. Your face demands gentleness. Aim to invest in facial moisturizers, especially ones made with natural ingredients. Your skin is sensitive so treat it accordingly.

A little effort goes a long way. If you make a conscious effort to break your bad habits you might be surprised by the results.

Facial Sunscreens

As the weather warms up, the sunglasses come out, but so too should the sunscreen. It is not surprising that when most individuals apply sunscreen they lather their arms, legs, and neck but leave their faces exposed. Of course the explanation usually is that the sunscreen is too sticky, smells too strong, or expressly restricts application to the face. This does not imply however, that you should continue to deny your face protection from the sun.

Here are a few facial sunscreens you can incorporate into your sunny day ritual.
SKINCEUTICAL’S PHYSICAL MATTE UV DEFENSE SPF 50

Skinceutical’s Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50 is a go-to product for many individuals because while it provides a broad spectrum of UV protection, it simultaneously maintains the matte finish in severe humidity. Further it is weightless and dries to a powder finish. As a result, you avoid the pasty sticky feeling that usually keeps you from moisturizing on a sun-filled day. What makes this facial sunscreen unique is its ability to minimize the appearance of pores. You can’t go wrong with a sunscreen that does the work of your everyday moisturizer and more.
SKINCEUTICAL’S PHYSICAL EYE UV DEFENSE SPF 50

Your eyes are extremely sensitive organs and can benefit from additional protection from the sun. Use Skinceutical’s Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 to get the best coverage. The mixture is curated to compliment the thinner and more sensitive skin around the eyes. Upon application, the mixture eases onto the skin smoothly and nourishes and enhances the whole appearance of your eye. This facial sunscreen is a staple in your skin care cabinet for a few reasons: it is a sufficient base for makeup application, it contains a tint that brightens your skin tone, and it has been proven effective on other facial features such as your cheekbones and eyelids.
SKINCEUTICAL’S PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF 50 125ML

If you’ve got oily skin the sun and heat will not reduce the moisture in your face. Consider implementing Skinceutical’s Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. The compound in this facial sunscreen adapts to every skin tone and is water resistant for up to 40 minutes. This product is among the most highly recommended sunscreens due to the plankton extract ingredient, which increases the skin’s resistance to UV and heat-induced stress. The benefits of Physical Fusion UV Defense span across all skin types.

This list is not exhaustive. There are myriad facial sunscreens available to protect your skin. If you are unsure about some of the products, contact our office and we can assist you.

In addition, please don’t forget about Vitamin c which also adds an additional layer of protection.

Why’s Your Face So Sweet, Honey!

At Rao Dermatology, we want you to put your best face forward both in and out of our office. Below are three useful tips on how to use honey to keep your face looking young and sweet between your appointments.

Honey as a Facial Cleanser

Honey is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to remove oil and dirt from your skin without stripping away its naturally occurring properties. Using about half a teaspoon of unpasteurized honey, rub your fingertips together and add a little water (if necessary) until the honey has a little warmth. Gently smooth the rub on your face in a circular motion covering the surface of your face and allow it to marinate for about 8-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and gently dab your face dry with a towel. To get the best results, moisturize with natural coconut oil.

Honey-filled Facial Masks

These facial masks are particularly beneficial for individuals with acne. Mix three (3) teaspoons of honey and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon together and gently apply the combination to your face. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes then rinse in warm water and pat your face dry with a towel. Follow this with your regular moisturizer, or coconut oil. Be sure to do a patch test on your arm first as cinnamon can be irritable for people with sensitive skin.

Honey for Dark circles under your eye

When you are tired, it shows predominantly in our eyes. To assist with the removal of the dark circles around your eyes, massage a thin layer of unpasteurized raw honey where the dark circles are before you go to bed. When you wake up, wash your face in warm water and towel dry. Repeat this process regularly.

These three tips, when followed on a consistent basis, will keep your face in check until your next appointment. Be sure to use unpasteurized raw honey to get accurate results. Natural honey is not the same product.

Dermal Fillers – The Real Deal

There is often a lot of negative stereotype surrounding the use of Dermal Fillers. This overbearing noise however, derives from ignorance, a lack of education, and research. At Rao Dermatology, we offer Dermal Filler treatments backed by ethical, scientific, and safe practice. Our fillers rejuvenate and enhance your facial appearance while simultaneously improving your dermatological health. We have advanced Dermal Fillers that we pair with luminary injectors to ensure you receive the natural soft lift and fullness you desire. To better understand how our dermatologists practice aesthetic dermatology with respect to dermal fillers, consider the following gems:

Before administering any injections, the dermatologist must assess the client’s skin. Understanding how an individual’s skin ages is crucial to same. Your face does not age in a uniformed manner. Therefore, our team of skilled experts treat each aging part of your face differently. It is noteworthy that medical history checks are also carried out to confirm the patient is healthy enough to have dermal fillers.

Technique should not be overlooked. There is more than one way to inject filler. The linear method is the most frequented method partially because it is less complex. Our staff at Rao Dermatology is quite diverse and may, where necessary, administer an injection with more complex techniques such as the fern method.

Finally, there are different kinds of fillers. Always ask your doctor about the types, approval status, benefits, and risks of using specific Dermal Fillers. We currently offer a variety of facial fillers namely, Juvederm, Emervel, Revanesse, and Radiesse. All of our fillers have approved statuses and are guaranteed to keep you looking and feeling forever young.

If you would like to get started on your dermal filler treatment, contact us for a consultation immediately.

5 Tips to Fix and Prevent Dry Skin

Dry, itchy skin is a frustrating problem that many people struggle to solve. Although it can often be hard to identify the cause of dry skin, there are many ways that you can keep your skin moist and prevent it from drying out. Here are five tips from RAO Dermatology in Edmonton to help you fix your dry skin.

No Hot Showers

Hot showers are very relaxing, but they take a big toll on your skin. Hot water removes your skin’s natural oils and prevents it from staying moist. You do not have to take a freezing cold shower, but you should always avoid a steaming hot shower. You should also take shorter showers as the longer a shower is, the more it will dry your skin regardless of temperature.

Gentle Cleansing

People often dry their skin by using harsh cleaning techniques and harmful chemical products. Do not scrub your skin with rough towels. Gently wash your body with clean hands. Avoid using scented soaps and lotions. You should also avoid using anti-bacterial products. Regular soap will get you clean enough without drying out your skin.

Sun Protection

Sun damage is a major cause of dry skin as well as more serious conditions such as skin cancer. It is important that you use sunblock whenever you go out into the sun, even during the winter. A sunblock with a rating of SPF 30 is recommended. Lower grades might not be strong enough. Higher grades are more expensive while offering little extra protection.

Humidify

Many people experience the worst dry skin during the winter months. Very cold air is one factor that causes dry skin, but environments with low humidity are another factor. The heating in many homes dries out the air. Dry air means dry skin. You should use a humidifier during the winter in order to prevent your skin from drying out.

Proper Moisturizing

Although many people with dry skin use moisturizer to improve their condition, many people do not use it correctly. Always use a moisturizer with natural ingredients. The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower. Your skin should be clean and slightly moist after having been gently dried. You should also moisturize your hands every time you wash them.

It can be hard to keep your skin in perfect condition all year long. However, you can fix most problems with dry skin by following these tips.

Forever young – Abandoning the myth

It is hard to encounter a discourse that does not glorify an individual’s ability to be forever young. Culturally, families participate in naturopathic practices to preserve youth. Economically, products are invented, manufactured, and restocked daily encouraging the preservation of childish skin. Social media too, is saturated with images and videos cultivating the “forever young” mantra. Clearly we are obsessed. But why shouldn’t we be?

Looking, feeling, and being young is a prominent value at Rao Dermatology and proper skin care is the primary vehicle to get you there. What is pivotal to understanding proper skin care however is that the best results derive from marathons, not sprints. Our skin care regimen is founded on our mandate of prevention, treatment, and maintenance. Our clients participate in ongoing treatments to optimize the preservation of their skin. We refer to this as skin fitness; you get out exactly what you put in. In other words, if you want to preserve your best youth, you must invest in your skin; be mindful of what products you are using and be proactive about making your appointments.

Rao Dermatology acts as the personal trainer for your skin fitness by offering a cost effective annual program (Stay Forever Young Program) that guides you to your youngest skin. These programs are customized to include procedures that cater to your skin type; we understand that while the goal is the same, every person is unique. The Stay forever Young Program tackles and treats specific challenges, including but not limited to aging skin, wrinkles, brown and red spots, and Jowls, and neck lines. We actively assess what your problem areas are and intervene with specialized treatments in this program to accommodate your schedule and ambition.

Staying forever young is not a myth, especially not at Rao Dermatology. Instead, it is a reality that is unlocked by your commitment to skin fitness. We want you to believe in your youth enough to do something worthwhile to hold on to it or, in some instances, rediscover it. Youth is not defined solely by skin care, but it is a significant part of the equation. If you do the math and invest in yourself by joining our Stay Forever Younger Program you will not come up short. You will, however, be forever young.

Medical Facials Edmonton

So you wake up with a random cold, uncommon rash, or consistent chest pains; the solution is simple, right—you immediately book an appointment to go see your doctor- that is common discourse. Well what about waking up with acne, aging skin, and a wrinkle-ridden face, would you still call a doctor? The truth is, you should call your dermatologist.

Medical Facials are becoming more and more common as the demand for advanced in-depth and professional facial treatments increase. It is unsurprising then, that clients are booking and rebooking their appointments to secure the best care for their face and skin. Using a technique that combines the most superlative SkinCeutical ingredients with advanced customized facial assessments, practitioners expose clients to a facial that stimulates and exfoliates the skin thereby improving and enhancing the feeling and appearance of acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation. In addition to the medical benefits, these facials require very little downtime; yet, produce results worthy of the ranks of advanced treatment programs of the same nature. The biggest question you’ll probably ask yourself about medical facials is whether or not it is for you. The answer: there is no way it could not be for you. It is easy to sell yourself short by purchasing over-the-counter drugstore products that attest to unrealistic results. The most cost effective way to abandon that disappointment is to submit to a routine medical facial and secure optimal care that keeps your skin radiant, rejuvenated, and most importantly, healthy.

Edmonton’s Rao Dermatology facilitates medical facials at the highest caliber. We specialize in medical facials that are both reparative and preventative. Our practitioners are not only invested in client care and satisfaction, but we are also invested in being experts in this field. Consequently, periodic research and evaluation is of the utmost importance.

It should be apparent now that your face and skin demand the attention of flus and stomach pains. Your whole body is your temple, not some parts. Therefore, remedy it with a medical facial treatment that will boost your facial immune system and your confidence!

The Feminism of Dermatology

Distant are the days men sneak through the cracks of salon and spa establishments to confront their desires for professional self care. Men have become more open and honest about booking appointments to improve and nurture their outward appearance, and rightfully so. We at Rao Dermatology have recognized this exponential growth and have welcomed it affirmatively.

Our specialized treatments combat the concerns men have with droopy eyelids, excessive body hair, and the distribution of body fat (to name a few). We offer minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatments, which have become notorious for subtle changes in the texture and radiance of the skin.

At Rao Dermatology we encourage our clients to confront their best selves. For men, that means (in part) coming to terms with the fact that the expectation women are frequently subjected to regarding outward appearance is now a bilateral one. This change is one we believe men should be excited about. Self-care is a nondiscriminatory holistic experience that should be ritualistically embraced. This is why we encourage our clients to try each of our treatments—to expose their skin to the highest caliber of dermatology that will transform both the inner and outer self.

So put the embarrassment and hiding away. Allow conversations to sound less like, “guys don’t do facials” and more like, “I‘ll catch you later for drinks after my skin rejuvenation treatment”. Once the conversations begin to shift, so will the classification of what is normal and abnormal for men. We love that our services are inclusive so there is no need for the surreptitious phone calls or dark rooms. We promise it is more common than you think. When you book your next appointment, don’t be surprised if your best bud from work is in our waiting lounge preparing to have his pores cleansed while he fights you for the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated.

8 Tips for Naturally Younger Looking Skin

At Rao Dermatology we are always here to help keep you skin looking its youngest. Here are some skin care tips for everyday healthy skin.

Sleep

When you go to sleep, your body repairs broken cells. Your body needs to reach a state of deep sleep, so ensure that you give yourself enough time to get a good night’s sleep. On average, you should be sleeping anywhere from seven to eight hours per night. Ensure that you get enough sleep and not only will your complexion improve, but you will also notice other positive changes in your physical and mental health.

Stay out of the Sun

People often comment on a healthy tan, but this is actually a sign of sun damaged skin. When you sit out in the sun, your body will produce melanin to protect against UV light. This melanin gives you darker skin, but also breaks down collagen in your body. As collagen keeps your skin firm, UV light will cause your face to age faster.

Drink Water

Your body needs water to grow new cells. Therefore, ensure that you drink enough water to keep your body fully hydrated. The creation of new skin cells will help to keep your face firmer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is very bad for your skin as the carbon monoxide contained in cigarette smoke reduces circulation in your body. This also leads to premature aging and makes your face look older with more wrinkles and fine lines.

Moreover, smoking is also known to reduce vitamin C absorption, which is essential for your body to produce collagen. Again, collagen is responsible for keeping your skin firm and looking younger.

Exercise

Keeping fit by exercising regularly will help to improve your circulation. Improved circulation will help distribute oxygen and nutrients around the body and will in turn increase cell production.

Good Cleaning Regime

During the day, your pores get clogged full of dirt and grime. During the night, sweat and grease will absorb into your pillow and get into your skin’s pores. Ensure that you have a good morning and evening cleaning regime that doesn’t use any harsh chemicals. Chemicals can also cause skin problems, so don’t use them. Instead, find a good natural cleanser and gentle exfoliator to cleanse your pores and help maintain a clear complexion.

Healthy Eating

Cell production is an important part of younger looking skin and a good diet will help to promote good cell production in your body. Fruit and vegetables which are high in vitamins will also help, especially those which are high in vitamin C which is essential for collagen production.

Complex carbohydrates and whole grain are high in fatty acids which also will help skin to look smooth. So make sure that you eat a healthy and varied diet.

Try not to eat fatty and greasy foods as they will clog up your pores which will cause your skin to age faster.

Stress

Stress causes the hormones cortisol and adrenaline to surge, an increase in your blood pressure, and your heart to work harder. This in turn can make you look older. By relaxing yourself from the stresses of everyday life, you can keep you skin looking younger for longer.

If you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in your face, then follow the simple suggestions outlined in this article. Combine natural creams and moisturizers that don’t damage your skin with a good daily cleaning regime and a healthy lifestyle, and your face will look and feel better. If you change a few lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, staying out of the sun, drinking enough water and quitting the cigarettes, your complexion is going to improve very quickly.