Dermatology Edmonton - Rao Dermatology

The Disappearing Act: Scar Prevention

Your skin is perhaps the only canvas you aim to keep completely flawless. It is your first impression, your armour, and your shield. As such, any damage to the skin, especially by scarring, can result in a huge loss of in confidence. While some scars are inevitable and necessary, others can be avoided. Understanding how to be proactive in scar care can have a significant impact on its presence and permanency.

Exposure or covered Up

It is a common misconception that when you puncture or wound your skin, keeping it uncovered and allowing it to breathe is conducive to healing. Quite the opposite is true. Keeping your wounds covered increases moisture, preventing the formation of a solid scab. When you leave your wound open it can delay the healing process up to 50%.

Wound cleaning

Disinfecting and cleaning a wound is critical to minimizing and preventing infections. Quite frequently, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol are recommended to cleanse the wound and protect your skin. While these agents are not particularly harmful, hydrogen peroxide destroys white blood cells that help repair the skin. Consequently it slows the healing process. One of the best ways to clean your wound is to rinse the cut with clear water. Avoid soap as well as that can be irritating. Lastly, change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean. If you do not feel comfortable with level of cleaning derived from water, it is best to see your doctor and have the wound cleaned professionally.

Post scar care

After your wound heals, apply sunscreen to reduce the potential for discolouration. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher is ideal and should be applied frequently.

Alternative methods of existing scars

Where a scar already exists, technology has allowed for alternative methods to alleviate your scars. Lasers and surgery can transform a scar and restore your skin’s appearance. However, treatment must commence within 6 to 8 weeks after the injury to yield the best results.

Whether your scar stays or goes, be confident in your flaws as you are without them. They ultimately make you unique.

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.

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.

Baby Products, Adult Benefits

Their smiles, their smell, their cute little piggy toes, and now their products; we can’t seem to get enough of babies! It’s safe to say that if a product is good enough for a child’s skin, it is likely the case that it is equally sufficient for an adult; that is the stance that a lot of mothers, women, and even some men are taking as they embark on their conscious skincare journey. We’ve kept an eye on this recent trend and found a few baby products that are doing wonders for adults.

Baby Wipes

The most common baby product used by adults is baby wipes. You can find them tucked away neatly in women’s handbags or stashed discretely in men’s glove compartments. Women tend to use this gem to remove makeup, wipe their hands, and replace cheap tissue papers in public bathrooms. Men on the other hand, rely on this baby trend to combat their sweaty faces and necks. Baby wipes contain zero toxins and, more than before, are made from natural products.

Baby Detergent

Research has shown that the products you use on our clothes, overtime, have an impact on your skin both internally and externally. As a result, individuals, especially women, have opted for baby detergent. They are free of toxic chemicals and fragrances and contain properties that promote gentle and soft skin.

Aveeno Baby moisturizer

Baby lotions are often very popular for their distinctive and calming scent, but it’s Aveeno’s Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream that seems to fall off the store shelves and unto the skin of the older. This moisturizer is a staple product for adults because it nurses dry skin without leaving a greasy residue. It relieves dry and itchy skin and contains no fragrance or steroids.

Didn’t see a product that you’ve been using? Give us a call and we’ll let you know if your baby fever is heading in the right direction!

Everyone’s Got a Type

How many times have you spent hours in the skin care isle trying to decide which facial cleanser, toner, or moisturizer is best for you? Perhaps one too many! You pick something up that you think is synonymous with your skin type and suffer through mediocre results once you’ve tried it and realized it is not your true match after all. Well your ill-fated shopping trips end here. Our dermatologists at Rao Dermatology want you to become intimate with your skin; get to know what it likes and dislikes. Follow our guide below and say goodbye to your uncertainties.

Normal Skin

Normal skin is almost as transparent as the name suggests. If your skin type is normal you can expect to see even pigmentation, balanced sebum (fat) production, and balanced hydration. Your skin is in somewhat of a neutral state and is not really affected by too many products. Individuals with normal skin type are also not prone to blemishes and can often look forward to having great skin.

Oily Skin

If you identify with an oily skin type you’ve probably been told that your face is always glowing. The reality is you’re more than likely just shining. That’s because individuals with oily skin type tend to have shiny skin. The sebaceous glands of oily skin are usually overactive and these two factors combined promote acne-prone skin. Aim for products that specify oily-skin compatibility.

Dry Skin

Dry skin type is the obvious opposite of oily skin. The main characteristic of this skin type is tight, uncomfortable and itchy skin. In these instances, your skin does not produce enough oil to keep itself moisturized. As a result, you experience discomfort and in extreme cases, flaking. Unfortunately, individuals with dry skin are also more prone to wrinkles. Pay close attention to the hydrating properties in your Dry Skin products when you spot them on the shelf.

Combination

Combination Skin type is simply a combination of oily and dry skin. More specifically, it consists of an oily T-zone and dry patches on the cheek. This skin type is more complex when considering the right skin care products to apply to your face because you are tackling two different problems. If you are unsure about the Combination skin care products in your local store, give us a call and one of our dermatologists will advise you.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin tends to be hyperactive and is prone to react negatively to common ingredients. Almost anything an individual with sensitive skin puts on their face will convert into redness and discomfort. Always double check the ingredients in sensitive skin type facial products to ensure you are not putting your skin at risk.

Now that you’ve been schooled, don’t let this guide stop with you. At Rao Dermatology we encourage our clients to spread the word and be a vessel. So, the next time you’re in the skin care isle at your favourite drug or department store, share your knowledge with someone else; that’s really how you save face.

To Pop or not to Pop?

It is extremely difficult not to yield to the temptation of popping your pimple, especially when you have to be photographed or make an appearance in a short time frame. You assume that the sooner you can deflate the attention grabber on your face, the sooner it will go away. The truth is, you should always aim to refrain from making any contact with it at all.

Pimples contain a lot of bacteria. Once you tamper with them and allow the puss to ooze out, it creates the potential for other pores to become contaminated. This will, in turn, create more pimples. Further, you can spread the germs from your fingers to other parts of your body, and unto someone else. One of the more troubling risks however, is the possibility of pushing bacteria further into your skin. As a result, the pimple may become further irritated, inflamed, or infected and it can lead to scarring.

If the reasons above are not persuasive enough for you to minimize your pimple popping, then at least ensure you proceed in the proper way. Specifically, dermatologists recommend using a sterilized needle to pierce the pimple in a parallel manner then rip the skin upward. This method is favoured because it minimizes further damage to the skin.

We recommend that you visit our office and have one of our dermatologists assess your skin. We offer myriad treatments that aim to combat acne. We recognize that each individual’s skin type varies, but we are confident our treatments will be satisfactory. If you are finding it difficult to restrain from popping your pimples, give us a call and we will pop the problem with a dermatological solution.

Dermatology Surgeries

Dermatological surgeries are quickly becoming more and more popular as individuals vigorously seek the most healthy and effective ways to improve the appearance of their skin. At Rao Dermatology, we offer three minimally invasive surgical procedures that are either corrective or preventative in nature, to help our clients discover their best skin. Most common to our practice is blepharoplasty.
WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty (also referred to as eyelid surgery) is a remediable surgery for droopy, dull, and low-hanging eyelids, which develops when the skin loses its plasticity. The surgical procedure primarily includes the removal of excess skin around the eyes.
An individual’s eyes are predominantly responsible for evident signs of aging. The eyelids tend to become heavy and protrude over the lashes resulting in dull appearance. Eyelid surgery is a reliable and corrective method for restoring your look and is often most recommended for long-lasting effective results.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE

Our trained and highly skilled dermatologists’ first priority is your health and safety. We do not begin any surgical procedure without engaging in thorough health history checks. Barring all pre-existing and foreseeable health risks we commence the surgery, which entails a series of small and accurate incisions. The goal is to remove fat and tissue from under the skin and restructure the facial muscle. Our practitioners use their discretion and expertise to determine how much fat and tissue to remove without compromising the function of your eyelids (or eyes). Further, the recovery time is usually quite short for most patients.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

One of the most rewarding benefits of eyelid surgery is the reduction of wrinkles. Your face looks and feels rejuvenated. For individuals whose vision is affected by the sagging skin, the surgery immediately improves this. Your skin feels firmer and tighter and above all, your confidence resurfaces.

If you are considering blepharoplasty call our office and book a consultation today.

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.