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Use Your Insurance Benefits Before They Expire!

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A visit to the dermatologist for your annual skin check is worth squeezing into your “end of year” to-do list so you can take advantage of any remaining Insurance Benefits you may have. Additionally, did you know that some HSA/FSA (Health Savings or Flexible Spending accounts) can be used on medical-grade products* like sunscreens, cleansers, acne-treatments, lotions, and more? Plus, if you’ve already met your deductible for 2021, now is the time to come in and see us. With most plans, once you’ve met your annual deductible, you’ll often pay significantly less out of pocket for any healthcare expenses you have.

If you have any questions, we are here to help guide you. Book your appointment today!

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this reminder is not unique to your insurance, HSA or FSA. Now is a good time to check with your carriers about your benefits, specific coverage and annual deductible.

Repair Your Sun Damage IPL Event! ☀️

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Spend too much time in the sun this past summer and now those pesky discoloration spots are showing up? Repair your summer sun damage during our Repair Your Sun Damage IPL Event from October 11 – 22nd!
With exclusive discounts on one of our most popular treatments, the IPL Photofacial, it’s time to ‘repair your sun damage’ and get you (and your friends) glowing!
OFFERS:
– Get $75 OFF 1st IPL area
– Get $50 OFF 2nd IPL area
– $50 OFF post-treatment pigment correcting serum + sunscreen
– Refer a Friend: $25 off (each) towards your next cosmetic treatment
– Raffle prizes
Learn more about IPL here.
If you have any questions, give us a call for more details or book your appointment HERE! We’re excited to see you there!
*PARTICIPATING CLINICS*
Encinitas
Carlsbad
Hillcrest
San Clemente
Palm Springs
Rancho Mirage
RSM

Why You Need to Continue Sunscreen Use This Fall

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Fall is here. You did a good job wearing sunscreen this summer. Now you can start to relax right? Not exactly. You need to keep up that sunscreen use! 
  
But The Sun Is Less Intense Now, Right? 
Yes, and no. It’s true that shorter days bring fewer minutes of sun exposure. But you’re getting hit with more direct sunlight in the Fall, especially later in the day. That’s because the sun is lower in the sky. 
  
Say “No” to Skin Cancer 
It’s the most common form of cancer and affects one in five adults.  
  
The Sun causes 90 Percent Of Aging  
The majority of visible signs of aging—wrinkles—are the sun’s fault. Keep the sun off, keep your youthful good looks.  
  
I’ve Got Sunshine On A Cloudy Day  
Just in case you have the temptation to skip sunscreen because it’s cloudy outside…don’t. Yes, sometimes less UV reaches the earth’s surface on a cloudy day. But the sun is still there and it’s still hurting your skin.  
  
How Long Does It Take To Get A Sunburn? 
It takes only 15 minutes for the sun to damage your skin. Think wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. And since sun damage is cumulative, it’s best not to let it add up—even in small doses. 
  
Your Phone Is Also Damaging Your Skin 
Our screen time doesn’t drop just because the temperature does. Between our phones, laptops, and desktops, many of us are on screens all day. Blue light energy ages our skin.  
  
Get Excited About Sunscreen 
So how do you overcome the sunscreen fatigue that sets in after summer? Treat yourself to a new product for your face and hands. We recommend Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 
  
Still Need To Get Excited About Sunscreen? 
We all have excuses to not wear sunscreen properly. Below are solutions to overcome them:  
 
Excuse: no time                          
Solution: sunscreen & foundation combo 
 
Excuse: acne-prone  
Solution: use a chemical sunscreen 
 
Excuse: I forget my hands     
Solution: carry travel-sized sunscreen with you 
 
Excuse: daily facial sunscreen seems feminine      
Solution: try our sunscreen for men 
  
Sunscreen’s Effectiveness Diminishes 
Dermatologists say sunscreen gets weaker by the hour. It’s effectiveness degrades under direct sunlight. Some data suggests that higher SPF sunscreens last only six hours. 
  
You Need To Re-apply Sunscreen 
But how does a woman do this after her makeup’s on? Adding another layer of tinted sunscreen is one option. So is using a sunscreen powder that contains SPF. A sunscreen powder is okay to spruce up your protection as the day wears on, but don’t rely on it alone.  
  
How Much SPF Do I Need 
Our dermatologists recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. But this only protects you from UVA rays. You also need protection from UVB rays. That’s why we need to focus on broad spectrum SPF that protects against both. We recommend West Dermatology Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen Spf 50
  
What Exactly Do UVA and UVB Rays Damage? 
UVA rays give us wrinkles, age spots, sagging, dullness, and large pores. On the other hand, UVB rays lead to tans and sunburns. You need protection from both.  
  
Cover Your Hands 
Your legs and arms are enjoying the protection of long sleeve clothing this Fall. Your hands (on the other hand) aren’t. They’re still vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays. Sunscreen helps.  
  
Continue to use sunscreen even though the temperature outside is dropping. Want to learn more? Book a consultation with one of our dermatologists today! They’re happy to see you for an annual skin exam and to answer all of your sunscreen-related questions, too.  

9 Tips to Transition Skincare from Summer to Fall

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With every changing season comes transition. Not only is it time to bring out the fall wardrobe, but it’s also time to change up your skincare too!  Here are our favorite tips for transitioning your skin care to Fall.  
Don’t Let Your Sunscreen “Fall” By The Wayside 
You need to protect your skin from the sun if you’re outside enjoying the Fall weather. But did you know your skin needs protection indoors, too? The Fall sun can come in through windows at a sharp angle and cause some skin damage. Plus, indoors, your skin needs protection from the blue light your computer and phone emit.   
Put Away Light Lotions 
Say goodbye to the summer’s lightweight, oil-free moisturizers. This season calls for thicker creams instead. We recommend you nourish your skin with SkinCeuticals Emollience Facial Moisturizer  
Add Humidity 
Fall brings dryer weather—and dryer skin—then summer. So, run a humidifier in your bedroom as you sleep at night. You’ll wake up with hydrated skin. 
 
Add Lip Balm 
Keep your lips moist this Fall with a lip balm. And remember to look for one with SPF. Lips need protection from the sun because most face cancers happen on the lips. This sensitive skin is susceptible to sun damage, just like the rest of your face.  
 
Use A Tinted Mineral Sunscreen 
Mineral sunscreen tends to be thicker and creamier than chemical sunscreen. That’s what makes it a good pick for the Fall. And remember that it needs to be reapplied every few hours because it loses its SPF power as the day wears on. A good option is to also add face powder with SPF.  
 
Prepare For Events  
Fall is the holiday party season. You have Halloween first and then Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. We know you want to look your best at all the holiday soirées. Now’s the time to refresh your Botox—and injections, too.  
 
Add Back Retinoid  
You can ramp up your usage again during the shady days of Fall and winter. Summer was the time to relax your retinoid use. It (and alpha and beta hydroxy acids) made your skin extra sensitive to the sun. But less sunshine means more retinoid use is okay. 
 
Partner With an Aesthetician 
The sun inevitably broke down some of your precious collagen and elastin this summer. Even the most dutiful sunscreen user still sustained some sun damage. A dermatology procedure like micro-needling will help restore your glow.  
 
Work With A Dermatologist 
Schedule an annual skin check with your dermatologist. They’ll assess the damage summer caused and plan to reverse it. Lasers and lights can do wonders to erase fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, they can brighten your skin tone and get rid of age spots and melasma.  
 
Fall has its own set of skin care rules that include adding back nourishing moisturizers, resuming retinol use, continuing with sunscreen, and scheduling a facial procedure. Our board-certified dermatologists are excited to help you on your journey to healthy, glowing skin. Reach out to us today to book a consultation or annual skin check-up.  

Dermatology Laser Del Mar Joins West Dermatology

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West Dermatology continues to grow! We are excited to announce the addition of Dermatology Laser of Del Mar (DLDM) to our network of providers. 
DLDM was founded in 2004 by Deborah H. Atkin, MD, a board-certified Dermatologist who focuses on cosmetic and general dermatology. Dr. Atkin attended the University of California, Santa Barbara as an undergraduate. She then attended medical school training at the University of California, Los Angeles where she was credited with cofounding the first ever student run medical clinic for the homeless population. This clinic continues to successfully operate today.
During her final year of medical school, Dr. Atkin worked as a volunteer surgeon in South Africa and was involved in research in Photodynamic Therapy.
Dr. Atkin completed an internal medicine internship at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, San Diego. This was followed by dermatology residency at the University of Arizona, Tucson.
Dr. Atkin is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, as well as the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
For over a decade, Dr. Atkin has been active in philanthropic efforts including fundraising for the American Liver Foundation and Nick’s Picks (nickspicks.org), a charity originally founded with her son Nick, just before his successful liver transplant in 2012.
Dr. Atkin is originally from New York but has lived the last 20 plus years in Del Mar, California with her husband Chris and children Nick and Lexie.
Assisting Dr. Atkin is Danielle Patton, a board certified Physician Assistant, licensed by the State of California. Danielle received her medical education from Touro University California where she graduated with honors. She earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies along with a Master of Public Health. She is a member of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants (AAPA), the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants and is currently a Diplomate Fellow candidate in Dermatology. Danielle received her undergraduate education at the University of San Diego where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience with a pre-med concentration and a minor in Spanish. She also competed as a Division 1 athlete for the University of San Diego. Danielle is originally from New Jersey and currently lives in Encinitas with her husband Taylor. 
DLDM is a great addition to our network of neighborhood practices. With each new location we add, we gain new expertise and new patients.
Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Dr. Atkin and Danielle Patton!
To learn more about Dermatology Laser Del Mar, visit https://www.dermdelmar.com

Come Join Us for our End of Summer Botox Event 🎉

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Don’t be sad summer is almost over! We have an exciting event for you to look forward to. Freshen up for the next season ahead with our End of Summer Botox Event where we’ll be offering special savings on Botox, Filler, and skincare.
Thru SEPTEMBER 13 – 24th, enjoy these special offers:
– $50 off 30+ units of Botox
– $75 off 40+ units of Botox
– $125 off 2 syringes of Filler
– 20% off all skincare
– Raffle prizes
– Refer a Friend: $25 OFF (each) towards your next cosmetic treatment
Get your best look NOW by booking your appointment today!
*valid at participating clinics only, through September 24th. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Understanding Your Skin Type & How To Care For It

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Knowing your skin type is the first step to caring for it. This knowledge lets you put together the skin care routine that’s best for you. So what kind of skin do you have, anyway? A dermatologist can answer that question at your annual checkup. But if you can’t wait until then, here are some guidelines that will help you make an informed guess.
Normal Skin? You’re Lucky  
Are your pores barely visible? Is your skin not too dry or too oily? Do you have almost no skin imperfections? If you answered yes to these questions, then your skin is normal—and we’re jealous. Normal skin is one of the five basic skin types and is characterized by balance. It needs regular cleansing, moisturizing, and a vitamin c serum or a retinoid. Either a chemical or a mineral sunscreen is a good choice for normal skin types.  
Do You Have Oily Skin? 
Oily skin is the type where your pores are large, and your skin is shiny all over. This extends beyond the center of your face and includes your cheeks, too. Oily skin is often acne-prone and needs special care.  
· Cleanse your face morning and night.  
· The best way to moisturize oily skin is with an oil-free product. We recommend you go for a moisturizer with salicylic acid to keep acne under control.  
· A retinoid can help keep pores clear and reduce breakouts. 
· Choose a mineral sunscreen because it won’t clog your pores. 
How To Know If Your Skin Type Is Dry 
You might have dry skin if your pores are almost invisible and you have more lines than other people your age. Other clues that point toward dry skin include red patches and dull, rough skin. Dry skin needs the following hydrating skin care regime: 
· Wash your face at night. In the morning, just splash it with water and gently pat it dry.  
· Reach for a moisturizer that’s oil-based and thick.  
· Add a layer of moisture on top of your retinoid at night. Consider using retinoid every other night to keep your skin from getting too irritated.  
· Use a sunscreen and moisturizer combination during the day. 
You Have Combination Skin If… 
Combination skin means your skin is only shiny in your t-zone (the center of your face) and not along the sides. In this case, your pores will usually look large on your nose and forehead. But your pores will be less visible on other parts of your face.  
· Wash your face morning and night unless it becomes too dry and then you can skip washing it in the morning for a day or two until it regains its balance.  
· Consider using a thicker moisturizer on the dryer parts of your face and an oil-free product in the center of your face.  
· You’ll benefit from a retinoid at night but might need to layer moisturizer on top of the dryer parts of your face.  
· Reach for a non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen. 
Is Your Skin The Sensitive Type? 
Redness, itching, burning, and dryness are all signs that you might have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin needs extra gentle care, so remember to:  
· Use a mild facial cleanser and consider washing your face only at night. 
· It’s helpful to moisturize sensitive skin with a fragrance-free product.  
· Ask your dermatologist before you use retinoid. 
· Sunscreen is vital, so already-sensitive skin doesn’t become even more irritated.  
 
Your Skin Type Can Change 
It’s important to know that your skin type doesn’t always stay the same throughout life. It can change as you age or undergo significant changes like pregnancy or menopause. It can also vary based on the season. For example, most people experience more dryness during the winter. 
Understanding your skin type is the first step to care for it. If you’re not sure what category your skin falls into, schedule an annual checkup with one of our board-certified dermatologists. They’re happy to answer all of your skin care questions.  

5 Ways to Honor Skin Care Awareness Month

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The largest organ in our body, surprisingly, is our skin. This big surface does so much for us: it keeps germs out; it cools; it lets us feel sensations. So, how about treating our skin right this month and celebrating National Skin Care Awareness with these five ideas: 
 
Protect Your Skin 
Old sunscreen that’s expired loses its ability to protect our skin. So, check your expiration date and if it has passed, toss the old bottle and buy yourself a new sunscreen this month. Sunscreen is the most potent product we can use to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays and maintain our youthful, dewy glow.  
 
Rub A New Moisturizer Into Your Skin 
It can be light and thin or rich and creamy. Whatever your preference, the key is to hydrate your skin with something that feels nourishing to you. Go beyond moisturizing your hands and slide lotion all over your body, including your feet. We recommend you try ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 for intense hydration.  
 
Give Your Skin A Laser Treatment 
Whether it’s wrinkles, sun spots, acne, or unwanted hair, expect all your skin worries to fade when you book yourself in for a laser treatment. Lasers give instant gratification for anyone looking to treat their skin this month. West Dermatology offers laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing.  
 
Feed Your Skin Antioxidants 
Eat vegetables and fruit to neutralize free radicals with antioxidants. Harmful things like alcohol, fried foods, and inflammation bombard our skin daily from the inside. Air pollution and UV rays bombard it from the outside. Help your skin regain its balance by eating the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day this month. And remember to eat all the other skin-benefiting foods, too. You can go nuts with almonds, spice it up with cinnamon, and amend your skin with avocado. You can also try this Sun ISDIN Softgel Capsules Antioxidant Supplement. 
Take Your Skin To Its Annual Exam 
You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is to get your annual skin check-up. Your dermatologist will start by asking you a few simple questions about your skin. Then, they’ll gently examine it. There are about twenty square feet of skin on your body, and only one square foot of that is on your face. Although your face is the most visible part, other areas are more hidden but still essential to check, like your back. Your dermatologist will pay special attention to the spots and moles on your body. They’re looking for things like the size of moles, irregular borders, and specific colors. Expect them to ask you if you’ve noticed any changes to your moles over time. Our dermatologists can answer any other questions you have about your skin at your annual check-up.  
 
Our skin organ is massive at twenty square feet. All that skin needs protection and nourishment. September is the month to raise our awareness and start taking even better care of our skin. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or treat your skin to one of the fabulous products from our online shop.

The Root of Hair Thinning & Hair Loss

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Do you know the medical term for a hair doctor? If you said ‘dermatologist,’ you’re right! Most people don’t realize that dermatologists are trained beyond skincare and can also help with conditions like hair loss. It may sound strange, but it’s true—a dermatologist is a skin, nail, and hair doctor. Our board-certified dermatologists can diagnose the cause of your hair loss. They can also prescribe the products you need to improve your hair’s follicle growth cycle for better hair. 
How Much Hair Loss is Normal
You have more than 100,000 hairs on your head. They constantly cycle between growing and falling out. Losing between 50-100 hairs each day is part of the normal hair growth cycle. If more than this falls out, your hair is thinning, and it’s time to see your dermatologist. 
Signs of Thinning Hair in —Women 
One of the first things a woman will notice when her hair’s thinning is that her part line seems wider than usual. Women might also see more scalp and less hair than before around the hairline that frames their face. This happens when follicles die. This means her scalp produces fewer hairs per square inch than usual. If this is happening, you need a dermatologist’s help to avoid further hair loss. 
Men Should Look For These Signs
The beginning of typical male-patterned baldness is a sure sign of hair loss. This starts above the temples and circles around the head, leaving only a strip of hair along the bottom. Men might also notice a receding hairline. Both of these signal disruption of the normal hair follicle cycle. 
Causes of Hair Loss
The most common cause of hair loss is the aging process. It’s natural for some follicles to stop producing hair. But hormonal changes experienced in pregnancy and menopause can cause your hair to thin while you’re relatively young. In addition, some people’s hair falls out prematurely because of a medical condition they have or medication they’re taking. Whatever the cause, if your hair loss is distressing to you, there are products your dermatologist can recommend to improve the situation. 
Products For Fuller Hair
The solution to thinning hair is medical-grade products. Our West Dermatology Skincare Shop offers quality brands like Nutrafol. Some of these work from the inside, others work from the outside. Both are effective: the best one for you is the one your dermatologist prescribes for your specific hair-loss condition. 
Hair Growth Serum
You can apply topical products directly to your scalp for ingredients that keep your hair follicle life cycle growing normally. Our dermatologists recommend Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum. This leave-in product contains a blend of antioxidants and minerals to support hair growth. You can massage it into your scalp twice a day.
Products That Work Internally
We also carry products at West Dermatology that help support your hair growth from the inside out. These supplements come in capsule form and are taken orally. They include the following quality products from Nutrafol:
Schedule An Appointment 
Hair loss doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of growing older, pregnancy, menopause, or illness. Our board-certified dermatologists can help you find the products you need to keep the fullest head of hair possible, despite your specific challenges. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and get on the path to better hair health. 

What are Antioxidants & Why They Are Great For Your Skin ✨

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Let’s bask in the knowledge that summer is a great time to add an antioxidant serum to our skincare routine to neutralize the free radical mayhem caused by sunlight. The sun causes about 90% of skin damage. And because UV rays are most intense during summer, it’s peak season for free radical injury.  
 
The Origin Of Free Radicals
The sun is a major source of skin-hurting free radicals, but it’s not the only thing we need to consider. Our bodies make free radicals naturally. They’re a byproduct of metabolism (oxidation). The bigger problem is that we’re also exposed to a barrage of free radicals through air pollution, pesticides, smoking, ionizing radiation, inflammation, fried foods, and alcohol. Add intense UV rays to the list of sources, and it’s easy to see we have a lot of skin-harming free radicals to deal with this summer.
 
What Is A Free radical?
A free radical is a molecule with unpaired electron that scavenges our body looking for an electron to bind with. If it pairs with a regular electron, it oxidizes, and causes damage. Just as a freshly cut apple oxidizes and browns, our skin oxidizes and ages from free radicals. Oxidation breaks down our vital dermal proteins—collagen and elastin. The result is damaged skin that sags, wrinkles, discolors and ages prematurely.
 
Antioxidants Neutralize Free Radicals
The exciting thing is that nature gave us “radical” protection in the form of the amazing antioxidant. An antioxidant can bind harmlessly with a free radical’s unpaired electron. This pairing neutralizes the free radical and stops (or slows) the threat of skin damage. Adding an antioxidant serum to your skin care routine can go a long way to protect you from free radical damage. Plus, antioxidants have the added benefit of reducing inflammation. So, if you have acne or rosacea, massaging an antioxidant serum into your skin will calm the redness. 
 
Type of antioxidants: 
There’s a variety of anti-oxidant topicals to choose from but our board-certified dermatologists tell us the best type of antioxidants contain vitamins A, C, or E. The high quality, medical-grade products we recommend are SkinCeuticals – C E Ferulic, Phloretin and Silymerin.
 
Can’t You Just Get Antioxidants From Food
It’s true that food, especially fruits and vegetables, are filled with skin-benefiting antioxidants. But when you consume antioxidants through food, you share them with your entire body. Topical antioxidants, on the other hand, protect the skin where they’re applied. This lets you direct your protection to the places on your body where you need it most—like the face, neck and chest and back of the hands.
 
Summer is the most impactful time of year to add antioxidant topicals to our skin care routine. Just knowing we have this extra protection makes us feel like we’re glowing inside. Actually adding the protection to our skin means we’ll glow on the outside, too. Our staff and dermatologists are always here to help you find the right antioxidant for you and answer any questions you have. Reach out to us today if you’d like to schedule an appointment and come in for a visit.