English Dermatology

English Dermatology

WestDerm

Luminous Dermatology joins West Dermatology

by Leave a Comment

West Dermatology is honored to announce the latest addition to our growing network of providers — Luminous Dermatology of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Solvang Calif. Owners Bryan L. Gammon, MD, and L. Julia Kamalpour, MD, have built a practice focused on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. They are joined by Dr. Shahraam Kamalpour, Kate Durdel, PA-C, and Lam Le, PA-C.
Dr. Gammon is a Texas native. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Texas, he worked for two years as an engineer in a Department of Defense-funded sonar laboratory, focusing on high-resolution imaging, before earning a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas in 2008. As a medical student, Dr. Gammon received the coveted Clinical Research Training Program fellowship, where he spent a year doing intense research into the role of chemokines — small chemicals that cause the migration of cells in the metastasis of malignant melanoma — and developed a new antibody to identify metastatic melanoma cells in mice. After completing an internship at Tulane University in New Orleans, he went on to serve as chief resident at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and completed an additional year of specialized training in dermatopathology at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif. Dr. Gammon is one of very few dermatologists in the region who is board certified in dermatology and board eligible in dermatopathology.
L. Julia Kamalpour, MD, hails from Austin, Texas, where she attended the University of Texas, receiving a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. She went on to earn a medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas and completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Maryland. Dr. Kamalpour was a clinical trials and outcomes research fellow at Emory University in Atlanta, where she served on the Institutional Review Board. She received the prestigious Albert M. Kligman Fellowship at the Society for Investigative Dermatology’s 2009 annual meeting for her work developing a severity index for congenital ichthyoses. After completing a dermatology residency at Loyola University Chicago, she served a one-year fellowship in Mohs and advanced dermatologic and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Kamalapour’s areas of expertise include Moh’s surgery for treatment of skin cancer, facial reconstructive surgery, and advanced cosmetic, laser, and dermatologic surgery.
Dr. Shahraam Kamalpour attended Louisiana State University, earning his undergraduate degree in microbiology. He completed his medical school training and internship in internal medicine at the LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, LA, followed by ACGME accredited training in dermatology at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, LA. He then completed a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery.
Kate Durdel, PA-C, a native of Portland, Ore., holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore. After graduation, she returned to Portland to work in a Mohs clinic for two years, where she assisted with thousands of surgeries. She received a master’s degree in physician assistant studies in 2011 from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and moved to San Francisco, where she worked in a private dermatology clinic, practicing medical and surgical dermatology for three years, before coming to Santa Barbara to join Luminous Dermatology. Kate is licensed by the State of California Physician Assistant Board and is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.
Lam Le, PA-C, is a nationally board-certified physician assistant specializing in dermatology. Originally from the Bay Area, he received an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, before earning a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Ore. While at Pacific, Lam received special training from a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. He has performed hundreds of surgical procedures, including the removal of melanomas, skin carcinomas, cysts, and moles, and has received extensive training in the use of Botox, fillers, and lasers. Lam is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the California Academy of Physician Assistants, and a fellow of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Luminous Dermatology, visit https://www.luminousdermatology.com/

Coastal Dermatology Joins the West Dermatology Network

by Leave a Comment

West Dermatology is happy to announce the addition of Coastal Dermatology Medical and Cosmetic Center in Camarillo, Calif. to our growing network of providers. We are excited to further expand our presence in Ventura County and in Southern California with this best-in-class team.
Coastal Dermatology is led by Ross S. Kaplan, MD, a board certified dermatologist, who focuses on skin cancer treatment. Dr. Kaplan earned his MD from UCLA in 1994 and then received dermatology training at the University of California at Irvine. He also completed a Howard Hughes Fellowship in laser research as part of a Harvard program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Kaplan was voted the top dermatologist in Ventura County for six consecutive years by a reader’s poll in the Ventura County Reporter.
Assisting Dr. Kaplan is long-time certified Family Nurse Practitioner Julie McCardell. Ms. McCardell earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing from UCLA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Julie is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is skilled in medical dermatology and a wide variety of cosmetic procedures.
The practice also includes Robert Lum, MD. Dr. Lum is a Radiation Oncologist in Camarillo CA. He received his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and who embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact: 
Nina Jorajuria 
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com 

Santa Barbara Skin Care

by Leave a Comment

Santa Barbara Skin Care joins the West Dermatology network 
West Dermatology announces the latest addition to its growing network of providers – Santa Barbara Skin Care of Santa Barbara and Solvang, Calif. Owner Gary Novatt, MD, has built a practice focused on medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. His team consists of Corey Frucht, MD, Robert Sheffield, MD, and Claire Wiswall, PA-C.
Dr. Novatt is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and laser surgeon. He earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California, and also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of the Pacific, Stockton. Dr. Novatt completed his internship at Los Angeles County Medical Center and his residency in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Fla. A diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Novatt is a past president of the Tri-County Dermatology Society, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Novatt specializes in diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, and has advanced training in laser and Mohs surgery, using the latest techniques in rejuvenation.
Dr. Frucht, a board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist, earned a master’s degree in philosophy, a PhD, and a medical degree from Yale University. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital before his dermatology residency at UCSD. A member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Frucht has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, has presented at national conferences, and has been recognized as a Top Doctor on the cosmetic website RealSelf. He has a particular interest in the use of lasers, skin tightening devices, dermal fillers, and Botox for skin rejuvenation with an emphasis on obtaining natural results. Dr. Frucht specializes in screening and managing skin cancer, and treating inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema psoriasis, and acne, using biologic and other system therapies when necessary.
Dr. Sheffield is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has practiced in the Santa Barbara area for more than 20 years. He completed his medical education at the University of Tennessee and residencies at the University of Southern California, the University of Florida, and the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas. One of the founders of the Rhinoplasty Symposium, the premiere teaching course in the world for plastic surgeons, Dr. Sheffield is a life member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. He has performed cleft lip and palate surgery in Bolivia, and has been active in the community as the medical director for the Santa Barbara Triathlon and as an American Cancer Society volunteer. Dr. Sheffield’s research has focused on ear reconstruction, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation, with an interest in surgical reconstruction following Mohs surgery.
Ms. Wiswall is a board-certified physician assistant who received her bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Southern California School of Medicine. A member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants, Ms. Wiswall joined Santa Barbara Dermatology with prior experience in orthopedic surgery. She provides a full range of dermatology services, as well as medical and cosmetic procedures including Botox, Juvederm, and laser treatment for brown spots, sun damage, photo facial, and laser hair removal.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and who embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDerm.com
To learn more about Santa Barbara Skin Care, visit www.santabarbaraskincare.org.

Julie Hodge, MD

by Leave a Comment

Julie A. Hodge, M.D, practice joins West Dermatology’s Elite Network
West Dermatology is continuing to expand our growing network of elite providers with the addition of the practice of Julie A. Hodge, M.D, in Fullerton, California. Dr. Hodge and her staff offer medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Hodge is a board-certified dermatologist who has been practicing in the Fullerton area since 1991. She is a graduate of Stanford University, and received her medical degree and master’s degree in public health from Tulane University in New Orleans. Dr. Hodge completed her internship in Internal Medicine at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in New Orleans and a three-year residency in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Tulane Medical Center. In October of 2004, she opened her private practice.
Dr. Hodge is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California at Irvine. She has served on the American Academy of Dermatology Board of Directors, the Women’s Dermatologic Society Board of Directors, the Dermatology Foundation Board of Trustees and the Noah Worcester Society Board of Trustees. She is a past President of the Dermatologic Society of Orange County and of the Pacific Dermatologic Society. Dr. Hodge is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers that have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Dr. Hodge, visit www.juliehodgemd.com

Beverly Dermatology

by Leave a Comment

Beverly Dermatology & Laser Center joins West Dermatology’s Network 
West Dermatology announces the addition of Beverly Dermatology & Laser Center in Aliso Viejo, Calif., to our growing network of providers. Dr. Roland Beverly owns the practice and he is joined by Alisa Wang, PA-C. Together, they offer medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. 
Dr. Beverly has been serving patients in Orange County since 1993. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and his medical degree, with honors, from the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. After completing an internal medicine residency at Temple University Hospital, Dr. Beverly went on to complete a dermatology residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the premier dermatology departments in the country. Dr. Beverly is board certified in both dermatology and internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Mohs Surgery. 
 
Alisa Wang has been with the practice since 2006. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas in Galveston. Ms. Wang is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Her areas of expertise include acne treatment and laser therapy. 
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.  
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact: 
Nina Jorajuria 
Director of Business Development 
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Beverly Dermatology, visit www.beverlyskin.com. 

Conejo Dermatology

by Leave a Comment

Conejo Dermatology Joins West Dermatology’s Network
West Dermatology is excited to announce the addition of Conejo Dermatology in Thousand Oaks, Calif., to our growing network of providers. Drs. Ralph Kamell, Michael Bodnar and Jeanette Mitchell own the practice and they are joined by Dr. William E. Rietkerk. Together, they offer medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology as well as Superficial Radiation Therapy for treatment of skin cancers.
Dr. Kamell has been serving patients in Thousand Oaks since 1976. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York, N.Y. Following his medical internship at UC Irvine, Dr. Kamell completed his dermatology residency at UCLA. For many years, Dr. Kamell volunteered at the UCLA Dermatology Surgical clinic to mentor residents. Dr. Kamell is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Board of Laser Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and a member of Calderm. He recently obtained his permit as Dermatology Radiation Supervisor and Operator and enjoys overseeing SRT services provided by each physician in the office.
Dr. Bodnar has been with Conejo Dermatology since the group’s inception in 1998. He received his undergraduate degree from Revelle College at the University of California, San Diego and his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Bodnar completed an internship in internal medicine at Loma Linda University and he completed his dermatology residency at Penn State Geisinger Medical Center. Dr. Bodnar is board certified in Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Mitchell is a native of Conejo Valley. She earned her undergraduate degree at Stanford University and her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. During that time, she founded the National Melanoma Awareness Project, which continues to educate tens of thousands of teens annually. Dr. Mitchell completed her internship in Internal Medicine at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, and then pursued her dermatology residency training at University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Mitchell has delighted in caring for her patients at Conejo Dermatology since 2011. Dr. Mitchell is board certified in Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. She has contributed dozens of peer-reviewed publications and been honored by the American Academy of Dermatology with the Presidents Gold level Volunteer Service Award and the Members Making a Difference Award.
Dr. William E. Rietkerk recently joined the practice. He obtained his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego, his medical degree and internship in Internal Medicine from UC Irvine School of Medicine, and his MBA from the UC Irvine Merage School of Business. At UC Irvine Dr. Rietkerk participated in many leadership activities including co-founding the National Melanoma Awareness Project. He completed his dermatology residency at New York Medical College where he was selected as Chief Resident of Dermatology. Following residency, Dr. Rietkerk became Volunteer Faculty for the Dermatology Department at New York Medical College and built a thriving practice as an Associate at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. He also taught residents as a Surgical Dermatology Attending at Lincoln Hospital. Dr. Rietkerk is board certified in Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He continues to publish on a variety of interests, most notably associations between diet and acne.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers that have a demonstrated record of accomplishment of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Conejo Dermatology, visit www.conejodermatology.com

Coast Dermatology

by Leave a Comment

Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center joins West Dermatology
West Dermatology is excited to announce the addition of Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Laguna Beach, Calif., to its growing network of elite providers. The center is led by Dr. Glenn Goldberg, board certified dermatologist.
Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery offers medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Dr. Goldberg has been serving patients in Laguna Beach and the surrounding Orange County area since 1989. Dr. Goldberg’s excellent team of providers include, Dr. Farah (Bobby) Awadalla, board certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, and Christina Basham, Certified Physician Assistant.
Dr. Goldberg graduated from Penn State University with high academic distinction. He completed his residency in dermatology in South Florida, and then completed an extra year of surgical residency training in Largo, Fla. Dr. Goldberg is active in teaching medical students and residents at the office. He is an expert in dermatology, skin cancer, Mohs surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic rejuvenation procedures.
Dr. Awadalla began his career at UCLA where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He attended Drexel University College of Medicine where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the esteemed ΑΩΑ honor society. For his dermatology residency, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he graduated as a Chief Resident. Dr. Awadalla then placed into an extra year of training in a highly coveted fellowship with Leonard H. Goldberg at Methodist Hospital/Weill Medical College of Cornell University in Houston. This fellowship year of training was spent honing his skills in Mohs micrographic surgery.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand our group throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We actively recruit best-in-class Dermatologists and established Dermatology groups in our core markets that have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, and the services they offer, please visit www.coastdermatology.com

What is Blue Light & Does it Damage Your Skin?

by Leave a Comment

As more of us are working from home these days, and socializing through video chat is on the rise, our total screen time is way, way up. Being plugged in has its perks (hello, cute animal videos!) but it can also cause problems for your skin. That’s because your devices emit blue light, which may age the complexion. Read on to learn more about this type of light and what you can do to save face.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a type of light with a longer wavelength than UV light, so it delves more deeply into skin. It’s produced by electronic devices with screens, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 
When am I exposed?
You’re exposed whenever you use your electronic devices, and the closer your face is to the screen, the more exposure you’re getting.
What are the effects of exposure?
Though blue light isn’t thought to cause cancer, like UV light is, it may contribute to skin aging: think fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. That’s because blue light creates free radicals in the skin, which damages it from within.
How can I protect my skin?
Thankfully, defending your skin is pretty simple and doesn’t require a whole new routine. Mineral sunscreen reflects the light away from the skin, while protective, antioxidant-packed serums help repair any existing damage. For sunscreens, we recommend ISDIN’s Eryfotona Favorites Set, two lightweight formulas with youth-boosting benefits, and EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, a calming formula with moisturizing vitamin E. For serums, SkinMedica’s LUMIVIVE® System offers daytime and nighttime protection, and SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum delivers potent antioxidants.
These past 12 months may have gotten us all glued to our screens, but hopefully, it’s also prompted us to think more about our health—including our skin health. Use the steps above to protect your complexion, if you haven’t already. Have any questions? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment!

The Different Types of Acne and What They Say about Your Health

by Leave a Comment

Are all acne blemishes the same? Is there a difference between blackheads and pimples? What about cystic acne?
Not only are they dissimilar, but they also usually require different treatments. At our San Diego West Dermatology clinic, our board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Stacy Tompkins, Dr. Brook Brouha & Dr. Shane Hamman are acne experts. We provide a variety of treatments, each designed to address different types of acne, and tailor-made to fit your unique skin condition. If you have acne that’s making you self-conscious, contact us today for a consultation so you can get the right treatment and get on with your life.

How Acne Starts

As your skin produces oil and sheds dead skin cells to make room for new ones, the pores of your skin can become clogged. Bacteria, which normally live on the skin, begin to spread and thrive in this area. As a result, the immune system goes to work attacking the bacteria, which results in a red, inflamed, and swollen pimple.
 

Different Types of Acne

 
A pimple is a closed, clogged pore that becomes red and inflamed. So how is it different other types of acne blemishes?
  • Blackheads occur when a clogged pore of a pimple fills with excess dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, yet but does not close, and a black spot becomes visible.
  • A whitehead is a clogged pore with excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria on which a tiny white or flesh-colored bump develops.
  • Papules occur when the bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil push deep beneath the surface of the skin, causing inflammation and swelling in the form of small, hard red bumps. 
  • Pustules can resemble an oversized whitehead because the bump that has formed contains pus, which appears as a yellowish-white center on top of a red, swollen blemish.
  • Cysts/Nodules penetrate deep below the skin and result in more swollen pustules or papules.

What Your Acne Says about Your Health

Acne can develop anywhere on the body, and where it occurs can give hints as to the condition of your health.
  • Forehead acne could signify poor digestive health, stress or, even simple skin irritation from hats and hair on the skin, which can clog pores.
  • Cheek acne could be the result of air pollution, as the skin on the cheek is affected by the respiratory system. Acne here could also be due to cell phones, dirty hands, makeup brushes, clothing, and pillowcases.
  • T-zone acne consisting of your forehead, nose, and chin is believed to result from food allergies or an imbalance of the GI tract
  • Nose acne is thought to correspond to the heart and blood pressure problems. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flaxseed and olive oil may be a reason for this type of underlying health ailment.
  • Chin acne is commonly associated with a hormone imbalance.
  • Acne on the back, arms, and thighs could develop due to friction from genetics and hormone fluctuations.

Acne Treatment at West Dermatology

Individual treatments will vary due to the factors contributing to your breakouts. Treatments may include: retinoids that help unclog the blocked pores of whiteheads or blackheads. While, OTC retinoids are available, we may prescribe stronger retinoids for stubborn, more serious breakouts. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide cleansers help rid your skin of the P. acne bacteria responsible for clogging those pores.
Pustules and papule treatment involves washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid 2-3 times. If the wash routine does not deliver results in 6-8 weeks, an upgraded treatment plan may be necessary.
For nodules and cysts, see a dermatologist ASAP, as permanent scarring can result after healing. Only a professional dermatologist can treat these effectively and the sooner you get treatment, the less chance there is of widespread scarring. Possible options for these more serious types of acne include lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, and minor surgical procedures to drain and extract.
 

Improve Acne and Your Skin Health at West Dermatology

 
At West Dermatology, we customize treatments based on your condition and individual needs. Because your healthy skin is our passion, we will address your concerns with compassion and support. Contact us today so we can provide you with a comprehensive consultation and address your condition.

Skin Discoloration: How to Treat & Prevent

by Leave a Comment

With the summer season officially coming to an end, you’re probably starting to miss those long days outdoors. Spending a moderate amount of time in the sun (while using sunscreen!) is great for getting our fill of Vitamin D, but too much exposure to UV rays during the summer months can lead to signs of skin discoloration. 
If you overindulged in the sunlight and are starting to see signs of discoloration or ‘hyperpigmentation’, read on for some tips on how to minimize and how to protect from future skin damage.
 
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
There are several factors that can cause discoloration including hormonal changes and certain medications, but the most common reason comes from sun exposure. This can result in some parts of the skin becoming darker in color than your normal skin tone. These areas usually appear as brown spots and are a collection of pigment called melanin. Melanin is made by cells in your skin to counteract the harmful rays of the sun and is the natural skin pigment that gives us our hair, skin, and eye color.
 
Ways to Treat & Prevent
There are many different ways you can treat skin discoloration that includes IPL photo facials, or Intense Pulsed Light, and using medical-grade skincare products! 
 
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away.
 
When choosing skincare products to help with discoloration, make sure to use products with ingredients like Vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin because they are natural skin brighteners. These products will leave your complexion looking bright, even, and unblemished. Here are some of our recommendations:
·      Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: apply this potent Vitamin C serum in the morning to soften discoloration and fine lines.
 
·      Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense: apply this concentrated serum in the morning and night to lighten stubborn dark spots. This is a great alternative to prescription hydroquinone cream.
 
·      SkinMedica’s Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum: formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration, this serum can be applied both in the morning and at night, before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen.
·      West Dermatology Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy Pads (available in 2%, 4%, or 6%): these pads combine the botanical skin tone brightening ingredients of Kojic acid, arbutin, and Bearberry, along with skin protective antioxidants to soothe the skin and help with redness and discoloration.
When it comes to preventing most skincare concerns, including hyperpigmentation, you should always remember our #1 skincare tip: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!! It’s important that you always wear sunscreen to not only prevent future damage, but to ensure that your current dark spots don’t get any darker. Usually the reason for this is because when the sun hits skin, the melanin absorbs the harmful UV rays usually resulting in your skin tanning which will cause already dark spots to tan more and become darker. So be sure to invest in a great sunscreen that will properly protect.
We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA Repairsomes SPF 50: this tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. The special blend of peptides and antioxidants repairs existing sun damage and fight signs of discoloration.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the above skincare products, or want to learn more about our other discoloration treatments, give us a call and make your appointment today. Our board-certified dermatologists can assist you with putting together a specialized treatment plan specific to your skincare needs.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team