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hot or cold water acne wash face

Hot or Cold Water for Acne: Which is Better?

Have you ever thought about which temperature of water is best when washing your face? Is it hot or cold water for acne? Here is what AC Skin Health dermatologist, Dr. Amy Chua has to say.

Let us look at the pros and cons of using the different temperatures in washing our face.

Hot water

Using warmer temperature of water may make you feel like you are enjoying a hot bath or sauna. This may be relaxing and destressing. However, when you read the next paragraph, it may not be so relaxing for you anymore.

Washing our face (or body for that matter) with hot water strips off protective oil from our skin. Our skin may perceive this as being dry, hence it responds with overproduction of oil. In general, more oil relates to more acne and uh-oh, that is bad news. Hot water, especially temperature over 40C may affect the integrity of the skin barrier and make you more prone to irritation, infection, and acne. Another effect of hot water on our skin is making you more prone to wrinkles! It seems then that washing your face (or taking a bath) with hot water, may bring your skin more harm than good.

Cold water

Have you tried melting an ice cube on your pustules and papules? If you haven’t, you may try getting an ice cube and sliding it over your inflammatory pimples a few times. You might notice that applying ice can lessen pain, redness, and swelling of inflamed acne.

We don’t know however if using cold water may produce the same results. Most likely not. Water from the faucet is usually not that cold. More so, your skin will be exposed to cold water for only a short period of time. How many seconds or minutes does it take you to wet and rinse off your facial cleanser? While using cold water may not be harmful, it will most likely have minimal benefits on our skin.

Our verdict

It is recommend to wash your face with lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold, just right! Most products are also designed to be used with lukewarm water. But if you prefer to use cold water, feel free to do so too!

Here are more of AC Skin Tips for healthy and safe washing of face:

  • Use lukewarm to cold water.
  • Perform gentle washing of face using hands.
  • Avoid scrubbing cloths, loofah or scrubbing and exfoliating tools.
  • Use a gentle cleanser, or a soap/wash prescribed by your dermatologist for your specific skin needs.
  • Limit washing to 2x a day. Washing too often may dry your skin and result in overproduction of oil and we don’t want to suffer from more acne!

Hope you learned something today!

Keep safe and stay healthy! Cheers to healthy skin!

For inquiries and to set your appointment, CONTACT us here.

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Skin Manifestations of Covid-19

Are you familiar with the possible skin manifestations of Covid-19?

Covid-19 or Coronavirus-19 affects people in many different ways. You may know someone who had only mild disease, with one day sore throat. Some may even have no symptoms at all! Some people are at higher risk for developing moderate to severe disease hence requiring hospitalization. The people at risk are those with a medical condition such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or asthma. Also the elderly, pregnant, and the young children.

WHO provides the following list of Covid-19 symptoms:

  • The most common symptoms: fever, cough, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell.
  • The less common symptoms are sore throat, headache, aches and pains, diarrhoea, rash on skin, and red or irritated eyes.
  • Serious symptoms include difficulty of breathing, loss of speech, mobility or confusion, and chest pain.

Two years in the pandemic, the case reports from all over the world have identified the some of the cutaneous manifestations of Covid-19.

According to UpToDate, among the 171 laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 patients with skin manifestations, these are the common presentations:

Exanthematous or morbiliform rash (22%) – predominantly involving the trunk. Rash may appear at disease onset or more frequently upon recovery. Rash appears similar to other non-specific viral rash.

Pernio-like acral lesions or “Covid toes” (18%) – usually seen in those with a relatively mild disease. These present as red-violaceous or purpuric macule on fingers, toes, elbows, and lateral aspect of feet.

Urticaria (16%) – this may be a presenting sign of Covid-19 infection. Important to note, these some patients reported no fever.

Macular erythema (13%)

Vesicular eruption (11%)

Papulosquamous eruption (9.9%)

Retiform purpura (6.4%) – associated with severe illness

Multi system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) – may present as an erythematous, polymorphic rash involving hands, feet, mouth and eyes, with findings of severe Kawasaki disease.

The frequency and timing of the skin lesions of Covid-19, and the association of the manifestations with diseases severity however are not yet certain.

In summary…

Skin lesions may be seen in those with Covid-19 though it is not that common. Skin manifestations of Covid-19 have different presenting symptoms ranging from a morbiliform rash to retiform purpura. In the near future, more date will hopefully shed more light on the relationship of skin manifestations of Covid-19 and the disease itself. Some patients may present with or without cough, with or without fever. Some skin manifestations are seen with those with mild disease, or severe disease.

If you have a high index of suspicion and you are unsure why you have a rash, it is best to consult your doctor. Especially if you have been exposed or know that you have been in an unsafe situation, it is recommended to isolate yourself. Proceed with scheduling an appointment right away. Now is not the time for self-diagnosing and self-medicating.


– dr. amy chua

Let us take this chance to remind everyone of the simple yet effective ways of preventing Covid-19 transmission.

  1. Firstly, wear your mask. Moreover, choose your mask properly and make sure it is the right fit for you.
  2. Secondly, sanitise hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
  3. Thirdly, keep social distance from other people. Avoid enclosed spaces.
  4. Hey wait, are you planning to attend a party? You know it is best to avoid gatherings. In other words, stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

Keep safe and stay healthy! Cheers to healthy skin!

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casserole dish, vegetables, mushrooms

Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Diet and the Skin

AC Skin Health provides this summary of the article written by Solway J, McBride M, Haq F, Abdul W, Miller R. published at the Journal of Clinical and Aesthethetic Dermatolology May 2020.

Diet and Dermatology: The Role of a Whole-food, Plant-based Diet in Preventing and Reversing Skin Aging – A Review

WHAT IS WHOLE-FOOD PLANT-BASED DIET?

Kaiser Permanente defines a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet as, “an eating plan that includes lots of plant foods in their whole, unprocessed form, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and small amounts of healthy fats. It does not include animal products, such as red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, or eggs. It also does not include processed foods or sweets.”

BENEFITS OF WFPB DIET

  • Lengthens telomeres which results in reversal of the aging process of DNA
  • Proven to prevent and reverse leading chronic diseases in the US such as coronary artery disease
  • Reduces amount of gerontotoxins
  • Increases amount of antioxidants
  • Provides the nutrients, vitamins and minerals to maintain cell health
  • Excludes high amount of saturated fat from animal products which can damage cells
  • Inflammation is a major culprit of many common dermatologic conditions, including accelerated skin aging.

IMPLICATIONS OF SKIN AGING

  • Cosmetically poor appearance
  • Affects skin fucntions such as skin permeability, angiogenesis, lipid and sweat production, immune function, and vitamin D
  • Impaired wound healing, skin atrophy, vulnerability to stimuli, development of benign and malignant lesions

GERONTOTOXINS

Gerontotoxins is a contributor of inflammation to our body. These toxins accumulate within the skin and can cause a rapid stiffening of collagen, elastin, vitronectin, and laminin. This can present clinically as skin ulcers and delayed skin healing.

Meat and processed foods contained the highest number of AGE units.

Cooking foods using high, dry heat (e.g. roasting, grilling) appeared to increase AGE content.

ROLE OF ANTIOXIDANTS IN SKIN HEALTH

Antioxidants exist to neutralize and mitigate ROS through the donation of electrons.

On average, plant foods contain 64 times more antioxidants than animal products.

Green vegetables (because of chlorophyll) contain the highest amount of antioxidants among vegetables.

Berries contain the highest amount of antioxidants of any fruit

Darker colors in plant food translate to more antioxidants.

VITAMIN E: PRIMARY ANTIOXIDANT

Aka tocopherol, alpha tocopherol most biologically active source of vitamin E in the skin

Terminate lipid radical chain reactions, stabilizing cell membranes against dAmage by phospholipase A, free fatty acids and lysophospholipids

Prevent damage from oxidative stress

Vitamin C, CoQ10 and glutathione can recycle the oxidized form of vitamin E

VITAMIN C: SECONDARY ANTIOXIDANT

L-ascorbic acid

Important role in collagen production, wound healing

Promote fibroblast proliferation, migration and replication of base excision repair of potentially mutagenic DNA lesions

VITAMIN A: TERTIARY ANTIOXIDANT

Quenches singlet oxygen species

CHLOROPHYLL AND COQ10

Chlorophyll blocks damage to DNA from carcinogens

POLYPHENOLS

Fruits and plant-derived breverages – fruit juice, tea, coffee, red wine, vegetables, cereals, chocolate, dry legumes

Antioxidant and potential prevention of certain cancers and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases

ZEAXANTHIN

Lutein – antioxidant to prevent wrinkles and improve skin hydration

ROLE OF FATTY ACIDS IN PROTECTING AGAINST SKIN AGING

PUFA particularly EPA and DHA modulate and reduce skin inflmammation

ALA reduces senile dryness and skin atrophy – ALA is precursor of EPA and DHA

MUFA olive oil, potential prevent severe skin aging

Eat healthy and be merry. One of the solutions to aging is here, and it is as basic as what you eat.

Cheers to healthy skin!

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mosquito, insect, hand

Insect Bites: How to Treat

Insect bites can be quite bothersome for some people. This article discusses how to treat your insect bites to make the itch go away and avoid complications.

Mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs, mites, and fleas are the common causes of insect bites we encounter in the clinic. Others that may cause bites and stings include flies, bees, wasps, spiders and ticks.

Usually insect bites present as erythematous or red, slightly swollen papules that fade in a few minutes. They may cause slight discomfort or none at all.

In some patients who are sensitive to insect bites, their reaction tends to be more severe. Patients experience more severe erythema or redness, swelling, itching. It may even be painful. The symptoms may last for days to weeks. Symptoms may even worsen especially when patients scratch the bites.

what can we do? how do we treat insect bites?

To avoid insect bites, you may use insect repellants and wear protective clothing. Use of mosquito nets is a simple and cheap yet effective way in keeping nasty mosquitoes out especially when you sleep at night. At home, keep house clean. Necessary measures may be done to control ant, mosquito and other bug infestation. If your pet is the source of flea bites, have your pet treated too.

As a home remedy, a cold pack may be applied to relieve the itch. Soothing creams such as Suu Balm, Calamine, and others also help control the itch. Over-the-counter medications such as anti-histamine tablets and Hydrocortisone cream may also be tried.

If symptoms persist or worsen, you may consult a board-certified dermatologist for prescription medicines. This usually includes a more potent steroid cream, anti-histamines and oral steroids if needed. You may also be prescribed antibiotics if the bites become infected.

dark spots / PIH

Once the insect bite heals, you may notice a dark spot over the involved skin. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. This usually fades over time. It may take weeks or months or even years depending on the severity of the bite reaction and your skin healing. Sun exposure may also play a role in the development of PIH.

In the clinic, our dermatologists will prescribe you with an appropriate lightening cream to help address your PIH. Soap, lotion, or oral medication, etc may also be recommended depending on your skin condition and goals. Chemical peel or SmartLase fractional CO2 laser may also be suggested depending on the scars.

Book your appointment now with AC SKIN HEALTH’s board-certified dermatologists.

Cheers to healthy skin!

For inquiries and to set your appointment, CONTACT us here.

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mesotherapy, fat, cellulite, flabs

Mesotherapy

AC Skin Health discusses some some FAQs on Mesotherapy.

Mesotherapy comes from the Greek work mesos meaning “middle”. It involves small injections of a pharmaceutical cocktail into the subcutaneous fat. It is non-invasive and non-surgical. 

Mesotherapy has been done by dermatologists for over decades now to treat localized fat as seen in the abdomen, flabs, flanks, back, arms, thighs, and even on the face such as the double chin.

Depending on the ingredients of the mesotherapy cocktail used, it dissolves the localized fat, which is eventually excreted from the body. Some medicine also cause increased local metabolism of fat resulting in smaller fat accumulation.

Patients may see results after one session, but in general, it is recommended for you to have weekly sessions for at least 3-5 weeks, depending on the severity of the area to be treated.

Common side effects are injection discomfort, pain, bruising, redness, and possible swelling on area treated. These symptoms are alleviated with using cold compresses during and after treatment.

The effect of mesotherapy, like any other fat management treatments depend on several factors. Results are best maintained with the appropriate diet and exercise.

Book your Mesotherapy appointment now with AC SKIN HEALTH’s board-certified dermatologists!

Cheers to healthy skin!

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beauty, smile, happy

Botox 101

Botox or Botolinum toxin is a neuromodulator that blocks release of acethylcholine hence preventing muscle contraction. Whew! That’s a lot of technical terms! Simply put, it is a toxin that relaxes or weakens your muscles.

In Dermatology, it is mostly used to treat dynamic wrinkles on the face. Common areas are:

  • Crow’s feet (lateral side of eyes)
  • Forehead lines
  • Frown lines (between eyebrows)
  • Bunny lines (nose wrinkles)
  • Cobblestone chin

There is also a procedure called “Botox lift” to produce that fresh, youthful look with a lifted appearance.

Botox can also treat TMJ disorders and bruxism (night teeth grinding).

It is also helps in producing a more V-shaped contour of the face.

Botox also helps with excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. Patients with axillary or underarm hyperhidrosis greatly benefit from this treatment.

Fact Alert! Botox is actually a brand of the neurotoxin but is commonly used as a generic term for the procedure.

The procedureBotox for wrinkles

Your dermatologist will plan the injection sites and number of units to be used on your face. She will ask you to make facial expressions to map out where the best injection spots are for you.

We use a very fine needle to minimize the pain with injection. Other modalities may be used such as applying ice, tapping, or if necessary, applying topical anesthesia. Most patients tolerate the procedure well and ice compress is more than enough.

When do I see the effect of my Botox treatment?

Most patients appreciate the effect after a few days of the treatment. If a touch up is necessary, this is scheduled at least two weeks after the initial treatment.

Effect of a single treatment may last 4-6 months. Factors affecting this include: strength of facial muscles, how animated or active your facial muscles are, and the number of units used.  Once the effect of Botox wears off, your face will not be worse than before you had the treatment! A lot of patients worry about this. Botox will not make your wrinkles worse once it wears off, but you will do notice your wrinkles coming back.

Side effects

Some of the possible side effects are:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Bruising
  •  Mild headache (uncommon)

Frozen face – we do not like this either! We aim to give you a natural, youthful look while preserving your facial expressions.

Am I a candidate for Botox?

Don’t wait to have the permanent creases or wrinkles on your face before getting a Botox treatment. Those deep lines you see in older people are harder and more expensive to treat.

The trend now is to maintain and prevent the signs of aging, as early as you can.

Experienced dermatologists can plan the best treatment for you. The number of units and the injection points vary from face to face because each face is unique!

Cheers to healthy skin!

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pop zit mirror acne

Acne Scars – Types and Risk Factors

Learn about acne scars – the different types of acne scars and what factors increase your risk for developing acne scars.

Acne is usually temporary, while acne scars may last forever. Both acne and acne scars can cause anxiety, social withdrawal, even depression.

Different types of scarring

During the healing process, our body produces collagen in the area of the wound, or in this case, of acne.

Depressed or atrophic scars

            These scars signify lack in production of collagen in the wound healing process. The three types of atrophic scars area: rolling, box, and ice pick scars.

Raised or hypertrophic scars

            These scars signify overproduction of collagen. Scars may either be hypertrophic or keloid. You may develop this type of scars on the face, chest, back or shoulders. Unfortunately, our Asian descent is also a risk factor for hypertrophic scarring.

Who develops acne scars?

Anyone can get acne scars! Here are some of the factors that make you more prone to developing acne scars.

  • Family history

Like acne, scarring is also largely genetic. Look at your parents and other blood relatives. If they have scars – atrophic/depressed or hypertrophic/raised scars, then you are at greater risk of developing acne scars.

  • Inflammatory acne

Inflammatory acne is characterized by red, painful, and swollen pimples. Usually the deeper or more severe the pimples, the greater the risk of scarring! Acne that presents as cysts and nodules almost always heal with scarring especially if left untreated.

  • Delaying treatment or does not treat inflammatory acne

Already have acne but not paying mind to it?  Delaying or not treating your acne is another risk factor for developing those unsightly scars. Remember the more acne you have, the greater risk of each one to result in a scar.

  • Improper picking of acne

Some people love to pop, squeeze or prick their own pimples! Please try to avoid this especially if you are not trained professionally. This can cause more inflammation, hence more risk of scarring. Another danger is using unsterile hands and instruments in cleaning your zits. This is best left to dermatologists and well-trained skin therapists.

We have listed down the risk factors, not everyone who has risk factors develop acne scars, and vice versa! Some people who do not have risk factors may still get scars from acne! So what do you do? Treat your acne early and entrust your skin care and facial needs to your board-certified dermatologists.

For your acne, acne scars and other skin concerns, you may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists. Here is the booking link.

Cheers to healthy skin!

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woman, age, in the free

Aging Skin Basics

Aging skin basics by Dr. Mary Amy Fatima Cagayan-Chua, FPDS. This article originally published in Health and Lifestyle magazine August 2019 issue. This is also published in their website.

Learn more about aging skin basics: factors affecting aging, changes in the laters of the skin, and basic skin care for the elderly.

Aging of the skin is a complex process characterized by the interplay of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic, or natural skin aging, is largely determined by genetics – and is inevitable with the passage of time. Hormonal changes, such as those seen in postmenopausal women, also contribute to intrinsic aging.

Extrinsic, or external skin aging, is primarily caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation (photoaging). As much as 80 percent of facial skin aging is due to photoaging. Photoaging is markedly observed in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, neck and hands. Photoaged skin is wrinkled, rough skin, with poor skin elasticity, with pigmentary changes and growth of benign and possibly malignant neoplasms. Other extrinsic factors include atmospheric pollution, lifestyle (smoking, sleep deprivation) and diet.

Aging of the skin occurs throughout the different layers of the skin.

Epidermis

In aged skin, flattening of the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) is observed. This leaves the epidermis with insufficient blood supply and nutrients, resulting in impaired thermo regulation and skin pallor. There is also a slower epidermal turnover, which contributes to the dull and rough appearance of the skin. The epidermal changes influence the delay in wound healing.

Dermis

As we age, the dermis undergoes about 20 percent decrease in thickness and has relatively fewer cells and blood vessels. Both intrinsic and extrinsic aging are characterized by increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), enzymes which degrade collagen. Collagen production decreases at a rate of about 1 percent per year. Collagen bundles in the aged are thicker but more disorganized and fragmented, resulting in less structural support. Decreased collagen types IV and VII at the base of the wrinkles imply their role in wrinkle formation. Degenerative changes seen in elastin result in sagging skin with poor elasticity and resilience. There is also a decrease in glycosaminoglycans (GAG), particularly hyaluronic acid. The decrease in functional melanocytes causes decreased protection from harmful UV rays.

Subcutis

On a deeper level, there is atrophy of subcutaneous fat particularly in the face and back of the hands. This contributes significantly to sagging or the aged look.

All these changes in the skin predispose the elderly to skin disorders and not just aesthetic concerns. With the increasing life expectancy, there is now more focus on the aging skin disorders and skin care. The most common skin disorder in the geriatric population is senile xerosis. This is closely associated with pruritus, or itching.

Geriatric patients are also frequently diagnosed with skin tears and moisture associated skin damage (MASD). Skin tears are commonly found on the arms and are associated with trauma, such as bumping into furniture. MASD is linked to incontinence-associated dermatitis (perineal dermatitis), intertrigo, ostomy leakage, periwound skin, etc.

Skin care regimen

The most basic and important goal of skin care for the aging is to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. These are the recommendations in literature.

1. Use gentle cleansers. It is best to use syndets (liquid) with neutral pH and preferably with an emollient.

2. Avoid further friction with use of scrubs, bath cloths, and loofahs. Instead, gently pat the skin dry using a towel.

3. Avoid hot and prolonged baths (i.e., more than 10-15 minutes).

4. Generally, bath oils are not recommended in the elderly due to an increased risk of accidents (may result in slippery floors, causing falls).

5. To relieve xerosis (drying of the skin), pruritus and prevent skin tears, use emollients containing humectants (moisture-retaining substances) and skin lipid replacement agents. Some ingredients to look for are ceramides (20-40 percent concentration), dimethicone, lactic acid (5 percent), urea (10 percent), glycerin and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). These improve hydration of the stratum corneum and enhance skin barrier function.

6. Some also advise avoiding perfumes and fragrances that can cause skin irritation.

7. For incontinence-associated dermatitis, a protective barrier cream is recommended. These are usually emulsion with a metal oxide (zinc or titanium), or siliconbased with dimethicone.

8. In the geriatric population, it is still important to protect the skin from UV radiation. Apply a generous amount of a broad-spectrum sunscreen in sun-exposed areas. Wear wide-brimmed hats and clothes with UV protection when outdoors. Often neglected areas include the ears, eyelids, and lips.

Lifestyle and the aging skin

The aging population is advised to increase intake of antioxidant-rich food and avoid a hyperglycemic diet. Attaining the recommended nutritional micronutrients is more challenging in the elderly due to their usually restricted diets and the loss of some of their ability to absorb nutrients.

Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Minimize exposure to pollution, if possible.

A good night’s sleep is important in maintaining healthy skin. A study has shown that elderly women who slept for less than 5 hours a day had compromised transepidermal water loss and skin barrier recovery after UV-induced erythema. Likewise, poor sleep quality results in disruption of the circadian rhythm, leading to cellular dysfunction and changes in various tissues, including the skin.

With the increase in life expectancy, we expect its related comorbidities including its effects on the skin. Having a thorough understanding of the causes of skin aging can help us manage the skin problems of our patients.

  • Bibliography:
  • Addor FAS. (2018). Beyond photoaging: additional factors involved in the process of skin aging. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 20(11), 437–443. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S177448.
  • Baumann, L. (2009). Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice Second Edition. McGraw-Hill.
  • Humbert P, Dréno B, Krutmann J, Luger TA, Triller R, Meaume S, Seité S. (2016). Recommendations for managing cutaneous disorders associated with advancing age. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 12(11), 141-8. 10.2147/CIA.S96232.
  • Kottner J, Lichterfeld A, Blume-Peytavi U. (2013). British Journal of Dermatology.169(3), 528-42. doi: 10.1111/bjd.12469.
  • Ruxton, C. (2016). Tea: Hydration and other health benefits. Primary Health Care, 26(8), 34-42. doi:10.7748/phc.2016.e1162 Tobin DJ. (2017). Introduction to Skin Aging. Journal of Tissue Viability. 26(1), 37-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2016.03.002.

For your anti-aging skin concerns, you may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeon, just follow the link.

Cheers to healthy skin!

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what’s up with parabens?

learn more about parabens and their health-associated risks

Parabens are a group of compounds used as preservatives primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties.

They are found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, make up, toothpaste, and other personal care products. They are also used in topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals and as food preservatives.

In the past years, there were health controversies raised with chronic and cumulative exposure to parabens.

A study by AF Fransway MD, et al published in DERMATITIS January/February 2019 issue summarized the existing medical and scientific evidence against parabens as below:

CONTACT DERMATITIS

Parabens have been shown to have low allergenic potential. Parabens are deemed relatively nonirritating at levels used in current formulations as studied by the North American Contact Dermatitis group.

ESTROGENIC EFFECTS

Animal experiments have shown that parabens have weak estrogenic activity, acting as xenoestrogens. There are no studies in humans confirming effects of paraben exposure.

CANCER

The American Cancer Society mentioned a 2004 study by Darbre which reported presence of parabens in the breast tissue of mastectomy patients, however study did not find parabens to be the cause of the cancers.

EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety reviewed scientific data and noted that parabens generally have low toxicity and do not cause cancers.

Studies have shown that absorbed parabens from topical application are rapidly hydrolyzed by hepatocytes and do not accumulate in human tissue to any significant degree.

Parabens have been implicated in the impairment of the reproductive system of male laboratory animals. However, antiandrogenic physiologic or developmental effect in human have not been documented whether via ingestion or percutaenous absorption of paraben.

FERTILITY

Studies on humans have not demonstrated effect of paraben on semen quality parameters or sperm DNA.

PERINATAL EXPOSURE

Maternal levels were studied and found no statistical difference with samples from their children at age 3-4years. Methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben esters have been identified in breast milk however there are lower than the allowable daily intake and deemed safe.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Cosmetic ingredients are potential emerging pollutants. Methylparaben was identified as the predominate paraben in natural waterways in a study that took samples from China, Wales, Spain, Switzerland, India, In one study that took samples 39 swimming pools in Beijing, they found 20dols higher concentration of total parabens (predominantly metyhlparaben and propylparaben) in indoor pools versus outdoor pools. The authors however assessed human exposure to parabens from swimming pool as negligible compared to total exposure dose from other sources.

Parabens are not completely removed from wastewater in the treatment plants hence an accumulation in the environment is alarming. Although presently there are limited studies and information on the effect of parabens to aquatic organisms, in contrast to benzophenone (oxybenzone).

The authors have concluded that claims regarding parabens and potential adverse health effects are premature based on currently available scientific information. Removal of parabens from consumer products could result in substitution with an alternative substance which is less proven and potentially unsafe too.

This study was published by dermatologists in the US.

REGULATION

The EU Commission Regulation No 358/2014 has banned use of the following parabens: Isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben and pentylparaben.

The following parabens are safe and repeatedly confirmed by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS):

Methylparaben and ethylparaben are safe at maximum authorized concentrations (maximum of 0.4% for one ester, or 0.8% if in combination). Butylparaben and propylparaben are safe with maximum individual concentration of 0.19%. Butylparaben and propylparaben are prohibited in products designed for children under three years old and must have warning not to be used in the diaper area.

We hope this review clears the controversies associated with parabens. Though some of it forms are banned and deemed unsafe, other forms are with minimal health risks with no significant scientific evidence to propose discontinuation of its use. We may also choose to limit paraben exposure and choose “healthier” alternatives. Such alternatives are available at AC Skin Health.

You may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists, just follow the link.

Cheers to healthy skin!

Stay tuned for updates and promos, follow and like us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For inquiries, CONTACT us here.

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Wrinkle Remedy: Botox

Want to learn more about Botox as a wrinkle remedy?

Wrinkles are lines on the skin that appear with facial expressions such as frowning, raising our eyebrows, squinting, smiling, etc. There are several factors contributing to the development of wrinkles. Intrinsic aging or natural aging is largely genetic and is inevitable with the passage of time. Exposure to UV rays, cigarette smoke, poor quality and lack of sleep, and stress can accelerate the aging of skin hence earlier appearance of unsightly wrinkles.

Over time, with repetitive facial expressions these wrinkles become permanent creases even when our face is not showing any emotion or even when we are not moving. These permanent creases are much more difficult to treat. It will cost you a lot more to treat the permanent wrinkles! So the best time to treat your wrinkles is now.

What do I need to prepare for my Botox appointment?

Inform your doctor of any history of Botox treatments and other facial cosmetic procedures. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications especially blood thinners such as Aspirin.

What happens during this procedure?

Botox involves injection of the toxin in small amounts to targeted muscles. Pain is minimal as we use a very fine needle.  Most patients tolerate the procedure well. For people who are very sensitive to pain, inform your doctor and ask if “painless” option is possible.

When do I see the effect of my Botox treatment?

The full effect of a Botox treatment can be appreciated about 7 to 14 days after the procedure. Some patients may already experience the benefit of Botox after 3 days.

Any side effects?

These have been the reported side effects with Botox treatment: redness, swelling, soreness, bruising. Uncommon side effects are mild headache and temporary eyelid drooping.

Numbness or loss of sensation is not seen with Botox treatment.

After care?

You may go back to work immediately after the treatment. You may apply make up taking care not to apply pressure on the treatment points. Keep upright for a few hours after the treatment. Avoid facial massage or rubbing the treated areas for the next few days.

Follow up?

You may follow up with your dermatologist 2 weeks after your treatment. Some patients may need correction or injection of additional units.

Dermatologists who are experienced with Botox can plan the best treatment for you. The number of units and the injection points vary from face to face because each face is unique!

Our goal with Botox is to have a natural look while minimizing wrinkles. We want you to retain facial expressions and not have a frozen face.

Cheers to healthy skin!

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