Tag Archives: skin cancer

Debunking The Myths About Your Skin

Six biggest myths about your skin care. (Advanced Dermatology Associates & Dr. Larry Jaeger)
Six Biggest Myths About Your Skin Care.
                                           (Advanced Dermatology Associates & Dr. Larry Jaeger)

How do you know the information and advice you get about your skin is true? Skin care product brands spend millions marketing their products. Your friends probably have as much medical knowledge as WebMD.

With so much misinformation out there, we’re Debunking 6 Biggest Myths About Your Skin Care.

Tanning is harmlessExposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause skin damage including wrinkles, lowered immunity against infection, aging skin disorders, and cancer.

Acne is caused by what you eatAcne is caused by overproduction of sebum (oil) and obstruction of the pores. The amount of sebum produced by the skin is regulated by hormones only, not food. This includes chocolate, greasy food, soda, and fast foods. These foods do not have any effect on the hormones that regulate sebum production.

Topical antioxidants reverse wrinklesFree radicals play an important role in creating wrinkles. Therefore, it makes sense that antioxidants will make skin more youthful. Unfortunately, there are no good scientific studies that show what type of topical antioxidant is effective. This research is being conducted now, but it is still too early. Right now the only topical product that has been proven to improve wrinkles is Retin-A.

“All-natural” skin care products are best: What exactly does “all-natural” mean? Unfortunately, this term can mean just about anything, and cosmetics companies use it any way they want. All cosmetics and skin care products have synthetic ingredients in them. Because a skin care product is made from a plant does not mean that it is better for the skin than a product created in a lab.

Expensive skin care products are better than inexpensive ones: The cost of a skin care product or cosmetic is absolutely NOT an indicator of effectiveness. The consumer industry would like people to believe that more expensive product have some special ingredient in it that makes it more effective. However, there are many products in every category that are effective and don’t come with a high price tag. “Retinol is one of them—so much science has been done on the value of it. Vitamin C and Vitamin A, have all been proven by science to work.

Men don’t have as many skin problems as women: Untrue, men wrinkle as much as women and they get skin conditions such as acne, seborrhea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis just like women. Men also have additional concerns surrounding facial hair. It can be argued that men don’t use sunscreen and protect their skin properly.

 

What is the Link Between Breast Cancer and Dermatology?

melanoma link to cancer is dermatology - advanced dermatology associates
melanoma link to cancer is dermatology – advanced dermatology associates

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States has a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. You may be wondering “But what does breast cancer have to do with dermatology?”

As a matter of fact, there is a direct correlation between breast cancer and melanoma. For many years, there has been only speculation as to why the two cancers are linked.

According to a study by the Irish Journal of Medical Science, there is a strong association between breast cancer and melanoma.  Women with breast cancer have an increased risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and women with melanoma are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer.

“In general, patients with melanoma or other skin cancers are always at higher risk of developing other malignancies,” Dr. Murphy commented. “But this is about a fourfold increase, which raises the possibility of a genetic predisposition linking the two cancers.”

The four-fold increase gives a greater likelihood of the two cancers being linked by a genetic predisposition. Additionally, it is found that women under 50 with breast cancer are at a higher risk of melanoma as are breast cancer patients who have been treated with External Radiation Therapy

The Irish Journal of Medical Science study corroborates the findings of journals such as Annals of Oncology and Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, which reported that breast cancer patients have between 1.4 and 2.7 times the risk of developing melanoma. In addition, The International Journal of Cancer noted that female melanoma patients have a 1.4 times greater chance of developing breast cancer.

“All of these studies reinforce the importance of routine breast cancer exams for melanoma patients and annual skin exams for breast cancer survivors,” said Perry Robins, MD, President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “It is particularly alarming for young women as melanoma rates are increasing rapidly among this demographic.” Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old. Women under the age of 39 have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer except breast cancer.

The Foundation recommends that high-risk patients undergo an annual full-body skin screening by a physician. And self-exams are just as important, coupled with the practice of rigorous sun protection methods. Performed regularly, self-examination can alert you to changes in the skin and aid in the early detection of skin cancer.

On behalf of Dr. Lawrence Jaeger and the medical staff at Advanced Dermatology Associates, we’re concerned about your overall health. As the leading Dermatologist provider network in New York City, we strongly encourage both men and women to educate themselves with the proper knowledge and to seek the necessary medical care for decreasing the incidences of breast & skin cancer.

Visit Dr. Larry Jaeger and the Advanced Dermatology Associates at 200 Central Park South – Suite 107 in Central Park South/Columbus Circle neighborhood of Manhattan; or in the Bronx (Grand Concourse, Parkchester, Co-Op City and Third Avenue) or contact us at (212) 262-2500 or toll-free at 800-545-7546 (SKIN) to schedule your appointment.

www.adv-derm.com | www.doctorlarryjaeger.net

Summer Skin Care Tips

Lawrence Jaeger is an expert skin care specialist. As the Medical Dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology Associates he treats patients with all forms of skin disorders and provides skin care tips all year long to keep your skin healthy and disease free; especially in the summer months.

Best Tips for Summer Skin Care

Summer Skin Care:

As excited as you may be for summer, your skin may not share the same feelings. Summertime sun and heat can be hard on your skin. It is the season when your skin is most likely to develop multiple issues from sun exposure, heat, and swimming. During these warmer weathered months, it is important to pay attention to your skin and be mindful of it by taking the necessary precautions.

There are a number of different ways to protect and take care of your skin during the summer:

Summer Skin Care Tips:

Summer Skin Care Tips - Advanced Dermatology NYC

Protect, Moisturize and Treat.

Sun protection – Keeping your skin protected from the sun and its damaging effects is very important. The sun can cause a wide range of issues including, skin cancer, sun spots, blisters, and freckles. Be sure to always wear sun protection when outdoors. Use an SPF of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes before you go outside, then reapply often, especially after sweating or swimming.

Skin toner – You may never have thought about using a toner on your skin, but it is a worthwhile product. Toners help keep your pores closed and your skin cooler. You may also want to consider rose water. Rose water makes a nice toner with natural cooling properties to keep your skin both cool and hydrated.

Cleanse your face twice a day – Keeping your face cleansed is important during the summer with all the heat and sweat. Throughout the day, it is easy to build up dirt and grime in your pores that may develop into acne. Wash your face with a foaming cleanser in the morning when you wake up and at night before going to bed.

Exfoliate often – Exfoliating is especially important in the summer. The process of exfoliating helps improve circulation while removing dead skin cells. Follow up your exfoliation with a good clay face-mask that can be used twice a week. End your routine with a light moisturizer.

Super-Foods-to-eat: Summer Skin Care Tips

Eat & Hydrate Your Glow. Go Natural.

Summer glow recipe – Papaya is an all-natural ingredient that can be used as a pack that will give you an all-natural glow. Simply mash-up two tablespoons of papaya with one teaspoon of honey, along with one egg white. Spread the mixture over your face and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. The result? A beautiful, all-natural glow. Simply enjoy a fresh chilled bowl of papayas. Better yet, eat more super-fruits.

Stay away from sugar drinks – Sodas and sugar drinks may sound good to have when you are thirsty in the summer. However, these types of drinks will deprive your skin of natural hydration. It is best to replenish those fluids with all-natural fluids like water. Water is the best for keeping your body and skin hydrated. In fact, sugar drinks will dehydrate you more. Add fresh lime or lemon for a twist, and try to limit your caffeine intake.

Personalized Skin CSummer Skin Care Tips - Advanced Dermatology Associatesare Benefits.

To get a customized skincare regimen, be sure to contact a board certified dermatologist, like Dr. Lawrence Jaeger of Advanced Dermatology Associates, for a consultation at (212) 262-2500.

Breakout the Sunscreen this Winter

Lawrence Jaeger, New York Dermatologist discusses using sunscreen in the winter months to keep your skin healthy and complexion radiant.

Breakout the Sunscreen this Winter

Contrary to popular belief, snow fall and frigid weather are not reasons to skimp on sunscreen during the winter. As it is easy to associate winter with frostbite, most people are not aware that the sun’s ultraviolet, or UV, rays can be just as damaging in the cooler months as the summer. While the temperatures might near freezing, they are not related to the power of the sun’s UV rays.

People often mistakenly pair heat with sunburn. However, it is possible to experience sunburn whenever you step outside, regardless of the temperature. People should be especially careful in the winter as snow reflects up to 85 percent of the sun’s UV light, meaning that they are often hit by the same rays twice, increasing the risk of sun damage. As a result, it is important to take preventative measures to ensure skin health all-year-round.

Winter Skin Care Preventative Measures

Facial sunblock and lip balm of at least SPF 15 should be worn on a daily basis, even in the winter. Like skin, lips are extremely sensitive and vulnerable to UV rays. Too much sun exposure can leave skin and lips cracked, and in some cases, result in skin cancer. The cold weather and strong wind can dry out sunblock, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to reapply throughout the day to shield skin from the sun and harsh, winter weather.

To further protect skin from sun damage, you should always wear sunglasses with UV protection and a hat with a wide brim to shade your entire head and neck. No matter the season, be aware of UV levels by checking a UV index scale each morning. If UV levels fall between high and extreme, minimize the amount of time spent in the sun.

Children-Sun-Safety-Tips: Breakout the Sunscreen this Winter

Adolescent  Skin Care Tips

While remembering to apply sunscreen on yourself, do not forget to treat your child’s skin with the same care. According to Dr. Lawrence Jaeger, Advanced Dermatology Associate of Advanced Dermatology Associates, “…it is it essential to limit sun exposure for your children, and to offer them the best sunblock possible when they are in the sun.” As the majority of a person’s sun exposure occurs during childhood, it is important to get into the routine of applying sunscreen from an early age.

Skin Care All Year. Yearly Check-Ups

Today, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29

As a preventative step, it is encouraged by dermatologists to schedule regular dermatological check-ups. When skin cancer is caught at an early stage, it is much more treatable than at a later one. Fortunately, top dermatologists, such as Dr. Lawrence Jaeger, are well-equipped to make essential diagnoses for one’s overall health. Breakout your  sunscreen this Winter.

Breakout the Sunscreen this Winter - Cancer & Melanomas