Latest news with #RadiantDermatologyAssociates
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
How to make your legs spring and summer ready, according to a dermatologist
Though it may not seem like it in many parts of the country, summer is actually just around the corner. With the warmer weather comes blue skies, sunny days, vibrant blooms — and, of course, showing more skin. While lighter, brighter spring and summer fashion can be a welcome change after a winter spent swathed in wool, for those of us with dry, pasty, discolored or uneven skin (i.e. all of us?), shedding layers can bring a level of self-consciousness, if not downright panic. A first outing in shorts or a skirt can be especially daunting this time of year, as it means displaying a lot of leg. After months spent under wraps, even the most glamorous gams require at least a little extra TLC and, more likely, a full glow up. "Concerns that occur most commonly on legs are dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris [small, red bumps], ingrown hairs and varicose veins," says Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates. "Generally, the best way to care for leg skin is by exfoliating to get rid of dead skin and prevent ingrown hairs, [and] also using hydrating body wash and moisturizer to keep the legs looking soft and shiny." Of course, long-term leg care is not simply a surface-level affair. "[For the best-looking legs] I recommend trying to be active daily — like walking more — plus staying hydrated and protecting the skin from environmental factors like the sun," Spearman explains. "For other concerns like varicose and spider veins, elevating your legs can help prevent them from forming, and laser treatments can diminish their appearance." Read on for Spearman's top solutions for all your most pressing leg-skin concerns, but don't be afraid to strut your stuff even if your pins are not camera-ready. My advice: Give yourself a close shave, slather on some inexpensive anti-bump cream, throw on a pretty dress and enjoy the ever-fleeting joy of a warm breeze on your bare, just-fine-as-it-is skin. No one likes the look of flaky, rough-textured knees and legs, but the good news is, with consistent use, quality products can treat these issues — and treat them fast. Though these formulas are gentle, as with any new topical treatment, consult with a doctor first if you have sensitive skin, particularly if your dermatological issues are severe. The bad news is: If you want to diminish the appearance of varicose or spider veins, you'll need to head to a doctor's office. Depending on the type and severity, these can be treated with surgery or, potentially, less invasive procedures like sclerotherapy and laser ablation. However, if you're prone to varicose and spider veins, Spearman says wearing compression socks and regularly elevating your legs can help prevent future outbreaks. If you want to disguise your leg veins, high-quality self tanners can aid in blurring the blue-purple hue and make the condition look less severe. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
3 Ways to Boost Collagen Production for Plumper, Firmer Skin
Collagen earns a lot of buzz in the skincare world, and for good reason! This powerhouse protein keeps your skin firm, plump and youthful. But here's the catch: Collagen production starts slowing in your 20s and continues to decline as the years go by, says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana. No need to stress or add more wrinkles over it! We asked dermatologists and an aesthetician how to boost collagen production and protect the collagen you still have, so you can turn back the clock and keep skin looking its best. You've heard it before—daily sun protection is a must, especially for keeping collagen strong. 'Aside from aging and natural collagen loss, UV damage is the number one cause of collagen decline,' says Dr. Spearman. In short, skipping sunscreen (or using one with a low SPF) during sun exposure speeds up sagging and wrinkles. Dr. Spearman's advice? Make SPF 30 or higher a non-negotiable in your routine to protect your skin. If you're not a fan of traditional sunscreen, a tinted sunscreen prevents a white cast and evens out skin tone, so you can skip foundation if you choose. Another genius pick is SPF drops. These concentrated, serum-like drops can be mixed into your moisturizer or foundation (or used on their own) for seamless protection. Either way, just make sure SPF is part of your daily glow-up. Two formulas to try: Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen and Coola Sun Silk Drops. There's a reason retinol is the gold standard in anti-aging skin care products. The vitamin A derivative speeds cell turnover, exfoliates and—most importantly—stimulates collagen production while slowing its breakdown, says Kristin Gunn, a celebrity aesthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas. Retinol gets a bad rap for being drying and irritating, but the right formula makes all the difference. Look for a retinol cream infused with hydrators like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to offset irritation. Gunn's tip: Ease in slowly with retinol—start with once or twice a week and gradually increase as your skin adjusts. If your skin is ultra-sensitive or you have struggled with retinol in the past, opt for bakuchiol instead. This plant-based alternative mimics retinol's benefits, boosting collagen output and improving skin turnover without the irritation. For a hydrating retinol product, try RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Max Hydration Cream; for a retinol alternative, look to The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturizer. Collagen creams are everywhere, but here's the scoop—collagen's larger molecules are too big to penetrate the skin. The better way to get a boost? Add an oral collagen supplement to your routine. New York City board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, swears by collagen peptides, which simply refers to collagen that's been broken down to make it easier for your body to absorb. Studies show that supplementing with collagen peptides helps increase collagen production, so skin looks plumper and more hydrated. The best way to take them is in liquid or powder form. If you're not into supplements, Gunn says you can still boost collagen naturally with foods like bone broth, fish, egg whites and leafy greens. A great collagen peptide powder to try is Reservage Beauty Collagen Replenish more skin care tips and tricks, click through these stories: Perimenopause Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin? Here's How to Solve It According to a Skin Expert Skin Pro Shares the Scar Treatments That Smooth, Brighten and Mositurize Skin—Plus, What to Avoid Using Dermatologist Tricks for Simplifying Your Shower Routine for Gorgeous Skin and Hair
CNN
03-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
How to dermaplane at home for smoother skin, according to derms and beauty experts
Dermaplaning tools quick picks Quality facial razor: Tweezerman Stainless Steel Facial Razor Editor-favorite soothing spray: Tower 28 Beauty SOS Rescue Spray Beginner-friendly kit: Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit Over the years, many beauty treatments — from waxes to chemical peels — have transitioned from in-office only procedures to accessible parts of an at-home skin care routine, including dermaplaning. A way to exfoliate the skin on your face and neck by removing small hairs and dead skin cells, dermaplaning can help your complexion look smoother and brighter with just a few minutes of work. Dermaplaning is by no means a must for your at-home grooming routine though — peach fuzz and facial hair is natural, normal and not something you should feel any obligation to remove if you don't want to. But if your interest is piqued and you want some expert-approved tips and techniques for how to best dermaplane at home, we've got you covered. Using a small razor or scalpel, dermaplaning helps to exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and small hairs from the face and neck. Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, said other benefits of dermaplaning include more even makeup application and better absorption of skin care products. While this story focuses on how you can dermaplane at home, you can also have dermaplaning procedures done by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician. 'In a professional setting, a trained provider uses a surgical blade that removes not only peach fuzz but also three to five days worth of dead skin cells, leading to a deeper exfoliation,' Catie Boucher, dermatology-certified nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm, said. Boucher added that while dermaplaning done in an office or clinic usually leads to better and longer-lasting results, you'll have to carve out time to make the appointment. While at-home dermaplaning is not as precise, it's more convenient and cost-effective. Spearman said that at-home dermaplaning tools are simple and relatively safe to use, though you'll want to make sure you're using the tools correctly to best avoid any nicks, cuts or skin damage. Step 1: Prepare the skin Before you pick up a facial razor, start by cleansing or double cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil and makeup. Kristin Gunn, licensed medical aesthetician and founder of Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas, recommended letting your skin air dry following cleansing. For dermaplaning, Spearman said you want your skin to be hydrated and damp (not wet) to allow the razor to glide easily. Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm If you plan to dermaplane at the end of a long day (or any other time really), make sure your skin is clear of all makeup, sunscreen and other product buildup by using a cleansing balm as the first step of your double-cleanse routine. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus likes this K-beauty cleansing balm that melts into a silky texture. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser After using a cleansing balm, you'll need to wash your face with a cleanser. We love this La Roche-Posay cleanser, which is great for those with combination skin and approved by derms. Formulated with niacinamide, ceramides and skin-hydrating glycerin, it will help tackle excess sebum production without leaving skin feeling stripped. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser An affordable cleanser that's also safe for those with sensitive skin, this CeraVe face wash is another great option that will leave your skin feeling hydrated, making it a great prep step for those with dry skin to use before dermaplaning. Step 2: Grab your tools Once your skin is clean, you're ready to start shaving — but don't just grab any typical face or body razor for the job. You'll want to use a tool designed specifically for dermaplaning, which will help prevent needless nicks or cuts. 'Razors designed specifically for dermaplaning are ergonomically created to work with the contours of the face, allowing for a safer and more effective treatment,' Boucher said. Double board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Purvisha Patel, also recommended grabbing a dermaplaning tool made of surgical grade stainless steel to ensure both better cleanliness and sharpness. Tinkle Dermaplaning Tool, 6-Pack If you're new to dermaplaning at home, Boucher recommended these inexpensive, single-use razors. Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine is also a fan of these and said that the razors are big enough to handle larger surface areas but can also sharply tackle detail work, like the eyebrows. Tweezerman Stainless Steel Facial Razor Spearman liked that this Tweezerman razor offers more precise results than other at-home dermaplaning tools. Though it's a bit more expensive than other facial razors, Spearman backed the quality of Tweezerman's grooming tools and it's also a refillable option. Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit I already trust the Billie brand of razors to effectively shave my legs (they are our pick for best women's razor, after all), so I figured the dermaplaning kit could help give me the same smooth results. I found this razor to be very beginner-friendly. It's sharp enough to remove peach fuzz and dry or dead skin, but I've never once gotten any cuts or scrapes while using it. Step 3: Use proper technique When dermaplaning, Gunn said to pull skin upward until it's taut, then holding the dermaplane razor at a 45-degree angle, make short downward strokes against the skin. The angle of the razor does matter here. 'If held at a higher angle, you may have a higher risk of nicks or cuts,' Spearman said. 'If it's too parallel to the skin, you won't get proper exfoliation.' Because proper technique calls for you to touch your face, Gunn also recommended thoroughly washing your hands before beginning to dermaplane. Using this technique, Gunn said to work in small sections, about an inch or so wide, and added that you only need to apply a light amount of pressure to properly exfoliate the skin. 'I like to start around the ear area and work my way down to the jawline, moving inward towards the cheek, chin and upper lip,' Gunn said. 'I tend to save the eyebrow area for last due to the coarse hair potentially dulling the razor.' You can also dermaplane down your neck, though Gunn said that this area tends to be much more sensitive and recommended doing a patch test on a small area first. While dermaplaning is generally safe for most ages and skin types, there are some exceptions. 'I do not recommend dermaplaning for individuals with active acne, open wounds or eczema,' Boucher said. 'If the skin's barrier is compromised in any way, dermaplaning should be avoided.' Spearman added that those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea should be careful with at-home dermaplaning, as well as those with mature skin who may have areas of thin or delicate skin. Step 4: Follow up with a soothing serum or cream After dermaplaning, Spearman recommended following up with a hydrating serum or moisturizer to soothe and protect the skin. Boucher said she likes to use a hypochlorous acid spray post-dermaplaning to both calm the skin and kill any bacteria that might cause breakouts. All our experts cautioned against using harsh topicals like retinol and benzoyl peroxide or additional chemical exfoliants immediately after dermaplaning, as these can cause redness, irritation and discomfort. If you do use any of these ingredients regularly in your skin care routine, Gunn recommended waiting 24 to 48 hours, depending on your skin's sensitivity, before you begin applying them again. If you have particular questions about dermaplaning for your skin, Boucher said to consult your skin care professional about which products are best suited for your skin post-treatment. Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray Great for use post-workout or post-dermaplaning, this Tower 28 Beauty spray is made with hypochlorous acid to cleanse and calm the skin. It's also antibacterial and a daily favorite of Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw. Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Purifying Mist Boucher said this Hydrinity mist helps kill 99.9% of pathogens in mere seconds, making it an excellent choice to use both before and after dermaplaning to help reduce the risk of breakouts and infections. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm Needing soothing hydration for her dry skin, McAlpine said she reaches for this La Roche-Posay balm after intense exfoliation treatments like dermaplaning. This moisturizer's lightweight, sensitive skin-friendly and ultra-hydrating formula also helped it earn the top spot during our testing for the best moisturizers for dry skin. Read our review Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning and Peach Fuzz Removal System Shaw said if you're willing to spend a bit more, this Dermaflash device makes dermaplaning at home super easy. 'I never worry about any nicks or cuts and the refillable razors are convenient and reduce waste,' Shaw said. Leaf Shave The Leaf Dermaplaner An eco-friendly, reusable option, this Leaf Shave dermaplaner comes recommended by Gunn who said it's easy to use and a great deal for the price. Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Dermaplaning Tool, 3-Count Spearman said these Schick razors are less precise than other options, but can still give you a nice result when used properly. 'It has a built-in moisturizing strip making it gentle on the skin while exfoliating,' Spearman said. 'I keep one of these in my toiletry kit given the compact size.' Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Tool Underscored director of social Stephanie Griffin said her skin always looks brighter, smoother and glowier after a round with this dermaplaning tool, though she admitted it's pricier than other options out there. 'I've found that investing in a nice tool with replaceable surgical stainless steel blades is not only safer for my acne-prone skin, but it's more cost- and eco-friendly than the single-use tools you just toss after every use,' Griffin said. Jasclair Dermaplaning Tool, 9-Count Gunn liked this affordable tool pack that comes with nine razors for just under $10. Though it doesn't come with a protective cover, the blade on this tool does fold down for safer and more sanitary storage in your bathroom or cosmetics case. Nimbi Dermaplaner Razor, 3-Count An affordable and minimalist option, these Nimbi razors are also effective at exfoliating the face. They're also made from a 100% compostable material, which Shaw said makes her feel better about using the disposable product. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream If you do want a slight barrier between your skin and the razor to reduce friction, Spearman recommended applying this water-based gel cream before dermaplaning to help the razor glide smoothly and keep things feeling comfortable. Clearstem Golden Hour Watermelon Barrier Oil 'It's taken me years to find an oil that doesn't break me out — dermaplaning is already harsh enough on my acne-prone skin,' Griffin said. 'But, once my holy grail skin care brand, Clearstem, sent me their watermelon-infused GoldenHour oil to test out, I never turned back. I genuinely look forward to using this when I dermaplane once a month.' Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL 'As someone who is acne-prone, I prioritize hygiene,' Boucher said. 'These disposable towels prevent bacteria transfer, making them ideal for post-dermaplaning and everyday skin care routines.'Read our review Visha Skincare RejuVenating Moisturizer Following at-home dermaplaning, Patel recommended using this moisturizer from her own brand to protect the skin's barrier and help seal any cracks on the surface of the skin that might have formed while exfoliating. Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer As someone with dry, often irritated and red skin, Laneige is one of my go-to brands for hydrating formulas that won't break me out. This Cream Skin moisturizer has an amazing milky texture that my skin drinks up, perfect for rebalancing my face after dermaplaning. SkinSmart Facial Cleanser Spray McAlpine also recommended this more affordable alternative to Tower 28 Beauty's SOS Rescue Spray, noting that the formulas are very similar and with this SkimSmart spray you get 8 ounces of product for less than $20. Like many of the other sprays made with hypochlorous acid on this list, McAlpine uses this immediately after dermaplaning to make sure her skin stays totally clean. The following FAQs have been answered by dermatology-certified nurse practitioner Catie Boucher, licensed medical aesthetician Kristin Gunn and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. How often should you dermaplane at home? How often should you dermaplane at home? Boucher said dermaplaning every three to four weeks, whether at home or in a clinic, is sufficient for most people. Gunn further broke down the frequency based on skin type. 'In general, oily skin can handle [dermaplaning] every three to four weeks,' Gunn said. 'Dry skin would be every four to six weeks, while sensitive skin would be every six to eight weeks.' Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker? Does dermaplaning make hair grow back thicker? Our experts said this is one of the most common questions they receive about at-home dermaplaning. 'I always answer the same way; if shaving made hair grow back thicker, bald men everywhere would be shaving their heads in hopes of it working,' Boucher said. There is no evidence to support that dermaplaning causes hair to regrow thicker or coarser than before. Gunn said that your hair follicles, the part of your skin that is responsible for growing hair, sit deep under the surface of the skin. 'When you shave, you're actually cutting the hair off at the base, which might be thicker than the ends,' Gunn said, 'You aren't altering the follicle at all. This means your hair will grow at the same rate, width and texture as before.' Is it better to dermaplane wet or dry? Is it better to dermaplane wet or dry? Though you should always cleanse your skin before dermaplaning to prevent the spread of bacteria, Spearman said that you don't want your skin to be wet. Instead, skin should be hydrated and lightly damp to allow the razor to easily glide. Gunn recommended letting your skin air dry before starting to dermaplane. Those who have sensitive or reactive skin can benefit from dermaplaning on damp skin or with a special face oil, which can help to reduce razor friction and make the process more forgiving. However, Boucher said that this wet dermaplaning technique can increase the risk of slipping and cutting the skin. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights: Catie Boucher, dermatology-certified nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm Kristin Gunn, licensed medical aesthetician and founder of Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas Dr. Purvisha Patel, double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy, consulted dermatologists and skin care experts on the benefits of dermaplaning, how to properly dermaplane at home and what tools to use to get the best results.
