SPECIFIC SKIN CONCERNS

The most common types of brown spots are sun spots (Solar Lentigo) and age spots (Seborrheic Keratosis). Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays contribute to both of these pigmented areas. Sun spots are the result of UV damage, which causes the melanocytes to over produce melanin. Age spots are caused when UV damage causes glycation. Glycation is a type of oxidatiive stress that occurs when a sugar chemically interacts with collagen in the skin. It is important to recognize the difference because it influences the treatment. These areas are also called age spots because they tend to show up after the age of 40. Both types of spots often develop on the face, chest, arms, and hands.

Small little blood vessels, or capillaries, dilate on the surface of the skin. These individual vessels, called telangiectasia, can develop in clusters, causing the apprearance of small red or purple areas. Although they can develop any where on the body, the most common location on the face include the cheeks, nose, and chin. These areas can worsen in apprearance with alcohol or spicy food intake or with extreme weather conditions. Larger areas of vessels clumped on the cheeks can be an indication of high blood pressure, inflammation or auto-immune disease.

Fine lines can begin to develop as early as the 20's. The first lines that people often notices are dynamic lines of expression ~ from squinting, frowning or raising the eyebrows. However as skin loses collagen and elastin, more lines and wrinkles will develop. Over time, these lines and wrinkles continue to deepen and become more noticable. UV exposure and diets high in sugar contribute to earlier onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

Enlarged pores are caused from the dilation of the opening of ducts carrying sweat and oil from the sabaceous glands. Along with genetics, oily skin, sun damage, and aging can contribute to enlarged pores. Enlarged pores are most noticable on the cheeks and nose. When these pores become blocked, blackheads often form. 

Along with the reduction of collagen and elastin, volume loss also significantly contributes to sagging skin. In the late 30's and early 40's, fat pads in the cheeks begin to decrease, causing more noticable nasolabial folds and saggy jawls. This loss of fat also causes shadowing under the eyes, making people look tired and worn down.

 Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory, acne-like skin condition that affects primarily the central face (cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead). It often begins as a tendency to flush frequently, but in time persistent areas of redness can appear on the cheeks,  nose and chin. Rosacea may also cause inflamed, red bumps and pimples (papules and pustules) on the cheeks, chin or forehead. Tiny blood vessels may also become visible on the cheeks and nose (telangiectasia).  Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause redness, pimples and dilated blood vessels. 

Hormone levels shift throughout life due to pregnancy, weight gain, aging, and menopause, causing changes in both the amount and texture of hair.  Increases in androgen and sex hormones can cause hair to grow darker and thicker. Although these hairs can grow anywhere, they are most visable on the chin and upper lip. Unwanted hair, especially in men, may be on the chest, back, and arms.  

Acne comes in many forms and affects individuals at any age. Many people are familiar with the most common type of acne, acne vulgaris, which include whiteheads and blackheads. This type of acne is caused by bacteria and treatments focus on the reduction of this bacteria. However, there are other conditions that can be mistaken for acne vulgaris. Milia are little white bumps around the eyes and on the cheek area that resemble acne. Milia tend to be small, hard, and difficult to pop. Rosacea can also cause the skin to develop papules and pustules, most commonly on the cheeks and nose.