Posted by Matthew Saylor in General on December 20th, 2022
Every one of us has had the urge to skip moisturizing our skin. We all think, “is it actually necessary?” The answer of course, is yes.
That extra step towards hydration is indeed essential. Well moisturized skin is healthy skin. Believe it or not, adding on a lotion, cream, or oil is just one of the many ways to combat dry skin, especially in those ice-cold winter months. Here are tips to combat dry skin in these harsh winter months.
Posted by Matthew Saylor in General on December 12th, 2022
As a board-certified dermatologist, I know that the key to healthy hydrated skin is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. When we think about skin hydration, the best moisturizers are those that contain a combination of humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Emollients are used to smooth and soften the skin. Examples include dimethicone, grape seed, jojoba oils, cocoa butter, and shea butter. Humectants on the other hand, attract and bind to water molecules, increasing the water content of the skin. They draw water to the skin either from the environment or enhance water absorption from the top layer of the skin. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are probably the most well-known humectants in moisturizers. Occlusives are products that create a barrier on the skin and therefore prevent water loss by sealing in hydration. They are able to hold hydrating ingredients and moisture in the skin. Petroleum jelly is one of the best-known occlusive agents and is an incredible ingredient, utilized for its moisturizing properties in many types of skincare. Petroleum jelly is not only amazing at soothing irritated skin and promoting wound healing, but it can act as a protective barrier for the skin. Vaseline Healing Jelly and Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick are some of my favorite products that contain petroleum jelly, which do not contain lanolin (an ingredient which some people are sensitive to and may trigger skin reactions, such as eczema).
Whether or not you are prone to dry skin, it is mostly determined by your genetics (such as if other family members experience sensitive skin or allergies); environmental factors (such as the weather conditions in where you live); and/or behavioral factors (e.g. your efforts to moisturize and other daily habits). Dry skin is caused by an impaired skin barrier and dysfunction or deficiency in the necessary healthy fats in the top layer of the skin (cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides), which are essential to normal skin function. Since the protective lipid layer is responsible for keeping moisture in and bacteria and irritants out (aka our skin barrier), dry skin often presents with redness, flaking, and itching.
Some of the most important steps to help moisturize skin include:
A moisturizer with ceramides to help replace those stripped away in dry skin, as well as humectants, can quickly repair the skin barrier. Dehydrated skin on the other hand indicates a lack of water, as opposed to an impaired skin barrier. This can also be addressed by using humectants to attract and bind water molecules, increasing the water content of the skin. Applying occlusives like Vaseline Healing Jelly by itself over top of the skin or within a moisturizing cream also keeps hydration and moisture in the skin.
Slugging is a favorite technique of dermatologists around the world. It is one of the best ways of using petroleum jelly because it seals in moisture and can be applied in areas of the body in most need of hydration and delicate parts of the face, like the lips and eyelids. Slugging is the process of applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly as the final layer in a skincare routine (typically nighttime) to seal in your skincare products including, hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers overnight. I especially love to use the slugging technique at nighttime, since we lose the most heat and moisture from our skin overnight. It helps prevent and treat dry chapped lips and dry eyelids. The next morning, you would then wash it off with a gentle cleanser. I think slugging is a great skincare technique, especially in the wintertime, for those with aging , dry, or sensitive skin.
This is how I slug at night in the winter:
To prevent clogging your pores, I would also try to sleep on your back and consider changing your pillowcase more frequently. While Vaseline Healing Jelly is non- comedogenic (which I love using for chapped, dry skin all over the body), I would not recommend applying it to the entire face, if you are acne prone or experience very oily skin, as it may clog pores. Instead, opt for a moisturizing cream that contains a mix of occlusives, emollients, and humectants. Now, let’s stay hydrated this winter.
Posted by Matthew Saylor in General on November 9th, 2022
Most of us either know someone with eczema, but what is it? What makes it worse? And how can it be managed?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) or more commonly known as Eczema, is a skin condition that results from disruption of the skin barrier, allowing water to leave the skin and allergens to penetrate. This can lead to chronically inflamed, dry, scaly skin and in more severe cases, skin that crusts, cracks, and/or bleeds. In addition, those with eczema commonly have an imbalance of normal bacteria on their skin, which can lead to over-proliferation of staph bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
There are several factors that can trigger eczema flares. For some people, the dry, indoor air during winter can ignite a flare. For others, the effects of warmer weather such as sweating, outdoor allergens, and increased sun exposure can provoke episodes of itching, rashes, and discomfort to the skin. Fragrances, drying alcohols, harsh chemicals and rough fabrics are other examples of triggers.
The impact of dealing with eczema on the quality of life can be quite significant, not only for the patient, but also for the caretaker, and the healthcare system. According to the National Eczema Association, when compared to those without eczema or atopic dermatitis (AD), people with AD have increased healthcare utilization (or the use and measurement of services by healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care). That includes more outpatient doctor visits, more visits to urgent/emergency care, and more hospitalizations.
Navigating treatment and management of eczema can feel daunting, but if one’s routine centers on these 4 principles, I have found that patients are better equipped in keeping eczema flares to a minimum.
Working with a dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis (there are rashes that are eczema mimickers) and help determine whether your eczema can be managed with creams and behavioral modification, or whether a combination approach prescribed by your physician that could include oral medication, light treatment, or biologic injectables are more appropriate for you. You can use the Vaseline x Hued Find A Dermatologist tool to find the right dermatologist for you.
This tip challenges one to think outside of the box when considering potential triggers for eczema. Food allergies are often associated with eczema and its flares. While studies have shown this to be true in 5% of cases, the other 95% are attributed to one, or several, of the triggers outlined above. Be sure to avoid doing things that exacerbate dry skin, such as applying alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh chemicals. While avoidance of triggers is unlikely to cure eczema, it can help minimize flare-ups.
If limited to less than 10 minutes, baths are actually hydrating for dry, eczema-prone skin. Bathing adds water to the skin, and moisturizing immediately after bathing locks in that moisture.
A lesser-known fact is lotions have a higher water content than creams and ointments, which can lead to drying of the skin. For this reason, I recommend thick, rich moisturizers with hydrating ingredients, such as shea butter, due to their thicker water-in oil formulation. This is why I love Vaseline’s NEW Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion. Co-created with dermatologists, this formula uses colloidal oatmeal and ultra-hydrating lipids to provide long-lasting and soothing moisture – 88% more moisture compared to untreated skin – from the first use. As part of the full newly reformulated Intensive Care lotion collection redeveloped to prevent dryness and provide skin with 48 hours of moisturization, each dermatologist tested formula contains a special blend of humectants to draw water into the skin, including ultra-hydrating lipids, and micro-droplets of Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly to combat dry skin and provide up to 90% more moisture.
Now you are equipped with the knowledge on eczema triggers, how to avoid them, and recommendations for treatment and management. You are officially ready to face the winter season!
Posted by Matthew Saylor in General on September 29th, 2022
Have you ever noticed spots or patches on skin that are a different shade than other areas? Often times we reference this as hyperpigmentation, which can be used to describe an area of the skin that is darker than the surrounding skin. This can be due to something benign, like a mole, or something malignant, like skin cancer. Benign skin conditions can include moles, birthmarks, skin infections, drug induced rashes/spots, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation that can result from trauma, an old acne spot, melasma and more. Malignant skin conditions can include melanoma and pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma.
What does this mean for you? If something hyperpigmented on your skin is worsening, I would advise you to see a board-certified dermatologist. Furthermore, I would practice good skin care, which includes daily sunscreen use, especially on the face, neck, chest, and hands. These are common areas where patients come in seeking laser and cosmetic help for sun damage. Many people think that patients with darker skin types do not need daily sunscreen. However, that’s not the case – we all do!
We know that the sun eats up our collagen, which you can see in the searchable “truck driver skin” reference. We also know that many of us do not wear enough sunscreen in our day-to-day. As a dermatologist I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing sunscreen daily but remember – wearing sunscreen does NOT mean that your skin will not tan or darken when in the sun. Using extra protection like wearing a hat and seeking shade when outdoors, particularly if you are worried about hyperpigmentation, is key. These practices are also necessary post procedures, such as after surgery or laser treatments. If you have a benign skin condition that appears hyperpigmented, regardless of the location, you want to ensure that there is minimal contact with the sun as it will only darken the area.
Typically, hyperpigmentation in and of itself is NOT symptomatic. However, if it is due to a skin infection, it may be itchy or painful. If the cause is pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma (skin cancer), it can bleed, enlarge, and crust. Just because something is not symptomatic, does not necessarily mean it cannot be concerning, so always check with your dermatologist. If you’re in need of finding a provider, utilize Vaseline x HUED’s directory of dermatologists and practitioners to meet with a medical expert who understands the care that your skin needs.
Next up, let’s address another common concern I encounter with my patients daily. One is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, an old rash, post-surgical scars, or any other procedure that created temporary inflammation. For these patients, I review good skin care and treatment options using medications that help even out the skin tone. These can come with side effects, so it is prudent to inform your dermatologist of what medications you have tried as well as the concentrations of each. Those steps are advised to ensure efforts are not duplicated and can be treated most efficiently. Many times, patients are eager to start laser treatment to lighten spots quickly. We have many laser options available, but one must remember that being aggressive with laser treatment, (which causes inflammation), can exacerbate the hyperpigmentation. Our skin is the extremely delicate and takes time to heal, so it’s always worth remembering that results will are not immediate. Due to the sensitivity of our skin, I often use a synergistic approach using all the tools we have available, like medications, lasers, and comprehensive skin care, to optimize our time and effort.
Hyperpigmentation can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. Have you ever seen someone with a scratch that healed and left a brown spot? That is hyperpigmentation. Or an acne lesion that has gone away but left a brown spot? This is another example of hyperpigmentation. Being in the sun will darken the pigment in the skin, so be aware of that! For additional ways to receive Vitamin D beyond that sunshine, try out foods and supplements fortified with the necessary Vitamin D. In the meantime, when you are outside, make sure you spend time in the sun safely.
Posted by HUED Admin in General on August 10th, 2022
Summer is starting to wind down for all those headed back to the classrooms, so returning to school is quickly approaching. In recent years, school has created an interesting mix of anticipation and hesitation in our global pandemic. We are still navigating our Covid-19 pandemic, and now we are dealing with the potential for a rise in Monkeypox.
This does not only impact students and children while in class, but it makes the probability of taking these illnesses home to family higher. In addition, according to Skin Sight, children are in close proximity to each other and still have developing immune systems, which is why illnesses spread quicker within children. Below is a list of techniques and products to help keep your child and students safe during this academic school year.
The Center for Disease and Control Prevention also outlines washing your hands properly. One main takeaway is after lathering with soap and water, scrub your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing your hands. Also, note that hand sanitizer is not the same as washing with soap and water; washing your hands should be done whenever possible.
This is easier said than done since children learn through touching and exploring the world around them. Encourage them to wash their hands before touching their face and to gently correct at home if kids are excessively putting their hands or items in their mouths. Practicing at home can be very helpful before the school year begins.
The outbreak of Covid-19 and Monkeypox has sparked so much conversation about being healthy and avoiding illness. Part of that conversation is also having healthy habits like a balanced meal and adequate sleep. Creating a routine that upholds both the caregiver’s and child’s needs can benefit the household’s overall needs.
It is essential to ensure that your child is up to date on their medical appointments and any vaccinations they may need. This will help keep them protected; if they become sick, having a pediatrician will help them get the necessary medication and help.
We hope this back-to-school season will be full of growth and accomplishments. But, most importantly, we hope this advice helps maintain continued health.
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Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
Posted by HUED Admin in General on August 4th, 2022
Since 2016 there has been a rise in adults using coloring books for stress regulation and calming the mind. Nielsen Bookscan covers around 85% of the US print book market, and in one year, from 2014 to 201,5, US sales shot up from 1 million to 12 million coloring books in the last year. Since then,n the rate of book sales has continued to rise, and coloring books have been implemented in more adult therapy sessions and wellness activities.
In the book Body Keeps the Score, the amygdala is described as a group of cells in the middle of the brain next to the hippocampus that processes emotion and is used in memory functioning. According to research, when the amygdala is triggered, it starts the flight or fight process, and if the amygdala is damaged, that response can be triggered due to trauma. This not only impacts the mind itself but also significantly affects our bodies.
According to Harvard Health, pivotal moments can pinpoint the start of a stress response. Some of the important body changes are below:
When the amygdala is activated in situations that require hypervigilance, such as looking to see if one is being followed, that is helpful. Your body is looking to focus on keeping you safe, but when the amygdala is damaged and constantly triggered, that tires the body and becomes exhausting. This is why activities such as coloring can help regulate and calm the body by making the amygdala slow down. Coloring also helps with sleep and decreases body aches and heart racing.
Try coloring throughout the day or before bed to destress and help calm the flight and fight responses. Be sure also to seek a professional counselor or therapist if you need more assistance to deescalate your stress.
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Posted by HUED Admin in General on July 29th, 2022
Monthly manicure maintenance is growing in popularity. According to the Artificial Nails Market Research Report, by 2023, the rise could result in a market value of 2.23 Billion. Nail design historically goes back to 5,000 BC archeologists discovered an Egyptian mummy with ‘henna-tinted fingertips. Nail art allows self-expression and creativity.
But. Should we be worried about the health implications that our nail art and artificial nails could bring in the future?
Recent studies have been unpacking the newfound concern with the modern-day manicure. With polishes popping up such as Gel and SNS that offer long-lasting wear that is more durable, it may cost our skin.
Using a UV light on nails with gel and sns allows the liquid and dip powder to cure and dry quicker and more even. However, using UV light every 2-3 weeks has severe health consequences for the delicate skin around the nail. It is estimated that an individual may sit 6-10 minutes under the UV emitting lamps, which are known to cause skin cancer.
Studies are ongoing. One study stated that they could not clearly say UV lights cause skin cancer during manicures. However, research also tells us that prolonged UV light on the skin, such as tanning, can increase our risk of developing skin cancers such as melanoma. So, can we achieve these beautifully manicured looks without damaging our skin?
The answer is still debated, but knowing the risks and taking precautions can help ease anxiety and keep our hands looking healthy.
Risks with UV light manicures:
Below are tips that can help in decreasing risks and exposure:
We love to see the individual and community ways we express beauty and art! However, we hope that as we navigate these moments of expressing ourselves, we also remember our safety and health.
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Posted by HUED Admin in General on July 26th, 2022
Sarcoma is the name of group cancers that arise from tumors within the bones and tissues, such as muscles and fat. According to Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, sarcoma lumps start out as tiny lumps that cannot be felt and then grow and move throughout the body. They impact children and adolescents primarily compared to adults, and one of the most significant indicators of sarcoma is lumps without any injury.
At this time, research has not shown what causes sarcoma cancer, but scientists have been able to find some risk factors that are listed below:
Risk factors presented by the American Cancer Society are below:
Signs of Sarcoma look like this:
Sarcoma can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, and effective treatment can be determined depending on the spread of the tumors. First, however, it is essential to be aware of your bone health and to immediately speak to a healthcare provider if anything changes.
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Posted by HUED Admin in General on July 18th, 2022
In May, HUED shared an article, “The Mental Impact On Our Virtual Lives,” sharing how social media and the constant usage of our phones impact our mental health. Around 4.2 billion people utilize social media as of 2021, according to research which is roughly, roughly 58.4% of the global population.
It is easy to say “put the phone down,” but letting go of a habit without implementing healthy lifestyle changes or daily challenges may leave some feeling like they cannot go without their phone. Below we created a five-day challenge to allow you time away from the phone but first, some ground rules.
Ready for our challenge?
Every day in the morning:
5 Day No Phone Challenge
Disconnecting from your devices allows for time to connect with others and, most importantly, with yourself. While doing this challenge, also make sure to give yourself grace if you feel the urge to check your phone or you do check your phone. Try this five-day challenge, and let us know how your progress went.
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Posted by HUED Admin in General on July 15th, 2022
Hiking is defined as the act of taking long walks specifically in nature. According to the Outdoor Industry Association hiking has grown in popularity and is now one of the top 4 forms of physical outdoor physical activity. It is an outdoor activity that can be done year-round with the right gear and preparation. We wanted to provide some healthy practices to ensure your safety while you tap into your love of hiking and of nature.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics outlined a couple of tips that we prepared with our recommendations for hiking and camping:
We encourage you to get your body moving and to be safe while doing it!
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Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Posted by HUED Admin in General on July 14th, 2022
With summer coming to a close in the upcoming weeks, we must not shut the door to keep our bodies moving. According to WHO, more than 80% of school-aged adolescents (11-17 years of age) did not meet the recommended one-hour physical activity. The data from this study was released in 2019, before the Covid-19 global pandemic, in which physical activity drastically declined across the board. Therefore, as we prepare for the last few weeks of summer, it is essential to create a daily plan. Below is an infographic by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Keep the Youth Moving:
Below is an infographic depicting how we can achieve 60 minutes of physical activity with our youth. This graph provided for a research study Start Active, Stay Active, illustrates that these moments of physical activity can be spread throughout the day.
Getting the body moving has a positive impact on both our physical health and even mental health. We encourage everyone to keep this body movement up throughout the day and the seasons! With school quickly approaching, we tend to go back inside but encouraging physical activity, even inside, will help our youth in the long run.
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Site content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Posted by HUED Admin in General on July 12th, 2022
With inflation impacting our daily necessities such as food, many people have turned back to eating at home. Prices for individual items such as eggs, milk, and bread have also risen but we have more control over our food if we make it ourselves. Below are some healthy reminders for our seasoned and beginner chefs by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Health Safety In the Kitchen:
Following these steps while cooking will ensure a healthy experience, and below, we have an infographic provided by the Food Safety and Inspection Service from the USDA. Cooking food at the wrong temperature can be detrimental to our health.
Now, what should you be cooking? Well, that depends on your daily life and physical activity. The standard image of the “healthy plate” can be found below:
This image shows that grains and protein are each ¼ of the plate, and fruits and vegetables combined are ½ of the plate. Again, this is an estimated infographic of our daily nutirion. Still, one should do their research and speak to a healthcare professional on what is the necessary breakdown for their health.
After you get the necessary information about your healthy plate, we can move on to the recipes! Cookbooks and digital recipes are available and can help hone in on some creativity in the kitchen. Spice it up by trying new recipes and ingredients and making it fun for yourself, and engaging family members and friends.
Remember being healthy and being creative go hand and hand, we may have to eat at home, but that does not mean we leave the flavor outside.
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