We all remember the devastation of discovering a blemish minutes before a big dance in high school, but just because we aren’t teens anymore doesn’t mean pimple problems are gone for good. Unfortunately, the blemish before the big dance has been replaced with the blemish before the big meeting. Since acne is a lifelong nemesis for many, there’s never a bad time to become better educated about ways to prevent and treat acne breakouts.

Beyond chocolate as the culprit. Acne starts in your skin’s oil glands. Normally, this oil, known as sebum, travels up your follicles carrying dead skin cells to the surface of your skin. However, your pores can become blocked by an increase in hormones that stops the oil from reaching your skin and causes bacteria to grow in the follicle.¹ Your body takes action against infection, causing the area to become inflamed, which results in those small, dreaded red sores, as well as blackheads and whiteheads. While your body learned to cope with the abundance of oil produced throughout adolescence, you’ve probably resigned yourself to ride out the annoying flare-ups since. Well, you’re not alone—adult acne affects more than half of all women and a quarter of all men at some time in their adult lives.²

Don’t surrender. If you suspect that your cosmetics may be contributing to your blemishes, try to spend a few weeks makeup-free and observe the results. It’s also important to cut down on stress and stick to a regular skin care regimen, which includes washing your face every morning and evening. While that’s a great start, there are times when it may not be enough. Supplement your regimen with a product that helps treat the condition with the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.^™ System. CLENZIderm M.D. is the only prescription-strength acne system that contains a unique form of 5% benzoyl peroxide designed specifically to penetrate to the root of your acne problems.

Clear skin fast and help maintain a healthy complexion for a lifetime with CLENZIderm M.D. Also, be sure to see your dermatologist at least once a year. We carry Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. at Parkway Plastic Surgery. Call or stop in today to purchase.

Summer is right around the corner, and you know what that means—time to open up the windows, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. Before you get to show off that new bathing suit and hit the beach, here are a few other things to consider to look and feel great all season long!

• Apply sunscreen properly. Saying “yes” to sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun. Be generous with your application and make sure to reapply at least once every 2 hours—more frequently if you’re sweating or jumping in the pool. Also, try to slather it on at least 30 minutes before going outside so you can get the most protection. Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 not only shields against UVB and UVA rays, its non-greasy formula applies completely sheer in an elegant, matte finish that feels great on your skin.
• Buy a new hat. There’s no better time to show off a stylish hat than the spring and summer (other than a royal wedding, of course!). Between wide-brimmed options, caps and yes, even visors, there’s bound to be something out there for every outfit. Remember, hats will allow you to stay fashionable while protecting your face from harmful UV rays.
• Find your perfect sandals. Be kind to your feet. It can be easy to wear out sandals after a year or two, which is also a great excuse to buy a new pair! Stylish ones are always nice, but try to find something that keeps you comfortable. And because nothing goes better with new sandals than smooth feet and freshly polished toes, treat yourself to a pedicure! Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Your feet deserve the same sun protection as your face and arms, but often get overlooked.
• Give your skin some additional TLC. This is the prime time for showing off some skin, so why not take some steps to make sure yours is at its best? The winter can cause skin dryness, so be sure to moisturize and exfoliate your body so it looks and feels soft and supple. Sunless tanners are also a great way to get a gorgeous glow.

Gearing up for the summer isn’t difficult, but it does take a little bit of prep work. What else are you doing to get ready for the warm weather season?

When you’re having fun outdoors, it’s easy to forget how important it is to protect yourself from the sun. Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure.

Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block UV rays; they filter them—and sometimes only slightly. Remember to plan ahead, and keep sun protection handy in your car, bag, or child’s backpack.

Tan? There’s no other way to say it—tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your skin after time outside—whether sunburn or suntan—indicates damage from UV rays. Using a tanning bed causes damage to your skin, just like the sun.

Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types, called basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. But melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous.

Risk Factors

Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk, like having—

• A lighter natural skin color.
• A personal  history of skin cancer.
• A family history of melanoma.
• Exposure to the sun through work and play.
• A history of sunburns early in life.
• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
• Blue or green eyes.
• Naturally blond or red hair.

How to Protect Yourself

Take precautions against sun exposure every day of the year, especially during midday hours (10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage. UV rays can reach you on cloudy days, and can reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
• Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Put on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. The UV rays from them are as dangerous as the UV rays from the sun.

We are offering 30% off any sunblock this month to help you stay protected.