How to Identify and Treat Common Skin Pigmentation Issues

Hyperpigmentation and melasma are often confused because they present the same way, but they are not the same skin condition. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma. This distinction is important because causes and treatments may vary depending on whether you have melasma or another hyperpigmentation issue.  

In this blog post, we’re going to discuss what hyperpigmentation is – and how to identify it – with insights from Jill Bickford, MSN, APRN, AGNP-BC, who serves patients at our Stratham, NH location, and we’ll focus on melasma, a common and highly treatable type of hyperpigmentation with different causes.

What is Hyperpigmentation? 

Hyperpigmentation is any darkening of the skin’s pigment that is caused by an increase in melanin (melanin is the naturally occurring pigment that gives color to the skin). Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin’s pigment-making cells, called melanocytes, are stimulated and make a surplus of pigment.  

This surplus can be triggered by sun exposure, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema or acne, medications, or hormones. In fact, hyperpigmentation is common during pregnancy because of the body’s hormonal changes. This is often called the “mask of pregnancy”. 

When hyperpigmentation occurs, it can appear as large blotches of brown spots, or as smaller spots like freckles. Types of hyperpigmentation include: 

• Sun Spots: Also known as solar lentigines, liver spots or age spots, these darkened patches often appear in sun-exposed areas of the skin like the face and on the hands and arms. While they are harmless, they can be an unwelcome sight on the body and there are treatments to reduce their appearance.  

• Freckles: These highly common small brown spots typically occur on areas of the skin with high sun exposure when the skin produces excess melanin to protect the skin from UV radiation. Sun spots are a type of freckle that develops later in life.  

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of a skin injury or inflammatory condition, such as eczema or acne, leaving behind brown, red, black, pink, or purple patches of skin. Skin cells involved in the healing process following injury or inflammation can produce excess melanin, resulting in darkened areas of the skin. While PIH may fade over time, it can be treated by a dermatologist.  

• Melasma: As we’ll explain in more depth below, melasma manifests as darkened patches on and around the face. It is unique in that it often appears symmetrically – if it occurs on one cheek, it usually occurs on the other cheek as well.  

How to Treat Hyperpigmentation 

Treatments for hyperpigmentation include medical-grade topical skin care products called tyrosinase inhibitors such as Vitamin C, Azelaic acid, Kojic acid, and Tranexamic acid, which can all aid in decreasing or suppressing melanin production.  

Chemical peels, lasers, and light treatments are offered at Optima Dermatology. These include Forever Young BBL™ (BroadBand Light), HALO® Hybrid Fractional Laser, Fraxel®, and more. Your provider can help you determine the best treatment for your hyperpigmentation issue and work with you to improve its appearance.  

All About Melasma 

Melasma is a highly common skin condition, although the exact cause is not known. Some triggers include: 

• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or as a result of thyroid disorders 

• Sun exposure 

• Medications 

• Genetics 

Melasma is most often brought on by hormonal changes, and is therefore most common in pregnant women, women taking contraceptives, using hormone replacement therapy drugs (HRT), going through menopause, or experiencing other hormonal changes or imbalance.  

Progesterone and estrogen hormones cause the production of melanocytes on the skin, resulting in darkened or red spots or patches.   

While it is often noticeable, as it typically appears on sun-exposed areas like the nose, cheeks, forehead, or upper lip, it does not cause itching, pain, or burning symptoms.  

This condition most often manifests in women but can occur in anyone at any age. Many describe the appearance of melasma as ‘dirty’, or ‘muddy’. While it is treatable and not serious, the dark patchiness that appears on the face can have emotional impacts such as depression and heightened self-consciousness when out in public. For this reason, it’s important to speak with a dermatologist to understand your treatment options. Additionally, melasma should be checked to rule out cancer if discoloration appears suddenly or in an area of the skin not often exposed to sunlight.  

Identifying and Treating Melasma 

If you notice irregularly shaped, darkened areas on your skin, you may have melasma. It is commonly tan, brown, or gray-brown. It does typically manifest on sun-exposed areas and especially forehead, temples, cheeks, and upper lip, but has been known to appear on other parts of the body as well.  

Melasma is exacerbated by sun exposure or exposure to UV light, so it’s always recommended to wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, wear sun-protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds and long-term direct sunlight. In addition, melasma may flare from exposure to excessive heat from hot weather, hot cars, saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hot yoga) 

Melasma may go away on its own once hormones become more balanced, but is often a lifelong condition that can be managed, but not cured.  At times, changing birth control, or hormone replacement therapy may help reduce melasma.  

Depending on your melasma, your dermatologist may recommend other treatment options that can include: 

• Chemical peels 

• Topical skin lighteners or corticosteroids 

• Laser therapy 

• IPL/BBL therapy  

• Microdermabrasion 

It’s important to meet with a dermatology provider to understand your melasma and identify the best treatment option.  

If you think you have hyperpigmentation or melasma, and want to discuss treatment options, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists and providers. We can help you get back to feeling confident in your skin! Book a consultation today.  

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gregory Delost from our Mentor, OH, location discusses expert tips on how to prevent and treat sunburns effectively on ‪New Day Cleveland‬. Sunburns are not just a temporary discomfort; it can lead to long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer which is why preventatives and treatments are so important.

Summer Rashes 

As we enjoy the summer activities, our skin can often react to various environmental factors, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious rashes. Let’s discuss the causes, symptoms, tips for prevention, and treatment options of some common summer rashes. 

Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Daniel Cuozzo sits down with ‪‪CBS13 News‬ to discuss the causes, symptoms, tips for prevention, and treatment options for some common summer rashes.

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Poison Ivy & Poison Oak 

Cause: Contact with urushiol oil from these plants. 

Symptoms: Red, itchy rash, often in streaks or lines, blisters. 

Prevention: Avoiding areas where these plants grow, wearing protective clothing. 

Treatment: Immediately rinse your skin with warm, soapy water, and wash your clothing. To avoid getting any oil from the plant on your skin, wear gloves while touching or washing anything that may have oil on it. This includes your pet! 

You can treat the rash at home if it is a mild rash in a small area my using a calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream and applying cool presses. If your rash is not improving after 7 to 10 days, or you think your rash may be infected, see a board-certified dermatologist. 

“Swimmer’s Itch” (cercarial dermatitis) 

Cause: Allergic reaction to parasites in contaminated water. Swimmer’s itch occurs in both freshwater and in the marine coastal environments. 

Symptoms: Itchy, patchy red pinpoint skin rash. 

Prevention: Avoiding swimming in infested waters, toweling off immediately after swimming. 

Treatment: You can apply anti-itch creams and cool compresses. Avoid scratching, scratching can cause abrasions leading to infection. If the symptoms persist for longer than 3 days, a dermatologist should be seen. 

Bug bites 

Cause: Bites from insects like mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and spiders. 

Symptoms: Red, itchy bumps, swelling, sometimes blisters or a rash. 

Prevention: Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, avoid areas with high insect activity, and pay attention to outbreaks in your area. 

Treatment: For painful bites, such as a bee sting, take an over-the-counter painkiller, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For bites that itch, apply an ice pack or an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, such as hydrocortisone. Another option is to take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the bite. 

If you experience any serious symptoms after a bug bite, such as a rash, fever, or body aches, see your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist immediately. 

Tinea Versicolor 

Cause: Overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Hot, humid weather, lots of sweating, oily skin, and a weakened immune system can cause yeast to overgrow. Tinea versicolor is more common in teens as they tend to have more oily skin. 

Symptoms: Discolored patches of skin; the color of the spots can be white, pink, salmon, red, tan, or brown. 

Prevention: Keeping skin dry, avoiding excessive heat and humidity. 

Treatment: Antifungal creams, shampoos, or oral medications. 

Skin rashes typically seem easily treatable at home, however some rashes can be a sign of a more serious condition or become infected. If you have a rash that persists for more than a week or shows signs of infection visit your local dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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For more information on skin best practices, please visit optimadermatology.com.

Kristen Provides Excellent Cosmetic Skin Care Services 

Kristen French, LE , a licensed medical esthetician, is the newest addition to Optima Dermatology’s Stratham, NH practice. Having served patients in the Seacoast region since 2010, Kristen brings more than a decade of expertise.  

She graduated as a Licensed Medical Esthetician from the Catherine Hinds Institute of Aesthetics. She also graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science, where she completed a semester abroad at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. 

Kristen has more than 20 years of experience in the skincare industry and provides a wealth of knowledge on medical-grade skincare products. She provides esthetic services including dermaplaning, HydraFacial®, extractions, chemical peels, eyebrow waxing, and more. 

A Patient-Centered and Care-Focused Approach 

Kristen is dedicated to helping her patients achieve their skincare goals by creating custom treatment plans and offering best-in-class technology, devices, and products.  

Her approach to patient care mirrors Optima’s mission to treat everyone like we would our friends and family, and she looks forward to continuing to provide the Seacoast with individualized and thorough care.  

We recently had the opportunity to learn more about Kristen, her approach, and the path that led her to become a licensed medical esthetician. 

How and when did you know you wanted to be an esthetician? Were you always interested in the industry, and what was your path to get where you are now? 

When I was younger, I was always the one who waxed my friend’s eyebrows and was always interested in the latest skincare treatments. After I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to further my education in either nursing or aesthetics. After graduating from Esthetic School, I moved to Arizona and got a job in sales, selling PCA Chemical Peels and Skincare. After about 5 years in Arizona, I moved back to New Hampshire and started working in a plastic surgery office where I worked for the past 15 years. Once that office closed, I decided to make a change and join the dermatology world where I can continue to grow and use my skills and passion for skincare.  

What is your number one tip when it comes to taking care of your skin? 

Always apply sunscreen, and don’t forget your neck! 

What do you enjoy most about treating your aesthetic patients and what is unique about your approach? 

I enjoy seeing the results of the treatments. I also enjoy getting to know my patients and building relationships.  

How would you recommend someone get started if they’re interested in medical aesthetic treatments?  

I recommend they start with a consultation, where we can go over their concerns and goals for their skin. From there we can create a personalized skincare plan.  

Which patients would you recommend a HydraFacial® treatment for? What kind of results can patients expect to see? 

HydraFacial® is one of the most versatile treatments that can be done on all skin types. It provides instant results with smoother, more hydrated skin in just one session. There is no downtime, and you walk away with glowing skin.  

If there is one thing you want your patients to know about you, what would it be? 

I’d like my patients to know that I’m excited to be part of their skincare journey and love to help people feel more confident while using a personalized skincare approach.  

What do you like to do when you are not in the office? 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. In the summer you can find us at the beach, and in the winter, you can find us on slopes skiing.  

What to Expect From Dermatological Care Delivered by Kristen and Her Team 

Kristen and her team at Optima Dermatology offer exceptional services and have the advanced training and experience to ensure the highest quality of care.  

She is currently accepting new patients at our Stratham, NH location. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 603-942-2171. 

Understanding Causes and Treatments for Female Hair Loss.

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions and treatments. This month, we collaborated with Dr. Gregory Delost of our Mentor, OH location. August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, and we’ve asked Dr. Delost to weigh in on the causes of hair loss in women and treatment options. 

The Unique Challenges of Female Hair Loss 

Our hair is an important part of our identities and one of the ways we can express ourselves and our personalities. When an individual experiences hair loss, whether from aging or another trigger, it can impact their self-esteem and everyday life.  

Harvard Health found that one-third of women in the U.S. will experience hair loss at some point in their lifetime, and 85% of men will lose a significant amount of hair by age 50.  

Because hair loss issues are so widespread and often leave individuals wondering what to do, Hair Loss Awareness Month is a great opportunity for dermatologists to spread the word about hair loss conditions and treatments.  

For this blog post, we will focus on female hair loss, which has several causes and can affect women at any age. Fortunately, there are treatment options to get women closer to the healthy head of hair they love.  

What Causes Hair Loss in Women? 

There are several reasons why women lose their hair. Some female hair loss is temporary, while other types are more permanent or require treatment to manage.  

Let’s start with temporary hair loss. While frustrating and even a bit scary to see hair falling out and thin or bare patches form on the scalp, temporary hair loss occurs because of a specific trigger and will regrow once that trigger is resolved.  

Here are some common causes of temporary hair loss: 

Postpartum hair loss: Losing hair after having a baby actually isn’t true hair loss – it’s hair shedding as your body adjusts to falling estrogen levels. During pregnancy, the body holds onto hair, so you aren’t experiencing normal daily hair shedding. After giving birth, all that hair falls out. It may be a bit shocking but it should taper off by four months postpartum and normal hair growth resumes at about one year postpartum. To reduce the appearance of thin or bald spots from postpartum hair loss, we recommend: 

• Avoiding heavy or intensive conditioners, as these can weigh down hair 

• Using a volumizing shampoo to make hair appear fuller 

• Only conditioning the ends of your hair to avoid weighing your hair down 

Recovery from a major illness or surgery, or weight loss of 20+ pounds: A major trauma or change to the body can cause telogen effluvium, where more hairs than normal begin shedding at the same time. Similar to postpartum hair loss, hair falls out all at once but will taper off after a few months and normal hair growth resumes.  

Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy targets rapidly-dividing cells, which include hair follicles. Hair loss during chemotherapy treatment is normal, and hair typically grows back once the treatment is complete; however it may be thinner or patchy, something you can manage with different treatment options.  

Psoriasis on the scalp: This condition can cause temporary hair loss as the skin is inflamed and irritated. Once your scalp psoriasis has been treated, normal hair growth typically resumes.  

Alopecia areata: This autoimmune condition causes your immune system to attack the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss or hair thinning. Alopecia areata can be triggered by stress or disease, but with management and treatment, you can expect normal hair growth to resume.  

Traction alopecia (hair damage or breakage): How we treat our hair is so important to its overall health and strength from the roots to the ends. Hairstyles that pull the hair can damage follicles over time and lead to hair loss. Shampooing your scalp and conditioning your hair keep it healthier and moisturized. Avoid excessive hair brushing and keep exposure to extreme heat, such as hair straighteners or curling irons, to a minimum. 

Scarring hair loss: Inflammatory or autoimmune disorders can lead to hair loss caused by hair follicle destruction. This type of hair loss can also be caused by skin injuries or burns. Systemic and aggressive treatment may be required, to help avoid permanent scarring and hair loss. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), is a specific type of scarring hair loss, it often begins in the center of the scalp as a small, balding, and round patch that grows over time. While more common in Black women, this type of hair loss develops in men and people of all races. If you have this type of hair loss, you want to treat it early. Starting treatment early can prevent CCCA from spreading outward and causing more permanent hair loss. 

Female Pattern Hair Loss 

Female pattern hair loss affects millions of women and typically begins in a woman’s 40s, 50s, or 60s. While it is a normal part of aging, hair loss at any point in one’s life can feel frustrating and have a significant impact on daily life.  

Female pattern hair loss is an ongoing condition that doesn’t improve with time, but unlike male pattern baldness, women do not lose all of their hair; rather, it becomes thinner and sparse in patches. 

It can be treated a number of ways depending on the severity of your hair loss and specific situation. Read on to learn about different treatment options for female hair loss.   

Find Your Hair Loss Treatment Plan 

Treatments for hair loss may help stop or slow down hair loss but will not regrow an entire head of hair. The sooner you begin treating hair loss the better, as female pattern hair loss will continue as you age.  

Here are some common treatment options for female pattern hair loss: 

• Minoxidil: Commonly known as Rogaine, this treatment can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.  

• Laser: Laser caps and combs have been shown to be successful at treating hair loss and stimulating hair growth; however, not much has been studied about the overall effectiveness or side effect potential for laser treatments.  

• Microneedling: Typically used in conjunction with Minoxidil or another treatment option, microneedling has been shown to stimulate hair growth. 

• Corticosteroid injections: This procedure can help stimulate hair growth and can be especially effective for those with alopecia areata.  

• Hair transplant: An effective and permanent solution to cover an area of baldness or thinness.  

• Platelet-rich plasma: This procedure separates platelet-rich plasma from your blood, which is then injected into the area of hair loss. It has been shown effective at slowing hair loss when repeated several times.  

• Prescription medications: In some cases, prescription medications like Propecia are recommended to slow or stop hair loss. You should consult with your dermatologist to see if a prescription medication makes the most sense for you.  

We don’t recommend medicinal treatments for temporary hair loss since it will grow back with time in these situations. However, if you are struggling with your temporary hair loss, here are a few quick tips to improve your hair’s appearance: 

• Use a volumizing shampoo 

• Avoid heavy or intensive hair care products that weigh hair down 

• Keep hair away from extreme heat treatments like curling irons that can damage it and lead to greater hair loss 

• Avoid hair styles that pull or break the hair 

• Use a conditioner formulated for fine hair 

If you’d like to meet with a dermatologist to discuss hair loss concerns, schedule an appointment at any of our offices in Indiana, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Maine, and start your journey to stronger hair! 

YORK, Maine — Optima Dermatology is opening a new practice in York on August 5th.

YORK, Maine — Optima Dermatology is opening a new practice in York on August 5th.

The practice will be Optima’s second in Maine and fifth in New England, with three existing practices located throughout New Hampshire.

Optima’s York practice at 10 Market Place Drive will be led by Dr. Joan Sisto, Dr. Virginia Barton, and Jacqueline Watts, PA-C.

Sisto has been serving patients in southern Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast since 1999. She completed her residency in dermatology at Montefiore Hospital of AECOM and was named Chief Resident during her final year. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

“It’s wonderful to be part of Optima’s continued growth and focus on increasing access to dermatology services in New England,” said Sisto. “I value Optima’s approach to dermatology as it reflects my own mission to treat my patients like I would want my friends and family to be treated.”

As summer kicks into full gear, many of us find ourselves jet-setting off to our favorite vacation spots. While it’s refreshing to take a break from our daily responsibilities, it’s crucial to remember that our skin care routine should come along for the ride. In a recent New Day Cleveland interview on July 12th, Dr. Delost, who serves patients in Mentor, OH, shared valuable insights on maintaining your skin’s health while traveling.

From the dehydrating effects of airplane cabin air to the harsh environmental factors of new destinations, Dr. Delost covers it all. He also offers practical tips and product recommendations to keep your skin glowing on the go. Don’t let travel stress or increased sun exposure take a toll on your skin—watch the full interview below to learn how to keep your skin healthy and radiant throughout your summer adventures.

A Portable Skincare Routine to Maintain Your Glow On-the-Go

It’s summertime – that wonderful season of vacations and weekend getaways. Vacation is for relaxing, shedding the stresses of everyday life, and perhaps indulging a bit more than usual. It’s refreshing to leave certain responsibilities behind, but some things should come along for the trip, like your skincare routine.

Packing up your at-home skincare routine isn’t the easiest to do – available luggage space is at a premium, and how can you possibly choose which products to bring and which to leave behind? Not to mention those pesky TSA liquid restrictions for carry-ons.

Plus, we know it can be challenging to keep up with routines when you’re on vacation, since letting loose is kind of the point, but the extra time in the sun and heightened activity only increase the need to maintain your skincare.

Luckily, our providers and estheticians have some great tips and guidance for maintaining a skincare routine while you’re on the go.

Traveling’s Toll on Your Skin

Vacationing is wonderful! But for your skin it can be quite the opposite, which is why your skincare routine shouldn’t take any time off.

There are a few ways traveling can impact your skin – even before you get to your destination – but there are ways to stay fresh, hydrated, and glowing on the go.

Flying

Our skin needs a little extra TLC while in flight, thanks to the depressurized – and therefore dry – cabin air. This low-humidity environment can leave skin dry, itchy, and even flakey, especially during lengthy flights.

Different Climates

Depending on where you’re traveling, you might be going to a completely different climate. Switching from a cold climate to a hot one, or from a humid climate to a dry one, can wreak havoc on your skin since it has little time to adjust to the change.

Different Environments

Planning to sit on a beach for several days? Maybe you’re headed into a big city. Environmental factors like sand, wind, and pollution can give skin a run for its money, especially exposed areas like the face.

Stress

Let’s face it – no matter how relaxing it is once you get where you’re going, there is always some travel stress you can’t avoid. Packing, leaving in time, catching a connecting flight, or long travel hours will cause some stress that can manifest on your skin, especially if you’re prone to stress-related breakouts.

Sun

Summer vacation and sunny days go hand-in-hand, but going from a 9-5 workday spent indoors to a 9-5 beach day under the sun is a shock to the skin and requires extra attention to prevent burns that can quickly put a damper on your trip.

Whatever factors might be at play on your vacation that can impact your skin, you can be prepared with skincare products that can take on anything your trip throws your skin’s way.

Overcoming the Challenges of Skincare While Traveling

Here are the top tips for overcoming some of the biggest challenges of maintaining your skincare routine while traveling.

Pack products to tackle your travel challenges. Whether it’s a change in climate, days in the sun, or a long flight, consider what you’ll need to care for your skin while you’re away. Here are a few recommendations for different travel situations.

• Hydration is critical for battling that dry cabin air. Pack a moisturizer you can apply before and during your flight to keep skin hydrated all flight long.
• If you’re headed to a sunny, warm destination, pack that sunscreen, moisturizer, and after-sun skin cream to protect and nourish your skin during and after time in the sun.
• If you’re prone to breakouts, make sure you’re traveling with the products you’ll need to manage it if it happens.

Decide how you can downsize your routine. Chances are you’re not going to pack up your entire skincare collection. What do you really need for the time you’ll be away? Our dermatologists recommend bringing at least these three essentials:

• Sunscreen or sunblock rich in antioxidants; make sure to reapply every 2 hours, protection is key to prevent burns, skin cancer and signs of aging! There are many SPF products out there, read on for some of our provider’s favorites.
• Cleanser to remove impurities such as dirt, oil and sunblock to keep pores clean.
• Hyaluronic Acid (HA) serum is lightweight, hydrating, plumping and gives a beautiful glow.

Invest in travel-size containers. If you can transfer some of your skincare products to smaller containers, consider purchasing some TSA-friendly sizes for your essentials.

Try new products before you leave. The last thing you want is to have a bad reaction to a new skincare product while you’re away. Try any new products ahead of time to make sure they work for your skin.

The Best Skincare Products to Bring on The Road

Some of our expert providers have weighed in with their favorite skincare products that they wouldn’t leave behind while on the road.

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Sarah Winholt, NP-C, from our Milford, OH clinic, always travels with:

• Skinbetter TONESMART SPF 75 Sunscreen Lotion
• Skinbetter Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum

Licensed Esthetician, Michelle Nunez, from our Bedford, NH practice recommends the following products as must haves for summer on the road!

• Revision’s Gentle Foaming, or Revision’s Papaya cleanser for light exfoliation
• Revision’s C+ Correcting complex 30%  
• Alastin’s HA Immerse Serum
• SPF:
  • Isdin mineral brush – easy to reapply over makeupEltaMD sheer SPF stick for face and body – easy to pack!
  • Isdin Eryfotona, a 100% mineral SPF 50 sunscreen with an innovative blend of peptides, antioxidants and DNA Repairsomes, helping repair existing sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • EltaMD Aero Spray

Finally, Medical Aesthetics Provider and Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Jill Bickford’s from our Stratham, NH location, three must-have products when traveling are:

• Alastin’s Gentle Cleanser
• Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex
• Alastin’s Hydratint – Hydratint doubles as SPF and light foundation and has become a favorite amongst the team in Stratham!

You might be taking a vacation, but your skin isn’t. Pack your skincare products for your trip and treat your skin just as lavishly as you treat yourself

As we enjoy the summer activities, our skin can often react to various environmental factors, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious rashes such as poison ivy, poison oak, swimmer’s itch, bug bites and tick bites, tinea versicolor, and more. Dr. Delost, working at our Mentor, OH location, recently went on New Day Cleveland to discuss the causes, symptoms, tips for prevention, and treatment options of some common summer rashes. Check out the full interview below!

Why You Should Skip the Tanning Bed and Try These Alternatives

Being summer-ready has historically also meant having bronzed, sun-kissed skin to show off at the beach on your vacation. There is an entire industry around getting tan, and a big player in that space is the tanning bed. But if you’re thinking of using one, you should first ask yourself: are tanning beds safe? 

The short answer is no – tanning beds aren’t safe for your skin. In this post, we’ll explain why they’re unsafe, and what you should know about them, and we’ll provide some great alternatives so you can achieve that tanned look without putting your skin in danger.

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Debunking Tanning Bed Myths

There’s a lot of marketing around tanning bed use that doesn’t mention the significant health risks it poses. Here are 5 myths about tanning beds – and the truth may surprise you!

Myth 1: Tanning beds are safer than the sun. 

Tanning beds have long been billed as an easy and effective way to get tan, and have even been falsely heralded as safer than the sun. 

But tanning beds emit levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that are just as or more intense than the sun, making a tanning bed’s effect on the skin worse than sun exposure. UVA rays from tanning beds can be three times more intense than from natural sunlight, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that tanning beds can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24% – and using tanning beds before age 20 increases the risk of developing melanoma by 47%. 

Myth 2: Getting a “base tan” from a tanning bed reduces the risk of sunburn. 

One or two tanning bed sessions to get a “base tan” will not only have zero impact on whether you get a sunburn (you can still get a sunburn even with a deep tan), but it’s no safer for your skin than being exposed to natural sunlight. 

Myth 3: Tanning beds help your skin produce more Vitamin D. 

The body produces Vitamin D in response to UVB light, but tanning beds emit mostly UVA light, therefore having no impact on your levels of Vitamin D. The best way to get it is through your diet by eating foods rich in Vitamin D, which is far more effective than UV radiation exposure. 

Myth 4: You can’t become addicted to tanning. 

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports there is evidence tanning can be addicting; 20% of women who took part in a Georgetown University Medical Center study showed signs of tanning dependence. Exposure to UV light has addictive qualities as it causes the release of mood-boosting endorphins, which then fade once the tanning session is over and can lead to feelings of depression or sadness.

Myth 5: There aren’t any serious risks associated with tanning beds.

Aside from the very serious risk of developing skin cancer, tanning beds can lead to other health concerns or injuries, including burns, premature skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage such as cataracts and ocular melanoma.

Safer Alternatives to Tanning Beds

Sunless tanning options like spray tan or self-tanner leave your skin looking tan without the dangerous UV radiation exposure. 

One reason tanning beds are popular is that people believe they can’t get an even tan any other way. However, that’s simply not true.

When applied correctly, spray tans or self tanner look even and natural and won’t leave any splotchy, streaky, orange-hued coloration.

There are also a handful of additional benefits to choosing sunless tanner over tanning beds (or tanning in natural sunlight). 

• Preserve your skin. UV radiation can cause your skin to become leathery and more wrinkled over time. 
• Prevent pre-cancerous growths. Exposure to UV radiation can also cause pre-cancerous growths called Actinic Keratosis, or AK. These growths must be tested to rule out cancer and put you at higher risk of developing skin cancer.
• Conceal stretch marks. Contrary to popular belief, sunless tanning options actually do a better job of covering up stretch marks – tanning beds can make them more noticeable.
• Save time and money. This may be a basic argument against tanning bed use, but it’s not an incorrect one. Tanning beds can be expensive and require multiple uses to achieve a tan, whereas sunless tanner can last several days before fading with just a single application. 

Tanning Bed Risks Have Caught Lawmakers’ Attention

Because of the data showing increased risks of skin cancer associated with tanning bed use, especially for youth under the age of 20, many states have banned minors from using tanning beds. 

Jamie Piacentini, a board-certified nurse practitioner at Optima Dermatology’s Scarborough, ME practice, was instrumental in the passing of legislation in 2019 that restricts minors under the age of 18 from using tanning beds in the state of Maine. Piacentini is passionate about creating awareness and taking action around the risks of tanning bed use for anyone, but especially minors.   

The U.S. House of Representatives has also become involved in advocating for more upfront and clear language around the risks of tanning bed use. 

This awareness and action comes on the heels of a legislative committee study that interviewed staff at different tanning salons. 90% of staff questioned about safety risks were not truthful, with some saying there were health benefits associated with using tanning beds and no increased risk for a fair-skinned teenager.

In fact, individuals under the age of 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma from tanning bed use – and skin cancer becomes more likely if an individual has already sustained a sunburn in their lifetime. 

The Bottom Line: Tanning Beds Aren’t Safe

If having tan skin in the summer months or year-round is important to you, sunless tanners like spray tanning and self tanner are great alternatives to tanning beds that keep your skin safe from UV radiation. 

The risks of UV exposure are too great to take chances, especially if you’re under 20. Keep your skin healthy and glowing for longer and stay out of the sun’s harmful rays. And if you’ve already used a tanning bed, you can still protect your skin from developing skin cancer by stopping and switching to a sunless tanning option. And don’t forget to use sunscreen – spray tans and self tanner don’t provide any protection from the sun, and whether you’re tan or not, sunscreen is the only way to prevent sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer. 

If you’d like product recommendations, have questions about your skin health, or just want a skin check, contact us today to set up an appointment with a provider in your area. 

Understanding Vitiligo and How to Reduce Its Appearance

We’re back with another Derm Deep Dive, a series where we provide expert advice from one of our board-certified dermatologists about common skin conditions or treatments. For Vitiligo Awareness Month, we’re speaking with board-certified dermatologist at our Mentor, OH location, Dr. Gregory Delost.

The Purpose of Vitiligo Awareness Month

In 2011, June was designated Vitiligo Awareness Month to help raise awareness and spread education about this skin condition that affects 70 million people worldwide.

Recognizing skin conditions within a designated month helps support individuals with these issues and promotes additional research toward treatment options and management strategies. Suffering from a skin issue can feel isolating and have an impact on our daily lives, but speaking openly, especially about lesser-known conditions like vitiligo, helps create a supportive community and widens access to treatment.

Vitiligo Awareness Month is an important time for Optima Dermatology and our team of skin care experts to remind everyone suffering from this skin condition that you aren’t alone and there is help out there!

While many individuals are happy living with vitiligo and consider it as part of their identity, many others struggle with this condition and need greater support and information about treatment and management.

In this blog, I’ll detail the best treatment options and the most effective approach for treating vitiligo.

What is Vitiligo?

Vitiligo is an autoimmune pigmentary disorder in which the immune system attacks melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment, affecting the coloring of the skin. Individuals with vitiligo will experience patches and spots of lighter skin that can occur in a small area or be more widespread. The level and amount of color loss can vary depending on the type and severity of your vitiligo.

Anyone can develop vitiligo regardless of skin color or tone. It is not contagious, but existing patches of discolored skin can become wider or spread to other areas of the body. The discolored patches are typically lighter than your normal skin tone or a milky white color.

There are different types of vitiligo, which I’ll explain in more detail below, and if you develop one type of vitiligo, it is possible for it to then develop into a different type over time. The best way to intervene with progression is with treatment and management.

Vitiligo can also mimic the symptoms of another skin disorder, tinea versicolor, a fungal infection on the skin that causes discoloration, so it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you’re experiencing skin discoloration to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Different Types of Vitiligo

We classify vitiligo in two ways – its stage of development and its type.

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Vitiligo has three stages of development:

Localized: A small patch or patches of lighter or discolored skin on one or a few areas of the body. Vitiligo may remain in the localized stage for months or years.

Generalized: Scattered patches of color loss across different areas of the body.

Universal: A rarer stage of vitiligo in which people lose most of their skin color.

Vitiligo can move into different stages throughout your lifetime, and there is no way to predict how much color loss will ultimately occur, or how large or widespread the patches will be.

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When vitiligo appears, regardless of stage, it falls into three types based on its appearance:

Non-segmental vitiligo: With this type of vitiligo, patches of lighter skin will appear on both sides of the body, often on the same appendage or in the same location. This type of vitiligo can continue to grow as time passes.

Segmental vitiligo. This type of vitiligo typically affects one area or side of the body and after a certain amount of time, the color loss stops and the vitiligo stabilizes.

Mixed type vitiligo. This type of vitiligo is rare, but individuals who have mixed type experience both non-segmental and segmental vitiligo.

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Depending on your stage and type of vitiligo, your board-certified dermatologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan to manage your vitiligo, which can help minimize the spread and appearance of discoloration.

Vitiligo Treatment and Management

I’ve worked with many patients to treat and manage their vitiligo, and I recently spoke about it on New Day Cleveland and highlighted how far treatments have come in just the last few years.

Vitiligo, like many skin disorders, can affect a person’s confidence and impact daily life, but I’m encouraged by the greater acceptance and awareness around vitiligo that has helped individuals consider vitiligo as part of their identity rather than something they need to cover with makeup and hide away.

That being said, treatment and management help control vitiligo, and there are several options depending on your stage and type.

Topical Medication: There are topical creams specifically targeted to the immune cells that play a role in vitiligo. By scaring the immune cells away, the pigment can return over time. For some patients, I may prescribe a corticosteroid or a combination of a corticosteroid and another topical medication to help restore color. Ruxolitinib Cream (“Rux cream”) is the only the FDA approved RX cream to treat vitiligo, the images shown below show the results Rux cream can provide over time.

Light Therapy: Exposure to UV light for a certain amount of time can help trigger color restoration in the skin, and is most effective at treating vitiligo on the face and neck. Because light therapy works slowly, I may prescribe this treatment with a topical medication.

Oral Medications: If your vitiligo is progressing rapidly, I may prescribe an oral medication like prednisone to help slow down the spread and give us time to use an additional treatment.

Surgery: In serious cases, skin graft or cell transplant surgery are options to move healthy, pigmented skin, or cells from healthy skin, to the affected areas of the body. 

It’s important to understand going into treatment that it does take time. The skin’s pigmentation cells need time to return, so results are not immediate, but we have seen remarkable results with these treatments.

Because the skin’s pigment cells tend to congregate around hair follicles, treatment is especially effective on the face compared to the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

One easy way to help prevent the spread of vitiligo is to practice good sun protection when outdoors. Skin with vitiligo burns easily as there is no pigment to protect it from the sun’s rays, and sunburn can worsen the condition.

Find Your Treatment Plan

Vitiligo can affect anyone at any age, but there are great treatment and management options for everyone. It’s important to visit with a dermatologist to diagnose your vitiligo and begin a treatment plan that is best for you.

I’d love to meet with you to start a conversation about treating your vitiligo. Schedule an appointment with me at Optima Dermatology’s Mentor, OH practice to establish a treatment plan that will work best for you.