The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many Americans to the idea of wearing a face covering in public settings. If you’re an essential worker who has had to mask up for eight hours a day or more, you may be discovering the phenomenon nicknamed “maskne” – or breakouts associated with wearing a face mask for long periods. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Seth Matarasso is here to answer all your questions about skincare in this new era, and what steps you should take to ensure healthy skin while preventing the spread of germs.

How to Wear a Face Mask

We still have a lot to learn about the novel coronavirus and how it gets transmitted from person to person. However, infectious disease experts have pinpointed that – as with colds and the flu – the primary source of the spread is through the airborne droplets we emit when we talk, laugh, sing, cough, or sneeze. That means we can take the simple step of wearing a face covering to minimize the transmission of viruses and protect vulnerable members of our community.

If you’re new to wearing a mask, you need to know that for maximum efficacy, your face covering should fully cover the lower two-thirds of your face, from the bridge of your nose to just under your chin. And, while the mask should fit securely, you must ensure it’s not tighter than necessary. If you notice redness, abrasions, rosacea, eczema, irritation, or breakouts after removing your mask, wash the area with water and a gentle cleanser, and follow with a protective ointment to help the skin heal.

Preventing Mask-Related Breakouts

Besides irritating the skin, a mask can trap oil, dirt, and sweat in the pores – especially in warmer weather. If you’re already susceptible to skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema, you might notice your mask exacerbating these issues. To help restore the balance of your skin, wash and moisturize whenever you take off your face mask, and gently exfoliate once a week.

If your current skin care regimen is already working well for you, you don’t need to go crazy experimenting with a lot of new products, as shaking things up too much can lead to imbalanced skin and irritation. Choose facial cleansers that remove oil, dirt, and other impurities without compromising your skin’s protective barrier. If you have oily, breakout-prone skin, look for a face wash that has salicylic acid as one of the main ingredients. Salicylic acid can help prevent blemishes by clearing clogged pores. After washing your skin, apply a lightweight moisturizer or serum for anti-aging benefits.

Can You Wear Makeup Under a Face Mask?

It isn’t necessary to apply makeup to an area that will be underneath a face mask all day. Indeed, makeup can clog your pores and become trapped on your skin by your mask, causing breakouts. It’s better to focus on keeping your skin moist and free of irritation while wearing a face covering. However, wearing a mask doesn’t let you off the hook from applying sunscreen every time you leave the house. UV rays can penetrate window glass and cause premature aging, even if you’re inside.

Beautiful Skin Year-Round

Your skin’s health is an essential part of your overall well-being. To learn more about our non-surgical cosmetic treatments in San Francisco, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Matarasso today.

A divorce is a significant decision that signals a new phase of your life. It’s understandable you would want to improve your appearance after ending your marriage – not only because you want to feel like you’re making a fresh start, but also because you’re planning on reentering the dating world and want to put your best face forward. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular minimally invasive procedures that Dr. Matarasso’s newly single clients request.

1. Liquid Facelift

If you are concerned about mild to moderate signs of facial aging, but aren’t willing to undergo an invasive surgery such as a facelift, you have another option. The term “liquid facelift” refers to using neuromodulators such as Botox® in conjunction with dermal fillers like Juvéderm to remove wrinkles and improve facial volume.

Botox creates temporary paralysis in the muscles around the eyes and eyebrow area, improving crow’s feet, brow furrows, and the “11 lines” between the eyebrows. It relaxes existing wrinkles and helps prevent new ones from forming. Fillers can also add subtle volume and contour to the cheeks and lips while erasing the fine lines around the mouth.

There’s no downtime, stitches, or anesthesia involved with a liquid facelift, and you don’t have to take time away from work or other regular activities. It’s easy to maintain your long-term results by returning to our office for periodic touch-up treatments a couple of times a year.

2. PRP Facial

The PRP facial, commonly nicknamed the “vampire facial” on social media, combines the healing factors present in your plasma with the collagen-inducing benefits of microneedling for incredible results.

First, we perform the microneedling procedure to create thousands of microscopic puncture wounds in your face. Then, we spread platelet-rich plasma drawn from your blood over the skin. The platelets are rich in nutrients that penetrate deeply into the dermis, where they provide anti-aging benefits and improve your skin’s quality from within. The result will be a brighter, softer, smoother complexion.

3. CoolSculpting®

We’d all like to attain a slimmer silhouette, but often, your efforts in the gym aren’t enough to banish the bulges of unwanted fat from problem areas such as your belly, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms. CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved procedure that uses controlled cooling to freeze fat cells and cause them to die off. After your body naturally flushes out the dead cells, they’ll be gone for good, leaving you with a leaner and more toned physique.

4. Hair Restoration

Society puts tremendous pressure on people to look young and vital at any age. Unfortunately, many men and women experience hair thinning and premature hair loss that makes them appear older and less vibrant. A hair transplant can help you regrow a thicker, fuller head of hair so you can stop hiding your degree of hair loss with hats, scarves, and wigs.

Using an advanced technique called follicular unit extraction, Dr. Matarasso takes tiny bundles of one to four hairs from a “donor” area where you have plenty of hair – such as the back or sides of your head – and carefully inserts them into the balding areas. Once the transplanted hair takes root and enters the normal hair growth cycle, you can expect to see more hair density within a year after your procedure.

5. Ultherapy®

Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared technique that can tighten loose skin from your forehead to your décolletage, with no need for surgery. This revolutionary procedure stimulates new collagen growth with ultrasound energy, which helps kick your healing process into high gear. Over the next two to three months, you’ll notice the firming and tightening of sagging skin.

Where to Seek Post-Divorce Treatments in San Francisco

Ending a marriage is always a difficult decision, but when you close one chapter in your life, you have the chance to open another. Whatever your reasons for seeking post-divorce treatments, Dr. Matarasso is here for you. Contact us today or call 415-362-2238 to schedule your consultation.

As a clinical professor of dermatology, Dr. Seth Matarasso has assembled some top tips on how you can use this extra time to keep up with your beauty routine and emerge from isolation ready to face the world.

Establish a Skin Care Standard

For people who habitually get cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing or microdermabrasion, take advantage of this opportunity to get into a regular home skin care routine. Contrary to what you might think, taking good care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated or involve multiple products. Cleanse your skin every morning and evening, and follow it up with a gentle, lightweight moisturizer. If you’re going outside or sitting near a window, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen if your moisturizer doesn’t already include it. Also, don’t over-exfoliate, as micro-tears in your skin will cause irritation.

Get Plenty of Sleep

There’s a good reason we call it “beauty sleep.” While you’re asleep, your body uses that time to repair damaged cells and replenish your energy. Give yourself the rest you deserve and help eliminate puffiness and dark undereye circles by getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Don’t Forget to Hydrate

Your skin needs moisture to retain its elasticity and help prevent the signs of premature aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. In addition to your daily application of moisturizer, drink plenty of water. If you’re thirsty, that means you’re already dehydrated, so always keep a glass of water within reach. You can also get water from moisture-rich foods such as cucumber, lettuce, strawberries, and melons. As a bonus, you’ll be eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with this approach.

Go Makeup-Free

If you aren’t leaving the house, choose the bare-faced route and give your skin a break from pore-clogging makeup. Not only will this allow your skin a chance to breathe and reduce the potential for breakouts, but it will also reduce the number of potentially hazardous chemicals you expose yourself to.

Make a DIY Face Mask

For an anti-aging DIY face mask, combine yogurt with honey to gently remove dead skin cells and make your complexion look softer and smoother. Mix one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of plain, unflavored Greek yogurt. Smooth onto your face and let it dry for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.

San Francisco’s Skin Care Expert

Whether your dermatological needs are cosmetic or clinical in nature, Dr. Matarasso is here to help you achieve your healthiest glow. If you live in the greater San Francisco area, schedule your consultation today by calling us at 415-362-2238.

Wrinkles, both fine and pronounced, are the visible signs of how your face changes as you age. While we all want to age as gracefully as possible, wrinkles can often confound our ability to maintain a youthful appearance. Today, we’ll look at the two different categories of wrinkles, why they form, and what you can do about them.

What Are Dynamic Wrinkles?

Younger people’s skin returns to its original position after frowning, smiling, and squinting, but as we get older, wrinkles like the “eleven lines” between your brows and the nasolabial folds that bracket your mouth stay with us. These so-called dynamic wrinkles are gradually formed each time you make facial expressions. For example, people who work outdoors may need to squint in bright sunlight, causing the skin at the corners of their eyes to fold. Or, you might find yourself frowning in concentration during a meeting at work or when you are doing a complicated task.

What Are Static Wrinkles?

As we age, we experience a decline in the production of substances that naturally provide structure and volume in our skin, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. This decline leads to the gradual sagging and a loss of firmness in our skin. Eventually, we develop static wrinkles like brow furrows and crow’s feet, which remain visible on our faces even when we are at rest and making a neutral expression.

Your Options for Treating Dynamic and Static Wrinkles

Developing wrinkles is inevitable, but you may be looking for ways to reverse the pronounced effects of aging so you can look younger and more vibrant. The good news is that there are several minimally-invasive products you can use to achieve your anti-aging goals and reduce the appearance of both dynamic and static wrinkles.

The Solution to Dynamic Wrinkles

Botox® and Dysport are versatile products with a range of medical applications. When used for aesthetic reasons, Botox and Dysport can help smooth creases and wrinkles that form due to repetitive muscle movements. Both products use a purified form of botulinum toxin to create temporary paralysis in the small muscles around the eyes and between the eyebrows.

During the three to five months Botox and Dysport remain in effect, you will not be able to make the facial expressions that create dynamic wrinkles in the upper third of your face. Though it is an extreme stereotype that your face will appear “frozen” after getting Botox and Dysport injections, you will enjoy a reduction in the appearance of crow’s feet, worry lines, and brow furrows, thanks to these products’ ability to relax the muscles that create those wrinkles. Neuromodulators also help prevent new wrinkles from forming over time.

How to Correct Static Wrinkles

Injectable dermal fillers such as Juvederm® and Restylane® are top choices for smoothing static wrinkles. These products rely on hyaluronic acid to safely and effectively add volume to lips and cheeks, and fill in wrinkles such as the parentheses and marionette lines that form around your mouth.

With the right combination and amount of dermal fillers applied in targeted areas where you are experiencing noticeable lines and wrinkles, you can expect to see an immediate improvement with zero downtime and effects that last between six and 12 months. Combining dermal fillers and Botox or Dysport can give you complete rejuvenation of your entire face and make you look younger and more refreshed without the need for surgery, stitches, scars, or a long and painful recovery process.

How to Avoid Wrinkles and Maintain Your Results

Though some degree of wrinkling is unavoidable, static wrinkles can be prevented through the use of the right cleanser and moisturizer for your skin type. Additionally,  not smoking, drinking plenty of water, and staying out of the sun will help to maintain a wrinkle-free face. Meanwhile, the only way to avoid the formation of dynamic wrinkles is to limit the facial expressions you make, which can be challenging because we often frown, smile, or squint unconsciously.

Fight Back Against Wrinkles

In addition to injectable neuromodulators and fillers, Dr. Seth Matarasso also offers people in the San Francisco area other non-surgical ways to address the signs of aging and provide a more youthful appearance, such as Ultherapy®, microdermabrasion, intense pulsed light treatments, and Fraxel laser skin resurfacing. An in-person consultation can help you decide which procedure, or combination of procedures, is the best option for you. Schedule your appointment today and achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Fall is finally here, and after a long summer of fun in the sun, you may be noticing a few new lines and wrinkles on your face. Sun damage is one of the leading signs of premature aging and failing to take care of your skin can make you look years older than you actually are.

The sun damage is already here. So, what can you do to reverse summer sun damage and start feeling more confident in your appearance? Here are some of our favorite suggestions.

Fraxel®

Fraxel is a specially designed fractional laser that treats skin in small segments. This FDA-approved laser can provide unparalleled skin tightening while removing flaws such as sunspots, uneven texture, melasma, scarring, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. The heat from the laser promotes gradual production of collagen and elastin, which means you will continue to see improvements in the months following your treatment.

Fraxel is effective for your face, as well as your sun-damaged neck, chest, and hands. Dr. Matarasso can customize the depth of your Fraxel treatment depending on your specific concerns and the imperfections you want to address. You may also wish to schedule more than one Fraxel session for even more dramatic results.

Downtime is minimal, and the most common side effects are redness, swelling, skin bronzing, and flaking. After a Fraxel treatment, you will need to be diligent about applying moisturizer and using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every time you go outside. 

Intense Pulsed Light

Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is another non-surgical option Dr. Matarasso offers for improving the quality of your skin. Unlike Fraxel which uses a single frequency of laser energy, IPL uses multiple frequencies of intense light to produce results. Applying this light energy in bursts rejuvenates damaged skin cells. However, IPL is akin to Fraxel in that it only affects targeted treatment areas, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. 

IPL is a no-downtime way to reduce sun-damaged skin and reverse many of the most common side effects of aging, including sunspots, freckles, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It can also treat concerns like spider veins and unwanted body hair. IPL is safe for nearly all skin types and is more comfortable than some other options because of the cooling gel used during the procedure. 

Depending on your goals, you can schedule a series of several IPL sessions spaced 30 to 60 days apart. After IPL, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, so be sure to apply sunscreen before leaving the house.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that is excellent for sun-damaged, uneven, or dull skin. Instead of using light energy to produce results, the microdermabrasion technique uses a tool that gently exfoliates the skin with aluminum oxide crystals. Removing old, dead skin cells stimulates collagen production and helps improve both the texture and appearance of your skin. 

Microdermabrasion is mild enough to not require any anesthesia beforehand or downtime for recovery afterward. It’s an excellent all-around rejuvenation treatment that only takes about half an hour to perform. If you’re short on free-time, schedule your appointment for your lunch break and be back at work immediately afterward.  

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is a unique, FDA-approved treatment that uses ultrasound energy to refresh the skin on the face, neck, and décolletage area. It can penetrate deeper than lasers, which makes it highly effective at promoting collagen production, tightening the skin, and making you look younger.

Because there is no healing time necessary after getting Ultherapy, it’s an ideal treatment for anyone who leads a busy lifestyle and isn’t willing to commit to the lengthy recovery process that often follows surgeries such as a facelift or neck lift. Ultherapy is also an excellent option for anyone who wants natural-looking results that gradually improve over time. 

Who Loves the Sun? Not Everyone

If you’re ready to reclaim your skin from the cumulative effects of sun damage, seek help from San Francisco’s leading skincare expert, Dr. Seth Matarasso. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Matarasso is proud to offer many of the latest cutting-edge, non-surgical treatments available for sun damage. His goal is to get his patients looking and feeling their best. To learn more about how you can reverse the effects of summer sun damage, contact us for a consultation and put your best face forward this fall.

Celebrities live their lives in the spotlight – a glamorous lifestyle we’ve all daydreamed about having at least once. They get to jet-set around the world and wear clothes and jewelry from famous designers. Whether you see them on a talk show or rocking the red carpet at an awards ceremony, they always look like they just stepped out of the glossy pages of a magazine.

What can you do to mimic that refreshed, ready-for-anything look in your life? Read on for five simple celebrity skincare essentials.

1. Hyaluronic Acid

This naturally occurring molecule is nature’s perfect humectant. It has an incredible capacity to attract and retain skin-plumping moisture. If your skin is losing volume or beginning to show wrinkles and fine lines, hyaluronic acid might be the key skincare ingredient you’ve been looking for.

Many topical moisturizers and serums feature hyaluronic acid as a main ingredient, so if you’re seeking more of this miraculous substance, ask us for a product recommendation. For the most advanced anti-aging benefits consider having hyaluronic acid injected into your skin in the form of a product such as Juvéderm.

Dermal fillers like Juvéderm can provide volume to areas of your face where it is lacking, like your cheeks and the tear troughs below your eyes. They can also smooth out fine lines and make you look subtly younger and more refreshed.

2. Sunscreen

The existence of sunscreen isn’t exactly a secret to anyone, but many people don’t apply the correct amount of coverage or a high enough SPF. And let’s face it, you’ve probably been a bit lax in your sunscreen usage at times. Celebrities who want a healthy glow know there’s no safe or healthy way to tan, and that sun damage puts you on the fast track to looking older.

Embrace your inner celeb by applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more anytime you plan to go outdoors, even if it’s just a short walk to the mailbox. Put it not only on your face but any part of your body that will get exposed to the sun’s damaging UV rays. Don’t forget your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands – all areas that age just as rapidly as your face when exposed to excessive sun damage. By practicing healthy sunscreen habits, you will also help lower your risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

3. Regular Exfoliation

Factors like makeup and environmental pollution can clog your pores, making you more prone to breakouts and causing your skin to look dull and tired. If you haven’t already done so, add exfoliation to your self-care regimen of cleansing and moisturizing your skin. You can find exfoliating products at the drugstore, or you can take your exfoliation a step further with a procedure like microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is a spa-quality treatment that safely removes the top layers of dead skin cells for excellent improvements to the overall tone and texture of the skin. It also stimulates collagen production for continuing results. The procedure is safe, painless, non-surgical, and requires no downtime for healing.

4. Hydration

We all know about the health benefits of staying hydrated, but many people don’t drink enough water throughout the day. Relying solely on sugary, caffeine-filled beverages for your hydration isn’t a smart strategy if your goal is to look younger for longer. The real fountain of youth is full of good old H2O.

If you have trouble remembering to drink water, there are plenty of smartphone apps you can download to keep you on track with your hydration goals. You can also get hydration from water-rich foods such as cucumbers, melons, tomatoes, celery, oranges, and grapefruit.

5. Exercise

Exercise is good for every facet of your mental and physical health, including your skin. You may not be able to afford a celebrity fitness trainer, but you can still carve out time from your daily routine to work up a sweat. As little as 30 minutes of physical activity, such as running, walking, biking, or dancing, can leave you with a healthy glow, improve your mood, and help you feel mentally sharper, as well.

Get the Look Without the Lifestyle

You don’t have to be famous to have beautiful skin that leaves other people enviously wondering what your secret is. You can take these top tips from celebrities and apply them to your regular routine to boost your appearance. To learn more about ways to keep your skin in tip-top condition, schedule your consultation with Dr. Seth Matarasso, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco.

As we head into the dog days of summer, is your skincare routine keeping up what Mother Nature is throwing at you? You can’t keep using the same products year-round and expect them to work consistently well. Hot weather requires you to deal with both humidity and extra-strong UV rays, which can cause clogged pores, sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer if you aren’t diligent about protecting your skin.  

Summer Skincare Tips to Apply Today

Summer is a more laid-back time of year, but exposure to the heat, humidity, and sun causes your skin to suffer, especially if you don’t pay attention to the different needs this season brings. What are the best strategies to follow for your skin type? As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Seth Matarasso brings his expertise to advise you on the best ways to switch up your summer skincare regimen.

1. Avoid Heavyweight Products

In the winter, you need a thicker moisturizer to protect your skin from the cold, dry air, but using that same moisturizer in the summer heat will clog your pores faster than you know what hit you. Instead of sticking with the same cleanser and moisturizer, swap for a lightweight, oil-free lotion that will hydrate gently without causing summer breakouts and greasy skin. 

2. Wash Your Face Frequently

Is your “summer glow” a result of a restful vacation you took, or is it because your skin is sweaty and oily? Especially if you are prone to breakouts, make sure you use a gentle cleanser that does not contain any harsh chemicals, which can strip skin of its natural protective moisture barrier. You can also look for products that contain exfoliants, which remove dead skin cells and pollutants from your pores.

3. Wear Sunscreen Daily

Choose a sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF rating of at least 15 and put it on every time you go out in the sun. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming and sweating. For best results, check the label for the terms “non-comedogenic” — which means it won’t clog your pores — and “broad-spectrum” — which means it will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember, there is no safe or healthy way to tan. If you still insist on having a sun-kissed look, search for a tinted sunscreen that can double as a light makeup. In the future, you’ll be glad you were proactive about protecting yourself from against sunspots, wrinkles, and the risk of skin cancer.

4. Use Acne Facial Cleansers and Spot Treatments

We all sweat more when it’s hot or humid outside, though many of us are reluctant to admit it. Extra sweat and sebum can clog your pores and trigger an unfortunate acne breakout. To keep blemishes at bay, use a mild anti-acne facial cleanser, and keep a spot treatment handy for calming problem skin.

5. Look for On-the-Go Skin Protection

Having a busy schedule is no excuse for forgetting to follow your summer skin routine. We recommend buying travel sizes of your favorite sunscreen so you can reapply every couple of hours. You can also find small packs of moist towelettes that easily slip into a pocket or purse and pull out when you need a refresher throughout the day.

Summer Skin Starts at Our San Francisco Practice

Though this list is a good start of tips for switching up your skincare for the season, remember that taking good care of your skin is about more than just applying a lightweight moisturizer or buying an exfoliating cleanser. It’s also about understanding your skin type and how to maintain healthy skin to the best of your ability. You can have beautiful, glowing skin in any season if you take time to learn about your unique needs and adjust your routine accordingly.

Whether you have a chronic skin condition like acne or eczema that makes it more challenging for you to find effective summer skincare products, or you are looking for ways to refresh your skin in hot, humid weather, call our San Francisco office at 415-362-2238 to book a consultation with Dr. Matarasso. He can use his extensive training to recommend the best anti-aging treatments and procedures that also contribute to a healthy complexion.

Summer has finally arrived, which means it’s time to get out there and enjoy everything this season has to offer. However, you should be careful about how much sun you soak up. It only takes one sunburn to cause significant damage to your complexion that makes you look older than you really are. With that in mind, here’s our complete guide to sun and skin exposure to help you protect yourself from harmful UV rays year-round.

Who Loves the Sun? Not Everyone

Human bodies evolved to reap the maximum health benefits from Earth’s golden star. Sunlight helps you regulate your sleep patterns, keeping you awake during the day and signaling you when it is time to wind down at night. The sun also causes your skin to produce vitamin D, which is essential for good health. However, there’s a dark side of sun exposure: skin damage.

If you paid close attention in those high school science classes, you probably remember light travels from the sun to our planet’s surface in wave form. Ultraviolet, or UV, light, is the kind that damages your skin at the cellular level. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. Over time, both kinds can affect the health of your skin. 

The more sun exposure you get in childhood, the earlier you will begin to see signs of aging such as uneven tone and texture, wrinkles, and less elasticity. However, UV damage is cumulative, and as a result, you will notice your skin has a harder and harder time bouncing back as you get older. 

A Brief Guide to Skin Cancer

In addition to showing your age sooner, excessive sun exposure can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

How do the sun’s rays cause skin cancer? When UV light hits skin cells, it can harm the DNA inside them. This damaged DNA can cause the cells to grow and divide rapidly, creating clusters of excess cells called a tumor. These may be either cancerous or harmless.

Often, the first sign of skin cancer is a tiny blemish or spot on your skin. A cancer that begins in your skin cells can also become more aggressive, eventually spreading to affect other organs in your body.

Dermatologists divide skin cancer into three categories: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most severe type, with life-threatening potential. Warning signs of all three of these cancers include changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other blemish, a sore that won’t heal, or the emergence of a new skin lesion.

Because all three kinds of skin cancers are highly curable when you detect them and get them removed early, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends monthly head-to-toe self-screenings to note the location of new or changing moles that might be cancerous or precancerous.

Dr. Seth Matarasso offers innovative Mohs micrographic surgery, the most advanced and effective way to remove skin cancer and prevent it from recurring.  

Ways to Minimize Sun Damage

The most common-sense way to protect your skin from damage, including skin cancer, is to limit how much sun exposure you receive. Avoid spending too long in the sun. If you must be outside on a bright, sunny day, stay away from direct sunlight if possible. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen frequently between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the sun’s rays beat down with the most intensity.

If your goal in soaking up the rays is to kickstart your body’s production of vitamin D, remember it only takes 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure to get the job done. You can also get vitamin D from foods and dietary supplements.

When you need to go outside, even if it’s cloudy, be smart. Before you leave your house, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your face and body, and reapply it every two hours. 

Sun-Smart in San Francisco 

Limiting the amount of time you spend outside is the best way to protect your skin. If you are worried about sun damage or your chances of developing skin cancer, contact our office today to make an appointment. Not only does Dr. Matarasso provide advanced surgery for skin cancer, but he also offers a variety of cosmetic treatments to help you look your best.

From bubble face masks to at-home facials, it seems there are new skincare trends popping up wherever you look. However, following some of these trends can do more harm than good. Not all products are safe to use on every type of skin, for example. You might be following a damaging skincare routine without realizing it. With that in mind, here are five trends to steer clear of.

1. DIY Skincare Products

You’ve probably read at least one article or blog post with recipes for making all-natural scrubs, moisturizers, cleansers, or even sunscreens with ingredients such as honey, oats, avocado, lemon juice, and yogurt. But you might not realize some of these ingredients are problematic for more than one reason. For example, lemon juice can cause extreme photosensitivity to skin, and there’s no evidence that yogurt causes any benefits when applied topically. Depending on your skin type, making and applying at-home skincare products could clog pores and cause breakouts. For these reasons, it’s best not to hop on board with this trend. 

2. Peel-Off Masks

Peel-off masks have exploded in popularity in recent years, but if you have sensitive skin, you may wish to think twice about using them. These masks can cause a great deal of irritation among people with conditions like rosacea, eczema, or acne. In addition, the act of peeling them off may get you plenty of likes on Instagram, but it stretches and pulls the skin, which can lead to a lack of elasticity and cause premature aging. Some of these masks contain harmful and even toxic ingredients. Also, peeling off the mask can remove the top layer of skin, stripping it of its protective layer of oils and leaving it more vulnerable to environmental factors like air pollution and UV rays.

3. Over-Moisturizing

The idea of layering oils like coconut oil onto your skin as a moisturizer has caught on thanks to many beauty bloggers. However, contrary to popular belief, when it comes to anti-aging benefits, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Your skin will only absorb what it needs, while the rest can sit on top and lead to breakouts and clogged pores. 

4. Overly Elaborate Skincare Routines

This beauty trend is another example of how it’s possible to go overboard with your skincare. If you have developed a complex routine that relies on tons of fancy gadgets and layering multiple products, you could be overdoing it. Applying too many products in the wrong order increases the chances that the ingredients in the different products could counteract each other. For best results, find a mild cleanser and a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that works well in tandem with each other. Skip toners, which can dry out your skin and lead to early aging.

5. Following Online Advice

The rise of social media has enabled many people to set themselves up as “experts,” even if they lack training or education on a given topic. Many of these people gain significant followings by posting regular blogs or videos where they offer beauty tips and tricks. While they are probably well-intentioned, the information they spread is often incorrect. When it comes to the health and quality of your skin, online advice is no substitute for visiting a qualified dermatologist who has years of study and practice as a skincare professional. There’s no harm in following your favorite beauty bloggers for fun, as long as you take their suggestions with a grain of salt. 

Improve the Quality of Your Skin

Whether you are seeking skincare solutions for medical reasons, or if you are looking to make cosmetic improvements with cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures, contact our San Francisco office today at 415-362-2238. Dr. Seth Matarasso is a leading expert in the field of aesthetic dermatology, and has also completed rigorous training in treating skin cancer with Mohs surgery. He is a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco and a frequent author and lecturer on topics of his expertise. 

Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body. It’s in your muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, blood vessels, skin, intestinal lining, and other connective tissues. While you can’t gauge your collagen level, you will see it start to decrease after approximately your 35th birthday. One of the earliest signs of lost collagen is wrinkles and sagging, crepey skin. If you’ve started noticing these issues, you may be wondering what you can do to reverse them.

You Are What You Eat

Sadly, most Americans are accustomed to eating overly processed foods that do not contribute to anti-aging results. However, some whole foods are natural sources of collagen, including the following.

• Bone broth: Broth is not only soothing, but is also an excellent source of collagen, thanks to the gelatin it contains.
• Dark, leafy greens: Kale and spinach provide antioxidants that fight free radicals, which break down collagen at the cellular level.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish like salmon, plump skin cells and provide amino acids that contribute to maintaining your skin elasticity.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Resurfacing skin with an innovative laser such as Fraxel can help stimulate the production of new collagen by kickstarting your skin’s natural aging process and leading to a smoother, brighter skin surface with more even tone and texture. As its name suggests, Fraxel is a specialized type of tool called a fractionated laser, which treats skin in sections while leaving the remaining skin untouched. After your laser skin care procedure, you will notice gradually improving results for the next three to six months, as your body continues to create new collagen.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a unique, non-surgical procedure that helps thicken collagen within the skin. The technique relies on a specially designed device that exfoliates the top layer of your skin with a stream of aluminum oxide crystals. The old, tired skin cells then get suctioned away. People love microdermabrasion because it is a quick, painless in-office procedure that leaves skin looking young, healthy, and revitalized, and requires no recovery time after treatment.

Ultherapy®

If you want to see dramatic improvements to the skin on their face, neck, and chin, Ultherapy is a treatment you should consider. Uniquely, it uses ultrasound energy to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, triggering a healing process that leads to the production of new collagen – a process known as neocollagenesis. You are a good candidate for Ultherapy if you have become frustrated by sagging skin and visible wrinkles, but do not want to undergo a more invasive surgical intervention. After your brief in-office treatment, you will be able to continue your normal daily activities immediately, so even people with packed schedules can find room to fit Ultherapy into their lives.

IPL

IPL, which is short for intense pulsed light, is another minimally invasive procedure that can drastically improve the amount of collagen your body produces. IPL therapy works by subjecting the skin to intermittent pulses of laser light. By introducing the light to the deeper layers of the skin, it causes the tissue to vibrate, allowing the body to initiate the healing and repair process, which in turn allows it to boost collagen production. It also results in increased blood flow, which ensures an increased rate of collagen cells. After IPL, you will notice a marked correction in the firmness, texture, and tone of your skin.

San Francisco’s Skin Solution

Naturally beautiful, younger-looking skin is one of the most desirable qualities to have, which is why many people invest in expensive creams and tonics that claim to have collagen-boosting benefits. If your typical skin care regimen isn’t giving you the results you want anymore, it’s time to consider other ways you can get more collagen, including changing your diet and getting one or more of the innovative procedures designed to quickly and conveniently improve your appearance. Call our office to learn more about ways to turn back the clock.