The Vital Role of Physician Assistants in Dermatology
In the constantly evolving field of healthcare the role of physician assistants (PAs) continue to expand, particularly in specialized fields such as dermatology. PAs are trained medical professionals that are essential members of the healthcare team, providing comprehensive care and improving patient outcomes. In honor of PA week this year, we will be exploring the vital role of PAs in...
Hyperpigmentation 101
Hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition that affects people of all skin types. It is characterized by skin darkening that can be caused by various factors. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, types, and treatment options for hyperpigmentation.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its...
Understanding Skin Cancer
Understanding Skin Cancer: Facts, Prevention, and Early Detection
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. However, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about this disease, its risk factors, and how you can protect yourself!
There are three...
New Year Skincare
Starting the new year with a fresh skincare and beauty routine can be an empowering way to embrace change and renewal. Here are some ideas:
1. Skin Detox and Reset:
Consider a skincare detox to reset your skin. This might involve simplifying your routine, focusing on gentle cleansers, hydrating masks, and avoiding heavy makeup for a while. Introduce products with natural ingredients or try a...
Hormonal acne treatment (Part 2)
In a previous blog post we talked all about hormonal acne and some of the challenges associated with it. As a review, acne is due to stimulation of androgen hormones which increases sebum (oil) production. Sebum leads to a buildup of dead skin in our pores creating black and white heads. Acne forming bacteria thrives in this environment and mounts an inflammatory response that causes inflamed...
Wound Care
Summer is the season for enjoying time outdoors! Unfortunately with summer activities comes accidents and injuries, such as skin abrasions, lacerations, and burns. My first year as a PA I worked at an urgent care and I was shocked at the amount of patients who came in that summer with skin wounds! It was nothing compared to what we see doing in dermatology, but it sure did prepare me for how...
Hormonal Acne (Part 1)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever had your day ruined by a new pimple that sprouted up over night. If you can’t relate to that feeling, consider yourself lucky! I will never forget waking with a huge pimple on my chin the morning of my wedding. Most people consider acne a problem during puberty when teenage hormones are rapidly changing. Unfortunately, acne can follow us into adulthood or even...
What to expect at an annual full body skin exam
If you have read any of our past blog posts, you know that at Beacon Skin & Surgeries we are passionate about preventing skin cancer. Sun protection is just one piece of the equation to skin cancer prevention. Many of us can relate to being irresponsible when it comes to applying sunscreen at one point or another in our lives. So besides preventing new sun damage with SPF, what else can...
Beacon’s Favorite Things
Chelsea: Retin-A Micro (brand name of tretinoin)
Tretinoin has been used in dermatology for over 50 years and is one of our tried-and-true topicals for acne and anti-aging. Tretinoin increases cell turnover in the skin which helps reduce acne, texture, fine lines, and even scarring. My favorite brand of tretinoin, Retin-A micro, is made up of micronized tretinoin that allows extended...
DRY SKIN TIPS
DRY SKIN TIPS
Cold winter weather in Michigan means that your skin is at risk of becoming more sensitive and dry than usual. Dry skin can lead to flaking, rough patches, redness, itching, and pain. Why does dry skin become more common during the winter? The answer is simple and lies within something called the skin barrier.
The visible surface of the skin, the epidermis, functions to protect...