New York Dermatologist, Eric Schweiger, MD, debunks 5 common acne misconceptions:

Myth #1: You can get acne from sweating

Truth: Sweating does not cause acne. Sweat glands are not the same as oil pores. While sweat alone cannot cause acne, there is a condition called acne mechanica, which is a form of acne that is caused by a combination of heat, friction and covered skin. It’s often found on athletes who sweat under their helmets. Other culprits of acne mechanica include tight clothing, snug backpack straps, and headbands worn for long periods of time.

Myth #2: Eating junk foods will make you break out

Truth: The dermatological community has long dispelled the idea that junk foods, such as French fries and chocolate, cause acne. However, there is new research linking diet to acne. Foods with a high-glycemic level (white breads sugary drinks, processed foods) are thought to trigger the production of androgens, a hormone responsible for oil production.

Myth #3: Washing your face more frequently prevents breakouts

Truth: Actually, over-washing your face can make acne worse. Washing your face any more than twice a day can cause drying of the skin, which can cause skin to produce more oil to overcompensate.

Myth #4: Sun exposure helps clear up acne

Truth: While “drying out acne” in the sun may seem like a good idea, it’s not. The sun not only causes premature aging, but it does nothing to help clear up or heal acne. A suntan may help mask the redness of zits, but it’s only temporary. Once the tan fades, the pimples can come back in full force thanks to ultraviolet light exposure.

Acne Myth #5: Applying toothpaste to a zit will clear it up

Truth: The thinking behind the toothpaste-as-acne-treatment myth is that toothpaste dries out the zit and therefore gets rid of it. Legitimate acne medications, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, treat zits with the side effect of dry skin, leading people to believe that toothpaste works just the same. Not so. Toothpaste is not an effective acne treatment, not to mention it contains ingredients that can irritate the skin.

The post Top 5 Acne Myths and Truths appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Occasionally we look in the mirror and don’t recognize the eyes staring back at us. It is unavoidable that as we age our eyes are often the first things to reflect that. Sometimes even after the wrinkle creams and layers of the latest and greatest make up we still aren’t experiencing the results that we want. Although one option is to embrace each line for the life experience that it represents, for some people that is easier said than done. If you find yourself too busy worrying about your tired eyes to enjoy life or are hiding behind sunglasses at all times, you do have some other options. AKA Mom sat down with Dr. Mark A. Clymer to discuss some of them.

Dr. Clymer, who practices out of Nashville, TN, is a board certified facial plastic surgeon who offers both invasive and non-invasive solutions to a variety of different cosmetic issues. Since Dr. Clymer specializes in treatments that appear so natural that no one would ever guess that you had any procedures done, we thought he would be the perfect person to talk to about one of women’s biggest complaints, their tired eyes. “It is not a one-solution-fits-all type of problem, Dr. Clymer explains, “there are a wide range of causes and six different physical scenarios that can be happening to create what people think of as old or tired eyes. Two of the most common, and easily fixed, are a loss of volume around the eyes that creates a sallow look and wrinkles or lines around your eyes”. These conditions are often caused by excessive sun exposure, stress, heredity and aging.

The first procedure that we discussed was Restylane™. According to Dr. Clymer, a good candidate for Restylane™ is someone who has, over time, seen a loss of volume beneath their skin. Often these patients report being regularly asked if they are tired when they are not. “Restylane is a simple injection procedure that takes less than a day to recover from, Dr. Clymer says, you will be ready to return to work the next morning”. Although you will see some results immediately, the full effect is seen after about two days and last for as long as a year. Your coworkers will have no idea, but don’t be surprised if they ask how you got such a great nights sleep! Results include fuller, awake-looking eyes and a lot of compliments!

Before Restylane™ and Dysport™                  After Restylane™ and Dysport™

The second procedure, Dysport™, can treat your wrinkles over your lunch break. Talk about a power lunch!  For the women who fret over the fine lines and “crows feet” Dr. Clymer recommends this procedure. This is another injection type procedure but instead of a filler, like Restylane, it is a muscle relaxant. Dr. Clymer explains that with only one treatment of Dysport you will see dramatic results almost immediately that last 3-6 months, with virtually no recovery time needed. This is a great next step for women who feel that creams aren’t cutting it, but they aren’t ready for anything invasive. 

As parting advice to anyone who may be considering a cosmetic procedure, be sure to find a reputable doctor that specializes in producing natural looking results. Dr. Clymer advised it best when he said that he is in the business of putting himself out of business since no one can ever tell that his clients have had procedures done, they just look like they went on a fabulously relaxing vacation!  

Dr. Mark A. Clymer 

1800 Mallory Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027 

(615) 661-4005

www.clymermd.com

The post The Next Step for Tired Eyes appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.