Cary Dermatology Blog
Sunscreen is again in the news as it is time to stock up for the hot sunny months ahead. It has also been in the news regarding safety.
The safest ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - the physical sunscreens, but these may not be as effective as the chemical sunscreens.
Oxybenzone is the chemical most in question for safety. It is absorbed into the bloodsteam and in animal trials it did cause some problems with the endocrine system. Those problems have not been shown in humans.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) continues to say that you should use sunscreen (including sunscreen with oxybenzone), and that it’s still considered safe to use when it comes to human health.
“Despite reports that oxybenzone disrupts hormones and causes cancer, we have no data to prove that real world use of sunscreens with oxybenzone is harmful to our health,” says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
What’s more, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and slathering on the SPF is the best way to keep it out of your future. “UV light is the number one cause of skin cancer, which is largely preventable with sunscreen and sun protective behavior. Based on what we know today, I do not recommend people stop using oxybenzone-containing sunscreen as it effectively blocks skin cancer-causing UVA rays more fully than many other chemical blockers used in sunscreen.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics states you may want to avoid using sunscreens with oxybenzone in infants and very young children.
Sun protective clothing - hats, long sleeves and sun glasses - allows you to use less sunscreen and avoiding mid day sun is also helpful. Remember even on cloudy days the UV rays are strong in the summer and protective measures should be taken.
The following is an interview with a patient who had Miradry.
Please tell us about your sweating before the Miradry procedure.
The sweating under my armpits was often a consideration when choosing clothing. I could never wear gray during the summer or even during the winter. Not only were my armpits the first place that started sweating when I was hot, but whenever I was nervous or stressed i would immediately start sweating under my armpits. I was very self conscious about it and would tend to pick bigger shirts or darker clothing to wear to cover it up.
What was the procedure like? Was there any down time? Did it hurt?
The procedure was not nearly as painful or uncomfortable as I thought it would be. The initial numbing was slightly painful, similar to how getting a shot or giving blood hurts when the needle goes in. But, after the initial pinch of the injection there was no pain. The actual procedure went by very quickly. The only discomfort I felt was an occasionally sensation of heat and some slight pressure, but it was mild and infrequent. It helped that Dr. Hren was so easy to talk to. She talked with me the whole time so I never felt nervous and if I began experiencing any discomfort she would check to see how I was feeling. After the procedure, my armpits were pretty swollen and a little painful for about a day. After the first day, the swelling and numbness decreased significantly, so much so that I was able to go to the gym the day after the procedure. I still experienced some numbness and slight swelling for about 1-2 weeks after, but it was very minimal and it didn’t inhibit any activities or exercise.
How are you doing now?
It has been about 9 days since the procedures and my arms feel great! I haven’t had any sweating under my armpits and there is only some slight residual numbness. I haven’t had to wear deodorant since the procedure!
Would you recommend this procedure to a friend?
Yes, I would definitely recommend this to a friend! I tried so many over the counter solutions to sweating and it’s so nice to know that I will never have to worry about that again. And all it took was an hour of my time.
Introducing two powerful technologies in one treatment. Secret RF combines radio frequency and microneedling technologies to deliver smoother tighter skin.
Secret RF treatments are customized to deliver energy levels and treatment depths appropriate for your needs. The skin is treated below the surface to minimize side effects and allow for stronger treatment than could be achieved by delivering energy on the surface of the skin. This also allows for any skin type to be treated, setting this treatment apart from resurfacing lasers.
Secret RF treatments are best suited for men and women who would like to improve areas of wrinkles, poor elasticity, and scarring. Contact Cary Dermatology Center today to set up your complimentary consultation and find out if Secret RF is the right option for you.
How is Secret RF different than other skin rejuvenation procedures?
Secret RF uses radiofrequency technology and microneedles to deliver precise heat under the skin at controlled depths. During the healing process new collagen and elastin form in the heated zones, resulting in tighter smoother skin with improved wrinkles and scars.
What can I expect during the treatment?
Treatments typically take 20 – 30 minutes. A topical anesthetic is applied prior to treatment to minimize any discomfort. You may have an increased sensation of heat.
Will there be any downtime?
The skin may feel warm and red after treatment. This typically resolves in 1-2 days. You will be provided with aftercare instructions that outline post-care and expectations.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients reach their desired outcome in 2-3 treatments. Those with more severe photodamage or scarring may take 4 treatments or more. Areas will improve for 3-6 months following the last treatment.
How long will the positive effects of Secret RF last?
Secret RF treatments stimulate new collagen and elastin as well as skin tightening. We utilize a microneedling serum with potent growth factors (antiAGE) and Alastin products to optimize your results both initially and for the future.
How much does a Secret RF treatment cost?
The cost depends on the areas being treated and the recommended number of treatments. Treatment package pricing with our recommended pre-treatment product is also available. A consultation is needed to determine your treatment recommendation.
What areas of skin can be treated?
Secret RF is most commonly used on the face and neck but may be used on all areas of the body and any skin type, even darkly pigmented skin.
How far apart are Secret RF treatments?
We recommend a minimum of 4-6 weeks between sessions.
This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.