Welcome everyone to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.
As winter's chill settles in, our skin bears the impact of the cold weather, leading to dryness, redness, and worsened sun damage. In this week’s episode of The Common Sense MD, I talk with my daughter Kelli Rogers, Licensed Medical Aesthetician, about improving damaged skin during this season.
Whether you’re dealing with age spots, actinic keratosis, or looking to firm up your skin, this episode is brimming with insights on innovative treatments like CO2 laser and a revolutionary compounded medication (5FU + calcipotriol). Tune in to discover how to give your skin the TLC it deserves, ensuring you step into the new year with a radiant, revitalized complexion.
PODCAST NOTES
It’s important to focus on skin care during the winter months! We talked a lot about this on the podcast. The winter season is optimal for treating and rejuvenating the skin, as there’s less sun exposure which can exacerbate skin conditions and hinder the healing process.
I treat my sun damaged skin and actinic keratosis each winter. I use a combination of 5FU (fluorouracil) and calcipotriol, a method that effectively reduces downtime and severe blistering commonly associated with older treatment protocols. This combination allows for a shorter recovery, making it a favorable option for those with sun-damaged skin.
Kelli gave us detailed information about advanced CO2 laser treatments, particularly the CoolPeel setting. This modern technique delivers significant results with minimal downtime and discomfort. This makes it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin who are seeking effective skin tightening and wrinkle reduction without the extensive recovery period associated with traditional CO2 lasers.
Preventive skin care with non-toxic sunscreens is important! Kelli emphasizes that these products are essential for preventing conditions like melasma and age spots, which can be triggered by heat and sun exposure. The sunscreens and additional Vitamin C products we offer help control melanin production, thereby preventing the recurrence of sun damage.
This episode covers a range of other treatments available at Performance Medicine for various skin conditions. These include chemical peels tailored for rosacea, mandelic acid peels for redness-prone skin, and laser treatments to remove spider veins. Again, winter is the best time to undergo these treatments due to lower sun exposure.
We have body contouring options! Kelli talked about the Evolve machine for muscle stimulation, which helps achieve more defined muscle tone. She also mentions PHYSIQ, which targets and reduces stubborn fat areas. Both of these treatments are beneficial in preparing the body for the summer season, providing permanent fat reduction and muscle enhancement.
Pre-treatment and post-treatment care are so important for optimal results. Kelli mentioned the use of numbing agents and post-procedure creams that aid in reducing discomfort and enhancing recovery. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients have a smooth and effective healing process.
Winter presents an ideal opportunity to refurbish and rejuvenate your skin after the sun’s harsh effects during the summer. From advanced treatments like the CO2 laser, known as the CoolPeel, to the highly effective compounded mixture of 5FU and calcipotriol, there are numerous methods to address sun-damaged skin and prevent future issues. Now is the time to get your skin checked! If you are a baby boomer like me, you can reverse some of this sun damage with this four day protocol of 5FU and calcipotriol.
As Kelli highlighted today, prevention is key. Utilizing non-toxic sunscreens alongside regular treatments can maintain healthy, youthful skin. Whether you're seeking to tackle stubborn age spots or explore body contouring options for an enhanced summer physique, we have innovative solutions to meet your needs.
Remember, investing time in your skin now, especially during the colder months, can lead to long-lasting benefits all year round.
Stay warm. Stay educated. Stay healthy.
Till next week.
