Fraxel DUAL laser resurfacing is a powerful and safe way to achieve smoother, healthier, and younger-looking skin. This advanced technology targets both surface and deep skin layers, stimulating collagen production and rejuvenating skin cells. By addressing wrinkles, scars, and other imperfections, Fraxel helps restore your skin’s natural beauty. Experienced specialists like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield deliver precise results with this innovative treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, scars (acne or surgical), age spots, pigmentation, sun damage, or pre-cancerous lesions can be addressed with Fraxel laser resurfacing. Factors such as sun exposure, stress, genetics, and aging may have contributed to these issues, making this treatment a suitable solution for restoring your skin’s appearance.
What is the Treatment Process Like?
Fraxel treatments are quick, lasting 15-45 minutes, and typically require one to five sessions. Using a hand-held device, fractional lasers precisely target specific skin areas while leaving surrounding tissue untouched. This precision ensures only the necessary areas are treated, promoting the emergence of fresh, healthy skin cells while maintaining safety and consistency.
Possible Side Effects
Patients may experience a mild burning sensation or a sunburn-like feeling post-treatment. Side effects can include redness, swelling, blistering, scarring, infection, or hyperpigmentation, although these are usually temporary. Makeup can be applied to treated areas after a few days to conceal any redness. Dr. Raskin will guide you through minimizing risks and ensuring a comfortable recovery.
Benefits of Fraxel Resurfacing
Fraxel treatments deliver lasting results with minimal downtime. This non-invasive method targets problem areas effectively, improving skin tone, texture, and appearance without the need for surgery. Most patients resume their daily routines almost immediately. Results become noticeable within 2-3 months, with continued improvements for up to a year. Benefits include better skin quality, reduced scars, and a rejuvenated, youthful glow.
Fraxel DUAL laser resurfacing is an excellent option for those seeking dramatic skin improvements with minimal hassle and recovery time. Consult Dr. Raskin in Bakersfield to learn how this cutting-edge treatment can help you achieve your skincare goals.
Schedule an appointment today.
Lying on the beach may be a fun way to spend the day, but prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to significant damage. Even after a sunburn fades, its effects can linger.
What Is Sun Damage?
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can harm your skin’s cells, collagen, and elastin beneath the surface. This damage can lead to various skin issues, including redness, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, blotchy skin, and in severe cases, even skin cancer.
How Can I Prevent It?
Preventing sun damage involves adopting protective habits:
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply every two hours.
- Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
Is It Too Late to Reverse Sun Damage?
If you’ve already experienced sun damage, it may be challenging to reverse. However, caring for your skin properly and exploring treatment options can improve its health and appearance. Consulting a dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can guide you toward effective solutions, such as:
- Retinoids and Retinol: Boost collagen production, reduce irregularities, and slow aging effects.
- Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that diminishes redness, wrinkles, discoloration, and enhances elasticity.
- Dermabrasion: Removes the top layer of damaged skin to promote the growth of healthier skin beneath. For best results, this should be performed by a skilled professional to minimize risks like scarring or inflammation.
- Chemical Peels: Applies chemical solutions to peel away damaged skin layers, reducing age spots, fine lines, and dark patches.
Each treatment should be approved and monitored by a qualified dermatologist to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
Schedule an appointment today.
Sunscreen is a reliable and effective method to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. When applied properly, it can reduce the risk of skin cancer and help prevent premature aging caused by sun exposure. Sunscreen achieves this by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
Why Use Sunscreen?
Regardless of your age or skin type, sunscreen should be a daily essential. Men, women, and children over six months old can benefit from using it regularly. While darker skin tones may naturally offer some UV protection, prolonged sun exposure can still cause damage. The key is to choose a sunscreen product you like, one that adheres to recommended guidelines for safety and effectiveness. Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can provide personalized recommendations for sunscreen that best suits your needs.
Understanding SPF
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a crucial aspect of selecting sunscreen. It measures how effectively the product protects your skin from UV rays. Dermatologists recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. To ensure optimal coverage, apply an adequate amount to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are longer and contribute to skin aging, while UVB rays are stronger and can cause sunburn. Sunscreens labeled as broad spectrum offer comprehensive defense against both types of rays.
Water Resistance
Sweat or water can wash off sunscreen, reducing its effectiveness. For activities like swimming or exercise, opt for water-resistant products that maintain their SPF level for 40 minutes. For extended water exposure, very water-resistant sunscreens provide up to 80 minutes of protection.
Managing Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as rashes, from certain sunscreen ingredients. If this happens, switch to a brand or product free of PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), a common irritant. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often well-tolerated by sensitive skin. If finding the right sunscreen continues to be a challenge, consult a dermatologist for guidance.
By incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine, you can effectively safeguard your skin against damage and maintain its health for years to come.
Dermal fillers offer a non-surgical solution for achieving a refreshed appearance. These gel-like substances are injected into the skin to restore volume in areas such as thin lips, facial creases, shallow contours, or recessed scars.
Why Consider Dermal Fillers?
As we age, our skin loses subcutaneous fat, which often leads to lines and wrinkles. This natural process, coupled with regular facial muscle movements, sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle factors, impacts the face’s appearance over time. Dermal fillers can effectively counteract these changes, providing a more youthful look.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers vary based on their chemical composition, texture, density, and injection depth. All fillers are temporary and require periodic treatments to maintain their effects.
Popular Dermal Fillers
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: A favorite choice, these fillers use a naturally occurring substance in the skin to promote hydration and fullness. Results typically last 6–12 months, making them ideal for first-time patients. Popular brands include Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, and Belotero Balance.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: Found in products like Radiesse, these fillers are designed to stimulate collagen production and deliver results that last about a year. They use calcium particles in a smooth gel to enhance skin structure and firmness.
What to Expect During Treatment
Dermal filler injections are performed in-office by skilled professionals such as Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield. After discussing your goals, the treatment area is cleaned and may be numbed with a topical anesthetic. Many fillers also include lidocaine to minimize discomfort. The filler is precisely injected under the skin, with visible results often appearing immediately. You can resume regular activities, excluding intense exercise, right after the session. Any mild bruising or swelling typically resolves within a few days.
Safety and Side Effects
Dermal fillers are generally safe when administered by a licensed and experienced physician. FDA-approved fillers are recommended to minimize risks. While complications are rare, possible side effects include swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, over-correction, or lumps. These can often be managed with icing or gentle massage. For best results, repeat treatments are advised, along with adjustments to filler type and technique to suit your evolving needs.
Schedule an appointment today.
Aging affects the body in various ways, and your skin is no exception. Many adults turn to neurotoxins to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. FDA-approved neurotoxin treatments, such as Botox, Dysport, Jeauveau, and Xeomin, can help smooth frown lines and wrinkles for up to four months.
Purpose
Facial lines are often a result of natural changes in the skin, collagen reduction, and repeated muscle contractions from activities like smiling, frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows. Neurotoxins work by temporarily reducing muscle activity in targeted areas, smoothing out these lines. Common treatment areas include between the eyebrows, on the forehead, around the mouth, and beside the eyes.
Candidates
Facial lines develop at different rates for everyone. If the lines start to bother you, it may be time to consult with an experienced professional like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield. The right time for neurotoxin treatment is not determined by age, but by the severity of your wrinkles. Both men and women can be candidates for neurotoxin treatments, but since they don’t work for all types of wrinkles, it’s best to seek professional advice to determine your best options.
Procedure
It’s essential to receive neurotoxin treatments from a licensed, trained professional using safe materials and techniques. The procedure is tailored to your goals and condition. The injections typically take about ten minutes and are described as feeling like a pinch. Ice or topical numbing cream may be used to minimize discomfort. Keep in mind that neurotoxin treatments are not permanent, and the lines will likely return over time if treatment is stopped.
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience side effects such as bruising, weakness, facial asymmetry, eyelid drooping, loss of muscle tone, double vision, headache, nausea, or muscle paralysis in the treated area.
Results
One of the advantages of neurotoxin treatments is minimal downtime. You can resume normal activities right away. Results are usually visible within a couple of weeks and last up to four months. Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield can help plan your next neurotoxin session based on your specific results and aesthetic goals.
Skin tags are small, benign growths that appear as soft, flesh-colored pieces of skin hanging from the body. These harmless growths are composed of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining healthy skin. Skin tags commonly form in areas where skin folds or creases, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin. While they pose no medical risk, some individuals choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation.
Causes
Skin tags typically result from friction caused by movement or clothing, leading to excess skin growth in affected areas. Although they can develop in anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of skin tags, including obesity, pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, Type 2 diabetes, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. They are more common in women and may also have a genetic component, as individuals with a family history of skin tags are at higher risk.
Evaluation
If a skin tag becomes bothersome, changes in appearance, or causes discomfort, consulting a dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield is advisable. Seek professional evaluation if the skin tag bleeds, causes pain, changes color, or grows in size. Additionally, removal may be desirable if the tag is located in a spot prone to irritation, such as where it catches on jewelry or clothing, or if it causes embarrassment.
Removal
The most suitable method for removing a skin tag depends on its size and location. Common removal techniques include:
- Cutting: Using a scalpel or scissors to snip off the skin tag.
- Freezing: Applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and eliminate the skin tag.
- Burning: Employing an electrocautery tool to burn off the tag while minimizing damage to surrounding skin.
Avoid attempting to remove skin tags at home. Over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective and may harm your skin, causing scarring or burns. Cutting a skin tag yourself can lead to excessive bleeding. For safe and effective removal, consult a professional dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin, who can provide expert care tailored to your needs.
Schedule an appointment today.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition marked by redness, flushing, and facial bumps. While a cure for rosacea remains elusive, various treatments can effectively manage its symptoms and improve skin health. Here’s an overview of the latest treatment options and their effectiveness.
Topical Medications
Topical treatments are directly applied to the skin and are a common choice for managing rosacea symptoms. These include:
- Antibiotics: Medications like metronidazole and erythromycin help reduce inflammation and control bacteria on the skin.
- Azelaic Acid: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this compound is available as a cream or gel and can effectively treat rosacea.
- Ivermectin: Available as a cream or lotion, ivermectin is effective in minimizing redness and bumps associated with the condition.
Oral Medications
Oral treatments are often used for moderate to severe rosacea cases, offering systemic relief. Common options include:
- Antibiotics: Oral forms like doxycycline and minocycline help alleviate inflammation and bacterial growth.
- Isotretinoin: Typically prescribed for severe acne, isotretinoin has also shown promise for treating severe rosacea. However, it is reserved for specific cases due to potential side effects.
Laser Treatments
Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies can significantly reduce redness and visible blood vessels. These treatments are well-tolerated and effective but often require multiple sessions to maintain results.
Personalized Care
The best treatment plan depends on the severity of rosacea and individual goals. Working with a dermatologist ensures a tailored approach to manage the condition effectively and track progress over time.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 3.5 million cases diagnosed annually. While highly treatable when identified early, it can become life-threatening if left undetected. This makes regular skin cancer screenings by a dermatologist essential.
During a skin cancer screening, a dermatologist will thoroughly examine your skin from head to toe, looking for suspicious moles, growths, or other abnormalities. They will also check for changes in size, shape, or color of existing moles and any new growths.
If a suspicious area is identified, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to determine if it is cancerous. If skin cancer is confirmed, your dermatologist will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include surgical removal of the affected tissue, along with other therapies like radiation or chemotherapy.
Early detection significantly improves the success of treatment. Even if you don’t notice any visible signs of skin cancer, regular checkups with a trained dermatologist, such as Dr. Raskin, are vital as they can detect subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Skin Cancer Prevention
DO:
- Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved attire, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Seek shade during peak sunlight hours.
- Get vitamin D through a balanced diet including fatty fish and egg yolks, or by taking supplements.
- Regularly examine your skin and consult a dermatologist if you notice changes in moles or unusual skin growths.
DON’T:
- Skip sunscreen when using insect repellent or wearing protective clothing; both are essential.
- Use tanning beds or sunlamps, as their UV radiation increases skin cancer risk.
- Rely solely on SPF in makeup or moisturizer; these products generally don’t offer adequate sun protection.
- Let yourself burn, as even one severe sunburn heightens your skin cancer risk.
Schedule your skin cancer screening at our Bakersfield location.
Caring for your skin does more than enhance your appearance; it also helps prevent issues like wrinkles, blemishes, and even serious conditions such as skin cancer. Dermatologists like Dr. Bernard Raskin in Bakersfield offer expert advice on maintaining healthy skin. Here are some key tips:
Apply Sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin. Consistent sunscreen use can protect against sunburns and significantly reduce the risk of skin cancers like melanoma.
Wear Protective Clothing
Opt for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Sun-protective clothing is an effective barrier against prolonged sun exposure.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Excess sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discoloration. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade whenever possible to minimize damage.
Cleanse Your Face
Wash your face once or twice daily with a gentle cleanser and warm water to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities. Avoid harsh products that may irritate your skin.
Moisturize Regularly
Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. For oily skin, opt for oil-free products that hydrate without clogging pores. Regular moisturizing helps prevent dryness and keeps your skin healthy.
Exfoliate Weekly
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells, especially in dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Exfoliation promotes smoother, more vibrant skin.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its health and appearance.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Include healthy fats in your diet, such as those found in nuts, fatty fish, avocados, and olive oil. These foods support skin health and contribute to a radiant complexion.
Incorporate Vitamins
Vitamins can enhance both overall health and skin quality. Vitamin C boosts collagen production for firmer, brighter skin, while Vitamin E helps reduce inflammation and protect skin from damage.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking adversely affects skin health by reducing blood flow and nutrient delivery. This can result in a dull, tired complexion and accelerate the aging process.
Visit a Dermatologist Regularly
Schedule routine checkups with a dermatologist like Dr. Bernard Raskin to address any skin concerns and detect potential issues like skin cancer early. Regular screenings are particularly important for individuals with chronic conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Early detection ensures prompt and effective treatment for various skin issues, including suspicious moles or blemishes.
To ensure your skin stays healthy and vibrant, consult with our dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized skincare advice.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting millions globally, characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches. While there’s no cure for psoriasis, several treatment options can help manage its symptoms. One key aspect of managing the condition is adopting a healthy diet.
Dermatologists emphasize that the foods we consume can significantly influence the frequency and severity of psoriasis flare-ups. A nutritious diet can help reduce inflammation, a central factor in psoriasis development. On the other hand, an unhealthy diet rich in processed and sugary foods can worsen inflammation and trigger flare-ups.
So, what should people with psoriasis include in their diet? Dermatologists recommend a well-balanced diet packed with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, which can support overall health and reduce inflammation. It’s also important to limit unhealthy fats from fried foods and processed snacks, as they can contribute to inflammation.
Certain foods may be particularly beneficial for those with psoriasis. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, have anti-inflammatory properties. Nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, rich in antioxidants and skin-supporting nutrients, are also excellent choices.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body reacts differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have psoriasis and are looking to improve your diet, consulting with a dermatologist like Dr. Raskin can help. A personalized nutrition plan tailored to your specific needs can enhance your psoriasis management.
Maintaining a healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing psoriasis. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods and avoiding unhealthy fats, you can help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being.
If you’re struggling with psoriasis contact our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about treatment options.
