For many women, teens, and men, acne can be a source of constant frustration and diminish self-esteem. Its effects range from intermittent breakouts to inflamed bumps and frustrating blemishes. While acne is a chronic condition, you don’t have to let it run your life.

The right treatments can get it under control and help you achieve clearer, healthier skin. Keep reading to learn how to banish blemishes with the ultimate guide to acne treatments to reveal your most beautiful skin!

Continue reading “Banish Blemishes with the Ultimate Guide to Acne Treatments” →

Are you battling acne? Acne can leave you with unsightly breakouts, unattractive skin bumps, and stubborn scarring that can make you self-conscious. Fortunately, you can address these and other skin concerns with regular acne facials. Keep reading to learn why an acne facial with an esthetician will help you unlock radiant skin and keep your skin clear and glowing.

What Is an Acne Facial?

An acne facial is a specialized skincare treatment that targets acne-prone skin. Unlike regular facials, these specialized facials go beyond the skin’s surface to address the underlying causes of acne, thus improving your skin’s condition and appearance. “I, along with my colleagues here, often recommend regular acne facials with our esthetician, as part of a multi-faceted acne treatment program. When added to a patient’s program provided by their dermatologist, plus an at-home skincare regimen, acne facials can clear up breakouts faster and help prevent future ones,” said Andrew Menkes, MD of The Menkes Clinic, A Golden State Dermatology Affiliate. A licensed esthetician, like those we have at Golden State Dermatology clinics, should perform the acne facials for the best results.

How Can an Acne Facial with an Esthetician Help You Achieve Radiant Skin?

An acne facial with an esthetician at Golden State Dermatology can rejuvenate your skin in the following ways:

Deep Cleansing

Deep cleansing is designed to deep clean the pores. Your esthetician will use special ingredients to eliminate dirt, excess oil, and other impurities in the skin that can contribute to breakouts. After the first cleansing, they will clean the skin again to remove all traces of oil, dirt, and debris. By thoroughly cleansing your skin, acne facials give you a clearer complexion.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is an essential step in any acne facial. It addresses one of the root causes of acne: clogged pores. Clogged, congested pores are breeding grounds for P. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria. Exfoliation aids in decongesting pores. In acne facials, chemical exfoliation is often preferred over physical exfoliation. It’s gentler on breakouts and minimizes the risk of irritation and micro-tears that can occur with physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation utilizes acne-fighting acids to stimulate exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants penetrate deeper layers and break up dead skin cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. Estheticians gently exfoliate the skin with professional-grade exfoliating acids. These remove dead skin cells and debris, preventing them from building up and clogging pores, improving skin texture. Exfoliation also minimizes the appearance of large pores, further creating a more refined skin texture.

Acne Extractions

An acne extraction is the process of clearing compacted or clogged pores. Extractions can improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. While you may be tempted to squeeze out a stubborn pimple, improper extraction can trigger more skin irritation and cause scarring. A bacterial infection can also occur if you push too aggressively or in the wrong direction, forcing contents deeper into the skin. An expert esthetician can quickly determine which bumps should be removed, which ones shouldn’t, and which require more time. They’ll safely remove clogged pores manually or with sterilized tools, preventing more damage or the potential for infection spreading. The most effective extraction is on whiteheads and blackheads. Extracting active acne lesions and bumps isn’t recommended. After an extraction, your skin will have a more even texture, feel smoother, and look revitalized and healthier.

Hydration

Acne facials aim to eliminate bacteria and remove buildup in pores, dead skin cells, and excess sebum without triggering a sebum response. Your esthetician will include hydration in your facial, like hydrating serums or a deep hydrating mask, to replenish and increase moisture levels in the skin. Adequate hydration soothes irritation and prevents excess oil production while keeping skin toned and rejuvenated. It also boosts the skin’s elasticity, leaving it supple and plump.

LED Light Therapy

Skin can shine the brightest with LED light therapy. Light-emitting diode (LED) light therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment that addresses acne at a cellular level. LED lights set off a biochemical reaction in the skin, encouraging cells to produce more oxygen and reinforcing the skin’s cellular structure. These reactions lead to decreased inflammation, fewer acne breakouts, and plumper, brighter skin. LED therapy uses light at different wavelengths to address various skin concerns. Each wavelength targets specific layers of the skin to achieve different results. Your esthetician will expose your skin to various types of LED wavelengths. Depending on your individual skin concerns, they may use one wavelength or a combination. Using a combination of wavelengths is usually more effective than using only one. LED wavelengths are seen as different colors of the visible light spectrum. Each color provides its own skin benefits.

Blue Light

Blue light reaches the uppermost layer of the skin or dermis. It helps regulate sebum production and eliminates acne-causing bacteria, allowing you to heal deep into the individual layers of the skin. This can lead to fewer breakouts in the future. Blue light also soothes flare-ups, reducing the irritation and redness of existing pimples.

Yellow Light (Amber)

Yellow light reaches the deepest layer of the skin and has a shallow penetration level. It rejuvenates skin cells, decreasing inflammation and redness. It also boosts the production of red blood cells in the skin, which reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation. In addition, yellow light encourages blood circulation, accelerating wound healing and improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture and stay hydrated.

Red Light

Red light reaches deep within the skin and activates natural cell repair. It promotes healing and improves skin tone, texture, and complexion. Red light also stimulates collagen production, which keeps the skin looking vibrant and youthful.

Green Light

Green light penetrates the skin to a shallow depth. It soothes irritation and offers relief from blemishes and breakouts. Like yellow LED light, green light minimizes hyperpigmentation. It keeps melanin from reaching the skin’s surface while limiting its overproduction. Green light also contains anti-inflammatory properties that are important in calming redness. With green light therapy, you can attain a more radiant tone.

Reveal More Vibrant Skin with an Acne Facial

Golden State Dermatology offers meticulously tailored acne facials that will combat acne, help you maintain healthier skin, and restore your brilliant natural glow. “Performing acne facials for our patients is one of my favorite treatments to do. Helping someone achieve clearer skin and boost their confidence is so rewarding,” said Shawna Nelson, Licensed Esthetician at The Menkes Clinic, A Golden State Dermatology Affiliate. “It’s why I do what I do!” Are you interested in acne facials? Achieve more beautiful skin by booking your appointment online at one of Golden State Dermatology’s convenient locations!

As the summer sun beckons us to enjoy its warm embrace, many of us eagerly anticipate poolside parties, beach outings, and outdoor adventures. However, the increase in heat and humidity can sometimes lead to unwanted skin issues, including a common condition known as folliculitis. If you’ve ever experienced those tiny red bumps on your skin, especially after shaving or sweating, you might be dealing with folliculitis.

Folliculitis is a common skin condition related to the hair follicle (hence the name). When the follicle (a small hole or cavity that surrounds the roots of each hair) becomes infected with bacteria, the skin can get red and/or be itchy, and small bumps can appear. Those bumps could look like a rash, or they can become filled with fluid, or be inflamed and painful.

It’s such a common condition because so many different situations contribute to it: daily activities like shaving, hot tubs, sweating, or not drying off enough from the pool or beach.

“Folliculitis tends to worsen in the summer months because heat and humidity create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Additionally, increased sweating and friction from tight clothing or swimsuits can exacerbate the condition,” said Marwa Hakimi, MD of Golden State Dermatology in Brentwood. “Many people tend to ignore it, but like any skin abnormality, don’t assume it will automatically resolve on its own. Avoid self-diagnosing or self-medicating, as any skin rash or eruption could be a sign of something else.”

Different Types of Folliculitis

• Hot tub rash (pseudomonas folliculitis). Its medical name comes from the type of bacteria that causes it, but it’s more commonly known by the activity that leads to it — hot tubs. In fairness you can also pick this up on water slides and in heated pools where the chlorine and pH levels aren’t right. Within a few days after exposure, you’ll see round, itchy bumps that look like a rash.
• Razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae). Despite the name, this is caused by hairs that grow back in on themselves (ingrown hairs), not infected follicles. While it typically affects men with curly hair who shave their faces on a routine basis, in summer months or in hot climates it can affect people who get bikini waxes.
• Malassezia folliculitis. This doesn’t have a more common name, but the cause is incredibly common in hotter climates or warm months: sweating. While sweating doesn’t cause this type of infection (Malassezia are a family of yeast that already exist on the skin), sweating makes it worse.
• Pityrosporum folliculitis. Also related to a yeast of the same name, this type of folliculitis can spread once it gets into the hair follicles. It, too, is typically benign on the skin, and only causes a problem when there’s too much of it.

Don’t Blame It on Summer

While summer does tend to increase the risk of folliculitis, it’s also linked to:

• Prolonged use of oral antibiotics
• Being overweight or obese
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Underlying skin condition (eczema, acne, etc.)
• Pressure (prolonged sitting)

The summer or hot weather conditions that increase the chances you’ll develop some type of folliculitis are:

• Wearing tight, moisture-trapping clothes (like swimsuits)
• Use of oily or greasy products, such as certain sunscreens (but don’t skip the sunscreen; just find a different one)
• Sweating and not fully cleaning your skin or hair
• Being in water that doesn’t have the right pH level
• Frequent shaving

Preventing and Treating Folliculitis

Preventing folliculitis involves good hygiene and skincare practices. Here are some tips to keep those pesky bumps at bay:

• Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry: Wash your skin regularly with a gentle cleanser and avoid leaving sweat-soaked clothing on for too long. Wash athletic clothing after every use.
• Exfoliate Regularly: This helps remove dead skin cells that can clog hair follicles.
• Wear Loose Clothing, especially during exercise: Tight clothes can trap sweat and cause friction, irritating the hair follicles.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Towels, razors, and clothing can spread bacteria and fungi.
• Shaving smart: Shave in the direction of hair growth, avoid shaving irritated skin, and use an electric razor or a new disposable razor every time you shave.

For those already dealing with folliculitis, treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Treating Folliculitis

While it can be painful, irritating, or just look unpleasant, the good news is that folliculitis usually goes away without treatment. Mild cases of folliculitis may resolve on their own with proper hygiene and over-the-counter treatments. But if you also have a fever, a rash that spreads, or raised bumps that have an odor or are filled with a liquid, consult with a dermatologist. Dr. Hakimi states, “Persistent or severe folliculitis can lead to more serious infections or scarring if left untreated. A dermatologist can provide the necessary interventions to manage the condition effectively and prevent complications.”

If the diagnosis is acute folliculitis, your dermatologist may suggest over-the-counter medications or treatments. For example, with Malassezia folliculitis, one treatment is using anti-dandruff shampoo. In other cases, depending on the duration or severity, the doctor may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics or antifungal medications to treat the cause of your infection, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like aspirin) or antihistamines to relieve pain or itching.

“As with any other kind of skin condition, the key is to know what’s normal for you,” said Dr. Hakimi. “When you see something developing on your skin that isn’t usually there — like raised, red bumps — that’s something to pay attention to.”

Embrace a Folliculitis-Free Summer

Summer should be a time of fun and relaxation, not of worrying about skin problems. By understanding folliculitis and taking proactive steps to prevent and treat it, you can enjoy the season with confidence. Remember, the team at Calkin & Boudreaux is here to help you achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful skin all year round.

Don’t let folliculitis put a damper on your summer plans. With the right care and guidance, you can keep your skin smooth and free of irritation.

If you’re experiencing any skin concerns or need expert advice, schedule an appointment with Calkin & Boudreaux in Sacramento today!

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.? It’s estimated that nearly 9,500 people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer daily.

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to know more about skin cancer. Keep reading to learn more about skin cancer, signs to watch out for, the importance of skin cancer screenings, and ways to minimize your skin cancer risk.

Continue reading “The Importance of Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know” →

Skin cancer sounds straightforward: it’s an abnormal growth of cells.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.

Even though the definition is simple, knowing what “abnormal growth” looks like is anything but straightforward.

Here’s an overview of the three most common types of skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

Nonmelanoma skin cancer

Two main types of skin cancer fall into this category: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.”

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common cancer in the world with 3.6M cases diagnosed in the US each year is basal cell carcinoma or BCC. Generally, they are not as dangerous as the other types of skin cancers. However, if left untreated, it can cause significant disfigurement and eventually spread to lymph nodes.

BCC can look like:

• A round growth, the same color as your skin – often with a “pearly” appearance.
• A pinkish patch of skin
• A scar
• A raised, scaly patch

Basal cell carcinoma can show up in such a wide variety of ways, that while photos are helpful, it’s best to have a board certified dermatologist do an exam.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This is the second most common skin cancer, with nearly 2 million cases a year in the US. It is more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma and can spread to lymph nodes more easily. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is important.  

Just like BCC, SCC has a wide variety of appearances:

• A small red bump
• A scaly patch
• A warty growth
• A little horn growing out of the skin
• A sore that doesn’t heal

Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Topical medication (for superficial skin cancers)
• Electrodessication and curettage (for superficial skin cancers on the trunk and extremities)
• Surgery (excisional)
• Mohs surgery
• Radiation therapy for non-surgical candidates

Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the third most common skin cancer, with more than 100,000 cases a year in the US. But it has increased by more than 30% in the past decade, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The good news is that, if caught and treated early, the 5-year relative survival can be more than 90%.

Similar to other skin cancers, Melanoma can have a wide variety of appearances. However, it most commonly presents as an irregular, dark spot.  Here’s a helpful list from the American Academy of Dermatology that discusses the various features of melanoma.

Melanoma can look like:

• A mole that changes in appearance
• Any kind of spot (it could look like a mole, freckle, or age spot) that looks different from the others on your skin
• A spot with a irregular borders
• A spot with more than one color
• A raised growth that bleeds
• A dark vertical line underneath the nail or a band of darker skin around a fingernail or toenail

Melanoma Treatment

• Surgery
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (in certain cases, to check for metastasis)
• Chemotherapy (if the melanoma has spread)

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-skin cancer. It affects more than 58 million Americans, but only turns into cancer in two to five percent of cases. AKs generally look like small, pink scaly spots.

What can it look like:

• A pink scaly or gritty spot
• Irritated red skin
• Badly chapped lips

Treatment

• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
• Topical medication

Early Detection Saves Lives

Given that skin cancer can show up anywhere on your skin – under fingernails, on the tops of your ears, on your back – it’s vital to perform self-checks monthly. (Here’s a guide on how to do it in 10 minutes).

“All skin cancers are treatable if caught early,” said Hovik Ashchyan, MD, Mohs Surgeon at Golden State Dermatology. “If you’ve had a history of significant sun exposure and sun burns, or a family history of skin cancers, it’s important to see a dermatologist regularly for skin checks.”

As always, if you have any questions or doubts about any marks on your skin, reach out to your closest GSD clinic for a consultation. You can find a clinic near you here. And if you have multiple freckles and/or moles, set up regular appointments so we can help you track any changes.

What is Mohs Surgery?

What exactly is Mohs, and how is it different than other types of cancer surgery?

Mohs Surgery is a technique developed in the 1930s by Frederic Mohs. The key aspect of Mohs surgery is that the full tissue margins are assessed under the microscope in real-time. Because of that precision, the skin cancer cure rate is close to 99%. In addition, the procedures leaves the smallest possible scar for the patient.

Did You Know?

The names of skin cancers are related to where they start in the skin. The top layer of skin is called the epidermis. Within that layer are three main types of cells.

• Squamous: These are flat cells in the outer part of the epidermis. You shed and form these cells constantly – without even noticing!
• Basal cells: These are in the lower part of the epidermis. They move up to replace the squamous cells, changing shape as they go, to become flatter.
• Melanocytes: These make a brown pigment called melanin, which creates the skin’s tan or brown color. Melanin provides protection from sun damage for the lower layers of skin.

“Skin cancers can present in a wide variety of ways, so it often difficult for patients to know if their skin lesions are concerning or not. Dermatologists are trained experts in detecting the features of skin cancers and differentiating them from benign skin lesions. Thus, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you are concerned about any spots on your skin. When in doubt, come see us for a skin check!” said Hovik Ashchyan, MD, Mohs Surgeon at Golden State Dermatology.”  

Obagi

Hydration Kit

Obagi Hydro Drops, Hydrate Luxe and a full sized cleanser – $175.00 +tax
($219.00 value)
+
Earn 274 Obagi Premier Points

Must be present to receive points

While supplies last

SkinCeuticals

Purchase 1 SkinCeuticals Antioxidant and receive 10% off and a complimentary SkinCeuticals Sunscreen.
($42.00 value)
While supplies last
+
Be entered to win a SkinCeuticals basket with the purchase of any SkinCeuticals antioxidant

Offer valid 4/1-4/30

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4/4 – National Vitamin C Day!
Receive a complimentary skincare consult with the skin scope by SkinCeuticals expert Katrina Mohninger!
+
Purchase any 2 SkinCeuticals Antioxidants (CE Ferulic, Resveratrol, Phloretin, Silymarin) and receive 10% off + a Custom Dose Serum
($195 value).
The Custom Dose will be made to order by our product specialist Barbara.

Call to reserve your appointment – spots are limited!
Offer valid 4/4 only

Colorescience

Free Money! Spend it now!

You may have a coupon in your LBR
(Lasting Beauty Rewards) account ranging from $10-$50! Let us check for you!

Please call the office or email Barb to find out!

Use your coupon this month and receive a complimentary lip shine!
($38 value)

While supplies last

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April is rosacea awareness month!

Receive $48 off when you purchase an All Calm System

(All Calm Serum, All Calm SPF and Brush on Shield)

PLUS earn a $50 LBR coupon towards your next purchase.

$275 +tax

($323 value)

+

Earn double points on the All Calm Sensitive Skin Regimen though Lasting Beauty Rewards

Offer valid 4/1/23-4/30/23

Elta MD

New from Elta!
Oil in gel Cleanser

Have you ever complained about how hard it is to remove water resistant sunscreens?

The answer is here! This oil in gel cleanser completely removes water resistant sunscreen, waterproof makeup up and everything in between! Safe for the eyes too!

$34 +tax

Neocutis

Spring clean your skincare routine! Journee Firm is your SIMPLE all in one day time Rockstar!

Anti-aging, Antioxidant, SPF and moisturizer! All in one.

Purchase a Journee Firm and receive a complimentary Neocutis Eye cream.
($108 value)

While supplies last

News provided by Colorescience 

Study led by Calkin and Boudreaux Dermatology

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Colorescience^®, a leading dermatologist-recommended specialty skincare company, announces published results in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Skin Cream for Improving Periocular Rhytids and Dryness. The 8-week open-label clinical trial assessed the efficacy and tolerability of the Colorescience Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream for treating subjects with periorbital wrinkles, dryness, laxity and dark circles.

Dr. Jacqueline M. Calkin and Dr. Alison A. Boudreaux, board-certified dermatologists at Calkin and Boudreaux Dermatology in Sacramento, CA, along with Barbara Taylor, Product Specialist, led the study.

Dr. Jacqueline M. Calkin shares, “As investigators for the Colorescience® Total Eye Firm & Repair Cream clinical study, both Dr. Boudreaux and I were able to observe and measure firsthand the multiple benefits of this product. We were particularly impressed to see improvement in laxity, especially in the upper eyelids, and dryness as early as 4 weeks and pleased that 100% of subjects showed global improvement by week 8. Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream perfectly complements the Total Eye® collection and has quickly become a patient favorite.”

Results of the clinical study showed significant improvements for laxity and dryness as early as week 4, and for dark circles by week 8. All subjects (100%) showed global improvement by week 8. Additionally, all subjects “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the product made their eyes feel more hydrated (100%), look and feel healthier (95%) and increased confidence in their eye appearance (91%). An impressive 97% of subjects would continue using Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream. The Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream was well tolerated and successfully demonstrated improvements in the overall appearance of the periorbital area and in the subjects’ eye concerns.

On average, skin around the eye area is 5x thinner than the rest of the face, and the top skin concerns affecting the skin in this area include dark circles, loss of firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dehydration. Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream was developed to target these common concerns with a patented Total Eye® Complex – a blend of unique specialty ingredients, while specifically focusing on increasing firmness of eyelids and the under-eye area, delivering intense hydration, and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Colorescience® Total Eye® Firm & Repair Cream is part of the brand’s Total Eye® regimen and can be used alone or in conjunction with award-winning Total Eye® Renewal Therapy SPF 35 as well as the Total Eye® Hydrogel Treatment Masks and Total Eye® Concentrate.

ABOUT COLORESCIENCE®

Colorescience^® delivers clinically proven skin care and sun care innovations that are thoughtfully designed to improve overall skin health. Going beyond UV protection, Colorescience^® believes in preventing skin damage before it starts with clinically tested formulas that are trusted, recommended, and personally used by physicians and patients alike. Using cutting-edge innovation to formulate with efficacious ingredients, Colorescience^® products deliver immediate and long-term results that provide confidence for all ages, skin types, and concerns.

Colorescience® premium products are available through a network of licensed physicians and on colorescience.com.

SOURCE Colorescience

Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology is excited to announce that they have partnered with SkinCeuticals, the #1 medical skincare brand in the US, to become Sacramento’s first Flagship Advanced Clinical Spa. As a SkinCeuticals Flagship, Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology has access to state of the art in-office treatments, early product releases and an unmatched level of partnership. At Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology, our team of unparalleled providers believe the best results are integrated: a precise combination of clinical in-office procedures and an advanced homecare regimen is the ideal pairing to achieve healthy, youthful looking skin. Visit us in-office for a complimentary SkinScope analysis and to learn more about our exciting partnership.

Another way to save with Alle is now available at our office. Scan our Allē QR code on your next visit for a chance to score something special. These are surprise offers for Botox, Juvederm and other services within the Allergan portfolio. 

Pro tip: Make sure you are an Allē Member with the latest version of the Allē app downloaded ahead of your visit.