Let's Explore Psoriasis
August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month
Types of Psoriasis
Plaque (plack) psoriasis - most common
Scalp psoriasis
Nail psoriasis
Guttate (gut-tate) psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis
Erythrodermic (eh-rith-row-der-mic) psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriasis Triggers
- Infection (such as strep throat)
- Skin injury (such as a sunburn or cut)
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Medication use (beta-blockers, lithium, or antimalarial drugs)
1. Prescription and OTC creams and ointments
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- Rx topical steroids, vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids, and calcineurin inhibitors can calm down the inflammation.
- OTC products that contain salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, selenium sulfide, and moisturizers can exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
2. Ultraviolet light
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- Skin exposure to natural sunlight or artificial UV light causes the hyperactive immune cells in the the skin to die, which slows down the cell turnover and calms down inflammation.
- Limited UV exposure to avoid sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer.
3. Systemic medications
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- Rx oral or injectable medications, including immunomodulating medications (such as Otezla, Skyrizi, Cosentyx, Stelara, and more), retinoids, methotrexate, and cyclosporine can eliminate the skin and joint disease of psoriasis.
If you feel like you might be experiencing psoriasis or would like to explore a more comprehensive treatment approach to your symptoms, schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Cera Hill and Dr. Ghiselli.
EltaMD Moisture Rich Body Crème
One of our favorites for patients with psoriasis or eczema or for anyone seeking extra hydration in Denver’s dry climate. Non-greasy, luxurious, ceramide-enhanced formula with enzymes to promote a healthy skin barrier. LEARN MORE
ISDIN Uradin Podos Gel Oil
Get that Summer Skin Glow ☀️
- Summer skin tips
- Wallaroo UPF Hats
- Our favorite facial treatments for summer
SUMMER SKIN TIPS
- SPF, SPF, SPF: It's the most important, fundamental, don't-leave-home-without-it tip, wear sunscreen. We recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Don't forget about hands, feet, ears, and lips. Come by our office and let us help you find the perfect sun protection for you.
- Invest in a good vitamin C serum: Vitamin C is great year-round, but all the more important in the summer. Vitamin C helps prevent hyperpigmentation, improves the appearance of fine lines, and can help with collagen production. Layer a few drops on your skin between cleansing and your moisturizer.
- Don't forget to exfoliate: While we often remind patients not to over-exfoliate, in the summertime, 'tis the season to slough away. That doesn't mean a daily dose of all your favorite acids, but try slowly increasing the amount of days you exfoliate per week. Need some extra TLC? Schedule a complexion-enhancing facial with one of our aestheticians.
- What about vitamin D: The myths about vitamin D can be confusing. Is vitamin D important for our health? Absolutely! Can you get enough vitamin D, even if you wear sunscreen every day? The answer is yes! But instead of getting a daily dose of Vitamin D from the sun or tanning beds, turn to foods rich in vitamin D and supplements rather than risk the harmful rays of the sun.
- Schedule your skin check: Keep your skin healthy and detect skin cancer early with an annual skin check. Discuss any skin concerns you may have with your board-certified dermatologist, schedule today.
Wallaroo UPF Hats
As a leader in the sun-protective hat industry, Wallaroo has developed a line of functional, fashionable designs that can go with you on all of your adventures. Wallaroo hats are tested and rated according to the UV radiation blocking capabilities of materials used in the construction of each hat.
Pure Dermatology carries a wide variety of Wallaroo UPF Hats, stop by our office to shop the current styles. You are sure to find the perfect hat for all your summer plans.
Our Favorite Summer Treatments: HydraFacial and SilkPeel Dermalinfusion
HydraFacial
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION
CUSTOMIZED BOOSTERS
COSMETIC GOALS
CONTINUOUS GOALS
all in one treatment to address acne prone, mature, or dry skin
ADDITIONAL FOCUS
END RESULT
SilkPeel Dermalinfusion
MANUAL EXFOLIATION
MEDICAL-GRADE SERUMS
CLINICAL GOALS
CORRECTIVE CARE
ADDITIONAL FOCUS
END RESULT
TWO NEW REASONS TO LOVE PURE DERMATOLOGY!
Introducing SilkPeel® Dermalinfusion
Welcoming our new licensed aesthetician, Ashli LaMadrid
SilkPeel® Dermalinfusion
SilkPeel® Dermalinfusion is more than a facial, it provides radiant results that last. Unlike traditional facial treatments, which rely on manual and chemical exfoliation to treat skin at a surface level, our new device contains a diamond tip wand that delivers a next-level resurfacing treatment that deeply cleans and rejuvenates the skin.
- Improvement in overall skin dryness and roughness providing a new glow to the skin.
- After only one session, skin clarity and luminosity is enhanced. Skin will be instantly dewy, brighter, and infused with nourishing serums.
- Positive results are seen immediately, and in the days following your treatment, with no peeling of the skin.
Book Your SilkPeel® Dermalinfusion
Introducing Ashli LaMadrid
We are pleased to introduce the newest team member at Pure Dermatology, licensed aesthetician, Ashli LaMadrid.
- Ashli is seeing patients now, schedule your FREE consultation today.
- Update your skin care regimen with the best medical grade skin care products specifically customized to you to maximize results and skin health.
- Understand which Cosmetic Services including Microneedling, Laser, PRP, Facials, Peels, Microdermabrasion, and more, are best for your skin. See a detailed list of cosmetic services available on our website.
Schedule an aesthetician treatment or consultation by calling our office at 303-333-7873 or booking via online scheduling.
Ashli LaMadrid, Licensed Aesthetician
Ashli is a licensed aesthetician with a decade of experience in the skin care industry. She is originally from Florida where she worked for a med spa and gained a passion for the aesthetic field. She moved to Colorado where she obtained her aesthetic license at The College of International Esthetics. Since then, Ashli has continued to expand her aesthetic knowledge and training working in the dermatology setting.
Ashli is trained and certified in a variety of laser treatments including IPL, laser resurfacing, and laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, microneedling, chemical peels, and body contouring.
As an aesthetician, Ashli is passionate about skin health and loves educating her patients and helping them obtain their skin care goals. She enjoys working in conjunction with our board certified dermatologists, Dr Ghiselli and Dr. Cera Hill to create a customized treatment plan designed for the best outcome and results. Ashli has an excellent rapport with patients and prides herself on the long term relationship she builds with them.
When not working, she enjoys hiking with her husband and 2 dogs.
Melanoma Monday + Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Early detection saves lives!
See below as we explore:
- Types of Skin Cancer
- Sun Protection Favorites
TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Presents as what appears to be a harmless non-healing pimple, scar, sore or scaly patch.
- Occurs most commonly in the highly sun exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and balding scalp.
- Highly treatable with a very low risk of metastasis of <1%.
- Treatments include Mohs micrographic surgery, excisions, topical chemotherapy and immunotherapy creams, and radiation.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Presents as a non-healing, red, crusted, or scaling bump or sore.
- Occurs most commonly in the highly sun exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and balding scalp.
- Risk of spreading ranges from 1-10%, if detected early they are easily treated with Mohs surgery, topical treatments or radiation.
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common but the most serious form of skin cancer.
- Presents as a new or changing mole or brown spot.
- More common on the sun exposed skin but can occur anywhere including the bottom of your feet, eyes, scalp, and other unexposed skin.
- If detected early, melanoma has a 99% cure rate. However, it can become life threatening by spreading to the lymph nodes and internal organs.
- ABCDEs of melanoma help us detect which brown spots on our skin are concerning.
- Mohs surgery is a specialized surgical and microscopic procedure that progressively removes thin layers of cancer containing skin until the margin is clear of cancer. It allows removal of as little skin as possible while attaining the highest cure rate. This procedure is performed by Dr. Samantha Ghiselli at Pure Dermatology.
SUN PROTECTION FAVORITES
Living in Colorado we are all exposed to the sun on a daily basis and are at risk for skin cancer. Check out our favorite products available at Pure Dermatology to help protect you from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer while still enjoying the outdoors.
UPF Hats & Clothing
Protect your face, neck and chest by wearing a wide-brimmed hat with UV protection. Pure Dermatology carries a large selection of our team's favorite sun protective hats from Wallaroo. Stop by our office to find the perfect hat for you!
Dietary Supplement — Heliocare
- Heliocare is a once-a-day dietary supplement that contains a unique extract from a Fernleaf plant called Polypodium leucotomos which helps your skin protect itself from the free radical DNA damage caused by the sun.
- We recommend taking it any time you have extended sun exposure whether that is on a tropical vacation, golfing, hiking, or watching your child's or grandchild's soccer game.
- For patients with a history of skin cancer, we recommend taking it on a daily basis.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
- Different occasions call for different sunscreens.Some days call for a water-resistant SPF and others call for a light weight product.
- Pure Dermatology carries a wide range of broad-spectrum sunscreens from a range of professional skin care lines in many different formulations from creams, powders, sprays and sticks. Come in and we will help you pick the perfect SPF products for your skin for every occasion.
April is National Rosacea Awareness Month
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- Types of rosacea
- Triggers that may cause rosacea
- Treatments to minimize rosacea
- Featured rosacea skin care product
- Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea - Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels
- Papulopustular rosacea - Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts
- Phymatous rosacea - Skin thickens and has a bumpy texture, usually on the nose
- Ocular rosacea - Eyes red and inflamed, may feel dry and irritated
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating spicy foods
- Certain ingredients in skin care products (alcohol, urea, fragrance, glycolic acid, sodium laurel sulfate, menthol, lactic acid, camphor)
- Prescription oral and topical products are effective and safe treatments for rosacea. Oral anti-inflammatory medication such as prescription doxycycline is effective in papulopustular rosacea and gold-standard treatment for ocular rosacea. Common prescriptions topical ingredients include anti-inflammatory medications such as metronidazole, and acaricidal agents such as ivermectin, and exfoliating ingredients such as azelaic acid.
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory products, including ingredients such as niacinamide
- Sun protection, daily SPF
- Surgical debunking of rhinophymatous changes of the nose
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL) laser-like treatments, typically recommended a series of treatments 2-4 weeks apart for significant reduction of redness and diminishment of blood vessels
1. Rosacea has Four Subtypes
Rosacea and acne can sometime become confused. Acne is mainly characterized by pimples, while the main characteristic of rosacea is redness. Additionally, acne usually begins at a younger age (between 15 and 25 years) while rosacea usually occurs after the age of 30. Both acne and rosacea sometimes have a chronic character, the right treatments and advice can calm the skin and make sure the symptoms stay away for a longer period of time. It is important that you visit with your board-certified dermatologist to be sure you have the correct diagnosis for proper treatment.
2. Rosacea Triggers
3. Dermatologist Recommended Treatments for Rosacea
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to Treat Rosacea
IPL uses controlled light in specific wavelengths to alleviate the inflammation, redness, pimples and uneven skin tones caused by rosacea. By treating the blood vessels causing rosacea the vascular response is diminished. We have seen dramatic results for patients with rosacea even in patients suffering with stinging and burning sensations. Depending on the severity of the symptoms results can be seen in 1-3 treatments.
See our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Cera Hill or Dr. Ghiselli, for diagnosis and treatment options of rosacea.
Featured Product: Senté Dermal Repair Cream
Lightweight, deeply hydrating, and post procedure approved! Dermal Repair Cream is formulated with sensitive skin in mind. During the month of April, buy any Senté product with HSA and receive one mini two-week supply of Dermal Repair Cream or Dermal Repair UltraNourish as a gift from us.
Clinical trials show reduced visible redness and sensitivity after only 4 weeksDeeply hydrate and renew skin Promotes healthier, more even-looking skin Improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Recommended by 500+ dermatologists
Tips For Keeping Skin of Color Healthy and Looking Great
COMMON SKIN CONCERNS FOR DARKER SKIN TYPES
- Dark Spots
- Dark spots have multiple different causes including sun damage, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma. Skin of color is more prone to these common skin conditions.
- Treatments for dark spots include procedures such as IPL, Microneedling and Peels.
- OTC and Rx products can also help lighten these spots. These include:
- SPF 30 or >
- Hydroquinone
- Cysteamine
- Retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene or retinols)
- Heliocare
- Azelaic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Kojic acid
- Vitamin C
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Following injury to the skin, darker skin types are at a higher risk for dark spots on the skin known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and may last 6-8 months.
- Common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and burns often cause PIH.
- Treatment of PIH starts with treatment of the underlying condition.
- Fading the pigmentation can then be achieved with a combination of OTC and Rx topical products and treatments done in our office such as chemical peels and microneedling.
- Melasma
- Melasma is a pattern of irregular dark patches primarily on the face, often on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks but may be on other sun exposed areas as well.
- Melasma is more common in women, skin of color, with exposure to hormones, ie. on oral contraceptive pill, pregnant or recently given birth.
- Treatment is difficult and often requires multiple different approaches including daily sun protection with sunscreen and hats, Rx creams containing topical hydroquinone, OTC products, oral Rx and dietary supplements and in office treatments including peels, microneedeling and lasers.
- Be careful! Laser treatments can sometimes worsen melasma due to the light and heat.
- Vitiligo
- Vitiligo is a condition where depigmented (lighter) patches of skin form on various parts of the body.
- The cause is unknown but thought to be an autoimmune and genetic condition.
- While any skin tone can develop vitiligo, it is more noticeable in skin of color.
- Treatment includes topical Rx medications and light therapy both prescribed by your dermatologist.
- Ingrown Hair & Razor Burn
- Folliculitis or ingrown hairs is a common concern in all skin types, but are much more common for men and women with darker skin types and curly hair.
- When hairs regrow and get trapped beneath the skin they form red, irritated bumps. In darker skin types as these bumps heal they leave dark pigmented spots, in lighter skin types often red marks.
- Prevention is the best treatment for folliculitis. By making changes to shaving habits, ingrown hairs may often be avoided or minimized.
- Your dermatologist may treat folliculitis with oral and/or topical antibiotics, steroid creams, topical retinoids, or laser treatments.
TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR PIGMENTATION AT PURE DERMATOLOGY
Microneedling for Melasma
Lasers are great for most pigment, however the heat they generate can potentially make melasma worse.
By contrast, microneedling mechanically breaks up the pigment and generates no such heat.
Through a series of clean, controlled micropunctures, microneedling is able to reach the deeper dermis that is affected by melasma. The healing mechanisms triggered essentially force the surrounding skin to make brand new skin that has not yet been agitated by hormones or the sun.
Best results are seen when cosmeceutical grade skin lightening agents are applied post procedure to penetrate into these micro channels.
Call today to schedule a consultation with our aesthetician, Katie, to discuss treatment options for your melasma!
The Perfect Derma™ Peel
The Perfect Derma™ Peel is safe, effective medium depth peel for all skin types and ethnicities. This product is virtually painless, with no pre-peel skin preparation and little downtime. The Perfect Derma™ Peel is the only peel that includes the powerful antioxidant Glutathione, which lightens and brightens the skin, slows down the aging process and helps prevent wrinkles.
BENEFITS
- Improve the overall clarity, tone and texture of the skin
- Reduce or eliminate hyperpigmentation, sun damage and melasma
- Improve acneic skin conditions and reduce acne scars
- Stimulate the production of collagen, resulting in firmer, more youthful skin
- Reduce the appearance of pore size
Top Tips to Help Men Develop Healthy Skin Care Routines
When it comes to skin care, men have traditionally kept it simple. Today, it is more common than ever for men to pursue healthier, younger-looking skin and hair. To help those just getting started, we've put together our top tips for a healthy men's skin care routine!
1. Wash your face daily and after exercise.
- Regular bar soap often contains harsh ingredients that can be drying to the skin.
- Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm — not hot — water.
2. Watch your shaving technique.
- Multi-blade razors can work too well or shave too closely to your skin. If you often experience razor bumps, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, use a single- or double-blade razor instead and do not stretch your skin taut while shaving.
- Before you shave, wet your skin and hair to soften it, and shave in the direction of hair growth.
- If irritation persists schedule an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists to help with treatment.
3. Moisturize daily.
- Moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and younger.
- After washing and/or shaving use a daily moisturizer with SPF in the morning and one without in the evening.
4. Wear sunscreen whenever outdoors.
- Use SPF 30 or greater on a daily basis.
- Daily SPF helps prevent sun damage that can lead to wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer.
5. Check your skin regularly.
- This is an extremely important part of any men's skin care routine. Non-healing spots or moles that itch, bleed, or change color are often early warning signs of skin cancer.
- Skin cancer is common in men over age 50.
- We recommend skin checks every 1 to 2 years depending on your risks.
- Schedule your skin check now with Dr. Cera Hill or Dr. Ghiselli.
TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE AT PURE DERMATOLOGY
Platelet- Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Loss Treatment
Consider PRP scalp injections for treatment of hair loss. Treatment can be done alone or in combination with prescription oral medications, topical medications, or oral supplements to maximize hair growth in both men and women. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cera Hill or Dr. Ghiselli to develop the best hair treatment plan for you.
How it works: Three step process when your blood is drawn, spun to retrieve the platelet-rich portion, then injected into the scalp. PRP injections are an effective, alternative, natural treatment of hair loss.
- Duration of procedure: 60 minutes
- Recommended # of treatments: 3+
- How long does it last: Permanent, 1-2 maintenance treatments per year
- Recovery time: 2-3 days of scalp tenderness, swelling and bruising is possible
- Pain: Low
- Results: Increased hair density in 70% of patients, in 12 weeks
Platelet- Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Loss Treatment
Combat fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss. Cosmetic injectables for men include Botox, Dysport, and fillers. Whether you’re looking for more facial definition, brighter eyes, angled jawline, or to smooth your skin’s appearance and restore a more youthful look, Dr. Cera Hill and Dr. Ghiselli offer non-surgical treatments to help you reach your aesthetic goals.
- Neurotoxins: ie Botox and Dysport, address wrinkles and fine lines. Results last 3-4 months.
- Fillers: define, lift and restore volume to areas with hollowing or sagging, such as the cheeks and temples, jawline and under eyes. Results last 6-24 months.
- Excessive perspiration: armpits, hands and/or feet. A single treatment may last up to 6 months.
Laser Hair Reduction
Laser hair reduction (LHR) is non-invasive and reduces unwanted facial, neck and body hair. LHR is done in a series of 6 treatment sessions every 4-6 weeks. Schedule with our Aesthetician today and be ready for summer! Treatment areas include:
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Back
Men's Clinical Facial
Facials are great skin care maintenance to keep your face skin soft, healthy and youthful! Facials don't have to be fussy to get results! A man’s skin can quickly become damaged just from normal daily activities like your shaving routine and being out in the sun. A facial will help to deep clean skin and soothe irritation.
- Facials improve skin texture, and improve acne.
- Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, improves skin tone, reduces the appearance of pore size, and helps the products you’re using penetrate deeper and work better.
- Schedule a Clinical Facial now. Customized facial including cleansing, dermaplaning or microdermabrasion, exfoliating enzyme, extractions, and treatment mask. Leaves your skin smooth and glowing!
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL is a laser-like treatment that is an excellent option for men. The procedure can be completed over a lunch break in 30-60 minutes.
IPL is a great solution to treat skin discoloration such as:
- Red or brown spots
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
How to Reach Your 2022 Skin Goals
New year, same skin – or is it? This year, make a point to improve your skin so it looks newer than it did in 2021! We're here to help you reach your skin goals with these tips.
Switch up your showering habits
While soaking in a hot shower is tempting, especially in these colder months, it can actually be damaging to your skin. Hot showers can dry out and irritate the skin, preventing the skin cells from locking in moisture.
- When getting out of the shower, don’t dry your face completely off with a face towel. Leave some moisture on your skin before applying your moisturizer to seal in the hydration and enhance the benefits.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
During the colder winter months, you’ll want to invest in a richer moisturizer, colder weather can deplete the skin of its natural oils. A thick, creamy moisturizer will protect the skin barrier more efficiently than a thinner one better suited for the warmer months.
- Our favorite winter facial moisturizers available at Pure Dermatology include SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, Senté Dermal Repair Ultra Nourish, and EltaMD PM.
- Our favorite body moisturizers include FixMySkin and EltaMD products.
Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week
Exfoliation is key and a very important step in all skincare regimes to keep skin glowing and unclog pores. Use 2-4 times per week in combination with moisturizers to prevent over drying.
- Try Senté Exfoliating Cleanser and Senté Bio Complete Serum (retinol), SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10, Avène Retinal, or prescription Tretinoin
Lather on the sunscreen
Wear it year round to protect your skin. The majority of skin aging is caused from sun exposure, which makes sun protection crucial.
Customize your skincare regimen to meet your skin goals
Our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Cera Hill and Dr. Ghiselli, and licensed aesthetician, Katie Velasquez, are experts in recommending personalized skin care products and treatments to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.
- Winter months are notorious for drying out your skin and that’s why it’s essential to switch out your products for the different conditions.
- Consider laser treatments, injectables and rejuvenating aesthetic services.
- Schedule a cosmetic consult for a personalized regimen tailored to your unique needs. We're here to help you reach your skin goals!
Aesthetician Winter Treatment Recommendation: HydraFacial
- Combination of cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection.
- Removes dead skin cells and impurities while simultaneously delivering moisturizing serums into the skin.
- Leaves your skin looking Radiant and Glowing!
Make 2022 YOUR year and the year you finally achieve our skincare goals!
- Schedule a visit with Dr. Cera Hill or Dr. Samantha Ghiselli for a skin check OR
- Schedule a FREE cosmetic consult with licensed aesthetician, Katie Velasquez
- Click here to schedule online or call our office 303-333-7873