It's Time to Tackle Brown Spots
Dark or brown spots are one of the most common skin complaints received by dermatologists.
Hyperpigmentation of the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Sun damage
- Post-inflammatory changes from acne or other skin conditions that cause inflammation of the skin
- Hormonal and genetic conditions such as melasma
There are many treatments for dark spots, including lasers and peels, topical prescription (Rx) creams, over-the-counter (OTC) topical treatments, and oral vitamin or amino acid supplements. The best results are achieved when multiple treatment types are expertly combined.
Let the Pure Dermatology team of board-certified dermatologists and aesthetician develop a treatment plan and skin care regimen specific to your skin goals!
INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR TO FIGHT HYPERPIGMENTATION
Rx Tretinoin or OTC Retinols:
- Increases skin turnover and exfoliation.
- Used in combination with other lightening products can increase penetration.
Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA or BHA):
- Exfoliates the skin.
Azelaid Acid:
- Higher concentrations (15-20%) inhibit free radicals and tyrosinase, which is an enzyme necessary for melanin production.
Kojic Acid:
- Inhibits tyrosinase, which is an enzyme necessary in the production of melanin.
Transexamic Acid:
- Synthetic amino acid that blocks excess melanin production.
- Available topically in OTC products and orally via Rx.
Cysteamine:
- Reduces melanin production by inhibiting key enzymes required in melanin production.
Hydroquinone:
- Decreases and prevents the formation of excess melanin in the skin.
- Available in 1-2% strength in OTC products and 4% or greater with a prescription.
- Works well but cannot be used long term, best used in Rx strength for short time periods and followed with other dark spot correctors for long term maintenance.
Niacinamide:
- Anti-inflammatory that helps barrier function of the skin with increases hydration and improves uneven tone.
Vitamin C:
- Potent antioxidant that helps repair skin and indirectly reduces hyperpigmentation.
Licorice Root Extract:
- Anti-inflammatory by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines.
PATH-3 Technology:
- Unique new patented ingredient that helps to minimize the recurrence of surface pigmentation and protect against future damage.
NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
Isdinceutics Melaclear Advanced
What we love: Dewy serum texture, non-irritating while exfoliating and calming the skin.
Key ingredients:
- Tranexamic acid
- Niacinamide
- Licorice Root Extract
- Blend of exfoliating acids
Browse Our Skin Care Favorites
AESTHETICIAN CORNER
Are you ready to rejuvenate your skin and achieve a more even skin tone and youthful appearance? Now, before the summer, is the perfect time to consider Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments.
What is IPL? IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a technology that uses broad-spectrum light to target various skin concerns. It is commonly used to treat sun damage, brown spots, redness, broken blood vessels and overall uneven skin tone. IPL works by delivering pulses of light energy into the skin which are absorbed by the red and brown pigmentation and brought to the surface and removed.
Are you a good candidate for IPL? IPL is safe for most skin types and can be customized to address individual skin concerns. However, it is important to consult with a qualified skincare professional to determine if IPL is the right treatment for you.
Take the first step towards healthier, more radiant skin by scheduling a consultation to learn more about the benefits of IPL treatments. Say goodbye to skin imperfections and hello to a more confident you with IPL!
Large Pores? Pure Dermatology Can Help!
Pores can get enlarged when they’re clogged with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, or other debris. Additionally, as part of the aging process and sun damage our skin loses some of its structural support from collagen and elastin which can cause pores to enlarge over time. Large pores can be a frustrating skin concern but there are several steps you can take to minimize their appearance.
Check out some at-home and in-office tips from our team of board-certified dermatologists and aesthetician to combat this common skin concern.
Follow a comprehensive skin care routine at home.
- Cleanser: Keep your skin clean by washing your face twice a day and after exercise with a non-comedogenic, gentle cleanser or a cleanser containing salicylic acid.
- Exfoliator: Introduce an exfoliator. Exfoliating once or twice a week can help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and make them appear larger.
- Toner: Using a toner with alpha or beta hydroxy acids can help reduce the appearance of large pores by removing excess oil and debris.
- Retinol: Incorporating a retinol product into your skincare routine can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun with a daily broad-spectrum SPF prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which can contribute to larger pores.
Treat and manage acne.
- Acne clogs your pores making them appear more noticeable.
- Inflammation from acne causes dilation of the follicle which leads to enlargement on the pores.
- Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists to get a customized Rx and non-Rx treatment regimen for your acne whether it is mild and intermittent or constant and more severe.
Be gentle with your skin.
- Scrubbing your face won’t make it cleaner, but scrubbing can irritate your skin making your pores look larger.
- Picking, squeezing, or digging into your pores can also irritate your skin, making pores look more noticeable and sometimes cause scarring.
Explore in-office treatments.
- Facial Peels: Medical-grade facial peels with ingredients such as Glycolic, Salicylic and Lactic acid can help slough away layers of old skin to reveal smooth new skin and tighter pores.
- See our Perfect Derma Peel featured in our aestheticians corner below.
- SilkPeel: A gentle process of exfoliation, infusion, and extraction in one simultaneous treatment through the use of specifically formulated serums targeted to treat problems of the skin.
- Hydrafacial: Patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate, infusion of super serums and application of LED light therapy, gently exfoliate and leave your skin moisturized and glowing.
- Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive exfoliating procedure that can be added on to any facial, and will help to improve uneven skin texture and tone for a brighter and smoother complexion.
If you have questions about how to manage your large pores, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aesthetician. They will evaluate your skin and develop a treatment plan and regimen just for you.
Favorite Products to Treat Large Pores
Cleansers:
- SkinCeuticals® Simply Clean – Gel cleanser for normal, combination or oily skin.
- Senté Daily Soothing Cleanser – Calms and helps reduce visible redness with the nourishing properties of vitamin E and green tea extract.
Exfoliants:
- Senté Exfoliating Cleanser – For sensitive skin uses gentle ingredients like phytic acid and glycolic acid to reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion. Ideal for redness and irritation-prone skin, using just once or twice per week.
- Micro Exfoliating Scrub – Gentle scrub delivers a mild and even exfoliation to improve texture and hydrate skin with silica, glycerin, and aloe leaf extract
Sun Protection:
- Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 – Smooths skin texture and helps improve skin tone, calms sensitive skin with anti-irritants and antioxidants.
- Avène Retrinal 0.05 Cream / 0.1 Intensive Cream – Visibly reduces wrinkles while smoothing and renewing skin.
- Tretinoin (by prescription only) – A derivative of vitamin A, known as a retinoid, fights acne, and helps improve fine lines and dark spots.
Sun Protection:
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Lightweight sun protection of oily skin prone to acne and rosacea.
- ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50+ – Ultralight Emulsion with DNA Repairsomes®, all mineral, water resistant for everyday use.
Browse Our Selection of Skin Care Products
Aesthetician Corner
When home care and proper medical-grade skin care is not enough, you may want to look into treatment options for your enlarged pores. Learn more about one of our favorite peels, 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. Reduce enlarged pores and build collagen and elastin for a healthier, firmer complexion.
Benefits:
- Reduce the appearance of pore size
- 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
Ingredients: TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Phenol, Glutathione and Vitamin C.
New Year, Same GREAT Care!
At the start of a new year, many of us make resolutions to take better care of ourselves. If your goal is to improve your skin, we are here to help!
Let's start 2024 the right way, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being. Our team of board-certified dermatologists offers comprehensive skin checks to screen for skin cancers and ensure your skin is healthy and protected. Our goal is to provide top-notch patient care and detect and treat any potential skin issues.
Schedule your skin check today to start the new year with peace of mind and healthy skin.
Are You Ready For Your Appointment?
With the start of the new year, there may be changes to your insurance plan or cards.
- Please bring to all appointments: a photo ID, an insurance card(s), and a valid form of payment, even if you are an established patient.
- If your insurance requires a referral, please request one from your primary care doctor prior to your visit.
This will ensure that we have the most current information on file and can provide you with the best possible care. Thank you for your cooperation and we look forward to seeing you soon. Questions? Give our office a call (303-333-7873).
Aesthetician Corner
New Treatment Alert — PRX Derm Perfexion
The PRX Derm Perfexion treatment helps improve the hydration, structure, texture, and pigmentation of your skin. You will see immediate results with no needles, no peeling, no frosting, and no photosensitivity. It is truly a zero-down-time innovation in aesthetic medicine.
PRX Derm Perfexion contains a proprietary blend of proven ingredients that work together to improve the quality and texture of the skin. Its formula contains 33% trichloroacetic acid (TCA), hydrogen peroxide, and kojic acid. When applied to the skin, PRX penetrates deeply to the dermis level stimulating collagen, while leaving the epidermis intact. The patented formula, application, and treatment protocol give your complexion a healthy glow without the risks or side effects of traditional peels.
PRX Derm Perfexion Highlights:
-
- Great for all skin types and ages
- Improve skin laxity, pigmentation, wrinkles, scarring, and stretch marks
- No needles
- No peeling
- No downtime (great before vacation or events)
- Immediate and long-lasting results
- 15 to 30 minute procedure, performed one time per week for four weeks (four sessions per package)
Get Glowing Skin!
Are you feeling the effects of winter on your skin? Dryness, flakiness, and a lackluster appearance are common during this time of year. But don't worry, we are here to help! Here are some simple tips to combat dry winter weather and keep your skin glowing all season long.
Use gentle, non-fragranced soap or moisturizing non-soap cleansers.
- Harsh soaps can strip the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
Apply the right products.
- Moisturizer is best applied right after your bath or shower, when the skin is moist, your pores are open and will trap in moisture.
- Choose a cream over lotion. Cream-based moisturizers contain more oil and less water than lotions; lotions are thinner (more water) and less hydrating than creams.
- Consider a skin product that contains Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the hottest ingredients in skincare right now — and for good reason. It has the power to thoroughly hydrate, making skin look instantly dewy and plump, while decreasing the appearance of roughness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day and use a humidifier.
- Water plumps skin cells and enhances elasticity, it is crucial for keeping skin looking youthful. Dehydrated skin can look dry, wrinkled, and dull.
- Proper water intake helps carry nutrients to skin cells and enhances the effects of topically applied products.
- The heat in your home or office can be very drying; a humidifier helps maintain ideal humidity to combat skin dryness.
Treat yourself to a relaxing facial to combat winter skin dryness.
- Deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin.
- Our skilled aesthetician, Ashli LaMadrid, will customize a treatment plan to address your specific concerns and leave you with a refreshed, hydrated, and glowing complexion.
- Facials make a great gift! Call our office to purchase today, 303.333.7873.
If you have questions about how to keep your skin refreshed and radiant, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aesthetician. They will evaluate your skin and develop a regimen just for you.
NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
Alastin Skincare's new HA (Hyaluronic Acid) IMMERSE Serum™ is a breakthrough hyaluronic acid serum that delivers instant hydration for smoother, more radiant-looking skin — while helping amplify skin's hyaluronic acid levels over time. The luxurious serum is formulated only with high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid. This form of HA is the same molecular weight as the HA naturally found deep within your skin. That means it delivers the form of HA that your body needs, helping to promote plumper, more hydrated skin in a natural way.
Where Does Hyaluronic Acid Fit Into My Daily Regimen? Typically when you layer on products, you start with the thinnest formula and end with the thickest formula. In the case of HA IMMERSE, this also rings true! You can apply HA IMMERSE immediately after washing and drying your face, then continue on with the rest of your daily regimen.
BENEFITS OF HA IMMERSE SERUM™:
- Helps instantly boost skin hydration at the surface for smoother, more radiant looking skin.
- Proprietary Octapeptide-45 helps the skin’s ability to naturally increase its own high-molecular hyaluronic acid production deep within for long-term skin plumping, anti-aging, and hydration benefits.
- Provides both instant and long-lasting results.
- Helps to increase natural levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin which works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
AESTHETICIAN CORNER
Need an extra glow, schedule a Clinical Facial!
Our expert aesthetician, Ashli, will provide a customized treatment plan to target your specific skin concerns, leaving you with a hydrated and radiant complexion.
Need the perfect gift? We can help! Give our office a call at 303.333.7873 to purchase facial certificates for everyone on your list, from your mom to your best friend. Treat your loved ones to the ultimate pampering experience! (Meet Ashli LaMadrid)
Our new, clean, non toxic, plant-based line delivers visible results. Check out some of our wide selection of offerings below, we will make sure we use the professional products to best suit your needs and skin goals.
- Floraessence Peel 20% - Hydrate, exfoliate, and increase cell turnover with Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid.
- Pomegranate Refining Peel 20% - Treat hyperpigmentation and oily acne prone skin with Enzymatic and Alpha Hydroxy.
- Pumpkin Glycolic Peel 3% + 20% - Reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and stimulate cell turnover.
- Clear Complexion Healing Mask - Detox skin and absorb dirt and oil with charcoal and probiotics.
- Potent C Superfood Mask - Help skin cell turn over, brighten skin, and calm blemishes. Spinach and kale oxygenate skin, and Vitamin C brightens.
- Firm Collagen Gel Mask - Firm, plump, and hydrate with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
HOW TO: Prevent Premature Skin Aging
Are you worried about premature skin aging? Don't panic! With a few simple steps, you can keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
7 WAYS TO REDUCE PREMATURE AGING
Protect your skin from the sun every day.
- Wearing SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck and chest on a daily basis is the best thing you can do to prevent aging of your skin and keep it looking young. Whether spending a day in the sun or simply running errands, sun protection is essential.
- You can also protect your skin by seeking shade and covering up with UPF clothing — such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Consider using a retinol or Rx Tretinoin cream.
- Should you be using a retinol or retinoid? Yes, yes and yes! Aside from SPF, retinoids are the #1 product for promoting long-term skin health across all skin types.
- Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that increase cellular turnover, which causes our skin to regenerate more quickly, thus making your skin look more youthful, vibrant, and refreshed.
- The umbrella term “retinoid” is used for all vitamin A derivatives (ex: OTC retinol and retinaL, and prescription strength Tretinoin). What differentiates them is their strength, or how many conversions they must go through to become active and effective on the skin.
- The only negative is that these products can be drying and irritating so you need to pick the right product for your skin type. See our Aesthetician Corner below for some tips or schedule a free aesthetician consult to find the right product for you.
Vitamin C, your new bff.
- An anti-aging ingredient everyone should be using every morning! Vitamin C's strength is prevention and protection, it is essential for healthy skin.
- This antioxidant fights free radical damage and prevents oxidative damage to the skin cells. Free radicals get produced in our skin daily from UV exposure, environmental toxins/air pollution and household chemicals. Damage caused by free radicals can affect our skin DNA in addition to breaking down our skin's collagen, which can lead to skin cancers, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and loose, saggy skin. Using a vitamin C neutralizes the free radicals, preventing this type of damage.
- Vitamin C brightens the skin and improves skin texture. It fades hyperpigmentation (sun spots, melasma, and post-acne marks) by inhibiting melanin production and decreases inflammation creating a more even complexion.
Cleanse and moisturize your skin daily.
- Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritation. We recommend washing your face twice daily and after sweating.
- Applying a moisturizer immediately after cleansing traps moisture in the skin and gives it a more glowing plump appearance.
Apply self-tanner rather than tanning.
- Every time you get a tan, you age your skin. This holds true if you get a tan from the sun or a tanning bed.
- All tanning methods emit harmful UV rays that in addition to causing skin cancers, breakdown collagen and elastin in the deeper layers of the skin which can cause skin to thin and become wrinkled and crepy over time.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging.
- Exercising daily can improve circulation and boost the immune system which may give the skin a more youthful appearance.
- Avoid smoking, and drink alcohol in moderation, as these are damaging to skin health.
Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
- Water plumps skin cells and enhances elasticity, it is crucial for keeping skin looking youthful. Dehydrated skin can look dry, wrinkled and dull.
- Proper water intake helps carry nutrients to skin cells and enhances the effects of topically applied products.
If you have questions about what products or treatments are right for you, see one of our board-certified dermatologists or licensed aestheticians. They will evaluate your skin and develop a regimen curated just for you.
NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
ALASTIN Skincare®️’s C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum is powered by a proprietary, encapsulated Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate). This clinically-proven formula provides comprehensive environmental protection and supports the skin’s ability to conserve elastin for skin that looks smoother and more radiant (purchase now).
In a Clinical Study, C-RADICAL showed the following in as early as 8 weeks:
- 71% reduction in the appearance of uneven skin texture
- 69% reduction in the appearance of redness
- 50% reduction in the appearance of fine lines
HELPS TO:
- Protect skin from environmental stressors such as free radicals & UV damage
- Stimulate collagen and conserve elastin
- Improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, firmness, and luminosity
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness, and hyperpigmentation
AESTHETICIAN CORNER
What are the benefits of retinoids?
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles by increasing collagen production
- Improves skin tone + texture for smoother, firmer looking skin
- Aids in fading sun spots and smoothing out rough patches on the skin
- Increases cellular turnover, which can minimize breakouts
- Stimulates production of new blood vessels on the skin, which improves the color of the skin
Do I need to use a retinoid?
Retinoids help keep our skin looking younger and healthier. We recommend that everyone over the age of 25 should use one. Plus, if you struggle with acne at any age, retinoids are one of our most recommended treatments!
To get the most of any retinoid, frequent use is key! The best retinoid is the one you will use consistently, which would ideally be 5-7 nights per week. Retinoids are the most highly researched “anti-aging" topical in the market (with over 70+ years of data) showing that the 5-7 nights range will have the most impact on your skin.
Schedule a FREE aesthetician consult to have us help you select the best retinoid for your skin type that you can tolerate and use regularly.