drugstore skin products

Our Favorite Drugstore Skincare Products

You don’t have to spend a fortune on skin care. Here are a few of The Woodruff Institute’s favorite products…

Vaseline, Aquaphor or Vaniply Ointment: Yes, “good old” Vaseline, also known also as petroleum jelly or petrolatum. Vaseline was originally called “Wonder Jelly” and is a mixture of natural waxes and mineral oils that together moisturize, repair and relieve dry skin. Vaseline is hugely versatile, and it’s used all over the world to protect and heal dry skin, from dry, cracked hands to hard skin on heels, as well as for beauty purposes, like softening the lips or highlighting the cheekbones. For those with petrolatum sensitivities, we recommend Aquaphor or Vaniply ointment. These ointments are excellent for quicker healing of minor cuts and scrapes. Dermatology providers may recommend using these types of ointments after some procedures, to aid in having the skin heal faster compared to being left open to dry. Consult your dermatology provider for specific wound care instructions when you have procedures performed.

Benzoyl peroxide wash: If you are prone to mild to moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide washes may be a good first step. This is the active ingredient in the worldwide best-selling acne product that is sold through monthly membership. You can get this ingredient in a more cost-effective way at your local grocery store or pharmacy. Lather this to face up to once daily and rinse off with water. Use a white towel to dry your face since benzoyl peroxide will bleach fabrics. To avoid irritation or overdrying, start three times weekly before slowly increasing use.  Be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer afterwards. Do not use benzoyl peroxide washes to exfoliate or scrub the face. Decrease use if irritation occurs, as some people may be very prone to irritation. Also, limit the concentration to between 2.5% to 5%; the lower the better.

Some examples include Neutrogena “Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask” (contains benzoyl peroxide 3.5%, use as a cleanser/wash), Clean and Clear “Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser” (contains benzoyl peroxide 5%), or Panoxyl. If you use retinoid products, use the benzoyl peroxide in the morning and the retinoid product at night to maximize effectiveness.

Facial moisturizers: Those that work best for most skin types are the ones that are oil-free and “non-comedogenic” (does not clog pores). We recommend moisturizing one to two times daily. Some examples include Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30, and Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (look for the Sensitive Skin version if your skin is sensitive).

Here’s another tip: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, make sure you have the clearance to use even over-the-counter products from your OB/Gyn, and from your child’s pediatrician if you are breastfeeding. For example, some providers may recommend stopping retinoids and benzoyl peroxide products during these periods.

To find out more…

Please call our toll free number at 844.485.0104 for a consultation at one of our offices in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Estero or…

click here to request an appointment online

tanning bed

The Truth About Tanning

Did you know that tanning is no longer “in”? After reading the following facts about indoor tanning, we hope you will agree.

Tanning greatly increases your risk of skin cancers, including melanoma which can be deadly. Using tanning beds before age 30 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. Occasional use of tanning beds triples your risks. The more sessions and hours spent tanning also further increases the risks of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for young people 15-29 years old. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in women 25-30 years old and the second leading cause of cancer death in women 30-35 years old. In fact, it is so dangerous that, to date, fifteen US states and the District of Columbia have banned indoor tanning for all minors. At least 42 states and the District of Columbia regulate the use of tanning facilities by minors.

Tanning causes premature skin aging. Tanning bed use, or exposure to ultraviolet light, causes premature skin aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots.

Can a “base tan” prevent you from getting sunburned? Studies have shown that when your skin tans, it is a manifestation of DNA damage to skin cells. We hear from patients all the time that they “only” get “base tan” to make their sunny vacations safer for their skin. This is completely false. Studies have shown that “base tan” does not protect against sunburn or sun damage, and is only equivalent to Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of about 3. Compare that with the currently advised SPF for sunscreens of 30 or above.

Tanning beds are designed to cause less burning (i.e. sunburn-type reaction) than sunlight, but tanning bed lights are even more cancer-inducing than sunlight. The majority of tanning bulbs emit Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, which is significantly more cancer-inducing than Ultraviolet B (UVB). However, the former causes less burning than the latter, which may make tanning bed users feel a false sense of security.

Would you like a safe source of Vitamin D? The answer is supplementation, not tanning beds. Sadly, some in the indoor tanning industry has been touting tanning bed use as the way to obtain Vitamin D. Vitamin D is produced in our bodies using UVB, while most tanning bulbs emit UVA radiation. Instead, all of the needed Vitamin D can be fulfilled safely from a healthy diet or Vitamin D supplementation.

Tanning is addictive. Studies have shown that tanning bed use induces endorphins, which are the “feel good” natural chemicals in our brains. This is why tanning is addictive, comparable to alcohol or tobacco use. Some melanoma survivors who already know the dangers of tanning still cannot help but continue this destructive habit, due to its addictive property. If you have used tanning beds, it is strongly advised to stop doing so. Since a history of tanning bed use significantly increases one’s risk of skin cancers and precancers, it would be prudent to have regular (at least yearly) full body skin examinations for early detection and treatment.

To find out more…

Please call our toll free number at 844.485.0104 for a consultation at one of our offices in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Estero or…

click here to request an appointment online

hand rejuvenation

Don’t Let Your Hands Give Away Your Age

Your hands can have a significant impact on how others interpret your age.

Frequently, we focus on facial cosmetic procedures to combat aging, everything from sun protection, anti-aging serums, and botulinum toxins, to laser treatments to help reduce facial wrinkles and age spots. Somehow, we manage to overlook our hands.

Over the years, the hands lose volume making the skin look thin and wrinkled and exposing tendons and veins underneath. Most people forget to apply (and reapply) sunscreen on the backs of the hands, resulting in the accumulation of brown spots from sun exposure.

Just like our face, our hands are projected in our daily interactions with others. However, it is impractical to use makeup on our hands. Luckily, the Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery offers many cosmetic procedures to rejuvenate and refresh aging hands.

Radiesse is the first and only dermal filler that is FDA-approved for volume correction on the back of the hands. Radiesse works by not only providing immediate volume restoration but also continues to work afterwards by stimulating the body to form its own natural collagen. Radiesse is often performed in conjunction with IPL laser treatments.

Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments treat brown spots caused by sun damage. When undergoing IPL treatment, patients may experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation. For the most comfortable experience, a topical numbing cream is applied to the hands. Immediately following the treatment, the skin may appear mildly red and swollen, and brown spots will typically start to darken, lasting hours to days. Your provider may recommend a series of IPL treatments for optimal results.

Practicing sun protection is the key to preventing premature aging. Applying sunscreen to the backs of hands is necessary after any treatment to help prevent new brown spots and wrinkles caused by sun exposure.

To learn more about hand rejuvenation or the schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call 239.498.DERM.

Filler website special e1516647858287

Save On Your Favorite Fillers

 

Save $100 off any full-size syringe of your favorite filler

or

Buy one syringe of filler at the regular price and get 1/2 off a 2nd syringe of equal or lesser value (up to $500 value)

Offer good for the following fillers:

  • Juvederm
  • Juvederm Ultra Plus
  • Juvederm Voluma XC
  • Restylane
  • Restylane  Refyne
  • Restylane Silk

Fillers must be on the same person. Full-size syringes only. While supplies last.

To find out more…

Please call our toll free number at 844.485.0104 for a consultation at one of our offices in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Estero or…

click here to request an appointment online

heartface

Need a Resolution for 2018? Love Your Skin

 

In the spirit of the New Year, the Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery’s practitioners would like to share their best advice for achieving healthy, beautiful skin.

 

The holiday season brings joy by celebrating with family and friends, holiday parties, special events and gift giving, but along side of all of the “Fa La La” often comes a bit of stress, over indulgence and rushing from here to there. This fast-paced time of year can wreak havoc on your skin from dehydration, a poor diet and anxiety, but the practitioners at the Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery have got you covered.

Aesthetic & Med Spa Services

At the Woodruff Institute, we offer medical quality aesthetic services to meet all of your skin care needs. Whether you need to get your glow back, or to firm your skin, increase collagen or to de-puff your eyes, the Woodruff Institute has many different options to choose from.

• Pigment Balancing Peel
• MicroPeel
• MicoPeel Plus
• Microdermabrassion
• Specialized Back Treatment
• Customized Cleansing facial
• Dermaplaning
• Collagen P.I.N.
• Collagen Eye Mask
• Caviar Collagen Mask
• Skin Authority Fit and Firm Mask
• Glycolic Chest Peel
• Glycolic Hand and Arm Treatment
• Specialty Eye Treatments
• Waxing services
• Tinting Services (eyelashes & brows)

Aesthetic/Medical Treatments

For anti aging, skin resurfacing and body contouring our physicians and technicians at the Woodruff Institute offer various forms of laser treatments. If you’re in need of a little rejuvenation, the simplicity of dermal fillers can plump the skin, give you a more youthful pout, or lift specific areas of the face and neck. Many times this is referred to as a liquid facelift. Botox and other injectable treatments can freeze away those stubborn lines and wrinkles, like crows feet and the furrows between the brows.

• Botox/Dysport/Xeomin
• Dermal Fillers
• Chemical Peels (TCA/Vi Peel)
• Earlobe Repair & Ear Peircing
• Hand Rejuvenation
• KYBELLA
• LATISSE (Eyelash Growth)
• “Liquid Facelift”
• Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
• SCULPTRA
• Body Contouring

Anti Aging Products

We carry the highest quality skin care products on the market, including, Elta MD, which is a broad-spectrum sun care line for all skin types. We offer the stylish line of BloqUV Suncare clothing, which blocks out 98% of the suns harmful rays, as well as Wallaroo sun protection hats. There is also the very popular color pallets that are available from Jane Iredale’s mineral cosmetic line, which are perfec for enhancing your healthy skin’s natural beauty.

Along with these anti aging treatments and products, the Woodruff Institute also offers the most advanced cosmetic surgery procedures, like brow lifts, neck lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction) and chin augmentation.

About The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
The physicians at the Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery are all board certified with advanced training and expertise, as are the mid-level practitioners (PA’s and nurses). The technicians are also certified with highly regarded skills and proficiency in their various specialties.

 

There is something for everyone this season at the Woodruff Institute. To find out more about our practice, or to book your appointment, call (844) 485-0104.

 

 

Locations:

Naples 2235 Venetian Court, Suite 1, Naples, FL 34109
Downtown Naples 671 Goodlette Road North, Suite 160, Naples, FL 34102
Bonita Springs/Estero 23471 Walden Center Drive, Suite 300, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Fort Myers 14440 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 102 Fort Myers, FL 33912

Dry skin on Face

Caring For Your Skin This Winter

You may have noticed that your skin becomes drier during winter months, which makes it more prone to itching.

If you have dry skin, your skin also tends to be sensitive and prone to eczema-type rashes. Therefore, it is important to remember a few things about caring for it:

• Use very little soap in the shower. Use a fragrance-free, moisturizing soap like Dove or Cetaphil. Liquid Cetaphil would be one of the least irritating and least drying skin cleansers. Use the soap on the underarms, private areas, feet, and on your face as needed (no more than twice a day). You do not need to use much soap on your arms, legs, or trunk unless you see visible dirt. Avoid hot water in the shower. Use only lukewarm water.

• Keep your skin moisturized. Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp from shower or bath, and you are still in the warm, steamy bathroom to lock in your skin’s moisture. In the winter, some excellent over-the-counter products to try include Vaniply, Aquaphor or Vaseline Ointment or Cetaphil, Eucerin. Or, if you do not like ointments, you may instead use creams, such as Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Aveeno fragrance-free creams. These creams will come in a tub or a tube, not a pump bottle. If it comes in a pump (i.e. lotion), it contains a lot of water and this water will just evaporate when you put it on your skin.

• To wash your clothes, use a detergent that is labeled “Free” or “Free and Clear”. These are fragrance and dye free. Products that are available include ALL Free or Tide Free. Avoid dryer sheet with fragrance or softener with fragrance. You may use dryer sheets that are labeled “Free” or “Free and Clear”.

For any skin concerns, your friendly dermatology providers at The Woodruff Institute are ready to help! We have same-day appointments available.

WINTER BEAUTY

“Eye” Wish You the Merriest of Holidays!

Looking for a perfect gift for that put-together person who already has everything? Some people say that the eyes are the window to the soul. Give the gift of enhanced beauty for their eyes this season.

Our patients often ask what products we recommend for the skin around the eyes. These excellent products are available in our offices. Skip the long lines at the mall and have your holiday shopping done!

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
Ideal for dry to normal skin, this silky anti-wrinkle eye cream improves the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet associated with a major factor of the natural aging process, advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.). This cream also improves skin firmness and elasticity. This eye cream contains a potent combination of proxylane, blueberry extract, and a complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides. It also includes optical diffusers to diffuse light and immediately improve the radiance of tired dull-looking eyes.

SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel
Suitable for most skin types, this serum-in-a-gel targets visible signs of aging such as crow’s feet and fine lines, and improves the appearance of puffiness, lines, and under eye circles. It contains 5% pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), 1% phloretin, and 0.5% ferulic acid along with powerful botanicals. This is a synergistic combination to protect the delicate eye area from premature signs of aging caused by free radicals from UVA/UVB and other environmental damage.

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream
A rich cream that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the feeling of elasticity and firmness, and promote smoother-looking skin. It is formulated with unique bi-mineral complex and malonic acid for smoother, firmer-looking skin around the eyes.

EltaMD Renew Eye Gel
The oil-free gel formula helps improve the appearance of under-eye puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Its hyaluronic acid, peptides and natural extracts helps generate brighter, healthier-looking skin and reduce the appearance of skin aging.

Christmas Blog

12 Holly Jolly Reasons to Visit the Woodruff Institute this Season

The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is thrilled to offer you a variety of services for all your dermatology needs this season!

1. Prep for the holidays with Botox & Dysport
You laugh, you frown, and you concentrate. Over time, those expressions leave their mark upon your face. Wrinkles around the eyes (“crow’s feet”), between the eyebrows (“glabellar frown lines”), and across the forehead occur because of contractions of underlying facial muscles. Botox & Dysport are simple injections that can dramatically reduce these wrinkles by blocking the nerve to muscle communication. The price varies from $325 to $975, and final results may take a week or two to take effect.

Santa notes: Guys want to look great too! Gift certificates make a great stocking stuffer.

2. Get Your Lips Mistletoe Ready with Restylane Silk
Filler treatments, such as Restylane Silk, work by adding volume to the skin and other facial structures into which it is injected. The hyaluronic acid in the formula is present in the body in nearly identical form already, so Restylane Silk is completely biocompatible with the tissue that it is meant to supplement. The lips and the lines around the mouth, like other areas of the face, show signs of aging as you get older. This often results in lip thinning, lost shape and an increase in vertical lines above the lip. Restylane Silk is designed specifically to provide natural-looking results.

From now through December 31, 2017 we are offering $100 off 1 syringe of Restylane -or- $200 off 2 syringes of Restylane when combined with 1 treatment of Dysport. Hurry… while supplies last!

3. Lose Leftovers from Thanksgiving… Delete a Double Chin with Kybella!
Kybella is the first and only FDA-approved injectable drug that contours and improves the appearance of submental fullness, sometimes referred to as “double chin.” This common yet undertreated aesthetic facial condition can detract from an otherwise balanced and harmonious facial appearance- leading to an older and heavier look. Submental fullness can impact a broad range of adults, including both women and men, and can be caused by aging, genetics and/or weight gain. Kybella is administered by injections into the fat under the chin, which sting a little. Each in-office treatment session is typically 15-20 minutes.

Treatment with Kybella is customized by the physician to the patient’s aesthetic goals for an improved chin profile.

4. Look Like a Star with Laser Treatments
If you are looking to rejuvenate your facial appearance with little or no downtime, lasers offer some of the most advanced treatment options. Our top priority is providing our patients with the most safe and effective treatments available. We provide the most advanced laser treatments available for medical skin conditions and cosmetic desires. Laser treatments can improve fine lines or wrinkles, scars, aged or sun-damaged skin, brown spots and remove hair.

Schedule a consult to determine which laser treatment is right for you.

5. Best Treatments for Eczema at Christmastime
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a common, itchy skin rash that can form in small or widespread patches anywhere on the body. Scratching worsens the condition, causing redness, swelling, cracking, crusting, and “weeping” of clear fluid. Our doctors not only treat acute symptoms to help heal skin and provide relief, but also counsel you on specific lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. There are many topical and oral medications that can be effective in treating everything from mild to severe eczema. Occasionally narrow band ultraviolet phototherapy is required, as are antibiotics. For severe, stubborn eczema, some of the newer biologic agents used to treat psoriasis can be effective.

6. Let our Elves Add Volume to Your Cheeks
Juvederm Voluma XC adds volume to correct age-related volume loss in the cheeks to help create a more youthful appearance. Over time, the cheeks flatten, and the skin may begin to sag. This is caused by a natural loss of volume in the cheek area, or what the experts call age-related midface volume loss. Juvederm Voluma XC is designed to add volume beneath the skin’s surface to lift and contour the cheek area.

Mrs. Claus reported looking up to, “5 years younger after treatment with Juvederm Voluma!”

7. Get into Shape Before Christmas with JuVaShape
The JuVaShape Laser System is a state-of-the-art skin treatment regimen designed to help smooth wrinkles and tighten desired areas of skin. The procedure is very safe and can be great for improving skin tone and restoring a youthful appearance. Over the course of a few treatments, JuvaShape uses heat and constant motion to melt fat and tighten skin. As a non-invasive procedure, the JuVaShape laser is relatively pain-free. During the procedure, our certified technicians will gently sweep the laser across the skin, typically resulting in a warm and soothing sensation similar to that of a hot stone massage. Immediately following treatment, patients are generally cleared to resume their daily routines… so back to Christmas shopping you can go!

8. Acne Products for Your Christmas List
Acne is a condition of the skin where the pilosebaceous unit (or “pores”) become clogged, eventually developing into whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and deeper nodules and cysts. Acne most often involves the face, neck, chest, back. Acne is not only limited to teenage years, but can be a common and often frustrating problem in adulthood as well. Acne can result in scars which can also be quite bothersome. There are many treatments for acne, including prescription topical creams, oral antibiotics, birth control pills or other hormonal medications, chemical peels, laser treatments. Often, a combination of treatment methods will be used to achieve the best results.

Some of our favorite acne products are from the SkinCeuticals line, and include: LHA Cleansing Gel, LHA Solution (Toner), Blemish & Age Defense, Hydrating B5 Gel, and Phyto Corrective Mask. Purchase online here. Available for purchase online.

9. Winter Hair Loss… Wait, What?
Winter hair loss is considered significant hair shedding from the beginning of November until the middle of January. This “seasonal hair loss” can be dramatic, but there is a new remedy called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is used to treat thinning hair and hair loss, particularly female and male pattern baldness. In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors which can help stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. A nurse will take your blood (like a normal blood test). The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP which contains a large concentration of growth factors and platelets integral to healing and regeneration. The area to be treated is washed and local anesthetic cream is applied. The PRP is then injected directly into the area to be treated. This process takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Click here to learn more.

10. Sclerotherapy… Santa’s Little Helper
Sclerotherapy is an effective way to remove the superficial, thin red to purple blood vessels often found on the thighs and legs. Also known as spider veins, they are sometimes the result of venous backflow and may be connected to large soft tortuous varicose veins. In sclerotherapy, medication is injected into the unwanted vein to cause it to close. The medication displaces the blood, causes the vein to appear lighter and irritates the lining, causing it to collapse. The procedure isn’t painful, but the individual injections can cause a slight burning sensation that lasts a few seconds. You might experience bruising and the injection site could be tender for a day or so. Your legs will look worse before they look better. But, you’ll see significant improvement in about a month. Some veins require retreatment, and new varicose or spider veins may form. Click here to learn more.

11. Sparkle This Christmas with Collagen P.I.N. Microneedling
Collagen P.I.N. is the next step in the scientific evolution of aesthetics. Collagen P.I.N. activates cellular regeneration to help tighten and lift skin, while minimizing common skin problems such as acne scars, fine lines, photo-aging, dull skin, poor texture, stretch marks and body scars. Incredible results without the pain and downtime.

12. Best Present Ever! Botox for the Treatment of Excessive Sweating
Botox is a very effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in areas like the armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and scalp. When Botox is injected into the skin, the treatment affects the signal between the nerve endings and the sweat glands in the skin. It blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical our nerve cells make to communicate with each other, and this disrupts the message sent from the nerve endings to stimulate the production of sweat. Click here to watch a video of our patient who underwent this in-office treatment with Dr. Kathryn Russell.

what blue light therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a powerful tool to take care of sun-damaged skin!

Did you know that one of the 58 million Americans have sun-damaged skin?

The medical term is Actinic Keratosis (AKs), which is a condition that presents as rough, dry, scaly lesions on your skin. AKs are caused by sun exposure throughout your lifetime. AKs are considered precancerous lesions, as 10% of lesions develop into Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer, if not treated.

Patients with a history of AKs need to visit their dermatology provider for regular skin checks, since one cannot predict which AKs may develop into skin cancer. The most common methods of treating AKs are with liquid nitrogen, prescription creams, or with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which are sometimes also called “blue light treatment”.

Why should you use Photodynamic Therapy?
• Most patients with sun damage make excellent candidates for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).

• PDT treats multiple AKs in one application.

• PDT can even detect and treat some AKs that have not appeared on the surface of the skin yet. In dermatology we call this “field treatment”. Let’s use a gardening analogy. Liquid nitrogen treatment, performed by freezing each AK on your skin, is akin to pulling out individual weeds from your lawn. Using PDT is akin to using some type of weed-killing material to treat the whole lawn.

• With PDT, there is no prescription to fill and no daily medication to remember to apply to the affected areas.

• The following is the most exciting part… Most of our PDT patients report that they notice a more youthful look and feel to their skin afterwards! Not bad for a side effect!

How do I know if I am a candidate for PDT? Is PDT covered by insurance?
• Your dermatology provider evaluates your skin during an office visit to determine whether you are a good candidate for PDT. If so, an order for treatment is placed.

• Insurance typically covers PDT treatments of the face (and ears) or scalp. Other areas may require a prior authorization from your insurance company. Our staff will contact your insurance company to determine coverage and contact you to schedule your PDT appointment.

What happens the day of my PDT appointment?
• A topical solution is applied to the affected areas in the office. Patients usually wait between one to two hours to allow the solution to penetrate appropriately. This solution is absorbed by the AK cells making them sensitive to light. After the allotted time, the skin is exposed to blue light for approximately 17 minutes. The AKs then undergo a reaction that destroys them.

• During the treatment you may experience mild stinging, discomfort, or burning sensations of the treated areas. Our staff will stay with you for the duration of the treatment to ensure your comfort level.

• Afterwards, you will experience what we like to call a “mild sunburn type reaction.” For 48 hours after your PDT, you must stay indoors and avoid direct sunlight. Even small amounts of sunlight can reactivate the medicine and cause a severe sunburn. Treated areas may become swollen, red, crusty, and scaly. By four weeks, these effects resolve for most people.

At The Woodruff Institute we take you through the procedure, its effects, its costs, and whether or not it’s right for you. To learn more about Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) or “blue light treatment,” contact us today!
pore strip

Surprising secret about your pores that you may be too embarrassed to ask

Often patients ask us what to do with unsightly tiny black spots that clog the pores, commonly found on the nose and central face.

When the skin in these areas is pinched, tiny cord-like grayish material can be expressed from the involved pores. Patients usually call them “blackheads.” This may surprise you, but they are not actually blackheads. Some have coined the term “sebaceous filaments” for this normal and natural phenomenon.

How do they form? The oily material produced by our sebaceous glands under the skin is called sebum. It is composed of triglycerides, free fatty acids, squalene, wax and sterol esters, as well as free sterols. Sebum and dead skin cells are spontaneously and continuously extruded in our pores to the surface of the skin, resulting in sebaceous filaments. How much sebum one produces naturally varies from person to person. When this mixture reaches the skin surface, it oxidizes, making it look darker gray to black in color.

On the other hand, blackheads, otherwise called “open comedones” (plural for an open comedo), are actually acne lesions that are formed when sebum and dead skin cells clog the pore. The difference with the above is that the acne environment stimulates faster generation and greater accumulation of the dead skin cells, as well as making the mixed material more cohesive or “stickier” than normal. This in turn creates a bottleneck phenomenon as clogging or plugging of the pore, and subsequent comedo/blackhead formation.

If you notice that you have sebaceous filaments, try to refrain from squeezing the areas. Doing so may make matters worse and may even cause scarring. Even though we cannot stop it from happening, there are a few things you can try that may improve their appearance over time:

• Skinceuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, is an exfoliating gel cleanser that decongests pores, smoothes skin texture, and brightens skin. Now available in our offices.
• Retinoids help surface skin cells to turn over quickly while encouraging new cell growth, which helps pores be less susceptible to getting clogged. If your skin is sensitive or prone to dryness, it is a good idea to start with Skinceuticals Retinol, which is available in our offices. Prescription-strength retinoids (for example, tretinoin) are also available with prescription. Make sure you also use oil-free moisturizer to avoid overdrying or irritating your skin. Retinoids should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Microneedling is a procedure in which tiny needles create microscopic divots in your skin, thereby spurring your natural healing and collagen. Medical Aestheticians in our North Naples, Downtown Naples, and Bonita Springs offices perform this non-invasive, relatively painless procedure to improve the skin’s appearance.
• Biore Pore Strips, which look a lot like nose bandages and temporarily help with the appearance of clogged pore. They are available over-the-counter in most drug stores.

If you have blackheads or acne problems, we would be happy to evaluate and treat you.

Trust your skin health and beauty to our experts at The Woodruff Institute. We are honored to care for you and your family. We offer same-day appointments.