Monday, August 26, 2013

Cosmetic Surgery and Skincare Advice from Dr. Sarah C. Jackson


As Clinical Assistant Professor at Louisiana State University Department of Dermatology, Dr. Sarah C. Jackson regularly works with university residents in their cosmetic and surgical dermatology training. She has expertise in adult and pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. We asked this medical expert to give us her views on skincare, cosmetic surgery, photoaging, and more.

What are the best and worst things you can do to your skin?

The best thing to do for your skin is protect it from the sun. I recommend using and SPF 30 daily facial moisturizer to protect from the sun’s harmful rays every day. The worst thing for your skin is allowing it to be damaged by the sun, especially sunburns and exposure to tanning beds. Also, picking at your skin causes scarring and pigmentation problems.

What cosmetics and skincare products are safe to use on the skin after a cosmetic procedure?
It is safe to use physical blocking sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, they will not burn like some chemical sunscreens when applied. Also, it is safe to use bland moisturizers like Elta MD Intense Moisturizer or even Aquaphor if you have had procedure that leaves your skin raw or red.
 
What questions should you ask your doctor before you undergo any kind of procedure?

What are the risks of the procedure and how often do they occur? What kind of outcome can I expect?

Are there any cosmetic or surgical procedures available that you do NOT recommend?

I think the most important thing when looking at cosmetic procedures is who is performing the procedure and do you trust that they are competent and honest in evaluating your needs. There are so many cosmetic procedures on the market today, and not all of them may be right for every person. Finding a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is the most important first step.

Photoaging (damage that is done to the skin from prolonged UV radiation exposure over a lifetime) has recently gained a lot of concern in the beauty industry. What do you recommend to counteract the damage?

I recommend first preventing further sun damage with an SPF 30 daily facial moisturizer. I also recommend using a topical antioxidant every day to prevent further damage from the environment. The first line treatment for photodamage is topical tretinoin. Topical tretinoin has been shown to tighten skin by stimulating collagen, to lighten discolorations and to diminish wrinkles. It is a very effective treatment for photoaging, and one of the most affordable skincare products on the market today.



See Dr. Jackson's biography...


for more information:
Sarah C. Jackson, M.D.
504-895-3376 o
504-895-0076 f
drjackson@audubondermatology.com
www.audubondermatology.com

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