Our Skin Care Specialist in San Antonio is Ready to Help You Have Healthier Skin
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and maintaining it is important for your health and appearance. Some of us take skin care seriously from a very early age, while others wait until skin diseases, cancers, wrinkles, and other problems become a serious concern. The good news is that it’s never too soon or too late to take better care of your skin. Dr. Bucay came up with an anti-aging strategy for your skin care.
UV Protection
This step is non-negotiable and vital for all patients. Sun triggers the production of free radicals, which cause your body to recognize suntan as an injury. It responds by creating enzymes called MMPs. They break down collagen and elastin to remove the damaged skin cells. When you are young, you are able to generate plenty of the collagen and elastin, which provides structure to your skin. However, as you age you produce less of these vital components. With increased breakdown and decreased capacity to repair, sun damage becomes more noticeable. Sunscreen blocks production of free radicals and breaks that chain of events.
Retinoids
More than 40 years of research has proven the skin benefits of these members of the Vitamin A acid family. They improve cell renewal rates, increase the manufacture of collagen, and inhibit the production of melanin (pigmentation spots).
Topical gels and creams containing retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene are available over the counter and by prescription, in varying strengths. We recommend an appropriate one as part of every patient’s skin care program.
Topical Antioxidants
Free radicals, those unstable molecules triggered by even small amounts of everyday UV exposure, air pollution, and normal metabolism cause premature aging of the skin. A healthy diet helps, but only about one percent of ingested anti-oxidants ever reach the skin. Products containing vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and phloretin applied in the morning help your body neutralize free radicals to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.
Collagen Boosters
These topical skin supplements, such as peptides and growth factors, contain compounds that encourage your body to produce more collagen, the component that gives support and firmness to skin.
DNA Repair
Over time, injury to skin results in strands of DNA with flawed coding – kind of like “typos” in an email. Often derived from marine algae and the mustard seed plant, DNA repair enzymes are like “spell check” for the skin. They help your body cut out damaged DNA and retype corrected strands, which transfers into new cells just like forwarding an accurate email message rather than one with typos. We use a Canfield Visia complexion analysis system to reveal damage that is not visible. If you get a high score, we’ll recommend this treatment.
What Do I Need To Know About Caring For My Skin?
Knowledge is the key to effectively protecting yourself from the elements, infection, age, and other destructive factors. Here are ten little-known facts about caring for your skin:
- Cosmetic Problems Often Have a Medical Cause. Bumps or spots can be a sign of cancer, redness can be a sign of rosacea, and rashes can be a sign of allergies… The list goes on and on, but the message remains the same: If you don’t understand what is going on with your skin, don’t simply cover it up, see a dermatologist.
- People of All Ethnicities Need Sun Protection. There are six classifications of skin types, which affect your degree of skin cancer risk, with the darkest skinned individuals (who do not sunburn) being the least likely to develop cancer. However, less likely does not equate to immune. In fact, dark-skinned people are more likely to develop a dangerous form of cancer known as acral lentiginous melanoma.
- Don’t Over-Cleanse. Skin is resilient, but it is also fragile. Scrubbing, or washing too often can cause irritation. You should clean your skin gently and only wash your face twice a day unless you have been sweating heavily.
- Psoriasis Can be More Than a Rash. Painful, swollen joints, pitted nails, and even vision problems can be symptoms of a subtype called psoriatic arthritis. Although no form of psoriasis is entirely curable, treatment can greatly reduce the symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes Can Help Control Rosacea. Foods, weather conditions, medications, cosmetics, and even emotions can be triggers. Identifying your personal triggers is essential for controlling your rosacea.
- Don’t Hide Moles With Tattoos. There is no research indicating that tattoo ink increases the risk of a mole becoming cancerous. However, it can disguise the signs of cancer making early detection less likely.
- You Can’t Scrub Acne Off of Your Face. There is a common belief that acne is caused by poor hygiene and cleaning more often or vigorously will relieve it. That is simply a myth. It is a complex condition caused by factors such as hormones and genetics – not dirt.
- You Don’t Always Get What You Pay For. Expensive skin care products are not necessarily better. Quality ingredients and a product suitable for your skin type are the determining factors in effectiveness. Your dermatologist can help you choose the best products.
- Smoking Can Increase Wrinkles and Diminish Your Skin’s Ability to Heal. Cigarette smoke includes thousands of chemicals that directly enter the blood stream. They reduce the size of blood vessels that feed the epidermis, depriving your skin of oxygen.
- Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in America. It is also the most easily treatable, but only if it is diagnosed early.
What are the Benefits of Seeing a Dermatologist?
Why see a dermatologist? Consider these amazing benefits!
Get Specialized Care
A dermatologist has training in screening for, diagnosing, and treating skin ailments that goes beyond a general medical degree. Early detection and successful treatment impacts your overall health and your appearance.
There Is a Doctor In The House!
Even if you seek only our aesthetic services, you enjoy peace of mind knowing that the team is trained to recognize potential medical conditions, and to alert the doctor. You are in an ideal environment to get answers and the correct treatment. You won’t find that in a day spa.
Professional Products
We have state of the art technology and a wealth of experience to perform a thorough analysis of your skin type. Dr. Bucay recommends only high-quality products to keep your skin radiant, and they are available at our office. Drug store products often contain harsh, synthetic ingredients that are actually harmful to your skin in the long term. You probably already have a drawerful of formulations that didn’t work, so you know that self-analysis isn’t cost effective.
Cosmetic and Medical
Dr. Bucay believes that health and beauty are not mutually exclusive. A cosmetic dermatologist delivers both – healthy skin and the latest anti-aging treatments to keep it looking youthful.
Professional Advice
It starts with a personal consultation in which the doctor takes time to understand your concerns, goals, and medical history. She recommends services appropriate for your situation, taking into consideration your lifestyle, age, budget, and time constraints. You get competent explanation and instruction, and we monitor your wellbeing throughout treatment.
Discreet Setting
Maybe you don’t mind having your hair or nails done in a busy, noisy salon, but you’d rather discuss your health and seek rejuvenation in more private surroundings. You’ll feel right at home in our professional boutique environment.
Schedule a Consultation
Don’t take chances with your skin. Let Dr. Bucay help you achieve and maintain the beautiful, healthy skin that you deserve. Contact us at 210.692.3000 and schedule your appointment today.