Stress Low=Skin Glow!!!

If you notice that your skin acts up whenever your stress levels are high you may want to do your complexion a favor---calm down! Pychodermatology is a field that is growing as dermatologist take a more integrated approach to the correlation between the mind and the body (specifically the skin). Studies show that skin disorders like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and of course acne tend to flare up when stress levels are high.

Interestingly, Bruce Katz, MD, director of the Juva Skin and Laser Center and the director of the cosmetic surgery and laser clinic at Mount Sinai Medical School, explains it this way: "It's the target organ theory, and certain people have different target organs that channel stress," he tells WebMD. "Some people get ulcers, some people get migraines, and other people get rashes as the skin is their target organ," he says (http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/effects-of-stress-on-your-skin).

Make sure to keep your body and your skin in balance!

Topic of the Week: Ethnic Skin Concerns

Asian and dark skin in particular often suffer from hyperpigmentation caused by scarring (from acne, etc.), certain medications, inflammation from skin damage and sun damage .

This past week I had a lot of clients with darker skin and hyperpigmentation issues. I was asked tons of questions on how to lighten dark spots.

Depending on the severity of your case here are my recommendations for treating hyperpigmentation:

1. Sunblock-This is a critical first step in protecting your skin and ensuring that hyperpigmentation does not worsen. A must for anyone prone to hyperpigmentation (i.e. dark sensitive skin)

2. Aveda's Embrightenment Line-Ascorbyl Glucoside (a vitamin C derivative), mulberry root, and grape extracts work together to rid dark spots. I personally have worked with these products and can tell you that nearly all clients said they seen results. Insider Tip: the toner, serum, and moisturizer have the most active ingredients, so make sure to purchase at least 2 of these items for your regimen.

2. Chemical Peels and/or Microdermabrasion-My recommendation would be to go to a medical spa or dermatologist if you want either of these treatments to be aggresive and effective. Bare in mind, skin that hyperpigments easily is already sensitive in a way but, if your skin is SUPER sensitive, these methods might not be your first choice.

3. Laser-I'd like to highlight a renowned dermatologist, Dr. Battle of Cultura Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center (http://www.culturamed.com/), who patented a laser and procedure called "Complexion Blending" that I've heard works wonders for ethnic skin that suffers from hyperpigmentation. I plan on scheduling a consultation to see what his skin gurus recommend and of course I'll post a review!!!

**Be sure to not over do any kind of aggresive treatment intended to treat hyperpigmentation, if you do it could lead to lightening the skin too much and result in hypopigmentation** But that's a different topic for another day:)