Dr. Shreya's Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Blog

Human skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sunlight can cause many adverse effects. Therefore, it becomes necessary to protect the skin from damaging UVR through various means, one of which is through adequate application of sunscreen, especially when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Ultraviolet (UV) light that reaches the surface of the Earth includes both UVB (290–320 nm) and UVA (320–400 nm). UVB is mainly responsible for redness or sunburn. SPF is a measure of protection from UVB light . UVA rays are not directly absorbed by biological targets but they can still dramatically impair cell and tissue functions.  UVA penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB.  This particularly affects connective tissue, inducing the production of detrimental reactive oxygen species (ROS) which in turn damage DNA, cells, vessels, and tissues. It is important to note that under all weather conditions, the UVA irradiance is at least 17 times higher than the UVB irra...

Not every bump you see on your face is an acne. There are various other skin conditions that can be seen in our day to day lives. Rosacea is a type of inflammatory skin condition which is often mistaken for acne. In this blog, I will be discussing about ' Rosacea '. Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory skin problem in persons with fair skin.  It is uncommonly reported in people with skin of color (darker skin tone). It is characterized by redness and inflammation on cheeks and nose . The face looks blushed up in people suffering from Rosacea.  It's exact causative factor has not been understood well. Environmental factors, microbial agents, immune system and genetics can play a part.  How to diagnose Rosacea? In 2004, the National Rosacea Society Expert Committee devised a classification system to help standardize the diagnosis of rosacea.  The committee classified the primary and secondary characteristics of rosacea, with the presence of more than one primary...

WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEELING? Chemical peeling is a common office procedure where with the help of chemical we invoke controlled skin injury.  This helps to remove the outer damaged layer, thus accelerating the normal process of exfoliation.  The underlying new regenerated skin is smoother, shinier, even toned and less wrinkly. HOW DOES IT WORK? The chemical applied to the skin penetrates in the layers of skin and stimulates the deeper layers of skin to produce new cells and provokes collagen remodelling. TYPES OF PEELS 1. Very superficial peel (limited to stratum corneum only) 2. Superficial peel (limited to whole epidermis) 3. Medium depth peel (limited to papillary dermis) 4. Deep peel (limited to reticular dermis) WHAT ALL PEELING AGENTS ARE USED? Salicylic acid 20-30% Retinoic acid/ Tretinoin/ Yellow peel 1-5% TCA 10-20% Glycolic acid 30-50% Jessner’s solution Mandelic acid Azelic acid Lactic acid Malic acid Citric acid Lactic acid Kojic acid Ferrulic acid TCA 30-50% Glycolic...

Acne lesions can be of several types. Comedones – blocked pores, black heads, white heads. Papules – painful, red, raised bumps. Pustules – small pus-filled boils. Nodules – painful, hard, red lumps inside the skin. Cysts – large, painful, boils that ooze blood and pus. Grades of acne Grade 1 – Comedonal acne When acne is in the form of whiteheads and blackheads it is called ‘comedonal acne’.  These comedones or blocked pores may eventually get infected by Cutibacterium Acnes and turn into inflammatory papules and pustules. Grade 2 – Papulo-pustular acne When acne is dominated by painful, red bumps called papules and pus-filled small boils called pustules, it is called ‘papulo-pustular acne’. Black heads and whiteheads may also be present but are fewer in number. Grade 3 – Nodulo-cystic acne This type of acne has large, hard, extremely painful lumps under the skin called ‘nodules. These nodules may eventually turn into large, painful, soft boils that ooze pus and blood called ...

Chemical peels may seem like a short and simple in-clinic lunch-time procedure, however, results may vary depending on what pre and post-peel care you are taking.  Inappropriate care may either lead to dissatisfying results or side-effects like skin burn, sensitivity or worsening of your problems. Things to do before going for a chemical peel Prepare your skin  / Priming of Skin Start using hydrating serums/moisturizers and sunscreens in adequate amount 2 to 3 weeks prior.  Your cosmetologist may also prescribe some products with glycolic acid, a bleaching agent like hydroquinone or retinoid 3 weeks prior to aid the peeling process and prep your skin. Don’t do these one week before a peel –  Waxing, threading, epilating, depilating, hair reduction laser, at-home exfoliation, scrubs, hair dye. Who are NOT candidate for peels –  History of keloid, unusual pigmentation issue, current fungal infection, Pregnancy (certain peels are to be avoided if pr...

Normal Skin (pH 5.5 to 5.6) This type of skin is rather unfortunately rare.  It is balanced between the dry and the oily skin type, but tends to go drier as years go by.  The normal skin is firm with good muscle tone. It is soft and smooth and has a healthy color.  The pores are tight and the skin tends to have a translucent glow. Dry Skin There is a lack of lubrication caused by an undersecretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands.  The dry skin can also become dehydrated due to lack of moisture content.  This skin condition can be easily recognized by fine lines around the eyes and mouth. The skin is often rough and flaky on the nose and cheeks. Creepiness of the throat is the characteristic. Those with dry skin are spared the problem of acne and spots, but as they get older, the lack of skin lubrication and moisture dehydration can lead to early wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Sensitive and Allergic Skin This skin is very fine in texture and usually has a te...