The Lifestyle Dermatologist

The Lifestyle Dermatologist

By Drew Kurtzman, MD and Christie Alexander, MDHealth & Fitness
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The Lifestyle Dermatologist episodes

  • 24-Your skin is SMOKING hot...

    Let's face it, if you smoke cigarettes, you're probably not a fan of "natural dermatology". But, we're teaching you about smoking and your skin any ways. In this episode, you're going to learn about:

    • smoking and your skin!
    • why you should not smoke cigarettes unless you want ugly skin
    • 4 conditions that are worsened when you smoke
    • and much more including a short bit on vaping and your skin.


      • References:

      1. Chung JH et al. Cutaneous photo damage in Koreans: influence of sex, sun exposure, smoking and skin color. Arch Dermatol. 2001; 137 (8): 1043-1051. 
      2. Delbridge L et al. Factors associated with development of foot lesions in the diabetic. Surgery. 1983; 93 (1 Pt 1): 78-82.   
      3. Ernster VL et al. Facial wrinkling in men and women, by smoking status. Am J Public Heal. 1995: 85(1): 78-82.  
      4. Helfrich YR et al. Effect of smoking on aging of photoprotected skin: evidence gathered using a new photo-numeric scale. Arch Dermatol 2007; 143 (3): 397-402.
      5. Hu S et al. Holistic dermatology: an evidence-based review of modifiable lifestyle factor associations with dermatologic disorders.  JAAD 2022; 86: 868-77.  
      6. Jensen JA et al. Cigarette smoking decreases tissue oxygen. Arch Surg. 1991; 126: 1131-1134.  
      7. Kadunce DP et al. Cigarette smoking: risk factor for premature facial wrinkling. Ann Intern Med 1991; 114 (1): 840-844.
      8. Kalra R et al. Effects of cigarette smoke on immune response: chronic exposure to cigarette smoke impairs antigen-mediated signaling in T cells and depletes IP3-sensitive Ca (2+) stores. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2000; 293 (1): 166-171.  
      9. Koh JS et al. Cigarette smoking associated with premature facial wrinkling: image analysis of facial skin replicas. International Journal of Dermatology 2022; 41: 21-27. 
      10. Leonardi-Bee J et al.  Smoking and the risk of non melanoma skin cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.  Arch Dermatol 2012; 148 (8): 939-46.   
      11. Sumpio BE et al. Vascular evaluation and arterial reconstruction of the diabetic foot. Clin Podiatr Med Surg 2003; 20 (4): 689-708. 
      12. Wennmalm A et al. Nicotine inhibits vascular prostacyclin but not platelet thromboxane formation. Gen Pharmacol. 1983; 14: 289-91.
        13. 9 min
      13. 23-How a Dermatologist Thinks About (and Treats) Acne Scars (Part 2).

        In this episode, we discuss:

        • treatments for atrophic acne scars so you can have better-looking skin
        • treatments for papular, hypertrophic, and keloidal acne scars so you can address your raised acne scars and improve your self esteem

          • References:

          1. Agarwal N et al. Therapeutic response of 70% trichloroacetic acid CROSS in atrophic acne scars. Dermatol Surg 2015; 41 (5): 597-604.

          2. Ahmed R et al. Randomized clinical trial of CO2 LASER pinpoint irradiation technique versus chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) in treating ice pick acne scars.  J Cosmet Laser Ther 2014;16(1):8-13.

          3. Al-Waiz MM et al. Medium depth chemical peels in the treatment of acne scars in dark skinned individuals. Dermatol Surg 2002; 28 (38S): 387-7.

          4. Fabbrocini G et al. CROSS technique: chemical reconstruction of skin scars method. Dermatol There. 2008; 21 (3): S29-32.

          5. Gargantuas VK et al. Glycolic acid peels versos salicylic-mandalic acid peels in active acne vulgaris and post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation: a comparative study. Dermatol Surg 2009; 35 (1):59-65.

          6. Mohammed G. Randomized clinical trial of CO2 laser pinpoint irradiation technique with/without needling for ice pick acne scars. J Cosmet Laser Ther 2013 Jun;15(3):177-82.

          7. NS S, A C. Laser treatment for facial acne scars: A review. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology. 2018;20(7-8):424-435

          8. Ong MW, Bashir SJ. Fractional laser resurfacing for acne scars: a review. The British journal of dermatology.

          9. Renzi M et al. Procedural and surgical treatment modalities for acne scarring - part 2. JAAD, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2022.04.022

          10. Rivera AE. Acne scarring: a review and current treatment modalities. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008; 59 (4): 659-676.

          11. Rkein A et al. Treatment of atrophic scars with fractionated CO2 laser facilitating delivery of topically applied poly-L-lactic acid. Dermatology surgery 2014;40(6):624-631.

          12. Sardana K et al. Which type of atrophic acne scar (ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling) responds to non ablative fractional laser therapy? Dermatol Surg 2014;40(3):288-300.

          13. Weber MB et al. Complication of CROSS-technique on boxcar acne scars: atrophy. Dermatol Surg. 2011; 37 (1) 93-5.

          26 min
        • 22-How a Dermatologist Thinks About (and Treats) Acne Scars (Part 1).

          In this episode, Christie discusses:

          • the most common types of acne scars
          • the differences between atrophic, hypertrophic, keloidal, and papular acne scars
          • topical medicines you can use to fix your acne scars

            • References

            1. Elsaie M. Update on management of keloid and hypertrophic scars: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol 2021; 20: 2729-2738.

            2. Tziotzios C et al. Cutaneous scarring: patholophysiology, molecular mechanisms, and scar reduction therapeutics. Part II: Strategies to reduce scar formation after dermatologic procedures. JAAD 2012; 66: 13-24.

            12 min
          • 20-Beautifying Psoriasis, Naturally.

            In this episode, we discuss:

            • probiotics and skin health
            • the data that linking improvements of psoriasis with taking probiotics
            • some of the mechanisms behind why this actually works


              • References:

              Soung J. Making the Case For Probiotics in psoriasis care. Practical Dermatology 2022: 51-52.

              Zeng L et al. The Effectiveness and Safety of probiotic supplements for psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and preclinical trials. Journal of Immunology research 2021.

              9 min
            • 19-Let's talk about dark eyelid circles.

              In this episode, we discuss:

              • infraorbital dark circles, AKA dark eyelid circles
              • the 3 main causes
              • treatments for each one

                • Pro tip, most of the treatments that actually work require that you visit your dermatologist or an oculoplastic surgeon. There's one type that is actually treatable with creams, but it's not the most common type.


                Reference

                Roh MR et al. Infraorbital dark circles: definition, causes and treatment options.  Dermatol Surg 2009; 35: 1163-1171.

                9 min
              • 18-Is your blood pressure medicine giving you (skin) cancer?

                In this episode, you’ll learn about:

                - a blood pressure medication that is strongly linked to skin cancer, so you’re actually aware of this risk
                - the types of cancers that you are at risk for, if you take this blood pressure medicine
                - strategies to reduce your skin cancer risk, especially if you take this medication
                References:
                1. Pedersen SA et al. Hydrochlorothiazide use and risk of non-melanoma skin cancer: a nationwide case-control study from Denmark. JAAD 2018; 78: 673-81.
                3. Pedersen SA et al. Hydrochlorothiazide use and risk for Merkel cell carcinoma and malignant adnexal skin tumors: a nationwide case-control study. JAAD 2019; 80:460-5.
                5. Adalsteinsson JA. Association between hydrochlorothiazide and the risk of an in situ and invasive squamous cell skin carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma: a population-based case-control study.   JAAD 2021; 84: 669-75.

                7 min

              About The Lifestyle Dermatologist

              From the publisher's feed

              Welcome to the show. Your hosts, Dr. Drew Kurtzman & Dr. Christie Alexander, are board-certified dermatologists who love sharing their passion for a healthy lifestyle and skin with you. They break down complex topics like how does exercise and diet affect your skin's appearance and its health.