Wood's Lamp Examination
A simple test identifying skin, scalp, and hair conditions using long-wave ultraviolet light to make cells appear fluorescent.
Conditions diagnosed by Wood's lamp
Abnormal skin pigmentation, bacterial infections, corneal abrasion, porphyria, scabies, head lice, fungal infections, and skin imperfections.
How Wood's lamp works
Emits black light (ultraviolet) and a bit of violet spectrum light that reacts differently with certain cells, showing color or fluorescence.
Preparation for Wood's light exam
Clean skin that is not recently washed, and without makeup, deodorant, creams, or other products.
Wood's lamp colors: Normal, White, Yellow
Normal, healthy skin looks bluish under UV light; white indicates thick skin; yellow indicates oily skin.
Dermoscopy
It's a noninvasive skin imaging technique aiding in the diagnosis of skin lesions by visualizing subsurface features.
Uses of dermoscopy
Pigmented structures, hemorrhagic areas, vascular structures, and nonpigmented skin disorders.
Magnifying glasses
Optical devices to magnify small details of objects.
Main functions of a magnifying lamp
Magnification and illumination.
Skin Analysis
A systematic process of assessing skin's physical attributes to identify skin types and conditions, which guides skincare recommendations.
Methods of Skin Analysis
Visual inspection, touch test, device-assisted analysis, and diagnostic tests.
Tools for skin assessment
Wood's lamp, skin moisture analyzer, skin analyzer, digital facial scanner, and pH meter.
Skin Moisture Analyzer
Advanced devices to measure moisture content non-invasively and provide immediate feedback.
Skin Analyzer
Advanced devices providing comprehensive skin evaluation, including pore size, wrinkle depth, sebum production, and elasticity.
Digital Facial Scanner
Uses high-resolution imaging to map skin's surface, identifying texture issues, uneven pigmentation, and acne scarring, and also leverages artificial intelligence.
Causes of uneven skin
Age, genetics, acne, enlarged pores, photoaging, hormones, and improper skincare.
Skin Condition
Young skin is hydrated and firm. As we age, skin cell turnover slows, leading to dull skin and clogged pores.
Skin tone factors
Determined by heredity and affected by the sun, smoking, medications, skin conditions, hormones, and aging. Healthy skin is even toned, bright and glowing.
Causes of fine lines
Reduction in collagen and elastin, sun exposure, and facial expressions.
Factors causing wrinkles
Includes repeated facial expressions, sun exposure, dehydration, lack of sleep, and smoking.
Retinoid benefits to the Skin
Vitamin A derivatives like retinol and prescription-strength retinoids increase collagen production.
Antioxidant Skin Effects
Topical antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent cellular and DNA damage.
Peptides role on skin
Small protein molecules that signal to the body to produce more collagen.
Sunscreen for skin protection
UV radiation causes DNA damage, increasing free radical production; use sunscreen to prevent UV damage and collagen breakdown.
Humectants for skin
They draw in moisture, plumping skin and improving appearance.
Non-Invasive Treatments effects on skin
Hayfu uses ultrasound to heat tissue, CO2 lasers resurface skin, and microneedling stimulates collagen.
Skin elasticity definition
Skin's ability to stretch and bounce back into place; as skin loses it, it starts to sag and wrinkle.
Collagen and Elastin in Skin
Located in the dermis and affected by the environment; can be damaged by UV rays, smoking, and pollution.
Effects of poor skin care
Sleep in makeup clogs pores. Wash your face to avoid breakouts and remove built up oil.
Diet and skin health
Diet should be rich in protein (poultry, fish, beef) and collagen. Collagen production requires vitamin C as well as zinc and copper.
Maintaining skin elasticity
Collagen supplement may help preserve skin elasticity; exercise, sleep, hydrate, and use sunscreen.
Exfoliation
The process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) to promote skin renewal and improve texture and product absorption.
Physical (Mechanical) Exfoliation
Uses abrasive particles or tools to manually slough off dead skin cells. Best for oily or thick skin types.
Chemical Exfoliation
Uses acids or enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin cells; types include AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes. Best for most skin types.
AHA vs BHA vs Enzymes
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are water-soluble; Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are oil-soluble; enzymes are natural exfoliators.
Exfoliating Devices
Tools like derma rollers and sonic cleansing brushes.
Benefits of Exfoliation
Smooth, bright complexions, unclogged pores, enhanced skincare product absorption, and stimulated collagen production.
Professional Peeling
Address deep skin concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. Unlike at-home exfoliants, they penetrate deeper into the skin.
Professional Chemical Peels depth
Superficial peels affect the epidermis via mild acids; medium peels go to the upper dermis. Deep peels are strongest
Benefits of Professional Peels
Dramatic improvement of skin's texture and tone as well as stimulated collagen, fading deep pigmentation, and unclogging pores.
Steps of Professional Peeling
Assessment, Prep, Application, Neutralization, and post care.
Post-Peel Care
Professional peels must be followed with sun avoidance and gentle cleansers and moisturizers, no picking, and stay hydrated.
Peels to avoid
Should be avoided if one has active herpes, recent Accutane use, open wounds, or is pregnant/breastfeeding
Microdermabrasion
Uses fine crystals or a diamond-tipped wand. It reduces fine lines, helps acne and improves skin texture.
Microdermabrasion types
Crystal uses aluminum oxide, diamond uses a diamond-coated wand, both are followed with suction.
Microdermabrasion benefits
Smoother and brighter, reduces lines and scars, improves product absorption, clears pores and stimulates collagen.
When to avoid Microderm
Should be avoided if one has active acne, eczema or rosacea and has very thin, broken skin.
Microdermabrasion care
Apply hydrating serum, avoid retinoids, and use SPF; may cause slight peeling or redness.
Exfoliating Brushes
Help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and boost circulation.
Types of Exfoliating Brushes
There are manual facial brushes, electric / sonic cleansing brushes, silicone cleansing brushes, and dry body brushes.
Dry Brushing Techniques
Brush toward the heart with moisturizer or oil, only 2-3x/week to avoid irritation.
Exfoliating Brush Precautions
Avoid exfoliating brushes if one has active acne or rosacea, broken skin or eczema, or very thin / sensitive skin.
