Texas Health Dallas

The Price of Beauty Which latest beauty trends are worth your time and money? Tanya Rodgers, M.D., dermatologist on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, weighs in on the latest in beauty and skin care. Cleansing your skin can protect it from dirt and oil that builds up and clogs pores, and a new trend in cleansing—pulsing brushes— promises to offer a deeper clean. "Although these brushes do cleanse effectively, they are expensive, and I don't think they are necessary for cleansing," says Dr. Rodgers. "Using a regular over- the-counter cleanser is sufficient for most people. After washing your face, moisturize with a lotion with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 during the day and use a heavier, anti-aging moisturizer at night." The effecTs Of Aging Many women are concerned about the signs of aging and consider purchasing expensive options, including night creams and serums, to reduce the effects. Some of Dr. Rodgers' patients have found success through cosmeceuticals—products with ingredients that target skin molecules to reduce damage and increase the growth of collagen. Dr. Rodgers suggests looking for products that contain tretinoin, a chemical made from vitamin A, better known by the brand name Retin-A. Tretinoin has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and smooth rough skin. "One of the best things you can do for your skin is use sunscreen every day," says Dr. Rodgers. "Choose a product that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and be sure to reapply as directed." To find a dermatologist on the medical staff at a Texas Health hospital, visit TexasHealth.org/FindAPhysician or call 1-877-THR-WELL (1-877-847-9355). Say goodbye to Spider Veins If you suffer from spider veins, you understand the embarrassment associated with exposing legs with red or blue web-like patterns. But before you keep your legs under wraps this summer, try treatments proven to effectively treat spider veins. Spider veins can appear following pregnancy, after an injury or as a result of hormone changes. "Spider veins are usually more of a cosmetic issue than a serious medical one, but they shouldn't be ignored," says Humam Kakish, M.D., chief of vascular surgery and on the medical staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. "The earlier spider veins are treated, the less likely they are to develop into varicose veins. Varicose veins are bigger, discolored, cord-like veins that may cause achiness and swelling in the legs. These can be signs of vein disease, meaning you should seek medical attention." Available Treatment Options If you have spider veins and want to reveal healthy legs this summer, treatment options are available. "Sclerotherapy remains one of the most successful spider vein treatments to date," says Dr. Kakish. "During this outpatient procedure, a chemical solution is injected into the spider vein to prevent blood flow to the vein. After about three months, the vein fades and becomes scar tissue." However, most insurance companies don't cover sclerotherapy. "If an ultrasound confirms that a patient has a leaky valve in a vein, insurance could potentially cover the procedure," says Dr. Kakish. "Whether undergoing sclero- therapy or surface laser treatments, patients often require multiple treatment sessions to obtain definite results." For a referral to a physician on the medical staff at a Texas Health hospital, visit TexasHealth.org/FindAPhysician.

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