Posted in SoME™ Skincare, Sun Damage
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When determining ways to treat skin conditions, most doctors rely on skin type to make their recommendations. This is a useful criterion, but hardly the only factor that can impact your patient’s skin health. When recommending skincare products to patients, it is wise to consider the following factors.
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1. Genetics
Genetics can have a massive impact on a patient’s skin condition. Not only are there several skin conditions and diseases that are passed down through family lines, but genetic factors can also affect how fast skin ages, the way it reacts to certain stimuli, and allergies to certain medications. When recommending skin treatments, it is important to ask about genetic conditions, family history, and other factors that may impact their treatment.
2. Lifestyle
Lifestyle can have a significant impact on skin condition. Patients who exercise regularly outdoors may have less fat but increased sun damage. Patients who do not exercise may deal with skin laxity or other conditions related to sedentary lifestyles.
Smoking can also significantly impact skin condition, creating numerous complications when it comes to recommending treatment.
Some of these conditions may not be obvious, so determining your patient’s lifestyle before recommending a specific treatment is highly encouraged.
3. Environment
The environment can have long-term effects on a patient’s skin condition.
Patients who work in locations where they are exposed to harsh chemicals, frequent injuries, or other hazardous conditions may require more complex treatments. Patients who have been bedridden for extended periods may develop bedsores. Patients who work in agriculture may develop extensive scarring from a mix of sun exposure and other wear and tear. Many office workers spend most of their time in places where the only source of light is fluorescent bulbs and computer monitors.
These factors can impact the condition of a patient’s skin and can change the optimal treatment plan.
It is important to determine the long-term effects of a patient’s environment before recommending a treatment. It is also advised that providers ask about the intended environment a patient will be in during treatment. For example, a patient who usually works in an office building may need a different type of skin treatment if they plan on a vacation to the tropics in the near future.
4. Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is one of the most important factors determining how fast a patient’s skin will age. Patients who commonly work (or socialize) outdoors will tend to develop long-term sun damage at a younger age. This can result in wrinkles, sagging skin, and in some cases, skin cancers. Providers should suggest that patients who work or socialize in the sun add sunblock to their regular skin treatment regime. This may change the recommended prescription, as some skin treatments do not work well with the daily application of sun lotion.
5. Medications
Certain medications can affect the quality and texture of a patient’s skin. Some medications, such as antibiotics and common psych prescriptions, can make the skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Other medications, such as many common heart medications, can thin the skin and make minor injuries more dangerous. Other medicines can dry out or moisten the skin, resulting in differing treatment needs. Before providing a recommended treatment, be sure to get a full list of any medications your patients are taking.
Interested in Learning More?
If you are interested in offering SoME® Skincare to your patients and would like to learn more about your options, please contact one of Aesthetics Biomedical’s local sales representatives, by filling out this contact form.