Dr. Dosal featured in Parent’s Magazine

I was very honored to be featured in the July 2017 issue of Parent’s Magazine discussing the “Best of Drug Store Beauty!”  Recommendations are tailored to the Southern heat!

 

parents article

Best of Drug Store Beauty: Hot in the South

  1. Chill aid: “Keeping cool is essential for clear skin,” explains Jacquelyn Dosal, M.D., a dermatologist in Miami, who uses this soothing mist to refresh skin on steamy days.  La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, $13.
  2. Melt-proof mouth: Long-lasting lip tints may not budge for hours, but most feel really drying.  “This one isn’t at all” says Ramon Rosado, a makeup artist in Hollywood, Florida.  Palladio Velvet Matte Cream Lip Color in Sateen, $7.
  3. Smooth move: “I see a lot of patients with frizzy hair in the summer.  One way to help prevent it is to switch to this sulfate-free shampoo,” says Dr. Dosal.  Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo, $6.
  4. Good clean fun: Battle the oily skin you get in summer with a lightweight gel cleanser that is both effective and gentle.  “This one cleans deeply but leaves skin soft and supple because it helps you retain moisture,” says Dr. Dosal.  Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, $8.
  5. Fine-line fix: Retinoids, a derivative of Vitamin A, are the antiaging gold standard, but “they’re too irritating for some patients,” says Patricia Farris, M.D., a dermatologist in Metairie, Louisiana.  “I tell them to pick up this retinol serum ins read.” RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, $23.
  6. Underarm armor: An antiperspirant you can count on in the sticky South: “This protects for 48 hours and evens out the dark marks I’m prone to under my arms,” says Alicia Barca, M.D., a dermatologist in Miami.  Dove Advanced Care Clear Tone Antiperspirant, $5.

Parents Magazine, July 2017, page 76.

 

Is my NANO sunscreen safe?  (P.S. that EWG highly-rated sunscreen is probably nano)

There is a lot of hype around sunscreen safety, and I think it is important for consumers to be informed from accurate sources regarding the issues at hand.  See my original post here about sunscreen safety.

Today I wanted to specifically address the issue of nanoparticles.  A lot of natural and organic sunscreens are marketing their sunscreens as “non-nano.” Why?  The ingredients most likely to be nanosized are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are top of the list for the “safe” sunscreen movement.  So are the “safe” sunscreens not safe either???  

See what the EWG says

Refresher

Nanoparticles refer to the size of the particles in the sunscreen.  They are one billionth of a meter in length, aka a nanometer.  Nanotechnology, the ability to create something that small, has revolutionized many industries, cosmetics included.  And they’ve actually been used in sunscreens since the early 1980s!

Well let’s first look at the practical aspects of nano sunscreens.  It has transformed the 1960’s white noses of lifeguards to inconspicuous, non-obnoxious sun shields. Since the particles are so small, they don’t have the light reflectivity and whiteness of old-school sunscreens.  “Invisible zinc” is what some companies use to describe the technology.  

But are they safe? If they are so small, can’t they penetrate through the skin and affect biological functions?

Luckily, nanoparticles are coated and only reach the very top level of the skin (the stratum corneum), where they reflect UV light.  Additionally, our normal shedding of skin continuously removes them. Finally, in nature, the nanoparticles tend to clump, making them larger than true nanosize, but smaller than traditional zinc oxide particles (see figure).  These real-life clumped nanoparticles definitely cannot penetrate the skin because they are too large, again easing fears of absorption.  Don’t take my word for it, it’s been tested numerous times, and the sunscreens simply aren’t absorbed.

nanoparticle aggregates

Nanoparticles clump on the skin. Photo credit: PMID: 22123418

Finally, a last concern was regarding the generation of pro-oxidant reactive oxidative species (ROS), as was found in some cell studies.  Luckily, since sunscreen nanoparticles are coated in silica, an inert substance, they actually have no risk of generating ROS in the highly fine-tuned human body.  Finally, in case you were worried (everything worries us now!), sunscreen nanoparticles were tested for both cancer-causing properties and phototoxicity and they were completely in the clear (Wang, 2011)!

Let’s also remember the long safety track record of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  Titanium dioxide is found in toothpaste, lotion, skimmed milk, cottage cheese, while zinc oxide is what we smear on our babies bottoms (diaper cream) and have used in our dandruff shampoo for decades.  

For all the criticism of the FDA [i.e. not doing enough to regulate over the counter ingredients (true), not approving sunscreen ingredients fast enough (true)], at least they are on par with their more modern overseas counterparts. The European Union (EU) considers micro- and nanoparticles safe.  The EU usually bans ingredients deemed unsafe/questionable before the US, so if they are OK with nanoparticles, you should be too.  

An even stricter critic is the EWG (Environmental Working Group).  While we often don’t agree, in this case, we do!  The EWG tells consumers not to worry about nanoparticles!  The EWG in general tends to favor zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens over chemical based sunscreens, and most of the commercially acceptable zinc and titanium-based products are nanosized.  To date, no environmental repercussions have been discovered, and while continuing monitoring and research is needed, in general nano-sized zinc is A-OK by the EWG.  

lifeguard troll nose

In conclusion, I don’t worry about the molecular size of my sunscreen ingredients.  I’m just happy I don’t have to walk around with a white face to get good daily UV protection!

 

Photo credit: http://etsy.me/1D3PcYJ

References

Wang S, Lim H.  Principles and practice of photoprotection. Springer, New York.  2016.

Wang S, Tooley IR.  Photoprotection in the era of nanotechnology. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011 Dec;30(4):210-3.

Photo link: http://sustainable-nano.com/2014/09/30/not-your-daddys-sunblock-why-thick-white-sunblock-is-a-thing-of-the-past/

 

Dr. Dosal’s Favorite Things – for 2017

OK, so it’s a little too late for gifting, but never too late for giving yourself a fresh start to 2017!

If you are looking for a few new fresh ways to get your skin glowing, look no further!  I’ve got some of my favorite new discoveries that anyone can use!

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Heeere are some of my faaaavorite things!!! (Did that sound like Oprah?)

Eye cream with SPF
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It seems to be as much of an catch-22 as one might think.  The eye area is very sensitive so most people don’t put SPF around the eye due to stinging and irritation. Yet, the skin around the eye is the most delicate and vulnerable to UV damage.  Many women complain about crepiness around the eye area, much of which can be contributed to UV damage.  So why are we leaving the thinnest skin on our body completely defenseless against the sun?

Not anymore.  I’m so happy to be using Supergoop! Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream with SPF 47 every morning.  It has a cold metal roller that decreases early morning puffiness as well as some minerals that reflect light and make the eye area appear brighter.

Now, I’m definitely a product junkie, so, embarrassingly this is only 1 of 3 eye creams I use on a daily basis!  I also use  Teamine concealer that contains peptides, vitamin C, and licorice extract as my underage concealer (layered over Supergoop!).  At night I can’t live without my Neocutis Micro Eye cream (find Neocutis at our new Skin Associates Apothecary in Coral Gables!) – I recommend it to everyone!

Harness the power of nature – SNAILS! 🐌🐌🐌

biopelle-tensage50_largeIt’s all the rage in Korea.  Finally the US is starting to catch on.  Snails have the ability to easily heal themselves after encountering many injuries from the hazards of snail life – rocks, bacteria, etc.  Extract from snails contains growth factors, hyaluronic acid, peptides, glycolic acid, and other cell regenerating properties.  Snail extract has been reported to have anti-aging benefits, fade brown spots, tighten the skin, and increase “radiance,” a term that is difficult to define and measure.

I first tried Biopelle Tensage after receiving a sample at our annual dermatology meeting.  It looked like every other sample I had received, but this was the most impressive that I had ever used.  Within one week, I noticed a big difference.  I try so many products on a regular basis and it’s pretty hard to impress me, but the snails did!

If you are ever looking for a boost or a nice glow before a big event, use the potent Tensage 50 serum 1-2 times daily for a week, then once a week thereafter.  Tesage makes a daily serum that my patients also love!  Find them in our Skin Associates Apothecary!

Skin Detox

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Ever experience a skin freak-out?  Where your skin goes nuts for seemingly no apparent reason?  Usually it centers around travel, new skin-care products, or stress.  One in 5 people will experience an allergic reaction or irritation from a personal care product, so when these bad skin days/weeks occur, it’s best to strip down to only the basics… a skin “boot-camp!”  Rather than pitching all your products, check out this handy kit to get you through those rough days.  It is a kit that contains all your skin care products free of the 76 most common allergens, specially formulated for allergic people.  VMV Hypoallergenics is a leader in skin care for sensitive skin.  I refer all of my allergic patients to their website.  These products are also great for air travel, as they are small (TSA bonus points) and better than the fragrance-laiden soaps you’ll find in the hotel.

Anti-aging for your arms and legs

yj51czpn_201405022051428273Ever look at your grandmother’s arms or legs?  If she spent some time in the sun, then you might expect to see leathery texture to the skin, brown spots, dry skin.  Marketed as therapy for severely dry skin, DerMend’s Alpha + Beta Hydroxy Therapy is a one-two punch against both dry skin and aging skin.  It’s packaging is less glamorous than what can be found at the department store, but it’s an all-star treatment deserving of gold stars.  Alpha and beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid help rejuvenate the top layer of the skin and also stimulate collagen growth with regular use, while simultaneously gently exfoliating off dry skin.  Note: be sure to wear sunscreen  when exposed to the sun while using this product and for four weeks afterwards.  Glycolic acid can make you more sensitive to the sun.  It’s well worth it (and you should be doing it anyway!) – my skin has honestly never felt so soft!

Ultherapy

before_after_ultherapy_results_full-face3As one of my nurses, Joan, puts it, Ulthera (Ultherapy) is the gift that keeps on giving.  Ultherapy uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin in a gradual process that gets better with time.  I experimented on myself (my neck) about 3 months ago.  While not overweight, I’ve always had a blunted angle from my chin to my neck, which has always bothered me.  Within a few months of having Ulthera done, I already appear thinner and have a more defined jawline.  It’s something I didn’t think was possible, and I’m thrilled!

Ulthera works best for normal weight individuals with good elasticity to their skin.  It does not replace surgery, but for those looking for a subtle lift, it does a great job!!  Check out http://www.ultherapy.com to learn more.

Clear and Brilliant

Clear and Brilliant (C&B) is a very light resurfacing laser treatment that almost anyone can have done.  Perfect for someone looking for a light treatment with almost no downtime, a series of Clear and Brilliant treatments can clear the complexion, lighten up dark spots, and give the skin a smoother appearance.  I find that sometimes people shy away from lasers because of the downtime needed.  C&B is perfect for the busy professional (or mom) who can’t take time off work (shuttling the kids) to recover from a laser treatment.

That’s all for now.  I’ll be sure to periodically update all of my favorite things!

 

 

 

New Year, New Location

Dr. Jacquelyn Dosal, Dermatologist

Happy 2016!  2015 was a spectacular year for me both professionally and personally.

Most importantly, 2015 was marked by my first year with my daughter Caroline, who turned one in November.  It’s been such a joy to see her grow and learn – more than I ever expected!  It’s been so fulfilling to be a “mommy” in addition to being a dermatologist – it gives me more depth to my overall perspective.  It has also helped ground my approach to both patient care and family life.

IMG_5417 Brian, Jackie, & Caroline Dosal at Moving Day Miami, a walk for the National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Looking ahead, 2016 marks a new and exciting chapter for me professionally!  I am thrilled to announce I will be joining the prestigious Skin Associates of South Florida, alongside the brilliant Dr. Joely Kaufman, Dr. Jeremy Green, Dr. Christopher O’Connell and Dr. Cynthia Golomb.

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Skin Associates of South Florida…

View original post 72 more words

New Year, New Location

Happy 2016!  2015 was a spectacular year for me both professionally and personally.

Most importantly, 2015 was marked by my first year with my daughter Caroline, who turned one in November.  It’s been such a joy to see her grow and learn – more than I ever expected!  It’s been so fulfilling to be a “mommy” in addition to being a dermatologist – it gives me more depth to my overall perspective.  It has also helped ground my approach to both patient care and family life.

IMG_5417
Brian, Jackie, & Caroline Dosal at Moving Day Miami, a walk for the National Parkinson’s Foundation.

Looking ahead, 2016 marks a new and exciting chapter for me professionally!  I am thrilled to announce I will be joining the prestigious Skin Associates of South Florida, alongside the brilliant Dr. Joely Kaufman, Dr. Jeremy Green, Dr. Christopher O’Connell and Dr. Cynthia Golomb.

logo-skinassociates-top

Skin Associates of South Florida is one of the leading dermatology centers in the country, and pioneers many of the state-of-the-art dermatology and cosmetic services for non-invasive rejuvenation. I’m very excited to be joining this talented group of physicians.  My first appointments will be available in March 2016 – mark your calendar!

“A good beginning makes a good end” – English Proverb

Cheers to 2016!!

 

Dr. Jacquelyn Dosal practices general, cosmetic, surgical, and laser dermatology in Miami, FL.