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Celebrate No Fry Day with Sunscreen 🔆

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Every Friday before Memorial Day, we celebrate National Don’t Fry Day to continue raising awareness of the importance of sun damage prevention and wearing sunscreen. If you still haven’t booked your annual skin check, you can book here.
 
As summer approaches and you start spending more time outside, you’ll probably want to start keeping a tube of sunscreen or one of the newer sunscreen powders handy. If you pop into any convenience store, you’re likely to see at least a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose. That’s where WE come in!
With so many sunscreen options out there, we want to make it easier for you to find one that works for you and helps you avoid getting ‘fried’ in the sun.
 
First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen. 
1)   Physical sunscreens use minerals that sit on top of skin. They deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The old versions used to feel thick and sometimes leave a white cast on the skin. Newer versions of microniadized zinc and titanium feel great, are not thick and do not leave a white sheen on your skin.
Ideal for: all skin types.
2)   Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into the skin in about 15 – 30 mins and transform UV rays into heat making them less harmful. Chemical options tend to be more water and sweat resistant so these are great for those with active lifestyles.
 
At this point, you may be wondering: Which brand is the best? We’re glad you asked! Here are some of our top picks:
 
> For your face
West Dermatology Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin. It absorbs quickly, layers well under makeup and doesn’t smell like SPF.
Click here to shop now.
 
> For the body
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ Body Sunscreen offers antioxidant protection that combats skin-aging free radicals associated with UV rays. It glides on and provides moisture to the entire body.
Click here to shop now.
 
> For on-the-go
grab an ISDIN Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.
Click here to shop now.
 
Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing and scheduling an annual skin check with one of our board-certified dermatologists. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions. We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin all summer long!

CDC Healthcare Setting Mask Reminder 😷📰

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At West Dermatology and our Family of Dermatology Practices, the health & safety of our patients and staff are always our top priority. We continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance for healthcare settings and implement procedures to adhere to such guidelines.
The CDC’s recently released new masking recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals no longer require vaccinated people to wear a mask or physically distance. However, as explicitly stated by the CDC, these new recommendations are NOT intended for healthcare settings.
While we can’t wait to see your smiling faces when visiting our clinics, because we are a “healthcare setting,” it’s important to note that:
  • All staff, patients, and visitors must continue to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status.
  • We will continue to follow the full infection control procedures required by the CDC for healthcare settings. This includes the use of masks, social distancing, enhanced infection prevention, and monitoring and screening staff, patients, and visitors (health survey and temp checks).
It is our commitment and obligation to provide a healthy and safe environment for each of our patients, staff, and visitors, regardless of individual risk level, vaccination status, or specific health condition. Please wear a mask and follow infection control procedures during your visit. It protects you, your loved ones, our staff, and other patients needing skin healthcare services.
We thank you for your commitment and continued trust in us as your dermatologic healthcare provider.
In good health,
Your Trusted Dermatology Team

Check & Protect…with Sunscreen!🧴

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One of the most important pieces our Check+Protect reminders is none other than: Please wear sunscreen!
 
The temperature is warming up, and with so much beautiful sunshine, it’s only natural that you’ll be outside enjoying yourself! While it’s a great time of year to enjoy time outdoors, don’t let your skincare take a backseat. Now more than ever, you should prioritize your at-home skincare routine (sunscreen included!) so that your skin remains healthy. 
 
One of the best ways to protect your skin from damage or exposure to harmful UV rays is to slather on sunscreen. This can be accomplished in a matter of minutes. Plus, you have peace of mind that you won’t get sunburned – ouch!. 
 
Did you know that wearing sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can actually reduce your risk of carcinoma by 40% and reduce your risk of melanoma by 50%? Yes, wearing sunscreen is THAT important. Some people simply don’t know just how much it can really save your skin and protect you from skin cancer. 
 
Some other things you may not know about sunscreen application:
¡      You should still wear sunscreen even if you’re indoors. Why? Because harmful UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate your skin via windows. Plus, you’re likely to step outside at least once in a while, so you don’t want to forget to apply sunscreen simply because you may spend most of your day indoors.
¡      Don’t forget to reapply! If you’re outside, you should remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours to ensure that you haven’t sweat it off. 
 
But wait–what type of sunscreen should you wear? The truth is, the type of sunscreen you choose should be appropriate for your skin type. Here’s a brief breakdown of the best sunscreens we offer that are suited for certain skin types:
 
¡      Normal skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen
 
Not sure what type of skin you have? Not to worry, we can help with that too! When you schedule your next skin check appointment with us, we can help identify which products are best for your skin. 
 
And the best news we’ve been saving for last: Throughout the entire month of May, our sunscreen is on sale for 20% off! Just use SUNSCREEN20 at checkout on our online store. Stock up now to protect your skin and save money. Don’t wait–this deal doesn’t last forever, and you want to be sure that your skin is protected to the max. 

Six Delish Foods for Healthy Skin 🥑

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We get it; you’re tired of hearing about healthy eating. You know you should care because it’s good for your skin, but what you really want is flavor—juicy, dripping, oozing yumminess. Is this too much to ask? Not at all! We know the most delicious foods for alluring skin (including chocolate). Let’s celebrate World Heath Day together by eating our way to attractive skin. We promise to recommend only scrumptious foods.
 
1) Go Nuts with Almonds
The meatiness of almonds with their crunchy, substantial flavor is so enticing it’s hard to stop with just one small handful. But that’s all you need to get the health benefits of this skin-boosting food. Not only are they loaded with flavor, but they’re also rich in vitamin E. This antioxidant protects your skin against inflammation and UV damage.
 
2) Spice it Up with Cinnamon
There’s nothing like the fragrant, spicy goodness of cinnamon to wake up your senses in the morning. Add it to your hot cereal, or sprinkle it on warm toast or coffee for a satisfying treat for your taste buds. The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in cinnamon will make your skin glow.
3) Eat Tall, Dark, and Chocolate
As we wrote about in our Valentine’s Day blog post, dark chocolate is not only decadent eating; it has fringe benefits for your skin. “Antioxidants help the skin fight free radicals, and with free radicals at bay, you’re less likely to develop fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.” This good news makes us dream of chocolate factories and want to burst out singing, “I’ve got a golden ticket.” 
4) Ole for Guacamole
Why wait for Super Bowl Sunday to slurp this superfood? Dip into the benefits of guacamole all year round. This antioxidant-rich food will make your taste buds sing—the tomato and garlic punch up the creamy avocado flavor, and juice gives it that zippy tang. And all of these ingredients are packed with the skin-helping vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids you need for radiate health. That’s why guacamole sits pretty at the intersection of healthy and yummy.
 
5) Grab some Grapes
Eat red grapes straight from the fridge for a burst of cool, juicy sweetness. This superfood works wonders on your skin from the inside out. Brimming with good-for-skin nutrients like antioxidants, grapes will stimulate collagen production and protect your skin. It’s a win-win!
 
6) Get to the “Root” of Good Skin Health
Vitamin A supports skin health, and just one sweet potato exceeds your recommended daily allowance. They also contain a natural sunscreen, beta carotene, that can help protect your skin. Eating them is a ticket to beautiful skin. But don’t eat them all. They’re also great to apply topically. So next time you cook, save some for this sweet potato face mask.
Healthy food can lead to healthy skin, but only if you eat it regularly. You’ve heard people say the best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. The same adage applies to eating. The best skin-healthy food is the one you’ll actually eat. So, what’s it for you? Is it dark chocolate, cinnamon, almonds, grapes, sweet potatoes, or guacamole? Find what appeals to you and glow for it. Have any questions about anything written here? Call us today or schedule your appointment now.

Why Everyone Needs an IPL Photofacial

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*Content provided by our sister practice Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
As warmer weather waltzes in, there’s no better time to revamp your skin for a fresh, healthy look. Spring is the season for renewal, and one versatile cosmetic skin treatment that will refresh your appearance is the IPL photofacial. This procedure helps people of all ages not only achieve better skin tone and texture, but also helps alleviate the symptoms of some skin conditions such as rosacea and melasma.
At West Dermatology, we offer a comprehensive variety of 50+ laser, light, and energy treatments including our most popular IPL photofacial device Lumenis M22 Stellar to suit our patients’ unique skincare needs. Dr. Mitchel Goldman, our Medical Director, pioneered the field of IPL. He has published dozens of medical papers, including a review with colleagues regarding his early experiences with IPL and the development of its use over time. (Almukhtar R, Emily Carr E, Goldman MP: Intense Pulsed Light: The Early Years. Dermatological Reviews 2020;1-10) We are proud to share our research findings with you and offer this skin rejuvenating treatment at our San Diego medical spa.
Based on the review mentioned above, IPL is clearly an effective treatment modality for a wide range of dermatologic lesions, from pigmented to vascular and inflammatory lesions. The flexibility of IPL’s wavelength also allows for it to treat a variety of skin conditions. And in addition to the team’s constant investigative pursuits of IPL, we also have more experience performing IPL treatments than any other practice in the world.
What Can IPL Do For You?
If you enjoy being out in the sun but don’t enjoy the spots or lined and leathery appearance it’s caused, IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, can effectively treat sun damage (age spots), other signs of aging, as well as pigmentation issues and other dermatologic diseases just in time for spring.
The review authored by Dr. Goldman, Dr. Rawaa Almukhtar, and Dr. Emily Carr highlights the safety, efficacy, and versatility of IPL, which can treat the following issues:
  • Lentiginous disease
  • Melasma
  • Poikiloderma of Civatte
  • Acne Vulgaris
  • Rosacea
  • Vascular lesions
  • Pre-malignant and malignant lesions
  • Hypertrophic scars and keloids
  • Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
How Does IPL Work?
Now that you’re ready to get that healthy, younger looking skin this spring, it is good to first understand how IPL works and why it is effective.
The published review explains that IPL utilizes light with a broad spectrum of wavelengths (ranging between 400 and 1200 nm), which allows the device to target melanin within the skin. With the device’s cooling system, IPL can safely penetrate down to the dermis (second layer of your skin) without damaging the epidermis (top layer). Pigment in the skin then absorbs the light energy, heating the photodamaged cells in the skin and breaking them down. The body then naturally removes the damaged tissue and unwanted pigment, helping you achieve a more even skin tone. 
Some IPL devices have a single pulse, whereas our Lumenis IPLs have multiple sequential pulsing. Furthermore, some devices will vary depending on the pulse duration, the energy fluence, or both in each pulse. Other variables include the size of the delivered light, power outputs, and cooling system, meaning that not all IPLs are the same. The devices available at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are some of the most powerful IPL machines available today, offering superior results for our patients no matter what their skin concerns might be. 
Pigment Issues IPL Can Treat for Your Spring Refresh
  • Lentiginous disease – a variant of melanoma found on sun-damaged skin. IPL has been shown effective in treating pigmented lesions, particularly lentigines and ephelides on the face and body after an average of 3-5 treatments. 
  • Melasma – a common pigmentation disorder. IPL can lead to an improvement in patients with melasma in conjunction with topical therapy.
  • Poikiloderma of Civatte – chronic discoloration commonly seen on the neck. Results of a study report a significant reduction in vascular, pigmented, and atrophic skin changes in 81%-82% of patients after 3-5 IPL sessions.
Other Concerns IPL Can Address
  • Acne vulgaris – occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil (sebum). The blocked follicles cause pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Several studies explored IPL as a treatment option for acne vulgaris or as an activator of PDT (photodynamic therapy). The study showed a significant reduction in the surface area of the sebaceous gland following IPL treatment. IPL also has anti‐inflammatory effects, with acne patients showing a reduction of both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions. 
  • Rosacea â€“ a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness and bumps on the face. IPL effectively reduces blood flow, telangiectasia, and severity of erythema in individuals with rosacea, with efficacy equal to that of PDL (pulsed-dye laser). Typical reported improvement was 50%.
  • Vascular lesions – consist of telangiectasias, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains. These are the easiest conditions to treat with most going away quicker and with less bruising than with a pulse dye laser treatment. 
  • Premalignant and malignant lesions – Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common pre-cancer that forms on sun-damaged skin. Several studies investigated the use of IPL as an activator of photosensitizing agents for PDT of AK. Results suggest IPL alone may be effective in the treatment of AK, but it is enhanced by the addition of a photosensitizer. IPL with photodynamic therapy also shows promising results for the treatment of superficial BCC (basal cell carcinoma) and Bowen’s disease.
  • Hypertrophic scars – A hypertrophic scar is a thick, raised scar that does not extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound, while keloids are enlarged scars that grow bigger and wider than the original injury. One study demonstrated a 50% improvement in all hyperpigmented, erythematous, and proliferative scars treated with IPL after a mean of 2.97 sessions.

Low Risk, Multiple Benefits
We understand that renewing your skin this spring and achieving that coveted glow shouldn’t come with a dangerous price. The good news is that studies have found IPL to be well-tolerated for most patients. Minimal side effects include mild discomfort, erythema, purpura, edema, blistering, and crusting. These issues typically resolve within 48 hours, although some patients find they can persist for up to one week. Post treatment hyperpigmentation and hyperpigmentation are also possible very rare adverse effects of IPL. 
In addition to its low risk, benefits of IPL include:
  • Quick and effective – each session typically lasts 5-15 minutes
  • Appropriate for all skin types
  • Minimal discomfort – since dermatologists use a cooling gel and cold air during treatment, most patients report minimal pain
  • Long-term results – the better you care for your skin, the longer the results will last. Many of our patients have seen their results last for several years, coming in every year to touch up age spots or to simply rejuvenate their skin.
  • Ability to combine with other treatments – for a more comprehensive skin transformation this spring, IPL can be done in conjunction with other treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injectables, BotoxÂŽ Cosmetic, and Ultherapy.
To schedule your IPL Photofacial, request your appointment here: https://www.westdermatology.com/request-appointment

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 🎀

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Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your mom how much you appreciate her and all the things she has done for you. We encourage you to celebrate and make things extra special for her this year. (She deserves it!) Give the gift of beauty with our top gift picks for your mom, or for any of your other favorite moms.
West Dermatology Collagen Rejuvenation Serum
Fortified with citrus stem cells and green tea extract, this serum leaves skin youthful and vibrant.
To SHOP, click here.
Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar
For the mom that loves her cosmetic dermatology treatments, this one’s for her! Skin Nectar strengthens the skin and supports faster recovery from IPL, laser and chemical peels).
To SHOP, click here.
SkinCeuticals Tri-Peptide-R Neck Repair
Helps fortify the neck’s fragile skin to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and firms up neck skin.
To SHOP, click here.
Isdin Hydrating Gel Foot Oil
Hydrating gel oil that repairs and hydrates dry, cracked feet.
To SHOP, click here.
Nutrafol Hair Growth Serum
Lightweight, leave in hair serum that supports thicker-looking, stronger hair.
To SHOP, click here.
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
This Mother’s Day you know the gift of radiant + healthy skin is at the top of our list (but don’t forget…) that also includes getting an annual skin check. Give your mom the gift of a skin check so her skin can be glowing and healthy all year long!
To Schedule, click here.
Celebrating all the moms!
If you have any questions about any of the products we have recommended above, be sure to drop is a line or give us a call today. We would be more than happy to help you put together the perfect gift for your mom!

Is More Better? How Much Skincare to Really Use🧴

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It’s sometimes hard to gauge how much skincare product to use. You don’t want to use too much or too little. You want that “Goldilocks” amount that’s “just right.” Finding this balance is simple if you understand some general product guidelines.
 
Most People use too Much Product
We all tend to over-apply our skincare products without even thinking about it. Maybe we subconsciously think the extra product will give us extra-good skin, but it doesn’t work like that. The excess we apply goes to waste, and that’s a sad thought when you love top-of-the-line skincare products as much as we do.
 
The Right Amount 
If you think of how much skincare product to apply in terms of fruit, it’s pretty easy to keep things straight. Imagine the smallest amount as a pomegranate seed. It’s just enough to tap onto your face. The next amount is the size of a blueberry— enough product to spread in an even, thin layer. A cherry represents the amount of product that can be liberally applied all over your face. 
 
¡     Pomegranate Seed Size
Retinols and serums are effective in the tiniest pomegranate-seed amount. You want to use enough product to get the full benefit, but not so much that your skin turns red or dries out. Start small and build up to what your skin can tolerate. The retinol you buy from your dermatologist is stronger than over-the-counter retinol, so a little goes a long way. 
 
¡     The Size of a Blueberry
The next category of skincare products requires an amount the size of a blueberry. This includes moisturizers, night creams, and oils. You want enough to cover your face, but not liberally.
¡     A Cherry Size
Sunscreen is the one skincare product where more is better. Too little leaves you under-protected. It’s best to apply it liberally. No, it won’t increase the SPF; that’s a myth. But applying a cherry-sized amount will ensure that every inch of your facial skin gets adequate protection, whether the sunscreen is tinted or untinted. 
 
Read the Product Instructions
Most skincare comes with instructions that recommended the amount of product to use for best results. You’ll want to follow the guidelines…eventually. At first, it’s best to start small and work up to the recommended amount once you know how your skin will react. 
 
Experiment to See What Works 
Experimenting will help you figure out what works for you. We each have unique skincare needs that don’t always match up perfectly with the product recommendations. If you use the recommended amount of moisturizer, for example, and your skin still feels tight, add a little more. 
 
Our board-certified dermatologists know just the right amount of skincare product to use. They’re great at explaining it, especially when they can assess your skincare needs in person and give you individualized advice. Feel free to request an appointment with us anytime.

Acne OR Rosacea? The Differences Between These Skin Conditions

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Acne and Rosacea are different skin conditions. Few people will have all of the signs and symptoms shown in the picture, but know what to look for helps.
It can be easy to confuse the two but it’s important to know that both conditions require different treatments, so it’s important to know the difference.
In honor of April being Rosacea Awareness Month, we encourage you to chat with one of our providers if you show any of the above symptoms. To learn more about Rosacea, head to our website to learn all about what it is, what causes it and how to treat it. To learn more about Acne, click here.
Do you have questions about your Rosacea? We are now offering Telehealth visits! Call your office today or request an appointment online to virtually meet with one of our dermatology providers.

Southern California Dermatology Joins West Dermatology

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West Dermatology is honored to announce the latest addition to our growing network of providers – Southern California Dermatology (SoCalDerm) of Santa Ana, Ca. SoCalDerm was founded in 1962 and has grown into one of the largest dermatology groups in Southern California. Currently led by Jonathan Baron, M.D. and Trevor Muirhead, M.D, their practice consists of 5 board-certified dermatologists, 5 dermatology physician assistants, a laser nurse, an aesthetician, and over 50 employees in total. Drs. Baron and Muirhead have been excellent partners to work with and they bring with them an exceptional team of providers and staff. With the addition of the SoCalDerm team, we increase our density in Southern California with 36 locations state wide and 62 companywide.
SoCalDerm consists of one clinic and serves the Greater Orange County community with a full spectrum of dermatology care which includes Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic dermatology. The practice also includes a robust clinical research department and an in-house Rx dispensary. They are joined by an excellent team including Albert Antonyan, MD, Jennifer Soung, MD, and Lisa Xu, MD; Physician Assistants Goli Parsa, Stephanie Clark, Sarah Frazier, Pauline Saedler, and Shawna Jones; laser RN Kimberly Flint; and aesthetician Kelsey Morgan.
Dr. Baron is a board certified dermatologist who specializes in all aspects of medical and surgical dermatology for both children and adults. Originally born in CapeTown, South Africa, Dr. Baron grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and went on to receive his medical degree also at the University of Arizona. He then went on to complete a year of internal medicine followed by a dermatology residency also all at the University of Arizona. He moved to Southern California in 2003 and joined Southern California Dermatology. Dr. Baron is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. When not at the office he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children.
Dr. Muirhead is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in all medical and surgical dermatological conditions of the skin, hair and nails for patients of all ages. He grew up in Long Beach and attended the University of Southern California for college and medical school. After completing an internship in Internal Medicine at Olive View-UCLA, he completed his Dermatology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Muirhead is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. He is a former Volunteer Clinical Faculty in Dermatology at UC Irvine. 
This is an exciting time to be a part of West Dermatology. As we continue to add best-in-class providers, open, and expand our clinics across our group, we are better able to serve our patients, which remains our sole purpose.
To learn more about Southern California Dermatology, visit: https://www.socalderm.org/

We’re Ensuring Your Health With Our Safety Protocols

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As our state and communities continue lifting Covid restrictions, we want to continue to update you on our approach to health and safety guidelines because the health and safety of our employees and patients is our first priority. Throughout this pandemic, our clinics have and continue to closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and still have Covid safety practices in place.
Skin health can’t wait. That’s why our offices remain open to serve you. We are available for medical dermatology, skin cancer detection and treatment, cosmetics, aesthetics and allergy appointments. For your convenience, we also continue to offer virtual visits via video from the comfort of your home. We’re here for your skin health however you prefer to visit us. 
It is safe to come back in. We are committed to your safety and well-being. We have implemented numerous operational procedures to ensure our clinics are taking extra precautions to keep you and our staff safe.
Our Patient Screening & Safety:
¡      We check temperatures and screen for symptoms for all patients. Anyone exhibiting symptoms will be asked to reschedule their appointment for a later date or book a virtual appointment via video, if appropriate.
¡      We require face masks for all patients, staff, and visitors in our clinics – regardless of vaccination status.
¡      We are social distancing between patients and staff where practical and necessary.
¡      Our providers and team members are trained in infection control measures. We are disinfecting high-traffic areas (e.g. doors, iPads, computers, front desk, bathrooms, breakroom, etc.) multiple times a day.
Our Healthy Team:
¡      Every employee has their temperature checked and is screened for symptoms daily. Anyone exhibiting symptoms is required to stay home. 
¡      Our team members take pride in your safety by wearing clean scrubs, using eye protection, masks, and gloves, in addition to other personal protective equipment (PPE).
¡      We practice frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer before patient interactions.
Our team is here to help you safely maintain your healthy skin and also help you be active and enjoy the outdoors safely again. Our hope is that you stay safe and healthy. Please call to schedule or CLICK HERE to request an appointment. 
Yours in good health,
The West Dermatology Team