Luminous Dermatology

Contact Us Request Appointment

WestDerm

Beverly Dermatology

by

Beverly Dermatology & Laser Center joins West Dermatology’s Network 
West Dermatology announces the addition of Beverly Dermatology & Laser Center in Aliso Viejo, Calif., to our growing network of providers. Dr. Roland Beverly owns the practice and he is joined by Alisa Wang, PA-C. Together, they offer medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. 
Dr. Beverly has been serving patients in Orange County since 1993. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and his medical degree, with honors, from the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. After completing an internal medicine residency at Temple University Hospital, Dr. Beverly went on to complete a dermatology residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the premier dermatology departments in the country. Dr. Beverly is board certified in both dermatology and internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Mohs Surgery. 
 
Alisa Wang has been with the practice since 2006. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas in Galveston. Ms. Wang is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Her areas of expertise include acne treatment and laser therapy. 
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers who have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.  
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact: 
Nina Jorajuria 
Director of Business Development 
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Beverly Dermatology, visit www.beverlyskin.com. 

Conejo Dermatology

by

Conejo Dermatology Joins West Dermatology’s Network
West Dermatology is excited to announce the addition of Conejo Dermatology in Thousand Oaks, Calif., to our growing network of providers. Drs. Ralph Kamell, Michael Bodnar and Jeanette Mitchell own the practice and they are joined by Dr. William E. Rietkerk. Together, they offer medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology as well as Superficial Radiation Therapy for treatment of skin cancers.
Dr. Kamell has been serving patients in Thousand Oaks since 1976. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College in New York, N.Y. Following his medical internship at UC Irvine, Dr. Kamell completed his dermatology residency at UCLA. For many years, Dr. Kamell volunteered at the UCLA Dermatology Surgical clinic to mentor residents. Dr. Kamell is board certified by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Board of Laser Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and a member of Calderm. He recently obtained his permit as Dermatology Radiation Supervisor and Operator and enjoys overseeing SRT services provided by each physician in the office.
Dr. Bodnar has been with Conejo Dermatology since the group’s inception in 1998. He received his undergraduate degree from Revelle College at the University of California, San Diego and his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Bodnar completed an internship in internal medicine at Loma Linda University and he completed his dermatology residency at Penn State Geisinger Medical Center. Dr. Bodnar is board certified in Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Mitchell is a native of Conejo Valley. She earned her undergraduate degree at Stanford University and her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. During that time, she founded the National Melanoma Awareness Project, which continues to educate tens of thousands of teens annually. Dr. Mitchell completed her internship in Internal Medicine at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, and then pursued her dermatology residency training at University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Mitchell has delighted in caring for her patients at Conejo Dermatology since 2011. Dr. Mitchell is board certified in Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Mohs Surgery. She has contributed dozens of peer-reviewed publications and been honored by the American Academy of Dermatology with the Presidents Gold level Volunteer Service Award and the Members Making a Difference Award.
Dr. William E. Rietkerk recently joined the practice. He obtained his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, San Diego, his medical degree and internship in Internal Medicine from UC Irvine School of Medicine, and his MBA from the UC Irvine Merage School of Business. At UC Irvine Dr. Rietkerk participated in many leadership activities including co-founding the National Melanoma Awareness Project. He completed his dermatology residency at New York Medical College where he was selected as Chief Resident of Dermatology. Following residency, Dr. Rietkerk became Volunteer Faculty for the Dermatology Department at New York Medical College and built a thriving practice as an Associate at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. He also taught residents as a Surgical Dermatology Attending at Lincoln Hospital. Dr. Rietkerk is board certified in Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. He continues to publish on a variety of interests, most notably associations between diet and acne.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek providers that have a demonstrated record of accomplishment of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Conejo Dermatology, visit www.conejodermatology.com

Coast Dermatology

by

Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center joins West Dermatology
West Dermatology is excited to announce the addition of Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Laguna Beach, Calif., to its growing network of elite providers. The center is led by Dr. Glenn Goldberg, board certified dermatologist.
Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery offers medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Dr. Goldberg has been serving patients in Laguna Beach and the surrounding Orange County area since 1989. Dr. Goldberg’s excellent team of providers include, Dr. Farah (Bobby) Awadalla, board certified dermatologist and fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, and Christina Basham, Certified Physician Assistant.
Dr. Goldberg graduated from Penn State University with high academic distinction. He completed his residency in dermatology in South Florida, and then completed an extra year of surgical residency training in Largo, Fla. Dr. Goldberg is active in teaching medical students and residents at the office. He is an expert in dermatology, skin cancer, Mohs surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic rejuvenation procedures.
Dr. Awadalla began his career at UCLA where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He attended Drexel University College of Medicine where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the esteemed ΑΩΑ honor society. For his dermatology residency, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he graduated as a Chief Resident. Dr. Awadalla then placed into an extra year of training in a highly coveted fellowship with Leonard H. Goldberg at Methodist Hospital/Weill Medical College of Cornell University in Houston. This fellowship year of training was spent honing his skills in Mohs micrographic surgery.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand our group throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We actively recruit best-in-class Dermatologists and established Dermatology groups in our core markets that have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Coast Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center, and the services they offer, please visit www.coastdermatology.com

Silverberg Dermatology

by

Silverberg Surgical and Medical Group joins West Dermatology
West Dermatology is honored to welcome Silverberg Surgical and Medical Group in Newport Beach, Calif., to our growing network of elite providers. Silverberg Surgical and Medical Group was founded in 1985 by Dr. Nancy Silverberg.
Dr. Silverberg’s excellent team consists of Dr. Sam Truong, board certified dermatologist and a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Azin Meshinpour, board certified dermatologist and a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Wieke Liem, board certified dermatologist and Certified Physician Assistant Sarah Edwards. The practice offers medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services.
Dr. Silverberg graduated from Cornell University and the St. Louis University School of Medicine, both with honors. She completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the University of Arizona and in Dermatology at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Silverberg is currently associate clinical professor of Dermatology at UCI and on the medical staff at Hoag Hospital, where she served as chairman of Dermatology. She has also served on the Medical Executive Committee at Hoag Hospital and on the board of the 552 Club. She is board certified in dermatology, specializes in Mohs surgery, laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology. She has served as a principal investigator in clinical trials for new drugs and procedures for the FDA.
Sam Truong, M.D., received his medical degree with Alpha Omega Honors (AOA) from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), which consistently ranks as one of the top three medical schools in the country. Dr. Truong is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. He has had extensive training in skin cancer surgery and has had experience managing multiple skin conditions, including dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancer detection and removal. Dr. Truong specializes in medical and surgical dermatology.
Azin Meshkinpour, M.D., earned her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She then attended the University of California, Irvine (UCI) for her medical degree, where she also completed her Internship and Dermatology Residency. Dr. Meshkinpour is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs surgery.
Wieke Liem, M.D., graduated with honors from both Stanford University and MCI Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at the Oregon
Health Sciences University and residency in Dermatology at UCI. She specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Sarah Edwards, PA-C, graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology. She then attended Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, where she received a Master of Health Science from the Physician Assistant program. Sarah graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Physician Assistant National Honor Society, an honor given to only the top 5% of physician assistant graduates.
West Dermatology is continuing to expand throughout Arizona, California and Nevada. We are actively recruiting best-in-class dermatologists and established dermatology groups within our core markets. We seek those that have a demonstrated track record of excellence in serving their patients and embrace our culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency.
To learn more about West Dermatology, contact:
Nina Jorajuria
Director of Business Development
Visit our website: WestDermatology.com
To learn more about Silverberg Surgical and Medical Group, visit silverbergmd.com

What is Blue Light & Does it Damage Your Skin?

by

As more of us are working from home these days, and socializing through video chat is on the rise, our total screen time is way, way up. Being plugged in has its perks (hello, cute animal videos!) but it can also cause problems for your skin. That’s because your devices emit blue light, which may age the complexion. Read on to learn more about this type of light and what you can do to save face.
What is blue light?
Blue light is a type of light with a longer wavelength than UV light, so it delves more deeply into skin. It’s produced by electronic devices with screens, like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 
When am I exposed?
You’re exposed whenever you use your electronic devices, and the closer your face is to the screen, the more exposure you’re getting.
What are the effects of exposure?
Though blue light isn’t thought to cause cancer, like UV light is, it may contribute to skin aging: think fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. That’s because blue light creates free radicals in the skin, which damages it from within.
How can I protect my skin?
Thankfully, defending your skin is pretty simple and doesn’t require a whole new routine. Mineral sunscreen reflects the light away from the skin, while protective, antioxidant-packed serums help repair any existing damage. For sunscreens, we recommend ISDIN’s Eryfotona Favorites Set, two lightweight formulas with youth-boosting benefits, and EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen, a calming formula with moisturizing vitamin E. For serums, SkinMedica’s LUMIVIVE® System offers daytime and nighttime protection, and SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic serum delivers potent antioxidants.
These past 12 months may have gotten us all glued to our screens, but hopefully, it’s also prompted us to think more about our health—including our skin health. Use the steps above to protect your complexion, if you haven’t already. Have any questions? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment!

The Different Types of Acne and What They Say about Your Health

by

Are all acne blemishes the same? Is there a difference between blackheads and pimples? What about cystic acne?
Not only are they dissimilar, but they also usually require different treatments. At our San Diego West Dermatology clinic, our board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Stacy Tompkins, Dr. Brook Brouha & Dr. Shane Hamman are acne experts. We provide a variety of treatments, each designed to address different types of acne, and tailor-made to fit your unique skin condition. If you have acne that’s making you self-conscious, contact us today for a consultation so you can get the right treatment and get on with your life.

How Acne Starts

As your skin produces oil and sheds dead skin cells to make room for new ones, the pores of your skin can become clogged. Bacteria, which normally live on the skin, begin to spread and thrive in this area. As a result, the immune system goes to work attacking the bacteria, which results in a red, inflamed, and swollen pimple.
 

Different Types of Acne

 
A pimple is a closed, clogged pore that becomes red and inflamed. So how is it different other types of acne blemishes?
  • Blackheads occur when a clogged pore of a pimple fills with excess dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil, yet but does not close, and a black spot becomes visible.
  • A whitehead is a clogged pore with excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria on which a tiny white or flesh-colored bump develops.
  • Papules occur when the bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil push deep beneath the surface of the skin, causing inflammation and swelling in the form of small, hard red bumps. 
  • Pustules can resemble an oversized whitehead because the bump that has formed contains pus, which appears as a yellowish-white center on top of a red, swollen blemish.
  • Cysts/Nodules penetrate deep below the skin and result in more swollen pustules or papules.

What Your Acne Says about Your Health

Acne can develop anywhere on the body, and where it occurs can give hints as to the condition of your health.
  • Forehead acne could signify poor digestive health, stress or, even simple skin irritation from hats and hair on the skin, which can clog pores.
  • Cheek acne could be the result of air pollution, as the skin on the cheek is affected by the respiratory system. Acne here could also be due to cell phones, dirty hands, makeup brushes, clothing, and pillowcases.
  • T-zone acne consisting of your forehead, nose, and chin is believed to result from food allergies or an imbalance of the GI tract
  • Nose acne is thought to correspond to the heart and blood pressure problems. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids found in foods like wild-caught salmon, avocados, flaxseed and olive oil may be a reason for this type of underlying health ailment.
  • Chin acne is commonly associated with a hormone imbalance.
  • Acne on the back, arms, and thighs could develop due to friction from genetics and hormone fluctuations.

Acne Treatment at West Dermatology

Individual treatments will vary due to the factors contributing to your breakouts. Treatments may include: retinoids that help unclog the blocked pores of whiteheads or blackheads. While, OTC retinoids are available, we may prescribe stronger retinoids for stubborn, more serious breakouts. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide cleansers help rid your skin of the P. acne bacteria responsible for clogging those pores.
Pustules and papule treatment involves washing with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid 2-3 times. If the wash routine does not deliver results in 6-8 weeks, an upgraded treatment plan may be necessary.
For nodules and cysts, see a dermatologist ASAP, as permanent scarring can result after healing. Only a professional dermatologist can treat these effectively and the sooner you get treatment, the less chance there is of widespread scarring. Possible options for these more serious types of acne include lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, and minor surgical procedures to drain and extract.
 

Improve Acne and Your Skin Health at West Dermatology

 
At West Dermatology, we customize treatments based on your condition and individual needs. Because your healthy skin is our passion, we will address your concerns with compassion and support. Contact us today so we can provide you with a comprehensive consultation and address your condition.

Skin Discoloration: How to Treat & Prevent

by

With the summer season officially coming to an end, you’re probably starting to miss those long days outdoors. Spending a moderate amount of time in the sun (while using sunscreen!) is great for getting our fill of Vitamin D, but too much exposure to UV rays during the summer months can lead to signs of skin discoloration. 
If you overindulged in the sunlight and are starting to see signs of discoloration or ‘hyperpigmentation’, read on for some tips on how to minimize and how to protect from future skin damage.
 
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
There are several factors that can cause discoloration including hormonal changes and certain medications, but the most common reason comes from sun exposure. This can result in some parts of the skin becoming darker in color than your normal skin tone. These areas usually appear as brown spots and are a collection of pigment called melanin. Melanin is made by cells in your skin to counteract the harmful rays of the sun and is the natural skin pigment that gives us our hair, skin, and eye color.
 
Ways to Treat & Prevent
There are many different ways you can treat skin discoloration that includes IPL photo facials, or Intense Pulsed Light, and using medical-grade skincare products! 
 
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away.
 
When choosing skincare products to help with discoloration, make sure to use products with ingredients like Vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin because they are natural skin brighteners. These products will leave your complexion looking bright, even, and unblemished. Here are some of our recommendations:
·      Skinceuticals Phloretin CF: apply this potent Vitamin C serum in the morning to soften discoloration and fine lines.
 
·      Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense: apply this concentrated serum in the morning and night to lighten stubborn dark spots. This is a great alternative to prescription hydroquinone cream.
 
·      SkinMedica’s Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum: formulated to address the appearance of stubborn skin discoloration, this serum can be applied both in the morning and at night, before you apply your moisturizer and sunscreen.
·      West Dermatology Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy Pads (available in 2%, 4%, or 6%): these pads combine the botanical skin tone brightening ingredients of Kojic acid, arbutin, and Bearberry, along with skin protective antioxidants to soothe the skin and help with redness and discoloration.
When it comes to preventing most skincare concerns, including hyperpigmentation, you should always remember our #1 skincare tip: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!! It’s important that you always wear sunscreen to not only prevent future damage, but to ensure that your current dark spots don’t get any darker. Usually the reason for this is because when the sun hits skin, the melanin absorbs the harmful UV rays usually resulting in your skin tanning which will cause already dark spots to tan more and become darker. So be sure to invest in a great sunscreen that will properly protect.
We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA Repairsomes SPF 50: this tinted mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. The special blend of peptides and antioxidants repairs existing sun damage and fight signs of discoloration.
As always, if you have any questions about any of the above skincare products, or want to learn more about our other discoloration treatments, give us a call and make your appointment today. Our board-certified dermatologists can assist you with putting together a specialized treatment plan specific to your skincare needs.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

Reveal Beautiful Skin with IPL🌟

by

Are you guilty of spending hours in the sun? It happens to the best of us and, even if you’re really good at slathering on sunscreen every day or not, it’s possible to still get sun damage and skin discoloration. At our clinics, our trusted board-certified dermatologists can help you transform your blotchy and sun-damaged skin into a youthful and radiant complexion with IPL.
What Does IPL Stand For?
It stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and can also be known as a Photofacial. The treatment works by using a variety of wavelengths of light instead of a laser. This technology is generally used to reduce signs of sun damage such as brown pigmentation and redness. 
How does it work?
IPL is similar to a laser treatment but the light is less concentrated. Where lasers use a single focused wavelength, IPL uses a broad-spectrum light source that penetrates multiple layers of skin. This type of light primarily targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) while leaving the top layers of skin (epidermis) unaffected. The light targets brown and red spots in the dermis and causes the pigment to break down into smaller particles, before rising to the surface of the skin to flake away. 
How many treatments do I need?
Due to the advanced nature of our laser, only 1 treatment is needed to see results instead of the usual 3 treatment series with most IPL devices. If you do still see some discoloration after your treatment, you can choose to do a laser touchup session for those resistant dark spots.
Who is a candidate for IPL?
Because the treatment works by sending light through the skin to target pigment, not everyone is a candidate. Some darker skin types, including deeply tanned skin, are not suitable as they have too much melanin to treat safely. The best way to know if IPL is right for you is to book a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists. They will listen to your concerns and explain the best way to achieve your goals.
So…are you ready to schedule your IPL appointment?
Now through the end of Feb, we’re offering treatments 10% off on ALL treatments.
WANT MORE?
We’re also offering 10% off ALL Laser Hair Removal treatments as well. Get rid of that unwanted hair for good! Learn more about Laser Hair Removal here. 
Give us a call today to learn more or book your appointment. Our board-certified dermatologist are always here to help and assist you with putting together a treatment plan that is right for you!

Beat those Winter Blues with our Simple Tips

by

Sure, hot chocolate and roaring fires are cozy, but short winter days can make anyone feel sluggish and sad. This time of year, when we’re all spending more time alone and indoors because of COVID, in addition to the colder weather, it’s especially easy to get down in the dumps. It helps to remember that simple habits, like the ones below, can lift your spirits in the colder months—and year-round! And of course, these tips help out with skin health, too! 😉
Let the light in. Let natural sunlight through your windows. The sun’s rays allow the body to make vitamin D, an essential nutrient for mood health. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen when you’re in the light, even indoors! Our Moisturizing Sunscreen is a tried-and-true formula that we know you’ll love!
Get some exercise. The physicians at the Mayo Clinic recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week. In addition to promoting good heart health, exercise also eases anxiety and stress by increasing the body’s production of endorphins (the happy hormones!). Thankfully, it’s easy to exercise even while you’re sheltering at home—you can always stream workout videos online! Exercise also increases blood flow to the skin, which promotes new skin cell growth = glowing skin! Double win!
Eat healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids (like those found in salmon), folic acid (like that in green leafy veggies), and vitamin D (found in dairy) can all help you balance your mood in the wintertime, according to Healthline. And don’t forget…these foods work wonders on your skin too because they help with inflammation, protection against environmental stressors and contain amino acids, the building blocks for firm skin. Feel good, look good!
Have a spa day. Pampering the body can be good for the soul. For example, you could soak in the tub with a bath bomb and then rehydrate with our Skin Softening Body Lotion. Or you could restore suppleness to your complexion with SkinCeuticals’ Hydrating B5 Mask and Avène’s Cold Cream Formula Moisturizer. Whatever you choose to do, take your time and enjoy how it feels to balance your skin and lift those spirits! .
If your sadness seems unshakeable, a mental health professional is the best person to help. But for the plain old winter blues, thoughtful self-care might just be the remedy you need. If you have any questions regarding your skin health, our team of board-certified dermatologists would be more than happy to answer them for you. Reach out to us anytime!