Dermatology and Skin Care
Dermatology and skin care are important topics for those looking to stay young and avoid problems such as skin cancer. In the article below, we not only present a brief history of dermatology, but we also look at the types of training necessary to become a physician in this field. As for the latter, we discuss a wide range of skin care tips to keep you (and your skin) in top condition.
What is Dermatology?
Dermatology is a form of medicine dedicated to treating both the skin and skin diseases (as well as the nails, hair, and scalp). A practitioner of this medical art is known as a dermatologist. A number of subspecialties are also available for study, including cosmetic dermatology, laser medicine, pediatric dermatology, and the removal of skin cancer.
History of Dermatology
The
history of dermatology and skin care goes back over a thousand years, with
both men and women looking for ways to either make their skin softer and
more attractive, or get rid of the many skin diseases lurking in a world
with only the most rudimentary medical knowledge. Records show that the
Egyptians, Indians, Turks, Greeks, and Romans all used various mixtures to
accomplish everything from youthful skin to battling cancer. And as early as
1500 BC, Egyptian doctors were experimenting with sandpaper to try and
smooth away a patient’s scars.
The Canon of Medicine (1025), a text by Avicenna, included a number of skin conditions. Cancer of the skin was detailed in the book, and it wisely prescribed zinc oxide as a cure-all. While we now know that zinc oxide doesn’t treat skin cancer, the medication is still used to cure a wide array of other conditions.
The first known scientific text devoted to dermatology was 1572’s De morbid cutaneis (which means “On the Diseases of the Skin”). Its author was Geronimo Mercuriali of Italy. Two-hundred and twenty-seven years later, Francesco Bianchi would write Dermatologia, the first textbook on dermatology for medical students.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Paris saw the opening of the first major school of dermatology. Known as Hopital Saint-Louis, the school provided facilities and training that advanced the art of dermatology in ways previously thought impossible. During this time, significant atlases and textbooks on dermatology began to be published. The word “dermatology” would not appear in the English language until 1819.
The last several centuries have seen major advances in science and technology, and the practice of dermatology and skin care has continued to evolve. In recent years, great strides have been made with cosmetic procedures and the treatment of skin cancer, and the future no doubt holds the key to many more exciting innovations.
Dermatology Training
In the United States, the average period of training for a dermatologist after they’ve earned their medical degree is four years. This begins with a one-year surgical or medical internship and is followed by a dermatology residency that lasts three years. Afterwards, the dermatologist may pursue one-year or two-year fellowships in subspecialties such as dermatopathology, laser medicine, cosmetic surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery, immunodermatology, and phototherapy.
Skin Care Tips
If you want to keep your skin looking young and feeling soft (not to mention healthy), try following these skin care tips:
Don’t Smoke - If you smoke, your skin will become more wrinkled than a non-smoker. The strength and elasticity can also be damaged, and blood flow is decreased because of the narrowing of the blood vessels in the outer layers of skin.
Stay Out of the Sun - Repeated exposure to the sun can lead to freckles, wrinkles, dry skin, and even skin cancer. Avoid being out in the sun when possible. If you have to be outside, try to avoid the hours between 10am and 4pm (this is when the sun’s rays are their most intense). In order to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, you can also apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, or wear protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Don’t forget a hat as part of your ensemble.
Healthy Diet - If you maintain a healthy diet, your body will feel better and this will also have an effect on your skin. Make sure to include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
Be Gentle with Your Skin - Your skin is sensitive, so be gentle with it when you’re shaving, bathing, etc. For example, don’t shower with hot water. Never go above warm, as hot water removes important oils from your skin. Strong soaps can also take away important oils, so only use a moderate soap. Moisturizing can be an important step for those with dry skin, and patting yourself dry after a bath or shower allows your skin to retain a bit of moisture. When shaving, always use a sharp razor and apply shaving lotion or gel.
Drink Plenty of Water - Water helps eliminate waste products and keeps your body hydrated. It can also allow your skin to keep looking youthful.
Don’t Stress Out - Manage the stress in your life, as an unhealthy amount of stress can lead to skin problems and acne.
Exfoliate - Prior to your shower each morning, give yourself a dry brush exfoliation with a natural bristle brush. This will improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and get rid of dead skin cells.
Get Plenty of Fiber - Your body needs plenty of fiber to operate at top efficiency, and you can accomplish this by trying one of the following: eat ground flaxseeds, add beans to your meal, try snacks that are high in fiber, eat an apple a day, and add more whole grains to your diet.
Essential Fats - Fatty acids are a necessary part of your diet, as they help prevent skin conditions like acne and eczema (not to mention helping keep your heart healthy). To bulk up the amount of fatty acids in your diet, try eating more cold water fish, fish oil supplements, and flaxseed or walnut oil (these last two work great when combined with balsamic vinegar to make salad dressing).
Avoid Sugar - One of the major causes of premature aging is too much sugar. If you’re smart, you’ll completely cut out soft drinks with sugar, as they cause weight gain and increase the chance of developing diabetes. As for coffee and tea, make a point to reduce your sugar intake each week until you reach a more reasonable level.
Improve Circulation - Keeping your circulation at a high level will improve your skin, lower your stress level, and cut down on things like cellulite and acne. Going to the gym is always a good habit to get into, but other options include stretching each morning, skipping rope, and taking a break to get up and walk around the block. Incorporate these into your daily schedule, and it’ll become a regular part of your routine before you know it.
Now that you know a little more about dermatology and skin care, I hope you’ll be able to improve your health. If not, at least you’ll be aware of the many subspecialties that dermatologists can perform.