Pink Prescriptions - October 2017

Unwanted hair keeps popping up in the wrong places...like my chin. What can I do?
Unwanted hair can be treated in a few different ways. Dermaplaning is great for removing unwanted facial hair including the vellus hair (peach fuzz). It leaves skin looking fresh and renewed! A dermaplaning treatment is performed by a professional using a surgical blade. 
 
Waxing is a quick, convenient hair removal option and can be used on virtually any part of the body.  It is most commonly used on the back, arms, legs, bikini line and facial areas, including the upper or lower lip, eyebrows and chin. There are a variety of wax options, and your esthetician will know which is best for your skin.

For more permanent results, Laser Hair Removal is a popular treatment. This technology uses an invisible beam of light and a constant heat source that penetrates the hair follicle, disabling and destroying it, yet preserving the surrounding skin. The hair needs to be dark and coarse. A series of treatments is needed.

Teresa Kitchings, a Licensed Esthetician at Serendipity Medical Spa, has been in the beauty and cosmetic industry for over 18 years. She safely and effectively uses her certifications and knowledge in customizing skin care products and treatments that will help her clients achieve optimal results.

I've been stressed out lately, and my hairdresser noticed the texture of my hair changed. Can stress really affect my hair?
Yes, it can. And it can be in different forms. Stress can cause a change in our diet, which in turn can cause the hair to become dry and brittle. If the hair is too brittle there can be hair breakage. Proper professional products and improved diet can control this issue.

Some believe that stress can cause early or instant hair graying. No clear link has been found between stress and gray hair. Stress can cause hair loss. When someone experiences intense pressure and anxiety, hair can go into the telogen (fall-out) phase. Telogen effluvium is a very common hair loss problem that can occur up to three months after a stressful event. After the initial hair loss, hair usually grows back in six to nine months.

During stressful times, consult your stylist for the right course of action for your hair needs.

Mark Goodman is the owner of The Hair-Designers at the Village at Wexford. He is past president of the Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals and of the National Cosmetology Association.

Do hormones affect nails and hair?
Yes, hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and the thyroid affect many parts of the body including hair, skin and nails. Hormonal imbalance is one of the primary causes of hair loss, excessive growth of facial and body hair and even patterned baldness. One of the many times a woman experiences hormonal changes is during pregnancy and in the post-partum period. During pregnancy, women might notice increased thickness and growth of hair and nails. After pregnancy, it is normal to have increased hair loss all due to hormones changing. Menopause is also another time women notice a change in their hair and nails. This change affects hair follicles causing the hair to thin on the top of the head, along with a change to a finer texture. When you see changes in your hair, skin or nails, you may want to consult with your physician to determine what may be causing these changes.

Erin Eckard, M.D., is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist at Riverside Women’s Care and enjoys caring for women during all stages of their life.  843-540-5857 / www.RiversideWomensCare.com

Can vitamins help your hair and nails be healthier?
Vitamin C and Folate (Vitamin B9) in combination with nutrients copper, zinc and manganese have been associated with healthy hair and nails.  PABA (Para - Aminobenzoic Acid), which is an amino acid that is part of folate, has also been shown to support the appearance of healthy hair.
Biotin (Vitamin B7) may help reinforce the keratin structure of nails, promoting strength and thickness. So it may help to strengthen soft, easily breakable nails. Of note, biotin deficiency may cause eczema and hair loss.

These vitamins and nutrients are readily available in over-the-counter supplements, either individually or in combination. The combination products are usually more cost effective.  I recommend a pharmaceutical grade supplement that is manufactured in a facility that conducts “quality assurance tests” to verify the integrity of the contents.

Dr. Wilhemina Fry, PharmD, Stephens Compounding Pharmacy  |  843.686.3040 55 Mathews Drive, Suite 215 Hilton Head Island, SC  |  Located in the Public Storage shopping plaza (In the same plaza as Bike Doctor, Jiva Yoga, and Good Health Nutrition).