By Clementina Verge
Summer often leaves behind plenty of beautiful memories, but abundant sunshine also leaves behind compromised skin, making the seasonal shift into autumn an important time to assess overall skin health and establish a restorative routine for the months to come.
“It is very important to have a dermatologist carefully examine your skin after the summer months, to identify any new sun damage and implement steps to correct it,” admonishes Dr. Andreas Boker, whose New Preston Dermatology practice offers comprehensive and highly specialized care, ranging from skin cancer surveillance and treatment, to injectables, lasers, and expert facial rejuvenation.
Seasonal sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer—the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
“Especially in Litchfield County, where people spend much time outdoors, skin cancer poses a serious concern, and unfortunately, it is often asymptomatic until it is too late,” cautions Dr. Boker, who is extensively experienced in treating cancer using highly-specialized, minimally-invasive Mohs micrographic surgery. “This is why preventative care is so important, to address any new suspicious lesions or changing moles before they become a problem. A detailed full-body skin exam and evaluation should, therefore, be an integral part of everyone’s yearly routine health check-up.”
In addition to these risks, the sun’s ultraviolet rays also gradually deplete our skin of its collagen, antioxidants, and healing abilities, dulling its complexion and fostering premature aging. Restoring sun damaged skin back to health is possible with the use of specific medications and procedures, including periodic chemical peels or resurfacing techniques to regenerate the skin’s outermost layer. In addition, injection of hyaluronic acid gels in combination with microneedling or lasers can help boost deeper restructuring of collagen layers, leading to a long-lasting rejuvenation. All such procedures are expertly performed by Dr. Boker—an award-winning, Board-certified, and fellowship-trained dermatologist who splits his time between private practice in Manhattan and his satellite office in New Preston.
In a state-of-the-art and chic environment, New Preston Dermatology also offers an extensive array of facial treatments and skin care services performed by Barbara Tilley, an experienced licensed aesthetician with special certifications in intimate hair removal, full body sugaring, microcurrent, dermaplaning, and brow/lash enhancement. Her work has been recognized in Litchfield Magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards for three years running, in categories including Best Spa, Best Facial, Best Brows, and Best Lashes.
“Expert skin care starts at the doctor’s office but is maintained by patients at home, using simple and clean products to preserve and enhance our results,” adds Dr. Boker, who prides himself on practicing honest, evidence-based medicine. “Especially going into the fall and winter months, it’s important to establish a daily corrective but also preventive skin care routine” he advises. “And as with everything else: consistency is key.” —newprestondermotology.com
