(904) 224.5000
(904) 224.5000

Hardesh Garg M.D. - Medical Director

Dr. Garg is First Coast’s leading expert in Cosmetic and Anti-Aging medicine. He has served on the faculty of University of Florida and University of South Florida Schools of Medicine.
Learn More About Dr. Garg

Resources - Skincare

SUN DAMAGE

Ultraviolent rays in the sun light are the cause of skin damage related to sun exposure. Both UVA and UVB rays are invisible but can cause noticeable damage to one's face and body. It can also cause sun burn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers.

Recommended treatments for sun damage:

DEHYDRATED SKIN

Dry, dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of moisture retention or lack of oil. People often experience dry skin in the winter time when there is a lack of humidity and they are continuously exposed to dry air from heaters. Some individuals experience this skin condition year-round due to a lack of oil production.

Recommended treatments for dehydrated skin:

PREMATURE AGING SKIN

Sun damage is the leading cause of premature aging. Excessive unprotected exposure to the sun alters the production of collagen and elastin. This change in the makeup of the skin's structure can cause wrinkling and fine lines to appear in younger individuals.

Recommended treatments for premature aging skin:

ENLARGED PORES

Enlarged pores can be the result of aging or severe acne. In the case of aging, the skin produces new skin cells less rapidly, decreasing the level of elatins in the skin. This decrease reduces the pore's ability to shrink back to normal size after exposure to varied conditions.

Recommended treatments for enlarged pores:

AGE SPOTS

Age Spots are caused by unprotected sun exposure over a long period of time. This sun exposure alters the pigmentation of the skin creating areas of discoloration also called liver spots. They are not a sign of disease nor are they considered dangerous.

Recommended treatments for age spots:

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin. An increased production of melanin in particular areas creates botches or spots of color. Increased exposure to sunlight and changes in hormone levels can also affect the appearance and severity of this condition.

Recommended treatments for hyperpigmentaion:

WRINKLES

Wrinkles are the result of the effects of time and sun on an individual's skin. As a person gets older, their skin cells begin to divide less rapidly causing the dermis to thin. A decrease in the production of collagen and elastin fibers causes the skin to hang loosely on the face creating the folds known as wrinkles. With age, skin is less able to retain moisture and oil secretions are reduced, further leading to the development of wrinkles.

Recommended treatments for wrinkles:

FINE LINES

Fine lines are the equivalent of small wrinkles. A decrease in the production of collagen and elastin fibers decreases the skin's ability to tighten and/or relax with each facial expression.

Recommended treatments for fine lines:

ACNE

Acne is the result of pores clogged by greasy, thick and excessive secretions from the skin's sebaceous glands. The severity of each case seems to be associated to heredity and hormone levels. In most cases, acne consists of blackheads and whiteheads, which are two forms of clogged and inflamed pores. In more intense cases, cysts can form under the surface, resulting in an increased level of discomfort.

Recommended treatments for acne:

ACNE SCARS

Acne scars result from blackheads and whiteheads that have altered the shape of the pores along the skin's surface. Often the scarring results from acne that has been picked and has scabbed over.

Recommended treatments for acne scars:

OILY SKIN

Oily skin occurs because of an overproduction of secretions from the skin's sebaceous glands. It is usually due to genetics and heredity. These secretions create an oily, shiny glow on the surface of the skin. Often oily skin is related to the appearance of acne because the greasy secretions can clog pores.

Recommended treatments for oily skin:

BLACKHEADS

Blackheads are caused by clogged pores that are exposed to the air. This exposure causes the oils and dirt that clog the pores to change to a dark brown or black color, hence the name. Blackheads can be associated with acne but are also found in individuals who do no experience the other symptoms of acne breakouts.

Recommended treatments for blackheads:

ENLARGED PORES

Enlarged pores can be the result of aging or severe acne. In the case of acne, pore size is altered by the clogging of the pores related to this condition. Continuous clogging causes the pores to remain enlarge for long periods of time, preventing them from returning to a normal size.

Recommended treatments for enlarged pores:

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a skin condition in which the skin appears red and blotchy due to an elongated expansion of the capillaries under the skin's surface. It does tend to be hereditary.

The symptoms include:

  • Red blotches or increased redness on the face, especially on the cheeks.
  • Small pustules or bumps on the skins surface.
  • Inflammation of the nose.
  • Eyes can also be effected and become red and itchy.

Recommended treatments for rosacea:

REDNESS

Redness of the skin can be caused by numerous conditions such as Rosacea and Telangiectasia. Caused by an excessive expansion of the capillaries under the skin's surface, the excess blood causes an individual to have red blotches or a flushed look.

Recommended treatments for redness:

SENSITIVE SKIN

There is no direct cause of sensitive skin other than genetics and heredity. Some individuals do notice their skin become more sensitive as they get older. Signs that you may have sensitive skin include the appearance of itching, redness, and small red bumps when exposed to new products or environments.

Recommended treatments for sensitive skin:

SPIDER VEINS AND TELENGECTASIAS

Telangiectasia is a condition in which the blood vessels of the face remain open for a lengthened amount of time. This openness causes redness of the face and a look of constant flushing. Often Telangiectasia is associated with Rosacea. Spider Veins are small blood vessels that appear like spider webs. You usually get these on face and legs, but these can also occur on other parts of the body.

Recommended treatments for spider veins:

BROKEN CAPILLARIES

As we age the skin becomes thinner and more fragile, allowing capillaries to break easily. These very small blood vessels cause redness on the skin. They can also appear as thin red lines. There are many causes including sun exposure, temperature variations, use of harsh cleansers, and side effects of illness. Broken capillaries are often associated with Rosacea and Telangiectasia, but can also be found devoid of these other conditions.

Recommended treatments for broken capillaries: