4 Ingredients That Treat Hyperpigmentation | Southlake Area

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Hyper pigmentation is a type of skin condition that causes dark spots to appear on the skin. It usually isn’t anything that you have to worry about health-wise. However, some people simply don’t like the way that hyperpigmented skin looks. Fortunately, there are many different types of skincare products that can brighten your skin and treat uneven complexion.

With so many skincare products touting amazing results on the market, it can be difficult to find a product that actually works for you. In order to narrow down your search, you should look at the type of ingredients that each skin care product contains. Some ingredients are more beneficial for your skin than others.

We’ll look at several of these ingredients in this article. To figure out which ingredient may be best suited for your skin type, speak to a dermatologist. Some dermatologists may recommend different types of dermatology treatments in addition to the skincare products.

Vitamin C

One of the main ingredients that can treat an even complexion as vitamin C. Vitamin C works by preventing tyrosinase production, which is an enzyme that your body uses to produce melanin.

Regular use of a skincare cream that contains vitamin C will make your skin look brighter and smoother. In fact, a study published in 2004 found that just 5% of vitamin C in a cream is necessary to treat uneven complexions like hyperpigmentation. This vitamin is also an antioxidant and will help delay ageing and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The only issue with vitamin C is that it is a bit aggressive. When you apply creams and serums with this ingredient, you’ll notice some tingling. If you have sensitive skin, that tingling could be almost painful. At the very least, it’ll be uncomfortable. It can take some time to get used to this ingredient, and you will only see results if you use skincare products with this ingredient regularly.

Retinol or Vitamin A

Other than vitamin C, another ingredient that you should look for is retinol, otherwise known as vitamin A. Many dermatologists recommend retinol for treating uneven complexions. It’s also a great ingredient to have in your skincare products overall, as it can improve overall skin texture and vibrancy. It’s also a gentle exfoliant that can give your skin a beautiful glow and shine.

Unlike vitamin C, retinal will not block any enzyme production or action. Instead, it encourages your body to produce more skin cells. This means that healthier, newer skin cells emerge, effectively getting rid of any old skin cells that are hyperpigmented.

Retinol can be found in many different types of skin care products. Some dermatology treatments will also incorporate some type of retinol serum. For example, it’s not unusual for a retinol serums to be used in microneedling treatments. This allows the retinol to easily seep into your skin, which allows for optimal effectiveness.

Mandelic Acid

Mandelic acid is particularly useful if your hyperpigmentation is caused by acne. This acid will not only reduce the amount of acne that you have, but it will also brighten your skin and reduce skin inflammation. It’s often studied in cases related to acne issues, and can be prescribed for anyone struggling with these types of skin disorders.

This type of acid can be found in over the counter skin care products. However, it’s most often used in chemical peels. If you’re interested in this ingredient, you should talk to a dermatologist first. You definitely don’t want to try out a new chemical peel by yourself at home. Rely on professional treatments, as misuse of this acid could end up damaging your skin.

Mandelic acid can also help exfoliate the skin and increase overall hydration and firmness. It promotes collagen production, which can greatly improve the overall texture of your skin. With that said, results will vary from one individual to another. Some people see results in just several days while others will see results after a couple of weeks.

Azelaic Acid

Last but not least, we have azelaic acid. This is an organic type of acid that is often found in barley and rye. Like vitamin C, it can control melanin production in your skin. This acid is sometimes recommended over mandelic acid because it’s gentler on the skin.

Unlike mandelic acid, however, this acid is not often found in chemical peels. In fact, you’ll often find it in creams and prescription gels. For a more concentrated serum, you’ll need to speak with a dermatologist who can come up with a personalized dermatology treatment for you.

One of the many benefits of this type of acid is that it is suitable for all skin types and can even be used by pregnant women. In fact, this acid is highly recommended to women who have pigmentation caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy. Although it’s not as recommended for acne, this acid can also kill off bacteria that cause acne.

Dermatological Services Can Help!

If you’re struggling with hyperpigmentation, finding a dermatologist can help. The art of dermatology can not only figure out why you struggle with hyperpigmentation, but can also treat the condition. Various dermatology treatments may help. One of the most commonly recommended services by Compassion Dermatology, which services the Southlake area, is hydrafacial.

Hydra facial is suitable for all skin types. It not only gets rid of hyperpigmentation, but can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This type of dermatology treatment can also improve overall elasticity and firmness, as well as skin tone evenness and vibrancy. It’s definitely worth checking out.

The team at Compassion Dermatology offers a wide range of services for those who reside in the Southlake area. We build relationships with every patient to ensure that they get the personalized care that they need. To find out more about the types of dermatology treatments that we offer for those in the area, give us a call at 817-380-5911.


Why You Might Need A Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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When it comes to dermatology there are plenty of different services that you may want to look into. After all, there are plenty of different ways that you can choose to improve on your own look and to make yourself look the way that you want. Whether you want minor work to emphasize your current look or something major that will change the way you look entirely, there’s a dermatologist who can take care of those wishes for you. All you need to do is think about what you’re looking for.

Skin Evaluation

One of the first things that you’re going to want with a dermatologist is a skin evaluation. With this, you’re going to find out more about the quality of your skin and whether you already have any kind of moles, pigment changes or other negative conditions including inflammation. The plan is to find any area that might have imperfections and give you the opportunity to recognize those areas and decide what you may or may not want to do about them. After all, it’s entirely up to you which areas of your skin you decide to change.

Treatment of Conditions

Once those areas have been determined you can choose to treat any or all of them with your dermatologist. This is important with pre cancer or actual cancer spots. It can also include things like dysplastic moles and melanoma. What’s even better for you is there are several different types of treatment available for these types of marks including topical medications and Blue Light. With any of these methods you’ll likely be able to have a biopsy performed on the mark to see what it is. You can also get full surgical excision where required to make sure that it’s gone completely.

Cosmetic Procedures

When a lot of people think of going to the dermatologist the first thing they think about is cosmetic procedures. This is definitely a big part of what you can get done, but it’s not the only thing. If you are interested in minor or even slightly more extensive procedures you’re definitely going to want to look into this area. You can get chemical peels and Botox injections to help improve the look and quality of your skin. These can be less invasive but can give you good results on a more temporary basis.

On the other hand you can also choose from other procedures which can be a little more extensive. Such as sculpsure, which gives you a laser treatment to help remove some of the extra fat around the thighs and abdomen. This procedure is FDA approved and the first of its kind to be. It also takes very little time and it’s all about light technology, which makes it safer than other surgical methods of fat removal. And it works to permanently remove those targeted cells so they’re not going to come back and you can enjoy the look of your body the way you want it.

ICON is another procedure that you can have done that’s all about improving the skin. It can help with clearing vessels and pigments, acne cars, stretch marks, wrinkles and even help remove unwanted hair permanently. All of these different processes help you to get the look that you want and make sure that your skin is going to reflect what you want it to. The procedure uses a cooling process and a melanin reader that offers you the fastest treatments without getting too invasive and while providing you with excellent results as well.

HydraFacial procedures give you the improved skin healing and health that you’re looking for. They can help even out your skin tone, improve hyperpigmentation, decrease enlarged pores or oily and congested skin and even erase fine lines and wrinkles. All of this and they are designed to feel great at the same time. So why wouldn’t you want to get a great facial and see what kind of benefits you can get while you’re at it? Especially when it even helps with skin evenness and vibrancy and with the signs of aging that you likely don’t want.

For those in Southlake, TX who want some resurfacing but want as little invasive procedures as possible, there are different types of micro needling with a dermatologist. These can be used to improve the look of your skin and to reduce overall signs of aging. They can also help remove fine lines, acne scars and stretch marks as well. You can even add in PRP or platelet rich plasma while you’re doing micro needling, which can help to improve the collagen release and the healing time from the procedure. You end up with even better results, even faster by adding your own plasma into the mix. It even works for hair restoration and thinning hair.

Getting the Help You Want

When it comes to working with a dermatologist to get the results you’re looking for the most important thing is to think about what you really want. Do you want a procedure that’s going to be non-invasive but still give you good results? Or are you looking for something that is going to give you the absolute best results, even if it is an invasive procedure? The end result is going to be up to you and your dermatologist and whatever process you decide to choose. So why not make an appointment with a doctor and find out more about what’s available to you?

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or if you’re interested in finding out more about the options, call Compassion Dermatology and set up an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. You’ll be able to get all of your questions answered and find out which procedure is going to give you the right combination of what you’re looking for. You might even find yourself surprised with the different choices that are out there and the way that you can get the look that you’ve always wanted. With the right dermatologist, it’s all about pulling out the beauty within.


Signs You Should Schedule A Dermatologist Appointment | Southlake, TX

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Your skin is your largest organ and one of the first things people see when they look at you. If there are any issues with your skin’s appearance or if a skin condition is making you feel uncomfortable, you should see a dermatologist. There are several telltale signs that it is time to schedule an appointment with a doctor.

#1 A Changing Mole

Most moles are harmless. Some people are born with moles or develop them during infancy, and they don’t cause any issues. Some people develop moles later on in life, and these can be harmless as well. If you have a mole, it is essential that you check it often for any changes. If the mole has changed in shape or size, it should be checked by a dermatologist. The same is true if the mole gets itchy, starts to bleed, causes stabbing or pain, or becomes an open sore. These can all be signs of cancer and should be looked at right away.

#2 Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can make you very uncomfortable. Itching can be caused by a rash and dry skin and can be treated by a doctor. You can be prescribed a prescription-strength cream that can treat the condition and relieve the itch. Constantly itchy skin can also be a sign of a health condition and even cancer. This is why it is essential that you have your skin checked by a professional if the itching doesn’t stop.

#3 Visible Scars

It is a good thing if you are able to embrace scars on your body and see them as a sign of strength. Unfortunately, many people hate their scars, particularly the ones on their faces. If you have a scar that makes you insecure about your appearance, you should call a dermatologist. If the scars are new and still red, there are treatment options available to reduce the appearance of the scars, making you feel better about yourself. It is essential that you contact a professional as soon as the scars begin to appear because the sooner you begin treatment, the better the chances are that the treatment will be effective.

#4 You Have a Very Painful Sunburn

If you are planning to spend time in the sun, it is essential that you wear sunscreen. This is even more important if you are prone to sunburns. If you forget to apply sunscreen or it washes off, you can develop a sunburn. Most sunburns are painful; however, if you develop a very painful sunburn along with blisters, red streaks and you develop a fever, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist right away. These are all signs that you have developed an infection, and scarring is possible. A doctor can treat the infection and the symptoms associated with it.

#5 Unexplained Redness

If you develop unexplained red marks on your skin, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. The unexplained red marks could mean that you have psoriasis or you are beginning to develop it. This is a genetic condition that often occurs after a period of stress when you are in your ’20s. If you don’t get treatment for this skin condition, it can develop into a painful condition called psoriatic arthritis later on. This is a chronic condition, but if you begin treatment with a doctor early, you can get control of the condition.

#6 Brown Spots On The Skin

Brown spots on your skin can make you insecure, particularly if they are on your face. These spots are commonly caused by sun damage or aging. They can also be a symptom of a hormone imbalance. If you have dark spots on your skin that are getting darker, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor.

First, your dermatologist will examine your skin and run tests to determine the cause of the brown spots. If it is a hormonal issue, they can have you schedule an appointment with your primary care physician to change your birth control or begin treatment to balance out your hormones. If the cause of the brown spots is sun damage, your doctor can prescribe a powerful bleaching cream to lighten the spots or laser treatment to remove them altogether.

#7 A Red, Itchy Scalp

If your scalp is red and itchy, it can be very annoying and uncomfortable. If the redness and itching are due to a skin condition, the symptoms won’t go away on their own. Instead, the redness and itching will get worse, and over time, it can affect your entire scalp. It is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as the symptoms begin.

#8 New Skin Growth

If you notice a new skin growth that lasts for longer than three weeks, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They will be able to figure out what is causing the new skin growth and create a treatment plan based on the cause of the growth.

#9 Severe Acne

Most people will develop a pimple or two from time to time. However, if you have a severe acne outbreak, you should schedule an appointment with a doctor. Severe acne often cannot be treated using over the counter products, and if the acne isn’t treated, it can leave permanent scars on your skin. A doctor will be able to prescribe a powerful prescription medication designed to treat severe acne.

#10 Unexplained Hair Loss

If your hair starts falling out and you don’t know why, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. A doctor can provide treatment to prevent bald spots on your head. They can also figure out what is causing your hair loss. If there is an underlying cause for the condition, it can be treated.

Why Choose Compassion Dermatology?

If you develop pain, itching, or changes in your skin, schedule an appointment with Compassion Dermatology. Our dermatologists are highly-trained and skilled and are compassionate when it comes to skin, hair, and nail conditions, which is where we got our name.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.


Winter Skin Care Tips From Your Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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We’re in the middle of winter here in Southlake, TX, simply dreaming of the days we can be out wandering the parks in the warm spring air. During the colder weather, our skin quickly dries out and becomes irritated, but with some simple skin care tips from your dermatologist, you can still look and feel your best even when the weather isn’t.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

One of the best things you can do for your skin during winter is to moisturize, particularly if you often suffer from dry skin. Regularly applying thick moisturizers, in the form of creams and ointments, can do wonders for skin of all types. There are many different moisturizers on the market, however, so it can seem very confusing if you’ve not invested in this product type before. If you’re unsure which skin type you have or what products may be best, an appointment to discuss this with a dermatologist will help set you on the right path. While you’re waiting for your appointment, here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Water-based moisturizers are great for oily skin. If you’re looking for a new moisturizer, try to select one that advertises itself as non-comedogenic. A non-comedogenic moisturizer is one that will help you to avoid clogged pores and breakouts. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding thicker lotions as these may irritate your skin.

 

  • Oil-based moisturizers are better for aging skin. Mature skin is naturally drier than younger skin and benefits from oil-based creams rather than water-based. A dermatologist may recommend those with a petroleum base or added antioxidants to keep aging skin looking and feeling healthier in winter. Lotions containing rosehip, hazelnut oil, or avocado may also provide relief during winter and improve overall skin texture.

 

  • Oil-based moisturizers are also suitable for naturally dry skin. Heavier oil-based moisturizers can rejuvenate dry skin, especially if they are petroleum-based, as these are designed to prevent water from evaporating from your pores. Most often, a dermatologist will recommend heavier creams and ointments for night-time use rather than daytime. You may find that products that contain mineral oils and lanolin particularly soothing.

 

  • The best moisturizers for sensitive skin are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free. Aloe and chamomile can soothe especially sensitive skin and are excellent ingredients to look out for.

 

  • Use moisturizers at least once daily, whether it’s part of your morning routine or evening; regular moisturization with the right product is an essential part of winter skin care. While routine hand washing and sanitization is a daily challenge at the moment, using a moisturizing cream or oil-based cream can help to reduce flare-ups of skin conditions after you’ve done so can help to relieve dryness.

Avoid Alcohol-Based Skin Care Products

While you may want to treat yourself to the occasional mask, peel, or toner to cheer yourself up during these trying times, avoid using any with an alcohol base. These products can remove natural oils and make dry, wintry skin much worse.

Take Shorter Showers

One way to avoid drying your skin out further in winter is to take shorter showers than you might usually. While a long, hot shower can feel incredibly relaxing, standing under hot water for an overly long length of time can contribute to dry skin. You might not be aware, but hot showers, in fact, play a large role in stripping away the natural oil barriers that keep your skin moisturized. Don’t be surprised when your dermatologist recommends changing your shower routine! Long showers and baths can increase the dryness and itchiness of the skin, so it’s best to avoid them in winter if you can. Keeping the door closed to trap humidity in the bathroom while you towel dry your skin and then immediately apply your chosen moisturizer can aid rehydration.

Protect Exposed Skin While Outdoors

It may seem an odd recommendation, but wearing sunscreen on your hands, face, and any other areas of your body that are exposed while you’re outdoors is one way that you can go about preventing excessive irritation and dryness. Dry, chapped lips are also something you’re incredibly familiar with; a simple application of petroleum jelly may help lock in moisture. Wearing gloves is not just great for keeping your hands warm; they can also keep your skin from drying out. Removing wet clothing, such as gloves and socks, once you get back indoors after being out in the rain will also prevent dry skin on your hands and feet from becoming unnecessarily worse.

Add Gentle Cleansers To Your Arsenal

Harsh facial cleansers, exfoliators, and peels can have the opposite effect that you want. In winter, they can dry out and even irritate your skin. Fragrance-free and soap-free cleansing choices can be used to heal your skin in winter, particularly in the cold, harsh winters we often experience here in Southlake, TX. Even the regular use of hand soap can cause unwanted effects; pick a soap designed for more sensitive occasions to avoid unnecessary winter damage.

If you’ve previously been diagnosed with skin conditions like eczema, it’s vitally important that you stick to the gentle skin cleansing routine and moisture-retentive skin care routine that your dermatologist recommends. Where possible, your dermatologist will recommend transitioning your skin care routine to one that lends itself to benefitting your skin in winter. Still, it’s never too late to make the right changes to your regimen.

Your dermatologist can develop personalized skincare routines for you. Request an appointment online at Compassion Dermatology to be put in contact with someone who can help you create a routine that works for you throughout the winter and beyond. Compassion Dermatology offers complete skin evaluations, even looking at your hair and nails and how you can improve on any concerns that you have. Moles, pigment changes, growths, and inflammations, as well as your skin condition, can all be assessed by your dermatologist before a plan is formulated.