Behold, The Secret Product The Dermatologist Loves | Southlake, TX

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If you have ever stepped foot into a dermatologist’s office in Southlake, TX, you know there are a lot of creams and moisturizers out there. Most keep sample bags on their hands that they graciously hand out to their clients along with samples of products that they actually prescribe. Unlike other fields of medicine, dermatologists lean on a large array of products that are equally available over the counter and by prescription only. The very success of their practice hinges on knowing about every cream on the market and which one is the most effective for a large range of skin conditions.

Therefore, you might be surprised to learn what one of the most beloved moisturizers in a dermatologist’s arsenal is. It’s not what you are probably thinking, and it’s not a big name that you will recognize from the beauty store shelves or celebrity magazines. Instead, it’s a small jar that you probably only reach for when your lips get dry: petroleum jelly. Known by its brand name of Vaseline to most, it turns out that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective at fighting dry skin. This isn’t to say that you can skip the office in Southlake, TX, because some problems do truly require more sophisticated solutions, but don’t count out the effectiveness of Vaseline either.

History of Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is such an effective moisturizer, that it was actually created with the intention of using it to treat leather in 1867. However, the world of medicine saw how easily it was able to replenish leather and quickly grabbed ahold of the product for use treating dry hair and chapped hands which were common in those days. Prior to the invention of vaseline, lard was the substance of choice for dry skin, but the quick moisturizing (and better smelling) jelly quickly took over.

Not the Same as Petrolatum

Despite the name, it is important to note that petroleum jelly is not the same as industrial-grade petroleum. No dermatologist would dare use this type of petroleum given it would destroy the skin and likely cause a number of reactions. However, what is placed in topical products is completely safe for almost everyone and is not associated with any skin reactions. Petroleum jelly is non-allergenic, regulated, odorless, and comedogenic which is one of the many reasons that it is a favorite among so many dermatologists around the world.

Petroleum Jelly as a Moisturizer

Unlike a lot of moisturizers that are heavy or expensive, petroleum jelly is always available and it is accessible to every client regardless of their financial situation. This makes it a great option for dermatologists who prefer to stick with solutions that are familiar to their clientele. However, affordability is not the only reason why petroleum jelly is a favorite, the fact that it works so effectively is by far the biggest reason.

As an occlusive, petroleum jelly is extremely effective. In fact, it is able to reduce as much as 99% of all water loss when applied to the skin because it penetrates down through the stratum corneum and stimulates the skin barrier to start repairing itself. At the same time it is stimulating skin revival, it is also softening skin which makes it dual-purposeful as an emollient and an occlusive. The benefits don’t stop there, as it can be used on both inflamed and healthy skin so there really is no time or situation where it is not appropriate to use.

How to Use Petroleum Jelly

You should never use this advice to replace the advice of a properly trained dermatologist. Everyone has different skin and there are many skin conditions that require attention from a professional. If you suffer from a skin disease you probably already know this all too well, but all of that said, there are some simple ways you can use petroleum jelly that you probably have never thought about. Instead of buying some expensive lotion at the store while you wait for your next visit, you might want to consider grabbing a jar of vaseline and treating some common issues in a much more effective manner.

Moisturizer

To start, petroleum jelly is great for use as a moisturizer. It is great to use on areas of your skin that look rough or patchy or to treat dry flaky areas of the skin. You also can use petroleum jelly to treat cracks and hardened skin on the heels of your feet. However, it should be noted that the heel of the foot is some of the roughest skin to treat, so if you don’t have any luck you don’t want to put off calling the dermatologist for help.

Lips

Unless you have a skin condition that doesn’t respond to normal treatment, petroleum jelly is one of the best things you can purchase to treat chapped lips. In fact, it is the base of almost every type of chapstick for good reason- because it works.

Wounds and Cuts

While petroleum jelly might not be the first thing you reach for when you get a cut, it can actually help a wound heal faster. This is one reason why you will often see it as an ingredient inside of antibiotic ointments. However, it should not be used to clean wounds as it doesn’t have any antiseptic qualities.

Diaper Cream

Petroleum jelly is safe enough that it can be used on infant skin in sensitive locations. Diaper rash is not fun for anyone but can be prevented if you use petroleum jelly as a barrier ointment that you cover the skin folds with between diapers.

If you are having skin issues that won’t resolve, it is time to consult a professional dermatologist in Southlake, TX. Compassion Dermatology treats an array of clients with a variety of different skin conditions and would be happy to help you restore your skin to its best condition.


Why Is My Acne So Bad? A Dermatologist Can Tell You | Southlake, TX

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Acne is an unfortunate part of being human. There are very few people who can claim they have never had to deal with acne, and out of those few, at least a couple probably have had at least one blackhead. Some people are just luckier than others and only have to deal with a few stray pimples while other poor souls seem to be under attack. Acne is responsible for keeping dermatologists everywhere employed, as we see dozens of adults and teens who are afflicted with the skin condition.

While acne is not dangerous, it is extremely annoying and can have a large effect on the self-esteem of the person suffering from it. It can also be damaging due to scarring and hyperpigmentation that results from pimples that burst or persist despite treatment. People of color especially face hyperpigmentation and scarring issues so it is important to seek help for acne that does not clear quickly on its own. Dermatologists have an arsenal of tools at their disposal, and every single Southlake, TX patient has different skin which means it is hard to predict what will work best on an individual until they are seen in person.

For this reason, the best thing you can do if you are plagued by acne is book a visit with a professional. A lot of people feel self-conscious about treating something as seemingly innocent as acne, but those who have suffered through severe acne will tell you there is nothing innocent about this bothersome skin condition. While you are waiting to see a dermatologist, it might be interesting to learn more about the skin condition and what you can expect when you go in to see the doctor.

What Causes Acne?

A lot of people mistakenly think that acne is caused by not properly washing one’s face or by puberty. However, any adult who has woken up to a large zit on the day of an important meeting or presentation can tell you that this is not true. While hormones and stress can play a role in acne, the etiology of acne is very complex and usually includes a handful of factors that include stress and hormones along with diet, environment, genetics, and a little bit of just poor luck.

Acne Types

Given the different causes of acne, it should come as little surprise that there are different approaches to acne treatment based on what your doctor suspects are causing your issues. Mild acne is dealt with differently than severe acne while hormonal acne is treated separately from inflammatory acne. There is no absolute cure for acne, and most people will continue to suffer from breakout acne from time to time, but the goal is to keep it under control and identify an effective treatment plan for when breakout episodes occur so they can be quelled quickly.

Common Acne Treatments

As mentioned, every single person with acne will be treated differently based on their acne presentation and the likely influencing factors. A dermatologist will try to get down to the root of the problem, but sometimes it takes some adjustment and trial and error to get an effective maintenance program that works. Topical treatment is the preferred course of action for mild acne, but those who suffer from severe acne that is widespread throughout the body and face may benefit most from a mixture of oral and topical medications. This is something you will need to decide with the help of your Southlake, TX dermatologist.

Active Ingredients in Acne Medications

If you have ever been in the acne aisle in the beauty section of a department store, you know there are hundreds of products designed to treat acne. The sheer amount of products that promise you a clean complexion can be overwhelming, even more so when you look at the ingredients. It can be hard to know which way to even approach the problem, which is why just seeking help from a dermatologist can sometimes be the safest approach.

While acne medications that are available over the counter are designed to be safe and effective, when used too frequently or on the wrong types of skin, they can actually cause burning and peeling skin. Overuse or chronic misuse can actually leave your skin in worse condition than when you started, so you need to be very careful when attempting to craft your own acne care regime. While some people are able to handle the task, those with moderate to severe acne will benefit most from a dermatologist consultation and those with mild acne should still consider a professional visit.

The Goal of Professional Acne Treatment

While you may not see the same dermatologist as your friends, the goal should be the same: to keep your face clean and free of acne the majority of the time. As mentioned there is no cure for acne, so it is only reasonable to expect that breakthrough patches will occur. However, if you are prepared for this occurrence you can quickly and effectively treat the flare-ups and keep them at a minimum. Immediately giving your skin the boost it needs when it becomes susceptible to acne makes a huge difference.

With that in mind, when you first visit the dermatologist his or her goal will be to clean your face up. Once they develop a regime that cleans up your face, they will refocus your daily skin regime on preventative care. They will also give you a rescue plan designed to address flare-ups as they arise so that you never get in the same situation that led you to their office again.

Ready for clear and fresh skin in Southlake, TX? Compassion Dermatology has been helping people of all ages for years and we are ready to help you get a new lease on life.


Dermatology Tips: Skin Care For Sensitive Skin | Southlake Area

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One thing all dermatologists learn pretty early on is that no one has the same skin. From oily to dry to sensitive to combination to a mix of all four, every single person has different skin that behaves differently. This is why there are so many skin conditions that afflict people across the Southlake area. Unfortunately, that makes it more complicated to offer skincare advice, because there is no one-size-fits-all solution which is one great reason to consult a dermatology practice for help if your skin appears to be getting out of control.

Sensitive skin is not something that you want to mess around with, because you don’t want to deal with inflamed skin that scars permanently. One of the number one things that we see at our practice is people who want to know how to properly deal with their sensitive skin. Well-meaning clients come in to see us all the time after they tried a new product that left their face red and itchy, extremely dry, or actually caused a real reaction.

With so many products on the market figuring out an effective skincare routine without causing more problems can be a daunting prospect. However, it can be done. While it is always best to confer with a dermatology practice if you have any questions about how to properly take care of your skin, here are a few pointers that can help make daily facial care a bit less stress-inducing. All skincare routines are made up of four steps: cleanse, treat, moisturize, and protect. Here is a closer look at each so that you can build a regime that helps keep your face clear and fresh regardless of your age.

Choose the Right Cleanser

No doubt the beauty section of your local department store in the Southlake area is packed full of products that all offer great benefits. A lot of these are labeled for sensitive skin and hypoallergenic, but as anyone with sensitive skin knows, just because a product claims to be great for sensitive skin doesn’t mean it is. Therefore, you need to make sure you choose products carefully.

The first product you need to create a daily skincare routine is your cleanser. The point of a cleanser is to remove all bacteria, oil, makeup, etc from your face without stripping off the skin barrier. If you choose a product that is too harsh it will burn and likely break the skin barrier doing more damage than good. With this in mind, when it comes to cleansers usually you have the choice between liquid cleansers and bar soaps. Most practices will recommend that those with sensitive skin choose liquid cleansers because bar soaps tend to be harshing on the skin. However, while looking at liquid cleansers try to avoid those that foam or sud a lot as they tend to irritate the skin.

Treat Your Skin with Rejuvenating Serums

Once your skin is clean, you need to give it a boost with serums. Serums usually pack quite the punch because they are highly concentrated and can troubleshoot specific issues. In general, you should look for serums that are packed full of peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins. Even if you don’t have a specific skin problem that you want to address like acne, wrinkles, or dry skin, serums can be a great way to keep your face looking fresh and vibrant. People with sensitive skin may want to take a closer look at serums that have hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and niacinamide because these all help keep the signs of aging at bay via hydration. Your dermatologist however will recommend you stay away from retinol or alpha-hydroxy acid serums if you have sensitive skin since these tend to dry out the skin. Schedule a visit to your dermatology practice if you have any questions.

Fix Up the Skin Barrier

Ideally, you will be able to complete the last two steps without breaking your skin barrier, but sensitive skin is known for being sensitive as the term implies. This means that your outer skin barrier may take more damage than you even realize. With this in mind, you need to make sure that you keep your skin hydrated at all times. Moisturizer is your best friend if you have sensitive skin. Dermatology practices almost always recommend cream-based moisturizers over lotions because they are the most effective when it comes to hydration. To get the most out of your moisturizer with sensitive skin, look for products that don’t contain any preservatives or fragrances. If you have issues with acne, then you will also need products that are non-comedogenic. Oftentimes if you suffer from acne the best thing you can do for your skin is schedule a visit at a dermatology practice.

Protect Your Skin

Finally, now that you have the basics down, you need to make sure that you protect your skin which is even trickier for sensitive skin. This is an area where advice from a professional dermatology office can really help because they probably have access to a wider range of products than you do. Obviously, sunscreen is a must because sun damage will quickly dry out and further damage sensitive skin, but the catch 22 is that many sunscreens can actually cause sensitive skin to become inflamed which is counterproductive.

The best way to approach this problem is by searching for products that do not contain chemicals because these ingredients are designed to absorb UV rays which further irritates the skin. Instead, sunscreens that are more basic than only contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide may be easier to tolerate. These actually leave a physical barrier on the skin that helps prevent the sun rays from watching the skin and tend to be easier to tolerate. In fact, these are the types of sunscreen that most dermatology offices recommend for young children because of the lack of chemicals.

If you have tried creating your own skin regime but are still having issues, then you need to consult a professional dermatology practice in the Southlake area. Compassion Dermatology is a local practice with trained dermatologists who can help you sift through your options and find an effective and safe skin regime for your sensitive skin.


How To Prepare For Your First Dermatologist Appointment | Southlake, TX

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So, you’ve known for a while that you needed to see a dermatologist. What’s stopping you? Are you new to town and don’t know who to make your skincare doctor? Did your favorite dermatologist move practices, and it’s no longer convenient to go to them? Your unique situation isn’t much different from most new patients wanting to improve their skin condition.

What to Do When You Visit a Dermatologist for the First Time

The unknown can be frightening at times. If you’ve never visited one before, you likely have a lot of questions. Fortunately, we wrote this guide with that request in mind. We know that the more informed you are, the better you feel about seeing a skincare doctor. You’re able to get the help that you need without delay.

Here are some of the things that you should do when you visit a dermatologist for the first time:

  • Ask questions until you receive the response that makes you feel comfortable. The time that you spend at a consultation with a professional is yours. You must be able to get the most from the experience by having your immediate needs and questions addressed. When the skincare doctor takes their time with you and gives you the assistance that you need to thrive, you feel more at ease in their presence. You’re also apt to visit them again in the future because of the rapport that the two of you built with one another during your initial appointment.

 

  • Bring a list of medications you’re taking at the moment so the dermatologist can see if they’re causing an allergic reaction. Whenever you visit a medical professional, you should always have a list of medications you take. That way, the professional in Southlake, TX can check to make sure that you’re not experiencing a reaction to the drugs that you’re taking. You can store the information in an app with the correct dosages that you take. When you need to access the med list again, you’ll have it right where you can get to it. It’s easier to store it on your phone than on a piece of paper that might accidentally get thrown away.

 

  • Have the problem spots on your skin examined. If you have areas of your body that you fear could be skin cancer, don’t wait to ask the dermatologist about them. Express your concern immediately and go through the required tests to rule melanoma out. It can be the difference between you recovering from skin cancer or having it be the thing that shortens your lifespan. Taking preventative measures to protect your skin is something your skincare doctor highly recommends at all times. You can use sunscreen, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, and a wide-brimmed hat to give yourself added protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

 

  • Request a different treatment if you don’t like what is suggested to you the first time. If something that they suggest to you doesn’t feel right, let them know that you want to explore other options. You always have choices that you can make when it comes to your health and body. A compassionate one knows that each person’s needs and preferences differ. They make you a partner in the healing process, which is why it’s perfectly acceptable to ask that they provide you with other options that may be better for you.

 

  • Make sure that you have your insurance card and preferred payment method with you. You’re going to need the items to make sure that the office bills you correctly. You want to make sure that your insurance card is up-to-date and that your debit or credit card hasn’t expired. It may seem like minor things, but it’s an inconvenience you don’t want to deal with when going to a dermatology expert. On the day of your appointment, check to make sure that your wallet is with you and that it contains the documents and payment methods needed to see the skincare doctor.

 

  • Arrive at least fifteen minutes early to fill out paperwork. Dermatology offices need a lot of information from their patients initially. Prepare to fill out pages of paperwork. Once done, however, the clinic has all the information that it needs about you. You can then update your records when your address or phone number in Southlake, TX, change. It’s an easy thing to do if you’re willing to show up at least fifteen minutes before your scheduled appointment to get it done.

 

  • Prepare your schedule for a follow-up visit. Your doctor is going to want to see you again. It may be sooner than it is later. Having an open schedule allows you to get the help that you need when you need it most. Rather than wait for months to see the skincare doctor again, you’re able to get a follow-up appointment right away. That means less waiting around for treatments. If you have a particularly scary skincare condition, it can provide you with great relief knowing that you’re able to see the doctor of dermatology again soon.

Now that you know what to do when you visit a dermatologist for the first time, you’re able to prepare for the occasion by looking for an experienced professional in the industry that is kind and compassionate as they explain your custom treatment plan. Finding the right skin doctor to go to takes research, but once you find them, you’ll be in communication with an expert that can assist you with taking care of your skin long-term.

Get the Help That You Need with Your Skincare Issues with the Right Dermatologist

Ready to set up your first dermatologist appointment in Southlake, TX? Call Compassion Dermatology today. Our number is 817-380-5911.

Contact us with your request right away. We put your mind at ease by answering any questions that you have about skincare treatments. You can also book an appointment with us online by filling out our scheduling form or emailing welcome@compassiondermatology.com.