After Microneedling At Your Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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Microneedling is all the rage nowadays. It involves using a small instrument that will poke microneedles into your skin. This will “damage” your skin in a way, causing it to produce more collagen to repair the damaged areas. The microneedles don’t actually end up hurting your skin at all, but the collagen that’s produced will give you wonderful results. You’ll look younger, and your skin will look flawless!

After getting the treatment, your skin will feel a bit raw. It may be red, and it may even start to feel dry and itchy. Aftercare is very important. Here, we’ll look at 5 things you should do after getting microneedling services. If you have any questions, make sure to ask our dermatologists for clarification!

#1. Apply a Hydrating Serum to Help Your Skin Heal

Shortly after the microneedling, your skin will feel dry. It’ll start to flake, but rest assured that this means that it’s working!

The flakiness will soon subside within about a week. The best thing that you can do in the meantime is to encourage the skin to heal. Apply a hydrating serum with growth factors to help stimulate healing and to speed up the recovery. Consider applying a moisturizer over the serum in order to seal it in. Both of these products will keep your skin hydrated and replenished.

They’ll speed up recovery, so you’ll see glowing, flawless skin even sooner! If you’re not sure whether or not your moisturizer or serum is suitable, bring it in during your appointment. Our professionals will take a look at the ingredient list to make sure that you have everything you need for a speedy recovery.

#2. Avoid the Sun

Your skin is very sensitive at this time. It’s very vulnerable and can be easily damaged. You definitely don’t want to expose it to any non-beneficial situations. This means that you should avoid direct sun exposure for at least the first 7 to 10 days. This can be quite difficult if you live in Southlake, TX. After all, it feels as if the sun is always out here!

If you go out, wear a hat and try to stick to areas that are shaded. Some dermatologists even recommend staying indoors as much as possible. If you have to go out, make sure that you wear a zinc-based physical sunblock at all times to protect your skin.

You can even look for a zinc-based physical sunblock that has hydrating properties to help keep your skin as moisturized as possible. Some of these sunblocks may even be tinted, so you can forego foundation and makeup for the time being.

#3. Do Not Aggravate Your Skin

Since your skin is still recovering, most dermatologists will recommend being as gentle as possible. This might mean that you’ll have to change up your skincare routine until your skin has completely healed. Most dermatologists will recommend avoiding any active serums or acids for the first 7 days after microneedling, as they may be too abrasive for the skin. The same goes for prescription topicals and exfoliators. This includes any type of retinol products, granular exfoliants, enzymes or acids.

After microneedling, the flakiness will get rid of quite a lot of dead skin. If you had some dermaplaning done prior to the microneedling, your skin will be even more sensitive. Applying any of those products may aggravate your skin and cause it to worsen.

#4. Avoid Overstimulating the Skin

Not only do you want to avoid being too aggressive with your skin, but you also want to avoid overstimulating it. This means that you should avoid steam rooms, hot tubs and hot showers. You should also avoid doing any type of intensive exercise for the first couple of days after the microneedling.

If you have a hot shower or do some intensive exercises, you will increase blood flow to your face. This may overstimulate your skin and affect the overall results.

#5. Keep a Skin Diary to Keep Track of Your Progress

Often, it can be difficult to tell whether a skincare treatment really did help your skin. While most dermatologists will usually take before and after pictures for you to compare results, you really should try doing this on your own. Take photos of your skin each day to keep track of the progress, and keep a diary that keeps track of things that you can’t see. For example, note down if there are certain areas that feel itchy or especially dry.

This diary will help you a lot if you ever need to speak with your dermatologist again about the results of the treatment. Your dermatologist should also call you to follow up with you sometime after a week or two. This is a good time to talk about whether the treatment is progressing as you’d like. If not, your dermatologist may be able to recommend some serums or moisturizers that can help you achieve the results you want.

Give Compassion Dermatology a Call to Schedule Your Appointment

Microneedling, when done right, is not painful at all. It’s mildly uncomfortable, but this skincare treatment can do wonders for your skin. It can make you look more youthful, get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of sunspots and acne scars and more. It’s truly the holy grail of skincare treatments. No wonder it’s so popular locally.

If you want beautiful, radiant skin, this is one of the treatments that you should really look into. It will rejuvenate your skin and turn back the hands of time. Best of all, you only need to get it done every several months for maintenance.

Our dermatologists at Compassion Dermatology can walk you through the process, so you know what to expect. We will analyze your skin to see what type of skincare treatment can give you the best results! We serve many cities in Texas, including Southlake, TX. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.

Your First Dermatology Appointment | Southlake Area

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If you’ve never been to a dermatologist before, you likely have many questions that require answers. That way, you feel comfortable with the process. You’re ready for your appointment without apprehension. You also come prepared to fill out the necessary paperwork and provide background information about your skin to the dermatologist.

Your Guide to Your First Visit to a Dermatologist

To ease your concerns, we’ve created this guide for you to read. If questions come up before your appointment’s scheduled date, you’re able to reach out to us for additional information. Contacting a member of our staff for clarification is among the best ways of knowing how to address your skin issue successfully. Using a product that we don’t recommend can further exacerbate your skin.

Here is what to expect from your first dermatology appointment in the area:

  • Print, fill out and bring your patient paperwork with you to your appointment. We ask that you do not send the document via email because it isn’t HIPAA compliant. You don’t want just anyone to be able to access your private medical information. Pages two through six are what you need to print, fill out, and bring to us. The rest of the paperwork is for your files. You should print it or save a copy of it to the cloud for reference purposes. If you have a USB drive or external hard drive, you can save a copy of it there, too.

 

  • Show up at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to meet with the dermatologist to allow time for the check-in process. It gives us time to check out your paperwork and make sure that the doctor is ready to see you. As a new patient, there are some things we need to know about you before treating you. Don’t be surprised if the dermatologist asks questions about what you’ve written down already. They want to confirm your answers while knowing more about your medical history, diet, and reason for your visit. It’s a formal introduction to you and helps the doctor determine what could be causing your skin issue.

 

  • Keep the financial paperwork on hand for your records. You can refer to it at a later date if you need to do so. You can scan the paperwork and keep a digital file containing it online on the cloud for safekeeping. That way, you’re never without the original document. You’ll have a copy that you can refer to whenever necessary and even print it out again if you need to look it over again. You should keep files like this for years or at least until an updated copy of them is sent to you by our dermatology practice.

 

  • If the patient is an unaccompanied minor, you must fill out consent forms to receive treatment. If it’s your child that is receiving treatment, and they’re arriving at our office without a parent present, they must have paperwork stating that you give your permission for us to see them. If they do not have the form with them when they arrive, we cannot assist them. Make sure that they have it in their possession before checking in for their appointment. It saves your child time and allows them to get the treatment that they need right away. There’s nothing worse than them needing to call you to bring in a consent form you didn’t know was necessary for an appointment.

Now that you know what to expect from your first dermatology visit, you can plan accordingly. You’ll be ready to see your dermatologist and discuss treatment options for your skin. You won’t need to deal with your problem any longer because you’ve taken the time necessary to learn more about the first dermatology appointment process.

Why Choose Us to Care for Your Skin?

There are many compelling reasons why you should choose us for your skincare needs. First and foremost, we’re experts at what we do. Our dermatology services have helped patients restore their confidence and achieve success. We offer customized items for our patients that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

We put you first. We get to know the reason for your visit. We determine what options are best for you and allow you to weigh in on them, too. You’re a partner in everything that we suggest for your skin.

Our staff is extremely helpful and welcoming. They greet you with a smile. They do everything they can to make you feel as comfortable as possible while in our office. The way that we treat you remains a big reason for you coming back to see us again in the future.

Now you know why you should choose us for your skincare needs now and into the future. We’re a name you can trust. Patients in the Southlake area love to recommend us because of the excellent service we provide. See for yourself what sets us apart from other dermatology practices in the city.

Setting Up an Appointment with Compassion Dermatology is Fast and Easy

Compassion Dermatology believes in putting its patients first. Let us assess your needs during your initial consultation. Set up an appointment in the Southlake area today. The phone number to reach us at is 817-380-5911.

We can determine the source of your skin condition and treat it accordingly. That way, you look and feel your best at all times. You’re not embarrassed about how your skin appears to others. Instead, you shine from the inside out!

Let us know how we can assist you best when you call to inquire about our services. We want to be the dermatology office that you recommend to family and friends. We’re always willing to answer your questions and to provide you with the reassurance you need to feel comfortable in your skin. It’s our promise to you!

Questions For Your Dermatologist About Icon Treatments | Southlake, TX

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The Icon aesthetic system is a multi-purpose platform with seven hand pieces, each designed to tackle a particular skincare issue. From hair removal to wrinkle reduction and skin resurfacing through state-of-the-art cooling and fractional laser use, the Icon can take care of nearly every skincare issue you raise with your dermatologist.

What can Icon treatments be used for?

The Icon Aesthetic System from Palomar offers fast, significant results for a wide variety of skincare treatments. Some of the more popular treatment services your dermatologist in Southlake, TX, can provide you with include:

  • Pigment clearance
  • Wrinkle reduction
  • Hair reduction
  • Stretch mark reduction
  • Acne scar reduction
  • Leg vein clearance
  • Skin resurfacing

The Icon system has various hand attachments that can be used, depending on the resurfacing treatment required. In particular, the Icon 2940 is designed to effectively reduce wrinkles, age spots, brown spots, caused by either natural aging or excess sun exposure.

Is an Icon treatment classed as a surgical procedure?

No, Icon treatments provided by your dermatologist are not classed as surgical treatments.

What is the average recovery time?

Since the Icon system utilizes a fractional laser, the recovery process is much less intensive. Fractional lasers focus the intense heat energy in specifically targeted areas, avoiding the healthy surrounding tissue, which means the healing process is much quicker than with other treatments—the average recovery time is between 10-14 days.

Is there anything I should avoid before undertaking an Icon treatment?

Before undergoing an Icon treatment at your local dermatologist office, we may ask you to prepare in the following ways during the lead-up to to your appointment:

  • Avoid excess sun exposure
  • Avoid using tanning products
  • Decrease your alcohol intake
  • Discontinue the use of harsh skin care products
  • Avoid drinking or eating for 6 hours before your treatment

Of particular importance is the discontinuance of chemical skincare peels, aggressive scrubs, and other harsh skincare routines, though topical moisturizers and other products such as sunscreen may still be used. Sunscreen is vital if you’re unable to decrease sun exposure before your treatment occurs.

What if I’m using a prescription topical acne treatment? Can I still have Icon skin treatments done by my dermatologist?

Before proceeding with any skincare treatment, you should make your dermatologist aware of any topical treatments you’re using on the areas you wish your Icon treatment to target if they aren’t already aware of them. Your skin should be assessed before the booking occurs, as a medical professional will need to determine the appropriate wait time.

We prefer to treat healthy, non-irritated skin. If you’re using anything that causes your skin to be dry, flaky, or irritated, then a waiting period of 1-2 weeks after discontinuing use of the product that has affected your skin may be recommended. It does not mean that you won’t qualify for treatment.

I’m taking antibiotics. Can I still get Icon laser treatments?

If you’re taking antibiotics, your dermatologist may wish to perform test spots before treatment to determine your sensitivity to the lasers used. If the test spot results are satisfactory, you can proceed with your laser treatment of choice.

What can I expect to happen during treatment?

On the day of your treatment, before the laser process begins, your dermatologist will examine, cleanse, and prepare your skin. Local anesthetic or numbing cream may be applied as necessary before the laser targets the chosen area. The laser can target areas of irregular pigmentation, uneven skin texture, wrinkles, fine lines, and other imperfections.

As the procedure goes on, your dermatologist will closely monitor the effect on your skin and make sure the session is both effective and as comfortable as possible for you. Once the skin treatment has finished, soothing ointment or serum should be applied to help ease initial discomfort.

How many sessions will I need to book?

As little as one session can provide the results that you need. If more treatment sessions are desired, your doctor will advise on when it’s possible to schedule another skin treatment session. It often depends on how long it takes your skin to recover and your skin’s characteristics.

What can I expect to happen after treatment?

Immediately after treatment, you’ll notice some discomfort. Your skin will feel raw and swollen. The good news is you can safely ease the pain with over-the-counter medications and cold compresses.

Approximately 1-2 weeks after your Icon treatment session, your skin will be healing. You may see scabbing and crusting as the new skin forms. Scabbing is nothing to worry about, and you can often return to work at the end of the first week after treatment. You may find it beneficial to take antibiotics and antiviral medications, which can be prescribed. Keep taking these medications until the course is complete for the best chance at healing. During the first few weeks, try to avoid excess sun exposure.

Beyond the first few weeks, you’ll notice your new skin will remain pink. The pinkness can remain for several months. Wrinkles and other signs of aging will eventually reappear as your new skin ages.

Why choose an Icon laser treatment?

One of the unique features of an Icon laser treatment is that the device has a melanin reader. This state-of-the-art technology is the industry’s only melanin reading device which measures your skin’s melanin index during every treatment. The index helps to determine the ideal settings for your laser treatment so that the laser is safely calibrated to provide the best results possible.

Why choose Compassion Dermatology?

Our skilled skincare team remains actively informed on the latest dermatology research and innovations that will help you to maintain the best skin appearance possible. We trust the results of the Icon Aesthetic System and believe that you should too. In addition to our knowledge and skill, you’ll receive the utmost compassion and care at our Southlake facility that also serves Southlake, TX, residents. Request an appointment with us, and we’ll be happy to discuss any concerns or requirements you may have regarding our advanced Icon laser treatments.

Itchy Skin? Your Dermatology Experts Can Help You | Southlake Area

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Photo by Lisa-S at Shutterstock

Itchy skin is a common problem that happens to everyone. The uncomfortable sensation to scratch, also known as pruritus, can distract you from everything until you give into it. When you do, the relief is often short-lived and leads to other problems, such as pain, broken skin that’s unsightly, and possibly infection. A dermatology office in the Southlake area can determine the cause of your itchy skin and develop a treatment plan to stop the itching and help you get clear skin back.

Insect Bites

In the summer, the most common cause of itchy skin involves unpleasant interactions with nature involving bugs. Most of the time, you won’t even know you’ve encountered an insect until you notice the sensation to scratch. The urge can start almost immediately. Bites from mosquitos are typical, and these go away on their own quickly. You can mitigate the itching with topical hydrocortisone, which is a mild, anti-inflammatory that’s available over-the-counter. The cream can reduce swelling and itchy quickly. Other at-home remedies include dabbing with rubbing alcohol and applying a cold compress.

It might sound counteractive, but a dermatology expert would tell you to try not to scratch the bite. Outside of possibly developing an infection, you may experience a secondary reaction to the bite. A mild reaction to the insect sting can include,

  • Pain
  • Physical rash (raised skin, pimple-like spots)
  • Mild to moderate swelling in the bite’s area
  • The section around the bite is warmer than the rest of your skin
  • Excessive itching

Severe reactions are serious. Experiencing trouble breathing, a rapid pulse, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue requires immediate medical attention.

In addition to an allergic reaction, if the itching doesn’t stop or you see pus oozing from the bite, an infection might be present. Contact a dermatology office for the next available appointment if either of these situations occurs. To reduce future outbreaks, use insect repellant in the evening or when completing activities in the woods.

Reactions to Plant Life

Irritation doesn’t always come from insects in nature. Instead, you can experience itching as a reaction to touching plants in the woods or even everyday items in your garden. While you automatically think about poison ivy and oak, there are more common plants that can also leave you itching uncontrollably from a quick touch. Some of the most typical include,

  • Carrots
  • Dill
  • Bleeding heart flowers
  • Black-Eyed Susan
  • Bishop’s weed
  • Dried baby’s breath
  • English Ivy
  • Hops
  • Hyacinth
  • Tulips

Also known as contact dermatitis, these reactions can also happen because of soaps, cosmetics, certain metals, and fragrances. Along with itching, other signs of contact include a visible red rash, swelling, bumps, tenderness, and dry, cracked, and scaly skin.

You can prevent future reactions in most situations. For example, when you go out to work in your garden, dress appropriately. Although it might be hot and you don’t want to cover up, you can skip exposure by wearing gloves, long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms from contact dermatitis and traditional home treatments aren’t working, or you develop a secondary infection, it’s time to contact a dermatology office in the Southlake area. The dermatologist may help you narrow down the cause of the itching to stop it and assist you with avoiding future contact and outbreaks.

Dry Skin

It may not be as glamorous as a bug bite, but dry skin is itchy and can be unsightly, leading to embarrassment in public when exposed. Many situations can cause dry skin and a dermatology professional can help you figure that out. Many people experience it during the winter months from dry heat that reduces the moisture in your skin. It needs hydration to maintain a smooth texture and elasticity to prevent wrinkles, sagging, flaking, and keep it looking great. Other situations that can cause dry skin include aging, medications, excess water exposure, soaps, and even pregnancy.

Most of these are easy to correct without medical intervention. As you age, your body losses oil glands, requiring you to moisturize more to maintain adequate hydration levels. Additionally, long-term exposure to sunlight reduces moisture, and older adults are more likely to take medications that can dry out the skin, leading to itching. You can control these factors by applying moisturizers more often, reducing excess water and UV light exposure, and choosing soaps and beauty products that don’t cause dry skin.

If these everyday solutions don’t help, schedule the next available appointment at your dermatology office in the area. A dermatologist can determine if there’s an underlying condition causing the dryness. They can also prescribe topical applications to better seal in moisturizer and anti-itch creams to provide much-needed relief. Patients that develop a secondary reaction or infection from itching may need additional care, including antibiotics. To prevent dry skin, apply moisturizer daily.

Swimmer’s Itch

Have you recently spent time in fresh or saltwater, such as the ocean or a lake? Your itchy skin may be a direct reaction to marine life exposure. Although you may not want to think about it, the refreshing water you took a swim in is also home to animals and parasites that live just below the surface. These can cause itching by burrowing into your skin or getting trapped between your skin and swimsuit in the water.

Most of the time, swimmer’s itch will clear on its own in a few days to a week with home care. Outbreaks that continue to happen after swimming in the same spot indicate a problem with the water. To prevent itching from parasites in the water, rinse with fresh water after you get out and change out of your swimsuit immediately after swimming. If you experience intense itches, red blotches, or welts that won’t go away with standard treatment, contact your dermatology office in the area.

Itchy skin can ruin your day. Don’t just lather on topical anti-itch creams or pop antihistamines to stop the itching. Get to the root of the problem with a dermatology expert that can examine your skin, diagnose the condition, and determine the best course of action to treat it. For the next available appointment, contact Compassion Dermatology in the area at 817-380-5911 today.

Dermatologist Recommend Marula Oil For The Face | Southlake, TX

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Photo By Olena Yakobchuk at Shutterstock

Oil used to be a bad word in the beauty industry. It wasn’t considered a good idea to put oil or skin care products containing oil on your face. This was particularly true if you had oily skin.

Nowadays, dermatologists recommend using small amounts of beneficial oils on our face as these can add essential vitamins and minerals, helping to hydrate the skin.

If you’re looking for essential oil for your face, which will help your skin recover from acne or other irritating skin conditions. Or which will help slow down the aging process and give you a glowing complexion, you may like to try marula, rosehip, or squalane oil.

This article will look at marula oil and give you the benefits for helping to improve your skin. If you live in Southlake, TX, and are searching for a doctor, don’t hesitate to contact Compassion Dermatology. They can help you to find effective skin treatment for a wide range of skin conditions.

Marula Oil Overview

Marula oil comes from a fruit tree that is cultivated in southern Africa. The trees were once rare but are now farmed for their fruit and oils, which bring many health benefits.

In ancient times the marula tree was considered sacred and was linked to fertility, love, and marriage. The tree produces a delicious fruit that can also be used to create alcohol when fermented.

The marula trees fruit, bark, and kernels are used in food production and as traditional herbal remedies throughout Africa. Each fruit of the marula has a hard, brown nut at its center, which contains a white kernel used to produce oil.

Marula oil is extracted from the fruits kernels as well as the outer husk of the nut. It is rich in protein and can be easily absorbed by the skin. This makes it an excellent ingredient for use in skincare products and hair treatments. It can also be bought in small bottles as an essential oil.

The Benefits of Marula Oil

Many dermatologists recommend Marula oil as it has a light texture and helps to moisturize the skin. In recent years, it has become a popular and effective treatment for problems associated with the skin, hair, and nails. Marula oil has the following benefits.

It has hydrating and anti-aging properties, which will help to keep your skin soft and subtle; this will make you look and feel great. It can be used as an effective moisturizer and is suitable for daily use. It also fights free radicals, which can cause skin damage and reverses the effects of sun damage.

Dermatologists often recommend Marula oil for use on dry skin, it also effectively treats eczema and psoriasis and helps to prevent stretch marks. Another great benefit of Marula oil is that it can be used as a lip moisturizer.

Skin Type

Marula oil is very light and easy to use; it will be absorbed quickly by your skin. This type of oil is best used on skin that is dry and aging; it can help to add moisture to the skin. Marula oil also helps to smooth out any fine lines and can be used to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. While at the same time keeping dry skin hydrated and well-nourished.

If you suffer from skin irritations such as redness, itching, and dryness, marula oil can help. It can be used to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and helps to reduce their severity.

Marula oil is also great for oily skin which is prone to acne. It helps to reduce redness and irritation and can also be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Recommended by a Dermatologist

Dermatologists recommend Marula oil as it contains many beneficial ingredients that will help to improve the condition of your skin, hair, and nails. It includes amino acids

which helps to improve the health of your skin.

Marula oil is also high in essential fatty acids, which are great for repairing skin and improving the look and feel of your face. It also contains antioxidants, L-arginine and glutamic acid as well as vitamins E and C, which are all very beneficial.

Compassion Dermatology, Dermatologist

If you’re suffering from any common skin condition such as irritation, dry skin or acne, eczema, or psoriasis and are looking for skin care advice and treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Compassion Dermatology. The clinic serves Southlake, TX, and the surrounding area.

Compassion Dermatology is a skilled team of dermatologists and medical professionals who can give you the best treatment to help your skin to heal. If your aim is to improve the overall health of your skin, a visit to a dermatologist will help. The practice employs a selection of highly trained medical, surgical, dermatologists, and cosmetic doctors who provide treatments for hair and nails, as well as skin.

The skilled skin-care team remains up-to-date with the latest treatments, research, and technologies. If you’re looking to improve the appearance of acne scars or reduce irritation, redness associated with any skin condition, contact Compassion Dermatology today at 817-380-5911.

Conclusion

Marula oil is fantastic if you have any skin condition that causes redness, itching, or dry skin. It helps to rehydrate the skin while at the same time providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Marula oil contains essential fatty acids and amino acids. It’s commonly used in a wide selection of skincare products and is excellent for reducing aging signs. Marula oil can also be bought neat as an essential oil and will bring many benefits to your hair and nails and your skin. It can be used to keep your hair soft and supple.

Compassion Dermatology is here for you!

Dermatologist Tips: Skin Care Problems to Avoid This Summer | Southlake, TX

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Photo By Elena Sherengovskaya at Shutterstock

As anyone who’s experienced a summer in Southlake, TX can tell you, the heat can do a number on your skin. Whether you’re out in the sun all day or you only go outside sparingly during the hottest months in the Metroplex, it’s important that you take proper care of your skin each and every time.

However, people don’t always take the necessary precautions to avoid skin damage, and the usual result is a meeting with a dermatologist to address those issues and come up with a treatment plan for their skin. It’s important to take good care of your skin all year long, but during the summer, it’s especially critical. There aren’t many things worse than having to miss out on some summer fun because your doctor spotted an issue with your skin that you could have easily prevented.

As with most things, when it comes to skin care, a little bit of knowledge makes a world of difference. By taking proper precautions, you can avoid these common issues and save yourself an unnecessary trip to the dermatologist!

Acne Breakouts

When your pores get clogged, acne is usually one of the results. You might not know it, but your skin is home to over 1,000 different species of bacteria. Most of the time, these microorganisms are helpful to your skin and produce acids that make your skin’s pH level inhospitable to harmful organisms. However, during the summer, you tend to sweat a lot more than usual, and your sweat mixes with the oils and bacteria on your skin to fill your pores.

When that happens, you’re going to end up with several zits on your skin, often in places that you really don’t want. As your dermatologist will tell you, the easiest way to prevent these breakouts is to wash away your sweat on a regular basis. If you’ve been active at all on a hot day make time to take a shower before you go to bed that evening. Your skin will thank you!

Folliculitis

If you’re like many young Americans, you’ve probably got a regular workout routine that you stick to, even on days when you really would prefer a day off. That’s great for your body, but during the summer, it isn’t always so great for your skin.

That’s because most people who work out tend to do so in tighter clothes that stick to their body and won’t get in their way while they’re lifting weights, running or otherwise getting active. Again, that’s great for your body, but it causes problems for your skin because it keeps sweat from escaping your skin. Worse, it does so around your hair follicles, which leads to folliculitis, a skin issue that presents itself as itchy bumps on your skin.

The best way to prevent folliculitis and a trip to the doctor is to change out of tight clothes as soon as possible. Ideally, you should bring a change of clothes with you in your workout bag and take a shower after you’ve completed your workout. Not only will this help you feel a lot cleaner and ready to move on to the rest of your day, but it’ll reduce your risk of folliculitis — and that will make both your personal trainer and your dermatologist happy!

Poison Ivy

During the summer, roughly 40 million Americans find themselves in search of a dermatologist because they’ve encountered a patch of poison ivy. Not everyone is allergic to the oils of the plant, but if you’re one of the people that does have a poison ivy allergy, you’re most susceptible to it during the spring and summer.

That’s because these are by far the nicest times to go for a walk in and around Southlake, TX, and because of the high temperatures in the Metroplex, people tend to wear less clothing than in colder months. Plus, the clothes they wear tend to be looser and more comfortable, as many people have the time to dress casual and take more time for themselves.

Normally, casual clothes get the dermatologist seal of approval, but when it comes to poison ivy, they can actually work against you. That’s because the oils of the plant have a greater chance to come into contact with bare skin, and when that happens, you’re likely to get a rash. Your best bet is to know what these plants look like and avoid them as best as you can. If you do come into contact with poison ivy, be sure to shower as soon as possible. Sometimes, you can save yourself a trip to the dermatologist by getting the oils off your skin early enough — but you don’t have a long window to do this, so your shower has to be immediate.

Sunburns

By far the most common and most avoidable issue that a dermatologist will see during the summer is a sunburn. Unfortunately, many Americans either don’t use a high enough SPF sunscreen or forget to add sunscreen at all, which leaves their skin vulnerable to UV light coming from the sun.

Even on a cloudy day, you’ve still got to worry about sun damage, because clouds will only block about 20 percent of the UV rays from the sun. The remaining 80 percent still hits your skin, which can cause short and long-term damage.

Luckily, keeping the sun from ruining a beautiful day is rather simple. All you’ve got to do is use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and reapply it every two hours for as long as you’re outside.

At Compassion Dermatology, we hope that you’ll take proper care of your skin and help keep it as healthy as possible. But when mistakes happen and skin problems occur, we’ll be happy to help you address them and fix any blemishes or disorders. If you’re in need of expert care from a dermatologist, contact us to set up an appointment. We’re always glad to help your skin look and feel its best!