Dermatologist Tips: The Best Cosmetic Procedures To Combat Aging Skin | Southlake, TX

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No matter what age you are, you want to look as young and attractive as possible. One of the keys to looking young is to have healthy, youthful skin. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX offers a wide variety of skin procedures that will improve the look and texture of your skin, taking years off your appearance.

At Compassion Dermatology, our professionals can provide a comprehensive selection of skin procedures to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and lines and rejuvenate your aging skin. We can help you decide which of our services will help give you the look you desire.

When it comes to shaving years off your face, there are many options to consider. Here is a look at some of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures and how they can work for you.

Microdermabrasion

If you are looking for a minimally invasive skin procedure to freshen up your look, microdermabrasion may be just the thing. It is used for sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and other skin conditions.

Using a special wand that is outfitted with an abrasive tip that sloughs away the outer layer of skin. This process encourages the growth of new softer skin, giving you a much younger appearance.

This procedure doesn’t require any kind of anesthetic and there is no recovery time from it. Your skin will heal quickly from this treatment, but depending on your individual skin issues, you may need to schedule multiple appointments to achieve the look you want.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

In this skin procedure, your dermatologist will use lasers to improve the look and texture of your skin. They will discuss whether the use of ablative or non-ablative lasers will be the best choice for your specific skin condition.

So, what’s the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers? Ablative lasers employ carbon dioxide or erbium. Laser skin resurfacing with carbon dioxide is often used to get rid of warts, scars, and deep lines and wrinkles. For finer lines and wrinkles, along with other less dramatic skin issues, erbium lasers provide superior results.

Both types of ablative laser procedures work by eradicating the outer layers of the skin. However, non-ablative lasers work without removing a single layer of your skin. These work better for conditions like rosacea, acne, and spider veins.

Laser skin resurfacing treatments vary in intensity, including superficial, intermediate, and deep. Depending on how intense your treatment is, you could experience some redness for a day or a couple of weeks. Your results will generally last from two to five years, depending on your habits. If you do not use sunscreen when outside or are a smoker, your results will not last as long.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels can be used for many conditions, from mild acne scarring to dark age spots. They can also remove wrinkles around your mouth and eyes. The chemical peel accomplishes all these things by carefully eliminating the outer layers of your skin. Not only does the chemical peel remove the dull, discolored, wrinkled skin, it also encourages brand new skin to grow in its place.

You can choose the intensity of your chemical peel. Your dermatologist in Southlake, TX can help you decide whether a superficial, medium, or deep peel is best for your particular skin type and issues. Some chemical peels can cause the skin to redden or peel, so be sure to heed your doctor’s advice.

If you choose a superficial chemical peel, you can generally expect the effects to last about a month. However, if you opt for a deep chemical peel, the results can last for several years. It all depends on your individual skin and what benefits you are hoping to get from the procedure.

Botox or Dysport Injections

By now, nearly everyone has at least heard about the amazing effects of Botox injections. Now, there is also Dysport, another product made from botulism toxin, which can create a younger look.

When the botulism toxin is injected into specific areas, it blocks the nerve signals to the muscles beneath the skin. This causes the wrinkles to soften, giving you younger-looking skin. Generally, the effects of the botulism toxin injections last between three and six months, depending on whether you regularly receive injections. Dermatologists have noticed that the injections last longer in patients who have received repeated treatments.

Filler Injections

If you are looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, you might want to consider talking to your dermatologist about injections of fillers. These filler injections contain hyaluronic acid, a sugar which occurs naturally in younger skin. However, its disappearance in older skin often causes lines and wrinkles to occur.

When your dermatologist injects the filler, the hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin at the injection site. This fills in deeper lines and wrinkles, making you look much younger. You can expect the results from your filler injections to last between six months and a year, in most cases.

Cosmetic Surgery

If these procedures just don’t provide the kind of results you are looking for, you might consider cosmetic surgery. Modern cosmetic surgery procedures do not require the large incisions that tightening procedures did in the past. And they can hide the small incision marks in very discreet areas, including underneath the hairline.

There are many skin lifting procedures for eyelids, forehead, neck, and face that your dermatologist can perform using a tiny endoscope camera. These require only a very small opening to complete, and have quicker recovery times than their predecessors.

These modern skin-tightening surgeries can turn back time on your appearance in a more permanent way than many other procedures. Though your skin will continue to age, it will only do so now from the point of your surgery.

Finding a Local Dermatologist 

As with any medical professional, you need to find a dermatologist who can provide a full array of services. You also need a professional that you can talk to about your concerns. At Compassion Dermatology, we take pride in providing exceptional skin treatments and procedures in a compassionate environment.

Contact us today at Compassion Dermatology for more information about our full line of dermatological treatments.


Dermatology: Why Your Sunscreen Isn’t Working Properly | Southlake Area

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Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy the weather, but only when it’s done safely and sensibly. Unfortunately, if you spend too much time outside without taking the time to cover up with sunscreen, you’re going to find yourself needing dermatology services in short order.

But sometimes, you make sure to bring sunscreen with you and make sure to apply it. Yet when you return to your home, you still find that you’ve gotten a sunburn.

Is your sunscreen defective? Probably not. The more likely explanation is that you made a mistake that caused your sunscreen to fail when you needed it. Luckily, when you know what the problem is, you’ve got a much better chance of stopping it before you make your next dermatology appointment. Learn what you might be doing wrong here!

You Waited Too Long to Apply

Putting on sunscreen the second you get into the sun might seem to be all you need to do, but the reality is that if you wait until you’re in the sun, you’re already too late to completely prevent sun damage. For most sunscreens, you need to apply 15 to 20 minutes before you get into the sun in order to provide full protection, because your sunscreen needs time to sink into your skin.

Any expert in dermatology will tell you that applying sunscreen the second you get into the sun is much better than doing nothing. However, waiting that long still puts you at slight risk for sun damage. If you wait until you’ve already been in the sun for a little while, the damage is likely to be even worse. Once you’ve been in the sun, you’re only protecting yourself from further damage beyond what has already occurred.

You Didn’t Use Enough Sunscreen

Using sunscreen is always a wise decision, but there’s no reason that you should be conservative with the amount that you apply. Just getting your face and back isn’t enough for you to prevent dermatology-based issues; you need to make sure that you cover every exposed part of your body with sunscreen.

Plus, you need to make sure that you’re using enough of it. Most people need about a shot glass’ worth of sunscreen to properly protect their body from the sun. If you’re in a sunny place, such as the Southlake area, you might want a little bit more to be absolutely safe. You’ll also want to make sure that you rub in your sunscreen to make sure it can get into your skin. If you don’t rub it in properly, that’s basically the same thing as failing to use enough.

You Forgot to Re-Apply

Many people who have severe dermatology issues caused by sunburns actually did think to apply sunscreen before they went out into the sun. So why did they still come home with a sunburn? Simple: they stayed out in the sun for several hours and never re-applied it.

Unfortunately, sunscreen only lasts for about an hour or two before it’s no longer effective. If you don’t take the time to re-apply your sunscreen every two hours, you’re probably going to end up with a painful sunburn at the end of the day, even if you slathered on sunscreen well before you went into the sun. Always be sure that you take some extra sunscreen with you whenever you spend a day in the sun so that you can re-apply as the day progresses.

You Have the Wrong SPF Sunscreen

It’s important for you to choose the right SPF for your skin type, depending on how easily your skin burns. If your dermatology history includes several sunburns, you probably need to go beyond the standard SPF 30 sunscreen that many people regularly use. If you have sensitive skin, a sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ can usually offer the sun protection that you need in order to enjoy your day in the sun.

However, the SPF only really matters if you’ve taken the time to properly apply your sunscreen. If you’ve applied sunscreen incorrectly, you’re going to end up with far less protection than your SPF suggests. An SPF 30 sunscreen that’s been properly applied at the correct time will always offer more protection than an SPF 50+ sunscreen that hasn’t been rubbed into your skin correctly.

Your Sunscreen Has Expired

Sometimes, your dermatology issues really were caused by your sunscreen. Unlike with some products, sunscreen expiration dates must always be taken seriously, because once they hit their expiration dates, they lose much of their effectiveness. Most sunscreens can protect your skin properly for about three years from the date of purchase, and if you regularly go out into the sun, you’ll probably never need to worry about your sunscreen expiring on you.

But if you’re the kind of person who rarely exposes your skin to the elements unless you’re going swimming, you risk opening yourself up to sunburn and other issues if you don’t make sure that you’ve got fresh sunscreen when you apply it. If your sunscreen has hit its expiration date and you have a history of sunburns, save yourself the worry of a serious skin problem and buy a fresh bottle before you go swimming. Your skin will be much better for it.

What Can You Do to Prevent Issues?

One of the smartest things you can do when it comes to dermatology is to get as much information as you can. At Compassion Dermatology, we’re happy to help you figure out exactly how to take care of your skin so that you can enjoy summer in the Southlake area without developing a sunburn or long-term skin problems. We can help you figure out what sunscreen you need to use when you go outside and other simple things you can do to help protect your skin from serious issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment!


Dermatologist Recommends These Top 10 Foods to Keep Your Skin Healthy | Southlake, TX

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Getting the most out of dermatological services in Southlake means being as proactive as possible about your skin health. While facials, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser therapy and Botox injectables can restore a youthful, smooth glow to your skin, maintaining overall skin health by including these foods in your diet naturally maximizes the results of cosmetic procedures.

1.  Yogurt

Protein helps skin remain firm, smooth and less prone to acne breakouts. In addition to being an excellent source of protein, yogurt also contains rich amounts of probiotic bacteria maintains your gastrointestinal and immune system functioning at peak efficiency. Remember, the healthier you are, the less your skin will show the effects of aging and sun damage. In addition, yogurt has antibacterial properties that may accelerate healing of blackheads and acne pustules. Our Southlake, TX dermatologist also recommends laser treatment and topical ointments to treat acne outbreaks.

2.  Pomegranates

A medium-sized berry fruit with rich, red skin, pomegranates are rich in polyphenol antioxidants, a type of plant-based nutrient that eliminates destructive free radicals and improves blood flow in the body. Since oxidation (cell decay caused by free radical molecules) is one of the main reasons for skin aging, the polyphenol antioxidants found in pomegranates may reduce or delay signs of skin aging. Pomegranates also contain potassium, an electrolyte essential to maintaining good skin hydration. Dermatologist services for reducing signs of skin aging include dermal fillers, dermabrasion and photolight therapy.

3.  Sunflower Seeds

Your Southlake, TX dermatologist recommends munching a handful or two of sunflower seeds each day to enrich your skin with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, two elements that act as powerful protectorates against the potential damage inflicted on skin cells by the sun’s UV rays. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that can help delay the appearance of aging skin, decrease the severity of sunburns and promote eye health. Because your body cannot produce vitamin E naturally, it is essential that you eat enough foods containing vitamin E to maintain healthy levels of this beneficial antioxidant in your body as well as in your skin.

4.  Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate provides antioxidants called flavonals that improve skin texture as well as the ability for melanocytes (skin cells containing pigment) to resist DNA damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds distributed in all plants that provide antioxidant properties conducive to skin and overall body health.

5.  Salmon, Tuna and Turkey

A micromineral found in fish and poultry, selenium is a major preventative of oxidative stress known to cause a variety of skin problems and chronic illnesses. Salmon, tuna and turkey contain rich amounts of selenium that also contribute to the preservation of elastin, a compound responsible for keeping skin firm, supple and smooth. Including regular servings of salmon, tuna and turkey in your diet may help inhibit UV damage and reduce the risk of precancerous skin lesions attributed to excessive exposure to sunlight. Your Southlake dermatologist also recommends having skin cancer screenings once a year if you are at risk for skin cancer.

6.  Spinach

Fresh, crisp spinach leaves contain lutein and alpha-lipoic acid, the same compounds found in canned spinach. These two nutrients provide powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to reduce acne and help fight the effects of aging and sun on the skin. Lutein improves the elasticity and moisture content

of the skin while alpha-lipoic acid prevents a chemical action called cross-linking which can promote aging, skin wrinkling and joint stiffness. After receiving cosmetic procedures from a dermatologist, include fresh spinach and other foods found in this list to enhance the effects of anti-aging skin treatments.

7.  Green Tea

Green tea is considered a “superfood” because it benefits the functioning of all body systems. It may also help reduce the risk of developing skin lesions associated with melanoma by preventing ultraviolet radiation damage to the DNA of skin cells. Green tea also contains anti-inflammatory polyphenol compounds that not only promote wound healing but also healing of acne blemishes by encouraging new cell growth.

8.  Carrots

Any dermatologist puts carrots at the top of their list of best foods to eat for skin health. Chock-full of beta carotene pigments that contribute to naturally glowing skin tone, carrots may also help delay wrinkling caused by aging and UV rays. Eczema sufferers will also be happy to know that vitamin A in carrots may prevent or improve the scaling, itching and pain of eczema outbreaks.

9.  Broccoli

When you crave something crunchy and fresh-tasting, grab a stalk of broccoli and start munching. You will be nourishing your skin with rich amounts of vitamins C, E and other antioxidants that stimulate collagen production for more supple, hydrated, skin. Dermatologist-recommended procedures to hydrate and smooth dry skin include laser therapy, dermabrasion and dermal fillers.

10.  Walnuts and Almonds

Almonds, walnuts and other types of tree nuts are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, two nutrients that promote radiant and healthy hair and skin. Walnuts and almonds also play major roles in metabolizing proteins to help you maintain supple, even-toned skin and shiny, healthy hair. Aging and some chronic medical conditions can cause brittle hair and hair loss. Our dermatologist at Compassion Dermatology offers Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to restore natural hair thickness and health.

Call Compassion Dermatology Today to Learn More About Our Many Services

Taking care of your skin by regularly including these foods in your diet can help support general skin health. However, eating nutritious foods cannot stop all the negative effects that aging, sun exposure, genetics and illness has on your skin. Keep your skin looking youthful and radiant by scheduling a consultation appointment with our licensed dermatologist.


How to Choose a Dermatology Treatment That’s Right for You | Southlake Area

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Do you suffer from common skin conditions such as acne? Are you looking for ways to improve the condition of your skin? If you live in the Southlake area and are looking for treatment for a variety of skin conditions, don’t hesitate to contact Compassion Dermatology. The clinic can provide treatments for conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and aging skin.

Skin Evaluation

This article will give you details of some different types of dermatological treatments that are available and will help you to decide what is best for you. Before deciding on a treatment, it’s a good idea to have a skin evaluation. This can be carried out by a dermatologist or by your local doctor.

A doctor who specializes in dermatology will be able to look at your skin, both on your face and body, and will be able to recommend a treatment that will be right for you. The doctor will look at things like moles, blemishes, and spots. They will also access the general condition of your skin and may recommend treatments based on your skin type. Treatments are available for dry skin or oily skin, for example.

If your skin is aging, and you’re looking for a treatment to smooth out any wrinkles and help you to improve your confidence, you should also visit a dermatology clinic. When your skin looks and feels good, you’ll also feel good about yourself.

HydraFacial

HydraFacial is a relatively new type of facial that can help to regenerate and cleanse your face. Choosing this treatment will be a very relaxing experience. It will also improve the appearance of your skin, which could help to boost your confidence.

Hydra Facial uses modern technology, which has been designed to give the skin a deep clean. It also delivers botanical ingredients to the skin. Nutrients such as hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, zinc, and magnesium are used to improve the skin’s condition.

A hydra Facial treatment will also give your skin the antioxidants that it needs. This will help to counteract any damage that has been caused by free radicals. It helps reduce the damage caused by air pollution, sun damage, and stress.

If you are looking for long-term healthy skin and want to have a glowing complexion, choose to have a Hydra facial. After just one treatment, your skin will be visibly healthier and cleaner.

The hydra facial treatment uses your lymphatic system to remove toxins and rebuild the health of the skin. A brightening agent will also be applied to the skin to help it to regenerate. Your skin will then be filled with vitamins for nourishment, which will also plump up wrinkles and help to reduce their appearance.

Botox

Botulinum toxin or botox, for short, is a treatment that helps to reduce signs of aging. The botox injections are given to relax the muscles in your face so that any wrinkles or lines can be smoothed out. Botox works well on wrinkles, including crow’s feet and laughter or frown lines. After having Botox injections, the results will last for around three or four months.

Avoid having botox injections if you’re suffering from skin problems such as an infection or broken skin. If you have these types of issues, ask a dermatologist about other treatments that may be available. Also, avoid having injections if you are unwell in any way and especially if you have myasthenia or any other neuromuscular condition. You won’t be able to have Botox if you’re taking some medications, and it’s not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

A very fine needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin into your muscles. The therapist will ask you to rotate your head so that they can find the best places to insert the needle. A botox treatment will usually take about ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the area being treated.

After having a botox injection, you won’t see any results straight away. The botox will take around two to three days to begin working. It can take as long as two to three weeks for the desired result to take effect.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a popular treatment for people who have been left with acne scars after their teenage years. Having a chemical peel will dramatically improve the condition of your skin.

Chemical peels are commonly used to treat skin conditions on the face, but it can also be used on the neck or hands. This type of facial can be used to treat a variety of skin complaints and is commonly used on acne, to reduce spots, freckles, dark patches, sun damage, and mild scars.

If you choose to have a chemical peel, a solution will be applied to your skin, which will be absorbed into the pores. After application your skin will blister and will eventually peel off. You’ll then be left with a new layer of skin that is smoother and healthy-looking.

Chemical peels are also effectively used to reduce or, in some cases, completely eliminate fine lines and wrinkles from under the eyes or around the mouth. People who have a chemical peel to reduce aging will be left with skin that’s less wrinkly then their old skin after the peeling takes place.

Dermatology, Southlake Area

If you are searching for a dermatologist in the area, don’t hesitate to contact Compassion Dermatology. The clinic provides skin evaluations, cosmetic services, and medical and surgical procedures.

Compassion Dermatology can carry out medical procedures and treatments such as Hydrafacials, chemical peels, botox, and micro-needling. They are also able to carry out SureSculpt procedures and offer treatment for hair loss.

Compassion Dermatology is located in a beautiful building, where you can rest and relax. All cosmetic and medical dermatology patients will be well looked after by the qualified staff. There’s a terra-cotta roof that has a Tuscan feel, which allows clients to relax and feel as if they are on vacation.

Contact Compassion Dermatology today on 817-380-5911.


Dermatologist Tips: How to Look After Your Hands | Southlake, TX

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While it’s true that washing your hands frequently with soap effectively removes germs and dirt from your skin, it can also remove your skin’s natural oils. Harsh soaps used too often can result in a dry, rough feeling on your hands. Depending on your cleanser of choice, some brands are more drying than others, and some may be quite abrasive. If you’ve got a tendency for dry skin anyway, and often see your dermatologist for this very reason, you may notice a sharp increase in the dryness and flakiness of your skin, as you are encouraged to wash your hands more with soaps.

If you suffer from patches of dry, flaking skin on your hands or face, you’ll notice it’s more frequent when the outside air is drier. Even indoors, if you don’t have a humidifier in your home, you may notice it happening more frequently. With current health regimes suggesting frequent handwashing is the way forward, looking after your hands by adopting an excellent hand care routine is something every dermatologist will be recommending this season.

Everyone from the World Health Organization to your local doctor is pushing for an increase in handwashing habits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. It’s no secret that there’s a link between handwashing and dry hands – any dermatologist you speak to will be able to attest to this, and also work with you to develop a skincare routine that suits your skin type.

Both liquid soaps and bars of soap can, unfortunately, have a drying effect on your skin, depending on their active ingredients. Pure soap is a mixture of salts and fatty acids. This caustic mix is capable of removing your skin’s protective acid layer, which can adversely affect the condition of your skin.

If you’ve got a pre-existing skin condition such as eczema, you may find that ‘normal’ soap is quite hard on your skin. Your Southlake, TX, dermatologist will be able to recommend softer varieties that are kinder to your skin – after all, looking after your skin is our profession! Handwashing choices can be very confusing when you don’t have access to a doctor to analyze your skin condition and recommend a suitable care regimen.

In a nutshell, both liquid and bar soaps do the same thing for normal skin. But if you’ve got sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness or reaction, your dermatologist may likely recommend avoidance of liquid soaps. Liquid soaps can have added preservatives, fragrances, and other ingredients that may act as allergens, making it harder for you to achieve soft, hydrated skin if your skin is in any way sensitive.

If you’re lucky enough to have hand sanitizers available, using these can be less drying than a soap and water routine if you find that soap and water are unavailable. Hand sanitizer can help to kill viruses on your skin, especially if it has a high alcohol percentage, making it the go-to choice in areas where reducing infection rates is critical, such as hospitals and other potentially crowded spots. However, if you do have sensitive skin to start with or you have a broken skin barrier, hand sanitizer is more of an irritant.

Whether you have dry, sensitive skin or not, including a moisturizer in your skincare routine will help to keep your skin in good condition. Dermatologists everywhere know that what you’re doing when you’re moisturizing is helping to restore the skin barrier, replacing your skin’s natural oils that might have been wiped away or destroyed by an excessive hand washing routine.

Looking after your hands can be as simple as introducing the right moisturizer. Three main types are available to choose from: lotions, creams, and ointments. Lotions are often sold in pump packs, often feel lighter and more absorbent than other types of moisturizer, and can avoid the greasy, sticky feeling. You’ll typically find creams sold in jars and tubes, and they can often feel heavier and oilier than lotions, but they do last longer on your skin. Another side effect of using cream is that your skin may feel slippery or sticky afterward – a complete opposite to the dry, flaky feeling you may experience with soaps.

Ointments are oil-based, tubed concoctions that are known for being the heaviest, greasiest option. If you have been recommended or prescribed an ointment to treat a skin condition or help your skin to feel less dry, it’s often best used before bed as you’ll not be using your hands for a while.

Every dermatologist will have their favorites. Everyday skincare routines that may be advised by your doctor include using a light moisturizing lotion throughout the day to avoid drying out or irritating your hands unnecessarily. In contrast, nightly hand care routines will usually include creams or ointments that will help your skin to repair overnight.

There are a few key ideas to keep in mind when choosing the right hand treatments to help avoid dry, irritated skin:

  • Don’t buy a fragranced moisturizer with essential oils if you can avoid it. The more ingredients a moisturizer has, the more likely it may include an allergen that can upset your skin further.

 

  • Try to avoid runny oils as these aren’t known for hydration.

 

  • Don’t share any moisturizers you do have with others, and only use your moisturizer after you have already washed your hands with your preferred soap or sanitizer.

 

  • If you notice your hands are becoming itchy or irritated, stop using the product, and try to speak to a dermatologist, doctor, or healthcare professional by phone, before turning up at your local office for an appointment.

While ongoing pandemics such as COVID-19 are in effect, Compassion Dermatology in Southlake, TX, offers revised patient guidelines. Product purchases are still available and can be processed by phone while you wait in your car. Payments can still be made online or over the phone. If you’re looking for a suitable hand care product, contact your dermatologist at Compassion to see what we’ve got in stock and what we can recommend to help you minimize the adverse effects of a repeated, aggressive hand washing routine.


Dermatologist: Handwashing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What You Need to Know | Southlake, TX

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With the globe locked in the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing has taken center stage like never before. The CDC says that washing the hands is one of the best and most effective means of preventing the spread of germs in your community. Let’s look at the CDC’s recommendations for handwashing and some advice from dermatologists on keeping your hands healthy despite frequent abuse from soap, water, and hand sanitizer.

When to Wash

The CDC says it is important to wash your hands before, during and after making food, prior to eating, and before and after providing care for a sick person. Additionally, take time to wash your hands before and after treating cuts, wounds, and scrapes, after toileting or diapering a baby, and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing. And don’t forget to give your hands a good scrub after touching animals or their food or waste.

How to Wash

The CDC outlines the best procedure for washing your hands:

  • Wet the hands with clean running water. Turn the tap off. Apply your choice of soap.

 

  • Rub the hands together to lather them; lather the entire hand, including the fingers and under the nails.

 

  • Take at least 20 seconds to scrub your hands. If there’s no timer available, hum “Happy Birthday” in its entirety twice before rinsing your hands with clear running water.

 

  • Air dry your hands or dry them with a clean towel.

If you’re using hand sanitizer instead, make sure it is at least 60% alcohol by content. Apply the product to your hand, and rub your hands, fingers, and nails for a minimum of 20 seconds.

Pitfalls of Frequent Handwashing

Even during normal times, your hands take a beating, according to dermatologists. Factor in the evolving COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, and you’ve got a recipe for dry, cracked, raw, and chapped hands due to all of the frequent hand-washing that health authorities recommend to reduce the viral spread and keep you, your families, and Southlake, TX, community safer from this unseen enemy lurking on every surface. Admittedly, dry hands are the least of our collective worries at the moment, but dermatologists warn that it is also important to keep the hands healthy, since chafing and cracking can make your skin more vulnerable to various infection types. It can also lead to the development of conditions like eczema.

The red, itchy, flaky, rash-laden hands that are prevalent in restaurant workers and health care employees are now being seen more and more in the general population as folks scramble to fight off coronavirus germs. Frequent washing of the hands and the application of hand sanitizers along with the use of solutions and wipes used to clean surfaces can really punish your hands. So what can you do to help your hands cope?

Choose a Mild Cleanser

You do not need industrial-strength or even antibacterial soap to clean your hands and remove bacteria and viruses, dermatologists advise. Look for cleansers (even those meant for the body or face) that are free from fragrances and marketed with words such as “sensitive,” “hydrating,” or “gentle.” Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less irritating to the hands than soap, says dermatologists, and they kill microbes on your skin without removing debris. The CDC warns that hand sanitizers are less effective than soap in cleaning the hands, but professionals say that it makes sense to use them sometimes, such as when you touch a door handle or other possibly contaminated surface.

Avoid Overly Hot Water

Your skin is a delicate organ, and your hands, although designed to withstand a lot, are not impervious to the abuse they go through. While it is almost instinctual to use the hottest water you can stand to try to remove potential pathogens, the CDC says that germ removal is not impacted by water temperature. Because of this, you don’t have to have overly hot water to wash your hands efficiently. Choose water that is at an ideal temperature for your personal tastes, keeping in mind that the hotter the water, the greater the drying impact on your hands.

Moisturize

Choose a fragrance-free lotion or hand cream to keep by your sink, and use it after each and every handwash. It will protect and soothe your skin to defend it against dryness and flaking. Before heading to bed each night, hydrate your hands to the max with our favorite lotion after cleansing them gently one last time for the day. Lotion should be applied while your hands are still moist and warm.

Protect Your Hands

When you’re outside in the cold, protect your hands with gloves or mittens. And don’t forget to wear gloves when you’re washing dishes or cleaning, especially when using cleaners that may irritate your condition further. This will reduce dryness and irritation.

Avoid Scratching

If the skin on your hands is dry, it’s natural to want to scratch it. However, doing so can make things worse. Dermatologists recommend over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream for those times when itching is bothersome. You can also go for an anti-itch relief lotion or a moisturizer that cools while it hydrates.

When To Call Your Dermatologist

If you find yourself unable to heal your dry or cracked hands at home, you may need to be seen by your Southlake, TX, dermatologist Compassion Dermatology. There are several medicinal creams and ointments available to make your hands feel better, including topical steroid creams such as betamethasone or clobetasol. There are also nonsteroidal options, including creams like Elidel and ointments containing crisaborole. Your dermatologist can also evaluate your hands to determine if frequent hand washing is truly the culprit of your dry, chapped hands. Eczema, nerve injuries, underlying health problems, and reactions to medications may also be to blame.


How Seeing a Dermatologist Benefits You | Southlake, TX

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Clean, clear skin is radiant. It glows. It helps you maintain a youthful appearance and gives you the assuredness you need to go after your dreams. When you take time to care for your skin, it shows. Like any other part of your body, the more attention you give to it, the better it cooperates with you.

This guide helps you better understand the role a dermatologist plays in your life. It allows you to see the benefits of good skincare. It also makes it easier for you to know the value that paying a professional to look at your skin provides.

We’ll start by telling you exactly why dermatologists are essential healthcare providers in communities such as Southlake, TX.

Why Seeing a Dermatologist Is Important

Of all the different healthcare professionals that you can visit, a dermatologist is among the most important. They can diagnose your skin issue and get you the help that you need once and for all. Making it a point to visit a skin doctor regularly allows you to get to the root cause of your acne or eczema and clear it up before it has a chance to worsen.

Here is how seeing a dermatologist benefits you:

  • By addressing the root problem of your issue. Behind every skin condition is its source. A dermatologist plays a detective by learning more about your health, medical history, and lifestyle to see what could be contributing to the problem with your skin. They may run some tests to see if any imbalances or allergies are causing your problem. Once they identify the issue, they’re able to give you a thorough diagnosis and treatment options. You’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of each to finally agree on the way to care for your skin that feels good to you.

 

  • By providing you with good skincare tips that don’t further irritate acne or other skin-related issues. A dermatologist knows a lot about the skin and how it reacts to its environment. As the body’s largest organ, it shows stress in many ways. It can be a breakout or patch of dry, itchy skin. Whatever the case may be, you’ll be more aware of what could potentially happen to you thanks to the tips your skin doctor provided you with during your last visit. You can share what you’ve learned with other people in your life experiencing problems with their skin.

 

  • By helping you establish a relationship with a professional who can help you for years. Seeing a dermatologist for years prevents further problems from disrupting your skin’s delicate balance. It allows the doctor to see their solutions in action and how well they work for you. If you need to make changes to the medication you take or the diet that you follow, you’ll learn about them through the continued visits you have with your dermatologist.

 

  • By correcting hormonal imbalances. Too much or too little of certain hormones can cause the skin to break out. It’s especially true for women during their menstrual cycles. An increase in reproductive hormones can make their skin look terrible. If you notice that you have breakouts during your period, it’s due to too much estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. You can learn new and improved ways to deal with hormone imbalances, so they happen less frequently.

 

  • By changing your diet to include more skin cleansing foods and beverages. Certain foods and beverages are better than others for cleansing the skin. For example, water is absolutely necessary for flushing out impurities. It helps move lymph fluid, which carries out all the yucky toxins that build up in the body. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also very cleansing. Refraining from eating processed foods and drinking sugary beverages can help your skin clear up naturally.

When your skin looks clean and clear, something changes inside of you. You’re more confident about your appearance and have higher self-esteem because of it. Your self-confidence skyrockets and you’re able to do many of the things you didn’t think you were capable of doing before. That means that you’re ready to live your best life without a skin problem getting in the way of your happiness.

Developing an Excellent Skin Care Routine

An excellent skincare routine prevents toxins from your environment and processed foods from your diet from wreaking havoc on your skin. It proves to you that a little extra TLC can clear up skin conditions and boost your self-esteem. It also allows you to prevent the signs of aging more effectively by being hyper-vigilant about the different things that cause premature aging.

There are many things you can do to care for your skin. For example, investing in all-natural skincare products helps tremendously. A good cleanser with a gentle exfoliant, moisturizer, and eye cream are necessities.

So is a sunscreen with SPF protection. You should wear the product year-round, even during the winter for the best results. Spending too much time in the sun without sun protection can cause a sunburn, which is an extreme inflammatory response.

Avoiding touching, picking, and squeezing your face is extra important. You put bacteria into your skin every time that you do. Instead, you’ll learn better ways of addressing skin problems that don’t involve torturing your body or making a small problem grow in size.

Why Book an Appointment with Compassion Dermatology?

We’re named Compassion Dermatology for a reason! We treat our patients with the utmost respect at all times. That’s why they continue seeing us for years after their initial appointment. We build trust and maintain it through our caring, compassionate dermatology services. We’re a name that Southlake, TX residents -know and trust.

To set up an appointment with us, call 817-380-5911. You can also contact us at Compassion Dermatology. If you’d rather set up an appointment online through our website, you’re welcome to choose that option, too. We make caring for your skin effortless.


How Compassion Dermatology Can Change Your Life | Southlake Area

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Have you ever stopped to think about how one action can significantly impact your life for the better? If you’ve been experiencing embarrassment and shame concerning the condition of your skin, it’s time to do something about it. With the help of Compassion Dermatology, you can start to develop healthier habits concerning the treatment of your face and body.

As part of your self-care routine, you should locate a dermatologist practice in the Southlake area to visit regularly. That way, your skin is as healthy as the rest of your body. Finding a professional who can address your concerns thoroughly is ideal because it allows you to heal faster.

Below, you’ll find many reasons to see a dermatologist. Each is compelling enough to get you to set up an appointment today. If you needed an extra push to visit a skin doctor, know that many people feel as apprehensive as you do when they first visit a professional. Once you get past your first appointment, however, you’ll realize that you should have visited a dermatology office sooner.

Change Your Life by Seeing a Dermatologist Regularly

A dermatologist can be a great help when you’re experiencing a skin condition that you have yet to diagnose. If you’ve been to your primary care physician in the Southlake area and they recommended you to see a specialist that deals with dermatology, it’s because the skin doctor possesses greater knowledge about the body’s biggest organ than they do.

Here are some of the ways that Compassion Dermatology can change your life:

  • By properly diagnosing the skin condition that you’re experiencing. Knowing what your issue is helps you come up with a course of action that best addresses your needs. Rather than spend time looking up your symptoms online, you’re able to have a dermatologist diagnose your condition properly after doing a thorough exam and running tests. There will be no more guessing involved. Instead, you’ll know what to tell other people about your skin when they ask. You’ll be able to take a more proactive approach to caring for yourself when you know what to call the skin problem that you’ve been experiencing.
  • By offering treatment options that meet your unique needs. Once you receive a diagnosis for your skin condition, it’s time to come up with ways to treat it. In some cases, there are many options to choose from. Selecting the one that is the easiest for you to implement is ideal. It accounts for your unique needs. That way, you see the most satisfying results from the dermatology treatment that you sought. Since everyone’s skin and lifestyle differ, having a unique plan for treating yours is imperative.
  • By giving you greater self-confidence with your clearer skin. Feeling good about yourself is imperative. When your skin looks and feels great, you will, too. Your self-confidence soars when you have a chance to heal. The dermatology clinic that you go to knows that a result of a treatment is an increase in happiness with one’s self. If you’ve been hiding away because of a skin condition, don’t worry. You’ll likely feel much better about how you look once you’ve seen a Compassion Dermatology professional.
  • By ruling out skin diseases through testing. A skin condition can indicate a far bigger problem. The dermatologist that you work with will rule out diseases of the skin through tests. They will make sure that the moles that you have on your body aren’t cancerous. The professional takes the time to see if there are other tests you need to rule out skin diseases that could potentially harm your health. Dermatology services are a real asset because of the valuable insight they provide to you when battling skin issues.

There are many benefits to visiting a dermatologist in the Southlake area regularly. Not only will it help you start taking action in treating your skin better, but it also enables you to eliminate some of the habits that contribute to your skin condition. You’ll feel a boost in self-confidence because you’ll look and feel the way that you always hoped you would, free from blemishes and painful irritation.

Having a professional that you can trust with your skin is ideal. It’s something that many people don’t think of doing until they’re in absolute need of a dermatologist’s assistance. By going to Compassion Dermatology regularly, you can avoid many of the severe skin conditions that people develop due to allergies, environmental factors, diet, and the medications they take.

Developing the Right Skincare Routine to Meet Your Needs

A regular skincare routine can help you take better care of your skin regularly. It can minimize the appearance of acne and blemishes by clearing them up. Drinking lots of water is essential, too, as it flushes out impurities naturally. Speaking to a professional about developing a routine is very important.

When you come to your appointments, you’ll have the opportunity to do so. You’ll be able to speak to the dermatologist about the different ways to integrate healthier habits into your routine. You’ll begin to see the benefits of doing so with each follow-up appointment you make with the clinic. Clearer, healthier skin awaits you at a clinic full of caring, compassionate professionals that want you to thrive.

Set Up an Appointment with Compassion Dermatology Today

A professional in the Southlake area addresses your skin concerns. They get to the root of the problem so they can offer the best solutions available to meet your needs. When you visit Compassion Dermatology, you gain access to the best dermatologists in the area. You’ll be able to heal the skin condition that you’re experiencing in record time with their help.

Contact us today to experience greater relief from your issue. The number to reach us at is 817-380-5911. Set up an appointment so we can see your skin in person and come up with the best treatment option for you. You shouldn’t hurt or hide your body because of a rash or mole.


8 Skincare Dos and Don’ts | Insight from Your Trusted Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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The path to clear, smooth, healthy glowing skin begins and ends with following a few, simple dos and don’ts. For the best skin results, follow these steps from your Southlake, TXdermatologist.

Do Remove Makeup Daily

Yes—It’s been a long day, and the last thing on your mind is cleaning your face. However, the worst thing you can do to your skin is sleep with a thick layer of concealer, foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, blush, lip liner, and lipstick still coating your face.

Your makeup picks up contaminants, such as the dirt and oil that your face encounters throughout your day. As these build up, they clog your skin’s pores, leading to acne outbreaks and blackheads. If removing your makeup nightly and still developing acne, contact your dermatologist for an exam.

Do Exfoliate Regularly 

Removing makeup and washing daily isn’t enough to keep your skin’s pores from clogging up with oil and dead skin cells. Weekly or twice-weekly physical or chemical exfoliation gives your face an extra cleansing and helps reduce acne and blackheads. It also improves your skin’s softness and glows. If you have sensitive skin or find it red and puffy following twice-weekly exfoliating, consider only doing it once per week and for further concerns, contact your Southlake, TXdermatologist.

Do Wash Twice Daily 

Get up in the morning and lightly wash away any oil or dirt accumulating from the night before. There’s no need to scrub or irritate your skin, use warm water and a cleanser, especially if you exfoliated the night before. At night, use a makeup remover and cream cleanser to clean away your long day, unclog pores, and prevent blackhead and acne outbreaks. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend the right face and body wash for your skin type.

Do Wear Sunscreen 

The sun is one of the biggest influences on our skin. While the warmth can feel great on the surface, too much can damage it and lead to greater consequences from exposure—skin cancer. The ultraviolet rays can penetrate cloud cover and even car, home, and office building windows. To prevent sun damage, always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapply it every two to four hours when your outside.

Additionally, consider wearing a hat to protect your scalp from sunburns. For concerns about sun exposure and burns, including suspected sun allergies, contact your Southlake, TXdermatologist, and schedule the next available exam.

Don’t Skip the Moisturizers 

After a long day in the sun, exfoliating, or removing makeup at the end of the day, massage your face and body with a thick, creamy moisturizer to rehydrate your skin. Exposure to daily elements, certain activities such as swimming, and aging zap the moisture skin. A quality moisturizer, especially one with anti-aging and wrinkle care components, can help rejuvenate it. If you have questions or concerns about dry, red, and itchy skin, call your dermatology specialist today to arrange an appointment.

Don’t Pick or Pop Zits

Yes, Dr. Pimple Popper does this for a living. However, only a dermatologist has the training and knowledge to pop zits without leading to an even worse outbreak or causing scarring. Popping pimples will leave a scab and if you keep picking at that scab, it will leave behind scars. Additionally, if you do this with papules or pustules without whiteheads, it can make the skin in the area swell, turn red, and even hurt. You can also develop severe skin conditions, such as acne cysts.

If you’re lucky enough to avoid more serious skin lesions, popping zits can cause the area of your skin to have a darker pigment, requiring additional treatment or makeup to cover different skin tones. Instead, use over-the-counter acne treatments, including products that spot treat pimples. For problems with scarring or if you think you’ve developed acne cysts, contact your dermatology specialist for an immediate appointment.

Don’t Forget to Wash Your Pillowcases 

You may not think about it, but changing your sheets and pillowcases are essential to keep your skin clean, clear, and acne-free. For the best results, change the pillow covering every three to four days. Any leftover dirt and oil still on your face when you go to bed ends up on your pillowcase. For people with acne-prone skin, consider changing it daily.

The material and the detergent you use to wash it also count. Look for cotton pillowcases instead of synthetic materials because it’s more breathable and better for reducing acne outbreaks. If you have sensitive skin, stick to fragrance-free laundry detergent and line-dry them to avoid irritating your face. You can get more help with skin sensitivity issues from your local, dermatologist.

Don’t Skip Yearly Dermatology Exams

Your annual doctor’s reviews should extend to your dermatologist as well as your primary care provider. At the appointment, they will examine your skin from the scalp to the tips of your fingers and toes, looking for unusual spots and changes in moles and other places on your body. In addition to the head-to-toe review, they may use a dermatoscope to get a closer examination of moles and other areas of your skin.

Patients with a history of cancer or a family history of melanoma might undergo more extensive screenings of the lymphatic regions. Although some checks may seem intrusive, it’s important to understand that skin cancer can develop in areas not exposed to the sun regularly, such as the soles of the feet and in inside regions of the arms and legs.

Use these steps daily to reduce acne breakouts, dry, painful skin, and keep it soft and glowing. If you have further concerns about your skincare routine or new acne or skin conditions that form or won’t go away, contact Compassion Dermatology, your Southlake, TX dermatologist, for the next available appointment.


Choosing the Right Dermatologist for You | Southlake, TX

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Exposure to sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer. This is relatively common knowledge, but skin is exposed to sunlight almost every day. People often forget sunscreen, and the sunny climate in Southlake, TX encourages outdoor activities.

Small growths on the skin are a common occurrence, but they should not be ignored. Consult a dermatologist to make sure growths are not cancerous. Dermatologists may recommend removal of benign growths to prevent skin cancer in the future.

Blue Light Therapy

Photodynamic, or blue-light, therapy is a medical treatment involving a photosensitizing molecule activated by light exposure. Dermatologists use blue light therapy regularly, and it is also used in oncology, cosmetic surgery, oral medicine, and ophthalmology.

Dermatologists in Southlake, TXuse photodynamic therapy, PDT, to remove actinic keratosis and other superficial skin lesions. The procedure reduces the risk of developing skin cancer in the future. PDT is not appropriate for people with light-sensitive medical conditions.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, are small, scaly bumps on the skin. Lesions occur on skin that is frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, head, forearms, lips, and hands. The bumps range can be as
small as a pinhead or grow to one inch across. Dermatologists remove these lesions because approximately 10% of precancerous keratosis become a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

People that spend a lot of time outdoors have a higher risk of developing actinic keratosis. Certain physical characteristics are associated with increased risk, including fair skin, red or blond hair, and gray, blue, or green eyes. People with dark complexions are also susceptible, especially if they spend time outside without appropriate sunscreen or protective clothing.

Levulan and BLU-U

Levulan Kerastick is a type of topical solution used with a BLU-U Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Illuminator to perform photodynamic therapy. BLU-U does not emit UVA or UVB light. It works best for thin to moderately thick actinic kerosesis on the face and scalp.

The chemical solution applied to skin contains aminolevulinic acid. Photodynamic therapy, PDT, works because aminolevulinic acid reacts to the wavelength of blue light. Actinic keratosis weakens skin at lesion sites.

The weakened skin absorbs the chemical solution. Blue light hits aminolevulinic acid in the skin, and the reaction creates oxygen radicals that destroy cancerous or precancerous cells in the treated area.

PDT Procedure

Tell dermatologists in Southlake, TX if you are taking any oral medications or medication applied to the scalp before treatment begins. Wash the treatment area and gently pat dry. Do not apply lotions or moisturizer before the procedure.

Dermatologists apply a light-sensitizing chemical solution to skin in the target area. The length of time between solution application and blue light exposure is called the incubation period. Patients sit in a darkened room during the incubation period, which is approximately an hour for most procedures. Treated skin is exposed to blue light for approximately 17 minutes.

Some people feel a prickling or burning sensation during treatment, but this usually fades within a minute after light exposure ends. Only 3% of people in PDT treatment studies chose to discontinue treatment due to discomfort.
Solar keratosis usually heal within a week after treatment.

Side Effects and Aftercare

Many people experience sensitivity to sunlight for a short time after skin is exposed to blue light. Bring a hat, umbrella, or other protective clothing or
accessories to the appointment to avoid sun exposure on the way home.

Shield skin from sunlight or limit time outside to avoid exposure to bright lights for 24 to 48 hours. Sunscreen may not be sufficient to protect skin from photosensitivity to visible light during this time.

Do not expose the treated lesions to sunlight or any bright lights for at least 40 hours after the chemical solution was applied. This includes household lights at close range. Sensitivity to light is only temporary and depends on the length of treatment. PDT does not cause permanent or ongoing light sensitivity.

The most common side effects of PDT include skin discoloration, crusts or scaling over the destroyed lesions, and a slight itching, stinging, or burning sensation. Redness, swelling, and scaling may occur in the treated area immediately after treatment. These side effects usually subside within a few days and resolve completely within 4 weeks.

Liquid Nitrogen and Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a traditional treatment that was first used over 100 years ago. Dermatologists use liquid nitrogen for cryosurgery to remove skin lesions such as precancerous growths, cancer, skin cancer, dysplastic moles, warts, and some skin cancers such as melanoma. Liquid nitrogen may be used to remove actinic keratosis as well.

Procedure and Side Effects

Cryosurgery works best on skin without thick hair cover. Liquid nitrogen is applied with a cotton-tipped dipstick or with spraying equipment. Both methods are fairly simple and effective for benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions.

Spray methods include timed spot freeze technique, the paintbrush method, and rotary or spiral patterns. Possible side effects, including bleeding, blister formation, headache, hair loss, or loss of skin pigmentation. These effects are usually very mild.

Cryosurgery vs PDT

Dermatologists perform cryosurgery and PDT as outpatient procedures without using injectable anesthesia. Cryosurgery has a very low risk of infection. Risk of infection is so low it is not listed as a possible side effect of PDT.

PDT only involves two steps and the procedure is completed within 24 hours. Patients experience very little downtime. There are no prescriptions to fill, and no need to remember a daily medication. Cryosurgery is often completed in 15 to 25 minutes. PDT requires more of a time investment, but it is still less than a day.

Blue light therapy is very flexible. People choose to have only a few lesions treated or treat several areas at once. The size of the treatment area is the most significant difference between cryosurgery and PDT.

Cryosurgery only treats a very small area with each application. It is usually targeted at only one growth at a time. PDT can be used over large areas. The dermatologists and professional staff at Compassion Dermatology in Southlake, TX advise clients and help them choose the most appropriate procedure.