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, TX, dermatologist.

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, TX, dermatologist.

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, TX, dermatologist, 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.

Common Skin Problems Your Dermatologist Can Help | Southlake, TX

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Healthy skin is not just a matter of personal appearance. The skin is a very important part of the immune system. It is the barrier protecting the rest of the body from pathogens, allergens, and pollution in the environment. Skincare routines need to remove dirt, toxins, sweat, oil, and everything else that accumulates on skin throughout the day in Southlake, TX.

The tricky part is removing all of the substances that build up on skin without harming delicate cells or disturbing the skin’s natural pH balance. An appointment with a dermatologist is a great way to establish a healthy skin care routine and identify any potential problems.

Unhealthy Skin Care Habits

Many factors affect skin health and increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin ages prematurely as the effects of poor skincare build up over time. Going to bed without removing cosmetics is a common habit that damages skin.

Cosmetics clog pores and irritate skin when they remain on the face for hours overnight. They also trap dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants against the skin. Mascara and other eye makeup can scratch the eyes during sleep and create a breeding ground for bacteria that cause eye infections. Remove makeup with a gentle cleanser before bed, even if a shower or bath is out of the question until morning.

Hot showers and baths irritate skin and exacerbate any existing skin conditions. The hot water removes natural oils that protect skin and keep it hydrated. Red skin is a clear indication that water is too hot. Skin develops red coloration in hot water because epidermal cells are damaged and inflamed.

Keep showers short, and make sure the water temperature is warm and comfortable instead of hot. Apply a high quality moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock moisture into skin cells. A knowledgeable dermatologist can recommend appropriate cleansers and moisturizers to help damaged skin cells heal and prevent damage in the future.

Each skin type requires different care. People with oily skin often believe that scrubbing their faces with strong soaps is beneficial. They are actually making the problem worse. Friction from scrubbing damages skin and lets irritants from the soap into exposed areas. Irritation triggers even more oil production because the skin is trying to protect itself.

Never scrub skin forcefully with a washcloth, loofah, or other bathing accessories. Use an oil-free cleanser with warm water and rub a soft cloth gently in circular motions. Excessive oil production could be a response to an underlying problem. Consult a dermatologist if skin seems to produce more oil than usual over an extended period.

People with dry skin in Southlake, TX, often experience flaking, irritation, and dull or discolored areas on the face. Heavy cleansers and moisturizers are not always effective remedies. The first step in relieving dry skin is keeping the body hydrated. Dry skin may be a sign of consistent dehydration or a nutritional deficiency. A dermatologist helps clients identify causes of dry skin and their corresponding solutions.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to sunlight poses a significant threat to overall health. The sun’s ultraviolet rays damage skin cells and increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Melanin in the epidermis, or the skin’s outer layer, provides protection from UV radiation, but this protection can be overwhelmed with consistent exposure. A sun burn occurs when UV radiation damages or kills skin cells.

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside in Southlake, TX. Visit a dermatologist for a skin evaluation on a regular basis to detect early warning signs of possible cancer or damage to the skin in general. Medical professionals can recommend appropriate sunscreen.

Consult a Dermatologist for Acne

Acne is one of the most commonly reported skin care problems. Most acne outbreaks occur on the face, back, and shoulders, although they can appear anywhere on the body. Some myths concerning the causes of acne still persist. Common myths claim that chocolate, greasy food, or sugary snacks cause acne. Refusing to eat certain foods will not have any effect on acne. A dermatologist can explain the real causes of acne and help client’s separate myths from facts.

There are several causes of acne. Sebaceous glands produce a slightly oily substance called sebum that protects skin cells and retains moisture. Acne, including ‘whiteheads’ and ‘blackheads,’ occurs when blocked pores in the skin accumulate sebum, dead skin cells, and contaminants from the air and environment.

Sweat and dirt can clog pores after outdoor activities during warm days in Southlake, TX. Blocked hair follicles can also fill up with hair, oil, and dirt. Sometimes blocked follicles lead to ingrown hair. Infection occurs when bacteria enter blocked pores and hair follicles.

Cystic acne is a painful condition characterized by swelling and inflammation. Sometimes individual blemishes in cystic acne outbreaks are called ‘blind pimples’ because the sore, infected ‘pimple’ seems to be under the skin. “Popping” cystic acne blemishes is rarely beneficial.

Cystic acne is almost always caused by a bacterial infection. The infection can spread deep into the dermis, or the layers of skin underneath epidermal cells. Successfully ‘popping’ a blemish releases infectious fluid and spreads the bacteria to new areas.

Squeezing or poking cystic acne can also damages tissues and generate scar tissue because significant force is necessary to expel fluid from deep layers of the dermis. A needle or other sharp object damages tissue and creates a wound in the epidermis that lets more bacteria reach the infected area.

Mild cleansers are best during an active acne breakout. Use caution with over-the-counter acne relief products. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals or exfoliators that damage sensitive skin. Consult a dermatologist for help with cystic acne and any type of acne that occurs repeatedly.

An appointment with Compassion Dermatology in the Southlake, TX area, when acne breakouts first appear can save clients a great deal of time and aggravation. Many people with acne notice improvement within days of receiving appropriate medications from a dermatologist.

7 Skincare Routines for Aging Gracefully | Tips from Your Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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Everyone ages at a different pace. However, there are some steps you can take to slow down the process, such as following a strict skincare routine. Below are suggestions from Dermatologists in Southlake, TX, on how to keep your skin soft, healthy and glowing as you grow older.

Start Each Day with a Facial Cleanser

No matter your age, starting each day cleansing your face is essential to remove dirt, oils, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, acne breakouts, and even infections. Depending on your skin tone, it can increase oil production or lead to dry skin that’s itchy, red, and flakey. Additionally, the other products you may use in the morning and throughout the day, such as moisturizers, eye care solutions, and blemish creams can’t penetrate your skin and won’t be effective.

Also, consider using cream-style facial cleansers as you age to reduce moisture loss that occurs with more traditional, foaming ones. This type helps rehydrate your face for a more soothing feel and fresher appearance. For questions about how to improve your skincare routine, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.

Exfoliate Regularly

It would be best if you used an exfoliating cleanser at least once a week to clean any excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that are on your face will clog pores. Another option is to use a physical exfoliator, such as clothes or facial exfoliating devices that gently clear the skin. As with regular cleansing, regular exfoliation allows moisturizers and other skin products to penetrate the top layer of skin and work deeper for better results.

Never exfoliate more than twice a week, especially if you have sensitive skin. Too much can leave your face red, raw, and painful to the touch. It can also leave you more susceptible to infections. If you develop these symptoms after exfoliating, contact a dermatologist, immediately.

Follow-up Cleansing with a Toner

Wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and skin imperfections increase as we age, which is why an extra cleansing step with a toner is vital before piling on the moisturizers. Toners grab the last of the dirt, oils, and makeup that cleaning may have missed, and helps restore your skin’s pH balance. Plus, when you grab every last speck of foreign contaminants from your face, it further reduces acne outbreaks.

When choosing a toner, pay attention to your skin type. If you experience regular acne flare-ups, pick one that’s alcohol-free but still offers alpha hydroxy acid, which is beneficial for skin, but won’t irritate it. To find out what toner and other facial products work best for your skin, schedule an exam today with your dermatologist.

Moisturize

After scrubbing, cleansing, exfoliating, and using toner, your face needs moisturizer. When applying moisturizer to your face, continue down your neck and chest area—Unless you live in turtlenecks, these areas are also visible, experience as much exposure to the elements as your face, and need cleansing and moisture along with the rest of your body. Additionally, you want these areas to have the same skin tone as your face. If your skin is excessively dry, there may be an underlying condition, and it’s essential to see a Southlake, TX, dermatologist as soon as possible.

Add a Serum

You should also bring a serum into your daily routine after 40. These lightweight moisturizers dive deeper into your skin than traditional moisturizers and can serve different purposes depending on the ingredients. For example,

  • Anti-Inflammatories, such as arnica (a type of mushroom extract), zine (mineral), aloe vera and goldenseal (plant extracts) offer neutralizing properties to reduce redness and prevent cell damage from inflammation
  • Antioxidants, including vitamin C, grape seed extract, and pomegranate extract help protect your skin from environmental damages like sun, which also increases signs of aging
  • Hydrators, such as amino acids, essential fatty acids, and ceramides strengthen barriers that breakdown faster as you age and lead to excessive dryness and fine lines in the skin

For questions about different serums for your skin, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. They may recommend specific products for your tone and skin type.

Use a Targeted Eye Treatment

One of the facial areas that ages the fastest are around the eyes. Eye creams are thicker, add more moisture, and help reduce those fine lines that accompany the aging process. Ones that contain collagen can help improve the skin’s elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes or crows’ feet, which is the popular term. If you’re concerned about lines around your eyes, dark circles, or puffiness that’s not improving with over-the-counter treatments, contact your dermatologist in Southlake, TX, to schedule an exam.

Always Remove Makeup at Night

Next to not cleaning your face in the morning or skimping and even skipping the moisturizers, the most significant skincare mistake is sleeping in makeup. When you don’t remove makeup, it increases the buildup on your face and within pores, worsening acne and making it harder to clean from your face in the morning.

Use a Nightly Wrinkle Cream

Aging and wrinkles go together, but you can reduce their appearance with a nightly wrinkle cream. However, it’s important to remember that without the other steps, cleaning, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing, adding a wrinkle cream, no matter how expensive, won’t stop or reduce wrinkles. For concerns about wrinkles, speak with your dermatologist.

Try a Weekly Face Mask

While it’s not essential or as crucial as the other steps in your regiment, a weekly face mask can reduce the signs of aging, hydrate your skin more, and be incredibly relaxing for you. There are many types to choose from that carry a variety of additional benefits, such as,

  • Brightening
  • Clay or Charcoal to remove excess oils
  • Peels to remove facial residue and dead skin cells

You can get more skincare tips and help with selecting products that work and will reduce the signs of aging by speaking to your Southlake, TX, dermatologist.

Contact Compassion Dermatology at 817-380-5911 or schedule an appointment online with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, for a routine, comprehensive exam, or any problems or concerns about your skin.

Benefits of Exfoliating for Men and Women | Tips from Your Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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There are several steps you can take to keep your skin clear, smooth, and looking younger, even if you’re already seeing a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. Along with cleaning, moisturizing, and minimizing sun exposure, exfoliation is a safe, easy face and body care step that promotes healthier and happier skin with a natural glow.

You can exfoliate your face and body using manual tools, such as an abrasive cloth or sponge, with enzymes, and with chemical-based products. For questions on which of these methods is best for your skin type, consult with a dermatologist.

CLEARS PORES 

You have small holes all over your skin to release oil and sweat. The problem is these tiny openings clog with dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and debris from various environmental factors. When pores fill up, it can cause whiteheads, blackheads, and dreaded outbreaks of acne. Slow cellular turnover can increase the rate of clogs, which occurs from excess stress, an unhealthy diet, and poor skincare.

If this continues to occur, speak with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, to see if there are other solutions to reduce buildup. For specific locations, such as the chin or around the nose, there are different removal methods and products they can recommend.

REDUCES ACNE

When done correctly, removing dead skin cells and keeping your pores clear with exfoliation can reduce acne outbreaks. It’s essential to pay attention to your skin type and only exfoliate accordingly. For example, if you have sensitive skin, don’t scrub too long and limit this step in your skincare routine to once or twice a week. Many products use salicylic acid, which is excellent for clearing acne but can cause irritation for people with sensitivities.

If your skin continues to look red and puffy following a reduction in exfoliating, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. After the acne clears, they can recommend a less abrasive exfoliator for sensitive skin.

EVENS SKIN TONE

Your outer layer of skin can vary in the shade even when your face is clean because of those clogged pores and excess dead skin cells. As people age, their skin produces less oil, leaving it drier, leading to more dead skin cells. These also cause the skin to look dull and lackluster, even after a full night’s sleep and with a healthy diet. Regular exfoliation rejuvenates the skin, making it glow and reducing signs of aging.

Patients with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis experience cell build-up at younger ages and their symptoms can worsen as they age. For help with products specific to these diseases, set up an exam to speak with your dermatologist.

IMPROVES MOISTURE ABSORPTION

When you clear away the dead cells and other dirt and oils clogging pores, your skin’s moisture absorption rate increases. The dead cells act as a barrier, blocking your skin’s ability to breathe, rejuvenate with moisture, and providing the conditions for acne and infections.

Additionally, improving absorption rates also enhances the effectiveness of skincare products. For questions on other ways to increase the efficacy, consult with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

SOOTHES SKIN

You want your skin to be soft and touchable from your face to your toes. Between weather and aging, this isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Regular exfoliation in your skincare routine can help soften even the most hardened skin. Use manual or chemical methods depending on your skin type, and if you have any concerns, contact your dermatologist.

Another way to keep skin smooth and improve moisture is to increase your water intake. Hydration can help your skin glow and for fewer trips to the bathroom, use a humidifier, avoid products that have alcohol, especially deodorant and soap.

BOOSTS CIRCULATION AND LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Exfoliating your skin regularly can help detoxify through the increase in circulation and promotes lymph drainage. This ancient technique is a form of Ayurveda medicine that removes dead cells and allows the skin to breathe, absorb moisture, and expel toxins through the body’s pores. For questions about boosting circulation through exfoliation, contact a dermatologist for an appointment.

REDUCES SKIN INFECTIONS

People that neglect skincare can develop serious inflammatory skin conditions that are both embarrassing and painful. More specifically, if you don’t wash certain areas, especially with some vigor, the dead cells that clog pores and cause pimples and other outbreaks just build up on the skin causing scaly, dark patches containing oil, moisture, dirt, sweat, bacteria, and other germs and environmental items. If this buildup gets into a cut or other open sore, it can cause dangerous bacterial infections.

Patients that have very sensitive skin and avoid cleaning all or specific areas of their face or body should schedule an immediate exam with a dermatologist that can help them reduce discomfort and get their skin, happy, healthy, and glowing again with the right care products.

On the other end of the spectrum, over-exfoliating your skin can be just as dangerous as avoiding the task. This can lead to at bare minimum, irritated skin that’s red, puffy, and painful to severe infections and even scarring from too much scrubbing or use of chemical exfoliators. To avoid this situation, don’t exfoliate daily. If you find yourself getting red and puffy, stop entirely and speak with a dermatologist.

Exfoliation is an essential skincare step for people of all ages. By perfecting this part of your routine, it’s possible to reduce acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, as well as improve your skin’s appearance and texture and minimize lines and other signs of aging.

Contact Compassion Dermatology today at 817-380-5911 or schedule an appointment online to keep your skin healthy, moist, and glowing year-round with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.

All About Skin Care | Tips from Your Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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Concocted “Facts” About Skin Care

There are a lot of things that are considered “common information” about skin care that are actually myths and concocted “facts” that are not true. If you are receiving treatment from a dermatologist in Southlake, TX they can also debunk these myths for you. In this post, I am going to share with you some of these “facts” that are believed about skin care.

  1. The Right Skin Cream Can Prevent Your Skin from Aging: There are many skin care products on the market that claim to slow down or stop the process of aging. A lot of products that are sold over-the-counter have Retin-A in them (which is known to reduce wrinkling). Your dermatologist will also tell you that the best way to keep your skin from wrinkling is to not smoke and to use sunscreen.
  2. Antibacterial Soap Cleans Your Skin the Best: Skin typically has bacteria on it. It is basically impossible to keep bacteria off of your skin for any amount of time. In fact, a lot of experts are concerned that regularly using antibacterial soap can cause more antibiotic-resistant bacteria to appear on the body. They say that this type of soap should not be used on a daily basis. Regular and thorough washing of hands and not antibacterial soap is what will help prevent the spread of infections.
  3. Eating Chocolate or Foods with Oil in Them Causes Acne: Any dermatologist will tell you that the oily substance called sebum is one of the causes of acne. They will also tell you that there is no clear evidence to prove that any certain type of food will cause acne.
  4. Tanning is Not Good for You:  Spending a large amount of time in the sun or in a tanning booth may increase the risk of getting skin cancer. The risk of skin cancer is largely connected with how much time you spend in the sun and how often you get a sunburn. Excessive tanning can also cause harm to the skin, which can cause it to wrinkle and age before it should. If you have any questions about tanning and its effects on your skin, you should absolutely talk to your dermatologist. However, getting a gradual or light tan from ongoing, but careful sun exposure is not harmful to the skin. As long as you are putting precautions into play (such as using a sunscreen that has at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least thirty, applying it thoroughly, regularly reapplying it (every thirty minutes), and not being outside during peak exposure times, a light tan with no signs of burns on the skin is nothing to be concerned about.
  5. Tanning is Good for You: A lot of people believe that if a person has a dark tan, that they are very healthy. Any dermatologist will tell you that people that have pale skin are not any less healthy than a person who has a dark tan. Being out in the sun does have a benefit to the skin though. Sunlight activates Vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D keeps the bones strong, may lower the chances of getting some types of cancer, and can also strengthen the immune system. Depending on how much Vitamin D you consume through what you eat and drink, not being out in the sun enough can increase the risk of a person not having enough Vitamin D in their system.
  6. If You Cross Your Legs, You Will Get Varicose Veins: There are many things that can cause varicose veins. Any dermatologist will tell you that crossing your legs will not cause them. Genetics is one of the most important factors-an estimated eighty percent of people with varicose veins has a parent that has varicose veins. Other things that make a person more likely to get varicose veins are smoking, not being active, having a baby, being overweight, and having a job that requires them to stand on their feet a lot.
  7. The higher the SPF a Sunscreen Has, The Better: Once it gets to a certain level, a higher sun protection factor (SPF) does not have any better sun protection that a sunscreen with a lower SPF. Experts (like a dermatologist) usually recommend using a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, which blocks out 97% of UVB radiation (which is ideal for hot Texas towns like Southlake, TX) It definitely would be worth using a sunscreen with a higher SPF if you are planning to be out of doors for at least two to three hours, especially during the hours of peak sun exposure (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). However, using a sunscreen with a higher SPF is usually not necessary.
  8. A Scar That Can Hardly Be Seen is The Sign of a Good Surgeon: The true skill of a good doctor (like a dermatologist) is proven by what they in between the time that they make the incision and the time that they close it after surgery. While surgeons regularly pay a lot of attention to incision that are on their patients faces by using thinner sutures, putting the stitches closer together (when that is possible) whether or not you have a post-surgical scar tells you very little about how good your surgeon is.
  9. Scalp Massages Can Prevent Baldness: There is no evidence that scalp massages prevent baldness.

Now that you know some of the “facts” that have been concocted about skin care, you can properly take care of your own skin so you can have good looking and youthful looking skin for a long time.

If you are looking for a Dermatologist in the Southlake, TX area look no further than Compassion Dermatology. You can conveniently set up an appointment onlineor calling 817-380-5911. Give yourself the gift of healthier, more radiant skin.

Have You Considered a Complete Skin Evaluation? | Tips from Your Southlake, TX Dermatologist

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There are many services provided by a dermatologist. One of the ways they can help is by providing you with a complete skin evaluation. In short, the said service is exactly what it sounds like, which is to say, a head-to-toe examination of the patient’s skin, hair, and nails for moles, growths, changes in pigmentation, and other potential issues. By doing so, a dermatologist can provide Southlake, TX residents with an up-to-date assessment of the condition of their skin, thus empowering them with the knowledge needed to protect their skin health.

Why Is Skin Health So Important?

Here are some of the reasons that people should care about their skin:

It Protects Us from Pathogens

The skin is the human body’s first line of defense from the pathogens that seek to break in. First, the cells that make up the epidermis have a close connection with one another, thus enabling them to form a very simple but nonetheless very effective barrier that can’t be penetrated by pathogens under normal circumstances. Second, the dermis contains sebaceous glands that produce sebum, which is useful for keeping the skin well-moisturized as well as creating a slightly acidic environment that is inhospitable for most pathogens. Third, the skin provides a home for more benign microbes that pose no threat to human health under normal circumstances, thus making it that much more difficult for their much more dangerous counterparts to get a foothold. Fourth, there are Langerhans cells in the skin that call in white blood cells whenever they sense the presence of microbes that have managed to penetrate the initial layer of skin, meaning that they are effectively a warning system for the subsequent lines of defense. Summed up, the skin is one of the most important components of the immune system, which is why Southlake, TX residents should prioritize the protection of its health with the professional assistance of a dermatologist.

It Protects Us from the Elements

Speaking of which, the skin serves to protect the rest of the human body from the elements as well. For example, its presence prevents grit and other small pieces of debris from coming into contact with the more sensitive components of the human body that are positioned inside rather than outside, which can do a great deal of damage given sufficient time. Likewise, the skin does a lot to minimize water loss, thus enabling people to continue functioning for long periods of time without having to constantly rehydrate themselves.

With that said, what is particularly notable is how the skin protects us from UV radiation, which is weak enough that some of it can penetrate the Earth’s protective atmosphere but still energetic enough to wreak havoc with living tissues. Our skin protects us from UV radiation in a number of ways. One, it produces melanin that can be used to prevent UV radiation from reaching vulnerable cells. Two, it can thicken its outermost layer of dead skin cells to create a deeper barrier that the UV radiation will have to penetrate before reaching the more vulnerable cells. Three, the skin is actually capable of engaging in some degree of repair-work when UV radiation manages to get through its defenses anyways, thus reducing the extent of the damage.

Unfortunately, the fact of the matter is that the skin’s natural capabilities aren’t always enough, meaning that the recommendations of a dermatologist can be so important for those who want to keep it as healthy as possible in spite of its constant exposure to the elements.

It Produces Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient for human health. Primarily, interested individuals will have heard about how it helps us to absorb calcium, meaning that those who get enough vitamin D will develop strong, healthy bones whereas those who don’t get enough vitamin D will develop soft, brittle bones. In fact, the problem was so common in the London of the Industrial Revolution thanks to its near-permanent shroud of smog that the Germans and the Dutch were known to call it the English disease. Besides ensuring strong bones, vitamin D plays an important role in other functions such as enabling muscles to move, enabling nerves to transmit messages, and enabling the immune system to fight off pathogens.

For the most part, we don’t get vitamin D by eating it in the same way that we get so many of our other nutrients. There are some foods such as mushrooms, fatty fish, and fortified products that contain vitamin D. However, we get most of our vitamin D by making it when our skin is exposed to a certain kind of ultraviolet radiation. Due to this, the continuing health of our skin is actually critical for ensuring that we can get all of the nutrients that we need, which is one more reason that Southlake, TX residents can benefit from the help of a dermatologist.

It Makes Us Look Good

With that said, the importance of a dermatologist’s assistance isn’t always grounded in maintaining the normal functions of the human body. Simply put, our skin is one of our greatest assets when it comes to our appearance, which makes sense because it is literally what enables us to put our best face forward. Naturally, this means that consulting a dermatologist is critical for anyone who fears that they have some kind of skin problem that could affect how they look in a negative manner. Some people might see this as being shallow, but since how we look has an enormous effect on our confidence as well as our social interaction with other people, it is an eminently practical consideration.

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about how Compassion Dermatology can carry out a complete skin evaluation? Please contact us with any further inquiries. For that matter, please remember that a dermatologist can provide a wide range of other skin-related services, meaning that those who have any other questions about what a dermatologist can and cannot do shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with us call 817-380-5911 or book an appointment online by clicking here.

5 Benefits of Seeing a Dermatologist Regularly | Southlake, TX

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A dermatologist is one medical professional that you’ll definitely want to visit regularly in Southlake, TX for all of your skincare needs. They address a multitude of skin issues not treatable by your primary care physician. Having extensive knowledge about the ‘body’s largest organ’ puts them in the perfect position to assist you with whatever issue you’ve been experiencing on your face, shoulders, arms, torso, back, or legs. If you want to feel less discomfort around your skin condition or improve the look and texture of it, you’ll want to make visiting a skin doctor a regular part of your healthcare routine.

Many benefits come with seeing a dermatologist. In addition to providing you with answers concerning an undiagnosed skin condition, they perform a multitude of services. Learning more about how the medical expert can assist you in being the healthiest version of yourself possible is highly beneficial. It gives you the knowledge needed to take a proactive stance concerning your health.

How Seeing a Dermatologist Often Benefits You

A dermatologist has gone through extensive training to be in the position that they’re in. They take their role very seriously. You must know why seeing them is a crucial part of your health and wellness routine. That way, you’re able to experience the full value of their services.

  1. To receive a complete skin evaluation: A skin doctor looks you over from head to toe. They check out any changes you might have in mole size, shape, and color as well as any inflammatory response in the skin. The evaluation doesn’t stop there. The skin doctor also checks out your hair and nails. The importance of doing this is to identify any possible medical conditions that could be causing the problem. Once skin doctor diagnoses the problem, they recommend the appropriate treatment option. You can then determine if it’s something that you want to pursue based on the info provided to you by your skin doctor.
  2. To doing screenings for precancers and cancers: Among the most essential services provided to you are regular skin screenings. They can discover any potentially dangerous cancers on the skin before they worsen. They give you treatment options that best meet your needs, too. Some involve topical medication while others are surgical in nature. Meeting with you after diagnosing your issue to discuss your options is imperative. It allows you to decide that best benefits you consciously.
  3. To have a skin-plumping, peeling or sculpting cosmetic procedure: Cosmetic procedures of certain types can be done by your dermatologist, too. For example, the doctor administers Botox injections in the lips or forehead as a way of rejuvenating the skin and plumping it. Chemical peels help remove dry, dead skin and take years off a person’s face. Body sculpting increases self-confidence by making the body look slimmer. There is a wide variety of services provided to you by your skin doctor. Looking into the ones that appeal most to you is easy. Simply enquire about their availability when you meet with your doctor once again.
  4. To have non-invasive lipolysis of the flanks or abdomen: If treating fat on your body in a non-surgical way appeals to you, your skin doctor will be happy to speak to you about SCULPSURE. It doesn’t involve surgery and produces favorable results that make you feel more confident about your appearance. The safe procedure is one that many people choose as opposed to cosmetic surgery involving a knife. They prefer to get results that won’t cause scarring, and that doesn’t require weeks of recovery time.
  5. To remove scarring: Surgical or acne scars can make you feel self-conscious about the way you look. A medical professional can minimize the appearance of scarred skin. The result is skin that looks less damaged and more presentable when out in public. It doesn’t need to be something that holds you back any longer. You can step into your power and own your experience with pride. You can maintain your results by doing as the doctor asks you to do following the procedure.

As you can see, working with a dermatologist to address your skin condition has its benefits. There is no other medical professional in Southlake, TX better qualified to do so. Tapping into their wealth of knowledge and making good use of their skills and expertise is highly advisable. It could give you the results you were hoping to achieve with your skin.

Qualities That the Best Dermatologists Demonstrate

There are some qualities in a dermatologist that are ideal. The Southlake, TX professional that you visit should be knowledgeable and approachable. They should treat you with a great deal of compassion and respect.

When they provide you with information about your skin, they do so in a way that is comprehendible and respectful. They make sure that you have a clear understanding of the treatment options that they offer before you agree to them. The skin doctor also makes you aware of ways you can take better care of your skin in the future so you can avoid any additional problems from occurring.

Taking time to get to know your skin doctor helps build a professional relationship with them based on mutual respect. You’ll feel comfortable asking for help with your skin, and the medical professional knows that you’ll follow their advice carefully. It’s a win-win situation that allows you to see more favorable results because you’ll be taking instructions from the skin doctor and applying them to your daily habits and routine.

Restore Your Skin’s Beautiful Texture and Appearance Right Away

Compassion Dermatology can give your skin a glow that you haven’t seen in a while. In addition to providing our Southlake, TX patients with complete skin evaluations, we offer many cosmetic services and medical procedures that benefit them. If you need to see a dermatologist, don’t wait. You can conveniently set up an appointment online or calling 817-380-5911. Give yourself the gift of healthier, more radiant skin.

Why You Should Choose Compassion Dermatology in the Southlake Area

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As your body’s first line of defense, your skin takes a lot of hits. It protects your body from germs, repels fluids such as water and covers your blood vessels and organs. The skin also directly affects your self-esteem and self-confidence. If you have a beautiful skin without blemish or other marks, then you will be confident about your looks. But when you have prominent marks and scars on your skin, then you’ll always be worried about them.

Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the skin and the diseases of the skin. A dermatologist is a doctor who practices dermatology. They diagnose and treat up to 3000 skin disorders including cancers, cosmetic and aging conditions of the skin, fat, nails and hair.

The clinic is a place of healing and great health. We are a dermatology clinic based in the Southlake area of Texas. We provide expert medical, surgical and cosmetic services of the skin, hair and nail health. You will get served by a team of highly skilled professionals who are informed of the current innovations and research in the dermatology industry.

Dr. Holly DeBuys M.D. having worked in her physician mother’s dermatology office starting at age 15, she has long understood the importance of treating patients with compassion and empowering them with education concerning their own dermatological care. She is certified and licensed by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology.The Clinic staff are friendly and have effective communication skills. Empathy is critical factor in understanding a patient who is coming in a skin disease care session. We are ready to listen to your stories and provide encouragement and healing. Call us today to book an appointment with the dermatologist!

Services you will get at Compassion Dermatology

•  Complete Skin Evaluation 

Have you ever had a complete skin evaluation? We will evaluate your skin from head to toe. This also entails looking for and evaluating pigment changes, moles, inflammations and growth. The goal of having a complete skin evaluation is to identify any medical issues that may need to sorted or any cosmetic concerns that you may have.

Early diagnosis of a skin condition is key to effective treatment. At Compassion clinic, we encourage all new patients to have a complete skin evaluation. We will begin by taking your medical history, then proceed to do a comprehensive, systematic examination of the skin while ensuring your comfort and privacy. If we identify any abnormalities and pathologies, then the dermatologist will remove or treat them.

Once we establish a baseline skin evaluation, we regularly monitor your skin changes as part of our long-term relationship. We are committed to giving you consistent and superior skin care. Call us today to schedule an appointment with the dermatologist!

•  Medical and Surgical Procedures

The clinic offers medical and surgical procedures tailored to diagnosing and treating of various skin conditions such as melanoma, skin cancer and dysplastic moles among many others.

When skin conditions such as pre-cancer are identified early, they can be treated with topical medicines, liquid nitrogen and Levulan & Blue light. It is much cheaper compared to when the cancers are at a late stage.

Biopsy is performed on inflammatory lesions and suspicious moles and cancers to identify their causes and for cancers if they are malignant or benign. The specimens taken from these lesions and moles will be sent to the lab for thorough scrutiny, then the dermatologist will work with the results.

If you are living the Southlake area, then you can visit our Compassion skin Clinic on weekdays. You can also call us to book an appointment with the dermatologist!

•  Cosmetic Services and Procedures 

We provide comprehensive and extensive skin care services to our clients. Some of our products include chemical peels, Botox injectable and topical products. You also get advanced technology procedures such as ICON, HydraFacial, SculpSure.

There are so many options available, that you will have to choose the best one for your skin of course with our guidance. Our dermatologist is experienced in the cosmetic services industry and together with her team, they will help you get the best results.

We will enhance your appearance whether it is on the face, head or any other part of the body.

•  Hydrafacial Treatment 

Hydrafacial is a rejuvenating skin treatment that delivers instant results that you can see and feel. Some of its benefits include long-term skin health and it can work on any skin type. It works by removing dead skin cells and extracting impurities. It enriches the skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums.

Hydrafacial delivers a superior skin treatment by working on the deeper layers of the skin. Compassion Dermatology will give this comprehensive treatment at an affordable cost! And better still, Hydrafacial caters to all skin types. Visit out clinic today if you are living around Southlake area to taste the benefits of Hydrafacial treatment.

•  PRP for Hair Loss 

Are you insecure about your baldness? Is your hair thinning by the day? Then Platelet-Rich-Plasma can save you from hair loss. Platelet-Rich-Plasma is used for hair restoration to treat baldness and people with thinning hair.

Platelet-Rich-Plasma has been used in areas orthopedic medicine and reconstructive surgery to fast-track the healing process following procedures. In the hair loss issue, the concept is just the same. The protein-rich fluid is injected into the scalp to encourage the follicles to restart hair production.

The PRP injections have shown positive results in hair rejuvenations. You can also bid baldness a good bye! Call us today to book an appointment with the best expert in Southlake area!

Other skin disease services that we offer include: micro-needling for skin rejuvenation, skin pen with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ICON.

Conclusion

Your skin should be vibrant, healthy and looking young despite your age! We at Compassion Dermatology can help you get the type of skin tone you desire and get rid of the dysplastic moles, scars and other marks that you don’t like on your body.

Call us today to book an appointment.

Non-Surgical Dermatology Procedures That May Be for You | Southlake, TX

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Are you looking for a way to improve the look and feel of some part of your body but you’re not entirely sure about surgery? Well, the good thing is there’s actually a lot that can be done for you and all you need to do is use dermatology to help you out. Luckily, in Southlake, TX, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in no time.

Skin Evaluation – One of the first things you should have whether you’re going to do surgical or non-surgical procedures is a skin evaluation. You want to make sure that you know what’s going on with your skin and that you can express what the problem areas are to you. Dermatology is all about healing skin conditions and helping you feel better about yourself when you look in the mirror. It’s entirely about you and helping you feel comfortable. Your evaluation will help you understand whatever it is that’s happening with your skin and what you could be doing to help improve things yourself, before you even look at other methods of treatment.

Chemical Peels – Chemical peels can be a great way to improve the way your skin looks. What they do is actually exfoliate the top layer of the skin through the application of a very mild for of acid. They go on very similar to a face mask and you’ll leave them on for a short period of time. Then, they’re peeled off and they can reveal a more beautiful and glowing look underneath. These aren’t the dermatology procedure for everyone and some are a little skeptical or even unable to do them because of sensitive skin or specific conditions, but they can be one of the more mild options.

Topical Products – You’ve probably tried all kinds of topic products for your at-home dermatology, but when you go to a professional you’ll have even more options at your disposal. These topical products are designed to help with specific skin conditions or specific skin wants and they’re definitely going to make a difference for you. They can feel great, smell great and actually work great all at the same time. And you’ll find a wider variety and more specialized options when you’re working with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX as well.

Botox – This is a pretty common method of getting rid of wrinkles and more and more people are starting to look into this option as the best way to go. It’s a medium-term solution that helps to relax the skin of the face and can start to relieve some of the wrinkles in very little time. The key is to get this done at a trained, professional dermatology facility. If you’re not getting it done by a professional you never know what you could actually be getting or what it could be doing to your skin.

SculpSure – This is a little more intense procedure, but it’s still completely non-invasive. What it does is use a laser to help remove fat from the thighs and the abdomen. For those who are looking to get rid of fat that just doesn’t seem to be going away in any other way, this method can actually work in as little as 25 minutes. And it’s actually a permanent procedure too. So, if you live in Southlake, TX and you want the best of the best for fat removal, this is definitely something you’ll want to take a closer look at for yourself.

Icon – For those with skincare concerns this is a method that uses cooling and melanin to help with several different markings that can appear on the skin. It can actually help to relive the look of facial vessels and pigment, scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and more. It can even help with relieving the growth of hair in areas where you just don’t want it. In the grand scheme of things, this is a great dermatology tool and it can absolutely make a big difference in the way that you look and the way that you feel about yourself as well. What could be better than that?

HydraFacial – Facials can be a great experience and the HydraFacial is actually one that can help with more than just feeling great. It can actually help you with relieving lines and wrinkles, improving elasticity of the skin, improving texture, tone and vibrancy and even relieving signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, oily skin, enlarged pores and a whole lot more. Overall, this is going to be a great experience for those who want a facial, and especially those who are concerned about the look and feel of their skin at the same time. This dermatology procedure is simple, easy and feels great the whole time.

Microneedling – If you’re looking for something a little bit invasive but still not surgical this is another way to do it. Microneedling is a dermatology procedure that uses very fine needles with platelet rich plasma. This helps your skin to start healing itself, in ways that it may not do entirely on its own. This can help to relieve the look of scars, wrinkles and stretch marks because your body sets to work on healing as quickly as it can. In the process of healing the little pricks you’ll get in your skin, it also works on healing anything else that it ‘sees’ in the area, which includes those other marks.

If you’re looking for dermatologist in the Southlake, TX area, Compassion Dermatology is the place to go! You will absolutely want to take a look at these different procedures and the way that they might fit into your needs and wants. Are you looking for a procedure that’s going to make you feel better about yourself but not put you under the knife? Maybe you want to try out some different options before you decide to do something more serious. Well, these are going to be the top procedures for you and the best way to start seeing improvements faster and with a non-invasive process.