Dermatology: Preparing Your Skin for Summer | Southlake Area

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If you are ready for summer activities in the Southlake area make sure your skin is healthy by seeing if there are any dermatology procedures or precautions that can be done to help you enjoy your summer. If you’re someone who has a history of skin conditions then you’ll want to pay attention to ensure that you are doing all you can to protect yourself from the beating sun and keeping yourself safe for years to come.

The One You Hear About Most

The first thing you may be thinking about to prepare yourself for summer is tanning, but that isn’t a simple dermatology cure all. Tanning on beds before summer has many risks and can actually cause more harm than good. Most professionals do their best to warn their clients that tanning beds can be harmful. They can cause more damage to your skin from the UV radiation in the bulbs and that can lead to things such as wrinkles, loose skin, brown spots, melanoma, and skin cancer. It is not recommended by dermatology experts to use tanning beds.

Sunless tanning, or procedures you may more think of as “spray tans” can be considered safe as they don’t subject your skin to UV lighting so you don’t have excess absorption into your skin. Sunless tanning can be done in a lot of places and does not take that much time to get a coloring you are hoping for. Another big plus is that the cost is generally significantly lower than tanning bed rental, which is great considering the risks you are leaving behind by not using one. The biggest dermatology risks with sunless tanning is that you need to be scrupulous about the ingredients in the bottles. There are no regulations requiring full ingredient disclosure so make sure you research brands of coloring so you know what is in them, and your dermatology specialist may be able to help you.

Preparing for Oily Skin

This one is simple, when it’s hot you sweat. That sweat can then make your skin oily and lead to breakouts or close up your pores. With the amount of sun and the average summer temperatures in the area if you are someone with a history of acne you should reach out for recommended dermatology products that are especially for you. To help prevent breakouts of acne it is recommended that you blot sweat using a clean towel or cloth. They suggest blotting because just wiping can irritate your skin and cause a breakout anyway. It is also recommended that you use oil free products on areas that may breakout like face, back, neck, and chest. The final one is just good hygiene, wash clothes that are sweaty before using them again.

Preparing for Dry Skin

Now we turn around and look at what we can do and what dermatology experts recommend for when your skin dries up in the summer. We just said that sweating leads to oily skin but things like using a chlorinated pool or staying in low humidity air conditioned environments can lead to dry and irritated skin. Professionals have a few tricks to help you. If you are using a pool make sure you shower after use and use mild cleansers. They also, without surprise, recommend sunscreen rated above 30 SPF with water resistance to ensure that pool water isn’t evaporating on your skin and drying it up. If you’re trying to stay ahead of dry skin while in the cool confines of air conditioning carry moisturizer with you and apply it after you wash your hands. It is also suggested to turn your air conditioning temperature up a few degrees to increase the relative humidity some, as air conditioning does dry the home up.

Rashes from the Outdoors

When you think of getting a rash from outdoor activities you probably think of the poisonous plants Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. There is more to the rule of “leaves of three let it be” because that only applies to certain types of Ivy and Oak. Generally poison ivy will have a larger leaf at the end of a sprig and has an oily look to it. For most poison Oak, which aren’t as common in the Southlake area, there are generally three leaves per cluster and they have rough stems. Finally Poison Sumac is generally more of a bush and leaves per stem very wildly, but you can identify them more with the berries that form and the reddish color of the new growth where the leaves are. If you believe you have come into contact with these plants, clean all your clothes and take a shower if possible right away and avoid contact with any surfaces. The more you touch the more the rash will spread. You will want to get in touch with a dermatology specialist as well so you can get advice on what medicine or treatments should be done so you can get over the issue as quickly as possible.

The other big summer rash has nothing to do with plants and all about biology. If you are someone who has had sweat glands blocked from swelling or excessive heat entrapment you may be getting a heat rash. Your dermatology expert may be able to prescribe medicine or treatment therapy to reduce the risk of this but there are some common sense items you can take care of as well. Make sure you wear light-weight and loose fitting clothing during the day. Also try to do outdoor exercises during cooler parts of the day so you don’t overexert yourself. If you have a condition that causes this heat rash try to stay inside in an air conditioned environment.

If you have questions about what summer readiness tips you should be following reach out to the experts at Compassion Dermatology in Southlake. They serve the local area and have tips and procedures you can follow to get your skin through the summer safely.

Sunburn Dos And Don’ts: Tips From Your Dermatologist | Southlake, TX

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You spent too much time enjoying the sun, and either forgot to apply sunscreen or didn’t reapply a layer after hitting the lake or pool. Either way, you’re feeling the effects of the powerful UV rays now. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Thousands of people go to the emergency room every year for a painful sunburn. Here are a few dermatologist tips to get you through the next few days while your skin heals.

Do Stay Out of the Sun

Once you notice your skin is burning, it’s time to get out of the sun. The damage from sunburn is more than skin deep, and the danger goes deeper than a few days of lobster jokes from friends and family members. If you’re on vacation, out-and-about, and can’t just take refuge inside during the sun’s peak hours, which are daily from 10 am to 4 pm, cover-up. Your skin will reject anything tight, so avoid heavy layers and stick to shady areas next to buildings, under trees, or on the beach with a sun umbrella. Drape a towel over your head. If possible, lightly cover your head and body with a damp cotton material that’s light and cool on the skin. For tips on how to avoid the sun, speak with your dermatologist.

Do Protect Any Blisters

When your skin starts to blister, it’s not a good situation. Blisters mean you have a second-degree burn and it will take longer to heal and you have to be more careful to reduce the chances of developing an infection. Protect these areas, try not to let them rupture, and avoid picking at the skin. If you think you’ve developed an infection, contact your dermatologist.

Do Hydrate

The sun zaps the moisture out of your skin. After spending time in the sun, whether or not your skin is burning, you’ll need to rehydrate it to restore that moisture. Additionally, hydrating will reduce your skin’s healing time. Avoid gels or creams with a “cooling” effect, such as menthol that will dry out your skin more. Although it feels great at first, these will make it take longer for your skin to heal. The easiest way to quickly increase moisture is by drinking more water. For the first day or two after the sunburn, double your daily water intake to help your body recover from the trauma.

Do Apply an Aftercare Lotion

Apply a thin layer of lotion or cream intended to repair skin. Look for products that contain a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals that help your skin heal. Although aloe vera is an excellent ingredient, your dermatologist will agree that after a sunburn, your skin needs extra help to get healthy again. Another tip to consider, don’t apply thick balms. These are ideal for protecting your skin from further damage, but they don’t allow it to breathe and can clog pores, increasing healing time. Blocking pores can also lead to other problems, such as acne outbreaks and skin infections. In addition, hydrocortisone creams are available over the counter and can help reduce swelling and pain.

Don’t Ice a Sunburn Directly

You can calm the inflammation by using a cool compress, but make sure to wrap it in a cloth. Applying ice directly to the burn can increase damage, pain, and healing time. In addition to a cool compress, you can also take a cool or room temperature bath or shower to help with the discomfort. You don’t need to limit bathing to once daily. If it’s helping reduce pain and inflammation, take a few. However, avoid water that’s too hot. This includes staying out of heated pools and hot tubs while your skin is healing. Hot water will increase the pain, inflammation, and possibly cause further damage to your skin. If hot showers are still a problem a week or more after your sunburn, contact your dermatologist.

Don’t Skip the Anti-inflammatory Meds

It’s okay to take anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain following a sunburn. Continue to do this for a day or two following the burn. But don’t take more than recommended. For questions or concerns with swelling or pain, speak with your dermatologist.

Don’t Smother a Sunburn

The day of and for a few days after your sunburn, wear light, loose clothing. Restrictive shirts, pants, and other items can further irritate your skin. If you must be out in the sun while your skin is still healing, use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to avoid further damage. Like aftercare products, avoid thick and heavy sunscreens after a sunburn. Your Southlake, TX dermatologist can also recommend a brand or suggest SPF-blocking clothing to wear, such as hats, shirts, and activewear that will help protect you during your morning run or for an afternoon in the sun with friends.

Don’t Avoid Your Dermatologist

If you have blisters covering a large area or you’re experiencing extreme pain, nausea, chills, headaches, or a fever, contact a medical professional. Additionally, if the symptoms don’t improve after a week or increase, seek immediate medical attention. Other signs of infection include swelling, red streaks, and yellow pus draining from any blisters.

While sunburns are common, practitioners know that the more often they occur, the greater your chances of developing deadly skin cancers. Even with regular checkups and proactive skin care methods, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Experts have determined that having five or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of developing melanoma. If you have concerns or haven’t had an annual screening, contact Compassion Dermatology your Southlake, TX dermatologist for the next available appointment.

How Your Dermatologist Can Tell a Lot About Your Health | Southlake, TX

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Did you know that your skin is an organ? The skin is actually one huge organ, and changes in your complexion can tell you a lot about your overall health. Healthy skin means a healthy body. Dry, pale, flaky or inflamed skin is a sign that something is wrong. Taking a trip to a dermatologist can help you not just look your best, but feel your best too.

Your Skin Reflects Your Wellbeing

If you look at models and actors, you’ll probably notice that they have a vibrant, healthy glow. Indeed, on occasions when a famous person goes out looking anything less than their best, magazines and newspapers will comment on that and ponder on the wellbeing of the person in question. Achieving that healthy appearance requires more than just cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Yes, famous people have a dermatologist on hand to give them tips for retaining a youthful complexion, but taking care of your body is important too. There are many ways that your skin can reflect your overall health, a few of which we list here:

1) Dry or Itchy Skin

Hot summers and cold, windy winters mean that living in Southlake, TX can play havoc with your complexion. If you’re struggling with dry or itchy skin then it is well worth asking a dermatologist for some tips for how to improve your skincare routine. Dry skin can sometimes be a sign of health issues, however. Eczema is a common condition that is not serious but can be frustrating to deal with. Inflammatory responses to hay fever and even asthma can lead to irritated, dry skin.

2) Acne

Acne is often thought of as a condition that is exclusive to teenagers, but again it can affect almost anyone. Adult acne is something that many women suffer from during stressful times, and even women who did not suffer from acne during puberty sometimes experience it during the menopause. Acne is not a sign of being ‘dirty’, and it is nothing to worry about, but many women find that working with a good dermatologist helps them to get it under control.

3) Scaly Rashes

Dry, raised scaly rashes are sometimes a sign of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. Living in Southlake, TX, it’s easy to dismiss the need for constant moisturizing as being a hazard of the combination of wind and humidity, but if you find that your skin is drier than you’re used to, or that your face feels puffy a lot, it may be worth talking to a doctor to rule out any underlying causes for the inflammation.

Psoriasis often appears in unusual places such as around the belly button or on the scalp, so it can sometimes go unnoticed. Some people with psoriasis later develops psoriatic arthritis, which is a condition that affects the small joints, and can also increase your risk of other health issues such as cardiovascular disease. Because of these risks, it is important to pay attention to changes in your skin, and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

4) Sun Spots

Sun exposure can lead to lines, wrinkles, dry skin and sun spots. Your mom was right when she told you to put sunscreen on every day! Ask a dermatologist and they will tell you that skipping sunscreen is one of the worst things that you can do for your skin’s health, especially if you live in a part of the world that sees a lot of sun! Your skin is resilient and if you start taking care of it you can stop the damage getting worse and work with a dermatologist to smooth out those lines and restore an even complexion, but long-term, it’s your job to protect your skin from those harsh UV rays.

Sunburn is no laughing matter. People who have had sunburn are at greatly increased risk of developing skin cancer. Even if you’ve never actually been burned, however, years of sun exposure (or tanning beds) will take their toll. Ask yourself if it’s worth getting a tan today if the price is looking older than your years in the long term.

5) Greasy Skin

Some people have greasy skin from childhood, some people have ‘combination’ skin with normal or dry areas, and a greasy ‘T-Zone’ around the forehead and nose. It’s common for skin to dry out as you get older. If your skin suddenly becomes greasy, especially around the forehead area, this could be related to issues with your diet or digestive system. A trip to the dermatologist can help you clear up those greasy areas and stop breakouts forming.

With the kind of soulful comfort food that is so popular in Southlake, TX, it’s not uncommon for people to struggle with greasy skin. So, drink water, wear sunscreen, and treat yourself to a good face mask from a friendly dermatologist.

Look Healthy, Feel Healthy

Makeup, masks, and scrubs can hide a multitude of issues with your skin. They are no substitute for taking good care of yourself, though. Pay attention to how you look and feel. If you see moles, spots or marks that crop up suddenly, change in size or appearance, or otherwise don’t seem normal, get them checked out.

Seeing a dermatologist should be a routine thing just like seeing a dentist or doctor. Looking after your skin while you’re still young, fit and healthy will help to keep you that way.

If you’re not happy with how your skin looks, why not book an appointment with your friendly Southlake, TX dermatologist for a check-up? Call Compassion Dermatology today for a skin exam, so that you can look, and feel, your best.

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.

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.