What is Exfoliation?

This process is simply the removal of your skin’s oldest cells but don’t worry there’s no reason to fret. Most of those skin cells are already dead. Your skin replaces itself exponentially faster in your youth than it does further down the line. Thus, it is necessary to work exfoliation into your skincare regimen to keep it lush and soft. Exfoliation can be achieved through chemical or mechanical means. Shampoos and cleansers fall into the former, electric scrubbers and sponges fall into the latter. It is also recommended that one exfoliate their face at least once a week.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

According to Dermstore, there are 5 main benefits to exfoliation. The first of which is that exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of age spots. It does this through its removal of aged skin cells that contain that particular pigment. Secondly, exfoliation helps unclog the pores. Unclogging one’s pores allows for the release of natural skin oils like sebum which help hydrate and revitalize the skin. The third is that exfoliation can help minimize pore size – this is key because bigger pores are more prone to over-secreting sebum. Exfoliation also reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and lastly it allows easier absorption of skincare products, e.g. moisturizers, antioxidants & serums.

The Dilemma

From what we’ve seen, we can ascertain that exfoliation is a net positive for your skin. However, it is an abrasive process – and if done with too much rigor can cause problems. Some of these problems include redness, dryness & flakiness. In addition to this, we have people with extremely sensitive skin types who are already susceptible to redness and irritation. In fact, you might be one of them. How do those with tender, highly reactive skin exfoliate without harming their skin? Well, allow us at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco to tell you how.

Tips

• You should opt for chemical exfoliants, particularly acids – They help eliminate the debris on your skin’s surface. This is turn will helps unclog your pores. We recommend working with milder offerings and working your way up. This way, you’ll be able to better gauge your skin’s tolerance to an exfoliant. Starting off with a harsh chemical peel could be extremely counterproductive in the long run.
• If you’re still keen on physical exfoliation, use washcloths and softer sponges. Many are usually skeptical about their usefulness as physical exfoliants. But they’re surprisingly good. Remember, with more sensitive skin, we recommend that you gently rub instead of scrubbing rigorously. The latter is bound to cause redness and irritation. Move the product not your skin.
• Consider adding fruit to your skincare routine. There are a number of fruits with naturally occurring acids that provide a softer, gentler exfoliation than many of its chemical counterparts. We advise against using straight-up fruit juice – its acidic content might be far too high. Add it to a base made from water, yogurt and oils for the best results.

With the information you’ve gotten from this post, we trust you’ll begin to see that exfoliation is for everyone – even those with sensitive skin. To get even more personalized information and recommendations for your skincare routine, do not hesitate to contact us today.

Among all your organs, your skin is the largest. It shields your body from the elements, regulates body temperature, and fights bacteria. Like other organs, it's susceptible to cancer. Annual skin cancer diagnoses in the US exceed those of every other cancer combined.

When caught early, most cases of skin cancer are curable, which is why your dermatologist appointment should be among your top priorities.

Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in treating conditions affecting the skin, nails, and hair. These doctors receive three years of medical training related to skin care after completing medical school and an internship. Most dermatologists attend to a wide variety of skincare issues, but some specialize in surgery, cosmetics, and pediatrics among others.

In addition to helping detect cancer early, your dermatologist can treat other various skin health problems—psoriasis, acne, hair loss, and hives—and carry out cosmetic procedures such as wart removal and scar removal.

How often should you see your dermatologist?

Visit your dermatologist at least once a year for a full body examination. These annual visits are necessary even if you're healthy and have no history of skin cancer. We at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco recommend more frequent visits depending on the result of the examination.

It's advisable for certain people to visit their dermatologist more frequently. These include:

• People with a history of skin cancer
• People with close relatives who suffer from skin cancer
• People with suspicious growths or moles on their skin
• People who received x-ray acne treatment in their youth
• People with extremely fair skin tones

Risk factors for skin cancer

Age and gender play a role in the risk of skin cancer. Older people are at a higher risk because of how long they have been exposed to UV radiation. But younger people who get frequent sunburns because of continual exposure to the sun are at high risk of getting skin cancer.

The risk of squamous cell carcinomas is three times higher in males than females. Males are also twice as likely to develop basal cell carcinomas as women.

Conditions such as diseases and immune suppression related to organ transplants also heighten the risk of skin cancer. For example, basal cell nevus syndrome and human papilloma virus (HPV) infections increase the risk of developing carcinomas.

Previous treatment for certain conditions sometimes causes skin cancer. Psoriasis treatment involving a combination of UV light treatment, a natural remedy, and psoralen increases carcinoma risk. Same goes for radiation treatment.

Genetic risk factors like inherited conditions and a personal or family history of skin cancer increase your risk of developing skin cancer. So can lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive UV exposure due to spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun.

Your dermatologist will take into account all the above risk factors and advice you on the proper steps to take to decrease your chances of developing skin cancer.

When to schedule an emergency visit

Dermatological emergencies are rare, but it's important to know them because they are potentially fatal. Examples of such emergencies include bacterial and viral infections.

Bacterial infections such as erysipelas and cellulitis warrant an immediate trip to your dermatologist's office. Erysipelas is a Streptococcus pyogenes infection of the superficial dermis, and cellulitis is a Staphylococcus aureus infection of the deep dermis.

The herpes simplex virus causes eczema herpeticum, which often occurs on the face around the eyes. In extreme cases, the condition can lead to severe conditions (e.g., hepatitis, encephalitis, and keratoconjunctivitis) or even death.

In case of any severe symptoms on your skin, call a qualified dermatologist in the DFW area immediately.

Can you imagine that? Unbeknownst to you, one of the most versatile skin moisturizers on Earth has been under your nose this whole time. Vitamin E oil is truly the good stuff your skin’s been craving all along. It’s guaranteed to add that extra sheen you need with almost no drawbacks. So, are you ready to hear about all the wonderful things Vitamin E oil can do for you? Let’s get to it. Below are a few benefits, courtesy of us here at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco:

Vitamin E Oil is Rich in Antioxidants

This may very well be Vitamin E oil’s calling card. Due to the oil’s antioxidant properties, it fights against free radicals extremely well. What are free radicals, you ask? Free radicals are electrons which have broken away from atoms. They damage the skin by trying to snag extra electrons from your skin’s other atoms, and this in turn messes with your skin’s DNA. Free radicals in the skin have been linked to a number of illnesses and are also known to bring about premature aging.

Vitamin E Oil is Anti-Inflammatory

Vitamin E oil is also famed for its anti-inflammatory properties which calm and hydrate the skin. In fact, when coupled with Vitamin C, it can act as a natural form of sun protection. This also goes a long way in helping your skin stave off the free radicals responsible for wrinkles. From what you’ve heard so far, you can probably guess that Vitamin E oil might be the key to preserving your skin’s youth.

Vitamin E Oil is Good for Your Hair Too

Vitamin is such an adaptable moisturizer that it can rejuvenate dry hair as well. In fact, Vitamin E oil can even increase circulation to the scalp. In addition to breathing life into dull hair, the added blood circulation can strengthen one’s hair follicles. Given this benefit, can rest assured that Vitamin E oil will always be a key contributor to your self-care regimen.

Vitamin E Oil can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks

The topical application of Vitamin E oil on stretch marks and scars could help with their removal. Vitamin E oil is known to speed up skin cell growth and rejuvenation. These things coupled with the added moisture that Vitamin E oil gives will be sure to help combat the problem. Because of this aspect, it’s no wonder that Vitamin E oil is usually recommended to pregnant women. Their skin undergoes rapid expansion as their body does everything to accommodate the arrival of a new bundle of joy.

However, despite all the benefits that Vitamin E oil, it is worth noting that it is not regulated by the FDA. As a result, different companies could be adding ingredients that cause allergic reactions and other skin complications. Vitamin E oil is also rather thick in its consistency and is therefore not suited for those with oily skin. However, if the glazed donut aesthetic is what you’re going for, be our guest. Before you implement Vitamin E oil into your skincare regimen, we recommend you consult with us to find out whether Vitamin E oil is the best tool for your skin type.

The importance of having healthy skin cannot be understated. After all, your skin is your largest organ and has several functions essential to maintaining the overall health of your body. Your skin's three main functions are:

• To act as a barrier by providing protection from the external environment
• To regulate body temperature, circulation and fluid balance
• To alert you to sensations such as heat, cold, pain and touch

Interestingly enough, November is National Healthy Skin Month and it’s sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology. It is a public health campaign that aims to raise awareness about the importance of healthy skin. In the spirit of this important campaign, here are a few tips that will help you maintain healthy skin all year long.

Treat Your Skin Gently

Your skin is your first line of defense against the environment around you. Daily bathing can take a toll on your skin. Treat your skin gently by doing the following:

• Limit bathing time and resist the urge to use hot water. Long baths or showers and hot water strip essential oils from your skin, leaving it dry. It's best to take quick showers or baths while using warm, not hot, water.
• Use mild cleansers rather than harsh soaps. Strong soaps can strip oils from the skin and leave a residue that further dries your skin.
• Moisturize your skin daily to avoid painfully dry, cracked and chapped skin. Using lotion after showering or bathing is a great way to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day.
• Wash your face promptly after exercising to remove sweat, dead skin cells and other particles that are damaging to your skin.

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

While sunshine is known for promoting elevated moods and is essential for sustaining all life on earth, it can be very damaging to your skin. Therefore, you must protect your skin by wearing sunscreen when you’re outside. In the winter months, you should wear sunscreen on your face - the Sun damages even during the winter months.

Examine Your Skin Regularly

Take a few minutes to regularly examine your skin. You should look for changes such as new or unusual spots, moles that have an irregular border or have changed in size or shape. Also, check for any areas that are itchy, red or bleeding. Any changes you notice in your skin could signal serious concerns and will warrant a visit to a dermatology consultant to rule out or diagnose any suspected problems.

Visit Your Dermatologist

Good skincare is dependent on the products you use to cleanse, moisturize and maintain your skin. You must know your skin type before you can choose the right products for your skin. We, at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco, have the knowledge and experience to properly determine your skin type and recommend the right skincare products for it. Not only will a visit to your dermatologist allow you to make informed decisions regarding your skincare, but our DFW dermatology services will also benefit you by giving you a better understanding of future skin problems before they arise.

DCF offers comprehensive dermatology services all in one location. We have a highly trained team that prides itself on the care given to their clients. When you call DCF, you can rest assured your skin health is our priority. DCF can help you make every month Healthy Skin Month.

Good skincare can be challenging during the winter months, especially for those with conditions that leave their skin dry like psoriasis and eczema. The primary reason for this? The big drop in humidity which robs your skin of moisture.

Here are a few winter skincare tips endorsed by us, Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. Coupled with a dermatologist's advice, working a couple of these tips into your winter skincare routine could do wonders for you.

Invest in a Humidifier

If the lack of humidity really dries your skin out, then putting some humidity back into the air is a no-brainer. That's where humidifiers come in: they keep the air most -- hence the name.

When shopping for one, be aware that you have two options: warm mist or cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers have better moisture saturation, while cool mist humidifiers are quieter and better able to filter out impurities. The choice really depends on your needs, but go with warm mist for better overall moisture if you're not sure.

Moisturize Often

Of course, another way to combat the effects of low moisture is to apply moisture directly to your skin. Get yourself a high-grade moisturizer, and use it often. A little bottle or tube that can go with you everywhere is perfect -- especially on days where you have to spend a fair amount of time outside.

Look for a moisturizer that isn't greasy and spreads easily. Keep an eye out for brands that advertise themselves as specifically designed for sensitive or irritable skin.

Stay Hydrated

Don't just spend all your time focusing on keeping your skin itself moist; internal hydration is also very important.

Dry skin affects your body's ability to retain moisture, so you're going to feel dehydrated faster and more often than you would during warmer weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the day. On workdays, keep a water bottle handy if possible, and refill it during your breaks.

Be Careful With Showers

It may not seem like literally soaking your body in a bunch of water could exacerbate dry skin, but if you're not careful about how long your showers and baths are, they could indeed do just that.

Hot water strips oils off of the skin, and in low humidity our skin needs to hold onto the little oils it still has. Avoid hot showers and baths; opt for milder temperatures.

You should also avoid stepping outside shortly after you've showered or bathed. If your skin is still damp when you get a full dose of frigid winter air, you'll find that it chaps much more easily.

Stay on Top of the Thermostat

It's basic science: the higher the temperature in your house, the more moisture is going to be removed from the air.

For that reason, you should keep the thermostat at the lowest setting that you can tolerate, and just throw on a few more layers to keep warm instead. Obviously, you want to exercise some moderation; giving yourself frostbite won't be good for your skin either. Experiment with different settings until you find the sweet spot.

The kids are back in school and it is starting to cool off finally.  Over the summer, many of us have spent a lot of time taking care of our kids, going on vacations, and getting too much sun.  Now it is time to start concentrating a little more on ourselves.

You may have noticed a few new lines on your skin.  Many men and women might notice these lines between their eyebrows, on their forehead, or at the lateral edges of their eyes in the temple area.

These lines are movement induced.  Over time, thousands of contractions of the muscles below the skin ultimately lead to lines on the surface that are worsened each time the muscles are used.  Think of a piece of paper folded over dozens of times in the same crease.  But just like putting a book on the flat (and previously folded paper) will eventually smooth out the crease in the paper, using Botox®/Dysport® can help your skin do the same thing...smoothing out the lines that you never wanted.

Luckily, you can get Dysport®, your solution to wrinkles, at a discount for a limited time only.  Please visit our specials page and call us now for an appointment as it won't last long.  If you need further information between now and your appointment, please click here for more information on Dysport®.

Get rid of your lines today and prevent future lines at the same time! Get Dysport®.