Chemical peels typically fall under light, medium, or deep categories. These categories designate the level of exfoliation and how aggressive the chemical peel is. However, regardless of its category, chemical peels are essentially the controlled destruction of epidermal layers performed in a way to ensure efficacy, safety, and maximum results.

With the right technique and dermatologist, a chemical peel can be very efficient at sloughing off the upper and medium layers of skin. Here are some of the benefits of chemical peels, their advantages to fixing certain problems, and their potential side effects.

The Benefits of Skin Peels

A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to aggressively exfoliate the skin in a relatively short amount of time. The chemical peel disrupts the bond between the skin cells, speeding cellular turnover. Regular use of chemical peels also causes your skin's fibroblasts to regenerate collagen, which improves firmness and suppleness. Not only do chemical peels improve the texture of your skin, but it can also improve its color and aesthetic.

Are chemical peels safe? Yes, chemical peels are safe to use as long as they are tailored to your skin type. There is a myriad of chemical peels and they can be useful for different skin issues. While many light peels are accessible to the everyday consumer, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist for medium and deep level peels. Without the proper application and removal, deep chemical peels can be disfiguring, and can actually add to your skin problems instead of alleviating them.

Are You The Right Candidate For A Skin Peel?

Chemical peels are beneficial for many skin conditions, including those who are suffering from hyper-pigmentation, discoloration, scarring, and congested pores. However, there are ideal skin types that will benefit most from chemical peels. Darker skinned individuals are fully able to reap the benefits of a chemical peel, but typically these chemical peels will fall under the light or medium category. Deeper chemical peels may cause potential discoloration.

Generally, people who are fair skinned and have light hair are better candidates for chemical peels. This is due to the fact that lighter skin does not respond to surface trauma with hyper-pigmentation Individuals with severe bulges or sags may not respond well to chemical peels. There are other treatments like laser resurfacing or photo facials that can be beneficial.

About Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco offers comprehensive skincare, including cosmetic procedures. Our chemical peels are designed to those who are suffering from melasma, acne scars, pigmentation issues, freckles, and superficial wrinkles. We offer all three levels of chemical peels — superficial, medium, and deep.

Our consultation will ensure that the right chemical peel is used for your particular skin tone, target problems, and skin's condition. Depending on the level of peel, you can go back to work on the same day, or you may require a downtime of several weeks. Contact Dermatology Consultants of Frisco to book an appointment.

Do you know that drinking an adequate amount of water improves your skin's texture and complexion? Yes, Water does not only aid digestion and circulation of nutrition but also hydrates the skin. That's why water is considered as one of the leading anti-aging treatment agents because it hydrates the skin, making it soft, hence, keeping wrinkles at bay.

Daily, the body loses large quantities of water through urine, sweat and bowel movements. Therefore, it's imperative to replace the lost amount by drinking more water and consuming foods that contain high levels of water. These foods include milk and juices. The standard recommendation is drinking 8 glasses or 2 liters of water daily. But what are the benefits of water on your skin?

Below are evidence-based benefits of water on your skin.

• Increases the elasticity of your skin

Taking enough amount of water helps in renewing the skin. Also, it maintains optimum skin moisture. The adequate amount of water also ensures essential nutrients are circulated to the skin cells which will improve the skin's quality especially the elasticity factor.

• Prevents aging

Why do you invest a lot amount of money on anti-aging skin treatments? Let them go and swear your allegiance to water. Water is an effective anti-aging skin treatment. Drinking enough amount of water keeps the skin soft and supple. It also boosts the complexion of the skin.

• Flushes out toxins

Enough amount of water in your body can combat skin disorders. This is because it keeps the skin hydrated, increases metabolic rate and improves the digestion system. As a result, large amounts of toxins are flushed out of the body, leading to a healthy and glowing skin.

• Prevents sagging of the skin

When you lose some fat, the skin tends to sag. To reduce the sagging rate of the skin, drink ample amount of water. But what can water do with the sagging skin? Enough amount of water will tighten the skin and give a perfect glow.

• Keep acne and pimples at bay

Drinking water can keep skin acne, breakouts, and blackheads at bay. Drinking enough water ensures that much of the toxins in the body are flushed out which certainly helps in curing skin breakouts such as acne and pimples. It also makes the skin clear.

• Maintains the skin's pH balance

The skin's pH means its acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 1-14, 1 means it's very acidic, and 14 says it's very alkaline. You should know that the optimal pH of the skin is 5.5. Enough amount of water in your body maintains the pH balance of the skin meaning your skin is healthy.

• Get rid of puffy eyes

Consuming enough water reduces puffiness around the eyes and keeps the eyes sparkly. Also, it improves the health of the eyes, hence, increasing their brightness.

• Take care of brittle nails

If your nails tend to break and peel, it's a sign that your body is under dehydration. Drinking more water boosts not only nail growth but also prevents flaky cuticles.

Wrapping up

Though drinking water will give a better-looking skin, you should know it's not an overnight metamorphosis. You have to commit to drinking a lot of water and changes are gradual. For more details, book an appointment with us today!

Have you noticed early signs of aging? Has tanning in your teens and twenties left you with sun-damaged skin? Do you want a fresh, glowing complexion without make-up?

If you said yes, come discover the latest innovation to rejuvenate tired, dull skin – Fraxel. This leading-edge skin treatment uses precision lasers to target the top layers of the dermis, revealing fresh skin and plumping the collagen beneath. For fresh, revitalized skin, book an appointment with your local Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. With locations in Frisco, Denton, and Carrollton to serve you, we offer comprehensive dermatology services for all patients, including general, pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic treatments.

The precision dermatology services from Dermatology Consultants of Frisco features Fraxel laser treatment. Using advanced micro repair technology, it enhances the body's ability to naturally heal damaged skin, accelerating the healing process for an all-over glow. The process works using the light from the laser to promote the formation of new collagen, giving you the resilience and plumpness of youthful skin. Fraxel may be right for you if you:

• Have scarring from acne
• Are prone to blemishes
• Have visible age spots or uneven skin tone due to sun damage
• Fine lines, or "crows feet" around the eyes
• Light smile lines around the nose and mouth – "parenthesis"
• Furrows between your eyes or lines on your forehead

Just one treatment with Fraxel laser can immediately reduce overall damage, working deeply to soften lines and enhance the texture of the skin's surface. This is a safe, non-invasive treatment, without the dangers of toxins like other procedures. In fact, over a quarter of a million dermatology patients have successfully experienced impressive results with Fraxel. The deep tissue penetration of precision lasers is unmatched by over the counter creams and prescription ointments, with long-lasting results.

Fraxel is especially beneficial to those with acne scars or other skin damage that's left behind icepick, boxcar, or rolling scars. Fraxel removes the textured, bumpy skin and allows all-over new growth, especially around the cheeks. The difference is the way that Fraxel breaks up the scar tissue in the top layers of skin, tough adhesions that regular creams or even deep exfoliation just can't reach. Using penetrative action that smooths deep tissue without damaging the delicate skin around the face is what makes Fraxel unique.

Fraxel treatment involves lasers with two different strengths. A lighter one erases the appearance of sun damage and mottled pigmentation, while a more powerful one goes deeper, smoothing wrinkles, lines, and scarring. Both work by creating microscopic columns of thermal "destruction", breaking down fibers and allowing your skin to naturally regenerate and heal from the inside out. Your dermatologist will precisely combine these two treatments to give you the smooth, youthful complexion you desire.

Fraxel treatment is straightforward, easily tolerable and taking under an hour; sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes. The non-invasive nature of the treatment means little painful downtime afterward, typically just three to five days. Although Fraxel is a minimally invasive procedure, it's important to only receive this from a board-certified, fully trained dermatologist, with the knowledge and skills to ensure proper healing and care for the delicate skin of your face. Dermatology Consultants adheres to rigorous industry standards or professionalism and patient care.

Fraxel is just one of many custom skincare treatments available at Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. Give us a call or visit us online to explore our options and book your free consultation today!

Moisturizers? Check. Face wash? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Exfoliator? Check. With all these things, you’d figure you’ve got everything your new skincare routine needs. However, at Dermatologists Consultants of Frisco, we highly recommend integrating the use of a facial serum into your new year skincare resolutions. 

Facial serums aren’t widely considered a skincare staple. However, its paramount to have one as a source of nutrition and nourishment for your face’s skins. Facial serums are lightweight moisturizers that integrate a higher concentration of active ingredients like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid. In fact, because of serum’s high ingredient concentration, they can offer more targeted treatment to a number of skin issues.

Truth be told, you’ve might pay a pretty penny to get your hands on some high-quality facial serum. However, we’re not saying it’ll cost an arm and a leg either.

Since your skin is the largest organ, we believe no expense should be spared for its maintenance. In skincare, we can sincerely say, “Preventing is always better than curing.” Taking good care of your skin rewards you in the long run.

Below are a few of facial serum’s benefits:

Perfect Wrinkle Remover and Brightens Dull Skin

As you age, your skin wrinkles and loses the youthful radiance it once possessed. One way to help your skin’s battle against Father Time? A facial serum. They have a reputation for being an excellent anti-aging remedy. Importantly, most of these products’ formulae integrate golden micro-reflectors that illuminate the skin and stimulate cell renewal. Thus, restoring and preserving the skin’s youth

For the serum to work perfectly, apply it to clean skin both in the morning and in the evening.

Helps Eliminate Dark Spots

Exposure to UV radiation leads to dull skin and dark spots. These dark spots need to be handled with the utmost seriousness – just like any other skin infection. At DCF, we advise consulting with your nearest dermatologist to find out the right serum-based facial products for your ailment.

Doubles Up as an Exemplary Moisturizer

It is important to point out that facial serums are applied after cleansing, but before moisturizing - especially for water-based serums. In fact, the step-by-step process to washing your face:

• Cleansing
• Applying serum
• Eye cream
• Moisturizer
• Broad Spectrum sunscreen

Facial serums have concentrated active ingredients that are absorbed deeper and faster by the skin. Despite being labeled “serums, they’re an excellent complementary moisturizer – not a substitute though.

Facial Serum versus Moisturizers

Is facial serum a type of moisturizer? A very common question. The answer is actually yes, and no. Serums integrate many moisturizing ingredients such as Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. However, the fact that it has these ingredients, does not make it a traditional moisturizer. In the world of dermatology, creams and lotions are typical moisturizers because they are substantially richer in moisturizing ingredients and they create a good barrier on the skin that keep all the good stuff in.

So, if you're in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, book an appointment at DCF (a premier DFW dermatologist), to find out which facial serum works best for you.

For more information, contact us.

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.