June 11th, 2014

Our skin is our first line of defense in this world.  It’s our protector against the elements, and one of the first things people notice about you.  Healthy skin has an intact moisture barrier (a layer of cells held together by lipids), but a damaged moisture barrier can lead to dry skin.  Having problem skin can cause self-esteem issues and embarrassment.  But you don’t have to have bad skin!  If you think you suffer from dry skin, read more to find out the signs and treatments.

Signs of Dry Skin 

Read through the questions to see if you’re exhibiting signs of dry skin.

• Does your skin feel tight? 
• Itchy? 
• Is it flaking?
• Does it look dull or lackluster? 
• Is it red? 
• Do you have deep cracks that may bleed?
• Does it feel more rough than usual? 
• If you are darker skinned, does your skin look ashy or gray?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may have dry skin.

Treatment for Dry Skin

Cool Showers

Long, steamy showers can dry out your skin and cause that dry, tight feeling as ongoing exposure to hot water washes away your protective lipids.  Instead, take short cool showers to achieve the same clean feeling that will leave your skin looking and feeling hydrated.

Mild, Dry Skin Specific Soaps

Not all soaps are created equally. Harsh soaps can destroy your natural moisture barrier as you think you are maintaining a healthy skincare routine.

Moisture After Shower

Wetting our skin adds moisture, but completely towel drying after a shower doesn’t allow our body to absorb that needed moisture, and can even rob us of it.  Instead of a complete rub down, allow your body to remain a little damp.  Don’t forget to apply a lotion with urea, lactic acid, dimethicone, or petroleum jelly after showering (for dry skin).

Drink Water!

Lack of water can lead to dehydration can lead to dry skin!  The Institute of Medicine recommends about 13 cups of water per day for men, and 9 cups of water per day for women.

Wear Sunscreen

Sun damage can destroy your natural moisture barrier.  Take precautions to keep those UVAs and UVBs out for healthier looking skin.

Suffer from dry skin? Visit the skilled Austin dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology.

May 13th, 2014

Chances are you have been using the same skin care products your whole life. But without knowing it, you may be using products that are harmful on your skin. However, knowing how to keep your skin healthy is easy. We’ve put together a list of 5 bad skin care habits that you should avoid in your daily beauty routine.

1. Unprotected Sun Exposure

By leaving your skin unprotected in the sun, you are exposing your skin to damaging UV rays. This can increase your chances of developing skin cancer. Putting on sunscreen when outside will minimize the chance of developing skin cancer and will prevent aging as well. Having bronze skin is a feature many people want to have, but excessive tanning can be extremely harmful to the health of your skin.

2. Irritating Ingredients

Be careful when purchasing skin care products and avoid irritating ingredients, such as alcohol. Alcohol harms your skin and reduces the skins ability to protect against further damage. You should also avoid perfumes in your moisturizers as they can irritate your skin. Bar soap is also a product that can cause irritation. Even though it is alkaline and can remove oil and dirt effectively, bar soap strips the protective barrier from the surface of your skin.

3. Picking and Scrubbing

Picking your pimples can cause scarring and even spread the breakout. Seek professional advice when dealing with your blemishes as they have the tools to kill bacteria and dry out your pimples, without any damaging effects. Scrubbing your face too harshly can also have damaging effects on your skin. Too much force can cause redness and leave your skin looking blotchy.

4. Hot Showers

Many people love to relax in a boiling hot shower, but water that is too hot, or too cold, can be damaging to your skin. It can cause redness and inflammation, especially on your face. Also, when skin prunes the skin barrier is being damaged. So, don’t spend hours lying in the bathtub.

5. Go to Bed with Dirty Skin

Even if you don’t wear makeup, pollution, dust, skin cells, and oil accumulate on your skin throughout the day; which is then left on your pillow. Wash your face before going to bed every night to let your face heal and repair itself for the next day.

Need help with your skin care routine? Contact the trusted  Austin dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology and schedule an appointment today.

April 15th, 2014

In this changing weather, it’s important to update your skin care regimen and prepare your skin for some time under the sun.  Plus, you may not always be in sunny weather and might get caught in a few Spring showers that might do a number on anyone with dry skin or allergies. Lets get a closer look at some of the skin care products for Spring and Summer that will keep your skin glowing.

Elta MD Sunscreens

Elta MD sunscreen is the best product for your Spring and Summer weather. From sensitive skin to acne prone skin to post-treatment skin, Elta sunscreens provide premium care for your skin. Elta sunscreens come in a variety of SPFs from 30 – 40+, providing fine protection in a light sunblock. These sunscreens are highly recommended for people with acne prone or treated skin (fillers, injectables, peels, etc.).

Photo courtesy of Elta MD Sunscreens.

Obagi Skincare Systems

Refine your skin and keep away from signs of aging, sun-damage, acne scars and fine lines with Obaji prescription strength skin care line. Since these are medical formulas, only certified medical dermatologists may prescribe these skin care products. The Obaji Skincare System is the best solution for sensitive skin, look your best this season and give them a try.

Photo courtesy of Obaji Skincare System

Looking for the perfect skin care for Spring & Summer? See the best Austin dermatologist around and visit the professionals at Four Points Dermatology.

April 9th, 2014

When the weather begins to warm up, we look for any excuse to spend time outside. However, this means that your skin is being harmed by the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Exposing your skin to sunlight can damage it to make it look older and puts you at risk of skin cancer. So, before you step outside to enjoy the sun and warm weather, protect your skin by considering these tips.

Cover Up 

Most clothing worn during spring and summer don’t give very good protection from the sun, so make sure the clothing you wear outside most often is made of a fabric that blocks the sun. If your skin is extra sensitive to the sun, it may be a good investment to purchase sun protective clothing for the upcoming summer. When outside for long periods of time, create shade by wearing a brimmed hat or sitting under an umbrella. Avoid sunbathing, especially in tanning beds. If you refuse to give up sunbathing, don’t expose your skin to the sun for too long, especially during the hours of 10 A.M and 4 P.M. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Use Sunscreen

Different skin types require different types of sunscreen. If you have fair skin, using a sunscreen with a higher SPF will better protect your skin. When choosing a product, take in account the function of the sunscreen. Some sunscreens are better than others for specific uses such as being water resistant, oil-free for acne prone skin, having protection for lips, etc. As this time of year rolls around, purge your old sunscreen and buy new bottles as they do have expiration dates.

Every time you go outside, you should apply sunscreen. Even on cool and cloudy days, the UV rays can still damage your skin. Apply sunscreen early and often. You should put sunscreen on 20 to 30 minutes before you plan to be outside and re-apply at least every two hours. You should re-apply more often if you’re swimming or doing other activities that make you perspire.

Know the Signs of Sun Damaged Skin

Detecting sun damaged skin early, will reduce your chances of long term damage or cancer. Some of the signs include: dry and flaky skin, mild or severe sunburns, appearance of new freckles, and developing wrinkles. If you notice any of these symptoms, you are not providing your skin with enough protection from the sun.

If you have any concerns about your skin or noticing any signs of sun damage, it is time to make an appointment at Four Points Dermatology. An Austin dermatologist will examine the damage and provide the best care for your skin.

April 1st, 2014

There are some amazing advancements in the world of technology, but they aren’t all for your smartphone. Many advancements help us learn more about our skin and about good skin care. So many interesting reports have surfaced over the last year that we thought we’d pull together a couple of the most fascinating skin-related findings.

Interesting Innovations for Skin

Bionic Skin

This photo is from the Someya-Sekitani Group, who is currently working on the bionic skin.

One of the most interesting medical technologies to be announced in the last year came from a research group in Tokyo, who developed a flexible electronic mesh that could read vitals on a patient when applied to the skin. Originally intended as a “robot skin” in which a robot could interact with a human patient and collect vitals by shaking hands, it was later discovered that this material could be applied directly to human skin to monitor temperature and pressure. This could also have huge implications for creating a smart, sensitive prosthetic limb. Of course the technology is a ways off from being economically viable right now, but the material needs to be flexible to work with the softness of skin and mobility of joints, while containing enough sensors to act as a human skin–and all at a price a patient can afford. We may not be there yet, but it’s exciting to know it’s on the way!

Skin Replacements

Skin substitutes for scarring and burn victims are also in the works. Serious research on the topic has been going on since the 1980s, though an article published by National Center for Biotechnology Information noted that “the clinical use of human skin allograft was first described in the manuscript of Branca of Sicily in 1503.” But what has our attention is a a report from just last fall discussing the current status of skin replacements. Medscape published a report which pointed out, “skin substitutes represent artificial, off-the-shelf alternatives to skin grafts that avoid the pain and potential complications of harvesting, are always available in any quantity needed, and can be applied in an office setting.”

It sounds like a dream for those who are suffering from severe burn-related scarring, and some advocate the skin-substitutes is a more holistic approach to healing, claiming that the skin replacement puts the focus on long-term healing and function. Of course the ideal skin has not yet been achieved, but in the meantime some very good substitutes have been developed, and the momentum is in the right direction.

Need to update your skin care routine? Call the dedicated and professional Austin dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology to learn more about the innovative skin treatments available.

Sources:

Spectrum
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Medscape

March 25th, 2014

It’s just as important to take care of your skin after a procedure as it is to care for it before you come in. While a skilled dermatologist can remove a troublesome mole or wart, after care is important in order to keep your skin healthy for the long term. Skin will be left tender and in need of a little extra attention, especially after surgical procedures, such as Cryosurgery, or laser treatment.

Here are a few quick tips for caring for your  mole or  wart removal site after intensive treatment and surgery.

What is Cryosurgery?

Photo courtesy of ZapYourWart

Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such the case for warts, moles, lesions, skin tags and other skin conditions. There are many typical methods available to Cryosurgery. The most common method use of Cryosurgery is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected area. Liquid nitrogen is applied as a spray to the wart or lesion or may be applied with a cotton swab on the treated area.

Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment and is the most preferred method when compared to some surgical treatments. Cryosurgery involves little pain and leaves little to no scarring in the patient’s skin. This method of treatment is also pretty cost effective, providing a reasonable alternative to the patient.

Laser Treatment for Warts & Moles

Laser surgery for warts and moles involves an intense beam of light or laser, which will burn and destroy the affected skin. A local anesthetic may be applied, depending on the size and number of warts, moles, skin tags, etc., to ensure the patient’s comfort. After laser treatment, the treated area may be sensitive and painful for a few days.

Laser treatment is the preferred method treatment for moles and skin tags, but may be used to treat warts when there is a large number of warts or when treating warts when the female patient is pregnant. In addition, laser treatment maybe used for wart removal when prescribed medicine has not been effective.

Basic After-Treatment Care for Wart & Mole Removal

• Immediately after the procedure you may feel pain. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help manage the discomfort unless otherwise advised by your physician.
• Bath or shower as usual, but be sure to clear the wound area carefully with soap and water at least twice a day and dress with a thin film of white petrolatum (Vasaline).
• It doesn’t sound nice, but the site may continue to ooze or drain for a few days and a ring around the wound may be red. This is normal and should not cause alarm. However, if you experience prolonged swelling and redness of the surrounding area and a white pustular discharge, this could be a sign of infection. Call your doctor immediately for a consultation.
• Continue regular washing and dressing regimen until the area is pink and healed. The area may remain pink for a few weeks, and the skin may be darker or lighter than the skin around it after it has healed. This may be a permanent change.

Additionally, make sure you discuss after-procedure skin care with your doctor. They will be able to give you information that’s right for your procedure and skin-type, as well as taking your individual medical history into account.

Have a question about your treatment-site? Call the friendly, professional staff at Four Points Dermatology for a consultation. They’re East Austin dermatologists provide the best care for all patients and ensure you are given the best skin care available.

March 18th, 2014

There are many ways to pick up a poison ivy rash that don’t include a long hike in the woods. If you are especially sensitive to poison ivy you could find yourself with a rash just from being near poison ivy. And if you let your dog off the leash in a wooded area, be aware that they could be bringing that itchy rash back home.

Facts On Poison Ivy

First of all, you should know what these poisonous plants look like to be able avoid poison ivy. Look out for plants that have leaves with 3 small leaflets, grow like a shrub or a vine depending on the area you’re in, grow yellow-green flowers in the spring, and in the fall may have green berries that turn off-white. If possible, you should also use an ivy block barrier to protect your skin and wear clothing that covers your entire body to decrease the chances of contracting poison ivy when you’re outdoors.

However, since you can’t always prevent contact with these plants, learning how to treat it and the itch may come in handy at the least expected times. If possible, you should always treat it immediately to experience the quickest results.  Here are a few tips on how to most effectively treat your poison ivy and help reduce the itch.

Treat Immediately

• Rinse your skin with lukewarm water
• Wash all the clothes you were wearing when exposed
• Wash everything that may have oil on its surface

How to Control the Itch

• Take lukewarm baths in an oatmeal based bath product or 1 cup of baking soda
• Apply calamine lotion
• Take short, cool showers
• Take oral antihistamines (but do not apply an antihistamine to your skin!)
• Make a cool, wet compress and apply to your skin for 15-30 minutes several times a day

For each way to get poison ivy, there are a dozen rumored cures.  Washing with soap and warm water within 30 minutes of exposure could be your best bet for avoiding weeks of itchy red bumps. But if you’re in the Austin area and are especially allergic to the plant, it’s good to know that there are professionals who can help.

Looking for treatment for your poison ivy rash ? Call Four Points Dermatology for a consultation with a professional Austin dermatologist.

March 11th, 2014

Unwanted hair growth is common for women, but both men and woman can face unwanted hair loss. Hair loss, or alopecia, is a usually associated with older men, but can be a concern for woman and even children. Let’s learn more about the causes of Alopecia and how to treat hair loss.

Hair Loss Causes 

Some other causes of baldness include Alopecia Areata, which usually comes on suddenly and causes hair loss in patches, primarily effecting children and young adults. While this condition may lead to complete baldness, roughly 90% of people with the condition find it to be temporary and the hair returns within a few years. What most people think of when they think of Alopecia is Alopecia Universalis, which causes all body hair, including eyebrows and pubic hair, to fall out. Stress is another reason for hair loss, either because stress can effect keratin, which is produced in hair follicles, or because of Trichotillomania, a psychological disorder in which some, frequently children, pull out their own hair.

Available Treatments to Hair Loss

As you may have guessed, different causes of hair loss require very different approaches in treatment. Age-related baldness will most certainly have a different solution than Trichotillomania. While there are multiple reasons for hair loss, it is largely a genetic issue, making the treatments fairly limited and specific. Some of these treatments include medications such as Rogaine, surgery, and cosmetic approaches are common because they are non-invasive.

A cosmetic approach can improve the appearance of bald spots or thinning hair. Hair can be bulked up to make it look like there is more hair on the head and there are ways to camouflage the area of a bald spot.

Surgery often includes removing a patch of hair growth from the back of the head and attaching it in a more visible area. While recovery is often quick, sometimes as short as two days, many people prefer to avoid surgery and opt for cosmetic solutions, such as toupees, sprays, and styling that diminishes the appearance of thinning.

Are you experiencing hair loss, but unsure what your options are? Talk to one of the friendly professionals at Four Points Dermatology to learn what you can do to have full, thick hair again. The leading Austin dermatologists at Four Points Dermatology will provide effective advice on treatment methods that work best for each patients’ particular condition.

March 4th, 2014

It can be tough to remove make-up at the end of the day, not only are we tired and lackadaisical, we’ve deliberately filled our cosmetic bags with products that boast their longevity. While in reality an all-day lip stick might be reduced to an uneven smear on the outer edge of the lips and waterproof mascara may clump and flake. Those products seem to be more difficult to remove when we actually want to take them off.

How To Properly Remove Make-Up

But make-up removal is a vital part of a health skin care regiment. Leaving make-up on can clog pores, causing breakouts, and block your skin from benefiting from all of the other good things you’re doing for it (basic cleansing and moisturizing among them). To help you fine tune your makeup removal habits, here are a few useful tips:

1. Use an oil-based remover. It may seem contrary to logic, but oil is more effective and less damaging to skin than an astringent. This is similar to cleaning delicate wood furnishings with oil–it helps lift dirt while moisturizing the wood.
2. Be gentle. Mascara can be stubborn, but patiently holding a remover-soaked cotton ball against your lashes for ten seconds can loosen it and make it easy to wipe away. Being too rough and repeatedly stretching the skin around the eyes can lead to fine lines.
3. Wash up. Use your regular cleanser (matched to your skin type) to remove any remaining grime from the day. Especially if you live in a city, the things that are filling the air can be unsettling. Wash regularly with tepid water–not hot or cold–to avoid broken blood vessels and shocking the skin with extreme temperatures.
4. Use the right tool for the job. Make-up remover is great for removing make-up, and cleansers are great or washing away the day–they aren’t both great for both jobs. Unfortunately, neither are the wipes that claim to remove make-up and wash your face in one easy step. Often, wipes will just redistribute make up, rather than remove it, and leave dirt on the skin.

Want to learn more about cosmetic dermatology? Enjoy a free cosmetic consultation with with Jill Hude, Four Points Dermatology’s new certified PA. Contact Four Points Dermatology to schedule your next appointment.

February 25th, 2014

If you’re a smoker you’ve probably been told that smoking is bad for your lungs and heart. These particular organs are important to your overall healthcare and should be taken care of, but did you know that smoking effects your largest organ as well? The one that covers your entire body, your skin.

How Smoking Affects the Skin 

That’s right, smoking has been proven to take a toll on skin, primarily by aging it more rapidly.

So, how does smoking “age” your skin if you’re always the age you are? The same way overexposure to the sun can: causes it to lose elasticity, wrinkle, and lose moisture. This happens in myriad ways. A very direct correlation is that smokers regularly hold a flame next to their face–some of the most delicate skin on the body. This can lead to direct burns, or, overtime, a general drying of the skin. Just like going into a heated room in winter can cause your skin to dry out, so can keeping a cigarette nearby.

More Than Aging

One theory about the link between smoking and the appearance of aging in the skin, is that vasoconstriction, or a narrowing of the blood vessels, reduces the supply of blood to the skin and can cause loss of collagen and changes in skin elastic fibers. Effectively: wrinkles. While smoking effects the whole organ, it seems the effects are most visible around the mouth in what are called “smoker’s lines”.

This effect on the skin isn’t limited to wrinkles and acne–which it exacerbates as well–but can effect the skin’s ability to heal. Whether you have a scrap of a surgical wound, quick healing is important to staving off wound infections, graft failure, and blood clot formation. Again, the correlation is less clear, but its thought that these are a result of lack of oxygen reaching skin cells and delayed growth of new blood vessels.

Are you dealing with the effects of smoking on your skin? Call the friendly professionals at Four Points Dermatology to schedule a consultation today! They’re quality Austin dermatologists with a passion for serving their valued customers.