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.

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 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.

February 18th, 2014

Skin is like hair, no matter what type you have, the opposite always seems better. Though specialized skin care that’s right for your skin is invaluable on the quest for flawless skin, exfoliating is one part of a skin care routine that is good for just about everyone.

Some Exfoliation Basics

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals the fresh skin underneath. No matter your skin type, removing dead, flaky skin and pore-clogging dirt and oils can even skin tone and reduce breakouts. So what’s the best way to go about this seemingly aggressive process? Here are a few options to help you choose the best fit for your routine:

Exfoliating Cleansers

Cleansers with exfoliates added allow you to both cleanse and exfoliate your skin at the same time. Some exfoliates are natural, such as seeds, salt, or oatmeal–which can be very calming for the skin. Other exfoliates are synthetic beads, either way, these gently remove dead skin cells from the skins surface. There are also a wide range of chemical exfoliates, but use these less frequently, as excessive use can cause dryness and irritation.

Exfoliating Applicators

Exfoliating brushes and applicators, Loofahs, scrub brushes, and exfoliating gloves are great for sloughing the dead skin from your arms and legs, but are often too harsh to use on the face. That said, there are a some soft-bristled face-washing brushes out there that are meant for the delicate skin of the face. And, if you’re facing ashy skin on your body from winter cold and the dry air of heated rooms, the more aggressive products can be great for removing that flaky skin–just be sure to moisturize!

Exfoliating Procedures

Many professional procedures use exfoliating as a part of a skin-care regiment, such as microderm abrasion, which uses tiny exfoliating crystals by spraying them on the skin while simultaneously vacuuming them back up. It is used most commonly on problems such as dull skin, brown spots, and acne. Professional chemical peels also provide exfoliation, even though the process is slightly different.

Still unsure which method is best for you? Contact Four Points Dermatology where you can receive a free cosmetic consultation this month. The professional Austin dermatologists at Four Points are professional and friendly.

February 11th, 2014

There are a million skin care products out there meant to treat every skin issue from aging to acne. Maybe you’re used to a quick trip to your local drug turning into an hour of browsing the cosmetics section, reading labels with a perpetual question mark on your face. If that sounds familiar, read on as we demystify some of those long, hard-to-pronounce words on the backs of the most popular skin care products.

Get To Know Your Cleansers 

• Sodium lauryl sulfate: A cleaning agent common in face wash and shampoo that will leave you feeling squeaky clean. Unfortunately it’s also used in engine degreasers, making it a bit harsh on skin. While we all love that clean feeling, look for gentler cleansers to wont strip the skin of the natural oils it needs to protect itself and maintain elasticity.
• Acyl-polyglycoside: This cleaning ingredient is known as a gentle detergent that helps skin retain moisture.
• Salicylic acid: Also known as Beta-Hydroxy Acid, is common in acne treatments and cleansers. This is a good alternative for people with sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, another common acne treatment ingredient. Though if you have allergies to salycylates (found in aspirin), you’ll want to steer clear.

Get To Know Your Anti-Aging Products

• Hyaluronic Acid: This naturally occurring sustance is common in young skin, tissue, and joint fluid. This ingredient is most frequently used to treat wrinkled skin, though it wont replace anything the body has naturally lost.
• Dimethylaminoethanol: Also known as DMAE, is actually produced naturally in the brain. Again, while frequently used to treat treat fine lines and wrinkles, results may be minimal.
• Vitamin C : This vitamin doesn’t just boost your immune system. According to WebMD, “Vitamin C helps to minimize fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. It’s the only antioxidant that is proven to boost production of collagen, which is a key part of skin’s structure.” But be choosy when it comes to picking your source of Vitamin C, many processed vitamins loose effectiveness quickly when exposed to oxygen.

If you’re thinking about taking advantage of the February specials, you may be curious about Obagi products. Well let us tell you, these specialized skin care products are developed specifically for a variety of skin types, ages, and issues. We use these highly effective skin care products in our own office because they yield such great results. Call today to schedule your free cosmetic consultation with Jill Hude, our new certified PA, and find out which Obagi line is right for your skin.

Want to update your skin care? Contact Four Points Dermatology, their friendly, professional staff will inform you of all the recommended skin care products and monthly specials.

January 23rd, 2014

Unwanted hair, known as Hirsutism, can ruin your day–or more likely, a lot of days. For women, male-pattern hair growth can be a source of embarrassment which can lead to a long and expensive battle with hair removers and bleaches. Hirsutism results in excessive amounts of thick, course hair in areas where men typically grow hair–including the face, chest, and back.

What You May Not Know About Unwanted Hair 

Hirsutism is caused by an increase in male hormones and androgens–compounds that stimulate and control the development of male characteristics. But it doesn’t stop with hair. These increased levels of male hormone can also cause acne, irregular periods, and loss of feminine body shape.

Often unwanted hair is benign and simply a cosmetic issue, but occasionally unwanted hair is a symptom of a more serious issue, such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), tumors on the adrenal glands or ovaries, or Cushing’s syndrome. But before you get scared, there are a few simple ways to lessen the chances and effects of Hirsutism.

Hirutism can be hereditary–meaning if you are related to someone with these symptoms, you may want to look into your own likelihood of having the syndrome. Also, research suggests that Hirsutism may be related to weight. In this case, its effects can be improved by controlling weight through a low-calorie diet and getting regular exercise. Some good guidelines for controlling your diet are to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries and tomatoes, and to avoid refined foods, such as white bread and refined sugar.

What Now?

Before you diagnose yourself, always check with a medical professional who can learn the true cause of your symptoms and help develop the right treatment plan for you. Let the professionals at Four Points Dermatology help you if you’re dealing with unwanted hair. Our Austin dermatology office offers a friendly, professional staff and extensive options for hair removal.

January 21st, 2014

When you’re pregnant your whole body is going through enormous changes due to hormones, weight gain, and the  stress of preparing for a new addition to the family. It’s no wonder that the skin would undergo changes as well. From acne flare-ups to stretchmarks, there’s a lot to expect from your skin when you’re expecting. Here’s a quick list of some common skin reactions to pregnancy and tips to dealing with them.

Skin Care Tips for Pregnant Women 

• Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP (try saying that ten times fast). These pale red bumps range in size and can be dry, itchy, and uncomfortable. They can show up individually or in clusters on the arms, legs, and abdomen. Treatment for PUPPP may include an antihistamine cream to treat symptoms, though wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding drying soaps, and washing with cool water are some of the most accessible ways to deal with the discomfort.
  
• Hyperpigmentation is caused by increased melanin, or pigment, in the skin. This is so common among pregnant woman that melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation that usually appears as dark patches on the face, is also known as “the mask of pregnancy.” Melasma can be treated with prescription creams or over-the-counter products. But it’s double important to consult your doctor before you diagnose and treat the skin condition yourself. Other ways to lessen the effects of melasma are to limit sun exposure and to use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
• Stretchmarks are one the most difficult effects of pregnancy on the skin to treat. Stretchmarks result from rapid weight gain or loss and usually appear as red, pink, or purple stripes. These are difficult to remove, though moisturizing regularly throughout the pregnancy can help the skin’s elasticity and prevent some stretchmarks, and laser treatment is the most effective treatment after stretchmarks appear.
• Acne and psoriasis flare-ups during pregnancy are common, and should be treated according to recommendations from your doctor. Certain acne medications may be harmful to a developing fetus and should be discussed with a medical professional.  Here’s some good news, these troublesome skin conditions often improve after giving birth.

While your skin and hair may improve during the early months of pregnancy, as your body develops, your skin will eventually react. Luckily, there are ways to diminish the outward appearance of these flare-ups and eventually fade away after giving birth.

Need an expert opinion as your skin changes during or after pregnancy? Contact Four Points Dermatology.  The staff is professional and friendly, providing their patients with the best care, and they’re the leading East Austin dermatologist office.

January 14th, 2014

One of the best things about being located in central Texas is the mild winters and the chance for a 75 degree day in the middle of January, but big temperature swings between arctic blasts and heat waves can cause havoc on your hair and skin. The cold can be drying, and, even though that first warm spell can be a huge relief (one less sweater!), it can also cause the oil in your pores to melt and pool on the skin’s surface, causing a shiny appearance.

If you live in a more consistent climate, there are lots of tips for preventing dry winter skin, but if like those of us living in Austin you’re facing rain, sun, and the chilly winds all in one weekend, here are a few skin care tips for weathering those big changes in temperature. 

When It’s Cold

• Keep the moisture in by switching to a creamy cleanser, rather than using a gel. Additionally, make sure you wash with cool water to avoid the drying effects of warm water.
• Take it easy on the astringents, peels, and other drying treatments. Contrary to logic, removing all the moisture and natural oils from your skin can actually make it greasier as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. This can give the unattractive appearance of irritated and flaky skin with a slick oil finish.
• Keep using sun screen. Even if you don’t see the sun UV rays can still damage your skin. Many moisturizers also contain a light SPF and can be a good solution to the finicky winter weather of Southern climates.
• You don’t need to exfoliate as much as you might think, especially if your battling skin that has become flaky with the cooler temperatures. Save that scrubbing for when the weather warms and your skin is hydrated.

When It’s Hot

• Avoid the oil slick by switching to a gel or foam cleanser, and keep your moisturizers light. Thick creams will only compound the problem.
• Consider using a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, or salicylic acid) exfoliant. This will help to penetrate pores and release skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts.
• More sun screen! We all love the healthy glow of a tan, but when those sunny days sneak up on you in the middle of winter you want to protect your skin from sun damage and its many negative effects.
• To ameliorate shine consider keeping blotting papers with you, which can offer shine-control on the go.

There are lots of tricks to keeping your skin under control, even when the weather isn’t, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different.

Are you finding it hard to care for your skin in Austin’s erratic weather? Contact Four Points Dermatology to make an appointment for a consultation and the best Austin dermatologists.