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Skin Routine Post-Treatment: Do’s and Don’ts

Skin Routine Post-Treatment: Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to skin procedures, the aftercare is as important as the treatment itself. Do you plan on undergoing laser treatment, microdermabrasion or even a facial peel anytime soon? Be sure to continue reading to understand the do’s and don’ts of a post-treatment skincare routine.

Don’t Overload Your Skin

Treatments and procedures are an exciting way to let your best face shine, but be cautious when taking care of your skin post-treatment. Avoid harsh chemicals, peels, waxes, or other laser treatments at least two weeks after your appointment. Avoiding these will allow your skin to heal and return its hardy barrier to its natural state. Your skin will be more inflamed and irritated than usual, so make sure to stick to the basics of washing, moisturizing, and leaving your skin alone.

Don’t Congest Your Skin

Once the skin is clear of dead cells, toxins, hair, or any additional skin condition the treatment is targeting, it’s time to give the skin a break. It is recommended to avoid makeup or any topical creams on the treated area. Applying these substances clogs the pores of the affected area, causing further irritation and damage to the skin. If necessary, apply makeup or creams in small amounts to see if irritation does occur.

Do Avoid Sun Exposure and Excess Heat

Post-treatment, the skin’s protective barrier is weakened. Since the protective barrier isn’t as strong, it leaves the skin more vulnerable and inclined to damage. After your procedure, it is crucial to stay out of the sun for at least seven days post-treatment. Direct exposure to the sun is detrimental to the skin due to the harsh effects of UV rays, which will slow down the healing process. This is due to the excess skin sensitivity from a treatment that leaves you more inflamed and irritated than usual. The vulnerability of the skin post-treatment calls for cold temperatures and reduced exposure to heat. Avoid excess heat from hot showers, tubs, heating pads, or saunas. A surplus of heat causes the pores to open up, which could cause further irritation and discomfort.

Do Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is always a good idea, but it is imperative when you’ve just undergone a skin treatment. Recently, treated skin, such as laser removal and microdermabrasion, makes the skin extremely vulnerable and prone to damage. The sun and its damaging effects require you to stack up on the SPF. Even if exposed for a short amount of time, it is vital to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Wearing sunscreen will ensure that your skin will stay protected, even in the harshest of conditions. It’s important to remember that being in the sun for a short amount of time still does some damage. With that said, don’t forget to layer up on the SPF and reapply every so often!

Do Know What You’re Getting Into

Facial treatments have an immense impact on the skin, so it is essential to know everything about the procedure in which you’re undergoing. If you want to address skin issues, such as wrinkles or acne, you should highly consider visiting a dermatologist’s office rather than a spa. Spas, unlike a skin professional’s office, focus on short-term improvements and the idea of pampering their clients. On the other hand, dermatologists have the power to go beyond skin treatments and evaluate their clients on a deeper and more effective level. They also go beyond cosmetic issues and look at your skin for signs of more severe problems such as skin cancer, which could end up saving your life.

Whatever treatment you plan to undergo, the experts at Knoxville Dermatology Group are skilled professionals who can provide various skin treatments, procedures, and consultations.

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Understanding Common Children’s Skin Conditions

Understanding Common Children’s Skin Condition

Summertime is officially here, which means Summer camps are back in session. Below are some common children’s Skin Conditions that may arise during the Summer.

Hives

Hives are red raised bumps or welts on the skin that are moderately to extremely itchy. They can appear anywhere on the body and can range in size. Several factors could cause hives. Foods like nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, and milk are the most common. Medications such as penicillin, aspirin, and ibuprofen, vitamins, eye and eardrops, laxatives or other non-prescription items can also cause hives. If your child is exposed to dust, animals or molds, specific detergents, fabric softeners or hair sprays, they could all be responsible. In addition, some affected children develop hives during exercise.

To treat hives, it is best to avoid any of the provoking factors listed above when possible. Antihistamines are especially effective in certain cases. If the hives do not respond to medicine, there are several topical treatments that can help. Your dermatologist will recommend the best course of action to reduce hive flareup quickly.

Head lice

Lice are a common problem for children. Although they are not dangerous, they are contagious, annoying and sometimes difficult to get rid of. It’s best to treat head lice as quickly as possible once they are found because of these reasons.

Even though lice are very small, they can be seen by the naked eye. Lice eggs resemble dandruff before they hatch. Lice eggs hatch within 1-2 weeks after they’re laid. The adult louse is as small as a sesame seed and will be gray or tan.

Your child may start to complain about itching or comment that something is “moving around” on their head. If these symptoms are present, make an appointment with your doctor. They will most likely recommend a medicated shampoo, cream rinse or lotion to kill the lice.

To prevent reinfestation, wash all bed linens and clothing that has been worn in the previous days. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, and soak hair-care items (brushes, combs, hairbands) or throw them away.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, is a type of staph bacteria. Groups of kids who spend a lot of time together in close quarters (schools and camps) are at risk. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or by sharing personal items like towels or clothing.

MRSA infections often develop around open sores, scrapes or bites. Red, painful bumps appear and some children experience a fever. In extreme cases, the infection can spread to the blood, lungs, bones or other parts of the body. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics or remove a skin abscess.

To prevent MRSA infections, there are several simple steps that you and your child can take. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds, keeping cuts and broken skin clean and covered with a bandage, avoiding sharing towels, uniforms, and athletic equipment or other items that come into contact with bare skin.

For more information on children’s skin conditions, contact your dermatologist.

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Summer Skin Tips: Get Smoother Skin with Laser Hair Removal

Summer Skin Tips: Get Smoother Skin with Laser Hair Removal

Nothing is better than crawling into bed with smooth legs or stepping out onto the beach with full confidence that no hairs are peeking out. There are numerous ways to achieve gorgeous, smooth skin such as waxing or shaving but, most options require tons of maintenance. From a young age, people, especially women, have to maintain hair all over the body. Let’s be honest, it’s exhausting. Enough is enough! Say hello to smooth skin in just a few short weeks with laser hair removal. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about laser hair removal and how it’ll change your life.

What You Need to Know

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to stop follicles from producing hair. This cuts down on the need for shaving and waxing, leaving your skin smooth and stubble-free. For each person, the laser hair removal process is unique. The amount of sessions and length of each session is dependent on the density of follicles the area possesses and which area you would like to treat. There are some important aspects of laser hair removal that you need to be aware of before considering if the treatment is right for you.

  • Hair Color: Lasers for hair removal cannot detect white, blonde, grey or red hair. If you have body hair this shade, there’s a chance you are not eligible for the treatment as the laser won’t be able to focus on hair follicles and possibly damage your skin.
  • Skin Color: It is a common misconception that you are ineligible for laser hair removal if you have a darker skin tone. This is actually false! Your skin color matters much less than the color of your leg hair for this treatment. However, lasers can interact differently with all skin tones, so be sure to talk to your dermatologist about the laser options offered and if they’re right for you.
  • Irritation: Laser hair removal feels a bit like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The process is much less irritating than any other form of hair removal, but it does occasionally leave a bit of redness and irritation. This should disappear within a few hours of the treatment.

Treatment Benefits

Still need some convincing that laser hair removal is right for you? Here are some of the top benefits of the treatment and why it is worth the cost.

  • Goodbye razors, shaving cream, and waxes! From the time you start shaving until you decide you’ve had enough, shaving products will always be in your shopping cart. A good razor costs around $15, which definitely adds up over a lifetime.
  • No more ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can be uncomfortable and unruly. There are few good solutions to ridding your skin of them. With laser hair removal, the follicle actually becomes ineffective, so there is no opportunity for the pore to become clogged or the hair to become ingrown.
  • Minimal upkeep. Once you’ve completed your treatment, you will be given instructions on caring for your skin. You will no longer have to double-check your legs or quickly shave before throwing on a skirt or shorts. With laser hair removal, you will have the confidence to wear what you want, when you want.

Laser hair removal is a great way to make your beauty maintenance simpler and give you the confidence to show off your smooth skin at all times. Understanding the ins and outs of the treatment can help you make a more informed decision as to whether laser hair removal is right for you.

The dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group and their MediSpa are professional and experienced and offer Vectus Laser Hair Reduction. To book your treatment, call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 342-5823 or visit their website.

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How to soothe a sunburn

How to soothe a sunburn

There’s nothing like a sunburn to ruin your fun on a vacation. With the coming of warmer weather, the rise of sun-related risks come into play. Learn how to soothe a sunburn so that it won’t ruin your fun. Even though a suntan is associated with vitality and beauty, the results of prolonged exposure aren’t so pretty. Soothing a sunburn is easy with the right steps and processes, continue reading to learn how to properly care for overexposed skin.

Hydration

When it comes to treating a sunburn, moisture is key. It is important to hydrate the body from the inside out, especially when exposed to the intensity of the sun. When you get sunburned, fluids retract from the skin’s surface and cause the body to become dehydrated. Be sure to increase your water intake to make up for the loss of fluids. As for the exterior skin, be sure to hydrate using a gentle, water-based moisturizer. Be sure to apply a thick layer when the skin is still damp and repeat over the next few days to keep the inflamed area moist.

Aloe

This herbal remedy is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially on sunburns. Additionally, the plant serves as a natural moisturizer for the skin, which is perfect for overexposed, peeling skin. Aloe vera is applied in various ways including through a gel, oil or from the plant itself. Placing this remedy in the fridge before use is a great way to add an additional source of cooling to the skin!

Control the Pain

Reducing the inflammation as quickly as possible is ideal. When you first begin to notice that sunburn is forming, try taking a quick dip into a cold pool or water source to cool down the skin. Remove yourself from the sun and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Continue taking an NSAID until the sunburn has calmed down or when there isn’t any pain felt. Use ice water to drench a towel or cloth and gently apply the cold compress to the burn. This will cool down the area and reduce inflammation. Diluting vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a warm bath will tremendously reduce the sting from a sunburn.

Leave Your Skin Alone

If blisters and peeling skin begin to form due to overexposed skin- don’t pick at it. Picking at the skin will further the inflammation and could lead to infection. It is important to keep the burned area clean and moisturized at all times. If the blistered area spreads over a large area or if fever and chills develop, it is time to seek a medical professional.

The skin experts at Knoxville Dermatology Group are skilled professionals who are able to treat a wide variety of skin conditions, such as skin burns. To see how the experienced dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group will help you, call today at (865) 690-9467 or visit our website.

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3 Must-Have Products for Protecting Sun-Kissed Skin

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Are you ready to embrace your sun-kissed skin this summer? The sun’s UV rays are damaging to the skin, so it’s important to protect the body’s largest organ before stepping out to the beach. Although sun-kissed skin gives us the appearance we desire, many don’t realize the impact it has on our skin’s health. In fact, in a study by the American Academy of Dermatology, 60 percent of men and 54 percent of women think that tan skin means healthy skin. However, when the sun darkens your pigment, it’s actually damaging healthy cells in the process. To achieve the sun-kissed look we all want, be sure to use these three must-have products to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen

We know you’re using sunscreen when you lie out to tan but are you using the one that’s right for your skin? One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point, so it’s important to choose a product that will be the healthiest and safest for you.

To make sure your skin is being protected against both UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen you use must be broad-spectrum, water-resistant and have an SPF of at least 30. Use your product on your body as you spend time outside, even if you don’t think you’re receiving UV rays. Even on cloudy or rainy days, 40 percent of the sun’s UV rays still reach the earth’s surface.

For the best protection and natural aging, we recommend working a facial sun protectant into your morning routine. By adding this step, that takes just a few seconds, your skin will thank you down the line. It’s necessary to choose a different product for your face than the body. Facial sunscreens are formulated with antioxidants to keep your pores clear and skin moisturized, all while protecting it from harmful UV rays.

Lip Protectant

Pucker up! Use a lip protectant to keep your lips hydrated and kissable this summer. Nearly 70 percent of people who use sunscreen while at the beach will forget to apply some protection to their lips. What’s the fuss? Our lips do not have melanin or sebaceous glands in them, meaning they are more susceptible to sun damage and dehydration.

One of the easiest ways to keep our lips hydrated is by drinking water. However, without exfoliation, the skin on our lips will promote dry skin and cause them to crack. Use a lip scrub and soft toothbrush to exfoliate the dead skin cells. Follow the exfoliation with a lip balm containing an SPF of at least 30 to provide back up protection and hydration. Refrain from exfoliating too often or too forcefully because this will leave the lips red and raw.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a common practice at the end of winter, to shed the skin of any and all dead cells that accumulated throughout the cold season. However, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin as we start to soak up the sun in the warmer months. Exfoliation increases blood circulation, which is the main factor in achieving healthy, glowing skin.

It’s recommended to exfoliate twice a week with a body scrub that contains grainy particles, usually of sugar or salt. By exfoliating dead or dying skin cells before tanning, you’re allowing the healthiest cells to receive sun. Doing this will help your tan last longer and remain even.

The dermatologists and medical professionals at Knoxville Dermatology Group have years of experience of providing safe sun tips, recommending products and checking for signs of skin cancer.

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Know your ABCDE’s and get your annual skin check

Know your ABC’s this Summer and get your annual skin check

Summer is almost in full swing! Before you start laying out this beach season, be sure get your annual skin exam. Skin checks for abnormal moles or growths are basic sun safety that should be practiced year-round. Spending time in the sun can bring out freckles and spots you didn’t even know you had. It can be hard to determine which spots are normal, or if they need to be checked out. However, it is imperative that when something odd does appear gets diagnosed and treated correctly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than any other form. Fortunately, checking our bodies for signs of skin cancer is as easy as singing the ABC’s.

  • Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.
  • Border: Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined.
  • Color: Varies from one area to another. Shades of dark purple, blue or black; sometimes red or white.
  • Diameter: While skin cancer varies and grows rapidly; melanomas are usually larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm).
  • Elevation: If your mole is not smooth or extremely raised, it could be a cause for concern.

Skin cancer tends to cause changes, so any visible change to the mole, especially over a short period of time, maybe cause for concern. If you have a concerning spot that meets any of these conditions, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist.

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Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

Safeguard Your Skin this Summer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout May and June, we will be reminding you to #SafeguardYourSkin this beach season.

Long days lounging in the sun are fast approaching and we want to prepare you as best we can. Check back frequently for more in-depth coverage on skin cancer awareness and tips to protect yourself for the upcoming summer. Follow us on social media for up-to-date content, contests, and giveaways!

 

 

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Top Reasons To Protect Yourself from Counterfeit Beauty Products

It’s hard to resist a good deal. While the price may be enticing and the ease of delivery is taunting, how do you know what you’re purchasing is authentic? Counterfeit beauty products are more common than ever and continue to be sold online. Check out our tips below on how to protect yourself from counterfeit beauty products online.

  1. Look Closely

Pay attention to packaging. Counterfeit beauty products do a scary-good job at mimicking your favorite skincare serum. Look for any irregulates in the font, coloring of the packaging or placement of stickers. In addition, look at expiration dates on the packing. All cosmeceutical companies are required by law to have the shelf life of the product on the packaging.

Related: 3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring Skin

  1. Do your research

Most of the time if a deal seems too good to be true, it is. Skin care companies work with authorized retailers and have this list available on their website. Double check their list of approved vendors before purchasing. Stray away from online marketplaces where you can’t be sure who the vendor is and if they got the product directly from the retailer. Often, counterfeit products contain harmful ingredients which can lead to life-long skin damage.

  1. Purchase from your dermatologist

To best protect yourself, purchase your skin care products directly from your dermatology office. Your provider will go over your skin care routine with you and make sure what you are using is working to best protect your skin.

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3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

3 Easy Tips for Beautiful Spring-Ready Skin

 

The fresh green of spring is symbolic of nature, growth, freshness, and fertility. Winter can have a drying effect on the skin, so spring offers a renewed opportunity to get your skin, spring-ready and back in top condition. From exfoliation to properly caring for your skin in the spring sun, here are a few tips that will lead to dew-kissed, glowing skin.

Exfoliation

Shedding winter layers also applies to the skin. Prepare your skin to look and feel its best by sloughing off the dead, clogged skin cells that have accumulated throughout the winter. Exfoliation aids in boosting the circulation of the skin. This circulation stimulates the skin and produces new skin cells, which gives the skin that radiant, beaming look.

A physical exfoliant is a body scrub or product that contains grainy particles, usually sugar or salt, providing the scrubbing feeling when used. A chemical exfoliator is the milder of the two and recommended for sensitive skin. Consult with your dermatologist to determine which is the best type for you and your skin. A dermatologist is uniquely qualified to craft a personalized skin care regimen that will yield the best possible results.

Exfoliation is one of the oldest beauty practices and has been embraced by many cultures with their own unique traditions. The Chinese would rub ground pearls across their skin to rid it of dead cells with hopes of developing an illuminating glow. A traditional Scandinavian method involved vigorously scrubbing naked bodies with cedar branches in the snow before finding refuge in hot saunas.

Although those traditional methods served their purpose at the time, less expensive (and less-rustic) practices are now the norm. Here are some things to keep in mind when exfoliating:

  • Consider your skin type. Everyone’s skin is different; thus, everyone must consider the products and methods that will be safest and the most beneficial for their specific skin type. Those with sensitive skin may want to use a soft washcloth and mild chemical exfoliator; while those with oily, thicker skin, should consider a stronger, mechanical product.
  • Review the products you already use. Certain products or medications in your daily routine may cause your skin to be more sensitive and prone to peeling. Research what you already use and consult with your dermatologist about any over-the-counter products you are using.
  • Be gentle. Gently apply products to your skin using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds, before rinsing with lukewarm water. Avoid any open wounds, sunburns, bug bites or acne breakouts as it could lead to scaring.
  • Moisturize: Exfoliation has a drying effect on the skin, so be sure to immediately apply a moisturizing product to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Interested in more in-depth tips, specific to your skin care needs? Click to request a complimentary skin care analysis

Hydration

It is imperative to stay hydrated for overall health reasons, but especially for your skin. After exfoliation, take extra steps to keep your skin hydrated so it will stay supple and smooth. Moisturize when you get out of the shower and before bed. Swap the heavier, moisturizing cream you’ve been using all winter for a lighter, hydrating product to create spring-ready skin.

Don’t forget to drink water. The more water you drink, the more your skin will love you and reward you with a youthful, brighter glow. As the temperatures rise, you’ll likely be sweating and spending more time in the sun. The amount of water you are supposed to drink in a day depends on your overall weight and daily physical activity, but a few extra cups a day will help as you adjust to the heat.

Sun Protection

Did we mention the sun? As the layers fall off with the warming weather, you’ll naturally want to expose more skin. It is imperative to wear sunscreen every day to best protect the skin. At the end of winter, your skin will be at its palest and most vulnerable state. This is when your skin will burn the easiest resulting in the most damage. Applying a product with at least an SPF of 30 will reintroduce your skin to the UV rays and absorb them at a healthy rate.

By making this part of your daily routine you’ll be thankful in the long run. Your spring-ready skin will age the healthiest it can, without sun damage or spots, and your risk for skin cancer will be drastically reduced.

Want to learn more about how you can get your skin ready for spring? The staff at Anne Arundel Dermatology have years of experience in recommending medical grade skin care products that deliver the best results. Visit us online or make an appointment today by giving us a call at (443) 351-3376.

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Skin Care Tips For Every Age

Skin Care Tips For Every Age

Our skin evolves with age. Your skin isn’t the same in your 60’s as it was in your 20’s.  Should you be worried about acne or wrinkles? What can you do at your age to benefit your skin later? Your skin care routine should evolve as you age.

20’s & 30’s

Fighting acne is the main concern, especially in your 20’s. Water-based, oil-free wash is a safe staple to keep in your medicine cabinet. Keep your skin free of dirt and oil by removing makeup, washing your face and start a basic skin care regimen with a moisturizer and antioxidant every day. Wearing sunscreen every day will also help protect your skin from premature aging, even in the winter. This will help the signs of aging that begins to develop in your 30’s. Start using anti-aging lotion and vitamin A as soon as possible. Vitamin A helps smooth wrinkles and combats the signs of aging.

40’s & 50’s

The skin loses some of its texture and fullness in your 40’s. Wrinkles and age spots begin appearing as well. Products with peptides in them even out pigment and increase collagen growth. An estrogen drop in your 50’s may dry out your skin and decrease its elasticity. Combat this symptom of hormonal changes with glycolic acid, which helps increase skin cell production and turnover. Additionally, introduce a heavier treatment cream high in ceramides and natural cholesterol to replenish dry skin into the routine.

60+

Expand your skincare regimen to include all skin aspects. Apply SPF every day to keep the sun from advancing sun aging. Use cleansers that won’t dry out your skin and products with hydroquinone to help eliminate dark spots on the face hands. Keep up with your regular routine and continue to wash your face and apply your products daily.

 

Need some extra advice on what to include in your skincare routine? Visit one of our dermatologists.

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