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Identifying the Cause of Your Hair Loss

Hair loss is very common and should not be a cause for concern, as there are many viable options for renewed hair growth. However, it is important that you try and discover the cause of your hair loss. This can be done through research or talking with your dermatologist. Keep reading to discover potential causes of your hair loss.

Stress

Stress can lead to a number of health issues including thinning of the hair. Don’t let this scare you! The most important thing to do if you are experiencing this, is to take care of yourself. Try taking supplements like biotin to strengthen hair and nails. Be sure to get plenty of sleep and be gentle with your hair.

Age

The truth is, as you age, your hair ages with you. Each day, you naturally lose hair and your body replaces it with new hair growth. However, during the aging process, this new growth occurs less and less. This quite common and depends heavily on your genetic and family history. Women experiencing menopause may also see changes in hair growth, quite severely. Hair thinning or loss normally occurs during these hormonal changes. As these changes start to balance out, your hair may return back to its original state.

Family History

Genetics play an incredibly strong role in determining female and male pattern hair loss. Pattern hair loss usually affects the hairline and top of the scalp in males, and general thinning of hair in females. If you have a family history of hair loss, you are much more prone to experiencing hair loss of a similar type. Prevention for losing hair is possible, so if you believe you are more prone to pattern hair loss, or hair loss of any kind, talk to your dermatologist as soon as possible.

Hairstyle

Do often wear your hair in a ponytail, bun, braids or cornrows? This may be cause for concern, as tight hairstyles like the ones mentioned can cause traction alopecia. This is where the hair becomes loosened and begins to fall out or break due to repeated stress. If you or your child often wears hairstyles that tightly pull at the hair, consider a looser style or even decide on rocking your natural hair!

Medical Condition or Side Effect

  • Medication: Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of medications you have be prescribed. If you are seeing overactive hair loss due to medication, there may be a different medication you can try. If not, speak to your dermatologist about ways to prevent further hair loss.
  • Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is a condition in which the body starts to attack its own hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. There are no cures, but treatment options are available. Your dermatologist may be able to prescribe different options such as topical medications, steroid injections and more.
  • Psoriasis: Psoriasis on the scalp can cause red, scaly patches and the inability to grow hair in affected areas. By treating the psoriasis itself, the skin can heal and begin growing new hair once more. By talking to your dermatologist, they can create a psoriasis treatment plan that may include options like phototherapy, biologics or topical treatments.
  • Chemotherapy: During chemotherapy treatments, which are used to treat diseases like lupus and cancer, your hair follicles are inadvertently targeted. Do not be alarmed by this. It is a completely normal side effect of chemotherapy. Once treatments have finished, your hair should begin to grow back. Again, talk to your doctor or oncologist about these side effects and to learn more about chemotherapy and hair loss.

There are many reasons you may be experiencing a loss of hair or lessened new hair growth. If this is the case for you, talk to your doctor or dermatologist and learn about ways that they can help. Always remember, however, hair loss is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, the experienced staff can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and help you with treatment. To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

How to Age Beautifully: Your Guide to Preventing Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are just a part of aging. By taking care of your skin now, you can age beautifully when the time comes. No matter your age, there are many simple steps to take, which can help slow the physical signs of aging and protect your skin from damage.

Will I Get Wrinkles?

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? As you grow older, your skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. A person’s aging patterns differ greatly due to ethnicity, genetics, sun exposure, occupation and smoking habits. Sometimes wrinkles form from a certain way you smile or furrow your brow.

So What Can I Do?

Wear Sunscreen

You would never hit the beach or the pool without your sunscreen, right? Well, what about when you hit the office or a day of errands? Sunscreen is important, every single day. The sun offers incredible health benefits like Vitamin D, so don’t avoid the sunshine. However, you should avoid its harmful UV rays. Sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF of around 30, will protect your skin from UV rays which cause accelerated signs of aging and even skin cancer.

Moisturize

As you age, your skin loses elasticity causing the skin to crease and wrinkle. One way to combat this is to moisturize regularly. By moisturizing, water is trapped in the skin, plumping skin and making it appear smoother and feel softer. Moisturizing will also help protect your skin against damage that comes from dryness. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about a moisturizer that is right for you.

Don’t Tan

Let me repeat. Do not tan. Whatever you do, do not step a foot into a tanning bed. The risk of getting skin cancer from tanning beds is exponentially higher than the risk of tanning in the sun. With that being said, stay away from exposing yourself to too much natural light. Tanning beds and the sun both expose your body to incredibly harmful UV rays. These rays dry out your skin, increase signs of aging, cause uneven skin tone, dark spots and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Don’t risk your skin’s health for a tan. There are many great artificial tanners sold now, so you can get a streak free, natural looking tan from a bottle, without exposing your skin to UV rays.

Be Patient

Just as you don’t age immediately overnight, results don’t appear overnight either. It’s important to stick to a regimen and trust that you’re doing the best thing to protect your skin. This may take six weeks, or it may take a few months. When wrinkles do come, and they will, remember that it is still a natural part of maturing. However, by implementing the steps above, they may progress slower and not as deep! Don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist about the best options to protect your skin.

See a Dermatologist

While home remedies and careful skin care are wonderful, your dermatologist can tell you the absolute best ways to care for your skin and prevent wrinkles. If you already have wrinkles, don’t despair. Your dermatologist can provide the best care and treatment plan so you achieve the skin of your dreams, in a safe and effective way.

If you’re ready to take your skin’s health into your own hands, let the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group help. The professional and experienced staff is ready to get you on the right path to wrinkle-free skin today! To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.

Guide to Anti-Aging Ingredients

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We all have one thing in common … we age. Many consumers turn to anti-aging creams and makeup to reverse wrinkles. However, non-prescription products aren’t required to undergo testing to prove their effectiveness. To ensure you have a product that actually does its job, look for these key ingredients:

Retinol- Retinol is a vitamin A compound that speeds up cell turnover by stimulating cellular repair and pumps circulation of blood. This boosts collagen and elastin and works best in the dark overnight.

Hydroxy Acids- Hydroxy acids such as alpha, beta and poly hydroxy acids are exfoliants that remove dead skin so that it becomes even and smooth. It also allows other anti-aging ingredients to work faster.

Coenzyme Q10- Also referred to as Vitamin Q, this ingredient helps retain the elastic tissue in your skin. It also aids in protecting the skin from sun damage and preserves collagen.

Tea Extract- Green tea extracts are the most common amongst anti-aging creams. These extracts contain antioxidants that repair skin damage and stimulants that energize the skin.

Peptides- Peptides are amino acids that produce collagen to firm skin. This ingredient is known to be used in products that help stretch marks, scars and wrinkles. All of these ingredients were cross-checked through the Mayo Clinic, Allure, and Everyday Health. Other helpful ingredients include Niacinamide, grape seed extract, and Vitamin C. To examine other ways to help prevent your skin from aging, contact a dermatologist or visit www.knoxderm.com.

Image courtesy of 7Crafts at FreeDigitalPhotos.net