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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.

Sun Safety for Your Skin: It’s Really Not “All about That Base”

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When you visit the tanning salon before hitting the beach, you’re not just paying for a base tan. You’re also potentially putting your health in danger.

Indoor tanning is a risky, often addictive behavior among teens and adults alike. Yet, despite the long-term risks and warnings, around 30 million people visit the tanning salon every year, and 2.3 percent of those tanners are teens!

Indoor tanning increases your risk of developing skin cancer, premature wrinkles, eye damage, and immune suppression. Recent studies revealed a 59 percent increased chance of developing melanoma in individuals who had been exposed to the damaging rays of indoor tanning machines.

The idea that getting a base tan to avoid getting sunburned and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer isn’t based on research and is not endorsed by medical professionals. In fact, you don’t have to get sunburned to get skin cancer. Any exposure to UVA or UVB light from either an indoor tanning device or the sun can lead to skin cancer, so cover up and protect your skin next time you hit the beach!

Exfoliation Tips for Brighter, Healthier Skin

Skincare in your 20s

After reading about hydration in our previous post, we’re actively taking steps for healthy, resilient skin. Adding a weekly exfoliation into your routine helps your skin maintain that radiant glow.

Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells. This helps skin absorb moisture and nutrients easier, and this cell turnover keeps skin looking fresh. But that natural process slows down as you age. The accumulation of dry, dead skin cells can cause skin to develop lines and wrinkles. Acne-prone skin tends to shed more skin cells, but without exfoliation they tend to cling to skin and clog pores. Exfoliation encourages this natural process of rejuvenation.

There are several methods of exfoliation. You can seek professional methods like a microdermabrasion or chemical peels, all of which are available at our MediSpa. You can also do tamer forms of exfoliation from the comfort of your home. At-home exfoliation scrubs shouldn’t be abrasive on your skin. To avoid this, watch out for natural, grainy scrubs. Everyone’s skin type is different, so do a little fun research to determine which techniques will work best for you. We’re happy to provide you with some helpful resources and information, so call one of our certified dermatologists to discuss the best skincare and exfoliation methods for your skin.

 

Get Your Glow on for Spring

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A city has never been more thankful for spring than Knoxville is this year. And since we’ve been bundled up all winter, we’ve hardly been able to step outside and get a healthy glow. That’s why sunless tanners are our best friends as we approach spring, and here are our most helpful tips.

Exfoliate, Apply, Wait & Exfoliate again!

1. Exfoliate. Before you apply your sunless tanner, make sure to gently exfoliate your legs, arms, torso and back. It’s good to exfoliate every now and then to decrease dry skin build up, but it’s even more important now so you can avoid that splotchy look.

2. Apply. Pay special attention to dry areas such as knees, elbows, and heels. Moisturize these areas beforehand to help prevent over-saturation. This will give you a more consistent and even tan.

3. Wait. Wait to shower, bathe, swim or sweat at least 6-8 hours after you apply the product. Water will prevent the tan from developing, so allow time to let the tanner set.

4. Exfoliate. Once you’ve achieved your desired results, exfoliate every now and then to help the tan fade evenly.

If you’re rushed, your hair dryer can help speed up the drying time. Don’t forget your application mitts! Otherwise you may develop unnatural stains on your palms.

If you have any questions about what self-tanner to use or changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Hydration Information – Why H2O is Your Body (and Skin’s) BFF

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Image courtesy of seaskylab at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did you know roughly 60% of your body is made of water? Your organs cannot function without the presence of water, so staying hydrated is crucial for proper organ function. Water has multiple benefits for your body, and your Knoxville Dermatology team wants to provide you with information on some of the biggest perks to getting your daily intake of H2O.

First, water serves as a transport system for your body. It takes the nutrients you consume to the appropriate cells and exports toxins out of your system through sweat or other excretions. If you ever feel groggy or tired, try drinking a cup of water. Not only will you feel refreshed, but you should also feel more focused. It helps with all of your organ functions, including your brain. Water also helps maintain your energy levels and regulates body temperature.

The right amount of water keeps skin looking full, young and fresh. It maintains the elastic bonds in your skin and helps skin perform at its best protective functions. H2O helps your skin recover quicker from topical and sun damage. Without proper hydration, skin becomes dry, dull and sensitive. Your skin quickly loses the water barrier that helps fight bacteria and environmental elements, so replenishing regularly is important.

Overall, skin that is properly hydrated inside and out slows down the aging process of your skin and your body. Moisture-deprived skin and organs have to work harder and become less effective in their normal functions. Drinking the recommended amount of water daily is crucial and offers you both short- and long-term benefits.

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians in Knoxville to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Your Diet Affects Your Skin

Eating-for-a-healthy-skin Do you notice a change in your skin after eating a greasy cheese burger or a bar of chocolate? Your body may react to these foods causing break outs. If your skin is already prone to breakouts, these, and other foods may further aggravate the condition. There are several foods to stay away from in order to achieve beautiful, glowing skin:

  • High concentrations of salt
  • Milk
  • High-Glycemic foods such as white breads, pastas or cakes
  • Sugar
  • Alcohol

These foods are prone to cause unwanted break outs. But don’t be discouraged because not all food is bad for your skin. There are many options that are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants that will leave your skin looking more radiant.

To see if your diet is affecting your skin, schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists today! And if you need some good ideas for a skin-friendly menu, we can give you some insight on that too.

If you have any questions about acne or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

4 Ways to Prevent Signs of Aging

Advertisers sell skincare products by promising “youthful, vibrant results”. But it often takes drastic measures and lots of time and money to reverse any visible and invisible damage to your skin. The best solution is prevention, so your Knoxville Dermatology team pulled our top 4 ways to prevent the signs of aging.

First and foremost – limit direct exposure to the sun! The sun’s rays can damage your skin’s DNA, causing cells to deteriorate and shrink. This makes skin look haggard and lifeless, the opposite of youthful and vibrant. Try to avoid the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If it is unavoidable, then cover your exposed skin with a sunscreen of at least an SPF of 30. Wearing hats and long-sleeves helps, but the sun’s rays are powerful! It’s better to lather sunscreen on your face, neck, arms and hands (the parts of your body that show signs of aging first) daily to prevent any damage.

Smokers, this one’s for you. The toxic chemicals in smoke cause wrinkles to occur sooner and run deeper in your skin, particularly your face. Smokers also tend to squint more to avoid getting smoke in their eyes. That excessive squinting causes crow’s feet and bags to form around your eyes. So let’s make 2015 the year to put down that pack and invest in some quality skincare.

Alcohol poses another threat for young looking skin. Excessive drinking deprives your skin of necessary nutrients. Instead, those nutrients get derailed to fight off your hangover and filter the alcohol from your blood stream. Drinking excessively can also lead to poor diet choices, which leads us to our next point.

What goes inside, shows on the outside. Your skin, like the rest of your body, needs to be fed proper nutrients in order to perform at its best and look healthy. Skin already has to battle natural exposure to the sun and constantly repair and regenerate itself (fun fact: you lose almost a million skill cells in a day). Don’t make it fight against itself from within too! A diet rich with vitamins and antioxidants is important for healthy looking skin. Also drink the daily recommended amount of water each day to keep your skin and other organs running smoothly. (Before any diet changes, please consult your doctor.)

Beautiful skin is possible at any age, and these tips will help you achieve your timeless glow!

Turn Back the Aging Clock: “Age with Grace” Tips Just for You

Skincare in your 20s

If the fountain of youth existed, we’d be splashing its essence into our skincare routine daily. Of course there’s no real youthful fountain, but there are ways to improvise! It’s important to take care of your skin, inside and out, to extend its natural youthful appearance. Your Knoxville Dermatology team has gathered our favorite tips for anti-aging.

Take steps to nurture your inside, and your outside will glow in response. While skincare products definitely help, your organs need love and attention too. Make sure you get the proper daily intake of vitamins and nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3. Drinking plenty of water also helps your skin stay moisturized and healthy.

Limit your sun exposure. UV rays can damage your skin’s DNA, which damages the proteins, elastin and collagen that keep your skin looking young and resilient. Sun exposure can roughen the texture of your skin, add discoloration and even trigger the appearance of wrinkles. You should apply sunscreen to your face, neck, arms and hands thirty minutes prior to stepping outside.

Make sure you get enough sleep each night. This is your body’s chance to reset and reconfigure its renewal processes for the new day. Without an adequate amount of sleep, your body releases more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can break down skin collagen. The growth hormone that aids in tissue repair is released during your deep sleep cycle. So if sleep time is compromised, your body won’t get a chance to repair any wear or tear your skin experiences throughout the day. This can cause your skin to look sallow and lackluster.

We’re here to help you turn back the clock on aging!

If you have any questions about anti-aging tips or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so you can look your best and feel confident at any age.

How to Find “The One”… Moisturizer

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Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

We could spend all day spouting out the benefits of using a daily moisturizer and even how to apply it. But the fundamental key to reaping the benefits of a regimented skincare routine is finding the right moisturizer for your unique skin, aka: “The one.”  It takes patience and maybe some trial and error, but  the pay-off is fresh, glowing skin that gets noticed.

The first thing you should do when searching for “The One” is  read the first five ingredients. Look for common active ingredients such as lanolin, glycerin or petrolatum. If you are concerned about allergies, choose  glycerin over lanolin. It’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction. We also recommend browsing reputable brands.

Your moisturizer should ALWAYS contain sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to keep skin looking young. Because the skin on your face is much thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body, protecting it from sun damage is crucial. You should also use a different moisturizer on your face than on your body. If you have sensitive skin, hypoallergenic moisturizers are the best choice. Oily skin  responds best to  a light, oil-free moisturizer. Creamier moisturizers help quench drier skin types. If you have combination skin, use a light moisturizer all over and touch drier patches with a thicker moisturizer.

If you have any questions about your skincare routine or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Feel Good and Look Good Long-Term

There’s no denying the powerful effect of a dose of Vitamin D via the sun’s rays. That ray of sunshine gives us a boost of confidence for the summer, but the love affair isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Over exposure to the sun can lead to premature wrinkles and age spots, pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions and elastosis.

Elastosis is the destruction of the elastic and collagen tissue that causes the lines and wrinkles, as well as the thickening and yellowing of skin. Along with smoking, this disorder is caused by years of sun exposure. All of these things make us look older but who says we can’t stop the effects now?

We can start by applying products with SPF 30 every day before we step outside, even if we are just going to work. If you plan to spend more than two hours outside, bring sunscreen with you and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Wearing hats and staying in the shade are other ways to avoid over exposure. Discontinue smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. Exfoliate at least once a week and follow up with a moisturizer that fits your skin’s needs (whether you have oily, dry or combination skin) and an appropriate retinoid to boost collagen production. If you already see signs of elastosis, schedule an appointment with one of our certified dermatologists to determine the best skincare routine and/or measures for your skin.

If you have any questions about elastosis or about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.