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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.

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.

Psoriasis Management for Teenagers

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder that affects one to two Americans out of every hundred. The condition causes red, raised lesions on drier areas of the body. These areas typically include the elbows, knees, scalp, buttocks or anywhere that experiences friction. The intensity of psoriasis ranges from mild to severe and can even cause arthritis-like joint pain. Psoriasis is a manageable condition, but treatments vary from person to person.

A psoriasis diagnosis can be detrimental to anyone, but it can be especially hard to accept as a teenager. Most teens are already self-conscious, but a skin disorder can cause lasting self-esteem issues. There aren’t as many prescription medications approved by the FDA available for minors to help manage the condition. It’s normal for teenagers to suffer from acne and to experiment with hair and makeup. Teens with psoriasis should talk with a dermatologist to find the best products to keep flare ups under control.

Makeup

A rite of passage for teenagers is learning how to wear makeup. All teens, not just ones with psoriasis, should be choosing products that cater to their own individual skin type. It’s important to hydrate with a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free moisturizer and primer to prepare the skin for makeup application. Those with psoriasis should be using liquid-based foundations, which will provide more coverage to problem areas. Powder foundations can clog the pores, dry the skin out and lead to flaking. It’s important to wash your face and remove all makeup before going to bed.

Hair Care

Changing your hair up is a normal part of being a teenager, but many think they can’t due to the irritation psoriasis causes to the scalp. It’s important to look at the ingredients in the products you’re using to make sure they cater to sensitive skin. Avoid sulfates in shampoos and wash your hair every couple of days.

The National Psoriasis Foundation says that hair dye will do little to affect the condition. It’s suggested to wait until there isn’t a flare up on the scalp. It’s also important to talk to your hairdresser to make sure the products being used won’t cause any irritation.

Acne

Acne is something many teenagers deal with, but those with psoriasis should pay closer attention to their skin care routine. Use a mild, non-drying cleanser once or twice a day to keep your skin exfoliated and clean. Avoid excessive washing and use an oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Greasy moisturizers will block the pores and cause irritation. Using an over-the-counter skin cleanser prescribed by a dermatologist will provide the best results to clear your acne.

Looking for consultation and product recommendations to help manage your psoriasis? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today to schedule an appointment!

How to Care for Aging Hair, Skin and Nails

Medical and scientific advances mean people are living longer and mortality rates are lower. In fact, the 65 and over demographic is the fastest growing age group in the U.S., totaling over 40 million people. In 2050, it is estimated that 20 percent of the population will fall into the 65 and over age category. Those in this age group may experience different challenges with their hair, skin and nails and it’s helpful to know what to look for and the treatments available.

Hair

As people age, it’s natural to experience graying and thinning hair due to a decrease in hair pigmentation and production. This leaves the scalp susceptible to UV radiation and other environmental factors that cause signs of  aging. It’s important to check the scalp regularly for cancerous skin tags or lesions that may have developed. Biotin and marine fish extract are supplements that strengthen hair production.

Skin

When the skin is the largest organ to the body, it’s important to pay extra attention and care for it in old age. Xerosis is a common condition found in older patients and causes the skin to become inflamed, cracked and dry. This condition occurs mostly on the legs but can appear on the hands and torso. Moisturizing two to three times a day and to avoid harsh soaps and hot water is recommended.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is another condition  people may experience as they age.  Abnormal skin growths are common in seniors, so it can be difficult to differentiate between damaged skin and a cancerous spot. Skin cancer can be prevented best by protecting yourself from ultraviolet light exposure. Regularly checking the skin for any abnormalities can help with early detection and improve the success of treatment.

Nails

Nail growth starts to slow with aging. The nail plate will become thinner causing it to become more brittle and to split. Onychauxis is a deformity that causes nail discoloration and can be painful. Keeping the hands dry and regular nail care appointments should be made to maintain nail structure and prevent infections.

Looking to discuss geriatric dermatology and skin care further? Call Knoxville Dermatology Group today at (865) 690-9467 to make an appointment today!

 

Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Dandruff is small white flakes that appear on the head and scalp that can migrate to the shoulders. Many have faced issues with dandruff but if side effects persist, it could be something else. Another condition, seborrheic dermatitis, has similar implications to dandruff but is far more serious.

Dandruff

More than 50% of the U.S. population is affected by dandruff. It typically begins in puberty and is more common in men. Dandruff builds when there is an excess of skin cells that grow and die off quickly. Things like stress or sickness can increase the chances of dandruff, and often cold, dry weather does as well. There are many ways to fight dandruff using drugstore products or at home remedies. Dandruff isn’t anything to worry about. If after use of drug store products the scalp becomes red or irritated, you may need to seek medical attention.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is slightly more serious than dandruff. It looks the same as dandruff, with flakes appearing on the scalp, able to spread. Seborrheic Dermatitis is known to appear with a burning red scalp. It is more common to spread all over the body where hair is present as opposed to solely the scalp. It can appear on eyebrows, arms and even the face. Seborrheic Dermatitis is often referred to as dandruff, seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis.

If you notice an increase in dandruff or any other side- effects, contact KDG at 865-690-9467 to see one of our providers.

ABC’s of Hair Loss

Everyone has at some point seen excess hair build up in a hair brush, the floor or even a vacuum cleaner. It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day. Hair loss shouldn’t alarm you. However alopecia, or significant hair loss, is caused by a variety of triggers and can be harmful. Things like stress, vitamin deficiency, genealogy, hormones and many other potential issues can trigger hair loss.

Stress

Hair loss due to stress is extremely common over all ages. Keeping your hair from falling out and de-stressing work hand in hand. Be sure to get a good night sleep as often as you can, and when you’re not sleeping remember to drink water and focus on breathing. By keeping your body happy, you also will keep your hair happy.

Genetics

Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause. Male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness and androgenetic alopecia are medical terms involving hereditary hair loss. Be sure to take note of your family history with hair loss, as that could be an underlying cause. Hair loss is nothing to be alarmed by, because it is triggered so easily by different factors. If your hair loss does become an issue, it is good to know that you have options.

If your hair loss becomes chronic, and you start to notice empty patches, give our team a call and together we can figure out your best option on the way to healthy hair. Call Knoxville Dermatology Group at (965)690-9467.

What Causes Dandruff?

Girl looking for dandruff

Dandruff are annoying white flakes that stem from the scalp and may end up on clothes or in your hair. These flakes are made of dead skin and are completely harmless, although pesky. Up to 40 percent of people age 30 or older experience dandruff.

Dead skin cells shred from the scalp naturally. Dandruff forms when oil on the scalp causes skin cells to clump together. The rapid shedding of growth can be caused by multiple factors:

  • Dry skin
  • Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
  • Sensitivity to hair products
  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Too much oil production
  • Immune system complications

Pesky dandruff can be prevented with frequent shampooing. This can reduce oiliness and remove flakes. Another option is to try special anti-dandruff shampoos.

Dandruff can usually be self-diagnosed based on its appearance and the feeling of a dry, itchy scalp. If dandruff production becomes uncontrollable or you notice any abnormalities of your dandruff, see a dermatologist. Visit Knoxville Dermatology Group or call (865)690-9467 to schedule an appointment.

How to Fix Oily Hair

Woman with oily hair

Like the rest of our skin, our scalps contain oil secreting glands called sebaceous glands. These glands produce natural oils, called sebum, which gives hair a healthy shine. However, this oil can be overproduced, giving hair a greasy appearance. There are multiple factors that can cause excess oil including hormones, hair products, diet or daily routines.

Greasy hair can be an occasional nuisance or daily battle for some. Luckily there are a variety of ways to potentially reduce the overproduction of oil.

Be aware of the products you are using. Avoid shampoos that improve hair’s “shine,” as these products typically contain more oils and moisturizers. Also, avoid heavy products or conditioners that can cause buildup on your scalp.

Limit brushing and touching your hair. Messing with it can stimulate oil production and distribute the oil throughout, causing a greasier appearance.

Ensure that you are shampooing and conditioning properly. Rinse your hair thoroughly after using both shampoo and conditioner, and only apply conditioner to the ends.

If tips and tricks seem to fail, there may be another issue that is causing the excess oil. Oily hair can be a side effect of seborrheic dermatitis. This skin disease causes a red, itchy rash and dandruff on your scalp. If your oily hair is accompanied with any of these symptoms, try using over-the-counter dandruff shampoo or consult a dermatologist. To schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group, call (865)690-9467 or visit our website.