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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.

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.

What is Photoaging?

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Despite the English translation, photoaging has nothing to do with photos. The prefix “Photo” stems from the Greek word “phos,” meaning light. Photoaging is the early aging of the skin caused by extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation. When UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin, they damage the epidermis and dermis, the two outer layers of the skin. Skin cells die if they are damaged too extremely. Skin cells that survive the rays imperfectly repair the skin, forming photoaging, pigmented spots and skin cancer.

Signs of photoaging include: various pigment spots, fine wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, leathery or saggy skin, and spider veins on the face. Actinic keratoses, scaly rough spots on the skin, are a more serious sign of photoaging and may be pre-cancerous. See a dermatologist for treatment if this starts to occur. There are many chemical and medical treatments to help with photoaging. A dermatologist can help decide what treatment is best for your skin.

Photoaging builds up over time and is best prevented with sun protection. Simple precautions such as seeking shade, wearing wide-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen liberally help decrease chances of photoaging. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 should be applied when in the sun, especially at the sun’s most powerful time of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

BLU-U Your Way to Better Skin – Benefits of Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy

CT2A7543 Too much sun exposure can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. In addition to sunburn and dryness, prolonged subjection can over the years result in sun spots, premature skin aging and an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Among the most common condition is called actinic keratosis, otherwise described as scaly, discolored spots. There are several different strategies for treating these skin patches, including Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy.

What is Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that is combined with special drugs, called photosensitizing agents, that can kill cancer cells and treat certain skin problems. Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy, or BLU-U, is used to treat actinic keratosis.

CT2A7570What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis, or AKs, are rough-textured, dry patches on the skin. These patches are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning. AKs can occur on areas typically more exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, hands, arms and ears. They may be red, pink, tan or skin toned and can grow larger than the size of a quarter.

Why is important to treat AKU?

Besides being dry and scaly, AKs are the most common precancerous cells. These spots are considered to be the first step in skin cancer development and should be treated as soon as possible. Although most AKs stay benign, studies have shown that 10 percent develop into skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, which can become disfiguring, and at times, deadly. It is important to seek the care of a dermatologist if you have AKs, so you can get treated as soon as possible. Frequent skin examinations can help detect potentially cancerous cells early.

How does it work?

BLU-U blue light therapy is actually pretty simple. A topical solution is applied to the AK spots. The solution is absorbed by the AK cells and is converted to a chemical that makes the cells sensitive to light. When the AK cells are exposed to the BLU-U illuminator, the resulting reaction destroys the AK cells, paving the way for new healthy skin as it heals

Why is Blue Light Therapy is a good choice for you?CT2A7562

BLU-U therapy is not only effective but convenient. The two-part, two office visits and treatment is completed within 24 hours and has low down time. It’s easy because a qualified healthcare professional will administer the entire treatment for you. No additional medications are required.

Results are also quick. Recovery begins right after your BLU-U blue light treatment, with clinical trials showing no appearance of scarring.

If you would like to learn more about Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy, Knoxville Dermatology Group can help. Call us today at 865-690-9467 to get in touch with one of our qualified skincare professionals and begin your journey toward healthier skin.

Baby Sun Safety – Part 3

In East Tennessee, summer is meant for outdoor adventures. And for all the parents out there, it involves a whole new set of skin safety precautions. Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to provide sun safety tips for children of all ages. In this entry, we will focus on tips for toddlers.

Toddlers

Babies’ skin may be more sensitive but toddlers’ energy levels require more thought and effort in keeping them safe in the sun. It’s important to begin teaching them about sun safety at an early age so they can develop good habits as they grow.

Yes, they are going to want to play outside and run around, but be mindful of their exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. Those are the sun’s most powerful hours. If possible, keep play time in the shade during peak times. Also, cool, comfortable clothing is a must! Make sure their head, arms and legs are covered in unbleached cotton or some type of breathable material. You can also look for clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor for extra protection – just check the label. Many children’s clothing brands now make cute, wearable, and cost efficient sun-safe options.

For extra-rambunctious toddlers, water-resistant spray-on sunscreens are a huge help. Just make sure they have an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply every two hours for continued protection.

Plan your outdoor adventures with sun safety in mind and keep things like umbrellas, sunglasses, hats, towels and water on hand for when you need a quick cool down.

Baby Sun Safety – Part 2

In East Tennessee, summer is meant for outdoor adventures. And for all the parents out there, it involves a whole new set of skin safety precautions. Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to provide sun safety tips for children of all ages. In this entry, we will focus on tips for babies.

Babies

Children ages 6-12 months old can now safely wear sunscreen. While this expands the options for summer fun, it also increases the need for protection from  sun exposure. You should still avoid the peak times of 10 AM to 4 PM if at all possible. Dress children in lightweight clothing so their skin can breathe. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher to areas that are left uncovered like hands, face and neck. Thankfully, most  companies that offer children’s sunscreens make them in tear-free formulas.

Timing is everything when it comes to effective sun protection. It’s important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping outside. It’s absolutely crucial that you reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Sunscreen does not protect children 100%. It is a powerful tool, but staying in the shade and wearing a sun visor or hat are simple, additional ways to  lower the risk of over exposure and keep kids cool.

Baby Sun Safety – Part 1

In East Tennessee, summer is meant for outdoor adventures. And for all the parents out there, it involves a whole new set of skin safety precautions. Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to provide sun safety tips for children of all ages. In this entry, we will focus on tips for infants.

Infants

Children 6 months or younger should avoid the sun because their skin is extremely sensitive. It’s even too sensitive for most sunscreens. At this age, babies’ skin has very little melanin, which means very little natural sun protection. Between minimal natural protection and a sensitivity to sunscreen, you need a simple plan that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors while keeping your child’s skin safe.

It doesn’t have to be a summer lifestyle overhaul. You can make a simple change like taking advantage of earlier outdoor hours before 10 am or after 4 pm. You can put a sun-protective cover on your stroller or add mesh window shields to your car windows. It’s also important to dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing that covers arms and legs. Don’t forget to protect your baby’s face, neck and ears. A cute, little wide-brimmed hat will do the trick.

Don’t hide indoors all summer. With just a little prep and a simple plan, both you and baby can enjoy some beautiful summer sun together.

Early Detection and What to Look For

We’re huge advocates for skin scans – both professional and amateur. Checking your skin regularly allows you to take note of subtle changes in your skin. If you’re just now ramping up your skincare routine with skin scans, here’s what you should look for.

Freckles:

These groups of extra pigment are a great indicator of sun exposure. If you begin noticing a prevalence of freckles on your skin, load up on SPF 30 and monitor your sun exposure. SPF 30 should be a part of your daily routine but make sure that during periods of sun exposure you reapply every 2 hours.

Moles:

Moles have more depth than freckles. These clusters of cells go all the way to the top layers of your second layer of skin. If you notice any changes in the size, shape or color of your existing moles, call us! We will examine these changes to rule out any questions you may have.

New Growths:

If you see new moles or growths, compare them to surrounding moles. Is it larger or darker than your other moles? Do you have small reddish moles near multiple larger ones? Make note of any and all differences in new growths. These are signs you should consult a dermatologist.

Early detection is extremely important when dealing with your skin. Monthly skin scans help you more accurately judge changes in your skin, so take a few minutes to observe these changes.