We understand that dealing with the scars left behind by teenage acne can be upsetting and even embarrassing. We also understand how much it may impact not just your appearance but also your self-esteem; fortunately, a dermatologist is going to be the best doctor to turn to for safe, effective treatment. Not only will a dermatologist be able to help you better manage your current acne breakouts but also provide solutions to reduce and even eliminate the appearance of acne scars.

While there isn’t one treatment that may work best for you (everyone’s skin responds differently to various treatments), a dermatologist can talk to you about multiple ways to improve the appearance of your acne scars. The type of treatment and the results you’ll get will depend on your skin type as well as the severity of your scarring. While no one treatment will get rid of your scars completely, these treatments below (alone or in combination with other treatment options) may provide you with the results you’ll looking for.

Wear Sunscreen Daily

It’s important that everyone apply sunscreen every day to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun, but this is particularly important if you have acne scars. This is a simple habit to adopt that can reduce the contrast between the scars and your skin tone.

Consider Dermal Fillers

While most people think of dermal fillers as a purely cosmetic treatment designed to plump up areas of the skin that have lost volume due to age, dermal fillers can also plump up scarred skin to reduce the appearance of indentations left by these scars. Of course, results are only temporary, so you will need to turn to your dermatologist for follow-up treatments in order to maintain results.

Get Laser Resurfacing

Another popular treatment option that a dermatologist can offer you is laser resurfacing. Laser technology has come a long way, particularly in the field of dermatology. The powerful lasers used can treat everything from sagging skin and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. This same treatment can also reduce the appearance of acne and other superficial scars. This is a great alternative to dermabrasion, which is a better option for those with more severe acne scars as well as those with darker skin.

Consider Microneedling

Another popular cosmetic treatment, microneedling helps to stimulate collagen production to keep the skin firm and supple. It may also be a simple but effective way to improve the appearance of scars. Since results are subtle, you may need to undergo several treatments to see the results you want.

If you are living with acne scars and want to speak with a dermatologist about your treatment options, then call one today to schedule a consultation.

When you’re dealing with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis, using the same skincare products that others do may end up being a major no-no. In fact, you need to pay close attention to the products you are currently using. Whether you’re noticing more flare-ups, or you are just concerned about how to care for your delicate skin, a dermatologist can be a helpful doctor to turn to. Here are some other tips that can help.

You Have Dry Skin

If you are dealing with very dry, itchy, and flaky skin then baths can actually make dry skin worse. This means that you’ll want to find products that prevent the body’s natural oils from being stripped away. Of course, while you may want to watch the temperature on that bathwater, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub. Just look for soaps and bath products that contain coconut milk, which is incredibly hydrating. Not to mention, it will make your skin smell pretty great, too!

You Have Eczema

If you have eczema then bath time might be a real challenge; however, if you haven’t tried it yet you need to look for bath products that contain colloidal oatmeal. Instead of using a bubble bath or other products that could exacerbate eczema, use a colloidal oatmeal bath soak instead. This product is great for itchy, dry, and red skin caused by eczema. It can also be ideal for those with sunburns and poison ivy rashes.

You Have Acne-Prone Skin

Acne doesn’t just appear on the face, you may also notice embarrassing breakouts on your shoulders, back, legs, or other parts of the body, too. If you are prone to breakouts, it’s important to find a product that won’t make acne worse while also removing excess oil from the skin. One option is Epsom salts.

Not only are they great for reducing inflammation but they also help to exfoliate the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which in turn prevents clogged pores. Soaps with tea tree oil, sulfur, or charcoal may also be great for keeping pores clean and removing impurities in the skin.

You Have Psoriasis

When it comes to psoriasis, gentle bath products are key! Look for body wash rather than soap, which can actually alter the pH of the skin and lead to further dryness. Instead, look for a gentle, fragrance-free body wash. You’ll also want to ease off the hot water and instead opt for lukewarm water when bathing or showering. Just like with eczema, colloidal oatmeal can also be soothing for psoriasis plaques.

If in doubt, your dermatologist is a wellspring of information to help you find the ideal products for your skin. A dermatologist will also know what ingredients and products to avoid based on the skin problems you’re facing. Ask your dermatologist today!

It’s a no-brainer that exercise offers a wide range of health benefits. We know it’s great for the heart and lungs, and it helps you maintain healthy body weight; however, one thing you might not realize is that exercise might also improve the health and appearance of your skin. So, if you needed yet another reason to start exercising, healthier-looking skin could just be it!

It Reduces Stress

Exercise is a great stress reliever, and we also know that acne and other conditions can be exacerbated by stress. Since regular physical activity combats stress, it may also improve certain skin problems such as acne and eczema. After all, our stress hormones impact how much oil the skin’s sebaceous glands produce. You may just find that your brisk morning walk helps keep you calm and collected, while also maintaining healthier-looking skin.

It Gets the Blood Flowing

We all know that blood carries vital nutrients throughout the body, so getting the heart pumping and the circulatory system moving during your next workout session will also get blood pumping faster. This increased blood flow brought on by that HIIT workout or that boxing class also improves circulation even once you’re done working out. This increased circulation could actually help repair damaged cells while promoting the development of new ones. Increased blood flow also removes toxins from the cells.

The Concerns of Exercise on the Skin

Of course, one of the biggest concerns a dermatologist might have for the health of someone’s skin is if they workout outdoors. It’s important to protect your skin from sun exposure, especially during peak hours of 10 am-4 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

If you do plan to go for a run or workout outside you must look for a pH-balanced, broad-spectrum sunscreen that has at least an SPF of 30. Make sure to apply it to the face and body about 30 minutes before going outside. Since sweating can make sunscreen less effective, it’s also best to wear clothes that cover and protect your skin from the sun’s rays.

If you are dealing with skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, or rosacea and you’re looking for ways to keep these skin conditions managed while still being able to exercise, a dermatologist is one of the best specialists to turn to for answers, recommendations, and treatment options that fit your needs.

When was the last time you saw a dermatologist? We’re pretty sure most people don’t know or perhaps have never stepped foot inside a dermatologist’s office; however, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and more than two people die every hour in the US from skin cancer. This is why everyone needs to visit their dermatologist for regular skin exams and skin cancer screenings.

What should I expect from a skin cancer screening?

There is nothing uncomfortable, painful, or invasive about a skin cancer screening. This can be a relief to know and may even make someone more likely to come in for the screening they need. A skin cancer screening involves a simple, non-invasive visual examination that is performed by a qualified dermatologist. Your skin doctor will examine all growths, moles, and birthmarks to check for any changes in shape, color, size, or texture that could be warning signs of cancer.

Just as with any health screening, a skin cancer screening can help your dermatologist detect skin cancer during the very early stages when it’s highly treatable. If your dermatologist does detect a suspicious growth, they may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy simply means that your dermatologist will remove a small amount of tissue from the area to test for cancer cells.

Who should get a skin cancer screening?

Everyone can benefit from a skin cancer screening; however, certain risk factors can increase your odds of developing skin cancer over your lifetime. It’s important to know your risk level so you can talk with your dermatologist about how often you should come in for screenings. Those at increased risk may need to come in more than once a year. These risk factors include,

If it’s been more than a year since your last skin cancer screening you must schedule your exam with a dermatologist as soon as possible. While wearing sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun can certainly help, it’s still necessary to see a dermatologist at least once a year.

From coming in contact with poison ivy to dealing with a high dose of stress, there are many reasons a rash might appear. Most of the time, a rash will go away on its own without treatment; however, it’s also important to recognize when a rash may warrant turning to a dermatologist for treatment.

What causes rashes?

There are so many reasons why a rash may surface. Rashes may be the result of a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, or it could be caused by an allergy. Common causes of a rash include,

Most rashes are mild, self-limiting, and can be treated on your own without having to turn to a doctor. Some ways to ease a rash and promote faster healing is by,

It’s important to recognize when a rash probably requires medical attention. You should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if,

Dealing with a rash that is painful or causing your concern? If in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your dermatologist. We can discuss your symptoms over the phone and determine whether you should come in for a consultation.