Dandruff is a common problem and one that you may not worry too much about if you deal with minor flaking every once in a while; however, severe dandruff can be embarrassing. First, it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with dandruff or a dry scalp, as these are two different problems that can result in the same itching and flaking symptoms. Since dandruff is caused by excess scalp oil, which is the opposite of dry scalp, you may want to turn to a dermatologist to confirm your condition.

• Dandruff will produce large, oily flakes that are often yellow or white in appearance while the dry scalp is more likely to produce a lot of dry little flakes.
• Dandruff may cause a red, scaly scalp while someone with dry scalp is more likely to experience dry skin on other parts of their body
• The only symptom that both dandruff and dry scalp have in common is an itchy scalp

• Wash your hair every day to reduce excess oil on the scalp
• Use a shampoo that contains coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or tea tree oil (a natural alternative)
• Stay away from any har products that contain alcohols or bleach, as well as oily hair products that will only cause more oil to buildup on the scalp
• Find ways to effectively manage stress, which can trigger or exacerbate dandruff
• Get a small amount of sun exposure every day (just a couple of minutes), which could help get your symptoms under control (talk to your dermatologist before doing so, as excess sun exposure can be harmful)
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin B, zinc, and healthy fats

If your teen years brought about painful, cystic acne then you may have the scarring to prove it. These scars, particularly on the face, can not only affect a person’s appearance but also their self-confidence. While treating the acne is the best way to prevent scarring from occurring, if you’re already dealing with scars know that there are ways to reduce and perhaps even eliminate these scars.

• Chemical peels: This treatment, which is often used for cosmetic reasons, can also reduce the appearance of acne scars. Chemical peels remove the outermost layer of the skin to reveal healthy new skin underneath.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion offers similar results as a chemical peel, but instead of applying a chemical solution to the skin, microdermabrasion often uses a handheld device with a diamond or crystal tip at the end to blast away the outer layer of the skin.
• Laser skin resurfacing: This laser treatment will also remove the outermost layer of the skin, which is the most damaged layer, while also tightening the brand-new skin that’s revealed. The skin is numbed before treatment and the recovery time can take up to 10 days.
• Fractional laser therapy: Are you dealing with deeper acne scars? If so, then laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion may not give you the results you’re looking; however, your dermatologist may recommend fractional laser therapy, as this targets deeper levels of tissue.

How your dermatologist in Winston-Salem NC and Thomasville and Kernersville NC can help you have clear skin
 
If you have acne, you are dealing with the most common skin condition in the United States. The good news is, you can do a lot to prevent acne breakouts, and your dermatologist can help too.
 
The dermatologists at Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center offer comprehensive skincare solutions, including effective ways to treat acne. They have several convenient office locations in Winston-Salem, Thomasville, and Kernersville NC to help you have clear skin. Contact them today to learn more about acne.
 
Ways to Minimize a Breakout
Acne can come in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, and painful cystic acne. To minimize acne breakouts, here are 10 tips to help you enjoy clear skin:

1. Get regular exercise, because sweating helps get rid of toxins and increases blood flow to your skin.
2. Manage your stress through relaxation techniques, yoga, or breathing exercises because stress can bring on an acne breakout.
3. Avoid greasy, fatty, or processed foods.
4. Limit dairy products in your diet.
5. Eat lots of natural, unprocessed foods like vegetables and fruits.
6. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day because water flushes toxins from your body.
7. Keep your cell phone and other items that are next to your face clean and free of bacteria.
8. Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup to keep your pores clear.
9. Change your pillowcase every week to keep sweat and dirt away from your face.
10. Keep your hands clean and try to avoid touching your face.
     

If you suffer from chronic acne, don’t worry. We can offer several effective acne treatment options, including:

• Antibiotics, in oral or topical form to treat the underlying infection
• Products containing benzoyl peroxide to unclog blocked pores
• Extraction treatment to remove the entire blackhead or whitehead

 
Don’t let acne interfere with your life and your self-esteem. Help is just a phone call away. To find out more about acne prevention and treatment, call the dermatologists at Westgate Dermatology and Laser Center, with offices in Winston Salem, Thomasville, and Kernersville NC. To schedule an appointment in Winston Salem, call (336) 768-1280. For the Thomasville office, call (336) 714-0238. Lastly, for the Kernersville office, call (336) 768-1280.

During the much longed-for summer months, people work on their tans. While enjoying a richer skin tone now, tanners take huge risks for premature aging and skin cancer. 

Sun and artificial tanning

It's what we use to get those tans. But, did you know that when you tan, you actually burn the top layer (epidermis) of your skin and damage your DNA, too?

According to Live Science, DNA damage mutates normal skin cells into cancer cells. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common kinds of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer as it easily metastasizes to major body organs. About one-third of melanoma cases in the US kill their sufferers annually, says The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Unfortunately, artificial tanning is just as dangerous as sitting in the sun. Intermittent sun exposure or occasional tanning in the sun or tanning beds are harmful, too. Damage to the skin is cumulative, and both kinds of ultraviolet radiation (there are UV-A and UV-B rays) breakdown your skin's DNA over time. Further, UV-B harms your skin's natural elasticity normally provided by a protein called collagen.

Don't tan: protect

To protect your skin, avoid sunburns, intentional tanning and excessive day to day sun exposure with these strategies from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

1. Cover up any exposed skin (face, arms, legs, ears) with a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeves and other sun-protective clothing.
2. Use sunscreen lotion--SPF 30 or higher--on all exposed skin, and re-apply every two hours or whenever you sweat it off or swim.
3. Stay indoors or in the shade from 10 am to 2 pm.

Also, all adults, particularly those 40 or older, should see a dermatologist for an annual skin exam. Do a careful self-exam once a month at home, looking for changes in the color, size, and shape of existing spots or moles. Report changes to your skin doctor as well as any sore which does not heal in a week or so.

It's your skin

Don't sacrifice its health for a little fashionable color. Tanning really is bad for you. Find healthy ways to enjoy the summer months and that wonderful sun. Your skin and your overall health will be better for your efforts.