Southlake Dermatology

WestDerm

Your Best Winter Skincare Routine

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When the colder months approach and we start reaching for our heavy coats, the moisture levels in our skin drops. For many of our patients, dry and itchy skin is the most unpleasant part of the winter season. Everything from cold wind chill to hot water showers and baths can make our skin feel dried out.
For these patients (and anyone with dry skin), we recommend a few simple morning routine adjustments to get you back to feeling hydrated and comfortable. Some of our insights are a little surprising to some—for example, hot showers actually make dehydration worse! Read on to see our tips for keeping skin hydrated and happy all winter long. 
Take shorter, cooler showers: The last thing you want to do on a cold winter’s night is take a cold shower. We get it! Instead of turning the nozzle completely, consider adjusting it just slightly. Before you bathe, close the door to the bathroom so the steam gets trapped inside and you benefit from the extra moisture. Keep your showers to 10 minutes or less and use warm water instead of hot. When it’s time to lather up, use a gentle cleanser, but don’t use too much product, since that can dry skin. 
Moisturize right after showering: Your skin absorbs moisture most readily right after it’s been washed, so apply product right away. For dry skin, creams are more restorative than lotions, which tend to be on the thin side. We recommend West Dermatology Lipid Replenishing Cream. Shop HERE.
Wear a layer underneath wool clothing: Though it’s a time-tested material for keeping warm on cold winter days, wool can irritate your skin and cause itchiness. Wearing an undershirt beneath your favorite sweater can keep you from chafing. 
Apply sunscreen every morning: If you’ve been with West Dermatology for a while, then you probably saw this piece of advice coming. We suggest that everyone wear sunscreen daily, even in the winter. Sunburns are drying to skin, and a sunscreen with SPF 30-plus (along with protective clothing and sunglasses) is the best way to stave off UV damage. We recommend EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40. Shop HERE.
Drink more water: Hydration starts on the inside. Consider having a glass of water with breakfast instead of your usual coffee or tea, and your skin could reap rewards.
If you’re following the tips above and your skin’s still feeling dry, or if you simply want personalized suggestions, we’re here for you. Just make an appointment and we’ll help you take your skin from flaky and dry to firm, hydrated and smooth.

12 Days of Skin Tips for Glowy Skin ✨

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With the end of the year nearly here, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your 2021 health and skincare routine. If you find there’s room for improvement in your daily practices, fear not…simple adjustments can make all the difference! Take a look at our 12 days of skin tips, and follow along to boost your skin health in less than two weeks.
DAY ONE: Put a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher near your toothpaste. This way, you’ll see it first thing and remember to apply it every day. Limiting your UV exposure is a proven way to reduce your skin-cancer risk. We recommend ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50. Shop HERE.
DAY TWO: Perform a skin self-check. Look at every inch of your skin from head to toe for any dark spots with irregular borders or other suspicious marks. If anything seems out of the ordinary, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get tested for skin cancer. Repeat the self-exam at least once every month—it could save your life. Outcomes are much better when patients get a cancer diagnosis early.
DAY THREE: Schedule a dermatology exam. If you’ve had skin cancer before or have a family history of skin cancer, then make a habit of seeing a dermatologist at least once a year. Your provider will check for any suspicious growths and biopsy as needed, so you have a diagnosis if necessary and a plan of action.
DAY FOUR: Buy a humidifier. Dry winter air leads to dry, itchy winter skin, and indoor heating can make the problem worse. Add some much-needed moisture back into the air and your skin will thank you.
DAY FIVE: Buy a gentler soap. Clarifying cleansers can strip skin of the oil it needs to stay smooth and supple. A sensitive skin formula could keep your skin from drying out. We recommend SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser. Shop HERE.
DAY SIX: Put your lotion next to the sink or shower. Your skin absorbs moisture most effectively after being wet, so make it easy for yourself to moisturize right after bathing.
DAY SEVEN: Dig out your warmest, loosest clothes. Loose clothes are less likely to cause chafing than tight ones.
DAY EIGHT: Cook yourself a fish dinner. If you don’t eat fish, try walnuts or chia seeds. The omega fatty acids in these foods help prevent dry skin.
DAY NINE: Read or look up the ingredients on your soaps and lotions. If they contain alcohols or fragrance, they might be drying out your skin. To minimize the risk of dehydration, you might try sensitive-skin or fragrance-free formulas.
DAY TEN: Drop lip balm in your purse or briefcase. Dry winter weather can lead to chapped lips. Take a balm or salve wherever you go to keep your lips hydrated. We recommend SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair. Shop HERE.
DAY ELEVEN: Swap out your laundry detergent. If you have sensitive skin, a harsh detergent can lead to irritation when your clothes contact your body. Opt for a fragrance-free formula instead.
DAY TWELVE: Sign up for a yoga class. If yoga’s not your thing, go for a hike or meditate. Stress relief benefits your whole body, including your skin.
You can use this tip list to pick and choose the best ones that work for you and your specific skin type and lifestyle. The important thing is to consider your health and give your skin what it deserves at year-end and year-round!

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide 🛍️

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Part of the fun of holiday shopping is determining which items you’ll use as stocking stuffers. Still trying to figure out what to get? Well let us take out all the guess work for you! Some great things come in small packages, check out our top picks for stocking stuffers gift guide.
West Dermatology Clarifying Clay Mask $20.50
Effective and affordable, this mask effectively draws out impurities from deep within the skin while absorbing excess oil. Click here to shop now!
SkinMedica Facial Cleanser $38
One of our favorite cleansers this holiday season is this foaming cleanser that removes environmental pollutants, excess oil and makeup. One of its main ingredients is Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, which helps prevent free radical damage. Yes, please! Click here to shop now!
 
SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair $38
With winter here, the majority of us are suffering from dry, cracked lips. Bring some moisture back into your pout with this little miracle worker. This emollient treatment helps to rejuvenate, reshape, and replenish the delicate skin of the lips. Click here to shop now!
Isdin Uradin Podos Hydrating Gel Foot Oil $30
Who doesn’t want to walk into the New Year with moisturized, happy feet?! This lightweight hydrating foot oil will leave your feet feeling so jolly, you’ll want to dance around to holiday carols! Click here to shop now!
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 $55
We couldn’t have a stocking stuffer gift guide without adding a sunscreen, of course! This one is one of our top choices because it’s a triple threat. It protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, shields against environmental pollutants, AND provides a tint with a soft glow for perfect-looking skin. Click here to shop now!
Have fun with your stocking stuffer shopping and, as always, if you have any questions about any of the above products or you would like to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, call us today! Wishing you all love and happiness this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Guide 🎁

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The holidays are in full swing and that means it’s time to start checking items off your gift list! Here are some of our top picks and crowd pleasers that you and your friends + family are sure to love.
For: The Hydration Lover
West Dermatology Holiday Hydration Regime $299 ($347 value)
Perfect for those wanting to add hydration back into their skin. This holiday set has everything you need from a soothing cleanser, to hydrating serums, and a replenishing cream. Click here to shop now!
For: The Revitalized Skin Seeker
EltaMD UV Restore Bundle $65 ($75 value)
Gift both or get one and keep one (a little treat for yourself!). Revitalize sun-damaged skin by minimizing dark spots and reducing the look of fine lines with these new broad-spectrum sunscreens from EltaMD. Click here to shop now!
*available in tinted and untinted
For: The Healthier Complexion Chaser
Alastin Daily Regime Set $299 ($245 value)
This holiday season, self-care is a must! Treat those you love with this complexion rejuvenator skincare regime. Receive a FREE cosmetic bag and travel size Nourishing Moisturizer with your purchase. Click here to shop now!
Perfect For: Anyone on Your List
SkinCeuticals Holiday Gift Sets $163 – $210 ($166 – $263 value)
With 5 limited-edition exclusive holiday gift sets to choose from, each one is sure to please depending on your needs! Each set tackles a different skincare concern and comes with a FREE premium cosmetic bag ($30 value). Click here to shop now!
Perfect For: Yourself or a Loved One
Give the Gift of a Skin Check
This year, you know the gift of radiant and healthy skin is at the top of our list (and don’t forget…), that also includes getting an annual skin check too! Give yourself, or a loved one, the gift of a skin check so you can start the New Year off right. Healthy skin is always in so schedule your appointment today!
Have fun with your holiday shopping and, as always, if you have any questions about any of the above products or you would like to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist, call us today! Wishing you all love and happiness this holiday season!

Celebrate Movember…Just Don’t Forget About One Thing 💭

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Every year in the month of November, we love seeing our patients and male colleagues rocking mustaches for a good cause. That cause, of course, is Movember, the organization and movement seeking to reduce the number of premature deaths in men. Their claim to fame is asking people to grow mustaches to raise awareness about men’s health issues. Yes – even under your masks – we see your support. Ã°Å¸Ëœ·
While Movember focuses on suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, our Movember celebration (naturally) includes skin cancer prevention. Performing a monthly skin self-check also helps men prevent premature deaths. So, what does a self-check entail? Just follow the five steps below:
+ Examine your body, front and back, in a full-length mirror, paying special attention to your legs
+ Bend your elbows and examine your forearms, the back of your upper arms, and your palms
+ Look at your feet, including the spaces between your toes
+ Use a hand mirror to look at the back of your neck and your scalp
+ Examine your buttock and back with a hand mirror
As your examine your skin, how can you tell the difference between ordinary moles and ones that require attention from a board-certified dermatologist? As the American Academy of Dermatology says, you can use the ABCDE trick as your guide. Make an appointment if you see:
| Asymmetrical moles
| Borders of spots that are patchy and uneven
| Colorful moles or moles that change in color
| Diameters of spots that are large
| Evolving moles
If your skin check comes out clear–and we hope it does–you should still make a yearly appointment with a board-certified dermatologist to get care from an expert. With enough attention and preventative measures, you can lower the number of early deaths from cancer. That’s worth celebrating, during Movember and all year round.

Beginner’s Guide to Good Skin✨

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Skin care is an important part of your overall health and well-being, which is why National Skin CARE Awareness Month was put into place during the month of September. Not to be confused with Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in May every year. You can celebrate this awareness month by learning new ways to take care of your skin and make others aware of how to care for their skin as well.
There are many different ways to take care of your overall skin health, a good place to start is by looking at your current skincare product regime and examining how it’s working for you, where you could improve and adjusting to it as needed.
Completely new to skincare and don’t know where to start? With all of the different products out there these days, it can get a little overwhelming. Don’t fret, we have your back! Read on for a beginner’s guide to skincare that will outline a simple routine that will not overwhelm you and one that you can stick with.
BUILD YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
STEP 1: CLEANSER
You always want to start with a good face cleanser. Cleansing your skin, once in the morning and once at night, is so important because it removes dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris from the skin. If left on the skin, many of these elements can irritate the skin, clog pores, and cause acne and blemishes. We recommend West Dermatology Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser because it is gentle on the skin but highly effective in removing unwanted debris.
STEP 2: MOISTURIZER
Next, you will want to make sure that your skin is properly moisturized. Moisturizing the skin every day can help reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes can be harmful to your skin and can cause skin conditions like acne. Moisturizing also helps your skin stay young and minimizes wrinkles because it aids the skin in repairing itself and staying healthy. We recommend SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal because its’ a lightweight formula that delivers intense hydration without a heavy or tacky feel.
STEP 3: SUNSCREEN
Wearing sunscreen is the most important part of your skincare routine and you should never skip this step! Using sunscreen not only protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and minimizes your skin cancer risk, it also helps keep your complexion even. Sun damage is one of the many causes of uneven skin tones. We recommend EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen because it’s sheer and lightweight, but provides superior UV protection and hydration.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above or want to schedule an in-clinic or TeleDerm appointment with one of our West board-certified dermatologists, don’t hesitate to give us a call or click here.
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

What’s on Your Grocery List This Fall? ✏️

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We’ve all heard the phrase ‘you are what you eat’, reminding us of the importance of eating good food in order to stay healthy and feel our best. Now that it’s officially fall, we’re taking every opportunity to devour the autumn foods that are particularly high in vitamins and minerals and are excellent for our skin’s complexion. Read on for five fall skin foods that your skin will love! ðŸâ€šÃ°Å¸Ã°Å¸Å’¾
Skin Food #1: Sweet Potato 🍠
Sweet potatoes are available year-round but we always associate them with fall because of their vibrant color. This root vegetable is full of beta-carotene, vitamin D, and anthocyanins which work by fighting the free radicals that cause aging. They are also high in potassium, which keeps the skin hydrated. In addition to eating sweet potatoes, you can mash them up and apply to your face as a soothing and moisturizing face mask.
Try this sweet potato face mask recipe:
·     ½ cup mashed sweet potato
·     1 Tbsp honey
·     1 tsp ginger powder
·     1 Tbsp milk, coconut milk, or almond milk (unsweetened)
·     Mix everything together and apply to your face for 15 mins
Skin Food #2: Apples ðŸÅ½
Time to double down on that apple cider! Apples are an amazing fruit because their high vitamin C content builds collagen and copper levels that helps with cell renewal. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the free-radical damage to your skin cells caused by pollution or excess sun exposure. 
Skin Food #3: Kale (yeah!) 🥬
This leafy green is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals needed in every diet. It does amazing wonders for your skin as well because it’s full of anti-inflammatory properties that reduces skin redness. It also has Lutein and Zeaxanthin to protect from free radical damage, and Omega 3- Fatty acids to keep your skin supple, nourished and hydrated.
Skin Food #4: Pumpkin 🎃
Perhaps the most famous fall food of them all! Pumpkin (spice and everything nice!). This seasonal fruit isn’t just for pumpkin carving or house decor. It actually packs a major punch of skin nourishment because it’s so rich in beta-carotene. Its antioxidant properties are vital for the formation of vitamin A in the body, which helps with preventing breakouts, smoothing out wrinkles, and promoting natural hydration. It’s the ultimate beauty food to consume this time of year!
And don’t waste those pumpkin seeds because they’re rich in Zinc, an important mineral that helps encourage skin cell production, cell renewal, as well as increase the skin’s ability to heal itself. Try roasting them with salt, pepper, and a few of your favorite spices!
Skin Food #5: Turkey ðŸ¦Æ’
Commonly blamed for Thanksgiving food coma and sleepiness, but surprisingly known for its anti-aging properties. It has vitamin selenium, which helps protect your skin from damaging free radicals that lead to premature signs of aging. Selenium is comparable to vitamin E because, like vitamin E, it assists in skin elasticity and flexibility. Yes please!
Glowing from the inside out starts with what’s on your grocery list and while we love a good skincare routine, what we put into our bodies is just as important to think about. ✨📝😋
As always, we’re here for you so if you have any questions at all regarding your skin health, do not hesitate to give us a call or schedule your appointment here.

Celebrate National Healthy Skin Month With Us 🎉

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This time of year, our team feels a renewed passion about what they do – and it’s not only because Thanksgiving is around the corner. November is known as National Healthy Skin Month, and it’s the perfect occasion to recommit to the largest organ in the human body. Our motto is “healthy skin is our passion,” so this national holiday means a lot to us.
All month long, we will be going over the fundamentals of skin health with our patients, and you’re invited to join us. As a first step, we’ve outlined some daily habits to follow to keep your skin as healthy as possible:
> Wear sunscreen and protective clothing: We have said it numerous times before, and we will likely keep saying it because it’s just that important. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer, so covering up could prolong your skin health, and even your life. Limit your UV exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as well as long sleeves and pants when the temperature allows. 
> Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds: Now that the weather has cooled down, you may be tempted to hit the tanning beds but please don’t. These manmade light sources expose skin to harmful UV rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, just one indoor tanning session can increase your skin cancer risk by 67%.
> Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses help protect the skin around your eyes from UV damage.
> Moisturize every day: Dehydrated skin is uncomfortable and looks dull. Pick a moisturizer suited for your complexion type and your skin will appear more supple.
> Contain excessive sweating: Incidentally, November is also National Hyperhidrosis Month, so if excessive sweating is disrupting your day-to-day, now is the time to talk about it with your doctor. At our offices, many of our providers prescribe patients under-arm wipes called QBREXZA, which helps control perspiration under the arms. You can read more about the product HERE.
On top of the everyday tips above, one of the most important things you can do for your skin health is to schedule a skin check with a board-certified dermatologist. Getting regular skin checks helps you detect any problems, including skin cancer, early enough to have a better prognosis. Whatever your needs, we are always happy to help you achieve resilient, happy skin.

Too Cute to Spook with These 6 Skincare Tips

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You see a colorful palate of face paint with all the other Halloween goodies, and you have to have it. Your makeup this year will be as epic as your costume, and you just can’t wait to put it on. But hold up there for a minute. If you’re not careful, the stuff you’re about to put on your face can cause some pretty scary skin issues, from acne breakouts to itchiness to a rash. If you do experience any of these side effects from your Halloween makeup, we are here for you. 
 
 
Products To Avoid  
Most “Halloween costume makeup” is heavy, oil-based, and comedogenic. That means it can, and likely will, clog your pores. If your skin is already acne-prone or sensitive, it’s best to run away from this product screaming. It could turn your skin care “goals” into skincare “ghouls.” Especially avoid anything that contains talc, mineral oil, or formaldehyde.   
 
But I Really Want To Wear Costume Makeup  
If you have normal skin and you want to take the risk, you can usually get away with wearing costume makeup for one night—if you prep your skin before and clean it well afterward.   
 
Chose “Theatrical Makeup” Instead  
The better alternative to Halloween costume makeup is to shell out the extra money for “theatrical makeup,” which can be gentler on the skin with less scary after effects. Look for makeup that’s labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means it won’t clog pores. Fragrance-free products will help you avoid the sinister color additives and fragrances that are known to cause allergic reactions.   
 
How To Prep Your Skin   
Start by washing and moisturizing your face. Then, and most importantly, apply a primer to your skin. This puts a protective layer between your skin and your makeup. Well moisturized and primed skin is less likely to absorb all the junk in the Halloween makeup, so we think this is the most essential part of the preparation process.    
 
Drink Lots of Water   
Candy and cocktails can be dehydrating, and water is the antidote. Drinking lots of water is the key to glowing skin on Halloween night and beyond.   
 
Eat Some Skin-Healthy Food  
Your skin will need plenty of antioxidants to counter the damage it’s taking with sugar, alcohol, and Halloween makeup. It’s helpful to eat some yummy antioxidant-rich foods on Halloween day, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Dark chocolate and cinnamon are also good choices.   
 
Aftercare  
When the party is over, it’s essential to double wash your face before you fall asleep. Start with an oil-based cleanser that will take off the majority of the makeup. Then move on to your daily, go-to cleanser for a second wash. If you’re still standing and not “dead on your feet,” tone and moisturize your skin.   
 
The Next Day  
The day after Halloween is the time to really treat your skin right after everything it went through the night before. We recommend you exfoliate your skin with either a physical or chemical exfoliant. This is where a clarifying facial mask could also come in handy.   
 
The Week After Halloween  
There’s nothing like surrendering your skin to the capable hands of a professional esthetician to make sure each pore is clear of Halloween makeup. We recommend a professional facial within a day or so of wearing Halloween makeup. Your esthetician will look at your skin under a magnifying glass to see if any of your pores are still congested. If they are, they have the tools to safely extract any gunk that may be left behind.   
 
Halloween is the one time of the year you can be as ghostly, ghastly, and ghoulish as you want to be. But let’s leave the scary Halloween skin behind this year and focus on maintaining our glowy skin goals. 
 

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Moisture

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Now that winter is coming you need the rich moisture of heavy creams. But moisturizer alone is not enough to give you that dewy look. You need a whole arsenal of tips and tricks to keep one step ahead of dry skin. Read on for some of our best winter moisture hacks below.   
  
Run A Humidifier  
Want dewy skin in the winter? Buy a humidifier. Drops in winter humidity leave your skin dryer than it was in the summer. Running a humidifier boosts your skin’s moisture levels and eases dry, chapped skin and lips. Winter indoor heating takes moisture from the air—and your skin. Consider buying a mini humidifier to run at your desk while you work on your nightstand while you sleep.   
  
Drink Lots Of Water  
Drinking lots of water this winter will give your skin that dewy, hydrated glow. We’ve heard that we need to drink plenty of water, but how much is enough? Experts say the minimum is 64 ounces a day, or eight cups of water. But some people need more, depending on how dry the weather is and their activity level. Women can benefit from up to 11 glasses of water a day and men from up to 13.   
 
Apply Lotion While Your Skin Is Damp  
One handy tip to maximize your moisture is to apply lotion while your skin is still damp. This is the time your pores are open, and your skin is enjoying the hydration of a steamy shower. But it only lasts a few moments after you towel off, so it’s important to apply lotion right away to lock in the moisture while you have it. This goes for your entire body, as well as your face.   
    
Shop Online For Moisturizers  
Our West Dermatology online shop is brimming with hydration. We carry some of the best moisturizers on the market, including Skinceuticals Emollience, a rich, restorative moisturizer. Another standout moisturizer is Dermal Repair Cream from SkinMedica. This ultra-rich formula helps prevent moisture loss and is loaded with effective moisturizing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate.   
  
Add A Serum This Winter  
Winter is the perfect time to start using serum (if you aren’t already). It’s a thin layer of extra support for your skin that goes on right before moisturizer. Depending on the formula you choose, it can do anything from increase antioxidant vitamins C and E to improve your skin’s moisture barrier.   
 
Book A Professional Facial   
Getting a professional facial can boost your skin’s hydration levels. That’s because dead skin is removed, and so any moisturizer you apply will better reach your skin to do its job.  
  
This winter, it’s time to turn up the volume on moisture with every tip and trick you’re got, including adding a serum, shopping for a rich moisturizer, booking a professional facial, running a humidifier, drinking lots of water, and applying lotion while your skin is still damp. This arsenal of moisture will keep our skin looking dewy even through the dry days of winter.