Southlake Dermatology

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(Trick or) Treat Your Skin to After Halloween Skin Care

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This Halloween season, it’s time to (trick or) treat yourself to fantastic skin care tips and products that will keep your skin healthy before and after the holiday. From “goblin” up moisture to “masquerading” with a clarifying mask, we have all the product recommendations your skin craves, and you need to reach those skin goals.   
  
Masquerade With A Clarifying Mask  
You’ll want to purify your skin after wearing Halloween makeup, especially if it is the skin-clogging type. Most costume makeup from the Halloween store can cause acne breakouts, allergic reactions, and rashes. If you used it this Halloween, your skin needs a deep cleaning like the type you can get from the West Dermatology Clarifying Clay Mask. It draws out impurities and minimizes the appearance of pores.  
 
Keep your Skin Goblin Up Moisture  
Halloween is a great time to switch your moisturizer to something rich and heavy that will protect you through the colder months ahead. We recommend SkinCeuticals Emollience restorative moisturizer for normal to dry skin types.   
  
Don’t Ghost Your Serum Routine 
Keeping an antioxidant serum in your skin care routine can go a long way to protect you from free radical damage. Reach for SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic for proven protection against free radicals.     
  
Carve Out Some Time For A Facial   
A professional facial from a licensed esthetician is the ultimate way to keep your skin healthy. Your esthetician will pamper your skin until it glows as bright as a jack-o-lantern. Plus, they’ll help you set up the best skin care regimen possible and tailor product recommendations to your specific skin needs.   
  
Rest In Peace  
Sleep is vital to keeping your skin healthy. It’s the time of day when your skin rests and repairs itself. For maximum skin health, follow the expert’s advice and get 7-8 hours of sleep a night if you’re an adult and 9 hours if you’re a teen. And remember to wash your face before you fall asleep at night, especially if you wear makeup.   
  
Banish Dark Circles  
Getting adequate sleep can go a long way to banish dark circles under your eyes. But sometimes, even rest isn’t enough. You may need to treat yourself to an under-eye product like Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment. It reduces the appearance of puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.   
  
Hallo(ween) Yourself Off Unhealthy Foods  
Did you know that fried food and alcohol cause free radicals which harm your skin? A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron that scavenges your body looking to bind with an electron. If it pairs with a regular electron, it oxidizes and causes damage. Oxidation breaks down your collagen and elastin. It can make your skin sags, wrinkle, discolor and age prematurely.  
  
Treat Yourself To Antioxidant-Rich Foods  
A little fried food and alcohol are to be expected but make sure you don’t overdo it. Support your skin with antioxidant-rich foods like almonds, avocado, sweet potato, and grapes. These foods are loaded with antioxidants that bind with a free radical’s unpaired electron, rendering it harmless to your skin.  
  
It’s time to (trick or) treat yourself to skincare tips and products to keep your skin healthy before and after the holiday. So use a clarifying mask after wearing Halloween makeup, choose a heavier moisturizer, keep up with your serum routine, get a professional facial, get your sleep, use an under-eye product, limit fried foods and alcohol, and eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.   

Prevent Scary Skin this Halloween with these 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.   
 
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. 

You Don’t Have to be a Ghost This Halloween! 👻

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Summer might be long gone, but your glow doesn’t have to be!
Transitioning into cloudier, cooler months can be challenging – especially for those who love a good tan! But let’s face it, that summer glow isn’t worth the risks…especially when there is such an easy alternative!
Make this fall an excuse to switch things up and substitute baking in the summer sun with self-tanning or spray-tanning. Your skin will thank you!
Not only will your self-tanner give you that bronzed look your friends will envy, but it also has lots of other benefits:
  • Get a natural-looking tan in minutes
  • Self-tanners and spray tans do not expose you to dangerous UV rays
  • Your skin won’t age as fast
  • Conceals blemishes, varicose veins and stretch marks
  • Creates a smooth and even tan
  • Can be customized to the color/tone of your choice
Self-tanners seem like a no-brainer, right? Ask your dermatologist about their recommended lotion and spray-on tanners today.

Come Join Us for our Boo-Tox Event 👻

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Come spook those wrinkles away at our FIRST ever Boo-Tox Event from October 25 – 29th! Join in the fun with this exclusive discount on Botox.
Get 10 FREE units of Botox with purchase of 30+ units
Participating Clinics:
  • Hillcrest
  • Carlsbad
  • Encinitas
  • Newport Beach
  • Rancho Santa Margarita
*valid Oct 25 – 29th only
*cannot be combined with any other offers

Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Skin Health

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Breast Exams Help You Remember To Check Your Skin 
 
Breast cancer awareness month reminds us to schedule our skin exam when we plan our breast exam. Sometimes things are easier to remember together—like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, and salt and pepper. Let’s add to this, “breast exam and skin exam.” Pair them together to remember them better. 
 
Breast Exam = Skin Exam. 
Breast cancer and skin cancer are both serious diseases. Luckily, early detection is the key to survival. That’s why women are encouraged to get annual breast exams. But most women are better at scheduling their yearly exam to check for breast cancer than their yearly exam to check for skin cancer. Why is this? Maybe it has something to do with more awareness around breast health.  
 
Annual Skin Exams Are A Must 
We think annual skin cancer checks are vital to early detection, treatment, and survival. The skin takes lots of damage from the sun, and it needs to be monitored and treated medically when needed. As your body’s largest organ, it’s necessary to your overall health. So, do the safe thing and let a professional check it once a year for early signs of cancer.  
 
Schedule Your Annual Exam 
It’s surprisingly easy to get your annual skin checkup. The key is to schedule it when you plan your breast exam. Of course, you’ll be going to different doctors, but your annual breast exam is your cue to schedule your skin checkup, too.  
 
What To Expect At Your Annual Skin Check 
Your dermatologist will gently examine all twenty square feet of skin on your body. Surprisingly, only one square foot of that is on your face. Other areas are more hidden but still essential to check, like your back, plus the bottoms of your feet and the back of your thighs and calves. 
 
What’s Your Dermatologist Looking For? 
Your dermatologist will pay special attention to the spots and moles on your body (they’re looking for irregular borders). They’ll ask you if your moles and spots have changed color or size recently. Our dermatologists can answer any other questions you have about your skin at your annual checkup.  
 
Self Screen For Breast Cancer, Self Screen For Skin Cancer 
Self-screening is important for breast cancer as well as skin cancer. While you’re doing your regular self-breast exam, take a few moments to also check the skin on your chest for any changes in the size and color of spots. Remember to look at the borders for any irregularity. The edges of spots and moles should be smooth and regular. If they’re not, let your dermatologist know right away.  
 
Breast cancer awareness month reminds us to schedule our skin exam when we plan our breast exam. Remembering to take these two preventative health measures may just save your life. Start pairing your annual breast exam with your yearly skin checkup. Soon, they’ll remind you of each other, like peanut butter and jelly, macaroni and cheese, and salt and pepper. Pair them together to remember them better. Check your breasts, check your skin. Healthy breasts, healthy skin. Reach out to us today to schedule your annual skin checkup.  
 
SCHEDULE SKIN CHECK HERE

Escape From Eczema

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October is National Eczema Awareness Month. Eczema affects a whopping 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults. So, it’s likely that eczema will affect you or someone you know at some point. But you and your loved ones don’t have to suffer from eczema because it’s treatable. Read on to learn how you can escape from eczema.  
 
What is Eczema 
Eczema is a red, itchy rash. It can range from mild to severe. It is not contagious, and you can’t get it from somebody.  
 
Researchers Don’t Know What Causes Eczema.  
Eczema could be the result of an overactive immune system. Researchers think a combination of genetics and environmental factors triggers inflammation. People with eczema might have a gene variation that makes their skin more susceptible to allergens and irritants in the environment.  
 
The Different Types of Eczema 
Not all eczema is alike—there are seven different types. They affect different parts of the body and can look different from each other. What they all have in common is that they tend to be inflamed, red, and itchy. The seven different types of eczema include: 
 
  • contact dermatitis 
  • atopic dermatitis 
  • dyshidrotic  
  • neurodermatitis  
  • nummular  
  • seborrheic dermatitis 
  • stasis  
 
The Most Common Form of Eczema 
Contact dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It’s a delayed allergic reaction that appears a day or two after the skin is exposed to an irritant. People with sensitive skin do best with scent-free products like soaps and laundry detergents that help them avoid irritation.  
 
How To Treat Eczema Topically 
You can treat eczema topically with triamcinolone and hydrocortisone. These medications reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. They can be used alone or with other treatments and come in spray and lotion form.  
 
Eczema Can Be Treated Internally 
You can treat eczema internally with oral or injected medications like cyclosporine and methotrexate. They encourage the immune system to reduce inflammation but are only recommended for short periods.  
 
Treat Eczema with Biologics  
Biologics target the overactive immune system and decrease inflammation. One example is Interleukin inhibitors, which are injectable.  
 
The “Itch, Scratch, Repeat” Cycle  
Eczema can keep you awake at night in a cycle of itching and scratching. People of all ages, including children, can get caught in the “itch, scratch, repeat” cycle that can make for poor sleep.  
 
When It’s Time to See A Dermatologist 
It’s time to see a dermatologist if eczema is affecting your quality of life. This means that you aren’t able to sleep because it’s itchy. It can also mean that you are bothered by the way the rash looks. You must see a doctor if you see red streaks in your skin. The same is true if your eczema scabs or becomes filled with pus.  
 
National Eczema Awareness Month reminds us that eczema is a common skin condition that will likely affect you or someone you know. But you and your loved ones can “escape from eczema” because it’s treatable. If you think you have eczema, contact one of our board-certified dermatologists today to schedule an assessment.  
SCHEDULE SKIN CHECK HERE

Use Your Insurance Benefits Before They Expire!

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A visit to the dermatologist for your annual skin check is worth squeezing into your “end of year” to-do list so you can take advantage of any remaining Insurance Benefits you may have. Additionally, did you know that some HSA/FSA (Health Savings or Flexible Spending accounts) can be used on medical-grade products* like sunscreens, cleansers, acne-treatments, lotions, and more? Plus, if you’ve already met your deductible for 2021, now is the time to come in and see us. With most plans, once you’ve met your annual deductible, you’ll often pay significantly less out of pocket for any healthcare expenses you have.

If you have any questions, we are here to help guide you. Book your appointment today!

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this reminder is not unique to your insurance, HSA or FSA. Now is a good time to check with your carriers about your benefits, specific coverage and annual deductible.

Repair Your Sun Damage IPL Event! ☀️

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Spend too much time in the sun this past summer and now those pesky discoloration spots are showing up? Repair your summer sun damage during our Repair Your Sun Damage IPL Event from October 11 – 22nd!
With exclusive discounts on one of our most popular treatments, the IPL Photofacial, it’s time to ‘repair your sun damage’ and get you (and your friends) glowing!
OFFERS:
– Get $75 OFF 1st IPL area
– Get $50 OFF 2nd IPL area
– $50 OFF post-treatment pigment correcting serum + sunscreen
– Refer a Friend: $25 off (each) towards your next cosmetic treatment
– Raffle prizes
Learn more about IPL here.
If you have any questions, give us a call for more details or book your appointment HERE! We’re excited to see you there!
*PARTICIPATING CLINICS*
Encinitas
Carlsbad
Hillcrest
San Clemente
Palm Springs
Rancho Mirage
RSM

Why You Need to Continue Sunscreen Use This Fall

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Fall is here. You did a good job wearing sunscreen this summer. Now you can start to relax right? Not exactly. You need to keep up that sunscreen use! 
  
But The Sun Is Less Intense Now, Right? 
Yes, and no. It’s true that shorter days bring fewer minutes of sun exposure. But you’re getting hit with more direct sunlight in the Fall, especially later in the day. That’s because the sun is lower in the sky. 
  
Say “No” to Skin Cancer 
It’s the most common form of cancer and affects one in five adults.  
  
The Sun causes 90 Percent Of Aging  
The majority of visible signs of aging—wrinkles—are the sun’s fault. Keep the sun off, keep your youthful good looks.  
  
I’ve Got Sunshine On A Cloudy Day  
Just in case you have the temptation to skip sunscreen because it’s cloudy outside…don’t. Yes, sometimes less UV reaches the earth’s surface on a cloudy day. But the sun is still there and it’s still hurting your skin.  
  
How Long Does It Take To Get A Sunburn? 
It takes only 15 minutes for the sun to damage your skin. Think wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. And since sun damage is cumulative, it’s best not to let it add up—even in small doses. 
  
Your Phone Is Also Damaging Your Skin 
Our screen time doesn’t drop just because the temperature does. Between our phones, laptops, and desktops, many of us are on screens all day. Blue light energy ages our skin.  
  
Get Excited About Sunscreen 
So how do you overcome the sunscreen fatigue that sets in after summer? Treat yourself to a new product for your face and hands. We recommend Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 
  
Still Need To Get Excited About Sunscreen? 
We all have excuses to not wear sunscreen properly. Below are solutions to overcome them:  
 
Excuse: no time                          
Solution: sunscreen & foundation combo 
 
Excuse: acne-prone  
Solution: use a chemical sunscreen 
 
Excuse: I forget my hands     
Solution: carry travel-sized sunscreen with you 
 
Excuse: daily facial sunscreen seems feminine      
Solution: try our sunscreen for men 
  
Sunscreen’s Effectiveness Diminishes 
Dermatologists say sunscreen gets weaker by the hour. It’s effectiveness degrades under direct sunlight. Some data suggests that higher SPF sunscreens last only six hours. 
  
You Need To Re-apply Sunscreen 
But how does a woman do this after her makeup’s on? Adding another layer of tinted sunscreen is one option. So is using a sunscreen powder that contains SPF. A sunscreen powder is okay to spruce up your protection as the day wears on, but don’t rely on it alone.  
  
How Much SPF Do I Need 
Our dermatologists recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. But this only protects you from UVA rays. You also need protection from UVB rays. That’s why we need to focus on broad spectrum SPF that protects against both. We recommend West Dermatology Antioxidant Moisturizing Sunscreen Spf 50
  
What Exactly Do UVA and UVB Rays Damage? 
UVA rays give us wrinkles, age spots, sagging, dullness, and large pores. On the other hand, UVB rays lead to tans and sunburns. You need protection from both.  
  
Cover Your Hands 
Your legs and arms are enjoying the protection of long sleeve clothing this Fall. Your hands (on the other hand) aren’t. They’re still vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays. Sunscreen helps.  
  
Continue to use sunscreen even though the temperature outside is dropping. Want to learn more? Book a consultation with one of our dermatologists today! They’re happy to see you for an annual skin exam and to answer all of your sunscreen-related questions, too.  

9 Tips to Transition Skincare from Summer to Fall

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With every changing season comes transition. Not only is it time to bring out the fall wardrobe, but it’s also time to change up your skincare too!  Here are our favorite tips for transitioning your skin care to Fall.  
Don’t Let Your Sunscreen “Fall” By The Wayside 
You need to protect your skin from the sun if you’re outside enjoying the Fall weather. But did you know your skin needs protection indoors, too? The Fall sun can come in through windows at a sharp angle and cause some skin damage. Plus, indoors, your skin needs protection from the blue light your computer and phone emit.   
Put Away Light Lotions 
Say goodbye to the summer’s lightweight, oil-free moisturizers. This season calls for thicker creams instead. We recommend you nourish your skin with SkinCeuticals Emollience Facial Moisturizer  
Add Humidity 
Fall brings dryer weather—and dryer skin—then summer. So, run a humidifier in your bedroom as you sleep at night. You’ll wake up with hydrated skin. 
 
Add Lip Balm 
Keep your lips moist this Fall with a lip balm. And remember to look for one with SPF. Lips need protection from the sun because most face cancers happen on the lips. This sensitive skin is susceptible to sun damage, just like the rest of your face.  
 
Use A Tinted Mineral Sunscreen 
Mineral sunscreen tends to be thicker and creamier than chemical sunscreen. That’s what makes it a good pick for the Fall. And remember that it needs to be reapplied every few hours because it loses its SPF power as the day wears on. A good option is to also add face powder with SPF.  
 
Prepare For Events  
Fall is the holiday party season. You have Halloween first and then Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. We know you want to look your best at all the holiday soirées. Now’s the time to refresh your Botox—and injections, too.  
 
Add Back Retinoid  
You can ramp up your usage again during the shady days of Fall and winter. Summer was the time to relax your retinoid use. It (and alpha and beta hydroxy acids) made your skin extra sensitive to the sun. But less sunshine means more retinoid use is okay. 
 
Partner With an Aesthetician 
The sun inevitably broke down some of your precious collagen and elastin this summer. Even the most dutiful sunscreen user still sustained some sun damage. A dermatology procedure like micro-needling will help restore your glow.  
 
Work With A Dermatologist 
Schedule an annual skin check with your dermatologist. They’ll assess the damage summer caused and plan to reverse it. Lasers and lights can do wonders to erase fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, they can brighten your skin tone and get rid of age spots and melasma.  
 
Fall has its own set of skin care rules that include adding back nourishing moisturizers, resuming retinol use, continuing with sunscreen, and scheduling a facial procedure. Our board-certified dermatologists are excited to help you on your journey to healthy, glowing skin. Reach out to us today to book a consultation or annual skin check-up.