Dallas Associated Dermatologists

WestDerm

5 Summer Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin!

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For many, summer is the best time of the year with its long days, endless bbq’s, and time underneath the sun. With all the fun we’re having outdoors and getting our tan on, we need to be extra cautious of our skin health and make sure that we’re still moisturizing and protecting with SPF. 
Warmer temps do bring on more sweating and oily skin which can cause breakouts, so you may be wondering, ‘should I really be wearing moisturizer when it’s 95 degrees outside and my face feels oily?’ The answer is yes! Read on to learn more about summer skincare tips and how to keep your skin healthy this season (without that extra unwanted shine!) 
Make some adjustments to your skincare regime
Just like you wouldn’t wear thick, heavy clothing from colder months right now, you won’t want to use heavy skincare products either because it could just weigh your skin down and add more oil than you want. So lighten up your routine…instead of using thick, heavy cream cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens, opt for more gentle options like a foaming cleanser or lightweight moisturizer. 
Don’t stop moisturizing
Even though summer brings on heat and humidity, you don’t want to completely stop moisturizing. FYI, that extra layer of sweat on your face does NOT count as moisturizer! You still want to follow cleansing with a moisturizer because it protects your skin from harmful pollutants and prevents further dryness. We recommend lightweight moisturizers like SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal.
Introduce an antioxidant rich serum to your routine
Investing in a high-grade antioxidant serum (containing vitamin or polyphenols) is great year round but even more important in the summer months. Vitamin C helps improve the appearance of fine line which can be caused by sun damage. It also helps combat inflammation, prevents hyperpigmentation and helps with collagen production. Rub in a few drops into your skin after cleansing and before your moisturizer. We recommend SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum.
Slow down on exfoliation
Continue exfoliating in the summer but keep to a minimum, one to two times a week because exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity and irritate sunburned skin even more. You’ll still want to exfoliate to get rid of pore-cloggers such as pollution, humidity, SPF, and sweat but instead of using irritating scrubs, opt for gentler options like foaming cleansers or a cleanser with gentle exfoliants like SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
The most important tip of all is to always make sure you’re wearing sunscreen! Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and, if you’re in the sun, don’t forget to apply every few hours everywhere, including your hands, feet, ears, and lips. We love EltaMD’s UV Daily Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen w/ SPF 40, either the Tinted version OR Non-Tinted version. Both are amazing and will protect your skin all summer long!
 
If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our West Dermatology dermatologists, click here. 
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

How to Perform a Skin Check on Yourself

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Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that if caught early, can be treated, including melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. In addition to your yearly skin evaluation with a dermatologist, another important key in prevention and successful treatment is performing a personal skin exam. When the disease is found early, the survival rate is an amazing 99%.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you perform a skin check monthly to help identify any changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. If you do find something atypical, it’s important you see one of our board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology, who are specialists in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. They can then conduct a more thorough exam to determine whether or not the abnormality is potentially harmful.

Learn What to Look for with Skin Cancer

First, don’t be alarmed if you find a mole or two (or more). A normal mole is smooth to the touch and has a consistent color, be it brown, black, or tan. It has a consistent border, as well, and is oval or round, and it could have a flat or raised profile.
 
An irregular mole that you should have checked more comprehensively has an irregular shape or jagged border. It’s rough to the touch and is often a combination of colors: various shades of brown throughout the lesion or a mixture of red, white, and/or blue.
 
In addition, be aware of new spots or lesions, or look for older ones that have changed in color, shape, size, or texture. Furthermore, be on the lookout for atypical sores, lumps, or blemishes, especially ones that crust over, bleed, itch, ooze, and itch as well as cause pain or are tender to the touch.
 

What You’ll Need to Perform a Skin Check

 
Although you can adequately perform a skin check any time, doing so at shower or bath time, is convenient, as you’ll already be naked. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after, but looking at as much skin as possible is a must. If available, enlist the help of a partner, as a second pair of eyes is always a good idea to make sure nothing is missed, particularly on the scalp or back.
 
Here’s what else you should use:
 
  • A good, bright light
  • A full-length mirror
  • A hand mirror
  • Two chairs and/or stools
  • A brush and/or hairdryer
 

The Simple Step-by-Step Skin Check Process

 

  1. Facing the full-length mirror, examine your lips, nose, mouth, forehead, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, underarms, hands, palms, between the fingers, the fronts of the thighs, and the shins. If you’re a woman, lift up your breasts to check the undersides.
  2. Continue by bending your elbows to examine your forearms and the backs of your upper arms.
  3. Standing with your back to the full-length mirror and using the hand mirror, inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back, and any part of your upper arms that you could not clearly view earlier.
  4. Continue in this position by scanning your lower back, buttocks, and the upper part of the back of your legs.
  5. Check your scalp by parting your hair – with a brush and/or hairdryer, if necessary â€“ as well as around and behind your ears.
  6. While sitting on a stool or chair, prop your feet up and check the backs of your calves as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet, including between the toes.
  7. Finally, still sitting, use the hand mirror to examine your genitalia and any parts of the buttocks or upper legs you may have missed.
 

Contact West Dermatology for a More Comprehensive Skin Check

 
If you find an irregularity or skin change that cannot be explained, contact the skin cancer experts at West Dermatology immediately to schedule a full, comprehensive skin exam. In addition to performing your skin check monthly, it’s important to schedule an annual skin check with our dermatologists. Don’t wait – it could save your life.

MYTH OR FACT: Does the sun clear acne? ☀️

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There are many benefits to the sun. It can lift our mood, help create vitamin D which is essential for healthy and strong bones, and according to many people, it helps with acne. Unfortunately for the sun bakers out there, this is outright wrong as sunlight can actually trigger a particular variety of acne known as Acne Aestivalis, more commonly known as Mallorcan Acne. And while you may not care about the formal names of this reaction, what you should know is that it darkens the appearance of acne scars, or hyperpigmentation.  GASP! This may come as a shock to you if you grew up listening to a mother or grandmother tell you that the sun in fact does help with acne. 
 
Why did people get it wrong?
The reason people believe the sun helps with acne is that the sun deposits different wavelengths of light. Some of these wavelengths can help acne, however, they are accompanied by harmful rays that not only darken and worsen the appearance of acne, but also other components that cause skin cancer and other negative side effects. Overall, overexposure to the sun far outweighs the temporary affect the sun CAN have on acne, but most of the time does not.
So what on earth can I do about acne?!
If you are going into panic mode thinking of all the time you have spent in the sun trying to clear pesky acne spots, fear not! Instead, you can visit one of our board-certified dermatologists who can assess your acne in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you and your skin type. We’ll find a solution for you without all the troublesome side-effects.
Schedule your visit today and we will have you taken care of in no time!
Yours in good health,
A Family of Dermatology Practices

Help Your Teen Eliminate Acne 🚫🔴

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For a teenager, no time of year holds more promise than summer, when they have longer days and fewer responsibilities. They treasure the chance to relax, watching hours of TV or hanging out at the beach with their friends. Still, there’s one little assignment we’d like to suggest for this summer — and that is banishing acne and uncovering clearer skin!
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 85 percent of people between 12 and 24 have some form of acne. That’s a lot of self-conscious young adults for whom small changes could make a big difference. Teenagers can start clearing up their skin with a basic anti-acne regimen: a gentle cleanser, a salicylic acid or retinol serum, and a lightweight moisturizer. We recommend clinical brands like EltaMD and SkinCeuticals.
Fortunately, summer is the perfect time for a teenager to try a new skin care routine or treatment. They won’t have to go to school if they experience a skin purge—the phenomenon where acne gets worse before it gets better. Better yet, they’ll have a clear complexion in time for the school year, so they can truly have a fresh start.
When your teenager has already tried every skin care product at the drugstore, it can seem as though their acne is here to stay. It’s a discouraging feeling! If you’ve tried all the low-hanging fruit, or you’re tired of waiting for results, then it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist.
What can dermatologists do for acne sufferers that nobody else can? For one thing, practitioners like ours can work with teenagers to create a personalized skin care routine, complete with medical-grade skincare products. We can also do targeted in-office procedures, like laser treatments or chemical peels. These procedures are safe and nonsurgical, and they usually involve little to no pain. After a 1-3 treatments, our patients walk out the door feeling prouder of the face they show to the world, and that’s priceless!
For at-home care, we recommend this West Dermatology Acne Clearing Regime for a clearer complexion:
  • CLEANSE – Gly / Sal 2-2 Foaming Cleanser $32: This specially formulated oily skin cleanser delivers ultra pure glycolic acid and salicylic acid USP, 2% for gently cleansing acne prone and oily skin.
  • CLEANSE MEDICATED – Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Wash w/ Aloe Vera $22.50: a therapeutic cleanser containing a combination of benzoyl peroxide USP 10% with soothing aloe vera gel for the treatment of acne.
  • TONE – Gly / Sal 5-2 Pads $26.50: Salicylic acid USP, and glycolic acid are used in combination with hydrating ingredients in these easy-to-use pads to promote exfoliation, control oil, reduce breakouts and clogged pores. They help enhance skin clarity and are pH balanced.
  • TREAT – Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Gel $18: This gel is the perfect spot treatment utilizing the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide USP, 2.5%.
We can’t wait to make a difference for your child’s skin—and self-image. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an in-clinic or TeleDerm visit for treatment, or click HERE to schedule your appointment today!
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

Father’s Day Ultimate Gift Guide! 🎁

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June is an important month, not only is it Men’s Health Month but it’s also time to celebrate all the dads we know and love out there with Father’s Day.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your Dad, make his day special and help him maintain his skin health with one of these products from our Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide. All can be found on our very own online skincare shop and can be shipped straight to your front door just in time for June 21st.
FEATURED PRODUCTS FOR MEN
1) SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser $35: pore-refining gel cleanses, exfoliates, and soothes normal, combination, or oily skin. SHOP NOW
2) SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum (NEW): perfect all-in-one product with no fragrance. Launches Monday, 6/15. SHOP PRE-SALE
3) West Dermatology Gly / Sal 2-2 Pads $26: Smooths complexion, promotes exfoliation, controls breakouts and clogged pores. Perfect for post-workouts. SHOP NOW
4) Isdin Sunscreen Eryfotona Actinica $50: with DNA Repairsomes. This is a great broad-spectrum light-weight sunscreen for all day use, every day. SHOP NOW
Don’t forget to schedule your skin check!
With June being Men’s Health Month, we are encouraging early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm appointment today!

Now Offering Telehealth Visits!📱

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At West Dermatology, our mission is to serve our patients to the best of our ability each and every day. This is why, for your convenience and peace of mind, we are now (virtually) coming to you and offering Telehealth visits! 
From the comfort of your own home, you can now ask our board-certified dermatologists questions, show your skin concerns right through your device and chat about treatment options.
APPOINTMENTS: same-day and next-day appointments are available.
We can address the following skin concerns via Telehealth:
Dry Skin; Acne; Psoriasis; Skin Rash; Rosacea; Scalp Issues; Skin Cancer; Nail Problems; Complexion Concerns; Moles; Warts; and so much more!
INSURANCE INFORMATION: patient responsibility for co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance will be requested at time of appointment check in.
WHAT YOU NEED: All you need is a device with audio and video capabilities.
IN-OFFICE VISITS: are still available for essential or emergency care only but we are always available via phone or email for any urgent issues or follow-up questions.
If you have any questions about how the process of your Telehealth visit works, please do not hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to explain. Schedule your Telehealth appointment today and we’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team

Screen Your Skin during Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we have a favorite way to honor the occasion…by SCREENING OUR SKIN!
DID YOU KNOW?
A 15-minute skin check could save your life? Early cancer detection leads to prevention so we’re encouraging you to screen your skin this month, because healthy skin is always in.
Schedule your in-clinic or TeleDerm skin check today!

DIY Skincare to Keep Your Skin Glowing During Quarantine ✨

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It’s time to turn up the positive vibes and treat yo’self with a DIY skincare day! It will do wonders for your mental health and help keep your mind focused. Here are some of our favorite dermatologist approved DIY skincare recipes that you can make right at home with all-natural ingredients:
Avocado Honey Face Mask
·      Mash 1-2 avocados into a bowl
·      Add 1/8-1/4 of a cup of honey to the mix
·      Apply to face and leave on for 10 – 15 min, then rinse with warm water
Why it’s good for your skin: Avocados’ high fat content is a great skin softener that will maximize your skin’s moisture. Honey is a natural humectant (like hyaluronic acid) and will help your skin hold in the hydration, while offering antibacterial benefits and antioxidants.
Soothing, Softening Oatmeal Mask
·      Blend 3 teaspoons of oatmeal with 1 teaspoon of warmed milk or water.
·      Stir 1 teaspoon of coconut or plain yogurt into mix, if you have on hand
·      Apply to face and leave on for 10 -15 min, then rinse with warm water
Why it’s good for your skin: Oatmeal has been used for centuries to soothe dry skin and calm sunburns, bug bites, and more. Yogurt has probiotics and enzymes that will soften and smooth the skin.
Green Tea & Rose Water Face Mist
·      Steep two bags of green tea in half a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes
·      Take tea bags out and mix in ½ cup of rose water
·      Pour in a spray bottle to apply and refrigerate the leftovers in a sealed jar
Why it’s good for your skin: this calming face mist is great for irritated skin because the antioxidants in the green tea and the anti-inflammatory benefits of the rose water soothe skin.
Exfoliating Oatmeal & Honey Face Scrub
·      Add 2 teaspoons finely ground dry oats into a bowl (you can use a coffee grinder or blender to finely ground oats)
·      Add 1 teaspoon honey
·      Add 1 teaspoon warm water and mix together, until it has a paste like consistency
·      Apply scrub to entire face and massage, in circular motions, for 1 min. Then let sit for 4 mins
·      Rinse off with warm water
*can use once a week
Why it’s good for your skin: Honey is a humectant (helps hold in hydration) and a natural antibiotic, that contains healing properties that soothe and clear up the skin. Oats are soothing and gently exfoliate dead skin cells, making your skin smoother and brighter
By trying the above skincare recipes, your mood will be lifted in a snap. It feels great to treat yourself and focus on your well-being once in a while. Taking your mind off of what’s going on is important, and why not practice self-care in the process! Another great thing about these DIY recipes is that they are all safe for your skin. There are so many great natural ingredients to help nurture, heal and nourish your face and body.
As always, we’re here for you and we’re now offering medical and aesthetic telehealth visits! If you have any questions at all regarding your skin health, do not hesitate to give us a call and we are more than happy to answer them for you or help you setup your telehealth visit.

Covid-19 Info From the Skin Experts

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Here at West Dermatology, our mission is to serve our patients to the best of our ability, each and every day. This also includes providing info to you that is beneficial for maintaining your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read on below for some tips from the skin care experts at the national organization, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). This includes information and tips around COVID-19, like how to identify symptoms, how to prevent getting the virus and whether or not you should go to your scheduled dermatology appts at this time.
WHAT IS COVID-19?
Symptoms:
·     Fever
·     Cough
·     Difficulty breathing
·     Loss of taste and/or smell
·     Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
·     New confusion or inability to arise
·     Bluish lips or face
High Risk Populations:
·     Adults older than 65 years old
·     People with underlying medical conditions including, but not limited to, heart or lung disease, or diabetes.
Medications That Might Increase Risk:
·     Prednisone/CsA
·     MTX/MMF
·     Tofacitinib
·     TNFi
·     IL-12/23i
·     IL-17i/IL-23i
·     Apermilast
·     Acitretin
·     Dupilumab/Omalizumab
*Source: Mark Lebwohl, MD; Webinar Summary – March 19, 2020
During this time, some medications are in limited supply or are more challenging to be delivered. Contact your physician with any concerns or question on the medications you are taking.
EVERYONE IS AT RISK. All ages, genders and races have been diagnosed and have died from this virus. Please take this virus seriously and protect yourself, your family and your communities.
HOW TO PREVENT GETTING THE VIRUS
Disinfect:
·     Frequent hand washing (at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). Use moisturizing hand cream to avoid cracks and skin breakdown
·     Avoid touching your face
·     Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
Social Distancing:
·     Avoid large gatherings of 10 or more
·     Limit / avoid travel
·     Maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and others
·     Stay at home whenever possible
Wear a Mask:
·     Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
·     Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask
·     Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
·     Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks
·     To take off the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or with soap and water
Stay Home If You’re Sick, Except To Get Medical Care:
·     Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
·     Wear a mask when with others
DERMATOLOGY SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Should I go to my scheduled dermatology appointment?
Transmission of COVID-19 is especially high in health care settings. Health care facilities and clinicians are prioritizing urgent and emergency visits at this time. Make sure to check with your physician about your individual situation before canceling or proceeding with your scheduled visit. Please note, most states are enforcing no elective procedures regulations at this time. This would include cosmetic or aesthetic treatments which will need to be rescheduled once these regulations are lifted.
Your doctor may triage your care based on the individual risk of your condition, your risk of complications for COVID-19, and your risk for contracting COVID-19.
Some skin cancers (including squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinomas) can be slow growing and treatment can be safely delayed for a period of time.
Other cancers may pose an immediate risk to your health, and thus, urgent treatment would be recommended. Instead of canceling or delaying your care, your physician may offer you a virtual visit via phone or video in order to optimize your care.
What To Do When Going To A Medical Appt?
Before visiting a clinic or hospital, make sure to understand the active safety protocols in place. During the pandemic, you may be screened for symptoms and/or asked to wear a protective mask, and there may be restrictions on bringing a family member or visitor with you.
 
You might be put in a private room or have specific waiting room instructions enforcing social distancing requirements. Also, your physician may be taking extra precautions including wearing a mask or other protective gear, avoiding handshakes or use verbal consent instead of written signatures to limit multiple people touching a pen or paperwork.
 
Avoid Going To The ER
Not only are health care settings high risk transmission locations, but the emergency room needs to be for the most critically ill, especially during this challenging time. Please contact your physician first before heading to the ER. Your physician will evaluate your immediate need.
 
ADDT RESOURCES
·     Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) – cdc.gov/coronavirus
·     World Health Organization (WHO) – who.int
·     Coronavirus.gov
 
 
Many of our clinics are offering telehealth options to help diagnose and provide treatment for various skin conditions, all from the comfort of your own home! If you have any questions regarding telehealth or how the visit works, please give us a call and we will be happy to explain. Schedule your telehealth appointment today and we’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team

3 Reasons You Need To Protect Your Skin While Self-Isolating!

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We know that these times have been a huge change for most of us. With many people working from home for the unforeseeable future, we recommend (for the first time ever) spending more time outdoors. But hear us out. Spending time in your front yard, backyard, or patio for fresh air can create a feeling of freedom when you begin to feel uncomfortably confined.
However, these times may make you question your need for sun protection (sorry, but you can’t get out of putting on that SPF with us!). Listed below are three busted myths that explain why you should still be taking care of your skin while self-isolating.
Myth #1: Windows block UV rays.
While you shouldn’t forget to wear your hats and sunscreen when outside, you also should protect your skin with clothing or SPF when you are working near a window or driving in your car. This is because glass is great at blocking UVB rays that cause sunburns, but does not block out UVA rays, or the UV rays that cause skin aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
Myth #2: SPF prevents Vitamin D absorption
With most people staying indoors due to current circumstances, we understand the panic of not getting enough Vitamin D. Many people believe that sunscreen and sunblocks will prevent their body from absorbing Vitamin D, but this is untrue. Even when wearing SPF, small amounts of the sun’s rays penetrate the skin and allow for adequate Vitamin D absorption. (So don’t skip that sunscreen!)
Myth #3: Clouds are like nature’s sunscreen. 
While clouds shield our skin from intense sun rays, this is not a reason to not wear sunscreen. This is because up to 80% of the sun’s rays pass through clouds according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. 
So whether you are driving to the store, doing some home workouts in your backyard, or working by your window, we recommend using an SPF 50 sunscreen and/or UPF sun-shielding clothing to protect your gorgeous skin.
If you are struggling with skin related concerns, call your local clinic today so we can answer any questions you may have or schedule a Telehealth appointment for you. 
Yours in good health and happiness,
Your West Dermatology Team