SkinSchool™

Spotlight on Skin Types: Combination

tori — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:22:48 +0000

Skin is classified into different types, including normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. While some people have a combination of one or more of these skin types in different areas, it is important to understand what constitutes each and how they should be cared for.

Additionally, a person’s skin type can change over time. Younger people are more likely than older people to have a normal skin type, but they can also experience more oily skin during puberty and other life changes.

Skin types vary depending upon a combination of factors. They include the following characteristics of your skin:

Water content – This affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity.
Lipid (oil) content – This affects your skin’s softness and nutrition.
Level of sensitivity – This affect’s your skin’s tolerance to certain substances.

In order to take better care of your skin, here is some information that will tell you a bit more about each type. This post is part of a series spotlighting the different skin types. Tune in next week for another type.

Combination Skin Type

A combination skin type can be dry or normal in some areas, and oily in others, such as the T-zone. The T-zone is the nose, forehead, and chin area. A common skin type, combination skin may benefit from slightly different types of skin care in different areas.

Combination skin can produce:

Overly dilated pores
Blackheads
Shiny skin

This type of skin results from genetic or hormonal factors that cause an imbalance in how much and where lipids are produced. It can also vary, depending on the weather.

No matter what type of skin you have, there are ways to treat it and get it in better shape. If you need some help with your skin, contact a member of our team of board certified dermatologists here at Knoxville Dermatology Group.

Would you like to learn more about the treatments and products available for your combination skin? Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Caring for Mature Skin, part 1

tori — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:12:39 +0000

All through our lives, our skin is changing. From birth to childhood, skin has different qualities than teen years. Mature skin also involves changes and it is important to realize some of the common traits, problems and solutions for aging skin in order to address specific issues that need to be recognized and properly treated.

We are exploring this area of dermatology in this week’s Skin School blog article to better educate our clients (current and potential) and help them achieve overall healthy skin.

Mature Skin Traits

As we get older, our skin undergoes a number of changes. How skin ages depends on several factors: lifestyle, diet, heredity, as well as other personal habits.

The most common characteristic of elderly skin is dryness. This is because as we age, our skin begins to thin. As it thins, it is less able to retain moisture, thus leading to dry skin.

Dry skin can lead to problems in a younger person, but can cause even more problems for the elderly. Because their skin is thin and can be easily torn, bacteria get in, thus increasing their chances of developing an infection.

Sun damage is another common trait of aging skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin damage from the sun is due to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light, which “breaks down elastic tissue (elastin) in the skin and causes the skin to stretch, sag, wrinkle, and become blotchy, occasionally with pre-cancerous growths and even skin cancer.”

Sun exposure (UV radiation) is the most common cause of pre-cancers and skin cancer, either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Many Americans (a million each year) will develop a skin cancer by age 65.

Skin changes that accompany aging include:

Roughened or dry skin
Benign growths such as seborrheic, keratoses, and cherry angiomas
Loose facial skin, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and jowls (jaw line)
Transparent or thinned skin
Bruising easily from decreased elasticity

Common Skin Conditions in Older Adults:

Wrinkles: Wrinkles are the most visible sign of aging skin. They follow chronic sun exposure and form when the skin loses its flexibility. Smokers tend to have more wrinkles than nonsmokers.
Facial movement lines: These lines (often known as “laugh lines” and “worry lines”) become more visible as the skin loses its elasticity (in your 40′s or 50′s). The lines may be horizontal on the forehead, vertical above the nose, or curved on the temples, upper cheeks, and around the mouth and eyes.
Age spots: “Age spots” are brown patches that appear on sun-exposed parts of the body (face, hands, and forearms), usually during the adult years.
Bedsores: Bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) are skin ulcers that develop from pressure when people lie in bed or sit in a chair for long periods of time. Bedsores are a fairly common disorder in elderly people who have difficulty moving on their own. People with diabetes are more prone to bedsores because of their poor circulation and decreased feeling in their skin. Frequent rotation or re-positioning helps to prevent bedsores.

Tips for Preventing Mature Skin Conditions

Nothing can undo sun damage, but the skin can occasionally repair itself. Here are some tips to help keep your skin healthy.

Use sunscreen when outdoors. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more provides the most protection.
Wear a hat and long sleeves when outdoors and sunglasses that block UV rays.
Avoid the use of tanning booths and sunlamps.
Examine yourself regularly for “changing moles” and new growths.

This is part one of a 2-part series on mature skin and its care. Tune in next week for more information about mature skin and how to keep it in great shape!

Would you like to learn more about the treatments and products available to get your skin in better shape? A member of our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group can help! Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Milia: Not Such a Small Problem

tori — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:36:14 +0000

Milia is a skin condition characterized by deep seeded, small white bumps. The most common types, primary and secondary milia, are keratin filled cysts that are essentially harmless. It forms when skin cells become trapped rather than exfoliate naturally. The trapped cells become walled off into tiny cysts that appear like white beads below the surface of the skin.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, milia can occur on the skin or even on mucous membranes such as the inner surface of the cheek or the vermillion border of the lips.

Often the result of a problem that has affected the skin’s surface, these are some of the most common reasons:

Heavy Skin Care & Hair Care Products- These clog pores and prevent the sloughing of dead epidermal skin cells. Be cautious when choosing make-up removers not labeled oil-free or non-comedogenic as they often cause milia around the eyes. Also pay attention to ingredients in certain lipsticks, lip balms and similar products. They can cause milia around the mouth.
Cumulative Sun Damage- A thick layer of skin develops as a result of prolonged history of sun exposure. Thus, skin cells have a difficult time finding their way out of the glands.
Porphyria Cutanea Tard- This blistering skin disease is unusual, but milia are often a symptom.
Oil producing glands in the skin that have not fully developed; this is common among infants.
Genetics

Currently, there are no topical or systemic drugs that are proven effective against milia. However, your dermatologist can treat them surgically, without local anesthetic. Furthermore, there are few measures you can take to prevent milia:

Exfoliation- A gentle exfoliation scrub keeps the epidermis thin and smooth which helps milia prone skin.
Microdermabrasion/Glycolic Acid Peels- Removes unwanted surface debris and cleanses the pores. Glycolic Acid aids cell turnover as well.
Limit Sun Exposure- Be mindful of sun exposure and wear a non-clogging sunscreen with SPF.
Vitamin A- Exfoliates skin and thins the epidermis.

Knoxville Dermatology Group wants you to better understand your skin whether it is afflicted with a condition or not. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to gain more knowledge about your skin so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential!

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Spotlight on Skin Types: Oily

tori — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:59:49 +0000

Skin types vary depending upon a combination of factors. They include the following characteristics of your skin:

Water content – This affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity.
Lipid (oil) content – This affects your skin’s softness and nutrition.
Level of sensitivity – This affect’s your skin’s tolerance to certain substances.

In order to take better care of your skin, here is some information that will tell you a bit more about each type. This is the latest post in a series spotlighting the different types. Tune in next week for another type.

Oily Skin

People with oily skin might exhibit shiny skin that also has enlarged pores. Oily skin is also more prone to blackheads and blemishes, as well as occasional tightness.

Oiliness can change, depending upon the time of year or the weather. Oily skin can be caused or worsened by:

Puberty or other hormonal imbalances
Stress
Antibiotics
Exposure to heat or too much humidity

Here are some tips for taking better care of oily skin:

Wash your skin no more than twice a day and after you perspire heavily.
Use a gentle cleanser and don’t scrub.
Don’t pick, pop, or squeeze pimples. This prolongs healing time.
Use products labeled as “noncomedogenic.” They don’t tend to clog pores.

While there are some challenges associated with oily skin, there are ways you can achieve healthier, glowing skin that will boost your confidence and make you feel great. Our team of board certified dermatologists here at Knoxville Dermatology Group can help you get back to glowing, no matter what type of skin or skin issues you are facing.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Spotlight on Skin Types: Dry

tori — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:25:36 +0000

Skin types vary depending upon a combination of factors. They include the following characteristics of your skin:

Water content – This affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity.
Lipid (oil) content – This affects your skin’s softness and nutrition.
Level of sensitivity – This affect’s your skin’s tolerance to certain substances.

In order to take better care of your skin, here is some information that will tell you a bit more about each type. This is the second post in a series of posts spotlighting the different types. Tune in next week for another type.

Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you might experience one of the following conditions:

Almost invisible pores
Dull, rough complexion
Red patches
Less elasticity
More visible lines

When it is exposed to drying factors, skin can flake, crack, peel, or become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. If your skin is very dry, it can become rough and scaly, especially on the backs of your hands, arms, and legs.

There are some factors that may cause dry skin or actually make it worse. Some of these are:

Genetics
Aging or changes in hormones
Weather such as wind, sun, or cold or ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Indoor heating
Long hot baths and showers
Ingredients in soaps, cosmetics, or cleaning agents
Medications

If you suffer from dry skin, there are several things you can do to alleviate the situation. The following are some tips that will help you care for your dry skin:

Avoid taking long, hot showers or baths which only dry out the skin.
Use mild, gentle soaps or cleansers and refrain from using deodorant soaps.
Don’t scrub your skin while bathing or drying it.
Apply a rich moisturizer right after bathing. Ointments and creams may work better than lotions for dry skin. Reapply as needed throughout the day.
Use a humidifier and don’t let indoor temperatures get too hot.
Buy natural cleaning products.
Wear gloves when using cleaning agents, solvents, or household detergents.

These are just some of the ways you can help your dry skin. If you fear your skin is suffering from a more chronic condition such as psoriasis or eczema, contact a board certified dermatologist right away. Our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group is happy to help you get your skin in better shape.

Would you like to learn more about the treatments and products available for your dry skin? Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

May: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

tori — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:01:11 +0000

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and with over two million people diagnosed with skin cancer each year, we wanted to touch on the issue here in our spring newsletter. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it can be prevented and is, in fact, one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Below are some tips you can follow to improve the health of your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer from the sun.

Just say no to burns: If you’ve had five or more sunburns at any point in life, your risk for melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) doubles. Don’t burn. It’s as simple as that.
Stay in the shade: Perhaps you were wondering how to avoid burning? Staying in the shade is one great way. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so this is the most crucial time to enjoy some shade.
Avoid tanning beds/booths: UV radiation from tanning beds is known to cause cancer in humans and people who use indoor UV tanners are 74% more likely to develop melanoma.
Cover Up: The clothes we wear can be an effective way to protect our skin from sun damage, especially dark colored clothing. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses also provide protection for scalp, ears and eyes, areas which are often neglected.
Sunscreen: It’s important to wear sunscreen every day. Choose a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) product with an SPF of at least 15. If you are participating in any type of outdoor activity for an extended length of time, go with an SPF of 30 or more.
Sunscreen, continued: It isn’t enough to use the right sunscreen; you also need to use the correct amount. A good rule of thumb is one ounce or two tablespoons of sunscreen for your entire body. Apply prior to going outside and then reapply every couple of hours or after swimming.
Self-Exam: Each month you should examine your skin thoroughly from head to toe. Early detection is the best way to avoid more serious issues from skin that is left untreated.
See a Professional: While self-exams are important, the most critical part of total skin health is visiting a board certified dermatologist regularly for a professional skin examination. Your physician, such as a member of our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group, will be able to work with you to create a unique skincare regimen as well as address any concerns you might have.

Skin cancer is a serious issue, but through awareness and early detection, it’s possible to avoid the negative effects it can bring. If you have a skin issue you are concerned about, don’t wait to have it checked out.

Our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group is here to help you get things under control and enjoy your healthiest skin possible. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

5 Skin Care Basics for All Skin Types

tori — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:10:47 +0000

The Basics of Skin Care

No matter what type of skin you have, these basic tips will help you keep it healthy and glowing!

Sunscreen – Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Avoid direct sunlight and wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors.

Smoking – Just don’t do it. Smoking is terrible for your health, both inside and out and it wreaks havoc on your skin.

Water – Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and looking great. This will also help the rest of your body stay in working order.

Routine – Wash your skin thoroughly every day and avoid wearing makeup to bed. Your skin will thank you!

Moisturize – Keep your skin moisturized to avoid dry, flakiness and be sure to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables which also help it stay moisturized from the inside out.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Spotlight on Skin Type: Normal

tori — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:19:27 +0000

Skin types vary depending upon a combination of factors. They include the following characteristics of your skin:

Water content – This affects your skin’s comfort and elasticity.
Lipid (oil) content – This affects your skin’s softness and nutrition.
Level of sensitivity – This affect’s your skin’s tolerance to certain substances.

In order to take better care of your skin, here is some information that will tell you a bit more about each type. This is the first post in a series of posts spotlighting the different types. Tune in next week for another type.

Normal Skin

People with skin classified as normal are fortunate because this means their skin has a good balance as well as the right amount of water and lipids. Normal skin is characterized by the following:

Few imperfections
No severe sensitivity
Barely visible pores
A radiant complexion

While you might not be lucky enough to have completely “normal” skin, there are ways you can achieve healthier, glowing skin that will boost your confidence and make you feel great. Our team of board certified dermatologists here at Knoxville Dermatology Group can help you get back to glowing, no matter what type of skin or skin issues you are facing.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Dealing with Dandruff

tori — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:06:24 +0000

Dandruff is a common chronic scalp condition that involves itching and flaking of the skin on your scalp. It isn’t contagious or serious, but can be embarrassing and often difficult to treat.

Thankfully, dandruff can usually be controlled. Often mild cases of dandruff require just daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser. Medicated shampoos are sometimes necessary for more extreme cases.

Treatment of dandruff can require some patience and persistence. In the instance that your case of dandruff requires a medicated shampoo, consult with a board certified dermatologist to determine your plan of attack. Sometimes these formulas are stronger to be effective and there is a chance some people will experience reactions to them.

There are different dandruff shampoos which contain different medicines. Some of these medications/varieties are:

Zinc pyrithione shampoos - These contain the antibacterial and antifungal agent zinc pyrithione, which can reduce the fungus on your scalp that can cause dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Tar-based shampoos – Coal tar, a byproduct of the coal manufacturing process, helps conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis by slowing how quickly skin cells on your scalp die and flake off.
Shampoos containing salicylic acid - These “scalp scrubs” help eliminate scale, but they may leave your scalp dry, leading to more flaking. Using a conditioner after shampooing can help relieve dryness.
Selenium sulfide shampoos - These shampoos slow your skin cells from dying and may also reduce malassezia. Because they can discolor blond, gray or chemically colored hair, be sure to use them only as directed, and rinse well after shampooing.
Ketoconazole shampoos – Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that may work when other shampoos fail. It’s available over-the-counter as well as by prescription.

Some of these are available over the counter while others require a prescription. As always, if you are suffering from a case of dandruff or other skin condition, a member of our team here at Knoxville Dermatology Group is happy to assist you in getting on track to better skin health.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.

Healthier Skin from the Inside Out

tori — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:02:55 +0000

We all know the importance of proper skin care for the overall health of our skin. But did you know that what you put in your body plays a crucial role in your skin’s health as well? On this edition of the Skin School, we are going to share some key vitamins that can allow for healthier skin. As always, speak to your physician before starting any type of vitamin regimen.

Vitamins that Aid in Skin Nutrition

Vitamins C and E – These vitamins help to counter the effects of sun exposure.

Vitamin C and E help by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, a harmful byproduct of sunlight, smoke, and pollution. Free radicals decrease collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging. When these two vitamins are combined in a lotion, they can be highly protective against sun damage, says the American Academy of Dermatology.

For your diet to include plenty of vitamin C, eat citrus fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens. These foods can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. You can also take vitamin C supplements, up to 500 to 1,000 milligrams of per day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus. But it’s difficult to get a lot from food, so many people take a supplement. Used in a cream, lotion, or serum form, vitamin E can soothe dry, rough skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Vitamin A. – This vitamin is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. If you don’t get enough of this vitamin, you might notice experiencing a dry, flaky complexion. Fruits and vegetables have an abundance of vitamin A.

Vitamin B Complex – When it comes to skin, the single most important B vitamin is biotin, a nutrient that forms the basis of skin, nail, and hair cells. Without adequate amounts, you may end up with dermatitis (an itchy, scaly skin reaction) or sometimes even hair loss. Even a mild deficiency causes symptoms.

Vitamin K – As the nutrient responsible for helping blood clot, Vitamin K won’t do much for your skin from the inside. But studies presented to the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 showed that topical vitamin K works well to reduce circles under the eye as well as bruises.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.