SUMMER (AND SKIN) LOVIN’ – CARING FOR YOUR SKIN THIS SEASON

Taking care of your skin is important, no matter the season. But for many of our patients, the hotter temperatures of summer make existing skin issues more noticeable – or trigger new ones.

At Dermatology Consultants, our practitioners have successfully treated a wide variety of common summer skin issues, ranging from hyperhidrosis to melasma to cellulite. Let’s explore some common ones we see this time of year.

Don’t Feel the Burn; Sunburn Protection and Treatment

Daily sun protection is crucial year-round, but it’s especially important during the summertime. The best method for preventing skin cancer and premature aging due to UV exposure is prevention. Our Dermatology Consultants’ online store sells many wonderful chemical and physical sunscreens that are suitable for your face and body. Pick one with a high SPF (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply often! Oral supplements – such as ISDIN’s SUNISDIN Softgel Capsules and Heliocare Ulta capsules – decrease the oxidative stress of the sun and are great once-a-day products to incorporate into your daily routine.

If you do become sunburned, we often like to recommend an over-the-counter aspirin to decrease pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity, we also might prescribe an anti-inflammatory topical medication. Keep the area clean and moisturized with a natural aloe vera gel until it heals. And avoid any additional sun exposure, using a high SPF when you must go outside. If you’re a regular patient with Dermatology Consultants, please give us a call if you become severely sunburned and need assistance.

Excess sun exposure can also trigger major changes in your skin. Our PEAR Skin Analysis tool allows providers to see the degree of sun-induced changes on your skin, which provides us with a good starting point for treatment plans. These treatment methods include in-office procedures like lasers and chemical peels, as well as topical, at-home products. Contact either of our locations to book a PEAR Skin Analysis appointment.

Keep Your Feet and Nails Looking Pretty – and Healthy

Summer is the time to show off pretty hands and feet. But that can be challenging if you’re struggling with a nail fungus, cracked heels or hyperhidrosis.

Nails

Nails are part of your skin, too! Both your fingernails and your toenails are susceptible to varying forms of fungus that cause brittleness or thickening. A quick, in-office test will show if you have a fungus or not and allow your provider to treat your situation accordingly. We offer topical agents (both prescription and nonprescription) that help with nail funguses, brittleness and more.

Heels

The skin on our feet can often be dry and rough – and even the best pedicure can’t fix thick, cracked heels. For those cases, we love ISDIN’s Uradin Podos Hydrating Gel Oil. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula hydrates and repairs dry, cracked heels in days with daily use. Check out this recent transformation after just three days of use!

Excess Sweating

We all perspire more in the summertime. But if your sweating is out of control, you might be suffering from hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes abnormally excessive sweating that’s unrelated to heat or exercise. We typically see patients experience this on their hands, feet or under their arms.

Many hyperhidrosis patients are surprised to learn that neuromodulators (like Botox) are incredible options for treating excessive sweating. It’s an in-office procedure that takes only a few minutes and unlike cosmetic Botox, the results last up to a year. Qbrexa® wipes also offer patients a topical treatment for hyperhidrosis that’s available with a prescription through your provider.

Treat Bumps, Lumps and Unwanted Dimples

Hotter temperatures mean more sleeveless tops and shorts – especially for those of us in the South!

Keratosis Pilaris

During this time of year, many patients often complain about rough, bumpy skin on their upper arms. Known as keratosis pilaris, this is a form of eczema that causes harmless (yet annoying) prickly skin. For these patients, we often recommend a glycolic acid-based solution like Glytone KP Kit. HydraFacials – which we love for quick hydration and exfoliation – are also a great treatment for keratosis pilaris. Ask your provider at your next appointment about HydraFacial’s many uses that go beyond your face.

Cellulite

Another common concern we hear from patients is that their cellulite is more visible during the summer, particularly on the buttocks or thighs. Cellulite affects up to 98% of women, regardless of age, weight or skin type. Because it’s such a common issue, we’re ecstatic to finally have an effective solution with QWO, an injectable that treats moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks and thighs. QWO is typically done in three treatments – but many women see results after their initial treatment.

Dermatology Consultants is one of three accounts in Atlanta to offer this revolutionary treatment. For those wanting to learn more, we’ll be holding a QWO Lunch and Learn event on August 5 (hint: those attending might receive a discount). Call either of our offices to learn more.

Calm Unwanted Melasma Flare-ups

Melasma is a common condition that results in dark, discolored patches on our skin. Flare-ups are often caused by hormonal conditions (many pregnant women struggle with melasma) and UV light exposure.

To limit your UV light exposure, apply a daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or more). We love a tinted facial sunscreen to cover any dark patches, like Revision’s Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45, Alastin’s HydraTint ProMineral SPF 36 or ISDIN’s Eryfotona Ageless Tinted SPF 50.

To treat melasma, we like to recommend a hybrid approach of procedures and products. In-office treatments include lasers, chemical peels and microneedling, depending upon the severity and desired results. We couple these treatments with Vitamin C antioxidants (Revision’s C+ Correcting Complex 30% is one of our favorites), prescription or non-prescription retinols, and correcting serums like SkinMedica Lytera Pigment Correcting Serum.

Why Trust Dermatology Consultants This Summer?

At Dermatology Consultants, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with care that results in both healthy and beautiful skin. Don’t combat your summer skin issues alone this year: reach out to schedule an appointment or consultation with one of our skilled providers.