Category: Skin & Nails

How to Tighten Skin

Our skin transforms as we age. As we grow older, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, and it has more wrinkles. When our skin loses collagen, it also loses elasticity and moisture. If you’ve noticed that your skin is sagging, explore how to tighten skin. Collagen is sensitive to heat, making it very responsive to lasers and radio-frequency devices. With a few easy treatments, you can experience a noticeable lift in your skin that will take years off your appearance.

How to Tighten Skin

Sublime, Forma, and ThermiSmooth Treatments

Using a combination of energy sources, Sublime, Forma, and ThermiSmooth treatments encourage the skin to form more collagen, which tones and tightens the skin. Multiple treatments are typically required (about four procedures, three to four weeks apart) because the production of collagen takes time, but in the end, the skin will be lifted and have more elasticity. In addition to improving sagging skin, these treatments effectively target wrinkles and deep smile lines. They are non-invasive procedures that are commonly used to treat crow’s feet, upper eyelids, lower eyelids, jowls, smile lines, and the neck. Unfortunately, people with extreme laxity or sagging skin are not good candidates for the treatments. No downtime is required. No matter what your skin type or color, you can benefit from these clinically advanced skin care procedures.

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If your skin has loosened over the years, explore the trio of treatments listed above to turn back the clock. Consult a skin care technician to learn the differences between Sublime, ThermiSmooth, and Forma and decide which will work best for you. Although all three boost the production of collagen, tauten the skin, and can make you appear younger, they vary in technique and results.

Now that you know how to tighten skin, are you ready to get started? If you live in southwest Missouri, contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic. We offer ThermiSmooth, Sublime, and Forma treatments to tighten loose skin, making you appear more youthful and refreshed. Plus, we can help you address any other skin concerns you have. Give us a call at 417-447-7777 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation!

DermaSweep vs. Microdermabrasion

Exfoliation—removing dead cells from the skin’s outermost layer—is a great way to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant. This comes in many methods, from gentle scrubs you can pick up at the drugstore to more intensive treatments you undergo at the doctor’s office. When it comes to these intensive procedures, there are two main contenders: DermaSweep vs. microdermabrasion. If you’re thinking about exfoliation, you may have heard these words before, but perhaps they’re still unclear to you—especially what the difference between the two is. The two treatments work similarly for similar functions, but they have some key distinctions that set them apart . . .

DermaSweep vs. Microdermabrasion

Where they’re the same:

Both DermaSweep and microdermabrasion treat the following skin problems . . .

• Pore problems, whether they’re enlarged or clogged,
• Aging spots, pregnancy masks, or other superficial discoloration,
• Skin on the face or body that has been damaged by the sun,
Acne scarring (depending on severity) and pimple marks,
• Stretch marks (depending on severity).

With either method, individuals experiencing these skin issues will have softer, smoother, more rejuvenated skin on your face or body.

Where they differ:

• Method. How each treatment exfoliates is the first area in which the two differ—microdermabrasion uses tiny bits of crystals or diamonds to scrub away the skin’s dead cells, but DermaSweep uses bristles instead.
• Where and whom, exactly, they treat. Yes, both procedures can treat the same skin issues, but there are minor differences in what and whom they can treat. This is because of DermaSweep’s bristles methods—the bristles make the process more variable and adjustable for different skin types and different areas. For example, patients with sensitive skin or Rosacea may want to go with DermaSweep, as they can opt for a gentler bristle. These gentle bristles also work great on the thin skin around the eyes.
• How they feel. Again, because of DermaSweep’s bristles, your dermatologist can adjust your treatment to be gentler. With microdermabrasion, patients might experience some discomfort during the treatment and some slight sensitivity afterwards.
• Infusions. Microdermabrasion’s objective is simply to remove those dead cells from the skin. DermaSweep, however, also includes infusion therapy. During the infusions, your skin is fed vitamin-rich serums that help nourish the skin after it has been exfoliated.
• How long until you see results. Both methods are very effective, but DermaSweep has higher reports of immediate results. You will likely see improvements right after your first appointment, whereas it may take a day or two after microdermabrasion.

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DermaSweep vs. microdermabrasion: which treatment won? No matter which you choose, you’ll surely walk away with smooth, radiant-looking skin. If you’re looking to get one of these services—or other skin treatment—and you live in or around southwest Missouri, contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic. At our facilities, we can discuss which aesthetic exfoliating treatment would be best for you and your skin, perform the treatment, and advise you on any other skin concerns. Simply give us a call at 417-447-7777 or schedule a free consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!

Keloid Scar Treatment

Scars can be painful reminders of past trauma, and keloid scars are particularly conspicuous. Firm, smooth, and extending beyond the border of the original injury, keloids often form on the upper chest and shoulders. Sometimes they’re unbearably itchy, and sometimes they form after decidedly minor injuries (like acne and bug bites). Although keloid scars are harmless, they can be frustrating and may lower your self-confidence. To reduce their appearance, explore keloid scar treatment options.

Keloid Scar Treatment

ABOUT KELOIDS

Scars are not uncommon, but most scars are subtle and fade as the months go by. Unfortunately, keloids are particularly noticeable and keep growing over time, which can be discomfiting and even alarming.

All scars are caused by the body’s natural healing process, in which collagen gathers around broken skin to seal a wound. Typically, the resulting scar will fade over time, but sometimes the collagen growth will continue and trespass on healthy surrounding skin, forming a keloid scar. Unfortunately, experts don’t fully understand why this happens, but they do know that the scars are not contagious, not harmful, and will not turn into cancer.

Check out the following facts to learn more about keloid symptoms and the factors that increase your likelihood of developing a keloid scar:

• Keloid scarring is more common in people with dark skin.
• Keloids are typically shiny, hairless, and raised.
• Keloid scars feel hard and rubbery.
• Keloids can form anywhere on the body but usually appear on the shoulders, head, neck, chest, and arms.
• Half of people with keloid scars have a family history of them.
• The peak age range for development of keloids is 20-30 years.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

First, if you know that you are predisposed to keloids, treat skin trauma ASAP to minimize your risk of developing a keloid scar. You may also wish to avoid voluntary skin trauma, such as piercings and elective mole removals. If a scar has already developed, consider your keloid scar treatment options:

• Kenalog Injection: The intralesional injection of Kenalog, a corticosteroid, can reduce inflammation, itching, and the appearance of the scar. Multiple injections are typically required, and a numbing treatment may be used beforehand to reduce discomfort.
• Silicone Scar Patches: Silicone scar patches and gels are a relatively recent treatment option. They are safe, easy to apply, and can be effective.
• Vitamin E or K Oil: Massaging vitamin E or K oil into the scar is an easy and accessible treatment option. Results vary, however, and you may wish to take a proactive approach (applying the oil before a keloid appears) to improve your likelihood of success.
• Surgical Removal: Surgery is a common treatment for the removal of keloids, but it often results in a new and larger keloid. In fact, when used alone, keloid surgery has a recurrence rate of 70-100%. You may wish to explore combining surgery with another therapy, like laser therapy, radiation therapy, or pressure therapy.

If you’re interested in reducing a keloid and you live in southwest Missouri, please contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic. We can inject the area with the steroid Kenalog, which will reduce the size of the keloid. To get started, please give us a call at 417-447-7777 or schedule a free consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Get Rid of Age Spots

As time goes by, age spots (a.k.a., liver spots or solar lentigines) can develop due to sun exposure. If you’re over the age of 50, you’ve likely noticed a few age spots on your face, hands, shoulders, or arms. Young people, you might be surprised to learn, can also develop age spots if they spend a lot of time in the sun. Although age spots are flat, harmless, and require no medical treatment, many people wish to lighten or remove them because they dislike their appearance. To prevent new age spots, limit your sun exposure and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+. To learn how to get rid of age spots, use the tips below.

How to Get Rid of Age Spots

First, be sure to have the spot evaluated by your doctor to be sure that it truly is a harmless age spot. This is especially important if the lesion is dark, growing larger, irregularly shaped, itchy, bleeding, or tender.

Next, you can consider your treatment options. Age spots are located on the top layer of the skin (the epidermis), and they can be lightened to reduce their appearance or removed completely. Explore the following options for treatment:

• Topical Bleaching Creams: For an easy, at-home treatment, try lightening creams. Epionce MelanoLyte Txand MelanoLyte Pigment Perfecting Serum will penetrate the skin deeply and inhibit the production of excess melanin. You will need to stick with these creams for several months, however, to notice a difference. The age spots should slowly lighten and fade. If you stop using these products, over time the spot can return.
• Laser and Light Therapies: Laser and intense pulsed light therapies can reduce the production of dark pigments without harming the skin’s surface by destroying melanin-producing cells. Multiple sessions are required, and the age spots will fade over the course of several weeks or months. There is a small risk of skin discoloration.
• Microdermabrasion Treatments: Microdermabrasion can lighten age spots by exfoliating the skin. Old skin will be sanded away, and new skin will grow. Because you may experience redness and scabbing, we do not recommend scheduling this treatment before an important event.
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels also remove the outer layer of skin. Afterward, new skin will grow, creating a more youthful appearance with less noticeable age spots. Multiple treatments are typically necessary. As with microdermabrasion, due to a risk of temporary irritation and discoloration, we recommend that you schedule this treatment with care and a test patch is needed.

No matter which treatment you choose, remember to continue protecting your skin by staying out of the sun and wearing a strong, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This will protect your skin and reduce your risk of developing more age spots (not to mention skin cancer!).

If you’re still wondering how to get rid of age spots, we’re here to help! To learn more about how lasers, chemical peels, and skin care products can erase sun damage, contact DermaHealth today. Give us a call at 417-447-7777 or schedule your free consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Get Rid of Milia

Although milia are small, they can be immensely frustrating. These tiny, white bumps look like minor but long-lasting pimples that never reach the surface. What causes these minuscule bumps? Are they a type of acne? How long will it take for them to disappear? Although milia may resolve on their own, the process can take a very long time. So if you want to learn how to get rid of milia and prevent them from recurring, use the information and tips below to discover why milia appear and how you can safely remove them.

How to Get Rid of Milia

Why do milia form?

Milia are tiny, white, deep-seeded bumps that form when the skin struggles to naturally exfoliate. They are formed of cells, which become trapped in tiny pockets below the surface of the skin.

Milia form for a variety of reasons, including overuse of heavy skin care products, hair products, and makeup. Cumulative sun exposure can harden the skin and cause milia, and certain skin diseases like Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT), which also causes blistering, can cause milia. Many babies develop milia, but the bumps typically go away as the skin matures and exfoliates. Finally, sometimes milia form due to genetics.

How can you remove milia?

Although similar to pimples in appearance, milia cannot be popped; they must be freed or excised.

The surface of the milia may wear away on its own, exposing the trapped cells and freeing the milia. If it doesn’t (or if this process is taking too long), focus on gentle exfoliation. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and the Clarisonic Skincare Brush (an oscillating brush system that deeply cleanses the skin) are all effective ways to exfoliate the skin. Exfoliate regularly, but don’t go overboard in an attempt to rub off the top layer of skin above the milia.

If these techniques don’t work, contact an aesthetician. This skin care specialist can quickly and easily remove the milia using a sterile needle and a comedone extractor. Attempting this removal process on your own is not recommended due to the possibility of infection or scarring. It is especially dangerous if the milia are located near your eyes. An ellman machine is also very beneficial in melting and removing the milia.

How can you prevent milia?

To prevent milia from forming in the future, exfoliate your skin regularly but gently. Epionce lytic treatment is a wonderful product to use at home to diminish the development of milia. In addition, choose oil-free and pure mineral skin care products and makeup like jane iredale. Finally, limit your sun exposure and wear oil-free sunscreen any time you are in the sun.

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If you’re wondering how to get rid of milia and exfoliation has not worked (or you wish to expedite the process), contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic in Springfield, Missouri. Our experienced aestheticians can easily and quickly remove milia. To get started, simply give us a call at 417-447-7777 or schedule a free consultation online. We look forward to hearing from you!