Austin Skin Care Archives » Austin Dermatology and Vein Treatments

5 Natural Acne Treatments

Both young and older adults can have issues with bad acne, excessively oily skin and acne scars. For most, it is a minor annoyance that comes and goes, but for some it’s a much more life-altering problem. While there are many treatments for acne available, there are also quite a few natural remedies you can try at home that may work better than store-bought medications. We’ve put together a list of our five favorite ways to calm your skin and prevent breakouts.

1) Use Honey. Honey contains many natural antibacterial properties and is a great mask to put all over your face in the mornings. It’s gentle on sensitive skin, and removes excess oil while leaving your skin soft.

2) Treat From The Inside, Out. Make sure you’re putting good things into your body, and you’ll see a difference on the outside. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamins — especially carrots for vitamin A (beta carotene), it strengthens the skin’s tissue and prevents acne. Also think about taking a multivitamin — clogging pores and excessive oily skin can be an act of rebellion for your body not receiving the right nutrients. Getting enough sleep also helps your body restore its natural balance.

3) Invest in Oils. Most people who develop acne already have oily skin, so applying oils directly to your face may seem counterproductive. However, oils such as tea tree oil, olive oil or jojoba, can actually eliminate excess oils on your face. Your skin needs oils to protect it, and oil will cancel out oil, so trust in the fact that covering your face in good oils won’t make it worse — it will actually improve the look and feel of your skin. Try using a oil mask and rinsing it off at night before bed.

4) Make a Homemade Toner. Toners help balance the pH of our skin. For those affected by acne, this is especially important. Using apple cider vinegar or rubbing alcohol as a toner can calm acne and clean out pores.

5) Keep Your Face Clean. The most effective way to keep your skin clear and allow it to find its natural balance is by keeping it clean. Avoid wearing makeup if possible and wash your face morning and night. Try washing your pillowcase every day as well, since skin tends to sweat and create an oily layer while we sleep. Make sure to wipe or wash your face after excessive sweating, otherwise this can cause clogged pores, which leads to more acne.

By following these steps, you can take the first plunge into solving your acne problems from home. If you’ve dealt with stubborn acne and are in need of medical advice or have lasting acne scars, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers acne scar treatment and Blu-U light therapy to improve the look and feel of your skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Tips For Living With Dry Skin

For those of us born with dry skin, it can feel at times to be both a curse and a blessing — while those with dry skin rarely have acne-related problems, a whole new array of skin issues can arise if dryness isn’t properly treated. But, if the right steps are taken, dry skin can be controlled and even moisturized. Follow our best tips for living with dry skin, and start your journey to better, healthier skin:

Avoid Hot Showers. Bathing strips your body of natural oils, and hot water makes this even worse. Your natural oils lock in moisture and protect your skin, so try taking quick, mildly warm showers instead of long, scorching ones. While hot showers might feel great, your skin will feel significantly worse afterwards.

Avoid Fragrant Skin Products. Products that carry strong fragrances or odors can be harsh on skin and strip out oils. Look for natural products that contain no artificial fragrances — check the ingredients label and if ‘fragrance’ is one of the first ingredients listed, put it back on the shelf.

Protect Your Skin From The Elements. Using a humidifier in the winter and applying sunscreen regularly year-round will help your skin stay strong and moisturized. The dry air of winter can take a toll on already-dry skin, so investing in a humidifier is a great idea. Humidifiers put moisture back in the air, which in turn puts it back in your skin. Your skin is like a sponge — it’ll absorb the moisture when it’s around, but it will shrivel up when it’s not. Sunscreen is also important to prevent skin from burning, which causes dry skin, roughness and wrinkles.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. Knowing what kind of moisturizer suits your skin and when to apply it is your best defense against dry skin. A good moisturizer will keep your skin soft and absorbent all day, as well as soothe dry, damaged skin. The perfect moisturizer could be as simple as petroleum jelly or a favorite lotion — it all depends on your preference and what feels best when applied. Be consistent in your moisturizers, because changing them often can cause changes in the way your skin feels. You should also be consistent in how often you apply moisturizer. After bathing is best, but it’s also important to apply moisturizer before bed. If your skin is severely dry, carrying a small bottle with you during the day to reapply may also be necessary.

Adjust Your Diet. Diets rich in magnesium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 and other natural remedies for dry skin will help alleviate dryness and provide moisture from the inside out. Foods like salmon, dark chocolate, oranges and carrots will provide many benefits. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking, as all of these can suck your skin dry.

Invest In Oils. Almond, olive, jojoba and coconut oil are all wonderful additions to baths and masks that can seriously hydrate your skin. Soaking in these will lock in moisture, and you can also apply them directly to your skin. Dabbing on olive oil to extremely dry areas before you moisturize will give your skin an extra dose of antioxidants. All of these oils are also good for dry hair, elbows, hands and feet. Finding an oil you prefer and using it regularly will aid in healing your dry, cracked skin.

The best way to help your skin is to know your skin. Figure out your problem areas and know where you need help most. Invest in good, safe products, and come up with a regular skin regimen. Living with dry skin isn’t always easy, but it is manageable.

If you have excessively dry skin that has endured sun damage or wrinkles, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers a wide variety of skin treatments to fix your problem areas. Contact us today to get started.

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Skin Prep for Cold Weather

Skin Prep for Cold Weather

October is here, and that means the cold weather has arrived (or for Austinites, that cold weather is on its way). Our skin faces several challenges posed by the seasonal change:

Humidity outside drops, causing a decrease in skin’s moisture
Indoor heating also zaps skin’s moisture
Skin can get itchy and scaly
Oxygen starvation in body and skin occurs due to lack of physical activity.

Never fear! It’s still possible to have glowing skin during the winter months, especially at all of those holiday parties! It all starts with changing your daily routine:

When washing your face and body, avoid using hot water, as this strips the skin of needed moisture. Stick to tepid water as much as possible.
Try switching to an emollient cleanser to further answer your skin’s dryness.
If you use a moisturizing lotion, switch to a thicker, creamier version.
Although tempting, don’t neglect to wear sunscreen. Your skin is still vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays in the fall and winter.
Exfoliate regularly to slough away dead skin cells and accelerate turnover

In addition to topical skin care, it’s wise to increase your intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums contain high concentrations of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that ravage your skin. Broccoli, carrots, and spinach are all rich in Vitamin A, which fights the signs of aging.

On top of taking care of your skin, it’s also important to take care of the rest of your body through daily exercise. Getting your blood flowing will increase oxygen levels—oxygen that your skin needs to stay healthy and supple.

Finally, schedule an appointment today for a skincare consultation. Let our skilled aestheticians conduct a personal skin analysis to reveal the right treatments for you, then enjoy a luxurious and tailored spa experience as you usher in the holiday season.

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Skin Cells Used for Heart Tissue Regeneration

Recently published research has provided yet another reason to take care of your skin. In a clinical study conducted in Israel, skin cells were used to help regenerate heart muscle. The research could help develop procedures that aim to heal and replace damaged heart tissue.

The study used fibroblasts, a certain type of cell that has plays an integral role in healing, much like collagen. The fibroblasts were re-programmed to regenerate as stem cells, and then researchers induced to become functioning heart muscle cells. Although normally operations like this run the risk of developing cancerous cells, researchers modified the cells by leaving out a specific gene linked to cancer.

The European Heart Journal published the research in late May, and the developments will likely spur on further research regarding skin cells and organ regeneration. Because the skin cells come from the patient’s own body, the risk of rejection is eliminated. For more information on keeping your skin safe and healthy, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

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Eat Fruits and Vegetables for Bronzed Skin

Eating a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables is good for your heart and helps you get the nutrients your body needs. However, eating plant-based foods can also deliver results that are “skin-deep,” according to recent research. A study performed in Scotland shows that adding three extra servings of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet can brighten your skin and make you look and feel healthier.

The study monitored the diet of college students and measured color changes in their skin. Individuals with a diet dense in veggies and fruits had amplified red skin tones, whereas decreased consumption of these foods resulted in a paler complexion. The researchers attributed this phenomenon to carotenoids, which are chemicals present in plants that give the skin a healthy glow and pigment. For example, eating carrots and sweet potatoes, foods rich in beta carotene, can give you a tan-like glow. Individuals with an already pale complexion will notice changes more easily than those with more natural skin pigment.

Filling your plate with fruits and vegetables is a much more healthy alternative to spending hours getting sun damage in tanning beds. For more information about how to keep your skin healthy, contact Zimmet Skin & Vein today.

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Study Shows Tanning Salons Lie About Skin Cancer Risks

Almost every day, more evidence is found that indoor tanning is a serious health concern. Indoor tanning has been linked to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer at alarming rates. Health experts have recommended to the FDA an indoor tanning ban for minors, and several states have already enacted restrictions for use of tanning beds.

Additionally, a recent study published by the U.S. House of Representatives have found that tanning salon companies are often dishonest to their clients about the long-term health risks of using tanning beds. Almost 90% of the companies involved in the studies told “secret shoppers” that there were no health risks associated with indoor tanning.

The results are particularly frightening in light of recent research that indicates that only four sessions in a tanning bed can increase one’s risk of developing cancer by 15%. Tanning beds expose the skin to UVA rays that are up to 15 times more intense than the sun’s.

Skin damage brought on by tanning, whether indoors or outdoors, can have significant consequences that go beyond wrinkles. Dr. Zimmet recommends using sunscreen any time you’ll be exposed to harmful UV rays and avoiding indoor tanning altogether. If you have damaged skin, spots with irregular pigmentation, or abnormal moles, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

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Risk of Cancer Increases After Only Four Indoor Tanning Sessions

Several studies have highlighted the health problems associated with use of tanning beds. Now, recent research presented at the International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, hosted by the American Association for Cancer Research, has revealed that the risk of cancer significantly escalates with increased exposure to harmful rays from indoor tanning.

In the longitudinal study, researchers monitored the tanning habits of 73,000 individuals for twenty years. The study focused on the development of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the three most common types of skin cancer. Researchers found that the risk of developing cancer increased the more often an individual tanned indoors. In fact, using a tanning bed only four times a year can increase one’s risk of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by 15% and melanoma by 11%. The study results also highlighted that young people, ages 25-35, were particularly at risk for developing skin cancer.

About ten percent of the population use a tanning bed at least once a year, contributing heavily to the cases that make skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the United States. Tanning, especially indoors, is one of the easiest ways to damage skin cells. If you would like to know more about how to keep your skin healthy and beautiful, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today.

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5 Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It’s very likely that you or someone in your family will develop skin cancer as one in five Americans will get this in the course of their life. Some forms can be life threatening. But if skin cancer is spotted early on it can often be cured before it spreads to other parts of the body.

There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. BCC and SCC are the most common forms, and rarely spread.

Melanoma develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin pigment that determines our skin color. Even though it accounts for less than 5 percent of skin cancers, melanoma is the cause of most skin cancer deaths.

ABCDE Method

It is valuable to know the difference between melanoma and harmless moles. Most moles are fine unless they change in size, shape or color. When looking at a mole or skin pigment spots, most doctors recommend the ABCDE method to help determine if it’s melanoma.

A is for Asymmetry

Make sure if the mole was cut in half it would be a mirror image.

B is for Border

If there is an irregular or undefined border it could be a risk.

C is for Coloration

It should not vary in shade, but be a solid color—different shades of brown, blue, red, white and black is a warning sign.

D is for Diameter

The mole or pigment spot should be smaller than the size of a pencil’s eraser. Melanoma is typically greater than a quarter inch across, but it can be smaller.

E is for Evolution

If the mole or spot changes in size, shape or color over time then a doctor should be contacted.

Causes of Skin Cancer

The main cause of skin cancer is over-exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It develops mainly on areas of sun-exposed skin: most often on the face, chest, neck, arms as well as women’s lower legs and men’s backs. But it can also form in surprising areas— palms, beneath fingernails, spaces between toes, under toenails and genital areas.

Other risk factors include a fair complexion, history of sunburns as a child, multiple moles, atypical moles and a family history of skin cancer. Older adults are at a higher risk of developing basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the most common cancer for 20-29 year-olds.

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Rare Bacterial Infection Caused by Tattoos

If you’re considering getting a tattoo, keep this in mind: recently the CDC reported on two healthy individuals who contracted a potentially dangerous skin infection, that usually only strikes in people with deteriorated immune systems, after getting tattoos at a commercial tattoo parlor. Mycobacterium haemophilum, the bacteria which causes the infection, is very similar to the bacteria that cause leprosy and tuberculosis.

The disease is particularly dangerous because it is difficult to treat. The bacteria is resistant to the normal cocktail of antibiotics. For the first man who was infected with the bacteria after a visit to the tattoo parlor, even the correct combination of medicine took 6 months to heal the infection.

The tattoo parlor that both individuals allegedly contracted the bacteria from met the state’s sanitation standards, and no one has determined exactly how the infection was contracted. One researcher suspects that the tap water used to dilute the ink could have carried the bacteria into the victims’ bodies.

Since the bacteria is extremely rare, the CDC has not been particularly alarmed at the outbreak. However, they ask tattoo artists, tattoo recipients, and dermatologists to be vigilant and recognize the symptoms of a mycobacterium haemophilum infection: a rash and small lesions at the infection site.

There are other dangers of tattooing, with a link between the number of tattoos and the risk of Hepatitis C. Here are some tips for making sure your tattoo experience is as sanitary as possible:

Ask for qualifications, proof of passing inspection, and sanitary procedures. Never get a tattoo from an under-qualified parlor.
Maintain a healthy immune system. Don’t get a tattoo if your immune system is already under attack, because that may increase your risk of contracting a bacterial infection.
Go to a dermatologist or doctor first thing if you develop a rash.

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Want Healthy, Youthful Skin? Don't Smoke or Tan

With all the pricey anti-aging creams and serums available on the market, new research shows that the best things you can do to keep your skin youthful are also the most inexpensive things: don’t smoke, and don’t tan.

The chemicals in cigarettes prevent collagen re-growth, decreasing skin tautness and creating wrinkles. And if a smoker is spending too much time in the sun, they are ten times more likely to develop wrinkles in their 20s and 30s than individuals who avoid tobacco and protect themselves against the sun’s rays.

Many young adults choose to be “proactive” about wrinkle prevention by investing in expensive over-the-counter creams. However, in most cases, that approach is as effective as throwing money down the drain–especially if the consumer is a smoker or doesn’t wear sunscreen. Over-the-counter creams that aren’t FDA approved may not be effective, and young non-smokers with undamaged skin should already produce healthy collagen and peptides. Buying over-the-counter anti-aging serums could put a dent in your wallet and trigger acne production.

If you’re a young adult in your twenties and are interested in improving your skin health, avoid anti-aging creams and schedule a consultation with Dr. Zimmet today.

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