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Lash and Brown Tinting- Is it Right for You?

For those of us with lighter, blonder eyelashes and eyebrows, the trend of lash and brow tinting is tantalizing- to be able to wake up with dark, defined eyelashes is a privilege we’ve never known. But, is tinting right for you? There are many things to consider before jumping into a tinting appointment- and we highly recommend you see a professional. Tinting at home can be extremely dangerous and cause permanent damage. Some of these dangers include:

Blindness: If tint is not applied correctly and comes in direct contact with your eye, blindness can occur in serious cases.
Infections: Even if you avoid blindness, eyelash or eyebrow tint can cause swelling, pain and serious infection if not applied correctly.
There are no “Organic” dyes: For eyelash and brow tints, there are no “organic” dyes, which means you’re using the same kind of dye found in permanent hair dye- and who wants that so close to their eyeball if they don’t know what they’re doing?
Ruining your Color: When you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s very easy to pick a color that’s too dark or harsh on your skin- a professional will know what’s shades to go for to keep you looking young.

So, who should get lash and brow tints? Really, they work for everyone. Anyone looking to keep their face looking younger and bolder can try these tints. Brow tints work for any color- it can be customized for whatever color you’re looking for. Lash tints typically work better for those with blonder lashes- otherwise, lash tinting may not make too much of a difference for those with darker lashes naturally.

To keep your tint bold, make sure you help make it last. Tinting should last about six weeks, but you should avoid oil-based moisturizers, cleansers or wipes- these will dissolve your tint quickly. But wearing makeup like mascara or brow liner over your tint is perfectly fine.

If you’re interested in improving the tint of your lash or brow, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers a wide variety of aesthetics, including lash and brow tints. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Sun Poisoning: What it is and When to Treat

Any of us who have experienced a sunburn know that it’s no party, but for those who are unfortunate enough to get sun poisoning after a day outside know that it can get worse. Sun poisoning is the term used for a severe case of a sunburn occurs when skin is exposed to UV rays for an extended period of time, inflaming the skin beyond a normal sunburn.

Symptoms of sun poisoning include:

Nausea
Skin redness and blistering
Pain and tingling
Swelling
Headache
Fever and chills
Dizziness
Dehydration

If you experience these symptoms, don’t panic. Many times, as uncomfortable as it may be, sun poisoning can be treated at home. Your first step is to get out of the sun and stay out of it. Take a cool bath or shower to calm your skin, then apply aloe vera all over the affected area. Drink plenty of water and take over-the-counter pain medications as needed to manage any pain.

However, if you experience any of the symptoms below, medical attention is necessary:

A sunburn that forms large blisters, covers a large area, or is unbearably painful
Facial swelling
Fever and chills
Upset stomach
Headache, confusion, or faintness
Signs of severe dehydration

Medical attention will involve treatment of the burn and usually fluids through an IV to manage dehydration.

Remember to always wear sunscreen when going outside, no matter your skin type. Severe sunburns can lead to scarring or, worse, different forms of skin cancer.

If your skin has suffered sun damage and needs repairing, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers many sun damage treatments to re-hydrate and replenish your skin. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Caring for a Sunburn

For those of us who have experienced a sunburn before, we know it’s no party. Sunburns can be painful, detrimental to your health and your skin’s health, and sometimes may even require medical attention. If you’ve been out in the sun and happened to get burned, make sure you’re taking the following steps to ensure your skin heals quickly and to minimize pain.

1) Take over-the-counter pain reliever. Ibuprofen and aspirin will minimize pain as well as fight inflammation of the skin.

2) Apply aloe vera and cortisone cream. Aloe vera has naturally cooling and healing properties. Apply it directly to your burn and don’t rub it all the way in- leave it slightly moist on top of the burn to prevent the skin from drying out. Cortisone cream will also help fight the inflammation of burns.

3)Take a cool shower. Don’t use hot water, but don’t use bone-chilling cold, either. If a shower seems painful, a bath is also an option. Otherwise, you can also use a cool compress and apply to the burned area as often as needed.

4) Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water during your healing process- sunburns can very easily cause dehydration, which can lead to many medical problems.

5) Moisturize. Once your skin has begun healing, moisturize it twice a day until it heals with gentle, unscented moisturizer.

6) Stay out of the sun! Exposing sunburns to more UV rays can cause blisters and infection. Be sure to protect your fragile skin, especially after its already burned.

7) Wear loose clothing. Wearing tight, fitted clothing over a sunburn can be extremely painful and irritating to the burn. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing while your skin heals.

When to See a Doctor

Some sunburns can be so bad they require medical attention. If your sunburn covers a large portion of your body, has many protruding blisters, doesn’t start clearing up in a few days, or you experience infection-like symptoms such as fainting, fever, swollen lymph nodes, consult your doctor immediately.

If your skin has suffered sunburns and you’re now developing sun damage, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers rejuvenating treatments to restore your skin. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Dangers of At-Home Hair Removal

When you have unwanted body hair, the urge to get it removed can be a pain, and with so many trends in waxing and shaving, it can be tempting to run to the store and attempt to remove the hair yourself. But, this isn’t always your best bet- removing body hair at home can be dangerous, and even ineffective. For the best results, always consult a professional about removing unwanted body hair. Take a look at some of the risks associated with at-home removal:

-Make sure you read the directions if you do choose to home wax- not following instructions and doing things such as “double dipping” or not exfoliating can cause a bumpy, red rash or, even worse, an infection.

-Over-waxing can result in ingrown hairs, irritation and redness, and folliculitis (an infection of the hair follicle).
You could easily burn yourself by heating the wax too high and then applying it directly to skin.

–Scarring can occur if you burn yourself or the wax you use rips at skin.

-Pain! Waxing hurts, that’s just the way it is. Though you know how much pain you can handle, letting a professional take the reigns is always a good idea- you could seriously injure yourself and cause permanent damage.

-You could have an allergic reaction to the wax which could result in permanent skin discoloration. Always do a spot test before using a new waxing product.

-Getting bacteria in the skin where your hair follicles once were is a typical problem after waxing at home. This can cause painful pimples– be sure to always clean before and after waxing.

-Even shaving too often or when hair isn’t long enough can cause ingrown hairs and infections.

At Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, we offer laser hair removal– a long-term, safe and effective solution for removing unwanted body hair. If you’re interested in making your body smooth and hair-free, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Natural Solutions For Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating, also known as Hyperhidrosis, is a condition where sweating is uncontrollable and can occur under any temperature. The condition can be embarrassing and hard to control, and while there are many medical ways to try to control hyperhidrosis, there are also ways to attempt to correct the problem at home. Try some of these natural remedies and see if you can stop breaking a sweat.

Sage

Sage is a popular remedy for excessive sweating for its powerful astringent compounds, which reduce sweating. It’s also used to battle hot flashes and night sweats. Drink sage tea to balance out the body or take sage extract pills.

Meditation

Sounds crazy, but simply relaxing and finding time to meditate can significantly improve your excessive sweating. For about 15 minutes a day, try to think positively and calmly. This method has been proven to help with mild to moderate cases of excessive sweating.

Wear Natural-Fiber Clothing

To better wick away sweat, wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and silk, which give your skin room to breathe. Be particularly cautious when exercising- wear fabrics that are specialized to keep you cool and battle sweat.

Bathe Daily

It may sound obvious, but taking care to bathe daily will help keep the number of bacteria on your skin normal. Allowing bacteria buildup will only exacerbate sweating and the other side effects associated with it.

Change Your Diet

Avoiding spicy dishes, garlic, onions, high-sugar and processed foods can help balance your body- all of these foods stimulate sweat glands, so they’ll only make the problem worse. Processed foods contain chemical toxins that can trigger increased sweating. Try to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meat to help your body produce less sweat.

Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

Baking soda counteracts acid in your sweat- by lightly dusting some on your armpits, you’ll remain drier and sweat will evaporate quickly. Baking soda also neutralizes bad odors. Lemon juice dabbed on the armpits will kill odor-causing bacteria due to acidity of the citrus. Use equal parts baking soda and lemon juice and dab on armpits with a cotton pad.

Natural Antiperspirant

As brutally obvious as it may seem, combining any or all of the steps above with a natural antiperspirant will give you the best results. Stay away from excessively fragrant antiperspirants and try to find those will less ingredients and more natural qualities. If over-the-counter antiperspirants don’t work for you, there are prescription options available if you talk to your doctor.

By following these tips, you can start trying to control your excessive sweating at home. At Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, we offer a Botox® treatment for excess sweating and are here to help restore your body’s natural balance. Contact us today to make an appointment.

Tips For Caring For Sensitive Skin

Dealing with fragile skin can be difficult and frustrating- it seems like no matter what product you put on it, you break out or it burns your skin. Sensitive skin isn’t impossible to deal with, however. By following a few simple tips, you can be on your way to taming your delicate complexion.

Avoid Fragrant Skin Care

Fragrances and other harsh irritants can cause your sensitive skin to break out and burn. Even fragrances and oils that sound natural (like cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint, to name a few) can be a hazard. Sensitive skin’s dermis layer tends to be very thin, and these oils can soak through and cause allergic reactions quickly. The most friendly products for your delicate skin will contain very few ingredients, no fragrance (or very little), and no alcohol. Make sure you’re reading the ingredients list on all skin products you buy.

Don’t Overdo It

It’s easy to get excited about new skincare fads and all the products there are to purchase, but sticking to a simple, repeatable routine for your sensitive skin will do it more good than the latest mask or scrub. Facial wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen is usually enough for most people’s skin. Also, remember not to over wash your face. This will strip your skin of natural oils that protect it. Washing and moisturizing morning and night is more than enough- keep in mind that every time you wash your skin, you dry it out.

Always Moisturize

Even if you consider your skin to be slightly oily, moisturizing is of vital importance. Hydrating your skin is what keeps it looking young and healthy. Moisturizing your skin will protect from abrasions and drying out throughout the day, which can cause your skin to flake or blemish.

Avoid Hot Water

Hot water washes out natural oils and your skin as well as taking out all moisture. Try limiting your shower to only lukewarm water and about 10 minutes. If you have extremely dry or sensitive skin, make the water as cool as you can take. When your shower is over, don’t rub your skin, simply pat yourself dry. The extra rubbing can also irritate and dry out your skin. (Bonus tip: the same goes for your hair- always pat it dry with a towel, never rub!)

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is important for all skin types, but especially sensitive skin. Letting your skin burn could cause delicate skin to break out into dry patches or hives. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to avoid exposure during these times and wear sunscreen every day. SPF 30 or higher is necessary to protect skin, and for sensitive skin, look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide- you’re unable to have a physical allergic reaction to these natural sunscreens.

Visit Your Dermatologist

If you think you have severely dry skin, the best way to start taking better care of it is to visit a dermatologist. They can help figure out the severity of your fragile skin, and determine whether you have a condition such as eczema or rosacea, as well as recommend products that will help improve the look and feel of your skin.

If you have complicated, sensitive skin, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology can help you get it under control. Call us today to make an appointment.

What Should My Face Wash Regimen Be?

We all desire youthful, healthy skin. This begins with a good face wash regimen. To prevent aging, acne, dryness and any other skin blemishes, the first step in any routine should be to wash your face. What kinds of cleaners and other steps depends on your skin type- dry, oily, combination, sensitive- but basically, a routine of washing, toning and moisturizing will keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

1) Wash: Good cleansers need to be formulated for your skin type and made with natural, organic ingredients. Too many alcohols will strip the skin, so look for ingredients like milk, honey, coconut oil and other organics. Choose creamier cleansers for dry skin and clearer ones for oily skin. Wash morning and night, but be careful not to over-cleanse. Washing your face too often can result in drying out your skin and losing natural oils. If you notice washing both morning and night drys out or irritates your skin, try only washing at night and using just a splash of lukewarm water to wash out your face in the morning.

2) Tone: Toners help restore the natural pH levels of the skin and clean out pores. They also help make skin resistant to microorganisms and bacteria. Stay away from toners with alcohol, as these can be irritating. Those with oily skin types may want some astringent in their toner to fight excess oils, but in general toners that are aloe or other natural ingredient based will do the job without drying out skin. Apply toner after washing your face and removing all makeup. Do not rinse it off- it’s meant to be left on.

3) Moisturize: After your toner has soaked into your skin, it’s time to moisturize. Find a face moisturizer specially formulated for your skin type- a little research and a trip around the store will help you figure this out. Even with oily skin, this step should always be in your routine. Oil and hydration are two different things, and your skin needs to be hydrated. Apply moisturizer all over your face until it feels soft and moisturized- if you apply too much, simply blot excess off with a towel.

4) Use Sunscreen: All skin types need protection of the sun. It’s recommended you use at least a 30 SPF sunscreen on your face every day, every season. Many moisturizers have sunscreen in them, so these are good to look for. Sun damage is the number one cause of wrinkles, so sunscreen is a necessary step for all skin types. For oily skin that can get worse when applying sunscreen, look for oil-free products or sunscreen powders.

5) Exfoliate: Once or twice a week, depending on how sensitive your skin is, be sure to exfoliate in place of regular washing, before toning. Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It’s essential to a routine, but shouldn’t harm your skin- if it feels like sandpaper, get a different product. Especially if you have dry skin, you’ll want to look for a very gentle product. Remove your makeup first and massage the exfoliant all over your face, then rinse with lukewarm water. Be sure to focus on areas you frequently see blackheads or acne.

These are the basics of good facial skin care. By establishing a routine and sticking to it, you can prevent wrinkles and other scarring of the face, as well as fight signs of aging. Be careful- skipping your routine even for a night or sleeping in makeup can cause immediate breakouts and blemishes.

At Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, we offer a variety of solutions for skin that has blemishes or unwanted signs of aging. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Caring For Oily Skin

Those who suffer from excessive oily skin can see a world of problems- acne, clogged pores, blemishes- that those of us with combination or dry skin may never see. While these problems can be irritating, or sometimes even painful, with careful cleansing and lifestyle adjustments, they can be easily treated and managed at home. Oily skin is capable of being transformed into healthy, hydrated skin, without the extra baggage.

Our skin naturally secretes oils to protect and rejuvenate it daily, especially overnight. This is why your face may feel grimy when you first wake up in the morning. Oils are a good thing for skin, but when skin secretes more oil than needed, serious problems may occur. With simple at-home solutions and recognition of problems, these oily issues can be managed.

1) Cleanse & Tone: Even with oily skin, a daily cleansing routine is necessary. Use a pH balanced and slightly acidic cleanser on the skin morning and night to wash away unwanted oils and keep the skin fresh. Do not use scrubbing cleansers, as these actually promote more oil production. Also use a toner morning and night after washing and before moisturizing. Be sure to use one free of alcohol or acetone, as those dry out skin and trigger oil production as well. But, toners used well and daily will help prevent excess oil from occurring.

2) Moisturize: This may seem irrelevant to those with oily skin- why add more moisture when you produce plenty yourself? In fact, oil and moisture are two very different things-and your oily skin still needs it. Using a light, oil-free moisturizer after washing and toning, day and night, will hydrate your skin, since skin can still crave hydration when oil is being produced. The amount of moisturizer used will vary depending on just how oily your skin is.

3) Use a Mask: Clay and other masks help circulation of the skin and refine pores. Using a mask once a week will help remove dead skin cells as well as tighten up pores to minimize the appearance of acne or blemishes. Overuse of these masks can defeat the purpose, so be sure to only use them up to once a week.

4) Be Consistent: Make sure you perform your daily regimen, morning and night, without skipping a beat. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are key to keeping skin’s pH balanced and preventing breakouts. Even just one night sleeping in your makeup or without using toner can lead to a whole new breakout. Prevention is key to healthy skin, so take a bag with you if you’re staying somewhere else for the night and keep up with your regime.

5) Use Oil-Free Sunscreen: Sunscreen is important for everyone, oily skin included. Though usually our faces feel incredibly shiny and oily after using sunscreen, oil-free ones do exist. Use them on oily skin daily to prevent sun damage. The oil-free label is important, otherwise you can easily clog your pores.

6) Try Blotting Papers: Even with upkeep, oily skin can still have its moments. Oil-absorbing products such as blotting paper are easy, on-the-go ways to get excess oil off your skin. Powder SPF is also a good product for soaking up excess oil that comes up throughout the day.

With these simple tips, the nightmare that can be oily skin is over. It may seem like an uphill battle with acne and blemishes, but by taking preventative steps to produce only good oils, the battle can be won.

If you’re having skin trouble and need to consult a dermatologist, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers a variety of skin and vein treatments, including acne treatments and rosacea solutions. Contacts us today to schedule an appointment.

Wrinkles- Causes & Prevention

We all begin to see changes as we age, and one of the many annoying facts of life is that wrinkles happen- they’re a normal part of aging, due to the skin’s inner layer, the dermis, thinning and causing skin’s structure and elasticity to undo. Aging also causes our skin to retain less moisture, make less oil, and heal slower, all contributing factors to the lines that crease our skin.

But, there’s good news- it is possible to look as young as you feel! By taking preventative steps early in life, you can prevent deep lines and wrinkles from appearing later.

Wear Sunscreen

If there’s one golden rule for preventing wrinkles, it’s to invest in good sunscreen and wear it regularly. Even when there’s clouds out in the winter, sunscreen needs to be applied to skin, especially on the face, every day. Whether you’re prone to burns or just get a nice tan, direct sun exposure is bad for skin. UVA and UVB rays take a significant toll on our skin’s collagen- so be sure you’re wearing sunscreen and covered from the sun at all times. Staying out of the sun also prevents skin cancer- double bonus!

Don’t Smoke

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to quit, here’s another: Smoking inhibits collagen production, which is necessary for skin structure. Reducing collagen paves the way for wrinkles, as many research studies have shown. One study done at the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London found that between a brother and sister, the one who smoked more had more wrinkled skin that was 40% thinner than the non-smoker’s.

Get Some Rest

Always getting a full night’s sleep helps produce more human growth hormone, which helps skin retain its elasticity. Lack of sleep causes the body to produce excess cortisol, which breaks down skin cells. Your skin also repairs itself over night and creates a natural oil barrier. When you lose sleep, you don’t allow your body time to heal and produce natural oils, which can quickly dry out the skin, allowing wrinkles to begin forming.

Keep Your Eyesight Healthy

Squinting has been shown to be a big reason for wrinkling near the eyes. Repetitive facial movement, including squinting, overworks muscles and forms grooves beneath the skin’s surface that eventually become wrinkles. Invest in good glasses to reduce the risk of crows feet and other wrinkles.

Eat Well

Preventing wrinkles begins on the inside. Eating vitamin-rich foods helps your skin stay young by providing it with building blocks like protein and omega-3. Fish, particularly salmon, nourishes the skin to keep it plump which keeps it youthful, preventing wrinkles. Fruits and vegetables are also part of a good diet- they’re rich in natural antioxidants that fight skin damage to keep it looking younger and more radiant.

Moisturize!

Though the simplest way to prevent wrinkles, having a good moisturizer and using it daily is often overlooked. The quickest way to fight wrinkles is by keeping skin hydrated with a light, but effective, moisturizer. Brand and type will vary depending on your natural skin type, but moisturizer should be applied morning and night after washing the face thoroughly.

By following these simple steps, you can take measure to prevent wrinkles before they have a chance to form.

If you’ve been unsuccessful in preventing aging and are looking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology offers a variety of wrinkle treatments including Botox® , Ultherapy®, chemical peels, and many more. Contact us to schedule a consultation and find the right wrinkle treatment for you.

Hereditary Skin Disorders

The skin is the largest organ in the body and arguably the toughest, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take a few hits. Even with good upkeep, your skin can still experiences an array of issues, some of which can’t be prevented because they’re inherited. You don’t get to pick your family, and sometimes you don’t get to pick your skin disorder. Psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and even acne can be hereditary, but all are capable of being controlled and even healed.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder in which you develop thick, white, silvery or red patches of skin due to skin cells growing too quickly. Normally your skin cells grow slowly and flake off and reproduce every few weeks. With psoriasis, however, your skin cells reproduce rapidly and surface every few days, causing thick patches to build up, commonly referred to as “plaque.” In many cases, psoriasis is handed down in families. Psoriasis is not contagious, so it cannot be spread by touch. Common home remedies to make psoriasis less annoying day to day include using different lotions, bathing and soaking, staying out of the sun and, sometimes, prescribed creams or medicines.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that often can be hereditary. Eczema causes inflammation of the skin, making skin dry and itchy and sometimes cracked. It can appear anywhere on the body, and some of those affected have it over their entire body, though most outgrow it before adulthood. Certain genes present in families can cause extra-sensitive skin, typically resulting in issues like eczema. Those with a heavy cases of eczema may need prescribed medications, but most cases can be taken care of at home by using mild soaps and moisturizers, short, mildly warm showers and reducing stress along with using cortisone creams and hydrating oils.

Rosacea

Though rosacea typically affects those over 30, it can still be a hereditary condition. Rosacea causes redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead, sometimes causing bumps and pimples. The skin may also burn or sting and have irritated or dry eyes. Lose-dose antibiotics and medicinal creams may be prescribed for rosacea, or sufferers can use products for sensitive skin, eye drops and sunscreen to relieve symptoms at home.

Acne

Those with parents who had severe acne are much more likely to develop acne than those whose parents did not. Acne is caused by oil and dead skin cells clogging pores, creating a variety of skin blemishes, including pimples, blackheads, cysts, and whiteheads. Some acne is so severe it must be treated with prescribed pills and creams, but most acne can be controlled with over-the-counter washes and treatments, as well as healthy skin practices.

Whether you’ve suffered long-term acne or intense rosacea, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology can help. We offer acne scar treatments as well as rosacea relief treatments that can greatly improve the look and feel of skin and end annoying, hereditary skin imperfections. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or appointment.

Location

Austin, Texas

1500 W. 34th Street
Austin, TX 78703

512.485.7700