Atlanta Dermatology Articles

Does Dry Brushing Actually Help Skin Health?

By Buckhead Dermatology | January 3, 2024

Dry brushing, although it may sound like a person could use any brush anywhere on their body, is not the case. Knowing how to dry brush effectively gets results, but just going for it without knowledge will yield different, and probably lesser, results.

Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Skincare Resolution

By Buckhead Dermatology | December 27, 2023

As with any New Year’s Resolution, keeping it simple increases the likelihood of your new habits sticking. A complicated and over-zealous skincare routine may be too much, leaving people skipping it altogether, so keep it simple. Whatever your 2024 skincare goals, Buckhead Dermatology is here to help.

skin cancer screening atlanta dermatologist

What To Expect During Skin Cancer Screenings

By Buckhead Dermatology | December 20, 2023

Dermatologists never want questions or fear of the unknown about skin cancer screenings to prevent people from visiting a local dermatologist and scheduling a skin cancer screening. Knowledge is power, and knowing what the process is can take much of the guesswork out of a skin cancer screening appointment.

What’s Trending in Skincare for 2024?

By Buckhead Dermatology | December 13, 2023

As 2023 comes to a close, it is time to look back at trends and see what is carrying into 2024. Glass skin was a hot trend in 2023, along with press on nails, curtain bangs, chrome nails, heatless waves, and faux freckles. Whether you personally dabbled in this year’s trends, chrome nails will have staying power into 2024.

Keeping Your Skin Glowing this Holiday Season

By Buckhead Dermatology | December 6, 2023

Stress can be a skin glow killer. Often, around the holidays, the stress of getting the perfect gift and attending holiday events with indulgent food and drinks can take a severe toll on our skin’s appearance. The good news is that sticking with a skincare routine, regardless of traveling demands and a busy entertainment calendar,…

Dermatology for Men: Top Four Skincare Concerns

By Buckhead Dermatology | November 29, 2023

Dermatologists see both men and women for their skincare concerns. You will find more blogs, websites, and products to address women’s skincare concerns and issues, but men also want to look and feel good about their skin! So, what do men think about, and what challenges do they face when it comes to their skin’s…

Shedding Light on Dark Circles and Wrinkles

By Buckhead Dermatology | November 22, 2023

Many of us were raised to show others respect by making eye contact when greeting, talking, or shaking hands. It is no wonder that one of the first things we notice about others is their eyes. We notice color and shape, and when looking into someone’s eyes, we will notice wrinkles or dark circles under…

Understanding the Different Chemical Exfoliants and Acids Used in Skincare

By Buckhead Dermatology | November 15, 2023

There are three types of chemical exfoliants, all used to remove dead skin cells, which improves the skin’s appearance. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is involved in skin tissue repair. However, when attempting to use these acids in your skincare routine, it is wise to understand the difference and know how to respond to a bad skin…

Tips for Acne Breakouts and Skincare During Cold Sores

By Buckhead Dermatology | November 8, 2023

It may seem like, at times, skin is nearly impossible to manage, especially when you wake up with a giant pimple on your nose or a cold sore throbbing on your lip. Here are some tips for caring for your skin during these inconvenient moments. Don’t be discouraged, and if you have acne breakouts or suffer from regular cold sores, it may be a good idea to visit a local dermatologist who can help determine the root causes and provide affordable skincare solutions.

Atopic dermatitis is not only common but also easy to agitate and make worse. There are things that people can do who suffer from atopic dermatitis, especially as the seasons quickly shift from hot and dreary to cold and dry. Often, this skin condition is due to genetics, which can't be changed, but there are behaviors and habits one can adopt to minimize the intense itching and inflammation. Atopic dermatitis, better known as eczema, can be itchy, flaky, and incredibly irritating. Flare-ups can make life miserable. In some cases, flare-ups may become more frequent or more severe over time, and that is why those with this skin condition should have a toolkit of things they can do to help the symptoms. Taking a minute to determine if something in your lifestyle may be worsening dermatitis can have immense value! If your flare-ups are causing discomfort or causing concern, contact a licensed dermatologist for professional guidance on treating your condition. Winter is No Friend of Atopic Dermatitis You don't look forward to the winter months if you have atopic dermatitis. Tropical climates don't suffer as badly in most cases, but in climates that shift dramatically between summer and winter, the air can be miserable. Atopic dermatitis prevents the epidermis from locking in moisture to the skin, which is why the cold and low-humidity months can be challenging. The skin remains extra dry in winter and can last three to four months. Some individuals shower less frequently to avoid the drying water, and many have to change products during this season to manage their skin condition. Dermatology Tip: Get your hands on a humidifier. Keep the filter clean and keep it running throughout the season. This is even more true if you run a heater or have the fireplace burning regularly. Kick up your daily moisturizer a notch and apply hydrating products multiple times daily. After showering, follow up immediately with a moisturizing product to lock in some of the moisture. Stress Is Your Enemy It is not exclusive to your skin’s health, and it is no mystery that stress continues to be tied to the health of the body and mind, so why wouldn’t skin be part of that? It is! The body will react to stress in various ways, which are not necessarily good for the skin. Anything chronic, like worry or fear, can cause the body to stay in a fight-or-flight state. The release of hormones to manage this short-term continues to spew out as the body’s immune system is suppressed. The result is inflammation and excessive cortisol and adrenaline produced and released by the body. Those who suffer from atopic dermatitis potentially increase the condition's intensity because the inflammation can impair the skin’s barrier. Rashes may become an aggravated symptom. Dermatology Tip: Stress is challenging to manage, but many find relief in breathing or yoga. Other patients may benefit from identifying scenarios where their stress level increases and being proactive about preparing. There are creams and products that can be used ahead of time if it is likely a flare-up will occur. Patients do not have to wait until an outbreak to seek solutions! If you find your atopic dermatitis is getting worse, seek professional help from a reputable dermatologist who can help get you some relief! Skipping the Marathon Hot Shower When you suffer from atopic dermatitis, sitting under a hot shower can feel very good…at the time. However, extended time under that steaming hot water strips the skin of moisture and oils. These hot, steamy showers can aggravate atopic dermatitis. Getting the skin wet and washing is good for removing bacteria and irritants from the skin, but treating the skin after the shower and the cleanser can be a contributing factor if you are experiencing flare-ups. Dermatology Tip: Use a gentle cleanser in the shower and use warm water on the side of cool. Immediately after the shower, pat dry and add thick moisturizer. Avoid scented and fragrant lotions if you notice your skin reacting to them. Choosing the Right Skincare Products It is no surprise that the products people use significantly impact how their skin looks, feels and reacts. Choosing personal care products can be done through trial and error, but individuals may also choose to take the shortcut of working with a dermatologist to find products for their skin type sooner. Detergents, soaps, lotions, and even diet can all contribute to atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Dermatologists recommend using products that have fewer ingredients and avoiding those with fragrances, dyes, and essential oils. Although some essential oils can be good, they can also be harsh. The best bet is to return any products in which your skin has an adverse reaction and stop using them immediately. If you are in Atlanta, contact Buckhead Dermatology for affordable skincare solutions from Dr. Sherrie Straughn. She cares about her patients and has helped many clients overcome their daily challenges with atopic dermatitis.

Tips to Manage Atopic Dermatitis and Not Make It Worse

By Buckhead Dermatology | November 1, 2023

Atopic dermatitis is not only common but also easy to agitate and make worse. There are things that people can do who suffer from atopic dermatitis, especially as the seasons quickly shift from hot and dreary to cold and dry. Working with a local and reputable dermatologist takes the guess work out of solutions, but here are some tips dermatologists want you to know.