Your skin, particularly the skin on your face, is very delicate and one of the first things people notice when looking at your appearance. Ideally, it should be soft, supple, free from lines, fresh, and youthful—a standard that is often difficult to maintain. Fortunately, modern dermatology offers a number of treatments that are able to help you restore and renew beauty to your skin. Read on to explore the various treatment possibilities available at North County Dermatology Center, PC in Encinitas, CA.

Common Skin Problems
There is a long list of skin problems that dermatologists treat, some of which are:

- Skin wrinkles and deep/fine lines.
- Sun damage.
- Discoloration and hyperpigmentation.
- Age and liver spots.
- Acne sores and bumps.
- Tough skin (leathery texture).

Skin Treatment Options
At North County Dermatology Center, PC in Encinitas, CA, the skin treatment options available include:

- Botox injections to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Chemical peels to remove a layer of old skin cells and allow the skin to regenerate.
- Dermabrasion to exfoliate the skin and eliminate signs of sun damage.
- Retinoids for patients who struggle with acne.
- Laser resurfacing, which helps get rid of skin blemishes and scars.
- Dermal fillers, which plump and soften the skin.
- Oral and topical antibiotics or vaccinations that control skin infections.

Skin Care Ideas
You can make strides in ensuring that your skin continues to look good after treatment. Here are a few tips for how to care for your skin each day:

- Stay out direct sunlight, as damage from UV rays is a top reason for skin wrinkling, discoloration, and blotchiness.
- Avoid picking at acne pimples and sores—see your dermatologist instead for an effective course of treatment.
- Eat more foods that promote skin health, including omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols (green tea and olive oil), vitamin B-12, green leafy vegetables, and anything that contains sufficient antioxidants.
- Drink plenty of water. About four to six 8-ounce cups per day is sufficient (ask your dermatologist).

Love Your Skin
By seeking out skin treatment, you are both showing love for yourself and preserving the long-term health of your skin. Call (760) 230-2805 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Thomas, Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree, or Dr. William Burrows at their office in Encinitas, CA.

Mohs surgery is a procedure for removing cancerous cells from the skin for patients diagnosed with various types of skin cancer. Mohs surgery relies on a micrographic technique, which is a highly effective method for removing cancerous cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery has a cure rate of nearly 99 percent for most skin cancers when caught early. At North County Dermatology Center, Dr. David Thomas, Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree, and Dr. William Burrows are your dermatologists for Mohs surgery in Encinitas.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

There are several benefits to choosing Mohs surgery as a method for treating skin cancer. At almost 99 percent, Mohs surgery has one of the highest cure rates of the different methods for treating skin cancer. Additionally, due to its advanced micrographic technique for removing cancerous cells, Mohs surgery conserves more healthy tissue than other similar treatment methods. In Encinitas, Mohs surgery is performed at North County Dermatology Center.

The Procedure

Mohs surgery utilizes a micrographic technique to remove cancerous tissue while sparing healthy tissue. Local anesthesia is administered to the surgery site and patients remain awake during the procedure. Any visible tumor is removed from the skin and examined under a microscope to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. If the tumor is malignant, the area around the tumor site will be mapped out.

Once the affected area is mapped, small portions of surrounding tissue will be removed and examined under the microscope to check for cancerous cells. This process of removing and examining small samples of skin tissue at a time continues until all the cancer has been eliminated. If a large area of skin had to be removed during the procedure, a skin graft or tissue flap is performed to cover the area back up. If the area is small, it will be stitched closed.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer to affect individuals in the U.S. Mohs surgery is one of the most effective methods for treating most types of skin cancer. To learn more about Mohs surgery in Encinitas, CA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas, Dr. Hobson Dupree, or Dr. Burrows by calling North County Dermatology Center at (760) 230-2805.

Acne is the most common skin problem for teenagers and young adults (ages 12 through 24), but adults are not entirely immune. According to statistics, approximately 20 percent of the 60 million Americans dealing with acne are adults. There are many myths and misconceptions about the causes and potential treatment options for chronic acne and breakouts, but the truth is that anyone can develop acne regardless of skin type or lifestyle factors like diet. Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree, the dermatologists at North County Dermatology Center offer personalized skin care and acne treatment in Encinitas, CA.

Acne Prevention and Treatment in Encinitas, CA

Like most people, you've probably heard a long list of different things that lead to acne, from dairy products to your favorite chocolate bar. And while a healthy diet and thorough skin cleansing routine are important, there are no guarantees that you will not develop acne or suffer the occasional breakout, even if you do everything "right."

Preventing Acne

Properly cleaning your skin every day to prevent clogged and blocked pores is the most important step in lowering your risk of breakouts. Because everyone's skin is different, finding a skincare routine that works for you is key to maintaining clear, healthy skin. Other factors that can lead to acne include hormones and bacteria. In many cases, self-care and over the counter treatments are enough to handle mild to moderate and occasional acne breakouts and flare-ups. But if conservative treatments don't work or you suffer from chronic and severe acne, it is best to see a dermatologist to figure out the underlying cause, and to find the best treatment option for your situation.

Because acne can lead to scarring, dermatologists recommend that you avoid picking at or "popping" pimples in order to minimize the risk of permanent acne scars.

Find a Dermatologist in Encinitas, CA

The first step to a clear, healthy, beautiful complexion is the right skincare routine for your needs. For more information about acne treatment and other skin problems, contact North County Dermatology Center by calling (760) 230-2805 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Hobson Dupree today.

Whether you're concerned about acne, wrinkles or thinning lips, skin treatments can help you look your best. Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree of North County Dermatology in Encinitas, CA, discuss a few treatments designed to improve your appearance.

Botox injections

Botox is very effective in reducing wrinkles that occur when you make dynamic expressions, such as frowning or laughing. Botox injections temporarily block nerve impulses to the muscles under your skin, making it impossible for them to contract. As a result, the lines in your skin smooth out and are less noticeable. Botox treatment is a good option if you're concerned about forehead furrows, vertical lines between your eyes, crow's feet or lines around your mouth.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers not only plump thin lips but also add volume to your face. As you grow older, your skin loses elasticity and begins to sag, causing lines and wrinkles. Injecting collagen, hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid or other fillers into your skin restores the natural volume of your face, making wrinkles less visible. Fillers plump cheeks and lips, smooth wrinkles and crow's feet, soften chin creases and lip lines, and make nasolabial fold lines less prominent.

Retinoids

Topical prescription medications called retinoids treat acne, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. The vitamin A derivative works by speeding skin cell turnover and boosting the production of collagen, the protein that gives the skin its elasticity.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels remove the outer layers of skin that contain wrinkles, pimples, discolorations and shallow acne scars. You won't see any changes the moment the peel solution is applied to your skin in our Encinitas office, as it usually takes a few days for peeling to start. When peeling is complete, your skin will be clearer, smoother and less wrinkled.

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing precisely targets problem areas of your skin, exposing it to short bursts of light which removes the outer layers and stimulates collagen growth. The skin treatment is recommended if you have fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sallow skin tone, birthmarks or acne.

Enhance your appearance with skin treatments. Call Dr. Thomas and Dr. Hobson Dupree of North County Dermatology in Encinitas, CA, at (760) 230-2805 to schedule your appointment.

The American Academy of Dermatology says that the skin is your largest bodily organ. However, its sheer size (about 20 square feet on average) doesn't dictate the importance of your skin. What it does--protects you, insulates you, filters out toxins and microbes, colors and enhance your appearance--makes it important to your health and overall well-being. So your dermatologists, Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree, ask you to perform a good skin care routine daily and come to North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA for medical and aesthetic skin treatments as needed. You can have healthy, attractive skin!

Your daily skin care regimen

The American Academy of Dermatology says you should cleanse your skin at least once daily. Gentle washing with a quality skin cleanser or soap exfoliates dead skin cells, removes oils, indoor and outdoor pollutants, cosmetic residues and more, reducing the occurrence of clogged pores, skin infections, allergic reactions and more.

Gentleness is key to cleansing your skin, particularly if you suffer from acne or other skin conditions. Be sure to use warm, not hot, water, and use your fingertips or a soft washcloth to apply your soap or cleanser. Hard scrubbing only aggravates dry skin and acne and strips the skin of important oils.

Next, you should treat your skin daily. For instance, if you use an acne medication as prescribed or recommended by Dr. Thomas or Dr. Hobson Dupree, be consistent with it. The same goes for any over the counter lotions or creams you use for dry skin or age spots.

Third, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. This is so critical for aging skin which naturally tends to be dry and less elastic. Use creams and lotions with hyaluronic acid and glycerin as these help your skin retain the moisture it needs to remain supple and strong.

Fourth, protect your skin. What's the big enemy? Well, it's the sun. The American Melanoma Foundation says limiting sun exposure decreases your chances of developing skin cancers of all kinds, including malignant melanoma. What should you do daily? Cover up. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and long-sleeves when out in the brilliant sun, and apply sunscreen--SPF 30 or higher. Stay in the shade, or indoors, between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm on hot days.

Your skin is worth it

So pay attention to it by cleansing, treating, moisturizing and protecting it each and every day. If you have a concern about the health of your skin or how to care for it, contact North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA for an appointment. Call (760) 230-2805.