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.

Have you tried countless acne products, yet still have pimples? Although over-the-counter medication can be helpful if you have a mild case of acne, drugstore medications are less effective in treating stubborn or severe acne. Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree, who practice dermatology at North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA, discuss several treatment options that may help clear your skin and reduce flare ups.

Prescription medications target the source of your acne

Your Encinitas dermatologist can prescribe prescription-strength medication that addresses common causes of acne. They include:

• Topical Medications: Acne lesions form when your pores become blocked with skin oils. Topical medications applied directly to your skin prevent blockages by increasing skin cell turnover. They also reduce future blockages and help acne lesions heal. Common topical medications include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics kill p. acnes bacteria on your skin and are usually used in combination with topical medications. They're available in both topical and oral forms.
• Oral Contraceptives: Oral contraceptives don't just prevent pregnancy, but may also decrease acne related to monthly hormonal changes. Contraceptives reduce the amount of sebum you produce. Sebum, an oily substance that helps keep your skin moist, can clog pores if you produce too much of it.
• Isotretinoin: This powerful acne medication is only recommended for people who have severe cystic acne. Although it's very effective, it can affect your liver or cause birth defects. While you take it, you'll need to undergo regular blood tests and use a reliable means of birth control if you are female.
• Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion: Both treatments remove acne lesions in the top layers of your skin. Microdermabrasion treatment uses a spray of fine crystals to buff away skin layers, while chemicals do the work in chemical peels.
• Blue Light Therapy: Exposing the skin to blue light can have a beneficial effect on acne. Blue light treatments destroy bacteria in oil glands in your pores and shrink the glands. Blue light therapy is usually conducted over a period of several weeks in our Encinitas office.

Improve your appearance with one or more of these dermatology treatments. Call Encinitas, CA, dermatologists, Dr. Thomas or Dr. Dupree, at (760) 230-2805 to schedule your appointment.

Find out if a chemical peel is the right cosmetic treatment for your skin

Are you looking to improve your skin tone? Do you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Do you hate having sun damage and age spots for all the world to see? If so, then our team of Encinitas, CA dermatologists Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree are here to shed light on how a chemical peel can improve the look and health of your skin.

What is a chemical peel?

During the cosmetic treatment, we will apply a chemical solution over your skin. The purpose of this solution is to remove the damaged, outer layers of the skin. The new skin is generally smoother and less wrinkled.

This is a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and to even out skin tone. There are different types of chemical peels available. Be sure to share your treatment goals with our Encinitas dermatologists to make sure you get the right chemical peel for you.

What are the benefits of getting a chemical peel?

There is a lot that chemical peels can offer you. You may want to consider getting a chemical peel if you are looking to improve the appearance of:

• Acne scars

• Skin texture

• Sun damage

• Age spots

• Lines and wrinkles

• Hyperpigmentation

• Skin tone

Chemicals peels range from light to deep. Light chemical peels can help improve the texture of your skin and may even reduce the appearance of superficial acne scars. Deeper chemical peels, on the other hand, are able to tackle more deep-set wrinkles and sun damage. The type of chemical peel you get will depend on the severity of the skin issues you are looking to address.

Want to learn more about chemical peels and whether this is the right cosmetic treatment for your skin? Then turn to the dermatology experts at North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA today!