Preventative Treatment Guide

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Just like any other medical consideration, preventative care is key to maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. This includes scheduling regular check-ups with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Damstetter and following healthy everyday habits to prevent a range of issues. In many cases, keeping up with these healthy skin care habits will help maintain your skin’s best health as well as avoid cosmetic concerns. 

Generally speaking, avoiding excess sun exposure, following a suitable skin care routine, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and staying hydrated are all key ways to prevent both medical and cosmetic concerns. During an appointment, Dr. Damstetter can also provide specific advice tailored to your skin type, personal risk factors, and other concerns. In the following preventative treatment guide, you can learn more about preventing specific concerns for healthy and beautiful skin.

Acne Breakouts and Cysts 

Acne is an extremely common condition, and most people will have some type of acne at some point in their life. While common, severe or persistent breakouts merit treatment from a dermatologist to resolve the issue and prevent scarring. For many, following a suitable skin care routine which includes a gentle cleanser, exfoliation, and noncomedogenic moisturizer can help prevent acne. 

Treatment Options:

  • Prescription topical treatments
  • Oral medications
  • Laser/IPL
  • Chemical Peels
  • Professional Extraction
  • Hormonal Contraceptives

Acne Scarring 

Some patients will experience acne scars after breakouts that do not heal well. These scars may be depressed, raised, or pigmented. To prevent acne scarring, you should avoid picking at or popping acne. Delaying treatment can also increase your likelihood of developing acne scars, so you should see a dermatologist if you notice acne breakouts. 

Treatment Options:

  • Laser Resurfacing and IPL
  • Microneedling 
  • Dermal Fillers
  • Chemical Peels

Reviews

“I had a recent visit to Dr Damstetter’s clinic and would like to share my experience. I am a Navy vet(corpsman) and usually get seen at the VA but since we don’t have a Derm provider right now, I was fortunately sent out to her clinic to be evaluated. It’s a nice clinic in a nice area and was relatively easy to find. A pleasant Ms. Nancy at the front desk was helpful in completing the check-in process. Easy day. I did not have to wait long and was soon met by Dr. Damstetter’s assistant, who for classified reasons I will refer to as “Agent 8”. I am sure if she gets tired of providing excellent medical care, her slick-ninja skillset could get her a job with the CIA or MI6 maybe. Short story long, Agent 8 brought me back to the patient area, where I was introduced to Dr Damstetter, who was all the things you would want in a doctor: a knowledgeable provider with a great bedside manner. She gave me a thorough exam which did end up showing that I needed a minor procedure. No worries. I felt well taken care of throughout my visit. No one likes to have to see the doctor, but if you have a dermatological concern, this is a good place with good people who did great by me, and I am thankful to have been sent here.”

“Dr. Liz is truly the best dermatologist I’ve ever been to. She is attentive, kind, and genuinely cares about her patients and their overall skin health. I can not recommend her enough!!!”

“Wonderful experience here! The doctor took the time to educate me on a variety of cosmetic options and gave her candid opinion resulting in just the right amount of cosmetic adjustments! Her staff was delightful and attentive! I would highly recommend for general derm needs and cosmetic adjustments.”

“Dr. Damstetter was the first dermatologist I trusted to do my Botox. She is both knowledgeable and professional and did a fantastic job. I will be using her for any and all of my future needs.”

Hyperpigmentation 

For some, acne can result in hyperpigmentation. This means that patients will have some areas of the skin that are darker or redder than the surrounding skin, which may be a result of active breakouts, scarring, or irritation and inflammation. For some patients, taking steps to avoid acne scarring can help prevent hyperpigmentation. This includes avoiding picking at or popping acne, following proper skin care steps, and avoiding excess sun exposure. 

Treatment Options:

  • Prescription topical medications
  • Laser
  • Microneedling
  • Chemical Peels

Facial Redness 

Facial redness is common as a result of the irritation or inflammation associated with acne. Some patients will also see redness in their skin as a result of rosacea, which can also cause acne-like breakouts. Avoiding triggers like stress, extreme temperatures, alcohol, or rubbing the skin aggressively can prevent facial redness for some patients. 

Treatment Options:

  • IPL
  • Dedicated skin care regimen

Rosacea 

Rosacea causes redness and a persistent appearance of blushing or flushing in the skin. In some cases, patients may also develop swollen bumps or pimples as well as irritation, tenderness, or burning. Most rosacea patients will notice certain triggers for rosacea flare-ups, which commonly include hot drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, or stress. Avoiding these triggers can help some patients prevent rosacea symptoms. 

Treatment Options:

  • Topical and/or oral medications
  • IPL
  • Light & Bright

Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

Male or female pattern hair loss is also referred to as androgenic alopecia. This hair loss is genetic and occurs along with aging. In male pattern hair loss, thinning or balding typically begins at the hairline or crown and can eventually lead to complete baldness. In women, thinning usually takes place throughout the head and is most noticeable at the part. 

Treatment Options:

  • Minoxidil
  • Oral prescription medications
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Platelet-rich plasma

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss as a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the hair follicles. Patients with alopecia areata will typically notice bald patches developing and may also lose hair from the face or body. 

Treatment Options:

  • Injected and topical corticosteroids
  • Oral prescription medications
  • Minoxidil

Scarring Alopecia 

Scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, is the result of inflammation or damage to the hair follicles which causes permanent hair loss. This can be due trauma such as an injury, burn, or infection. It may also be caused by various sources of inflammation to the hair follicles. In most cases, scarring alopecia is accidental and difficult to prevent. 

Treatment Options:

  • Injected and topical corticosteroids
  • Topical or oral medication

Hair Thinning & Breakage 

Many causes of hair loss or thinning are genetic or side effects of health concerns that can be difficult to prevent. However, maintaining hair health is possible for many patients. Avoid damaging hairstyles or chemical services as much as possible. This includes bleaching or dyeing the hair, perms or relaxers, and heat styling using blow driers, curling irons, or straighteners. Tight ponytails or extensions can also cause damage and hair loss. Poor nutrition may also result in some hair loss or thinning. Be sure to eat a balanced diet including healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Since stress may also contribute to hair loss, be mindful of your mental and emotional health. Try exercise, yoga, meditation, or journaling to relieve stress. 

Hair Loss & Thinning Treatment Options:

  • Microneedling
  • Minoxidil
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Vitamins/supplements
  • Occasional oral medications

Sudden Hair Shedding (Telogen Effluvium) 

Telogen effluvium, or sudden hair loss, is a reversible type of hair loss in which the hair thins or falls out due to a stressful experience. In this type of hair loss, a large number of hair follicles enter a resting phase, which results in a large number of shedding hairs within a few weeks or months of a stressful event. Managing stress through exercise, yoga, meditation, or other methods can help prevent telogen effluvium for some patients. In many cases, hair will return to normal without treatment. Other patients may choose to undergo treatment to restore healthy and full hair. 

Treatment Options:

  • Minoxidil
  • Vitamins/supplements

Liz Damstetter, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Meet the Doctor

Fine Lines & Wrinkles 

Some fine lines are inevitable, but you can maintain a youthful look with some simple skin care steps. Use products containing retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. This ingredient is also referred to as retinol, and has been studied widely for its ability to increase collagen, therefore reducing wrinkles. Retinoids can be irritating, so use products sparingly or seek Dr. Damstetter’s advice when working them into your routine. Staying hydrated and moisturizing using products that contain vitamin C or hyaluronic acid will also help you maintain a youthful look. Avoiding sun exposure, smoking, or other damaging factors will keep your skin looking refreshed and healthy, preventing excess wrinkles or fine lines over time. Some patients also choose preventative Botox injections for fine lines and wrinkles. This softens the repeated facial expressions that cause crow’s feet, worry lines, and more. 

Treatment Options:

Age Spots & Sun Damage 

Over time, patients may experience hyperpigmentation as a result of sun damage and aging. Avoiding excess sun exposure as much as possible and using SPF 30+ daily can help prevent age spots. Patients who have additional risk factors for melasma or those who work outdoors are more likely to experience age spots or sun damage. 

Treatment Options:

Volume Loss 

Over time, the face will naturally lose volume. This occurs as fat naturally migrates down, resulting in a more hollow or sunken appearance in areas like the cheeks, temples, or under eyes. Following an appropriate skin care routine, avoiding excess sun exposure, and practicing healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent signs of aging including volume loss for some patients. 

Treatment Options:

Skin Laxity 

Over time, the skin will become less elastic or firm as collagen production slows. Using an effective moisturizer and products containing retinol can help maintain more elastic skin and promote collagen production day-to-day. Professional treatments can also help stimulate collagen and elastin for tighter and firmer skin.

Treatment Options:

Prevention 

So-called “intrinsic aging” signs are unavoidable, including some fine lines or collagen loss over time. However, preventative treatment options and lifestyle habits can help reduce aging signs like wrinkles or noticeable skin laxity over time. In addition to these treatments, it is important to use SPF daily to prevent sun damage and avoid smoking while limiting alcohol and eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Following a skincare routine including gentle cleansers, suitable moisturizers, and ingredients such as vitamin C or retinoids can also help prevent signs of aging.

Treatment Options:

Hydration & Texture 

Skin that is dehydrated can appear aged, rough, or uneven in texture. In many cases, ensuring that you are properly hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day and using a non-comedogenic moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type will help prevent texture and hydration issues. Dr. Damstetter can give you advice regarding appropriate skincare products to incorporate into your daily routine. 

Treatment Options:

Tone & Pigmentation 

Irregular skin tone or pigmentation issues can be the result of several conditions, ranging from aging and sun damage to vitiligo, rosacea, or scarring. For skin tone issues related to aging or sun damage, prevention through SPF and avoiding excess sun exposure is important. You can also use products that contain vitamin C to help prevent hyperpigmentation in some cases. Professional treatments with your dermatologists can effectively break apart this excess pigmentation and restore a smooth and even skin tone. The best treatment option for you will vary depending on the condition you wish to treat. 

Skin Tone & Color Treatment Options:

Redness & Inflammation 

Redness or inflammation may be the result of several common skin concerns, from acne to rosacea to eczema. For this reason, there are many different treatment or prevention options that may work for different patients. During an appointment, Dr. Damstetter can make a diagnosis and determine the cause of your redness or inflammation as well as the appropriate treatment for you. 

Treatment Options:

Sun Protection 

Sun protection is important for both your skin’s health and appearance. Sun damage over time results in premature signs of aging like age spots, wrinkles, and sagging. It can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer due to damaging UV rays. Wearing SPF 30+ daily and avoiding excess sun exposure are important steps to take to avoid sun damage. 

Treatment Options:

Aging Prevention 

While some signs of aging—what dermatologists call “intrinsic aging”—are unavoidable, lifestyle factors also play a role in signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, or discoloration. Daily SPF use and avoiding excess sun exposure is an excellent way to prevent issues like age spots or sagging as well as protect your skin from damaging UV rays that can cause skin cancer. Similarly, wearing sunglasses when you are outdoors prevents squinting, reducing fine lines around the eyes. Avoiding smoking, limiting drinking alcohol, and eating a healthy and nutritious diet can also decelerate aging. Finally, following a skin care routine that includes gentle cleansers and suitable moisturizers for your skin type will help keep your skin healthy and youthful. 

Treatment Options:

Schedule an Appointment 

To learn more about any of the advice or treatments mentioned here, schedule an appointment with Dr. Damstetter. Call Reserve Dermatology or contact us online. 

Contact Us

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Promo Signup