1. Take shorter, cooler showers

A hot shower sounds great when it’s chilly outside, but that’s one thing you shouldn’t do. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a five- to 10-minute shower at a lukewarm temperature. The hot water washes away essential oils, making your skin even dryer.

2. Wash your hands in cool water

With so much hand-washing going on during the Pandemic, you run the risk of severely drying out your hands. The CDC advises that cooler water is just as good at getting rid of germs as hot water.

3. Use fragrance-free cleansers and washes

Soaps and cleansers that have scents contain ingredients that can irritate your skin. Use a fragrance-free moisturizing cleanser instead. Your skin will thank you.

4, Use a humidifier

Winter air is dry, and home heating makes it dryer still. Use a humidifier to put much-needed moisture back in the air.

5. Don’t overdo the heat

Along with humidifier use, keep the thermostat lower. 68 to 72 degrees is comfortable enough, and will prevent your skin from drying out. And if you have a fireplace, don’t sit too close to it. The heat will do the same thing!

6. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Keep your skin hydrated, especially those hands that you’re washing constantly. Apply hand cream after each washing.

7. Adopt a winter skincare routine

Use cream-based cleansers and avoid astringents, which can irritate and dry out your skin. The AAD recommends that you eliminate the use of products that contain alcohol and fragrance, especially if you’re already combating dryness. And don’t forget the lips!

8. Use sunscreen every day

Just because a winter day can be overcast and gloomy doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. The sun emits two different types of UV rays that can penetrate clouds and cause havoc with unprotected skin.

9. Eat right

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, nuts and seeds can help combat skin dryness.

10. Wear clothing that doesn’t irritate

Wool sweaters and other roughly textured clothing put directly against your skin can cause it to become even more irritated and itchy. Put on a light layer of softer, breathable material first to act as a barrier and then add the sweater.

If you’re having a difficult time managing your skin’s dryness, you may need a prescription-grade moisturizer. Contact us at (830) 331-4150 for a consultation and product recommendations.

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Since it usually affects people who are middle-aged or older, seborrheic keratosis also goes by other names, such as wisdom spots and barnacles. It can appear on people with all skin types. It’s also hereditary. Some women can develop seborrheic keratosis when pregnant or after hormone replacement therapy.

Beginning as a small bump, seborrheic keratosis gradually thickens and becomes wartlike. The colors can include: brown, gray, white, pink or black, but all have a classic waxy scale. Sizes range from less than half an inch to two inches. It commonly appears on the back, stomach, scalp, face and neck or any other part of the body — except for the palms and the soles of the foot. It may also appear smaller around the eyes.

Seborrheic keratoses are usually painless, but since they are raised, they can be snagged on clothing and traumatized, causing them to swell, scale up, and become itchy. This does not convert them to anything dangerous; just irritated, at which time they can be treated with cryotherapy (freezing and destroying the growth).

“Make sure to have any suspicious bumps examined by your dermatologist,” says DeSilva Dermatology’s Dr. Thushan DeSilva. “We want to make sure that it’s a seborrheic keratosis and not skin cancer.” A dermatologist can usually diagnose seborrheic keratosis visually and enhanced by dermoscopy (a hand-held magnifier) to minimize the need to biopsy.

If you find new, suspicious growths on your skin, contact DeSilva Dermatology at (830) 331-4150 for an appointment.

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How does EMSCULPT work?

The non-invasive HIFEM® procedure induces powerful muscle contractions not achievable through voluntary contractions.

When exposed to these strong contractions, the muscle tissue is forced to adapt to such an extreme condition. It responds with a deep remodeling of its inner structure that results in muscle building and sculpting of your body.

What areas of the body does EMSCULPT treat?

In addition to the abdomen and buttocks, EMSCULPT can also tone legs and arms and provide desired definition.

Am I a candidate?

Yes, everyone can be a candidate for EMSCULPT. Results will vary depending on a patient’s goals and response to the treatment.

What is the treatment time?

A 30 minute treatment with minimum of 4 sessions scheduled two to three days apart is recommended. However, DeSilva Dermatology can help you create a treatment plan tailored to your specific goals.

What does it feel like?

The procedure feels like an intense workout — but one that you can lay down and relax during!

Is it safe?

Yes! EMSCULPT has been FDA-cleared for treatments described above.

Is there any downtime or pre/post treatment preparation?

Since the EmSculpt is non-invasive, there is no downtime or need for pre/post treatment preparation.

How quickly will I see results?

You will feel tangible results immediately after the treatment. Positive results are usually reported two to four weeks after treatment and continue to improve for several weeks.

Be one of the first people in Boerne to get the EMSCULPT advantage. Schedule a consultation with DeSilva Dermatology today!

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