Your skin is your body’s largest organ, the foundation of your appearance, and it deserves proper care. While you may think you’re taking great care of your skin, unless you’re seeing a dermatologist, you could be missing out on important diagnoses and treatments for skin conditions. Even if you get regular facials and other skincare treatments with an aesthetician, they aren’t physicians who can spot, diagnose, and treat conditions like acne, rosacea, and skin cancer; furthermore, their ability to treat certain skin conditions is limited to skincare products when what you may really need is a prescription.

In this article, we’re going to explore the different ways a dermatologist can help you improve your skin health and appearance and why you should choose an aesthetician under the supervision and guidance of a dermatologist.

What Does a Dermatologist Offer?

Dermatologists offer a wide range of professional, clinically-proven solutions to improve the health and appearance of your skin. A board-certified dermatologist can:

• Diagnose and treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, rashes, and suspicious skin lesions
• Prescribe topical and oral medications
• Perform skin surgeries and high-intensity laser procedures
• Apply medium to intense chemical peels
• Ensure your products and treatments are not going to cause a reaction due to allergies or sensitivities
• Provide guidance on how to best protect your skin from the sun and other environmental factors
• Give you access to clinical trials you may need to help with skin conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments

What Does an Aesthetician Offer?

An aesthetician offers a variety of services to improve the appearance of your skin. Aestheticians are licensed to:

• Perform facials and exfoliation
• Apply certain light to medium chemical peels
• Administer low-level laser and light treatments
• Recommend skincare products available for purchase without a prescription
• Perform skin extractions*

*Depending on your state, an aesthetician may or may not be able to lance cysts, perform microneedling treatments, or administer other treatments requiring a needle.

An aesthetician is not a physician and cannot diagnose or treat skin conditions. In addition, their ability to treat certain skin conditions is limited to skincare products.

Choosing an Aesthetician Who Works With a Dermatologist

If you want the best possible care for your skin, you should choose an aesthetician who works under the supervision of a dermatologist. This combination, team-based approach to skincare is more holistic, ensuring your skin health needs are fully realized. Your aesthetician will know which prescriptions you’re taking and which products to stay away from based on guidance from your dermatologist. They can work together to develop a treatment plan.

Better Skincare Product Access

Aestheticians have access to certain types of skincare products in a non-physician practice. However, dermatologists are able to carry more advanced, medical-grade skincare products that require a prescription to obtain. When you see a dermatologist and an aesthetician, you get the best of both worlds.

Why You Should Choose The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI)

The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) is the perfect choice for anyone looking for quality dermatological care. Choose the LASSI if you:

• Are looking for a dermatologist who works with a team of dermatology and skincare experts for a holistic approach to care.
• May be interested in being involved in clinical trials, which is beneficial for anyone who has a persistent skin condition that doesn’t respond to existing treatments.
• Want to work with a team of dermatology and aesthetic providers who are supervised by a well-respected leader in the field of dermatologic surgery.
• Are interested in both medical and cosmetic dermatology in addition to aesthetic services.

The LASSI is a full-service practice offering medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and aesthetic services; this gives our patients a full range of care under one roof. Additionally, our clinical trials facility gives patients access to developing treatment protocols which put our practice at the forefront of innovation in dermatology.

About The LASSI Founder and Medical Director: Dr. C. William Hanke, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Dermatologic Surgeon

Dr. C. William Hanke is well regarded for his skill in dermatologic surgery, laser therapy, and cosmetic surgery throughout the world. He is frequently invited to lecture to physicians at medical conferences, both nationally and internationally.

Prior to founding the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana in 1998, Dr. Hanke was a Professor of Dermatology, Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Professor of Pathology at Indiana University’s School of Medicine. He was the first American doctor to be granted the triple professorship.

Under the direction of Dr. Hanke, our team of dermatology professionals and aestheticians provides a high-quality standard of care under one roof.

Schedule a Consultation With Our Dermatology Team in Indianapolis

If you’re ready to change up your skincare routine with a comprehensive approach to dermatologic care, contact us at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana in Indianapolis. We look forward to helping you achieve healthier, younger-looking, radiant skin.

Do you have sensitive skin? If so, you know that it can be a real challenge to take care of properly. Many people with sensitive skin find that they need to make a lot of changes in their lives in order to keep their skin healthy and happy. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 tips for taking care of your sensitive skin!

Tips to Help You Take Care of Your Sensitive Skin

Tip #1: Avoid harsh ingredients in your skin and bath products. Some products can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Look for gentle, fragrance-free products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. In some cases, you may want to investigate the ingredients to find out if you’re allergic to any of them. This will help you avoid them in the future.

Tip #2: Switch to a dye-free and fragrance-free laundry detergent. Laundry detergents can often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Avoid further skin irritants that are also found in fabric softeners. Make sure your clothes and bedding are thoroughly washed and rinsed prior to using them.

Tip #3: Change your bedding and clothing to more natural fibers. Cotton is a great choice for people with sensitive skin, as it is soft and gentle on the skin. Avoid materials like polyester and acrylic, which can often cause irritation. Many people with sensitive skin also react to wool, which is also a common allergen. Check your labels and make changes for the sake of your skin.

Tip #4: Take a break from using harsh exfoliators or trade-in your exfoliators for something more in line with your skin needs. Discuss your options during a skincare consultation with one of our dermatology providers or aestheticians. We can examine your skin and offer our recommendations for what to use and what to avoid.

Tip #5: Avoid using hot water when washing your face and showering. Hot water can strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Use lukewarm water instead, which will be gentle on your skin. Use a fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after cleansing to replenish your skin and avoid dryness and cracking.

Tip #6: Be careful when choosing sunscreens. Some sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin, as they contain fragrances. Choose a gentle sunscreen designed for sensitive skin. Oftentimes, adults have success with sunscreens formulated for babies. If you would like recommendations for the best sunscreens for your skin type, discuss your options with our dermatology team.

Tip #7: Drink plenty of water. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. It is, after all, your body’s largest organ.

Tip #8: Avoid using too many new products at once as it can be difficult to determine which one is causing the irritation. Try adding new products over time and see if that helps reduce the amount of irritation you are experiencing. Your dermatologist or aesthetician can give recommendations on the best ways to space out new products in your home skincare routine.

Tip #9: Take a break from using makeup. Give your skin some time to heal and rest. Reintroduce your products one at a time and watch your reaction. Anything that may cause irritation, throw it out. Note the ingredients, though, so you can determine which ingredients are causing the most irritation to your sensitive skin.

Tip #10: Be patient. It can often take time for sensitive skin to adjust to new products and routines. Don’t give up if you don’t see results right away. Talk to a dermatologist for help with your new routine. A board-certified dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician can give you a timeline of when you can expect to experience positive results.

Tip #11: Seek guidance and care from a dermatologist if you are struggling to take care of your sensitive skin. A board-certified dermatologist can help you develop a skincare routine that is specifically designed for your sensitive skin. They can also recommend professional skin services to speed up healing and restore balance to your skin. They can also run tests to determine what is causing sensitivity or if you have a skin condition that is treatable with prescriptions and procedures.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Taking care of sensitive skin can be a challenge, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to healthy, happy skin!

Why Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery of Indiana for Dermatology Care in Indianapolis?

The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) is a full-service dermatology and aesthetics practice offering medical and cosmetic dermatology services as well as medical spa offerings like facials, peels, and more. Our expertise in skin health extends from difficult to sensitive skin conditions and everything in between, with all providers working under the direction of Dr. C. William Hanke, board-certified dermatologist and medical director of the LASSI.

The LASSI is home to an accredited clinical research trials facility, which is testing new treatments and medicines for all sorts of medical and cosmetic skin disorders. Many of the treatments that dermatologists and other skincare experts rely on were first studied right here in our facility, making us one of Indiana’s most experienced and sought-after dermatology practices.

Get Help With Sensitive Skin in Indianapolis at the LASSI

Stop struggling with sensitive skin. Schedule a consultation with our team of skincare experts at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana (LASSI) and find relief from sensitive skin today. During each stage of life, we are excited to help you look and feel your best using only FDA-cleared, proven methods, technologies, and therapies.

Itchy skin is so annoying!

The scratching and persistent irritation can make it difficult to concentrate, feel comfortable when relaxing, and even interfere with sleep. It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of itchy skin because there are so many possibilities, and some over-the-counter remedies can even make the itching worse.

Stop the scratching and the trial-and-error remedies. Let’s go over the most common causes for itchy skin and how we diagnose and treat them in our Indianapolis dermatology practice.

What’s Causing Your Itchy Skin?

One of the most common causes of itching is dry skin. Dry skin can be caused by environmental factors, such as low humidity and cold weather, or it can be a result of using the wrong type of soap, not drinking enough water, or taking medications that cause excessive dryness. In addition to being itchy, dry skin can often be cracked, scaly, and inflamed.

Contact dermatitis, another common cause of itching, is an inflammation of the skin that’s caused by direct contact with an irritant or allergen. The most common allergens are metals (nickel is a common culprit), fragrances, latex, and poison ivy. The itchy rash associated with contact dermatitis can show up anywhere on the body, but it’s most common on the hands, arms, and face.

Other causes of itchy skin include:

• eczema (a chronic skin condition that results in itchy, dry, inflamed, red skin)
• hives (itchy bumps and welts that appear on the body as a reaction to an allergen or irritant)
• psoriasis (a condition that causes itchy patches of thick, silver scales on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back; it can also cause itchy skin in it’s early stages)
• fungal infection (itchy, red itchy bumps that look like blisters and can appear anywhere on the body; they’re caused by a fungus called tinea versicolor).
• bug bites or stings
• dandruff

Some underlying health problems may also lead to itching, such as varicose veins.

The itching associated with these conditions can be very intense and difficult to manage without medical treatment. If you’re experiencing itchy skin that’s accompanied by other symptoms such as a rash, red bumps, or welts that appear on the body after you’ve been in contact with an allergen or irritant, it’s important to visit your dermatologist for help.

How Our Indianapolis Dermatology Providers Help With Itchy Skin

Our treatments for your itchy skin depend on the cause, first and foremost. We begin with a consultation and evaluation to determine the cause of your itching. Diagnosis is crucial before we recommend treatments.

Help for Dry Skin

The right cream-based moisturizer typically works magic on dry skin, preferably one that is fragrance-free with no dyes. We also recommend reducing the temperature of your shower and reducing the number of showers you take in a week. Frequent showers in very hot water strip your skin of natural oils, leading to excessive dryness. Humidifiers are also very useful to improve air moisture and reduce skin dryness.

Contact Dermatitis

With other conditions, like contact dermatitis, we will work to identify the trigger of the reaction. Body wash fragrances, clothing dye, and metals can all lead to intense, unbearable itching with accompanying rash. Typically, we will recommend hydrocortisone cream to clear up the rash while avoiding the irritants.

Other Itchy Skin Considerations

Itching can also be the result of poor hygiene or using the wrong products. While showering too often in hot water can lead to dry, itchy skin, infrequent cleansing can also lead to build-up, irritation, and itching. Shower products with dyes and fragrances, or products that aren’t right for your skin’s needs can all contribute to unbearable, persistent itching.

Much of the time, we can trace the irritation to a new product, like a new laundry detergent or bath product. However, in some cases, it may be necessary for you to visit an allergist to determine if allergies are the cause.

Book an Appointment for Relief From Itchy Skin

It’s important that you see a dermatologist for help if the itching is interfering with daily activities and making it difficult for you to sleep at night. We can work together to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan that will help you get relief.

If you’re experiencing itchy skin, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with one of our dermatology providers at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana! We’ll do everything we can to help you find relief and stop the itching and scratching!