National Healthy Skin Month

Healthy skin is in.

We know it can be a struggle to achieve perfectly flawless, radiant skin—and realistically, “perfect” or “flawless” skin doesn’t exist. With social media, filters, editing programs, magazines and more, unrealistic expectations and standards are killing skin confidence everywhere. We’re here to break down those impossible standards and instead discuss approachable, progressive skincare solutions that will allow your skin to be the BEST version of itself, leaving you feeling happy, beautiful, and confident.

17 (4) Medical Skincare.

Everything starts within. Focusing on medical dermatology first is key to long—term skin achievements. While lasers, lights, and radio frequency therapies are extremely innovative and beneficial (which we’ll get into later), treating your medical concerns first is your best bet.

For example, if you’re experiencing severe breakouts, cystic acne, or infections on the skin, not only can we not SAFELY treat the skin with lasers, but they aren’t the solution to the problem. Laser therapies can help repair damage such as scarring and sun exposure, but they are not a cure for acne. Acne must be assessed and treated medically, whether this be with topical products, oral medications, and/or lifestyle changes. Attacking the root of the problem first is priority, THEN we can use cosmetic therapies to treat any remaining trouble spots and renew the skin itself.

Other medical concerns that affect the skin can include skin cancers, rashes, conditions, fungus, keloid scars, and more. Itchy, patchy conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, can be improved with the use of medications as well as adjusting the products you may be using at home and creating awareness of environmental triggers.

Everyone’s skin type is different, so not all patients can be treated identically. Some of us are more oily, some more dry, and some a combination of the two. Some of us have deeper pigment and more melanin in our skin, some of us more fair-toned. All these traits contribute to the way you should care for your skin, the products that may be most suitable, and the services that may or may not be risky for you.

Asset 3 (6) Sunscreen.

Sunscreen will always be your best friend. She’s got your back–and your face, and your neck, and your chest–well, you get the picture. This is the most universal product that is recommended for use every single day for EVERY single person. The sun is the leading cause of compromised skin, including skin cancers, crepiness, wrinkles, brown spots and discoloration, and can also trigger other flare-ups and worsening in skin conditions such as melasma and rosacea. Nowadays, there are so many sunscreens on the market that there is definitely an option for everyone. From chemical to mineral, lotions to powders, there is a sunscreen fitting for you and your preferences.

Sunscreen can protect you and your skin against 93-99% of the sun’s UV rays, depending on the SPF content. We recommend finding a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA (ultraviolet A radiation, or the aging rays) AND UVB (ultraviolet B radiation, or the burn-producing rays). Always remember–despite the winter months approaching, sunscreen should be applied even on the cloudiest or coldest days, 365 days a year!

12 (4) Now let’s talk cosmetic skincare.

Social media platforms and the general internet have allowed for a plethora of tips, tricks, routines, and products to be advised, recommended, or promoted. Retail stores nowadays can feel overwhelming with the number of items on the shelves, making it feel impossible to choose the right ones. We feel it’s important to discuss proper skincare regimens with our patients customized to their individual needs.

Topical regimens can be discussed in a cosmetic consultation, from cleansers to corrective serums, retinoids and sunscreens. Also in the consultation, we can address cosmetic concerns such as anti-aging, fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots and sun damage, scarring, broken blood vessels and more. Volume loss and muscle contraction beneath the skin can cause more visible signs of aging as well, which Botox and dermal fillers can improve, preserving a youthful appearance to the face. When discussing these services and treatment options, we consider any skin conditions, medical conditions, topical products being used, skin type and tone, the severity of the concern(s) as well as any other possible determinations that may or may not place you as an ideal candidate. It’s important to not just jump for what your best friend is doing, or what your favorite TikToker recommended, but what is specifically catered to YOU and your skin needs.

7 (3) How can we help?

Our team is full of educational, informative, and trusting professionals to guide you through this process. Not only do we assist in providing treatment plans, but also diving in depth into expectations, the process, what treatment may feel like, how many treatment sessions will be necessary, any possible contraindications, downtime, and much more. Almost everyone in our office has received most of our own services and can attest to their own experiences.

These treatments work to improve texture, tone, hydration, radiance, damage, laxity, and overall mild to severe skin imperfections. Our goal is to reveal your best skin, allowing you to feel confident enough to show it off and love it. With this, it’s key to remember that progress IS improvement, and progress takes time, patience, and consistency. Even once in its best state, maintenance is necessary to support and preserve results and prevent future harm. From diet and lifestyle changes to topical products to in-office procedures, skincare is an investment. Your health is an investment, and you’d be surprised how simple it can be to make the necessary changes to achieve your skin health goals.

Start with a medical dermatology full-body exam and a cosmetic consultation. Let our experts get you on a path to repair, restore, and revitalize your skin.

(815) 229-9333 ext. 1 for medical, ext. 2 for cosmetics.

Book An Appointment

Please fill out the form below or give us a call to schedule your appointment.

What happens in a consultation?

01. Get to know the team at Edgebrook Dermatology.

02. Discuss your unique goals and concerns.

03. Receive a personalized procedure plan.

“Always amazing care and professionalism. The team is so nice and personal to work with. I appreciate the continuous hard work, dedication, and passion the dermatology team demonstrates. Thank you sooo much.”

- SABRINA C.

How may we help?

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Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Visit Edgebrook Dermatology

Monday – Friday: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed

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