Howsden Dermatology: Top-Rated Dermatologists in Garland, TX

Take care of all your medical and cosmetic skin care needs at Howsden Dermatology, the area's leading dermatology clinic.

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Exploring the Crossroads of Skincare and Makeup: How to Choose Products That Benefit Your Skin

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Skincare and makeup often go hand in hand, but finding products that enhance your beauty while also supporting skin health can be a challenge. Many cosmetic products contain ingredients that can either nourish your skin or contribute to irritation and breakouts. Understanding how to choose makeup that complements your skincare routine can help you achieve a flawless look without compromising skin health.

Why Skincare and Makeup Should Work Together

Your makeup routine should act as an extension of your skincare regimen. Choosing products formulated with beneficial ingredients can enhance your skin’s natural glow while avoiding those that can clog pores or cause irritation.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Makeup

To ensure your makeup supports healthy skin, look for the following skincare-friendly ingredients:

  • Hyaluronic Acid – Helps retain moisture, keeping skin hydrated and plump.
  • Niacinamide – A powerhouse ingredient that reduces redness, inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
  • Vitamin C – Provides antioxidant protection and promotes an even skin tone.
  • Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide – Physical sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum UV protection.

Ingredients to Avoid

Some makeup products contain ingredients that may be harsh or detrimental to skin health, including:

  • Fragrances & Alcohols – Can cause irritation and dryness.
  • Silicones – While they provide a smooth finish, they can trap dirt and oil, leading to breakouts.
  • Parabens & Sulfates – Potentially irritating preservatives and surfactants that may disrupt skin balance.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Skin Type

  • Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with salicylic acid or niacinamide to help control excess sebum.
  • Dry Skin: Look for hydrating foundations and cream-based products that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
  • Sensitive Skin: Stick to mineral-based makeup with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile to prevent irritation.

Your makeup should not only enhance your appearance but also contribute to your skin’s long-term health. By selecting products with nourishing ingredients and avoiding harmful additives, you can achieve a beautiful, healthy complexion.

Need help selecting skincare-friendly makeup? Schedule a consultation with our dermatology team to find the best products tailored to your skin’s needs!

The Role of Gut Health in Skincare: How Probiotics Can Transform Your Complexion

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When it comes to achieving healthy, glowing skin, most people focus on topical treatments and skincare routines. However, science is increasingly revealing that what happens inside our bodies—particularly in our gut—plays a significant role in the appearance and health of our skin. The gut-skin connection is a growing area of interest in dermatology, with probiotics emerging as a key player in maintaining a clear and radiant complexion.

Understanding the Gut-Skin Connection

The gut and skin are intricately linked through what is known as the gut-skin axis. This connection means that imbalances in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to common skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and premature aging. When the gut microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and a weakened skin barrier, all of which impact skin health.

How Probiotics Support Skin Health

Probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria,” help balance the gut microbiome and, in turn, support skin health in several ways:

  • Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many skin issues. Probiotics help reduce systemic inflammation by promoting a healthy gut environment.
  • Strengthening the Skin Barrier: A well-balanced gut microbiome enhances the skin’s ability to retain moisture and protect itself from environmental aggressors.
  • Managing Acne and Breakouts: Certain probiotic strains have been shown to decrease acne severity by balancing oil production and reducing inflammation.
  • Improving Hydration and Elasticity: Probiotics can support the production of ceramides, essential lipids that help keep skin hydrated and youthful.

How to Incorporate Probiotics for Better Skin

To reap the skincare benefits of probiotics, consider incorporating them into your diet and skincare routine:

  • Dietary Sources: Foods rich in natural probiotics include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kombucha.
  • Probiotic Supplements: If you struggle to get enough probiotics through diet alone, high-quality probiotic supplements can help maintain gut balance.
  • Topical Probiotics: Skincare products infused with probiotics can help restore the skin microbiome, reduce redness, and enhance overall skin health.

A balanced gut is key to achieving clear, radiant skin. By nourishing your gut microbiome with probiotics, you can improve skin conditions, reduce inflammation, and enhance your complexion from the inside out. If you’re struggling with persistent skin concerns, consider discussing probiotic options with your dermatologist to find the best approach for your unique skin needs. Would you like personalized skincare recommendations based on your skin and gut health? Schedule a consultation with our dermatology experts today!

Winter Skin Myths Debunked: What Really Works to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

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Winter Skin Myths Debunked: What Really Works to Keep Your Skin Hydrated

As temperatures drop, myths about winter skincare start to circulate. From drinking more water to slathering on heavy creams, many common beliefs about keeping skin hydrated in winter aren’t as effective as they seem. Let’s debunk some of the most common winter skincare myths and explore what truly works to keep your skin soft and healthy all season long.

Myth #1: Drinking More Water Directly Hydrates Your Skin

While staying hydrated is essential for overall health, simply drinking more water won’t magically fix dry skin. Skin hydration depends on external factors like humidity levels and the strength of your skin barrier. Instead of relying solely on water intake, use a hydrating moisturizer with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help retain moisture.

Myth #2: Hot Showers Help Combat Dryness

A steamy shower might feel comforting on a cold day, but prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to even more dryness. Opt for lukewarm showers and follow up with a rich moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

Myth #3: Heavy Creams Are Always Better

Thicker isn’t always better when it comes to moisturizers. Instead of relying solely on heavy creams, look for products with ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain moisture balance. Layering a hydrating serum underneath can also enhance effectiveness.

Myth #4: You Don’t Need Sunscreen in Winter

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean UV rays disappear. Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, increasing the risk of skin damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days, to protect against premature aging and sun damage.

Myth #5: Exfoliating in Winter Makes Dryness Worse

Many people avoid exfoliating in winter, fearing it will make dryness worse. However, gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week can help remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to penetrate more effectively. Use a mild exfoliant like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) to maintain a smooth and hydrated complexion.

The Bottom Line

Winter skincare is all about balance. Instead of falling for common myths, focus on proven hydration techniques: use gentle cleansers, layer hydrating products, and protect your skin barrier. With the right routine, you can keep your skin healthy, glowing, and well-hydrated throughout the season.

The Skincare Trend Everyone is Talking About: Skin Cycling for Winter

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Skin cycling has taken the skincare world by storm, with dermatologists and beauty influencers alike praising its benefits. This method, which involves rotating active ingredients in your nightly routine to prevent irritation and improve results, can be particularly beneficial during the winter months when skin is more prone to dryness and sensitivity. Here’s how to adapt skin cycling for winter and keep your complexion glowing despite the cold.

What Is Skin Cycling?

Skin cycling is a four-night skincare routine designed to balance active ingredients with recovery time. A typical cycle follows this pattern:

  • Night 1: Exfoliation – Use a gentle chemical exfoliant (such as an AHA or BHA) to remove dead skin cells and enhance product absorption.
  • Night 2: Retinoid – Apply a retinol or prescription-strength retinoid to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture.
  • Nights 3 & 4: Recovery – Focus on hydration and barrier repair with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.

This cycle helps prevent over-exfoliation and irritation while maximizing the benefits of active ingredients.

Adjusting Skin Cycling for Winter

Colder weather often leads to increased dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity. To maintain healthy skin, consider these winter-friendly modifications:

  1. Use a Milder Exfoliant – Swap harsh chemical peels for gentler exfoliating options like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), which are less likely to strip moisture from the skin.
  2. Opt for a Hydrating Retinoid Routine – Apply a nourishing moisturizer before or after your retinoid to create a buffer and minimize irritation.
  3. Extend Recovery Nights – If your skin feels extra dry, add an extra night of hydration and repair before restarting the cycle.
  4. Layer Hydration – Incorporate hydrating serums, thicker moisturizers, and even overnight masks to combat winter dryness.
  5. Don’t Skip Sunscreen – Even in winter, UV rays can cause damage. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning.

Is Skin Cycling Right for You?

Skin cycling is an excellent option for those with sensitive skin, as it helps prevent overuse of strong ingredients. However, everyone’s skin is different. If you’re experiencing extreme dryness or irritation, consult your dermatologist to customize a plan that suits your needs. By making a few seasonal tweaks, skin cycling can remain a staple in your skincare routine year-round, helping you achieve balanced, radiant skin—even in the harshest winter months.

How to Tell the Difference Between Winter Skin Rash and Dry Skin 

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Winter weather can leave your skin feeling dry, itchy, or irritated, but how do you know if it’s simple dryness or a winter skin rash? Knowing the difference ensures proper care and relief. 

Dry skin is common during cold months when low humidity and indoor heating strip moisture from your skin. It often feels tight, flaky, or mildly itchy, with fine cracks or dull texture. Dry skin typically improves with consistent moisturizing, avoiding hot showers, and using a humidifier. 

A winter rash is more severe, marked by red, inflamed patches, persistent itching, scaly areas, or even cracking and bleeding. It may result from cold weather or conditions like eczema and won’t improve with basic care alone. 

To treat dry skin, use a rich moisturizer after bathing, gentle cleansers, and lukewarm water. For winter rashes, avoid harsh products, try soothing treatments like colloidal oatmeal or aloe vera, and consider over-the-counter hydrocortisone for inflammation. Persistent symptoms warrant a visit to your dermatologist. 

If you’re unsure, or if redness and discomfort persist, our dermatology clinic can help you find the right solution for healthy, comfortable skin. Schedule a consultation today! 

How to Achieve a Radiant Glow Before Valentine’s Day 

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to treat yourself and your skin! Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a fun outing with friends, glowing, healthy skin will help you look and feel your best. Follow these simple steps to achieve a radiant complexion just in time for the big day: 

1. Exfoliate for Fresh Skin 

Start by sloughing off dull, dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliant. Exfoliation reveals smoother skin and enhances the absorption of your skincare products, giving you that lit-from-within glow. Be sure to use products suited for your skin type and avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to irritation. 

2. Hydrate, Inside and Out 

Winter weather can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Amp up hydration by using a rich moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within. 

3. Brighten With Vitamin C 

Introduce a Vitamin C serum into your routine to target dullness and uneven skin tone. This powerhouse ingredient helps boost radiance while protecting your skin from environmental damage. 

4. Pamper Yourself with a Facial 

A professional facial can rejuvenate your skin and address specific concerns like fine lines, dryness, or clogged pores. Schedule a session at our clinic to refresh your complexion and get expert advice tailored to your needs. 

5. Plan Ahead for Cosmetic Treatments 

If you’re considering treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or injectables, now is the time to book your appointment. These procedures can enhance your skin’s texture and give you a more youthful, rested appearance, but they require some downtime for optimal results. 

6. Don’t Forget SPF 

Even in February, UV rays can damage your skin. Protect your glow by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, rain or shine. 

7. Enhance With the Right Makeup 

When Valentine’s Day arrives, let your natural glow shine through with minimal, dewy makeup. Choose a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer and finish with a touch of highlighter for added radiance. 

Make this Valentine’s Day all about confidence and self-care. Let us help you love the skin you’re in! Book a consultation or treatment today to get your glow on.

The Importance of Starting the Year with a Skin Check

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The start of a new year is a time for setting goals and focusing on health and wellness.

While many people prioritize fitness and nutrition, it’s just as important to pay attention to your skin—your body’s largest organ. Scheduling an annual skin check with a dermatologist is a proactive step to ensure your skin stays healthy all year long. Here’s why starting the year with a skin check is essential and how it can benefit you in the long term.

Annual skin checks are crucial for several reasons. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early. During a skin check, your dermatologist can identify suspicious moles or lesions, detect early signs of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma, and provide a treatment plan if necessary, potentially saving your life.

If you’re dealing with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, a skin check offers the opportunity to review your current treatment plan, make adjustments based on seasonal changes or new symptoms, and explore advanced treatments to improve your skin’s appearance and health. Moreover, a skin check is about more than identifying problems. It’s also a chance to learn about your unique skin type and how to care for it, get tailored advice on sun protection, anti-aging, and daily skincare routines, and build a relationship with your dermatologist for ongoing care.

Starting the year with a skin check can set the tone for your skin health. By addressing any potential concerns early, you can begin necessary treatments before symptoms worsen, gain peace of mind knowing your skin has been thoroughly examined, and start the year with a clear plan for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. It’s also a great way to maximize your insurance benefits since many health insurance plans reset in January. Scheduling early in the year helps you avoid the end-of-year rush and makes preventive care more accessible. Additionally, winter weather can take a toll on your skin, and a dermatologist can recommend products to combat dryness and irritation while helping you transition your skincare routine for colder months.

Starting the year with a skin check is an investment in your overall health and well-being. Early detection, preventive care, and expert guidance can make all the difference in maintaining healthy skin for years to come. Don’t wait until you notice a problem.

Schedule your skin check today and give your skin the attention it deserves in 2025!

Winter Skin Woes: How to Combat Dryness and Flaking

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Many of us experience the unwelcome effects of winter on our skin. Dryness, flaking, and irritation are common complaints, but with the right strategies, you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy all season long. Here are some expert tips and product recommendations to help you combat winter skin woes.

1. Hydrate From the Inside Out

Winter air is dry, and indoor heating can exacerbate the problem by stripping your skin of moisture. To counteract this:

Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated from within. And incorporate hydrating foods: Foods rich in water content, like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon, can give your skin a hydration boost.

2. Choose the Right Cleanser

Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of natural oils, making dryness worse. Instead, opt for: A gentle, hydrating cleanser with ingredients like glycerin or ceramides and avoid foaming cleansers, as they can be more drying.

3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Switch to a heavier moisturizer in winter to lock in hydration.

  • Look for products with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter.
  • Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face to trap moisture.
  • Consider a night cream for added hydration while you sleep.

4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

UV rays are still present during winter, even on cloudy days. Protect your skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day and be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including your hands and neck.

5. Invest in a Humidifier

Indoor heating systems can make the air in your home extremely dry. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, helping your skin retain hydration and is especially helpful when placed in bedrooms to keep your skin moisturized overnight.

6. Exfoliate Gently

Flaky skin can benefit from exfoliation, but it’s important to be gentle. Use a chemical exfoliant with ingredients like lactic acid or glycolic acid, which are less abrasive than physical scrubs and limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week to avoid over-stripping the skin.

7. Protect Your Hands and Lips

The skin on your hands and lips is thinner and more prone to dryness.

  • Use a thick hand cream after washing your hands.
  • Apply a lip balm with SPF throughout the day to prevent chapping.

8. Seek Professional Help if Needed

If dryness and flaking persist despite your best efforts, consult a dermatologist. Persistent issues may require: prescription-strength creams or ointments and recommendations tailored to your specific skin type and concerns.

By making these small adjustments to your skincare routine and environment, you can protect your skin from the harsh effects of winter. Remember, consistency is key. With a little extra care, your skin can stay soft, hydrated, and healthy all season long!

October: The Perfect Time for Cosmetic Treatments Before the Holiday Rush

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As the holidays approach, schedules get busier, and our calendars fill with events, gatherings, and festivities. October is the ideal time to schedule your cosmetic treatments, ensuring your skin is glowing and refreshed by the time the holiday season is in full swing. By taking care of your skin now, you’ll not only beat the holiday rush but also give your skin plenty of time to heal and reveal its best results. 

Why Book in October? 

With holiday parties, family photos, and year-end celebrations on the horizon, you’ll want to look and feel your best. Cosmetic treatments, like injectables, laser treatments, or chemical peels, often require a bit of recovery time to see the full effects. By booking your appointment in October, you’ll allow enough time for any redness, swelling, or minor side effects to subside, leaving you with radiant skin just in time for the holidays. 

Benefits of Scheduling Early: 

  • Avoid the Holiday Rush: Dermatology offices get busier closer to the holidays, so securing your appointment early ensures you get the treatment you want at your preferred time. 
  • Optimal Results by the Holidays: Many cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser procedures, take a few weeks to show full results. An October appointment gives your skin the perfect amount of time to heal and rejuvenate before the festivities begin. 
  • Less Stress, More Glow: You can focus on enjoying the holidays with confidence, knowing your skin is in its best shape. 

Whether you’re looking for a refreshed appearance or addressing specific concerns, October is the perfect time to give your skin the boost it needs. Ask us today what we recommend to help prepare your skin for the holiday season.

Maximize Your Health Benefits: Schedule a Skin Check Before Year-End

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As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your skin health while making the most of your healthcare benefits. If you’ve been putting off a skin check, now is the time to schedule your appointment. Many insurance plans reset at the beginning of the year, and you could still have benefits to use before they expire.  

Additionally, did you know that some HSA/FSA (Health Savings or Flexible Spending accounts) can be used on medical-grade products* like sunscreens, cleansers, acne-treatments, lotions, and more? Plus, if you’ve already met your deductible for 2024, now is the time to come in and see us. With most plans, once you’ve met your annual deductible, you’ll often pay significantly less out of pocket for any healthcare expenses you have. 

Why Get a Skin Check Now? Skin checks are vital for early detection of skin cancer and other dermatological conditions. Regular checks give you peace of mind, and catching any issues early can save you from more extensive (and expensive) treatments down the road. With deductibles met and leftover HSA/FSA dollars in play, now is the ideal time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. 

Book your appointment today and start the new year with healthier skin and peace of mind. 

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this reminder is not unique to your insurance, HSA or FSA. Now is a good time to check with your carriers about your benefits, specific coverage and annual deductible.