Showing posts with label acne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acne. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Why Mackenzie Loves Working in Dermatology


As the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery for over two years now, I thought I might share why I LOVE working in Dermatology. In order for me to explain this to you, I think I have to start with the basics. 

My name is Mackenzie Stratton, I grew up in Northern Virginia right outside of Washington, DC and decided to pack up my car and take a trip 9.5 hours south to THE Georgia Southern University (GO EAGLES!). While at GSU I majored in Public Relations.  Public Relations was a perfect choice for me because I got to spend most of my time writing and getting to be creative... and I got to avoid most things science related (Yuck! Who likes science, right? Only doctors...)

After college I landed an amazing opportunity to work as the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Quickly, I learned that Dermatologists do more than look at pimples all day and there was a lot more to the experts at this office than zapping zits away. I also learned that there is a lot more to doctors than just liking science. 

Dr. Cooper instantly amazed me with his knowledge of skin cancer and even more his ability to perform flawless skin cancer surgery, to remove skin cancer. It’s obvious that his patients are amazed too, as he has been providing patients in Atlanta with Dermatology care for over 40 years, something that few Doctors can proudly say. Beyond this, I have loved learning the importance behind what the dermatologists here do (and even a little bit about the Science behind it). They provide patients with valuable information on how to protect their skin from the dangers of Skin Cancer. Who would have thought wearing the always annoying, sunscreen, daily, can actually not only keep you protected from harmful rays, but also keep your skin protected from age spots & wrinkles (makes sunscreen not such a pain, don’t ya think?).

Growing up I was always teased for my Casper-like pale skin. But, what is my favorite part of working in Dermatology, you ask? It’s simple… at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery it’s COOL to be pale and trust me I’m about as Cool as it gets. I've learned that the tanning bed is BAD! Did you know that people who use the tanning bed, just ONE time, before they are 35-years-old, increase their risk for Melanoma by 75 percent? As a girl with Casper-like skin, I don’t like those chances.

Another big thing I've learned through working at a Dermatologist’s office is the importance of an annual skin exam. Until I worked here, I always thought of the Dermatologist as a place you don’t go to unless you have a rash that won’t disappear, struggle with acne or you have a scary mole that needs to be handled. I can probably think of maybe a couple times in my entire life that I had been to the dermatologist before I started working here (and now I go to the dermatologist… 5 days a week) and that was because my mom MADE me. What I've learned is that dermatologists recommend yearly skin checks. This is not to keep business popping in Dermatologist offices but it’s because the risk of skin cancer is rapidly increasing. In the past three decades the number of patients diagnosed with Skin Cancer was greater than every other type of Cancer, combined. I’m not telling you this to scare you (well I kind of am) but really I just want you to be aware of how important it is for you, your friends and your children to make nice with a dermatologist and get yourself checked, yearly. I promise, dermatologists don’t bite.

I am incredibly thankful for my experiences thus-far as the Marketing Manager for Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery and even more thankful for the opportunity to work at a place where Pale is the NEW TAN!

For more information on Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery or anything dermatology related, give us a call: (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

Truth.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Meet Jessica

Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery is proud to welcome the newest addition to our practice, Jessica Crawford, PA-C.

Jessica is a Certified Physician Assistant with a special interest in dermatological hair, skin and nail disorders. Prior to joining Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery in 2012, Jessica gained extensive experience in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Anesthesia. Jessica has a graduate degree in Physician Assistant Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children and dogs.

Jessica is currently accepting new patients, if you would like to schedule an appointment with Jessica please call (404) 296-8000 for more information on Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery please visit our website.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

How to Pick the Right Products for your Skin Type

When was the last time you smiled and looked
this good washing your face?
It’s 8pm on a Monday night, you get comfy on the couch and enjoy a nice bowl (or two) of popcorn, and turn on "The Bachelorette". During the two hours you are subjected to probably an hour worth of commercials (or it at least seems that way), filled with new make-up products that promise  they won’t clog your pores, face washes that will eliminate blackheads, concealers that will cover up the bags under your eyes and so on. After countless hours of commercials telling you this product is recommended most by dermatologist, or this one is clinically proven to eliminate acne, it’s hard to know what to believe.  

Let's just cut straight to the facts... I have struggled with keeping my skin clear my entire life and it wasn’t until I started working for a dermatologist that I was really able to tame my face, so I thought I’d share a few products that Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery's dermatology experts recommend, that might help you with your unique skin concerns.

Oily Skin: Oily skin is basically skin that appears shiny and often feels greasy to touch. People who suffer with oily skin are often oily in the T-Zone but can also be oily all over the face.  If you are looking to help maintain your oily skin, our office recommends a face wash that contains glycolic acid or benzyl peroxide.
  • Our favorites include:  Atlanta Laser and Skin Care Center’s (ALSCC) GlycoX 5% Cleansing Pads and Cosmetix Purity Clean Facial Wash. We also recommend weekly oil-controlling masks to help reduce oil product (RX Systems Oil Control Mask). ALSCC's UltraLight Facial Cream is also recommended if you need any extra moisturizer.
Dry Skin: Dry skin is skin that lacks moisture, it can feel rough to touch and can often the skin is flaky. We recommend a few products to help restore moisture to the skin and improve skin appearance.
  • These include: ALSCC's Firming and Restructuring Peptide Therapy, ALSCC's Green Tea Foaming or Fortified Cleansers, RX Systems Hydrating Mask, RX Systems Maximum Strength Moisturizer and/or Clayton Shagal’s Elastin Gel Plus, Hyprocel Gel and Collagen Gel Plus.
Rough Skin: Rough skin is skin that is bumpy, harsh to touch and can be dry or oily. We recommend products with moisturizers, glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
  • A few of our favorite products include: Vitvite Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, ALSCC's Retinol Plus Smoothing Serum and ALSCC's Green Tea Serum.
Acne-prone Skin: Acne-prone is often oily skin, but in some circumstances can be normal skin that is easily prone to clogged pores. We recommend products without harsh chemicals and fragrances to help control acne. Products with benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid are best for patients who suffer with acne-prone skin.
  • Our favorite products include: ALSCC's Clarifying Wash, ALSCC's Brighten Up Face Up Face Wash and Clayton Shagal Moisturizers. Patients with acne-prone oily skin should refer to the oily skin list, above.
Normal Skin: Normal skin can be anything from combination (oily & dry) to healthy, well-hydrated skin. This skin type needs a good daily skin care regimen to help maintain this appearance.  
  • For this type of skin we recommend products including: ALSCC’s Green Tea Foaming or Fortified Cleansers, RX Systems Firming Mask or Hydrating Mask, ASLCC UltraLite Facial Cream and the Clayton Shagal daily moisturizers.

It’s important to identify your skin type, so you can properly treat and/or maintain your skin. If no improvement is noted within 4 weeks after using these products, it is recommended that you visit your dermatologist for further evaluation.

All of these products can be purchased at Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery. For more information or to purchase products call (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.

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Written by Mackenzie Stratton, Marketing Manager
with information added by Juliena Gigon, PA-C