When Kim Kardashian made news with her “vampire facial,” the procedure actually wasn’t new. Microneedling therapy, also known as skin needling, has been around for many years but is currently enjoying a renaissance. And although microneedling devices are now available for home use, trying to undertake the procedure on your own carries significant risk. Why use microneedling? Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates collagen growth. A mechanical pen, its head filled with tiny needles, is rolled over the skin and as it vibrates, it delivers microinjections, penetrating the skin many times over the course of a few seconds. The needles are used to create a controlled skin injury. For decades, dermatologists have successfully used this procedure to treat facial scars and promote collagen …

So you thought pimples were just for teenagers? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. People can experience acne at any age, and some studies show that the incidence of adult acne is on the rise. In our practice, we regularly see patients who are frustrated with flare-ups of adult acne. Luckily, there are some hassle free ways to manage and eliminate adult acne. Resolving the problem starts with understanding what may be causing adult acne and then determining the best treatment path for your particular situation. What causes adult acne? Pimples can affect anyone, but women are more likely than men to experience acne as adults. That’s often because of the hormonal changes their bodies experience on a monthly basis and during menopause, and sometimes as …

As we age, our bodies change. And many of us end up with unwanted fat that seems almost impossible to lose. Sometimes, even with a healthy lifestyle of eating nutritiously and exercising regularly, stubborn fat still lingers. While surgery may be able to fix the problem, it’s a drastic step and can be risky. Many of our patients want to lose unwanted fat naturally and just need a little help. They are often interested to hear about CoolSculpting, the only FDA-cleared, non-surgical fat reduction treatment of its kind. The technique uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat in the areas that bother you the most—and the results are lasting. We all have a certain number of fat cells in our bodies. When we gain weight, …

By Dr. Corey Hartman As we age, our skin changes. And everyone’s skin is affected by sun, wind, stress, gravity and possibly bad habits. It’s common for skin to become rougher, more transparent and less elastic as we age. But there’s good news: There are steps you can take to help your skin stay supple and fresh-looking, even as you continue to have more birthdays. My patients have benefited from following these four steps to reversing the aging process and keeping your skin clear and smooth: When you are choosing products for your skin care routine, look for items that are complementary to your skin type. And definitely use common sense. For instance, if you have dry skin, don’t choose a product that will make …

At Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama, we see many patients who are interested in lash extensions to make their eyelashes look longer, lusher and darker. But we also see loads of patients who have problems—both aesthetic and medical—with their lash extensions. Extension Problems First of all, if you’ve seen many people with lash extensions, you’ve likely seen some botched jobs. There are a lot of bad lashes out there, such as the ones where you can see the glue glopped onto the lashes, or the ones that simply look obviously fake. The whole point is to make the long, dark lashes look like they’re actually natural, so these jobs have missed the mark. In addition to lash extensions that just don’t look right, many actually …

Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama is pleased to announce that our own Dr. Hartman has been named Birmingham Magazine’s Best Dermatologist. To see the list of other winners, click here. Congratulations Dr. Hartman, we are proud of you!

Whether they are painful or simply unsightly, growths on the skin can be alarming to find. At Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama, our team of providers is asked daily about whether spots like skin tags and cysts could benefit from cosmetic or medical attention. Here’s what we tell our patients about the make-up of each condition and the treatments that can help. Skin Tags Small soft growths of skin that protrude from the body, skin tags are made up of normal skin tissue and occur most often in people who are overweight or who have a genetic predisposition. At our practice, we see them where friction is common—around the neck, under the arms, between the legs, or other places where clothing or skin rub together …

Also known as miliaria, heat rash affects us all in hot, humid weather. This time of year, it is one of the most talked about skin conditions that we see at Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama. So what makes those the little blisters and bumps pop up at the end of a day in the sun? Occluded sweat glands. When our pores get blocked or full, perspiration is trapped under the skin. Instead of evaporating, perspiration causes inflammation and rash. This can happen from wearing tight, non-breathable fabrics in the sun; from sweating profusely; or from applying thick, heavy moisturizers or sunscreens. Friction will make it worse. Adults often find heat rash in folds of skin and in places where clothing rubs on perspiring skin. …

Have you ever wondered exactly how and why skin cancer begins? Well, when the sun instigates the formation of free radicals in the skin, it can set off a series of reactions in our cells that cause their development to go awry. As these abnormal cells accumulate in the skin, cancer sets in. At Skin Wellness Dermatology of Alabama, we know that while protecting yourself from the sun can prevent the formation of free radicals, your diet can make an impact as well. As skilled specialists, we recommend you add the following foods to your regular mealtimes and snacks as a proactive measure to help keep UV-damage at bay. Green Tea. While Dr. Hartman was a resident at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, his department conducted …