In This Section

01
Sunscreen Tips Everyone Should Know
2 min read
02
Why Am I Still Breaking Out?
2 min read
03
Acne Advice: What Actually Works
2 min read
04
What to Expect at a Skin Check
2 min read
05
Hair Loss: Common Causes Explained
2 min read
06
When Should I Start Botox?
2 min read
07
Dry Skin: A Simple Care Guide
2 min read
08
Menopause & Hair Loss: What You Need to Know
2 min read
09
PRP for Hair Loss: How It Works
2 min read
10
Biostimulatory Fillers: What Sets Them Apart
2 min read
11
Understanding the Different Types of Skin Cancer
2 min read
12
Microneedling: What It Treats & How It Works
2 min read

"Sunscreen is the single most effective anti-aging and skin cancer prevention tool available — and most people aren't using it correctly."

Sunscreen should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, even on cloudy days or when you plan to spend most of your time indoors. UV rays penetrate glass and clouds, meaning incidental exposure adds up significantly over time.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single morning — rain or shine.
Apply to your face, neck, chest, and hands, not just your face.
Reapply every two hours if you are outdoors or sweating.
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and are ideal for sensitive skin types.
Don't rely on SPF in your makeup alone — it's rarely enough for full protection.

The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually wear. Find a formula you enjoy and make it a habit.

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"Adult acne is more common than most people realize — and it often has a different root cause than teenage breakouts."

If you're still breaking out in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, you're not alone. Adult acne affects a significant portion of adults, particularly women, and is frequently driven by hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and the products you're using on your skin.

Hormonal acne typically appears along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks — often worsening around your cycle.
Skincare products labeled "non-comedogenic" are less likely to clog pores, but not all are equal.
Over-washing or over-exfoliating can disrupt the skin barrier and actually make acne worse.
Stress elevates cortisol, which increases oil production — a major driver of adult breakouts.
If over-the-counter products haven't worked after 8–12 weeks, it's time to see a dermatologist.

Persistent breakouts deserve a proper diagnosis, not just another cleanser. A dermatologist can identify the underlying cause and create a plan that actually works.

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"There is no shortage of acne advice on the internet. Most of it is noise. Here's what the evidence actually supports."

Between social media trends, beauty influencers, and well-meaning friends, it can feel impossible to know what to trust. The truth is that effective acne treatment is personalized — what works for one person may not work for another — but there are proven ingredients and approaches worth knowing.

Retinoids (prescription or over-the-counter retinol) are among the most effective acne treatments available — they unclog pores and speed cell turnover.
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and is a reliable over-the-counter option for mild to moderate acne.
Niacinamide reduces inflammation and helps fade post-acne marks without irritation.
Avoid picking or squeezing — it pushes bacteria deeper and significantly increases the risk of scarring.
Prescription options including topical antibiotics, oral medications, and hormonal therapies are highly effective when over-the-counter products fall short.

The most important step is consistency. Acne treatments take time — most require 8–12 weeks before meaningful improvement is visible.

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"A full-body skin exam is one of the most important preventive health appointments you can make — and it's far less daunting than most people expect."

Many patients put off their annual skin check because they're not sure what it involves. The reality is that it's a comfortable, straightforward visit — and it could save your life.

You'll be asked to undress to your underwear so Dr. Katy Burris can examine your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, between your toes, and your nails.
The exam typically takes 15–20 minutes and is completely painless.
Bring a list of any spots, moles, or changes you've noticed — even if you think they're nothing.
If a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy may be recommended. This is a quick in-office procedure.
Annual screenings are recommended for most adults. Those with a personal or family history of skin cancer should be seen more frequently.

Early detection is everything with skin cancer. When caught early, melanoma has a survival rate of over 99%. Don't delay your annual check.

Book a Skin Check →

"Hair loss is rarely just cosmetic — it's often a signal from your body that something deserves attention."

Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower drain can be alarming. The good news is that many forms of hair loss are treatable — especially when addressed early. Understanding the cause is the essential first step.

Androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss) is the most common cause in both men and women, causing gradual thinning over time.
Telogen effluvium is shedding triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or hormonal changes — often appearing 2–3 months after the triggering event.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss, which can be effectively treated.
Nutritional deficiencies — especially iron, vitamin D, and zinc — are frequently overlooked contributors to hair loss.
Thyroid disorders can cause diffuse shedding and are easily identified with a simple blood test.

A dermatologist can evaluate the pattern, run appropriate labs, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific cause. The earlier you seek care, the better the outcome.

Book a Hair Loss Consultation →

"There's no single right age to start Botox — but there is a right approach, regardless of when you begin."

Botox is one of the most commonly asked-about cosmetic treatments, and the question of timing comes up in nearly every consultation. The answer is genuinely individual — it depends on your skin, your genetics, your lifestyle, and your goals.

Preventive Botox, typically starting in the mid-to-late 20s, can slow the formation of deep lines by reducing repetitive muscle movement before creases become permanent.
There is no age that's "too late" to start — Botox softens existing lines at any age.
Sun exposure, smoking, and stress accelerate the formation of lines far more than age alone.
A good result looks natural. The goal is refreshed, not frozen — and that comes down entirely to the skill of your injector.
Results typically last 3–4 months, though with consistent treatment many patients find their results lasting longer over time.

The best time to start a conversation about Botox is when you're ready — not when someone tells you that you should. Book a consultation to discuss your options without pressure.

Book a Cosmetic Consultation →

"Dry skin is one of the most common complaints I see — and one of the most easily improved with a few simple changes."

Dry skin can feel tight, flaky, dull, or uncomfortable — and it often worsens in winter or with age. The underlying cause is a compromised skin barrier that's losing moisture faster than it can retain it. The solution is restoring that barrier, not stripping it further.

Switch to a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Foaming and antibacterial cleansers strip the skin's natural oils.
Apply moisturizer within 2 minutes of showering, while skin is still slightly damp — this locks in hydration most effectively.
Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin — these ingredients actively repair and reinforce the skin barrier.
Avoid hot showers, which deplete natural oils rapidly. Lukewarm water is far kinder to dry skin.
A humidifier in your bedroom during winter months makes a significant difference for persistent dryness.

If your dry skin is severe, itchy, or accompanied by redness, it may be eczema or another condition that benefits from prescription treatment. Don't suffer through it — a quick visit can make a significant difference.

Book an Appointment →

"Hair loss during menopause is extremely common — and far more treatable than most women realize."

As estrogen and progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, hair follicles can become more sensitive to androgens, leading to thinning, shedding, and a change in hair texture. This is called female pattern hair loss, and it affects a significant number of women going through hormonal transitions.

Hormonal shifts during menopause can trigger or accelerate female pattern hair loss, causing diffuse thinning most noticeable at the part line and crown.
Telogen effluvium — a temporary, stress-related shedding — can also be triggered by the hormonal changes of menopause, and often resolves with proper treatment.
Minoxidil (topical or oral) is an effective, well-studied treatment option for menopausal hair loss and can help stabilize and regrow hair.
Nutritional deficiencies — particularly iron, ferritin, vitamin D, and biotin — are common in this age group and can compound hormonal hair loss.
Thyroid function should always be evaluated, as thyroid disorders become more prevalent during and after menopause and are a frequent overlooked cause of hair thinning.

Menopausal hair loss is not something you simply have to accept. A dermatologist can assess the pattern, run appropriate lab work, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Early intervention leads to better outcomes — the sooner you seek evaluation, the more options are available to you.

Book a Hair Loss Consultation →

"PRP uses your body's own healing signals to wake up follicles that have gone quiet — no synthetic drugs, no surgery."

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become one of the most well-studied non-surgical options for thinning hair. It works by concentrating your own blood's growth factors and delivering them directly to the scalp, where they stimulate follicles and support healthier, thicker regrowth.

A small blood sample is drawn, then spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood.
The concentrated PRP is injected into areas of thinning using a fine needle, targeting the scalp's follicular layer.
Growth factors in the plasma stimulate dormant follicles, prolong the hair's growth phase, and improve blood supply to the area.
Because PRP comes from your own blood, there's no risk of allergic reaction and minimal downtime — most patients return to normal activities the same day.
A typical protocol involves a series of monthly sessions initially, followed by periodic maintenance treatments to sustain results.

PRP tends to work best for early to moderate thinning, and is often combined with other treatments like minoxidil for a more comprehensive approach. A consultation can help determine whether you're a good candidate.

Book a Hair Loss Consultation →

"Biostimulatory fillers don't just fill space — they teach your skin to rebuild its own structure."

Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, which add volume immediately, biostimulatory fillers work gradually by triggering your body's own collagen production. The result is a more natural, longer-lasting improvement in skin quality and structure rather than an instant, filled appearance.

Biostimulators like poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite stimulate fibroblasts to produce new collagen over time, rather than relying on the product itself for volume.
Results build gradually over several weeks to months, as your body responds to the treatment — this is different from the immediate effect of HA fillers.
Because they work with your body's own collagen, results tend to look especially natural and can last significantly longer than traditional fillers — often a year or more.
Biostimulatory fillers are especially well-suited for broader facial volume loss and overall skin quality, rather than precise, targeted contouring.
A series of treatments spaced several weeks apart is typically recommended to achieve full results.

Many patients combine biostimulatory fillers with hyaluronic acid fillers or neuromodulators for a comprehensive approach — using each treatment for what it does best. A consultation can help determine the right combination for your goals.

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"Not all skin cancers behave the same way — knowing the differences helps you understand what to watch for and why early detection matters so much."

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it's also among the most treatable when caught early. The three main types differ in how they develop, how they behave, and how urgently they need to be addressed.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form, growing slowly and rarely spreading. It often starts like a sore or pimple that doesn't want to go away.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) grows faster than BCC, with a higher — though still low — chance of spreading. It can appear as a sore, scaly spot, or even a wart-like growth that is sometimes painful.
Melanoma is less common but far more serious — it usually grows quicker than the other types and can spread quickly. It may be dark in color or have multiple colors, but can also sometimes appear pink.
The ABCDE rule — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving appearance — is a helpful guide for spotting concerning moles.
Cumulative sun exposure and a history of blistering sunburns are major risk factors for all three types, making sun protection one of the most effective preventive tools.

Regardless of type, the same principle applies: the earlier a skin cancer is found, the simpler and more effective treatment tends to be. Annual skin checks — and prompt evaluation of any new or changing spot — remain the best defense.

Book a Skin Cancer Screening →

"Microneedling works by convincing your skin it needs to heal — and in doing so, rebuilds itself stronger and smoother."

Microneedling uses fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the body's natural wound-healing response, stimulating collagen and elastin production without the downtime associated with more aggressive resurfacing treatments.

A handheld device creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, prompting a controlled healing cascade that rebuilds collagen over the following weeks.
It's commonly used to improve acne scarring, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven texture, and overall skin tone.
The micro-channels created during treatment also temporarily enhance absorption of topical serums, which is why many providers apply growth-factor or hyaluronic acid serums immediately after.
Downtime is minimal — most patients experience redness similar to a mild sunburn for 24–48 hours before returning to normal skin.
A series of treatments, typically spaced 4–6 weeks apart, produces the most noticeable and lasting improvement in skin texture and tone.

Microneedling is suitable for most skin types and tones, and is often combined with PRP for enhanced results. A consultation can help determine the right treatment plan for your skin's specific needs.

Book a Cosmetic Consultation →

Have a question for Dr. Katy Burris?

Book an appointment and get answers tailored to your skin.

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