The Basics of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on your ovaries. Most types are harmless and go away on their own. Others are rare and may require treatment. Here’s a closer look into the different types of ovarian cysts, their causes, and treatment options.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

The most common types of ovarian cysts are known as functional cysts, which form throughout the menstrual cycle. There are two types of functional cysts: follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Follicle cysts develop when the egg being released from your ovary grows in its surrounding follicle sac, but the follicle then fails to break open naturally to release the egg. In most cases, these cysts produce no symptoms and disappear on their own within three months.

Corpus luteum cysts develop when, after releasing its egg, the empty follicle sac fails to shrink back down to normal size. The sac fills up with fluid — which creates the cyst — but typically this type of cyst dissipates after several weeks.

Other less common but also benign types of ovarian cysts include endometriomas, which are caused by endometriosis, dermoids that develop from cells that are present from birth, or cystadenomas, a rare but potentially large type of cyst. It’s also possible to develop many cysts at once, which is a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Symptoms

Small ovarian cysts may not cause any symptoms. But larger ones can lead to issues like fluctuating pelvic pain, bloating, and pressure or heaviness in your abdominal region. Rarely, cysts can rupture, causing severe pain and pelvic bleeding. Large cysts can also lead to ovarian torsion, in which the ovary moves out of place and leads to painful ligament twisting. Regardless of the cause, should you experience sudden and intense pelvic pain, sometimes accompanied by vomiting or fever, seek immediate medical help.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of functional cysts is your menstrual cycle, though others can be caused by underlying conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS. There is some data that shows a genetic predisposition for some dermoid cysts, but experts have long wondered if other risk factors also contribute to their development.

While there is currently no evidence to indicate that diet can aid in treating existing cysts, some studies have established a link between dietary patterns and cyst development. Specifically, saturated fat, including that found in cheese and red meat, has been linked to an increase in cyst development, whereas green vegetables have been associated with a decreased risk. The type of cyst you have may help determine whether dietary changes will help or not. Eating small, frequent meals could help control cyst development as a line of defense for PCOS, for example.

Ultimately, the combined team of your family doctor and your gynecologist can make recommendations for diet and other lifestyle changes that may alleviate ovarian cysts.

Treatment

Treatment of an ovarian cyst will depend on its type and size. “Sometimes, watchful waiting is the best option,” says Dr. Lynley Durrett. “In this approach, you’ll receive routine ultrasounds to see if the cyst shrinks or disappears over time.”

Hormonal birth control could also be used to prevent further cysts from forming, though it won’t address a preexisting cyst. Surgical removal such as minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery may be recommended for a cyst that’s actively growing and causing discomfort.

If you suspect that you could have an ovarian cyst, or have other gynecological symptoms you’d like to discuss, schedule a visit with Avant Gynecology. Our compassionate clinicians are easy to reach by requesting an appointment online or calling 404-352-2850.

Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine recognizes two Avant Gynecology physicians among Castle Conolly’s Exceptional Women in Medicine 2023

Avant Gynecology is proud to announce that two of our physicians appear in the August issue of Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine among Castle Connolly’s Exceptional Women in Medicine for 2023.

Castle Connolly Top Doctors recognizes Drs. Lynley S. Durrett and Obiamaka Mora of Avant Gynecology for their exceptional leadership and commitment to their field.

The Exceptional Women in Medicine list is compiled through a rigorous selection process that includes peer nominations, extensive research, and evaluation by the Castle Connolly research team. In addition to meeting the criteria to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, the 2023 Castle Connolly Exceptional Women in Medicine doctors also have additional qualifications, including contributions to healthcare through volunteer work, awards and honors, training at top institutions, contributions to research and academics, and innovations in their field of specialty.

We would like to honor our physicians who appear among Castle Connolly’s Exceptional Women in Medicine. This recognition is a testament to Avant Gynecology’s commitment to providing cutting-edge gynecological care.

Dr. Lynley S. Durrett is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Durrett’s professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in vaginal prolapse treatment, pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, managing urologic conditions, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Durrett has been selected by her peers every year as one of Atlanta magazine’s Top Doctors since 2010.

Dr. Obiamaka Mora is board certified in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology and a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG). Her professional expertise includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques with interests in pelvic reconstructive surgery, symptomatic fibroid management, endometriosis management, and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Mora is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), and the Georgia OB/GYN Society.

Adenomyosis 101

There are many conditions that can affect the uterus. One lesser-known yet still fairly common disease is adenomyosis. Discover what the condition entails and how it’s treated below.

What Is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue from the uterus lining grows through the uterine wall but still within the uterus itself. This can cause the uterus to become enlarged, sometimes increasing by double or triple its normal size. The new tissue growing into the muscular wall of the organ continues to act as normal uterine tissue, thickening then breaking down and bleeding during each menstrual cycle.

This is similar to what occurs in endometriosis, with the main difference being that in cases of endometriosis, uterine lining tissue grows outside of the uterus, typically around the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other organs in the pelvis.

What Are the Symptoms?

Up to a third of people with adenomyosis won’t experience symptoms. For those that do, the symptoms can range in severity from mild to intense. If you have adenomyosis, you may experience painful menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding during periods, painful intercourse, pelvic pain, bloating, and abnormal periods.

What Causes Adenomyosis?

Researchers aren’t sure why some people experience adenomyosis and others don’t. Some theories suggest invasive tissue growth could result from operations performed on the uterus, such as C-sections. Others believe the condition may be a congenital anomaly, while another theory posits that exposure to increased estrogen for a long period of time may be the culprit.

Regardless of the possible causes, there are several factors that make you more likely to experience adenomyosis, including:

  • Having endometriosis
  • Having prior uterine surgeries, including fibroid removal or dilation and curettage
  • Having given birth more than once
  • Being between the ages of 40 and 50

How Is It Treated?

Adenomyosis can be diagnosed through physical exams and medical imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI. Once the condition is confirmed, there are several treatment options our providers can discuss with you.

Hormone treatment

Hormonal birth control such as the pill or hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) are often the first line of defense against adenomyosis. These medications can often help to control symptoms like heavy bleeding and cramping after several months.

Non-hormonal medication

If you prefer not to take hormonal birth control or need to avoid it for medical reasons, tranexamic acid may be an alternative to consider. This non-hormonal medication helps to control heavy bleeding and is taken only during your period.

Hysterectomy

While medication can help to control the symptoms of adenomyosis, a hysterectomy is the only way to stop the condition entirely. Though some women do experience symptom relief after menopause, when the symptoms begin to affect your quality of life or interfere with your normal activities, this surgical intervention may be worth considering.

In some cases, it may be possible to remove only the uterus, while other cases may call for the removal of both the uterus and cervix. Since this procedure removes the womb, it eliminates the ability to carry children, and should therefore only be considered by people who don’t wish to become pregnant in the future.

Depending on the nature of your condition, you may be able to have a hysterectomy performed laparoscopically, which involves only small incisions and a shorter recovery period.

If you’re experiencing heavy periods or any other women’s health issues, turn to Avant Gynecology for compassionate care. Our team offers a wide range of treatment options, including specialty services such as hormone therapy, surgical care, and office procedures. Request an appointment online or by calling 404-352-2850.

Effects of Stress on the Female Reproductive System

Stress can impact nearly every aspect of our lives, from our mental and emotional wellness to our physical health. Some of the signs of stress are well-known, such as muscle tension and sleep issues. But its effects can manifest in other areas of the body, and the female reproductive system is no exception. Here’s what you should know.

How Does Stress Affect the Female Reproductive System?

Stress is the body’s natural response to threats — both real and perceived. Our ancestors relied on a form of acute stress, the fight-or-flight response, as a survival mechanism. While your body is designed to handle this type of stress in small doses, problems arise when we’re too stressed for too long.

Specifically, high levels of prolonged stress impact the brain’s ability to regulate and produce key hormones. When hormone levels are out of balance, it can affect your menstrual cycle, leading to issues like:

  • Delayed or missing periods
  • Heavier or lighter periods
  • Bleeding between cycles

The main culprit for these conditions is the glucocorticoid stress hormone, which not only suppresses your body’s main sex hormone (gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)), but also boosts a gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone that further suppresses GnRH. This one-two punch to your hormones can have a pronounced effect on both sex drive and fertility.

And if you’re trying to conceive, stress can be especially problematic. Many women experiencing high levels of stress already have a lower libido, as it can be difficult to unwind and connect with your partner. But since stress hormones can also suppress ovulation, women who are stressed while trying to conceive may also have a difficult time getting pregnant.

What Can You Do to Reduce the Effects of Stress?

While it would certainly be ideal if we could avoid stress altogether, the reality is that many of us have demanding responsibilities that can leave us feeling overwhelmed. The idea is therefore not to escape stressors entirely, but to manage them in a way that minimizes their impact on our health. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to combat the effects.

  • Find outlets that work for you. Everyone manages stress differently. You may find that talking with friends or loved ones eases your mind, or you may prefer solitary activities like journaling or meditation. Taking a hot bath, a walk outside, or an exercise class are some other options to consider.
  • Communicate with your partner. If stress is affecting your sex life, talk to your partner often and openly about your thoughts and feelings. Keeping the lines of communication open and supporting each other can go a long way in bringing you closer. Additionally, you might try other forms of intimacy, such as a new shared hobby.
  • Talk to your healthcare team. When stress disrupts your quality of life, it’s time to get professional help. From therapists who can help you find effective coping mechanisms for stress, to your women’s healthcare providers who can help you manage its physical effects, there are resources available to help you feel like yourself again.

To discuss any aspects of your reproductive health, get in touch with the experts at Avant Gynecology online, or by calling 404- 352-2850.

How to Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

“A UTI, in case you don’t know, is not a college online,” quipped Amy Schumer in her October 2015 HBO special. “It is a urinary-tract infection.”

Over 50% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. And you’ll know pretty quickly when you’ve got one: constantly feeling like you have to pee, even after having done so. Intense burning during urination. Cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Feeling like your bladder is continually full. Possibly even blood in your urine.

Though men can get UTIs too, women are more frequently impacted. If left untreated, UTIs can develop into sepsis, an extreme reaction to an infection that can even be deadly. Fortunately, most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, but you’re better off preventing this common infection from the get-go. Here are several ways that you can.

Pee After Sex

“UTIs are infections in your urinary system caused by bacteria, most often E. coli,” explains Dr. Lynley Durrett. “Your bladder, urethra, ureters and even kidneys can be impacted. And, unfortunately, one of the best ways to introduce bacteria into your urinary system is by having sex.”

One way to flush out the invasion of potential bacteria is to urinate after intercourse. Though it doesn’t always guarantee you won’t get a UTI (and can be inconvenient when it comes to passion), taking this extra trip may save you a trip to the doctor’s office and a great deal of discomfort.

Drink A Lot of Water (And, Yes, Cranberry Juice)

In spite of its association with UTIs, once bacteria has taken hold, cranberry juice won’t cure your infection. Studies show however that cranberry consumption can prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to your body’s tissues in the first place.

“The main thing you want to do,” advises Dr. Durrett, “is to drink lots of fluids to keep your bladder hydrated and healthy. Consuming at least 50 ounces of water a day can also help regularly dilute your urine and help clear out bacteria.”

Wipe From Front To Back

Using the bathroom is another way E. coli can sneak into your urethra and give you a UTI. To keep this from happening, after your bowel movement and urination, wipe yourself from front to back instead of the other way around. If this feels like unfamiliar acrobatics, your gynecologist can give you a tutorial.

Stay Away From Douches, Powders, or Other Feminine Cleaning Products

Believe it or not, plain water may be one of the best methods for keeping your vulva and surrounding area clean. “Douche nozzles, powders, and applicators for other ‘cleansers’ can all pick up or hold bacteria, which could then lead to a urinary tract infection,” Dr. Durrett warns. Your body does a fine job of cleaning things “down there” on its own, and cleansing chemicals can further irritate your urethra, making it more susceptible to infection. If you’re uncertain about your vaginal cleanliness and best practices, talk to your gynecologist for individualized tips.

Urinary tract infections are no picnic. And they’re easy to contract even with prevention in place. If you need quick relief from a UTI, or have questions about any other gynecological condition, our top doctors and caring team are here to help. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 404-352-2850.

What Is Myomectomy Surgery?

Myomectomy is a procedure performed by gynecologists to remove fibroids from your uterus. Here, we discuss how the procedure can be performed, as well as some of the reasons why it may be recommended.

When Is Myomectomy Recommended?

Also known as leiomyomas, uterine fibroids often develop during childbearing age. The goal of myomectomy surgery is to remove fibroids — which are muscular tumors — that are causing lifestyle challenges. For example, doctors may recommend the procedure to women who experience persistently uncomfortable symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, pain during sex, and lower back pain.

In some cases, uterine fibroids may also interfere with the ability to become pregnant. While a hysterectomy can be performed to remove fibroids and alleviate their symptoms by removing your uterus altogether, myomectomy is preferred for women who plan to have children, as the process aims to keep your uterus intact.

How Is a Myomectomy Performed?

Myomectomy can be performed in several ways — including in some cases, robotically. The precise method used will depend on factors such as the type, size, and location of your fibroids. Here are the most common approaches.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Certain fibroids may be removed laparoscopically. In this procedure, several small incisions are made in your lower abdomen. Then, a small, lighted device called a laparoscope is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing surgeons to see the reproductive organs. Surgical instruments are then inserted through the other incisions and used to remove the fibroids.

With this minimally invasive procedure, recovery tends to be shorter and easier than open, or abdominal, myectomy. In most cases, patients can anticipate a full recovery within two to three weeks.

Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

In some cases, hysteroscopic myomectomy may be performed instead. With no need for incisions, a camera with a specialized attachment is inserted through the vagina. This surgery is quick and also typically requires a short recovery time, although is best suited for submucous or intracavitary myomas that are easily reached and seen.

Abdominal Myomectomy

An abdominal myomectomy is performed via a horizontal or vertical incision in your abdomen. Because it is more invasive, this procedure is typically reserved for fibroids that are large or deeply embedded within your uterus. In some cases, a surgeon may start out with a laparoscopic surgery and switch to an abdominal procedure if they find that the fibroids are larger or more firmly rooted in the uterus than previously thought.

Recovery after an abdominal myomectomy is similar to the process of healing after any major surgery. Patients will need to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting, and full recovery may take four to six weeks.

No matter which type of myomectomy you need to receive, the process is typically performed under general anesthesia. While laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomies tend to be outpatient procedures, an abdominal myomectomy generally requires a hospital stay of one to two days.

If you think you could be experiencing uterine fibroids or you have other gynecological concerns you’d like to discuss, turn to our providers for high-quality, compassionate care. Our experienced surgeons perform both in-office procedures as well as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy surgeries. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 404-352-2850.

Hysteroscopy: What Is It and When Should You Consider It?

While imaging services like CT scans and MRI can provide many insights about the body, there are certain internal structures that require different techniques for clinical assessment. In the field of gynecology, doctors use a hysteroscopy to look inside the cervix and uterus. Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure.

What Does Hysteroscopy Entail?

A hysteroscopy involves the use of a tube known as a hysteroscope, which is equipped with a small camera. The hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and sends images onto a video screen for analysis. A hysteroscopy can be performed either in a hospital or in a doctor’s office. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it may be performed while you’re awake or under general anesthesia.

The process begins similar to how a Pap smear is performed. The doctor will gently insert a speculum to open your vagina. The hysteroscope will be inserted next, and a gas or liquid (such as saline) will be pushed through the tool to expand your uterus. This provides a better view of your entire reproductive system, including your uterus and its lining, the opening of your fallopian tubes, and your cervix.

Some patients find the procedure and the period afterwards to be painless, but for others, cramping may occur. You may also experience light bleeding, as well as gas pains that can persist for about 24 hours. Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions, which may include taking over-the-counter medications and avoiding sex for several days.

Who Might Need a Hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is commonly used as a diagnostic procedure. For example, a hysteroscopy may be recommended to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding, abnormal Pap test results, post-menopausal bleeding, infertility, or repeated miscarriages.

In some cases, a hysteroscopy may even be used as a form of treatment. Also known as an operative hysteroscopy, this procedure is done by a surgeon to remove any abnormalities causing issues such as irregular uterine bleeding. A surgeon may also use both a diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy at once; for example, they may start out by diagnosing the issue and then perform the necessary treatment to address it thereafter.

Some of the issues that can be treated during hysteroscopy include:

  • Adhesions: Uterine adhesions are areas of scar tissue that can affect fertility and lead to menstrual changes. These may be located or removed during a hysteroscopy.
  • Polyps and fibroids: Surgeons can also perform the surgical removal of these abnormalities during a hysteroscopy.
  • Displaced IUD: Should an intrauterine device become displaced, this procedure is sometimes used to locate and remove it.

Doctors may also take a small tissue sample during a hysteroscopy if any abnormalities are detected that call for further testing.

If you’re experiencing an issue that could benefit from a hysteroscopy, contact our team to discuss your options. Our team uses cutting-edge technology to perform diagnostic and screening tests, as well as procedures to address a range of women’s health issues. Request an appointment online or by calling our office at 404-352-2850.

The Importance of Getting Tested for HIV/AIDS

Disease prevention is an important part of healthcare, but it is especially so with HIV and the resulting condition it may cause: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Here’s more information about HIV/AIDS, and why we encourage regular testing to both protect your health and prevent its spread — even if you are in a committed, monogamous relationship.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the white blood cells of your body. It significantly weakens your immune system, making it difficult to combat other illnesses and infections. Without proper treatment, HIV can cause AIDS, a late-form stage of the illness that can be fatal.

Currently there is no cure for HIV. While there are medicines that can help you live a healthy life and also keep HIV from becoming AIDS, prevention is the best way to stay safe.

Symptoms of HIV in its early stage can be hard to indentify, as they mimic those of the flu. As the disease progresses into later stages, fevers, fatigue, nausea and digestive tract problems, pneumonia, recurring vaginal infections, shingles and weight loss are also possible. But even when HIV advances and AIDS becomes a real threat, you may not experience extreme symptoms. So a test may be the only way you know for sure.

How is HIV Contracted?

Contrary to early myths, HIV is not passed through regular physical contact like hugging or shaking hands, sneezes, insect bites, or water. Instead, HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal or rectal fluids most frequently exchanged during unprotected sex.

This means that any time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, you are at some risk of being exposed to HIV. While it’s less common to receive HIV from a single life-long partner than if your lifestyle involves many sexual relationships, it can still occur. This is in part because unlike many other STIs, HIV can also be transmitted by sharing medical injection tools like syringes or tattoo needles.

Expecting mothers can also pass the disease to an infant during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. So if you have contracted HIV without knowing it, you could not only spread it to your partner(s) — but possibly your child.

When Should I Get Tested, and What Does it Involve?

Safe sex is the key to HIV prevention, but testing contains the spread and allows you to receive potentially life-saving treatment. Though stigma and fear around HIV and AIDS may make you reluctant to get tested, the consequences of these doubts could be dire for you and others.

The CDC advises all pregnant women and individuals between the ages of 13–64 be tested for HIV at least once. There are other recommended guidelines for those of increased risk, but in general, yearly tests are advised for all sexually active individuals. If you are very sexually active with multiple partners, consider receiving a test every few months.

There are three types of tests for HIV, typically involving a blood draw. Antibody tests look for antibodies to HIV in your blood, antigen/antibody tests detect both antibodies and antigens for HIV, and nucleic acid tests (NATs) detect the actual virus. Note that HIV cannot be detected immediately after infection, regardless of the test you receive, so different waiting periods are required.

Your doctor or gynecologist will have the best advice about which test to take and when, as well as how frequently you should be tested. Many schedule their HIV test with their annual Pap smear, but if you are concerned now about HIV and potential exposure to it, our specialists are here to provide caring help right away. You can schedule an appointment with us online, or call (404) 352-2850.

The Importance of Getting The HPV Vaccine

Even if you’ve been on top of your gynecological health for years, HPV and the vaccine preventing it may be new to you. If you are a young person at the beginning of your own health journey, you may be more familiar, but still not understand why doctors are advising it.

Here’s more about this disease, the vaccine that protects you against it, and why women — and men — of nearly all ages may want to partake.

HPV Basics

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI, affecting 43 million Americans in 2018, a number that includes people who have only had sex with one person, and young adults. HPV often does not present symptoms, and frequently goes away on its own within a year or two — making it seem like a relatively harmless STI to contract.

But Dr. Obiamaka Mora warns that almost all cervical cancer — as well as other cancers including those of the penis, anus, vulva, and vagina — is caused by HPV. Over 4,000 women die of cervical cancer alone each year.

Fortunately, HPV is relatively simple to combat.

Vaccination = Prevention

Up to 93% of cervical cancers can be prevented with a combination of an HPV vaccination and regular health screenings. Like many others, the HPV vaccine produces antibodies that bind to the virus when it is introduced to the body, and therefore render it ineffective.

Human papillomavirus vaccines are among the most effective vaccines available worldwide, proving to be 99% successful when given to women who have not otherwise been exposed to the virus.

History of the HPV Vaccine

If HPV and vaccination against it feels new to you, you’re possibly not alone. Formal scientific findings about HPV and its relationship to cervical cancer were not presented to the medical community until 1991. And it took another several years of design and testing for the first vaccine (Gardasil) to receive approval. Since then, two other vaccinations have also been approved, and their acceptance has been generally widespread. As of October 2019, 100 countries worldwide are actively including the HPV vaccine as part of their recommended health schedule.

Who Can Get the HPV Vaccine

“All people ages 9 to 45 can get the HPV vaccine to protect against genital warts and/or different types of HPV that can cause cancer,” Planned Parenthood asserts. And though it may seem a surprising or uncomfortable topic, it’s now also recommended that children as young as 11 or 12 receive the HPV vaccine as part of their regular health check-ups, to ensure they’re fully protected before they become sexually active.

Note that different individuals may need as many as three doses to safeguard against the virus, depending on age and when they first receive the vaccine. Close conversation with your doctor about your age, sexual activity, and other lifestyle or health risks will help determine the cadence best for you.

At Avant Gynecology, we are dedicated to guarding both your sexual and overall health. If you are concerned or curious about HPV —  or any other STI — and want to learn more from a caring professional, call us today at (404) 352-2850, or connect with us online.

The Benefits of Having a Good Skincare Routine

A regular skincare routine can keep your body’s largest organ healthy and looking its best. Boosting your skin health is also an important self-care activity that can benefit your mental wellness — something that may be particularly helpful during hormone swings that can occur during pregnancy, menopause, or your regular monthly cycle.

But a 12-step routine with a multitude of products might cause more stress than good. Though morning and evening routines may vary based on your age and the season, in general, the following steps are all you need to maintain healthy skin.

Cleansing is Key

Washing your face gets rid of the germs, dead skin, and pollutants that may collect on your skin throughout the day. If you go to sleep without washing it, you are inviting those things to wreak havoc, making your skin more oily, prone to acne, and susceptible to skin diseases. Regular cleansing is one of the most basic skincare pillars to build from.

Ideally, wash your face each morning and evening with a cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type. For example, sensitive skin does best with hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas, while a non-comedogenic product is recommended if you have a tendency to have acne breakouts.

Keep in mind whenever you’re washing, that hot water can dry out your skin, leading to inflammation and a decrease in your natural, healthy oils.

Tune Up with Toner

Toning is a revitalizing but often overlooked step of skincare. In the past, toners may have received a bad rep for containing alcohol-based astringents that caused further irritation. But more current formulas available can refresh your skin without stripping away natural moisture.

In general, face toners prep your skin for moisturizing, while polishing off any excess oil and stubborn dirt or makeup that may have been left behind even after washing. They can easily be applied gently using your fingertips or a cotton pad.

Manage Your Skin with Moisture

Moisturizing is the final step in the most basic skincare trio. Regularly applying a moisturizer allows you to lock in moisture, which combats dryness and maintains elasticity.

Similar to cleansers and toners, you can find a variety of different moisturizers formulated for specific skin types. For example, people with overly dry skin may need a cream or ointment formula. If your skin tends to be oily, a gel version will be more lightweight. As you age, your skin produces less lubricating sebum over time, so your moisturizer may need to change along with the rest of you. But applying a lightweight moisturizer each morning and night can help your skin retain its suppleness at every stage.

Other Additional Steps

Once you’ve established a routine with the three basics, you can build in different treatments tailored to your needs and wishes. For example, increased amounts of dead skin cells during different seasons can create dullness and lead to clogged pores, but utilizing a gentle exfoliating product two to three times a week may brighten things up.

If it’s within your budget, an occasional facial can also help boost collagen production, increase blood circulation, and provide a deep clean beyond your standard routine. They’re also highly relaxing, and provide several benefits to boost your mood and mental health.

No matter what you’re doing to tend to your skin, sunscreen should always be a key component no matter the time of year. Use a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, even in winter months, as UV rays are still strong enough to cause damage.

For advice on tending to your skin and every other aspect of your feminine wellness, schedule an appointment with us online, or call (404) 352-2850.