The Derm Institute of West Michigan - Petoskey

11/03/2025

✨ Let’s Talk Skin & Aging! ✨

Your skin tells your story — and how you care for it today shapes how it looks tomorrow 💆‍♀️💧

Here are a few science-backed skin facts to keep in mind 👇

💪 Collagen Declines with Age
By your mid-20s, collagen production drops by about 1% per year. Preventative treatments like microneedling, BBL, or Botox can help keep collagen strong and your skin firm.

💧 Hydration = Radiance
Well-hydrated skin appears plumper, smoother, and more radiant because moisture boosts elasticity and cell renewal.

✨ Exfoliate—But Don’t Overdo It
Gentle exfoliation reveals brighter, fresher skin, but overdoing it can strip natural oils and cause irritation.

💋 Protect Those Lips!
Your lips have the thinnest skin on your body, so they need extra moisture + SPF to stay soft and youthful.

☀️ Sun Damage = Aging’s #1 Cause
Up to 80% of visible aging comes from UV exposure. Daily sunscreen is your best anti-aging tool!

🌿 Healthy, glowing skin starts with consistency — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

11/01/2025

🌟 Fun Facts About Your Skin!

🧬 Did you know your skin is so much more than what you see in the mirror? Here are a few amazing facts that make your skin truly remarkable 👇

✨ Your skin is your largest organ — it makes up about 15% of your body weight and covers roughly 20 square feet!

🔁 Your skin renews itself every 28–30 days, giving you a fresh new layer every month.

🧫 An average adult has around 300 million skin cells working to protect and heal your body daily.

🌿 Your skin has its own microbiome — millions of tiny organisms that keep it healthy and balanced.

💪 And did you know collagen makes up about 75% of your skin’s dry weight? It’s what keeps your skin firm, smooth, and youthful!

🩵 Healthy Skin = Happy You!

Protect, nourish, and love the skin you’re in — this month and every month.

📅 Celebrate National Healthy Skin Month with us! Schedule an appointment to address any skin concerns!

11/01/2025

10/10/2025

💙 Best Ways to Manage Eczema Symptoms 💙

Eczema can be tough, but small daily habits can make a big difference. Here are some dermatologist-recommended tips:

✨ Moisturize often – Apply fragrance-free creams or ointments right after bathing.
✨ Take lukewarm showers – Hot water can strip natural oils and worsen dryness.
✨ Use gentle cleansers – Avoid harsh soaps and fragrances.
✨ Identify and avoid triggers – Common ones include stress, certain fabrics, allergens, or weather changes.
✨ Don’t scratch – Keep nails short and try cold compresses for itch relief.
✨ Manage stress – Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce flare-ups.
✨ Follow your treatment plan – Use prescribed creams or medications as directed by your dermatologist.

🌿 With consistency and care, you can keep flare-ups under control and protect your skin barrier.

10/06/2025

💙 Eczema Treatment Options 💙

Living with eczema can be challenging, but the good news is there are many ways to help manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups:

✨ Moisturizers – daily use of fragrance-free creams or ointments to lock in hydration.
✨ Topical Treatments – steroid or non-steroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching.
✨ Antihistamines – can help calm itching, especially at night.
✨ Light Therapy (Phototherapy) – controlled exposure to UV light under medical supervision.
✨ Oral / Injectable Medications – for moderate to severe cases, prescribed by a dermatologist.
✨ Lifestyle Support – avoiding triggers, gentle skincare routines, and stress management.

🌿 Everyone’s skin is different—what works for one person may not work for another. Always talk with your dermatologist about the best plan for you. 💙

Struggling with Eczema or chronic skin issues? Make an appointment for a personalized treatment plan.

10/02/2025

🌸 Did you know there are several types of eczema? 🌸
Each can look and feel different, but all cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. Here are the most common types:

✨ Atopic Dermatitis – the most common form, often starting in childhood.
✨ Contact Dermatitis – triggered by skin contact with irritants or allergens.
✨ Dyshidrotic Eczema – small, itchy blisters on hands and feet.
✨ Nummular Eczema – round, coin-shaped patches of irritation.
✨ Seborrheic Dermatitis – often affects the scalp (can cause dandruff).
✨ Neurodermatitis – intense itching and thickened skin from repeated scratching.

💙 While each type is unique, they all deserve awareness, support, and care.
This Eczema Awareness Month, let’s spread knowledge and compassion.

10/01/2025

✨ October is Eczema Awareness Month ✨

Did you know that over 31 million Americans live with eczema? 💙 This chronic skin condition can affect people of all ages, causing dryness, itching, and inflammation that can impact daily life.

This month, let’s come together to raise awareness, share resources, and show support for those living with eczema. 💪💙

👉 Follow along as we share tips, treatment options, and ways to manage flare-ups throughout the month.
💙 You are not alone—together, we can make a difference!

08/29/2025

🎥 Hear firsthand how IGSRT made a difference! 💙

This advanced, non-surgical treatment for skin cancer is available right here at The Derm Institute of West Michigan.

📞 Call 231-224-6361 to learn more or schedule your consultation today.

08/25/2025

🌟 Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma with Care 🌟

This patient’s basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the nose was successfully treated using Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) — a safe, non-surgical option for skin cancer care.

💡 Benefits of IGSRT for BCC on the Nose:
✅ Non-invasive — no cutting or stitches
✅ Image-guided precision for accurate targeting
✅ Protects healthy surrounding skin
✅ Minimal risk of scarring in a delicate area
✅ Comfortable, in-office treatment sessions

IGSRT is an excellent alternative for patients who want effective skin cancer treatment while preserving cosmetic appearance—especially on sensitive areas like the face.

👉 Ask us if IGSRT is the right option for you.

08/23/2025

08/21/2025

🩺✨ A Gentle, Effective Option for Skin Cancer Treatment ✨🩺

This patient’s squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the scalp was successfully treated with Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT)—a non-invasive alternative to surgery.

💡 Why IGSRT?
✅ No scalp surgery or stitches required
✅ Precise, image-guided treatment targets only the cancer cells
✅ Preserves healthy surrounding tissue
✅ Excellent cosmetic outcomes with minimal scarring
✅ Comfortable, in-office treatments

IGSRT is a safe and effective way to treat non-melanoma skin cancers like SCC—especially in sensitive areas such as the scalp.

👉 If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with SCC, ask us about whether IGSRT could be the right choice.

Available in Caledonia and Petoskey

Caledonia- 616-326-0114

Petoskey- 231-224-6361

08/12/2025

🛑 Recently Diagnosed with Skin Cancer? 🛑
Avoid Surgery with IGSRT — a Non-Invasive Option!

If you've been diagnosed with Basal Cell or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, there's a treatment that doesn't require cutting, stitches, or scarring. 💡

✨ Introducing IGSRT (Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy):
A safe, effective, and non-surgical treatment option for certain skin cancers.

✅ No Cutting
✅ No Stitches
✅ No Scarring
✅ Quick, in-office treatments

📍 Now available at our Petoskey and Caledonia locations!

📅 Book a consultation today to see if IGSRT is right for you.

📞 Call us to schedule.
Petoskey- 231- 224- 6361
Caledonia- 616-326-0114