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Love Your Skin: Trinity Vista Dermatology
Like all moms, I sometimes find myself completely and utterly overwhelmed by the shear volume of work it takes to simply make it through the day. Between the office, the housekeeping, the child rearing, and the general hustle and bustle of daily life, Jane Austen had it so right when she said, “Life seems to be but a quick succession of busy nothings.” Although it may be true that those dishes won’t wash themselves or that looming mountain of laundry is sure to spontaneously double in size over night, might I suggest to you, Mom, that you take a little time to care for yourself? It’s so easy to get lost in the daily grind of “busy nothings” and totally forget that your body and mind need to be cared for as well.
I recently took a field trip to Trinity Vista Dermatology where my good friend Julie works (Hi, girlfriend!), and my eyes were opened. Let me be brutally honest, I had NEVER been to the dermatologist before. First of all, I hate going to the doctor’s office, period. I find doctors sometimes insensitive, only interested in the dollars I represent. Also, I’m just plain scared to talk to a stranger about intimate concerns I have about my body. And I hate to say it, but I always viewed dermatology as something for either those who have a very severe skin condition or that are (sorry to say) a little vain.
My trip to Trinity Vista made me realize I was so very wrong. From the moment I walked in, it was clear to me that the very top priority of the doctors and staff there is patient well-being and comfort. I also was surprised at the vast spectrum of services and procedures they offer. They do so much, from cosmetic services that help people have younger, healthier-looking skin, to dermatopathology services that treat often debilitating skin conditions. Treatments in both types of dermatology can be absolutely life-changing for many patients. I got a chance to personally talk to two of the three excellent board certified dermatologists that practice there and ask them a few questions. Allison Readinger, MD, has quite a reputation in our city, having been named one of Fort Worth Magazine’s “Doctors Worth Knowing”. I asked her what she likes so much about her profession:
“I love it when my patients see a change in their skin that can give them new confidence in their lives. This happens every day with acne, psoriasis, hyperhidrosis (excess sweating), and many more skin conditions. When we can take the worries away from people about how they look and feel, we are helping people to live their best lives. I also enjoy educating people about healthy skin behavior and how to prevent skin cancer, since this is so important for lifelong skin health.”
I also got a chance to chat with Catherine Harrell, MD, who left her private practice in Houston to join Trinity Vista. She has a very long list of experience and accomplishments, but my favorite is that she is a new mom! (Welcome to the club, Dr. Harrell!) I asked her what sets Trinity Vista apart from other practices:
“We strive to be a comprehensive practice, and I think we uniquely truly enjoy the full scope of dermatology from treating the patient with the medically complex skin condition or skin cancer to giving our patients a more youthful appearance. Dermatology is a broad and ever-evolving field, and we do our best to stay up-to-date and provide our patients with the most current treatment options available.”
She also expressed specifically how important it is to her, and all the doctors at Trinity Vista to form a relationship with, and really listen to the concerns of each patient. Their entire focus is to address and treat them to satisfaction in order that they may walk out of the doctor’s office, both healthier and more confident in themselves.
My visit was capped off with my very first Photo Facial! It’s a quick procedure that uses a light that gently heats the upper layers of your skin, promoting the regeneration of new collagen. It’s used for the treatment of freckles, age spots, small blood vessels, acne, uneven skin texture, and unwanted hair. Our main focus that day was to treat my freckles. As you can see in the photo above and the left photo below, I’ve got a mask of them growing around my eyes. I’ve always had some freckles but in the last ten years, sun damage and general neglect of my skin has made them considerably more pronounced. The procedure was relatively short, about 15 minutes, and pretty much pain free. It feels like a warm rubber band flicking your skin. Sensitive areas of my face, such as under my eyes felt the heat more intensely than other areas. The majority of the discomfort came afterwards; there was some redness, and it felt like a sunburn, a sensation that was gone in about an hour. The first photo shows me about a half an hour after the procedure. As you can see, my spots and freckles actually appear darker and will continue to do so for a period of time as they are brought up to the surface. Then they will eventually slough off with the natural shedding of my skin. I had no problem covering up the darkened areas with make up; however, if you are treating very dark spots on your face, you might want to consider this when scheduling a Photo Facial right before an important event or portraits where you want to look your best. The second photo is a week and a half after the Photo Facial (I have no makeup on my skin), and you can see quite a difference in the right photo below! I’m very happy with my current results, and I’m looking forward to seeing the full benefits of my procedure soon.
Trinity Vista Dermatology has so much to offer you: knowledgeable and compassionate professionals who have your best interest at heart combined with state-of-the-art technology, some of which is not available in any other dermatologist’s office in Fort Worth. It was my pleasure to go give something new a try and give you a tiny glimpse into this fascinating field. If you’ve been thinking about taking that step towards more youthful looking skin, or perhaps you’ve been living with a very personal, sometimes embarrassing condition that has been affecting your quality of life, I want to encourage you to check out their website and make an appointment for yourself.
To give you that little extra push, the doctors over at Trinity Vista Dermatology want to gift one very lucky Tanglewood Moms reader a generous $250 gift certificate towards any service! Please comment below here on the blog and tell us in a few words about your favorite skincare ritual in order to be entered into our drawing. Entries will be open until 7 pm on Monday, February 20, with the winner being announced at 8 pm that same evening. Go ahead and enter! You deserve it!
Christy Ortiz is a Fort Worth native, and proud to say so. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UT Arlington in Interdisciplinary Studies. She taught for FWISD for eight busy years before switching gears and staying home with her two small children. Her hobbies are interior decorating for friends, photography, and flying kites with her kids. Her South American roots and love for the Spanish language and Latin cultures add to the diverse voices of our group.
Hello!
I’m a local Fort Worth elementary school teacher, wife, and mom. Each night I wash my face with charcoal scrub, pat try, and then use alcohol free witch hazel as an astrigent. I then apply Neutrogena moisturizer (with retinol) to reduce wrinkles.) It’s now bed time! In the mornings, I wash with water only and apply Clean & Clear daily moisturizer to fight acne and keep moisture. I do not wear foundation on a daily basis. I like a more natural look. I only wear eye shadow, lip stick, and mascara to school each day. I save the powder foundation for religious services, date night, and other special occassions. I do not fill in my brows. I keep them shaped by threading. In the summer I add sunscreem to my morning routine and wear hats. PLEASE! Please choose me! I’d lovE to keep the upper hand the fine lines and wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes. I’m 36 next month! This would make my day.
-Jennifer
Making sure I wash my face every night and morning! The 30s are starting to show up on my face more!
I’ve really enjoyed this post. After having a baby, so many changes happen to your body, hair, nails and definitely your skin.
I really love your results! When I ready NO makeup on the second picture I was amazed. I am sure all of us women would love to have spa/skin treatments every month, but are out our budget. Still, once in while its so worth it.
You look beautiful Christy! 🙂
CL
I wash my face with dove and water each night and morning. I always have a sunscreen moisturizer on . My skin is dry and fair so I’m constantly putting more lotions on to keep it healthy
I wash my face day and night and apply a compound prescribed by my dermatologist. I also apply an eye contour serum. Every once in a while I cleanse with my clarisonic brush. And I love using the Boscia black peel-off mask to make my skin look a little healthier.
Congrats Laura!! Thank you for entering the contest We sent you an email about your prize!
I was my face before bed and apply moisturizer (when I remember) then wash again in the am and wear tinted moisturizer, powder, mascara and lip balm.
I use a gentle cleanser every morning and night and I follow it up with a moisturizer! I use a charcoal or mud mask once or twice a week. I need more of a routine and I would love to learn more!
Daily I cleanse at night and moisturize with Skincueticals, and once or twice a week I use an exfoliator by Acure. It’s a favorite of mine.
Daily cleanse and moisturize but my new favorite is an exfoliator by Acure. I add that twice a week, my skin feels great!
I use beauty counter scrub and serum under my makeup(tint foundation) I try to get some sort of peel once a year.
Doing a facemask every other night and putting lotion on my face before I apply makeup in the morning and when I take my makeup off at night!!
Good morning!! I have an uncomplicated routine: wash my face with cetaphil and add cetaphil moisturizer then top off with neutrogena sunscreen. Its simple and it fits my life. Although I should spend more time on me 🙂
I’ve never had a photo facial before but would love to soon! My skincare routine consists of washing my face with a mild face wash in the morning and night and then applying “pink and white” compounds to prevent hormonal acne from forming. I have battled with hormonal acne in the past and visited several dermatologists to figure out a solution to my skin issues. After years of struggling I finally found a solution that works. However, I still have scars from the damage. I would love the opportunity to get a photo facial done to remove the past red acne scars!
As a busy working mom to 3 little ones, I have a very minimalist routine. I wash my face in the morning with a gentle exfoliator and use a coconut oil based moisturizer when dry. In the evening I use soap and water to remove my makeup from the day. As I move into my mid-30’s I am trying to be more conscious of my skincare routine!
My skin care is… I NEED A SKIN CARE ROUTINE NOW!
Hi my name is Yazmin im house wife honestly to be a mom and wife is a lot of work and some times i don’t have time for myself. It’s too hard for me to keep a careful routine but always keep trying ? In this time (35yrs) i think my skin needs a lot of help please choose me my skin would appreciate ?
Hey there!
My skincare routine each night consists of washing my face with Cera Ve cleanser, rinse, then apply avocado mask or a green tea scrub (only done 3 nights a week) and rinse again. Pat dry. NEXT I usually reach for rose petal toner, to tone my face. Finally I apply almond oil on my face along with organic Aloe Vera cream. And off to bed!! This is one of my favorite nite facial skincare ritual!
I wash my face with obagi and use some of there other products and I try to wear makeup as little as possible!
Hi, I’m a 42 year old Fort Worth native that battles with rosacea. For most of my life when I was younger I didn’t (and still don’t) have the need for blush because of my rosy cheeks, as I have gotten older my rosacea has gotten worse with flare ups with acne around my cheeks, chin and forehead. For about the past 20 years I have used day and night olay facial cleaner and olay moisturizer day and night, while it has kept wrinkles away (just some laugh lines), I still battle with rosacea, please help!
Daily sunscreen:)
I love to wash my face at the end of the day. My Clarisonic is my go to along with a great eye cream and moisturizer. Can’t forget the sunscreen in the mornings though!
As I’ve progressed through life, my skin has changed so much! My nightly routine has evolved from a quick wash with facial soap to what seems like a 20 step regimen. Now in my 30’s, my favorite part of the process has become my eye cream! It has been great for reducing puffiness and dark circles, as well as smoothing fine lines. I love it!
I’m currently using Rodan and Fields’ Redefine Regimine, trying to get rid of some forehead creases!
Oh mercy, I feel like I could REALLY benefit from a visit to Trinity Vista! I’m the mom who washes my face (loyally, every night) with baby shampoo…. yep. Oh the rare occasion where I have 30 uninterrupted seconds in the shower, I will use an exfoliating scrub – what a treat! #momlife
I just had my first hydrafacial and LOVED it!! I use vitamin C and B serums on my face and day/night cream to stay moisturized. Just started using a daily sunscreen after noticing some sun damage coming out. Would LOVE to win this!!!
I wash my face every night and morning! I use daily moisturizer and I try to cover my inperfections with make up. I’m in my 50s I have had acne since I was 15 yrs.& up to this day still struguling with it and its terrible scars left behind! I need to get some tipe of treatment for it…
I love Retin A and facial scrubs. 🙂
I love serum, and daily sunscreen!
I like to use a gentle exfoliate in the evening followed by an astringent and following up with a retinol lotion. These three products help keep the skin smoothe and helps with fine lines.
My FAVORITE skin care ritual is getting a facial monthly. Unfortunately, as I creep closer to 40, it would be nice to add something a little more powerful to my skin repertoire! I’d love to check out what Trinity Vista Derm had to offer.
I am a huge fan of photo facials! They really get rid of massive amounts of sun damage!
I am now addicted to wearing sunscreen every single day. I wish I had listened to my mom when I was younger 🙁
I’ve always had very easy skin and an easy skin routine however, age is catching up to me and I’m in need of help with knowing the best thing for my skin! What a great giveaway!
I wash my face morning and night with a sephora facial cleanser, and use a sephora clay mask 2-3 times a week.
Hi I’m Shannon and I’m a skincare NUT. I was that lucky girl in high school who never once had a blemish or a pore. I didn’t even realize how good I had it until I started my freshman year of college. That’s when my severe acne began. I spent the summer after freshman year getting acne laser treatments every other week along with cutting open my pimples and filling with nitrogen every week. After that summer I had the most flawless skin by just washing my face with the Hexam cleanser and following with DML Lotion moisturizer. It wasn’t until this past year when I started my graduate program that my skin problems started to come back. Although I have it under control now, I still have some problem areas that could use some help from Trinity Vista Derm :). My skincare go to’s are: Hexam Cleanser, Clarasonic (2-3 times a week), Toner, moisturizer and of course SUNSCREEN.
I use coconut oil a lot as I am a competitive swimmer and triathlete and my skin really takes a beating ….
I don’t have a daily regimen (yikes!). I do try and apply sun screen regularly.
I wash my face with Shiseido cleanser then use their night cream. Would love to try them out to address my sun damage
Love using antioxidants and charcoal products on my skin!
Oh my goodness, I had no real idea I could get rid of these freckles I have had all my life….that my dad thought made me perfect????
Wow how exciting to know that as I have always dreamed of a face without them and searched products that help cover them up…I could have that smooth skin that everyone has in magazines and on tv or at least closer!
Hi,
My name is Christina and I am a mother of 4 and a small business owner. My skin care regiment consists of buying lots of products, then falling into bed too exhausted to use them! :). I’m trying to do better as I’ve hit my late 30s and my skin is now showing age plus the never ending acne and marks from the acne that never went away! Your services all sound great and this mamma is in need! Thanks!
Great article! I’d love to try out a microdermabrasion treatment or photofacial.
I make sure to take off my makeup and cleanse my face every night, no matter how tired I am. Also, wearing sunscreen daily. I wish I started that when I was younger!
I wash my face every morning and evening with Dove soap. Every other day I use a Retin A product with a moisturizer at night before I go to bed. Unfortunately, my face has some brown spots from my years as a sun worshiper.
Skincare is so important to me as a melanoma survivor! I try to use the most natural products possible (I make my own face scrub, use alba botanics face wash, acure serum, and coconut oil as moisturizer) but I cannot seem to get rid of the melasma brought on by my last pregnancy. I would love to see those disappaear so I can feel comfortable with little makeup!
I love anything that has to do with a fresh face. I do my morning and night routine no matter what every day, it’s a stress reliever to me. It makes me feel pampered and refreshed. I would love this chance to be pampered and to pamper my skin.