About the Expert
About the ExpertDr. Janine Hopkins has practiced dermatology for over 26 years. As a board-certified dermatologist, she lectures at medical meetings both nationally and internationally on cosmetic dermatology, laser science, and skin-cancer treatments. Dr. Hopkins is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and has extensive experience in injecting fillers and neuromodulators. She provides services from cosmetic dermatology to skin-cancer treatments.
Q&A
What unique procedures does your office offer?
Hopkins Dermatology offers image-guided superficial radiation therapy, which is a nonsurgical cure for skin cancer. We’re the only one in North Tarrant County to provide this treatment. It has a 99.3% cure rate for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. We also offer XTRAC, a painless laser treatment for vitiligo and psoriasis.
I have a new or changing skin growth. What could it mean?
It’s very important for people to pay attention to their skin. If they see a lesion that starts changing in shape, size, or color, we need to get them in for an exam. Everyone should have their skin examined once a year. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in our country, so it’s smart to start getting annual checkups with a dermatologist beginning in childhood.
What level of SPF should I wear? Do I really need to apply every day?
Yes, you need to wear it every day and reapply throughout the day. People don’t realize how much sun damage they’re getting in their car.
I recommend using SPF 30 or higher. It’s important to look at the active ingredients and not just the SPF number. I recommend mineral sunscreens with zinc and titanium oxide. Many skincare companies also offer products with antioxidants that block free radicals. Some that offer great skin protection include Revision Skincare®, Skinbetter science®, and ALASTIN Skincare®, as well as my own Hopkins Dermatology Rx medical-grade skincare.
Could my diet be affecting my skin?
Absolutely. Diet is important for skin health. We see inflammatory skin diseases get worse with a poor diet. Sugar is the No. 1 culprit, as it creates more inflammation. We see this in adults with rosacea and teens with breakouts. If you want to eliminate a food for your health, get rid of sugar. You can also add foods that are rich in antioxidants, like fresh fish and brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
What cosmetic services are provided at Hopkins Dermatology?
For those concerned with the inevitable effects of aging, Hopkins Dermatology offers a unique approach, combining a trio of procedures to produce optimal anti-aging outcomes. I use a combination of procedures that I refer to as the “trinity of anti-aging” that includes laser treatments, fillers, and injectable neuromodulators.
Laser treatments combined with fillers tighten and rejuvenate the skin and restore symmetry to the face, while injectable neuromodulators (think Botox) reduce expression lines that have accumulated over time. To ease patient anxiety, I offer the option of using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxed and painless treatments.
How do I know if a skincare product is worth the money?
People spend an exorbitant amount of money on products that haven’t been proven efficacious. As a dermatologist, I do the research and look at the science. Unfortunately, cosmeceuticals are unregulated just as dietary supplements are. Companies can claim that products do different things, but there’s nothing to support those claims. Look for products that have medical-grade status, which means they submitted data — and trust your dermatologist.
