Archives: Answers

From what you are describing you have both inflammatory acne (red bumps) and non-inflammatory acne (blackheads and whiteheads). Treatment should target both types. Please see DermTV episode #124, Acne Treatment in Three Easy Steps for more information. From the intensity and severity you are describing, if the suggestions in episode 124 are not significantly helpful within one month, then it’s time to consider seeing a dermatologist for oral treatment with antibiotics.

Hi there, thanks for your question. Scars caused by stitches are usually what we call hypertrophic scars. They are often raised, firm, and they start out pink or red and then become white. For removal options, I recommend speaking with your dermatologist. If you’re looking for an at-home treatment to reduce the appearance of your scars, I suggest using a scar gel available at your local drugstore. Alternatively, try vaseline or another lubricant, and firmly rub on the scar for 15-30 seconds, three to four times a day for a few weeks and that may reduce its appearance. Because you’ve had your scar for a long time, it will be more difficult to make it disappear without the help of a dermatologist.

Hi Jess, thank you for posting your question. I created a DermTV about what water resistant sunscreens and what that really means: http://www.dermtv.com/are-water-resistant-sunscreens-really-water-resistant

On a practical level, I’m not sure that water resistant labeling is all that helpful. So regardless of the labeling on the sunscreen, to help minimize cosmetic and pre-cancerous sun damage, reapply your sunscreen immediately after swimming or sweating. Only then can you be assured of the labeled, if not optimal, sun protection.

Hi there,

Thank you for your question. You’re in luck! I created a DermTV video about how to treat chickenpox scars: http://www.dermtv.com/how-remove-chicken-pox-scars In this video, I discuss the best way to correct the appearance of scars.

For the most effective treatment, see a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

Hi David, I recommend seeing a dermatologist for a mole check. Aside from scheduling a dermatologist appointment, you should also do mole checks at home. In my DermTV video, I explain some tips for identifying pre-cancerous moles: http://www.dermtv.com/easiest-way-identify-precancerous-mole

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your question. Acne is a very common problem– you’re not alone! I recommend visiting a dermatologist to create a skincare plan for eliminating your acne. My DermTV video explains a bit more about adult acne and potential treatments: http://www.dermtv.com/node/844 One cause of hairline acne that I mention in the video is hair products you use in the shower like conditioner could be causing hairline breakouts if not rinsed properly. Also make sure your skincare products are oil-free, as that can trigger breakouts as well.

Hi Adaisha, thanks for your question. First, I recommend seeing a dermatologist to discuss your options. As for at home products that can reduce the appearance of pigmentation, I recommend that my patients use an antioxidant serum each night after exfoliation, like BeautyRx’s Triple Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C is the single most effective antioxidant, and can help make the skin look brighter, smoother, softer, and more even.

Thanks for your question. Many people think that when they see flaking on the scalp it’s dry skin, but dandruff is actually caused by excess oil beneath the scalp. That excess oil causes inflammation which results in redness, swelling, and then causes the skin to be shed prematurely. But when the skin cells fall off early, they don’t have a chance to separate from each other completely so they fall off in tiny mini sheets which are the flakes that you see.

Fortunately, the treatment of dandruff-induced scalp flaking is easily accomplished with shampoos, so we usually don’t need to apply lotions or creams to your scalp. Instead, I tell my patients to buy an over-the-counter shampoo whose active ingredient is salicylic acid, zinc, or selenium. Use it daily for 5-7 days. For the most effective use, lather it up for a minute, then rinse out, and then lather up again for a half a minute before rinsing a final time.

Hi there, thanks for your question. Chicken bumps, otherwise known as Keratosis Pilaris is a common issue that many of us experience. The good news is it’s not dangerous, but still an annoying skin care issue. While there’s no permanent solution, this is another situation where exfoliants can help, because these hard little bumps represent overgrowths of dead cells on the top of the hair follicle. I tell my patients to dissolve them away with a chemical exfoliant, like BeautyRx’s Daily Exfoliating Body Lotion. With continued use, the lotion will reduce the appearance of your chicken skin.

Great question! When the FDA tests sunscreen, it’s the only thing placed on the skin. As a result, I want you to best mimic that (ie. sunscreen first). As a result, there is a chance could it work just as well with something underneath, but someone would have to test that. But until someone does, since sunscreen is the most important product, I like to use it in the way that it’s tested and proven. I tell my patients to cleanse, tone, use sunscreen and moisturizer in AM and all treatments like glycolic exfoliation and Vitamin C in the PM, as to not interfere with sunscreen. I’m happy to hear you are on top of your sunscreen use!