How often can I exfoliate my face without hurting it?
Exfoliation generally isn't recommended by dermatologists, since a lot of the natural oils that protect your skin are stripped in the process. However, some of…
Is there any available Botox that lasts more than three to six months?
It would be a great idea for a pharmaceutical company to develop a longer acting botulinum toxin! Currently, there are three on the market that…
Besides medicated deodorant, is there another option for excessive underarm sweating?
There are three choices for underarm sweating that we typically use here in the practice. One you've already mentioned is a prescription strength antiperspirant, usually…
Can OTC medication cure toenail fungus alone?
Typically no, because there is about a 6% success rate for a topical preparation on the toenail after one year. This means that after one…
I have a quarter size clear scab on my chest that doesn’t heal – is it pre-cancerous?
A non-healing area of the skin is a self-reported patient observation that oftentimes leads to the early recognition diagnosis of skin cancer. Non-healing areas, or…
Summer sunburn dries out my face and reduces my acne. Is this a good thing?
It has been shown that ultraviolet light does have a bacterial static effect on the propionic bacteria that causes acne. Through ultraviolet exposure, you are…
How does the CO2 laser actually reduce acne scars?
The CO2 resurfacing laser is an ablative laser that creates a controlled wound, which is the starting point of improving acne scarring. Acne scars are…
Is cleaning your face morning and night beneficial, or should it just be once a day?
I certainly wouldn't wash your face more than twice a day, and I wouldn't do it any less than once a day. On particularly hot,…
Does Botox lose its effectiveness over time? What should I do?
Botox improves effectiveness over time, because muscle fibers that have been impacted by this neurotoxin do not return to 100% function after each sequential treatment.…
I burned the bottom of my big toe twice in two days. How soon can I pop that big old blister?
You can pop the blister immediately, however, it's important to do so in a sterile environment. First, make sure you wash your foot thoroughly prior…
Will applying Retin A reduce the darkness of my lips?
Lips with dark edges, called hyper-pigmentation, is a feature of ethnicity. With this being said, it can make it difficult to treat patients with darker…
I went straight to bed without washing my face. When I woke up, there was a pile of eyelash clumps!
Yikes! I wonder if a severe contact allergy from the mascara led to the inflammation and subsequent loss of eyelashes in the area. The only…
I’m receiving GentleLase for fine lines around my eyes . . . Thoughts?
GentleLase is not typically used first line for wrinkling. As you will find, it is typically used for hair removal and also occasionally for lentigines…
What is the best facial for mid-20s? Fine lines, acne, scarring, red blemishes?
The VI peel is very helpful for general light resurfacing. Using a blend of acids, the VI peel will be very successful in reversing signs…
I got cosmetic eyeliner eyebrows a few years ago. Big mistake.
The lasering of iron pigments can often times lead to the oxidation of said pigments, which then results in a darker tattoo. This is always…
I developed rosacea from overusing corticosteroids!
Steroid-induced rosacea can be a very hard problem to overcome. A critical component is to discontinue the corticosteroids, usually with a tapered use of topical…
I had a VI peel done four days ago. Started to notice some significant swelling- is this okay?
VI peels can lead to some very brisk shedding of skin, usually 48 hours after the peel, but can extend to 72 to 96 hours…
Is 20 milligrams a week of Accutane enough to stop oily skin?
Nobody likes excessively oily skin. While the oils may protect your skin from signs of aging, it can certainly do more harm in the form…
I’m pregnant and work as a laser physician. I’m using long-pulse Nd:YAG laser. Can I still work?
To my knowledge, there is no significant data for this subject. When light sources are used with correct protective eyewear, it should not lead to…
What are the top three foods that increase acne?
There are a few foods that can increase the acne on your body. Skim milk and high glycemic index foods, meaning foods that contain a…
