Skin Care

Recently Answered

• QWhat is the treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)?

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  A Columbia University Department of Surgery answered

  There are many nonsurgical alternatives to treat patients with hyperhidrosis. Some patients with hyperhidrosis have mild symptoms, which can be helped without the need for surgery. It is important to have a medical evaluation to be certain that symptoms are not the result of an endocrine or hormonal imbalance before trying any over-the-counter remedy. Under the guidance of a board-certified dermatologist, a trial of topical remedies may be recommended if they have not yet been tried. Botox therapy can effectively treat palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis; however, it is not a permanent solution, and symptoms may recur after four to six months. Occasionally, temporary relief is only necessary, such as prior to a major social event. In those instances, Botox therapy can be considered. Other treatment options include:

  • Drysol
  • Drionics
  • Herbal therapy
  • Beta-blockers
  • Anticholinergics
  • Tap water ionotophoresis

  Patients with severe symptoms who fail to respond to these non-surgical remedies can be referred for surgery.

• QWhat is hyperhidrosis?

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  A Dr. Peter S. Mikhail, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

  

  The most common form of hyperhidrosis is sweaty palms. Peter Mikhail, MD, from Medical Center of Trinity speaks on the commonality of this condition and other symptoms in this video.

  

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  Dr. Mikhail - What Is Hyperhidrosis?
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• QWhat should I do if I have moles?

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  A Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine answered

  If you have moles, it is good to know where they are, how big they are and what they look like. Any concerning-looking moles should be looked at by a doctor. Concerning signs include the following:

  • asymmetry (if you draw a line through the middle of a mole the two halves should match; if not, it's asymmetrical)
  • uneven borders
  • one mole with multiple colors
  • large moles
  • moles that change over time

  Keep an eye on your moles. If you notice changes, have a doctor examine them.

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• QWhat causes moles to form on the skin?

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  A YouBeauty answered

  Usually brown or black in color, moles are caused when melanocytes grow in clusters or clumps. And thank your parents for the gift. “Moles are usually congenital, and you can get new ones until about the age of 40,” L’Oreal Paris Consulting Dermatologist, Gervaise Gerstner, MD, told us.

• QWhat causes dark under-eye circles?

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  A Dr. Randolph P. Martin, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of Piedmont Heart Institute

  

  Dark circles can be caused by genetics, or if your parents or sibling has dark circles you may have increased risks. Watch my video to learn more about what causes dark circles and bags under the eyes.

  

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  What Causes Dark Circles and Bags Under the Eyes?
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• QHow can I treat dark circles under the eyes myself?

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  A Dr. Salvatore J. Pacella, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered on behalf of Scripps Health

  Several options are available for removing or reducing dark circles under your eyes. Which one you choose depends on what’s causing the dark circles. Nonsurgical treatment options include bleaching creams, laser therapies, chemical peels, and injectable fillers, to name a few. If the dark circles are caused by the shape of your lower eyelid and how light hits that area, surgery may be your best solution. In this case, speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon, who can guide you in choosing the best treatment for you.

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• QHow can I prevent brown spots on my face?

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  A YouBeauty answered

  Daily use (rain or shine!) of SPF 30 or greater is your strongest ally against developing brown spots on your face. David Bank, MD, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, prefers sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, referring to physical sunscreen ingredients that some experts feel are more reliable than their chemical counterparts.

• QHow can I get rid of turkey neck without surgery?

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  A YouBeauty answered

  There are several strategies for getting rid of your turkey neck using topical products, depending on how advanced your particular case is. “If it’s very pronounced, surgery will give you the biggest bang for the buck,” Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, told us. “But for women who are scalpel-shy, there are several non-invasive treatments.”

  If the skin on your neck is only slightly lax -- or if your goal is preventing turkey neck—applying a topical cream to the area can offer some help. “A vitamin-A cream like tretinoin can have a subtle skin-tightening effect,” says Dr. Fusco. “Just keep in mind that it won’t have any effect on fat.” Ask your dermatologist about a prescription Retin-A cream or go the over-the-counter route and look for a lotion with retinol.

  Good-for-your-skin ingredients like peptides and antioxidants can also help to improve the appearance of neck skin that’s just starting to slacken. “They help mature skin by supplementing skin’s natural youth-retaining functions, which increases elasticity,” says aesthetician Christina Zehavi.

  And of course, daily sunscreen is a must. The thin skin on your neck is especially vulnerable to ultraviolet A (UVA) damage, which contributes to a loss of elasticity. “So many women ignore the skin on their neck,” says Fusco. “You need to give it the same care you give your face.”

• QDoes darker skin age more slowly?

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  A YouBeauty answered

  The greater amount of melanin in darker skin tones can preserve the youthful look of your skin longer—but it can't totally prevent your skin from aging. “If you take care of your darker skin, it’s an advantage to you as you age, but if you don’t wear sunscreen, you’re no better off,” Montclair, New Jersey, dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, told us.

• QDo my genes control how fast my skin ages?

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  A YouBeauty answered

  While environmental and lifestyle factors no doubt play a major role in how you age, experts say that pure genetic luck is the foundation of the equation. A 2009 study of twins published in the Archives of Dermatology revealed that up to 60 percent of skin aging is due to genetics, Dr. Heidi Waldorf, director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, told us.

  But be forewarned—this fact could work against you if the assumption that you have “good” genetic odds leads you to not care for your skin. “You can have the best genes in the world, but if you smoke or bake in the sun, you’ll look 10 to 15 years older,” says Los Angeles dermatologist, Dr. Ava Shamban. “Moral of the story: Don’t count on your genes to save you from a poor lifestyle. It’s genetics and environmental damage to genetic code that determines the speed you age.“