Our Questions & Answers sections one of the most comprehensive on the Internet. The most recent are below, and our archives are to the left. I you have a question of your own, fill out the form on the lower left of the page.



Q.I have very large pores on my legs. Large enough that the hair underneath can be seen. How do I make them smaller?

A.This is a hard condition to treat.  In my experience, alpha hydroxyl acids have improved this but not cured it. There are moisturizers that have acids in them.  Try using these twice a day.



Q.I have been using lightening gel for hyperpigmentation around the beard area for about 4 weeks but it does not seem to be working. Should I discontinue the product? What else would you suggest?

A.   The pigmentation in the beard area is probably from inflammation (ingrown hairs or pimples. Bleaching creams decrease that type of pigmentation but do not clear it.  That type of pigmentation is different than pigmentation from the sun - bleaching creams are very effective for that.  Part of the answer is decreasing the inciting process. For example, get control of the acne or be more aggressive about addressing ingrown hairs. (more Q&A on Ingrown Hairs)



Q.I work out everyday and I had a baby 2 yrs. ago. I've lost weight but my stomach is really wrinkly and I hate looking at it - what can I do to get the wrinkles to go away?

A.The body can only absorb "so much" extra skin such as from excessive weight loss or pregnancy.  Excess skin removal is usually done surgically in a procedure called an abdominoplasty.  This procedure only removes excess skin.  Liposuction may also me an option. A good plastic surgeon will evaluate you and explain your options which should include weight maintenance and nutrition.



Q.About a month after my daughter was born, I feel itchy everywhere, on my arms, legs, body ... Is there anyway to cure this irritated skin?

A.With dramatic changes to the body such as pregnancy, delivery, dramatic weight gain/loss, new medications, surgery etc..., the skin can become more sensitive.  It is not uncommon to get rashes or go through phases of itching. It is first important to identify possible causes. For example, stopping a new medication or vitamin may stop itching. If a cause for the itching is not identified, the symptoms are usually controlled with antihistamines.  The antihistamines are used daily with moisturizers. Many antihistamines are available over-the-counter.  If the itching does not resolve within a few weeks, a physician should be consulted.



Q.I have several moles on my back and shoulder that I would like a doctor to examine. How do I pick a dermatologist?

A.Your question is good because many people don't know what is dangerous.   Skin cancer may be a silent killer.  Most of the time people don't know when they have it.  A dermatologist's job is to identify and treat suspicious areas in the skin. There are dermatologists in almost every community throughout the United States. Ask your friends, the best recommendations are word of mouth. Read about skin cancer on YourSkinDoctor.com



Q.I'm in my mid-30's & about a month after my daughter was born I developed facial acne; something that I've never experienced. She's a year and a half now, and the acne still occurs. Why?

A. As you know, the body changes tremendously during pregnancy. Some of the changes are long lasting and of no fault of your own. It is not uncommon that allergies and acne develop after pregnancy.  The acne after pregnancy is treated like traditional acne and I'm sure your dermatologist can help you. Read about acne in YourSkinDoctor.com.



Q.I am considering Botox and am afraid of being poisoned.  Is it safe?

A.The commercial brand of Botox is very safe.  It is made from a purified bacteria toxin called Botulinum Toxin. It is used in minute concentrations at localized muscle sites.  The result is that it paralyzes the intended muscle.  When used by a trained professional, this is a very safe procedure.  The "Botox"  scare in Florida was not real Botox.  This was a copycat brand that was not safe  for humans. Using a name brand "Botox" is important and assures you the safety and reliability of the product.



Q. Are there any products that combat the dark areas of skin under and between the eyes? If so an answer would be greatly appreciated.

A.   Dark areas under the eyes are a common problem. The cause is unclear but it does involve anatomy, genetics and blood circulation to the area. There are no treatments that I know of that permanently fix it. Most of the time the appearance can be improved as the health of the skin is addressed. I personally like topical vitamin C as it helps achieve healthier skin.  Don't hesitate to use eye cover-up creams. They really do a nice job.



Q.Two years ago I got sunburned on my face making it swell up.  My doctor advised hydrocortisone cream 1% which did take the swelling down. It has happened again, so I went to buy the same cream,  but the chemist says it is not recommended for use on the face as it thins the skin, (the leaflet also says 'do not use on face').  I am wondering what to do.  Take my doctor's advice or the chemist's advice.

A.That is a great question. Physicians see what happens in clinical practice.  Many times physicians will use medications in ways that are different from the manufacturer's indication(package insert).  That is the art of medicine. This doesn't mean that you should blindly accept any physician's prescribed treatment. It is always good to ask questions and find out why the physician prescribed or recommended a particular medication or treatment.



Q.What is good to use for blackheads? I have several on my nose and around cheeks and chin.

A.Blackheads are considered a type of acne.  The pores get blocked by oil and skin cells/debris.  It is usually NOT a question of cleanliness.  Useful products for blackheads are over-the-counter and prescription retinoic acids and other topical acid cream formulations.  A key point is that this is a maintenance problem and the creams must be used on a daily basis.  The creams will help prevent new blackheads and will loosen the existing ones.  The current blackheads can be removed at home or in a medical setting with acid peels and extraction.  You do need a qualified health care professional to advise you on this as there is a "right way" and a "wrong  way".  Be patient, you can clear them with the right advice.



Q.I am 35 years old. Since last year I’ve had a small mark on my cheek which was about 1 mm at the start but now expanded to about a penny size now.  I had used a bleaching cream recommended by the doctor and sold here by the name of TRI-MELASIN. There are no positive signs of improvement.  Kindly guide me in the treatment.

A.   From a dermatologist's perspective, dark areas on the face are not always straight forward. Possibilities include: growths, reaction to medications, sun exposure or  moles.  Assuming that it is from sun exposure, bleaching agents used twice a day along with sunscreen/sunblock twice a day is essential.  This regimen may be complimented with acid creams and retinoids if necessary. I think people should start easy from a practical standpoint.  You can always add products with time.  Be patient, many times these areas take months to improve.  Of course. if you are not seeing results, you should see your dermatologist.



Q.I put on weight drastically a few years ago leaving the skin tone of my inner thigh darker than normal. What can I do to calm this problem?

A.   Sometimes weight gain can cause a condition called acanthosis nigricans.  This condition is seen in skin folds such as on the neck, axilla and groin. The skin has a brown velvety texture.  This condition is benign and usually just a chance occurrence; however, there is a distant association with diabetes. If you have not been checked for this, you should see your physician.  I would also ask your doctor if there is any metabolic reason for your weight gain. There is no cure for the condition but sometimes the discoloration will fade with weight loss.



Q.I'm so happy to have come across such a site which has all the answers to my skin related problems. Well, I have got an answer already but doctor could you please recommend what should I use to get rid of this melasm?

A. I'm fair skinned with green eyes. What products and how to use? I would be so grateful. Melasma is a skin condition of hyperpigmentation (brown spots) on the face. It is mostly seen in females and it is frequent during pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives.  Other influential factors include:  genetic predisposition, sun exposure, medication and cosmetics. Treatment options vary. First and foremost, sunscreen/sunblock is essential! An SPF 30 or above applied 2-3 times a day. Bleaching agents or lightening gels used twice a day help lighten the pigmentation.  Add a retinol cream nightly and home glycolic acid peel twice a week will also compliment the regimen. It is important to impress on people that this is a gradual process and compliance and patience is imperative.



Q.I have dark pores on my legs, and I was just wondering if there was anything I can do to clear them up, I have very light skin so they are very noticeable. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

A. Assuming that you are referring to "dark pores" as the hair follicles, this may represent a condition called keratosis pilaris. This is a benign follicular plugging condition that seems to run in families.  It has a predilection for the outer arms, thighs and buttocks. Most of the time, this condition can be controlled but not cured.  Treatments vary from retinoic acid preparations to alpha hydroxy creams.  Read about keratosis pilaris in YourSkinDoctor.com.



Q.My face is broken out, dry, and oily at the same time. I never know how to fit in putting on lotion and putting on my acne medication (Retin-A tretinoin 0.05%) and when to put on which in my daily basis. My skin gets very shiny and gets in the way when I'm trying to go out and feel confident. The lotions I've used (Keri, Eucerin, Aveeno) cause my skin to get even more shiny or more broken out or they just don't moisturize my skin very well. Am I using the wrong lotions or cream and how and when should I put each on? I'm also using an oil-free cream cleanser with 2% salicylic acid by Neutrogena which seems to dry out my skin further, but my dermatologist recommended it. Is this not good and can I just switch to something else despite my dermatologist’s advice?

A.   Your problem is very common and not really complicated. Combination skin is always a challenge. It is important that the basics are covered as far as washing and make-up. If the wash is drying you out, then it's time to switch. Gentle cleansing or glycerin bars are always a nice start.  Use your hands and no wash rag or buff puff.  Make sure that all your make-up is oil free. It cannot say water based. Also, do your hair styling first before you wash your face. This is so the hair care products do not get on your face.  The term non-comedogenic is also acceptable. Retinols (Retin - A) is excellent for acne.  Sometimes people will breakout before they get better and I encourage them to stick with it (good or bad) for six weeks.  That is the time required to see if the acne is going to clear. In the oily areas we encourage the retinol to be applied a little more liberal. Conversely, in the dry areas, the retinol is applied sparingly.  A moisturizer can also be applied to the dry areas as long as it is oil free.  Moisturizers are most effective when used twice a day. Before you start adding new products, see how you do with what you have.



Q.I am confused as to what products I should use and when.  In the mornings I like to use and anti-aging moisturizer that has an spf of 15 and also like to use a topical vitamin C serum.  Which should I put on first and if the products are from different manufacturers will they still work together? Also I tend to have oily skin, so is using both these products, together, in the mornings going to aggravate that condition?

A. It always is a question as to what products to use first in skin care. Topical vitamin C must always be the first product on the skin as it binds to the top layers of the skin. Sunscreen/block should always be the last product on the skin. Make-up can go over the sunscreen. If you have oily skin, make sure your products are oil free. It is ok to mix and match products from different companies. Make sure they have the key ingredients for your skin.



Q.I have brownish colored splotches under my arms that are dry and itchy, I have tried various products to get rid of them. They are more noticeable in the warmer temperatures, and tend to become more itchy. Can you please give me an idea of what it might be, and a cure if available?

A.   Sometimes irregular pigmented "splotches" can be a fungus in the skin called Tinea Versicolor.  This is a fungus present on everyone's body.  Under the right conditions (heat, friction and sweat) the fungus may flourish.  This is treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams twice a day for 7-10 days.



Q.What is the best way to treat vitiligo?

A. Vitiligo is a skin depigmenting condition stemming from the body's autoimmune reaction to the melanocytes (pigment cells) in the skin. This condition is not harmful nor is it dangerous. Many times there are still active pigment cells at the base of hair follicles.  These cells can be stimulated to repigment the skin in hair bearing areas.  For example, an area on the forearm can repigment and the top of a finger cannot. Historically, repigmentation is accomplished via topical cortisone creams and/or light treatments.  Newer "immune modulating" creams are now available. These creams and treatments are prescribed and monitored by your dermatologist.  Remember, light skin is very sensitive to the sun - Use your sun protection!!