Hello Dr. Bailey,

I saw your replies and information on the Rosacea Forum and am inquiring about your product recommendations for myself. I am a 59-year-old woman with diagnosed rosacea for the past 20 years. My skin is highly sensitive and I am unable to tolerate any sunscreens and moisturizers. Currently the only thing I can use is Aquanil to wash my face (which I am now reacting to) and I pat on a little concealer. My skin is also very dry.

What of your products would you recommend? With your experience with older rosacea patients with highly sensitive, dry skin – what have you found to be successful?

I look forward to hearing about your product recommendations.

Thank you,
Linda

Hello Linda,

What you describe is very severe and I wonder if there might not be a confounding diagnosis. Some of the more common ones that come to my mind are:

1. an allergic or irritant contact dermatitis from some remote product (hair care products that manage to get on to the facial skin, airborne allergens like room fresheners, etc.)
2. a photosensitivity condition, such as a medicine causing sun sensitivity (even thru windows)
3. facial dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)
4. demodex mite inflammation

My approach is to always make sure that IF there are confounding factors causing skin barrier issues that we address those too. Barrier issues in these cases happen when the underlying rash (or rashes) causes skin inflammation and increased skin “porosity” so even mild products get in too easily, sting, and increase the inflammation. When I hear someone talk about sensitivity sufficient enough to cause widespread product intolerance along with dryness, I start looking for a confounding diagnosis along with the rosacea.

That said, if skin is exquisitely sensitive solely due to barrier issues associated with rosacea, then I do a “rosacea cool down” to quiet inflammation and improve skin barrier strength. Only then can we move on with topical rosacea skin care treatments. (See my more usual treatment approaches for rosacea in my 5-post series on rosacea.)

We usually need to do the cool down for two months before we can begin rosacea treatments. Again, the aim is to quiet inflammation to allow the skin barrier to heal. Exactly how I do this cool down varies from patient to patient.

In general, my “Rosacea Cool Down” looks like this:

• I usually have my patients cleanse their skin with Toleriane Cleanser twice a day.
• They then apply Replenix CF Cream.
• Unless their skin is really oily, I usually have them apply a very thin layer of bland oil as a “safe” moisturizer immediately after washing and applying Replenix CF Cream. We pick this oil depending on what does not sting their particular skin. Options for “safe” oils include canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, extra virgin coconut oil, or jojoba oil. This is important because dry skin just doesn’t easily regain its barrier strength.
• If the skin is really inflamed, I try to use the most tolerable non-halogenated cortisone that I know, which is Locoid Ointment. We use this in place of the oil because the ointment base will act as a moisturizer. Locoid Ointment can sting some people’s skin though and occasionally I need to have hydrocortisone compounded in whatever topical ointment or cream they know their skin will tolerate. Cortisone application is often key to quieting inflammation but it’s a short-term solution since cortisones dependency can be a problem for rosacea.
• We sometimes also need to use oral tetracycline (which is not available in the US right now, hello Washington, anyone going to address that!) or doxycycline for a few months. These antibiotics may be working because of their anti-inflammatory properties, not their antimicrobial, we don’t know, but they do help rosacea so we use them.
• I have my patients strictly avoid the sun by wearing hats and ideally using a pure mineral zinc oxide sunscreen too because sun can trigger rosacea. I’ve had pretty good tolerance with my most sensitive skin patients to a pure zinc sunscreen called Glycolix Elite Sunscreen.
• I have them avoid things that trigger their rosacea (foods, temperatures, etc.).
• I recommend they eat a diet that does not fuel inflammation, meaning a veggie-heavy diet, and take probiotics or eat probiotic-rich foods.

You can find links to the products I mentioned highlighted in the text above. They are the tools in my toolbox and I have them on my site because, in my experience, they are the best for treating sensitive skin from rosacea.

When a patient comes back for examination of their skin in two months, we see how their skin looks and then try to craft a more sustainable skin care regimen to treat and suppress their rosacea. You can see what that looks like in my Rosacea Article Series:  Skin Care Tips For Rosacea and Medical Treatments for Rosacea. You can also see my diet recommendations and ideas for a more natural approach in that series too. Here in the Northern California Wine Country, people are interested in natural remedies for health problems and I’ve learned a lot of really good tricks from my patients over the years as they’ve experimented with natural remedies for rosacea.

So, it’s a complex answer to your question.  The most important point is that the sort of exquisitely sensitive skin that you describe requires accurate diagnosis of any confounding problems and then a multi-staged customized approach, and even then, it’s a tricky situation.

Warm Regards,
Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

How to Treat Highly Sensitive Skin from Rosacea is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

On the Rosacea Forum, “Ghost” asked me a question about Poikiloderma of Civatte. Ghost was interested in what causes Poikiloderma of Civatte and what could be done about it. I realized that this is a good Ask Dr. Bailey question and I wanted to share my answer with my readers here.

As with so many medical conditions and treatments, this one immortalizes Civatte, a physician who described the condition in the 1920s.

What is Poikiloderma of Civatte?

It’s a mottled discoloration on the sides of the neck, typically sparing the area under the chin. There is usually a brawny redness to the skin that looks like a staining, and it sort of is. There are also little telangiectasias (“broken” capillaries that are not really broken just prominent and visible).

The discoloration is triggered by chronic sun exposure, which is why it spares skin under the chin. Fair-skinned people are more prone to it, as with most sun damage conditions, although I’ve seen it on all skin types.

In Poikiloderma of Civatte, the discoloration is due to:

1. “Broken” capillaries and the blood in these visible and prominent capillaries
2. Brown staining of the skin from iron that comes from red blood cells (hemosiderin)
3. Melanin deposited in the skin from sun damage

What is the treatment for Poikiloderma of Civatte?

Treatment needs to target all three of these things, plus sun protection. The brown color is sort of like a tattoo with staining by the melanin and hemosiderin, which is why creams don’t work to really get rid of the discoloration. Skin care products are an important part of treatment though.

My Skin Care Regimen to Treat Poikiloderma of Civatte includes:

1. Broad spectrum sun protection: I recommend mineral zinc oxide sunscreen every day. I also recommend using clothing, hats, and scarves to protect the skin that is so prone to this stubborn condition. Click here to see the sunscreens that I trust for my patients.
2. Pigment-lightening products, such as prescription tretinoin, glycolic acid, and possibly even prescription hydroquinone:  Neck skin is sensitive and can usually only tolerate glycolic acid or tretinoin twice a week, but it still helps. The sides of the neck are more tolerant of these products than the central mid-neck area, which is good since that is where Poikiloderma of Civatte causes the discolored skin. Click here to see the true professional-strength glycolic acid products that I use and trust for my patients. 
3. Antioxidant skin care products for all sun damage treatments: These products employ vitamin C (which also can lighten pigment by its own unique mechanism) and/or Replenix CF or Green Tea Antioxidant Skin Therapy – Replenix Power of Three Cream. Click here to see these professional strength antioxidant products that I use in my dermatology practice.  

A typical daily skin care routine would look like:

AM: Apply Replenix CF Cream followed by Professional Cell Repair Serum then Citrix Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

PM: Apply Replenix CF followed by Glytone Face Cream #2

My Anti-Aging Antioxidant Kit plus AHA includes all of these, plus Replenix Exfoliation Scrub, which helps to brighten the skin so that it looks better. It also allows products to penetrate better, enhancing results. Click here to see my Anti-Aging Skin Care Kit, which contains the best antioxidant skin care products, a great mineral zinc sunscreen, and glycolic acid treatment options. 

Procedures that I use to treat Poikiloderma of Civatte in my dermatology office:

Skin care is important for preventing and treating Poikiloderma of Civatte, but to really reverse the color we often have to do laser treatments. The best for this problem is Intense Pulsed Light “laser” treatments (called BBL in my office because I have the Sciton BBL machine) or other types of laser treatments like the V-beam which treats skin capillaries. Click here to see the laser services we offer in my Sonoma County Dermatology Office.

Whenever I see a mottled brawny redness on the sides of the neck, I also look for some of the other conditions that occur there, that can lead to more redness and discoloration, and that I would want to treat too. These conditions include the presence of demodex mites (yes really), pityrosporum folliculitis (a yeasty acne), rosacea (occurs off the face too), and dandruff (yes, really too).  That little triangle of the neck under the ear is a busy place! I have information on my blog about these conditions. Use the category buttons on the right margin of the blog and click “Acne” or “Rosacea” to find most of the information on these topics.

Great question Ghost. Poikiloderma of Civatte is such a common skin problem and I wanted to share my answer with all of my readers.

Warm Regards,

Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

What is Poikiloderma of Civatte? is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Dear Dr. Bailey,

I am a 62-year-old woman with rosacea – I have had it for most of my life. My skin is still a mess, but I am hoping the products I purchased online from you will help me with that. My question is how to get rid of sebaceous hyperplasia papules (or at least STOP new ones from appearing). They are out of control, every time I look in the mirror I have more! I’ve had them removed by laser in the past but they return with a vengeance. My skin is very oily. HELP!!!

Thank you,
Mary Jo

Hello Mary Jo,

This is a tough problem. There is actually no known way to stop or control the development of sebaceous hyperplasia papules from forming. That said, I never give up. I agree, they are very annoying and I can hear your frustration almost as though you were speaking to me in the same room.

Sebaceous hyperplasia papules are benign growths of the otherwise normal oil glands. Every pore has an oil gland and most of the time these glands are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. For some reason, in some people, oil glands start growing into little benign “tumors” called sebaceous hyperplasia papules. 

We don’t know why sebaceous hyperplasia happens, but the growths are more likely to occur in people prone to rosacea, especially those with oily skin and large pores. My approach to helping someone in my practice whose skin is a “sebaceous hyperplasia former” is to try to counter these characteristics. I do it with skin care, diet, and procedures.

Skin Care: 

I always recommend my Redness Relief Kits:

Facial Redness Relief Kit – Paraben Free with Resveratrol

Facial Redness Relief Kit

I try to find a tolerable deep pore cleaning product for their skin type. Options include:

1. benzoyl peroxide,
2. glycolic acid,
3. glycolic acid with salicylic acid in an oil removing preparation, and
4. tretinoin cream.

Benzoyl Peroxide, Acne-Treatment Lotion for Sensitive Skin

These are all potentially irritating products and it is an experiment to find the right one for an individual’s skin type and tolerance. My acne products contain the first 3 ingredients. Tretinoin is prescription.

I recommend a Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush System because it helps deeply clean oil and debris from the pores.

I consider using a permethrin cream to address demodex mites. Yes, really! Almost everybody has them in their pores and some actually live in the oil gland. Who knows, they may play a role. This treatment requires a prescription product that is very “off label” so it needs to be discussed with the treating dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxides may help with demodex and that is an OTC option.

Diet:

I always recommend dietary changes because I see less sebaceous hyperplasia papules in people who eat a very healthy diet. That means less rich foods and more vegetables. A summary of my recommendations can be found in the post titled The Best Diet for Healthy Skin in 2012.

Procedures: 

In fair-skinned patients, if appropriate, I recommend a series of IPL treatments because IPL helps with rosacea and, in my experience, it can even reduce the appearance of sebaceous hyperplasia papules. (This is my observation, though it’s hard to understand why it works.)

I also treat the existing sebaceous hyperplasia papules as they arise. My treatment preference is electrocautery with a low current and fine epilating needle. I find it works beautifully, does not leave marks, and shrinks the charming and exuberant sebaceous lobules such that they are barely visible.

Great question about a frustrating condition. I hope my information helps.

Warm Regards,

Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

Dermatologist Tips to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

The pores on your skin are home to many microscopic inhabitants including bacteria, yeast, and – yes – mites. The rosacea puzzle is taking form and microscopic mites may well be playing an important role!

The mites are demodex. Mammals have demodex on their skin, us included. Demodex mites live mostly in our pores and oil glands. They prefer the oiliest parts of our face like the “T-zone”. They eat skin cells and sebum (skin oil). They’re shy; rarely venturing out of the pores where they live, lay their eggs and die.

We’ve known that skin affected by rosacea has a greater numbers of mites in the pores. What we haven’t known is just what the connection is between the mites and rosacea’s skin problems. But, the puzzle is starting to take form.

Scientific studies connecting mites and rosacea have been popcorning out in medical journals and conferences over the past few years. Researchers are gathering evidence that a bacteria on human demodex mites may trigger a complex cascade of events that lead to the skin problems of rosacea.

A paper just published in the August Journal of Medical Microbiology surveyed the scientific literature looking for all of the scientific studies examining the mite/rosacea connection. The authors found a number of papers linking the skin problems of rosacea to the presence of the bacteria on demodex mites. These skin problems include skin barrier fragility (sensitive skin), flushing, permanent “broken” facial capillaries, sebaceous hyperplasia (enlargement of oil glands), and the red rash and pustules of rosacea.

There are two bacteria that may be to blame, Bacillus oleronius and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Interestingly, these microbes are sensitive to the antibiotics that we dermatologists have used for years to treat rosacea. It may have been the mite’s bacteria that we’ve been treating all along. Conclusions haven’t been reached but it’s fascinating, surprising, and just a little creepy.

So what are the facts that we do know about demodex mites on our skin?

• Demodex mites live in the pores on places of the human body where there is a lot of oil (T-zone, chest, ear canal, and groin). Only rarely can they get through the lining of the pore and into the second layer of the skin called the dermis. When they do, they may cause severe inflammation such as large inflammatory pustules (pimples). It may be this entrance into the skin that is responsible for some of the worst inflammatory aspects of rosacea.
• Demodex mites live for less than 3 weeks and their eggs hatch in less than 3 days.
• They have to be in a pore to survive; they can’t live outside the pore. They only come out of the pore at night to mate, traveling at most ½ inch away from their home for dating purposes! When done, they scramble back down into their pore to lay their eggs. Click here to see the best (and grossest) pictures that I could find of demodex mites stuffed into human pores head first (which is how they like it): Shootingparrots.co.uk and psmicrographs.co.uk
• Human babies are born with no mites, and then their pores slowly become inhabited by them. Every race in all parts of the world has demodex mites – sorry to break the news but none of us are spared!
• As we age, we become more likely to have a lot of mites in our pores. In fact, 100% of the elderly have demodex mites in their pores. It may be the quality of sebum (oil) not the quantity that makes the pores hospitable for the mites since the elderly outpace teens in skin mite density. There may also be some element of immune underperformance on the part of our skin that allows the mites to thrive.
• There are two types of mites; they live in different parts of the pores and cause different manifestations of rosacea. Demodex folliculorum lives in the main portion of the pore and it’s more likely to cause scaling redness and sensitive skin. Demodex brevis lives deeper in the sebaceous glands (which comes off the pore) and is more likely to cause the papulopustular eruption (rosacea pimples), the symmetrical rashes, and other skin problems arising on the background of a pre-existing rosacea.
• The B. oleronius bacteria are found on the demodex mites that colonize human skin. It may actually be a protein on the B. oleronius bacterium that is capable of leading to the inflammatory cascade seen in rosacea including ocular rosacea.
• The bacterium S. epidermidis is a normal skin bacterium, but it is found to be more prevalent in the facial pustules and inflamed eyelash line of rosacea blepharitis.

So what treatments might help with this bacteria-on-the-mite problem?

That’s an unanswered question since it’s a mite versus bacteria versus inflammatory cascade question. At this point, we don’t have good care guidelines, so patients and physicians are left to figure this out on their own. Some of the options I discuss with my rosacea patients include:

• The possibility of trying to treat the mites with oral ivermectin. The mites may come back easily, so repeated treatments over time may be necessary to control demodex.
• In my practice, I’ve prescribed permethrin cream nightly for a week. I have my patients repeat this as necessary. However, it is totally an off-label treatment.
• Several years ago, I attended an American Academy of Dermatology lecture given by a physician practicing in Israel where they use benzoyl peroxide for demodex. Permethrin is not available there  and this physician said she gets good control of facial demodex infestation and rosacea pustules with benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to sensitive rosacea-prone skin however.
• The topical and oral antibiotics that have been the mainstay of rosacea therapy for years still have a role, and it may be that their target is the bacteria on the mite.
• I find zinc pyrithione in my Calming Zinc ® soap helpful for rosacea. Whether it helps slow down mites, or their bacteria, or is just working on pityrosporum yeast, I don’t know, but I always recommend it. I also use the Green Tea Antioxidant Skin Therapy-Replenix Cream to reload the skin’s antioxidant reserve, which is depleted by inflammation such as seen in rosacea.  Both of these products are in my Facial Redness Relief Kit. I also recommend that most of my rosacea patients use the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush unless their skin is too sensitive for the brush oscillations. The Clarisonic cleans pores more deeply than other methods of facial cleansing, and the pores are where the mites live. Keep reading below for how I use this information to treat rosacea in my dermatology practice.

The bottom line is that we may be getting closer to understanding rosacea. I expect to see more targeted treatments being developed, and maybe even a cure, as the research continues. For now, the new focus on mites is gross, but fascinating.

As a final note the authors of this paper state,

The pathogenic role of Demodex mites, as well as B. oleronius and S. epidermidis, in the induction and persistence of rosacea remains an unresolved issue.

So until then, we patients and physicians have to be creative at trying to reign in the inflammation and skin problems of rosacea.

How do I use this information to treat rosacea in my dermatology practice?

First and foremost I rely on my Facial Redness Relief Kits to help calm the inflammatory cascade and repair the barrier issues that we know play a role in rosacea. 

If a person’s skin can tolerate the oscillations of a Clarisonic Brush then I recommend the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush System to be used once a day with Calming Zinc Soap or Toleriane Cleanser. 

I add to these steps a deeply hydrating facial moisturizer matched for skin type. This is important because the skin won’t normalize until it’s compromised skin barrier issues resolve, and moisturizers help that to happen. I usually recommend my patient applies one of my Daily Moisturizing Face Creams twice a day following the Green Tea Antioxidant Skin Therapy – Replenix. 

I always tell my patients to wear non-irritating mineral zinc oxide sunscreen since sun exposure also plays a role in unleashing the inflammatory cascade of rosacea. The zinc oxide sunscreens that I use for my patients can be found here.

When skin is so exquisitely sensitive that only a non-medicated facial cleanser will work, I recommend Toleriane Cleanser because it won’t further the barrier compromise issues with any skin irritation. 

My prescription medical treatments include antibiotics that kill the bacterium mentioned above (oral and/or topical), oral or topical miticides to frustrate the demodex (such as permethrin or ivermectin), and IPL (intense pulsed light), which diminishes the blood vessel capillaries and in my experience helps to treat rosacea.

I sometimes use topical OTC benzoyl peroxide, such as my Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Cream, and/or topical mild cortisone creams too.

Lastly, I recommend diet modifications to lower the general level of inflammation in the body.

Reference: The potential role of Demodex folliculorum mites and bacteria in the induction of rosacea.  Stanisław Jarmuda, Niamh O’Reilly, Ryszard Żaba, Oliwia Jakubowicz, Andrzej Szkaradkiewicz and Kevin Kavanagh Journal of Medical Microbiology Papers in Press. Published August 29, 2012

Photo: Thanks and Gratitude to Horia Varian

Do Mites in the Pores Cause Rosacea? is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Right now is the best time of year to work on fixing your complexion problems.

You’re out of the sun after summer, and you’re going to continue to be for a number of months more. This means that it’s the best time to get treatments done that brighten your complexion, fight wrinkles and treat unwanted complexion pigment and color problems.

Even if you don’t want a lot of down time, and don’t have “a stomach” for the deeper laser procedures, there are treatments you can do that will work wonders to make your skin look younger fast.

My absolute favorite rejuvenation procedure is Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL), also called Broad Band Light (BBL),  In fact, BBL is  becoming a “Fountain of Youth Treatment”. 

When it comes to reversing sun damage and skin aging there are some really exciting new scientific results for BBL treatments.  In a new study just published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, IPL treatments done with the Sciton BBL machine (which is what we have in my office) were shown to actually reverse the genetic expression pattern of aged human skin!  Stated another way, after the BBL treatment regimen, the skin’s genes were actually “rejuvenated” for both intrinsic (normal skin aging) and photoaging (accelerated sun damage induced aging) changes.  It’s astounding, and frankly, it’s a “fountain of youth” miracle!

These “genetic rejuvenation” results correlate with a second study done by one of the paper’s authors, Dr. Bitter.  In that study, he showed that the appearance of treated skin was also remarkably “rejuvenated” after regular BBL treatments.  Following 8 years on a regular BBL treatment regimen, photographs of the study subjects’ skin was rated as 9 years younger than their actual age.  Yep, trained dermatologists who did not know if the subjects’ photos were taken pre or post treatment, how old they were, or anything about the subjects, rated their skin as having not aged over at least 8 year period!  Another “fountain of youth” miracle for BBL treatments!

Here’s a screen shot from the results page of the second study by Dr. Bitter:

What’s the key to getting these results for your skin?

It’s that this non-invasive Intense Pulsed Light treatment regimen includes both the initial treatment series and then annual maintenance treatments. 

The initial series typically involves 3 to 5 monthly treatments, done when you’re out of the sun, such as now. 

The annual treatment regimen involves 1 to 3 treatments to maintain and continue the visual and gene “rejuvenation”, again when you’re out of the sun, such as now.

What exactly are Broad Band Light (IPL) Treatments?

BBL, also called IPL involves pulsing intense flashes of light into your skin where they target color problems such as brown and red complexion flaws.  Thus, it treats age spots from sun damage and broken capillaries from rosacea and sun damage.  In my experience it also helps to quiet inflamed skin from the rashes of rosacea and facial dandruff too.  Treated skin has a finer appearance that’s, creamer and brighter, and less encumbered with pigment or color flaws.

What can be done to also treat fine lines and wrinkles at the same time to up what you accomplish in your treatment session?

To tackle textural skin problems such as fine lines and wrinkles, you can easily add a Micro Laser Peel (MLP) to your BBL treatment because our Sciton  MLP Laser is attached to the same machine as our BBL – it’s just a “flick of the switch” for us. It’s so easy that we pass the efficiency on to you in terms of cost savings on your combination treatment. Your MLP treatment can be done to match your available “down time” ranging anywhere from one day to 3 days or more.

We’ve created some really cost effective treatment packages for fall and winter.  If you’ve never had one of these treatments before schedule a Cosmetic Consultation with one of our doctors to see if the treatments will help fix your skin problems.  If you’ve already had BBL treatments with us then, call and get on the books for your annual maintenance treatments.

Click here for the office contact information.

Click here to view our office laser and IPL treatment page.

You want the gene “rejuvenation” and the “I look 9 years younger than my real age” results that come from keeping up with your BBL regimen.  It takes an average of 2 annual treatments for the “fountain of youth” results that are so astounding with BBL.  Ask us about adding a MLP treatment when you call to schedule your BBL, it doesn’t cost a whole lot more and the results are additive.

Chang AL, Bitter PH Jr, Qu K, Lin M, Rapicavoli NA, Chang HY., Rejuvenation of Gene Expression Pattern of Aged Human Skin by Broadband Light Treatment: A Pilot Study.
J Invest Dermatol. 2012 Aug 30. doi: 10.1038/jid.2012.287. [Epub ahead of print]

Photo: Thanks and Gratitude to Tommerton2010

Best Procedures To Brighten Your Complexion Fast is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Hello Dr. Bailey,

I’ve been reading your columns about rosacea and have ordered your Replenix CF cream.

You mentioned using Locoid Ointment with the Replenix. I would like to know if it’s safe to use Locoid Ointment indefinitely.

Thanks,

Freya W.

Hello Freya,

No, it’s definitely NOT safe to use cortisone on the face indefinitely. Cortisone creams, ointments, gels, foams, and solutions are medicines, and all medicines have side effects. Even over-the-counter cortisone products are medicines with side effects. That said, topical cortisone is also a near-miracle when inflammation is causing havoc on your skin. It is, however, not a long-term fix, because there are cortisone dangers of which you need to be aware. Our goal is always to control rashes using treatments and skin care that don’t have side effects. We then use cortisone as an emergency treatment to control inflammation.

What are the dangers of applying cortisone indefinitely to your skin?

Steroid atrophy. All cortisone topical medicines, even low-potency ones like Locoid, will eventually thin the skin. It’s called steroid trophy. It is reversible at first, but eventually the thinning can become permanent. Steroid atrophy of the skin is seen as skin wrinkling, “broken capillaries,” and skin weakness. On non-facial areas you can also see striae (stretch marks) as well.

Eye damage.  Applying topical cortisone products to the face is not good for your eyes. The product will gravitate to the eye area as it melts and is absorbed into your skin. This can cause the cornea to become dangerously thin. Cortisone can also cause cortisone-specific cataracts (these are different than the more common type of cataracts).

Steroid addiction. If the first two reasons are not enough, chronic application of cortisone creams, ointments, foams, gels, and solutions can also cause cortisone “addiction” of the skin, leading to inflammation that gets worse every time you try to stop the cortisone.

Perioral dermatitis.  Some cortisone creams, ointments, gels, and solutions can even cause a rosacea-like rash called perioral dermatitis. This rash usually occurs around the nose or mouth, but I’ve also seen it around the eyes. I’ve seen it around the mouth and nose on patients who use cortisone asthma inhalers too. The rash causes itchy pimple-like pustules and blisters that are grouped around the involved area. The skin lesions get worse when you try to stop the cortisone. Treatment often requires oral antibiotics, although we don’t know why they work. We also don’t know the cause of perioral dermatitis beyond its sometime correlation with cortisone usage. To read more about perioral dermatitis click here.

So, the answer to your question is a definite NO!

Why then do we ever use topical cortisone for skin rashes if the side effects are serious?

With chronic and stubborn facial rashes such as rosacea and facial dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis), the use of cortisone creams on facial skin is a last ditch attempt to wrestle control of the inflammation. The cortisone use should be limited in time, however.  Just exactly what that means varies from person to person.

I tell my patients that if the rash is not getting better within two weeks, they need to come in and let me rethink treatment. My ultimate treatment goal for chronic inflammatory skin rashes is that my patients only need to use cortisone every now and then for just a day or two. The idea is to stop the beginning signs of inflammation before it builds into a full on rash. In my office, we also don’t refill topical cortisone cream, ointment, and solution prescriptions indefinitely. For cortisone refills, I ask my patients to come in and show me their skin from time to time. This is an important part of my supervising their use of topical cortisone treatment because:

1. I want to be certain that I’m always doing the best job I can with the other skin care treatments available to control their chronic skin problem. This is a key component to minimizing exposure to cortisone so that we prevent side effects! It’s why I’ve made skin care kits like my Redness Relief Kit, which I use to build a basis of good skin care for rosacea and facial dandruff.

   Facial Redness Relief Kit

   I add to that the other skin care products and prescriptions that have fewer or no side effects in the hope that these will keep the skin clear, thus negating the need for cortisone topical medicines. See below for links to my dandruff and rosacea skin care recommendations.

2. It gives me a chance to double check that the cortisone cream is still an appropriate treatment for their skin problem. Remember, the skin has a limited vocabulary. Not every itchy, red, and scaly rash should be treated with cortisone; other skin rashes can develop and look similar, but require different treatments.
3. It also allows me to supervise the use of the cortisone and examine their skin to be sure there are no signs of early cortisone side effects.

This is a really important question, thanks for asking it!  Below, I’ve added links to posts that outline my skin care recommendations for seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and rosacea. These are the two most common facial rashes that I treat -and they are really common, unfortunately. Again, the goal is to try to keep your complexion clear without the use of topical cortisone medicines.

Warm Regards,

Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

How Long Is It Safe to Use Cortisone on the Face? is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

If you asked me to pick the absolute highest “return-on-investment” steps for your daily skin care, what would they be?  For people whose time, money, and/or energy are limited, where do you get your greatest skin care ROI?

I love this sort of question, the “if I were stranded on a desert island, what skin care products would I want to have?” sort of thinking.  Here they are.

Dermatologist’s Top 3 Skin Care Picks for Maximum Personal Care ROI 

Tip #1:  Wear zinc oxide sunscreen on exposed skin 365 days a year. No matter what your daytime activities are you’ll get some UV exposure.  You need to block summer’s UVB and the all-year-around UVA rays that cause wrinkles, photoaging, uneven pigmentation, and skin cancer. I think zinc oxide is the best block for both of these rays. Zinc oxide products are now cosmetically elegant, and there is a perfect product to fit your skin type. Click here to find the zinc oxide products that I trust and use personally and in my practice. 

Tip #2:  Moisturize your arms and legs after every shower. It’s quick to do and it will keep your skin looking and feeling soft, supple, and young. This one skin care step counters the crusty, flaky, old-looking, crinkly skin that creeps up on us insidiously. The idea is that your skin soaks up water in the shower and you lock it in with the moisturizer. Use a hydrating cream, lotion, or a body butter, and apply it within a few minutes after toweling your skin dry. Make it easy by keeping your moisturizer on your bathroom counter – it will take less than a minute to apply and it will transform your skin.

Tip #3:  Treat visible facial skin problems because they show. Whether we like it or not, people “judge books by their covers.” That includes the first impression you make, facial complexion and all. Rashes such as rosacea, acne, and facial dandruff show. If you have a complexion problem, identify it, get the right skin care products to address it, and make them the basis of your daily skin care routine. It’s easy to treat the most common skin problems once you have the right skin care products.

For rosacea, dry scaly facial dandruff, and red face problems try my Redness Relief Kit.

For adult acne use my Glycolic Acid AHA Facial Skin Care Kit for Oily Skin.

For wrinkles, uneven pigment, and anti-aging skin concerns use my Antioxidant Kit with AHA matched for your skin type.

For teen acne or acne vulgaris, use my Ultimate Acne Solutions Kit.

Granted, on that beam-me-up beautiful desert island, tips 2 and 3 might not be as much of a priority. In the here-and-now of your modern social life, however, complexion matters, and tips 2 and 3 have serious ROI.

Photo: Thanks and gratitude to Darren-Johnson

The 3 Best Skin Care Tips for Personal Care is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Previously, it’s been almost oxymoronic to say “dermatologist” and “natural” in the same sentence – but not in my office. Natural health options matter deeply to me. Every day in my dermatology practice, I use natural treatment options to treat my patients’ skin problems. Now, I’m bringing them to you too.

I have two NEW AND WONDERFUL moisturizing products that will become a moisturizing staple for your skin. My new, natural moisturizers are made from organic ingredients that are naturally rich in dry-skin-healing fatty acids. These products are:

• highly therapeutic,
• deeply hydrating, and
• hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.

When it comes to skin moisturizers, there’s rarely a need for high-tech-sounding synthetic ingredients when nature already gives us the best. And, when it comes to applying a product on the entire surface of your body’s largest organ, I like to limit the chemicals. Don’t get me wrong, modern science has a big place in results-oriented skin care, but not in your everyday moisturizer, where it’s the oils and water binding ingredients that count.

These products are natural and cosmetically elegant. The combination of ingredients in my two new moisturizers works magic to pull the oils into your skin fast. There’s no heavy feeling of oily goo that’s the norm with most natural moisturizing products. I’ve also left out the usual natural product “aromatherapy” ingredients that create fragrances that can overpower, add potential allergens, and are very much a personal preference that may or may not be welcomed by others.

It’s a basic skincare fact that you need to use a moisturizer on all of your skin every day to keep it healthy. You need to apply it immediately after toweling your skin dry following your bath or shower and after washing your hands or face. Now, you can get dermatologic results in a natural, hypoallergenic moisturizing cream and lotion that is:

Carefully crafted from organic ingredients.

Affordable – so you can lavish your skin with all its botanical goodness.

Click the links below to read more about and to order these new, beautiful, naturally healing moisturizers just in time to prevent your winter skin dryness.

All Natural Face, Hand, and Body Lotion

All Natural Face and Body Butter Cream

They make great gifts and stocking stuffers too!

New Natural, Dermatologist-Recommended Face and Body Moisturizers is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Hello Dr. Bailey,

I just love your newsletter and blog posts; I have learned so very much from you.

I have had rosacea for at least 15 years. I have been on the sulfacetamide lotion, Metrogel, and Finacea gel. I had stopped using the sulfacetamide lotion for 2 years. I thought my rosacea was getting better. This year I was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis (facial dandruff) on my face out of the clear blue. My dermatologist put me on Noble Zinc Soap, sulfacetamide lotion (night & morning), ketoconazole cream at night, and Finacea Gel in the morning.

Since reading your blog I now use the Replenix Power of 3 Cream. What a beautiful cream and what a difference it has made in my skin. I also bought the eye cream because of your review on it, and what an anti-aging difference that has made.

My questions is, I think that the Finacea is slightly drying my face, I use it first before the Replenix because I like to use the Replenix as my moisturizer. Do you think I should stop using the Finacea? Is it bad for my seb dermatitis, because I still see the dry skin around my nose area a bit. Could the Finacea be preventing a total clear up of the facial dandruff? I was just thinking of using the zinc soap, the sulfacetamide lotion and the Replenix cream.

Thank you very much for your help!
Laura B.

Hello Laura,

Thank you for your kind words about my blog and newsletter; I’m glad you’ve found helpful information here. I can give you general information about how I handle this combination of skin problems in my practice. You can discuss this information with your dermatologist.

Both rosacea and facial dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) can cause rashes that result in red flaking facial skin, but the facial dandruff is more likely to cause flaking in the creases of the nose. What’s really important to know is that the rashes from both facial dandruff and rosacea cause a compromise to your skin barrier integrity. This means that the involved skin is very easily irritated by harsh products. It’s also more sensitive to harsh climactic conditions or strong skin cleansers.

Seborrheic dermatitis (facial dandruff) and rosacea often coexist, as you have experienced. They can flare up together or one at a time. I tell my patients who suffer from this frustrating combination of skin problems, when either of these conditions has become persistent then we need to protect the involved skin from everything that is irritating. This allows the rash to subside so that the skin barrier integrity can be repaired. The process requires applying only non-irritating products to the skin so it can recover. I call this a Rosacea or Seborrheic Dermatitis Cool-Down.

This “cool-down” skincare routine is important because applying irritating products to barrier-compromised skin is like squeezing lemon juice on a cut, meaning it prolongs inflammation and slows healing. Healing of the compromised skin barrier is supported by the using only bland moisturizers and soothing products. Unfortunately, Finacea can be irritating to some skin types. There is individual variation in terms of product tolerance and I always ask patients what products their skin tolerates and what products it doesn’t. For the “cool down” we use only products their skin tolerates well.

Rosacea or Facial Dandruff Cool-Down Skin Care Routine for my dermatology patients:

Twice daily, cleanse facial skin with one of the following cleansers (they can be alternated depending on skin tolerance and need):

• Toleriane Cleanser (the least irritating option)

•  Calming Zinc

• Sodium Sulfacetamide Prescription Cleanser

The latter two products can dry or irritate some people so the question of skin tolerance is important in picking which cleansers we use for the cool down.

After cleansing, I have my patients apply in this order:

1. Green Tea Antioxidant Skin Therapy/Replenix Power of Three or Replenix CF Cream because the skin’s antioxidant reserve is stressed by inflammation. I believe the antioxidant replenishment is one of the main reasons that the Green Tea Antioxidant Therapy/Replenix Power of Three makes such a big difference for healing facial dandruff and rosacea.
2.  Clotrimazole cream to calm seborrheic dermatitis where it has been flaring up.
3. A soothing moisturizer to all of the facial skin that feels like it needs a richer moisturize. Good options include my Daily Facial Moisturizing Skin Creams matched to your skin type. 

My Seborrhea and Rosacea Cool-Down Skin Care Routines also may include:

• Prescription medicaments that are non-irritating to treat rosacea or seb derm, if necessary (e.g. Cleocin Lotion, Sodium Sulfacetamide Lotion, Metrogel, or Metro Cream and occasionally permethrin cream, all according to their dosage requirements). I usually have my patients apply these after the Green Tea because products with lighter bases are often better applied before those with heavier bases.
• A very mild cortisone cream such as 1% hydrocortisone cream. I have them use this only where the rash is red, and for usually no more than 2 weeks. I, as my patient’s treating physician, always supervise the use of this because there are side effects. I only use “non-halogenated” (a term a doctor will understand) cortisone products on the face.
• Pure mineral zinc oxide sun protection, because both of these skin conditions can flare-up from sun exposure. Pure mineral zinc oxide sunscreens that are non-irritating and perfect for sensitive (aka barrier compromised) skin include Suntegrity 5 in 1 BB Cream, Glycolix Elite Sunscreen, or Suntegrity Baby Sunscreen.

I have my patients do this Cool-Down Skin Care Routine for 2 months, which is what is necessary to settle down skin inflammation. Stopping too soon results in relapse. It takes a month or more for the skin barrier to heal AFTER the inflammation has subsided so it is important to be patient and not to add irritating products back too soon.

I hope that helps.  Thanks for a really good question that I know other people share.

Warm Regards,
Cynthia Bailey MD

Reference: Why is Rosacea Considered to Be an inflammatory Disorder?  The Primary Role, Clinical Relevance, and Therapeutic Correlations of Abnormal Innate Immune Response in Rosacea-Prone Skin.  Del Rosso J Q et. al., J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(6):694-700.

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

Best Treatment for Flaky Facial Skin from Dandruff and Rosacea is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Hello Dr. Bailey,

I only get rosacea and seborrhea dermatitis flare ups on my left cheeks. Can you tell me why I only get it on one side of my face?

Also, my doctor prescribed for me Metrogel, Desonide lotion (corticosteroids), and Ketoconazole cream (antifungal). Can you please explain the order and give me the steps for applying all the above with the other products on your website that you recommend as the best skin care for rosacea and facial dandruff such as…

1. Calming Zinc Soap
2. Replenix Power of Three Cream
3. Daily Moisturizing Face Cream for Dry to Normal Skin
4. Glycolix Elite Sunscreen

Thanks,

Mimi

Hello Mimi,

It is possible to have unilateral rosacea, but it’s unusual, so I always look for a different diagnosis that might be masquerading as rosacea. This is because we think of rosacea and seborrhea as being skin conditions that come from some as-yet-unknown internal predisposition. This means that we expect them to manifest on your skin bilaterally (on both sides of the body). Ask your doctor about other possible rashes that might look like rosacea and facial dandruff, yet present unilaterally (on just one side of your face), such as an allergic contact dermatitis, tinea faciei, and demodex mites. Also, since here in the United States the left is the driver’s side of a vehicle, sun exposure-induced rashes like photo-drug eruptions or polymorphous light eruption are in the list of possibilities too.

The tinea should be treated with the ketoconazole, but sometimes it is more tenacious. Demodex mites, on the other hand, need a completely different treatment. The other conditions require more medical sleuthing on the part of your dermatologist.

The application order of the skin care routine based on your products: Wash with Calming Zinc then apply Green Tea Antioxidant Therapy/Power of Three to your entire face to help your skin stay clear. I have patients wait a few seconds (e.g. comb their hair, put on deodorant, or take some other quick daily step) then apply metrogel followed by ketoconazole. They then apply the mild cortisone ONLY if they are red, and for no longer than two weeks. Then they apply the Daily Moisturizing Cream followed by Glycolix Sunscreen (daytime only). The three medicines create a lot of layers, but when the rash is clear, patients stop using the cortisone. In another month or so they can stop the ketoconazole too if the rash stays clear. At that point, the routine is much simpler.

Thanks for sending in a great question that demonstrates some important points about skin problems, namely diagnostic challenges and product layering.

Warm Regards,

Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

Can You Have Rosacea or Facial Dandruff on Just One Side of the Face? is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

Have you been searching far and wide for a pure, physical and mineral sunscreen that is paraben free, oil free, and lightweight, and that doesn’t leave a ghostly white sheen on your skin?

Are you spending a lot of money on the search, but have been unable to find the perfect product?

Search no further, Dr. Bailey has found it for you! It’s MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 and it’s the perfect sunscreen for oily skin.

MD SOLAR SCIENCES MINERAL TINTED CRÈME SPF 30
POWERFUL SUN PROTECTION/SKIN PERFECTION FOR OILY SKIN

As the name suggests, this sunscreen is mildly tinted. The tint and matte finish of MD Solar Sciences SPF 30 does not so much give coverage and concealment, as it cleverly removes the white halo zinc and titanium-based sunscreens can leave on your skin. And with a 17% zinc oxide and 1.5 % titanium dioxide content, this is saying a lot. MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 goes on clear, gives a soft-focus effect, and diffuses imperfections. It is not only a powerful sunscreen, it beautifully perfects the skin.

Did I mention this SPF 30 sunscreen contains a naturally derived 17% zinc oxide to provide a powerful physical block from the sun’s rays?

Not only does the Mineral Tinted Crème help to even skin tone, but it also is truly powerful sun protection. Water-resistant up to 80 minutes, it also provides long-lasing sun protection when you are out having fun and living life. MD Solar Sciences Mineral also uses a special blend of antioxidants in their products, which includes green tea, cranberry, and pomegranate extract, to help protect against free-radical damage.

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 is:

• paraben free
• oil free
  
• able to provide a mattifying effect to the skin to reduce shine
• the perfect multitasking primer for makeup if you wear it

Although great for any skin type or tone, the Mineral Tinted Crème is ideal for oily, acneic, and combination skin. It will not clog pores, feels extremely lightweight, and helps to reduce shine on the skin’s surface. For my clients with dry and more mature skin, our luxurious Suntegrity 5 in 1 BB Cream SPF 30 Sunscreen is the ideal match. 

Why am I so excited about MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Sunscreen?

MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème Sunscreen has five amazing attributes I love:

1. It visually “perfects” by smoothing out skin tone and reducing shine.
2. It glides on like silk and blends easily.
3. It provides the highest quality of superior sun protection and is loaded with natural antioxidant ingredients as well.
4. It feels amazing your skin.
5. It functions like a makeup primer, meaning your mineral powder last longer and you will need to use less of it.  

For you makeup wearers, I want to explain a little more about the makeup primer characteristic of the MDSolar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème. When I first sampled it, I was astounded by how effortlessly and beautifully makeup went on the skin over the Mineral Tinted Crème!  As I dusted the superfine mineral powder of Dr. Bailey’s Mineral Makeup on my skin over the cream, the application was even more effortless and final result even beautiful than ever before!  If you wear makeup, I believe that your powders will perform even better than ever before over the Mineral Tinted Crème’s silky texture.

If you live locally, when you book in for your next facial or waxing service, make sure to ask our aestheticians about MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30. We’re excited to show you what we love about it!

MaLinda, Medical Aesthetician

My passion is helping people look and feel beautiful. I have more than nine years of experience in the skincare and cosmetics industry; having worked as a makeup artist, as a makeup and skincare product specialist for a high-end department store, and as an aesthetician.

I have a bachelor’s degree in English and history, but I have found my true calling in the world of skincare. I’ve been a licensed aesthetician since 2007. I love helping my clients achieve healthy, beautiful skin and teaching them how to get the results they’re looking for on a daily basis. Everyone is beautiful with unique attributes that make them special. Finding and highlighting these attributes in a person is my passion – and it’s what I love about my career.

What’s the Best Dermatologist-Recommended Sunscreen for Oily Skin? is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

How Should I Treat Highly Sensitive Rosacea Skin?

This is a question consistently asked of Dr. Bailey on both her blog and in her practice. Beyond the conspicuous signs of rosacea, this skin condition can cause physical discomfort, especially in conjunction with products containing various irritants. Dr. Bailey addresses which products to typically avoid when battling rosacea in her 5-part rosacea series:

Most acne products, anti-aging products and alcohol-containing products are irritating. Some botanical products, such as those with tea tree oil or rosemary, may also irritate sensitive rosacea skin.  Having rosacea doesn’t mean you can’t ever use these types of products; it just means that you have to “sneak up” on your skin with them; only using them when your rosacea is controlled, choosing lower strengths and less frequent applications. The minute your skin starts to flare up, you have to stop using anything even slightly irritating and go back to gentle, rosacea-healing skin care until your skin calms down again.

However, your highly sensitive skin may not be due to rosacea, but a confounding factor according to Dr. Bailey in her post: How to Treat Highly Sensitive Skin From Rosacea. The confounding factors range from contact dermatitis with a remote product to demodex mite inflammation. It is important to work with your dermatologist to identify the true cause of your highly sensitive rosacea skin that is having trouble handling non-irritating products.

If all confounding factors are ruled out, Dr. Bailey recommends a “rosacea cool-down” routine with products that are hypoallergenic and very gentle to treat highly sensitive rosacea skin.

What products are part of a cool-down regimen to treat highly sensitive rosacea?

Dr. Bailey incorporates a gentle cleanser, Toleriane cleanser with a nonirritating cream that helps with redness reduction, and Replenix CF cream. Also some medical treatments may be necessary, depending on the level of inflammation, which include the use of antibiotics or cortisone creams. For more detailed list of products and treatment instructions please read Dr. Bailey’s informative blog post.

Photo attribution: Thanks and gratitude to © Doable/amanaimages/Corbis

How Do You Treat Highly Sensitive Rosacea Skin? “Find it Again Friday” is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

The post How Do You Treat Highly Sensitive Rosacea Skin? “Find it Again Friday” appeared first on Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog.

What Is BB Cream?

BB Cream has been all the rage for the cosmetics and skin care industry over the past year. As more and more companies begin to offer this “magical” cream, people want to know how to differentiate one BB Cream from the other. The best way to determine which BB Cream is best for you is to understand “What is BB Cream?” which our aesthetician, Malinda, addressed late last year.

BB Cream, aka “Beauty Balm Cream”, contains more than just a simple tinted moisturizer. Not only does it provide coverage and hydration, but it also provides a high SPF sunscreen and antioxidants to help with skin repair and renewal. As you can see, BB cream “bridges the gap between makeup and skin care.”

What Is the Best BB cream?

At Dr. Cynthia Bailey Skin Care, we provide two wonderful and elegant BB creams: Suntegrity  5 in 1 BB cream with SPF 30 and MD Solar Sciences Mineral Tinted Creme for acne and rosacea skin types. These BB creams are extremely light, non-greasy, and contain powerful all-natural ingredients.

“I really like it and am seeing some difference in my skin.  MaLinda’s seeing the difference too between my facials.”   Lee S

Best BB Cream Ingredients to look for are:

• A broad-spectrum physical blocking sunscreen, such as zinc oxide with a high percentage (17-20%)

• Highly hydrating oils or ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or jojoba oil

• Powerful antioxidants to prevent free radical damages, including green tea extracts (Camellia Sinensis Leaf) and pomegrante oil extracts (Punica Granatum)

• Lightweight coverage and a non-greasy texture to serve as an optimal primer

• No parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, chemical UV absorbers, nano particles, mineral oils, etc.

For this holiday season, we have featured the Suntegrity 5 in 1 BB cream in our Holiday Specials. We combined all the essentials for a basic morning skin care routine for the busy or no-fuss women in our Dr. Cynthia Bailey’s On-The-Go Facial Primer Basics Collection. This collection contains a basic cleanser, moisturizer, and facial primer/sunscreen and only requires a few minutes to apply and be out the door.

With $25 in savings (basically get the cleanser free with a few extra dollars off), it’s hard to not get this package for your loved ones or yourself as a gift for the holidays. Check it out before this sale ends!!

Comments on Dr. Cynthia Bailey’s On-The-Go Facial Primer from people like you:

“You introduced me to high-potency glycolic acid products, antioxidant skincare (replenix cf cream) and zinc-oxide based broad-spectrum sunscreens. Additionally, I have been spreading your advice and purchasing these products for family and friends who are concerned with skin cancer and photoaging.” Paul B

“As I am sensitive to smells, I was pleasantly surprised with the lack of fragrance all the products had.”   Holly F

If you have found this Best BB Cream tips helpful, thanks for commenting, sharing and”Liking”, Tweeting”,  “Pinning” and Google +1 this blog post with friends and family. 

Sincerely, Dr. Bailey Skin Care Team

Photo attribution: Thanks and gratitude to © Doable/amanaimages/Corbis

BB Cream: Which is Best? “Find it Again Friday” is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

The post BB Cream: Which is Best? “Find it Again Friday” appeared first on Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog.

Recently, we had a valued reader ask about the correct order you should use Dr. Bailey’s products to treat flaky facial skin from seborrheic dermatitis/rosacea. The order that products should be used in a skin care routine can be a confusing and frustrating process, especially when prescription medications are also involved. However, Dr. Bailey has outlined the product order for facial dandruff and rosacea skin care regimens in her blog post: Best Treatment for Flaky Skin from Dandruff and Rosacea.

How Do You Treat Flaky Facial Skin?

Both seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea rashes compromise the skin-barrier integrity, leading to further irritation and flare ups from harsh products or climate conditions. Dr. Bailey stresses the importance of protecting these skin types from irritation by starting a “rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis cool down.” A “cool-down” routine involves utilizing non-irritating products to allow the skin to heal properly. As Dr. Bailey points out:

This “cool-down” skincare routine is important because applying irritating products to barrier-compromised skin is like squeezing lemon juice on a cut, meaning it prolongs inflammation and slows healing. Healing of the compromised skin barrier is supported by the using only bland moisturizers and soothing products.

The Rosacea or Seborrheic Dermatitis Cool Down Regimen

Twice daily (morning and evening) follow these steps

- Cleanse the skin with a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Good options are a toleriane cleanser (least irritating option) or a calming zinc bar soap.

- After cleansing, apply moisturizers, prescriptions, and creams in the following order:

1. Green tea antioxidant skin therapy/Replenix Power of Three or Replenix CF Cream. These creams replenish the skin’s antioxidant reserve stressed from inflammation.

2. Prescription medication, such as clotrimazole cream, to calm the seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea rash.  These are applied after the green tea because it is better to add lighter-based products over heavier-based products.

3. Moisturizer based on skin type, daily moisturizing facial cream dry to normal or oily to normal.

Additional products that may also be used:

- A very mild cortisone cream such as 1% hydrocortisone cream. Dr Bailey only uses this where the rash is red, and for usually no more than two weeks. It is important to have a physician supervise this treatment to monitor side effects.

- Sunscreens with pure mineral zinc oxide (physical sun barrier). Both of these skin conditions often flare-up from sun exposure. Non-irritating and sensitive skin-type pure mineral zinc oxide sunscreens include: Glycolix Elite Sunscreen, Suntegrity 5-1 BB Cream, and Suntegrity Baby Sunscreen.

In practice, Dr. Bailey has her patients follow this routine for two months to calm the skin inflammation. Stopping before the skin fully heals could result in a relapse, so be sure the skin-barrier integrity has fully repaired before adding irritating products back into your routine.

If you would like a more thorough discussion of the “Rosacea or Seborrheic Dermatitis Cool Down,” refer to her previous blog post:  Best Treatment for Flaky Skin from Dandruff and Rosacea.

If you have found these flaky facial skin and tretinoin tips helpful, please show your thanks by commenting on, sharing, “liking”, Google+, tweeting and “pinning,”  this blog post with friends and family. 

Sincerely, Dr. Bailey Skin Care Team

Photo attribution: Thanks and gratitude to © Doable/amanaimages/Corbis

How to Treat Flaky Facial Skin: Find it Again Friday is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

The post How to Treat Flaky Facial Skin: Find it Again Friday appeared first on Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog.

Do you suffer from rosacea, oily skin, and blackheads?

If so, have you found the very products that treat your oily skin and blackheads aggravate your rosacea?

Do you feel there is no solution to this problem?

The Rosacea and Oily Skin Care Conundrum

The questions above embody the rosacea and oily skin care conundrum; there appears to be no method to treat both conditions without resulting in a breakout of rosacea or clogged pores. However, Dr. Cynthia Bailey has addressed how to solve this very issue in her post: Best Products for Rosacea, Oily Skin, and Blackheads. Dr. Bailey thoroughly describes the skin care steps she uses in her practice for rosacea and oily-skin types. Below is a brief outline of the general steps.

Skin Care Regimen for Rosacea and Oily-Skin Types 

1. Begin with a “Rosacea Cool Down” - This will not worsen blackheads or clogged pores, but it will only treat your rosacea that is currently inflamed.

• Stop all irritating skin care products or procedures.
• Use soothing products that calm rosacea, including: Calming Zinc Soap (usually twice a day, but the small potential to dry some skin types may cause us to switch to only once a day, alternating with Toleriane Cleanser); Replenix Green Tea Antioxidant Skin Therapy – Replenix Power of Three Cream; or CF Creams (twice a day). Both are found in Dr. Bailey’s Facial Redness Relief Kits.

• If your rosacea is really flaring up, consult a dermatologist to determine if a prescription is necessary: Prescription Medicine and Cosmetic Procedures to Treat Rosacea 
• Keep your skin hydrated with a soothing moisturizer, such as Daily Moisturizing Face Cream for Oily to Normal Skin, which is perfect for oily skin.

• Wear sunscreen to prevent further aggravation from the sun. Dr. Bailey recommends sunscreens with a mineral zinc oxide, one of her favorites is Citrix Sunscreen.

2. After your rosacea calms, next tackle your clogged pores and blackheads

• Best method: Clarisonic, a powerful sonic skin cleansing tool, which is usable on the nose and chin by most rosacea patients, where the skin is most oily. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee that the rosacea-prone areas of the cheeks or forehead will react well to sonic cleansing, which is why it is always something we start slowly and carefully using the lowest settings with the Delicate Brush for extra-sensitive skin.

• For blackheads:
• Prescription tretinoin is Dr. Bailey’s first treatment choice when treating rosacea patients. However, it is tricky to use tretinoin with rosacea-prone skin but it is possible for certain areas of the face. Dr. Bailey details how to properly apply tretinoin in her blog post:  How To Correctly Use Retin A for Acne and Anti-aging Skin Care. (It is a prescription, so its application needs to be supervised by an experienced treating physician.)

• Benzoyl peroxide is another option to get rid of blackheads in rosacea-prone skin. Some may find benzoyl peroxide even helps their rosacea, while others do not. Dr. Bailey uses her alcohol-free Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment Cream 5%. This potentially irritating medicine is applied only to the blackhead-prone areas: nose, chin, and between the brows. This method is only a test since it may cause a rosacea flare-up, so start the application gingerly.

Even when you perfectly follow your skin care regimen, a rosacea flare-up is bound to occur. When this happens, Dr. Bailey ceases use of all harsh and irritating products (especially products to treat clogged pores and blackheads). Then she starts the “Rosacea Cool Down” process again. When the rosacea inflammatory phase calms, then she will recommend delicately resuming the blackhead and clogged-pore treatment. Essentially, a skin care routine for rosacea and oily-skin types will revolve in this alternating cycle.

If you want to read a more in-depth discussion of the rosacea and oily skin care conundrum, read Dr. Bailey’s original blog post here.

If you have found these rosacea and oily skin care tips helpful, please show your thanks by commenting on, sharing, “liking,” Google+, tweeting, and “pinning,” this blog post with friends and family. 

Sincerely, Dr. Bailey Skin Care Team

Photo attribution: Thanks and gratitude to © Doable/amanaimages/Corbis

The Rosacea and Oily Skin Care Conundrum: Find it Again Friday is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

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How Do You Layer Skin Care Creams and Serums?

Dear Dr. Bailey,

I love to read your blogs! Thank you for all the information you provide for us!

I have an issue with how to apply moisturizer too…now my question is, how can you do this when you also have to apply serums like Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C?? By the time you put the moisturizer on, your skin will already be dry.

I like to do this tip mostly with oils, I mix my own like Extra virgin, coconut, argan, jojoba and grape seed, put them in a spritz bottle and after I wash my face I leave it damp and put some oil from this combination…however that would mean not applying the serums for that day….

Also in regards with oils and moisturisers, do we put oils first, and if we do…does the moisturizer penetrate into the skin due to the oil I have applied before ?

I really hope I can get these questions answered….I have been wanting to know this for a long time!

Best, Stella

Dear Stella,

These are great questions and exactly the ones I like to think about. There are no exact right or wrong answers which leaves us to figure this out on a case by case basis. I approach that with the overriding concept that works best depends on what is layered. If you read into my writings in my posts you will see that I layer water based to more occlusive products and finish w/ mineral sunscreen then mineral makeup if applied. Based on that principle I figure out how to layer products for my patients. In my practice I tell patients to focus on the end result and experiment. There are no good studies to guide so it’s at-home experimentation that’s required.

I like your spritz with oil, that’s a nice way to disperse a thin layer of potentially more occlusive ingredients. I also love oils applied to the skin. They are one of the “actives” in a moisturizer.

Step 1: Moisturizer

Thus, with your example, I would apply the hyaluronic acid (which is similar to using the Green Tea Antioxidant Therapy in my routine which has extraordinary levels of green tea plus a ton of hyaluronic acid) and/or vitamin c right after washing. I let that dry for a few seconds or so depending on a person’s time and then layer a more occlusive product. In my routine that layer is the vitamin C because that product contains dimethicone which is more occlusive. Remember, the skin is not entirely dry after each layer because the first product has trapped some water ideally. I have each subsequent layer lightly applied over so as hopefully not to “lift off” the preceding layer. Again, there are no studies to guide us so we have to try to figure this out as best we can. I let each layer sit for a few seconds or so and then finally layer of moisturizer is lightly rubbed onto the skin. Products slowly absorb into the skin over time and do not need to be rubbed vigorously to do that.

Step 2: Sun Screen

After the moisturizer step, I recommend doing something for a few minutes to let the layers of product dry before applying sunscreen. Your spritz for the moisturizer step would be a very lovely light application that would not unseat any of the previously layered serum type products. Again, another vagary to this whole skin care routine process is that there is no hard and fast definition of a “serum”. You will find products of varying consistency labeled as such. In my routine, the two product I mentioned are lighter and less occlusive than the moisturizers so they go on first. Most serum type products fit in that description.

I hope that helps, I know it is not a specific answer guided by science, but to my knowledge there is none to help as it would have to study each specific product layered with regard to skin binding and absorption.

Warm Regards,

Cynthia Bailey MD, Dermatologist

PS I have included some recommended product links in my answer above that will help with your great skin care creams and serums question.

PPS Thanks Stella and fellow blog readers for your comments, questions and sharing. If you have found my “Ask Dr. Bailey” advice on skin care creams and serums useful, thanks for “Liking” and commenting in the Facebook window, sharing in Google +, Tweeting and Pinterest.

Disclaimer: Please realize that availing yourself of the opportunity to submit and receive answers to your questions from Dr. Bailey does not confer a doctor/patient relationship with Dr. Bailey. The information provided by Dr. Bailey is general health information inspired by your question. It should not be a substitute for obtaining medical advice from your physician and is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific medical problem (and is not an extension of the care Dr. Bailey has provided in her office for existing patients of her practice). Never ignore your own doctor’s advice because of something you read here; this information is for general informational purpose only.

This post is adapted from an excellent comment that Stella sent to me in a blog post.  I wanted to be certain everyone had a chance to see it because I know that many people share this question.

Skin Care Creams and Serums: How Do You Layer? is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

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Do you have rosacea and have been searching for an anti-aging skin care routine?

After a few phone call inquires regarding anti-aging rosacea skin care options, it is time to revisit Dr. Bailey’s blog post: Anti-Aging Skin Care Options for People with Rosacea.

As Dr. Bailey notes, anti-aging skin care is especially tricky for rosacea-type skin because any strong acids or rough exfoliation can trigger a flare-up. However, Dr. Bailey has managed to help her rosacea patients not only get their rosacea under control, but also incorporate a gentle anti-aging rosacea skin care routine. For anyone testing out an anti-aging rosacea skin care regimen, Dr. Bailey emphasizes:

Each patient’s skin is unique and I customize the approach based on what they can tolerate. Rosacea is easy to provoke and so there is no way to predict how a person will do. I, of course, can’t say if your skin would tolerate these anti-aging options and I recommend that you see a dermatologist for specific recommendations and treatments.

 Anti-Aging Rosacea Skin Care Options

1. Exfoliation

Gentle exfoliation with a scrub such as Buf Puf Exfoliating Facial Sponge can work for rosacea-type skin. Dr. Bailey encourages her patients to use the Buf Puf Facial Sponge in the morning, so they can enjoy bright skin during the day. You may only be able to use this method twice a week, but it provides an avenue to remove dead skin cells.

Please note, Dr. Bailey warns to only use mild pressure and a mild cleanser to prevent a flare-up. Use mild cleansers, such as the Toleriane Cleanser or Dr. Bailey’s Calming Zinc Bar Soap, during any anti-aging rosacea skin care routine.

“I just wanted to say that I love the Calming Zinc Soap! I’ve been using it for a week and it has truly changed my life. Thank you so much for a wonderful product it has made a huge improvement in my skin!! “ - Brandy M, 1/14

2. Skin Care Products

Dr. Bailey has found Tretinoin cream (aka Retin-A) to be the most tolerable anti-aging product for rosacea-type skin, more so than AHA’s (acid pH product) or Vitamin C products. In order for rosacea skin to tolerate tretinoin, an additional supportive product is needed to soothe and calm the rosacea. Dr. Bailey recommends for her patients to use Calming Zinc Bar Soap and either Replenix CF cream or Green Tea Antioxidant Skin Therapy – Replenix Power of Three Cream.  

“Replenix makes an enormous difference in my skin tone- taking out the red.  The new one with the caffeine is especially good.” Carolyn K, 8/09

Once your rosacea is under control, slowly introduce tretinoin cream for once or twice a week. Then advance to nightly. If a flare-up occurs, stop your tretinoin application and calm down your rosacea before resuming. Dr. Bailey recognizes that anti-aging rosacea skin care is a tricky and delicate process, but it is worthwhile for many to enjoy tretinoin’s anti-aging properties.

3. Cosmetic Services

Calming facials by a medical aesthetician have been helpful for Dr. Bailey’s rosacea patients. The calming facials soothe rosacea-type skin, allowing the skin to tolerate gentle exfoliation by Buf Puf Facial sponge and tretinoin cream. The interval between facials is every 6 weeks and it is important to find a medical aesthetician that is familiar with rosacea skin or understands a “calming facial.” If you are local to Sebastopol area, check out our aesthetician services and arrange an appointment.

Bottom Line for Anti-Aging Rosacea Skin Care Options

There are several anti-aging skin care options for anyone with rosacea, but it requires significant caution and care. Always discontinue exfoliation or tretinoin during a rosacea flare-up, and slowly reintroduce them after calming the rosacea. To read more on how Dr. Bailey instructs her patients to use tretinoin, read her blog: How To Correctly Use Retin A (Tretinoin) For Acne & Anti-Aging Skin Care. If you would like a more in-depth discussion on anti-aging rosacea skin care, check out Dr Bailey’s original blog: click here.

If you have found these anti-aging rosacea skin care tips helpful, please show your thanks by commenting on, sharing, “liking,” Google+, tweeting, and “pinning,” using the social sharing buttons above and below this blog post with friends and family.

Sincerely, Dr. Bailey Skin Care Team

Photo attribution: Thanks and gratitude to © Doable/amanaimages/Corbis

Know Your Options for Anti-Aging Rosacea Skin Care: Find It Again Friday is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

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What is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a frustrating skin condition of your oil glands that results in benign overgrowths called sebaceous hyperplasia papules. Often associated with rosacea, the actual cause of this overgrowth of your oil glands is still unknown. As Dr. Bailey explains in her original blog post “Dermatologist Tips to Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia“:

We don’t know why sebaceous hyperplasia happens, but the growths are more likely to occur in people prone to rosacea, especially those with oily skin and large pores. My approach to helping someone in my practice whose skin is a “sebaceous hyperplasia former” is to try to counter these characteristics. I do it with skin care, diet, and procedures.

Dr. Bailey’s Sebaceous Hyperplasia Toolbox

1. Skin Care

• Dr. Bailey’s Facial Redness Relief Kits including a paraben free version (2nd pic)

“Thank you for offering real help with the facial redness relief kit!“

“My confidence and outlook is so much better than it was. The zinc soap, the power-of-3-cream, and some baked powder have been like miracles to me….” – Patty K  12/13

Deep Pore Cleansing Products

• Benzoyl Peroxide Creams 

• Glycolic Acid Cleansers or Creams

• Prescription Tretinoin Cream – contact your local physician

• Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush System – assist your cleansers to further penetrate your pores

Demodex Mite Treatments

• Prescription Permethrin Cream – contact your local physician

• Benzoyl Peroxide Creams – Over-the-counter method

2. Diet

• Decrease rich foods and increase veggies

• Read Dr. Bailey’s best skin diet tips: “The Best Diet for Healthy Skin in 2012“

3. Skin Procedures

• IPL treatments (Intense Pulse Light – Laser) if you have fair skin – reduce the appearance of papules

• Electrocautery with a low current and fine epilating needle – shrink papules with no scarring or marks

These 3 aspects comprise Dr. Bailey’s Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment Toolbox. Although there is no cure for sebaceous hyperplasia, there are several methods to reduce symptoms and maintain relatively clear skin. If you are a sebaceous hyperplasia sufferer, have you found any other helpful methods for your skin? Please share in comments below!

If you have found these sebaceous hyperplasia skin care tips helpful, please show your thanks by commenting on, sharing, liking, adding to Google+, tweeting, and pinning this post with friends and family. You can do this by using the social sharing buttons above and below this blog post.

Photo attribution: Thanks and gratitude to © JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis

Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment Toolbox is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

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The need for a healthy complexion is universal. Both men and women share some of the most common skin problems like rosacea and facial dandruff. They also need an easy-to-use broad spectrum sunscreen as part of their daily skin care routine. And, both sexes also suffer from uneven pigmentation and wrinkles as they age.

In my dermatology practice and on my web store, both men and women love these Unisex beauty and grooming products, which create health-restoring complete skin care routines.

Unisex Products for Complexions Suffering from Excessive Redness

My Redness Relief Kit helps control complexion inflammation from rashes, such as rosacea and facial dandruff. 

Unisex Products for Complexions Suffering from Sun Damage

Glycolic Acid Kit with my Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream and my favorite Glycolic Acid Skin Cleanser helps remove age spots on your face and neck skin without prescriptions or office procedures. Glycolic acid is a work horse skin care ingredient that evens out pigment flaws and brightens the complexion fast for a more youthful appearance. 

Retinol Intensive Night Cream has a powerful professional levels of retinol, which is an ingredient known to help stimulate skin collagen formation and lessen irregular skin pigment problems from sun damage.

Unisex Skin Cleansing for Complexions Suffering from Clogged Pores

Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System helps fight clogged pores and helps keep the pores clean.

Unisex Dry Skin Moisturizer for All-Over Use

All Natural Face and Body Lotion is an all-purpose moisturizer for your face and body and is made with entirely natural ingredients. The rich, deeply hydrating formula has a light feel on the skin that’s perfect for all-over use, including hairy areas of skin such as a man’s arms and legs. It’s unscented too!

Unisex Broad Spectrum Sunscreens to Fight Skin Aging 

These easy-to-use daily-wear broad spectrum sunscreens can be selected based on skin type and product preference.

For untinted unisex facial sunscreens, check out the options below.

For oily complexions try Elta MD UV Clear for oil-free sun protection. 

For dryer complexions try EltaMD UV Daily with a more hydrating formula for dryer skin. 

For all-over protection for all skin types try Citrix Sunsreen, which is an oil-free and water-resistant protection for sensitive skin. 

For tinted unisex sunscreens, check out the options below.

These great multi-tasking skin care products help hide complexion flaws.  Yes, men love these products too because the tinting is subtle and is NOT makeup.

For dry complexions try Suntegrity 5 in 1 BB Cream.

For oily complexions try MD Solar Sciences Sunscreen.

All of these products are available on this website, which is also filled with grooming and beauty information for both women and men. This information is scientifically sound and very practical; it is based on my 25 years of dermatology practice.

Skin Tips: How to Solve Rosacea & Facial Dandruff in Both Men & Women is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

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An important part of my job as a dermatologist is to give my patients practical advice to help fix their unsightly skin problems. Skin problems cause more than just symptoms. They are actually beauty problems, too, because our appearance is very much impacted by our skin.

To help alleviate some of the physical and emotional pain that victims of these skin problems face, I’ve turned my personal medical experience into 911 Beauty Skin Care Fix-It Kits. If you follow my instructions, you’ll get results. It’s really as simple as that.

My skin care fix-it kits are simple and address the critical elements of what creates beauty “challenges,” including:

• Itchy, dry hands
• Elephant-thick feet
• Scaly, red facial complexion
• Dry and crusty middle-age (and beyond) body skin ‘challenges’
• Facial liver spots and dull, wrinkled skin

Each kit contains information that reflects the advice that I tell patients.  I’ve just “bottled” it into turn-key skin care regimens so that you don’t have to make an appointment with your dermatologist to get quick relief.

Take your hands, for instance. We’re in the middle of winter, and dry, chapped hands are basically a given. With our Dry Hand Skin Repair Kit, you really need products that will both heal your damaged hands and prevent further issues from happening.

Facial redness is another common problem that many people deal with daily. Whether the root of your issue is rosacea or facial seborrheic dermatitis, also known as facial dandruff, our Facial Redness Relief Kit can help. This kit contains resveratrol, which is the antioxidant from grapes, combined with zinc and green tea antioxidants. Together, these ingredients work to reverse redness.

After trying several home remedies (organic jojoba, organic coconut oil, organic honey, tea tree oils) – all to no avail. Frantic and desperate I came across Dr. Bailey’s site searching on seborrheic dermatitis. I ordered her Facial Redness Relief Kit praying that it would help even though I really didn’t expect it to. I can honestly say my face is so much better . TH

Thirdly, age is a problem that most people are trying to fight these days. As a result, we’ve developed our Anti-Aging Body Skin Care Kit that includes exfoliation products to ensure skin is soft and youthful. I’ve said it before and I say it again: My Anti-Aging Body Skin Care Kit is the most effective treatment I’ve ever found to give you smooth body skin, lighten and get rid of age spots…basically it gives you pretty skin again!

My barnacles are WAY better. Those ugly old age spots are gone, there was one on my chest, my shoulder and leg that are gone. I didn’t take the Body Kit on vacation and I noticed a difference. It’s a maintenance issue. DPP

Cancer is a problem that, unfortunately, many of us have had to deal with. Many times, the disease requires chemotherapy and, with that, a number of skin issues. Through my experience with breast cancer, we developed Chemotheraphy Skin Care Kits to specifically address the needs of patients dealing with the extremely sensitive skin that is associated with chemo. These kits include everything from body lotion to lip balm to allow chemo patients to overcome the typical skin woes that accompany cancer.

Rough, callused and dry feet are also a problem that many people suffer with. In the winter, people often let their feet go, but spring is just around the corner! Our Soft and Smooth Feet – Rough Skin Remover Kit includes a variety of products that softens dry, hard skin so that it can be removed to reveal soft feet again.

Lastly, and going right along with the age problem that no one wants is the problem of wrinkles and age spots. Fortunately, our Glycolic Acid Skin Care Kit can help eliminate these issues without a prescription or an office procedure. The ingredient of glycolic acid is key to lightening age spots and brightening complexions to, ultimately, produce younger looking skin.

These beauty challenges are real, but fortunately, products exist that can either cure or hide them. And given the focus society today puts upon beauty, these types of solutions are critical to everyday life. The fact that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner is an added bonus too.

911 Beauty Skin Care Fix-It Kits! is a post from: Dr. Bailey's Skin Care Blog

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