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I saw an ad that used sound waves / radio waves (not sure which) to help diminish wrinkles. Does this work? Theoretically, sound waves (ultrasound) could be utilized to create heat within the skin in order to stimulate skin tightening and new collagen growth, both of which would help diminish wrinkles. Different varieties of electromagnetic waves such as visible and infrared light have been successfully and reliably used for many years to rejuvenate skin via laser technology. Radio waves are another form of electromagnetic waves but have not been reliably shown to improve the appearance of skin. I was diagnosed with skin cancer – squamous cell – and had it removed. Do I need to be concerned that it will return to the same place? What about other places? How often should I have check ups? Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is a common cancer. Chronic sun exposure and fair skin are the main risk factors. Although not as serious as melanoma, squamous cell does carry the possibility of spreading to other organs (metastasis). As with any cancer, there is always a possibility that squamous cell of the skin may recur after treatment. Assuming that the cancer has not metastasized already, the likelihood that any one lesion of squamous cell carcinoma will either recur or metastasize is based mainly on two things - the type/location of the cancer, as well as the method of removal. There is a greater rate of recurrence and metastasis for lesions that are greater than 2cm in size, penetrate deeply, are located on the lip or ear, and have an aggressive pattern when viewed under the microscope. Lesions developing in old scars and in patients on immune suppressive medications also carry a poorer prognosis. In terms of methods of treatment, surgical excision is the most effective treatment for lesions that have not yet spread. Mohs micrographic surgery is a form of surgical excision that has the greatest cure rate and is frequently used for high risk lesions. Other methods of treatment such as electrodessication and curretage (scraping and burning), topical chemotherapy creams, and radiation can be employed for low risk lesions or patients who cannot undergo surgery, but they do carry higher recurrence rates. Patients with one squamous cell should be monitored closely as they have a greater risk for developing a 2nd lesion. How frequently you are followed depends on several factors such as how high risk the initial lesion was and how many other risk factors are present. This may range anywhere from once a month to once a year. Spas and Spa treatments are popping up everywhere. Can they really do the same kind of treatments that a dermatologist can do? “Spa” and “spa treatments” are meaningless words and phrases. Similarly, “medispa” is equally meaningless. There are no regulations or guidelines regarding the use of these names. A “spa” would suggest a non-medical business in the business of pampering but not truly treating or changing people’s appearance. “Medispa” is an intentionally misleading and vague name, which suggests a medical environment. In spite of the name, medispas are not medical clinics. Usually no physician is present, performing, or supervising the treatments. Finally, a physician associated with a “medispa” does not necessarily have any expertise in skin regardless of how much they promote themselves as “cosmetic specialists.” The only true expert in the health, disease, appearance and medical care of your skin is a board certified dermatologist. Before trusting your skin to anyone, ask specifically if they are a physician board certified in dermatology. What is rosacea? What can I do about the red patches on my face? Rosacea is a chronic form of adult acne. It may be worsened by sunlight, temperature extremes, foods, alcohol, and stress. It is extremely common, affecting about 14 million Americans. For more information please go to www.rosacea.org. It is characterized by red scaly patches of skin, red bumps or pimples, and increased visible red blood vessels in the skin of the face. It may also affect the eyes. We as dermatologists have many great treatments for rosacea including topical (applied to the skin) medications, oral antibiotics, and laser treatments. I have a wart on my finger, with a growth coming out of the middle of it, kind of a stem. I have had it treated before with silver nitrate and it seams to be shrinking…. They want to hit it with silver nitrate once more. Is this going to be successful? Or should I have it surgically removed? Warts can be treated with different modalities including silver nitrate sticks, salicylic acid preparations, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, and lasers. One of the most important points to be stressed when treating warts is that NUMEROUS treatment sessions are usually needed. Treatment sessions are usually spaced between one to four weeks apart. It should also be clear that most warts will resolve spontaneously with time. Surgical excsision, CO2 laser ablation, or curretage and cautery of troublesome, resistant single warts can be attempted, but there is always risk of scarring and recurrence. Do over the counter skin care products work? Should I use the more expensive products or will the cheaper ones work just a well? Over the counter skin care products such as cleansers and moisturizers are fine for routine skin care. Many products make claims about their ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, however a moisturizer really can only moisturize the skin, and does not remove wrinkles. Moisturizers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles primarily through increased skin hydration, but it cannot actually remove the wrinkles. Cleansers are meant for washing the skin, they as well cannot wash away acne or wrinkles. More expensive skin care products are not necessarily better than cheaper products. A quality moisturizer or cleanser can be obtained from skin care lines at the drug store such as Dove, Aveeno, Cetaphil or Neutrogena. The most expensive parts of any skin care product are the fragrance, the bottle and the packaging, and none of these things contribute to the product’s efficacy. Ideally a moisturizer should also contain sunscreen to provide the added benefit of sun protection, which is really the most important factor in preventing wrinkles. There are creams that are available that do actually remove wrinkles or acne, however they are only available by prescription through your dermatologist. I have a mole which recently started to weep a clear fluid. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range of appearances. They are usually brown in color but can be skin colored and various shapes and sizes. Moles or growths that warrant medical concern are those that do something out of the ordinary. This includes any spot that changes in color, size, shape, bleeds, oozes, itches or becomes painful. If any of the above changes are noticed, you should see a dermatologist immediately for further evaluation and treatment. It is recommended to have an annual skin examination by a dermatologist, especially for adults with significant past sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer. I have age spots, can anything be done for them? Without question, the safest and most effective means of removing benign pigmented skin lesions, also referred to as "age spots", is via laser technology. The most effective laser for treating such lesions is either a KTP laser or a Q switched Nd:YAG laser. IPL technology and "photofacials" are less effective and have a greater risk of complication. Although lasers can provide the best results possible, scarring is still a possibility particularly if the wrong technology is utilized or your physician is not an expert in dermatology and dermatologic laser surgery. My heels are very dry and cracking. What can I do to fix this? The warm, dry summer, as well as walking barefoot, or wearing shoes without backs can cause dry and cracked skin to occur on the feet. Other problems, including calluses (rough areas, caused by ill-fitting shoes or prolonged standing), or dermatitis, (an inflammatory condition of the feet) can sometimes worsen the problem. If there are fissures (deep, painful cracks), they can become infected, and should be evaluated by a physician. In general, soaking dry skin, using a pumice stone or wash cloth to gently remove any dead skin, and then applying a moisturizer (I recommend a thick cream or ointment moisturizer- not lotions) regularly (once a day) usually helps a great deal. Never use a sharp blade or razor to remove dead skin, especially if you are a diabetic. If you cannot reach your feet to perform these tasks, podiatrist and dermatologists can help. If you are diabetic, it is especially important that you seek regular medical evaluation of your feet, as well as self-evaluation for any ulcers or infections. Also, if your skin problem is not easily remedied with the above suggestions, you may want to see a dermatologist, as there could be other conditions contributing to this problem. I hear in order to cure athlete's foot, I should see a dermatologist. Is this correct? Athlete’s foot is a common skin problem caused by a fungus. Usually it starts on the skin between the toes and is a scaly, cracked, sore, itchy rash. The medical term for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is everywhere in the environment. It is commonly picked up from the floors of showers, locker rooms and exercise facilities. The fungus is more likely to grow on sweaty, damp or improperly dried feet, especially in shoes or socks with poor ventilation. A dermatologist can diagnose athlete’s foot after examining your skin. Sometimes they can also do a scraping or culture to check for fungus. Athlete’s foot can be treated with over the counter creams, or if those are unsuccessful then prescription creams are also available from your doctor. Some people have mild athlete’s foot infections just once in a while. Other people suffer from more recurrent infections and probably should see a doctor for stronger treatment options. The key is prevention, such as keeping the feet dry, using antifungal foot powder, wearing athletic socks that wick moisture away from the skin, wear sandals when possible, wear flip flop shoes when in the shower or locker room, and disinfect showers or locker rooms. I seem to come apart at the seams whenever I bump into something. My skin is thin and fragile, I am 80 years old. Is this common? It is quite common. Like most things, with age, the skin slowly weakens. Collagen, which makes up the strength of the skin, slowly deteriorates with time. In particular, sun exposure induces more rapid deterioration of the skin by inducing enzymes in the skin to break down collagen. This is why skin on the forearm seems to tear with relatively minor trauma, whereas similar trauma to the skin of the buttocks or other sun protected areas does not. There unfortunately is little that can be done to reverse these changes, but it does underscore the importance of avoiding excessive sun exposure and use good sun protective measures. About a year ago, I had my eyebrows waxed and ever since then the skin on my left brow weeps after I shower and when dry forms something like dandruff, it also itches. I saw a dermatologist who prescribed a topical crème and lotion, neither of which worked. I am thinking the salon technician used an unsterilized brush because I did not have a problem prior. Can you advise? Thank you. It is difficult to diagnose and treat this problem without examining you. However, I think it is unlikely to be an infection acquired from you salon. Regardless, a return visit to the dermatologist is the appropriate next step. I have a new job outside and am finding my skin is taking a beating. What can I do to minimize the damage/effects? Do over the counter skin care products work? Should I use the more expensive products or will the cheaper ones work just a well? Over the counter skin care products such as cleansers and moisturizers are fine for routine skin care. Many products make claims about their ability to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, however a moisturizer really can only moisturize the skin, and does not remove wrinkles. Moisturizers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles primarily through increased skin hydration, but it cannot actually remove the wrinkles. Cleansers are meant for washing the skin, they as well cannot wash away acne or wrinkles. More expensive skin care products are not necessarily better than cheaper products. A quality moisturizer or cleanser can be obtained from skin care lines at the drug store such as Dove, Aveeno, Cetaphil or Neutrogena. The most expensive parts of any skin care product are the fragrance, the bottle and the packaging, and none of these things contribute to the product’s efficacy. Ideally a moisturizer should also contain sunscreen to provide the added benefit of sun protection, which is really the most important factor in preventing wrinkles. There are creams that are available that do actually remove wrinkles or acne, however they are only available by prescription through your dermatologist. When we are outdoors our skin comes into contact with many damaging elements, but the most damaging can be ultraviolet rays from the sun. This is particularly harmful in those individuals with light skin, blond or red hair and blue eyes. Pale skin does not have its own defense to protect from the sun’s harmful rays, so it needs extra help. Sunscreen is important but it is also necessary to look for a sunscreen that is broad spectrum to filter out both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen is frequently not enough, so hats with a wide brim and sun protective clothing are also helpful. Don’t forget sunglasses to protect the eyes. Even on cloudy days the sun can still get through so it’s important to protect yourself everyday. For the last 3 years my hands have been breaking out. I get cleared up, but break out again within a few days. I've had contact dermatitis three times. I'm sure I am allergic to something, but don't know what. I have a prescription ointment called Fluocinonide. It helps, but I can't continue to use it indefinitely. I would appreciate any advice you have concerning this problem. Thanks! Hand rash, also known hand dermatitis or hand eczema often results from a combination of various causes including, atopic tendency (personal or family history of asthma, hay fever and childhood eczema), contact irritant dermatitis (overexposure to irritants like soaps, detergents, chemicals, etc.) and contact allergic dermatitis. Hand dermatitis is particularly common in industries involving catering, hairdressing, cleaning, healthcare and mechanical work. There are other skin diseases like psoriasis, fungal infection, lichen planus that can look like hand eczema, but are not, can be diagnosed by a dermatologist. If there is a suspicion of allergy, your dermatologist may perform a patch test, which involves testing the skin on your back with various ingredients to see what specific ingredients might be causing your skin to react. There are many measures that can be taken to control hand eczema. Protect your hands by wearing cotton gloves under vinyl gloves when doing dishes, laundry, bathrooms and working outdoors. Frequent use of moisturizer helps to restore the damaged barrier of the skin. Depending on the severity of the rash, your dermatologist may offer various treatments including topical medicated ointments, ultraviolet light treatments and various systemic oral medications. What ingredients should I avoid in a sunscreen? First, most people do not need to avoid any ingredients in sunscreens. However, some people find that sunscreens cause a rash or irritation of their skin. This may be caused by a preservative, a sunscreen chemical, or a fragrance in the sunscreen. Most sunscreens are a combination of chemical blockers (that can cause a adverse reaction) and physical blockers (that do not commonly cause a reaction) which work together to provide a broad-spectrum of protection against ultraviolet light. Chemicals such as PABA esters, avobenzone, and the cinnamates can cause allergic reactions in some people, so these chemicals should be avoided if you have a history of rash after using sunscreens containing these chemicals. Most sunscreens on the market are PABA-free due to the high frequency of allergic reaction to this chemical. Fortunately, physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, can be used in patients who are allergic to the chemicals listed above, as there are no known allergies to physical sunscreens. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are chemically inert, safe, and provide broad-spectrum protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. In the past, these products have been avoided due to their white appearance when applied to the skin, but recent advances have improved the cosmetic appearance of these sunscreens. General recommendations for sunscreen use: Regardless of ethnicity or skin color, if a person is going to be exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes any time of the year, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, protecting against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, with a sun-protective factor (SPF) of 15 or above. This includes cloudy days, since 80% of the sun’s rays penetrate the clouds. Uneven product application is a common problem. Sunscreen must be applied to all exposed areas, including the lips, ears, nose, neck and scalp. Apply enough sunscreen so that it forms a fine film when initially applied. Optimally, sunscreen must be applied about 20 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and must be re-applied after swimming and vigorous activity even if it is considered water-resistant. Otherwise, re-application should occur every two hours at a minimum. Alcohol-based lotions, sprays, or gels provide easier application to hairy skin. Insect repellents reduce the SPF of sunscreen, so a higher SPF may be needed. Exposure to midday sun (10am to 4pm), should be reduced or avoided. Tanning beds must be avoided. I recommend self-tanning lotions as an alternative, but these do not significantly protect against the sun, so sunscreen must be used as well. Infants 6 months old and younger should be kept out of direct sunlight. Protective clothing, such as long sleeves and pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses should be worn when possible. Special sun-protective clothing has been developed, labeled with an Ultraviolet Protective Factor (UPF), and can be a simple way to protect against the sun’s rays. Clothing labeled UPF 15 or above provides the most protection. To learn more about skin cancer avoidance, contact your dermatologist or the American Cancer Society (ACS) at www.cancer.org or the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org. Both my soles are very dry and they seem awfully thin. They sound like tissue paper. I’ve tried all different lotions and creams and nothing seems to help. Do I need certain vitamins or food? Thank you. Dryness and thinning of the skin are very common changes that happen as we age. There are no products that help with the thinning so it is important to treat your skin very gently as it ages. Our skin becomes more fragile so it is necessary to cleanse it with gentle cleansers that won’t strip the skin, such as Dove, Cetaphil or Neutrogena. Moisturizing is also an important step to help with the dryness. Creams are always better than lotions because they help provide more protection to the thin fragile skin. Some good creams to use include Vanicream, Eucerin or Cetaphil creams. There are no specific dieting or vitamin recommendations other than maintaining a well balanced diet with all the food groups. A friend has itchy, bleeding spots all over her skin and says her doctor has said it was nerves. Could this be possible? We all develop different methods for coping with stress - some that are beneficial and some that are destructive. It is true that in some cases, chronic high levels of stress in some people can play a role in the development of bleeding sores of the skin. This is referred to as neurotic or psychogenic excoriation and is similar to biting ones nails or tugging ones hair. It is compulsive rubbing and digging of the skin. This may be initiated by a relatively minor skin condition such as dry skin, or itch, but then progresses to something much bigger. The result is sores that develop only within arms reach (typically sparing the middle of the back) and seem to never heal, or, when they do, seem to be replaced by new ones. They often worsen in times of greater stress and more commonly develop in those with depression or anxiety disorders. Management of the stressors with the help of a mental health professional as well as local wound care helps improve this condition. Any itching, bleeding skin lesion should be evaluated by a dermatologist. A biopsy may be performed to rule out another cause. Will just any birth control pill help my skin or do I have to use the one advertised to help clear up skin? Acne vulgaris is a skin condition affecting approximately 17 million adolescents and adults. For women, oral contraceptives have become a treatment option because they decrease the amount of hormones that are responsible for acne. Most oral contraceptives help improve acne and there is scientific proof of this. However, there are very few scientific studies comparing different oral contraceptives as to which product is more effective for acne and the results of these studies have been variable. Certain manufacturers have performed extra scientific studies to actually show proof that they are effective against acne. And because of this, they are able to make this claim in their package insert. One example of a birth control tablet that has been FDA approved for acne treatment is Ortho-TriCyclen. I have a hard time curing athlete’s foot?. Should I see a dermatologist for treatment? People with persistent or recurrent “athlete’s foot” should see their dermatologist. It is true that “athlete’s foot” represents one of the most common forms of funal infections of the skin. Howeveer, it is not solely caused by fungus called Dermatophytes. Years and bacteria can complicate the infection as well as a hypersensitivity or reaction may be seen. These may be some reasons why “athlete’s foot” may be persistent or recurrent. It is helpful to control excessive foot sweating by using absosrbent socks, non-occlusive shoes and foot powder. Your dermatologist can prescribe a variety of topical and oral medications. I have heard that use of sunscreen will prevent skin cancer. But, now I’m hearing that even if you don’t burn yu can still damage the skin and get skin cancer. Is this true? Any sun exposure that causes darkening of the skin, red or brown, represents damage to the skin from the sun. Skin cancers most commonly develop as a result of cumulative sun damage over the years. The more severe the degree of damage and the more frequent the episodes of the damage, the greater the risk for skin cancer. The goal of sun protection is not to shoot for the unattainable (zero sun exposure), but rather to modify your habits to reduce sun damage whenever possible without sacrificing your lifestyle. This includes using sunscreens and protective clothing. It is impoirtant to remember that some skin cancers may develop on areas without any history of sun exposure, such as the sole of the foot or inside the mouth. Any changing or non-healing spots should be evaluated by your doctor, regardless of history of sun exposure. I recently read about a study that showed acne cream (Tazorac) can undo some of the damage from the sun to my skin. The study said it could reduce fine wrinkling and mottled pigmentation. Is this true? Sun damaged skin is characterized by fine and coarse wrinkling, roughness, brown spots, discoloration, redness and prominent blood vessels such as spider veins. Topical retinoids have been shown to improve to some extent, the appearance of sun damaged skin. This is specifically seen by some improvement in fine wrinkling and by some evening out of the blotchy discoloration with prolonged use. Tazorac is but one example of a topical retinoid. Different kinds of lasers can target specific problem areas such as removing sunspots or irregular discolorataion and improving on redness and prominent vessels on the face. Lasers also stimulate dermal collagen growth resulting in improvement of wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone and pore size. Whatever the means a person chooses to decrease the signs of sun damage, the most important point that cannot be overemphasized is the regular use of sun protection. It should involve a broad-spectrum sun block that protects against UVA and UVB. And, it should be re-applied with prolonged sun exposure. I have eczema and a friend says a new drug called Protopic really works. Is this true? Yes, it is! Protopic and Elidel are two new topical, (applied to the skin), prescription medications that are known as calcineurin inhibitors. They are a welcome addition to our topical treatments for eczema. They are not corticosteroids and may be used at any location on the body and for extended periods of time without concern for thinning of the skin or the systemic effects of steroids. They may also be used in children as young as two years old. Some patients may experience temporary warmth, burning or irritation from these drugs, however, this is usually not much of a problem. Many patients use these drugs alternating with topical steroids or in specific situations or areas of the body. They are not a cure for eczema and routine maintenance and special care of your skin is still necessary to prevent flare-ups. I've heard about some new substance which will protect my skin better, but is not yet approved. Is there something on the horizon that will protect against all kinds of sun rays? Yes, there is a sunscreen ingredient, Mexoryl, which has been used in the rest of the world for years, that seems almost ideal. It is not approved by the FDA in this country, and therefore only available through Canadian pharmacies. It offers much better protection for UVA light than currently available sunscreens which mostly offer UVB light protection. UVA light is present in sunlight, and used commercially in tanning beds. UVA is longer wavelength than UVB, and it penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB. Although UVA produces much less "sunburn" or redness, it is thought to produce more of the damage that we see as "aging." UVA may also contribute to the much higher and increasing rates of melanoma since it is not blocked well by presently available sunscreens. Blocking UVA is important, and a broad spectrum UVB/UVB sunscreen is definitely the best product to use. Hopefully, this new sunscreen ingredient will be available in this country soon. My 8 year old daughter recently developed multiple itchy bumps on her legs after a picnic which I thought were just bug bites. But now they have progressed to large itchy welts and blisters. Can these still be bug bites or are they something more serious? Mosquitoes, black flies, gnats and horseflies are all biting insects which regularly cause problems for children and adults alike. For most, they simply result in a slight stinging sensation and a small itchy red bump. Some people develop sensitization to bug bites, which is similar to an allergic reaction to the bite. In these individuals, bites may result in very uncomfortable large welts, nodules, and even blisters. Treatment is usually conservative, with the use of cool compresses, Benadryl, and occasionally topical cortisone creams. The best treatment, however, is preventative with the regular use of insect repellent, avoidance of perfumes, and protective clothing in neutral colors. Is there anything I can eat or drink that will improve my skin? Sometimes I read stories in women's magazines about some miracle fruit or something...Is there any truth in these stories? There is no truth in claims that dietary changes or increased fluid intake will improve the signs of aging skin or acne. Dermatologists have many treatments for acne and aging skin. However, avoidance of foods or increasing certain foods are not proven therapies. There are a few skin problems that are aggravated by foods such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), dermatitis herpetiformis, and rosacea. My son has had a continuing problem with warts and I recently read that the use of over the counter remedies were actually safe and effective for their removal. Should I try salicyclic acid (Compound W or Duofilm) and see if they work before I contact my physician? Warts may resolve spontaneously with time. However, they may be painful, an object of ridicule, lead to loss of confidence or be a public health issue. Immunosuppressed patients may have extensive and resistant warts. For solitary of few localized warts, salicyclic acid preparations are usually the first line of therapies and may be applied with or without occlusion. Should the warts not resolve or improve in a month or two, a physician should be contacted for alternative therapies. I had great skin in my teens but now, when I'm in my 40's, I find I have acne. What can I do about it? Is this common? Acne can be common in adults, particularly adult women. Fifty percent of adult women have acne. The acne we see in adult women is different than what we see in teenagers. It tends to affect the chin and jawline more frequently in adults. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist who can prescribe a treatment program for you. This is poison ivy time, and each year I seem to get into the stuff. Is there anything I can do once I get it? A friend's doctor prescribed Diprolene. Will it help? Poison ivy causes an intense allergic rash in those individuals who have been exposed to it previously. This rash can be extensive, with swelling, redness, blistering and severe itch. For those who are known to be sensitive to poison ivy, preventing exposure is the best treatment. A quick search of the Internet will yield hundreds of pictures of this three-leaf plant. Once the rash develops, however, the treatment of choice is a corticosteroid such as Prednisone. Prednisone tablets by mouth are usually required for all but the very minor causes of poison ivy. In addition, anti-itch medicines may provide some relief. Diprolene is a potent topical corticosteroid cream, but is less effective at controlling the rash. It is also generally not considered safe for use on the face, underarm or groin, should the rash involve these areas. Starting about 6 years ago (at age 45) each time I have had a severe cold or the flu and am almost recovered, a red rash appears around my neck, on my inner thighs and from my underarm leading to my breasts. My G.P. cannot explain- the rash disappears within a day or two. Any ideas? I do have some ideas, however I could be more accurate and direct if I actually saw the eruption (rash). Often I will see a patient initially, and then ask them to return again at the time of the recurrence of the rash. Possibilities include a drug eruption, or eruption from the illness itself, (visual eruption), or a reaction to the illness such as erythema multiform. Why does my skin get so itchy in the winter? Dry skin is more severe in the winter months when the humidity is low. “Winter itch” most commonly effects the hands and lower legs but can affect any area of the body. It particularly affects the elderly but can affect all age groups. An individual's skin-care regimen can have major impact during the winter months. When choosing a skin care regimen, it is important to avoid making the skin worse. For example, certain scrubs or soaps may be too harsh or irritating, certain moisturizers may clog pores, and exotic ingredients such as plant extract may cause allergic reactions. It is important to consult your dermatologist who can help you choose products meant for your individual needs.