Foods For Healthy Skin Question

Foods For Healthy Skin 

Question

Foods for healthy skin: Top picks

What are the best foods for healthy skin?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Research on the best foods for healthy skin is limited. Still, antioxidant-rich foods seem to have a protective effect for the skin.

Consider these skin-friendly foods:

• Carrots, apricots, and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Blueberries
• Beans, peas and lentils
• Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish
• Nuts

On the flip side, some foods seem to be associated with skin damage. For example, some research suggests that a diet high in processed or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats promotes skin aging.

Remember, many of the best foods for healthy skin also promote good health overall. Rather than focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include nuts, seeds and beans in your favorite meals. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you're making healthy choices.

Question

Latisse: The answer for longer, thicker eyelashes?

My eyelashes have become very thin over the years. Is it safe to use the new prescription product that's supposed to grow eyelashes?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

The product you're referring to is bimatoprost, marketed under the brand name Latisse. Latisse is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for inadequate eyelashes (hypotrichosis). Bimatoprost is also marketed under the brand name Lumigan, which is used in prescription eyedrops to treat glaucoma. Eyelash growth was an unexpected side effect of Lumigan, which led to the creation and marketing of Latisse.

With regular applications along the lash line of the upper eyelid — it's not to be applied to the lower eyelid — Latisse gradually encourages growth of longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. You must use the product daily for at least two months before you see the full results. Eyelash improvements remain as long as you continue to use the medication. Once you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes eventually return to their original appearance.

Potential side effects of Latisse include:

• Itchy, red eyes
• Dry eyes
• Skin darkening on the eyelid where Latisse is applied
• Permanent, increased brown iris pigmentation
• Hair growth around the eyes if the product regularly runs or drips onto this area

A small study showed that Latisse wasn't effective in people with complete eyelash loss due to alopecia areata — a medical condition that causes temporary hair loss.

If you're concerned with how your eyelashes look, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of using an eyelash-growing medication.

Question

Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?

Does tattoo removal cream really work?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Tattoo removal creams are widely available online. But there's no evidence that they work. At best, tattoo removal cream may fade or lighten a tattoo. The tattoo will remain visible, however, and skin irritation and other reactions are possible. Remember, tattoos are meant to be permanent. Because the ink is placed beneath the top layer of skin, complete removal of a tattoo is difficult. If you're interested in tattoo removal, don't attempt it on your own. Ask your dermatologist about laser surgery or other options for tattoo removal.

Question

Shaving hair: Does shaved hair grow back thicker?

Is it true that shaving unwanted body hair makes it grow back thicker and darker?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth.

Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out. During this phase, the hair might be more noticeable and perhaps appear darker or thicker — but it's not.

Consult your doctor if you notice a sudden increase in facial or body hair. This could be a medication side effect or a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Question

Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?

Are tanning beds safer than natural sunlight?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin, whether the exposure comes from tanning beds or natural sunlight. This damage increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. In fact, most tanning beds emit mainly UVA rays — which may increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

If you'd like the golden glow of a tan without exposure to damaging UV radiation, consider using a sunless tanning product. Avoid tanning beds, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you're outdoors.

Question

Does sunscreen expire?

Is sunscreen from last year still good? When does sunscreen expire?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Sunscreens are designed to remain stable and at original strength for up to three years. This means that you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next.

Some sunscreens include an expiration date, or an indication of when the sunscreen is no longer effective. Discard sunscreen that's past the expiration date, is more than three years old or has been exposed to high temperatures.

Keep in mind, however, that if you use sunscreen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last from one year to the next. Generally, a liberal application is 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — the amount in a shot glass — to cover all exposed parts of the body. If you have a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle, you'll use about one-fourth of it during one application.

To maximize protection, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply about every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Be sure to rub the sunscreen in well.

Question

Birth control pills for acne?

I have acne that doesn't clear up when I use medications or creams. Could birth control pills help?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Yes, birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may improve acne in women. Birth control pills for acne are typically considered when acne doesn't respond to other treatments, such as prescription medication.

How birth control pills help

Birth control pills for acne work by reducing sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin. Acne results from the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells in hair follicles. Bacteria also play a role, by triggering additional inflammation and infection.

Because the pills target only one cause of acne — excess sebum — it's best to use them with other acne treatments, such as medicated creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You may need to take birth control pills for several months before noticing any results, and your skin may get worse before it gets better.

Possible side effects

Though typically safe and effective, birth control pills aren't for everyone. Side effects can include headaches, change in menstrual flow, breast tenderness, and slightly increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and blood clots.

Talk to your doctor about how your health history and age may affect your risks with birth control pills for acne.

Don't take combination estrogen-progestin pills if you:

• Are age 35 or older and smoke
• Have a history of cardiovascular disease
• Have a history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
• Have a history of blood clots in your legs or lungs.

Question

Acne scars: What's the best treatment?

What's the best treatment for acne scars?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. However, various procedures can improve your complexion.

• Laser treatments. In laser resurfacing, a laser beam destroys the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and heats the underlying skin (dermis). As the wound heals, new skin forms. Less intense lasers (nonablative lasers), pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices don't injure the epidermis. These treatments heat the dermis and cause new skin formation. After several treatments, acne scars may appear less noticeable.
• Dermabrasion. This procedure involves removing the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating wire brush. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable.
• Surgery. In some cases, surgery to remove deeply indented acne scars is an option. A minor procedure (punch excision) cuts out individual acne scars. Stitches or a skin graft repairs the hole left at the scar site.
• Tissue fillers. Injecting collagen or fat under the skin and into the acne scars can fill out or stretch the skin, making acne scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so you'd need to repeat the injections periodically.

To determine what's best for you, discuss the pros and cons of each procedure with your doctor or dermatologist.

Question

Natural acne treatment: What's most effective?

Are there any effective natural acne treatment options?

Answer

from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

Some natural acne treatments may be helpful in reducing inflammation and reducing acne breakouts:

Topical treatments

• Tea tree oil. Gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil may be as effective as are lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, although tea tree oil might work more slowly. Tea tree oil may cause a skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. There's also some concern that topical products containing tea tree oil might cause breast development in young boys. Don't use tea tree oil if you have acne rosacea because it can worsen symptoms.
• Alpha hydroxy acids. These natural acids — found in foods such as citrus fruits — help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores when applied topically. Alpha hydroxy acids may also improve the appearance of acne scars. They can also cause redness, mild stinging and skin irritation.
• Azelaic acid. This naturally occurring acid is found in whole-grain cereals and animal products and has antibacterial properties. A 20 percent azelaic acid cream seems to be as effective as many other conventional acne treatments, including 5 percent benzoyl peroxide and oral tetracycline.

Oral treatments

• Zinc supplements. Zinc plays a role in wound healing and reduces inflammation, which could help improve acne. Taking a zinc supplement with food may reduce side effects, including a bad taste in your mouth and nausea. Zinc can also be added to lotions or creams and may reduce acne breakouts.
• Brewer's yeast. A specific strain of brewer's yeast, called CBS 5926, seems to help decrease acne. Brewer's yeast may cause migraines in susceptible people and may cause intestinal upset.

More research is needed to establish the potential effectiveness and long-term safety of these and other natural acne treatments.

If you're considering natural acne treatments, consult your doctor first. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific treatments.

Question

Pregnancy acne: What's the best treatment?

What's the best way to treat pregnancy acne?

Answer

from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

You have many options for treating acne during pregnancy, including self-care and medication.

Pregnancy acne isn't a special form of acne. Many women simply seem to have trouble with acne during pregnancy. Although it isn't always clear what causes acne to get worse during pregnancy, the likely culprit for most women is an overproduction of oil (sebum) — which happens when certain hormones go into overdrive. Fortunately, you're not at the mercy of your hormones.

To treat pregnancy acne, start with self-care:

• Wash your face twice a day. Be gentle and use a mild cleanser with lukewarm water.
• If you have oily hair, shampoo daily. Be careful to keep hair off your face.
• Avoid picking, scratching, popping or squeezing acne sores.These habits can spread infection and potentially cause scarring.
• If you use cosmetics, stick to oil-free products. Look for descriptions such as water-based, noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic.
• Avoid resting your face in your hands. This can trap skin oils and sweat, which can irritate acne.

Medication is a second line of treatment for pregnancy acne. Any medication that's applied to your skin or swallowed can enter your bloodstream, so it's important to exercise caution during pregnancy — even with over-the-counter products.

Erythromycin (Erygel) is often the drug of choice for pregnancy acne. Azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea) may be another option. Both medications are typically applied to the skin as a lotion or gel and are available by prescription.

Opinions about using benzoyl peroxide to treat pregnancy acne are mixed. There's little research on the safety of over-the-counter or prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, although problems haven't been reported. In addition, any medication that could potentially cause birth defects — including isotretinoin and other retinoids, as well as minocycline, doxycycline and other tetracyclines — is generally avoided during pregnancy.

If you're concerned about pregnancy acne, consult your dermatologist or the health care provider who's handling your pregnancy. Together you can weigh the benefits and risks of various treatment options.