Q: I am a clean shaven male that suffers from ingrown hair and breakouts. Any recommended products would be highly appreciated. Thank you.
Dr. Berger: First of all, don’t shave too close. Hairs become ingrown when they’re cut below the skin line.
Consider deciding where you might someday want a beard or mustache, and have the rest of the hair removed.
Alternatively, any laser doc with a 1064 YAG Laser can zap individual ingrown hairs… it’s not too expensive and very effective.
Q: My husband is African-American. He shaves his face and head with electric clippers. He still manages to get hair bumps a few days after he shaves. I use rubbing alcohol and tweezers to pull some of the hair out of the bumps. My question is there anything he may use before or after so he doesn’t have to see bumps and deal with me pulling the hair out. Please help.
Dr. Berger: I get asked this a lot. The “nubs,” as they’re called, are really bothersome.
First of all, he shouldn’t shave too close. Hairs become ingrown when they’re cut below the skin line.
Consider deciding where he might someday want a beard or mustache, and have the rest of the hair removed. 1064 YAG Lasers… especially the CoolGlide™… are excellent for African-Americans and other people of color.
Alternatively, any laser doc with a 1064 YAG Laser can zap individual ingrown hairs… it’s not too expensive and very effective.
Q: Hi Dr. Berger.
What products can I use to lighten my skin permanently? Is there such a thing? Is Dr. Murad (nano DNA) any good?
I want even toned skin. Please recommend a good dermatologist in Beverly Hills, California.
Dr. Berger: Gee, Shireen, Beverly Hills has great dermatologists on every corner! I don't think any product will permanently lighten skin. Expect repeat treatments as often as you produce more pigment. If you want even tone, and you're light skinned, IPLs will do the trick (I like LimeLight)… but if you're a person of color, that's not an option.
See a specialist in Beverly Hills for a real evaluation of your options, since each skin type is different.
Q: Hello Doctor. I know your time is short, so I will try and make this as brief as possible. I am currently deployed to Iraq with the 101st ABN DIV. It has been extremely difficult for me to purchase proper skin care products. I have to shave against the grain, therefore I always have skin irritation; i.e. razor bumps. I would just like to ask, what would be the best product for my problem. I thank you again for your time.
Dr. Berger: Dear Sgt Blanchard,
Time is NEVER short when it comes to those in uniform. They are usually the most unlikely to ask for help and yet the most deserving.
First, wash or soak your beard in hot water for several minutes before shaving. This softens the hair for easier cutting. Second, don't shave against the grain, ever. This cuts the hairs too short and allows then to ingrow more easily. Third, no alcohol based after shaves. They dry and irritate the skin. Fourth, Retin-A type products are helpful.
Finally, if you're ever in the NY area we can laser off the hair where you usually get the bumps. That's a permanent solution and it would be a pleasure to help you out.
God bless and safe tour.
Q: I'm 30 year old African American woman and I had some kind of allergic reaction on my lips and the doctor gave me some triamcinolone acetonide. Which worked very well but it left my bottom lip discolored.(real dark brown) Is there something I can get or put on my lip to get my natural color back?
Dr. Berger: To be quite frank, I have never encountered this problem, but I was surprised to find that the internet is full of blogs and discussion groups about it. I searched the literature and found no products for decreasing color on the lips, and I believe that Hydroquinone is just too irritating for use on the lip.
Q: Dear Dr. Berger, First of all, I must say you are very handsome, and a man of experience, wisdom, and education, is impressive. Enough flirting, now for my serious question. I have a scar where my cleavage begins.
I had a small mole removed from there that appeared suddenly. I had it redone because it became a keloid. After the second time, it still had keloid. I went to a plastic surgeon who injected it several times til it finally flattened. And now it is soft and flat, however the redness will not
disappear. It has been about 2 years. I've used Mederma, Vitamin E, aloe vera, and scar bandages, but to no avail. So finally I see that I will have to accept the redness, however, I would like to disguise it. Will Dermablend help this scar hide?
Thank you for your quick response,
Helene (Simi Valley, CA.)
Dr. Berger: I LIKE flirting! It’s refreshing... and especially when I can actually answer your question. LOL
There are several options... one is to have a series of CUTERA Laser Genesis treatments to decrease the redness. Make certain the operator is a physician, and experienced in this problem (too bad you’re all the way in Simi!). There is a good company called Prescriptives™. They can match your skin tone and allow you to cover up.
Again, thanks for the kind words.
Note: Advice and information presented on this website is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute or replace professional advice for individual or specific conditions.
