Q: At 61 I continue to have 'black heads' on the high part of my cheek bones and on my nose. What product would you suggest to dissolve them. Also, what is H50 Therapy Cream supposed to do. My daughter gave me some samples from her doctor.
Dr. Berger: Dear Linda, I always recommend deep cleansing facials every other month to my patients with a tendency for acneform lesions. I also highly recommend hormone replacement for post-menopausal women with no family history of breast cancer… they can even test for the breast cancer gene! It’s soooo good for your skin (and general quality of life. Ask your GYN. As for H50, it’s a good, soliud performer for anti-aging, moderately priced and effective. Just be sure to get the appropriate type for your specific skin; dry or oily.
Q: My 7 year old son is plagued with vitiligo. What would you recommend I use for a cover-up of to stop the process or for re-pigmenting. He is starting to develop a complex as he gets older, and I feel bad for him. Locoid and protopic are out of the question at this point due to dangers of cancer and skin thining.
Dr. Berger: Dear Cindy, no great news on the horizon, either. Treatment is definitely out at his tender age. Find a custom cosmetics company that can match his skin tone as closely as possible, and see if there are any support groups or pediatric counselors who can help. Best wishes, Eric Berger MD
Q: What is your opinion of Dr. Perricone's LIGHT Renewal product. Does it work?
Dr. Berger: I get asked this all the time. I’m a big fan of Perricone Products, except that they’re seriously overpriced… but the Light Renewal system is questionable, at best. The strength of clinical LED lights and the precautions and restrictions involved make a home system essentially toothless in my opinion. Find an MD with an OmniLux system and get REAL treatments that are specific for your skin problems.
Q: I have recently been told about mineral makeup and how it allows your skins to breath - however there seem to be several makes. Which one would you recommend for fair skin - not awfully sensitive some white pigmentation due to sun – I’d like my skin to be able to breath even with makeup on? Thanks
Dr. Berger: The easy answer is Jane Iredale. Natural, mineral and moderately priced, especially considering the excellent quality.
Q: I am currently using N.Y.C. Translucent Pressed Face Powder. It contains the following ingredients: Talc, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Silicate, Kaolin, Oryza Sativa Starch Rice, Avena Sativa Kernel Flour Oat, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Boron Nitride, Isopropylparaben, sobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Isopropyl Palmitate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mica, Iron Oxides, titanium Dioxide, Ultramarines. Are any of these ingredients harmful to the skin in any way?
Dr. Berger: Dear Angela, EVERY product contains potentially harmful ingredients… even filtered water. The question is: Are you allergic to any of these ingredients (by now you’d know!), reactive or overly sensitive, or are they merely “trace amounts” which will do no harm. The regulations are such that most people will have no negative effects, and if you like the way the product works on YOU, don’t change a thing.
Q: I have Vitilago and would like to order some cover-up for my face, but I do not know what color to order. Do you have a resource in the Southern Calif. area?
Dr. Berger:
Prescriptives™ is a franchised custom blending system and available in many department stores.
Q: Hello doctor, I am 19 and I have stretch marks from working out between my chest and shoulders, mostly. I am not a body builder, but I am developing muscle mass and do not feel comfortable going to the beach with these stretch marks looking quite red at times. I am trying to use tretonoin and palmer's butter cream, but since this condition cannot be treated, I was wondering if you would know more about cosmetic solutions that would cover these lines. Have you had experience with people using Dermablend for example?
Thank you in advance.
Dr. Berger:Jake, have you been playing with steroids? This is a common side effect, not usually found in regular mass gain... if you are... even just a little... STOP!
As for cover-ups, yes, Dermablend may work, but I have recently been recommending Prescriptives™
Give them a try and good luck.
Q: Dear Doctor Berger, First, thank you for allowing all these people to consult and speak with you via mail connection.
I have a question about my hair which is dry and curly. When it is wet it is beautiful, but once it dries it is not as beautiful as it is wet and it is damaged. I do not know which cream or oil is good for it in order to keep the wet style. Would you please help me.
Thank you, in advance.
Dr. Berger:Dear Azita, I once knew a girl who had a very similar problem and solved it in an interesting way.
She switched to baby shampoo for the gentle cleansing and, one night a week, rubbed olive oil into her hair, wrapped it in a towel and went to sleep. In the morning she washed it and it looked fabulous!
I’d give it a try. Let me know the results.
Q: I am a 54 year old male with dry skin. I use Jan Marini Skin care and Retin A at night. Thinking about trying BABOR. What do you think about BABOR as an anti-aging line and firmer for the skin?
Dr. Berger:Dear Jerry, it’s great to hear from a guy interested in good skin! I’m 60 and love to see my friends from HS and college… they look so OLD!
On my face, I use Neova Products by ProCyte- After Shave Therapy and Night Therapy. Their Ti-Silk Sun Products are tops, too.
The quality is terrific, the price is right and the bottles are masculine enough to be left on the bathroom counter.
Q: I have Blepharitis Conjuntivitis over the last year. I am trying to find a mascara & eyeliner that isn't going to aggravate my eyes more. What brand do you recommend?
Dr. Berger:It’s difficult because everyone reacts to different chemicals. I strongly recommend natural product lines… hypo-allergenic… such as Joey New York. That’s a great place to start. All the best, Eric Berger MD
Q: I have had silver stretch marks for three years. I have tried everything to help remove them, but it doesn’t work. I’m 17 and I believe its puberty related, but it is ugly and I want the best solution possible. Please help me.
Q: Hi Dr Berger.
I used an over-the-counter Microdermabrasion while I was on Retin-A and it created dark hyperpigmentation on my cheekbones. I continued to use the product and it erased 80% of the hyperpigmentation and even removed most dead skin. However, a few dark areas remained. Should I continue to use the product in hopes that it will all eventually go away? Best regards, thank you.
Dr. Berger:Dear Lois, that’s what’s so terrible wrong with unguided self-treatment! Did the microderm system warn not to use it with Retin-A? No MD in his right mind would microderm skin sensitized by a retinoid until at least a month of non-use. I’d love to see the package insert. Yes, keep using the microderm for a while WITHOUT the Retin-A, and if that fails, see a good laser surgeon. Why is it that people are so easily convinced that they can treat their own skin? No one tries to remove their own appendix!
Q: Hello Dr Berger, I was born and raised in the Caribbean island of Dominica. I grew up with a lot of scars on my feet from sports, recreation and country living. I have been hearing about Scarguard on the radio and I am thinking of trying it to get rid of the scars. Do you recommend it? If not what do you recommend? Thanks, BJ.
Dr. Berger:Dear BJ, old scars are very difficult to treat. Don’t expect too much. ScarGuard is as good as any other scar treatment, but it’s intended for recent, soft skin scars… not scars on tougher areas like the feet. There is unfortunately no specific solution I can think of.
Q: I'm looking to purchase Scarguard. Are there any competitors to this product? I can't seem to compare this product to anything else. Thanks.
Dr. Berger:Dear Lee Ann, There’s a product, MediScar, with which I’ve had good results. It’s available on the web. Also, see my comments on Laser Genesis for real scar reduction.
Q: My skin is very thin and I bruise very easily because of the steroids I have had to take for rheumatoid arthritis. Is their anything you know of to help this condition.
Dr. Berger:Take especially good care of your skin! The steroids also make it easier to get infections. I STRONGLY recommend ProCyte Complex Cu3 - Intensive Tissue Repair Creme. Very good at repair and protection.
Q:What is the best facial care for mild adult acne. I am concerned about the fine lines starting to form so can you help me with a treatment for both? Thanks so much I just turned 50 and never had any break outs as a teenager at all. Kinda wish I could of had them then and not now!
Dr. Berger:Dear Sharon, I see this type of hormonal acne every day. It’s so frustrating. I usually start patients off with exceptional cleaning. A Dermalogica Facial a week for a month, while they have 2 Blue Light (OmniLux) sessions a week for 10 weeks. Generally, that will make any other treatment more effective by removing the offending bacteria and porphyrin by-products, and exfoliating to make the pores more accessable. Your age is significant because at puberty and menopause... whenever there are big hormone swings... hormone balancing can be VERY helpful, too.
Q: I have severely dark circles around my eyes does Hylexin really work?
Dr. Berger: I have no experience with Hylexin... but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. The science seems logical, and there are sites offering dramatic price reductions on line. Give it a try. Let me know what YOU think.
Q: I have extremely dry skin. I put moisturizer on my face and it soaks right in leaving my face still dry. I also cannot tolerate dyes or fragrances. What do you suggest?
Dr. Berger: Dear Saundra, use an intensive moisturizer. Often, when moisturizer fails, it is just not sufficient for your needs.
Try ProCyte Neova R2 Creme Intense. It’s really exceptional.
Q: What is a good coverage for Vitiligo on the corners of my lips?
Dr. Berger: I like Dermablend products, because of the range of tones available. The results are uniformly smooth and you can certainly match your tone.
Let me know what happens.
Q: What skin care line do you recommend for premature aging and hyperpigmentation? I have a medium colored complexion and I have slight acne scars with acne prone skin? I was thinking Kinerase?
Dr. Berger: No doubt about it, Kinerase makes a good line. So does Dermalogica, for that matter. Still, get the advise of a licensed skincare professional (aesthetician) as to which specific products are for your skin type.
The mild acne scars can now be treated wonderfully with the PEARL laser from Cutera. It is mildly ablative, heals in 4-5 days and is truly amazing.
Q: Does tanning lotion have a chemical smell? Is it perfumed?
Dr. Berger: Every tanning lotion is different. (I assume you mean self-tanner, as I strongly recommend NOT to sun tan if you want to maintain healthy, wrinkle-free skin!) I like Clarins self-tanner. Nice small, good smooth result and not a budget breaker.
Q: Please suggest say cream for long haul flying.
Dr. Berger: Dear Kerry, I need a few days out of the office… going anywhere interesting?
Seriously, though, for long hauls you need a moisturizer that heals and won't quit on you half way to New Zealand.
Try Neova Creme De La Copper with Copper Peptides. It's a terrific, durable moisturizer that heals, soothes and moisturizes extremely well.
Q: I am 53 years old, and I have had various forms of eczema/contact dermatitis since I was 12 years old. Over the years, I have had to be very careful about what skin and hair products I use. Bioelements shampoo is one of the only ones I have been able to use without exacerbating the eczema, and they have quit making the spa shampoo product. HELP! I need a comparable product with natural ingredients!!
Dr. Berger: That's a real problem… you need something mild and natural, so stick with child-oriented products like "Baby Cakes - Organic Therapeutic Shampoo and Body Wash". It's inexpensive and very mild.
Q: I am a 35 yr. old white female with olive skin and I have been battling melasma for 3 years. I have tried Triluma and had 10 IPL treatments. The melasma has improved. I am considering having the pearl laser treatment in two weeks.
Can this work better than the IPL treatments? Is there any risk that this treatment can make the melasma worse? I have melasma on my cheeks, upper lip and chin.
Dr. Berger: Melasma is sooo difficult to treat. Some physicians seem to get pretty good results with Genesis (CUTERA) at high settings with anesthetic cream beforehand.
Some use the pearl, though it's new and not specifically designed for that problem… but it does remove surface pigmentation so...
Others, still, use a great product called Cosmalon™ that is a combined office treatment with self applied home-care after.
IPLs are not a great option, in my opinion.
I might be tempted to try (with your complete understanding that this is speculative and new) the Pearl.
Q: Can you tell me what anti aging skin cream is good?
Dr. Berger: Ahhh, Susan… which, indeed. There are so many from which to choose.
I really love (yes, that's as strong a preference as I can use) ProCyte Neova Creme De La Copper with Copper Peptides.
It's soothing, healing, moisturizing. An all around great line of products.
Q: I'm interested in Neova products but want to be assured I can use them with Retin A. I use that every other day and would like a recommendation of a Neova night cream. One with copper peptides that will encourage collagen productions. Could you get back to me. Susan
Dr. Berger: Dear Susan,
There is no contraindication to the use of retinoids with Neova products… especially the Copper Peptides.
I recommend Neova Night Therapy. Cleanse carefully and apply nightly. You'll be very pleased with the results.
Q: What is Thermus thermophilus Ferment this is in BABOR Sea Creation Eye Cream. If it is a mold won't it damage your skin? (Especially if you a allergic to mold.)
Dr. Berger: Great question! Thanks, Sonya.
TT is a eubacterium. That means it is a bacteria, not a mold, and that it has thick, rigid cell walls (rather than flexible) and a flagella (tail) so it can move.
There's a lot of research going on about TT… it was isolated in a deep, hot water ocean vent off Japan, and prefers to live in VERY hot (65ºC, 150ºF) environments. It also can exist in hot water heaters.
To the best of my knowledge, and all the scientific data I could find, it currently has no human application except to separate you from your money.
Q: Which mineral cosmetics are ph balanced? Is there a natural line of skin care designed exclusively for mineral makeup?
Dr. Berger: You are in luck, Penny. Jane Iredale products are a complete line of natural, wonderful makeup and cosmeceutical. Give then a try and let me know what you think.
Q: Hi,
I have just started using SkinCeuticals - C E Ferulic, and I am very happy with it!
What other SkinCeuticals products do you suggest that I use along with it?
I am 38 years old, have started to get some wrinkles and my skin tone is uneven. My skin is not dry.
Dr. Berger: Dear Nelly, (I love the name Nelly¦ not common and evoking the pioneer spirit!)
SkinCeuticals is a pretty good product, and not too pricy. They fill a good market niche.
Their normal skin Cleansing Cream, Revitalizing Toner and Daily Moisture are a good place to start.
Q: Dear Dr. Berger,
I used to be able to wear any type of foundation/face makeup and my skin would still stay clear. Now, all of a sudden I am breaking out and everything seems to clog my pores. I am looking for a foundation I can wear everyday that won't be as harmful to my skin. I am 24 years old. Two I was recommended was Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation, the ingredients are: Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-7 Dimethicone, Sea Water (Maris Aqua), Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hexyl Laurate, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Squalane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Propylene Glycol, Cereus Grandiflorus (Cactus) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sorbitol, Natto Gum, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Limonene, Disodium EDTA, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891). May contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxidesd (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77499).
Can you please tell me if this foundation will be safe for me to use everyday or recommended any foundations/makeup brands that I can use?
Thanks in advance.
Dr. Berger: Wow, Jasmine! That’s some letter. Ever think of getting a job at the FDA?
The best idea for your problem is KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Switch to natural mineral products… stop all the stuff with additives.
Buy Jane Iredale products are a complete line of natural, wonderful makeup and cosmeceuticals.
Q: Does Scar Guard scar reduction cream have any negative result on the skin on the long run for the 4 month baby and the scar area is over lips.
Dr. Berger: I do not... REPEAT: DO NOT... recommend using any adult product on an infant with out Pediatric supervision!
Babies skin is totally different than ours. Beware.
Q: Hello. I'm wondering if I can use Strivectin-SD if I'm breastfeeding?
Dr. Berger: Dear Donna, the Strivectin folks specifically state on the warning label: “Not for use by pregnant or nursing women.” I believe them… so should you. Also, a strong warning for everyone out there: Don’t put anything, ever, on your face or body without reading the packaging and warnings!!!!!
Q: Recently, I saw on Oprah a man that had literally
turned himself blue from using a solution he made of silver that he applied directly on his skin. I have now seen skin care products (Cor Silver Bar soap and TRUE Transforming Mineral Mist) that contain silver and I'm just wondering if this is the same thing and if it would harm me if I used it?
Dr. Berger: Dear Mary,
Many metallic substances can dye the skin however, the amount in facial products is minimal and not even the type of silver compound that will cause these problems.
More important is the fact that laser treatments can react with metal to change skin tone… if you plan on having any of the wonderful, rejuvenating treatments like laser Genesis, Photo Facials, etc, discontinue these products for a month beforehand and tell your physician so that they can perform a facial and remove all the product which may be hiding in your pores.
Q: Hello from South Carolina!
What is your opinion of using Jane Iredale makeup?
Sir, thank you for your response! Carolyn
Dr. Berger: Dear Carolyn,
In the midst of New York winter, I envy you being in South Carolina… need a house call? LOL Actually, Jane Iredale makeup is an excellent product line.
They boast that their products contain no oil to clog or enlarge pores and no talc, which can dry the skin, and there is no perfume, alcohol, chemical additives or artificial dyes.
That's huge in the cosmetic marketplace. Good choice.
Q: I have been using StriVectin-SD on my face for years. Then one day I got big dry patches when I used it. So I quit using it for a while and tried again. The same thing happened. Does the formula expire? Can you advise anything. I hate to throw away such an expensise item if that's not the problem. Thank you, Kay
Dr. Berger: Dear Kay,
There should be an expiration date on the package, or you can call the company with a lot number and get more information.
After years of using a specific product, you might have developed a sensitivity… in any event, wasting a few dollars is better than harming your face.
Discontinue use and switch to a mild product for a while. If the problem persists, consult a dermatologist.
Q: I have fairly good skin and was wondering what line you recommend for body products, body lotions, etc. My skin type is dry to normal and I am 42 years old.
Also my husband is 45 and has acne on torso.
Dr. Berger: Dear Ellen,
Dermalogica makes products specifically for your type of skin, and ProCyte also has high quality body lotions.
Stick with the basics. No fancy packaging, no fragrances… just good moisturizers. Vibraderm body treatments are a wonderful adjunct to overall body skin health.
Your husband sounds like he needs a consult, possibly a "body facials" and blue light treatments.
Q: I've been using Retinol 0.01% gel on my face every other night, but it irritated patches of skin to the degree that it looked like I was chapped or wind-burned. Is it OK to use a moisturizer about 30-60 minutes after I apply the Retinol, or does this decrease the efficacy of the Retinol?
Dr. Berger: Dear Sue,
Bad news… stop the Retinol. Moisturizing will cover up the damage, but if you are one of the unlucky patients who have been sensitized to the product, discontinue use.
There are more than one ways to attack wrinkles. Consult a good facialist and a cosmetic skin care MD.
Q: Dr Berger,
Is it safe to use 7% hydroquinone along with 2% Vc-ip and Arbutin 3%?.
Dr. Berger: Dear Victoria,
So that's Victoria's secret! Too many creams. Actually, 7% Hydroquinone is very strong and I would recommend using those products serially, rather than simultaneously. It's better to err on the side of caution… always.
Q: Hi. I have very dry skin I need a very good
moisturizer. I use a lot, but I didn't find the right one. Can you please help me to find the right one? Thanks
Dr. Berger: Dear Tona,
Not having seen your skin or knowing how sensitive it is makes this a difficult question.
Stay with basic product lines, and their dry skin formulae. Try Procyte’s excellent Copper Peptide creams. They are really great and excellent value for quality.
Q: My fingers crack open in the cold weather will any cream help? Thanks
Dr. Berger: Dear Tom,
Got gloves? All kidding aside, a good pair of ski gloves will help a lot, and simply using ProCyte Copper Peptide cream will help the healing a lot.
Buy a few pair of inexpensive cotton gloves, smear your hands in ProCyte and sleep in the gloves. Your hands will be smooth and your significant other will be grateful.
Q: MHello, I have just purchased your book on cellulite and I really like your approach. I am looking into purchasing the tone and firming products (the lotions) but I am surprised that they contain parabens as opposed to natural preservatives. Is there a reason and do you have more natural alternative lotions that you would recommend or are working on? Thank you
Dr. Berger: Well, Alexa,
I am currently working on a cellulite cream of my own… but the paraben preservatives are the best. I know the magic that the word “natural” conjures up, but natural means chemical, too. If plants are not treated with pesticides they begin to produce their own… cyanide is in peach pits… get the idea.
But for significant cellulite, mesotherapy with thigh cream, not thigh cream alone, is the treatment of choice.
Q: I have actinic kerotosis, am using Solaraze gel. The dermatologist said it is ok to use makeup, can I use the Jane Iredale products?
Dr. Berger: Dear Patsy,
I prefer to treat AKs with Levulin and Blue light. It's definitive and better than any topical product.
You can use Jane Iredale over most anything. Its an excellent product line.
They boast that their products contain no oil to clog or enlarge pores and no talc, which can dry the skin, and there is no perfume, alcohol, chemical additives or artificial dyes. Good choice.
Q: I have been using Cyclic Soap for my facial cleanser. Can you tell me if and what the difference is with "Cor"?
Dr. Berger: I'm sorry, call me stupid, but I can not imagine soap for $100 a bar. It would have to sing and dance in the soap dish to entertain me each morning while I brushed my teeth!
Any good cleanser… for $25-40 a large bottle… will do just as well. Let's all take a deep breath and think of the fun you'll have drinking Vodka and Lime with the other $60 (in moderation and with a designated driver).
Q: 1) I am interested in your opinion of Strivectin Serum.
2) I have heard that there are preservatives in the Strivectin serum.
What are the names of these preservatives?
3) I have also heard that these preservatives may be linked to some cases of breast cancer. On a scale of 1-10, with 1 indicating 0 risk and 10 indicating absolute risk, where would you rate the Cancer risk due to each preservative in Strivectin serum?
4) Is Strivectin Serum ever ingested, or is it only used topically?
5) If Strivectin Serum is used both ways, would you please indicate HOW it was used in the study(ies) you quote in your answer(s)to me?
Dr. Berger: Dear Ariel,
Strivectin is an ordinary moisturizer and potentially quite irritating. It’s basic components are the emollients sesame oil and alkyl benzoate.
Organic, high quality sesame oil costs $14 a quart at banyanbotanicals.com!
See for yourself.
In my considered opinion, there are no ingredients in Strivectin which could possibly justify its unconscionably high price.
It is neither an effective treatment for stretch marks and, as regards the claim "better than BOTOX®", whom do they think they're fooling?
Nothing is better than BOTOX®.
Its main "active" ingredient is a peptide molecule too large to penetrate the skin and even reach the dermis, where stretch marks and wrinkles are formed.
Q: I am highly allergic to formaldehyde and phenylenediamine. I am looking for cleansers and moisturizers for my face and skin. I have not had any luck so far finding anything. Could you please
help me. Thank You So Much For You Time. Dona Segers
Dr. Berger: Dear Dona,
Have you tried Dermalogica's Ultracalming Cleanser? It's a great choice for sensitive skin and contains neither.
Q: My daugther is 12 years old and has mild acne. She is using Dr.Perricone system, but it is causing itching in her face. What can she use to help with the itching that these acne products cause?
Dr. Berger: Dear Lizzette,
Perricone products are extremely high quality, and his acne treatments (and acne diet recommendations, etc) are excellent... but that does not preclude the possibility that your daughter is allergic to one or more of the base ingredient.
In fact, itching is one of the most frequent reactions in skin allergy.
Does the itching stop when she is not using the treatments? Is only one product causing the reaction?
I recommend that your daughter visit a dermatologist for a full acne screening, and avoid products which cause reactions. Acne is frustrating, but there is no need to suffer itching (or any other problem) while trying to treat it.
One size does NOT fit all, no matter how well formulated and manufactured.
Get some hands-on advice.
Sincerely,
Eric Berger MD
Q: I was recently perscribed Retin A skin cream as a treatment for lines & wrinkles and it is drying my face so bad that it is peeling and very red & scaley and I am only using it 3 X's a week. Should I continue usuage, is that a normal side affect, etc.
Dr. Berger: Dear Judy,
What percentage Retin A are you using?
Who prescribed it and have you seen them for follow-up?
I would immediately discontinue use, and plan on visiting a dermatologist who will Rx slowly increasing percentages and frequency of application.
USE SUN SCREEN EVERY DAY, especially while using Retin A; avoid all laser and light treatments; moisturize and rest your skin for a while.
Sincerely,
Eric Berger MD
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.
