Do I need to moisturize if I have acne? Dr. Joel Schlessinger reveals the answer

Friday, January 15th, 2016

Do I need to moisturize if I have acne? Dr. Joel Schlessinger reveals the answer

Contrary to popular belief, people with oily skin are not the only ones who have to worry about acne. People with dry skin also experience blemishes and breakouts along with flaking, dryness and irritation. Whether you have skin that’s oily, dry or somewhere in between, hydrating acne-prone skin is essential. Here are Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s tips for finding the right moisturizer.

What sort of formulas should I use? Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends his favorites.

If you consistently experience blemishes in the same areas, clogged pores may be to blame. When excess oil, dirt and bacteria remain in the pores, the skin cannot heal itself and acne returns again and again. Along with regular exfoliation, you should use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic.

Non-comedogenic products are proven to contain ingredients that will not clog pores. You should also steer clear of pore-clogging ingredients such as mineral oils and petrolatum, which are found in many moisturizing products. SkinMedica Ultra Sheer Moisturizer provides lightweight hydration without a heavy formula.

Another way to deal with clogged pores is to use a moisturizer with an exfoliating ingredient in it such as salicylic or glycolic acid. Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Face Cream unclogs pores with glycolic acid and prevents dryness, flaking and irritation that can be caused by acne treatment products.

Can I skip moisturizers on some days? Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends against it.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with acne is to skip moisturizing, especially if you have oily skin. Skipping your moisturizer encourages your skin to produce more oil, which leads to clogged pores. Keeping the complexion hydrated will help regulate oil and reduce shine.

If your skin is oily and you’re worried about shine, try LovelySkin LUXE Mattifying Antioxidant Moisturizer. The oil-free formula does not clog pores and it leaves a matte finish to the complexion. If you have dry skin or are on aggressive acne treatments that dry out the complexion, try Avene Clean-Ac Hydrating Cream.

Do you have a question about whether your moisturizer is right for acne-prone skin? Ask Dr. Joel Schlessinger in the comments!

Cosmetic Procedures: We Know What You Want!

Tuesday, January 12th, 2016

Here's to a New You in the New Year

You know 2016 is going to be your year, so take care of that person you see in the mirror every day. Simple, little to no down-time cosmetic surgery treatments will help you look as young as you feel.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how you can relax wrinkles with BOTOX.

That little wrinkle between your eyes that makes folks think you’re mad? POOF, it’s gone! BOTOX, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, has proven effective for smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly those we tend to sustain from facial expressions. BOTOX is technically a neurotoxin, but there’s nothing toxic about it in the miniscule doses received during a procedure. It works by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for smile lines, crow’s feet, “eleven” between the brows and more.

Dr. Schlessinger performs all of his own injections, and each procedure is quick and painless. Temporary bruising is often the only visible side effect, and this may be covered with a little makeup. Patients may return to normal activities immediately after receiving treatment.

Fillers help you regain volume in the cheeks instantly, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Fillers, such as JUVEDERM VOLUMA and Restylane, make the perfect companion to BOTOX. Made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body with the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, fillers are introduced under the skin to help plump, firm and minimize fine lines.

The full lips trend doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon, and with Restylane Silk, you can enjoy a fuller, plumper pout in minutes. This hyaluronic acid gel is composed of smaller particles that are specially developed for the lips. Fine lines on and around the lips also appear smoother.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger was the first in the nation to offer Kybella for minimizing a double chin.

Expected to be the cosmetic skin care trend of 2016, Kybella is the first injectable designed to minimize the appearance of a double chin. Kybella is a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that works to absorb, metabolize and destroy fat. When the substance is introduced to the chin area in a series of injections, it targets fat cells without harming healthy surrounding tissue, making a noticeable improvement in chin contour in as little as two or three sessions.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger discusses how VelaShape can help minimize cellulite.

In addition to facial treatments, there are many procedures designed to improve the look of skin on the body and encourage a slimmer contour. VelaShape uses a combination of radiofrequency technology and mechanical massage to gradually smooth the appearance of cellulite and reduce the circumference of areas like the abdomen, hips and thighs.

The virtually painless, non-invasive device works by delivering heat to the desired area, increasing the metabolism of stored energy and encouraging drainage. This helps to shrink the size of fat cells and help you achieve a shapelier, more youthful appearance just in time for swimsuit season.

When you choose Dr. Joel Schlessinger, you put your appearance in the best hands.

While the treatments themselves are painless and typically take no more than an hour, exploring cosmetic surgery is always a big deal. You deserve the best, and at Skin Specialists P.C. of Omaha, we take each and every patient’s needs and concerns seriously.

With Dr. Joel Schlessinger, you’ll be in the best hands with your appearance. His expertise has won him Best Omaha Cosmetic Surgeon for more than 14 years running, and he has been instrumental in shaping and developing the fields of dermatology and cosmetic surgery. At his clinical research facility, he helps test and perfect treatments, often years before they are available to the general public, ensuring that when you go to Dr. Schlessinger, you are going to the most experienced cosmetic surgeon in the country.

Do you have a question about cosmetic surgery for Dr. Schlessinger? Let us know in the comments.

Why am I so dry during the winter? Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains eczema flare-ups

Friday, January 8th, 2016

Why am I so dry during the winter? Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains eczema flare-ups
Dealing with eczema throughout the year is difficult enough. Add in factors like cold, dry winter weather and it can become almost unbearable. Dr. Joel Schlessinger is here to explain why you experience eczema flare-ups in winter and what you can do this season to deal with this issue.

Low humidity and cold temperatures are to blame for flare-ups, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

In many areas, winter brings cooler temperatures and a drop in humidity, which means there is less moisture in the air. Eczema already causes moisture-deprived skin so low humidity only exacerbates the problem. The skin is also susceptible to changes in temperature. Moving often from bitter cold weather to the dry heat of indoors makes it difficult for your skin to adjust, which can lead to irritation, itching and flaking.

Eczema triggers are different for everyone so it is important to notice the changes in your skin during winter and find out which treatments work best for you.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends adding moisture back to your skin and the environment.

There’s nothing you can do about the dry, cold air outside but you can do something about the air in your home. Use a humidifier to replace lost moisture and make sure that you frequently replace the water to continuously cycle fresh water through the air.

You should also avoid ingredients that are known to cause irritation including fragrances, dyes, sulfates and chemicals. Don’t just avoid these ingredients in your skin care products; look for soaps, laundry detergents and cleaning supplies that are free of irritants as well.

Moisturizing is the most important step in dealing with eczema in the winter. Use a cream that is free of irritating ingredients such as Avene Tolerance Extreme Cream. You should apply your moisturizer immediately after you shower when your skin most easily absorbs moisture. For localized rough and itchy patches, use FixMySkin Healing Body Balm Unscented with 1% Hydrocortisone. You can apply this product multiple times a day to elbows, knees, knuckles and other areas to relieve itching, flaking and irritation.

Have you experienced eczema flare-ups this winter? Share with us how you deal with them in the comments.