Dr. Joel Schlessinger

Visiting the dermatologist is an important step to maintaining your health. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it’s essential that you take good care of it. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what requires professional attention, so Dr. Joel Schlessinger is here to explain five of the main reasons you should see a dermatologist.

Dermatologists can handle a variety of skin, hair and nail concerns, Dr. Joel Schlessinger shares.

If you’ve ever sat in the doctor’s office wondering if your condition falls under the realm of dermatology, you’re not alone. The bottom line: if it affects your skin, hair or nails, chances are you’re in the right place. Read on for five main reasons you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist.

Stubborn acne

If you struggle with acne, the sooner you can see a professional, the better. Acne can easily cause severe scarring and, once scarring has occurred, there is little that can be done to improve it. By addressing breakouts early, you can avoid unsightly scars altogether. Your dermatologist can create a custom treatment plan to address your specific needs and even suggest an effective skin care routine that will help keep your acne under control.

New or changing moles, freckles and dark spots

A change in a mole or growth is generally the first sign of skin cancer. Self-examination and yearly checkups are essential to catching skin cancer in its early stages. If diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer is easily cured. Even if you’re diligent about looking for changes in your skin, it’s still important to schedule an annual exam with your dermatologist. These experts are uniquely qualified to recognize, evaluate and treat skin cancers, ensuring the earliest possible detection.

Unexplained changes in your skin, hair or nails

Whether it’s a sudden rash or itchy, irritated skin, sudden changes in your skin can sometimes be a sign of something bigger. If you notice your skin changing, it’s best to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. It could be an easily treatable skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or rosacea, but it could also be a symptom of a bigger health concern.

The same goes for your hair and nails. Gradual or sudden hair loss could be caused by a variety of things. Similarly, nail discoloration, peeling and splitting could be the result of a number of factors. Visiting your dermatologist will ensure you receive the right treatment for all your concerns.

Cosmetic concerns

Aside from treating a variety of skin conditions, dermatologists can also address cosmetic concerns. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure like Botox or laser hair removal, your dermatologist should be your point of contact. Day spas might offer these treatments at a discounted rate, but they often don’t have a qualified or experienced professional on staff to perform the procedure. When it comes to your appearance, you want to choose a board-certified dermatologist with the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your best results.

Expert advice

Lastly, the biggest benefit of regularly visiting your dermatologist is tapping into their wealth of knowledge. Your dermatologist can help you better understand your skin concerns, learn how to protect your skin from the sun and answer any lingering questions you might have. They’ll also be able to recommend the best products for your skin type and concerns. Armed with all of this information, you’ll be well on your way to healthy, beautiful skin.

Visit Dr. Joel Schlessinger for all your skin, hair and nail concerns.

As a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Joel Schlessinger sees patients every day at his practice in Omaha, Neb. He and his staff have the skill, expertise and knowledge to find the right treatment plan for you. From simple to complicated skin conditions, Dr. Joel Schlessinger has the medical background to properly diagnose and treat your concerns.

Do you have a question for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

Every year on Halloween, people spend hours using makeup and props to create scary scars, blood stains and other disfigurations. Some of these issues that people try to recreate have a basis in dermatology and skin disorders. Certain myths associated with creatures such as vampires and werewolves can be explained by dermatology. Here, Joel Schlessinger MD mentions a few scary skin disorders and their symptoms.

Certain unnatural symptoms could be related to porphyria, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.

Porphyria is the name for any condition that causes a buildup of natural chemicals in the body that produce porphyrin. This substance is essential for the proper function of red blood cells. High levels of porphyrin can cause problems for some people and some forms of it can cause sun sensitivity as well.

These conditions are generally passed down genetically and they can affect the nervous system, organs and skin. In recent years, we are better able to understand these conditions and realize that this is simply a medical condition, but hundreds of years ago the science wasn’t advanced to know this. Myths about werewolves and vampires were more common and people may have used them to explain certain symptoms associated with porphyria.

Joel Schlessinger MD explains some of the “scary” symptoms of porphyria.

Sensitivity to the sun and artificial light can be a symptom of cutaneous porphyria. Skin can also become fragile and pale with this type of condition. Conditions like this may have been attributed to vampires who traditionally have an aversion to sunlight.

Another symptom that is sometimes present with porphyria is excess hair growth. Hair sprouting up on the arms, face and legs could have been associated with werewolves hundreds of years ago. Because they did not have a medical explanation for the symptoms, people often associated them with the supernatural.

What do you think of the link between these Halloween myths and this medical condition?

Many teens and young adults struggle with severe acne. This type of acne is characterized by deep, painful cysts and nodules that can be difficult to treat. Additionally, as this type of acne begins to clear, the skin easily scars. For decades, dermatologists have been prescribing Accutane, which is an extremely potent form of Vitamin A, to fight severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. It has also greatly helped patients who struggle with severe scarring acne. But while Accutane is a strong drug with many known side effects and restrictions, there’s also a lot of myth surrounding this prescription, especially how it affects a patient’s skin and body. In this blog post, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how Accutane works and what you can expect while on this medication.

Accutane is successful because it targets all four causes of acne, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.

Accutane is the only acne treatment that fights all four causes of acne: excess oil production, clogged pores, P. acnes bacteria and inflammation. More specifically, Accutane reduces the amount of oil your skin produces, eliminates acne-causing bacteria and reduces skin inflammation. By stopping the source of ‘food’ for the bacteria by drying up the oil, the bacteria die and this usually contributes greatly to improvement.  This treatment also slows down how fast skin cells turn over inside the pore, preventing them from becoming clogged in the first place. Because this treatment targets acne from every angle, it is very effective at eliminating breakouts. Nearly 85 percent of patients see significantly clearer skin after one course of treatment, which usually lasts between four to five months.  Better yet, 73 percent of Accutane patients never have to repeat a course and are clear thereafter.

As with any medication, Accutane does have side effects, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Some common side effects of Accutane include dry skin and chapped lips. Dermatologists recommend keeping your skin well hydrated while on this medication. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends FixMySkin Healing Balms with 1% Hydrocortisone to his Accutane patients. Available for the lips and body, this medicated balm has chemical properties that go beyond moisturizing to relieve itching and heal skin. The hydrocortisone treats inflammation and irritation while moisturizing shea butter and cocoa butter provide relief from dryness and itchiness.

There are widespread concerns that this medication has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease and possibly even suicide and depression. Studies have since proven that IBD is not associated with Accutane. Additionally, studies on the correlation between Accutane and depression have not been conclusive. Many dermatologists have found that once a patient’s acne clears up, their depression subsides. As with any medication, dermatologists monitor their patients closely for signs of any side effects. Further, long-term studies are currently being performed.

The most concerning side effect can occur if a woman becomes pregnant while on Accutane. This medication can cause severe birth defects, premature birth and even miscarriage. It is important that women do not take Accutane while pregnant and do not become pregnant while taking this medication. For this reason, all patients who can become pregnant must take pregnancy tests before and while taking Accutane.

Do you have questions about Accutane for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

When you think of pH levels, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t skin care. In fact, you’ve probably come across the term “pH” before without ever really understanding what these levels mean in relation to your skin. Without getting too scientific, pH levels measure how acidic or alkalinic a substance is. All of your skin care products have unique pH levels, and these don’t always match your skin’s pH level. In this blog post, Joel Schlessinger MD explains what you need to know when it comes to the pH level of your skin care products.

Skin has a natural pH level that is slightly acidic, Joel Schlessinger MD explains.

The pH scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkalinic). Although pH levels differ from person to person, skin pH is generally at 5.5 or slightly lower. pH levels also vary from body part to body part and they can change by the minute.

A wide range of pH levels can actually be beneficial for skin. While some soaps are more alkalinic, Joel Schlessinger MD says this doesn’t mean they are less harsh. He also points out that products on the acidic side can actually help to cleanse more effectively.

LovelySkin Luxe Gentle Cream Cleanser, for example, has a pH of 6.7, which is close to neutral. On the other hand, LovelySkin Luxe Clarifying Gel Cleanser has a slightly more acidic pH of 5.84 because it contains 2% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid to better exfoliate skin.  Both formulas are great cleansers, but this is a perfect example of how acidity can affect cleansing properties. While the Gentle Cream Cleanser gently removes makeup and soothes the complexion, the Clarifying Gel Cleanser exfoliates without causing irritation or inflammation.

Joel Schlessinger MD suggests trying products to see what works with your skin.

While testing the pH level of all your products might sound like fun, it’s not necessary. Joel Schlessinger MD says the best way to find the right skin care products for your complexion is to try them.

“Those that are within the two to eight range are generally what we find will work with skin,” Joel Schlessinger MD says. “It is probably best to simply try these out on your skin and see what feels good, what seems to help cleanse your skin and what works for you.”

If you’re curious about a product’s pH level, there is an easy way to test it.

“There are relatively simple tests to find out a product’s pH, including simple litmus paper or relying upon company tests, which are usually available with some research,” Joel Schlessinger MD says. “But the most important test is that of how a product feels and wears on you and that is only done personally.”

Do you have a question about pH levels for Joel Schlessinger MD? Share with us in the comments.

Plenty of skin care creams promise to tighten and tone skin while reducing cellulite. These firming body lotions might sound like a miracle, but there’s really no quick fix for dimpled or “orange peel” skin. In this blog post, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains how firming body lotions work and what kind of results you can expect.

Firming body lotions work by moisturizing skin, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

The creams that promise to firm and tone skin are a temporary fix, meaning these formulas might initially provide results but they aren’t going to eliminate cellulite for good. Cellulite’s characteristic dimpled appearance is the result of uneven fat deposits under skin. Firming lotions provide a much-needed dose of hydration to smooth the appearance of skin. This moisturizing action also helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles, helping skin look more youthful and radiant. Additionally, firming products that are specifically designed to target cellulite often contain caffeine, which acts as an antioxidant and can help improve circulation.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger says the best way to fight cellulite is by combining a firming lotion with professional treatments.

Diminishing cellulite requires a combination of healthy diet and exercise, but sometimes even this isn’t enough. Fortunately, there are professional treatments that can help diminish the appearance of stubborn cellulite. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends VelaShape, a non-surgical procedure that uses elos technology to tone, contour and shape targeted areas.

There are also several at-home treatments to prolong your results following an in-office procedure. bliss FatGirlSlim Lean Machine is a vacuum massager that targets cellulite with a combination of rolling, lifting, suction and pulsing motions. The device provides temporary results, and best results are seen when it is used alongside healthy diet and exercise. SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate tightens, firms and lifts targeted areas with a cooling sensation. This treatment helps smooth and tighten skin on the abdomen, buttocks, thighs and upper arms in as little as eight weeks. ResolutionMD Cellulite Treatment System contains a body wash, a firming moisturizer and a renewal cream to firm, tone and tighten skin. When used as directed, this three-piece system provides results after six to eight weeks of use.

Do you have a question about firming body lotions for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

One skin care myth that never seems to lose any steam is the idea that you can shrink your pores with a splash of cold water or an egg white mask. This is completely false. In this blog post, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains why it’s impossible to shrink your pores and what you can do to help them appear smaller.

Pore size is largely determined by genetics, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.

Although you may not like the way they look, pores actually serve a pretty important purpose for your skin. Each pore is home to a sebaceous gland, which produces the oil that maintains your skin’s natural moisture levels.

The size of a person’s pores is mainly determined by skin type and genetics. Men naturally have larger pores than women. If you have dry skin, you might not see your pores upon first glance. Oily skin types, however, have pores that are more noticeable. Additionally, those with fair skin often have pores that appear smaller while darker skin tones have pores that look larger. Different areas of the face have larger pores, as well. You can probably tell that the pores on your nose are the largest, followed by your forehead, chin and, finally, cheeks.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger discusses other factors that affect pore size.

Pores can appear larger if skin is not cared for properly. Over time, they become clogged with debris, excess oil and impurities that can lead to breakouts. Sun exposure can also affect pore size as UV rays weaken the collagen and elastin that act as your skin’s structural support. Additionally, popping pimples can damage skin, permanently widening pores.

There are steps you can take to minimize the appearance of large pores, Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

The contents of pores can be exfoliated and cleaned out, giving them a smaller appearance. Dr. Joel Schlessinger suggests washing your face with a cleansing brush like Clarisonic Mia2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System. Although it’s gentle on your skin, this cleansing brush is powerful enough to remove impurities, cleansing your skin six times better than with hands alone. After cleansing, apply an exfoliating gel like LovelySkin Exfoliating Gel Mild 11% to gently retexturize skin. Then finish with a mattifying moisturizer like LovelySkin LUXE Mattifying Antioxidant Moisturizer, which will minimize shine and leave skin feeling soft. You can also minimize the appearance of large pores with a professional peel or extraction procedure at the spa.

Do you have a question about pore size for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

From the publishers of Practical Dermatology, DermTube offers a wealth of educational videos developed specifically for dermatologists and other industry professionals. Joel Schlessinger MD serves on the advisory board for DermTube and frequently contributes his expert knowledge through videos and other methods. In a recent video titled “Navigating the Cosmeceutical Market,” Joel Schlessinger MD talks to Nancy J. Samolitis MD about how cosmeceuticals are evolving and what effect this has on the skin care industry.

Dermatologists carefully consider products before recommending them to patients, explains Joel Schlessinger MD.

Ever since cosmeceuticals hit the market, many dermatologists have incorporated these products into their practices. Joel Schlessinger MD says that the only way for doctors to know which products are the best for their patients is to try each and every one.

“There are a huge variety of products out there and the benefit that we have as dermatologists is that we don’t just evaluate them based on the color of the tube or whether the product smells good, but we’re going to evaluate them based on their merits,” he says.

Dermatologists evaluate each product by looking at several factors including ingredients, clinical data, safety and affordability. This means that patients can feel good about using products recommended by their dermatologist.

“I think that there are a lot of things that we look at as dermatologists and we scrutinize with a much different eye than the average consumer.”

Joel Schlessinger MD discusses the possibility of the FDA regulating cosmeceuticals.

Recently, there has been some talk of the FDA starting to regulate cosmeceuticals. Joel Schlessinger MD discussed how this could potentially change the cosmeceutical market.

“Based on the FDA’s willingness or unwillingness to introduce sunscreens, I’m a little concerned about . . . the FDA getting cosmeceuticals under their purview,” he says. “At the same time, I like the thought of having some science behind cosmeceuticals and having the ability for companies to have a different track for approval of cosmeceuticals.”

When recommending products to his patients, Joel Schlessinger MD always returns to a few favorites.

Joel Schlessinger MD has tried many products over the years and he always comes back to a couple tried and true formulas.

“When I look for a sunscreen, it’s almost always going to be EltaMD,” he says.

Two of his favorite products from this brand are EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen – Untinted and EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen – Tinted.

“Additionally, we love products in our practice that have unique things that they treat,” Joel Schlessinger MD continues. “My son and I actually came up with a product called FixMySkin with 1% hydrocortisone in it. This product is a little balm that we can put on and it helps patients that might have dry skin issues, eczema, psoriasis or facial dermatitis.”

Joel Schlessinger MD and Practical Dermatology have partnered up several times over the years.

Practical Dermatology has been a co-sponsor of Cosmetic Surgery Forum since its inception in 2009. Led by Joel Schlessinger MD, this multi-specialty educational symposium focuses on the latest research, treatment and techniques in dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Practical Dermatology has been a valuable partner to Cosmetic Surgery Forum over the last seven years. Recently, the publication has also made significant strides in developing creative outlets to bring relevant content to the field.

Do you have a question for Joel Schlessinger MD? Share with us in the comments.

As a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Joel Schlessinger is always looking for the latest innovations in skin care. He personally searches for and selects the best skin care products to offer on LovelySkin.com. In fact, these are the very same formulas he recommends to the patients in his clinic. The latest addition to LovelySkin is NuGene, a line of clinically proven anti-aging products that uses stem cell technology to create a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger is excited to add NuGene products to the LovelySkin lineup. NuGene offers skin and hair care products powered by adipose-derived human stem cells, or stem cells derived from fat, to provide visible anti-aging results.

“I am delighted to carry NuGene as I have followed their products intently for some time now,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says.

NuGene products use growth factors to stimulate collagen production, Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains.

Powered by these unique stem cells, NuGene products help stimulate collagen to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.

“The concept of adipose stem cells leading to regeneration of collagen and other fibroblasts has intrigued me for years,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger says. “NuGene’s formulation eliminates much of the risk found in other growth factor products while leading to a renewal of our skin’s natural innate resources. Use of these products is a simple way to rejuvenate our skin in combination with other actives such as antioxidants. Moreover, the team at NuGene is phenomenal. I am truly honored to be a part of their family.”

NuGene hopes to reach a wider audience with Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s help.

With its addition to LovelySkin, NuGene’s line of anti-aging and hair care products will now be available to hundreds of thousands of customers across the world.

“We are excited to have our NuGene Skincare products available at LovelySkin.com, one of the nation’s leading skin care destinations,” says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer for Kathy Ireland Worldwide. “We believe our NuGene products are revolutionary as NuGene is unlike anything else on the market today. Aging, sun damage, lines and wrinkles are beautifully addressed by our collection. We thank LovelySkin.com for joining us in offering the greatest innovation in skin care to you.”

The NuGene team is also excited to see how a partnership with LovelySkin will help them grow as a company.

“We are honored and excited by Dr. Schlessinger’s selection of our product line,” says Fady Elias M.D., NuGene’s Director of Professional Business Development. “His endorsement of our products further advances our emerging leadership in this growing industry.”

Do you have a question about NuGene for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Share with us in the comments.

Freckles and moles can be difficult to distinguish but it is important to understand the difference between them because they may be a sign of serious skin issues. Dr. Joel Schlessinger is here to explain the difference between these two common skin issues.

Moles, also known as nevi, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger, are skin growths.

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin and are raised marks that are usually dark brown or black. Moles that are present at birth are known as congenital nevi. Other moles appear later in life and are often the result of sun exposure. While many moles are harmless, it is important to get them checked because they may be signs of skin cancer.

When examining moles for signs of skin cancer, look for the ABCDEs which stands for asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving. You should beware of moles that have an asymmetrical shape, blurred or irregular borders, an uneven color, a diameter larger than the size of a pencil eraser and moles that evolve or change over time. A dermatologist will be able to determine whether or not the mole needs to be removed.

The only way to remove moles is through a procedure performed by a dermatologist. Depending on the method of removal, the size and location of the mole, you may be left with a small mark or scar after a mole has been removed. To reduce the appearance of scarring, you can apply a product such as SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel for several days after the procedure.

Freckles are patches of discoloration that appear with sun exposure, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Freckles are small, light brown spots or patches that often appear on the face, arms, back and chest. They are not raised and are more common in individuals with light skin or hair. Freckles are the result of excess melanin and often become more prominent with sun exposure. Unlike moles, freckles do not usually indicate a serious skin issue. It is often impossible to tell the difference between a freckle that is ‘good’ and one that is ‘bad’ and if there is any question (and even if there isn’t!) you should probably see a dermatologist.

While there is no way to remove freckles, you can reduce their appearance by wearing sun protection daily. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 protects against UV rays and comes in tinted or untinted formulas. Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day, seeking out shade and avoiding the sun when it is at its strongest will help prevent freckles from becoming more prominent.

Do you have any questions for Dr. Joel Schlessinger? Ask below in the comments section.

Oftentimes, skin irritations and rashes are lumped together and treated the same way when actually they are often completely different issues. Many people confuse eczema and psoriasis, two different skin conditions that can sometimes include similar symptoms. Dr. Joel Schlessinger is here to explain the differences between these two conditions.

Eczema, explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger, is also known as atopic dermatitis.

Eczema is extremely common in children and infants and about one percent of adults also experience this issue. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that results in a dry, itchy rash that usually appears on the face, backs of the knees and elbows. While the cause of this condition is unknown, individuals with allergies, asthma or hay fever may be more susceptible to it.

Topical treatment products are the most effective way to treat eczema. Dr. Joel Schlessinger and his son Daniel created FixMySkin Healing Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone to heal irritating dry skin conditions such as eczema. Certain skin care ingredients such as fragrances, chemicals and dyes can trigger eczema flare-ups so knowing what aggravates your eczema will help you keep it under control.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

When an individual has psoriasis and the skin becomes inflamed and the body overreacts to the damage by becoming red and irritated and by creating dry, scaly patches of skin. The patches can crack and bleed if they are left untreated. Psoriasis can be hereditary and elements such as diet, allergies and stress can trigger the condition.

There are several methods for treating psoriasis including light therapy, prescriptions and topical creams. You can apply the FixMySkin Healing Balm with 1% Hydrocortisone up to three times a day to relieve itching and irritation. It is also important to use hydrating products that are free of irritating ingredients such as dyes and fragrances. Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream to patients with psoriasis.

Do you want to know more about the difference between eczema and psoriasis? Ask Dr. Joel Schlessinger your questions!