Many of my patients have a variety of questions regarding their skin care, especially those with sensitive skin.  I recently sat down with my colleague Dr. Bobby Buka, section chief of the department of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and discussed various steps you can take to improve your skin’s health AND appearance if you have sensitive skin. 

Don’t over do it!
Dr. Buka feels a balance of skin care products is the key and not to “overdo it” with too many different lotions and facial care treatments — especially if you have sensitive skin.  “Too many of my patients end up with ‘itchy red bump syndrome,’ a condition that results from putting too much stuff on your face,” says Dr. Buka.  He further explained how the skin’s delicate balance can be upset by well-intentioned patients who apply more than 3 products to the face at the same time. His rule of thumb is to use no more than 3 items per application.  Your skin can’t possibly absorb more than 3 products anyway, so Dr. Bukka says chill out, 2-3 targeted items to the skin’s surface are plenty.

Some patients who also have seasonal or year-round allergies, as well as sinus problems, may also experience below eyelid puffiness or “shiners” that can wreak havoc with your appearance. When those affected are actually tested, many individuals have allergies as well as possible contact or skin allergy to products used in the eyelid and facial areas. Covering up these dark circles with facial cosmetics (foundation, etc.) won’t fix the problem.  Dr. Buka and I often collaborate to develop a long-term solutions patients with sensative skin-related issues.  

Drink up!
Finally, stay hydrated — this means what may seem like a massive amount of water each day — 8 glasses! So drink up, your skin and (your internal organs) will thank you for it.  But sensitive skin or not, protection against UV rays remains the single most important thing you can do to protect your skin and delay the signs of aging! Dr. Buka and I recommend SPF 30 or higher for patients — not only when planning to spend the day outside, but also as part of their daily skin regimen.  So get out there and take charge of your sensitive skin care for optimal health, and look better!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

The question always comes up, “When should a child be seen by a dermatologist, particularly for mole evaluations?”  Well, the answer is that any child that has multiple moles on his body at any age should go to a dermatologist. It’s important to assess the clinical aspects of the mole and see whether any of them have suspicious characteristics for which a biopsy or at least photographic documentation would be indicated. 

Most children develop these moles during adolescence so it’s a good idea to begin mole screenings in late adolescence or early 20s.  If there is a family history of skin cancer, particularly of melanoma, then immediate family should be evaluated at a young age.  If that is the case, screenings could start during mid-adolescence. Surveillance and screening are an important part of preventative medicine and can never be carried out at too young of an age.

Dermatologists remain the experts on skin disease, so it is always best for pediatrician or internists to refer their patients for evaluation of moles or other dermatologic problems such as eczema or acne to a board-certified dermatologist. 

If there is any suspicion a mole might have the possibility for changing into skin cancer, then either a biopsy or photographic documentation of this mole would be indicated.  Yearly follow-ups would then be appropriate to document any changes. 

The definitive answer is children with moles should be screened by dermatologists at a relatively young age.  Most moles evolve during adolescence and that is a good time to begin going in for yearly screenings. 

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

There isn’t a day goes by that I do not get questioned about a patient’s facial appearance that includes puffy eyelids, dark circles as well as wrinkles.  We let’s face it; our looks are of great interest and concern.  I recently had a chat with dermatologist Dr. Bobby Buka, section chief in the Dept. of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City about this. 

“Puffy eyes are progressive,” he said.  “As we age, we all lose fat pads (called subcutaneous tissue) that rest below our eyes. These dark circles that may appear underneath your eyelids and can be visible as a discoloration or bluish color with puffiness of the eyelids is actually blood coursing through veins beneath.”

Buka also mentioned that getting enough water and fluids optimize “hydration”, and this is very critical.  Doing this can replenish the deeper layers of the skin with water delaying drooping of skin, and improve the appearance of dark circles.  Avoiding dehydration can help to decrease the effect of gravity as adequately hydrated skin tends to sag less with advancing age! Buka also recommends a well-balanced, high-vitamin diet.

Those affected by allergies, particularly children and young adults, may have the presence of a horizontal crease on the middle part of the nose.  This may reflect persistent upward “rubbing” of the nose from itchiness and explain the appearance of a nasal “crease” associated with allergies, especially if your allergies are not adequately controlled or treated.  In other words, get proper therapy for your allergies so you can feel better and look better!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.