Monday, October 11, 2010
Dr. Lisa Benest Featured on YouTube's eHow Beauty Channel
Dermatology & Skin Care: Video Series
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tip of the Week: How many abnormal moles should I have biopsied?
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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
50% Off A Refreshing Peel - Simply for Mentioning...
50% Off A Refreshing Peel!
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Lisa Benest, MD Skin Care and Laser Center
1624 W. Olive, #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818.729.9149
http://www.lisabenestmd.com
$40 Value - Offer Expires February 27th, 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Appealing Peels: Treating Your Dry And Winter Damaged Skin
Winter weather can leave your face red and irritated, even in Southern California. Your warm weather skin care products can actually make your skin look and feel worse in winter. If your face is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh treatments, drying masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Use products that hydrate and help skin retain moisture. You should also consider a chemical or other peel to get rid of old, dead skin, leaving new, regenerated skin that can absorb your moisturizers and leave you with a rosy glow.
CHEMICAL PEELS
A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. A chemical peel enhances and smoothes your complexion. There are several different types of chemical peels. Your dermatologist will advise which is the best peel for you.
Light Chemical Peels
Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on your skin and desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, as well as enzyme peels. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.
Antioxidant and brightening peel boosters add antioxidants, such as vitamin C or Green Tea, and lightening agents, such as kojic acid and hydroquinone, to stimulate collagen and inhibit pigment production, resulting in brighter, glowing skin.
Medium Chemical Peels
For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This treats fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Medium depth peels typically cause several days of peeling after the procedure.
Other types of peels are also available through your dermatologist. In addition to providing relief for dry, winter skin, these peels supply a wide variety of benefits for skin health and appearance.
GREEN PEEL
This is a 5-day deep herbal peel that was scientifically developed for skin regeneration using natural plant ingredients. It has been recognized worldwide as being highly safe and effective. These natural herbs increase circulation of the skin and cause layers of the epidermis to peel off, without the use of chemicals. They stimulate blood circulation and intensify metabolism, while promoting a healthy youthful looking skin.
VI PEEL
The Vi Peel can visibly reverse the effects of sun damage, environmental factors and time. It is also helpful in clearing acne, pigmentation and impurities. You can expect several days of peeling after this procedure.
4-LAYER FACELIFT
The 4-layer facelift is an organic peel with dramatic and fast acting results. Vitamin C, glycolic acid and gentle enzymes speed up cellular turnover and brighten, tighten and lighten your skin in just one treatment. And because it’s organic, it is safe for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
FRUIT PEELS
Pumpkin, Mango, Cherry-Berry or Cranberry Peels are excellent sources of anti-oxidants, vitamins and enzymes as well as beneficial nutrients which help to rejuvenate the skin’s surface and transform dull, lifeless complexions into more youthful skin. Consult with your dermatologist for more information on these invigorating, natural peels.
Treat yourself to a soothing facial this winter. Loose the dry, dead skin while you brighten your complexion, and look and feel younger in the process. Talk to your dermatologist today.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Winter Skin Blues – and Itchy, Cracked Reds
Winter can bring snow, crackling fires, holidays with friends and family… and dry, irritated, red and cracked skin. So, while you’re making your list and checking it twice, don’t forget your winter skin care regimen.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your skin moisturized and comfortable as that cozy winter sweater.
Use a humidifier. With heat on and windows closed, the air inside can become very dry. Placing two or three small, relatively inexpensive humidifiers around your home will help to humidify the dry air and keep skin from becoming cracked and itchy. Hydrating your body by drinking water will also help keep you comfortable all winter long.
Switch to an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come as an ointment contain the most oil and form a protective layer on the skin that makes them more “moisturizing” than creams and lotions.
If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are "deeply hydrating," rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.
Wear gloves outside. Protect your hands from cold air and low humidity. Make sure the gloves are made from material that does not irritate your skin. And don’t forget to moisturize your hands (and your feet, too).
Dress in layers. Common causes of sweaty, itchy skin are sweating and overheating. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothing as needed to prevent overheating. Be sure to wear loose-fitting cotton fabrics next to your skin. And if your clothes or shoes get wet, take them off as soon as you get inside as wet clothes will also irritate the skin.
Don’t forget the sunscreen. Snow if more reflective than sand, making winter sunscreen as important as summer protection. Look for a SPF 30+ sunscreen with an oily, moisturizing cream. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask your dermatologist.
Treat it if it gets worse. Sometimes winter skin gets so dry it results in flaking, cracking, or even eczema. If this happens, see your dermatologist and get the right treatment for your skin type.
Just because we’re bundled up in sweaters and scarves doesn’t mean that we should forget about our skin until summer. Following these simple steps will keep you more comfortable all winter, and allow you to show smoother, fresher skin when the warm weather returns.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all the treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Overall Body Beauty Package
For the morning -
Corium 21: Corium 21 is an Aloe-based face and body cream, great for cracked heels and dry elbows! It contains a specific family of Aloe known for its healing properties. Reaching many layers deep, the pure Aloe Vera softens your skin, increases circulation and stimulates and repairs your skin down to a cellular level.
For the shower -
Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash: "This product is highly effective in removing dead skin cells as you wash in the shower or bath. It contains glycolic acid at a high enough concentration to slough off old, dry skin leaving the skin smooth and silky to the touch. Yet this body wash is gentle enought for daily use."
For the night -
Glytone Retexurize Body Lotion: "This lotion contains distinctive emollients and glycolic acid to smooth and hydrate the skin. It has more than 4-5 times the glycolic content of even the strongest over-the-counter moiturizer and rids your skin of dry, sun damaged skin and dead skin cells leaving a soft, smooth fell that you'll love to touch"
To learn more about or order any of these products (or others) feel free to visit our product store online! Click here.
(These are great products to treat your loved ones...or yourself! Give them a gift to enhance their beauty, youth and confidence - they won't forget it! Happy Holidays!)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
FOREVER YOUNG
Who among us doesn’t want to cheat the aging process and look younger than our years? Who doesn’t love being told how young they look, or what beautiful skin they have? Who wouldn’t want to look “forever young?”
“Forever young” skin starts with Prevention. A few simple practices and a regular at-home skin care regimen are vital for maintaining a younger, healthy appearance. Plenty of water for hydration, sun protection, gentle cleansing, a healthy diet, vitamins, exercise and avoiding stress all contribute youthful skin.
But even with a prevention routine in place, wrinkles, lines, facial sagging and sun damage can occur and add years to your appearance. This is when you should consider the wide range of non-surgical procedures available through your Dermatologist. These treatments include injectible fillers, chemical peels, antioxidant brightening and lightening peels and cosmetic lasers.
INJECTIBLES
Your dermatologist uses two types of injectibles – relaxers and fillers. Relaxers, such as Botox® and Dysport, lessen muscle reactions so that the overlying skin becomes smoother. Injectible fillers, such as collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Perlane and Radiesse restore lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots.
PEELS
Chemical peels enhance your skin’s appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation and fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. Antioxidant brightening and lightening peels fade stubborn dark patches and restore the skin’s natural smoothness using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other natural ingredients.
LASERS
Cosmetic lasers are the latest developments in advanced skin care. Lasers treat wrinkles by tightening skin tissue, prompting the production of collagen and elastin, and removing sun damage by breaking up pigment. Active FX and Total Fx are fractional lasers for aged or sun-damaged skin. The Active FX/Total FX Laser Treatment reduces wrinkles and fine lines, softens deeper frown lines, noticeably improves skin tone and texture, stimulates new collagen formation and plumps the skin.
Lasers can also be used to reverse the effects of photoaging. Sun damage makes us look older than we are. Surface skin can be rejuvenated to get rid of sun-damaged cells and stimulate the body to make new, healthy skin cells. Many dermatologists now recommend laser or light source treatments, such as Photo-Rejuvenation or Active FX/Total FX. Photo-rejuvenation uses the IPL (intense pulsed light) laser to restore a natural youthful beauty to skin with no “downtime,” and stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin, which gives the skin a much more youthful texture.
Yes, you can look “forever young.” Talk to your dermatologist about how you can fight the aging process.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank and offers extensive procedures in cosmetic skin care, using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment. She is known for her exceptional care and service. Visit them for a FREE consultation with their cosmetic nurse specialist.
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive, Suite B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Welcome Dr. Booth!
"She is kind, well-informed and extremely professional." - A.
Welcome!
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Monday, November 9, 2009
Latisse Special - Buy two and get one free!

Yes, it really works!! Many of the staff in our office are using it and loving the results!
We are currently offering a special on Latisse. Buy two and get the third one free! This is savings of $120.00! (You can use the third or give it as a gift - the holidays are coming up!)
Offer good while supplies last! If you have already bought Latisse from our office, you may order it over the phone and have it shipped to you. Call 818.729.9149.
http://www.lisabenestmd.com
(1624 West Olive Ave., Suite B Burbank, CA 91506)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Healthy Skin Is Beautiful Skin
Improving your image may help the way you feel about yourself, but it may also convey a more professional message. While it is certainly true that beauty does come from within, there are some simple steps that you can take to enhance your outer appearance as well. It is apparent that our society places a high value on youth. Much money is spent on beauty creams and potions, various procedures to rejuvenate the skin, and even plastic surgery. Each person must decide how much effort and expense they are willing to contribute toward their presentation. While this would include many aspects, such as hair and clothing, as a Dermatologist, I would like to address the skin.
Rejuvenating the skin can be viewed on a gradient approach. There are creams and superficial, light procedures that help give the skin a fresher glow or soften some of the lines and age spots. For more dramatic improvement there are laser procedures. These are stronger than face creams and peels, so they work more effectively, albeit cost more. Beyond that there is plastic surgery, which typically results in the greatest improvement, with understandably higher expenses.
For those who are looking for a simple boost, without the high price tag, here are some tips. First, what you put into your body affects how well it functions. That is not news to most people. The skin is our largest organ and it is chock full of cells that are growing and duplicating. Cells need quality food to be healthy and fulfill their jobs. Organic foods, free of pesticides and hormones nourish our cells so that they are not trying to survive amidst a sea of chemicals. Certain foods, such as sugar and white flour, stress our cells the most, and contribute to overall inflammation in our bodies. This translates into more irritated skin and more WRINKLES. Some foods, such as fish (wild caught is best) and fresh fruits and vegetables, help reduce cellular inflammation. Wrinkles are also formed by repeated motions, such as by frowning or along the lips by smoking. Eventually, the skin creases where these motions have been made over and over again. Supplementing with anti-oxidant vitamins can minimize some of the damaging chemicals we encounter daily, such as from pollution. Two antioxidants that are helpful for wrinkles are alpha lipoic acid and DMAE. Fish oils (EPA/DHA) are also excellent anti-inflammatory supplements that keep our skin healthy and also more youthful. CoEnzyme Q10 is also a crucial antioxidant for keeping the body’s organs functioning at its best.
What you put onto your skin can affect the way it feels and looks as well. There are some brands that use all organic ingredients. Some products contain topical vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, alpha lipoic acid, CoEnzyme Q10, and more. With good formulations, these antioxidants can penetrate the skin at higher concentrations than what you could get with internal supplements. You could expect to notice a smoother, even complexion, and healthier looking skin. An added bonus is that some of these topical vitamins, especially vitamin C, help protect your skin from the damage due to the sun’s rays. The cells are more able to repair themselves after injury from ultraviolet radiation, the type of harmful rays put out by the sun, which contribute to aging skin and skin cancer.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a general and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: http://www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818.729.9149
http://www.lisabenestmd.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Young Looking Skin – At Any Age!
Taking good care of your skin is important. In fact, proper skin care is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance throughout your life. But proper skin care changes as you age, and you need to know the best skin care regimes for your age and for some common skin problems and conditions.
Teens and 20s
Puberty and the transition into adulthood bring about huge changes in skin. Hair becomes thicker and oiler, as does the complexion. Practicing proper cleansing techniques is vital. Skin should be cleansed twice daily; washing more frequently can trigger an over-production of oil. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, including drinking plenty of water between meals, can also help keep skin clear and blemish free.
But sometimes cleansing and diet is just not enough to prevent teen and young adult acne. For acne that does not clear up with cleansing, a dermatologist can prescribe a topical medication, or even antibiotics.
These years are also the time to establish a life-long commitment to protecting skin from sun damage. Using sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or clothing with UV protection and avoiding too much sun exposure will help prevent skin cancer or premature aging.
Skin in the 20s can start to show subtle signs of photodamage and “social aging” – from smoking, drinking or excessive tanning. Antioxidant creams as well as lighter procedures, such as chemical peels can keep your skin from premature aging.
30s and 40s
While most men have outgrown acne by their 20s, many women continue to suffer from acne into their adult years. In addition, this is the time when the signs of aging can begin to appear – pigment irregularity, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Skin in the 30s and 40s can benefit from a variety of noninvasive procedures, including Botox, fillers like Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm, chemical peels and noninvasive lasers. A consultation with a dermatologist can determine which approach is right for you.
Adults should also adapt their skin care regimes to incorporate cleansers and moisturizers specially designed for more mature complexions.
50s, 60s and Beyond
As skin ages, different problems emerge. Some men and women experience rosacea, which is characterized by redness and pimples on the face in addition to flushing in response to certain triggers, such as caffeine, wine or stress. Rosacea can be treated with creams, laser and avoiding specific triggers.
Mature skin definitely benefits from facial rejuvenation, although you are more likely to avoid major interventions during this time if you have had preventative procedures during your 30s and 40s. Rejuvenation treatments include Botox and fillers, as well as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and ReFirme Skin Tightening, or even more extensive procedures, such as Active FX and Total FX. Again, your dermatologist can recommend a rejuvenation treatment that is best for you.
Older skin can also get dry and flaky; frequent application of gentle, effective moisturizers is critical for keeping skin well hydrated and less itchy. Moisturizer should be applied at least once a day, preferably after a bath or shower when the skin is still damp. Have any suspicious growths examined, and if you or your family has a history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, be sure to have a thorough checkout from your dermatologist once a year.
Following these few simple guidelines can help your skin stay young looking and healthy, whatever your age.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: http://www.lisabenestmd.com/
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
http://www.lisabenestmd.com/
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Plump Up the Volume!
Wrinkles, lines and facial sagging add years to your appearance. But you can fight back to keep your youthful appearance. Your dermatologist uses two types of injectibles – relaxers and fillers - to reverse those signs of aging. Relaxers, such as Botox, lessen muscle reactions so that the overlying skin becomes smoother. Fillers restore lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots.
RELAXERS
Many wrinkles are actually creases that are worn into the skin by repeatedly making the same expression. Botox injections smooth wrinkles by safely relaxing overactive muscles, thus allowing the creases in the skin to smooth out. Botox is especially effective in treating frown lines, horizontal lines across the forehead, crows’ feet and vertical lip lines (“smoker’s lines”).
Botox treatments consist of approximately 10 minute sessions. There is no down time after your treatment, which means that you can apply make up immediately. Results typically last about four months, after which the muscles begin to contract once again. As an added bonus, if you begin your Botox regime early enough (say, in your 30’s or 40’s), it can prevent deep wrinkles from ever forming in certain areas.
FILLERS
For areas that Botox won’t handle, your dermatologist might recommend a dermal filler, a substance injected below the skin to fill up and soften the wrinkles. The effectiveness and duration of results depends on which filler is used, what area is being treated, and how each patient interacts with the specific filler.
Fillers come in three main types: those that stimulate collagen and tissue growth, those that replace lost volume with “filler” material, and those that both stimulate and replace.
Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse are examples of the last type: they are smooth gels that keep the skin plumped and stimulate the production of new collagen to lift and fill. Common areas treated in this manner include the nasolabial folds (“smile lines”) and the marionette folds under the mouth. Fillers are also very effective in the cheeks, for restoring youthful fullness, as well as the lips.
In most cases, these fillers last nine months, although in some instances the treatments can last for over a year.
The treatment options for minimizing lines and wrinkles, as well as lifting up the downward sag on the face are many and varied. However, not all products are appropriate for all treatment areas. Consult with your dermatologist about which product is right for you. And regain your smooth, youthful appearance today.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wrinkles - Be Gone!
Who doesn’t love a baby’s skin – so soft, smooth and perfect. But as we grow, our skin loses that perfection of youth and reflects our life experiences. Wrinkles, age spots and saggy skin can be signs of wisdom and experience, but they can also make us look older than we care to appear. The good news is that today we have more and more non-surgical alternatives that help us to look - and feel - younger. Additionally, non-surgical procedures have minimal recovery times, and can provide instant results!
Dermatologists offer many non-surgical approaches to restoring or maintaining beautiful and youthful skin, including:
Injectibles
There are two types of injectibles: relaxers and fillers. Relaxers, such as Botox, relax the muscles so that the skin that lies over them becomes smoother. It can take from a few days to two weeks for the full effects of a Botox treatment to be seen, but the results last up to four months. Patients using Botox report looking up to five years younger and less stressed. Fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane and Collagen replace lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots. Local or topical anesthetic creams minimize any discomfort involved. Bruising and swelling are temporary side effects, so fillers should not be used for several days before important events. However, the results can last up to six months, and fillers can unwrinkle deeper lines than Botox can reach, as well as work in areas that are not a candidate for Botox.
Lasers
Non-ablative lasers are intense, focused beams of light that lessen signs of aging like brown spots, acne scars and wrinkles. They can also help remove unwanted hair. And unlike ablative laser treatments, which are more aggressive and can cause superficial burning, non-ablative lasers are less invasive and conduct heat to deeper dermis stimulating collagen synthesis. Examples of non-ablative lasers include: IPL, Fotofacials, Trinity and ReFirme. The ablative lasers, such as Active FX/Deep FX will affect deeper layers of the skin, and thus provide even better results with the fine lines and wrinkling.
Peels
There are many different types of peels, and results depend on both the ingredients and how long the peel is left on the skin. Chemical peels can enhance your appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. Many offices offer antioxidant brightening and lightening peels, which boost the skin using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other ingredients to fade stubborn dark patches and restore your skin’s natural smoothness. Chemical peels take 20 minutes and are done once a month until the desired results are obtained. Other types of peels include Green Peel (a 5-day deep herbal peel), Vi Peel, Mesoclat, Fruit Peels and Glycolic Acid Peels .
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Adult Acne- Suffer No More!
Once considered a teenage right of passage, today many people suffer from adult acne. If you have this potentially embarrassing, but very manageable condition, you should know the possible causes for your acne and, more importantly, what treatments are now available to you.
The first step in the treatment of adult acne – or simply to have a youthful, healthy complexion - is to implement the following as part of your overall health and fitness regimen:
● Cleanse twice daily: washing more frequently can trigger an over-production of oil.
● Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet and drink plenty of water between meals.
● Eat organic whenever possible: your body does not need the extra hormones and antibiotics found in typical meats, chicken or even farm-raised fish.
● Refrain from touching, picking, rubbing and squeezing pimples or break-out areas.
● Take care to keep hair sprays and gels on your hair but off your face.
● Use a moisturizer if you need one. You don’t have to dry out your skin to treat acne.
● Try an over-the-counter homeopathic remedy.
If these basic steps do not resolve your acne, you should contact your dermatologist to discuss other treatment options. Your dermatologist may go over some of the common conditions that can result in adult acne to help determine the best treatment approach for you. If you are one of the many people who suffer from adult acne, you have probably tried at least one if not many treatments for your condition. Here are some of the most common conditions that can result in adult acne and their respective treatment options:
Stress
Stress can result in a break out. The most effective treatment for stress-related acne is to relax! To spot treat blemishes, you can try a prescription strength topical antibiotic gel. For over the counter options, a dab of tea tree oil or acne treatments containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (a low strength, such as 2.5%, works as well as a higher strength with less skin irritation). You should see some relief by the next day. In the case of a large or painful pimple, call your dermatologist, as they may have a more powerful option.
Diet
The typical Western diet of processed food, refined carbohydrates and sugars contributes greatly to the incidence and severity of acne. Cutting out refined and processed foods will help keep you blemish free. Avoid artificial sweeteners (Xylitol or Stevia are ok), refined vegetable oils and dairy products. Supplement your diet with omega-3 fish oils. As an added benefit, this type of diet helps control obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol!
Problem zones
If you break out in one or several problem zones, you should suspect anything that comes in contact with your breakout area. It could be your telephone, your bangs or even your toothpaste or hair gel. Once you identify the cause, keep it out of contact with your face (i.e. clean your phone with alcohol, keep your hair off your face or discontinue the product). If you can’t identify the source on your own, your dermatologist should be able to help you figure it out.
Monthly period break-outs
Hormone imbalances can cause acne breakouts. Some birth control pills can keep pre-period breakouts under control by maintaining a balanced hormone level. If a hormone-based acne treatment isn’t an option, consider incorporating a cream called a retinoid (such as Retin-A, Differin or Tazorac) into your skin-care regimen. As an added bonus, you’ll also see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles!
Chronic acne conditions
Once you are diagnosed, your dermatologist might suggest a prescription medication. These include a variety of creams, or an oral medication such as an antibiotic.
All of these, even chronic acne conditions, are manageable if treated in coordination with your dermatologist. You should also contact your dermatologist to learn about other treatments available only in your dermatologist’s office, such as fruit acid peels or light-based (laser) treatments.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
For permission to reprint this article in full or in part, contact info2006@lisabenestmd.com
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