Summer can be a hard time for anyone who has a skin condition they’d rather keep under wraps. But there’s hope. Dr. Rebecca Kazin is on the blog today to share her expertise on how to solve four of the most common skin conditions to avoid flare-ups for summer. Read on for her expert tips and product recommendations.
4 Common Skin Conditions Solved
Rebecca Kazin, MD, of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology weighs in on how to treat some of our most common, yet stubborn skin concerns:
#1. BACNE – This harmless, but annoying acne incarnation has to do with sweat and bacteria sitting on skin.
THE FIX: I tell my patients to shower immediately after workouts, use a glycolic acid based wash and a fresh, clean towel only to dry off. SilkPeel for Body is also a great in-office treatment to help treat bacne and keep pores clean.
#2. ECZEMA – Skin is extra sensitive so avoid anything with fragrance and choose products that are hypo-allergenic.
THE FIX: Ideally, you should use moisturizers in a tube or tub because they are not thinned out like lotions in a dispenser. I really like the Vanicream line and in general recommend Eucerin and Aveeno for patients with eczema. Aquaphor is also great hydration for eczema prone lips, hands and feet. Stay away from anything with hydroxy acid and retinol because it can dry out skin. You are not ready to exfoliate during the flare up and it can worsen irritation.
#3. ROSACEA – Triggers for rosacea include spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine. Avoid retinoids and glycolic acid and certainly benzoyl peroxide.
THE FIX: Look for anti-redness formulas that contain soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients like licorice root extract, vitamin E, tea tree oil. Stick with physical block sunscreens and stay away from chemical blocks. La-Roche Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid is a great physical block sunscreen for breakout – or Rosacea-prone patients.
#4. KERATOSIS PILARIS – Also known as “chicken skin.”
THE FIX: My favorite drugstore product to treat “chicken skin” is Amlactic or Lac-Hydrin. These are lactic acid based creams that get rid of dead cells that can be clogging the follicles that cause these little red bumps.
