Get a Flawless Complexion
Chicago dermatologists answer your skin questions
Breakouts, blemishes, irritation – they’ve seen it all and more. So we’ve asked recognized local dermatologists, Carolyn Jacob, MD, director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology; Kevin S. Pinski, MD, director of Pinski Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery; Mary Massa, MD, co-director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Rush University Medical Center; and Jerome Garden, MD, director of the Physicians Laser & Dermatology Institute; to help clear up – couldn’t resist the pun - our questions about common skin conditions.
What are thee major causes of adult acne and oily skin?
Carolyn Jacob, MD Acne is a common problem made worse by stress, weather changes and diet. Hormones that drive oil production can be increased by sugary foods, as well as a project deadline, so it’s important to find ways to deal with stress other than eating chocolate!
Mary Massa, MD Among sudden acne common triggers are menstrual periods. Many times, no matter how well controlled someone’s acne is, they’ll experience some breakouts. For many people, when they change a product their skin will react with breakouts – maybe that just means that product is not good for them, and sometimes the skin just has to acclimate to the product and things will calm down.
Kevin S. Pinski, MD Hormones, a big one, may decrease as women get older, especially during menopause when theress less estrogen. Stress absolutely contributes to both acne and oiliness. There are several cosmetic types that will contribute to acne and oiliness – we’ll usually recommend loose powders and oil free foundations.
Jerome M. Garden, MD The most likely source is genetics. Some people are just prone to produce surface oils very readily.
Is there a way to reduce dark spots or dark circles under my eyes?
Dr. Jacob There are many reasons for the appearance of circles under the eyes. One is pigment, or color, generated by the skin and more common in darker-skinned individuals. That can be treated with lightening creams. Another reason is loss of fat under the eye in the area called the “tear trough.” This can be replaced with a quick treatment of Restylane, a filler substance naturally found in the skin.
Dr. Massa As we get older, skin becomes thinner, which sometimes produces a dark circle. Moisturize the skin with quality eye creams to keep it in good condition. Change eye creams frequently. If you find a good eye cream but you start to feel it isn’t working, change it. Your skin adapts to what you’re using.
Dr. Pinski Sometimes we’ll see actual pigment deposits. In those patients we’ll use bleaching agents, chemical peels or lasers to help. Patients that don’t have true deposits of pigment will see blood vessels. Arnica, a topical cream or ointment, helps to constrict these vessels, and Restylane helps to fill in that little groove under the eyes to hide the vessels that shine through the skin so you don’t see the shadow.
How can I combat red or blotchy skin? Why does this occur?
Dr. Pinski Usually rosacea occurs in adult women and men, most commonly of Eastern European and Celtic descent. They can have sensitive skin, often complain of flushing with temperature extremes, stress or alcohol. Sometimes it can be controlled with topical or oral antibiotics as well as other prescription products.
Dr. Garden Many times this occurs from dryness [all] over the body. When the face is involved, redness may indicate rosacea. Topical agents can be of limited benefit and tend to be more beneficial in improving the acne component of rosacea.
