Dermatology and skin-related issues

Dr. Leslie Baumann

Dr. Leslie Baumann is the director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami's Leonard Miller School of Medicine. When she's not running her clinic she's researching skin-care technologies and treatments and developing new products to enhance the skin's health and appearance. After working with thousands of patients, she developed a model of 16 skin types detailed in her book, The Skin Type Solution.

Click here to read Dr. Leslie Baumann columns

Solutions to your skin-related issues

Most Recently Answered Questions

Questions 16 - 35 of 196 (Page 2 of 11)

Submitted by Ryan from New York

Q: Hi! Im 22 and Ive had bad skin since my early teens. Was on Roaccutane about 5 years ago - cleared acne, but skin condition (large pores, texture, tone ect) was still in bad condition. Since then acne has returned however very midly - mostly lots of bumps, blocked pores and occasiaonal pimples. Had an Active-Fx treatment two months ago to improve skin condition, however still have TERRIBLE looking skin, very large pores, uneven texture and generally unhealhty looking skin that still is very prone to break outs. Have tried Retin-A on and off for past two years, stopped a few months before Active-Fx. Can I resume Retin-A now? More concerned about large oily pores, horrible look of skin, very mild acne scarring, sensitivity, tiny bumps under skin, bad color etc. PLEASE HETLP! Also, take supplements of Zinc, Vit C, Vit A, Vit B and multi vitamins which I find help somewhat with acne but do nothing to improve look of skin. Skin on my face feels very fragile and is a different color to rest of body! Not sure what to do anymore :(

Answered 03/24/09 17:14:55 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Yes restart Retin A. Try the new one called Atralin. I wish you would come to Miami- I could help more. have you tried salicylic acid peels? A SA cleanser?

Submitted by Amy Toothman from Sewickley, PA

Q: I'm a Caucasian, 41 YOA with DSPW (v. sensitive, borderline P). I've been following the recommendations in your book for about 3-4 weeks and have had great results! 2 Products: 1) Using Mary Kay Gentle Facial Cleansing Creme b/c only fragrance free product could find and afford (Noxema & Ponds Cold Cream made me break out/itch) 2)Evian Facial Spray. Is there anything in MK face that should concern me? It does have bees wax but no problems so far. Evian Facial Spray -- could I use Evian water in a spray bottle instead? Thanks for your help.

Answered 03/24/09 17:13:38 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Yes you could use evian water in a spray bottle. pelligino is even better because it is antiinflammatory. No need to worry about the Mary kay products- they are good for your type.

Submitted by Pamela Meredith from Indianapolis, IN

Q: Can you use hydroquinine and Vit C at the same time? For OSPT's, would you reccomend Olay regnerist serum over the Topix Replenix Green Tea Serum? I'm looking at adding an antioxidant to my skincare routine. I currently am using samples of Skinceuticals C+E but didn't know if that was enough of an antioxidant.

Answered 03/24/09 17:12:22 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Yes you can use HQN and Vitamin C. either antioxidnat si fine and yes you can use it under the Olay regenrist serum but there si NO NEED to use the Olay serum if you are using the Skinceutical CE or the Topix Replenix.

Submitted by Leslie from Washington DC

Q: Hi, I am Caucasian, in my mid-forties, and have been struggling with how to eradicate the small, brown bumps that are all over my torso for decades. I was told by a dermatologist that they are seb. keratoses. I have had some frozen off, and some treated with trichloroacetic acid, which improved the texture somewhat, but it took a year for the brown discoloration from the acid treatment to fade. The problem is that it is hard to get all of them with these localized treatments. Is there a cream or laser treatment that might result in a more complete, even result? Thank you so much for your help. LC

Answered 03/24/09 17:11:03 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I agree with you that there si not a great treament. I like the hydrecation (electric needle) or the liquid nitrogen (cold) best but it will take several treatments. Some docotrs do CO2 laser but ti is really the same as hyfrecation but costs more.

Submitted by Dani from PA

Q: Hello, you recommended the Olay anti-aging anti-blemish cleanser for OSPT's because it contains niacinamide, but I couldn't find it anywhere on the ingredient list. Can you rec another one with light exfoliation similar to this one? There is one by Neutrogena, Visibly Even daily cleanser with soy, could that work? Or Olay Definity? Thanks so much!!

Answered 03/24/09 17:09:10 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: They call it proniacin or something like that on the label but it is niacinamide. Nia24 is too.

Submitted by Judy from Cincinnati, OH

Q: Hi, I read your book. I am a DSNW. You say I shouldn't use retinol. I did use it for a couple months and the red didn't really change.It is about the same. But could I just use it on the chin area and leave the red cheeks alone? I hate the bumpy chin with the large pores that never used to be there. One more thing please-I'm not sure I would be non pigmented. I have one brown spot.Am I? Thanks

Answered 03/24/09 17:08:19 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: If you ahve a brown spot you are a DSPW unless it is a mole. Yes you can use the retinol on your chin. What are you doing for the redness? have you tried an IPL?

Submitted by Seema from Miami

Q: This is a follow-up question to my previous question. I had asked you about breakouts in lower chin area and they are big and hard. I wax my chin area to remove coarse hair. Is this what the culprit is? Thank you.

Answered 03/24/09 16:26:27 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Yes- you likley ahve in gorwn hairs. You should try laser hair removal if the hair is dark. We do it in our office on Miami beach. 305-532-5552

Submitted by Shafinaz from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Q: Hi Dr. Baumann, I was referred by a friend to your Yahoo blog and the articles you posted proved very informative for me. I have a question on facials-during a normal procedure my skin therapist would recommend a professional "pimple/blackheads extraction" method supposedly to help clear up my skin (I'm Asian with skin prone to breakouts). After the treatment, some parts of my skin i.e. T-zone improved as the blackheads cleared, but other parts were left with scars and pockmarks from the extraction. Being an Asian, the scars are difficult to disappear but the specialists said it normally takes some time to heal. Can you comment on the pros/cons of having this procedure done? Thanks v.much!

Answered 03/24/09 16:25:32 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: It is not the right thing for your skin. I recommend using salicylic acid and retinoids such as Retin A instead. Try and find my book The Skin Tye Solution. I think it is in Malyasia but if not it is on Amazon.com It will help you. In the meantime- ask your doctor for a tretinoin (Retin A prescription) and use it every 3rd night. Combine it with a salicylic acid cleasner such as Neutrogena Acne Wash and a good moisturizer and sunscreen. Have you visited www.skintypesolutions.com?

Submitted by Gloria from MIami

Q: I am OSNT and have problem with flushing. I need your help in selecting a good calming cleanser which will do a good job in removing sunscreen and makeup in the PM. Thank you.

Answered 03/24/09 16:23:13 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I like Aveen Ultra Calming Cleanser or Citirx cleanser (baumannstore.com)

Submitted by pepper from philippines

Q: how high is the percentage of success for dermaplaning or dermabrasion? would you consider it as safe and effective? can it improve box, rolling and tiny hypertrophic scars?

Answered 03/24/09 16:22:37 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: about 30% but I like Fraxel laser better

Submitted by Michelle Cohen from Ohio

Q: Hello! Can I put my Topix CF cream under my NIA 24 Skin Strengthening Complex? Can the Niacin "get through" the layer of Topix and into my skin? Thanks

Answered 03/24/09 16:21:30 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Yes you can do that

Submitted by Kathy from Palmdale,Ca

Q: Hi Dr. Baumann: I wrote to you about a month ago, but did not know how to get back on to your website to find the answer. I wanted to know what cream or method I could use to help my neck. It has deep wrinkles and creases. Thank-you for your help!

Answered 03/24/09 15:36:53 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Fraxel or Pearl laser plus a retinoid such as Atralin once a week until you can tolerate it at least 3 times a week. Derek Jones in LA is a great dermatologist. Not sure is LA is close to you.

Submitted by Barbara from Winston-Salem, NC

Q: Recently found this link where you were quoted in Allure magazine http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28796417/ If both chemical and physical sunscreens can create free radicals, what should we use? Is one better than the other in not creating free radicals? I did read where you said you layer antioxidants on your skin first and then use a ss with antioxidants. What would be a good lotion with antioxidants to use over our whole body for a day @ the beach? Any more info will be greatly appreciated!

Answered 03/24/09 15:35:47 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Physical sunscreen do not cause free radicals. I like Citrix sunscreen for the face (see www.Baumannastore.com). I have not seen any good body moisturizers with antioxidants yet. I put the Topix green tea body lotion on first and then a sunscreen.-- or- drink green tea and take antioxidnat supplements- such as OPC Synergy by Standard Process- we sell them at 305-532-5552.

Submitted by ozmelda from london, uk

Q: Hello Dr Baumann, I am a 33 yr old woman of indian descent who is currently battling an onslaught of acne, red cheeks and whiteheads. After being on teh MD FORTE glycolic line for a couple of yeras, it did wonders by teh way but over time, caused sensitivity to my skin tone. As a result of which I now have a blushed look with red dots all over my cheeks...! I was told to stay away from acids but find I need something to regulate the acne and keep them at bay! I currently use tracie martyn cleanser + cetaphil moisturiser witha dash of Vit C booster pwd by Philosophy and Emergin C poemgranate cleanser at night with Skinmedica acne toner...This has helped to arrest the spots but my skin still breaks out in tiny white heads and has a rashy appearance so to speak... I do need to see a dermatologist but in teh interim , can you please advice me on teh range of products that maybe helpful in calming the spots down, which arent cysty by teh way , just a flurry of red dots & white heads which are difficult to conceal. I also use bare mineral pwd which is heaven sent to minimise teh redness. Can you please help?

Answered 03/24/09 15:32:47 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I agree that you need to see a dermatologist. It is hard to understand the problem without seeing you. Nick Lowe is in London as is Christopher Griffith. They are both great dermatologists. In the meantime- try the Roc correxion night cream every 3rd night and an anti-inflammatory moisturizer such as Aveeno Ultra Calming twice a day. have you seen my book The Skin Type Solution? The publisher in London is Hodder. If you take the quiz in chapter 3 and determine your skin type- you can go to the corresponding chapter for an exact regimen.

Submitted by WILINE from MIAMI,FL

Q: I WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU OR ANY dermatology that is part of your team. THANKS!

Answered 03/24/09 15:29:26 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Come make an appointment at 305-532-5552. We often do speaking engagements so call and tell us you want to be on the list next time we speak.

Submitted by Karen from Anoka, WI

Q: Hi Dr. Baumann, I over-dosed on diet pills for two years, but stopped when I turned fifteen. I had broken out into keratosis pilaris, and a after getting some prescription cream from a dermatologist, my skin is almost cleared up. My skin is improving, though, and it keeps on improving, even on days when I don't treat it. But my question is this: What can I do to get rid of the little, few red bumps I have now along with the scars and uneven skin tone I have? Would Aveeno Positively Radiant body wash and moisturizer help or hurt my condition?

Answered 03/24/09 15:28:38 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: You have keratosis pilaris. Try a heavy body cream such as Cera Ve or Cetaphil cream and a body scrub such as the one by Philosophy. Use the scrub at least 3 times a week and if not irriated every day (On your body not your face)

Submitted by Lisa from Salt Lake City, UT

Q: Just a few days ago I started using many Mary Kay skin care products. I use the 3-in-1 cleaner, moisturizer, day and night solutions, and the firming eye cream. The wrinkles around my eyes seem considerably worse! And I didn't think they were that awful to begin with. Is this possible? Why would this happen? Should I stop using all the products, or just the eye cream? Thanks!

Answered 03/24/09 15:27:20 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: You could have gotten irritated from one of the ingredients. Keep using it for a weke and if it continues or if redness occurs then stop. This may actually be a good sign that the ingredients are strong.

Submitted by Lisa from Houston

Q: Hi Dr Baumann, I love your book and started following the regimen recommendaed by you for ORPW skin type for the last 14 months. I am 39 years old. My daily regimen is AM -1. Aveeno Positively Radiant cleansing pad. 2.CE Feluric 3.Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 30 PM -1.Aveeno Positively Radiant cleansing pad. 2. Retin-A Micro gel (.04%) 3.Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer with SPF 30 I have noticed improvent on my skin but I still have some questions. 1. Am I missing anything for my daily regimen? 2. What moisturizer should I use at night? 3. My cheeks look little bit sagging, not very tight even after using the Retin-A for almost an year. Can I do anything to make it tighter? 4. I have some brown spots on my face and I want to use Tri-Luma. Should I stop using Retin-A when I will use Tri-Luma? 5.How long can I use Retin-A micro? 6.Is Tazorac better than Retin-A? 7. Is there any possibility you can visit Houston? Thanks for your help. I visit both the skinguru and this site regularly.

Answered 03/20/09 12:15:04 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I went to med school at Baylor so I love Houston but I don't have any trips planned. If you invite me to speak at a charity event I can do that. I recommend switching form Retin A to Tri_Luma- use 2 tubes of Tri-Luma and then switch to Tazaroc or Atralin. You can use Tazorac (or Atralin) forever unless pregnant or breastfeeding.

Submitted by Natalie from Merced, California

Q: I just got your book today and I was so excited I skipped directly to the questions and answered them all. What I got was OPNW. Then I skipped to that chapter but it sounded nothing like my skin so I went back and read the first two chapters and retook the tests and got OSNW, This still didn't seem to make sense so I looked at the other skin types and I feel like I have parts of each. My skin is oily and I always have at least one pimple. I used to have severe acne and I saw two dermatologists and nothing seemed to help. Then I stopped going and got some microdermabrasion from a family member that owns a salon and stuff got a lot better after that and now I have only moderate breakouts. I do get brown spots after pimples go away. I have a medium skin tone and I tan pretty easily. Also I have never felt that my skin was sensitive, it doesn't sting when I use products and I have never had an allergic reaction to a product. I am not sure which skin type I am. Help???

Answered 03/20/09 12:12:37 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Ok you are a OSPW- acne type. Try salicylic acid products and retinoids. You will like the Gly-Sal cleanser from Topix and the Replenix Retinol 2X every night. Use one of the 2x and then switch to 5x . (See skinstore.com) Of course you need a sunscreen too.

Submitted by Lori from Brisbane, Australia

Q: Hi Dr Baumann, your book is great. It is so informative and easy to follow. I am asian and my skin type is ORPT. You recommend Elizabeth Arden Peel & Reveal Revitalising Treatment for my skin type on your book and you said when used daily these lower strength product can be beneficial. But on the EL product instruction it is said the maximum use is 1-2 times per week. So can i still use it everyday?

Answered 03/20/09 12:10:22 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Yes because you are a resistant type. Try 3 times a week first, then 4 times and then go every day.

Top Searches: Obituaries | Horoscopes | Lottery | Calendar

Dermatology and skin-related issues

Ask a question

Most Recently Answered Questions