Submitted by priya from brooklyn, ny

Q: I have started using tazorac a week ago, ive strated it twice weekly. plan to work it up slowly. My question is - from ur blogs ive read that taz makes ur skin senstive to sunlight & u should avoid sun as much as u can. i use neutrogena sunblock SPF 70 & up almost daily regularly/ but summer is coming & there are days when my kids want to go to the beach & its afternoon & the sun is glaring, so if I use sunblock & sunglasses, is that good enough?? I dont want to miss out on summmer fun i.e. beach activities, swimming etc ( i love these things)just because i use tazorac. I just want to know that im not screwing my face up by being in the sun while on tazorac.BTW im 32 yrs old . Thanks this might sound like a silly question to u, but I just want to be sure that im not screwing up my face & neck while being on tazorac.

Answered 05/28/09 08:07:30 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Its GREAT question. Apply an antioxidant under your sunscreen in the day such as Replenix CF cream. Tazarac will prevent the damage from sun so no need to worry but you do need the antioxidant and the sunscreen. You can also either drink green tea or take Heliocare supplments (These are found behind the counter at a pharmacy such as CVS. Ask the pharmacist. No need for a prescription) Sun Pill is another good supplment. These all help protect you. I am a golfer wiht 2 kids so I understand your concern. However, Tazarac helps prevent sun damage.

Submitted by Tiffany from NJ

Q: Im from india, have brown skin, easily tan in sun. use tazorac per ur recommendations with sunblock during daytime. I bought ur book- Skin Type solutions, but im having a tough time placing myslef in a particular skin type because I feel i belong to several different types ?????Im so confused. I think I have combination skintype, is there a dermatologist in NY, NJ area that u recommend & know is good. In

Answered 05/28/09 08:04:23 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: Jeanine Downing MD is good. I think she is in that area. Check www.aad.org. If not, Sudan Taylor MD is also in that area. Visit www.skintypesolutions.com and go to the forums. Talk to others of your possible types and that will help you figure out what you are. You cna also go to my blog and ask em questiosn there. People on the web site are very skilled at skin typing.

Submitted by linda from n.Canton

Q: Hi Dr.Baumann, I am 55 years old and have wrinkled lines above my upper lip. Some lines are deeper than others. Other than that I have little wrinkles. Is there any good way to minimize or eliminate them? Thank you for your time. linda

Answered 05/28/09 08:02:20 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I prefer the Pearl laser in that area. It will improve them about 30%- 50%. Some fillers such as Evolence can be used too. It looks like you are in Ohio. Helen Torok MD is a great dermatologist there. I forget what city she is in but you can find her at www.aad.org.

Submitted by Cyn from SF

Q: Hi Dr Baumann! I would like to know if Retin a along with moisturiser that contain Retinol can be used togther? many thx!

Answered 05/28/09 08:00:54 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: No need to use the retinol. The Retin A is much stronger. Using both can cause irriataion. I feel retinol is useless in the am due to sun breaking down the retinol.

Submitted by Cleo Swan from Jacksonville, Fl

Q: Hello Dr. Baumann, please tell me if I could apply olive oil to my facial skin then a moisturizing lotion w/or w/o SPF would be alright & not irritate my facial skin. Also if applying sunscreen then a moisturizing facial lotion w/no SPF would be as effective as applying moisturizing lotion containing SPF? Thankyou very much. Regards Cleo

Answered 05/28/09 08:00:07 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: apply either olive oil or a moisturizer and then apply the sunscreen.

Submitted by Melissa from Phoenix, AZ

Q: I received an email from yahoo.com regarding using extra virgin olive oil as a way to reduce the chances of skin cancer and improving skin. I was interested in using this on my face but I have a little bit of acne scaring on my cheecks. Would the olive oil be ok to use or could it cause breakouts to occur? Thank you

Answered 05/28/09 07:58:30 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: It may cause breakouts. Other options such as green tea are better for you. Come to www.skintypesolutions.com and sign up for the free newsletters. You'll get more detailed info that way.

Submitted by Emily from Arcadia, California

Q: Dr. Baumann, I really need help on this one. My Mom is 70 years old. She developed psoriasis and it affected her legs. She is in my home country and cannot get on airplane so I have no way to take her to see any dermatologist here. She has been seeing multiple doctors, but she is still symptomatic (red and itchy). Which over the counter products can I buy for her? I am going to visit her in 2-3 weeks. Can you give me some advise so I can bring her some lotions/creams to help her? I heard about Dermasolve, but not sure if I should buy it. Any advise is greatly appreciated!!

Answered 05/28/09 07:56:37 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: She really needs prescription creams. Over the counter do not really help. Applying an oil such as olive oil to damp skin or bath may help. Benadryl may help the itching. Your best bet is to get a prescription steroid cream froma dermatologist. You have to be carful using it in large areas on someone her age. Is there any way she can see a dermatologist? What city and country is she in? Please visit www.skintypesolutions.com and ask me questions in my blog under the comment section. Its easier for me.

Submitted by Michelle from MN

Q: Hi Dr. Baumann! I'm in my late 20's and have DRPW skin. I've heard that using oil on your skin can be good. Do you agree? What ingredients should I use to create my own? Any products that you'd recommend?

Answered 03/24/09 17:16:42 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: yes- Laura Mercier oil cleanser or Shu Uemura cleansing oil

Submitted by lorra from grafton MA

Q: I am 60 & have dry sensitive skin.I wanted to know if I can use retin A on my thin skinned neck?Would I have to mix the retin A with a serum,like under the eyes?Could you please suggest a couple of serums?Can Retin A be mixed with my moisturizer in delicate areas?I did enjoy and use suggestion from my last query.Do you have any dermatogist contacts in the Worcester MA area?

Answered 03/24/09 17:16:09 by Dr. Leslie Baumann

A: I can't think of anyone in Worcester off the top of my head. Yes mix Retin A wiht the moisturizer in delicate areas. yes use on the neck but once a week.

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?