Short-and-Sweet Skin Advice

By Ilana Blitzer
October 29, 2013
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Seeing fine lines? Battling brown spots? We asked for your skin challenges on Twitter, then got top derms to solve your problems in 25 words or less.
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Derms tweet their tips

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We get it. Sometimes a complexion concern pops up, and you simply want a skin expert to bottom-line it for you. So we asked top derms to condense their smart advice into the amount of allotted Twitter characters (140). Sound good 2 u?

Expert panel
• Doris Day, MD, dermatologist in New York City
• Michael Gold, MD, dermatologist in Nashville, Tennessee
• Ranella Hirsch, MD, dermatologist in Boston
• David Bank, MD, dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York

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Zapping zits and wrinkles

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Any tips on how to fight acne when you’re over 30 (now dealing with pimples and wrinkles)?!

Retinol works on both. It increases cell turnover, but can be drying, so use a p.m. moisturizer. An Rx—like Ziana or Aczone—can help.
—Ranella Hirsch, MD

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Dumping dark circles

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I drink a lot of water and get enough sleep but still have dark circles. Help!

They’re largely genetic (sorry!), but products with niacinamide, caffeine, and retinol brighten the area. Elevate your head while you sleep!
—Doris Day, MD

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Bust brow lines

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How do I ease the appearance of deep lines between my eyebrows?

Simple: Stop making that face! Squinting to read? Wear glasses. Try a cream with retinol or vitamin C. For best results, Botox or Dysport.
—D.D.

Try:Aveeno Smart Essentials Nighttime Moisture Infusion ($15; drugstores); RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($22; Walgreens)

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Accurate application

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What’s the right order to apply my skincare products?

Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistencies, so start with liquid or gel serums, then top with creams or lotions.
—Michael Gold, MD

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Stop puckering up

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What can I do about the little lines I’m seeing around my lips?

They’re caused from pursing (so don’t, unless you’re kissing!). Don’t smoke. Limit straw sipping. Retinol at night, sunscreen in the a.m.
—R.H.

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Connecting sleep and skin

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Does sleeping on my stomach really give me wrinkles?

Yes! Sleeping on your back is the best position. Keep your head propped up on pillows; you’ll be less likely to roll over.
—David Bank, MD

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Snacks for your skin

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I’ve heard you should eat 'clean' for younger skin. Translation, please?

Eat foods as close to their natural state as possible—fruits and veggies, not over-processed. Munch on berries, tomatoes, and broccoli!
—D.D.

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Pore patience

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How long should I expect to use an anti-aging product before noticing results?

Be patient. Four to six weeks for improvement, with best results at the three-month point.
—D.B.

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Moisturizing face-lift

Do 'lifting' moisturizers really work?

They usually contain retinol and hydrating ingredients, which plump skin, so yes, they work, but don’t expect face–lift–like results!
—D.D

Try: Vichy LiftActiv with Rhamnose 5% Day-Normal/Combo ($47; vichyusa.com)

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Fighting facial hair

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Facial hair! Why am I seeing more of  it as I age? How do I get rid of it?

Blame (totally normal) hormone changes. Dark and coarse? Laser hair removal is best. If hairs are fine, try threading, bleaching, or waxing.
—D.D.

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Puffy eyes

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I have undereye puffiness due to allergies. What can I do?

Treat the allergies—the puffiness should go down. Tip: Keep eye cream in the fridge; the cold helps constrict blood vessels, reducing bags.
—M.G.

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Scrub selectively

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Is there such a thing as over-exfoliating your face? How often should I be scrubbing?

Yep. Too much causes irritation, stinging, breakouts. Limit exfoliating to once a week with a gentle scrub (not too hard!) and moisturize.
—R.H.

Try: Garnier The Expert Exfoliator Daily Exfoliating Gel ($6; mass retailers)

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Befriend your freckles

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How can I get rid of  freckles on my shoulders and chest?

Have a skin check to make sure they’re freckles, not skin cancer. To remove, IPL or Fraxel lasers at the derm are the best bets.
—D.B.

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Working with combination skin

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I’ve got the not-so-lovely duo of oily skin and large pores. Can anything tackle both?

Look for products with glycolic or salicylic acid and retinol. Sunscreen’s a must because the sun makes skin oilier and pores bigger.
—D.D.

Try: Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum ($40; clinique.com); Lancome Bienfait Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen ($35; lancome.com)

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Rashes and red spots

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I’m seeing blotchy, red spots on my body. What’s that all about?

Get checked by a derm; hard to say without seeing them, but hives, psoriasis, heat rash, and eczema are all possibilities—and treatable.
—D.B.

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Conquering eyelid skin

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What can I do about crepey eyelid skin?

Retinol creams boost collagen and reduce crepiness, but for max results, ask your derm about chemical peels or laser treatments.
—R.H.

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Living with brown spots

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I have brown spots on my face and hands. What’s really effective?

Ingredients like retinol, soy, licorice, or kojic acid lighten, but a laser treatment gives even better results. Sunscreen every day!
—D.B.

Try: Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator($58 for 1 oz; esteelauder.com)

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Too much makeup

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Is wearing a full face of makeup every day bad for my skin?

No … as long as you don’t sleep in it. Makeup keeps your pores covered up, and it’s much better to let skin breathe at night.
—R.H.

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By Ilana Blitzer