Article
Author(s):
This week's edition of the Mainstream Patient features stories about treating dry eyelids, face masks for acne-prone skin, acne scar treatments, and more.
New this week: NewBeauty explores laser treatments and breast enhancement surgery and InStyle gives tips for treating dry eyelids. Women's Health asks dermatologists about face masks for acne-prone skin and Self lists 21 hydrating lip balms according to dermatologists. Elle reviews 10 best anti-aging moisturizers and Allure reveals 17 effective acne scar treatments.
"When having a first-time breast enhancement surgery, a laser treatment can prepare skin prior to surgery, says New York plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD. “Whether the laser is done before or after generally doesn’t make a difference,” Dr. Levine says. “If you have significant sun damage, laser treatments will improve skin quality which is good preparation for the implants.” Dr. Levine notes that timing is a factor as laser treatments should be completed at least six weeks before surgery."
"There are many causes to dry eyelids and that’s all thanks to the fact that it is just a super sensitive area. “Because the skin of the eyelids is extremely thin, [and] some of the thinnest and most delicate skin on the body, this makes this area of the face much more prone to irritation,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue."
“'Acne medications can be irritating, and masks provide that sweet spot wherein the active ingredients can stay on the skin for a bit longer without as much risk for causing a flare up,' says Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist and professor at Yale University. 'It also takes the guess work out of how much to apply, as the mask comes pre-infused with essential ingredients, so you just have to put it on.'”
"Your skin can take a major hit during the cold weather season. When cracked lips become more of a regular occurrence, it makes sense that the best hydrating lip balms would become your go-to product. The dry winter air means your skin care routine probably needs a moisturizing boost to help combat flaky or parched skin. That includes chapped lips, which can feel irritated or painful or even result in bleeding. So it’s a good idea to have a couple of go-to nourishing lip balms in your bag. SELF spoke with dermatologists to learn more about their favorite lip balm products, and how to choose the best one for you."
"A good face cream (whether or not you like the term 'anti-aging) can make all the difference when it comes to smooth, glowing skin. 'Moisturizing mature skin leads to better skin tone, and firmness. It also appears less wrinkly,' says dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. It needs to have the right actives for your skin: maybe you need hyaluronic acid or retinol in your routine, or if you're feeling dull niacinamide or vitamin C can help. We've made a list of 10 of our favorites, which include clean beauty options and fragrance-free formulas all with the goal of keeping your skin looking fresh and glowy."
"Before diving into the solutions, let's sort out the basics about acne scars. For starters, a lot of what you may think of as acne scarring is really post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or erythema — brown or red spots — rather than a permanent change in the texture of the skin. 'Scars and discoloration occur as a result of injury to the skin, and in the case of acne, the injury is related to excess oil production, inflammation, and bacteria, says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, who is based in New York City. She also notes that when the skin tries to repair itself after a breakout, it can leave a red, pink, tan, or brown mark behind, depending on the blemish and the individual's skin tone."