Skin Care Questions and Answers

Are you connected to @drtessmauricio and @skinexpertsays in Twitter? If not, we’ve compiled a list of questions we’ve received recently and the answers to what may also address some of your skin care questions.

Q: What do you think about the co2 fractional treatment?
A: We offer the Mixto Fractional CO2. Definitely one of the best “bang for your buck” type treatments. If you can afford 1-2 weeks of downtime, you can look 10 years younger with this 1 treatment.

Q: How can I fade scarring on a budget? I get brown spots.
A: Microdermabrasion and light peels are great for people on a budget! We offer a great crystal peel with our esthetician.

Q: Regarding peels, how often would I need them? And should I use a hydroquinone cream in conjunction?
A: Treatment can be performed once every 4 weeks, or up to once every week depending on the type of peel. A hydroquinone cream can be used as well but a physician needs to give specific instructions on how to use the cream.

We posted: When washing, massage your face with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Over washing and scrubbing can cause skin to become irritated.
Q: What do you mean by scrubbing? I use apricot scrub would you recommend daily use of it? The brand I use is St.Ives.
A: Using a wash that’s designated as a scrub is different. But the point is don’t over scrub. There are better scrubs than others. St. Ives has large beads, the best scrubs have smaller rounded and smooth beads to not damage the skin.

Q: What do you think is the best single ingredient for anti-aging? Retinol?
A: Hard to choose just one because every ingredient has a specific purpose. Retinol is definitely a great long term anti-aging product.

Q: What’s the best cleanser for oily skin?
A: Any wash with glycolic acid and/or salicylic acid work great for oily skin. If you have moderate to severe acne it is important to be seen by a dermatologist because RX strength products are more effective than OTC products.

Q: Is a mole on your palm normal?
A: Well only a dermatologist can determine if the mole is normal. I suggest you see your dermatologist to check it out. Remember a skin exam is recommended every year!

Q: Laser hair removal is good, is there any side effect with that?
A: Laser Hair Removal can be life changing! With an experienced technician and good technology there is very little risk.

If your questions were not answered here, please call Dr. Tess Mauricio, at one of her three San Diego Dermatology Clinics and talk to her specifically about your needs.

A Dermatological Look at Skin of Color (Including Asian Skin)

There is an impressive emerging interest in my field regarding the rejuvenation and treatment of skin of color, including Asian skin. As a Filipina Cosmetic Dermatologist, I have had the privilege of traveling around the world educating physicians on why skin of color (like my brown, mocha colored skin and that of my fair skinned Korean husband) is different than white Caucasian skin. And, more importantly, how those differences in skin color can impact the efficacy and safety of treatments.

The difference seems so obvious when we look at each other’s different skin color. It all boils down to the difference in the amount of melanin (pigment) in our epidermis (the very top layer of the skin). This melanin offers dark skin an advantage with less aging, less wrinkling than the more fair skin counterparts, because melanin protects us from sun damage. However, the downside is that melanin can make laser and skin rejuvenation treatments more challenging because it can absorb too much heat and energy from laser treatments causing complications like burns or discoloration on the skin.

The great news is that one of the biggest advances in technology has been our ability to now treat Asian skin and even those with darker skin. With the proper technology in the hands of experienced practitioners, we can now enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction and skin tightening!

The beauty and aesthetics industry is taking a much closer look at skin of color as a new and untapped market for new products and innovation in technology. As a result, this year has surfaced many opportunities to learn more about Asian skin and how it will respond to emerging technologies, especially in skin whitening and skin rejuvenation.

We have a number of important clinical studies, like the study on a breakthrough topical skin whitening cream, which is free of charge to everyone who qualifies. I urge those who may be interested in the studies to contact us.