What are the best over-the-counter products for sensitive skin with acne?

- Laurensuecarey

Dr. Perricone Responds

We have had tremendous results with the Out Patient Therapy Collection as it does not cause redness or inflammation on the skin surface while treating acne. In addition, this line contains soothing agents such as green tea and allantoin to comfort the skin.

Is it true that you have to change skincare products every few months because they stop working??

- sunflower63

Dr. Perricone Responds

Treatment products do not stop working; our lifestyle, food choices, lack of supplementation and stress levels cause changes in our skin and body. Be your own skincare and body expert—learn to recognize when you need balance, exercise, or just a little pleasure or quiet time, and your skin and body will respond.

What is the perfect regimen for normal skin that is sometimes dry because of climate?

- DKNY

Dr. Perricone Responds

It begins with a gel-based cleanser that does not strip the skin, such as Citrus Facial Wash or Nutritive Cleanser, which both work long after they are rinsed off. It continues with an AM and PM treatment to encourage skin to adjust to climate changes while helping to prevent accelerated signs of age. Some good choices for normal skin include Advanced Face Firming Activator during the day and Concentrated Restorative Cream for night. A lightweight moisturizer may be needed on top of treatment depending on how dry your skin feels. You can apply it only on the areas that feel tight so you don’t over-moisturize the areas that produce enough oil. A great choice is Face Finishing Moisturizer. It’s also popular with makeup artists and photographers because of the radiant appearance it gives skin.

What is the best treatment for breakouts?

- Collroblola

Dr. Perricone Responds

A spot treatment that consists of at least 5% benzoyl peroxide. These can be harsh, so it is wise to patch test the product first and use it only at night, as these formulas can create sensitivity when exposed to sunlight. A treatment that is combined with alpha lipoic acid and DMAE, such as my Out Patient Therapy Acne Treatment Gel Cream, will be gentler and help reduce scarring. Its ingredients are also powerful antioxidants and provide energy and protection to skin cells for more efficient cell renewal.

I’m a young black woman with back acne. What are some affordable products I can use to combat this problem? Also, how do I clear up the scarring that’s left behind?

- tripleIIII

Dr. Perricone Responds

There are many body cleansers on the market that are targeted for this issue. Look for labels that state the product is oil free and clarifies without stripping the skin of its natural oils. A body lotion with the antioxidant power of alpha lipoic acid, such as my Alpha Lipoic Acid Body Toning Lotion SPF 15 helps reduce scarring as it encourages healthy cell renewal. A body exfoliant may also help, but make sure it doesn’t feel too abrasive.

How much time in the sun is really TOO much? Also, what SPF should I use on my face and body when at the beach?

- Rebecca

Dr. Perricone Responds

Too much sun is when your skin feels tingly and appears red, which is actually surface inflammation of the skin. An SPF 15 or higher—based on your individual skin tone and how quickly you burn—is recommended. Re-application is also important depending on the type of outdoor activity you are engaging in. I created two formulas specifically for my young daughter called Solar Protection for Face 26 and Solar Protection for Body 15, which are both chemical-free sun blocks that provide protection against UVB and UVA rays with zinc oxide (the ingredient used by lifeguards).

I have been using Proactiv Solution, but after a few months it doesn’t seem to work as well any more. Suggestions?

- Spacey58

Dr. Perricone Responds

Food choices, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle truly play a large part in how treatment will perform on the skin. We have had tremendous results with my Out Patient Therapy, as it contains acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and a spot treatment containing 5% benzoyl peroxide. The difference is the Out Patient Therapy collections are formulated with very gentle and healing ingredients such as green tea and allantoin to soothe while treating. The collection is also formulated with alpha lipoic acid and DMAE to reduce scarring and protect the cells from future damage.

What is the best cream to prevent wrinkles?

- Laurensuecarey

Dr. Perricone Responds

One of my best sellers is a treatment called Advanced Face Firming Activator. I recently made it more potent with 5 times more alpha lipoic acid to smooth skin’s surface and protect it from further damage, and increased levels of DMAE to firm and tone skin. Both patented ingredients are very effective in helping to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. When coupled with Face Finishing Moisturizer, it’s the perfect regimen to address concerns of aging.

As a teen, I never broke out. When I hit my 30s, my skin started to flare up—especially before my period. Help!

- kddunham

Dr. Perricone Responds

It begins with foods rich in antioxidants, such as colorful fruits and vegetables, good sources of protein, like fish and eggs, and essential fatty acids, such as olive oil and avocados. Water is also key for maintaining the health of skin, so drink plenty of it. Keep alcohol consumption to reasonable amounts and choose red wine whenever possible. In terms of treating the skin’s surface, choose a spot treatment to calm the visible effects of breakouts, preferably one with at least 5% benzoyl peroxide. I recommend my Out Patient Therapy Acne Treatment Gel for PM use as it has this active ingredient, but is also formulated with other potent ingredients to calm and sooth skin. And of course, do what you can to keep stress to a minimum, especially during the weeks before your period.

Does drinking a lot of water really help my skin?

- sc1275

Dr. Perricone Responds

Water is important—If you do not drink water, your organs and cells cannot function. You don’t have to overdo it—but if you don’t drink water, you cannot metabolize fat, nor can you flush wastes out of the cells. A dehydrated body provokes the development of aging, inflammatory compounds. Water has great anti-inflammatory properties and will help your skin look radiant, soft and supple—the key difference between a grape and raisin is water.

You can also eat fruits such as cantaloupe, which contain a lot of natural moisture as well as skin-beautifying vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants. Enjoy frequent cups of green tea as well. This will hydrate the body and provide important anti-stress, anti-aging antioxidants.

When I wake up in the morning my face looks great, but by the end of the day, I’m broken out and dry again. I wear makeup so I can’t reapply moisturizer all day.

- Thanks! Anastasia

Dr. Perricone Responds

Always use a cleanser that has anti-inflammatory properties and is not harsh or drying the way soap can be. Try an alcohol-free toner or toner pads that contain DMAE on the oilier portions of your face, and use an oil-free moisturizer on the dry areas. Take antioxdants and essential fatty acids to help skin from the inside out. Check out our website for products to suite your skin concerns such as Nutritive Cleanser, Outpatient Therapy Toner Pads, Pore Refining Moisturizer and Skin & Total Body Supplements.

Do cucumbers or tea bags really work for puffy eyes?

- justraidersfans1

Dr. Perricone Responds

Yes they can certainly help. Eye treatments that contain Alpha Lipoic Acid such as Advanced Eye Area Therapy are also outstanding in removing puffiness above and below the eye.

My face always looks shiny even when it isn’t oily. What can I do?

- bigheartedmommy

Dr. Perricone Responds

If it is shiny due to a natural radiance—be happy! Dull skin is a sign of inflammation, a major cause of aging skin. If it is caused by excess oil can this can be the result of hereditary factors or from the production of the male hormone, testosterone. Wash your face gently yet thoroughly twice daily with a non-irritating cleanser. Harsh, drying treatments will actually cause the reverse effect; your skin will be provoked to produce even more oil to compensate for the drying cleansers. Alpha Lipoic Acid is an ingredient I recommend you look for in your skin cleansing products such as Nutritive Cleanser. It has a normalizing effect on the skin and can help regulate oil flow. The anti-inflammatory diet and supplements also normalizes oil output, preventing excess oil as well as acne lesions.