Blog with Dr. Irwin

Sun Damage

Could growth factors in TNS Recovery and other similiar products promote cancer?

Posted in Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, 2011 on Aug 07, 2011 | Permalink

Hello, I really appreciate your Website and all of the helpful information that you provide! You really help people to take care of their skin. I have read about the TNS Recovery Complex, and I have used it, but one dermatologist who has written a book wonders if the growth factors could stimulate growth in cells that cause cancer? Have you seen this criticism and do you think it has merit? Thanks You!

That's an interesting conjecture, isn't it? There have been no studies done on that particular question. Anecdotally, I have a fairly large group of patients between 40-70 (skin cancer... more

What would be an alternative to Obagi ?

Posted in Wrinkles, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink

Dear Dr Irwin I amm 44 with fair skin which freckles in the sun, oily t zone and wrinkles around eyes. In august i started to use obagi nu derm with great reluctance because of the hydroquinone. However i thought i would do the 18 wks then stop and go onto something else i am now being told i need to stay on it for life as my skin will return to its previous state and i could suffer hyperpigmentation. pigmentation was not a problem for me anyway i went on nuderm for wrinkling and sundamage and to refine the skin. i enjoy using the tretinoin but have been told it doesnt work if i dont use the blender with it. I just want to follow one of your regimes and have purchased tns already> please help. regards Jo

The ingredients in Obagi are the same ones available both by prescription and over the counter. In the Obagi system, they are just packaged and applied in a certain order which can be very... more

How much sunscreen is enough on the face?

Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, 2010 on Oct 17, 2010 | Permalink

How much sunscreen do I need to apply to my face to get the full SPF? I read that you need 1/2 teaspoon. I measured it and tried to put it on but it was difficult to put that much on my face. Is this the correct amount and if I don't put that much on am I not getting that much protection? Does it differ with chemical versus physical sunscreen?

I know what you mean - it's a lot. But I think common sense can apply here and these are guidelines really. If I were outdoors, midday in Hawaii and surfing, I would apply all that and... more

Is it okay to use tretinoin/Retin A, etc if I live in a sunny climate and am driving a lot?

Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink

Hi Dr Irwin,You are a very kind person to answer questions on your blog because I'm sure you are a very busy person. I can't personally visit your country to make an appointment with you but I do buy products through your links so I hope that helps. My question is regarding tretenion. I live in a very hot dry climate and I am exposed to the sunlight many days that shines into my vehicle as my job involves driving. I want to use tretenion but I read that you don't use it in summer. Could I be doing more damage to my skin by using it considering my climate with my particular job. I am very diligent with sunscreen and I reapply every few hours.

Thank you! Sorry it took me so long to get to your question since it's a good one. Car window glass does not block all UV rays as you pointed out. Window glass usually blocks UVB but... more

Which treatment should I have next?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sun Damage, Skin Care, Sculptra, Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink

Hi Dr. Irwin, In what order would one consider the following treatments in your clinic: *Thermage *Fraxel or recommended laser tx. *Sculptra I'm 51 and have had Botox, Restylane, and some Laser treatments over the past 4 years with good results. I'm considering these other treatments down the line, so to speak!! Thanks!!

Your question brings up two good issues: customization and maintenance.

First, the answer to your question really depends on your particular skin. I think it would be bad medicine to... more

Is SkinMedica TNS Recovery safe?

Posted in Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink

On your recommendation I bought the Skin Medica TNS Recovery product. Since then I've read with some concern suggestions that Human Growth Hormones might have nasty side effects. Should I be worried? I loved the product, by the way and have reordered, but I'm thinking maybe I should be very sparing, or use it intermittently until further research is done. Thanks, Jane

Jane - TNS does NOT have human growth hormone in it!!!!! The cell growth factors (from skin cells in the lab) and human growth hormone are completely different things. Please don't... more

Should I use Renova during the summer?

Posted in Sun Protection, Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, 2010 on Aug 13, 2010 | Permalink

Dr Irwin Should i be using renova during the summer?

If you have an indoor job and really aren't outside much in the summer, it's fine to keep using it. If you are outdoors frequently, I usually recommend stopping or cutting back on use for... more

What causes pads under the eyes?

Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Eyelid Treatments, Eye Creams, 2010 on Jun 29, 2010 | Permalink

HI Dr. I have a question about the pads that form under the eyes. I am 37 and at times my eyes look puffy underneath. I wouldn't say the its are very prominent or lasting but I am becoming more aware of that area and now I am wondering how the "pads" form in that area?? Is it something that just appear one day or is it a gradual process and if so is there anything to keep them from forming??? I have good skin, I have a good skincare regime (influenced by you of course. I use the sunscreen and moisturizers,etc my eye area is really changing. Thank you in advanced for your time!!!

Under eye pads or puffiness are complicated because there are several different causes and sometimes they coexist together. So....... causes can be:

1. The skin on the eyelids loses... more

Is Heliocare helpful for added sun protection?

Posted in Sunscreens, Sunscreen, Sunburn, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, 2010 on Jun 25, 2010 | Permalink

Several dermatologists have recommended Heliocare for added sun protection. What is your opinion on Heliocare? Thanks for all you do! Bonnie

This is a tough one because since Heliocare is sold as a supplement, it is not regulated by the FDA. That means that side effects from it's use may go undetected for some time. I cannot... more

How can I get rid of sun spots if I work outside???

Posted in Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Brown Spots, Blotchiness, 2010 on Jun 21, 2010 | Permalink

Dr. I, Your site is Fabulous!!!! You are so helpful...thank you. I am outside (work) during the day. I have sun spots that I am trying to manage. I use the sunscreens (zinclear and colorscience)to protect and I do IPLs in hope of lightening and minimizing the spots. I have been using the obagi blender and retina A once a week. I use it on my last day of work because then I have the tree days out of the sun. Is this enough to make a difference or should I just not use it till the winter. I want to do away with these spots all together!!!! They bother me. I have olive skin and I am 39. Thank you for your help!!

Thank you! I'm having so much fun doing this. You're doing a good basic job I can tell. Here are some thoughts for fine tuning more. Do you have a hat with a good brim?? Hats are... more

How do I construct a great skin care regimen?

Posted in Vitamins for Skin, Vitamin C, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Maintenance, Cosmeceuticals, Cell growth factors, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Apr 18, 2010 | Permalink

Hi Dr. I!I have a question regarding skin care products. I am such a fan that I have aquired the products you use and recommend to see what works for me. I guess at this point I have become a little neurotic/obsessed with my skin as I see the changes that I know are inevitable. So, how much is too much??? This is what I am doing right now. Night time: Obagi Nu-derm (hydroquionone 4%) for the brown spots, TNS Recovery Complex, Eye cream, Revaleskin Night Cream, and a moisturizing lotion (dry skin).Day Time is much harder for me to figure out. Obagi Nu-derm (hydroquionone 4%) for the brown spots, TNS Recovery Complex, Eye cream,SkinMedica Vitamin C & E, Moisturizer (Dry skin), Zincclear Sunscreen and I am trying to figure out if I can add a firming/wrinkle filler for the slight wrinkles that are NEW ON my cheeks and then Makeup (foundation, blush, lipstick)!!!!I\'m almost 40 and my skin has become dry, a few brown spots and NEW (very noticeable to me) wrinkles under the eyes and cheeks. Do the products work as well piled on??? I was told I should use a \"treatment\" type product such as \"Perricone Md\" face firming activator and/or \"Substiane\" (La Roche-Posay). There is just so much. I know a lot of it is trial and error and I know everyone is different. I apoligize for this \"book\" I have written in trying to ask you for your advise and what is too much product and if am I going over board if I throw in an extra wrinkle filler or two in my daily regimen??? Thank you for your time and for this website.

Whoa!! This is way too much so let's simplify and get back to basics a bit. Here's what I'd recommend:

AM cleanse, Vit C & E (your antioxidant), eye cream, spot treat your brown spots... more

Is sunscreen in makeup enough?

Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Sun Damage on Apr 06, 2010 | Permalink

Dr. Irwin, My makeup (bobbi brown) and moisturizer (purpose) contain spf in them. Is it necessary to use an additional sunscreen for everyday exposure? I live in Northern California where it is often sunny. Also, my husband wears a moisturizer with spf in it. Is that enough coverage for everyday exposure? Will the amount of spf found in moisturizers and make-up prevent wrinkles and sunspots? We are both very fair and burn easily. Thanks, pale in California

Good question. A think a lot of people are confused about this one. The answer to this depends somewhat on what you do. If you are commuting in your car and then indoors all day, it's... more

Is sunscreen in makeup enough?

Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Sun Damage on Apr 06, 2010 | Permalink

CORRECTION. See the first blog post please. I realized I goofed on the sunscreen. The Helioplex is the stabilized Parsol complex in Neutrogena. The Antihelios is the one that contains... more

After growing up in Florida, at 25, what is the best way to deal with sun damage?

Posted in Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Apr 06, 2010 | Permalink

Dr. Irwin, Your blog is fantastic, what a refreshing thing it is to find a blog that is so unbiased and full of in-depth information! I am 25 years old and had a lot of beach time and therefore sun exposure growing up in Florida. I was wondering if due to this high amount of sun I should use a skin care regimen made for more mature skin. I have clear skin that is a little dry with a small amount of hyperpigmentation. I just really would like to prevent all the damage I might have caused as much as possible. Besides a cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer, should I also use retinol and TNS recovery complex? And what should I do about exfoliation? Thank you for your all the great advice on your blog! Warm regards, Andreea

Andrea - Thank you for the compliment! Growing up in Florida IS high risk for skin cancer and wrinkles. Since you already know that you have more sun damage than average for your age,... more

Is there a difference between Renova and Retin A Micro gel?

Posted in Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Acne on Dec 29, 2009 | Permalink

Hello Dr, I'm using renova for awhile..what is the diff between Renova cream 0.2% and retinal mirco gel 0.4%.?

Okay so there a lot of understandable confusion about creams that are vitamin A cousins (also called retinoids) because the names are all similiar. When you say retinal micro gel 0.4%, I'm... more

Should Renova go on before or after moisturizer?

Posted in Sun Damage, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams on Dec 29, 2009 | Permalink

Hi Dr. I have been using skincutitals b5 moisture, should i place it before of after when useing renova? THanks!

I know this is confusing because you'll see it both ways depending on who you consult. Renova works well either way but I counsel my patients to wash, apply moisturizer, wait 5-10 minutes... more

View All Blog Entries

Ask a Question

Ask Dr. Irwin a question about skin care, beauty, new treatments, skin care products, new technology, or skin health. She'll answer five to ten questions a week.