Blog with Dr. Irwin

Sun Protection

Can running make facial sagging worse?

Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, 2011 on Dec 31, 2011 | Permalink

I began running in recent years, but have heard that it can actually make your facial skin sag because of the pounding force. I know exercise in general is good for skin because of helping with circulation, but is running a no-no?? Thank you!

There is no data on this but ...... I've treated runners for many years, have many friends and family who run (including marathoners) and run myself 2-3 times a week. As long as runners... more

What is the best sunscreen to use on kids?

Posted in Sunscreens, Sun Protection, Children and Babies, Children Babies, 2011 on Dec 13, 2011 | Permalink

I have kids, what is the best sunscreen to use on them. I need something that won't go in their eys. Last summer I used the large chapstick type applicators. We live in California and are out a lot in the sun.

Good question and it would help me to have their ages! Here are some general ideas though. For babies and very young children, our office likes the Vive Sana 'Solar to Polar Baby.' It's... more

Can I use retinoids while living in a very hot, humid climate?

Posted in Sunscreens, Sun Protection, Skin Care Products, 2011 on Oct 31, 2011 | Permalink

Can I use retinoids while living in a very hot, humid climate?

Yes, but only as long as you really sunscreen well with a sunscreen that blocks UVA as well as UVB well and wear a hat with a full brim when you're outside in direct sun. Or, if you... more

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 provide a good sunscreen with a matte finish for oily skin?

Posted in Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, 2011 on Jul 29, 2011 | Permalink

Dr Irwin, I'd love to own a quality sunscreen for face with matte finish. I've tried some that promise so but shine shows up anyway. Could you please suggest? Would you trust quality of sunscreens made by make up - or even clothes' - makers such as Clarins and Chanel? Thanks.

Have you tried the mineral powder makeups with sunscreens that are SPF 15 or above? What about the Jane Iredale SPF 20 powder compact - that might be perfect for you - or look at Bare... more

Do I need a moisturizer with a sunscreen?

Posted in Sunscreens, Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Oily skin, 2011 on Mar 20, 2011 | Permalink

Hi Dr. Irwin. My question is about Sunscreens. They all feel like moisturizers but most skin care programs suggest using a moisturizer before a sunscreen. I am 50 and have oily skin but with the use of the skin Medica retinol I do tend to be surface-dry right after washing. Do I need to use a moisturizer or is a sunscreen like Ti Silc spf 60 or SkinMedica SPF 30 enough?

You really don't need an extra moisturizer with the sunscreen if you're oily. Here are 3 options. One, just use the sunscreen alone. Two, use the moisturizer you like and put a... more

Problems with hair removal and brown spots with light olive skin.

Posted in Sun Protection, Pigment problems, Melasma, Hair Removal, Hair, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 22, 2010 | Permalink

Dr Irwin, Thanks for sharing your expertise! My qs is about hair removal and lentigoes. Which specific laser do you recommend for facial hair removal for type 2/type 3 skin? (light olive with dark hair)? What is your opinion on LightSheer v/s Alexandrite v/s ELOS (by Syneron)? I have had 7 treatments of ELOS but the hair still comes back (though not any more within the 6 week interval, more like 12 weeks). Is it true a traditional laser will get faster results than ELOS? The clinic also used ELOS on another setting on my lentigoes but after 2 x crusting and improvement, it didnt reduce the pigment any further. Of course i use sunblock daily (la roche posay meroxyl sx 50+ and clinique spf 15 powder on top of that - based on your recommendation for layering- thank you!), but despite this, this summer the spots all came back, with vengeance- there is now more general melasma under the eye area on both cheeks which looks like it will become one giant patch. I'm 42, and don't take any medication or hormones.

In my opinion, the Elos Syneron system is not the best for hair removal. Best choices for you with light olive skin would be the LightSheer or any of the Nd:Yag based systems. If the hair... 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

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

Do I need to reapply my sunscreen at the end of the day at my office?

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

Love your site, I’ve learned so much – Thanks!! I have a question on sunscreen. My morning routine includes using a separate sunscreen, currently the Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense 50. Throughout the day I blot my face w/ tissue to control oil. When I leave work around 5, is my skin still protected or does the sunscreen lose potency by sitting in an office all day? Thanks!

You're welcome!! Sunscreens do degrade on the skin over time slowly with exposure to light, blotting or wiping the skin, exposure to our natural skin oils, etc. I've never seen a study... 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

Protection from Skin Cancer

Posted in Sweating, Sunscreen, Sun Protection, Skin Cancer on Jul 06, 2009 | Permalink

Hello, I am 56 years old. I just had three skin cancers removed. One on the front of my leg, one on the arm which was frozen. the last one was on my forehead (deep basil cell)...12 stiches. Anyway I play golf and tennis and I want the Best product I can find. I do not care what I look like as long as it protects me from cancer. I would love to get your recomendation. I would love to speak with you. I am A Vice President at Warner Bros. What is your number so I can call you. Or you can call me at 310-89006755.

That's pretty young to have so many so I'm guessing you've been active in that beautiful Southern California weather for awhile. I'm very active in all sorts of outdoor sports too so... more

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