Fix Holiday Skin Flare Ups Fast

The holidays do take their toll and adding to the stress are skin problems. Just when you want to look your best, your skin doesn’t cooperate:

For an acne flare up – Topical won’t work fast enough although spot treating won’t hurt. I don’t recommend antibiotics lightly, but even 1 week of a low-dose antibiotic like doxycycline can clear you up quickly – call your doctor.

For a big acne cyst – Call your dermatologist and asked to be worked in for a cyst injection. It can melt the cyst in 2-3 days instead of 2-3 weeks.

For a rosacea flare – Change from red wine to white and to European (fewer sulfates than American wines generally). Also try the SkinMedica Redness Relief Calmplex. A short antibiotic course from your doctor can be helpful here also.

For dehydrated, dry skin – Up your H2O intake, decrease your alcohol, and moisturize 2-3 times a day. No soap, only gentle lotion cleansers, and try a steamy, short bath (long ones will dehydrate paradoxically). Don’t over exfoliate, it is also drying if too much.

A reader asks Dr. Irwin about treatment for pigment problems on the face.

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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