Skincare

Skincare Expert: Fredric Brandt, MD

Q. Can eye creams smooth crepey lids? --Sherry Scott, Plummer, Idaho

A. Look for one with hyaluronic acid to plump up creases short term and ultimately increase collagen for a firmer look to the entire orbital area. [Try Guerlain Issima Happylogy Eye Care and Olay Total Effects Eye Cream, which can be used on the lid itself.]

Q. What products do you recommend for aging, oily skin? Most seem too greasy. --Joyce Joiner, Statesboro, Georgia

A. Choose gel-based moisturizers and serums, avoiding creams. The best Rx is Tazorac, a retinoid gel that restores collagen. [Try SkinCeuticals C+E or Aesop Hydrating Serum.]

Q. Do retinoids counteract other treatment products, like estriol, which thicken the skin? --Leslie Rozycki, Mandeville, Louisiana

A. Because of their exfoliating effects, you might think retinoids thin the skin. They actually build up the dermal layer, so the two don't compete.

Q. Three weeks after laser surgery for broken capillaries, they returned. Why? --Amy Gray Light, Bigelow, Arkansas

A. Blood vessels often need multiple laser treatments. Since the first treatment showed results, I would recommend repeating the procedure for a permanent solution.

Q. How can I treat age spots without major expense? --Melissa Webb, New Windsor, Maryland

A. These flat, brown lesions are the result of chronic sun exposure, and can be lightened with bleaching agents that contain hydroquinone, such as the prescription tri-luma, and milder OTC formulas. [Try Peter Thomas Roth Potent Skin Lightening Lotion Complex and Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel.]

Q. I use rich skin treatments for my dry skin, but my pores have been clogging. Should I switch to lighter products? --Leila Merosands, Olympia, Washington

A. Sounds like you're using an occlusive barrier product instead of a humectant-based cream, which provides adequate hydration without blocking pores. Boost exfoliation with a twice-weekly gentle cleansing scrub for cell turnover and to maximize the benefits of your moisturizer. [Try Estee Lauder Hydra Complete and So Polished Exfoliating Scrub.]

Q. What's the right order for applying spot faders, sunblock, renova, or other AHAS? --Bonnie Weissman, Vienna, Virginia

A. It's more about keeping products in place, not chemical correctness. In the A.M., apply treatment, moisturizer, eye cream or gel, then sunscreen. In the P.M., your Rx or Retinol/AHA OTC treatment, moisturizer if needed, eye treatment, spot fader last.

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