Beauty Tips and Questions on Skin Health, Skincare and Aging with Dr. Trevor Cates

Hello and welcome. I’m Dr. Trevor Cates. Today I am going to do something a little different. I have received so many questions on skin health, skincare and aging. Along with requests for the best beauty tips that I decided to dedicate an entire podcast to answering your questions. I’ve received so many questions that I had to split this show into two parts. I will also answer more questions in upcoming podcasts.

Your Questions Answered:

• Question:
• I am almost 60 years old, have very visible and clogged pores especially in the t-zone. In the last couple of years, these areas have started peeling and flaking. I have purchased a Clarisonic, a facial steamer, and was getting regular facial/ peels. I have used expensive skincare products in the past, and use a 2% salicylic lotion occasionally. My skin drives me crazy. Hope you can help.
  • My approach to skincare is an internal and external approach. It is important to look at what you are eating. Until you make changes in your diet, you will probably have trouble with your skin.
  • A misconception about acne and pore size is that we have to do things that strip the skin. It’s better to create balance in skin. Oils aren’t bad. The problem is the combination of sebum production and oxidized oils.
  • We want to keep the skin clean without drying it out.
  • Adjust the PH
  • Balance the oils
  • Enhance the skin microbiome
  • Use products with a mild ph balance a 4-5
  • Antioxidants can be very helpful
  • Look for underlying causes of why you are having clogged pores.
• Question:
• I’m so excited you are taking questions. My dermatologist won’t even consider any natural options, so it’s nice to have a place to ask these questions. I would love to know how to get rid of Keratosis pilaris. I have reduced the bumpiness on my arms, but the redness is really bad. I think it was reduced by taking natural vitamin a.
  • Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.
  • Essential Fatty Acid deficiency
  • Try vitamin A (CLO), zinc – in my supplement Skin, Hair and Nails
  • Cod liver oil and avocado and a high quality supplement
  • Omega 3 supplement or GLA
• Question
• I would also like to know if there is any non chemical, non laser way to reverse or reduce the sun damaged skin on my chest. I have a lot of redness and discoloration.
  • Topical use of antioxidants can help with sun damage
  • Green tea, white tea, black tea
  • Resveratrol
  • Turmeric
  • Green Algae - Chlorella
  • Cranberry seed and Raspberry seed oil - which can protect against oxidative damage
  • If you have sun damage, have your dermatologist take a look
  • Take internal antioxidants - astaxanthin
• Question:
• And one more, how can I improve the appearance of my neck. I’m 45 and going through peri menopause right now.
  • Oils and antioxidant rich ingredients
  • Sun block
  • Hyaluronic acid - hydrating and space filler, supports collagen and elastin - make sure it comes from a clean source
• Question:
• I got something in my e-mail called “botox in a bottle” . It looks great for bags under the eyes.  What are your thoughts on this kind of product?
  • Botox is a neurotoxin, that causes the muscles to freeze when it is injected, but it is very toxic.
  • There is no cream that freezes your muscles
  • Use natural ingredients that protect your skin
  • Pullulan has an immediate skin tightening effect
  • Oils with long term benefits, like resveratrol, raspberry and cranberry seed oil extract
  • Find the underlying cause of the bags under your eyes
  • Adequate sleeping
  • Hydration
  • Allergies
  • My step two antioxidant serum
  • Green or black tea bag, refrigerate and put on eyelids while the bag is still damp
• Question:
• Hello. I am a dermatopathologist. I am impressed with your knowledge base, positive attitude and entrepreneurship. I am interested in purchasing your new book when available. In the meantime, I would like to know your thoughts on the effects of SPF additive in skin products (other than what it is suppose to do, ie protect skin from damage over a certain time). I am asking because I really want to use SPF products but I noticed that some companies, stopped manufacturing SPF products for many years but then started selling them once again?
  • Oxybenzone (avoid – EDC, absorbs easily, 97% of Americans have this in their bodies according to research by the CDC.)
  • Avobenzone (safer but doesn’t last as long),
  • Octisalate (generally good and often added to avobenzone to make it last longer),
  • Octocrylene (okay but some people react to it),
  • Homosalate (weak EDC)
  • Octinoxate (hormone-mimicking effects on laboratory animals. This chemical is found in humans, including mother's' milk samples.)
  • Zinc Oxide is a better option - a mineral based sunblock, it works as a barrier instead of a chemical reaction, no hormone disrupting effects
• Question:
• I have a particular concern with skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and flat warts.  What causes these to come, and is there anything nutritionally or topically that can help with them? Thanks for always being so informative and positive! I’ve always loved your blog and podcasts!
  • Skin tags – blood sugar imbalances 80-85 range lower end on bloodwork
  • Seborrheic Keratoses  - type of skin growth. Which sometimes looks like melanoma, a very serious type of skin cancer. It is benign. Have a dermatologist take a look to help you differentiate because the treatment is different.  You can have these removed. But for some people there are so many it’s hard to that.
  • These may be from excess sun exposure.  
  • Topical antioxidants. Internal health.
  • Flat warts – cover with tape; tea tree oil; pineapple and papaya enzymes, or freeze; immune system

That’s all the time I have for answering questions today. Be sure and listen to the second half of this question and answer section in the next episode. If you have any more questions for me, be sure and leave them in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to join the Spa Dr. community, so that you never miss an episode!

Additional links to check out:

• TheSkinQuiz.com - Get your customized skin profile. It’s free, and based upon your answers, it will give you great tips for glowing skin and vibrant health.

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