Ask the Expert: Skin Care 101

February 2012

by: Jan Dupuy, RN Nurse Specialist in Cosmetic Skin Care
Owner of the Biltmore Skin Care Center

Ask: My husband has hair growing out of his ears. Can anything be done about that?

Answer: Is getting old just grand? We find hair in places it shouldn’t be and hair missing from places it should be! There is a light therapy treatment that is perfect for hair removal. It will take a couple of painless visits and is absolutely worth it!

Ask: How do I know when I am ready for a stronger acne treatment, like Accuntane?

Answer: YYou know when you’ve exhausted all other standard medical treatments. If you’ve been on several different antibiotics both orally and topically, and nothing is working. If the acne still persists, even if it’s not cystic (painful and lumpy) acne. The best treatment for any acne is early intervention. Let’s face it, acne is depressing! It’s not a “right of passage” from adolescence to adulthood. It’s treatable, and everyone deserves to look and feel their best!

Ask: I have a girlfriend who is absolutely stunning, but she is so critical of herself and is constantly getting some sort of plastic surgery. How can we get her to stop?

Answer: There is a syndrome called Body Dsymorphia. Sounds like your friend may be there or headed there very quickly. No matter what a person suffering from this syndrome sees in a mirror, it isn’t what we see when we look at them. Unfortunately, without psychiatric intervention, you can’t fix her distorted body image. The issues are too complex. This also isn’t the time to get critical or judgmental. Next time she brings it up, why not tell her gently how you feel about her and how you wish she’d consider getting some counseling before she has another surgery.

Be sure to contact the Biltmore Skin Care Center for details on products and procedures.