Combating the changes of aging skin is one thing, but suffering from acne into adulthood is another. Miami board certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Price offers proactive solutions to both issues.
How can we prevent against acne? You can lessen acne outbreaks by being proactive rather than reactive. The earlier you begin an effective acne regimen the more likely you are to suppress acne breakouts and their significant emotional and physical sequelae. To prevent acne breakouts, it is important to apply acne medications to the entire acne prone area rather than to just spot treat acne lesions. If you have a propensity to acne, limiting intake of high carb foods and dairy, especially skim milk may lessen acne breakouts.
Acne is often an ailment we remember from adolescence, but acne and acne scaring is something many struggle with into their adult years. Describe the particular treatments available in your practice and how to combat it as an adult: One of the worst sequelae of acne is acne scarring. There is no one size fits all treatment for acne scarring. First and foremost, it is important to control acne to prevent further scarring. There are many different types of acne scars including ice pick, boxcar, rolling and hypertrophic scars. In addition, scars can be red, hyperpigmented or depigmented. My approach to acne scarring depends on the type and extent of scarring. Topical retinoids can improve superficial acne scars. Topical skin lighteners can lessen post acne hyperpigmentation and hyperpimented scars. Fractionated and pulsed dye lasers can improve persistent redness and red scars. Steroid injections can improve elevated scars. Filler injections can be helpful in improving shallow distensible acne scars. Punch excision, subcision and fractionated lasers can be helpful in improving some boxcar and icepick scars.
What are you looking for specifically when selecting a skincare line for your practice? Skincare is vital in the management of acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, skin aging and other skin concerns. Rather than choosing a specific skincare line, look for best in class skincare products across different skincare lines. I guide patients in choosing a range of products to mitigate skin concerns and medication side effects. I consider that patient’s skin type (oily, combination, dry) and associated factors. (Fitzpatrick skin type, skin sensitivity, redness, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) I look for cosmetically elegant products with OTC ingredients that have proven efficacy and am continually searching for new and improved products. Since I encourage all patients to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 daily, I recommend a range of sunscreens and BB creams for different skin types and lifestyles.
What are some of the latest developments in dermatology, and which treatment are you most excited about? I am excited about new developments in our understanding of the role of inflammation and diet in acne and new acne treatments on the horizon to treat acne inflammation and to decrease oil production. I am excited about the recent FDA approval of Kybella for the treatment of submental fullness since it provides a highly effective non-invasive treatment option to enhance an individual’s aesthetic profile that previously required surgical intervention.
How can we build the most effective skincare routine for our individual needs? Skincare routines should be simple and customized for each patient’s unique skin needs. Skin type, skin condition, lifestyle and budget should be considered when developing an effective skincare routine.
Which products are touted as game-changers, but are often unnecessary? Are there standbys you routinely recommend to patients? With new and improved barrier repair moisturizers there is no need to invest in a separate day and night cream. In addition, while everyone needs a sunscreen, not everyone needs a toner or moisturizer. BB creams are an exciting new product category for patients who seek sheer coverage and color along with sun protection. For patient’s seeking younger appearing skin I also always recommend a retinol or prescription retinoid.
What approach do you take with a patient who wants to make a progressive, but natural change to their physical appearance? Where do we begin, and how does it differ from person-to-person? Aesthetic intervention should always be natural and designed to create a more youthful, attractive appearance. In order to achieve this goal, it is important to understand facial balance and proportion and the science of beauty. If someone wants to improve their appearance, I first evaluate what is causing them to look older and less attractive. Do they have poor quality skin, blotchy pigmentation, wrinkles, volume loss, asymmetric or thin lips, laxity or loss of definition of their jowl line? I educate them about the various treatment options to address specific areas of concern, while initially focusing on the changes that are having the greatest impact on their appearance.
I consider an individual’s lifestyle, budget, and potential downtime in developing an aesthetic treatment plan. I also counsel patients on the role of sun, stress, diet, sleep deprivation and environmental pollutants on skin aging. I encourage all patients seeking aesthetic rejuvenation to adopt healthy habits that will improve their skin health.
What is Vbeam and what makes it an effective treatment for acne and scar treatment, and various skin imperfections? The Vbeam laser is a pulsed dye laser that delivers a concentrated beam of light to selectively target blood vessels, redness and red scars. It is especially effective in hastening resolution of persistent redness following resolution of acne lesions and in improving red and elevated scars.
Dr. Debra Price is a board certified dermatologist who received her medical degree from New York University School of Medicine, and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Dr. Price is frequently sought out for her insight and expertise on advances in aesthetic and medical dermatology and has appeared on various Miami-based television stations and in a variety of local and national magazines. She has also been an investigator for clinical trials on fillers for wrinkle correction.
When Dr. Price is not seeing patients in her office, she enjoys teaching. She currently holds a position as a Voluntary Associate Professor of Dermatology in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she teaches and supervises residents in the dermatology clinics.
Dr. Price was selected a top dermatologist by US News & World Report, Florida Super Doctors, South Florida Magazine and Miami Metro Magazine and is listed among Florida’s best dermatologists in the Castle Connolly Guide. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, and past President of the Miami Society for Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. Dr. Price is also a member of the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, the Miami Society for Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, the Florida Medical Association, the Dade County Medical Association and the Board of Directors of the Dermatology Foundation of South Florida.
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