A. All most all skin hyper pigmentation can be corrected. Some of the solutions take some time, some require a doctor’s visit, some requires a prescription and others can be pricey laser visits.
The biggest cause of photosensitivity is from birth control pills, HRT, antidepressants and some forms of antibiotics, as well as, skincare products; renova, retinol, kojic acid and hydroquinone.
You may want to see a dermatologist for the latest on new skin brightening products. But, beware, as they can make you more sensitive when in the sun. Any sun exposure can darken bleached skin. If any of these products irritate your skin, cut back on the frequency and the dose. Always, always, always wear sunscreen, a foundation for extra protection and a hat with a 4” brim while outside to prevent or reduce discoloration.
AHAs in exfoliants, serums or moisturizers cannot lighten skin by themselves, but when used with a lightening treatment such as hydroquinone or kojic acid, they can help improve the skin’s appearance and help the treatments to better penetrate the skin. An excellent Vitamin C serum can be highly effective in lightening skin, following an exfoliating product.
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A great natural routine and mask for blotchy skin or sun spots to use 2 to 3 times per week as needed; first, exfoliate with an AHA, follow with a Vitamin C serum and then mix these ingredients for a mask in a small bowl; ¼ avocado, 1 spoon spirulina, 1 egg white, grape seed and primrose oils, extract or cut 1 capsule each and a spoon full of honey.
As a last resort, one can get an IPL photofacial at a dermatologist or many of the plastic surgeon’s offices pushing skincare and botox to attract clientele. These generally run between $400 to $500 a visit. Make sure the nurse or doctor doing the laser is qualified.
For further research you may wish to log onto www.aad.org for the American Academy of Dermatology as well as, www.skinstore.com for more than 500 products that have undergone years of testing, approval and daily use by clinical researchers, dermatologists and surgeons.
| Q. I have just graduated from law school and will be joining an incredible firm. I have always had difficulty growing my nails. I want to look professional and not wear those ugly fake nails, or have to deal with the maintenance, do you have any natural suggestions? |
Sarah Philips, Sacramento, Calif. |
A. Hormonal imbalances, silicon or blood deficiencies greatly contribute to fragile nails, cracks and ridges, as well as over exposure to water, solvents and harsh detergents. A great organic vegetable juice that contains good sources of silicon that I would encourage to drink daily would be a glass of the following;
The Beauty Cocktail; 1 cucumber, 1 parsnip, 1 bunch parsley,3 carrots, ½ bell pepper, 1 apple and ½ lemon. This supports beautiful skin, hair and nails.
Also, the best herbal supplements for beauty and nails are; Ant Essence or Hair & Nail Formula (Dragon Herbs) and Ultra-D complex in a codliver oil base (Apex).
| Q. For the past three years, I have been going to a dermatologist for the treatment of my psoriasis. Sometimes the pills and salves help, and sometimes they do not. Veronika, do you have a product or alternative method of treatment that you could suggest? |
Shirley Winokur, Westlake Village, Calif. |
A. Psoriasis involves the over activation of T-cells, a type of white blood cell, that in turn sends out chemical messengers, called cytokines, that inflame the skin and stimulate its overgrowth due to a buildup of toxins in an unhealthy colon, an inability to digest fats, problems with prostaglandin regulation and a deficiency of Sulfur. It can alternate with periods of flare-ups and remissions. It is triggered by nervous tension, stress, illness, surgery, bacterial or viral infections, lack of sunlight, and over use of alcohol or drugs.
My recommendations are as such; Get plenty of dietary fiber as a clean colon is critical, fiber components like apple pectin or psyllium husk is able to bind to bowel toxins and promote excretion through the feces. Eat a diet of at least 50% raw foods including plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains as well as fish. Avoid dairy and red meat as they produce arachidonic acid. Fish oils, flaxseed oils and primrose oils interefere with the production of arachidonic acid. Apply saltwater mixed with dandelion and yellowdock root extracts to lesions daily. UVL therapy or luminex laser therapy is recommended to retard the production of new cells. Currently, there are many topical cortisone creams, however they make the skin very delicate and thin and the current medications have many unhealthy side-effects. I have had success with Vit D3 ointment (Dovonex) for mild to moderate psoriasis which is available via prescription and for more severe psoriasis Actiderm, a skin patch by Squibb that can be applied over most topical steroid ointments to make them most effective, all the while achieving better results with milder steroids and fewer doses.
There are two informative sites that you may like to view; National Psoriasis Foundation ( www.psoriasis.org ) and the Psoriasis Net (www.skincarephysicians.com/psoriasisnet )
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Beauty 
