Dear Krissy,
I recently went to the drug store to find an exfoliator for my face but many of them had acids in them so I was afraid to try them. Is this type of product too strong for every skin type or should it be ok for most. I thought “acid” would be harsh on the face.
Kelly, Fort Myers

Well you are right, there are many acids that are harsh for the face but the type of acids found in over the counter exfoliators for the face are safe for mostly every skin type. There usually shouldn’t be any more than 10% acid in a home care product for the consumers safety, plus using products with these safe AHA acids or citric acids boost your natural collagen levels to help plump your skin. So not only will you be glowing but look younger too!!!

Dear Krissy,
Every time I drink red wine, my face gets really red and sometimes breaks out. What is this caused by?

Joanne, Cape Coral

Sounds to me that you could possibly have a mild case of rosacea. Although I would need to examine your skin and ask you more questions about your symptoms, this could be the culprit. Red wine is a trigger to rosacea breakouts in many people. A nice glass of chardonnay next time, perhaps?

Dear Krissy,
I have seen your column a few times now and I’m really hoping you can help me. I am 16 years old and I am really having trouble with bad breakouts. My homecoming dance is coming up in October and I would like my skin to be clear by then. My breakouts make me feel uncomfortable because I feel that is all people are looking at when they see me. Would a facial help?

Jennifer, Bonita Beach

I know you have probably heard this a million times BUT remember that real beauty truly does comes from the inside, not what you look like on the outside. With that said, I don’t want to downplay your feelings, and I am sorry to hear that you are having such a problem. Many times a facial and a good home cleansing routine can put you on the path to clear skin, but it is hard to tell until we can analyze your skin and recommend the proper routine for you! Remember that makeup can also make a world of difference hiding unsightly blemishes until they go away, and a professional can help you with that, as well as educate you with some tips for everyday application. Have a wonderful time at Homecoming!

Dear Krissy,
I have been wanting to get a facial. However, I spend quite a bit of time in the sun and I’m afraid that the facial might make my skin too sensitive or even break out when I go out in the sun. What do you think?

Mary, Fort Myers Beach

It depends on the type of facial that you request. Our European Facial is a wonderful cleansing and balancing facial that uses products that are “spa-cific” for your skin type. It also includes a relaxing neck, shoulder, hand and foot massage, so it is a very pampering treatment. The types of facials I would avoid when going out into the sun would be any type of chemical peel, including even low percentage glycolic and lactic acid peels. When receiving one of those types of facials, you should always stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours or whatever length of time your skin care specialist specifies.