Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD

When warts are frozen, the treated area will be sensitive for one to two days. The wart is expected to fall off within 7 to 14 days, though some warts may require multiple treatments for complete removal. Warts are caused by various strains of HPV.

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that protects skin cells by neutralizing damaging free radicals, which originate from sources like UV rays and pollution and contribute to accelerated aging. Using Vitamin C can lead to a more even and bright skin tone by improving discoloration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Turegano considers SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic the 'gold standard' of Vitamin C serums and has been recommending it to patients for over 10 years.

Dr. Turegano personally uses and recommends SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, noting its positive effects on fine lines, wrinkles, hydration, and dark spots/discoloration. She highlights research, including a 10-year study, showing the product can diminish up to 10 years of visible aging signs after just one year of use. The product is gentle, suitable for all skin types, easy to incorporate into routines, and effective for those addressing aging signs or seeking healthy, glowing skin. Its signature ingredient, Pitera, resembles the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors, allowing micronutrients to absorb quickly and deeply.

Dr. Turegano recommends the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum as one of her favorite products. It helps with pores, fine lines, acne, and post-acne marks. The serum features a gentle triple acid combination of 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipohydroxy acid to treat acne and unclog pores, along with niacinamide and La Roche-Posay's thermal water to soothe. She advises applying three to four drops to a cleansed face in the evening and emphasizes applying SPF the following day. It's particularly recommended for sensitive skin dealing with clogged pores, acne, or acne marks.

Deodorants mask odor but do not stop sweating. To actually stop sweating, an antiperspirant is needed. Dr. Turegano personally uses and recommends Secret Clinical Antiperspirant (the free and sensitive version) for times she doesn't want to sweat. She appreciates that it's made for sensitive skin and notes it provides three times more sweat protection than ordinary antiperspirants, fighting sweat from stress, heat, or activity. She considers it a strong over-the-counter option for those needing to stop sweating.

During an ingrown hair extraction, what might initially appear as a blackhead can be revealed to contain a collection of hairs, along with keratin and sebum. If a cystic sac is identified, it should be removed to prevent the ingrown hair or cyst from refilling.

It's a myth that eczema can only be treated with a prescription. The most crucial aspect of at-home eczema care is nourishing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, as eczema-prone skin often has a compromised barrier. This involves using gentle, nourishing products, minimizing hot showers, and consistent moisturizing. Dr. Turegano recommends Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream as a daily body moisturizer to strengthen the skin barrier, and Eucerin Eczema Relief Flare-Up Treatment for immediate soothing during flares. Both creams are enriched with colloidal oatmeal (a skin protectant), Ceramide 3, and licorice root extract. The Flare-Up Treatment has extra Ceramide 3 for soothing and feels cool upon application.

Scalp psoriasis is a common cause of severe scaling, characterized by abnormal production of excess skin leading to thick, scaly plaques. While anti-inflammatory medications are typically prescribed, Dr. Turegano suggests an over-the-counter hack: applying a thick layer of mineral oil as a scalp mask for about 30 minutes, then washing it off with a salicylic acid-based shampoo (like Keralite, which contains 5% salicylic acid). This treatment can be very effective. However, for any scalp issue, it's best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, as severe scaling can also be caused by fungus, autoimmune conditions, or rarer conditions like pemphigus, discoid lupus, and lichen planopilaris.

The eye area is often the first place changes are noticed and is one of the hardest areas to treat due to its thin, delicate skin and lines from blinking, smiling, and squinting. Dr. Turegano has been using and recommends Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eyelift and Sculpt. This product contains hexapeptide-8, a 2HA volume filler, and an exclusive night peptide that supports the skin's natural overnight repair process. It targets both static and dynamic lines across all four zones (under-eye, lids, crow’s feet, and inner corners). Clinical studies show results in as little as 4 weeks, with up to a 43% reduction in smile lines around the eyes after 12 weeks. The doctor strongly endorses this formula for those concerned about visible signs of aging around the eyes.

Both the original La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum and the newer Mela B3 Double Dose visibly reduce dark spots and post-acne marks, contributing to more even-looking skin. The original serum, backed by 18 years of research, showed visible dark spot correction in 90% of participants in clinical testing and has a lightweight texture that layers well. Mela B3 Double Dose is the newest innovation, using the same dark spot technology but also helps fade age spots, improve firmness, smooth the skin, and delivers 24-hour hydration in a lightweight gel cream formula. Dr. Turegano appreciates products backed by strong clinical data, giving her stamp of approval to the Mela B3 Double Dose.