Scarlett Johansson's Dermatologist Shares How to Treat Skin Problems at Home (And When to See a Derm)

Best ways to treat pimples, dryness and irritation from an A-list derm

By Erika Stalder Jun 18, 2015 9:30 PMTags
Scarlett JohanssonVera Anderson/WireImage

Think hard: When's the last time you saw A-listers like Oprah and Scarlett Johansson battling everyday skin problems? You haven't.

A 24/7 camera-ready lifestyle leaves no time for skin woes, so these glowing stars find fast solutions with face-saving, 911 visits to Hollywood derm, Dr. Harold Lancer.

Meanwhile, those of us who can't spring for an in-office consult with every pimple or bout of dry or irritated skin do our best to address the problem at home—oftentimes, to less than fabulous results.

So what's the best self-care strategy when handling skin freakouts on our own? And how are we to know when to get help from an MD? The superstar glow-maker fills us in below.

The problem: Persistent patch of pimples.

Try this at home: If your blemishes are less than a week old, try to heal them yourself. "First and foremost, avoid the temptation to pick at the pimples," Lancer said. "This will always make the problem worse."
Next, examine the area to ensure you've self-diagnosed the problem properly and that the issue isn't actually irritated skin or an insect bite. Care for the area by washing it with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer and keep out of the sun. "If the pimple is large and painful, apply a hot compress to the area for a few minutes at a time to help drain the cyst," Lancer adds.

When to see a derm: "A normal pimple should only last a few days," Lancer said. If the zit persists after seven days, then it's time to see a derm. "It could be a different problem entirely," Lancer pointed out. If the zit is never ending, a doctor may prescribe a strong topical treatment to help ease the breakout.

The problem: Red, irritated skin

Try this at home: If skin is inflamed, Lancer recommended stopping the use of any products that may cause irritation, such as those with retinol and glycolic acid. If skin is still red, use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser and tepid water to wash the skin. "You can layer some organic grapeseed or olive oil with your normal moisturizer until the skin is rebalanced," Lancer advised.

When to see a derm: If treating your skin with gentle cleansers and hydrators for a week doesn't ease the irritation for good, then it's time to turn to a derm; she or he may diagnose allergies or a fungal infection as the root of the problem.

The problem: Dry, flaky skin

Try this at home: Sometimes, an unconventional fix is best: "When I suggest this, most people balk, but exfoliating flaky skin is the best way of treating it and allowing moisture to penetrate into the skin," Lancer noted. Look for an exfoliator made with evenly-sized fine grains (which are less likely to create tiny tears in the upper layers of skin). "As a general rule, avoid exfoliators made with nuts or nut shells, which often cause micro cuts or abrasions," he advised.

When to see a derm: The week-long rule still applies: If after seven days, you still experience dry, flaky skin, book an appointment with an MD. "Oftentimes, flaky skin is indicative of a dietary deficiency and must be addressed internally as well as externally," Lancer offered, adding that blood tests can help give a full-view of nutrient and vitamin levels and help reveal the cause of flaking skin.