Dr. Ezra Kest is co-founder and lead product designer for Brave Soldier Athletic Skin Care.

With a combination of outstanding academic credentials and extensive clinical experience, Dr. Kest is dedicated to teaching patients how to best care for their skin, minimize the negative impact on aging, and prevent the need for major surgical interventions.

Dr. Kest specializes in both cosmetic and traditional dermatology, surgery for both face and body, and laser surgery. He is a respected expert in Botox injections and is professionally affiliated with the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Anti-Aging, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Skin Cancer Institute.

Last month (October 2003), we asked our readers to submit their questions for Dr. Kest to answer in the November 2003 update to our site. The response, as they say, was overwhelming.

Regardless, Dr. Kest took time from his busy schedule to answer each question asked of him. They are presented below and have been edited for brevity.

Question: I had mild acne and went on Accutane when I was in my early twenties. I am now 28. The drug has left my skin dry and chapped. The skin under my eyes and on my cheeks is red, sensitive, rough to the touch, and scarred from acne. Is there anything I can do to reverse these effects?

Answer: I am a big fan of Accutane. It is a great medication for cystic acne. Unfortunately, as with any other medication, there are side effects that usually resolve over time. To smooth out your skin, you may want to discuss laser treatments with a dermatologist. If surgery doesn't interest you, consider using Brave Soldier Code Blue to help smooth out your skin. Also, Brave Soldier Lip Defender and Brave Face (which functions as a moisturizer) contain copper peptides, which may help with some of Accutane's side effects.

Question: I am 25 and, for some reason, I am still dealing with acne. It is frustrating, both socially and professionally, especially when I am interviewing for my career. I've tried just about every over-the-counter product, as well as Proactiv and Monocycline. None seems to work.

Answer: I would suggest that you visit www.aad.org, which has a comprehensive section on acne and various treatments that you should consider. I would also highly recommend that you visit a dermatologist with whom you feel comfortable, to discuss your options. Most acne conditions are controlled with medication.

Question: I'm 16 and my skin is prone to acne, especially around my chin and nose. When I use Clearasil or Proactiv, my face either becomes too dry or very oily. Are any of your products good for my skin type? Or do I just have to live with it for now?

Answer: It sounds like you're taking good care of your skin. Unfortunately, at your age, it's not uncommon to have acne. Try a small application of Brave Soldier Code Blue once a day, after washing your face.

Question: I have very fine lines on the sides of my eyes: not too deep, more like the beginning of crow's feet. My forehead has much deeper recesses that are pronounced, especially when I frown. I currently use moisturizer, but should I consider eye cream instead? What about plastic surgery? Should I do it now or wait until things get worse?

Answer: Botox would be an excellent treatment for the lines on your forehead. Plastic surgery is definitely not the answer. I would also recommend an eye cream and not a facial moisturizer for those fine lines around your eyes. Eye creams are heavier than regular moisturizers and usually contain Vitamin A derivatives and other antioxidants that help to prevent premature signs of aging.

Question: I have always had extremely dry skin all over my body. As I approach 40, it seems to be getting worse, especially on my face. What can I do?

Answer: Use a very gentle cleanser in the shower. Take short showers with warm and not hot water. (Hot water strips away your skin's protective oils.) Follow your shower with a good moisturizer.

Question: I have dark circles and puffy eyes. What can I do to improve their appearance?

Answer: I receive many questions related to the subject of dark circles and under-eye bags. Dark circles are usually hereditary. Puffiness is typically related to not getting enough sleep. Your best bet would be to try the eye gel/mask combo available at MenEssentials.

Question: I have had eczema for quite some time. It flares up especially during the winter months. I have tried just about everything to control it. Are there any new ways to treat or control this problem?

Answer: Eczema often gets worse during winter, due to the dry weather. One way to treat it is through miniaturization of the skin, which strengthens the skin's lipid barrier and hydrates the upper layers of the epidermis. Brave Soldier Antiseptic Healing Ointment contributes to this process. It very effectively soothes the itching and dry skin associated with eczema.

Question: If I lightly brush my forehead with my fingertips, I can feel tiny bumps on my skin. What could they be?

Answer: These bumps may be a condition called comedonal acne, which responds well to Brave Soldier Code Blue and other topical acne medications.

Question: I've recently started to use pre-shave oil. It gives me a really smooth shave with no irritation, but it contains olive oil. Should I be worried about clogged pores?

Answer: If you aren't experiencing negative side effects from the pre-shave oil, then continue to use it. Olive oil is a great moisturizer. If your face is excessively oily after shaving, wash with a mild cleanser when you're done with the razor.

Question: I have been suffering from mild but persistent acne since I was 16. I just turned 34 and I have switched dermatologists at least a dozen times over the past 18 years. I'm currently using Bactrim orally and Plexion topically (I seem to be allergic to benzoyl peroxide). Sometimes, I can go a week or two with a clear complexion but it never lasts. I don't like to take oral meds, but I'm so desperate for a solution that I'll try anything. What are long-term health risks associated with the use of antibiotics for acne?

Answer: These are superb questions and valid concerns. Bactrim is an excellent medication for acne. Nonetheless, I really think you should find a dermatologist who makes you feel at ease and discuss these issues with him or her. You may also want to check www.aad.org for more information.

Question: I have had acne on my legs for most of my life. I never thought much about it, but my girlfriend thinks I should see a dermatologist. Is this something that can easily be cured, or am I stuck with it?

Answer: You most likely have a condition called folliculitis, which is inflammation around the hair follicle. I recommend that you use Brave Soldier Code Blue on a daily basis for at least 21 days, after washing. If you don't see any improvement, visit a dermatologist.

Question: I have bags under my eyes that I inherited from my mother's side of the family. What can I do to make them go away?

Answer: Bags of the kind you describe are usually caused by excessive skin or fat beneath the eyes. Your best option, therefore, would be a surgical procedure. Treatment is simple and relatively painless. It can be performed in your dermatologist's office.

Question: I have suffered from seborrheic dermatitis on my nose and forehead for almost six years. I've seen two different dermatologists and none of their treatments works. Are there any new medications on the horizon? Which treatments would you recommend?

Answer: The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are largely unknown, but our current theory is that it may be caused by some sort of organism. Try an over-the-counter shampoo called Nizoral. Wash your scalp, rinse, wash again and leave in for five minutes. Apply the suds from the shampoo on the affected areas. This will reduce the organism count. In addition, a cleanser with salicylic acid in it will help to slough off the dry skin.

Question: I shave my head on a regular basis. What can I do to minimize "shine" on my scalp?

Answer: Shine is the result of excess sebum (oil) on your skin. Try Clinac OC, a cream that absorbs 20 times its volume of sebum. Also, look into a product called Clean & Clear Shine Control Invisible Powder. Both are available at your local drug store.

Question: How can I avoid lines and wrinkles while I'm still going through the acne stage?

Answer: The best way to treat lines and wrinkles is to avoid sun exposure. Wear sunglasses or a hat, and always apply sunscreen or sunblock at least 20 minutes before you go outside.

Question: I'm in my early twenties and I still have acne. I went to a dermatologist who gave me a face wash that dried my skin so badly that it started to flake and produce terrible breakouts. My skin isn't terribly oily, only slightly so. Are there any grooming products for my skin type?

Answer: Use a gentle facial cleanser, such as those available on MenEssentials.com. And ask your dermatologist to recommend an acne medication. Your face should never feel that dry after you wash it, but most topical acne solutions tend to dry skin out.

Question: I'm 21 and want to develop a good skin care regimen so that I won't need Botox or surgery later in life. What do you suggest?

Answer: The best way to protect and preserve your skin is to avoid exposure to the sun. I can't stress that often enough. Also, smoking takes a huge toll; it dries skin and gives your face a grey, ashen appearance. At your age, a mild cleanser will do a lot for you. Specific products are mostly a matter of trial and error. MenEssentials.com is a good place to start your search.

Question: The pores on my nose are really big and noticeable from a distance. I also have a problem with blackheads on my nose. I tried exfoliation but that didn't seem to help. Is there anything I can do?

Answer: There is really no way to shrink pores, so the best you can do is to keep them clean so that they appear to be smaller. For blackheads, try an over-the-counter product (toner, astringent, cleanser) that contains salicylic acid. You might also want to consider the occasional facial, if you're skin isn't too sensitive. These can sometimes harm your skin, but a skilled esthetician will be able to perform extractions without too much damage.