Ronald E. Reece, MD

Board Certified - American Board of Dermatology
2701 Old Eureka Way Suite 2A
Redding, California 96001
530-246-0236

By Kerri Regan
Special to the Record Searchlight

Interview with Ronald E Reece MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

"A dermatologist understands the complex nature of each skin type and presenting skin problem and will be the best person to perform this [photorejuvenation] procedure safely," Dr. Ronald E. Reece, Dermatologist

        Healthy, youthful skin isn't just for the rich and famous. A variety of effective dermatologic and skin care treatments are now available and accessible to people of any age who want to look their best. Here are some of the ways that north state residents can make the most of their skin.
        Those who have used antibiotics and other prescriptions to battle acne have a new alternative, according to Dr. Ronald E. Reece, a Redding board-certified dermatologist. Blue light therapy, alone or with topical Levulan(tm), is successfully treating many patients with acne with fewer prescriptions, Dr. Reece said. For this treatment, the patient sits in front of a blue light for about 10 minutes. The light helps destroy the bacteria that aggravates acne, Dr. Reece said. Dr. Reece often uses the solution Levulan(tm) with the light treatment to briefly photosensitize the skin, shrinking the oil glands even more to reduce oil production.
       Other common skin problems include acne rosacea, facial blood vessels, facial aging, fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Reece also treats these problems with photorejuvenation, using a "nonablative light source." This intense pulse light is a "new and effective way to remove the fine red blood vessels associated with Irish complexion, to reduce rosacea and to help with facial aging and fine lines," said Dr. Reece, who specializes in treating skin, hair and nail disorders.
       The laser-like pulse light can be used in combination with Levulan(tm) to further refine pores, reduce oil production and stimulate new collagen formation to give the face a smoother appearance, Dr. Reece said. Dr. Reece recommends this be done be a dermatologist. "A dermatologist understands the complex nature of each skin type and presenting skin problem and will be the best person to perform this procedure safely."
       First made famous in Hollywood, Botox(tm) injections are ridding people of wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is injected into wrinkles and frown lines on the forehead, between and around the eyes, Dr. Reece said. The effects last three to six months.   "A dermatologist who understands facial anatomy and Botox side effects can assess whether someone is a good candidate for the procedure," Dr. Reece said.
      For those who can't or don't wish to use Botox(tm), other popular wrinkle treatments include collagen (CosmoPlast) and hyaluronic acid (Restylane). These skin fillers remove wrinkles and fine lines, and they are same-day treatments. These skin fillers don't require the doctor to test the skin for adverse reactions, so they can be used the day that the person comes in for an assessment. These corrections last four to eight months.
      Some people are afflicted with more complex skin disorders, such as psoriasis. New "biologies" have reduced psoriasis by 60 percent in more than half the patients who use them, Dr. Reece said. These treatments are injected once a week and take about three months to take effect. Some of the biologies that Dr. Reece uses include Raptiva, Enbril and Amevive.
      Those who wish to dear psoriasis without shots, pills or other prescriptions can give narrow-band light box therapy a try. This wavelength of ultraviolet light has been shown to be effective in clearing psoriasis, Dr. Reece said. Patients can be cleared by standing 10 minutes in the light box three times a week for four to eight weeks.

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