Who to Trust? What to Buy? 

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It seems that skin care products are being sold everywhere you go, whether it be the drug store, grocery store, online, and even your hairdresser. But how do you know what to buy? Who to trust? What level of training and experience do the people selling these products have? These questions may be difficult to answer but the solution is simple. Only buy your skin care products from licensed medical professionals specializing in skin care, such as medical spas, dermatologists, or plastic surgeons.

Licensed medical professionals are authorized to sell medical grade skin care products and have training and experience with all types of skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and aging skin. Other sources are not authorized to sell medical grade products and do not have the expertise to advise you which products to buy or how to use them. However, they often obtain medical grade products from resellers who buy the inventory of offices going out of business and then offer them at a discount. Combine that with the tremendous amounts of counterfeit product in the market and who knows what you actually get when you purchase your products from a non-medical source?

You don’t need to buy dozens of products. You can achieve a healthy, bright, glowing complexion with only the key products listed below.

  1. Exfoliating cleansers containing alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, or glycolic acid gently polish away impurities that make your skin appear older and dull. Exfoliating cleansers also prep your skin for the products applied next.
  2. Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, which are free-floating molecules that cause oxidation in whatever they touch. Oxidizing iron results in rust and the cell damage caused by oxidizing your skin is just as unpleasant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from damaging your skin.
  3. Moisturizers are important because our skin provides a watertight barrier between our body and the environment. The internal hydration we get from drinking water does not penetrate to the skin’s surface, so we need to provide the skin with a topical drink. The best moisturizers are creams or serums containing hyaluronic acid (also known as HA), a substance that already exists naturally in our skin. Hyaluronic acid penetrates the skin’s upper layers and attracts moisture to boost elasticity and hydration, giving your skin a youthful appearance. These products also form a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture and aid in tissue repair. However, you should avoid HA products that also contain alcohol, parabens, sulfates, or other ingredients that are harmful to the skin.
  4. Retinol enhances your skin’s natural beauty. Retinol promotes cellular turnover, removing dead and damaged cells from the surface of your skin and revealing the newer, more evenly toned skin cells below. Cellular turnover minimizes wrinkles, shrinks pores, and creates a healthy complexion.
  5. Sunscreen protects you from harmful solar radiation that damages and rapidly ages your skin. It is your most important skin care product, but not all sunscreens are the same. Most sunscreens protect you from UVB radiation, which is related to sunburn and skin cancer. SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how much UVB protection is provided (SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 to 100 blocks 98%). However, SPF does not tell you anything about protection from UVA radiation, which is the main cause of the darkening and aging our skin. Always look for the term “broad spectrum” on your sunscreen’s label, which indicates that both UVA and UVB protection is provided. Water resistant sunscreen is helpful for warmer, wetter activities. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen throughout out the day for optimal protection.

There are many other skin care products but achieving a healthy, glowing complexion is simple with only a few products from a licensed medical skin care professional. If you have questions about your skin and what products are best for you, a quick and efficient consultation is the best option to help build a personalized skin care regimen that works for you.

Micro-channeling Technology

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Micro-channeling technology is a popular treatment among celebrities. Celebrities seek out this treatment due to their hectic life styles because there is no downtime and best of all, it’s painless. One technique is called DermaFrac.

What is DermaFrac?

DermaFrac is safe and effective for all skin types and improves conditions such as acne, scars, stretch marks, dehydrated skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation. The special handpiece contains tiny needles that create micro-channel pathways for infusing of custom serums targeted to your skin care needs.

What serums are there?

Anti-aging “super cocktail” of peptides that stimulate collagen and fibroblast production while relaxing the muscles in a natural way.

Acne serum containing lactic and salicylic acid to reduce and prevent further breakouts.

Hydration is very important for anyone that lives in the desert. This serum contains hyaluronic acid to replenish dehydrated skin, making it full and plump.

Lightening serum contains kojic acid, a natural lightening agent to lighten age and sun spots.

Is there downtime?

No. You can return to normal activities immediately following the treatment. Makeup and other products should be discontinued for 24 hours.

Will it hurt?

No. Clients say that it is pain free. You might feel a slight suction and dampness.

How many treatments are needed?

Treatments are customized to your condition and needs. Typical clients have treatment every 3-6 weeks for best results.

If you want healthy, glowing skin without long recovery and the sticker price that comes with a painful laser resurfacing treatment, DermaFrac maybe right for you. Results can be seen within a few treatments and, if your skin conditions change, the serums can be adjusted to fit your needs.

 

 

 

Don’t Forget About Your Hands!

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Hands show our age even more than our face, but they are often forgotten in our efforts to combat the signs of aging. Brown spots, crepey skin, and hollows that show our bones and veins can be prevented or corrected to maintain the youthful appearance we all desire. A few simple steps are all that is needed:

  1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatments are an effective way to remove brown spots and sun damage and correct uneven skin tone. After a single session, the pigment will begin coming to the surface of your skin and flake off in just a few days. A series of monthly treatments will produce amazing results!
  2. Dermal Fillers such as Radiesse are FDA approved for adding back lost volume and restoring that soft, smooth feel to the back of your hands. The results are immediate and, on average, one syringe of filler is used for each hand.
  3. Skin Care Products that you use for your face work equally well on the backs of your hands. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E protect and renew skin cells while fighting the free radicals produced by the sun’s harmful UV rays. And don’t forget about sunscreen! This is perhaps the most important product to protect your hands against further damage and should be reapplied throughout the day.

With these simple steps, you can reverse the signs of aging. The results are long lasting and with simple, scheduled maintenance, they can be maintained throughout the years.

Benefits of B12 Injections

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One of the most common nutrient deficiencies is Vitamin B12. Some symptoms of a B12 deficiency are fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches and weakness, anemia, poor moods, and low concentration. A simple blood test and exam from your primary care physician will determine if you have a B12 deficiency.

Foods high in B12 include grass-fed beef, dairy products, and fish. Some individuals may have a harder time absorbing and utilizing this nutrient due to digestive or genetic conditions. B12 injections or daily oral supplements are good alternatives for these individuals.

The benefits of B12 injections include:

  1. Increased energy
  2. Reduced depression
  3. Improved metabolism
  4. Heart protection

The injection is nearly painless and is usually administrated in the deltoid muscle of your upper arm or in the hip. We recommend weekly injections for optimal results and to experience the full benefits.

Benefits of Microdermabrasion/Dermaplan

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By Anessa Vorel

There are many great benefits to regular Microdermabrasions that keep your skin looking fabulous. This is a deep, non-invasive, physical exfoliation procedure that removes the outer layer of skin and minimizes the appearance of pores, scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Microdermabrasion increases the rate of cell turnover and keeps your skin looking youthful and healthy.

Microdermabrasion uses a hand-held diamond tipped wand to remove and lightly vacuum away dead skin cells, revealing fresh, vibrant skin. Your dull skin appears brighter with more even skin tones that are evident after the first treatment.

For an even better result, add a Dermaplaning treatment for a double exfoliation that removes those pesky white vellus hairs (peach fuzz). Your skin will appear faultless, clean, and smooth. We follow this with the application of appropriate products that give your skin an amazing glow!

A regular schedule of monthly Microdermabrasions and Dermaplaning allows you to maintain those results and improves the absorption of your daily skin care products. Without rough, dead skin and peach fuzz in the way, your makeup applies in a smooth, thin layer that doesn’t feel caked on and looks much more professional.

 

Who will benefit from Microdermabrasion?

Anyone with the following skin issues:

  • Acne Scars
  • Dry Skin
  • Fine Lines or Wrinkles
  • Dull Skin
  • Uneven Skin Tones
  • Large Pores
  • Rough Texture
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Blackheads

 

Who will benefit from Dermaplaning?

Anyone with the following skin issues:

  • Vellus Hair (Peach Fuzz)
  • Dry Skin
  • Fine Lines or Wrinkles
  • Dull Skin
  • Uneven Skin Tones
  • Rough Texture

 

Many women are skeptical of Dermaplaning because they fear that facial hair will grow back darker and thicker. This is a myth that every dermatologist and even Cosmopolitan Magazine has tackled (click here to see the Cosmo article). You will be happy with the overall appearance of your skin and, unlike waxing and many shaving episodes, these treatments are painless!

After performing these treatments, I like to apply a combination of beneficial skin care products tailored to your unique skin. My favorite products are Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum, SkinCeuticals B5 Hydrating Gel, and I always choose the best SPF protection for each client.

 

The DL on Laser Hair Removal

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Over our lifetime, we spend over $30,000 and 1,400 hours shaving, waxing, and tweezing unwanted hair. Let’s talk about how we can stop wasting time and money and make life easier. The answer is Laser Hair Removal! You probably have friends who had this done but you may be confused about how effective Laser Hair Removal will be for you. So, let’s get the facts straight.

How does Laser Hair Removal work?
Lasers remove unwanted body hair quickly and safely by destroying the hair follicle with a beam of light energy that is set to avoid damage to surrounding tissues. The hair pigment (melanin) absorbs the laser energy, which damages the hair follicle and renders it incapable of growing hair.

Why do I need multiple treatments?
Hair growth occurs in a three-stage cycle: growth (anagen), atrophy (catagen), and dormant (telogen). Laser Hair Removal is most effective during the growth stage, when the hair follicle is large and active. It is partially effective during the atrophy stage, when the hair follicle is shrinking. It is ineffective during the dormant stage, when the hair follicle has disappeared. On any part of your body, some of the hairs are in each of the three growth stages. The percentage of hair in the dormant stage and the duration of the dormant stage vary by anatomical location.

When you receive a Laser Hair Removal treatment, almost all the hairs in the growth stage and many of the hairs in the atrophy stage are destroyed. Over time, dormant hairs that were not affected by earlier treatments will enter the growth stage where they can be destroyed by the laser. We normally suggest four to eight weeks between treatments to allow enough dormant hairs to enter the growth stage. Six treatments are usually required for optimal results.The different stages of hair growth affect laser hair removal

Does it work for everyone?
The best candidates for Laser Hair Removal have coarse, dark hair and light-colored skin. The laser light is absorbed by the melanin pigment so hairs that have little or no melanin (blonde, gray, white, or light red hair) can’t be treated effectively. It is more difficult to treat dark skin (including tanned skin), which absorbs more of the laser energy and requires the treatment to be performed at a lower power.

Is it permanent?
When a hair follicle is destroyed, that hair can never grow again. However, some hair follicles may be too light or thin to respond to laser treatments. The remaining hair will be finer, softer, whiter, and less dense but treated areas may not be without all hair. New hair growth in treated areas may later be triggered by conditions such as hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, medications, or menopause. Such new growth consists of hair follicles that were permanently dormant until activated by the hormonal changes or medication.

Does it hurt?
The technology of Laser Hair Removal today is comfortable and, for many body areas, it is completely pain free. Most people describe it as a series of rubber band snaps. The sensation is affected by the number and thickness of the hair follicles and some parts of your body may be more sensitive than others. Compare that to a lifetime of shaving cuts and scrapes!

Where can it be done?
Anywhere there is hair.

Should I shave before the Laser Hair Removal treatment?
Yes. Shaving results in a more comfortable treatment with less irritation afterwards.

Now that you have the “down-low”, let’s get started. Laser hair removal saves time and money, it’s great for the environment (98% of women who shave use water and 52% of them leave the water running while they shave), it’s easy and effective, and you can forget about those stubborn ingrown hairs. Check out Laser Hair Removal at Skin Care By Design Aesthetic Spa

Why Retinoids Still Rule

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Skin care product launches nearly doubled over the past ten years and the same active ingredient is still used in most of these products. That’s good old retinoid. Retinoid is a class of vitamin A used for skin care since the 70’s. It was developed as an acne treatment in the 60’s by Dr. Albert Kligman, a professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. Kligman noticed that his acne patients had reduced wrinkles and improved skin tones.

Retinoids are amazing multitaskers! They act directly on the DNA of skin cells, boosting cell functions that slow down once we hit our 30’s. Retinoids increase cellular turnover by sloughing off dead, damaged skin cells, which improves the health and enhances the radiance of your skin. Retinoids also thin the top layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) while thickening the lower layers of the epidermis, helping to achieve a firm and luminous complexion. The benefits continue deeper below the surface. Retinoids boost the production of collagen (the skin’s primary support structure) and prevent collagen breakdown. They also increase the levels of glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid that keep your skin plump and hydrated.

Which Retinoid is Right for You?

If you are a newbie, over the counter products are a good place to start. Look for retinoids labeled as “encapsulated” or “stabilized” and retinoids called “retinol” or “retinyl palmitate”. These ingredients convert to retinoic acid in the skin. We suggest that you purchase your retinoid in an airless pump because all retinoids are sensitive to light, heat, and air. Vitamin A is prone to breaking down and losing its potency so store your retinoids appropriately.

Prescription retinoids contain pure retinoic acid, which is up to 20 times stronger than OTC products. Higher retinoid levels mean that you will see quicker results but it’s very important not to jump right into prescription strength because of the side effects. The most common side effects include redness, burning, peeling, flaking, and dry skin.

OTC retinoids can give you a brighter, smoother complexion in just a few days but you should allow at least 6 weeks to see noticeable results. After six months, consider moving to a prescription retinoid, but only if your skin feels comfortable and can tolerate the higher strength.

 

How to Care for Your Skin

You finally achieved great skin! Now what? You need to protect your skin daily with an SPF of 30 or higher because retinoids thin out the top layer of dead skin cells, making you more prone to sunburn. So it’s best to apply retinoids only at night to avoid any discomfort during the day. Here are some quick and simple instructions to ramp up faster results:

  1. Wash your face at bedtime with a mild cleanser. You may use an alpha hydroxy acid or a salicylic acid but avoid cleansers containing rough beads. Wait about 20 minutes after cleansing before applying your retinoid to avoid stinging.
  2. Apply a dime sized amount of retinoid (total) to your face, neck, and chest. Do not apply a retinoid inside your orbital bone because it could irritate your eyes. The heat from your face will liquefy the retinoid outside the orbital bone and push it toward your eyes, addressing any fine lines and wrinkles in that area.
  3. Follow the retinoid with a night moisturizer as needed. If your skin is very sensitive, apply a thin layer of moisturizer before applying the retinoid.
  4. If you can’t tolerate the irritation, wash off the retinoid after 15 minutes. This is known as a “short contact” method, which can greatly increase your comfort while slightly lessening the benefits.
  5. Begin using your retinoid twice weekly for two weeks, then increase to three times weekly. If you encounter too much irritation, reduce the frequency until your skin can tolerate the increase. Try to work your way up to nightly applications but, if your skin is most comfortable at three or four times weekly, then stay there.

Retinoids are probably the best single product you can use to improve your skin’s health and beauty.  Follow the simple steps above to make your retinoid experience painless and effective.

MicroPeel 101

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MicroPeels are one of the most beneficial aesthetics treatment for smooth, soft, bright, and healthy. This treatment simple and quick, only takes about 45 minutes. Below are the steps and benefits of a MicoPeel.

  1. Dermaplaning- Your provider will use a sterile blade to removes dead skin cells and vellus hair aka peach fuzz by holding the skin taught and gently swiping the blade in an upward motion.

 

  1. Chemical peel- Depending on your skin type and concerns, there are a variety of peel options. Chemical peels are very beneficial after a dermaplaning. Our goal isn’t to cause visible peeling as it is to infuse the skin with ingredients that diminish lines, build collagen, and improve tone.

 

  1. Cryo Therapy- Cryo therapy is safe and has been used since the seventeenth century and is now making a comeback in treatments to fight the aging process. Designed to shock the body into action by increasing blood circulation and boosting the immune and central nervous systems. A small ball of CO2 is formed and swept over the skin to decrease inflammation, increase cell rejuvenation, improve skin tone, and reduce signs of aging.

 

Recommendations for continuing treatments are between 4-6 weeks because of cellular turnover and the regrowth of the fine vellus hair. Cellular turnover is the process by which our skin produces new skin cells which travel from the lowest layer of the epidermis to the top layer of skin the called the dermis and then shed off the skin. Vellus hair can restrict the penetration of skincare products to the epidermis making your products non-effective.  Most of the time what we are doing at home for exfoliation isn’t enough to remove the dead skin cells and vellus hair so it’s very important to have a professional remove the dead cells monthly.

 

Are You Using Too Much (Or Too Little) Product?

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shutterstock_56302480Products are important to any skin care regimen and considering you’ve spent your hard earned money on them, you want them to last! Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your moisturizer and realizing you’re all out even though you swear you just purchased it. Even worse, you’re using it every day and seeing no results. Believe it or not, this could be due to a mistake that we’ve all been guilty of. Using too much or too little of a product can either make you run out too fast or can interfere with your wanted results. So we’ve prepared a nice little guide for you to hopefully make that product last a little longer!

  • Face Wash: Use only a dime size for cream or gel cleansers. For foam, use a single pump.
    Using too much may dry out your face.
  • Retinol: Most are pre-measured to a single pump, but ask your provider just to be sure.
  • Toner: Try just a few drops. Always use a cotton round or a cotton ball. Using a few drops ensures that not too much is being soaked up by the cotton and being wasted.
  • Serums: A few drops. Serums are usually fairly concentrated, so you only need a few drops. If the serum is more solid, use a pea sized amount.
  • Daytime Moisturizer: If it has SPF, quarter-sized. Without SPF, nickel-sized.
  • Face Masks: A nickel size is perfect for those problem areas. If it’s a hydrating or firming mask, feel free to use a little bit more.
  • Night Creams: Quarter-size. If it’s a heavy cream, be careful not to use too much or it can clog pores.
  • Acne Treatments: The size of a pea or less should be sufficient. Using too much can dry you out.
  • Eye Cream: Pea size will work for this, too. Make sure to use your ring fingers for application because this finger applies the least amount of pressure so it won’t drag your skin and cause wrinkles.
  • Sunscreen: Quarter-size for the face. A shot glass full for the entire body. It’s actually okay to be a little more generous with sunscreen.

If you’re unsure about the amount you should be using, ask your provider for advice. If you feel you’re going through a product too fast, dial back how much you use and see if you’re still getting the results you want. The key to products making a lasting effect is using them consistently and using the right amount.

10 Very Doable Anti-Aging Tips

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  1. Have facials regularly– Facials promote blood flow and stimulation of the facial muscles. All good things for your skin.
  2. Drink Plenty of Water!– I know, you hear this a million times, but it’s because it’s so important and true! Water helps keep our skin plump, glowing and can even help clear blemishes. It’s in your best interest to drink up that H2O.
  3. Be Consistent with Your Products– Products only work if you use them consistently. If you don’t keep up with your daily maintenance, you won’t see the changes in your skin that you want to see.
  4. Always Use SPF!– Another one you probably hear all the time and it’s so important. SPF is NOT just for the summertime. You ALWAYS need sunscreen! Pick a Broad Spectrum sunscreen for best results.
  5. Don’t Forget Your Neck & Hands– Show them a little love, too, when it comes to products and sun protection! These can show our age if we haven’t protected them properly. Make sure at the very least, you’re using an SPF and moisturizer on the often-forgotten neck and hands.
  6. Exfoliate!– Whether you’re dry brushing, dermaplaning, using a scrub or a face wash, make sure you’re removing that dead layer of skin cells once or twice a week. Dead skin can trap bacteria under it, so if you suffer from acne, be sure this is part of your regime.
  7. Hyaluronic Acid is Essential– Hyaluronic Acid helps keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your skin feels overly dry, flaky and almost ashy looking, it might be dehydrated and is a good sign that you need hydration (which is different from moisture.) Keep in mind that ANY skin type is prone to dehydration, not just those with dry skin.
  8. Don’t Smoke– Seriously. Not only is it terrible for your health, but it can do a number on your skin, as well. It ages you prematurely, gives you wrinkles, dulls and discolors your skin and can increase your chances of getting skin cancer, among many other types of cancers. DO NOT SMOKE!
  9. Catch Plenty of Zzz’s– Getting enough sleep can work wonders for your skin. You’ll look refreshed and rested. Dark circles and under-eye bags, be gone!
  10. Use Vitamin A– It helps with cell turnover and in turn helps to fight off wrinkles and aging. Using a Retinol (cosmetic form) or a Retin-A (prescription form) will work wonders for your skin.
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