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.

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.

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.

Healthy Makeup Replacements for Your Skin

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Mineral-Corrector-PaletteMakeup can do many things for us and our skin. It can cover, accentuate, hide and highlight any feature on our faces. One thing that we don’t want it to do is harm our skin. Unfortunately makeup can clog pores, give us blemishes, cause irritation and contain oils that we don’t want on our faces. Luckily, we carry an array of Colorescience products that can not only replace your makeup, but can make your skin healthier. From foundations to primers, there’s many choices and benefits to switching to Colorescience.

Foundation, Light Coverage: Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 50– This broad spectrum sunscreen is a powder that’s available in three color options. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protect against any sun damage. It’s also water-resistant, non-irritating and helps to smooth any imperfections.

Foundation, Medium Coverage: Even Up Clinical Pigment Corrector SPF 50– A great choice for anyone who is concerned with hyperpigmentation or dark spots. It contains an ingredient called Lumira which was clinically tested to improve and lighten skin discoloration. It’s only available in one shade, so for some it might be more of a base or a treatment rather than a foundation. It’s broad spectrum, containing both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Foundation, Medium to Full Coverage: Tint du Soleil SPF 30- A silky smooth texture that will cover any blemish or dark spot. It’s mineral based and made with peptides that improve skin tone and vitamins that minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also contains Lipids that will hydrate your skin and make it look luminous. It does have a slight rose fragrance and is available in three shades.

Lips: Sunforgettable Lip Shine SPF 35– We carry it in Rose, one of the six shades that they feature. It is broad spectrum to help protect your lips, an often forgotten spot for sun damage. It contains Spearmint Essential Oil for hydration and it also adds a nice scent. It has a peptide that is a collagen stimulator that will also help keep your lips from getting dry. It is a thicker gloss and the color is quite pigmented. Because of the SPF, it’s best to reapply this beautiful shade every 2 hours.

Concealer: Mineral Corrector Palette– Perfect to cover every day skin concerns. There are five shades included to cover reds, blues, yellows and purples, so no need to worry about blemishes, veins or under eye circles. The colors can be mixed or used on their own to conceal any problem areas. The powder is very blend-able and natural looking. If some of the colors just don’t match your skin tone, you can use them as blush, eyeshadow or an eyeshadow base.

Primer, Uneven Skin Tone: Skin Bronzing Face Primer SPF 20– Hydrates, softens and soothes skin. The sun-kissed glow evens out skin tone and blurs the look of pores. It also reduces the look of fine lines and imperfections.

Primer, Combination Skin: Skin Balancing Face Primer SPF 20– This one has cocoa extract to help with oil in the T-zone, but won’t dull skin. A lot like the bronzing, it adds a nice illuminating glow and a hint of color to make skin look radiant. It evens out skin tone and helps make pores look smaller.

Setting Mist: Hydrating Setting Mist– Anyone with normal, dry or mature skin will love the hydration from this setting spray. It will keep your makeup in place all day long and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. It has Ylang Ylang and Chamomile which help to soothe skin. For those who dread cakey, powdery makeup a spritz of this can help give you a more natural look.

If you suspect your makeup might be giving you more problems than it’s covering up, look into healthier skin products that double as makeup or be open to choosing makeup that cares for your skin. Talk to our nurses about our products and they can help you find the best solution for your skin.

SCBD Top 10 Favorite Products of 2015

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shutterstock_104435957We here at Skin Care By Design wanted to share our favorite products in 2015. Some are brand new and others are oldies but goodies, but they have all served us well. Without further ado, here’s our favorites!

1. Colorescience Tint du Soleil SPF– This broad spectrum sunscreen doubles as your foundation, as it has medium to full coverage! It comes in the option of Light, Medium and Dark all in an SPF 30.

2. Jan Marini Bioglycolic– This creamy facial cleanser can be used by all skin types. It’s an amazing choice for acne-prone skin as it exfoliates and cleanses deep down in the pores. It can reduce redness and it hydrates your skin, too.

3. Jan Marini Duality MD– Duality MD fights aging and adult acne all in one product. Double-pump action, one side dispenses benzoyl peroxide and the other, a 1% retinol. It works wonders!

4. NuFACE Trinity Pro– Lifting and tightening the face muscles, it’s often referred to as Pilates for the face! Contour your face at home, with this amazing device that uses Microcurrent technology to give you a youthful appearance. It also comes with attachable options for targeting eye and lips or wrinkles.

5. SkinCeuticals B5 Gel– This hydrating product contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that moisturize the skin. It is a lighter option for those that may not be looking for a heavy cream when it comes to hydration.

6. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic– C E Ferulic reduces the environmental free radicals that harm skin. It also helps with aging and dark spots. C E Ferulic also increases firmness in the skin to reduce wrinkles. It’s a great choice for a Vitamin C.

7. SkinMedica Lytera– For those that battle hyper-pigmentation or have any dark spots, Lytera is a great option for a brightener. It contains Niacinamide and Vitamin C, both of which are known for helping brown spots fade.

8. SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum– It’s your all-in-one product! It will reduce the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines, help skin’s texture & tone, brighten age spots and will help fight environmental damage with antioxidants. It contains human growth factors that will help your skin to regenerate itself to keep it looking healthy.

9. SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair SPF– Not only does this SPF protect against UVA & UVB rays, but it also keeps away infrared rays! It comes in an SPF 34, SPF 34 tinted and SPF 50.

10. Visao Collagen Recharge– A buttery, thick moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. Yes, please! This is the perfect option for anyone who has dry skin or seasonal dryness. Bonus: It can also be used as a hydrating masque!

Ask your provider about any of our products and our services, to find out which might be best for your skin concerns. Who knows, maybe some of these will become favorites of yours, too!

*Top 10 is in alphabetical order

At-Home Skin Care Devices- Do They Really Work?

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shutterstock_213905083As technology is improving and advancing, you might be coming across more and more at-home skin care devices. They can promise to replace clinical visits and professional machines, but the question remains, do they really work?

This of course varies on the product, your expectations and whether you continue your in-office visits. As far as technology for at-home devices goes, so far there are no real replacements for the actual machines. Often times the lasers or treatments just aren’t as powerful, and if they were, they might be deemed unsafe for at-home use. Because of this they might be less effective than what you’re used to getting in an office.

Of course many devices do work and are fantastic options for in-between treatments to receive even better results. Acne and hair removers are usually not made for large areas, but are great for spot treatments while you’re waiting for your next appointment. Another great at home treatment is lifting tools that can contour your face, which is perfect when you’re waiting for your next Botox or dermal filler treatment.

Some devices, like the laser hair removers might not be suitable for all skin types, so it’s best to ask your provider before purchasing one. Anti-aging devices should also be brought up to your provider before you purchase due to some of them having some adverse effects. They may not penetrate as deeply as you’d wish, so you may not see the full results you are hoping for.

Whether you’re on the fence or you’re ready to buy, make sure you do your research on the product and speak with your registered nurse about any at-home skin care device to make sure it’s right for you and your skin.

Anti-Oxidants –Youthful Nutrients for Your Skin

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antioxidantsWhen we think of anti-oxidants, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it in our food? Is it a skin care product? Is it a vitamin? Or perhaps we just aren’t sure how to describe what they are and what they can do for the health of our skin and bodies. Anti-oxidants are in the category of vitamins and minerals that impact the condition of our skin cells. If you guessed the sources as food, skin care products or vitamins, all three answers are correct.

Free radicals, environmental exposure to toxins and weather are all contributing elements that cause oxidation. Oxidation is the breakdown of the cellular structure of our skin. Anti-oxidants provide our skin a source of protection against the damaging process of free radicals. Sound a bit too scientific? The best way to describe the process simply is, restoration of existing cell damage, minimizing the aging process of cell destruction by blocking free radicals and protecting our skin from the inside by encouraging new cell growth.

Anti-oxidants need to be part of our daily balanced diet, as well as our skin care routine. Anti-oxidant rich foods are sources such as berries, avocado, oranges, apples, pomegranate, broccoli, sweet potatoes and more. Many vitamins found in food sources are converted to naturally viable ingredients in advanced skin care formulas including nutrients such as vitamin A, C, and E.

The anti-aging benefits of anti-oxidants contribute to the repair or prevention of fine lines, wrinkles, lack of firmness and they contribute to a more toned, healthy appearance. If you want to learn more about the benefit of anti-oxidants for your skin, contact one of our skin care professionals and ask for a complimentary skin care consultation. You will learn what products are right for you and the correct dosage to get the results you desire.

Sunscreen 101: A lesson in sunscreen basics

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shutterstock_15294496We hear a lot about what sunscreens are best to use and what we should look for when buying one, but do we really know what terms like “Broad Spectrum” really mean? Or what the difference is between UVA and UVB rays? We’re here to help you learn more about what you need from a sunscreen and why.

  • UVB: UVB rays are what cause your skin to burn, tan, freckle, hyperpigmentate and can cause brown or age spots. UVB rays are blocked by windows, which is why you can’t catch a tan in your car.
  • UVA: UVA rays cause more long-term damage, such as aging, wrinkles, and age spots. Aging is, of course, inevitable, but aging caused by UVA rays is preventable. UVA rays can make it through windows, so it’s good to be protected while driving.
  • SPF: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor against UVB rays. The number stands for how many times longer you can stay in the sun with sunscreen than you could without protection. For instance, an SPF 30 will allow you to stay in the sun 30 times longer without burning than you could without applying any at all. You should use an SPF of 30 for your body and 15 for your lips.
  • Classic Sunscreen: Classic sunscreen has chemical active ingredients that absorb and dissipate UVB and/or UVA rays before they enter the skin. You should always apply a chemical sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
  • Mineral/Physical Sunscreen: Mineral Sunscreens, also called Physical Sunscreens, have mineral active ingredients that scatter and reflect UVB and/or UVA rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, minerals are active as soon as they’re applied.
  • Broad Spectrum: Broad Spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVB and UVA rays. Sunscreens have to pass an FDA test in order to be labeled Broad Spectrum. Be sure to look for a sunscreen with this label to get the most protection.
  • Lotion, sprays, sticks and powder sunscreens: There are some myths out there that certain sunscreens work better than others, but all sunscreens essentially work the same. It’s all about finding the one that works best for you and making sure you’re applying enough. Generally speaking, you want to apply one teaspoon of sunscreen per body part. It’s easier to miss spots with powders and sprays, so make sure you’re thorough in your application.
  • Water-resistant sunscreen: Water-resistant does not mean waterproof, but it does mean that these sunscreens will maintain their SPF for up to 80 minutes of water exposure. Even if you haven’t dipped a toe in the pool or ocean, you can sweat off your sunscreen, so always reapply after those 80 minutes are up.

Here in Arizona, it’s important to use sunscreen if you’re going to be out in the sun for more than 20 minutes. You should apply it to any area that will be exposed to the sun and even to those that are covered by clothing. Some of the most forgotten areas are the ears, back of the neck, and our scalp and hair part. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen after two hours of sun exposure and to cover up and protect your skin as much as possible. There are many different options in sunscreens, from tints to textures, so be sure to speak to your provider about sunscreen options and they can help you find the perfect sunscreen for you and your skin.

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