Skin care

Choosing Skincare Products: Ten Tips

http://fightfinelines.com/2011/05/19/top-10-tips-for-choosing-skincare-products-that-work/

“No more wrinkles in 6 days” ….“See the reduction of fine lines in less than 10 days”… “Dermatologists tested” “Clinically Proven” “Clinical Studies”…

Buyer beware. Magazines are full of claims from manufacturers touting new technologies and advances in skin care products. There is so much marketing hype today around skin care products that promise results, that it’s hard to know what really works.

If this wasn’t confusing enough, we are now in an age of ever-emerging new technologies and anti-aging breakthroughs. From “micro-beads” to stem cells, products are getting more and more complex both in what they’re made of and also how they are delivered to your skin. As exciting as this seems, it’s also questionable whether or not these new advances are really going to live up to their claims.Cosmeceuticals, high-end “Dr” brands, and everyone under the sun claiming to have the latest skin care can leave you searching for the next best thing before you even get to the register. Even with seemingly potent active-ingredients, there is little regulation on what claims companies can make. You have to wonder, was the entire formulation tested or just the active ingredient? Who was the product tested on? If it was tested in a lab, how do we know it actually works on human skin cells?

So, what should you be on the lookout for to help you cut through the skin care product clutter?

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Get Rid of Dull Skin: Exfoliation Tips

Is your skin looking dull? An easy way to get your skin glowing again is to exfoliate your skin regularly. Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells which causes your skin to look dull. It is also necessary for clear skin, free of acne and blackheads. There are many ways to exfoliate, both your body and face. Let’s talk about facial exfoliation.

1. Clarisonic system is the easiest way to get your glow back. Used daily you will see a significant difference in your skin. There are different heads that you can buy, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. I love mine and have had it for several years. Definitely worth the investment. Clarisonic prices start at about $125.00 http://www.clarisonic.co m/ Note that some kits come with cleansers. There are many options in OTC cleansers. My recommendation is to buy the machine only, with extra heads.

2. Buy a cleanser that contains glycolic or lactic acid. These ingredients create exfoliation and cell turnover. You can find many professional brand name products online. Or ask an esthetician or dermatologist for a recommendation.

3. Use a OTC Retinol product or Retin-A Rx or Tazorac Rx are also good choices. Your skin will shed the old cells and build new cells. Start off with a low dose of .05%. Using Retinoids will also prevent acne and blackheads from forming. Retinols build collagen and ellastin necessary for healthy, youthful looking skin.

4. Get a chemical peel 2x a year. Change of seasons is a good time. Peel are sometimes given in a series, this will depend on how much sun damage you have. Time the peel accordingly, because you may be red and peeling for several days. Once your skin has peeled you will be amazed at how youthful, healthy and glowing it is. Go to a licensed esthetician, RN, or Physician Assistant who works either in a medi-spa, dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office. There are many chemical peels available today. There are superficial peels, medium depth peels and deep peels. The strength of the peel will depend on what results you are seeking, your skin type and how much down- time you are willing to take. TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels and Glycolic acid peels are the most popular. Chemical peels are recommended for Hyperpigmentation, Sun damage, texture, pre-cancerous lesions, acne, lines, mild wrinkles, lip Creases. There are pre-cautionary measures to take prior to having a TCA peel, check with your skincare specialist first.

GO GET YOUR GLOW!!

Tips for Getting Ready for that Special Occasion!

The time is approaching and you have a special event coming up. You’ve bought your dress, shoes, accessories, scheduled your hair and make-up.

You want to look your best.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about having a facial, a chemical peel, a little Botox, dermal fillers, Laser or IPL treatments. Since you want to look your best, you need to plan a schedule for these treatments allowing yourself the proper time for healing or any adjustments. Don’t want until the week before your event.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when you make your appointments.

Schedule a series of facials at least 4-6 weeks in advance. If you have sensitive skin you could break out. The goal is for glowing, healthy skin before the big day.
If you plan to change skincare products, start 6-8 weeks before the event. Any change in products could cause your skin to react
If you are using Retin-A products. Stop one week before the event, so you are not red or peeling.
Schedule any chemical peels at least 4 weeks before the event. You want your skin to glow- not be red, flaky or peeling.
If you are planning on having any Botox or fillers- take arnica pre-injection and post to minimize bruising
Botox should be scheduled at least 2 weeks before the event. You may bruise, it takes 3-7 days to kick in and you may need to tweak the area.
Lip fillers- at least 4 weeks in advance. You may be swollen for 7 days and you really will not see the final effect for two weeks. Juvederm swells more than Resytlane, but Juvederm tends to last longer in the lip area.
Eye Hollows- at least two months in advance. You could have severe bruising in this area and puffiness. I would not take any chances. Two- three months of healing should be enough.
Dermal Fillers – Two to three weeks in advance. You may bruise, and have swelling. Plus if you need any adjustments you will have time. This includes, Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse.
If you choose to use fillers such as Sculptra, you will need to start several months in advance, as this filler requires more injections and time to see results.
Looking to rid of brown spots with IPL? Chances you will need to have several treatments, Start as early as six months in advance, this advice is the same for any type of laser treatment, even vein therapy.