Skin Care Answers
April Specials for a Beautiful You
Affordable Skin Care
Selecting the best affordable skin care products for your face can be confusing. Between the magazine ads and TV specials, is it any wonder I am frequently hearing questions like:
- What is an affordable cosmetic brand to use?
- How do I know which one is best for my skin?
- If costs more, it must be better, right?
- How do I know which one to choose?
Let’s take a look at skin care products and help you weed through the confusion.
The Basics
Every skin care line should include a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.
Cleanser – Body soaps should never be used on the face. Facial cleansers are designed to remove daily dirt and grime without adding oils to clog pours and drying the skin.
Toner – Just like you rinse of your body after using soap in the shower, you want to rinse your face with a toner. A toner will finish removing dirt and will freshen the skin after the cleanser.
Moisturizer – After cleaning and toning the face, add a quality moisturizer. A moisturizer will help retain water in your skin as well as improve the way your skin looks and feels. Including a SPF within the moisturizer begins your daily sun protection.
Additional products might include a mask, an eye cream, and a serum or corrective night time product.
Where to Purchase Skin Care Products?
Drug Store
At the drug store you will find gentle washes and creams like Aquanil, Aveeno, Cetaphil, Cerave, Eucerin, etc. Your physician, dermatologist or Aesthetician may suggest you use these if you have sensitive skin or before and after medical treatments.
While drug store brands are cheaper and readily available, ingredients play a vital role. Beware of dyes, fragrances, mineral oil and lanolin as they can disrupt the skin’s integrity and create unwanted conditions.
Local Retail Mall
Then there is the mall full of over priced products. While many of the products are of good quality, remember you are paying for all the marketing and merchandising of the product along with the mall real estate. The pretty girls behind the counter sell sell sell. Do they know all the active ingredients and what their purpose is in those products they sell? Do they have any idea what your skin needs? So why pay extra for something you are not really getting?
Speaking of shopping, are you like me? Guilty of buying shoes, clothes, purses using them maybe a few times and discarding or abandoning them in the closet. Why is it that I spend so much money on everything but my facial products? After all, I wear my face every day!
Doctor or Dermatologist Office
At the doctor or dermatologist’s office, there are no fancy ads, no commissions. The doctor’s office provides just pure products and a knowledgeable staff.
It is best to have a yearly examination with a dermatologist to review your skin and a consultation with a professional skin care specialist to determine what products best suits your needs. Consider how much money you’ll save once you have a working skin care system.
Having a good skin care regimen can be cost effective and long term effective. Consult a professional Aesthetician to determine what is right for your skin and your wallet.
Do you have an affordable skin care regimen you love? Share it with us below . . .
Avoid the Burn: Your Guild to Selecting the Right Type of Sunscreen
Visit any drugstore’s sunscreen section, and it’s enough to make your head spin. Lining the shelves are dozens of tubes, bottles and cans, all promising to keep your skin as white as Bella and Edward in Twilight.
But which are the best sunscreens? Making an informed decision could literally save your life. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 82,770 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease this year.
Rates of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, have been increasing for the past 30 years. “From 2005 to 2009, incidence rates among [Caucasians] increased by 2.8 percent per year,” reads the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2013 report.
“I think all dermatologists would agree we’re seeing more melanoma than we’re comfortable with, even in younger people,” says Dr. Leslie Coker with Associates in Dermatology in Hampton.
Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted new guidelines for sunscreen packaging. The intent is to make it easier for consumers to choose the most effective products. Sunscreen companies are no longer allowed to use marketing buzz words like “waterproof,” “sweat proof” and “sunblock.” Manufacturers that claim that their products have an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 50 are required to label the product as “SPF 50+.”
“The FDA no longer recognizes SPF of 100 because there is no way to perform a test to demonstrate that it blocks 100 times the effect of ultraviolet light,” explains Dr. Michael Gross with Mid-Atlantic Dermatology and Laser Center in Virginia Beach. “You can’t test it, so you can’t say it.”
But what should consumers consider when purchasing their next bottle of sunscreen? First, look for the words “broad spectrum” on the label, meaning the product
protects against both UVA and UVB rays. (UVB rays cause sunburn; UVA rays penetrate deeper levels of the skin, causing premature aging.)
The SPF rating is also important.
“The SPF still matters, and 30 or higher is what we recommend,” says Dr. Bryan Carroll, assistant professor and director of dermatologic surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.
The new FDA guidelines still allow manufacturers to use the term “water resistant” on packaging, but the label must indicate if the sunscreen is effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while sweating or swimming, based on standardized testing. Consumers should choose the higher number if they plan to be doing either of those activities.
Lotion, cream and spray sunscreens offer similar protection from the sun, but sprays can be more convenient for squirming children.
“It’s a daunting task to try to rub a kid down every two hours with a lotion or cream,” Coker says. “The broad-spectrum sprays serve well for that purpose.”
Apply sprays heavily to the body until the product is dripping, then allow it to dry. (Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to allow drying time.) Coker doesn’t recommend using sprays on the face. Instead, use a lotion or cream sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the face, neck, ears, shoulders and other sunburn- prone areas.
Choosing the right sunscreen offers little protection if it isn’t used properly. It’s important to apply enough sunscreen to adequately protect the skin, and to reapply often—at least every hour or two during regular
sun exposure and immediately after swimming or
excessive sweating.
The average person should use one ounce of sunscreen—enough to fill a shot glass—to cover their entire body. (And don’t forget the tops of the ears and back of the neck—areas that are sometimes forgotten and prone to skin cancers.)
People with darker skin should adhere to the same sunscreen recommendations as those with fairer skin. Skin cancer rates are lower in darker skin, but sunscreen also has anti-aging benefits and it helps reduce issues with skin pigmentation.
Wearing sunscreen should be a daily habit, and not just limited to use at the beach, since even short sun exposure—like driving in a car or going for a midday walk—can lead to skin cancer.
“Stay out of the sun as much as you can,” advises Dr. William L. Coker Jr. with Associates in Dermatology in Hampton. “That’s the best sunscreen!”
First published in the June 2013 Health Journal (https://www.thehealthjournals.com/2013/06/choosing-the-best-sunscreen/). Written by Donna Gregory.
Sunscreen Labels Layer On More Than Mere Numbers
At first glance, the sunscreen bottles, tubes and canisters on store shelves this spring may not look much different from what consumers have seen in the past.
Take a closer look. Gone are the misleading terms such as “waterproof” and “sunblock.” Added are warnings that some products don’t protect against wrinkles and skin cancer and that others do so only as part of a larger sun-protection plan.
These changes and others are the result of new labeling rules from the Food and Drug Administration. The long-delayed rules cover all sunscreen products shipped by large manufacturers since mid-December.
Although consumers may still spot some old products shipped before the deadline, most of the 4,500 or so re-labeled products should be on shelves now or very soon, says Fara Ahmed, who represents sunscreen makers for the Personal Care Products Council. The switch is a hug undertaking, she says, because it includes not only beach and sport products, but every makeup, moisturizer or lip balm that carries an SPF (sun protection factor) number.
Will the new labels help consumers better protect their skin from damage?
They will, skin health experts say – if consumers take the time to read the fine print and then choose and use the products wisely.
Still, limiting time in the sun, especially at midday, and wearing long sleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses are probably more important than any sunscreen, says Sonya Lunder, analyst with the Environmental Working Group. The group has been critical of what it says are hyped sunscreen claims and unproven safety.
The FDA, the industry and many dermatologiest say that the products on the market are safe and effective but that the advice not to relyon sunscreen alone is important.
“Sun protection is a total package” and includes shade, broad-brimmed hats and “common sense,” says Henry Lim, chief of dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
“We’re not anti-sun,” says dermatologiest Ellen Marmur of New York City. “You can go out there and have fun. But there are ways to make it safer.”
SPF numbers still matter.
This is the number that tells you how well a product protects you from sunburn, caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The numbers range from 2 to 100 or more. For a good margin of safety, choose products with SPFs of at least 30 to 50, says Henry Lim, chief of Dermatology at Henry ford Hospital in Detroit. Keep in mind that you get the promised protection only if you apply the product liberally and often (at least every two hours).
Low SPFs now come with a warning.
Products with SPFs below 15 must carry warnings that they protect only against sunburn, not skin againg or skin cancer. Such products, often sold as “tanning lotions,” are not recommended by dermatologists but “there’s definitely a market of people in suntanning denial who are still using them,” says Ellen Marmur, a New York City dermatologist and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology.
Water-resistant does not mean waterproof.
Labels can no longer say that sunscreens are waterproof or sweat-proof, because all of them wash or wear off. The new labels can claim water resistance, but must tell consumers how often to reapply the product when swimming or sweating – every 40 minutes or every 80 minutes. Those claims also must be backed by testing.
Broad-spectrum claims are backed by testing.
Dermatologist have long recommended broad spectrum sunscreens, those that offer significant protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Both kinds of rays contribute to wrinkles and skin cancer. Now products must pass a standard test before they make that claim.
Sunscreen is never enough.
Broad spectrum sunscreens with SPFs of 15 and above now carry labels that say they “can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging” if used as directed – in combination wiht limiting your time in the sun, especially at midday, and wearing long sleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses.
This article was written by Kim Painter for the May 22, 2013 issue of USAToday.
What is Microdermabrasion? And what is this thing called a DermaSweep?
I often get questions about the different types of treatments for skin problems. If you’re experiencing one of the following, microdermabrasion and DermaSweep may help improve your skin and reduce these problem areas.
- Sun damaged skin on face or body.
- Enlarged or clogged pores
- Brown pimple marks and other skin blemishes
- Age spots and superficial pigmentation
- Some stretch marks and acne scars.
You’ve probably heard the terms microdermabrasion and DermaSweep™ before, but they sound very foreign. I know, but I’m here to explain what it is and some of the benefits of Microdermabrasion and DermaSweep™.
What is Microdermabrasion?
First, Microdermabrasion is simply removal of the outer most layer of dead skin cells. The medical term for this layer is known as the stratum corneum.
There are several types of Microdermabrasion. One type includes tiny crystals to buff and sluff. Another type is called a Diamond tone uses an abrasive tip to remove dull skin. Both are very effective, however their only purpose is to remove the very top level of dead skins cells.
What is Dermabrasion?
The medical dermabrasion machine at Associates in Dermatology is called a DermaSweep™. It utilizes specialty bristles and an adjustable vacuum pressure suited for all skin types.
In addition to removal of sluggish dead skin, it has another important feature called infusion therapy. It actually replaces or feeds the skin once treated. The infusion process uses a silk soft tip with a variety of chemicals & vitamins to treat the concerns of the skin. For example Vitamin C provides a powerful antioxidant while also offering a natural protective shield from environmental factors. Other infusions address skin types like those with acne, sun damage, sensitive skin and aging skin.
Your skin will glow with radiance after just one of these treatments!
Expected Results?
Multiple DermaSweep™ treatments provide long lasting results. The condition of the skin will improved dramatically. Expect your skin to be more subtle and smoother. Your products and creams will require less application while their absorption rate into the skin will significant. Get the most impact with this effective and affordable way to treat your fabulous skin!
Finally, always consult with a skin care professional or your physician prior to treatments. Different skin disorders are contraindicated for these treatments. The average price range is $100-$150 per session depending on your location and setting. Ask about packages as they may be offered at a discount rate.
Nordic Beauty Secrets
Pernille Sporon-Boving, a Danish artist based in State College, Penn., has never done anything special to take care of her skin. She doesn’t use expensive creams, she doesn’t get facials and she doesn’t wear any makeup.
And yet in her mid-40s, she needs no enhancing. The skin on her face is tight and glowing, with enviable smoothness and sheen. She is fit and healthy and a living example of the no-frills approach to beauty that’s common to almost all Scandinavian and Nordic women, from Copenhagen to Reykjavik, and from Stockhlom to Helsinki.
Theirs is a seemingly effortless and natural look that’s admired and coveted by women the world over. But ask an expert like Annica Joensuu, head of the Swedish Organization of Skin Therapy (Sveriges Hudterapeuters Riksorganisation), a trade association for beauty schools and skin therapists in Sweden, what the secret is, and she’ll laughingly chalk it up to just a thick moisturizer and “good genes.”
Those good genes, though, are bolstered and perpetuated by two key ingredients: a healthy diet and an active, on-the-go-lifestyle, both of which contribute greatly to natural beauty and are just a part of life in the Nordic region.
It’s true: Although many women in the Nordic region arguably make a conscious choice not to be bogged down by the trappings of beauty—makeup, hair products and skin care regimes that require time and effort—their day-to-day lives in a part of the world where winters are long and hard just don’t afford them the time and the space for excessive pampering, Joensuu says.
“We’re lucky not to get sun most of the year here, so our skins are not exposed as much to its harshness,” she says, but in a region where the winters are tough and long, where the balance between comfort and discomfort is tenuous at best, the primary focus is on “getting out and getting on with things by embracing nature and integrating it into our lives.”
And that means applying a thick moisturizer on the face, bundling up in layers of warm clothing and grabbing a pair of skis, a sled or a bike (yes, even when it’s snowing) and heading out the door, no matter the cold and the dark. “Sitting here now, I can’t imagine just how much I did outside,” says Sporon-Boving, who has lived in Denmark, Norway and Greenland. “I had two small kids and I dragged them everywhere with me in the coldest of weather. That just wouldn’t happen here in the U.S., and if I think back it seems crazy, but that’s just the way of life over there and you get used to it. You even start to enjoy it.”
There’s little doubt that living an active, outdoorsy life—particularly in the winter—does wonders for the metabolism by quickly burning unwanted fat. But taking a Nordic winter by the horns and reaping its benefits is not for the faint of heart, and it requires, above all else, a strong body. That’s why healthy eating is all-important in that part of the world, and it’s so much a part of the culture that it requires no special effort at all. The typical Nordic diet is rich in fiber and bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in a range of leafy and root vegetables like carrots, beets, rutabagas and artichokes, all of which are everyday fare, Joensuu says. All those nutrients do wonders for the skin and body. For instance, vitamin A in carrots helps skin cells renew themselves and the surprisingly high vitamin C content in rutabagas (also known as Swedish turnips) is shown to prevent wrinkles.
“No snacks for us,” says Joensuu, but rather three full meals a day made up of whole grain cereals and breads, low-fat dairy products and lots of fish like herring, salmon and mackerel that are plump with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to help fortify the membranes of the skin cells and guard against the formation of wrinkles.
And then of course, there are the berries. Not just any berries, but Nordic berries—super fruits that grow in a part of the world where the sun doesn’t set in summer, and that are plumper, richer and exponentially more powerful than any berry anywhere else in the world. “They’re soaking in sunlight around the clock for 24 hours straight,” says Joe Pastorkovich, VP North America for Finnish skincare company Lumene, “and this makes their vitamin and antioxidant properties a full 81 percent richer than any cultivated berry.” Those vitamins and antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects, which help keep skin young and plump and can even prevent heart attacks.
In the Nordic region, berries—blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, lingonberries, cloudberries, to name but a few—are ubiquitous. They’re eaten plain or atop breakfast cereals, and they’re mixed into desserts, cooked into jams and pressed to make juices and liqueurs.
Companies like Lumene have been harnessing the powerful properties of these berries, in particular the yellow Arctic cloudberry, which grows between August and October in the bogs and swamps of Sweden, Norway and Finland, to integrate them in a sustainable manner into various creams and skincare products. Lumene’s flagship creams are made from the seed oil extracted from cloudberries when they’re pressed into juice, says Josefin Backman, the company’s Helsinki-based head of research and development.
“The oil contains high amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-3, vitamins A and E, plant steroids and fatty acids, all of which are essential for keeping your skin barrier intact and in good condition,” she says. “The cloudberry nectar that we use has phenolic compounds that contain detoxing properties to brighten and lighten the skin and keep it soft and supple.”
To the extent that products like Lumene’s are available on store shelves in the U.S., more women may have a chance to avail of the raw power of the Nordic region’s natural bounty, in the hopes of cultivating the beauty of the women from there. Today, the Nordic diet is high profile, almost on par, studies have shown, with the Mediterranean diet for its health quotient.
But no matter the skincare options and the diet and the lifestyle choices that women may make or have available to them, there’s one very important quality that Eric Post, Sporon-Boving’s husband and a professor of biology at Penn State University, believes is key to the beauty of Nordic women: their strong sense of self-reliance. In a part of the world where women do everything that men do, where gender equality is barely an issue (in 2003, for example, Norway passed a law that would require 40 percent of directors for all public companies to be women, and the Nordic countries top global averages for the number of women in government), “these women are inherently independent and self-confident,” Post says. “Beauty is an emergent property of this feeling, not, by contrast, something that can be contrived by adding to one’s appearance.”
Anyone who can find a way to harness and package that unique quality may well have found the secret to true beauty.
Article by By Savita Iyer-Ahrestani taken from YouBeauty.com https://www.youbeauty.com/skin/nordic-beauty-secrets#7
Valentine’s Day Specials
Don’t Miss Our Valentine Specials
Now’s a great time to stock up on your favorite in-stock skin care products from Skinceuticals.
Tip: Did you know our products aren’t marked up for commissions so you can get the very best price!
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Great savings on our Aesthetician Services, too. Consider a Dermasweep Treatment or a refreshing facial. Treat your Valentine to something special! Not sure which services you’d like to consider. Click here for our list of services
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Not sure what your special someone needs? Our Gift Certificates are a great solution!
Discounts on services and products end on March 1, 2013. Gift Certificate special end February 15, 2013. Cannot be combined with any other discount.