We, at MDSkinShop.com, get
questions from individuals several times a day on skin concerns they
have and with the plethora of products available, they are not sure what
they should use. Here is one of THE most common questions we get, in
one of our customers own words:
Hi Carey:
I
have placed several orders with you in past and always trust your
professional opinion when it comes to my skin. As you know, I have had
concerns about the lines I am seeing around my eyes and how dull my skin
looks lately and the products you recommended have really made a
difference. Now I am noticing a spot under my left eye that is getting
darker. It is summer and I have been spending a lot of time out in my
garden so I think that is why is seems darker. What would you recommend
to fade, or even better remove, this spot?
Cheers, Barb (we removed her last name for privacy purposes).
Well, this is a very common question we get from many of our clients. There are several options available so we will explore each of them.
Brown spots on the skin are usually from sun damage over time or from a wound that has healed leaving a brown spot behind that never goes away (this is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) most prevalent in skin that naturally has more melanin.
The most effective ingredient on the market for lightening pigmentation is hydroquinone. You can find hydroquinone in 2% (OTC) and 4% (Rx) strength. Obviously, the higher percentage of active ingredient, the faster the results. Hydroquinone is the only FDA approved skin lightening agent available however many other ingredients have been found to help fade spots but they usually take longer to work.
If skin is sensitive, we recommend using non-hydroquinone based skin lightening agents. Ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice extract, niacinamide, bearberry extract, mulberry extract, l-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).
Some clients don't want to lighten out a brown spot but would prefer to have it removed. Removal of brown spots must be done in a clinical setting using IPL (intense pulse light) or high frequency (LAM Probe or Skin Classic). Usually high frequency is more cost effective overall.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
To Exfoliate or Not to Exfoliate...that is the Question?
The Importance Of Skin Exfoliation
There are different types of exfoliation. Natural, Physical (also known as Manual) and Chemical exfoliation? Learn the differences and why exfoliation is necessary.
What Is Skin Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is defined as the removal of surface dead skin cells by natural, chemical or manual means.
Why Is Exfoliation Important?
Exfoliation is considered one of the most important routines that
you can perform on your skin to resolve certain skin problems as well as
to achieve healthy and glowing skin. As skin ages, the natural exfoliation process slows down significantly. This is part of the reason why skin appears dull, pores appear larger and lines around the mouth, eyes and on the forehead appear more pronounced.
What Skin Care Problems Does Exfoliation Resolve?
Blemished skin
Exfoliation should be the main focus of a homecare program. So often,
we are told to dry out the skin with harsh acne products. Although this
will destroy acne-causing bacteria, it tends to dry out the skin, and
this usually results in not only irritated skin but also in future
breakouts. Why? Because as you over-dry the skin, you create surface dry
skin cell buildup. This then acts as a barrier to trap oil in the skin,
thereby starting a cycle of new breakouts. A Renée Rouleau skin care
professional can determine how to handle problem skin situations.
Post-breakout red/dark marks
Often, the real concern is not so much the actual blemishes, but
rather the red, dark marks that remain on the skin long after the
breakout has healed. The key to fading those post-breakout marks is to
increase your exfoliation. The more you remove the surface damaged skin
tissue, the more you are ridding the skin of the dark marks and
encouraging the formation of new healthy (non-scarred) skin tissue. The
result is more even-toned skin with less scarring. See PCA Skin Pigment Bar to fade stubborn acne scars.
Clogged pores
Clogged pores aren't infected blemishes, but rather blackheads, small
whiteheads, and little clogged bumps on the skin, often on the
forehead. The same rules apply as with blemished skins. The more you
remove surface dry skin cells (usually caused by using harsh, drying
products), the less oil will stay trapped and congested in the pores.
Hyperpigmentation
These are the brown spots that come from age, pregnancy, hormonal
changes, and genetics. These spots tend to become more apparent and
darker as the skin ages. Exfoliation is beneficial for breaking up the
pigmented cells to allow them to fade. Combined with a skin lightening
agent, such as Vitamin C (found in our Vitamin C & E Treatment) or Hydroquinone (available OTC or by prescription), exfoliation will help accelerate the fading process.
Dry skin
Especially in the winter, exfoliation is very important. So often
when the skin is dry, we tend to load up on heavier creams to compensate
for the dryness. But dry skin means you have dry skin cell buildup. And
the more you layer on the heavier creams, the more you are trying to
re-hydrate dry dead skin cells, which makes no sense! Instead, increase your
exfoliation to remove the dry skin cells, and then moisturize the new
skin cells, resulting in a moister skin.Use Sesha Renew Exfoliating Gel to brighten up dull and tired skin.
Those who desire smoother skin
One way to instantly smooth the skin is to exfoliate! When you rid
the skin of the surface dry skin cells, you create a smoother
appearance.
Those concerned about anti-aging
The skin's natural exfoliation process slows as the skin ages,
resulting in an accumulation of dry skin cells. As you increase your
exfoliation, you are tricking the skin into acting young again.There are two types of exfoliants. First, a "chemical" or "acid" exfoliant does the work for you. You apply it, leave it on the skin, and it works to dissolve the dry skin cells. These exfoliants include ingredients such as Glycolic Acid (most aggressive AHA), Lactic Acid (better for lighter exfoliation), Malic Acid, BHA (salicylic acid) which is excellent for skin that breaks out or is oily and enzymes such as Pumpkin, Papaya, and Pineapple which is perfect for teen skin and sensitive skin.
Some examples of Medical Grade products containing Glycolic Acid are Glytone Rejuvenating Lotion 1, 2, and 3 with varying strengths of exfoliator which are excellent choices for mature skin, smokers, ex-smokers and non-sensitive skin, and Sircuit Skin Youth Accelerator or gloTherapeutics Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub which are great for sensitive skin or first time users of exfoliators that are not sure what skin type they have.
Second, a "physical" exfoliant means that you to do the work manually. These exfoliants include facial brushes and facial scrubs. Some examples of physical exfoliants are NIA 24 Physical Cleansing Scrub, Blinc resurf.a.stic face or Sircuit Skin sir activ Zeolite Purifyng Scrub.
For sensitive skin, we suggest using the enzymes instead of the acids, as these tend to be gentler on delicate skins.
For severely sun damaged skin, a Medical Grade Retinol combined with use of an exfoliator, manual or chemical, is effective because it accelerates cell turnover more deeply in the skin repairing cell function and improving the skin's overall tone.
To find out which exfoliants are best for your skin, choose from our skin condition exfoliating skincare list.
How Does A Person Know If They Are Getting Too Much Exfoliation?
Which Professional Exfoliating Treatments Are Beneficial?
Many skin care spas,
including Radiant Skin Clinic in Mendon, NY offer microdermabrasion, mini-brasion (a
gentler form of microdermabrasion), ultrasonic exfoliation, chemical
peels, and enzyme peels to give your skin a more intensive exfoliation
than you can do at home. A licensed Aesthetician (a skin care professional) can help provide you with recommendations on products that are best suited for your skin needs.
The Bottom Line
The goal with your skin is to exfoliate as much as possible; with
minimal irritation. Lightly exfoliating the skin with a physical scrub each day (with minimal pressure) prior to applying treatment products also provides better penetration therefore better results!
Friday, November 2, 2012
25% Off Sesha Clinical Repair Protect 30 Day Emulsion
7th Anniversary Medical Grade Skin Care SALE
25% Off Storewide at:
www.RadiantSkinClinic.com
Radiant Skin Clinic :: Anti-Aging :: Clinical Repair Protect 30 Day Emulsion
Cutting Edge Medical Grade Skin Care Brands:
25% Off Storewide at:
www.RadiantSkinClinic.com
Radiant Skin Clinic :: Anti-Aging :: Clinical Repair Protect 30 Day Emulsion
Cutting Edge Medical Grade Skin Care Brands:
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Skin Care from Your Pantry
Short on time and/or money? You can create your own spa treatment at home that is easy and affordable.
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| Cafe Mocha Body Polish 2 Tbsp Ground Coffee, 1 Tbsp Cocoa Powder & 3 Tbsp Shea Butter |
WIN THE WAR ON AGING WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are your body's
go-to defenders in the fight against aging. They team up against disease and
counteract the effects of free radicals while combating the aging process.
Here's why I'm their biggest fan:
THEY FIGHT AGING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
We can't feel it when free radicals injure our cells, but when it happens, antioxidants go into defense mode in an effort to stop the chain reaction of damaged cells. Over time, without a strong defense, this cellular breakdown can lead to a number of chronic diseases. Antioxidants help to counteract this process...
THEY SUPPORT HEALTHY SKIN.
Common skin woes like dull, uneven tone and wrinkles can all be improved with the use of an antioxidant serum. Add an antioxidant serum to your daily skin care regimen or mix the serum with your sunscreen to naturally brighten your skin and add an extra layer of protection.
Try SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, which contains a potent combination of antioxidants including Coenzyme Q10, green tea leaf extract, blackberry leaf extract and vitamins C and E to protect against free radical damage. SkinMedica also makes Vitamin C+E Complex which is an excellent topical antioxidant with a powdery smooth texture that works well under makeup as a nice primer as well.
THEY FIT INTO A HEALTHY DIET.
Studies show that there’s more to protecting your skin than applying topical products: eating a diet high in antioxidants can help to ward off the signs of aging from within. The foods you consume directly affect your skin, so eating well and looking your best go hand-in-hand.
Eat well-balanced meals with a complex mix of antioxidants—think vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes—to round out your diet. Taking a supplement that is high in anti-inflammatory ingredients boosts the effects of a healthy diet like CELLectives Radiant Skin CELLect which is packed with polyphenols, grapeseed extract, grape skin extract, green tea, quercetin, and pine bark extract (OPC).
THEY COUNTERACT BAD HABITS.
Smoking, air pollution, excessive alcohol consumption and even eating deep-fried foods can promote free radical formation within your body. Air pollution has been linked to cataracts, skin cancer and wrinkles, while cigarette smoking has been linked to gum disease, heart problems and cancer.
It’s important to remember that while antioxidants provide an important defense system against free radical damage, they do not negate the effects of destructive habits like smoking.
THEY’RE DIVERSE.
These vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are mostly naturally occurring substances and often have specific functions. For example, lycopene helps defend the skin against sun damage. Certain antioxidants (like isothiocyanates, found in broccoli and cauliflower) battle pollutants like nicotine, while vitamin E helps prevent wrinkle formation and works to stop the cellular damage that causes skin cancer.
Take a smart approach and avoid zeroing in on one antioxidant function—incorporating a wide array of antioxidants into your diet and skin care routine is the best way to achieve optimal protection.
THEY FIGHT AGING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
We can't feel it when free radicals injure our cells, but when it happens, antioxidants go into defense mode in an effort to stop the chain reaction of damaged cells. Over time, without a strong defense, this cellular breakdown can lead to a number of chronic diseases. Antioxidants help to counteract this process...
THEY SUPPORT HEALTHY SKIN.
Common skin woes like dull, uneven tone and wrinkles can all be improved with the use of an antioxidant serum. Add an antioxidant serum to your daily skin care regimen or mix the serum with your sunscreen to naturally brighten your skin and add an extra layer of protection.
Try SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, which contains a potent combination of antioxidants including Coenzyme Q10, green tea leaf extract, blackberry leaf extract and vitamins C and E to protect against free radical damage. SkinMedica also makes Vitamin C+E Complex which is an excellent topical antioxidant with a powdery smooth texture that works well under makeup as a nice primer as well.
THEY FIT INTO A HEALTHY DIET.
Studies show that there’s more to protecting your skin than applying topical products: eating a diet high in antioxidants can help to ward off the signs of aging from within. The foods you consume directly affect your skin, so eating well and looking your best go hand-in-hand.
Eat well-balanced meals with a complex mix of antioxidants—think vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes—to round out your diet. Taking a supplement that is high in anti-inflammatory ingredients boosts the effects of a healthy diet like CELLectives Radiant Skin CELLect which is packed with polyphenols, grapeseed extract, grape skin extract, green tea, quercetin, and pine bark extract (OPC).
THEY COUNTERACT BAD HABITS.
Smoking, air pollution, excessive alcohol consumption and even eating deep-fried foods can promote free radical formation within your body. Air pollution has been linked to cataracts, skin cancer and wrinkles, while cigarette smoking has been linked to gum disease, heart problems and cancer.
It’s important to remember that while antioxidants provide an important defense system against free radical damage, they do not negate the effects of destructive habits like smoking.
THEY’RE DIVERSE.
These vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are mostly naturally occurring substances and often have specific functions. For example, lycopene helps defend the skin against sun damage. Certain antioxidants (like isothiocyanates, found in broccoli and cauliflower) battle pollutants like nicotine, while vitamin E helps prevent wrinkle formation and works to stop the cellular damage that causes skin cancer.
Take a smart approach and avoid zeroing in on one antioxidant function—incorporating a wide array of antioxidants into your diet and skin care routine is the best way to achieve optimal protection.
Sesha Skin Care...It's all in the Delivery!
Sesha (pronounced sesh-ay) Clinical Skin Care line is relatively new to the pharmaceutical-based skin care arena. We first ran across them at the American Academy of Dermatology conference two years ago. They were new to the event and had some exciting technology to offer.
At first glance, the product ingredients were not new or innovative. Several high end skin care lines offer retinol (vitamin A), Vitamin C (l-ascorbic or ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate), MDI Complex, Carnosine, Dermaxyl, etc. What really sets this skin care line apart is the delivery system!
Those of us that are self-proclaimed "experts" in the skin care field are usually more interested in ingredients than how a product feels on the skin. Consumers who use skin care products are more interested in how the product feels than whats in it - both are interested, but for different reasons.
In the past, I was no different when it came to skin care products. I wanted to know "whats in it". Little did I know back then that quantity and quality alone are not enough to make a skin care line exceptional. I knew that skin care products were not all created equal. I understood that spa-based skin care lines had better ingredients than over-the-counter brands and that medical grade skin care lines had higher quality ingredients than spa-based brands with high concentrations of active ingredients... BUT... what I did not take into consideration was how key the delivery system was, until recently.
A product line can have all the most technologically advanced ingredients in high concentrations packed full of punch, but without an advanced delivery system, all those ingredients go to waste!
For instance, you can offer 20%, 25%, 30% Vitamin C in a product which is very high but when you apply that to the skin it oxidizes almost immediately, not to mention stings like a dickens. Vitamin C is a very volatile ingredient. When exposed to light and oxygen, it breaks down quickly rendering it useless. The skin cannot utilize it effectively. In fact, once Vitamin C oxidizes, it becomes radical itself causing more harm than good. If you take that same high concentration Vitamin C and encapsulate it in a delivery system that keeps it stable while penetrating the skin, now you have an effective product.
In the past, liposomal delivery systems have been the gold standard in keeping ingredients stable; however over a period of time the liposomes break down in the product releasing the stable ingredients so they become less effective. The longer the product sits on the shelf, the less effective it becomes.
Sesha Clinical Skin Care uses a delivery system called P.E.T. which stands for "penetration enhancement technology". With this technology, ingredients can be delivered to the cells within the skin layers where each is utilized most effectively.
How PET works?
PET™ works by solubilizing the active ingredients and temporarily modifying the permeability of the skin. Therefore, when large-molecule active ingredients are combined with PET™, they are able to pass through the skin cell barrier to reach the deeper layers below the epidermis. PET™ is very versatile and allows us to combine nutrients to work together as a networking system. Thus, PET™ enables the penetration of the actives and provide you with the full benefits of each individual ingredient.
PET™ is also extremely versatile and compatible with formulations that containing peptides, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids enabling deep controlled penetration through the top layer stratum corneum in a single formulation.
Is it Safe?
PET™ also passes the stringent requirements of the FDA to be considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Human clinical study demonstrated to regulatory authorities that PET™ is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-allergenic.
Here is a diagram of how the delivery system works:
Give this product line 30 days and you will notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels:
Sesha Clinical Skin Therapy>>Shop Now
We recommend you start with the Sesha Clinical Advanced Antioxidant Cream in the morning and the Sesha Clinical Complex A Renewal Emulsion at night.
At first glance, the product ingredients were not new or innovative. Several high end skin care lines offer retinol (vitamin A), Vitamin C (l-ascorbic or ascorbic acid), Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate), MDI Complex, Carnosine, Dermaxyl, etc. What really sets this skin care line apart is the delivery system!
Those of us that are self-proclaimed "experts" in the skin care field are usually more interested in ingredients than how a product feels on the skin. Consumers who use skin care products are more interested in how the product feels than whats in it - both are interested, but for different reasons.
In the past, I was no different when it came to skin care products. I wanted to know "whats in it". Little did I know back then that quantity and quality alone are not enough to make a skin care line exceptional. I knew that skin care products were not all created equal. I understood that spa-based skin care lines had better ingredients than over-the-counter brands and that medical grade skin care lines had higher quality ingredients than spa-based brands with high concentrations of active ingredients... BUT... what I did not take into consideration was how key the delivery system was, until recently.
A product line can have all the most technologically advanced ingredients in high concentrations packed full of punch, but without an advanced delivery system, all those ingredients go to waste!
For instance, you can offer 20%, 25%, 30% Vitamin C in a product which is very high but when you apply that to the skin it oxidizes almost immediately, not to mention stings like a dickens. Vitamin C is a very volatile ingredient. When exposed to light and oxygen, it breaks down quickly rendering it useless. The skin cannot utilize it effectively. In fact, once Vitamin C oxidizes, it becomes radical itself causing more harm than good. If you take that same high concentration Vitamin C and encapsulate it in a delivery system that keeps it stable while penetrating the skin, now you have an effective product.
In the past, liposomal delivery systems have been the gold standard in keeping ingredients stable; however over a period of time the liposomes break down in the product releasing the stable ingredients so they become less effective. The longer the product sits on the shelf, the less effective it becomes.
Sesha Clinical Skin Care uses a delivery system called P.E.T. which stands for "penetration enhancement technology". With this technology, ingredients can be delivered to the cells within the skin layers where each is utilized most effectively.
How PET works?
PET™ works by solubilizing the active ingredients and temporarily modifying the permeability of the skin. Therefore, when large-molecule active ingredients are combined with PET™, they are able to pass through the skin cell barrier to reach the deeper layers below the epidermis. PET™ is very versatile and allows us to combine nutrients to work together as a networking system. Thus, PET™ enables the penetration of the actives and provide you with the full benefits of each individual ingredient.
PET™ is also extremely versatile and compatible with formulations that containing peptides, vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids enabling deep controlled penetration through the top layer stratum corneum in a single formulation.
Is it Safe?
PET™ also passes the stringent requirements of the FDA to be considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe). Human clinical study demonstrated to regulatory authorities that PET™ is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-allergenic.
Here is a diagram of how the delivery system works:
Give this product line 30 days and you will notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels:
Sesha Clinical Skin Therapy>>Shop Now
We recommend you start with the Sesha Clinical Advanced Antioxidant Cream in the morning and the Sesha Clinical Complex A Renewal Emulsion at night.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Understanding Blackheads, Large Pores, and Oily Skin
One of the most common beauty questions repeatedly asked in dermatology offices is how to prevent and treat blackheads, shrink pores, and decrease oily skin. Here are a few suggestions to help your facial skin looking clean, clear, and with time, smooth with smaller appearing pores.
Blackheads, otherwise known as open comedonal acne, are the result of oil duct blockage with sebum (a fatty oil mixture) from the oil glands, and may be due in part to blockage from dead skin cells. The sebum stagnates in the oil duct and leads to a blockage of the opening. With continued exposure to air on the surface of the skin, the sebum contents become oxidized and turn black leading to the appearance of blackheads. Blackheads mostly occur in the oiliest areas of the face such as the nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin, but may also occur on the chest and back. Prevention of blackheads naturally centers around keeping the oil ducts clear. This may be accomplished by either decreasing sebum production or dissolving the sebum in the duct and allowing it to drain to the skin rather than causing a blockage.
Treatment of blackheads includes prevention methods as well as physical blackhead removal. This primarily includes doing a salicylic acid or glycolic acid peel, or microdermabrasion, followed by the use of force to physically push the occluded pore material out. Commercially available alternatives to physically remove blackheads are also available such as the use of raw chinese clays, such as Kaolin and Bentonite, to draw the sebum from the pores. This allows for thorough cleansing of the pores without the discomfort and damage associated with physical extraction. Products that contain these clays are SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, Glytone Deep Cleansing Masque, Pevonia Balancing Combination Skin Mask, Alyria Purifying Mask, and DCL Clay Mint Mask.
Prevention of blackheads can be done by several methods: use of tretinoin products (e.g. Retin-A), salicylic acid products (peels, lotions, creams), glycolic acid products, over the counter retinoids, and microdermabrasion. Tretinoin products allow normal maturation on skin cells and prevents dead skin cells from contributing to pore blockage. Salicylic and glycolic acid products remove dead skin cells to prevent pore blockage, and salicylic acid works particularly well to dissolve the sebum for easy drainage and unblocking. Microdermabrasion also removes dead skin cells from the skin surface and may physically remove some smaller blackheads.
In regards to large pores, pore size is genetic and cannot be altered. With the use of topical skin care, proper cleansing, and in-office therapies, pores can appear much smaller than they actually are. Larger pores are indicative of oily skin, this is why pores are larger for those with combination skin in the T-Zone as this is where higher levels of oil secretion exist. It is widely believed that consistent use of tretinoin products, microdermabrasion, and salicylic/glycolic acids all result in the appearance of smaller pores. For more dramatic results, deeper laser treatments and manual dermabrasion destroying the upper layers of the skin may result in smaller pores when full healing occurs.
OILY SKIN:
Oily skin is a product of genetics and is individual to each person. While there is no single best topical treatment to decrease oil production, there are a variety of treatments to minimize the appearance of oily skin or aid in oil absorption for a matte finish. One product, in particular, has been used very successfully by many performers (such as American Idol contestants) to keep oily shine under control during the day and that is OC Eight OC Eight utilizes a unique technology called ACRYSORB that continuously absorb excess facial oil as quickly as its produced. Another excellent oil absorbing product is Minus-Sol Oil & Shine Control Cream.
Other common skin care product ingredients designed for control of oily production are mainly benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. Some of these products are only made to be used once a day, while washes are made to be used 2-3 times per day. Repeated use of a retinoid product may in theory decrease oil production to some degree.
The first step to magnificent smooth skin with small pores is to remove the blackheads, either physically or by peels. Then, the use of a salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide wash along with a retinoid is needed to prevent blackhead formations. Regular use of salicylic acid products and retinoids should lead to smaller pore appearance, and regular microdermabrasions may be additively helpful in achieving this goal.
Finally, for oily skin, carry some salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzoyl peroxide wipes to enjoy clear, dry, and healthy skin and use of a topical oil-absorbing product to maintain a matte finish all day long help.
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