Retinols: Vitamin A. Everyone should be using them at least 1 time a week. If you don't like all the peeling, just back off how many times you use it. It helps to build collagen, soften fine lines and regenerate your skin. Use with a topical antioxidant, such as vitamin C for your best results. Good luck!

Laser Skin Procedures

How can lasers improve the appearance of my skin?

Lasers...

Laser hair removal, IPL, tightening of the skin, tiny veins on the face or leg veins, etc. are different ways to improve the skin. Each modality has a different way to treat the skin with a certain wavelength.

Laser Hair Removal(LHR): Its all about timing and heat with LHR. Hair grows in stages, active, resting and falling out. Typically hair is treated in a series of treatments for the best results, between 3-6.(But I've seen even more) LHR is trying to "kill" the hair follicle and that is why it works so well. I usually tell my clients that by the 3rd treatment you will see the difference in your hair growth, because all your growth is on the same cycle. Hair growth becomes patchy and slower with each treatment. Timing is key, because we have a parameter of the hair cycle. Treatments are anywhere between 4 weeks-3 months, depending on the body part. You may only shave between treatments, do not pluck the hair out.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Treats brown and red in the skin. The light is attracted to the dark spots in the skin and brings them to the surface then the spots fade out. Giving you a more even skin tone. Your skin looks brighter, tighter, and yet a softer look. Treatments are done in a series, how many you will need depends on how dark the spots are and skin type etc. IPL is also great for treating tiny veins in your skin as well. The IPL coagulates the veins, helping them to disappear. It is also wonderful for a ruddy complexion. All treatments can be spaced out 3 weeks apart for best results. These are great for everyone and unfortunately we can't filter out all the rays of the sun, so follow up treatments in 6 months to a year is probable.

Vein Therapy: Vein therapy on the legs works the same as on your face, however a "true" laser is used. I have had much success in treating these. How many treatments depends on the vein size and response to the treatment. Treatments are spaced out 4-6 weeks apart, allowing the veins to heal.

Tightening and Resurfacing: There are many lasers on the market that treat these problems, and they do work. Overall it is all about patient selection. If you know you plan on having plastic surgery someday, then a tightening procedure is not for you. Laser can not take the place of plastic surgery. However, if going under the knife is still a little scary for you, laser treatments are the answer. Laser is corrective to what bothers you, yet preventative. These procedures build collagen and your skin will continue to rebuild itself.

Aging still continues...but we can slow it down!!

Questions Welcome

Next time...retinols.

What Bothers You About Your Skin?

Okay. What bothers you about your skin? Everything? Dull, dry, aging skin. You aren't alone. But don't be so hard on yourself! Re frame your thinking and right there, your skin looks better. There are so many ways to improve your skin tone. There are so many skin care products to help but where to begin? I will help you start taking care of your skin. Remember your skin is the largest organ in your body and it is the first thing people notice about you. The beauty industry has exploded with many ways to help you look good, from lasers, product to injections~its become real easy to turn back the clock. Everything you see in advertisements is true, but can be very confusing. Here you will find the easiest way to take care of your skin. If anything is confusing please ask questions and I will answer as quickly as possible.

Lets start with just the basics:

Cleanse/Tone

Prevent/Correct

Moisturize

Protect

What kind of cleanser should I use? ~ That depends on your skin type, i.e. normal, dry, oily, problematic, or sensitive. Look for products that are gentle enough for your skin and for your skin type. If you do have oily to problematic(acneic) skin use a product with AHA/BHA's to help exfoliate.

Do I really need to use a toner? ~ Yes. A good toner should help assist in cleaning your face and bring your skin to its proper ph of your skin.

I notice tiny lines around my eyes, what can I do about them? ~ You can slow down the process of fine lines and wrinkle developing, however aging does continue. Regular exfoliation of your skin by mean of chemical peels, microdermabrasion and antioxidants slow down that process. Peels and microdermabrasion soften fine lines by exfoliating your outermost layers of your skin, giving it a nice glow and evens out skin texture. Antioxidants repair the structure of your skin, topical vitamins are excellent to incorporate in your skin care regimen. These steps are both preventative and corrective to proper skin care. Peels are an excellent way to help acneic skin, but also helps with dry/ dehydrated skin. But be forewarned, moderation is key and too much exfoliation can backfire.

I like to get a base tan so I won't sunburn. ~ This is a myth. There is no such thing as a "good" tan. Sunscreen is imperative for looking younger. Obviously staying out of the sun as much as possible is your best defense against sun damage and aging skin. Remember Skin Cancer is the #1 cancer. Please remember to reapply every 2 hours, wear a cute hat and make your natural skin tone look as HOT as possible! Bottle tan is the way to go, visible brown spots is proven to make you look older.

Look for my next blog on Botox, facial fillers, and lasers...

All Questions Welcome

Welcome!

I am creating a blog to answer all questions about taking care of your skin. Here you will find out what you can do to look and feel your best. If you have questions regarding anything out there, from Botox to facial fillers, skin care product, plastic surgery or what the trend is. I can give you those answers very easily. Please check back often and I will also be providing style ideas for yourself and home.