New You Resolutions!

The holidays are right around the corner, and we all know what that means – New Year’s Resolutions!  Instead of making a resolution that you know will be ridiculously hard to keep, here’s a list of 10 resolutions that will be easy and beneficial for your skin and health!
1. WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERY DAY – We know, we know…we preach this every blog almost.  But that should tell you how important a daily SPF of 30 or higher is!  Many women don’t like the texture of sunscreen, but with so many new formula’s coming out, it’s easy to find one you like. Look for "nongreasy" or "sheer" on the label.  Try our private-label Topix spray zinc, or La Roche Posay’s “Shaka” Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Fluide, available at www.skincarekorner.com.
2. TAKE OFF YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT- As someone who is a guilty party when it comes to night time makeup remover, this will absolutely be one of my resolutions this year! You've known since middle school that makeup can mix with skin oils and dirt to cause zits. Cosmetics can also trap skin-damaging free radicals that float in the air (think: bus exhaust) against your skin. But it always seems like such a hassle to drag yourself to the bathroom and splash water everywhere!  So what can make it easier? If you have no plans for the evening, wash you face as soon as you get home and into your comfy clothes!  Still too burdening?  Use a makeup remover towelette for easy makeup removal.
3. BOOK A YEARLY MOLE CHECK – It’s once a year, but having a mole checkup is crucial, even if you are doing monthly self exams. It could mean the difference between life and death.

4. EXFOLIATE REGULARLY – The first thing we notice as we get older is our dull complexion.  Did you know a baby’s skin replenishes itself every 14 days, but by age 30, it takes 28 days? Scrub away the dead skin with an exfoliator!  Try Vivite’s Exfoliating Facial Cleanser once or twice a week, or a daily cleanser containing glycolic acid such as Topix Glycolic 10% Cleanser, which will help your skin stay smooth and bright!  Both are available at www.skincarekorner.com.

5. CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES - Brushes collect makeup, skin oils, and dead skin cells, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash your tools twice a month with your facial cleanser or an antibacterial hand soap.  Rinse well, squeeze out excess water, and allow to dry thoroughly before using again.

November Product Spotlight- Topix

The arrival of November brings our Spotlight to Topix!

Topix Pharmaceuticals provides our Skin Care Krew with our very own line of products. From retinols to sunscreens, Topix has our patients covered. Antioxidant rich, Topix products can be very calming and soothing to the skin. 

Some of our favorite products will be covered this month not only by our regular Krew, but also other members of our Blair Plastic Surgery Staff.

Are there any specific products you would like to see reviewed? Leave your suggestions in the comments or email us at skincarekrew@gmail.com

-Diane

Seasonal Skincare

Fall is here and so is the need to switch up our skincare! 

We have pick up a couple of quick and easy tips, and want to make everyone's seasonal transition a bit easier this year!

-Use a humidifier. A humidifier in your home or apartment will keep the ambient humidity a bit higher which will help the feeling of dryness on the skin.

-Swith to lukewarm water when cleansing the skin. Hot water strips the skin of essential oils and over dryness may occur as a result.

-Consider going fragrance free. Fragrance and dye free skincare products will be less irritation than other products.

- Don't forget the SPF! Sun protection is essential 365 days a year, not just in the summer!

Rebecca

Skin Care Focus Group

We will be holding a Skin Care Focus Group in our State College office today! We have been preparing for several weeks for this event and are so excited!

After a brief introduction of our practice and staff, we will be presenting two new cosmeceutical product lines, ReGenica and Revisions.

ReGenica is a new brand containing growth factors and stem cell technology and we do not currently offer any of their products in our practice.  We do offer 2 products from Revisions; Teamine eye cream and Intellishade tinted sunscreen.  Revisions however, has a multitute of specialty products available which we have never tried; Nectifirm for the neck, Lumiquin for the hands, the Black Mask, to name a few. The goal of our focus groups is to determined whether or not these new products/lines are worth the time and cost based on the results they may or may not produce. We need volunteers who are willing to test these products for 6 weeks.  Full size products will be given to those 4 volunteers that fit the target profile for these products.  Two volunteers will try the Regenica line and 2 other volunteers will try the Revisions products.

Other attendants will be given sample sizes of those products and can return for the Results focus group on Thursday November 8th.

We look forward to sharing our results!

-Dr Fanny

Overnight Aging

 

The first signs of aging appeared overnight. "Right around the time of my birthday, if I recall correctly. First, I saw faint little lines coming from both of my eyes. I figured I had just slept funny on the pillow, and it would be gone by lunchtime. At lunchtime, I rechecked and the lines were still there. I panicked. Clearly, I am too young for crow's feet! Over the next few weeks, I started to notice more fine lines and that my skin was just looking over all dull. Then, a brown spot. Right on the side of my cheek! That's why I called and came right in. Please help!"

 

 

I often hear these exact statements from our patients. The phenomenon of overnight aging is not limited to women either. Men suddenly may notice aging prior to class reunions or other major events.

 

How best can we correct these problems?

 

-Exfoliating Moisturizer, especially with glycolic acid can gently exfoliate skin dullness, mild tone issues and soften the beginnings of fine lines. We recommend several products, including Vivite's Vore system to our patients.

-Retinol Eye Cream, Vitamin A (retinol) helps to plump and thicken skin. For around the eyes, use specially formulated eye creams, like La Roche Posay's Redermic Eyes or Topix Retinol Eye cream. Retinol is not well tolerated in every skin type, so be sure to check in with your skin care professional before changing up your regimen.

-Sunscreen, aging starts with unprotected sun exposure. UVA rays are especially damaging. Protecting your investments in your skin by using sunscreen is essential! Broad spectrum, physical block applied every 1-2 hours while in  the sun are the best anti aging tool of all! We recommend Topix Glycoix Elite Zinc Sunscreen with 30 spf, Intellishade 45 spf and many other sunscreens from various lines.

 

All products can be found on www.skincarekorner.com!

 

-Rebecca

 

 



UV Damage

UV damage is one of the  most common issues that the Skin Care Krew counsels patients about. By the time our patients come in complaining of brown spots, texture issues or rough scaly patches, the damage is done.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has plenty of things to say about sun damage, and it is past time for all of us to listen.

First, there is no such thing as a healthy tan! The skin produces tan in order to shade itself, like a built in umbrella if you will. However, over time the umbrella breaks down and the skin beneath feels the effects of the UV light.

Second- A sunburn is caused when a high dose of radiation on the form of UV light kills the top layer of skin cells. Not only does a moderate sunburn kill skin cells, but after the peeling occurs, the the new skin cells beneath are even more prone to damage.

Third- Sun exposure causes premature aging of the skin because of 3 factors. UVB stimulates the cells of the epidermis to produce more quickly, and this causes a thickening effect. UVA light bypasses the thickened skin and effects the connective tissue (collagen) and the elasticity weakens.  Overproduction of melanin from UVB exposure creates spoting. So combining all three leaves an over exposed patient with coarse, sagging spotted skin.


The best way to prevent UV damage is still to use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 spf and reapply every 2 hours. Broad brimmed hats, sun resistant clothing and avoiding the sun during peak exposure hours are the gold standard for protecting yourself. Another rule of thumb is if you shadow is shorter than you are, it is time to head inside!

-Diane

resources
www.who.int/faq/uvhealth/en/index

BB Creams, here to stay or all hype?

All across the Internet, BB creams are being buzzed about. Every blog and review site has an article about this new product.

So what is a BB cream?

BB stands for either Blemish Balm, Blemish Base or Beauty Balm, depending on the manufacturing company. The purpose of these hybrid product is to multitask for the consumer. The main ingredients are typically a moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock.

BB creams have been around since the 1960's when dermatologist Dr Chrisitne Schrammek developed the first BB cream for her patients to use to hide redness and protect their skin after laser resurfacing. Since then, BB creams have been used extensively by consumers in Asia, most notably Korea where additives for skin whitening are popular.

Since hitting the market in 2010, BB creams have been met with a lukewarm response until just recently. With more public awareness and different formulations of these hybrid creams, expect to see BB creams on more bathroom counter tops in the future.

There are many different versions so make sure that if you decide to try one of these new products, read the ingredients carefully. Many brands have a skin lightener or shimmer added which may cause irritation in some skin types. Apply only as directed and sparingly.

In our practice, we have Revisions Intellishade, a product which is a moisturizing sunscreen with added peptides. For many of our patients interested in a BB cream, Intellishade may be a good fit! Check out www.skincarekorner.com for details on Intellishade.

So, will you be trying a BB cream in the future?

-Diane

Time to clean house!

I am currently renovating some rooms in my house, and my next project is my bathroom. As

a recovering product/makeup junkie, as I was cleaning out the many skin care, hair care,

and cosmetic products I had accumulated over the past 4 years, I was starting to feel a little

overwhelmed! I mean, what was good? What should I keep? What should I pitch? Some of

the makeup I had was from my makeup artist days, and were well over 4 years old. Obviously I

threw out anything with an expiration. But what about everything else? So I decided to do some

research. I knew if I was having this problem, that many of my patients were as well.

After looking into things, I came up with a general list of shelf life for most skin care and

cosmetics:

*Mascara, Eyeshadow, and Eyeliner - 2-3 months. These products are most important to

replace regularly, as they are applied so closely to your eyes. Mascara wands can easily breed

bacteria, which can transfer to your eyes. It will have a gasoline-like smell when it goes bad.

Eyeliner and eyeshadow that are past the usage point can cause red, itchy eyes, and even

conjunctivitis.

*Liquid Foundation - 6-12 months. When left in hot or moist environments, bacteria can grow.

Also, avoid dipping your fingers directly into the bottle, as your fingers can carry bacteria and

germs as well. Instead, pour a little on the back of your hand, or use a sponge. However, use a

new sponge every time you apply.

*Powders/Powder Blush - 2 years. There is hardly any water in a powder so the risk of

contaminating with bacteria is low. However, blush brushes should be cleaned

weekly with an

antibacterial cleanser, or your regular face wash.

*Lipstick/Lipgloss - 1 year. As long as the lipstick/gloss is not left in direct heat, or left

unopened for a long period of time, you can go up to one year before replacing this product.

Skin Care

*Facial Cleansers - 6-12 months. After this time, the active ingredients in the wash can break

down and become less effective, especially if left in a hot shower.

*Moisturizers - 6 to 12 months after being opened/ 2 years if unopened. Facial moisturizers

that have added ingredients -- like antioxidants or vitamins A, C, or E -- expire more quickly

because they're sensitive to light and heat (if left in your bathroom). If you notice a change in

color, consistency, or smell, throw the products out.

*Retinols/Trets - Most of these products will have an expiration date, but in case you can’t find

one, 6 months. The Vitamin A can break down over time, making the product less effective.

*Vitamin C - 6-8 months. After you open a Vitamin C product, oxygen will get to it and the

product will oxidize, or turn dark. This is normal, and will not affect the effectiveness. However,

after 6-8 months, you may notice the the Vitamin C is very dark and may have an odd smell. At

that point, it will need replaced.

*Eye Creams - 6 months. Active ingredients can break down after too long in eye creams.

Also, try to avoid dipping fingers directly into eye cream, as you can transfer more bacteria.

*Sunscreens - All sunscreens are now required to have an expiration date on the bottle.

Sunscreen expiration dates are 3 years after the manufacturing date, but if you try to use an

SPF from last year and it’s watery or smells odd, buy a new bottle.

After going through all of my own products, I ended up throwing away a majority of the products.

My husband was thrilled...at least until my next trip to the makeup store to replace everything I

threw out!

-Elizabeth

A Hard Habit to Break-Elizabeth

I recently came across an article at www.Allure.com (the makeup artist in me still loves reading

about new cosmetics!!) called “17 Bad Skin Habits.” As I was reading the article, it amazed me

how many of the bad habits I myself had! If I (a skincare specialist who worked with bad skin

everyday) was guilty of these habits, how many of our patients were? The entire list can be

found at http://www.allure.com/skin-care/2010/bad_skin_habits#slide=4. 
Below is highlighted a list of some very important, and easily breakable, habits.

* Skipping a Daily Sunscreen - The fastest way of aging your skin? Not wearing a broadspectrum

sunscreen of at least an SPF 30 or higher! A tablespoon is recommended to safely

protect your face.

* Smoking - Do I really need to explain this one? Not only is smoking horrible for your health, it

also ages you an average of 2.5 years every year. Not to mention the awful smell....

* Using Dirty Makeup Brushes - This is a HUGE culprit among many patients. Take 10

minutes once a week, and wash your brushes with your facial cleanser! You’ll be surprised at

the difference!

* Not Washing Your Face At Night - I am the guiltiest party with this bad habit! I understand

that by the end of the day, you’re beat. I’m the same way, but if I can break this habit with a

4 year old, work full time, and school full time, so can you! Take 10 minutes and wash your

face...I promise you’ll see a big improvement within a week.

* Popping Pimples - It’s so hard not to pick. As someone who used to suffer from cystic acne,

I know this all too well. But your face will thank you in the long run if you can keep your hands

off! Apply some SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age or some benzoyl peroxide to help dry it up.

Picking at a pimple can actually push the bacteria inside deeper into your face, causing more

surrounding breakout, not to mention redness and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If

a pimple looks ready to break, apply warm compresses to see if it will drain on its own. If not

HANDS OFF until it can heal itself.

* Tanning - Again, do I really need to explain this one? There is a laundry list of horrible things

that tanning can do to your body, including thicker skin, melasma, hyperpigmentation, fine lines,

and cancer. Self tanners and spray tans can give you the golden glow you want using much

safer methods.Check out the article at http://www.skincarekorner.com/index.phpp=detail&pid=61&cat_id=.

Which habits will you be changing?

-Elizabeth

ABC's of UV Rays

What are these rays and how do they damage the skin? UVA is a short range beam of ultraviolet light and UVB is a long range beam. An easy way to remember what beam effects what layer of skin is to recall that UVA light is an aging ray and UVB is the burning ray. UVB leads to superficial damage, such as erythema (pinkness) and sunburn. UVA penetrates the skin deeply to effect the dermal layer causing the skin to age and damages cell DNA possibly causing skin cancer!

Broad spectrum sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays preventing the long and short term damage of the sun’s rays.

The proof is right in front of us now as consumers that sunscreen is the most important skin care product that we have available!

Protection is essential.

-Diane

Fing

Elite Zinc Sunscreen

For me, Elite Zinc Sunscreen is my broad spectrum sunscreen of choice. I have found that the mildness of this sunscreen is ideal for both acneic and rosacea skin types. 17% micronized zinc means that the coverage is both even and well absorbed by the skin. Along with being oil free and chemical free, this sunscreen has Vitamins A, C, E, Co Q-10 and green tea extract!

Post procedure,Elite 30 SPF  is the only sunscreen I use for our patients as it is appropriate and well tolerated in all patients whether it be a laser hair removal, resurfacing patient or microdermabrasion and chemical peels. For those who find the whitening effect of the zinc oxide to be a little off putting, I recommend the patient simply mix a small amount of their make up into the sunscreen before applying.

The pump delivery system is nice, and the bottle has lasted me about 3 months with daily application. This sunscreen also travels well and doesn’t leak or spil. I have no problem reapplying this sunscreen. On a personal note, I have used this sunscreen on both my husband and 7 year old for years, and they have both tolerated it well. I have recommended this sunscreen to patients who golf because after application, it does not leave their hands slick and greasy.

What ever sunscreen you choose, remember it is important to reapply and maintain protection even when the forecast is cloudy!

-Diane

My Go to Sunscreen- Rebecca

I have found my favorite sunscreen!  Revision's Intellishade original is a tinted moisturizer with SPF45.  I have tried so many different sunscreens and most of them were too thick and white or got in my eyes and burned like crazy.  The advanced formula is great for even sensitive skin types.  I like that I get my complete tinted coverage as well as SPF45 broad-spectrum protection and moisturizing peptides.  Breakthrough peptides reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by directing the skin cells to produce more collagen.  The tinted coverage matches every skin tone, every time.  I like the original formula because it gives me a dewy finish, but it comes in a Matte formula too.  Most oily skin types like the matte finish because it helps conceal the shine.  I sample the product in both formulas to everyone, because you are only going to wear a sunscreen if you like it.  It is something that’s on your face all day (hopefully), so you must like the texture, the smell and how it feels once it is on your skin.  With the Intellishade, when I apply it in the morning it stays put.  I love it and I know you will love it too.

-Rebecca

Sunscreen 101- Elizabeth

As much as men don’t like to admit it, their skin can be just as sensitive and sun damage-prone

as women’s skin. Men often look at applying any variation of facial cream or lotion as feminine,

but there is nothing feminine about applying a daily sunblock and preventing skin cancer and

premature aging!

Sunscreen isn’t just for fair men, either. Even men who tan easily, as well as African American

and men of other ethnicities need to be wearing this life-protecting product. According to

http://

www.skincancer.org

, “The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age

50.”

The steps in choosing the right sunscreen for men is simple, as long as you remember some

important details:

1. Always make sure the sunscreen you are purchasing contains titanium dioxide and/or zinc

oxide. These ingredients act as physical blocks, as if you are holding a solid object between

you and the sun.

2. Make sure the label says that the sunblock protects against BOTH UVA (aging UV rays) and

UVB rays (burning UV rays). Just because you don’t actually get a sunburn does not mean that

you haven’t soaked up some not-so-nice UVA rays, causing lines, hyperpigmentation, and dull

complexion.

3. Choose an SPF 30 or higher, and try to find one that is labeled “water resistant.”

Correct application of sunblock is the most important part of sunscreen 101. Sunscreen should

be applied 15 to 20 minutes before heading outside into the sun. If you are off to the beach or

a picnic for the day, then whole body application is recommended, which is about the equivalent

of a shotglass full of sunscreen. Men also need to pay special attention to spots such as

ears and receding hairlines, that are often forgotten about. If you are somewhere you will be

sweating or swimming, reapply EVERY 2 hours.

Men have many options when choosing a sunscreen, and

www.SkinCareKorner.com has many

different brands, textures, and SPF’s to choose from. Check out our store website for more

information, and watch the video on properly applying sunscreen!

References:

http://www.tree.com/health/mens-skin-care-healthy-skin-sunscreen-tips.aspxhttp://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer

-Elizabeth