Chemical Peels

Ah, the confusion about chemical peels.  As an Aesthetician, whenever I mention performing a chemical peel I can either visually see the client cringe or experience a moment of silence accompanied by a questioning look.  I can picture what is running through their head.  Layers of skin hanging off my face, bright red face with raw spots and scabbing. 

So, I thought I would help everyone out.  There are many chemical peels available to those who treat skin.  They run the gamut from non-invasive to very invasive.  The invasive peels could be considered a medical procedure and should only be performed in a physician’s office.

Chemical peels are comprised of a variety of various acids.  They are used to remove the top layer of aged or sun damaged skin as well as penetrate your pores and clean out dead skin cell build-up for those who suffer from acne.  Chemical peels are very beneficial for your skin.  They provide fresh new skin that is smoother and softer with a healthy glow as well as collagen stimulation and plumping of the skin .  They also allow the topical products applied afterwards to better penetrate your skin and do their job.  With some peels you may flake for up to 5 days and with others the peeling is non-visible.  All peeling can be controlled with moisturizers.

Before receiving chemical peels you should prepare your skin by using topical products which contain lesser amounts of one or more acids.  This is necessary to acclimate your skin to the procedure, causing less irritation.

Some of the acids used are mandelic, lactic, Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA), glycolic, salicylic, Retinoic Acids, kojic, azelaic, and Jessners.

Educate yourself and seek the knowledge of a professional.

Is This Skin Cancer Or Not?

As an Aesthetician, I get this question daily.  I had a client today who is prone to moles and was wondering if some of them might be cancerous.  You are your best defense in this area.  Know your body, inspect it regularly and have a professional screening once a year by a dermatologist.  This is no different than women receiving yearly mammograms and pap smears.  Do not wait until it is too late.  The reason you should know your own skin is that a dermatologist sees you once a year along with thousands of other patients and he/she is not going to specifically remember your skin.  If you have something that is changing on your skin, have it looked at.  Basal cell carcinoma is the least serious of skin cancers but can spread at the site and grow so that the area needing to be removed can be large if you do not catch it in time.  Melanoma grows in a different way.  It goes into your cells, your lymph system, blood and bones.  It can be at a serious stage before you know you have it. 

The ABCD's of skin cancer.  Asymmetry, Border, Color and Diameter.  Most melanomas are asymmetrical, their borders are uneven, their color is varied in shades and their diameter is usually larger than common moles. 

Squamous cell carcinomas usually start in the epidermis layers of your skin.  You might see scaly patches or raised growths in such places as your nose, forehead, hands or lips.  This can spread quickly and should be checked out.

Basal cell carcinomas often start as little bumps on your face, lips, around your mouth or ears.  They may be crusty or not heal and bleed.  You should have these removed as they can spread requiring a larger area to be removed.

How valuable is your life to you?  Don't put off having a screening and/or removal of suspicious moles or irregular skin lesions.  See your dermatologist today.

How Long Will the Results of my Treatment Last?

Have you ever asked this of your skin care professional? 

I'm sure most of us have as we are interested in knowing exactly what to expect from our treatment and how long will we notice the difference. 

Well, your skin is just like every other part of your body.  How long do you think your teeth would last if you only brushed them every now and then?  How long would your body stay fit and toned if you went to the gym a few times a year?

When you receive a professional skin care treatment you will notice the difference right away and it may last for a few days.  If you want long term results, you have to do the work.  What is more important is what you do at home on a daily basis.  I like to tell my clients it's like taking your skin to the gym.  If you treat it right, use professional grade products, drink plenty of water and protect it from the sun, it will treat you well. 

Your skin is what you present to the world every day.  Are you willing to do the work to present your BEST face?

Remember:  Skin - The Most Important Thing You Wear!

Healthy Skin

As I am preparing for a presentation on healthy skin some thoughts come to mind that I wanted to share.

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body?  I'm not sure most people do know this.  Since it is our largest organ keeping it healthy would seem prudent.  Our skin protects us from infection, bacteria and toxins.  It is our first defense against infections entering our bodies. 

Now, of course, genetics play a big role in the skin you were born with.  But there are other things in our control that affect our skin.  Our overall health, exercise, nutrition and sun exposure are up to us.  These things will all factor in to how our skin ages.  We should hydrate our skin daily by drinking plenty of water and using a nourishing moisturizer. 

Here's to having good, healthy skin!

Chemical vs. Chemical Free Sunscreen

I tell my clients the number one thing to use on their skin is sunscreen.  If they are only going to do one thing, then sunscreen it is.  Especially for those who live in sunny climates. 

There are so many choices out there.  Do you know the difference between a chemical sunscreen and a physical blocking sunscreen?  Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin and fight off the damage the sun's rays are doing while you are exposed.  Chemical sunscreens can take up to 20 minutes to penetrate your skin after applying them.  They may irritate your skin and have the potential to run into your eyes causing tearing.  Chemical sunscreens are the ones that contain scents, avobenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, bensophenone and oxybenzone.  This does not mean they are bad for you or ineffective.  It just means they are different than a physical sunblock or chemical-free sunblock.  If you have sensitive skin, you should probably choose a physical or chemical-free sunblock.

Physical sunblocks do just that.  They reflect the sun from your skin rather than just fighting off the damage of the sun's rays.  Physical sunblocks are usually composed of micronized titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or a combination of both and usually contains no scent.  Years ago surfers and beach volleyball players would apply colored zinc oxide on their noses.  Not only did it totally block the sun from their nose it added a little pizazz.  Initially zinc oxide was very white, very thick and hard to rub in.  Now technology has made it much more user friendly.  Find one that says it is micronized and it will rub in, no white left behind, and you will be protected.

Choose the sunscreen that works best for you so that you will wear it every day no matter what.