When it comes to sun exposure, what you don't know CAN hurt you!

The good advice about staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as well as wearing sunscreen, are pretty well known. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic, however, say there's more to sun protection than that.

• The ultraviolet rays of the sun can bounce off water, sand, ice, snow and other reflective surfaces. A wide-brimmed hat can protect your head, but your face and neck are still at risk from reflected ultraviolet rays.
• The color of your clothes affects the absorption of the sun's rays. Darker clothes absorb the UV rays. Tightly woven fabrics such as denim give better protection than knits, which allow the sun's rays to seep through between the threads.
• Whether your sunglasses are dark or not, they won't stop ultraviolet rays unless the manufacturer's label says they will. They should block 99 percent to 100 percent of all ultraviolet light.
• Having a dark skin color does not protect you from skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people of all skin colors take precautions against sun exposure.
• About 90 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays can and will pass through the clouds. Follow sun-protection advice even when the sun isn't shining.
• Proper use of sunscreen is a tricky task. If you normally burn after 20 minutes in the sun, SPF 15 should keep you safe for 15 times that long, five hours.

But sunscreen protection weakens with time, especially on a humid day. Sweating will also weaken its protection. It's best to reapply sunscreen every few hours and right after swimming.

I have long been an advocate of using sunscreen daily.  Give me a call to find out which sunscreens I recommend for your skin type and activity level.

Skincare for the Over 40 Set

I recently found a great blog entry by Dr. Oz that really addressed skincare after 40.  Since so many of my clients (and myself!) are in that magical age bracket, I thought I'd share the article, and add my two cents :)

During our 40s, the body is undergoing profound changes, and the skin is not exempt. It is a time where dryness can exist simultaneously with acne. How unfair is that? Also, the signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration and laxity are emerging and can progress quickly through the decade. Fortunately, there are many ways to address these issues to maintain your best complexion possible.

Dry Skin: Hormone levels start to drop long before entering menopause. During peri-menopause, as estrogen levels fall, many women first notice their skin is much drier than before. This is a common finding, but if not addressed, can lead to premature fine wrinkling around the eyes and mouth. A good way to add hydration to the skin without excessive greasiness is to use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps to restore moisture levels to the skin as it actively attracts water.

Dull Skin: Skin cell turnover slows down with age, leading to a dull, lackluster complexion.  Using glycolic-acid-containing products, either a cleanser, toner or moisturizer, can help remove some of the dead skin layer to reveal a healthy glow. Another good option for exfoliation is an at-home personal microdermabrasion device. Used once a week, it can gently remove the dead skin cells to restore radiant skin.

Acne: I have many patients in their 40s that say, “Why am I still getting acne when I now have wrinkles, too?” Unfortunately, acne around the mouth and jawline is quite common in our 40s and is almost always due to fluctuating hormone levels. Topical spot treatment with salicylic acid can be helpful to dry up the occasional zit. However, if there are many cysts and the skin is otherwise quite dry, a visit to the dermatologist to obtain oral medication may be required. Options include low-dose antibiotics or a medication that works to block the effect of hormones on the skin.

Wrinkles: If she hasn’t seen one already, a woman will likely see her first wrinkles in her 40s.  Genetics, sun habits, overall body health and skin-care routines all contribute to how the skin ages. During this decade, I advise patients to start paying close attention to their skin because the best time to treat the signs of aging is right at the onset.

Prescription retinoid creams can stimulate collagen to slow the signs of aging; however, people with sensitive skin can use over the counter retinol as a less intense alternative. For evolving wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, botulinum toxin (Botox or Dysport) can be used in small doses to help prevent wrinkles from getting worse while maintaining a natural look.

Not quite ready for botox? Look for creams containing the ingredient gamma amino butyric acid which helps to temporarily reduce muscle movement to improve wrinkles. Results are not as long lasting or effective as botulinum toxin, but can be used to temporarily improve fine lines and wrinkles without injections.

I have several treatments available that can put off the signs of aging.  In particular, the PCA Skin Peel and new Ultrasonic Treatments can really give your skin a new life.  Give me a call and I can customize a treatment plan for you - and have your face "Party Ready" before Christmas!

~Sandy

Coconut Water and Dry Skin

I don't know about you, but I've been hearing about Coconut Water EVERYWHERE lately!  I've heard good things anecdotally,  but hadn't seen much from reputable sources on what, if anything, coconut water can do to help with overall skin health.

To be honest, my research has provided information on both sides of the debate on the benefits of coconut water.  The biggest thing I've found in my research is that the water IS, in fact, very hydrating (similar to Gatorade, but higher in potassium), which is always a great thing for your skin.

According to NewBeaty.com, a website with really good information about all things beauty, Coconut Water can be good, but the consensus is that coconut itself is the real gem:

"Coconut water has some oils from the coconut milk that are part of the essential ingredients for a healthy skin barrier," says West Palm Beach, FL, dermatologist Kenneth R. Beer, MD. "Drinking it may help a little, but not as much as eating fresh coconut or making a face mask with it," he says. 

You can read the rest of the article here - it's short and sweet and has some good info.

As for the nutritional properties of the coconut craze, you can find some really good information here, in an article by US News about the current research and information about both the water and the oil.

At the end of the day, the most important thing for you to do for your skin is to hydrate!  Whether you drink Coconut Water, regular water or Gatorade, be sure you're drinking at least 8 glasses per day to keep those wrinkles away!

~Sandy

"Beauty Routines" for Men

None of us grew up watching our fathers dabbing moisturizing cream on their eyes or lying on the couch with tea bags on their face. But men are wising up; sales of department-store eye products for men shot up a whopping 33 percent in 2011 over 2010. Eye creams and gels for men brought in just $3.5 million in 2007. In 2011 they jumped to $5.4 million.

It makes sense. Everyone wants to look younger, though men have long avoided using anything that could appear to be unmanly. “Women go to the bathroom together and talk about lip color, but in my experience guys don’t get together for 'Monday Night Football' and talk about what eye creams they use,” Brian Boye, fashion and grooming director for Men’s Health magazine, recently told The New York Times. All that seems to be changing as skin care becomes more mainstream among men - not just 'metro-sexual' types, but across all types of men.

I have seen evidence of this in my own salon, and have been getting more calls and requests for treatments for men.  It used to be that women called for their husbands, boyfriends, or teenage sons.  Now, the tide is shifting a bit and I'm getting calls from the men themselves!  

There's a great article I found about over-the-counter skin treatments - be sure to take a look at it!  If you have any questions about your skin care regimen, or need advice on available treatments, be sure to call the salon and ask... we're happy to help!

15 Secrets of Top Dermatologists

You all hear me talk about the importance of sunscreen, healthy eating and plenty of water for your skin.  But more than that, there are plenty of things you can do to help with the aging process, or to improve your skin's tone and overall health.  

Three top Dermatologists put together a list of the Top 15 things they personally do to help get that perfect skin we all want!

1.  Tea bags for puffy eyes - it's true, placing a cool object on the puffy tissue underneath your eyes helps, and teabags do just the trick!

2.  Dark circles DO respond to topical treatments - Dr. Jody Levine, M.D. recommends lightening agents like Kojic Acid, Arbutin and Retinol.

3.  You CAN tell someone's age by their hands - Most people forget about their hands.  The same anti-aging treatments you use on your face, as well as broad-spectrum sunscreen, can be used on your hands.

4.  Don't underestimate the power of eye cream - Skin around the eyes is really thin and dry, which makes the fat pads and capillaries beneath visible. Keeping it moisturized and supple with a cream hides them, making you look younger immediately.

For the full story, and the rest of the secrets, you can click here for the article on LuckyMag.com.

Botox® - Injectables

One of the most common questions I get is about Botox.  What is it?  How does it work?  Is it right for me?  How is it administered?  I found a great article on the newbeauty website that gives a good explanation of how Botox works, and answers a lot of the questions I often get. 

A relatively painless procedure, Botox injections are virtually downtime-free.  Muscle actions play a big role in aging around the eyes, as contractions lead to initial dynamic wrinkles followed by more permanent lines.  Botox is great for stopping crow's-feet and the vertical frown lines between the brows, and it prevents the muscle movement that leads to fine lines and furrows.  The treatment can also be used as an "injectable browlift" to slighly elevate the brow and eliminate horizontal lines across the forehead to help the upper face look younger and more relaxed.  Many plastic surgeons consider Botox to be an integral part of a surgical browlift, since its use before surgery can help relax the muscles and facilitate healing.


I personally have tried Botox injectables - and I'm happy to share my own personal experiences!  I loved the results, and coupled with regular facials and good skin care have really seen great results.

Click here to read the article in its entirety!

How Frequently Should I Get Facials?

Recently, I read a great article on ask.com that answers the "how often" question really well.  The bottom line is that everyone should get regular facials - but you should bear in mind that your skin type and skin care goals will have a lot to do with what is best for you.  


How often you should get a facial depends on several factors -- your skin type, skin condition, skin care goals, your budget, age, even where you live. On average, getting a professional facial once a month is ideal for someone who wants to take good care of their skin. That's because the skin is a living organ, and it takes about 30 days for the cells to move up from the dermis to the surface, or epidermis, where they flatten out, die and slough off. A professional facial stimulates that exfoliation process, keeping the skin more toned and youthful-looking. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes.

How Skin Type Affects How Often You Should Get A Facial How often you should get a facial depends on your skin type -- normal, combination, dry, or oily. If you have oily, acne-prone skin with breakouts, blackheads and clogged pores, you should get a facial every two weeks until it is cleared out and calmed down. As you skin improves, you can stretch it out longer until you're on a schedule where your skin stays relatively clean and clear.

If you have normal, combination, and dry skin, a once-a-month facial is usually fine.

How Skin Condition Affects How Often You Should Get A Facial

Skin condition is whatever the esthetician notices at the time of your facial -- dryness, dehydration, redness, blackheads, dull skin, etc. You might come more often than monthly if you have acne, a lot of blackheads or whiteheads you want to get cleared out, or if you have skin that would benefit from a series of treatments like peels, light therapy, or microdermabrasion.

Other Factors That Affect How Often You Should Get A Facial

Skin Care Goals. If you want to have your best possible skin for a lifetime, find a great esthetician early in life, get on a good skin care regime, and follow it. Not everyone puts a high priority on personal appearance.

Age. Unless they have oily skin and breakouts, younger people can usually get facials less frequently because their skin naturally generates new cell growth faster. When you're young, your biggest priority is to be on a good skin-care regime, keep the skin clear of blackheads, and have a strategy to deal with breakouts.

As you age, you might go more often and spend more on treatments that are done in a series, such as peels, light therapy, or microdermabrasion.

Budget. Income and budget affects how much money you have available for facials and skin care. Try to at least get a facial once every three months, and make the investment in quality products.

Where You Live. Urban environments have more pollution that make your skin dirtier. If you're prone to blackheads, you might need to be rigorous about your once-a-month schedule instead of stretching it out to six weeks.

Check out the full article here, and feel free to contact me any time to talk about the latest in treatments and recommendation for your specific skin care!


~Sandy

Dramatic Rise of Skin Cancer

Even as the rates of some cancers are falling, Mayo Clinic is seeing an alarming trend: the dramatic rise of skin cancer, especially among people under 40. According to a study by Mayo Clinic researchers published in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, the incidence of melanoma has escalated, and young women are the hardest hit.

In an article on Science Daily's website, a Mayo Clinic Dermatologist talks about the use of indoor tanning beds, sunscreen and the importance of being aware of your skin and noticing changes. 

"We anticipated we'd find rising rates, as other studies are suggesting, but we found an even higher incidence than the National Cancer Institute had reported using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database, and in particular, a dramatic rise in women in their 20s and 30s," says lead investigator Jerry Brewer, M.D., a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. Researchers conducted a population-based study using records from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a decades-long database of all patient care in Olmsted County, Minn. They looked for first-time diagnoses of melanoma in patients 18 to 39 from 1970 to 2009. The study found the incidence of melanoma increased eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men. The lifetime risk of melanoma is higher in males than females, but the opposite is true in young adults and adolescents, Dr. Brewer says.

Take a look at the article and let me know what you think - I want all of my clients and friends to be healthy and cancer free!

Good Grooming is a Plus for Men

Men have found the beauty isle. It's been there for a long time, but only recently have men discovered that looking great helps them compete in the business world.

They don't have to be obsessed with their appearance to care about roughened cuticles, regular hair trims, and moisturizer to make their skin look youthful. The national beauty director for Nordstrom says looking your best is more important in our image-conscious world. It's true that they are in the business of selling products, but their ideas could give you a leg up on looking good.

* Add a face scrub to your regimen twice a week. It will slough off oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. Use it in the shower, and you'll find you get a closer shave afterward.
* Hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Everyone needs hydration, they say, even a man with oily skin. Apply it after shaving and it will feel good.
* Use an eye cream. A great eye cream hydrates the skin around the eyes, reducing puffiness and minimizing the signs of wrinkles, which is a step toward preventing them. Use men's cream, not women's.
* Pay attention to the condition of your hands and fingernails. Have an occasional manicure and otherwise maintain finger nails.
* Invest in a good shampoo, conditioner and hair styling product.

Remember, I have several treatments available that are specifically designed for men - be sure to ask!

~Sandy

Rosacea

 Rosacea is an increasingly common condition that affects men and women alike.  While women are more likely to have this condition, it's men who have the more severe symptoms.

Symptoms include red, blotchy, sometimes "pimply" areas of the face, which is why many mistakenly refer to it as adult acne.  Most who suffer from this will notice certain things that will trigger a flare-up - alcohol, spicy foods, wind, sun exposure and more.  There's a really good article on WebMD that gives some good information about flare-up prevention and treatment.

Regular treatment by a dermatologist can help control the symptoms, as well as regular care of the face.  I have specially designed treatments that are safe to use, and can help with keeping the flare-ups at bay.  Give me a call to see how I can help!

~Sandy

QUIZ: What is your skin's age?

So, I know we all want to have young looking skin, and I certainly see my fair share of men and women who wonder "how old do I look??"  The thing is that there are lots of things that affect your skin's age.  Sunscreen, diet, healthy habits... you get the picture.

I found a fun quiz on Women's Health Magazine's Website that walks you through and helps you deterimine your skin's age.  It's definitely not the last word in skin, but it's a fun quiz to check out!

Remember, I can always help erase those little missteps and issues you may be battling yourself.  I have a ton of facials, chemical peels, and more that can (in the words of the beautiful Cher) "turn back time."

Take a look at the quiz and see what you think - then give me a call and let's get to work!

~Sandy

Holiday Skin Stress?

This time of year, your skin can get really worked out.  Between indulging in rich foods, party treats and cocktails, your skin reacts in many (sometimes unwelcome) ways.

By paying attention to the products you're using, and keeping your sking extra moisturized, you can have a healthy holiday glow instead of a holiday drab.  I found a great article on WebMD that talks about things you can do to help - check it out, then give me a call and we'll get a super moisturizing treatments going to help too!
~Sandy

How Microdermabrasion Works

I get lots of questions about what microdermabrasion is and how it works. It's truly an amazing process, that while once only available to "Hollywood types" has crossed into the main stream.

This is a great article on microdermabrasion by Discovery Health. In it they explain the process in very easy-to-understand terms, as well as talking about the benefits:

"The idea is that if you remove or break up the stratum corneum, the body interprets that as a mild injury and rushes to replace the lost skin cells with new and healthy ones. In the first hour after treatment, this causes mild edema (swelling) and erythema (redness). Depending on the individual, these side effects can last anywhere from an hour to two days.This process has a few beneficial effects. With the stratum corneum gone, the skin's surface is improved. The healing process brings with it newer skin cells that look and feel smoother. Some of the skin's visible imperfections, like sun damage, blemishes and fine lines, are removed.

Also, without the stratum corneum acting as a barrier, medicinal creams and lotions are more effective because more of their active ingredients and moisture can find their way down to the lower layers of skin. As microdermabrasion temporarily removes some moisture from the skin, it is always followed by the application of moisturizing creams.Early studies suggest that repeated microdermabrasion treatment at regular intervals may influence the way the lower layers of skin grow, as well, removing deeper blemishes over time. Some evidence seems to indicate that the rapid loss of skin moisture may be what triggers the lower skin layers to work overtime in speeding healthy cells up to the surface."

What a great article to familarize yourself with the process! Take a look, then give me a call and schedule your session now!

5 Beauty Foods for Natural Radiance

Who knew raisins would be good for your teeth? I loved this article I found on Yahoo! Shine. It talks about several foods that are good for your skin, teeth, eyes and more. Nutrition is so often overlooked for beauty... we all know we need to watch what we eat for our insides, but knowing how much it can help us on the outside too makes it doubly important.

One thing the article doesn't mention is water. Drinking an adequate amount of water is one of the simplest, yet most underutilized anti-aging skin care techniques. Water is truly the building block of life and a constant infusion of water purifies and feeds cell tissue for optimal skin at any age.

Check out the article, then come in for a facial to get that dry winter skin ready for the holidays!

Ten Benefits of Chemical Peels

Keeping our skin healthy and glowing isn't easy, and the winter months can make it even harder. We all want to reclaim that wonderful radiant complexion we had in our youth, and one of the best ways to do that is to get a chemical peel.

If the words "chemical peel" scare you a bit, never fear! Peels are easy, and aren't nearly as terrifying as surgical options. They give you dramatic results, and have long been known as the secret to beautiful skin to many enthusiasts.

The article Ten Benefits of Chemical Peels lists ten of the many benefits of chemical peels, including repairing sun damage, acne management, smoother skin and age spot removal, among others.

I am a firm believer in utilizing chemical peels for a variety of skin conditions. I have trained extensively and use only the very best and safest products on the market. Give me a call and we can discuss which options are the best for your personal skin concern.

5 Reasons To Get a Professional Facial

The largest organ in our body is our skin which acts as a protection from the harmful invasion of foreign substances. The skin helps the body to excrete waste products. Therefore, our skin needs to be pampered and protected at all times. There are various ways that we can protect our skin from the external factors that can harm the integrity of our skin. Eating the right kind of foods, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, proper hydration, and wearing sunscreen are important ways to keep our skin healthy but having a regular facial treatment from a trusted esthetician is a very vital step towards healthy skin for both men and women.

When was the last time you invested in a professional facial treatment? A facial treatment has a lot of health benefits especially to your well-being. This offers you the chance to work with a professional skin care specialist who will analyze your skin type, help you improve all the imperfections, and show you the methods on how to care for your skin properly. Give yourself the chance to experience the treatments that cleanse, hydrate, tone, and refine your skin.

1. Regular facial treatment helps to increase the circulation in the area and stimulates the skin. Experts believe that it can help delay the premature aging process by custom-targeting your unique skin care. Facial treatments are a great way to prevent the wrinkling appearance on your face as you age. Keeping your skin properly hydrated will prevent your skin from dehydration.

2. A facial treatment can guarantee you a deep cleansing better than the type of cleansing you typically do at home. It includes cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration which can help to unclog your pores and get rid of deep seated dirt and impurities that affect the overall health and appearance of your skin.

3. A facial can help you understand the proper products specifically suited for your skin. Many people are using the wrong products for their skin type causing their skin to become sensitized. There are now so many home-party companies and over-the-counter lines out there with unqualified people recommending skincare. Only a qualified, licensed esthetician or skincare professional should recommend a home care regimen that will work best for your skin type. Skin type is determined by pore size, tone, oil production, and texture. This is an important component of starting to create a beautiful skin.

4. Facial treatments guarantee to rejuvenate your complexion. It is one of the best ways to restore your skin's natural glow. Facial treatments help get rid of dead skin cells which promotes the new growth of healthy cells. It is a cosmetic treatment of the face that includes a series of pampering methods of applying creams, lotions, masks, peels, exfoliation, steam, and massage.

5. It can lessen your stress. Almost all facial treatments can help you feel relaxed especially if it combined with massage. Experts believe that your body releases a hormone that makes you happy called endorphin when you are in your most relaxed state.

It is important in maintain the beauty and health of your skin. Everyone should find a licensed esthetician who will assess your skin care needs and provide you with the best treatment options for you to achieve the kind of skin you've been dreaming of. It is advisable to get a facial treatment every four weeks and maintain a healthy skin care regimen to delay the signs of aging and fight the damaging effects of the external environment.