When NOT to have a facial - - - Really?

Facial Treatment Contraindications

When you’re having frustrating challenges with your skin, as we all do from time to time, a facial treatment is usually just what you need. But sometimes, believe it or not, it’s exactly the wrong thing to do. It’s interesting that I have recently had several questions posed regarding facial treatments for folks with specific illnesses or conditions, so thought this informative blog might be timely and appreciated.

Here are some skin conditions for which a facial is contraindicated (not recommended):
• Acute sunburn (you can still see an esthetician for a soothing cool compress treatment to help ease your discomfort, but no heat or friction should be applied)
• Severe cystic acne with open pustules
• Open cuts or abrasions
• Bruises and swelling (ALWAYS get your physician’s approval for a treatment; post-surgical or post-trauma - bruising/swelling can often be mitigated by gentle manual lymphatic drainage massage)
• Active herpes lesions
• Conjunctivitis (“pink eye” is highly contagious!)
• Impetigo (contagious)
• Fungal infection
• Severe eczema
• Severe psoriasis
• Extreme allergic sensitivities (more than likely you already know you have allergic sensitivities and avoid those things!)

This of course is not a complete list of every medical condition that precludes a facial treatment. If you have any doubts about your suitability for any treatment use caution.

If in doubt, always consult with your physician.

Health conditions that may require treatment modifications

Unfortunately, not every esthetician or spa will ask you about health conditions that could affect the outcome of your facial treatment. If you’re a new client, a good skin care facility will ask for your history either in writing or in a thorough pre-treatment consultation, and usually through both.

Even if they don’t ask you, be sure to inform your esthetician of your current health status, particularly if you are:

• Pregnant:

Essential oils are ALWAYS contraindicated for pregnancy. I typically recommend that clients err in favor of caution and avoid spa treatments during, at minimum, the first trimester, even though this is when most skin problems occur. Be sure to have a consultation with your esthetician if you’re experiencing acne or other hormonally induced skin problems during pregnancy. Even if you can't receive a professional facial she might be able to offer advice on home care that would be safe for expectant mothers.

• Diabetic: Impaired wound healing can make extractions dangerous, and in some cases, deadly.

• A cancer patient undergoing treatment, or cancer survivor who’s had lymph nodes removed: massage may be contraindicated, and many normally beneficial ingredients may irritate your skin. There is a specialty in esthetics called Oncology Esthetics. Your best bet may be to search out an Aesthetician trained in this specialty area.

• An organ transplant patient on anti-rejection drugs: your skin may experience increased sensitivity to normally gentle ingredients. It’s always a good idea to use a product line created specifically for health challenged skin, typically found in a Specialty Physician’s Office.

•

Claustrophobic or prone to panic attacks: Just by letting your esthetician know that you experience Claustrophobia may help you relax and enjoy your treatment. Ask not to have steam used in your treatment and request that you are not “wrapped up” for any treatment.

• Have sensitivities or allergies: Did you know many skin care products (not just foods) contain nut oils? Just by coming in contact with a product containing nuts could have deadly consequences for someone with nut allergies. And, because a spa is using natural or organic products does not mean you’ll be less likely to have an allergic reaction to their products. In fact, essential oils, a tremendously beneficial group of ingredients, are plant derived and can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. That is why it is crucial that you advise your Aesthetician to any adverse reaction you have experienced with products coming in contact with your skin. If you have ever experienced a rash or hives after using a product your skin care professional needs to know, or you could end up looking something like this - - -

• Experiencing Rosacea: the right facial treatment can provide relief from some Rosacea symptoms, but it is crucial to avoid heat, friction, squeezing during extractions, ingredients that increase circulation and peeling agents.



This blog may only be skimming the surface of this issue, but it is always good to be informed of the basics. I hope you find the information helpful and I hope to see you soon in my treatment room!

Giving quality skin care is always my first priority. Having clients leave my practice refreshed and relaxed is a given. If you have ever experienced a treatment from m.d. Skin, I think you will agree. If you haven't received a treatment yet . . . what are you waiting for? Don't you want to get your healthy glow on?

Go to my website (http://www.themdskin.com) right now and click on the "BookNow" tab. I'll be waiting for you!

Marci Delaney
m.d. Skin Personalized Skin Care
713 Meeting Street
West Columbia, SC 29169

803-351-2922

http://www.themdskin.com

News about an additional skin treatment offered at m.d. Skin

Fraxel Restore - - - So WHAT is it?

You may have been reading postings and promotions about Fraxel on my http://www.facebook.com/mdskin page. What exactly is this Fraxel thing and why should I care about it? Good questions, especially since there are so many options available today regarding skin care, anti-aging, and skin damage.

Fraxel treatment is a revolutionary laser treatment that helps you remove YEARS from your appearance and regain a more youthful look. Over the years, your skin becomes damaged from unavoidable exposure to sun, environmental pollution, stress, fatigue and even lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diet, alcohol consumption and sun tanning. These skin agers keep you from looking on the outside, as good as you feel on the inside. Fraxel Laser can address these issues - is an FDA approved device cleared to treat a variety of common skin conditions such as acne scarring, wrinkles, and hyper pigmentation without lengthy healing and significant side-effects.

How does this Fraxel Treatment work?

Imagine a Laser Beam – then let’s imagine that beam being broken into even smaller beams, or "fractionalized" into smaller, narrower beams – up to hundreds of tiny columns of energy. Because the laser is split into tiny bits, the Fraxel laser beams only affect the parts of the targeted areas typically about 25% of the surface area. This means that (again, typically) 4 sessions should treat 100% of the targeted area. The energy laser beams work by making tiny wounds deep in the dermis, which activate collagen production and prompt the growth of new skin cells. The end result is plumper, smoother, healthier-looking skin.

Tell me more about Benefits of Fraxel Laser Treatment.

After your very first Fraxel Laser Treatment, you will begin to feel the difference in your skin, as it becomes softer, smoother and fresher. Wrinkles around your eyes and mouth will noticeably fade. So will the hyper pigmentation or brown spots caused by aging and sun exposure. Fraxel Laser Treatment has become the “Gold Standard” for treating acne scarring and even extremely effective for other scar like post traumatic or surgical scars and stretch marks. Fraxel typically treats:

• Acne Scarring
• Hyper pigmentation
• Age Spots
• Brown Spots
• Melasma
• Fine facial lines and wrinkles
• Stretch marks

Common areas to treat are the face, neck, chest and hands, though other areas like thighs and abdomen can be effectively treated. Scars on knees and elbows can also be treated. Really the only areas to avoid are the eyes and lips.

What does Fraxel Laser Treatment feel like?

If someone tells you that it doesn’t hurt, they are lying to you!!!! Yes! IT HURTS! Having that out of the way, I will tell you that there are options to make the treatment tolerable. A topical anesthetic ointment is massaged into the area to be treated. While you are waiting for that to take effect, a low dose anti-anxiety tablet may be offered. TAKE IT! I personally think this makes all the difference in the world. It takes about 45 minutes for the topical cream to begin to work. More topical anesthetic should be massaged again into the area to be treated 10 - 15 minutes prior to beginning the treatment. Fraxel feels like a prickling sensation, like I would imagine constant bee stinging. The actual treatment takes only about 20-30 minutes.

When finished, skin feels like an extreme sunburn and appears bright red and warm. Swelling will subside within a day or so, and redness usually will fade over several days. Some patients do apply make-up immediately after treatment and return to their routine activities. I think having treatment on a Friday would allow you to safely plan on a Monday return to a public workplace, as that is about the time I think the swelling is sufficiently reduced.

After the redness goes away, typically the treated area takes on a Bronzed Glow – just like the bronzed look your skin takes after a sunburn fades. In about a week or so, the treated area begins to dry and flake, peel or slough. A good suggestion is: Fraxel – wait 2 weeks, then have a light Microdermabrasion to get that dry, itchy skin removed - 2 weeks again, have another Fraxel Laser Treatment – repeat. Your skin will continue to improve for months after ending treatment!

How much does Fraxel Laser Treatment cost?

Across the country you’ll find per treatment cost varying quite a lot. It can be found from $750 to $1500 per single session. Since you will get the best results with a series of 4, purchasing a treatment package is the best way to go.

I will probably begin offer Fraxel Laser Treatment in August, one day per week, within the medical office of Kelly Scott Hynes, MD (1924 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC 29205). I will offer grand opening prices of $500 for single session and series package of $1800. This will be for a limited time and I invite you to call for more information.


I am thrilled to be able to bring this to you and look forward to hearing from you regarding Fraxel Laser Skin Treatment!

Marci

m.d. Skin llc
561 Meeting Street
West Columbia, SC 29169

http://www.themdskin.com
http://www.facebook.com/mdskin

Saay WHAAAAT?

You know, I'm just a dumb blonde! Chemistry degree? Nah uh. Just a girl interested in skin care. If you are anything like me, you can be slightly confused and even overwhelmed with all the new buzz words floating around in the world of anti-aging and skin care.

This blog is going to try and give easy to understand descriptions and definitions to some common, and maybe not so common, words you might have heard regarding either skin, skin care or anti-aging ingredients. If you have something you would like to learn more about that I don't discuss here, I invite you to let me know and I will address it in a future blog.

The first word(s) I am going to tell you about are Collagen and Elastin. Collagen is a structural protein found mainly in tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue in the skin, blood vessels and lungs. Elastin is found primarily in the artery walls, lungs, intestines, and skin. These proteins are vital in keeping our youthful appearance.

Collagen gives connective tissue and organs rigidity so that they can function, and elastin lets them stretch out and then return to their original state. Collagen keeps the elastin healthy and won't allow it to stretch to the point of breaking. In the skin, collagen and elastin are the primary components of the dermis--the layer right beneath the epidermis. They provide the support structure of the skin.

The problem is that the human body stops producing elastin when you hit puberty. This is when the aging process begins. You are kidding, right? Already? Yep! Without elastin replenishment, collagen begins to lose its elasticity and begins to weaken.

Ok. Got it! We slow down collagen and elastin production as we age. Is there something that we can do then, to stimulate production? Well, it seems obvious that since they are proteins, we would do well to make sure that our dietary intake is sufficient in protein. That was easy. Anything else? Oh yes. The second step is to insure that you have adequate vitamin C intake. Vitamin C is a necessary co-factor for collagen production. If intake is inadequate, the elastic fibers will be weaker. In addition, topical C in serums, creams and lotions are vital. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is effective at boosting skin's collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles, fine lines and evening out skin tone.

Don't smoke! Take a look at the tone and texture of a smokers face. Smoke depletes the skin of Vitamin C. Need I say more?

Here are a few other tips to increase Collagen and Elastin:

1) Exfoliation of the surface of the skin. The process of exfoliation involves eliminating the dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin. It also stimulates the production of new elastin and collagen and gives your skin a more youthful appearance. Professional facials are truly an important part of increasing production of these proteins by deeper cleansing and exfoliation than you can do at home, plus increasing oxygen and blood flow are stimulation for an increase in production.

2) Never, Ever, Ever skip sunscreen! While this won't increase production it will certainly protect what you already have and prevent further damage.

3) Consider photofacials or LED light therapy. Both laser and light therapy work by creating "controlled injury" in the dermis of your skin. As the body heals the injured area, new skin cells are produced, as well as new supplies of elastin and collagen.

4) Microcurrent/Non-Surgical Facelift. The University of Washington has performed clinical trials to measure the benefits of the Microcurrent facelift procedure. Research has proven that a Microcurrent facelift can increase the skin's natural production of collagen by 14 percent, increase elastin by 48 percent and increase blood circulation by 38 percent. These Microcurrent facelift results were achieved in the first twenty days following this cosmetic procedure. Research has also found that the Microcurrent facelift technique increases the body's natural production of amino acids and ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), both of which play a major role in cell heath and function to accelerate cell repair.


So what exactly are Antioxidants? Antioxidants are substances found in certain foods that protect cells against free radicals that cause the aging processes and some other diseases. OK, then - - - what are "Free Radicals?"

From THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DICTIONARY:

FREE RADICAL NOUN: An atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive. In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.

Getting muddier and muddier. Well, listen up. Once formed, these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or cell membranes. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system made up of antioxidants. Again, diet plays an important part with our body’s antioxidant army. Topical ingredients with antioxidants are extremely effective in helping to fight off the signs of aging, as well.


We are all hearing about amino acids, peptides, and polypeptides in skin care products. What's all the buzz about? First, understand that peptides, polypeptides, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and other peptides are amino acids in themselves. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They band together in chains and are the "stuff" of which we are made.

Amino Acids chain together to form peptides. There are 28 amino acids, nine of which are considered essential for everyday health. You'll hear them ending in "-ine" The amino acids most important for healthy skin are proline, glycine, leucine and lysine. Stay tuned for many more introductions of new "-ines" to come, as the research with amino acids in anti aging is on fire! And aren't we glad? More positive skin care for anti aging is on the way!

Now here's a good one for you that you may or may not have heard of: GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS. The main function of GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS (GAG's) is the maintenance of and the support of the Collagen and Elastin. It promotes the ability of the collagen and elastin fibers to retain moisture. This medium is entirely dependent on fluid intake. Have you ever heard of Hyaluronic Acid? It is a GAG and kinda thought of as a "molecular sponge," giving extensive hydration and allows increased skin penetration of products.

The popular dermal filler, Juvederm, is made up of Hyaluronic acid. Since it is something our body produces naturally, I am a proponent. Dr. Kelly Hynes is a quarterly guest in my treatment room to provide cosmetic Botox. She would love to speak to you about the use of fillers in the war on aging!
You can reach her at 20!20 Vision, 1924 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC 29205 (803) 748-9994.

I know this was heavy reading, but I sure do hope you learned something, too.

I love, love, love to answer your questions and provide skin care education. I think the better educated we are regarding our health and well-being the more apt we are to make good decisions. If you have a specific skin care question or concern, I encourage you to let me know. You can reach me in several different ways. Via my website (http://www.themdskin.com), via my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/mdskin), by email (marci.delaney@yahoo.com) or by telephone (803-351-2922). There are monthly prize drawings for all those questions submitted to my Facebook page. I have given away facials, waxings, products and other things. Now I KNOW you want in on that! Right?

Well . . . that's all for now from my treatment room! And this is all in a day's work!

Marci

m.d. Skin llc

Reflections On My First Year of Business . . .

Dear Friends, Fans and "others" - - -

It's so hard to believe that I have just celebrated my first full year in business. M.D. Skin was an idea planted, nurtured, watered, weeded, and grown out of pure love and joy for skin care and customer service. I want to take this opportunity to shout out a BIG THANK YOU to all of you that have supported, encouraged and been a part of this first year! I have the BEST clients and friends in the whole world!

As I look over the client list, I am amazed to find nearly 500 names. Wow! Now if you all would just book an appointment really soon I would be a very happy girl, indeed. Every single name on this list has in some way helped to make this an extremely special year. I think I would definitely say I have a very successful start to my biz.

Oh yes there have been challenges. I opened in a room within SABRE HAIR ART that wasn't the best place to be. It was a room that divides SABRE with their sister business, THE PERFECT TEN, from one another. The problem is this caused a problem with clients that use BOTH businesses. Nail clients having their hair done and the Stylists had to go outside and around the building in order to get their service. Not a well laid plan, I would say. However, this was corrected around November when I moved to the very back room inside the building.

After contracting with a carpenter, plumber, and other talented people, I now have a lovely, very private practice room - built to my specifications - and waiting for YOUR visit. It's a warm cocoa color with soothing music and a waterfall to make your visit calm and relaxing. When the door is shut and your treatment begins you can close your eyes and start on your 55 minutes of a mini, rejuvenating vacation.

I partnered with Groupon this year and certainly give them props for helping me grow my client base. The Groupon experience taught me several things - the MOST important thing is that I don't need to partner with any discount company to offer special opportunities. Now, on the first day of every month I offer a special DEAL-OF-THE-DAY. It's a one day, EXTREMELY great deal for a particular service. Buy/book on THAT day and use THAT month only! Clients have taken advantage of this deal that is only found on the m.d. Skin facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/mdskin).
Make sure that you "like" this page so that you can be sure and not miss a single one of these once-per-month deals.

The girls of SABRE and THE PERFECT TEN have been such a joy to work and partner with. Now THEY have awesome clients! Salley, Brenda, Joy, Jenny and Adrea, along with Mary, Terry and Pat have talked me up to their wonderful clients and have been such a GIGANTIC part of helping me through my first year. Now SABRE has added Wendye and we are helping each other to add to our client family.


The biggest challenge for any new business is customers and customer retention. I feel so blessed that GROUPON brought me many new clients and helped with name branding in the Midlands. Thankfully, I have found that many of these clients have rebooked and some have begun to return on monthly basis. For those clients seriously interested in the best skin care SHOULD return every 4-6 weeks and at minimum once quarterly.

I found that I had to bring in new spray tanning equipment for faster and better results. This new machine is terrific. I am constantly trying other solutions to get the most natural, streak-free, long wearing solution. What I am using now is an organic product without any chemical or foul fragrance. My clients are very pleased and most go ahead and purchase the package to enjoy bronzing while saving a little money. Typically Wednesdays and Thursdays are pretty busy with this service. Because it's wedding season, I am spraying lots of brides, bridesmaids, and Moms. I am just loving it!

Yes, I have quite a few male clients. They present their own unique challenge: How to make them feel comfortable in what THEY PERCIEVE as a female oriented business. There is nothing uniquely "female" about skin care!!!! The thing is, when they come once they find how beneficial it is to their skin and how totally relaxing the treatment is! Spread the word, friends. m.d. Skin is male friendly! I just started a microdermabrasion series for a male client yesterday. He left saying that he couldn't wait to return next week. Yay!

Reflecting on what I would say is the single most important thing in my treatment room - besides providing the best in skin care? Customer Service and they way clients are valued. My goal is to make certain that every clients leaves feeling special and like they have just made a valuable investment in their skin. Education is so important in my treatment room. Explaining the benefit of each product, treatment and providing good "take-away" information for homecare is a huge priority.

So, there you go. Just a tiny bit of first year reflections. Man! I love my job!!! I can't think of another thing that I would love doing near as much. I have a passion for what I do and want to share that with everyone that comes through my door. I laughingly say, "Making the world a more beautiful place, one face at a time!"

I ask for your assistance in continuing to grow my business and in turn, I commit to you my very best! I just adore referrals, as we know, word-of-mouth advertising is the ultimate. When you send me three new clients, I will reward you with a FREE Signature European Facial. Thank you to Kim, Mims, Stephanie and others who have sent me several clients. You girls are the BEST!

Please let me know if there are services that you would like to have if I dont currently offer it. I will research and do my very best to bring it to you.

Also, don't forget that I have monthly drawings for products/services for skin care questions submitted on my Facebook page. Thank you to those that have submitted questions this past year. I have had a lot of fun writing blog answers to the very good questions I have received. I encourage you to go back and read the Q&As. They are quite interesting, I think.

Well . . . that's about all I have on my mind this Saturday morning. I have to go get ready for the wedding clients I have scheduled for today. Sara's getting married! Sara's getting married!

I sure hope to have you stop in for a visit soon. Please take a look at my website (http://www.themdskin.com) and read about all the services I currently offer. It just can't be easier to make your appointment either. Just look for the "booknow" box over on the right. Click, select your desired service, choose your day/time, fill in the blanks and you'll get an immediate confirmation email. Easey Peasy.

Make it a GREAT day, friends and I'm waiting for YOU!

Marci

m.d. Skin llc
SABRE Building
561 Meeting Street
West Columbia, SC 29169

803-351-2922

Liz Amick
“I have a skin care question! Is eye cream really necessary? Meaning, do I need a separate moisturizer for under my eyes? I've heard different answers so I don't know what to do. Any advice would be great. Thanks!”

Great question, Liz! When I attended Aesthetics school my Instructor said a face cream is a face cream is a face cream. Inside I cringed when I heard him say this as I vehemently disagree! I also thought, “OK! This is coming from a MAN!” I KNOW eye creams!!! Eye creams are my BFF!”

Here’s the skinny, as I see it: Skin under the eyes can be prone to puffiness if fluid builds up there -- allergies and sinus problems can also cause the eyes to puff (I have personally been fighting this for the past THREE months!!!). When the skin in the peri-orbital area becomes thinner as we age and the underlying veins become more prominent, dark circles can form. This can be from heredity, lack of sleep, too much sun exposure and we all know that aging can all cause dark circles and creepiness.

Because the eye area is thinner, has no fat layer and very few oil glands, eye creams tend to be a bit more emollient, which may be too heavy for the rest of the face. A regular face cream will not address puffiness or dark circles – as there is no need to. In addition, be aware that the active ingredient in some face cream will most definitely cause irritation to the delicate eye area and should not be used there.

If you are an adult that suffers from acne and is using a face cream to address that issue, this cream should never be use in the eye area. Extreme caution should be taken as well, if someone is using a face cream with resurfacing active ingredient like Retinol, Retin-A, or a combination of any anti-aging ingredient. Yet a specific eye cream with the same active ingredient(s), with a gentler formulation will yield the results you are looking for, without the harshness, which in itself could only damage the delicate skin around the eyes.

I know how much better my makeup goes on when I am nicely moisturized and specifically how much smoother my concealer looks when I use an eye cream. In the afternoons/early evenings I even refresh my concealer with a tiny fingertip of eye cream – Wa La!

Now, Liz, as for you, maybe you don’t need an eye cream at all. I don’t know your age so I can’t speak to your youthful glow, or lack thereof. If you feel that your current face moisturizer is working for you, then by all means skip the additional product. However, I also am in the camp that believes in early prevention. I frequently have people say that I don’t look my age. I would say that is from good genes (thank you, Mother!) and preventative measures. As some of the first signs of aging begin around your eyes with those teeny tiny fine lines, a little moisturizing dose of preventative medicine might not be a bad idea.

Please note that there is not magic cream that eliminates all signs of aging over-night. No magic pill, magic wand, or magic bullet! Phooey! However, with continued use, I say you WILL see a difference!

I hope this is good information for you, Liz. An informed consumer is an armed consumer. You are now entered into the May drawing for FREE European Facial - and just for asking a simple (but good!) skin care question.

Homemade skin care

Vicki Taylor Ido asked:
“What kind of kitchen/garden/homemade skin care product can I whip up to smoothe & soften?”

Yahoo! My kind of question! Thanks, Vicki!

For terrific skin care you only have to go as far as your garden (or grocery store produce department). There are great resources to be found online on this subject and this can be so much fun. Some of my favorites are:

Homemade Beauty Recipies
http://hmbeautyrecipes.homestead.com/SKINcarerecipes.html

Skin Care Company http://www.skincarecompany.net/natural-skin-care-recipes.htm

Complete Skincare Therapy http://www.completeskincaretherapy.com/

Here’s a sampling on a good, quick and easy masque:

Anti-Aging Banana Mask

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 med. banana - peeled
1 vitamin E capsule
Mix banana and whipping cream and mash to form a paste, stir in 1 vitamin E capsule. Spread over face and neck and leave on 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Anti-Aging Toner Facial Toner

5 green tea bags or several heaping teaspoons of green tea
2 cups mineral water or vitamin water
Bring water to a boil. Place several heaping teaspoons of green tea leaves or 5 tea bags in a glass or bowl. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
Strain the green tea into a bottle, and let it cool. Apply to skin with cotton balls. Do not rinse. Apply moisturizer.
The recipe should be stored in a sterilized bottle and will keep for approximately 5 days in your refrigerator.

Almond and Avocado Moisturizing Cream

3 tsp. beeswax
3 tsp. emulsifying wax
*1/2 cup almond oil
1/2 cup avocado oil
3 Tbl. heated rosewater
Melt the beeswax and emulsifying wax in a double boiler or water bath (do not set wax directly over heat). Continually stirring, add the almond oil, avocado oil, and the heated rosewater drop by drop. Remove from heat and continue to stir until cool. If you wish you may add a fragrance at this time.
*Almond oil is a wonderful emollient (a substance that prevents water loss from the skin). The protein content is thought to stimulate production of collagen and elasticity.
Avocado oil is high in various nutrients, such as: vitamin A, E and D (more so than milk). The oil encourages cell regeneration, and moisturizing

Note that homemade products contain no preservatives and have a tendency to go bad after a period of time. In addition, it is always wise to patch test before using these products.

Happy cooking,or smashing or mixing, Vicki. You are now in the running to win a FREE European Facial all because you submitted a question to m.d. Skin llc. Be sure and check back to see if you are a winner on the final day of the month!

All about sunscreen

Casey Michelle Barlow wrote: “Skin care question: what's the best sunscreen for sensitive skin? I tend to breakout easily when using it on my face, even when it's oil free. “










Casey, as we all know, damage from the sun’s ultra-violet rays (UVA – Aging, UVB – Burning) causes premature aging, wrinkling, crow’s-feet, uneven skin tone and even causes deaths from skin cancers. Most sunscreens marketed today are specially formulated to be non-comedogenic. This is a word used for products that do not clog pores. Because the compounds in sunscreen products do not clog pores, sunscreens are not likely to be the root cause of breakouts. Having said that, most sunblocks contain oils, fragrances or other additives that may aggravate an acne condition that already exists.

If you already have some level of acne, you may be frustrated in searching for a sunscreen product that is right for you. You know that UVA rays are always finding a way to get you . . . even through your car’s windows, so daily protection is a MUST! You probably have some sun protection in your daily moisturizer and makeup. The SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION Prevention Guidelines advise to Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.

For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)
sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

For Oily Skin types know that excessive oil is not your friend. Oil based products will only cause your pores to become more clogged and, in turn, generate more acne. Stay away from heavy lotion sunscreens. Unless your lifestyle requires an abnormal amount of sun exposure, your current skin care routine MIGHT already be sufficient protection for your face. Check to see what level of SPF is contained in the cosmetic and skin care products you are currently using. You want the total SPF to add up to at least 15. If it does, you may be sufficient. If not, you would need to add an additional sunscreen product. In the event that you are constantly exposed to sun a protection level of SPF 40 (or higher) would be advised. In addition, you would need to reapply during the day.

Look for a light lotion, spray or foam product. In the morning, after cleansing your face, apply the sunscreen and let it completely dry before adding moisturizer and makeup. Try to make this a habitual part of your regular skincare routine. If your skin is excessively oily you may want to add a face powder containing SPF to help with any shine coming through during the day.

If your skin is dry and acne prone you have a very different issue. That is keeping your skin hydrated and your pores clean and unclogged. Typical acne products can easily add to your dry skin problem. Sun exposure is NOT YOUR FRIEND! It can cause your acne to become even worse. In addition, because your skin is dry you are probably sensitive to various ingredients commonly found in sunscreen.

Sunscreen for dry skin should be a cream or heavy lotion and provide a broad spectrum protection of 25 – 60. Same as with oily skin, become in the habit of applying your sunscreen to cleansed skin and let completely dry before moving on to moisturizer application and makeup. Be sure to reapply during the day if you are constantly exposed to the sun.

Blocked pores cause acne. The use of heavy creams and lotions may create acne flare ups. If your skin becomes red and irritated, stop using the sunscreen product right away.

Typical ingredients that are cause for concerns for skin irritations are: Avobenzone, Benzophenone, Methoxycinnamate, and Para-aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

It is recommended that sensitive skin types look for the ingredients dimethicone and cyclomethicone in your sunscreen.

I realize that I am not recommending a specific product, Casey. With sensitive skin, it may be an issue of trial and error. I carry SANITAS brand in my treatment room and find it extremely effective.

Now Casey, you are entered into the monthly drawing for FREE European Facial just for submitting your skincare question. Look to see if you’re a winner on the last day of this month!