Spa Week Email Blast

Spa Week Email Blast

Super Star Customer Service

I am going to be writing today on a subject VERY important to me . . . And I would suppose, important to you, as well. CUSTOMER SERVICE. Don’t you think this world is just getting less and less interested in providing Super Star Customer Service? When was the last time you experienced genuinely wonderful sales/service? I can tell you about so many less than stellar times in a retail environment or service industry . . . But, no need to share. I’m sure you have lots of negative stories, as well.

I would ask . . . No plead . . . That everyone let me know how m.d. Skin is doing on customer service. If there is ever a bad experience I need to know. I can’t make amends or won’t know what to correct if I am not told of an “opportunity for improvement” if I don’t know. Also, you know, it's really nice to hear when we do something right. Communication is always key to learning - - - how to be better at what we do.

Tell me, so I can be better!

My goal is to take steps to provide “above pampering” experiences and give treatments that give results to the tone, texture and appearance of your skin. Having said that . . . Remember that the therapeutic benefits of regular aesthetic treatments - besides perceived pampering - provide long-term genuine beauty AND overall health benefits.

Are you tired and stressed out? An hour spent in my treatment room can be just what you need - it's like a mini vacation, where you leave with beautiful, better cared for complexion.

Yes, I am just a teeny tiny lil skin care studio, but I am committed to being a SuperStar in the Midland’s Skin Care arena. I commit to every guest to give my all - each and every time - by offering quality products, competitive and effective treatment menu.

Bear in mind that the BEST compliment you can give me is Word-of-Mouth to your friends. I so appreciate your trust in me. Sharing your guest experience and end result with others is something that I would be so grateful for.

m.d. Skin treats: Acne, Aging Beautifully, Dry Skin, Men’s Skin Care, Sensitive Skin, Rosacea, Senior Skin, Melasma and Hyperpigmentation, and also offers Airbrush Tanning and Sugaring Hair Removal.

I invite you to book your “Spring Cleaning” appointment with m.d. Skin. Remember that you can’t get your glow on if your skin is clogged and congested.

Happy Spring, Friends!!!

md

http://www.themdskin.com
803-351-2922

Now is the time . . . for a Jessner Peel

Jessner Chemical Peel

The Jessner Peel is one of the most effective light cosmetic peels available.

Are you thinking about have a Jessner Peel?

This blog is provided for informative purposes only as well as what to expect when undergoing a Jessner chemical peel. Please consult your esthetician if you have any questions or concerns regarding a chemical peels or any professional treatment options.

Offered only in estheticians' offices, Jessner chemical peels allow you to experience increased deposition of new collagen and elastic fibers in the deeper layers of your skin - giving your skin the younger, healthier appearance you desire. m.d. Skin is now - for a limited time - offering this medium depth peel. It is important to ONLY receive a treatment such as this BEFORE the intense Southern Spring/Summer Sun!

This is a medium chemical peel - priced at $180 - is designed for more extensive damage than AHA's can improve. It is made from salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) and resorcinol. Improves acne and blemishes, brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damaged and weathered skin.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Your skin will feel tight and dry for 24 hours. Do not touch your face. Your skin will develop a brown-red sunburn look for 2-3 days and then peel like a sunburn for 2-3 more days. Some mild itching and burning is normal at this time. This usually lasts 7-10 days. During your peel think of your dark old skin (which is peeling off) as a bandage which protects the fresh new skin underneath. The longer you can keep this natural bandage in place, the better the result your peel will have. DO NOT pick or pull at the flaking or peeling skin, it can result in bleeding, rawness, scabbing, a risk of infection and a slow down of the healing process.

SWELLING

You may have some swelling during the first 2 to 3 days of your peel. In extreme cases, your eyes may swell almost closed during the first few mornings. This is a normal response and it will resolve on its own.

WOUND CARE

For dry skin, Rescue Cream can be applied night or day if extra comfort is need.

SHOWERING

If you must wash your hair, wash it with your head tilted backward in the shower.

SLEEPING

It is important that you try to sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows if possible. This is so you don’t rub the skin off the chin or cheek area prematurely.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

DO NOT sit in a sauna or Jacuzzi for 2 weeks, or do strenuous exercise. Sweating will make your face sting and it will cause you to peel too soon.

Once all the skin has been shed, the skin must be treated gently for several days.

DO NOT use Retin-A or Renova for 3 weeks after the peel.

DO NOT use AHA, AHB and Retinol creams for 2 weeks after the peel.

DO NOT use topical exfoliants, for 1 week

Sun should be totally avoided and you must use Sunblock protection daily.

If you have any QUESTIONS about your peeling service or after care at home, please do not hesitate to calL.

You must consult your esthetician to schedule a 40% Glycolic Acid or Jessner's chemical peel treatment.

m.d. Skin llc
http://www.themdskin.com

a GOLDEN Facial

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more luxurious, now spas have come up with a NEW GOLD FACIAL!

Really? Well, actually it’s not new at all. We are now recreating a special facial masque, just like Cleopatra might have used to get her glow on back in ancient Egypt. The difference is today’s masque is refined, adhering to modern safety standards and just plain lovely!

All throughout history, Gold has been revered for its beauty and those that possess it thought to be wealthy and refined. It has been long thought that the famous beauty, Cleopatra, used pure gold as a tool to maintain her youthful complexion by reportedly sleeping in a gold mask every night. In ancient Roman days, salves made of gold were used to treat a variety of skin conditions. In ancient Chinese medicine, gold is a sought-after ingredient and the main key to the “Fountain of Youth!” The Queen of Ch’ing Dynasty was said to use a gold massage roller on her face every day.

m.d. Skin llc is excited to offer their version of this luxurious skin care treat – available now through Valentine’s Day (or while supplies last).

The benefits of gold reportedly include:
• Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles.
• Reduces the Appearance of Sun Damage and Age Spots: Since 1929 Gold has been successfully used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. Gold's anti-inflammatory properties also decrease skin inflammation, thereby slowing down melanin secretion and reducing age spots.
• Gold fights off damaging free radicals to help prevent premature aging of the skin.

This type facial is offered in upper end spas across the world. Prices typically can be reflected around $175 for a sixty minute treatment. The Valentine’s Day special Gold Facial at m.d. Skin is just $99.

Don’t let this purely decadent and delightful skin care opportunity pass you by. Book your appointment NOW at http://www.themdskin.com, then click “booknow”.

. I hope to see you soon.

Marci Delaney

http://www.themdskin.com
561 Meeting Street
West Columbia, SC
803-351-2922

Skin Care by a Licensed Professional

It insulates our bodies.
It protects us from injuries and infections.
It helps us heat and cool our insides.
It provides us with the sensation of touch.


And how do we treat it? Horribly!!!


Most of the time we really just ignore it . . . And when we don’t? We bang it and bruise it. We scrape it and scratch it. We let it dry out, feed it poorly and even forget to water it! What am I talking about? Your skin.

Yep! The largest organ of our bodies and we fail miserably in maintenance. The truth is that most people take their skin for granted, but consider this: Although skin care does make us look better, it is also vital to our well being. Simple things that effect the health of your skin like drinking lots of water every day and getting plenty of sleep are obvious, but there are other things that you can do to treat skin issues and maintain or restore the healthy and youthful appearance of your skin.

Good skin care has never been easier than today. There are many, many options available. That is why a trusting relationship with a skin care professional is so important. Your personal Aesthetician continues to learn about products, procedures and techniques to better serve your particular needs. Today, we have lasers, microdermabrasions,

microcurrents, chemical peels and more. You may, or may not be a candidate for one or these - that is where your Aesthetician comes in - to guide, direct and provide these services - many times in cooperation along side your Medical Doctor and/or Dermatologist. His/Her goal is to reveal a smooth, healthy, and youthful complexion in a safe, sanitary and professional manner.

Some people have the impression that professional facials, and the like, are only for the Upper Crust. They think that regular facials are for the rich and famous and that they only provides frou frou fluff and stuff. That just isn’t the case at all. Let me introduce you to my client, Trish.

Trish is a mature, professional woman blessed with good skin. She has a “normal” complexion, not prone to breakouts, doesn’t worship the sun, and has done a good job of maintaining her overall health. She did not have regular facials. As a matter of fact, her very first facial was done by me about a year and a half ago.

Here’s what she has to say about regular facial treatments:

“I began getting professional facials at MD Skin in May 2010. I have received them regularly, monthly for the past approximately 20 months. Changes I have seen in the health of my complexion and whole face include clarity, firmness, a translucent glow, elimination of break outs (never had many), freshness, reduction in pores and wrinkles. Encouragement from Marci lead me to having Botox and Juvederm from Dr. Kelly Hynes. I also began stimulation with NuFace about 2 and a half months ago. Friends are amazed at how my face looks and I give full credit to Marci and Dr. Kelly. I have always been fortunate to have pretty good skin and have always used Clinique products. The improvement to my complexion and condition of my facial skin looks far younger than my 63 years

Another testimony is from Diane, a school counselor here in Columbia. Diane is concerned about aging well. In addition, Diane's job is very high in the stress factor. While skin care treatments are so important to your healthy complexion, many, like Diane, find treatments beneficial to the overall physical well-being, as well as mental and emotional. No, I don’t change more for psychological treatments . . . Hahanah.

"I have visited Marci for once a month for over a year now...My visits are my solace!! I am literally full of anticipation during my work day, knowing that I will see Marci later that day for a skin treatment. Her treatments are so thorough and relaxing. She really makes selections and choices based on my skin's needs at the time. Consequently, my skin continues to look healthier and smoother. I also purchased a Nu-Face unit from her...love the results. I use it faithfully each night and the results build up subtly over time, but they are definitely there. Marci is the real deal when it comes to skin care! She is very personable too, and always makes me feel welcome and relates when I share concerns about my skin. My visits to her have become a part of my life. I can't imagine not being able to receive this nourishment, as I am in my 50's, and they're crucial for my overall facial skin tone and appearance - during a time when my hormones are erratic. Blessings to Marci!! My psyche benefits tremendously too!!”

Another benefit of creating a trusting relationship with your Licensed Aesthetician is having a source for professional skin care products. The best products are only available through a licensed professional. Yes, there are very good products to be found at department stores and even at Target, but the knowledgeable advice and product suggestions are not available. No offense intended to a sales clerk anywhere, but they have not gone to school to become ‘licensed” in skin care, rather they receive training to “sell” products. And that, my friends, is a very BIG difference!

Everyone has a different skin type and there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” product. Your skin care professional will suggest the best products for home-use based on YOUR skin type, after a thorough examination and analysis.
There are so many benefits of getting a professional skin analysis. You can find out how to take better care of your skin, and based on your biggest areas of concern, learn how to better treat those areas. For instance, you may have very sensitive skin. They may recommend some top quality, but affordable products, you can use to cleanse and use to eliminate any acne or oily spots you may have, keeping in mind your sensitive skin.

Some fortunate people have skin that doesn't seem to have any problems, but may still choose to have a personal skin care analysis to find out their skin type and how they can make it more healthy and youthful. Even folks like this have real concerns about aging gracefully and keeping their youthful appearance for as long as possible. (I have decided to refrain from saying, “anti-aging!”

If I don’t age, I die, therefore I am not “anti-aging,” rather aging “well!)


A professional skin analysis is much more thorough and detailed than a visit to a department store's cosmetic counter. Your Licensed Aesthetician will take a detailed skin and health history, gathering as many details from you as possible including sun exposure, allergies, and other important factors that effect your skin. Known skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne will also be considered. He/She will assess all the gathered information and determine your correct skin type. From there, a personalized skin care regime will be recommended for you, including the products that will work best for your concerns and skin type.

I will continue to use client testimonies in the upcoming New Year. Hearing directly from them will mean more than me telling you how wonderful and beneficial regular treatments are. I do hope to see you in my treatment room in the upcoming New Year.

Merry Christmas, friends. Happy Holidays and Joy to the World!

See you soon!

Marci

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


http://www.themdskin.com


803-351-2922

What's this "Microdermabrasion?"

Happy November, Friends! Recently, I posted about fall being the best time of the year to have a microdermabrasion, or even better, a microdermabrasion series. This generated questions about that. What exactly is a Microdermabrasion? Why should I have one? Why is there a better time to have one than another time? So here's a primer on the subject.

What exactly is a Microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is a technique for removing the top most layer of the skin (epidermis), revealing a supple, vibrant, fresh new complexion. I use a diamond-tipped wand, which gently exfoliates the skin, while also vacuuming the dead skin cells away in a controlled and sterile manner. Removing this outer layer of dead skin cells leaves behind a smoother texture, while promoting the growth of healthy new skin cells. There are no loose abrasive materials blasted onto your skin, as in the older manner of microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is a great alternative to laser or chemical peels because it is non-invasive, non-surgical, and does not require any downtime post treatment. You can put on makeup right away and return to work or other normal activities. The Fall season is the very best time to have these treatments because of the cooler weather and typically you are not as directly exposed to the harsh sunlight. Clients will experience softer, smoother and brighter skin immediately after the very first treatment. Your skin will have a beautiful radiant glow and feel so smooth to the touch!


What can I expect during my Microdermabrasion Appointment?
Your comfort is most important. You'll change into a clean wrap (keeping on your underpants) and lie down in a warm, contoured, professional treatment bed under clean sheets and warm blanket. Your skin will be cleansed with a product formulated for your skin type. An appropriate enzyme mask is brushed on, followed by warm, steamed towels. This warm steam will soften your skin, allowing deeper penetration of the mask, allowing better exfoliation.
The mask will be gently toweled off, then a light brush will be used. This brushing will provide a deep, thorough cleansing of the skin, removing dirt and oils.
Next, an up close and personal skin analysis will be performed with the use of a professional magnifying lamp. You skin changes by time/age, weather, diet and stress levels. An analysis is ALWAYS an important part of any visit to an aesthetician.

Now it's time for the actual microdermabrasion. No, it doesn't hurt. Some people describe the sensation as "like a cat's tongue." The wand is passed over your skin several times in a basket weave manner, lightly abrading the surface of your skin, then gently vacuuming away the dead skin.
After this deep cleansing, exfoliating and polishing treatment you will receive a delightful, relaxing face, neck, shoulder massage. The benefits of this massage are numerous. It relaxes, eliminating tension. It helps to improve the texture of your skin by increasing blood flow and oxygen. It slightly raises the temperature of your skin and stimulates the circulatory and nervous system both of which positively affect your skin.
After this relaxing massage a cooling facial masque is applied. The cool gel masque provides anti-inflammatory, soothing and moisturizing benefits. While this masque is on, you'll receive additional acupressure massage of feet and lower legs.
Your cool, gel masque will allow even more massage with the use of either a cold appliance or the NuFace microcurrent device, and then removed with warm towels.
Finally, your skin will be treated with a proper serum for your skin type to provide specific treatment or moisture, additional moisturizing cream and UV protection.
Before you leave the bed, you'll receive a terrific scalp massage.

OK, so have you booked your appointment yet?

Since your skin turns over every 28 days - that means you are constantly sloughing off dead skin - that dead layer doesn't allow the healthy glow that we all desire. At your very first microdermabrasion appointment you'll see improvement. A series of treatments, however, provides the best results. The BEST Prescription is a series of 6 weekly microdermabrasion treatments.. m.d. Skin sells packages of 6 or 3 for budgeting purposes.

Click "BookNow" to schedule your appointment at http://www.themdskin.com. You'll be delighted with the results!

m.d. Skin llc
561 Meeting Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
803-351-2922

www.themdskin.com

Winter Skin Care - - -Correction Time!

Visible results of summer skin damage include discolorations, premature aging, wrinkling and dryness. Oh thank goodness . . . it’s Fall! This is the time to think, “correction!”

Autumn. Beautiful color on our trees brings lovely falling leaves. Cooler temperatures on bright blue skies. Chemical and enzyme peels. Oh Autumn, my favorite of the year and is YOUR best time for skin care. Absolutely! The cooler, gentler climate of Fall is the perfect time for rejuvenating peels and can prepare you for a glowing Holiday completion.

The following article is taken from the DERMAdoctor site and is very informative.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures that patients avail themselves of today. Chemical peels can give your skin a healthy, "just refreshed" look, or can be aggressive, taking years off of your appearance.
What do chemical peels do? The outer portion of the skin (epidermis) is composed of multiple layers of epidermal cells. These cells provide a barrier against the environment, protecting deeper, more delicate tissues, maintain an even internal temperature and also prevent against dehydration.
Epidermal cells are anchored together in two ways. Microscopic fibers called tonofilaments run between individual cells, helping anchor them together. An extracellular surrounds each cell, acting as a sort of "glue" to further keep cells together. Over time, these cells are invisibly shed through the body's natural means of exfoliation. Speeding up this process can instantly restore a more youthful glow to the skin and address other subtle signs of the aging process.
Whereas microdermabrasion breaks the tonofilaments through the act of physical exfoliation, chemical peels work to dissolve the "glue". One of the most frequent questions is which procedure is better? The answer is that each works well, but neither provides a thorough exfoliation when used alone. That is why incorporating both treatments into a regimen can produce a much more satisfying result.
Just like other cosmetic procedures, there is a wide range of chemical combinations, strengths and techniques used that can make it overwhelming to decide which is best for you.
Physicians typically guide the patient to the most appropriate type and level of chemical peel to address the problem and yield a satisfying result. What's realistic? What isn't? What can you do for yourself? And finally, what should your doctor do that your aesthetician shouldn't? Let's find out.

Realistic Goals Of Chemical Peels
• Chemical peels can correct actinic (sun) damage. • They can reduce mild scarring. • You can experience a reduction or eradication of your wrinkles. • Improvement of dark skin discoloration is possible. • Chemical peels can remove excessive / stubborn blackheads. • The peel may temporarily reduce excessive skin oils.
Unrealistic Goals Of Chemical Peels
• It cannot remove or reduce the appearance of blood vessels on the skin. • It is impossible to truly change pore diameter. However, by removing blackheads, the pores may actually appear less pronounced after treatment. • This is not a procedure to get rid of keloidal types of scars. • Chemical peels are not a facelift. • This is typically not appropriate for improving dark skin discoloration in people of color (Asians, African Americans, Caucasians of Mediterranean extraction, Hispanics, etc.)

There are a variety of different chemicals used for the purpose of rejuvenating the skin in what are called "chemical peels". The main reason to select an active agent is based upon the desired depth of the chemical peel. If the skin concern is predominantly superficial, then a milder, less caustic ingredient is selected. If deeply placed conditions exist, then far stronger products with matching levels of potential complications may be necessary.
Chemical peeling agents that perform mild or moderate peels typically provide a safer peel that has less associated long-term side effects. These peels work on the epidermis and possibly the most superficial portion of the dermis (known as the papillary dermis).
Deeper peels go midway into the dermal layer (into the reticular dermis), almost invariably leaving a permanently lighter skin tone. Instead of being able to tan as in the past, this lighter skin often freckles instead. These deeper peels should not be undertaken lightly, and you need to make sure in advance that the peel technique will be feathered into the scalp line and performed down the neck, possibly even the décolletage, or you may find that you have a highly noticeable line demarcating your original skin tone and the new one that is on the face.

Active ingredients used alone or in combination for mild to moderate strength chemical peels
• Glycolic Acid(AHA) • Salicylic Acid (BHA) • Lactic Acid • Jessner's Peel ( a combination of salicyclic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid mixed in ethanol) • Resorcinol • TCA (Trichloracetic Acid) TCA is used in a variety of peeling regimens such as AccuPeel and the Obagi Blue Peel.

Active ingredients used in deep chemical peels • Baker's Phenol

THE FOUR LEVELS OF PEELING

The ingredient and concentration obviously play a very big role in determining the ultimate depth of the chemical peel. However, other variables can make a difference such as whether a pre-peel de-fatting prep was performed, the amount of chemical applied, and the length of time the chemical was allowed to stay on the skin.
Another important factor is which area will be treated. The variations in skin thickness can affect the ultimate peel outcome. For instance, the face usually heals far more rapidly and typically experiences far fewer complications (such as discoloration, scar formation and infection) than areas such as the backs of the hands or neck. And regardless of what type or depth of peel used, exfoliation always increases one's sun sensitivity. Always wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 when using any type of chemical or physical exfoliation.

Very Superficial: This really isn't a true peel, more of an exfoliation. The most superficial layers of the stratum corneum (at the top of the epidermis) is removed or thinned during exfoliation. Most chemical peels have a preoperative regimen of using exfoliating agents such as Renova, Tazorac or a strong glycolic acid cream for 2-4 weeks prior to the actual procedure. This helps the chemical peeling agents penetrate more deeply and evenly. The use of these exfoliants also have the obvious beneficial properties of smoothing out thickened rough areas, helping self tanners go on more evenly and helping other skin rejuvenation products reach deeper tissues. Additionally, there has been good evidence that vitamin A exfoliants can help stimulate collagen deposition.

Superficial: Superficial chemical peels remove skin through a portion or all of the epidermal layer. These are the "refreshing" forms of skin peels. They can also help with reducing the appearance of very mild blotchy skin discoloration, remnant acne discoloration and help cleanse the pores. This is the most common form of peel that you would find performed in a spa or by an aesthetician. And typically they would only utilize glycolic, AHA blends or BHA as the active ingredients. True peels with higher levels of glycolic acid (30% or higher) or those containing TCA, resorcinol or Jessner's ideally would be performed in a medical setting. Examples of chemicals used for a superficial peel include: TCA 10-20%, Resorcin, Jessner's Solution, Salicylic Acid, Solid CO2 (also known as dry ice), AHAs (Glycolic and Lactic Acid).

Home peel kits tend to fall somewhere between very superficial and superficial. They can be excellent for helping freshen skin, eliminate blackheads, improve symptoms of oiliness and/or acne and renew texture. Home peels usually rely upon very low levels of glycolic acid (AHA) or blend with salicylic acid (BHA). Guestimate that total levels of actives will fall somewhere in the 4-12% total acid level range when looking at an average do-it-yourself products. Certainly chemical peels for home use in the 30+ range should be approached with care. Glycolic acid at 30% enters into potential medium level peel, particularly if misused. Acid is acid, so anytime a peel regimen is used at home, it is important to follow the directions. Acids are neutralized during the routine to stop their action. This prevents inflammation, discoloration or chemical burns for occurring. Most mainstream brands have been thoroughly tested and have well proven safety records. But "rogue" peels without any major brand behind them may be suspect. DERMAdoctor has periodically received frantic consumer calls about problems experienced with "no-name" chemical peels purchased online or through an infomercial. So it always boils down to buyer beware and use with care. Examples of typical home peel systems include MD Formulations My Personal Peel System, Cellex-C Speed Peel Facial Gel and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel - 30 applications. A version made for the body, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel is also available.

Medium: Here's my personal cut off point that distinguishes medically performed peels from those offered in a spa, by an aesthetician or facialist. A medium strength chemical peel allows the acid to penetrate through the epidermis, down into the upper most portion of the dermis known as the papillary dermis. A medium strength peel will be far more likely to be associated with complications, both temporary and permanent. In addition to the pre-peel use of exfoliants, the use of a skin bleaching agent, such as 4% hydroquinone, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen a month prior to the procedure, may be added for more aggressive forms of these peels, or for patients who already suffer from some form of skin discoloration. Inflammation from this level peel may temporarily produce an increase in skin tone. Medium peels are typically not appropriate for people with darker skin tones or of ethnic background again due to the risk of irregular pigmentation following the procedure.

Dealing with infection preventatively is key here. For non-buffered glycolic acid and more commonly TCA peels, the use of antiviral medication (herpes cold sore prevention) started before the peel is performed is very helpful. The use of antibiotics is sometimes also used. It is absolutely CRUCIAL that you not pick at the peeling skin during the healing phase. This is a sure way to end up with an infection and long lasting problems such as scarring or skin discoloration. Often the use of emollients during the first few days such as MD Formulations Moisture Defense Antioxidant Comfort Creme are incorporated in addition to the continued use of sunscreen such as DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body, and a very mild cleansing agent such as DERMAdoctor Wrinkle Revenge Antioxidant Enhanced Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser 1. Make-up is often avoided until the skin has fully peeled away. Buffered glycolic acid chemical peels that range from 70-99% do not cause the type of significant noticeable peeling that you can see with TCA peels such as AccuPeel. However, a series of 6-12 buffered glycolic acid peels compared to usually 1 of the AccuPeel is typically performed. Skin sensitivity, degree of skin concerns, time down, and cost will determine which form of peel should be chosen.

A variety of acid compounds can be used for a medium peel: Glycolic Acid 70%+ (non-buffered), TCA 35-70%, combination peels such as solid CO2, (also called dry ice), followed by medium strength TCA, and glycolic acid followed by TCA. A word on the Obagi Blue Peel. This peel is essentially TCA blended with a blue dye, which allows the physician to accurately determine where and how evenly the chemical has been applied. This peel has the same benefits as any TCA peel; however, it is often recommended as a treatment for skin discoloration, particularly patients of color. This peel "routine" is accompanied by home treatment with hydroquinone and tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin A, etc.). Certainly anyone with a darker skin tone should always enter into a chemical peel fully aware of potential inflammation and an increase in skin discoloration. The Blue Peel has a good track record. I merely wanted to demystify the name given its widespread use and name recognition.

Deep: This peel goes through the epidermis, papillary dermis and into the deeper portion of the dermis known as the reticular dermis. These peels are not a simple procedure. Absorption of the active ingredient, phenol, has been known to cause cardiac arrest and even death. Patients who undergo phenol peels should be placed under general anesthesia and on full cardiac and pulmonary monitoring.

A phenol peel unquestionably requires a medical setting where emergency back-up is available should anything go wrong. An anesthesiologist should be present, and preferably have this procedure done in a surgical setting, not just a room adjacent to the doctor's office. The down time from this procedure is obviously the longest, 2-3 weeks is generally required before you want to be seen in public. Due to the depth of the peel leaving deeper tissue exposed, there is an increase in photosensitivity to the sun. Sunblocks which offer UVA, UVB and visible light protection such as Total Block are ideal.
Examples of ingredients used in deep peels include: Baker's phenol alone or under occlusion by tape. The tape drives the phenol deeper into the skin. Chemical peels can truly retexturize the skin, restore radiance and a youthful appearance. Whether looking for magic or simply the ideal home treatment to maximize your rejuvenation routine, chemical peels are undoubtedly here to stay. Whatever the reason always follow the directions. Doing so will help get the most from your treatment and minimize problems down the road.

Professional products and treatments can repair summer skin problems and help avoid them in the future. m.d. Skin is offering a light peel via Pumpkin Enzyme, as well as a variety of safe Chemical Peels. Free consultations are available to determine the best protocol for you. Please access my website (http://www.themdskin.com) and book your appointment for your radiant fall face.

Please note that this BLOG was published in October under the name "Fall Skin Care . . . Correction Time" These type of treatments should be performed BEFORE the longer and more intense UV ray seasons of Spring and Summer. Please book your appointment NOW in preparation for those months when not recommended. If you have question or concerns, remember that I always offer FREE Consultations!


Marci

m.d. Skin llc,
561 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC 29169
803-351-2922