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Archive for the ‘Products’ Category

Neocutis Bio-Serum in SF Examiner! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

With all of the anti-aging skin products on the market, how do we choose what to carry in our office and recommend to our patients?  Well for us to bring on a product, there must be scientific data behind it that it actually works to penetrate and improve the skin.  Also, the product must be tried and liked by myself and my staff of varying skin types.

The products from Neocutis definitely meet both criteria.  And while we can talk someone’s ear off about the benefits of their formulations, it is always reassuring for patients when a third party review backs up our findings too!  Check out this article in the San Francisco Examiner on Neocutis Bio-Serum.

Neocutis Bio-Serum uses PSP® (Processed Skin Cell Proteins), a balanced mixture of skin nutrients including cytokines, growth factors and antioxidants, combined with pro-collagen amino acids and a bio-mimetic peptide to safeguard the skin’s collagen and elastin against damage.  Skin plumping hyaluronic acid and line softening technology also work synergistically to help visibly transform the appearance of skin.  Contact our office to start and see the benefits of Bio-Serum for yourself!

 

Tanning - A New Addiction: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

There is no question that exposure to high levels of ultraviolet rays cause skin cancer, not to mention premature aging and pigmentation issues of the skin.  Despite this fact, however, tanning salons and outdoor sun tanning still remain popular, especially among young adults.  So what keeps people returning to those booths and baking on their beach towels when they know the indisputable risks?

Well, Mosher and Danoff-Burg propose that habitual indoor tanning may, in some cases, be best characterized as an addiction with behavioral and physiologic dependency.  Roughly one third of the college students who took screening tests (one that is commonly used to screen for alcoholism and a tanning-specific substance related disorder test) met criteria for addiction to ultraviolet tanning. This subgroup also showed a greater tendency for substance abuse and anxiety, suggesting that habitual tanning may be a predictor of other addictive behaviors, such as alcoholism and cigarette smoking.

Looking at tanning with this mindset and identifying patients who show signs of addiction toward tanning will hopefully give the medical community a new way to approach this topic with their patients and help them avoid this risky behavior before they encounter potentially life threatening conditions like melanoma.

If it is simply the “tan look” that people seek, tanning alternatives continue to improve and are a great way to get a glow without any risk.  Our staff and patients are currently loving the products by TanTowel.  The self-tanning towelettes are easy to use, with a simple swipe on action.  Streaks and discolorations are easily avoidable with the towelette.  They also have a great self-tanning soap that is used conveniently in the shower to supplement your towelettes or to achieve a more gradual glow.  The towelettes and soap along with their self-tanning lotion give the most natural looking color that I have found among sunless tanning products.  Check with our office today for more information on the Tan Towel products and to give yourself a summer glow without the harmful UV rays!

 

Interview on CBS 5 about the MTS-Roller: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, May 17th, 2010

In case you missed it, here is the link to my interview with CBS Channel 5 News (KPIX) discussing the benefits of the MTS-Roller!

This instrument is one of my favorites.  Its a hand-held roller dotted with micro-needles that can be used on the face, neck and body. While the MTS (Microneedle Therapy System) Roller does not look like something you’d naturally be inclined to used on your skin, it has been shown to deliver results.  It helps induce collagen growth in the dermal layer and helps products penetrate more deeply into the skin where they can be much more effective. This translates to skin that appears softer, smoother and less wrinkled over time.  It may also help with scarring and hyperpigmentation. The treatment is virtually pain-free and no damage is caused to the skin. The roller can be used safely on the skin 3-4 days per week and comes in two sizes.  The 0.2mm needle roller is to be used on dry to sensitive and mature skin types.    The 0.3mm needle roller is better for thick and oily prone skin.  We will be happy to help you choose which is most appropriate for your skin.  The roller retails for $125 each, which includes sterilizing equipment.

Our staff will instruct you on the proper use of the roller, so you can use it in the convenience of your own home.  You can use the roller with nearly any product, however, we find that the best products include Neocutis Bio-Serum, hyaluronic acid serums, bio-restorative creams, hydroquinone and retinoic acids.  Let us help you take advantage of this handy little tool and add it to your anti-aging warchest!

 

Join us Friday, May 14th for Body Awareness Day! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Get your skin and body into summer shape with our latest special event!

On Friday, May 14th, we will offer 20% off all sunscreens, Tan Towel self-tanning products, body lotions and scrubs, vitamins and Heliocare (an antioxidant supplement that inhibits the formation of sunburn cells - great for vacations!).  The Clarisonic Body System with brushes and Silk’N home hair laser device will also be 20% off.

If you’ve been thinking of trying our Zeltiq fat reduction treatment or Body by Thermage, now is the time!  A very special package that combines Zeltiq sculpting treatments and a Thermage treatment to tighten the waist and abdomen area will be available for booking at a great price.  Please contact the office for more details.

Refreshments and representatives from our favorite companies will be available to you for questions and information.

Look forward to seeing you May 14th!

 

Keep Your Makeup Fresh! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Most people do some sort of “spring cleaning” around this time of year with the clothes in their closet, but what we often forget to sort through is our makeup drawer.  Facing all those old lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes of disappointments past can easily make you want to keep that drawer shut.  Now is the time however to get rid of the old and bring in some new, especially because makeup can harbor bacteria and become spoiled even before its expiration date, especially if not properly handled and stored.

Here are some guidelines to help you get started on lightening your load and keeping your skin and makeup more healthy.

Mascara:  Mascara should be discarded after 3 or 4 months, even if the tube is not empty.  It is a favorite home of bacteria.  Also, just twist the brush in the tube to wet the applicator.  Pumping the wand only dries out the mascara more quickly.

Eyeshadow:  Powder eyeshadows can last up to three years if not exposed to moisture - like using water or spit to double its use as an eye  liner.  Better to purchase a thin, flat brush for this purpose and use it dry instead.

Eye Liner:  Can also last up to three years, but should be sharpened after each use.

Lip Liner:  Also can last up to three years if sharpened regularly.

Blush:  Six months.

Concealer:  Up to one year.

Powder:  Pressed powders can last up to two years.

Foundation:  Water based foundations are good for up to one year, whereas oil-based up to a year and a half.  Also, use applicators like makeup sponges to apply instead of your fingers.

Lipstick:  I generally hold onto lipstick for one to two years.  After that the color can sometimes change and bacteria tends to grow.  If the lipstick has a funny smell throw it out!

Brushes:  Wash your brushes every couple of months or whenever they become saturated.  Use a mild shampoo or makeup brush cleanser, rinse, squeeze out excess moisture, reshape and allow to dry overnight before use.  Not only will your this extend the life of your brushes, but your makeup will go on better and colors will stay true as you won’t mix shades.

Liner Sharpeners:  Wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or leaving it for a few minutes in a rubbing alcohol bath, will keep this tool clean.

Other common sense, but sometimes overlooked tips include washing your hands before applying your makeup and taking time to properly close all compacts and bottles.  Use a sharpie to write the date you purchased your makeup on the label.  Time goes by quickly and something like a less often used shadow will hit 3 years old before you know it.  These steps will greatly extend the health of your makeup.   If you have any makeup that has changed color, texture or has a funny smell, discard right away.

I always prefer the use of mineral based makeup like that made by Jane Iredale and Colorescience.  Because of their high mineral content, they are even more hygienic and their colors are beautiful.  You can find both brands at our office.  Stop by and see what new colors would be right for you!

 

Annual Obagi Sale with a Special on Latisse!

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Stock up on Obagi products during our Annual Obagi Sale!

Receive 20% off all Obagi products from April 5th - April 9th, 2010.

As an extra bonus, we are giving a 10 percent discount off the purchase of Latisse, the first and only FDA approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes, growing them longer, darker and fuller.  Receive 20 percent off if you purchase two or more kits!

Take advantage of these savings - stop by or call the office today!

 

I Hate My Neck! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, March 15th, 2010

I hate my neck.  Or as Nora Ephron would say…“I feel bad about my neck.” Long before Nora Ephron penned her book with this name, men and women have looked in the mirror and seen loose neck skin that didn’t seem to match their facial skin.  Why?  Neck skin is thin and has few adnexal structures (oil glands, hair follicles) that can give skin more support.  Neck skin is often overlooked when applying sunscreen, yet is almost always exposed.  Women also begin anti-aging  regimes to the face much  sooner than they do the  neck.  Ms. Ephron complained that surgery could  do little to improve her neck’s appearance and until recently there was very little we could offer for neck rejuvenation.  Now we have quite a few answers!

First and always is skin care.  In most instances your neck care routine can be very similar to your face  routine.  Neck skin can be more sensitive, like eyelid skin, so care must be taken to use “active” products sparingly.  A suggested routine for people with normal skin would be to apply an anti-oxidant such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, RevaleSkin Coffee Berry, Replenix Green Tea Serum or Prevage in the AM then a sunscreen on top.  Reapplication of sunscreen is also important during the day, which may be easier with a powder sunscreen, such as Color Science Mineral SPF 30.  Banish V neck shirts from your closet for daywear and consider sleeveless tees when you know you might be stuck out in the sun.  I always carry a  thin scarf to tie around my neck if I am at a prolonged outdoor event.  In the evening you may be able apply a small of amount of Retin-A  3-5 times a week.  Non irritating brands like Atralin, Refissa and Micro Gel may work best for you.  After Retin-A apply a thick, moisturizing cream. I love Neova’s Creme de la Copper which enhances Retin-A’s work in collagen building.  Neocutis cream is also great as is SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter.  Sensitive skin types may not tolerate Retin-A on the neck but may be able to try retinols like Replenix Retinol Serum or glycolic acid products found in the Vivite skin care line.  There are some home devices that can encourage collagen growth and can be used on the neck.  We recommend the Omnilux home LED device and the MTS Roller to help your current products penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Discoloration the neck is usually due to excess sun over the years and can appear as patchy, red brown areas on the sides of the neck.  This is called pokiloderma and responds to laser treatments as do brown spots and broken blood vessels.  Unsightly growths such as skin tags and flesh moles can also be easily removed in the office.  The neck is difficult  to treat with chemical peels as it is not as resilient as facial skin.  We do have several peels suitable for the neck, but improvements can be subtle.

What’s next!  Consider what really bothers you.  For crepey skin nothing beats Fraxel laser treatments. These treatments are non-ablative and heal like a sunburn over a week.  They are easy to tolerate and very cost effective.  In our office a neck Fraxel treatment costs about the same as a syringe of Restylane or Juvederm.  You will need 2-5 treatments to see improvement.  Treatments can be done every 4-6 weeks.  A before and after photo is listed below.  Click on the photo to link to the Fraxel website for more results!

If the skin quality seems good but looseness is more of a factor, especially underneath the chin and jowl, Titan or Thermage would be best.  These treatments use heat to promote collagen building and focus on tightening of the skin over time, rather than texture.  Both treatments have no down-time, which make them simple to fit into any busy schedule.  One or two treatments may be required for best results.  We can help determine which treatment will be most effective for you.

If “stringy” muscles and “cords” are an issue and are not too advanced an exciting treatment is to use Botox for the neck.  This treatment takes about 5 minutes and can improve  the neck appearance dramatically, while also preventing  future wrinkling.

So, don’t give up on your neck - there is hope out there.  Too bad we couldn’t offer Ms. Ephron these treatments before she wrote her book!

 

March 12th SkinCeuticals In Office Event: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Please join us on Friday, March 12th for an all-day SkinCeuticals product event.  We will have snacks, free samples and a representative from the company available to answer any of your questions.  We are particularly excited to introduce a few of their new products like the Pigment Regulator (an effective non-hydroquinone alternative to correct pigment), Retexturizing Activator (a resurfacing and replenishing serum) and A.G.E. Interrupter and A.G.E. Eye Complex (to combat the aging effects of glycation in the skin).  In addition, all SkinCeuticals products will be 20% off!!  Please drop by our office and take advantage of the savings!

 

My Eyes Love the Opal! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

My new favorite product from the Clarisonic line of products is the Opal Sonic Infusion System!  I’ve been using this device for over a month now and feel it has given the skin around my eyes a fresh look.  This area of skin is notorious for being poor quality, especially as we age.  I always say that if there were something to eliminate under eye wrinkles then I wouldn’t have any!  While the Opal cannot eliminate eye wrinkles either, it does make the skin under my eyes area appear smoother, softer and less puffy.

The Opal is a small hand held device that uses sonic vibrations to infuse an anti-aging serum into the skin.  I like to use mine first thing in the morning to “awaken” my eyes, although it can be used anytime and as often as you like.  The benefits of the Opal, like increased firmness and wrinkle softening can be seen right after using it and last for hours.  These results also start to build over time and lead to improved texture in this tricky area.  Any skin type can benefit from the Opal.  Its another at home device to help keep your skin a few steps ahead in the anti-aging game!  Please contact our office for a free demo or more details.

 

Eye Rejuvenation Event December 4th! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Join us Friday, December 4th from 8am to 4pm for our holiday eye event!

Enjoy 20% off eye treatments and select eye products from Latisse, Neocutis and Colorscience.

Refreshments will be served along with complimentary under eye treatments.  There will also be a raffle for a free Botox treatment to treat crow’s feet, so be sure to drop by the office.

Hope to see you there!

 

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