Make sure to take advantage of our Ultherapy Special!

What is Ultherapy® and how does it work?

Ultherapy® is the only non-invasive procedure approved by the FDA to lift skin on the neck, around the chin and eyebrows, and to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. Ultherapy® focuses ultrasound energy beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. Ultherapy® jumpstarts a natural process known as neocollagenesis, to produce fresh, new collagen.

What should you expect with an Ultherapy® treatment?

We start by identifying the areas to be treated. We follow this with the application of ultrasound gel, and then we place the applicator on your skin to being delivering focused ultrasound energy beneath your skin’s surface. As the treatment is delivered, you will feel the ultrasound energy being deposited beneath your skin, indicating that the collagen building process has been initiated! The treatments can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the treated area. Comfort levels vary from person to person, but the sensation only lasts while the ultrasound energy is being delivered, and it is relatively pain free.

Through the rest of August, order a package of 3 upper lip treatments for $350, a savings of $25! Call us for more information or to set up an appointment.

~ 718 317 6252 ~

Give your lips a youthful look with our Ultherapy Special!

Ultherapy is the only non-invasive procedure approved by the FDA to lift skin on the neck, lips, around the chin and eyebrows, and to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. Ultherapy focuses ultrasound energy beneath the skin at the optimal temperature for collagen regeneration. Ultherapy jumpstarts a natural process known as neocollagenesis to produce fresh, new collagen, which is a vital protein for giving your skin a youthful look.

And now through August, order a package of 3 upper lip treatments for $350, a savings of $25! Call us for more information or to set up an appointment.

~ 718 317 6252 ~

 

Sunscreen Q & A: Part 5

Q: How much sunscreen should I apply?

A: Surprisingly, most people only apply about 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen to their bodies. The rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of sunscreen to cover the exposed areas of your body. If you are unsure what 1 oz of sunscreen looks like, it is approximately one shot glass (two tablespoons) worth of sunscreen.

To start, make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher. Apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors to allow your skin time to absorb it. Cover ALL exposed areas, and don’t forget to get the tops of your feet, legs, and ears. Even though these parts of your body may not get as much sun exposure, they are still at risk of getting burned. For your lips, try using a lip balm with sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Don’t think you can apply once and be done with it! If you like staying out in the sun all day, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or sooner if you are sweating profusely, swimming, or toweling off. Although some sunscreen brands are advertised as sweatproof or waterproof, these brands can vary in how long they last under wet conditions. Play it safe and reapply!

The suns rays are always attacking your skin, regardless of clear or cloudy skies. Remember that the safest way to avoid sun damage is to reduce the amount of time you spend outdoors. However, if you have to be outside, sunscreen is one of the most effective tools out there to protect you from the sun!

If you are looking to purchase some new sunscreen, don’t forget that we carry several moisturizers with built-in sun protection. Call us for more info!

~ 718 317 6252 ~

Sunscreen Q & A: Part 4

Q: Does wearing sunscreen put you at risk for a vitamin D deficiency?

A: UVB rays are shortwave rays from the sun that are important for generating vitamin D in your skin, which is a critical vitamin for regulating the amount of calcium in your body. How much vitamin D your skin produces depends on a few factors, including:

• The time of day – your skin produces more vitamin D if you expose it during peak sunlight hours (10am – 3pm)
• Where you live – the closer to the equator you live, the easier it is for you to produce vitamin D from sunlight year round.
• The color of your skin – fair skin makes vitamin D more quickly than darker skin.
• The amount of skin you expose – the more skin your expose the more vitamin D your body will produce.

Sunscreen protects your skin by blocking UVA and UVB rays, so naturally, application of sunscreen will limit the amount of vitamin D your body can produce in a given day. Do not let this discourage you from using sunscreen! Most people apply sunscreen inconsistently and use less than the recommended amount and therefore are not typically deficient in vitamin D. However, if you are still concerned that sunscreen will put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency, ask your doctor to recommend a vitamin D supplement.

If you are looking to purchase some new sunscreen, don’t forget that we carry several moisturizers with built-in sun protection. Call us for more info!

~ 718 317 6252 ~

Sunscreen Q & A: Part 3

Q: Does everyone need to use sunscreen?

A: Yes! Everyone should use sunscreen, especially if you have a fairer skin tone. People with fair skin are especially susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays. It is true that people with darker skin tones have some ‘built-in’ sun protection: darker skin tones contain more melanin, the pigment that produces skin color, which also acts as a natural filter to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. However, melanin does not block ALL of the sun’s harmful rays.

Keep in mind that the sun affects our skin in two ways. First, UVB rays bombard our skin and damage the DNA in our cells. With time and repeated exposure to the sun, the damage to our DNA increases the likelihood of getting skin cancer. Second, UVA rays bombard our skin surface and cause tanning. While this may seem like a benefit, UVA rays also contribute to accelerated skin aging ie. wrinkles.

If the amount of UV rays you’re exposed to exceeds the protection provided by melanin, your skin can still be harmed. So no matter your skin tone, make sure to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.

If you are looking to purchase some new sunscreen, don’t forget that we carry several moisturizers with built-in sun protection. Call us for more info!

~ 718 317 6252 ~

Sunscreen Q & A: Part 2

Q: Some people claim that sunscreen doesn’t prevent the three main types of skin cancer. Is this true?

A: False! There are numerous studies showing that sunscreen protects against all three of the most common skin cancers: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. For example, in 2011, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published a randomized, clinical study of over 1,600 people showing that regular sunscreen use reduced the incidence of melanoma by 50-73%. When used as directed with other sun protection measures, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher helps prevent sunburn and reduces the risk of early skin aging and skin cancer (melanoma and squamous cell carcinomas) associated with UV radiation.

Q: Is there evidence that sunscreen actually causes skin cancer?

A: This is absolutely false! We know that repeated and extended exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays without appropriate protection can increase the risk of skin cancer over time. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life inside, sunscreens – both mineral and chemical versions – are one of the most effective forms of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of sunscreen at preventing various types of skin cancer. Other studies have shown that it was high amounts of sun exposure, not the sunscreen, that elevated the risk of skin cancer.

If you are looking to purchase some new sunscreen, don’t forget that we carry several moisturizers with built-in sun protection. Call us for more info!

~ 718 317 6252 ~

 

 

Sunscreen Q and A: Part 1

Q: Are there certain chemicals in sunscreen that people should avoid?

A: There are two common types of sunscreens currently on the market:

1. Chemical blockers protect your skin by absorbing the sun’s harmful rays through a chemical reaction that convert the UVA and UVB rays into heat and release it from your skin’s surface. Common ingredients used in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
2. Physical blockers reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun before they can penetrate the skin and cause any damage. They contain one of two active ingredients, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These types of sunscreens are effective at protecting against UVA and UVB rays and are especially helpful for people who are allergic to chemical sunscreens.

Every year, new sunscreens are introduced to the market, offering more effective and longer lasting protection against the sun. If you are uncertain about the effectiveness or safety of a new sunscreen product, just remember that all the ingredients listed above are tried and true methods for protecting your skin against UVA and/or UVB rays (oxybenzone has received negative press because of concerns that it may act as a hormone disruptor, however, studies show that there is no definitive conclusion that this is the case).

Physical blockers generally protect against UVA and UVB rays (aka broad-spectrum), however, chemical blockers may not protect against both UVA and UVB rays depending on the composition of the sunscreen. Just remember that whichever type of sunscreen you prefer to use, make sure it is labeled as a broad-spectrum sunscreen!

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July next week! And please remember to use your sunscreen!

Good daily skin care: moisturizers!

LEARN THE BASIC STEPS FOR GOOD DAILY SKIN CARE: MOISTURIZERS

Moisturizers are occlusives, a blend of ingredients that help retain water in your skin after their application to your skin’s surface. They increase your skin’s hydration (water content) by reducing the evaporation of water from the skin surface. They can contain humectants, which attract moisture, and emollients, which help smooth the skin, as well as natural oils and lubricants.

Moisturizers are not serums! Moisturizers will not irritate your skin and are recommended for all skin types. Just remember to always apply your moisturizer after you are finished applying your serum.

 

While it’s great to take care of your skin at home, you should also have your skin cleansed regularly by a professional esthetician. If you’re looking for a simple and effective skin care treatment, try out our Hydrafacial Special, only through the rest of June! Receive a Hydrafacial treatment for $100, a $50 savings!

Call us for more information or to set up an appointment!

718 317 6252

Good daily skin care: serums!

LEARN THE BASIC STEPS FOR GOOD DAILY SKIN CARE: SERUMS

Serums are light, easily absorbed oil or water-based liquids that you apply on your skin. Serums are not moisturizers! Just a few drops of this highly concentrated formulation on the surface of your skin quickly delivers an intensive dose of ingredients that can address common skin complaints. Serums are typically applied to skin after cleansing but before moisturizing.

Not all serums work the same. How well they work depends on several factors, including the active ingredients, the product formulation, the way in which the product is delivered, and the stability of the compounds in the product. Remember, these are powerful ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin! Always test a small area before you apply a serum widely, and never use more than a couple of drops. And make sure to close all tops tightly on any serum product when finished.

Serums can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including brown spots, wrinkles, and dry or acne-prone skin.

Dry or sagging skin:

Look for serums that contain vitamin E, niacinamide, and glycolic acid. Also look for ceramides, which are fatty molecules that help hold the skin together and keep moisture from escaping.

Dark spots or blotchy skin:

A serum that contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can help with discoloration. In addition to those ingredients, look for kojic acid to help lighten dark patches or glycolic acid (a gentle exfoliant) to help brighten the skin and reduce brown spots.

Acne:

If you’re still plagued with occasional breakouts and acne, you’ll want to choose a serum with salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores, and a product with retinol, to reduce inflammation and help prevent pores from clogging.

Wrinkles and signs of aging:

Look for a serum that contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, a trio of antioxidants that reduce stress to the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Vitamin C is also recommended to stimulate new collagen growth.

Other good serum options for wrinkles are those containing antioxidants such as tea polyphenols and resveratrol. Retinol, which reduces inflammation is another good option, as is niacinamide, which improves skin elasticity and can soften fine lines and wrinkles.

Come back next week when we talk about the final step in the good skin care regimen, creams and moisturizers!

While it’s great to take care of your skin at home, you should also have your skin cleansed regularly by a professional esthetician. If you’re looking for a simple and effective skin care treatment, try out our Hydrafacial Special, now continuing through June! Receive a Hydrafacial treatment for $100, a $50 savings!

Call us for more information or to set up an appointment!

718 317 6252

Good daily skin care: cleansing

LEARN THE BASIC STEPS FOR GOOD DAILY SKIN CARE: CLEANSING

Now that we have identified your skin type, let’s talk about the first steps of our daily skin care regimen: cleansing (exfoliation) and toner application.

On average we renew our skin surface every 10 days. However, age, diet, poor health or lack of daily skin care can slow the cell renewal process. Exfoliation, either manual or chemical, improves cell turnover and thus the production of new healthy cells. Exfoliation can be manual, either by daily cleansing, a microdermabrasion or a Hydrafacial treatment, or chemical, with acid peels. All of these rejuvenate and maintain the health of your skin.

Good skin care starts with scrubbing your skin for at least 2 minutes with a washcloth or facial brush twice a day in the morning and evening. This serves to manually exfoliate your top layer of skin and allow the healthy layers to move to the surface. I like to use the Clarisonic, but there are many available options.

You should also incorporate a daily cleanser into your exfoliation regimen.

1. Clients with normal skin have many options. I prefer a Vitamin “C” cleanser. It aids in exfoliating and gives your skin a healthy glow. I also like to alternate the cleansers I use: some days I use Vitamin C, others a milk cleanser or a seasonal cleanser (such as pumpkin).
2. Clients with combination skin may need to use products that specifically address your issues. Most skin care lines offer products for this skin type.
3. Clients with dry skin should use a creamy cleanser such as milk cleanser which washes away impurities without drying your skin.
4. Clients with oily skin should use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, which is helpful in reducing sebum production, a main contributor to oily skin. If you find this is too irritating, green tea cleansers can be less irritating.
5. For clients with sensitive skin, I recommend a gentle milk cleanser which may contain rose water to gently cleanse the skin and not cause irritation.

Let’s talk about toners. Toners used for skin care are designed to further cleanse your skin after exfoliating with a cleanser. Toners can be applied with a cotton ball, gauze or spray. There are several types:

1. Skin fresheners contain water, a humectant (substance which helps retain moisture in your skin) and little or no alcohol. An example is rose water. Skin fresheners are recommended for dry, normal or sensitive skin.
2. Skin tonics are slightly stronger with up to 20% alcohol, water and a humectant. Orange flower water is an example. Skin tonics are recommended for normal, combination or oily skin.
3. Astringents are the strongest form of toner and contain 20-60% alcohol, antiseptics, water and a humectant. These can be irritating to the skin and are only recommended in limited cases.

Come back next week when we talk about the next step in the good skin care regimen, serums!

While it’s great to take care of your skin at home, you should also have your skin cleansed regularly by a professional esthetician. If you’re looking for a simple and effective skin care treatment, try out our Hydrafacial Special, now continuing through June! Receive a Hydrafacial treatment for $100, a $50 savings!

Call us for more information or to set up an appointment!

718 317 6252