MEDICAL GRADE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

We know that skin precedures are not only much more effective but are also longer lasting when paired with high-end skin products. Some of our premire brands include, SkinMedica, Glytone and Ageless Research Labs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are Your Skin Care Products Effective?
Erin Owoc, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

It goes without saying that great skin is only possible with the right kind of skin care products. The questions that everyone has are “Which products work?” and “What should I be using?” We always recommend medical grade skin care products because they provide a level of treatment well beyond that of traditional over-the-counter skin care treatments. Medical grade skin care products have the ability to reverse past damage to skin, fight existing skin problems, and protect skin from future damage. In addition, most people do not understand that over the counter products are not required to have clinical studies performed on their products. Only “medical grade” products (available only at a doctor’s office or a med spa) must go through an extensive testing and approval processes to ensure its effectiveness – so buyer beware. There are a couple of critical steps necessary to keep your skin looking its best.

Cleanse: Cleansers should be customized to a person’s specific skin requirements and range from gentle cleansers to exfoliating cleansers. As we get older our collagen replenishment process (the process that makes our skin tight and toned) reduces year after year. However, if you are consistently stimulating your skin with at house treatments, you can speed up this replenishment process to levels back when you were in your 20’s. Exfoliating products found in cleansers and toners, such as Glytone® Mild Gel Wash, contain glycolic acids which rapidly remove dead skin cells and renew the skin, thus improving the skin’s texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For some people, incorporating a scrub or a mask once a week is optimal in deep cleaning the skin and in the exfoliation process

Treat: After properly cleansing the skin, the next step would be to treat the skin. Two new technologies have raised the bar in anti-aging skin care products. One is found in SkinMedica’s ™ TNS products. They contain human growth factors that help the skin repair and regenerate itself. The other is brand new L-hydroxyproline which is found in DermaVio® products. This amino acid is found in your skin and is clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen formation in your skin. We have also found that DermaVio® also extends the life of BOTOX® with its tightening peptides in an “in” capsules and “out” serum application. Retinoids, or retinoic acid, has also been used successfully to treat acne, improve surface skin texture, reduce irregular pigmentation, and increase dermal collagen. It is been widely suggested that everyone should be on a retinoid (from teenagers with acne to adults with aging skin) because of the wonderful benefits of this product.

Existing skin problems can be treated with the right products. Products used to treat acne focus on deep cleaning, treating bacteria that causes acne, and reducing breakouts and surface oil. Products used to treat rosacea (or skin that is prone to redness), such as Avene® Diroseal, focus on more gentle cleansers and lotions that reduce redness and protect the skin. Products used to treat hyperpigmentation typically contain exfoliants and Hydroquinone. SkinMedica’s™ TNS Hyperpigmentation is a great way to improve the visible signs of skin aging – hyperpigmentation, melasma, photodamage, fine lines, wrinkles, and sallowness.

Hydrate and Protect: After the skin is cleansed and treated, the next step is to hydrate and protect. Properly moisturizing the skin helps restore hydration and revitalize skin tone and texture. You can properly moisturize the skin even in oil-prone skin if proper product is used. You can hydrate and protect in one step with a good moisturizer that contains sunscreen. A good sunscreen should give you a broad spectrum of protection against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

In summary, it is possible to restore vitality and youthfulness to your skin through a daily regimen of medical grade skin care products. With the proper skin care information, the advice of a specialist, and the right products, you can achieve smoother, clearer, younger-looking skin.