Fall Skin Care

by Gina Thompson

I know if it’s been a good summer, I will be paying the price in the fall. All of these hot, summer days have been wonderful, but the sun can certainly leave a lasting impression that can age the skin. I generally change a few things in my routine as the fall season arrives that boost hydration, increase cell turnover and minimize pigmentation. Here are some of my favorite products and treatments for the fall.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a powerful antioxidant solution that protects against environmental aging and helps create more youthful looking skin. It contains a synergistic antioxidant combination as well as essential lipids to enhance the skin’s barrier function. I always use an antioxidant, but this one is my choice for fall because of its ability to protect and hydrate the skin. Great combination!  

GlyMed Plus Treatment Cream has been around for many years and continues to be a staple in my skin care routine. It is a perfect solution for drier skin that needs exfoliation as well as hydration. The Treatment Cream contains glycolic acid for cell turnover and rich emollients to moisturize dry skin. My skin loves this luxurious cream in the fall.

Epiquin Micro is an active treatment product that contains hydroquinone for skin lightening and vitamin A for exfoliation. Hydroquinone is one of the most effective ingredients for minimizing pigmentation and I like to use Epiquin Micro every fall to erase the signs of the summer sun. It always makes a difference.  

Microdermabrasion is a popular skin care treatment that provides superficial exfoliation. When paired with a light chemical peel, it is a perfect solution to resurface and brighten the skin. After a summer of sun exposure and sunscreen use, I like to treat myself to a microdermabrasion treatment. It feels like I am erasing the damage of the summer sun and my skin feels so clean and refreshed afterwards.

 IPL (Intense Pulse Light) Photo Facials are a great answer for very stubborn pigmentation. A series of 4 or more treatments is recommended for best results to treat red (broken capillaries) and brown (pigmentation). IPL is not recommended during the summer months since we cannot treat skin that is tan. Fall is the perfect time of year to treat that unwanted pigmentation and I have lots of clients who come in for a maintenance treatment (or two) or begin their series of photo facials in September or October.

Your fall skin care program may require some changes, but it usually isn’t complicated. If you are unsure feel free to discuss it with us at your next skin care visit. We look forward to seeing you.

The Fall 2012 Newsletter is Here!

The kids are back to school and cooler temperatures are on the way. It is a perfect time to treat yourself to an Aesthetic treatment and evaluate your fall skin care needs. Check out our fall newsletter that is filled with advice you can trust in today's world of beauty. Take a look and you will find: 

• Dramatic fall makeup trends including extreme eyeliner and sketched on lashes 
• Friday appointments for Botox and Dysport with Jenny Grybas 
• Fall specials including savings on Microdermabrasion and Treatment Cream from GlyMed Plus. 

So be sure to check out our newsletter chocked full of news, information and helpful tips and don't forget to "Like" the Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on Facebook for more great content and tips!

Adult Acne: It's No Joking Matter

I was reading with interest a humerous blog on the Project Beauty Website titled ANONYMOUS ADULT ACNE: The Whys? today which really had me cracking up. Not that adult acne is a joke, however the tongue-and-cheek piece was oh-so-relatable to this 40-ish mom.

I sometimes wonder, "why am I breaking out?" "Are my hormones giving me grief?" and "What can I do to stop the insanity!?" And it hit me, why not ask my favorite CPRS Clinical Skin Care Specialist Gina Thompson the types of products that will help men and women in their 30's, 40's, 50's or even their 60's who are suffering from adult acne!

"The good news is that some active ingredients used to treat acne also treat aging skin." Thompson said, "Glycolic acid and retinoids encourage cell turnover to help reduce existing acne and prevent future breakouts, but also minimize fine lines and create smoother, softer skin. In addition, anti-oxidants like vitamin C help protect the skin from free radicals that cause future aging, and correct existing damage, acne and photo-aged skin."

For men and women who are suffering from adult acne, she suggests either Triacneal from Avene, which contains Retinaldehyde and Glycolic acid for cell turnover and Efectiose to control redness and irritation or     Phloretin CF by Skinceuticals. The combination of vitamin C, Phloretin and ferulic acid in Phloretin CF is perfect for correcting existing damage, preventing premature signs of aging and accelerating healthy skin cell turnover.

I have also read that drinking plenty of water keeps your face and body hydrated, but can also help to clear acne. I actually found several great tips for great looking skin on WebMD. Of course it's always wise to get expert advice when looking for assistance with your health and well being, so please consult your physician before making changes.

Have you suffered from adult acne? Are there products that have helped you to keep your skin, clean, clear and healthy looking? We'd love to know!