Travel Skin Care Essentials

by Gina Thompson

What skin care products do you take when you travel?

Every time I get on an airplane I attempt to avoid checking a bag. This presents a challenge pretty much every time I travel, but I am getting better at it with each flight. Limiting my assortment of shoes is an obstacle (thankfully I have small feet), but the liquid and gel regulations are what really perplex me. According to the Transportation Security Administration if you want to carry on, you must follow the 3-1-1 guidelines. This means that your liquids and gels must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less and all must fit in1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

I realize that a quart size bag may seem quite small, but you can get lots of travel size goodies in that little bag. Think about the essentials you will need for each particular trip and pack minis of everything you can. Also, call your hotel for a list of products that will be available in your room so you can streamline your choices. If you are confused about what you can and cannot bring in your carry on, download the My TSA app to your smart phone and ask, ‘Can I bring my…’ and get answers.

Here are some of the skin care essentials that I always travel with.

GlyMed Plus Purifying Cleanser
This multi-tasking cleanser removes makeup and cleanses the skin. It is creamy, refreshing and infused with real lavender oil to calm the skin. I never travel without it.  

Clarisonic Mia 2
The latest version of the Clarisonic Mia gives you all the benefits of sonic cleansing in a compact, easy-to-use style and comes with a protective case. I take this with me when I travel and it isn’t a liquid or a gel, so it doesn’t have to fit in my quart-sized plastic bag. Perfect!  

GlyMed Plus Photo Age Protection Gel SPF 15
I have used the Photo Age Protection Gel daily for almost 20 years. It is a great daytime moisturizer that lightly hydrates the skin and provides good protection as well. It works in most climates, so it is always with me when I travel.

Avene Thermal Spring Water
The mini size (50 ml) of this Thermal Spring Water is compliant with the TSA regulations so you can bring it with you on the plane. Simply spray the water onto the skin. It refreshes and hydrates without disturbing your makeup. I love it.

GlyMed Plus Intense Peptide Skin Recovery Complex
This light treatment cream is an essential when traveling because it can calm redness, moisturize the skin and soften lines. You can layer it under your daytime moisturizer, use it at night and also as an eye cream. I never forget this little pot of gold when I travel!

I think that it’s O.K. to skip your complete regimen for a couple of days when traveling. 
 Pack a few skin care essentials and get back to your complete routine when you return. Also, treat yourself to a hydrating facial treatment before your trip to look and feel refreshed.

Take Me Out To The Spa: Men's

by Gina Thompson

According to the International Spa Association men now account for 31% of spa goers!

As we are basking in the heat of summertime, it is easy to envision men of all ages watching a baseball game, enjoying a cold beer or standing over a flaming hot grill, but can you imagine these same men spending a day at the spa? The image is almost comical: Men in fluffy robes and slippers, meditating next to faux waterfalls while sipping a cup of detoxifying green tea.

The truth is more and more men are taking time out of their busy schedules to visit the place that most people affiliate with ‘ladies who lunch’ not our brothers, husbands or the average macho sports fan. Ironically, back in ancient Egyptian and Roman times it was in fact the men, not the women, who were the primary spa goers. Balneotherapy was a natural approach to health and healing utilizing hot spring waters, gases and other natural elements from the earth with massage techniques and aromatherapy to create physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The art of water therapy is how the concept of “spa” originated and the men were actually our founding fathers.

According to the International Spa Association, men now account for 31% of spa-goers and create annual revenues of 9.7 billion dollars for North American spas.

More and more men are taking the time to improve their looks with Aesthetic products and treatments, but most of them probably aren’t discussing it with their friends at a ball game. The truth is, men are one of the fastest growing populations of the cosmetic market and many services are available just for them.

• Skin care products for men are created with their needs in mind. You will find simple systems and practical packaging with masculine scents to suit your specific needs. 
• Microdermabrasion and facial peels are great choices for superficial resurfacing to smooth fine lines, improve rough skin texture and lighten age spots. 
• Botox and Dysport are perfect for those angry frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet near the eyes. 
• Dermanl fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm can fill in those deep creases around the mouth and redefine the jaw line. 
• Laser hair treatments can be an effective solution for excessive chest or back hair. 
• Cosmetic surgery is also available for more dramatic results. An upper blepharoplasty can improve droopy eyelids, a lower facelift can tighten aging skin and liposuction can be considered for those love handles. 

The most popular spa treatment for men is the basic massage, but their menu of services is growing and ‘men who spa’ are becoming a new normal- not the exception. So, if you are a man and secretly desire a little pampering of your own or just want to look and feel a little younger, you certainly have options.

Summer Skincare

By Gina Thompson

What products do you use for summer skin care?

 

Summer is definitely my favorite time of the year. I happily trade out my Uggs and heavy layers of black clothing for flirty sundresses and open toe sandals of every color. I modify my skin care wardrobe this time of the year as well by swapping out creamy moisturizers for lighter serums and lotions and spending a little more time pampering my feet, hands and body skin.

Seasonal skin changes are common for most skin types and may require minor adjustments throughout the year. Your summer skin care routine may require simply switching to a lotion instead of a cream for nighttime moisture, using a more active cleanser in the morning to feel squeaky clean, adjusting your Retinoid use based on your sun exposure or layering on more sunscreen.

I look forward to lightening up in the summer months and I want to share my list of summer essentials with you.

GlyMed Plus Stem Cell Serum
This is my number one summer skin care essential. It is super lightweight, feels great on the skin and provides an extra layer of anti-oxidant protection under my sunscreen. I will not be caught without my Stem Cell Serum!

GlyMed Plus UltraHydro Gel 
UltraHydro Gel is a staple in my skin care wardrobe, but it definitely gets more use in the summertime. It works great alone to hydrate oily skin types, but I like to mix it with my day and nighttime moisturizers. It thins out my creams and lotions while boosting hydration levels. Perfect!

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50
Most of my clients would agree that Physical Fusion is probably one of the lightest sun blocks out there. It is compliant with the current FDA guidelines for sunscreens providing an SPF 50 protection with a soft tint. It feels like nothing is on your skin and even the oiliest skins swear by this amazing product. This is a staple all summer long for me.

GlyMed Plus Chocolate Masque
Who doesn’t love chocolate? This delicious masque contains cocoa, reservatrol, and the acai berry for anti-aging and restorative benefits. Use it before a special event for a beautiful glow, after a professional skin care treatment to prolong the benefits or to soothe a burn. If you get too much sun one day, just apply this masque at night to reduce inflammation. It will not only soothe and calm the skin, but it will also help prevent pigmentation that may develop from inflammation after sun exposure. Fabulous.

Glytone Lipo-Lift Massage Kit
This product has been around for a while, but it is new to us! The shower gel and body massager are used together in the shower to help stimulate microcirculation and maximize drainage for firmer looking skin. I definitely feel like it helps keep my legs toned and smooth during swimsuit season. It takes a little extra time in the morning, but it is worth it!

Be sure to share your summer skin care essentials with us on the CPRS Facebook page or in the comments below.

Lips That Say Me: Exclusive Lip & Skin Care Savings Event!

This summer, discover new skin care options for your face and lips during our "Lips that say ME" event. On Monday, July 16, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. join our hosts, Medicis Aesthetics and Avene skin care, the Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's Ann Arbor location (5333 McAuley Dr., Ann Arbor), to find exclusive savings on lip balm, lip plumping products and several other lip care lines to help firm and reduce wrinkles and lines, for firmer, softer, more youthful looking lips.

But wait, there's more, lips aren't the only area of focus. Attendees can also find lotions, sunscreen and skincare treatments to help reduce fine lines, wrinkles and signs of aging, products improve the firmness and texture of skin, and lotions to hydrate your skin for the soft, satiny skin you desire!

While there, get a free lip evaluation and advice for your specific lip concerns or take advantage of our exclusive $100 discount on Restylane* lip enhancement treatments. Then enjoy light refreshments, pick up the latest issue of New Beauty Magazine and enter a raffle exclusively for event attendees. You may be the lucky winner of a NEW Clarisonic Mia 2 and $100 worth of skin care products!

We look forward to seeing you at our Lips That Say ME event. For more information, or to pre-order products, please call our office at (734) 712-2323 today!

_______________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL SAVINGS on lip products, Avene skin care and Elta sunscreen 

Avene Rétrinal H.A.F. is a clinically proven firming gel formulated with a patented combination of Retinaldehyde and exclusive Hyaluronic Acid Fragments (HAF) to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Tap this light lotion over your Rétrinal onto lined areas of the face for softer, firmer skin.

- Was: $46 Now: $38

Avene Rétrinal .05%+ and .1%+ are formulated with 2 exclusive ingredients: Retinaldehyde- one of the most effective forms of vitamin A, and patented Pre-Tocopheryl- a photo stable form of vitamin E. Rétrinal+ has been clinically proven to help prevent and reduce the visible signs of aging with little to no irritation.

- .05%+ Was: $60 Now: $50
- .1%+ Was: $68 Now: $56

Elta MD UV Lotion SPF 30+ is a full body sunscreen that moisturizes and protects with broad-spectrum coverage. It is perfect for all skin types.

- Was $28 Now $20

GlyMed Plus Lip Science diminishes fine lines and instantly restores moisture to support a youthful vermillion lip border. This treatment product promotes fuller, softer lips instantly as well as providing long term benefits.

- Was: $38 Now: $30

TNS Lip Plump System is a combination product that has a lip renewal cream on one end and a clear lip plumping gloss on the other. First apply the lip renewal cream to improve lip texture, condition the lips and increase of lip volume, then follow with the lip plumper to enhance natural lip color and instantly plump up the lips.

- Was: $45 Now: $35

Glo Mineral Lip Balms protect your lips with a full spectrum SPF 15 while nurturing botanicals of hemp seed oil, meadowfoam and mango seed butter soothe and heal. Try Mint or Cherry flavor.

- Was: $12.50 Now: $10

Bella Des Vanilla Lip Balm is a locally made product and is formulated with all natural ingredients including natural plant oils, vitamin E and beeswax. The French Vanilla flavor complements the naturally creamy taste of organic virgin coconut oil in this soothing lip balm.

- Was: $4 Now: $3.25



These special skin care and lip care offers are only good while supplies last, so please be sure to stop into our office for your exclusive savings! There is limited availability on some skincare products and offers are not valid with other discounts. Some restrictions may apply. Pre-orders your skin care products today at  (734)712.2323.





*$100 Restylane discount good for LIP treatments only that are booked for 7/16/12 or booked at the event. $100 savings is good on a minimum purchase of $500 (1 cc syringe) of Restylane. Restylane can be used for lip enhancement in patients over 21 years old. It is a great solution for lips that are disproportionate, have lost fullness and volume, have an undefined cupid’s bow or fine lipstick lines.

Get summer skincare tips as well as "dad deals"
in our latest True Beauty newsletter.

Do you ever wonder why the CPRS team has chosen to sell the skin care products that you use every day? With the unlimited availability of skin care products today, why these? It is not by accident. These decisions are very deliberate and are made after a significant amount of research with various considerations in mind.

Find out more on skin care research from the CPRS team, aesthetic services and products that are just for men as well as the summer specials - including savings on the DermaSound Elite and the Gentlemen’s Facial - In our latest True Beauty Newsletter.

SkinCeuticals and Damaging Infrared Radiation

Do you ever wonder about why antioxidants are good for your skin? This is a good explanation about antioxidants in the SkinCeutical products we carry.

Over the past decade, skin care proponents have made great strides in raising public awareness of the dangers of UVA/UVB radiation and the need for daily sun protection. Most of us who once flocked to the tanning bed or oiled ourselves up for a day on the beach now take care to wear our hats, look for shade, and slather sunscreen from head to toe. Even when not lounging at the pool or beach, we try to be dutiful in our daily sun care routines, wearing sunscreens even when the days are cold or overcast and the only sun we’ll see is from the tiny window we pass on the way to the conference room.

We know that UVA and UVB rays are damaging, leading to accelerated skin aging…but what about the rest of the solar spectrum? Once again, SkinCeuticals is delivering on its promise to provide quality products backed by science, while educating the public on the dangers of the other side of the solar energy coin: Infrared Radiation.

UVA and UVB rays damage the skin and accelerate the aging of skin. IR rays
though  go much deeper and need to be considered when seeking sun protection.

Infrared Radiation, with a wavelength longer than UV rays and visible light, accounts for 54% of the total solar energy reaching the skin. By comparison, UVA and UVB make up only 7% of the total solar energy. While there are three types of Infrared Radiation (IRA, IRB, IRC), over half of the 54% reaching the skin is IRA, which penetrates skin deeper than UVA, UVB, IRB, and IRC, with 65% reaching dermal layers. Recent studies confirm that IRA is responsible for accelerating skin aging by forming harmful free radicals in the dermis, diminishing skin’s antioxidant capacity, and triggering further biological effects that result in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and reduced firmness.

While sunscreens are an important first line of defense, these UV filters block only up to 55% of UV-generated free radicals, and do not protect against Infrared Radiation wavelengths. Therefore, antioxidants are an essential second line of defense against the total solar spectrum. Fortunately, SkinCeuticals has the Solar Solution, offering an impressive portfolio of superior antioxidants, which partner with sunscreens to form a comprehensive photoprotection strategy. By effectively neutralizing the IRA- and UV-induced free radicals not blocked by UV filters, SkinCeuticals antioxidants help protect the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin from the inside, then go a step further to correct existing photodamage.

"SkinCeuticals continues to be the leader in antioxidant innovation, research and results. These new findings further cement that claim. Our antioxidants are proven to prevent and correct in the epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin to yield industry leading results!" Liz Kramer, SkinCeuticals 

Want to know more about how SkinCeuticals can help you prevent premature skin aging? Contact the Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery today to schedule your skin care consultation (734) 712-2323.

More About Jenny Grybas

“Jenny is meticulous and exact in her work. She is extremely gentle and patient – I am very pleased with my treatment.”

Jenny Grybas joined the team at the Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in 2006. Since then she has worked closely with Dr. Daniel Sherick in regards to the clinical and surgical care of his patients.

Jenny continues to work with Dr. Sherick, but is excited to expand her knowledge and skill set in the field of Aesthetics. Currently, she is trained to inject Botox and Dysport and will receive advanced training in dermal fillers as her schedule allows.

“I am very supportive of Jenny and respect her ambition to grow as a medical professional. She had been an integral component of my successful personal practice for the last 5 years and continues to
be a valuable asset to the entire CPRS team. She is wonderful. All of my patients just love her.“
           ~ Dr. Daniel Sherick

In 2001 Jenny received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. Since graduating from Madonna with high honors, she has accumulated over 10 years of experience as a surgical nurse for various medical institutions. In addition to her daily clinical   responsibilities, Jenny acts as the Breast Reconstructive Research Coordinator between the University of Michigan and the Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

To schedule an appointment for aesthetic services such as Botox or Dysport, please call the Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at 734 712-2323.