Now that our furnaces are back on and the summer clothes are going into storage, it is time to think about how our skin reacts to the changes. The most common problem I am seeing now is dry skin. The low humidity levels contribute to dry skin and can cause a flare in eczema. Dry skin is then itchy skin.
A little care will keep you out of trouble. You may have to switch cleansers more mild and hydrating one.. Avoid taking hot baths or showers because this will deplete your skin of natural oils that are protective. Good hydrating creams are important. This does not mean the most expensive cream. A lower priced product is often well tolerated.
A light superficial peel is a nice way to reveal a fresher look. This is accomplished by loosening the dead skin which has built up. The moisturizers then can penetrate better. Just because the sun is not as strong is not a good excuse to stop using sunscreen!
I have just completed an update course at Harvard on esthetic skin therapy and am available to help you with any of your esthetic skin care concerns.
Did you know that laser hair removal is a largely unregulated practice in Canada?
There are always risks with laser hair removal. Even the best of doctors who have large, busy laser clinics have had incidents of complications. While at Harvard attending a course on laser safety and training I heard some doctors recounting incidents where clients experienced burns, often for unexplained reasons. Maybe they started a new vitamin, used a new cream, or were exposed to the sun without informing the doctor.
If someone has little training and lack of expertise performing the procedure, even more things can go wrong.
Health Canada ensures systems are “safe and effective when used for their licenced medical purposes by trained professionals according to the manufactureres’ directions” (www.hc-sc-gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/laser-eng.php).
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery takes the stance that procedures only be done if there is a medical doctor present with comprehensive training.
Dr. Vince Berucci, a dermatologist at Women’s College Hospital has said “if you have been in practice long enough, you’ll always see complications… And complications can happen to anybody.” CMAJ May 18, 2010
So – before heading out to the cheapest laser special of the day, do research to see who is giving the laser treatments and check to see what their qualifications are. Even though the operator may be a physician, you still have to see what training that person has had. Medications need to be reviewed as well as medical problems. Some prescription medications are photosensitizing and can result in a burn, as can some vitamin pills.
At Clarite, you will receive professional service. Dr. Rice is a member of the Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine and has received advanced training in laser safety and use at Harvard and continues to attend update courses to bring you high quality service.
One of the least known treatments for skin aging is called micro-needling.
I was happy to hear during my training at Harvard in October, that microneedling was listed as one of procedures that had clinically proven results. Its results even surpassed one the leading lasers for skin rejuvenation. Although both had good initial results, the microneedling proved to have longlasting effects and the laser did not. At Clarite, we take this one step further and use topical vitamin A creams in conjunction with this treatment for enhanced effects.
Microneedling is a natural way to stimulate normal collagen and helps for smoothing the skin and treating fine wrinkles. It is also effective for lax skin, upper lip lines , shallow acne scars and stretch marks. Any scarring such as acne or stretch marks cannot be completely removed, but the scarring may be minimized.
Principle of Micro-needling
The needles cause microscopic breaks in the blood vessels below the skin (epidermis). This then releases growth factors and blood platelets. Different factors are released which then promote the production of collagen and elastin. The end result is smoother, tighter skin. Immediately after the micro-needling, at Clarite, we apply a strong form of Vitamin A to penetrate through the micro-channels to enhance collagen production.
What to expect
Prior to the treatment, all make-up must be removed. Usually the patient arrives with topical anaesthetic applied 1 hr prior. We cleanse the skin and procede with the roller. We treat region by region of the face followed by the application of Vitamin A and a sunscreen.
Care after Micro-needling
It is expected that you may return to work the day after the treatment. Your skin may look a bit red as in a sun-burn. Lots of hydration and the application of Vitamin A and C after the procedure is important.
If you have had cold sores in the past, it is important to take your antiviral medicications the day before the procedure until 2 days after.
This procedure will not result in significant effect with deep lines or wrinkles. Botox or fillers would be more appropriate.
Latisse has recently been released by Allergan and is becoming increasingly popular in promoting longer, fuller lashes without mascara. You may have seen advertisements featuring Brooke Shields.
Latisse is composed of a medication called bimatoprost opthalmic solution 0.03% by Allergan. It was accidentally discovered to be effective for eyelash growth while being used for glaucoma.
Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a dermatologist has stated “Most patients have tolerated Latisse very well, and overall, our experience has been that we have seen good, consistent results”. “It just gives a very nice, natural look without having to put on mascara or fake eyelashes. You can cry at the movies or jump in the pool and not have to worry about smudging.”
Instructions on how to use the product are provided by the physician. The most common side effects are: eye redness , itchy eyes and skin hyperpigmentation. these side effects occur at approx. 3%. It is interesting that very few ladies complain of the eyelid discoloration as it resembles a thin layer of eye shadow.
The more serious side effect of darkening of the iris has been reported in glaucoma patients where the medication is applied directly to the eye. This pigmentation is not reversible. Dr. Glaser has indicated that it “has not been reported among any Latisse users”.
On application it is important to make sure all eye makeup remover has been cleansed off.
Reports by customers at Clarite have been very positive.
If you’re interested in an easy way to help clarify your skin tone and texture - with little or no down time – we offer a wide variety of popular, professional skin peel treatments.
Skins peels offer you the following benefits, depending on which peel is chosen:
- Smooth skin texture
- Even out skin tone, reduce blotchiness
- Smooth out surface lines
- Reduce acne
- Reduce redness and rosacea
- Increase skin strength
- Increase skin hydration, plumping
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
- Brightening dull complexions
During the winter months, we adjust the peels to give greater skin hydration due to the drying effects of furnaces, and exposure to the cold.
After a consultation, a customized program of peels will be scheduled for you. A series of a minimum of three peels is advised to achieve optimal benefits. Depending on the type of peel, a single treatment will take between one half hour to one hour. There is no pain involved, although you might experience some tingling.
Following skin peel treatments, our patients enjoy a clearer, healthier and more radiant complexion. They also enjoy receiving compliments from their spouses and friends on their new improved and healthier look.
Keep checking our website’s specials web page for updates on special offers.
Good News! Today we finally received a shipment from Switzerland of our popular vitamin supplement to alleviate red skin! All of you who have been waiting for this skin vitamin product can call Lisa in the mornings, or notify us via our “contact us” web page (just click on the “contact us” menu item in the navigation bar found on each web page).
This vitamin, taken as a daily oral tablet, works by stabilizing the small capillary walls in the skin, making them less visible. Patients have found this vitamin very helpful in reducing the red flushing of their skin, whether caused by rosacea or not. As an unexpected – but not surprising – side effect, women have reported that it can be very helpful in reducing menopausal hot flashes. Men also take this vitamin to help reduce the flushing caused by rosacea.
With all the snow this week, hopefully everyone will enjoy some skiing or outdoor activites. The Winterlude events start this coming weekend, so there will be a lot of outdoor fun and activities in the next few weeks!
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that reveals a smoother, healthier skin once the outer layer has been removed.
Microdermabrasion can be used for:
- sun damaged skin
- uneven and granular skin
- fine lines and wrinkles
- enlarged pores
- blackheads
- superficial scars
- some stretch marks
How does it work?
Microdermabrasion involves small mineral crystals applied to the skin surface, causing gentle abrasion.
Microdermabrasion also stimulates the skin’s micro-circulation by vacuum action, and stimulates new collagen and elastin production.
How long does it take?
The microdermabrasion procedure itself takes about 15 minutes. It is combined with carefully cleansing of the skin and the application of high grade products to moisturize and nourish the skin. The total time is approximately 45 minutes. If a facial is opted for, the procedure may take up to 1 1/2 hours.
How many treatments are needed?
Like most procedures (except for plastic surgery), several treatments are necessary. It varies on the condition of the skin and what the desired optimum result is. Usually a series of 3 – 5 procedures is recommended.
