Microneedling

Posted on March 21, 2011 by clarite

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.

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Latisse is now at Clarite

Posted on March 16, 2011 by clarite

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.

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Skin Rejuvenation with Peels

Posted on February 19, 2011 by clarite

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.

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Vitamin for Skin Redness Reduction

Posted on February 2, 2011 by clarite

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!

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Microdermabrasion

Posted on January 29, 2011 by clarite

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.
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The Risks of Tanning Devices

Posted on January 22, 2011 by clarite

A recent edition of “The Chronicle of SKIN & ALLERGY” contains an article regarding the possible introduction in Parliament of a Skin Cancer Prevention Act that will prevent youth less than 19 years of age from using indoor tanning equipment. “Tanning bed use has been, according to the World Health Organization, shown to increase substantially the risk of developing melanoma of the skin and eyes” according to Dr. Benjamin Barankin, a Toronto Dermatologist.

We know that the risk of melanoma goes up by 75% if one is exposed to indoor tanning equipment before the age of 35. Acording to the article, “the WHO has elevated tanning devices to their highest risk category, which includes other carcinogenic agents such as mustard gas and cigarettes.”

On another topic, just a reminder – now that winter has begun with snow and sleet, don’t forget to continue using a good sun screen. The sun’s UVA rays pass through clouds and damages your skin, causing pigment spots and increased aging. As I found out at Harvard, the best sun screens contain titanium and/or zinc.

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Dry Skin In Winter

Posted on January 21, 2011 by clarite

In winter, drier air, and a tendency to take hotter showers or baths strips the skin of its protective oils, causing dry itchy skin.

Every year, my husband’s face develops dry, scaly red patches, and his hands start drying out and cracking. The same things occur with a lot of my male patients – if they’re like my husband, they might be using shampoo to wash their faces!

Common shampoo should only be used on the hair – not the skin! The alkalinity of regular shampoo is not suitable for skin and can cause it to dry out. Use a mild hydrating soap to wash the skin and, when bathing, try switching from hot to luke warm water. If your
skin still feels dry after a bath or shower, apply oil directly to the legs and arms while they are still damp and then blot dry.

If your hands are still very dry, a hydrating cream containing lactic acid or urea may be used – consult with your pharmacist.

Also, taking omega-oil supplements such as flax seed or fish oils can help alleviate dry skin. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

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