Product of the Month: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel

Tag Archives: skin care

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel

The transition from the cold, harsh winter weather can be very tough on the skin. That’s why for the month of March, we decided to go green with our skincare in the form of the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel!

The SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel is a soothing green gel serum that calms and hydrates the skin while improving visible redness. Containing hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and mulberry this product is the perfect moisturizer for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. The cucumber and thyme help to soothe and calm the skin, while the mulberry helps to even the skin tone out. The skin is left looking noticeably refreshed and hydrated.

It’s a very popular option for patients after treatments like chemical peels, micro-needling, and Sublative RF Skin Tightening. “A lot of my patients use it after micro-needling,” says aesthetician Lauren Battaglia. “They love how it feels and it really makes a big difference minimizing the appearance of any redness that occurs after treatment.”

As you can see, the SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel is the perfect skincare product as we transition into spring. For more information, call us at 716-688-0020 or click here.

Source: SkinCeuticals.com

Cold temps, low humidity, harsh winds, and dry indoor heat are all common this time of year. All of which can deplete your skin of necessary moisture. This is why it is so important to use a product (or products) that provides lasting hydration. SkinCeuticals in particular offers a number of facial moisturizers that are great for just that! Some of our favorites include:

Woman in winter

  • Daily Moisture. A lightweight, long-lasting moisturizer that hydrates all while reducing the appearance of enlarged pores (for normal to oily skin).
  • Emollience. A great everyday moisturizer that combines natural extracts and essential oils to help restore and maintain daily moisture (for normal to dry skin).
  • Hydrating B5 Gel. An oil-free serum that combines vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid. This helps to replenish moisture and restore radiance for a smoother complexion (ideal for acne-prone skin).
  • Metacell Renewal B3. A comprehensive daily moisturizer, that is specifically formulated to improve the appearance of early signs of aging on the skin.

As you can see, hydrating products can help immensely to combat the harsh elements of the season. For more information on the products above and to find out which is best for you, call us at 716-688-0020 or click here.

Source: SkinCeuticals.com

With Thanksgiving this week, there are sure to be plenty of delicious dishes on the horizon. And while overindulgence may be an unwritten rule of the holiday, it’s not all bad because some of those same foods can also be good for your skin. That’s right! It turns out that some turkey day staples can help your skin. So, we put together a list of some foods that your skin will be thankful for:

Thanksgiving Plate

  • Sweet Potatoes. They are full of vitamin C, which can help to smooth out wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen.
  • Green beans. Contains antioxidants that are very beneficial to anti-aging.
  • Pumpkin. Rich in vitamins A, C, and E which help to protect the skin.
  • Cinnamon. Helps to improve circulation and can help prevent acne.
  • Cranberries. Contains vitamin C and antioxidants which can keep skin firm and prevent wrinkles.
  • Apples. Excellent source of mandelic acids, which helps to reduce skin discolorations.
  • Carrots. Loaded with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights against the effects of aging.

So, remember, as you’re enjoying your meal this Thanksgiving, your skin may be benefiting as well!

While face masks are important in the fight against COVID-19, they can also cause irritation and damage to the skin. Specifically, when it comes to the condition known as contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis occurs when direct exposure with a substance, in this case, fabric, irritates the skin. The irritation is usually represented by redness and inflammation in the area. While any kind of fabric can bring it on, it’s more likely to occur from fabrics made with synthetic fibers. The reason being that synthetic fibers don’t breathe as well as natural fibers. This, in turn, can make you sweat more which can further contribute to the irritation of the skin.

Woman wearing face mask

So, what can you do to avoid or manage contact dermatitis? Some things include:

  • Clean the skin. This will mainly help skin that is exposed to an irritant. Make sure to use warm water.
  • Apply a moisturizer. Helps to keep the skin hydrated while protecting it as well.
  • Frequently change and/or wash the face mask. Should be done after each use. At least daily.
  • Give yourself a break from wearing it. Leaving the face mask on for a prolonged period of time can cause more irritation to the skin. However, when you do remove it, make sure that you are following proper social distancing guidelines.
  • Make sure the mask fits comfortably and is not too tight. Make sure it fits snug. The tighter the mask, the more likely it is to cause irritation.

 

In all, what can you do to best deal with contact dermatitis? First and foremost, identify what may be causing the problem. Next, avoid it (if possible). Then finally, take the corrective measures above to better protect your skin. If you believe you may be experiencing contact dermatitis, contact our office right away as early treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.

 

Woman FacemaskDue to the spread of COVID-19, the CDC made a recent recommendation that everyone should be wearing face masks in public. Although face masks provide important protection from the virus, wearing them for an extended period can also lead to skin irritation. Here are some things you can do to avoid that.

  1. Make sure the mask fits comfortably and snug. If it is too tight, the more likely it will cause a skin reaction.
  2. Try to take off the mask as much as possible when not in public. When doing this one, make sure to take into consideration proper social distancing.
  3. Change or wash it regularly depending on the frequency of use. When breathing in the mask, moisture collects in the area and can provide the perfect breeding ground for a number of different bacteria. This can lead to skin conditions such as folliculitis.
  4. Cleanse the skin. Try to avoid products containing drying ingredients as it can be further aggravated with the use of a face mask. Moisturizing is of the utmost importance, especially before, because it can serve as a protectant for the skin.
  5. Moisturize/hydrate the skin. This one is especially important prior to, as it can serve as a protectant for the skin. Avoid oil-based moisturizers as they can block the pores leading to breakouts.

If you are already noticing skin irritation due to wearing a facemask, try to identify the cause and take the above tips into consideration. If the condition still does not improve, contact our office right away.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

All of a sudden you have a lot more time on your hands. What should you do? Watch more news? Binge-watch ‘Tiger King’ on Netflix? Or focus on your skin and give it the TLC it deserves? We personally like the last option. So, here are some simple, but yet important, skincare tips that you can do in the comfort of your own home:

• Cleanse Your Face. SkinCeuticals makes great cleansers! We recommend the Gentle Cleanser, Simply Clean or the LHA Cleansing Gel (depending on your skin type).
• Exfoliate After Cleansing. Doing this after cleansing provides you with a clean base to work with. Thus, making it easier to unclog pores, prevent acne, and remove dead skin cells.
• Use a Moisturizer. It helps to lock in moisture which in turn prevents the skin from drying out. It’s important to do AFTER cleansing and exfoliating.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep. Last but certainly not least! Not getting enough sleep can actually cause inflammation in the skin, increasing the risk of flare-ups in conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The National Sleep Foundation recommends anywhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Follow these tips and your skin will benefit. Not to mention, it is so simple, there will be plenty of time left to binge-watch ‘Tiger King’ if you so wish!

Although the use of hand sanitizers and soap should already be part of a healthy routine, the current threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased use significantly. All you need to do is look at the store shelves where they’re stocked to know that. The demand has been so high in fact, that Amazon and eBay have put restrictions on the sale of these products in an attempt to prevent price gouging. So, with using hand sanitizers and soap more frequently, what can you do to protect the skin on your hands?Washing hands

• Moisturize immediately after use. This is especially true for hand sanitizers that contain alcohol (a drying ingredient in itself). Cream or lotion-based moisturizers are the best options.
• Avoid products containing fragrances, perfumes or dyes. Instead, opt for products that contain vitamin E and aloe.
• Limit hand washing to 20 seconds, no more. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends this timeframe. Any longer poses the risk of drying the skin out.
• When washing, avoid water that is too hot or cold. Use lukewarm water.

With or without an epidemic, regular hand sanitizer and soap use are important to prevent the spread of germs. Combining that with the above tips will help the health of your skin.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Stretch marks, also known as striae, are a type of scarring that occurs on the skin due to a sudden fluctuation in its size. This abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin to rupture, leaving behind narrow lines or streaks as the skin heals. Stretch Marks

Although they can develop anywhere on the body, they usually reside on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs. Stretch marks are most common in women after pregnancy, but they can also develop from rapid weight gain or loss.

When they first show up, they typically have a pinkish, red hue and may feel slightly raised. Eventually, that color will fade and they level off into the skin. Their appearance may improve over time, but as is the case with any scar, they are permanent.

There are some products and treatments however that can make stretch marks less noticeable. They include:

  • Ceramide Moisturizer. This will help hold the skin together and retain moisture.
  • SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This vitamin C serum helps to improve the appearance of fine lines by firming the skin.
  • Micro-needling. This cosmetic procedure uses a bunch of tiny needles to make small perforations to the skin to induce collagen production. This in turn plumps up the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
  • RF Skin Tightening. A noninvasive treatment that heats the under layers of skin to stimulate collagen, causing the skin to look fuller and tighter.

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    With any of these options, it is important to be patient and understand that results will not be seen immediately. If stretch marks are something that is bothering you, contact our office today to see what options are best for your situation specifically.

     

    Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

    Here at the Lisa S. Ball, NP Building we are committed to providing our patients with the latest and most advanced treatments in skin rejuvenation. The Sublative RF Skin Tightening in particular is probably the most cutting-edge.

    Rather than using laser or light, this procedure harnesses radio frequency energy. The radio frequency energy heats up the underlying layers of skin, stimulating collagen production, leading to more youthful looking skin. Many patients have a noticeable improvement immediately after being treated, and the skin actually continues to improve over the next few months as collagen production increases. In as little as 3-4 treatments, Sublative RF Skin Tightening provides effective acne scar treatment, anti-wrinkle treatment and overall rejuvenation and toning of the skin.

    Sublative Patient Results

    Our patient after four Sublative RF Skin Tightening treatments.

    If you would like to learn more about the process or would like to schedule a free consultation contact our office today.

    Back in 2011, reality star Kim Kardashian announced that she suffers from psoriasis. Since that time, she has been influential in raising awareness about the condition. Recently, she shared a shocking photo on her Instagram that brought attention back to it.

    Kim Kardashian Psoriasis Instagram

    Kim Kardashian showing signs of psoriasis flare-up from recent Instagram post. Source: Kim Kardashian/Instagram

    As you can see, the photo shows textbook psoriasis flareups all over her face. A lot of people found the photo quite shocking and can’t believe how she is regularly able to conceal it.

    Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects more than 8 million Americans. Typically developing between the ages of 15-25, symptoms consist of skin redness and irritation with silver-colored scales. Usually occurring on the scalp, face, hands, elbows, knees, and feet, it is believed to occur when the body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous or harmful substances.

    A common misconception is that psoriasis is contagious, this is not the case. Some things that can contribute to worsening the condition though include too much exposure to sunlight, consumption of alcohol, and even stress. It can be treated in many different ways, with the most common options being topical ointments or creams, lotions, and shampoos.

    Psoriasis Patient

    Lisa S. Ball, NP psoriasis patient after treatment.

    Taking care of your skin by regularly moisturizing and cleaning the affected area can also help in maintaining and reducing flare-ups. Although there is no way to prevent psoriasis, there are many ways to manage and treat the condition.

     

    Source: National Psoriasis Foundation