Pearl of the Month May 2013 (Adult Acne…Really?)

Adult Acne…Really?

No matter how religiously you take care of your skin, there are those of us that will occasionally wake up with the pimple the size of Texas. Like bell-bottoms and pay phones, acne is supposed to be a thing of the past.  The truth is a study from the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that over half of adult women suffer from acne.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to combat these unwanted guests.

Using Glo Mineral Makeup can help fight adult Acne

1. Never Squeeze.  Easier said than done, we know. While tempting…resist the urge. Picking causes bacteria to spread, leading to more outbreaks and can lead to scars and dark spots on your skin.
2. Hydration is your friend.  Our skin becomes drier as we age, so harsh drying ingredients found in many acne products can be too aggressive
3. Use a salicylic acid cleanser.
4. Beware of pore-clogging makeup. If you are suffering from breakouts, your makeup may be the culprit.  Switch to a non-comedogenic, mineral based makeup like Glo Mineral makeup is free of ingredients that can irritate skin, such as talc and oils.
5. Always remember your sun protection.  Too many acne patients shy away from sunscreens because they are “heavy.”  We can’t stress enough how important sun protection is in your daily routine. The sun’s rays break down collagen and dry out the skin, causing oil glands to overcompensate and cause more breakouts.  There are lots of great new sunscreens available now that offer optimal protection in lightweight formulas.
6. Consider in-office procedures such as deep cleansing facials, exfoliating treatments and chemical peels. When performed on a regular basis, they help to shed the top layer of your skin to minimize both acne and fine lines.
7. Add Retinoids to your regimen.  A pharmaceutical-strength retinoid exfoliates skin’s top layer unclogging pores and increasing cell turnover.

Now that we are past that awkward stage of our life, pimples are no longer welcome. They may not be as frequent as they used to be, but they are still an inconvenience.  Now we can we can fight back with more ammunition than Stridex!

Call 720-848-4300 or contact us here for a free consultation with Michelle Young to start fighting your adult acne.

Pearl of the Month April 2013

It Does Matter Where You Buy Your Skin Care Products

A frequent question in our office is: “Is there really a difference between your products and products I can buy at the department store or the drug store?”  The answer is YES!

Marketing of over-the-counter (OTC) products has resulted in unrealistic expectations with regard to results. Anyone who is serious about their skin should focus on products that can only be sold through a physician’s office.  Why?

Science

Many products in department stores or drugstores have little or no associated clinical science and offer minimal true value to the patient. In contrast, physician-grade professional skin care products provide a level of treatment that goes beyond that of over-the-counter product lines. At the Visage Center, we also have years of training and expertise that you can’t get in a drug store or cosmetic counter. We can discuss with you exactly what the active ingredients are doing for your skin.

Mark-up

Department store brands can be marked-up 80% for packaging and marketing and generally contain less-effective ingredients. Physician-grade skin care products often have a lower price point than comparable OTC brands, which provides better value at a more reasonable price.  I can’t begin to tell you how many people I know who buy the most expensive product in the department store! They assume that if it’s expensive, it must work. However, there’s no correlation between cost and results.  Remember, an OTC product that has no benefit to the skin is a waste of 100% of your money!

Hype vs. FDA approval

The sellers of OTC products rely on the fact that consumers are looking for the next best thing—but the newest ingredient doesn’t equate to results. At the Visage Center pride ourselves on being an innovative practice with a pulse on what’s “hype” and what works. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) only reviews efficacy claims of products thought to be at a “prescription” level. In contrast, marketing claims made by skin care companies sold in department stores are not regulated, evaluated or verified by a government agency like the FDA.

Amount of Active Ingredients

Physician-dispensed products contain active ingredients at a higher percentage than OTC products. You also have the added benefit of your own skin care consultant to adjust as necessary. Topical skin care is essential in preventing signs of aging and maximizing your cosmetic procedure results. Investing in procedures without investing in good skin care is like leaving your new car out in a hailstorm.

Internet Hoaxes

Though you can sometimes find a deal on a product online, be careful!  There is no assurance that what is in the bottle is what you think you’re buying. Products may be tampered with, expired or improperly stored, which causes the active ingredients to deteriorate. Purchasing from a medical office that buys directly from the skin care company helps to assure that you are getting a high quality and properly handled product.

There will never be a “facelift” in a bottle, and there is no single approach that works for everyone. Schedule a consult with our aesthetician, Michelle, to develop a personalized and comprehensive physician-strength skin care regimen to correct skin damage and prevent future problems.

Pearl of the Month March 2013

Belotero Balance® – A New Filler in Colorado

Belotero Balance® is a new hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that is now available in the US.  Like other HA fillers, such as Juvederm®, Perlane® and Restylane®, Belotero Balance® is made of a substance found naturally in the body.

The big advantage of Belotero Balance® is that it can be injected very superficially. Most HA fillers cannot be injected very superficially without the risk of skin discoloration.  This discoloration is known as the “Tyndall Effect.” When the translucent filler material is injected very superficially, it can produce a bluish hue that is seen through the skin.  Interestingly, the Tyndall Effect is the same phenomenon that gives blue eyes their color. This is good for eyes, bad for wrinkles!

The Belotero Balance® advantage is that it is not subject to the Tyndall Effect.  This allows it to be safely used in the lines between the eyes, around the lips and under the eyes where the skin is very thin.  It provides a very natural look and lasts approximately 12 months.  Make room for the new filler in town: Belotero Balance®!

Call 720-848-4300 to schedule your free consultation at the Visage Center to see if Belotero Balance is right for you!

Belotero Balance

Pearl of the Month February 2013

The Truth About…Scar Products

What do we know from well-performed clinical trials & what is promotional propaganda?

Patients undergoing facial plastic surgery us for recommendations on using over-the-counter (OTC) scar products.  These products are aggressively marketed in drugstores and online:  amazon.com, for example, markets greater than 100 scar gel products.  The sheer number of product choices is understandably daunting.  Many products promise to prevent or fade scars.  Not surprisingly, these advertisements often create unrealistic expectations.

Mederma® ($40/150 g tube) advertises itself as the #1 doctor and pharmacist recommended product for scars. This product lists onion extract among its ingredients. Laboratory studies suggest that onion extracts containing quercetin, cepaene, and thiosulfinates “may” improve wound healing by decreasing inflammation, inhibiting scar tissue formation, and preventing infection. However, studies on actual patients do not fully support the benefits of onion extract to improve scar appearance.  In fact, the most comprehensive study reported no statistically significant difference in the 12-week postoperative appearance of scars treated with onion extract compared to a simple petrolatum ointment, such as Aquaphor® ($5/50 g tube).

Vitamin E is another common ingredient in OTC scar products, such as Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Scar Serum® ($12.50/fl. oz). There is only one well-performed clinical trial evaluating the effects of vitamin E on scars and it showed no benefit to the appearance of scars over bland ointment.

Lastly, silicone is an ingredient in many OTC scar products such as Neosporin Scar Solution® ($35/box) and Kelo-cote® ($27/15g tube).  Silicone’s mechanism of action on scars has not been fully clarified, but is likely most related to its promotion of hydration.  Three well-conducted trials studying silicone gel and sheeting have suggested “improvement” in the silicone treatment group when compared to controls.

To summarize, human studies on many over-the-counter scar treatment products show limited benefit and are certainly controversial. Scar hydration strategies, on the other hand, seem to be an effective option to treat evolving scars.  For these reasons, when pressed to recommend an OTC scar gel, we at the Visage Center will frequently recommend the silicone based gels or a simple petrolatum ointment.

Contact us at 720-848-4300 and schedule a free consultation to discuss the management of any facial scars, new or old.  We offer comprehensive management strategies utilizing both non-surgical, and surgical measures.

Pearl of the Month January 2013

Check Your Neck

Happy New Year!

We’ve all seen it…a person with the beautiful facial skin, but when you look closer, you notice that their neck is a dead giveaway of their true age. We know the importance of good skin care but many people focus on the face alone, forgetting about their neck. If the skin around the neck is neglected, premature aging begins, leading to a loss of elasticity and sagging. Though the neck is an extension of our face, the skin is extra sensitive because of the lack of sebaceous glands. The skin is not quite attached to a bone structure, making it more prone to wrinkles.

The best way to maintain a youthful neck is to include it in your daily skincare routine. You need a specialized product for the neck that targets adipose tissue and elastin in the neck versus collagen in the face.

Formulated specifically for the neck, Nectifirm^® from our new skin care line, Revision^®, utilizes three peptides with vitamin C and E to tighten skin, reduce the appearance of neck lines and clear mottled skin tone.  Flavonoids in Nectifirm^® break up stubborn fatty deposits under the chin and along the neck. Clinical studies show that Nectifirm® tightened and firmed slackened neck skin by 40% in 28 days.

It is possible to restructure the tissue, tighten and regenerate the neck skin to help restore the youthful appearance it once had. Before you neck reveals your true age, make the necessary changes in your skin care regimen now, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Call us today to schedule your free consultation with Michelle Young!

720-848-4300

Pearl of the Month December 2012

Makeup with Meaning

Flawless skin is everyone’s dream. Mineral makeup can help make it a reality. Suitable for all skin types and tones, mineral makeup nurtures the skin with pharmaceutical-grade minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients and broad-spectrum UV protection.

Embraced by facial plastic surgeons, dermatologists and leading skin care professionals, mineral makeup delivers exceptional coverage and protection following cosmetic procedures and for everyday wear. The Visage Center offers post-procedure protocols that lessen the downtime of procedures, such as laser treatments or plastic surgery. Mineral makeup will not irritate sensitive skin, and will help cover, correct and protect your skin.

What makes mineral makeup different isn’t the ingredients in the makeup but what ingredients are left out. Mineral makeup consists of concentrated pigment. In traditional makeup, the pigment is stretched through the use of fillers. These fillers allow companies to manipulate colors easily and inexpensively and have no benefits for the skin. Mineral formulas, however, are non-comedogenic and are free of dyes, talc, fragrances, mineral oil, harsh preservatives, alcohol, and emulsifiers.

Anti-inflammatory ingredients in minerals are recommended for use in those with sensitive skin or after a chemical, laser or surgical procedure to help cover, correct and protect your skin. Clinically advanced minerals are ideal to soothe and protect skin without compromising or exacerbating sensitive skin conditions. A great choice for acne-prone skin, mineral makeup formulations are non-comedogenic and discourage bacteria growth, so they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Mineral makeup offers many benefits but are there risks? There has been noted concern that mineral makeup micronized into ultra-small particles called “nanoparticles” can penetrate the skin’s barrier and trigger potentially harmful reactions.  However, the particles in mineral makeup really aren’t that small.  Perry Romanowsksi, author of Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm? Top Cosmetic Scientists Answer Your Questions About the Lotions, Potions and Other Beauty Products You Use Every Day says, “if the particles were actually the size of nanoparticles they’d be useless in makeup because they’d become transparent and wouldn’t offer any coverage.”

Bismuth oxychloride, the ingredient that gives makeup its pearly finish has been said to cause skin irritation and acne flare-ups, leading some mineral makeup companies to eliminate it from their formulas.  Chicago dermatologist Brooke Jackson says that only a very small minority of people with highly sensitive skin will find themselves irritated by the ingredient. “These are women who react to so many ingredients that they’ll probably want to have their dermatologist perform skin patch tests to identify what might possibly cause a reaction,” she says. “For the vast majority of women, bismuth oxychloride is perfectly safe.”

When mineral products first came on the market, it was only in powder form. Now some companies are selling “liquid minerals.” However, liquid mineral formulations must contain a preservative since microbes thrive in water.

At the Visage Center, we frequently see conditions such as rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Mineral makeup can often alleviate these concerns by partnering with treatments. In addition, mineral makeup is not just for women. Men can also benefit from their mineral products to help camouflage anything from blemishes to bruising. From post- peels to post surgery, mineral makeup should be an extension of your skin care. Michelle Young, our aesthetician will show you how to apply mineral makeup for best results.

Pearl of the Month November 2012

About Face!

What’s the difference between Facelift and Necklift?

There are as many facelift and necklift procedures as there are surgeons to perform them. Each procedure has its own benefits and limitations. The procedures can be broadly categorized into Necklifts and Facelifts.  Deciding which one is right for you depends on your individual needs and desires and ability to tolerate downtime.

Pearl of the Month October 2012

Truth Serum

Serums directly address brown spots, blemishes and wrinkles using high concentrations of active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, and Phloretin. They are typically more potent than creams or moisturizers because they have a high concentration of one ingredient rather than lower concentrations of several. They are also specifically formulated to penetrate the skin. For these reasons, serums tend to cost more than creams or moisturizers—but the benefits are worth every penny!

If your goal is to increase the effectiveness of the active ingredients that you use, a serum is a great option. Since they tend to have a higher price tag, choose a serum that will most benefit your skin.  My personal favorite is Obagi’s C-Clarifying Serum with Vitamin C and Hydroquinone, a great combination to lighten brown spots.

We carry a selection of serums for every skin type.  Call 720-848-4300 for a free consultation with me, Michelle Young—I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect serum to easily fit in your regular routine.

Pearl of the Month September 2012

The Truth About…Sculptra Aesthetic^®

Looking for subtle but stable results over time?  Would you rather have gradual improvement than a quick fix?  Sculptra Aesthetic^® may be for you.  Sculptra is a facial injectable material that replaces volume slowly over time, giving you a soft and natural replacement of lost volume.

How does it work?

Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, a material that stimulates the body to slowly create collagen.  Sculptra targets the underlying causes of the signs of facial aging.  It begins to work in the deep tissues, where your skin’s structure is reinforced as it helps to replace lost collagen. The reinforcement of collagen provides a foundation that gradually restores the look of fullness of shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds.

How long does it last?

A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic^® takes an average of three injection sessions over a few months and can last up to two years.

Are there any risks?

Sculptra Aesthetic is gradually and naturally absorbed by the body as it works to replace lost collagen. Poly-L-lactic acid has been used for decades in dissolvable stitches and as a facial injectable since 1999 in over 30 countries.

Side effects of Sculptra Aesthetic^® and all soft tissue fillers include injection site discomfort, redness, bruising, bleeding, itching, and swelling. Other side effects may include small lumps under the skin that are sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, some with delayed onset with or without inflammation or skin discoloration, have also been reported. In a key clinical study the numbers of small and larger lumps were low and most resolved without treatment.

Where can it be used?

Sculptra Aesthetic is suitable for:

• Smile lines—deep folds between the nose and the mouth (nasolabial folds)
• The lines framing corners of the mouth (marionette lines)
• Chin wrinkles
• Temples
• Hands
• Knees

To see real patient before and after photos, click here.

Call 720-848-4300 to schedule a free Sculptra Aesthetic^® consultation or email Monica Banuelos at MBanuelos@VisageCenter.com

Pearl of the Month August 2012

Man-Made Materials in Rhinoplasty

Most rhinoplasty techniques involve using cartilage grafts from the nasal septum to strengthen or shape the nose.  However, on occasion there is not enough suitable cartilage in the nasal septum.  Synthetic implants may be an option in these situations.  Foreign materials have been used in rhinoplasty for decades and they each have their advantages and disadvantages.

Silicone

Perhaps the most common synthetic implant in the world, Silicone is used more commonly in Asia than in the US.  In some clinics, patients may even choose their implant from a display case, as shown in the photo.  The most common complication seen with Silicone implants is extrusion—the implant works its way out through the skin (up to 23% of patients!).  For this reason, Silicone implants are not commonly used in this country.

Gore-Tex®

Gore-Tex® used in rhinoplasty is the same soft sheet of material found in shoes and clothes—though medical grade.  Originally developed for use in vascular surgery, it’s been used in over 2 million patients since the 1980s.  In rhinoplasty, Gore-Tex® is used to augment the bridge of the nose.  The complication rate over a 10-year period is about 4%.  Gore-Tex® is very safe and provides a smooth, flat contour to the bridge of the nose as shown in this actual patient.  See more before and after photos.

Medpor®

A firm implant with many tiny holes, Medpor® was developed to allow the body to grow into it.  The idea was that this would help decrease complications.  Unfortunately, its stiffness and high complication rate has caused it to fall out of favor in rhinoplasty, though it is still extremely useful in other areas of the face.

PDS Flexible Plate®

The newest implant on the market, PDS Plate® is very exciting.  It is a flat, firm sheet that can be cut into any shape and dissolves over 8 months.  During that time it acts as a splint and helps hold the shape of the nose cartilages.  PDS Plate® has only been available since 2010, so the long-term complication rate is unknown.  However, facial plastic surgeons are very excited about this new product and are optimistic that it will be a great option in rhinoplasty!

Pearl of the Month July 2012

Sure “Fire” Way to Protect Your Skin

Much of the State of Colorado has been affected of wild fires for over a month now, which has devastated many families and become a serious health topic.  Smoke inhalation is but one route of penetration. Skin absorption is also a significant route of exposure to many chemicals. Some of these chemicals can produce acute or chronic effects through skin exposure alone. As the body’s first line of defense, our skin protects us from trauma and infection and also aids in temperature regulation.  It’s essential that we keep our skin healthy!

Pearl of the Month June 2012

The Truth About…Flawless Makeup – Healthy Skin!

How do movie stars achieve that flawless – yet natural look when wearing makeup?  Healthy skin! A few simple steps will help you achieve a radiant glow so that people notice your beautiful skin, not your makeup.

Cleansers

Using proper skin care products is essential. A daily face wash that is pH-balanced is indispensable. Non-pH-balanced cleansers disrupt the  normal pH level of skin.  This means less penetration of other products, including makeup.  Less penetration results in makeup wearing off faster. Skin may also become irritated or experience a breakout.  Be sure to rinse your cleanser off completely. Any slight residue left behind will emulsify makeup.

Toners

A toner greatly enhances your skin care regimen.  The job of a toner is to bring your skin back to its balanced pH level immediately.  It also keeps the skin balanced for a longer period of time.

Exfoliation

Built up dead skin cells gives your makeup a cakey, thick look.  Unfortunately, this process is accelerated with aging.  Removing dead skin cells is fundamental for flawless skin. Professional exfoliating peels are the best way to improve tone and texture for a smoother and softer appearance.

Masking

Masking is beneficial for specific skin conditions to improve the coverage and longevity of makeup. Cover-up is often unnecessary for skin that has been recently masked. Oily skin tends to look shiny about two hours after makeup application.  Applying extra powder can partially correct this, but leads to blackheads and acne breakouts. A mask to balance surface oils and moisture levels is a better option. Conditioning masks are best for dry/dehydrated or sensitive skin, a common problem in Colorado.  These masks minimize dry, fine lines, reduce redness, hydrate the skin and even out tone.

Protection

Topical antioxidants, like Vitamin C and E protect your precious skin from the environment. Our bodies are under constant attack by free radicals, extremely reactive molecules produced by our environment and our bodies that damage cells and tissues. Free radical damage to skin causes wrinkles, loss of tone, hyper pigmentation, aging, and skin cancer. The skin is constantly exposed to free radicals produced by harmful pollutants in the environment and, most significantly, UV light. To maintain healthy, youthful skin we must ensure that our skin has enough antioxidants to adequately protect itself.

Call 720-848-4300 for an appointment with Michelle Young to discuss what products are best for your skin!

Pearl of the Month May 2012

The Truth About…The NEW Sunscreen Standards

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Two million people in the U.S are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevent accelerated skin aging you don’t need just any sunscreen—you need the right sunscreen! According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, there are currently 200 sunscreen manufacturers making approximately 4,000 different sunscreen-containing products.  Confusing! Why are there so many? Do we really need them? What should I look for?

The FDA is proposing a major overhaul on all things SPF-related that will take effect this summer and we want to ensure the Visage Center patients are informed.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE:  UVA leads to skin cancer and premature aging.  UVB causes sunburn.  Currently SPF only measures UVB protection. The higher the SPF number, the longer you can be in the sun without burning or reapplying. However, it’s the UVA rays that are deeply penetrating and increase your risk of skin cancer.

HOW TO READ THE NEW LABELS: 

Consider the formulation  Descriptions like waterproof and sweat-proof are going away. New regulations require products to be labeled as water-resistant and indicate how often the product should be applied.

Go broad:  A sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays will now get a “Broad-spectrum” label.

Pay Attention to the factor:  Not sure if you need SPF 30 or 100? Think no more! All sunscreens must stop their SPF at 50 (indicated by SPF 50+) and give a warning if they are less than 15.

CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL:  Sunscreens provide two types of UV protection –physical or chemical.  Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic compounds that absorb sunrays before they cause damage and often contain more than one ingredient to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens need to be applied more frequently as they tend to break down quickly. Physical sunscreens contain fine particles of inert minerals that form a film on the skin to reflect the sun’s rays.  The old physical blocks left a white residue on the skin, but today’s formulations leave little or no residue.

SO, WHAT DO I NEED?   Here’s what to look for in your sunscreen:

Pearl of the Month April 2012

The Truth About…Topical Antioxidants

Green, leafy vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants but they’re not the only ones!  Applying antioxidants topically to the skin effectively prevents free radical damage caused by the sun and by pollution in the air.  Regular use of a medical-grade topical antioxidant will revitalize, protect, and preserve your skin’s tone, texture, and appearance, and will prevent the appearance of aging.

How Topical Antioxidants Work

Our skin is constantly exposed to ultra-violet light and other oxidative stressors that produce free radicals.  These energized particles bombard the tissues (called “oxidation”) and lead to the formation of wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, brown spots, and aging.  Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals before they can damage cells.  Sunlight and air pollution are the most common sources of free radicals.  Consequently, the face, neck, chest and hands are most vulnerable to their effects because they are the most exposed areas of the body.

When free radical damage occurs on the skin, sunspots, wrinkles, freckles, uneven skin tone, and skin cancer can result.  A great way protect against this damage is to use a daily topical antioxidant.

 Effective Topical Antioxidants

•          Vitamin C is required to produce collagen, the substance responsible for giving skin it’s firmness and elasticity.  Vitamin C also regenerates Vitamin E in the body, provides UVA/UVB protection, decreases pigmentation and increases collagen production. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants available for skin care.

Pearl of the Month March 2012

Laser Hair Removal…Is it Permanent?

Its nearly bathing suit season again!  There are many ways to get rid of unwanted hair including waxing, shaving, cream hair removal, electrolysis and others.  Many men and women turn to laser hair removal because its cost-effective, easy and, yes…permanent.

How does it work?

The light used for laser hair removal targets the melanin pigment found in the hair shaft itself.  The melanin takes up the energy from the light and rapidly heats up the hair follicle.  The superheated follicle then destroys the stem cells in the skin that actually produce the hair follicle.  Therefore, darker hairs with more melanin take up the energy quicker and are easier to treat.  Unfortunately, only about 30% of your hairs are actually in contact with the stem cells that we are trying to target.  So, although the treatment is permanent, only 30% of your hairs are treated each time.

How many treatments will I need?

We recommend 3-6 sessions spaced out in 3-4 week intervals.  This allows new hair follicles to come into the phase of growth that allows them to be treated.

What are the possible side effects?

Laser hair removal is not painless and most patients experience some discomfort during the treatment. A topical or local anesthetic can be used before treatment to ease discomfort.  After the treatment, the skin around the hair follicles will turn red.  This is generally short-lived, but can last up to 3 days.  In patients with a history of cold sores, breakouts can occur if the skin around the mouth is treated.  Patients with darker skin types may experience temporary or even permanent skin color changes.  Tattoos and freckles are commonly lightened if they come in contact with the laser, so please be aware of this possibility before treatment.

Please click here to learn more about our Spring Promotion for Laser Hair Removal!

Pearl of the Month February 2012

The Truth About… The Most Powerful Skin Lightener

There have been concerns about the safety of hydroquinone for years.  It has been the focus of much media attention and the subject of many false reports. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that causes darkening of the skin and leads to sunspots. It is a key ingredient in our Obagi Skin Care line.

There is ample documented safety data and evidence, extending over 40 years to support the use of hydroquinone in topical prescription drugs. Hydroquinone is safe and, importantly, is effective.  Hydroquinone is the only skin-lightening agent approved by the FDA. It is a ubiquitous chemical and one to which we are exposed to daily. It is found in many foods, such as cranberries, blueberries, pears, beans, all-wheat breads, cereals, tea, coffee, red wine, beer, broccoli and onions.

Skin care professionals have long regarded hydroquinone as the gold standard in the treatment of certain pigmentary disorders of the skin. It is not approved for use during pregnancy and is only available with physician supervision and prescription use.

Pearl of the Month September 2011

Should I be concerned about “Parabens”?

What are Parabens?
Parabens are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics, foods, and drugs. They are used in over 22,000 cosmetics as preservatives in concentrations up to 0.8% (mixtures of parabens) or up to 0.4% (single paraben). The group includes Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benzylparaben. Parabens have a broad spectrum of action on bacteria, yeast, and mold. This activity is not shared by paraben alternatives, whether natural or synthetic.

Pearl of the Month August 2011

Retinol and Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Many anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation products contain retinol, which is a form of vitamin A.  Many people confuse Retinol with Tretinoin, also referred to as trans-retinoic acid, retinoic acid, or Retin-A.  Retinol and tretinoin are related but distinctly different.