Benefits of Dermaplaning

Tag Archives: skin care

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your skin, then dermaplaning may be for you. As a non-invasive treatment for the face, it is a great option for patients looking for gentle exfoliation. At the Lisa S. Ball, NP Building, our aesthetician Jamie Popp is well versed and experienced with this specific treatment.Jamie Popp Dermaplaning

Utilizing a special medical-grade scalpel, everything from dirt, oil, dead skin, and ‘peach fuzz’ are all removed during the process. This leaves the skin fresher, smoother, and brighter-looking immediately after. But those aren’t the only benefits of dermaplaning, here are some others:

  • No downtime
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Helps makeup apply better
  • Allows skincare products to penetrate deeper and enhances their absorption
  • Addresses fine lines and wrinkles
  • Helps diminish the appearance of acne scars
  • Stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells
  • Leaves the skin with an overall dewy look
  • Helps to even out skin tone
  • A great add-on to chemical peels, facials, or HydraFacials

As you can see, dermaplaning has a variety of benefits. It’s important to note, however, that the skill and experience of the person doing the treatment has a big influence as well. Contact our office today to learn more about the process and schedule an appointment.

Working in dermatology for over 10 years, I know the significance of an annual skin cancer examination. But recently, I had my first at our office with Nurse Practitioner Lisa Ball (PhD, FNP-BC). Before that, I would usually just get a specific mole checked out, never a full-body exam. And I have to say, I don’t know why I waited so long.

The visit began with Lisa’s assistant Vicki gathering my medical history. From there, she then asked my reason for coming in. I explained to her that after a recent visit with my primary doctor, he recommended that I get my moles checked out. After finishing with my history, Vicki then gave me a medical exam gown to get changed into and left the room.

A couple of minutes later, Lisa came in and began her examination. It was really interesting to observe firsthand as she used a dermatoscope (a handheld device used to check skin lesions) from head to toe. Throughout the assessment, she paid close attention to hard-to-see areas such as the scalp and the back. Marked out suspicious spots, took pictures of them (for future reference), and even took a biopsy of a lesion on the back of my leg. To say she was thorough would be an understatement. Thirty minutes was allocated for my appointment, and she used every minute.

One thing I want to mention is just how good of a job Lisa did in making me feel comfortable and at ease (because let me tell you, standing in front of your boss in your underwear can be just a tad intimidating). But in all seriousness, this is something I hear all the time from her patients and it shows how great of a provider she truly is.

If you too would like to schedule an appointment with Lisa, or any of our other providers, contact our office today. Remember, when it comes to skin cancer, the best prevention is early detection!

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF

With June being Acne Awareness Month, we thought what better time than now to highlight our new skincare product from SkinCeuticals, Silymarin CF.

Taking over six years to develop, this breakthrough vitamin C serum was specifically formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin. The ingredients of l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, and silymarin (milk thistle extract) all help to prevent oil oxidation. Which in turn lowers the possibility of breakouts. Aside from that, it can also significantly improve skin texture, clarity, radiance, and fine lines.

With all that SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF can do, it’s easy to see why it’s the perfect product for those dealing with acne. If you would like more information about this, or any of our other products, call 716-688-0020 or click here.

Source: SkinCeuticals.com

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)