M is for Melasma

What is it?

Melasma is a very common patchy brown or tan facial skin discoloration. 90% of all cases are seen in women. It typically appears on the upper cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and chin. An estimated 50 million women worldwide live with melasma.

What causes it?

Melasma is thought to be triggered by several factors: pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT and progesterone), family history of melasma, and medications that make the skin more prone to pigmentation after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Uncontrolled sunlight exposure is considered the leading cause of melasma, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition to this condition. Clinical studies have shown that individuals typically develop melasma in the summer months, when the sun is most intense. In the winter, the hyperpigmentation in melasma tends to be less visible or lighter.

How can I treat it?

The most common therapies to help lighten melasma are 2% hydroquinone (HQ) creams and prescription 4% HQ creams. Sunscreen should be used every morning and sun avoidance should be practiced whenever possible. Other therapies include:

• Azelaic acid 15%-20%
• Retinoic acid 0.025%-0.1% (tretinoin)
• Tazarotene 0.5%-0.1% (Tazorac cream or gel)
• Adapalene 0.1%-0.3% (Differin gel)
• Kojic acid
• Lactic acid lotions 12%
• Glycolic acid 10%-20% creams 

In conjunction with home cream applications, in-office treatments include chemical peels (chemical exfoliation), microdermabrasion (mechanical exfoliation), and laser therapy.

Lasers may be used in melasma. Laser therapy is not the primary choice to treat melasma as studies reveal little to no improvement in the hyperpigmentation for most patients. Lasers may actually temporarily worsen some types of melasma and should be used with caution. Multiple laser treatments may be necessary to see results, as treatments are most effective when they are repeated.

Oxygen Skin Treatment Benefits

One of the basic building blocks of human life, oxygen has been researched by the medical and health industries for many years. Oxygen treatment, one of the newest areas in skin care, was initially used for post-operative laser treatment. It has been shown to reduce recovery time after laser and cosmetic surgery, particularly when used in the early healing stages. This therapy has been adapted and is now being used in the skin care industry.

Many spas are now offering oxygen treatments and facials. Oxygen is used in conjunction with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids to nourish and refresh skin cells. Introducing oxygen to the skin cells also helps to control and reduce acne-causing bacteria.

How do oxygen treatments work? At the cellular level, oxygen will attach to collagen and elastin molecules, making these fibers stronger. This helps to increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Oxygen is also used to detoxify the skin by washing away harmful toxins and replacing them with healthy nutrients. The oxygen propels these nutrients to the skin cells. This promotes healing, moisturizing, firming, and conditioning. Whether male or female, young or old, an oxygen skin treatment can be an effective and relaxing process.

4 Reasons to get Oxygen Skin Treatments:

1. As we age, oxygen levels in the skin decrease. Our capillaries become fewer and less flexible, so the oxygen does not pass through properly. This decreases cell function. A gray, dull look to the skin and loss of vitality are signs of lack of oxygen in the skin that can make the skin more prone to aging.

2. Oxygen is safe, natural and highly effective at killing bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Oxygen is one of the best disinfectants and helps with even the most stubborn cases of acne.

3. Oxygen treatments are safe for pregnant women that have problems with breakouts and pigmentation.

4. Oxygen promotes healing in post surgery and with healing of new scars by speeding up the healing process, decreasing scarring and bruising.  

LED Light Therapy Treatment

What is it?

LED Light therapy is an advanced technology in the field of skin treatments which is gaining popularity at a rapid pace. Though there are various anti-aging or acne treatments in the market offering the same advantages, this is a very unique form of skin care treatment which gives it an edge over others. Skin care light treatments do not use a UV lamp for the therapy. Professionals use a much more advanced form of technology to treat the skin problems: Light Emitting Diodes.

How does it work?

LED light therapy uses different colors of light emitting diodes that stimulate the cells in your skin. Different forms of light colors are used for treating different skin problems. For instance, the red light is the most widely used form which can treat wrinkles, fine lines and sunburn. After receiving this treatment, your skin will be more elastic, supple and soft. On the other hand, the blue light is mainly used for treating acne and pimples.

The benefits you can get from regular LED treatments (once a week for up to 6 weeks):

• Promotes collagen production
• Skin texture appears smoother
• Skin appears brighter
• Assists in killing bacteria
• Improves the appearance of aging and sun damaged skin
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces superficial hyperpigmentation

The advantages of LED light therapy over other skin care treatments:

• Excellent for all skin types and skin color
• No risk of burning or damaging the skin
• No downtime or peeling
• Progressive anti-aging treatment rather than aggressive

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers a variety of LED light therapy treatments, starting at $35. Our Summer Radiance Facial features a 60 minute LED facial treatment customized to treat acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, or wrinkles for only $68 (save 10%). Offer good until June 30, 2012. Call 302-689-3223.

Help Reduce Facial Redness

Whether your skin is irritated or simply flushed, redness can be a symptom of many skin conditions. Exposure to the sun and wind are common causes of skin redness. However, skin may also become red due to contact with an allergen or irritating substance. Facial redness can often be uncomfortable or even embarrassing. Mild skin redness over a prolonged period of time can even damage the skin by promoting wrinkles and discoloration.

Reducing facial redness may take a combination of avoidance techniques and soothing skin care products.

Things to Avoid:

1. Hot or Spicy Foods
Hot drinks or hot and spicy foods can trigger a red face and a heavy sweat for a huge number of people.

2. Caffeine
Caffeine is a terrible cause of facial flushing and redness in general around the face. Try to cut it out as much as possible as it literally dehydrates your body and the tiredness as a result can cause redness, flushing and hot flashes.

3. Smoking
Similar to caffeine, cigarettes dehydrate the body and have the very same side effects. Drink more water if giving up smoking. It is difficult, but obviously do make an effort to give up smoking whenever you can.

4. Sun

Protection from the sun reduces existing inflammation and prevents further damage. Going back out in the sun with a sunburn or skin irritation can worsen redness.

5. Irritating Cosmetic Ingredients

These include alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, clove, cinnamon, geranium, fragrance, and perfume. Discontinue using skin care products that cause burning or stinging. This is important for acute inflammation and may cure instances of chronic redness. To avoid buying similar products in the future, check the ingredients before you toss the bottle.

Things to Do:

1. Protect Against Environmental Factors

An SPF of at least 15 applied to bare skin or under makeup will significantly reduce sun damage. In winter months, switching to a richer moisturizer and covering exposed skin will limit skin redness.

2. Learn What Allergens and Irritants You Are Sensitive To

By knowing what affects your skin, you can limit exposure or avoid them altogether. The longer skin is subjected to irritants, the more susceptible it is to irritation, with the reaction often getting worse each time.

3. Use Calming and Soothing Cosmetic Ingredients

These include sea whip, chamomile, and azulene. If you have dry skin, apply moisturizers immediately after showering to retain moisture. If your skin tends to be oily, use a cleanser that cleans thoroughly but does not dry out your skin.

4. Apply Cool Compresses

Soft washcloths dipped in cool water make effective skin care compresses for sensitive facial areas.

Professional Product Spotlight

PCA SKIN Anti–Redness Serum
Product Overview

This unique serum has proven benefits for patients with sensitive skin, rosacea, barrier dysfunction and sunburn. Clinical studies have shown that twice-daily use of PCA SKIN® anti-redness serum results in a 14% decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) over a four- week period and a 50% reduction in redness over an eight-week period.

Key Ingredients

Aldavine
Capparenols and Bisabolol
Directions

After cleansing and toning, apply one to two pumps of anti-redness serum over entire face, focusing on areas of persistent redness. Follow with the appropriate PCA SKIN® moisturizer with SPF in the daytime and moisturizer in the evening.


Get your anti-redness serum today, only at Fresh Faced Skin Care!



 

Glycolic Acid Does What?!

What is it?

Glycolic acid is a natural fruit acid or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is water soluble, making it versatile for dermatologic and cosmetic formulations. Because it is the shortest-chain AHA molecule, glycolic acid has been shown to be effective in penetrating dermal layers.

How does it work?

With time and sun exposure, there is a gradual decrease in the rate at which old cells leave the surface of the skin and are replaced by newer cells. This results in a surface layer of dead skin cells that are responsible for the appearance of aged skin.

Glycolic Acid works by penetrating the skin and breaking up the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface of the skin. It exfoliates and revitalizes skin by allowing fresh, new skin cells to come to the surface and, over time, helps spur the growth of new skin and the formulation of collagen. The cumulative effects of exfoliation, along with the moisturizing and penetrating properties of glycolic acid, produce changes in skin surface texture and tone, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

Products containing glycolic acid include but are not limited to peels, facial washes, and moisturizers. Those seeking a more complete exfoliation may opt for a chemical peel. In general, a chemical peel involves a careful degreasing of the skin followed by an application of a powerful AHA, such as glycolic acid. Glycolic acid peels provide a gradual effect, so for best effect they need to be used over a period of a few weeks. Most skin types are able to tolerate these peels, which are available in various concentrations and in a wide array of applications. This allows you to find the right combination that best suits your individual skin. A typical course would be once a week for four to six weeks, with a few weeks off between courses.

Who should use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid peel preparations are recommended for those whose skin is showing signs of aging. Fine lines, brown marks and dry spots can improve with regular applications or peels. Glycolic acid may also prove helpful for those prone to acne. Pregnant women and women who are nursing should avoid glycolic acid treatments.

Glycolic Acid Approved Uses

·         Acne Scarring

·         Facial Rejuvenation

·         Wrinkles

·         Hyperpigmentation

·         Melasma

·         Keratosis Pilaris (KP)

Professional Treatment Spotlight      

Fresh Faced Skin Care offers a series of 3 Glycolic Peels for $120 (regularly $150, save 20%). The peels are spaced 1 week apart and are about 15 minutes in duration. What a quick way to achieve smooth, rejuvenated skin! Call 302-689-3223 to schedule your series.

10 BENEFITS OF DERMAFILE™

What is Dermafile?

Dermafile is a skin polishing and resurfacing tool made of stainless steel and finely crushed cosmetic diamonds. The file lightly polishes skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. What’s left behind is velvety smooth, fresh, rejuvenated skin.



How does the Dermafile Procedure Work?

The Dermafile procedure is administered in the same way as a microdermabrasion treatment. The Dermafile may be passed over the skin several times to ensure that each layer is removed evenly and the esthetician may choose to concentrate on a particular area that has a high level of skin pigmentation or skin irregularities. A chemical peel may be applied to enhance results. The entire procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure can be performed once a month to enhance results and promote rapid skin cell regeneration. Over time, the skin will begin to produce more collagen and appear more youthful, toned and soft.

What are the Benefits of Dermafile Exfoliation?

1.    Can be used on all skin types- even sensitive skin

2.    Builds collagen and smoothes fine lines.

3.    Improves sun damage and evens skin tone.

4.    Helps remove age spots.

5.    Treats enlarged and clogged pores.

6.    Smoothes away dead skin cells and rough, bumpy, dry patches of skin.

7.    Smoothes away acne scars and other types of facial scars.

8.    Makeup goes on smoother.

9.    Skin feels silky smooth and clean immediately.

10.  Dermafile is a safe and effective microdermabrasion alternative.

Where Can I Get the Dermafile Treatment?

Fresh Faced Skin Care in New Castle, Delaware performs advanced facial treatments using Dermafile. The March Special, Spring Cleaning Facial ($99), features Dermafile exfoliation. Offer good for a limited time only: March 1- March 31, 2012. Call 302-689-3223.

http://www.freshfacedskincare.com/