Scrub-A-Dub... DOH! Turns out Microbeads are messing up the environment.

While you might have until 2019 to stock up on your favorite microbead scrubs and cleansers, let your conscience be your guide: it turns out that microbeads are polluting the Great Lakes and starting to mess up the local food chain. Illinois was first state to pass legislation on the issue, requiring companies to gradually phase out the plastic beads by 2019. California (not to be trumped in this department) may ban them sooner, possibly by 2016.

Don't worry about your fave stuff disappearing, though. Companies like L'oreal and Johnson & Johnson are on board to sub biodegradable versions ASAP, with many others to follow suit.

Read all about it here:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/06/10/320638770/with-concern-for-environment-illinois-bans-microbeads

http://m.bizjournals.com/chicago/news/2014/06/19/illinois-microbead-ban-cosmetics-industry-largely.html?r=full

Until next time, a fabulous my friends!

Food for Thought: Veggie-Based AntiAging Skin Care!

I will not pretend to be an expert in the realm of hormones. Not at all. In fact, I am perplexed by how intensely women are affected by hormones: hormonal changes, hormonal aging, and hormonal imbalances. Seriously, hormones affect just about everything... from hair growth and loss, kidney function, reproductive organs (obv), skin aging, and uhhh... basically everything. I thought this was a neat line to look into because of how little awareness there is on this topic (myself included, but perhaps a universal issue?) The VENeffect Line was founded by Chicago locals (and sisters!) Rebecca and Cecil Booth. Rebecca Booth, MD is a gynecologist and hormonal expert, who aims to balance the decline of estrogen influence on the skin as we age. She and Cecil designed this line to provide women with a solution to the hormonal aging issue by utilizing their proprietary blend of phytoestrogens in topical products.

Here's what the Booth girls say about PhytoEstrogens and what they do for the skin when applied topically: (click below to go to their site)

"They increase skin's production of collagen as well as boost hyaluronic acid production, the dewy substance that gives healthy skin its glow. Phytoestrogens also increase the activity of fibroblasts: collagen-making cells that also pump out elastin, the substance that gives skin elasticity.  Phytoestrogens are also potent anti-oxidants that neutralize toxic free radicals as well as promote healing in order to slow premature aging. VENeffect has developed a proprietary phytoestrogen system that is safe and highly effective at restoring and preserving skin's collagen and youthful glow."

Here they are talking about the science behind VENeffect (click below to watch a vid):

http://video.neimanmarcus.com/media/veneffect0212.mp4 

From my perspective:

As far as the efficacy of topical phytoestrogen's direct effect on the elasticity/tone of the skin: Hey, it's food for thought!  I will leave the hormonal science up to them, and physicians or experts on this topic. What I CAN comment on is my personal experience while experimenting with this line. Here are my top three favorites:

#1 Favorite: I LOVED LOVED LOVED the Anti-Aging Lip Treatment ($85) .  This award-winning lip treatment harnesses that  'phytoestrogen technology' to deeply hydrate. I applied twice a day, and really enjoyed the light green-tea-ish fragrance and delicate consistency. It really felt like the skin on and around my lips absorbed the product. While using it, I had no issues with color-bleeding  from lipstick, nor did I have any issues with flaky, dry, peely, or cracked lips. LOVED this.

2nd Place: The anti-Aging Eye Treatment ($125) was a nice product, too. I was told by Melissa Moore, (the Product Specialist that educated me here in Chicago) that the founders designed it to work well when applied OVER makeup in case you need a mid-day refresh. I tried it for myself and it did not roll up, ball off, or make my makeup muddy. This was a nice rescue product when my allergies caused me to wake up with puffiness, and when I got too little sleep a few times during the week.

3rd: The Firming Neck and Decollate ($155) product is  another winner in my book for it's rich, yet not-greasy consistency.

I look forward to continuing to learn more about phytoestrogens and their impact on hormonally aging skin. But in the meantime, at least I found my current favorite lip product!  (So at least I can look good, even if I'm not totally sure why!)

Until Next time, stay Fabulous My friends!

Whew, that was a close one: The Valeant/Allergan Saga

Allergan Pharmaceuticals' products (including Botox, Juvederm and Skinmedica, to name a few), their loyalty/partnership programs and their customer service standards are all impeccable. They are truly a class-act company. Even though being acquired by Valeant (or anybody else) does not necessarily mean that these things would change... I think everybody has been sighing with relief after the news that things will be staying put as-is (for now).

Read the Chicago Sun Times article about the would-be Valeant takeover here:

http://www.suntimes.com/business/27394525-420/botox-maker-turns-down-valeant-takeover-offer.html#.U3srwaa9LCQ

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

Treatments that are a Treat: Botox in the Bands, A.K.A. the 'Nefertiti Lift'

Here is a post I wrote for the office on one of our more popular treatments =) If you haven't tried it yet, get ready to be impressed!

Obagi Inservice today at Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology Chicago

Thanks, Laura (our fabulous Obagi rep/expert) We always LOVE hearing about the most current updates and developments in the skin care science realm!

Yours Truly,

The skin care pro's at Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology, Laser & MedSpa

=)

PS: we're crazy about the Gentle Rejuvenation products!

(For more on Obagi Gentle Rejuvenation, here's a link: http://obagi.com/patients/product-line/gentle-rejuvenation/results and here's a link to another post about the Gentle Rejuvenation Vitamin C fortified SPF (click to follow the link)!

Mad About Mac Retro Matte

I've been rocking a couple of Mac Retro Matte Lip Colors lately. It occurred to me that I haven't accepted so many compliments or 'where-did-you-get-that?'s on my lip color in... I don't know, a long time. This collection is not that new (Sept 13, I believe) but I'm having some fun and thought I'd share! After much positive reinforcement on the color, along with a slow and passive realization that it does not smudge off during the day, I had to go grab some additional 'flavors'

Here's what I grabbed: Retro Matte Colors (From Left) Relentlessly Red Ruby Woo All Fired Up Not pictured: Flat Out Fabulous

"All Fired Up" is my total fave... but Ruby Woo is the original crowd pleaser of this collection, known for it's Vampy Hollywood True red with its (visually teeth-whitening) flattering blue undertones.

I was told by a Mac Pro that the Retro matte collection features some of the usual, pre-existing Mac Mattes, now made with the same formula that made Ruby Woo popular back in like,1999 or so. Legend has it that these bad boys are made with kaolin clay, which undoubtedly provide its lasting, mattefying effect. My fave features here are how light it feels, it's very vibrant colors, and it's lasting effect without drying you out (like a stain)*

*That last part seems to vary slightly between formulas... Ruby Woo and All Fired Up seem the creamiest to me... While Flat Out Fabulous (Fuschia) and Fixed on Drama (wine) seem to go on drier. For official info on the collection: http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/11605/New-Collections/Retro-Matte/index.tmpl

and until next time- Stay Fabulous My Friends!

AmSpa, Environ, and Cutera host Chicago Aesthetic Industry Friends at POPS

Last week I had the honor of joining a number of Chicago area pros at the American Medical Spa Association, Environ Skin Care and Cutera Laser Industry Networking Reception at Pops for Champagne.  A great time was had by all! Thanks to Nealy Skeldon with Environ and Ryan Hotchkiss with Cutera for hosting!  

E's 3 Current Faves: a Sunscreen for Everyone

Here's a blog post I wrote for work, Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology. Enjoy! =)

Better Than Easter Candy

Check out my new Limited Edition Eye and Cheek compact from the Neiman Marcus Tom Ford on Michigan Avenue. My girls Magdalena and Dominique set me up with this beauty, perfect for spring! Called 'Unabashed', this gold and white lacquer compact ($95) is just the thing any girl would want in her Easter basket.

Featuring a very easy to use, buildable neutral taupe, a navy powder liner, and a subtle shimmer highlight, this compact makes it easy to bring some springtime colors with you on the go. Be warned, however: if you ever apply your make up quickly, or in the car while sitting in traffic (like I do sometimes), you'll want to make sure you aren't touching your blush brush into your navy liner. Unless you happen to like the Navy as a cheek color, I'm not here to judge. =)

You'll love the blush, a nice flattering shade for just about anyone. It almost reminds me of Nars "Orgasm" but happens to come with an awesome highlight, great for sculpting out a contour.

Try this look with Tom Ford's ultra shine lipgloss ($45) "Tawny Pink" (a milky, slick light pink) for a look perfect for Easter!

If you're in Chicago, give these girls a call:312-642-5900 to try on some awesome new colors- they are amazing!

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

Winter is SO last Season

Check out my great ombre sparkle neon french-tip no chip manicure, courtesy of the Beauties at Cosmos Beauty Bar in Glen Ellyn, IL!

Erickson Dermatology Opens in Chicago!

Here is the blog I am writing for work (Erickson Dermatology in Chicago on Michigan Avenue), thought I'd share the first post! We are soft launching Dr. Erickson's new cosmetic dermatology practice now, and are ready to see patients! We're already doing fabulous things with BOTOX Cosmetic, Juvederm VOLUMA, all the awesome dermal fillers, an amazing new Sciton laser, and a brand new Hydrafacial. YEAH! It's a very exciting time. We also just launched the new website, created by yours truly =)

Check it out! www.ericksondermatology.com

Intellishade: Major Multitasker

So, I'm actually a little embarrassed that I have not yet written about some of my favorite product lines in this: the 'Product Pro' blog...Yeeesh. In this category of neglected-yet-amazing products: one of my favorite sunscreens, Revision Skincare's SPF/AntiAging Treatment/Moisturizer multitasker all in one, Intellishade SPF 45.

Kudos to Revision Skincare for coming out with a sunscreen that is actually enjoyable to wear. It's not new, Intellishade has been one of Revision's bestsellers for years. (Hence my embarrassment for not profiling this NewBeauty Best of Beauty Award winner sooner)

This tinted moisturizer is a broad spectrum SPF 45, featuring the ever-important octinoxate and zinc oxide, making this a great broad spectrum SPF for even the most sensitive types. The sheer-ish tint is just enough color to take the dreaded SPF-whiteness out of the equation, while neutralizing redness and minor imperfections. It almost magically matches most skin types, hence it's intelligence, I suppose.

Loaded with 3 awesome peptides, antioxidants, humectants, coenzyme Q10 and a glorious dewey finish, this product is an obsession for our patients who have either mature, normal, or dry skin.

***By the way: If this all sounds up your alley, but you desire more of a matte/clean finish, Revision also offers Intellishade SPF 45 Matte. Historically the Matte has been a about half as popular (in my experiences), but I've always been glad to have it, especially for those clients who have oily skin.

Give this a mad multitasker a try if you're in the mood for an awesome, hydrating, and dewey-looking all-in-one AM product.

And in the meantime, stay fabulous my friends!

E Experiments: The Light Sheer Laser

I had the honor of experimenting with the Lumenis Duet LightSheer Diode Laser this week at my office, Erickson Dermatology. This nifty laser has a handpiece that gently suctions the skin as the laser is engaged. This makes things less painful (I would say pain free, almost!) for the patient during laser hair removal/reduction treatments- total win. The spot size is humongous too, so treating a large area is a snap. Less stress on the practitioner, less stress on the patient: what's not to love?

Just thought I'd share what I'm up to! Until next time: Stay Fabulous, My friends!

Like my Lacquer?

My latest, super fun No Chip Manicures from Cosmos Beauty Bar in Glen Ellyn!

Sciton's Superior Science: Aesthetic Laser Symposium

Speakers Jason Pozner, MD, FAC and Stanley J. Kovak, MD just schooled all of Chicago (and surrounds) last weekend on Combo treatments with amazing Sciton laser technologies at the Waldorf Astoria. Sciton (as I'm learning over time) has awesome, advanced, and highly-customizable phototherapies for many different aging and sun-damaged skin types. These lasers are complex, and behind the scenes you would hear that they aren't for the beginner laser practitioner. Even with as much experience as I have doing laser treatments, I'm learning a lot (well, a TON) and am enjoying every minute!! The results are significant- and I'm looking forward to learning more every day under the direction of my physician. YEAH!

These were the Topics:

• Achieving superior results with combination procedures
• Advanced phototherapy and skin tightening for aging and sun damaged skin
• Resurfacing Perfected

Thanks Sciton, Dr Pozner, and Dr Kovak! I learned a ton!

Until next time: Stay Fabulous, My Friends!

Playing With MicroLaserPeel

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to experiment with Sciton's Profractional Laser Technology, Sciton's BBL, and Sciton's MicroLaserPeel treatment. I was pretty excited about the versatility of the MicroLaserPeel. This  resurfacing laser treatment is fully customizable, and can fall anywhere in social downtime (ie, pinkness/sensitivity afterwards) between a REALLY effective microdermabrasion and a huge, intense laser treatment. Here's what can be treated with MicroLaserPeel:

• Wrinkles and Skin Texture

• Scars

• Keratosis

• Sun damage (including freckles)

• Pigment irregularities

Almost any skin areas can be treated, but the most popular treatment areas are the face, neck, chest and hands.

MicroLaserPeel (also sometimes called a NanoPeel, or a Weekend Peel) is an erbium laser treatment that removes a thin layer of damaged skin to improve texture and provide a more youthful appearance. It's pretty great because it can be administered with great precision of depth, like if you only have one afternoon for social-downtime. The procedure is performed in your physician’s office and is pretty great because it can be custom tailored to your specific skin concerns, and most importantly: How much time you have to spare for social downtime. That, and it can be combined with other laser procedures at the same visit to maximize your results.

The depth is measured in microns, so a 10 Micron laser Peel is much lighter than a 20, which would require some social downtime. Here's how you could look at it: A series of microdermabrasions (like maybe 6 treatments) can equal one treatment of a 10 micron MicroLaserPeel.

Here's a great video of a demonstration.You'll see the MicroLaserPeel’s beam being scanned over a treatment area to remove the very thin layer of the skin. As the skin heals, fresh cells grow and resurface the treated area. The result is healthier-looking skin, often with reduced wrinkles and improved tone. Patients often say that it looks like their skin went from looking 'tired' to fab.

 Here's the same day before and after pictures of my hand after (from top to bottom) a 4 Micron Peel, an 8 Micron Peel, and a 10 Micron Peel. (translation: Super-Light to Light)

I felt totally fine (no discomfort AT ALL), and the texture on my left hand actually looked and felt smoother and healthier than the right hand, almost right away.  I was surprised how audible the laser sound was, and how comfortable it was. I really didn't feel much at all! Can't wait to offer this treatment to our patients, I think they'll love it!

Until Next time: Stay fabulous My Friends!

Mohs Surgery... Nose Surgery??? Moe's Surgery??

What is Mohs surgery?

Lately, I've been working like crazy to help launch a brand new cosmetic dermatology office on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The highly credentialed and super smart dermatologist (Dr. Quenby Erickson, who is my boss, the owner, and the medical director all-in-one) is board certified and fellowship trained in Mohs Surgery. Sometimes, when I'm bragging about how talented Dr. Erickson is, people will say: "NOSE surgery??" No, actually: MOHS Surgery. Here's what it is:

Named for Frederic Mohs (1910-2002), this specialty surgical procedure allows the physician to remove the cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

With more than 2 Million Americans estimated to be affected by skin cancer this year, Mohs Micrographic surgical technique is more in-demand than ever. In addition to Mohs, Dr. Erickson also really enjoys the reconstruction aspect, which has saved patients from disfigurement. It's a pretty great process.

Step 1: A conservative amount of tissue is removed. Step 2: While the patient waits, the tissue will be examined under a microscope to see if the margins are clear Step 3: If the margins are clear, the patient is good to go. Slightly more tissue will be removed and the steps will be repeated only if the margins aren't clear.

Imagine if you had a cancerous lesion on your cheek (yikes). You'd want the cancer to be gone, but with the smallest amount tissue removed as possible. Beyond that, you'd want to be reconstructed beautifully. That's what a Mohs surgeon can do for you. (Sometimes, closures can be sent out to a plastic surgeon).  As Dr. Erickson says: "Removing tissue from a person's back is one thing; it becomes a bigger deal on the lip, eyelid or nose." Glad to have you, Mohs surgeons!!

Click here for what sets fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons apart from the rest, and click here for patient information on Mohs surgery.

Until next time: Stay Fabulous, (and wear your sunscreen!!) My Friends!

Dermaplaning: Don't be Scared

Ever thought Dermaplaning looked scary-as-heck? You're not alone! What is it?? Also known as epidermal leveling, Dermaplaning is an expert technique which gently removes superficial, rough skin with the use of a modified surgical utensil (that's the nice way to say SCALPEL). This specialized treatment leaves the skin glowing and refreshed. Here's the secret: No, it doesn't hurt! AND, it's actually more gentle (and effective at removing superficial, dead/damaged tissue) than lots of other aesthetic treatments.

Here's me performing a dermaplane:

Who is it good for?  Dermaplaning is safe for almost all skin types. It's not so great for really active acne or for people with really thick hair growth on the face. It's actually a great alternative to microdermabrasion: much more gentle and much more effective at removing stratum corneum!!! Ok, people also love it because it removes peach-fuzz. For those of you who love that part, I mentioned it! Are you happy?? =)

DP treatments result in a more refined, smooth, “glowing” appearance.  Because Dermaplaning does not require the use of chemicals to exfoliate, it is often appropriate for those with certain skin allergies or sensitivities, even rosacea... no kidding!

What to Expect:  Dermaplaning is actually a no-downtime, gentle refinement. You might expect your at-home products to absorb more quickly than usual, and your makeup to go on more smoothly than usual.  (so use caution if you are using strong exfoliants or harsher products!) If it is determined to be appropriate for your skin, a mild chemical peel, cryogen therapy, or a masque treatment may be applied during your treatment. It's sort of like a choose-your-own adventure book. Remember those? If you do, you might look into dermaplaning for it's anti-aging benefits. (That was supposed to be funny!!)

Locally, I enjoy teaching other professionals to dermaplane. This comfortable treatment is a patient-favorite and a specialty of our office, and may be a specialty of an office near you soon!! =)

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

E

Beauty Pros: Pay it forward

I've been meaning to post about a great American Cancer Society Program I volunteer for called "Look Good, Feel Better" for a long time. Anyone who is undergoing treatment, about to undergo treatment, or has recently completed cancer treatment can sign up through the American Cancer Society for free. During the class (which we call workshops), licensed Beauty professionals teach and demonstrate treatment-specific skin care, makeup, head-wrap/scarf-tying, and wig styling and care techniques. Basically, everything you might want to know about if you want to feel better about how you look when you could possibly be losing your hair, your skin might be changing, and you could really use some pro's in your corner.

Through the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, huge cosmetic companies donate makeup and skincare for participants to use and take home. Clarins, Bobbi Brown, Dior, Avon, Lancome, OPI, and MAC are just a handful of these companies. Yesterday, my demonstration model even received a Dior SHOW mascara and an awesome Chanel lipstick in her kit. Props to these companies!!

If you are a beauty professional, please consider taking your talents beyond work! You know how good you can make your clientele feel on an everyday-basis, now just imagine how you can help someone who might really need your help, but hasn't met you yet. Every time, the participants leave the workshop with smiles on their faces, and you know that you might have helped give them the tools to feel beautiful and happy during a rough time. Please consider applying and training for this great program!

Dr. Mauricio De Maio: The creme de la creme in Chicago

  My boss, Chicago Dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson and I attended Allergan's Master Class led by world-renown Brazilian Plastic Surgeon Dr Mauricio De Maio last night in Chicago. He is an intriguing speaker, the BEST, actually!

He demonstrated his incredible injection techniques, and showed how he uses Juvederm VOLUMA XC to restore lost volume in different severities of volume loss and laxity. He shared his amazing perspective on genetic aging, lots of advanced facial anatomy, and even told a couple good jokes for some of the most well-known physicians in the midwest. Can't wait to get back to the office and share everything I learned, especially about VOLUMA XC!

Until Next time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!