theproductpro BLOG
So, I'm stealing my magnetic palettes for another project. But what am I going to do with all these shadows in the meantime??
A dab of adhesive on the backs of the shadow pans and a new/clean CD case will keep them organized in the meantime. Crafty?? ...Or Crazy?
Do you love makeup remover wipes, but hate that they have a tendency to dry out?
Here's a quick tip:
Store your wipes upside down. The cleanser fluid will remain dispersed throughout the top wipes, which are the most exposed to air when the package is opened. I think you'll find that your wipes will last much longer!
BOOM: thats it! (I did say "quick", right??)
Enjoy, and until next time- stay fabulous my friends!
A Bruise will occur when a blood vessel becomes injured… so like, when you bump into something. Or, in the case of a cosmetic injectable procedure: when a needle ‘bumps into’ a blood vessel.
The blood that was hanging out in there is suddenly free to flow into the tissue surrounding the vessel. It’s worse if your blood is thinned by medications or supplements, as it takes longer to stop flowing out, and there is more blood to collect. This is what you see when you observe that lovely bruise-darkness through the skin.
Bruises are normally harmless, and go away gradually. Generally, the chances of getting a bruise from a cosmetic procedure are lower if:
-You’re not on blood thinners or supplements that can thin the blood
-Your injector is very experienced (though it can happen any time, no matter who injects you!)
-You’re not on steroids (like prednisone) which can make your blood vessels fragile
-You avoid using corticosteroids, as it can make the skin thinner and less protective of those capillaries.
If you do get a bruise, try to keep your head up (sleep with an extra pillow at night) as gravity can help the blood drain from the area, and keep swelling to a minimum.
Stay tuned for more info on bruise-prevention in a series of posts on injectable-procedure tips for wussies! And until next time, stay fabulous my friends!
Happy Labor Day Weekend! If you're anything like me, you use a holiday weekend (BONUS DAY!) to have some fun AND get a little bit ahead of the game. I had a chance to get organized and thought I would share what's on my Review To-Do list, and what I'm playing around with now!
Getting Glam
MAC Cosmetics Pressed Pigments (new collection 2013) in Blonde Streak and Black Grape: picked these babies up at the MAC pro store on Armitage in Chicago last week. Loving these so far! If you try them, be sure to do your foundation AFTER your eyes (despite being easier to use than MAC Pigments, there can still be plenty of fallout)
Not all glosses are created equal
e.l.f HD Blushes and e.l.f Super Glossy Lip Shines: I picked up a bevy of these inexpensive OTC products in lots of colors to mess around with, and it seems that there is a pretty big difference in consistency based on which colors I am using- crazy! For example, the "Honey Do" gloss is sticky and unenjoyable... but "Goddess" is a dream to wear. This should be interesting...
But oh yeah: they were only $1. So as long as they aren't like, tar or poison or something, it will be worth it to find a keeper! =)
Snake Oil? No, Snail Serum!
Biopelle Tensage Products: Have you heard? Snail Secretions is being used as an anti-aging element. At this point, I'm only scratching the surface with my research... but here's what I know so far: Companies are using snail secretions in facial products for anti-aging. It sounds a little weird so far, but the theory is that (pre-historic?) snails have evolved over time to protect themselves from environmental damage/ repair injuries, and are secreting growth factors and glycoproteins that are great for our skin. I need to do my homework and check out some clinical data, but in the meantime, I'm hearing good things!
Biopelle Tensage SCA 8 Biorepair Index is a particular brand of snail serum product that I'm experimenting with. SCA stands for Secretion of Cryptomphalus Aspersa, which I understand to be the type of snail. Biopelle Tensage Eye Contour Cream is their super popular slightly-tinted eye product, and I am LOVING it so far. Absolutely LOVING it. I'll be sure to review this as I learn more!
Have a safe holiday and until next time: Stay Fabulous my friends!
When a physician uses a blunt-tipped cannula to administer a soft-tissue filler like Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Perlane or other, they are using a blunt-ended, usually flexible, straw-shaped tool to move around the area. This tool allows the injector to lay little threads of the filler product smoothly and evenly.
The key point here is that blunt-tipped micro cannulas are not sharp. When the filler is administered with one, the tissue is not pierced through or poked like it would with a ‘regular’ needle. The physician or nurse will be sliding the cannula in through a tiny pin-point opening that they create (in an inconspicuous place like the corners of the mouth). Then they'll thread/glide the cannula through the tissue, smoothly filling the area with the product. Additionally, they do not have to pierce through the surface skin multiple times like they would with a needle. This means less possibility of bruising for you!
It’s also less painful, and you'll typically end up with much less swelling. Here’s a great study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, if you'd like to check that out. They did a 2 week comparison of post-injection 'downtime' of needles and micro-cannulas. They conclude that cannulas are the way to go!
l personally would describe the feeling as “weirdzies” versus “OUCH!!”. You can certainly feel something moving around, which is why I describe it more as a strange sensation, and not really a pain sensation. I've personally tried the Dermasculpt Cannula, which seems to be a great product. Dermasculpt cannulas have pretty much become the standard for soft-tissue filler treatment at Cadella Medical Spa and Wellness Center here in Chicago, so it's the brand I'm most familiar with.
Even though blunt-tipped cannulas are a fantastic way to have a soft-tissue filler injected, not all docs use them. They can be much more expensive than regular needles, and training is needed (there is a learning curve, as I understand). It's also important to know that even if they utilize cannulas for injections in their practice, sometimes an injector will choose to use a traditional needle. It can depend on the product being used, because some fillers are thicker or thinner than others. It also depends on and what the injector wants to do with it, and where they'd like to put it, so it won't be appropriate all the time. Chat it out with your injector to see if you're a good candidate for blunt tipped micro cannulas at your next treatment.
Check out my other post on Dermasculpt and uplift filler technique here, and until next time: stay fabulous my friends!
Michelangelo Buonarroti is known to have described his sculpting as a process where he would 'release' a figure from the block of stone in which it slumbered. The masters of the Renaissance (and contemporary sculptors, too) would often create a model of their ideal figure first. Typically made out of clay, the artist would mold and manipulate the shapes to take form- and create something beautiful.
To me, this is not unlike the soft-tissue filler sculpting methods of today. Injectors will often use combinations of Artefill, Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane, Belotaro, and/or Restylane to fill in areas that have lost facial volume due to age, injury, or medication/treatment. After the product is administered, they'll sometimes use their hands to manipulate the material and sculpt the filler inside the tissue, (no, it doesn't hurt!) since at this point, the fillers have a clay-like consistency. It absolutely makes me think of sculpting, like the masters of the Renaissance.
I've got soft-tissue fillers on my mind since the fabulous injectable event that I worked last night. We were SO busy, because once you've discovered who to go to for a gentle, natural liquid facelift -or- uplift injection, you don't need to look any farther. Dr. Eliza Parker in Chicago is that physician (and a sort of Michelangelo) for many people. She is a MASTER with the soft tissue filler sculpting techniques and the use of Dermasculpt blunt-tipped micro cannulas. She uses the Dermasculpt cannula instead of a traditional needle, and smoothly threads filler into the tissue. She'll do this as a part of her sculpting technique as her tool to restore lost volume and build a sort of scaffolding, which helps create a structure underneath any lax or sagging facial skin.
If you were to watch her perform an uplift, you could see how she gently moves and sculpts the product to the exact place she wants it to create a very pretty and natural contour, gently lifting jowles and naso-labial folds (nose-to-mouth). Here is a video of Dr Pierone in Vero Beach FL performing an uplift. We were lucky enough to visit him in his office to observe his technique a couple years back. You may find it fascinating...
If you’re in the Chicago-area, I would highly recommend seeing Dr. Eliza Parker for a consultation: her technique is total artistry. She even trains other medical professionals how inject with these special cannulas. Here's Dr Parker's website, so you can check it out!
And if you happen to be in Florida, you could certainly give Dr Pierone a call. Dermasculpt seems to be having trouble with their physician-finder page as I write this, so if you're in any other of the 48 states... (sorry!) check back with them soon to find an MD in your area: Here's the Dermasculpt link for you, and until next time: stay fabulous, my friends!
So, I'm completely paranoid about bathing suit season. Let's face it... when you're just as nervous about skin cancer and premature aging as you are how your thighs look in a bikini, it's not a recipe for a care-free day. But that's where this little product entered into the story, and made my day at the beach much easier!
This innovative, sheer-oil formulation claims broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 (depending on which one you choose) AND makes your bikini-clad bod look less frightening with it's subtle glisten! (think: body builders... they must slather oil all over for a reason, right???) But this oil isn't super sticky or gross, like I would imagine hugging a body-builder to feel like- haha!
This product lacks offensive/overwhelming scents, and has a super fabulous price point of around $10. I plan to continue using this dewey, imperfection-blurring product on my neck and chest beyond summer season...
....and maybe even for competitions when I finally pursue my dream of bodybuilding.
(kidding!)
I was intrigued by e.l.f. when some makeup artist acquaintances rolled down a list of their secret e.l.f. favorites, so I thought I'd start exploring by demo'ing some basics. I chose this $6 Primer in Clear to start, which was 30% off when I ordered it- wow. I must say: I was pleasantly surprised by this particular elf item.
It has a very similar silky/satin-like consistency as some of my favorite primers, including GloMinerals Face Primer ($26) and Smashbox Photo-Finish ($36). This product also has a similar ingredient deck, though there are a couple of silica ingredients that some of the others lack. Interestingly, this product is gluten-free, while my favorites are not. It doesn't stay perfect for quite as long as some others, and lacks some of the anti-oxidants (like Vitamin E) that others have, but for $6- I didn't feel disappointed, necessarily.
So, if you're in the mood for a good gamble with not much at risk (besides maybe hour 12 of foundation perfection!) it might be a good one the next time you find yourself in need of primer.
Word on the Street/Company Claims: “This groundbreaking, weightless, 100% physical sunscreen provides water-resistant broad spectrum protection with transparent titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (Z-Cote®*). Enhanced with artemia salina, a plankton extract, this lightweight sunscreen increases skin defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.
Color-infused technology enhances natural skin tone and boosts daily radiance.”
Appropriate for who?:
Normal, Combination, Oily, Sensitive… pretty much everyone!
NOT so good for:
For the darkest Fitzpatrick skin types, I suppose the powder-finish would be less ideal, as it could look a bit light/dry-ish. This being said, it is still better than almost any other physical-only formulation I’ve used on dark skin.
Those who desire a dewey, super-hydrated finish may not prefer the mattefying quality of this product.
Totally Fabuliz: (Favorite part):
Copy-Cats have tried with similar consistencies and claims, but product is unique and fabulous because of it’s PHYSICAL-ONLY, chemical-sunscreen-FREE formulation. This means more broad-spectrum protection with less irritation- this is normally only achieved with HEAVY, white creams!
Just OK:
I wish the larger, limited-edition 4.2 fl oz size could be available all year round!!
Needs work:
The smaller, ‘regular’ 1.7 fl oz has a screw-on top. I’d love to see the flip top from the limited edition size make it’s way to this always-available version.
Star Rating:
4 STARS!!!★★★★
★1 Star: Might pass this one up
★★2 Stars: Okay for the money
★★★3 Stars: Really nice product, I’d buy it
★★★★4 Stars: Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!
Misc Notes/Other need-to-know's:
-Shake it before you use it, so it mixes up thoroughly.
-I’m obsessed with this very-slightly tinted formulation because takes the “white” out of a titanium/zinc sunscreen. This product may also be the only sunscreen that men will readily use, because of the clean/non-goopy finish. It leaves a silky, natural and texture afterward, and almost feels like a favorite makeup primer.
Bottom Line:
No, it doesn’t smell like coconuts, and it won’t make your eyes sting either- all of our usual sunscreen-skipping excuses are flattened. Well done, Skinceuticals!
So, even as an anti-aging obsessed skin-cancer prevention advocate, I have to be honest: reapplying sunscreen is the pits. Maybe you have makeup on... maybe your hands aren't clean and there isn't a sink nearby... maybe you just don't feel like slathering goop all over the place! Here's a nice solution to the re-application challenge: Sunscreen powder. If you haven't tried one of these, it's worth a go. Mostly all of them are appropriate for anyone 6 months of age and over, and they are NOT MAKEUP. This means you can put it over your existing makeup, or apply it to an unsuspecting husband, boyfriend, or son.
Here's a link to my favorite one so far, Colorescince Sunforgettable: http://jxeqr.jklky.servertrust.com/product_p/brush50.htm
I would personally get the medium, (I am a somewhat fair caucasian) because the light is pretty darn light and the darkest one can start to look really dark and almost muddy on light or medium skin if you reapply more than once (the whole reason we are using sunscreen powder, right? ...to re-apply!!!)
If you don't already own a spray brush cleaner, I would probably get one so you can clean the brush in between uses. GloMinerals is my favorite, who's brush cleaner actually smells AMAZING (almost like strawberries, but better!) and dries a little faster than some: http://www.gloprofessional.com/brush-cleaner
Now get out there and re-apply!! :)
I sometimes get some questions about the 'mole-hills' or little bumps that you get right after a BOTOX Cosmetic treatment. This is a very, very temporary occurrence (between 5-15 minutes usually) that some people tend to get anxious about or hung-up on. So, I thought I would post pictures of my own latest treatment in an effort to put some worries to rest.
The reason these little temporary 'mole-hills' occur:
When the BOTOX Cosmetic arrives at an office, it is in concentrated, sort of freeze-dried or vacuum-dried form. There are 100 units in a typical bottle, but they need to be reconstituted to properly use them and measure them out. Saline is used to do this. The injector will determine how many units need to be injected into each area, and will inject the BOTOX Cosmetic, Diluted with saline, into the area. It takes your body a couple of minutes to absorb it, which is why the molehills occur. They are gone really quickly!
Despite how many questions we hear about this, this little side effect should probably the least of your concerns. Be sure that your injector is a physician or a nurse injector, and that they are using authentic BOTOX Cosmetic. You can even ask them to see the bottle, which has a hologram on it. There are sometimes little bruises (like just bigger than the size of a pin-point) that can occur, and we most typically see them around the eyes (crowsfeet). I didn't get any bruises this time, but every once in a while I will. Usually not a big deal at all!
Always do your homework, and you will be better off! Here's a full list of side-effects, and always discuss the risk vs benefit of any treatment with your doctor!
Enjoy your treatment and Bye Bye, Crinkle-Eye!
Word on the Street/Company Claims: Longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes can be yours when you apply this bimatoprost opthamolic solution .03% every night to the lash line (like liquid eyeliner).
They are actually not sure why it works- funny, right? In summary, this product was first available as a glaucoma treatment (Lumigan… but was/is used IN the eye as a medication). Basically, a whole lotta glaucoma patients ended up with a whole lotta fabulous lashes! And so after an FDA trial and a repackage (kinda): Latisse was born.
Appropriate for who?:
People who feel like their lashes could be better… and unless you are one of those people gifted with epic lashes: who doesn’t?
NOT so good for:
Those already undergoing treatment for glaucoma, and those who may be having an upcoming opthamalic surgery or procedure,… ask your doctor.
Totally Fabuliz: (Favorite part):
It ACTUALLY works. If you like to put 2, maybe 3 coats of mascara on, you will fall in love with Latisse (and may even find yourself joining the rest of the 1-coat world!) Measurable change takes place over the course of about 16-18 weeks as your untreated lashes fall out naturally and the Latisse’d lashes cycle in.
Just OK:
I would guesstimate that I’ve seen maybe 2 of every 50 patients experience some eye irritation with this product. So while not often, that can happen. Also, there’s a chance of a pink-ness that can develop on your lids. It happened to me, and will go away as soon as I stop using it. Doesn’t bother me enough to discontinue use AT ALL… You can’t stop me now!! MUAHHahahahah (crazy laugh) … ahem… sorry.
Needs work:
The disposable applicators are not as user friendly as a tube/wand package would be. (kind of like Revitalash). However, since Latisse had to get FDA approval… they went over–the-top with safety so they could get approved, fast. The instructions say that one brush is to be used on one eye, disposed of, and then another brush used for the other eye. TWO applicators EACH DAY? I’m thinking: We apply mascara to both eyes every day with only one wand! I understand that its indeed a bit different here because there’s no preservative… but listen: You can almost hear the landfills crying.
Star Rating: 4 STARS!!!★★★★
★1 Star: Might pass this one up
★★2 Stars: Okay for the money
★★★3 Stars: Really nice product, I’d buy it
★★★★4 Stars: Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!
Misc Notes/Other need-to-know's:
Don’t stop using it. Once you have your results you need to keep going! I don’t have a problem with the thought of maintaining though- once you have your fabulous lashes you want to keep them!!
Check out my other blog post with additional Latisse info here, including a video of how I like to use my Latisse, (but always follow the instructions of your doctor!)
Click here for Allergan’s official Latisse Page. And PS- Definitely join their Brilliant Distinctions reward program so you can earn points for your purchases… you can get coupons for $25 off, $50 off, and even more if you spend enough or have treatments like BOTOX Cosmetic.
Bottom Line:
I'm a Latisse-r for Life. Love. Love. Love.
As I sit here with a blemish so large that I may end up naming him (Thor? Steve? Brutus?), about to get my Kenalog Injection, it occurred to me that I may want to share a few of my emergency acne treatment ideas. Yes, it's true. Even the skincare-obsessed (and skincare professional) will get the occasional blemish. If you are like me, you might have a fabulous dermatologist in your back pocket. A quick and almost-painless injection of a steroid and will have you like new in 24-48 hours. What I have is called Kenalog- it’s a glucocorticoid corticosteroid meant for intralesional, (meaning: in-the-zit-itself), injection.
This is one of the best 'break glass in case of emergency' treatments before weddings/prom/reunions. There's risk of a scar when you have these injections, so talk it out with your doc. Sometimes the blemish itself threatens a scar, like when it's big enough to have its own name. So depending on your situation, despite the risk you may still opt for the shot.
Don't have a derm? No time for an appointment?
Here are 5 of my top at-home emergency blemish treatments:
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone:
(I prefer the cream version, but it's also available in an ointment form) you can apply hydrocortisone 1% a couple times a day for up to 7 days to help reduce inflammation and redness.
Ice, Ice, Baby (better yet, cool packs):
Reduce inflammation by holding a cool pack on for 15 minutes at a time, or as long as is comfortable. It's good to do while you're checking email or watching a movie.
Tretinoin (aka Retin-a):
If you have some of this (generally for use all over the facial skin at night) I have found that if you use a dab during the day, it can help to flatten things out a bit faster. Tretinoin is typically for anti-aging and /or acne treatment and prevention- it's a power house prescription. If you don't happen to have any laying around, Salicylic Acid is always a good one to dry and flatten things out. I love Obagi's Clenziderm MD Pore Therapy.
Anti-histamines:
Try taking Benedryl or Claritin, if its appropriate for you (i.e, your md says you're good to go) ... It's all about reducing the inflammation!
BPO:
Benzoyl Peroxide products are awesome for prevention and treatment of the pustule-type of lesions… the yucky ones with the ‘head’ on them. This is because BPO works by bringing oxygen in to murder the anaerobic (O2-hating) bacteria in the follicles. A crazy awesome Rx version is called Acanya, otherwise my fave and most-recommended BPO is Obagi's Therapeutic Lotion.
Of course, always follow the recommendations of your own skin care professional or physician- and may the force be with you!
So here is a cute before and after of some airbrushing I did this weekend for a wedding. This is using TEMPTU Silicone-Based Makeup and a small, relatively inexpensive compressor. My fabulous makeup artist friend Jennifer Johnson schooled me on basics a while back, and suggested TEMPTU to start my airbrush kit. I've been playing around with it for a while and I think I'm in love!
As you can see, she has beautiful skin and gorgeous features anyway, so she could make any makeup artist look good… but I LOVE the dewy (yet not greasy or shiny) consistency of the s/b makeup, and it wears like a champ!
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about Latisse lately, so I thought I’d throw something together with my personal tips and some official information, too! 1) Latisse rocks, but it’s $$$: Here’s a video of how I like to store and use my disposable brushes so you can get more use out of each package. This is considered off-label, meaning it’s not necessarily the way the product is labeled for use- so always do what your doctor or skincare professional recommends!
2) Let’s not get Crazy: I’ve heard of patients using a makeup brush to apply the product… I would NOT recommend this, as Latisse does not have a preservative in it. Hygiene is of course very important, especially with the eye-area, so stick with the disposables for sure.
3) Night Owl: Only use Latisse at night, with your contacts out and makeup off. Contacts can actually absorb the product, so be sure not to cut corners here. Apply your eye products and treatment creams first, and Latisse will be the very last step.
4) Browing out: An off-label use of Latisse is applying it to the eyebrows. I did that once for a period of time to experiment, and found that it would not grow hair where there wasn’t hair already, but that it did make individual brow hairs a bit darker and longer, too, contributing to a bit of a fuller effect.
5) Changing Eye Color?!?: I think when patients hear this, they freak out and think their blue eyes could turn brown and vice versa- thankfully this is not the case. To summarize, when Allergan did a 5000 patient study of the Lumigan version of this product (used IN the eye) for the treatment of glaucoma, there was a small percentage of people with hazel eyes that had darkening of the gold-flecks in their eye. This change was found to be lasting. If you have hazel eyes, consider if that would bother you, as it could be a risk… important to consider that it was only happening to a small % of the people using the solution IN the eye, like an eye-drop, which we are NOT doing with Latisse. Other eye colors have not been found to change or darken.
6) No biggie?: There is a chance that you can get darkening of the lash line where you apply the Latisse, since it’s increasing melanin (and making your lashes darker!) it happened to me, but the trade-off for awesome lashes is just fine with me. It’s kind of a light pink, so it covers easily with a light shadow/I don’t even really notice it. Some of our patients who already have dark eye areas think twice about using Latisse. Thankfully, when you stop using it, it goes away… so no biggie if you ask me.
7) Keep the Faith: Latisse can take up to 16 weeks for full results… this is because when you first start using it, its treating the lashes that haven’t grown in yet. So, it can be hard to use a product every night when you don’t see much happening, but Latisse WORKS, so keep up the good work, and hang in there for fabulous lashes!
Here’s a link to Allergan’s Latisse page, please read up for full Rx info and more official business!
Word on the Street/Company Claims:
“Hydromanil technology” delivers moisture in a 2 Part Action.
Part 1: There are Hydromanil matrix molecules that stay on the surface of the skin to reduce LOSS of moisture.
Part 2: A water-bearing 3D matrix captures and hold on to water within the skin, continuously releasing moisturizing compounds, increasing moisture for at least 8 hours after you put it on.
Appropriate for who?:
It’s designed for every skin type, and I would agree with that after using it.
It’s got a medium consistency that would please a dryer skin-type, but it dries mostly matte and does not feel heavy or look greasy, which oilier types would love. It is mild enough that I would recommend it to people who are post- chemical peel or using retinoids (or other treatment products) that could compromise the skin too!
Totally Fabuliz: (Favorite part): It didn’t make me break out (Just look at me wrong and I’ll break out!) but I really feel that it improved my dry skin. I'm also not seeing an increase in pore congestion or any indicators of build-up. There is no scent, so I didn’t have to decide if I liked the smell or not. (no fragrance also usually means non-sensitizing and non-irritating, which is a score!)
Just OK: I suppose the packaging could be splashier? That’s getting picky though.
Needs work: Nothing!
Star Rating: 4 STARS!! ★★★★
★1 Star: Might pass this one up
★★2 Stars: Okay for the money
★★★3 Stars: Really nice product, I’d buy it
★★★★4 Stars: Pretty much deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, want it/need it/ have to have it!
Misc Notes/Other Need-to-Know's:
It's Non-comedogenic and allergy-tested. Obagi says that there is a 51% improvement in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after 8 hours, and a 92% improvement in moisture content of the skin within 2 hours.
I would definitely buy that, since their clinical studies were performed using a Tewameter ® (funny name!) and a Corneometer… this wasn’t an interview of 3 of your best friends who thought they liked it ('3 out of 4 women agree')!
Good work Obagi… I will be recommending this one for sure.
Despite some really awesome (in my opinion!) post-care instruction sheets, every once in a while we’ll get a phone call from a post-peel patient in distress. These clients, no matter how aesthetically-seasoned, occasionally forget the warnings of their providers, or maybe could have underestimated some post-peel sensitivity (maybe just a bit.) Here are 5 things to surely avoid that are sometimes forgotten in the days after a chemical peel:
(-and please always follow the instructions given to you by your skincare office-)
1) Over-moisturizing:
If you over-moisturize, you can make the peeling skin too soft, which can cause it to come off before it’s ready. This can leave the fresh, baby-like skin underneath exposed and possibly compromised. An additional disadvantage of over-moisturizing includes possibly s-l-o-w-i-n-g the peeling stage… and if you’ve ever had a peel, you know that nobody wants that!! Use just enough moisturizer to make you feel comfortable.
2) Hair-removal:
This includes laser-hair removal on any peeled area (you’ll want to follow your skin-care office’s specific instructions, but I wouldn’t treat someone with laser for at least 10-14 days). Waxing and shaving are also off-limits because they can remove the skin, so be sure to avoid both. If you have to, simply tweeze.
3) Picking!!:
This one is easier said than done FOR SURE. Its hard not to pick off any little flakes that might be staring back at you in the mirror. But, try to remember that the flakey dead statum-corneum is actually protecting skin that isn’t necessarily ready to be exposed yet. So, even though its annoying…hands off!
4) Excessive Sweating:
Depending on the strength of the treatment, some peels will cause the top layer of skin to get crispy or tight like a thin plastic-wrap… and this could trap sweat underneath the skin. A little bit usually doesn’t cause an issue, but if you visit your usual hot yoga class, you might end up looking like a freshly waxed car after a rain. Sweat gets trapped under the skin and forms little pockets that look just like those little beads of water… but these droplets don’t wipe off… Yikes!
If this happens, don’t panic- they only look alarming, and aren’t harmful. Give your skin care expert a call and ask how they recommend handling it.
5) Vacation-Related Activities:
You’ll want to avoid several activities that I like to classify under: ‘Things you’d likely do on Vacay’. These things include Sun Exposure, Swimming (keeping skin wet for extended periods of time AND Chlorine) and having treatments like Facials.- yes, even the ‘natural’ ones.
Remember that we want to treat the skin as if it’s very sensitive in the days after a peel, even if it feels or looks normal. Folllow your provider’s recommendations for post-care and continued treatments, and play it safe with products, sun, and picking, even if it’s tough. Your skin will thank you!!!
Here's a great link to a super-compliant, 5 Star non-picker friend who's documented her experience: check it out!
And always be sure to play by the rules for less irritation and great results from your exfoliation!
Happy Peeling!
Thought I'd share one of my faves for comforting the skin post-laser, post-chemical peel, or to refresh and cool when you are just feeling HOT! (Although we know you're always hot! :))
La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, seen here for $13.
We used to carry this at the plastic surgery institute I worked for. We loved it! The company tells us that it has a pretty neutral pH, (great as a toner) and it's rich in Selenium, which is to help skin heal faster! Pick it up the next time you're in need... saw this at Walgreens.
I just got home from the fabulous Cosmos Beauty Bar, the home of -you guessed it- Cosmopolitans (and wine, and coffee, and martinis!) AND simultaneous high-quality beauty treatments by amazing professionals. This cutie pie place is located conveniently in my neighborhood in the suburbs of Chicago, and offers spray tans, waxing, and all kinds of fabulous nail services. Although I did not happen to imbibe today, I did indulge in a pedi and a spray tan… which got me thinking about spray tans, how they work, and why they rock.
It seems that the first 'fake tan' was available around 1960, when Coppertone® came out with the first sunless-tanning product -- QT® or Quick Tanning Lotion. I understand that this was an orange-nightmare of sorts. Yikes.
Anyway, things have come a long way since then, and there are all kinds of formulations and application methods to suit your fancy. The ones that I have the most experience with are DHA self-tanners. DHA is actually a type of sugar. Who knew?
According to the FDA’s website: “One commonly used ingredient in these products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that darkens the skin by reacting with amino acids in the skin's surface”
If you are having a spray tan, or spraying yourself (with a tan in a can), a fine mist of product containing DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) blankets the skin lightly. Lotion products also contain DHA. It turns out that DHA does not produce the same melanin as a "real tan" (by stimulating melanin levels), but it does create the look of a tan appearance by turning the upper layers of the skin brown. DHA activity only takes place in the upper layer of the skin (epidermis) as amino acid proteins and epidermis skin cells mingle and party.
Typically, color develops somewhere between 2 - 24 hours from the application and the intensity is depends on how much DHA in the product. More DHA=More Brown.
If you’re having an “airbrush” tan, or a spray tan applied by an individual, it usually means that you’ll be in your undies in front of a stranger… but really, there’s nothing they haven’t seen… so try not to worry about it. It’s less than 10 minutes, and the result is AWESOME, custom, and usually really dang perfect.
If you go to an LA Tan, or similar tanning boutique, they will also offer a spray tan or UV-Free tan via a booth. This is more private, usually a bit cheaper, but not as flawless as the airbrush. Oh, and it feels fumy! I try to hold my breath as much as I can, but I’m sure the poor employee on staff does not want to find me passed out in there... so I do feel like I end up breathing some of it in- just a bit worrisome for me, but it’s still GOTTA be safer than UV tanning, so I’m still doing it. Take that, tanning beds!
If you’re a DIY-type, here are a few of my favorite at home self-tan products:
Playboy (yes, they have tanners!) Glitz Celebrity Sunless Spray …AMAZING. Love the lotion too, but you might want to try applying it with one of those disposable sponge brushes that painters use for corners… it’s pretty dark (scary) when it comes out of the bottle…
Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy Instant Bronzing Shimmer Lotion
Fake Bake Airbrush Self Tanning Spray
Jergens Natural Glow+ Firming (I generally don’t bother with the fair to medium levels… go for the gold! Err, GOLDEN with medium/tan!) This is also awesome for maintaining a spray tan! Caution, this one has a bit more scent than the others in the line.
For Face: Clarins Face Self Tanning Mouse SPF 15… extra points for SPF, Clarins!
The take-away from today: It may take some trial and error (though we are much better off these days than in 1960!) but it's important to find a bronzer, a spray tan, or a self-tanner that works for you.
...because always remember, kids: we all need to practice SAFE SUN... your skin will thank you!
Last week, with the house up for sale, I began to address a question that plagues many product junkies: How will I ever hide/display all my products, makeup, and endless beauty paraphernalia so it doesn't look as though a mad scientist lives here? Here are a few more ideas that make my product obsession live-able, some in the big-bucks range, some in the budget-friendly department:
Elfa Closets:
Elfa Closets from the Container Store made the bigger closets in the house look clean and organized. Are you familiar? These customized organizers are TOTAL game-changers. The high quality drawers and shelving make you WANT to arrange everything neatly …and then stand back to admire your work like, “Dang, I’m good.” (by the way, check out my re-purposed Nordstrom boxes to hide yes, -products- and less display-worthy clothing items. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, people!)
Anyway, with the closets I chose ranging from $500-$800-ish per closet, I had to forgo installing everywhere... So I had to get creative with product storage in the linen closets:
Here is my master bath linen closet. Products that are higher up are reachable with lazy-susans from the kitchen section at Bed Bath and Beyond. I have a 2-tiered LS on the top shelf, and also a small one under the sink.:
Also notice the cute white BISLEY drawers at the bottom.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10000342&N=&Ntt=bisley
This is my new favorite organizer. The drawers open and close smoothly and products don’t roll around inside. I bought 3 of these originally, one in file cabinet size, this one, and a small one- originally meant for the office. Remember- its all about thinking outside the box! Can’t figure out how to store something in your bathroom or office? Check the kitchen section, and vice versa.
Here are some small organizer drawers from the container store in the garage section. Really though, these tiny drawers are cramping my style a bit... just a touch small for as many products as I'm trying to store- but maybe good if you sew, or I dunno... collect buttons or something???
Good luck to your VISA, by the way, if you get excited about Elfa or Bisley. These solutions are not the cheapest options, but you can make it up by spending less somewhere else, like here:
This is a shot from my hallway linen closet. These baskets are from the dollar store! Yes, the dollar store! Ok, not loving the color as much, but the varying sizes and super cheap price-point make me like them a little more... I guess they can't ALL be Elfa. (yet!)
So keep your eyes open in unlikely departments and happy shopping: Product Organization can be had with an $800 closet or an $8 closet!
Chicagoland Aesthetic Advisor, Elizabeth Weiler, LE specializes in consulting and practice management services including:
Aesthetic Staff Training, Aesthetic Practice Management, & New Aesthetic Practice Launch services
E@med-e-spa.com, Chicago, IL, USA