What You Need to Know About Elta MD Sunscreens

The best way to protect your skin from sunburn and early skin aging is by applying sunscreen every day—rain or shine. Damaging UVA rays are present even on cloudy or overcast days. Winter is no reason to skimp on the protection, either; snow can reflect up to 80 percent of UV rays. Here in Colorado, we also know that the higher the altitude, the greater the UV exposure. Sitting near windows and driving in the car count as sun exposure, too.

One of my favorite sunscreen lines that we carry at Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS is EltaMD. Its highly effective, zinc-based products help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun (especially when used with other sun protection measures). It is widely recognized as the number one brand of physician-dispensed sunscreen in the U.S., and has a 25-year history of developing and manufacturing wound care and skin care products used in burn centers and hospitals.

All of EltaMD’s products are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as effective broad-spectrum sunscreens. They are formulated with zinc oxide, a natural alternative to skin care products laden with chemicals, and one of the healthiest ingredients available to protect our skin. EltaMD products made with this natural mineral are very gentle and safe for post-procedure skin, as well as for children six months or older.

Because zinc maintains its protective ability in the sun, it is more photostable than some chemical ingredients that may degrade. Moreover, zinc reflects and reduces the broadest range of UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) ultraviolet rays.

One extremely effective EltaMD product is the UV Physical Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. Its only active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—two of the best sun protectants. It is lightly tinted, providing moderate coverage for those with medium to light skin tones, and is ideal for everyday use. With no parabens or fragrance, it is perfect for sensitive and normal to dry complexions. It even contains additional antioxidants to help absorb free radicals generated by sun exposure. This sunscreen is water resistant for 40 minutes, so be sure to reapply throughout the day if you’ll be outdoors, sweating, or swimming.

All EltaMD sunscreens are formulated with transparent zinc oxide, are noncomedogenic (i.e., won’t clog pores), safe for sensitive skin, fragrance-free and paraben-free.

The earlier you begin incorporating sunscreen into your daily skin care routine, the happier you will be with the results. I am confident we have a sunscreen that will work with your skin type and lifestyle. Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.

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Do You Need a Serum?

Is a serum part of your skin care routine? It should be! Facial serums are lightweight treatments that deliver active ingredients deep into your skin. In fact, we carry more serums than any other product because they are the ultimate powerhouse of any skin care item. There is a serum available for every skin type and condition, including clearing acne, smoothing wrinkles, calming redness, and hydrating skin. These are often pricier than other products, but don’t let the cost intimidate you. Read on to learn more about these powerful and beneficial facial products.

Serums vs. Moisturizers

Serums and moisturizers both deliver hydration to skin, but what’s the difference between them? Unlike creams or lotions, most serums are water-based (with the exception of oil-based serums, which are appropriate only for dry skin). Serums are also formulated without petrolatumormineral oil—moisturizing ingredients that prevent water from evaporating. Furthermore, they contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, which can clog pores.

Serums are much lighter in consistency and texture than moisturizers. Because they have a higher concentration of active and corrective ingredients, they tend to be more expensive than moisturizers—but they are well worth it!

If you have mature or extremely dry skin, however, you probably can’t get away with using a serum alone. For you, we will usually recommend using a serum layered under your regular day or night cream.

Anti-Aging

Active ingredients in serums include peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and plant and marine extracts—some of the most potent anti-aging ingredients available in nonprescription products. Since serums tend to be more lightweight than creams, they’re able to penetrate more deeply into skin, delivering these active ingredients to do their job ASAP!

Acne

Serums containing Salicylic Acid, like our Essential Oils Complex, can be used to spot treat blemishes and reduce oils in the T-zone. This product contains a unique blend of essential oils and .5% Salicylic Acid that also do an excellent job in preventing ingrown hairs.

How to Apply Serums

1. After cleansing your face as part of your daily regimen, apply a pea-sized amount of serum to your finger and pat it evenly all over your skin.

2. If you have oily skin, a serum may provide all the hydration you need. For those with dry skin, follow your serum with a hydrating moisturizer.

Serums pack a powerful punch. From anti-aging properties to clearing acne to leaving skin hydrated and glowing, these potent products definitely deserves a spot in your routine. We would be happy to further explain the benefits of adding a serum to your skin care routine—contact us to set up a complimentary consultation today.

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Foods To Eat For Clear, Healthy Skin

If you are diligent about following a skin care regimen and still notice acne cropping up, consider what you’re eating to determine whether the culprit lies in your diet. What you put in your body reflects how it looks on the outside, after all. Be sure to add these foods to your rotation for the best skin-clearing results:

Oily Fish Like Salmon or Tuna

One diet-related cause of acne is inflammation, which occurs as a result of increased sugar intake. Sugar raises insulin levels in blood, triggering androgens, growth hormones, and cell-signaling pathways. This results in low-grade inflammation, increased oil secretion, clogged pores, and—unsurprisingly—acne flares. To avoid this, swap processed, sugary foods with anti-inflammatory choices like wild fish, nuts, and fresh fruits. Oily fish like salmon or tuna contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can also improve inflammatory acne. Fish also provides biotin, a B vitamin that produces fatty acids and metabolizes amino acids, protecting your skin from acne, fungal infections, rashes, and dryness.

Seeds and Walnuts

Nuts like almonds and walnuts, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds are other great (vegetarian!) sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help maintain cell membranes by protecting the skin and providing it with moisture—leading to a soft, supple complexion. Almonds and chia seeds are also packed with vitamin E, which can help you maintain a glowing complexion by protecting your skin from sun damage.

Complex Carbohydrates

Refined, processed foods are some of the most well-known acne aggravators. For that reason, we often see that a low-glycemic diet tends to improve skin. Low-glycemic foods like vegetables, sweet potatoes, barley, beans, and whole grains won't spike your blood sugar as quickly as processed foods and white flour, which can increase inflammation and cause acne flair-ups. Replace pasta and white rice with complex carbs like barley, quinoa, beans, and brown rice—which are all lower on the glycemic index.

Green Tea

The next time you’re considering reaching for that second or third cup of joe, consider green tea, instead. Some research shows that drinking green tea can make your skin produce less sebum, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system. It also contains antioxidants that can ease oxidative stress-induced breakouts.

Probiotics
Ease breakouts by adding plenty of probiotic-rich foods into your diet. These foods help good bacteria flourish in your gut. Although yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics, we generally recommend non-dairy choices like sauerkraut, dark chocolate, miso soup, and kimchi. You can also try a probiotic supplement. Be sure to look for products that have been infused with extra forms of probiotics like lactobacillus or acidophilus. Probiotics are an excellent way to keep your gut (and skin!) happy and healthy.

Fruits and Vegetables

Here’s another reason to pile your plate high with fresh fruits and vegetables. Produce is naturally high in water, keeping your skin and other cells hydrated. Foods rich in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach, are particularly good for skin and can enhance its color and appearance. Aim to eat foods from every color of the rainbow to get the full range of nutrients.

Healthy skin isn’t only a result of what we topically apply to our faces—it’s just as much affected by what we eat. Fortunately, there are lots of tasty options to choose from. At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, we take a holistic approach to your skin’s health and are happy to speak with you about how lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and environment could be affecting your complexion. We are pleased to offer you an initial consultation at no cost. Schedule yours today.

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What is Eyelash Hypotrichosis, and How Can Medical Aesthetics Help?

In addition to serving a cosmetic purpose (long, full eyelashes are associated with feminity and beauty), eyelashes are also extremely functional—they protect our eyes by providing a natural barrier between us and external elements, like the sun and sweat. Their reflexes also prompt the eye to close if an object gets too close to this sensitive area. Thinning eyelashes are an unfortunate part of the aging process, but if you’re noticing significantly fewer lashes than normal, you may have a condition called eyelash hypotrichosis.

What Is Hypotrichosis?

Hypotrichosis refers to a condition characterized by a lack of hair growth, and eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. It can be congenital (from birth) or can occur as a result of the following:

-          aging

-          improper use of eyelash curlers

-          hormone conditions

-          chronic inflammation of the eyelash follicles (blepharitis) due to illness

-          poor makeup removal technique

-          improperly applied eyelash extensions

-          allergies to the glue used to apply extensions, or

-          reactions to certain cosmetics.

It’s not to be confused with alopecia, however, where you lose hair where there was once hair growth. It also differs from the natural process of hair thinning or falling out (balding) with age. Hypotrichosis describes a condition where there was never much hair growth in an area to begin with.

Treatment Options

We often recommend Latisse to our patients with hypotrichosis. Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved, science-based treatment to enhance eyelashes as measured by increases in length, thickness, and darkness. It is a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, disposable applicator. You can expect to see longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks.

Revitalash is another quality non-prescription lash enhancer used to treat inadequate eyelashes. This unique eyelash conditioner was designed by a doctor whose wife had lost her eyelashes due to breast cancer treatment. Its blend of biotin, green tea extract, peptides, and lipids helps condition and strengthen lashes while defending from breakage and brittleness. In keeping with the company’s origin, a portion of the proceeds goes to breast cancer research and educational initiatives.

We are pleased to be medically directed by Dr. Cynthia Ruggero, a Board Certified MD and a member of the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine. As an office with a medical director on-site, we are able to perform many treatmentsthat aestheticians without medical directors cannot, including Latisse. At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, your initial consultation is always free. We will take the time to get to know you and your skin concerns, and talk through all of the treatment options to find the one that is right for you. Make your appointment today!

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How to Treat Acne Without Medication

You’ve probably noticed the range of topical and oral prescription medicines that are available to help manage acne. Common ones include tretinoin (sold as Retin-A), which speeds up cell turnover and unplugs skin pores to clear them of oil; antibiotics, which kill bacteria; tazarotene (sold as Tazorac), which affects the growth of acne-prone skin cells); isotretinoin (sold as Accutane), which reduces the amount of skin oil; and certain oral contraceptives for women that reduce the effect of acne-producing hormones. Oftentimes one medicine isn’t enough to treat all of the acne conditions, and a combination of treatments must be used (such as a topical medicine applied to skin, as well as one taken orally).

While medication can do a good job of clearing acne, it also comes with a slew of side effects, including skin dryness and irritation (for topical acne products), upset stomach or lightheadedness (for oral medications), increased risk of blood clots and high blood pressure (birth control pills), and birth defects (oral isotretinoin).

Those treating acne should begin by adopting these lifestyle and diet habits, which are essential to treating acne without medication:

Stopping Dairy Consumption

Milk contains hormones that may stimulate oil glands in the skin, leading to acne. Stopping dairy consumption has been shown to significantly reduce acne for some individuals.

Cleaning Up Your Diet

Eating fewer processed foods and reducing sugar intake has a large impact on your body and skin’s health. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help control breakouts. Keeping your blood sugar steady by eating small, balanced meals throughout the day also helps fight inflammation that could be causing skin problems.

Probiotics

Emerging research also suggests that probiotics, whether ingested or applied topically, can be helpful in reducing acne. Impaired gastrointestinal flora can lead to systemic inflammation—the results of which often end up on the skin.

In addition to lifestyle changes, we’re also seeing more and more patients successfully treating acne with products purchased over-the-counter or from an aesthetician, or receiving treatments offered in a dermatology office or a medical spa. Many of our facial treatments, such as LED light therapy and the oxygen clinical treatment, are specifically designed to help clear and control acne. Here we discuss some of the alternative options available.

Intense Pulsed Light and LED Light Therapy

These treatments harness the power of LED, or light-emitting diodes, which deliver energy-packed beams of light into the dermis layer of the skin, energizing the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production. LED also treats mild to moderate acne by killing the bacteria responsible for breakouts. There are several kinds of LED light, and for acne, we recommend a mix of blue and red light therapy. Blue light LED works by killing acne bacteria beneath the skin’s surface. Red light LED stimulates the fibroblasts that produce collagen, which heals acne lesions and gives skin a youthful, plump look. Intense Pulsed Light has proven to be somewhat effective in treating acne on its own, but we generally recommend combining it with a photo sensitizing drug to provide significantly better acne clearing.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is another light-based therapy for those with severe acne or precancerous skin lesions, often called actinic keratosis. During the process, a solution is applied to skin, making it more sensitive to light. After the solution sits on the skin for a period of time, the doctor or laser technician uses a light device such as Intense Pulsed Light or LEDs to treat the affected area and reduce acne or precancerous lesions.

Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion

Chemical peels are extremely effective at smoothing rough, dry skin, improving the appearance of acne scars, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The alpha and beta hydroxyl acids in the peels can also reduce the frequency of breakouts. Microdermabrasion uses a diamond-encrusted wand to gently whisk away the outermost layer of dry, dead skin cells. With both procedures, the top layer of skin is removed, leaving less pore-clogging debris, which leads to acne. Depending on your skin type, these two treatments can be combined for much deeper exfoliation. We usually recommend a series of treatments for the best results.

Whether you’re concerned about side effects or want a more natural acne treatment, we are pleased to offer a range of options that don’t involve a prescription to treat your acne. Further, we are happy to offer you an initial consultation at no cost. During your consult, our team of experts will work with you to develop a trusting relationship and customized skin care plan that will deliver you the best possible results. Book an appointment with us and learn more about the various ways to treat acne without medication.

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Exfoliation: Why It Matters

No matter how diligent you are about cleansing, moisturizing, and applying anti-aging products to your skin, you won’t reap the full benefits unless you exfoliate regularly. Why? This practice removes dead skin cells that can build up and clog pores, making skin look bumpy and dull. When you exfoliate, you remove this outer surface of dry, dead cells and stimulate cell renewal, resulting in a healthy, glowing complexion.

There are several ways to exfoliate; we explain them below:

How Do You Exfoliate Skin?

The two most common types of exfoliation are referred to as mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical exfoliation involves the physical act of scrubbing skin to clear it of debris. You can use a product specifically designed with scrubbing particles, or a Clarisonic facial brush, a trusted favorite of makeup artists. Microdermabrasion is another manual exfoliating agent in which a diamond-encrusted wand is gently whisked across the skin to remove the outermost layer of dry, dead cells. If you have super sensitive skin, you can also use a soft washcloth with your regular facial cleanser (just be sure to wash the cloth after each use!).

With any of these manual techniques, be cautious not to scrub too vigorously—you don’t want to irritate your skin or expose raw tissue to bacteria and infection. Light, circular motions should do the trick since the roughness of the exfoliating agent does most of the work for you.

With chemical exfoliation, a product containing low percentages of gentle enzymes or acids that dissolve dead skin cells is applied to the face. These products most often contain enzymes or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids). The best part? The chemicals do all the work, meaning there’s no fear of over-scrubbing! Chemical exfoliators come in all forms: cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers.

For optimal results, we recommend alternating between manual and chemical exfoliation. Build it into your routine once or twice weekly, and sometimes more often, depending on your particular skin type and condition. One of our skin care experts at Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHEICS can help you determine which regime is best for your skin type. 

Not sure if you need to exfoliate? Try this simple test at home: Apply a piece of clear tape to your forehead. Rub it gently, then remove. If you see bits of flaky skin on the tape (i.e., surface dry skin cells), it’s time to exfoliate!

Whether you opt for manual exfoliation, chemical, or a combination of the two, be sure to let one of our skin care professionals provide you with a customized regimen based on your unique skin type and condition. Make an appointment for your complimentary consultation today!

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