Lynne's Reflections Blog

8 Ways to Look Younger

2010-08-27T21:34:46-05:00

PCA SKIN - Peels and Products

2010-08-13T17:27:52-05:00

The physician's choice
PCA Skin is a health care company providing clinically researched and scientifically formulated products designed to treat such skin conditions as acne, aging skin, sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation. A true industry pioneer, it was one of the first to provide these products to the medical and clinical aesthetics markets. Today, after two decades of leading the way in the clinical skin care industry, PCA Skin remains a health care industry leader in the development of gentle, yet highly effective professional treatments and daily care products. The company is a global organization serving medical practices that are dedicated to the science of healthy skin in the United States and 58 countries throughout the world.

Education that works
The company is a trusted leader in clinical skin care education, committed to keeping physicians, nurses and licensed skin care professionals up-to-date on new technology and science. In addition to the scientific formulation of trusted, highly effective products, education remains an integral part of the company's mission.

Physicians and clinicians are taught how to properly analyze their patients' skin and design the best customized combination of professional treatments and daily care regimens specific to their patients' needs. This physician-and clinician-focused education ensures that PCA Skin chemical peels are performed in a safe, effective manner, and that patients achieve visible results from its professional treatments and daily care products. PCA Skin Certified Professionals value the education provided because of the depth of knowledge gained.

Treatment philosophy
When performing PCA Skin peels, clinicians use various blends of peel solutions in a layering technique to determine the depth of penetration. The peels are designed to penetrate through the stratum corneum and loosen the bonds between dead, impacted skin cells. This process of releasing the cells creates an opportunity to flood the skin with beneficial ingredients to enhance skin health and treatment results. To take advantage of this opportunity, after peel applications, nutritive topicals, corrective serums and calming moisturizers with SPF are applied, and patients leave with glowing, healthy complexions. PCA Skin's progrssive approach in peels leads to dramatic patient outcomes without unnecessary and unwanted trauma or downtime.
This technique is less stressful for both the clinician and the patient compared to peels that require timing, neutralizing and removal. This unique PCA Skin technique makes the treatment process relaxing and easy to perform, with visible results.

Part of the team
PCA Skin Certified Professionals are extentions of the organization. Once physicians or clinicians have invested the time and resources necessary to achieve certification, the company is prepared to work closely with them to grow their practice, continue building their knowledge base, and develop the tools and skill sets needed for treating their patients.

Schedule a FREE consultation with one of our estheticians, here at Indigo MedSpa, to learn more about our treatments and products with PCA Skin. Call 616.336.7662.

Get Clear Skin in Time for School

2010-08-05T17:35:51-05:00

Obagi's acne treatment line is made by Obagi Medical Products Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in Long Beach, California. Obagi's various systems address related concerns such as photoaging, discoloration, rosacea and premature aging. Obagi's CLENZIderm M.D. System is formulated specifically to clear up blemished skin.

Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System
Obagi's CLENZIderm M.D. System comprises two lines dedicated to fighting acne, one for normal to oily skin and another for normal to dry skin. Each line consists of a three-step skin-care routine. According to the manufacturer, what makes Obagi's acne treatment different from over-the-counter acne products is that they have been formulated to allow the active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, to better penetrate into the follicles, allowing for rapid resolution of blemishes. Purportedly, results may be noticed as soon as two weeks after using CLENZIderm M.D. System.

Normal to Oily Skin
The CLENZIderm M.D. System for normal to oily skin includes Daily Care Foam Cleanser, which is used to cleanse the skin. Pore Therapy is then applied as a toner 10 to 15 minutes after cleansing, when the skin is completely dry. Finally, a small amount of Serum Gel is used as a leave-on treatment.

Normal to Dry Skin
Obagi's Daily Care Foam Cleanser is also a component in the CLENZIderm M.D. System for normal to dry skin. Obagi's Therapeutic Lotion is rubbed into the skin 10 to 15 minutes after cleansing and allowed to absorb before Therapeutic Moisturizer is applied.

Active Ingredient:
Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in Obagi's CLENZIderm M.D. System, according to the manufacturer; however, the products use a prescription concentration of 5 percent. According to MayoClinic.Com, nonprescription and prescription benzoyl peroxide acne topicals typically contain a concentration of between 2.5 and 10 percent. MayoClinic.com describes benzoyl peroxide as one of the most effective active ingredients used to reduce the oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that cause acne to form. Products containing benzoyl peroxide may sting or burn when first applied to the skin. Side effects may include dryness, redness and flaking. Benzoyl peroxide can also bleach clothing and hair.

Obagi systems are not sold over-the-counter, as they do require a prescription to purchase. Indigo MedSpa is a participating medical facility that dispenses products manufactured by Obagi.

Wake Up With Better Skin

2010-07-30T20:00:25-05:00

Nighttime is the right time to take years off your face
"Hormonal changes boost blood flow to the skin, brightening it overnight," says Melvin Elson, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt School of Nursing. Skin temps are higher, too, so age-fighting potions seep deeper for better results. And even though you're resting, your skin is hard at work. Studies show that cell turnover is 8 times faster at night, softening wrinkles.
On the flip side, as anyone who's pulled an all-nighter can attest, the consequences - pasty-looking skin and dark circles - aren't pretty. "Even worse, not getting the recommended 8 hours increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which may slow collagen production, promoting wrinkles," says Jyotsna Sahni, MD, a sleep medicine doctor at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. To maximize your beauty sleep, follow this routine nightly to wake up with the complexion of your dreams.

1. Keep It Clean
Washing your face plays two important roles: it removes damaging dirt and makes your night cream work harder. Removing makeup, oil, and other impurities helps keep pores tight and skin blemish free. Anti-aging treatments can also penetrate deeper on a clean surface. For dry skin, look for a creamy cleanser; for acne-prone or oily skin, a gel formula. If your skin is sensitive, wait 10 minutes after cleansing before applying anti-agers.

2. Rejuvenate with a Retinoid
Choose an anti-ager that packs real power. These vitamin-a derivatives are key to youthful-looking skin. "But because exposure to sunlight can deactivate their potency, it's best to apply retinoids at night," says Patricia Farris, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine. Start by using a retinol-containing cream or lotion every other night until skin becomes acclimated to the side effects.
Try: Rx Avene Retrinol, or Refissa, a newly available retinoid in a moisturizing base.

3. Erase Dark Circles
Dot under your eyes with vitamin K cream. In a 2003 study by Elson, women who applied an undereye cream containing vitamin K and retinol every night for 12 weeks saw their dark circles improve 33%.
Try: Along with a retinol, Replenix Eye Infusion Repair Serum or Eminence Organics Wild Plum Eye Cream. BONUS: The retinol helps ease crow's feet.

4. Apply a Mega-Moisturizer
Plump and condition your skin to help disguise signs of aging and prevent further damage. Due to nighttime increase in temperature and water loss, extra hydration is a must, says Jenny Kim, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine and dermatology at the UCLA School of Medicine. For best results, look for a cream with the superhydrators hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which attract water to skin. The extra dose of softening also makes wrinkles less noticeable in the morning.

5. Sleep Tricks for Amazing Skin
Revive your complexion with 4 easy tweaks to your nighttime routine. Convert to sleeping on your back. Lying on your stomach or on the same side every night can etch permanent sleep lines into your skin, says Patricia Farris, MD. If you can't adjust, switch to a satin pillowcase; the silky texture prevents crinkles. Raise your head. Stack a few pillows beneath your head to avoid puffy eyes. "If you keep your head above your heart, fluid won't accumulate in your face," says Farris. Invest in a humidifier. Dry, hot air sucks moisture from skin. A humidifier puts water in the air, for soft and supple skin. Get deeper slumber. Use the bedroom for sleep and sex only-doing so trains your mind to associate your bed with getting Zzzs. Avoid caffeine and exercise for 3 to 5 hours before bedtime, and limit alcohol at night; each can keep you from solid slumber. Make sure your room is dark and cool (the ideal temp for sleep is 65 degrees F). To transition into sleep mode, don't watch TV or go online for an hour before turning in.

Skin Care Wisdom You Are Better Off Without

2010-07-21T12:39:43-05:00

What you don't know - or think you do know - about your skin can sap its youthful luster. One particularly dangerous misconception: After a certain point, the damage is done - and can't be erased. In reality, there are lots of simple, effective ways to minimize fine lines, erase brown spots, and firm up sagging skin. "If you stick to just a few basics, your skin can look younger longer than you thought possible," says Dennis Gross, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and founder of the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare line.

Here, experts separate fact from fiction and reveal the best ways to keep years off your face.

Myth 1: Skin Should Feel Tight After Washing
Truth: If your skin doesn't feel fresh and supple, you're probably washing with a cleanser that's too harsh. Daily cleansing banishes blemish-causing bacteria and removes radiance robbers such as makeup, oil, and dead cells. However, harsh detergents and overwashing can increase the appearance of fine lines and can often trigger breakouts, too, as oil production kicks into overdrive to compensate for a lack of moisture.
Switch to a creamy cleanser with hydrators such as glycerin as well as mild surfactants derived from coconut oil. "They all wash away makeup but restore moisture too," says Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Miami. Try Eminence Organics Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser, Coconut Milk Cleanser, or Lemon Cleanser.

Myth 2: Anti-Agers Make Skin Look Worse
Truth: Topical creams won't leave skin as red and blotchy as either of the big anti-aging guns-lasers or chemical peels. But key rejuvenators like retinoids, which speed cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, can be so irritating you may just want to give up. Don't! These simple tricks will keep you from hoisting the white flag: First-timers should prep skin for 2 weeks with an antioxidant like green tea.
And consider a milder retinol instead of a stronger Rx version. Try Avene Retrinol. Mix a pea-size amount of retinol with your face cream to help offset dryness, and apply it every second or third night. Skin still too dry? Build up tolerance for a few weeks by putting the cream on for 5 minutes every other night and then rinsing it off. As skin becomes acclimated, work up to full nightly applications.

Myth 3: After Age 40, aging is Pointless
Truth: By now, your skin has seen only about half its lifetime sun exposure. So don't put away the SPF - there's still plenty of time to ward off sun-induced aging. Bonus: Protecting your skin on a daily basis allows it to repair itself from past assaults. Surprisingly, most of the damage isn't from baking on the beach - it's the result of cumulative, incidental UV exposure from, say, a quick drive to the supermarket or a midday walk. Besides damaging skin directly, "UV rays trigger free radicals, destructive molecules that act like little darts, poking holes in skin's support structure that lead to lines and sagging," says Gross.
The protection in a daily lotion with built-in aging might not be enough, though. Even when the SPF is 30 or above, these formulas often lack adequate coverage against UVA rays, the main culprit behind skin aging. To fully safeguard your skin, wear a separate aging over your face cream or choose a moisturizer with avobenzone, Mexoryl, or zinc oxide, the best UVA blockers.

Myth 4: If A Product Doesn't Work Quickly, You Should Move On
Truth: It's crucial to stick to a regimen long enough to see what works for your skin and what doesn't. "I suggest waiting 8 to 10 weeks before you abandon a product and try the next thing," says Mark G. Rubin, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego, and author of Your Skin, Younger. And keep in mind that not everyone's skin will respond the same way to an anti-ager. "Most active ingredients do work on everyone - just to varying degrees," he says.

Summer Skin Care for Kids

2010-07-09T19:16:26-05:00

Some basic sun protection rules will help you keep your children safe.

Rule No. 1: Stay inside or in the shade between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Midday, when the sun's rays are strongest, babies and children should stay indoors, or out of the sun at least. Even on cloudy, hazy days, protect against the sun. "There's more risk of sunburn at the beach, because of water reflection and wind," adds Hebert.

Rule No. 2: All children are at risk. While pale kids are most likely to burn, darker-skinned children can also burn if they stay in the sun too long.

Rule No. 3: Dress your kids in protective clothing. This, even more than sunscreen, is the best weapon against too much sun. "Babies younger than 1 year, before they are mobile, need to get as much sun protection as possible from their clothing -- long cotton pants, long sleeves," says Connelly.
*"You want to decrease the surface area that is exposed to the sun. Sunscreens will work to prevent sunburn -- but you have to reapply them every 30 minutes. It's not easy to get kids to come in from the water that often." More clothing tips:
*Sun-protective swimwear is an excellent option. The colorful two-piece swimsuits and one-piece "wet suits" are made for all kids and covers up to elbows and knees, providing the equivalent of UVF 50+ protection. The swimwear is made from lightweight, tightly woven synthetic that is still "breathable." These are available online, in sports stores, and stores like Target.
*Cotton T-shirts also prevent sunburn, but not if the T-shirt is white. White allows the most sun penetration. Bright or dark-colored clothing, such as blues, reds, greens, and yellows (including socks) offer more protection than pale colors. Also, when white T-shirts get wet, they offer virtually no protection, says Hebert.
*Sunguard is a chemical dye that can be applied to clothes (like summer whites) in the washing machine, says Connelly. The "dye" drenches clothes in a UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) of 50+ that remains on the fabric for up to 20 washes. Both Sunguard and RIT clothing dyes are made by the same company. Find them in grocery stores like Publix and retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Eckerd.

Rule No. 4: Use sun block (such as zinc oxide) and children's sunscreens. These products are the next line of defense to prevent sunburn. Some tips:
*Some parents worry whether sunscreen is safe for babies. "It's not that an infant's skin is more permeable. It can't absorb any more chemicals from sunscreen than an adult's can," Connelly tells WebMD. "It's their skin-to-body ratio that puts infants at risk. The question has been, if you coat them with sunscreen, are those chemicals going to overwhelm them?"
Using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide eliminates that concern. "Those are the two ingredients we use on a baby's bum, so I would say they're safe enough for the rest of the baby, too!" she adds. Two products that contain just those two main ingredients are Blue Lizard Baby and Total Block Cotz-SPF 58. Another brand, Bullfrog, contains both chemical protection and sun blockers -- and comes in a mist form.
*Don't be afraid to use children's sunscreen on babies -- in small doses. "If you're going for a walk, and the baby's feet are exposed, it's appropriate to put sunscreen on them so they don't get burned. It's better than not protecting them at all."
*Don't forget to prevent sunburn on lips. "Sunsticks" and many lip balms offer sunscreen protection.
*Read sunscreen labels closely for reapplication advice. Even waterproof lotions must be reapplied frequently, Hebert notes. Also, once wet skin gets toweled dry, sunscreen must be reapplied.
*Look for sun-protection products your kids will enjoy. "There are spray and purple sunscreens that are fun for kids," says Hebert. In general, she adds, dermatologists advise an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn."

Rule No. 5: Shade is essential to prevent sunburn. At the beach, on a walk, at the sports field, the rule of thumb is "try to always keep yourself and your children covered," says Connelly. Your "shady" shopping list:

*A big beach umbrella
*A stroller with a canopy (not always easy to find, but worth looking for)
*Wide-brimmed hats and caps (with the bill pointing forward)
*Solar tents. The little ones are perfect for a napping infant, but not big enough for anyone else to get inside. Bigger tents are available for family use
*UV protection sunglasses. Glasses that are close-fitting, and protect against UVA and UVB rays are best. Wraparound lenses are best, because they block 5% more rays. Protective styles are available for all ages, even infants.

Most of all, use the sunscreens you buy -- don't just keep them on the shelf.

Even sun tanners can be part of overall sun protection for your kids as well as yourself. "The key is that an artificial tan does not innately provide protection -- but it may have protection added in. Read labels closely," says Hebert.

Skin Cancer: how to protect yourself and detect it’s early signs

2010-06-07T17:07:48-05:00

One in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "one American dies every hour of skin cancer." The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend using the ABCD method to help detect melanoma:

A is for ASYMMETRY: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
D is for DIAMETER: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about 1/4 inch - the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.

You can do self exams to check for changes in moles or birthmarks, but it is also recommended that you receive a full skin exam at least once a year by your health care provider. Protect yourself from skin cancer by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Re-apply the sunscreen every 2 hours, and after perspiring or sweating. There is also clothing, for both children and adults, that is rated to provide sun protection. Look for the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label on clothing.

You can still have fun in the sun! Just be safe so you can enjoy many more years of summer!

Sun safety 101

2010-05-26T13:15:56-05:00

Spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active life. But whether you enjoy tennis, hiking, gardening, or running, take some precautions when you're out in the sun.

More than 2 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That's more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but some may come from manmade sources, such as tanning beds.

On May 28, 2010, the Friday before Memorial Day, celebrate the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention's annual "Don't Fry Day," co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, by practicing sun safety. Follow these practical steps -- they provide the best protection when used together. Be sure to also check out the sun-safety resources available from the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention at skincancerprevention.org.

Cover up
When you are out in the sun, wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible. The ideal sun-protective fabrics are lightweight, comfortable, and protect against exposure even when wet, such as clothing made from Coolibar which has a UPF 50.

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher
Experts recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen -- a higher number means more protection. Be sure to read the label before you buy.

Use 1 ounce of sunscreen (a "palmful") to cover your arms, legs, neck, and face. For best results, reapply every 2 hours -- even more if you are swimming or sweating. Don't forget to protect your lips by using a lip balm with SPF. And don't skip it just because it looks overcast outside: UV light still comes through on hazy days.

Wear a hat
A hat with at least a 2 to 3 inch brim all around is ideal to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp.

Wear sunglasses that block UV rays
Invest in a pair of wrap-around sunglasses with at least 99% UV absorption to block damaging UVA and UVB light.

Limit direct sun exposure during midday
UV rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. It's best to plan your outdoor activities outside that timeframe, if possible.

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps
Tanning lamps give out UVA and frequently UVB rays, as well. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause serious long-term skin damage, and both contribute to skin cancer. Our advice: skip the tanning bed and try a bronzing lotion or self-tanning cream.

SUNSCREEN

2010-05-20T17:54:27-05:00

As always, knowledge is power. When it comes to our greatest product defense against aging, SUNSCREEN, the more knowledge we can provide the better! What ingredients make sunscreens safe? Effective? Read on.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BOTTLE?
While reading the back of a Sunscreen label is like reading the back of a cereal box these days, one thing remains certain: Physical sunscreens, including Titanium dioxide and Zinc Oxide still remain the best ingredients on the shelves for avoiding sun damage to our skin!! They provide the broadest "coverage" from UVA and UVB rays and have been studied the most of all sunscreen ingredients for safety and efficacy. These screens work so well because they sit on TOP of the skin, reflecting the sun's UV rays and "scattering" them before they can harm the skin. While chemical sunscreen ingredients "break down" on the skin in direct sunlight after only a couple of hours, titanium and zinc do not - they are stable when exposed to direct sunlight.

Two good examples of "unstable" chemical sunscreen ingredients that have seen a lot of press over the past couple of years are Avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and Mexoryl SL. These chemical sunscreen ingredients work by interacting with the skin's top layer to ABSORB the sun's harmful rays, and converting them into energy but also releasing free radicals which damage the skin cells. Often times you will see chemical sunscreen ingredients combined with physical ingredients to make them more powerful! These newer formulations MUST be applied 20 minutes before going out into the sun to allow the chemicals to be fully effective. For more info on unstable sunscreens, go to http://www.ewg.org.

The Enviornmental Working Group, founded in 1975, is a group that seeks out information about such issues as food, toxins, energy and you guessed it - sunscreens as they pertain to our health. Disturbing evidence has come to the forefront about Oxybenzone - that it is a possible carcinogenic and disrupts hormone levels! Avobenzone has also now been disappointing in that it does NOT cover the broad spectrum of UVA/UVB rays that it once was thought to. Additionally, we all know free radicals are not good for us! So who wants more in our sunscreens? Chemical sunscreens, such as the ones above, are now responsible for being "stored" in fat cells, damaging DNA, normal estrogen functioning and day-to-day cell functioning. Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, because they are naturally occurring minerals (i.e., from rocks) do not have the ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream and do such damage.

Commonly used sunscreens with chemical components have strong estrogenic actions that may further increase cancer risks by virtue of their free radical - generating properties!

The FDA has yet to comply with government requests mandating uniform labeling on all sunscreens (waterproof, "all-day protection" etc.) and the ewg website is an invaluable resource that provides questions and answers to the on-going sunscreen smokescreen. For more information on all of these ingredients, SPF ratings, and more research from EWG, go to http://www.ewg.org.

Indigo MedSpa carries 4 sunscreens for retail, none of which have the ingredients Oxybenzone or Avobenzone:
1. Eminence Organic Sun Defense SPF 30 - contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
2. Eminence Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32 - contains Zinc Oxide
3. TOPIX oil free moisturizing sunscreen SPF 30 - contains Titanium Dioxide
4. Obagi Healthy Sun Protection SPF 35 - contains Zinc Oxide

Haitian Vacation

2010-05-13T14:41:35-05:00

The following poem is written by Celeste McCartney, one of the nurses that went with me on my Haiti LEAP Relief Mission. The content so captures the essence of our experience that I wanted to share it with everyone.

My Haitian Vacation

My Haitian Vacation I said as a joke,
feeling a bit cruel to take such a poke, at a country that has been through such disaster and grief.
The people had nothing left after the quake,
but they managed to make smiles come to their face.
Crumbled down buildings one after another,
so many people lost their sisters and brothers.
The hospital corridors were filled with their cots,
the pain in their bodies left our stomachs in knots.
One by one we lead to the O.R. suite,
to see what we could fix while they were asleep.
The trouble of knowing who would be there,
when their dressings needed changing or finding a wheelchair.
Out on the streets the colors of their lives arose,
but the smell of "ground zero" had us holding our nose.
The Haitians are hungry and their thinness does speak,
though they walk with their baskets balanced on their heads on the streets.
The children are dressed in clean uniforms each day,
the pride in the Haitians, nothing stands in their way.
There was a joy every day as we drove in the truck, on the way to the hospital,
seeing people emerge from their huts.
They waved their arms above their heads,
smiling, singing, working, "it's beautiful" I said.
So it is true after all, my experience in Haiti was immense.
My Haitian vacation was worth the expense.