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Lindsey Tisdale, Medical Esthetician

Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition plaguing many of our patients today. It is often described as “sun spots.” There are various contributing factors for this condition, as well as areas of the body where skin discoloration can be found.

The first step in truly evening the complexion is understanding the mechanism whereby excess melanin is deposited on the surface of the skin. Our melanin response is a function of our immune system, similar to that of a histamine response. When the body detects cutaneous trauma (heat from the sun, a cat scratch, an acne breakout, a curling iron burn) it instigates an inflammatory response. This inflammatory response then triggers a long chemical reaction that ends in the deposit of melanin granules at the site of the trauma in an attempt to protect the affected area. A very simplified version of this chemical reaction is as follows:

Inflammation->Tyrosinase->Tyrosine->Melanocyte Activity->Melanosome Formation->Melanin Granule Deposit

In an attempt to halt this process, ingredients in products and treatments with tyrosinase inhibitors are extremely beneficial. This family of ingredients helps to stop this chain reaction. They are especially important for those who are genetically predisposed to hyperpigmentation. It is wise for these patients to use a product daily that contains gentle tyrosinase inhibitors to prevent future discoloration, even after success has been achieved with their treatment.

The second step in the complexion evening process is gentle exfoliation. The closer the pigment lies to the surface of the skin, the darker it appears to the naked eye. Many are fooled into thinking that the problem has been corrected after one treatment of microdermabrasion or one superficial peel, because pigment will appear lighter to the naked eye. With natural cell turnover, it is only a matter of time that this pigment will rise to the surface and redeposit making the area dark once again. Using gentle peeling agents that do not cause undue trauma in the skin in conjunction with tyrosinase inhibitors is a more effective combination than simple exfoliation.

Last, and most certainly not least, is sun protection. Everyone should be using an SPF of 30 or greater everyday. This is particularly important for those trying to rid themselves of hyperpigmentation.

I recommend our pHaze 13 Pigment Gel. It is the Gold Standard spot treatment for lightening skin discoloration. It contains a highly effective blend of the tyrosinase inhibitors such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and azelaic acid. It simultaneously helps to exfoliate, bleach, and inhibit hyperpigmentation.

Special:

Through the month of March, purchase any microdermabrasion or peel treatment and receive 25% off pHaze 13 Pigment Gel.

Back side climb at Bogus

Skin care advice from our Medical Esthetician, Lindsey:

Why Patients And Professionals Prefer Chemical Peels

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, chemical peels are the second-most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed by medical professionals and clinical estheticians today. This cornerstone of topical treatments offers numerous advantages to the skincare professional and the patient.

Safe And Effective:

When Chemical peels were introduced 50 years ago, the formulations were highly aggressive. Single or multiple acid peels in a carrier base were effective in triggering the regeneration of new skin cells, but were also prone to complications such as irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Newer chemical peel formulations have evolved into skin-friendly blends that include biocompatible lactic and citric acids, buffering agents such as licorice extract and willow bark to minimize irritation to skin, as well as topical antioxidants to infuse the skin with restorative nutrients. The combination of ingredients feeds and strengthens new skin while exfoliating away dead surface cells. The changes often occur at a cellular level, and are not always apparent to the naked eye. This feature makes superficial chemical peels especially popular with busy patients who are seeking effective treatments that can be done quickly with little or no downtime.

Treatable Conditions:

Superficial chemical peels have a proven track record for correcting many difficult skin conditions including acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, psoriasis and skin-fighting degradation from chronological and environmental aging. The variety of blends available allows the skincare professional to customize protocols and effectively address specific skin conditions.

For treating acneic skin types, look for a modified Jessner’s solution with ingredients such as kojic acid for tyrosinase-inhibiting action and antibacterial properties. I recommend our PCA Peel.

For hyperpigmentation, look for lightening ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, L-arbutin, licorice and Rumex crispus. I recommend our Ultra Peel I.

Rosacea requires treatment with milder formulations than other conditions to avoid overheating skin and possibly causing flare-ups. Utilizing formulations containing the effective anti-inflammatory ingredients bisabolol, willowherb and willow bark help keep sensitive skin types calm during and after treatment. I recommend our Ultra Peel II.

Patients who are seeking skin rejuvenation or sun-damage repair, chemical peels with retinol, TCA, chasteberry and soy isoflavones will stimulate cell turnover with minimal irritation and excellent results. I recommend our Ultra Peel Forte.

Once the selected chemical peel has been applied to the skin, the newer cells beneath the impacted stratum corneum (surface skin) are able to more effectively absorb beneficial nutrients needed to even skin tone, stimulate cell turnover and rebuild collagen-the skin’s support system-ultimately improving the overall health and appearance of the skin. Following the loosening of the stratum corneum, it is an ideal time to spot-treat hyperpigmentation and fine lines with tyrosinase inhibitors, peptides and growth factors, as well as infuse weakened skin with restorative antioxidants and polyphenols that combat free-radical damage.

Special:

Come see our esthetician, Lindsey,  in February and receive a complete skin evaluation and product consultation with any peel purchase. Receive 25% off any PCA Skin Care Product with a Peel Package of 3 or more.

Teton Valley in Winter

Enjoy a Complimentary Custom Make Up Consultation with any Jan Iredale Purchase

A message from our Medical Esthetician, Lindsey Tisdale:

Jane Iredale mineral powders have changed the perception of makeup. They have become an integral part of patient care world-wide because of their benefits to the skin and their ability to conceal almost any distraction. Known as The Skin Care Makeup, they are a foundation, concealer, powder, and sunscreen all in one. They contain a physical, not chemical sunscreen. This means that the powders begin their protection immediately and do not absorb into the skin. The mineral bases are concentrated pigment-undiluted by talc-they give unsurpassed coverage while allowing the skin to breathe and function normally. They also contain algae extracts that help prevent dehydration, calm the skin and provide it with much needed antioxidants. They resist running, creasing, and smearing. They hold tightly to the skin because they comprise a variety of particle sizes that cling together and create surface tension that overcomes gravity. They were awarded a “Very Water Resistant” rating in an FDA-approved lab because they withstood 80 minutes in moving water and also maintained their SPF rating!

Tip of the Month: MINERALS FOR CAMOUFLAGE

Because the minerals are concentrated pigment, camouflage can be fast and easy, especially when covering any type of redness or erythema. Skin conditions such as rosacea or acne, or procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion often result in red, inflamed skin. A yellow base such as Warm Silk or Golden Glow is the key to covering pronounced redness. You do not need green, which gives you an ashy pallor to the skin. You may need additional mineral camouflage for conditions such as bruising, scarring, hyperpigmentation and vitiligo.

More Helpful Tips:

*It’s better to layer minerals than try to cover everything at once.

*If the minerals look too powdery, wait a few minutes for your skin’s natural oils to emerge.

*An uneven finish may be caused by the use of traditional cosmetic sponges, which drag product on the skin instead of blending it. If you use a sponge, I recommend the Flocked Sponge. It is the perfect tool for blending.

*Light colors pull things forward. Dark colors make things recede.

IMPORTANT: NEVER ATTEMPT CAMOUFLAGE AFTER A MEDICAL PROCEDURE WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN.

Cub Cup Contestant

From our Esthetician, Lindsey…

This holiday season, focus on you. The rush of the holidays makes it all too easy to set your own needs aside. This year, we encourage you to celebrate your many personal accomplishments. Our holiday promotion is designed to give back to the skin by replenishing lost nutrients, hydration and luster, allowing you to put your best face forward in 2011. This unique treatment and kit is the perfect way to treat you or those who are close to you this winter. Gift Certificates available.

*Treatment of the Month*

Oxygenating Peel

Appropriate for all patients with skin in need of detoxification and purifying. The active blend of Lactic, Salicylic, and Glycolic acids make this a great treatment for improving skin texture and clarity, while keeping the skin moist and hydrated. With its strong antibacterial, disinfectant action, this treatment is a gentle, deep-pore cleansing that will assist with the removal of impactions. Regular price $100 // Promotional price $75.

Nourish Kit Includes: C-Strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E, facial wash, nutrient toner, and hydrator plus spf 30 in a black quilted patent leather bag. Regular Price $152. Promotional Price: $100.

Purchase Peel and Kit together for  $150.

Tip of the month:

The daily use of broad-spectrum sun protection is proven to reduce the incidence of skin cancers and premature skin aging. Sun damage contributes to an estimated 85% of skin damage and aging. Are you covered? Even during the winter months, sunscreen is an imperative step for your beauty regimen. I suggest PCA’s Perfecting Protection spf30. Its light-weight formula combines superior UV protective benefits with five melanogenesis inhibitors to reduce current and prevent future skin discolorations. This revolutionary product is suitable for all skin types.

? Curb Cup Contestant ?

Troronto Old and New

Pumpkin Peel 1/2 half off special continued by popular demand!

Don’t forget about Esthetician Gift Certificates for the Holidays.