The NOTICEABLE difference between corrective makeup and camouflage makeup

Acne scars, pigmentation, melasma - if you have these, you struggle to cover them up. But instead of hiding them, why not treat them?

Be careful when purchasing makeup, however, because there is a big difference between over-the-counter corrective makeup and skin camouflage products. For example, skin camouflage products are designed to last 8-16 hours and are significantly water resistant making them harder to wash off at the end of the day. A great way to avoid that "caked on"  look is to apply an oil-free tinted moisturizer like our Avene Tinted Compact with SPF or Revision's Intellishade Matte. 

Now if you are looking to really cover up a stubborn dark spot or scar try Dermablend Cover Cream or Foundation. It's great for both moderate to major imperfections. Warning: markup should enhance your beauty, not make you look fake. We are here to not only make you look beautiful, but feel beautiful as well.

#mcleanderm #askdrlily #dermablend #makeupdoneright #beauty #healthyskin #loveyourskin

Introducing: Farmhouse Fresh!

McLean Dermatology is proud to announce that we now carry Farmhouse Fresh products in our office.

Each Farmhouse Fresh product is made with 90-99% natural and naturally-derived ingredients. Everything they make is Paraben and Sulfate FREE. Man

y of their products are also Vegan and Gluten FREE.

Not to mention, they smell so good you could almost eat them!

To learn more about these awesome products visit their website and stop by the office to pick up yours today!

Tools to Tame your Locks

We have come a long way from hot rollers and velcro-based curlers. In todays hair care isles you will find items that sound like they were NASA’s brainchild. The terminology is confusing, but what’s worse is finding the right tool for you – that is where we can help! This is your go-to guide to take the turmoil out of the terminology and turn your mane into a head of hair any girl would envy.

First, lets start with the terms:

Ceramic – the heat source in your tool is made with ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic will regulate itself and will prevent over-heating (decrease in heat = decrease in damage). Ceramic will also make your hair smoother, shinier, and seal in the moisture.

Ionic – negative ions are used to shrink water droplets and neutralize static-causing positive ions. This cuts the drying time and prevents frizz.

Nano – water molecules are broken down into tiny particles. This allows more moisture to seep into your hair and decreases frizz.

Tourmaline – this is a stone that releases negative ions and far-infrared (aka long wavelength) heat. It knocks out static producing positive ions, reduces drying time, and closes hair cuticles leaving your hair silky smooth.

So what are the best tools for your hair?

Curly Girls – go for tools that say ceramic, ionic, or nano. These properties will smooth the hair and drop the drying time. Ionic dryers will save you time and ceramic or tourmaline curling irons can give your hair a more defined look.

-                Dryer: Chi Rocket Professional

-                Curling iron: Amika Curler

Stick Straight – tools with any of the properties are great for your hair. Try tourmaline to reduce drying time lessening the damage done by heat.

-                Dryer: Revlon Tourmaline Ionic 1875 Watt Dryer

-                Straightening iron: Sedu Icon Prive

Limp/Fine Hair – try using a round ceramic brush to give your hair volume and dryers with different heat settings are important for your thin delicate strands.  Preventing your hair from overheating will help deter breakage and maximize its growing potential. Using a dryer with multiple properties will help prevent static.

-                Dryer: Conair Infinity Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Hair Styler 223X

-                Brush: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Mega

Girl-on-the-go –No need to subject yourself to damaging effects of a hotel wall-mounted dryer. Different ceramic dryers and flat irons now come travel-size!

-                Dryer: Andis 1875 Ceramic Folding Dryer with retractable cord.

-                Straightening Iron: Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium

Bonus: To dry hair in even less time try a brush with synthetic and bore bristle combo. Bore bristles are gentle on the hair and synthetic bristles will dry hair faster!

Spring Cleaning Edition: Is Your Medicine Cabinet Up to Code?

The name “medicine cabinet” is unfit for what should be held in this very important space of your home. Believe it or not, medicines are not the best items to keep here. Not only is it open to anyone including kids and snooping houseguests, the medicines that are here may be altered by the temperature and moisture. Many topical creams and ointments need to be kept in a cool dark area. Oral medications also require non-humid, cool environments, where as some even need refrigeration.

This area is also a place for medicines to sit and spoil. We often forget about how fast medications expire. Skin creams with retinol, hydroquinone, and acne medications often not only become ineffective, they can cause rashes or skin irritation if expired. The best rule of thumb is ‘when in doubt, throw it out.’ Just be sure you are disposing the medicine in an FDA approved manner. See www.fda.gov, ‘How to Dispose of Unused Medicines.’

Even if you don’t keep medicines in your medicine cabinet you should always keep it clean! Most people simply wipe the mirror in the front of the cabinet! Do yourself a favor tonight (in light of spring) and give your medicine cabinet a deep clean.

1) Remove everything

2) Throw out the old medicines and cosmetics, check expirations

3) Wipe clean

1)  Organize your favorite products and replace anything you had to purge!

2)  Keep topical antibiotics, skin creams, sunscreen, all within a tight cap and in a locked drawer or linen closet.

Good timeline for products:

-       3-5 years: Eye and lip pencils, hair styling products

-       2-3 years: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, perfume, foundation, lipstick, lip-gloss

-       2 years: Bar soap, shaving cream, deodorant

-       1 year: Nail polish, bath oil

-       3-4 months: Mascara and liquid eyeliner

*Anti-aging, acne treatment, and sunscreen shelf life depends on expiration dates on the bottle.

Take the first steps to your Spring-cleaning efforts and give your medicine cabinet a check-up!

A Hint of Mint: Spring's Must Have Hue

Pistachio, Seafoam, Mint – it doesn’t matter what you call it, IT’S HOT!

With spring rapidly approaching, now is the time to get your nails in MINT condition.  Say goodbye to that dark winter hue and say hello to this summer’s new it-color.

You will see a nail trend shift from bold reds to subtle pastels. This season is all about toning down your nails and playing it cool with softer shades. 

Come by our office to pick out your Butter London nail lacquer today!

Gleam by Melanie Mills

If you're looking for that perfect velvet, bronzed glow then look no further.  McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center is happy to announce we now carry Gleam Body Radiance created by Emmy award-winning makeup artist Melanie Mills.

Melanie started her Gleam line in 2010 while working on the set of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, and soon her brand was made known to A-list celebrities.

Gleam Body Radiance provides that perfect spray tan finish in seconds and made with ingredients that are actually good for your skin.  Olive oil, green tea extract, and jojoba seed oil are just a few healthy agents that help nourish the skin while leaving a gleam-tastic effect!

End of the Year Product Clean Out!

Out with the old, in with the new! We all have those products that we love and cling onto for years because it’s that perfect shade of red, or have that drawer full of half used mascara, blush, or eye shadows because we think we will need it in the future. But it is time to come to terms with the fact that these products eventually become breeding grounds for bacteria. The New Year is a good time to clean out your make up and facial products you’ve had for years. 

Here are some guidelines for your End of the Year Product Clean Out:

• Facial Moisturizers: These have a shelf life of two to three years unopened, however once opened they are good for 6 to 12 months. Keep in mind, facial moisturizers that include added ingredients such as antioxidants or vitamins (A, C, or E) can expire quicker due to their sensitivity to light. In contrast, ones that contain acids (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) may have a longer shelf life. 

• Liquid Foundation: Unopened, foundation can last up to two years, but once opened it has a shelf life of 12 months. Most formulas are water based, which means bacteria loves them, so storing them in a cool, dry area will prolong the life of your foundation.   

• Mascaras: To prevent bacteria from forming it should be replaced every three months because every time the applicator is taken out it can pick up bacteria. Do not share your mascara! 

• Eyeliner/Eye Shadow: Due to contact with the eye’s mucous membrane, the possibility of transferring bacteria to the product and back to the eye is higher, which increases the risk for infection. Powder eye shadows and eyeliner should be replaced every three months.

• Lipstick: For most formulas lipstick can last for about two years, but since it is exposed to the mouth often it’s recommended to replace them if used while sick. Storing them in a cool, dry area helps their shelf life. 

• Nail Polish: It can last up to two years. Nail polish will not go bad from bacteria, but it can dry up and get clumpy. Keeping the top on tightly helps. 

• Powders and Blush: Have a shelf life of about two years, although cream blush should be replaced after one year. To prolong the life of your powders and blush clean your brush regularly.  

• Tools: Makeup brushes should be cleaned once a month with a gentle shampoo or cleanser. Quick Tip: Wash them at night, lay them flat to dry overnight and they will be ready to use in the morning!
• Can’t invest in makeup brushes? Use paintbrushes! They are a fraction of the cost of top of the line makeup brushes, are made of the same hairs, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For acne prone skin, try washing your makeup brushes with one of our Glytone face washes.

Arms and Legs Looking Drab this Season?

The tanning bed is NOT the answer to getting that summer glow in the harsh winter months.   Dr. Lily swears by Mac’s Skinsheen Leg Spray, but be sure to test out the shades first before purchasing.  This great product is a smooth-on, gel-based bronzer that’s easy to apply yet provides sheer to low coverage with subtle sheen and radiance.  No need to worry about streaks; the mousse-like foam leaves a well-blended and even sun kissed look.  Pick up yours today at any Sephora or Mac boutique before taking those Christmas party photos.