What’s the Deal with DEET? 

A major concern among parents “is what I’m putting on my body and my child’s body safe?” Many mosquito repellents that are being marketed as “natural” seem ideal, but the question is are they as effective as those containing DEET? With the summer upon us and the increasing concern regarding the Zika virus in the U.S., finding a repellent that is safe and effective is crucial. 

Far and wide, the favored mosquito repellents by physicians contain DEET. When it comes to the concentration of DEET in repellents, studies show that concentrations above 30-40% don’t drastically increase the efficacy of the repellent. It’s also important to note that when using products containing DEET on children, you want to look for something with concentrations below 30%. Products containing DEET should be completely avoided in infants under the age of two months. 

For those concerned about using DEET-containing products on themselves or children, look for other products containing the active ingredients picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or citronella. In fact, some research has shown picaridin to be just as effective as DEET in keeping mosquitoes away. Oil of lemon eucalyptus has also been shown to be as effecting and long lasting as products containing DEET. When it comes to citronella, studies show it to be not as effective. Products containing undiluted citronella may repel mosquitoes for a little over two hours, and products with 5-15% concentrations were only effective for 20-30 minutes. Other studies have show that the candles containing citronella offer little to no protection at all. It is also important to note that citronella in higher concentrations can cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, and skin. 

All insect repellents should be used sparingly, and those containing DEET should only be applied once a day (contrary to what the packaging advises) on children. Otherwise, it is in your best bet to follow the manufacturers instructions. If you are in an urban area, look for a repellent containing a lower concentration of DEET (around 10%). For those who will be traveling to a country or wooded areas or by water, a higher concentration (20-25%) should be used. It’s good to remember that clothing choice can effect your chance of getting bitten. If you are in a highly wooded, wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and shoes with socks.
Remember, DEET- containing products do not effectively protect against ticks and tick-born illnesses. Thus, in the summer months, kids’ scalps and bodies should be thoroughly checked for tick bites! 

A 2015 STUDY TESTED 8 COMMERCIAL REPELLENTS, 2 FRAGRANCES & A VITAMIN B PATCH BY RELEASING MOSQUITOES IN A SEALED CHAMBER WITH A TREATED HAND. STUDY FOUND THAT AFTER 5 HOURS, THE MOST EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS WERE THOSE CONTAINING DEET AS WELL AS 1 “NATURAL” DEET-FREE SPRAY.

JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE, 2015

Color Correcting 101

One of the most important makeup lessons I have learned over the years is how to color correct. Whether it is disguising dark under eye circles, masking hyperpigmentation, covering a breakout, or neutralizing redness, understanding the basics of color correcting can transform your problem area. 

In order to understand color correcting, you need to think back to art class and basic color theory. So we begin by looking at the color wheel. Each color sits directly across from another color, making them complementary colors. If we look at red, the color opposing it is green. When red and green are combined, they neutralize each other (i.e. cancel each other out). So, whichever color you are looking to conceal/neutralize, find the corresponding color on the color wheel. 

The Issue: Redness
Whether redness comes about in the form of rosacea, a stubborn zit, or sunburn, a green corrector will effectively neutralize it. If you have widespread redness (think rosacea and sunburn), a green primer is probably the best option to significantly reduce the redness and get an even toned base for a flawless foundation application. If you need a little more coverage or are wishing to spot-cover the redness from a pimple, try a green corrector. While green primers and correctors tend to be great for more fair skin tones, a yellow-based concealer/corrector can help to cover redness on those with olive undertones. If you notice that your redness least more toward the magenta/purple side than that of a true red, yellow will likely neutralize your discoloration more than green would. 

The Issue: Dark Under Eye Circles
If you are dealing with blue under eye circles, the ideal corrector to look for is on with a peach or orange undertone. If you have more fair skin, you will likely want to go with peach/salmon, whereas if you are slightly darker (medium to deep tones), you will want an orange-toned corrector. If you under eye circles tend to have a more purple hue to them, you will want to reach for a more yellow-based corrector. If you have a deeper complexion, grab a corrector with a red undertone. Sometimes, dark circles have a mixture of the blue and purple hues, so you may need to use a mixture of the orange, yellow, and salmon/peach correctors. 

The Issue: Sallow (Yellow-ish) Skin
Purple/Lavender correctors are best suited for eliminating yellow tones from the face. Purple combats sallow undertones and can brighten dullness.

When color correcting, you typically want to apply the corrector to bare skin. The corrector can be in the form of a primer or concealer. After you color correct, then you can apply your foundation overtop and voila- flawless skin! If you are one of the lucky ones who doesn't have many imperfections to hide, a skin-toned concealer is all you need. Just apply your base, then conceal any spot that need a little extra coverage! 

Look Beyond the Label

It’s easy to see a product labeled “natural” or “organic” and assume that it is somehow automatically better for you and your skin. However, the real test to perform for the healthy truth is to look at the ingredients listed on the back. There are some controversial chemicals that you’ll want to avoid that are more important than the label of “organic” or “natural.” It is also important to remember that “organic” or “natural” skincare products can contain botanical/plant ingredients that can be highly allergic and may not be regulated by the FDA.

Parabens: There are common preservatives that are used to prevent bacterial growth in products. Parabens have been faced with a lot of scrutiny due to their behavior in the body as mimickers of estrogen. Estrogen disruption has been linked to reproductive issues and breast cancer. While parabens have yet to be directly linked to causing cancer, there is growing concern about their unknown effects when accumulated in the body.

Phthalates:  Phthalates are chemicals that have been used to soften plastic and vinyl by increasing their flexibility. Many of these have been banned in children’s toys, but can still be found in some fragrances and nail polish. Some studies have shown that these chemicals can be endocrine disrupters, which cause disturbances in the body’s hormones.

Sulfates: Sulfates help with the lathering component in shampoos, body washes, and face washes. You’ll often see products in the store with big letters that say “Sulfate-Free.” A push for these products has occurred because sulfates can irritate the skin, and fade hair dye.

Triclosan: A lesser-known additive, this antibacterial ingredient is included in many products such as toothpaste, soaps, and even toys. Triclosan is currently being researched for its possible disruption of the body’s hormonal regulation and immune system, as well as its adverse effects on the environment.

Although avoiding all chemicals is usually not possible, anyone with sensitive or allergic skin should look out for these ingredients.

It’s a…PROBLEM.

The only miracle about “it’s a 10”, a popular “leave-in” hair product, is how often the answer is “yes” when I ask my new ACNE patients if they use this product. This brings me to discuss the acne epidemic caused by this product and many like it, such as biosilk or anti-frizz serums and oils. 

“It’s a 10” is a hair product that is used to control frizz, add shine, and detangle. However, when it’s left in the hair and touches the face throughout the day or overnight, this greasy product sits on the skin, clogs pores, and causes acne breakouts. Breakouts from hair products are often localized on the cheeks and jaw where hair touches the face.

As a general rule in skincare and body care, most products work well for what they are made to do, but when misused, they can cause mishaps. You wouldn’t moisturize your face with your hair conditioner, would you? It seems obvious that this could cause some skin issues; however, most people will not think to correlate their acne breakouts with their skincare products until we mention it.

The only way to eliminate acne caused by hair products is to eliminate the hair product from your routine entirely. However, if you can’t live without the hair product, here are some tips to reduce breakouts:

• Wear your hair up to avoid prolonged contact of your hair with your face, particularly to sleep
•  Identify the culprits! Gel, detanglers, heat protectors, leave in conditioner, and Moroccan oil are just a few examples of products that can make acne breakouts worse. Consider what products you use on a daily basis, especially ones that are thick or greasy.
• Pillowcases: Regardless of the fabric, pillowcases trap oil, dirt, and bacteria. Try changing your pillowcase more often (every 2-3 days), especially if you’re a side sleeper.
• Shower at night and sleep with clean area.

Hair products are not the only everyday products that could be contributing to your acne. Here are some other tips:  

• Cell phones and laptops: Your fingers house a lot of bacteria. Clean your electronics daily using a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
• Medications: Allergy nasal sprays and inhalers can cause acne as a side effect because of the corticosteroid component. Oral contraceptives and IUDs can cause breakouts of hormonal acne.
• Sunscreen: Look for sunscreens that are light and “noncomedogenic” (meaning that they should not clog pores). We recommend Elta MD SPF 46 for acne prone skin.
• Exercise: Exercise is great way to relieve stress, increase the delivery of oxygen to your skin cells, and speed up the disposal of cellular waste. It’s important to note that sweating from exercise can also cause breakouts, so it’s important to wash your body ASAP after a sweat-breaking workout.

Sensitive Skin & Hypoallergenic Products

What is Sensitive Skin?

Sensitive skin means that your skin reacts to or gets irritated easily, especially when you put products on it.  Your skin may react to the application of a product in different ways.  Some symptoms of sensitive skin include stinging, burning, itching, redness, dryness, peeling, or scaling of skin after the application of products.  Other factors that can irritate sensitive skin include wind exposure, cold weather, or sun.   

Many people may have sensitive skin, but those who already have an underlying skin condition, like rosacea, eczema, or acne, are even more susceptible to irritation.  Because of this sensitivity, people often try to use products that they think will be less likely to irritate their skin.  Many times, this means using products labeled “hypoallergenic,” meaning “less allergenic” or less likely to cause an allergic reaction.  

Are Hypoallergenic Products Better for Your Sensitive Skin?

Hypoallergenic products can still be irritating to your skin.  Companies often use the term hypoallergenic when products are fragrance-free or don’t contain ingredients that are considered to be the most common allergens, but any component of a product has the potential to be an irritant to your skin.  This is especially true if you have an underlying skin condition that makes your skin already sensitive.   However, just because a product says hypoallergenic, it does not mean it is NOT IRRITATING.  There is no product proven to be non-irritating to everyone.

What Can You Do to Prevent Irritation if You Have Sensitive Skin?

Test all products before using them—apply a pea size amount of product to a small area on your face for a few days and watch for a reaction, i.e. red/angry, irritated, or itchy skin.  If you have a reaction, then that product is not right for you!

• It won’t work to test the product on your arm (or any other body part).  The face is more sensitive than other areas of the body, thus you need to test products on your face.

Dr. Talakoub may recommend as part of your treatment stopping your products to see if they are the cause of, or contributing to, your skin irritation.

Sensitive skin is hard to treat, and it can be difficult when looking for skincare.  If your skin gets easily irritated, please call the office to schedule a consult with Dr. Talakoub to discuss what products she would recommend for your skin. 

Special Offer: 50% Off for You and a Friend

Don't miss this special offer! 

Offer applies to Restylane products and Dysport only. This voucher cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid after date of expiration. Valid for the referral of new patients only. The referring friend will receive 50% off one Restylane or Dysport treatment only but may refer up to 3 friends. Treatment will be performed by Dr. Lily Talakoub by appointment only Monday through Thursday. Cosmetic consultations are available for $150. This fee is waived if treatment is performed on the same day of your consultation. Only one referral per patient. 

Limited time only! Tell a friend!

Anti-Aging Treatments for Your Hands

Hooray! You won’t have to worry about your hands giving away your age any longer! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Radiesse in the hands.

Radiesse is a dermal filler that has been used for the correction of volume loss in the face for years. Radiesse can now be used in the hands to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin.

Wondering if Radiesse is the proper treatment for your hands? Schedule a cosmetic consultation today!  

3 Reasons NOT to Trim Your Cuticles

Manicured nails will never go out of style, but if you want your nails to look and feel healthy, then you should think twice before you let anyone trim your cuticles.

1.  The cuticle is the skin around your nail that protects your nail bed. Cutting or removing cuticles exposes your nails to bacterial, fungal and viral nail infections which are painful, take a long time to heal, and are not pretty. The cuticle is your body’s line of defense for your nail bed, so removing it opens the door to infections such as warts or herpes, painful bacterial infections that may cause you to lose your nail, or fungal and yeast infections that take months to years to resolve.

Tip: Speak up! Simply ask your nail technician not to cut your cuticles or push them back during your manicures and pedicures.

2.  Tools used to remove cuticles can transfer infections to your nails. If salons do not properly sterilize the tools they use on your hands, then you could be contracting infections. In addition to skin infections, viral infections such as Hepatitis C, which is transferred by blood, can live in dry blood for up to three days and can be transferred on tools that have not been cleaned properly.

Tip:  If tools are properly sterilized, they will be stored in containers with indicators on the outside packaging that change color when the tools have reached sterilization. Do your research! Ask which tools your salon uses to sterilize their equipment, look up the color that indicates sterilization, and take a peek at the tools before you let your favorite nail tech touch your nails. Dr. Lily has found multiple nail salons that use sterilization bags, which give the illusion that tools are sterilized but are NOT cleaned properly.

     3.  Cutting your cuticles increases the development of hangnails around your nail. Hangnails develop on dry skin, skin that is exposed to chemicals frequently, or skin that is in water frequently. Manipulating the cuticle adds fuel to the fire and increases your chance of uncomfortable and unsightly hangnails.

Botox Parties Gone WRONG...

Be Careful of Where You're Getting Your Botox! 

Read Article Here!

Maintaining Healthy Skin from the Inside Out

Probiotics are known to be important in maintaining intestinal health, but who knew that they could also promote beautiful, healthy-looking skin?  Probiotics are naturally occurring in your body, but can also be found in yogurt, milk, juices, and is also offered in a pill form that can be taken orally. They work from the inside out, directly stabilizing the digestive system, which in turn promotes healthy skin.

Acne, among other things, is caused by stress, anxiety, hormones, and depression, which increase the amount of bad bacteria in your small intestines.  This change triggers an inflammatory response, causing skin changes such as acne, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea.  So how do we fight back against the bad bacteria?  Studies suggest that probiotics can help decrease the triggers of acne by balancing the good and bad bacteria in the body.   

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important precautions anyone can take against sun damage and skin cancer.  While wearing sunscreen and hats is essential for sun protection, taking a probiotic can add an additional line of defense.  Studies show that taking probiotic supplement can also decrease water loss and keep skin more hydrated.  It has also been found that probiotic use can decrease thinning of the skin, which will keep the skin firmer.

Kefir, in particular, is a popular source of probiotics that is used to treat wounds that will not heal.  It can be applied to wounds in a gel form and can also be ingested in a drinkable yogurt form.  Probiotics have even been used to prevent and treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections such as MRSA, that arise in open wounds. 

Some popular probiotics on the market include Kimchi and Kombucha tea.  It’s safe to say that they are a worthy addition to your daily diet!

Diminish that double chin!

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Looking to lose that double chin? Look no further! Kybella treatment might be the answer for you!
Click the link above to read the latest article from Dr. Talakoub and Dr. Wesley

 

What? Where? Why?

The idea of getting fillers and/or injectables can be extremely overwhelming and intimidating. Don’t let what you don’t know scare you away.

These products can be used to help reverse the signs of aging and can leave you looking young a youthful.

THE WRINKLE FREEZERS (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)

Botulinum toxin works beneath the skin’s surface to target underlying muscle activity that is responsible for the formation of those dreaded frown lines and crow’s feet. One of the biggest myths is that you want to start this procedure after the lines from. The truth is Botulinum Toxin is best used as a preventative agent, so lets stop those wrinkles before they have time to start!

THE WRINKLE FILLERS (Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Belotero)

These fillers are all composed of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in your body. With age your natural level of hyaluronic acid decreases resulting in the loss of youthful smoothness, firmness and elasticity. Fillers will help you smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips, and contour the face.

THE VOLUMIZING FILLERS (Radiesse, Sculptra, and Voluma)

These are thicker fillers that stimulate collagen production. This option is best for patients looking to treat very deep folds, creases, and refill volume that is lost in their mid-face. They provide volume and lift to the cheeks, jowls, and temples.  

Still have questions? Come see us for a cosmetic consult!  Dr. Lily can tell you which products will be best for you.

Sugar and Your Skin

Noticing more wrinkles, fine lines or sagging skin? It may be time to put down that ritual morning latte. While aging is a natural bodily process, sugar intake can make the signs of aging more visible. Once consumed, sugar undergoes a process in the body known as glycation, or the binding of sugar with other substances in the skin. Glycation causes inflammation that brings damage to the skin's building blocks: collagen and elastin. Accumulation of damage to these building blocks can give the skin a sallow and even discolored look. This process also generates free radicals that make the skin more susceptible to other types of damage, such as sun exposure and cigarette smoke.

If your skin is prone to acne or rosacea, flare-ups of these conditions can increase in frequency and severity with the consumption of sugar due to the inflammatory response that occurs in the skin. High levels of sugar also trigger the release of hormones that increase the production of oil that can feed the bacteria responsible for acne.

Keeping track of sugar intake is hard when you consider that sugar exists in most of the food and drinks that we consume. When we hear things like 'the amount of sugar in an Arizona Green Tea is equal to about 20 Hershey's Kisses,' we begin to question our perception of just how much sugar we intake on a  daily basis. While the idea of completely cutting out sugar is a task much easier said than done, there are ways to get started. Seeking out alternatives to the white stuff, such as date sugar or coconut sugar, provides the sweetness with more nutritional benefits. A variety of beauty products in the form of serums, make up, and sunscreens contain ingredients that work to fight glycation and encourage the production of collagen and elastin.

Dr. Lily can go over your diet with you in our new skin detox program!

Stop Treating Your Adult Acne Like a Teenager!

 Growing up isn’t just about getting a job, getting married, paying bills etc. It’s also about knowing how to take care of yourself. The breakouts you experienced when you were younger are much different than the breakouts you’re experiencing now. The products you use and how you treat your breakouts have to be suitable for your age.

No more Drying Products!

When you were younger you probably reached for products formulated to dry out those blemishes with antibacterial ingredients, and they probably worked. However, as we age acne tends to go away on it’s own, but in our minds we believe those drying products deserve all the credit, we are very wrong. As our skin ages those same acne products we were using in our teens will do more harm than good for us. They will dry out your skin leaving it in an unhealthy state and could accelerate the arrival of wrinkles!  What you want to be using is a cleanser with glycolic acid, which will act an exfoliator to destroy acne-causing bacteria from your skin without over drying. The IS Clinical Cleansing Complex is perfect for this.  It is effective, but not drying so even those with sensitive skin would love this product.

Forget about past skin concerns

Make sure you are treating your current skin concerns based on what’s going on in the present vs. what occurred in the past. Your acne now opposed to your acne when you were a teen is probably not as severe or wide spread, so instead of applying acne treatments to your entire face try applying it as a spot treatment instead. The Glytone Acne 3P Gel is great for this! Its non-irritating formula helps clear acne, blackheads, and white heads. It also helps keep your skin clear of new acne blemishes while allowing the skin to heal from past breakouts.

Exfoliate and Hydrate

One of the hardest parts of dealing with adult acne is that you are also dealing with aging skin. You don’t only want to keep the skin clear you want it to appear youthful and radiant as well. The key to this is exfoliating and moisturizing! The reason you need to exfoliate is to get rid of that dead layer of skin in order to unclog your pores and prevent breakouts. Exfoliating also encourages the production f new, healthy, fresher skin cells! The SkinKure microdermabrasion scrub is our go to product for this; it will leave your skin feeling fresh and smooth after every use, which will allow your skin to properly absorb your other products including your moisturizer. Staying moisturized is vital to keep your skin youthful. One of our favorite moisturizers is Epionce Renewal Facial Lotion; it’s perfect for normal to combination skin types. It is lightweight and moisturizes without leaving you feeling greasy, and makes your skin appear smoother and softer.

If you still aren’t sure what you should be using call and setup an appointment for a skincare consult with our Master Esthetician. She can help you get on a regimen based on your skin type and concerns.

Guide To: Under-Eye Care

If you want to stay looking younger longer it’s vital to take extra special care of the skin around your eyes. The eye area can be a big giveaway of aging, lack of sleep, overindulgence of food and alcohol, and your overall wellness.  I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to be diligent and consistent with under eye care. No matter what your concerns are with the area around your eyes we’re here to help!

Is the skin around your eyes feeling dry?

This is an issue you want to address right away because the skin around your eyes is so thin and sensitive, having it be dry as well can increase the likelihood of wrinkles! So be sure to look for products that will hydrate as well as build collagen. One of our favorite products for this issue would be SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair. This product will help improve the smoothness and hydration around the eyes, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also be sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your skin-hydrated form the inside out!

Are you noticing an increase in fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area?

Diminishing wrinkles around the eyes can really take years off of your appearance. A favorite here in the office for this issue would be IS Clinical Youth Eye Complex. This product is great for improving hydration, firmness, and elasticity around the eye area, which will give you smooth tighter looking skin around the eyes. It also helps strengthen/thicken the delicate skin and offers immediate and long-term results.

Are you suffering from the dreaded dark circles?

Sometimes no matter how much sleep you get some people can’t shake the dreaded under eye circles. Having dark under-eye circles cannot only age you, but it can make you appear tired and under the weather even when you’re completely rested and healthy.  IS Clinical C Eye gel is a miracle in a bottle. It not only reverses signs of aging, but it works to brighten those unwanted dark under-eye circles. It is the perfect product for toning, brightening, and anti-aging when it comes to under-eye care.

Feel like your eye area is becoming hollow with age?

For those of you suffering from eyes that look sunken and hollow we have the perfect fix for you. Fillers can be used to reverse this issue. The filler will give you a much fuller, tight, wrinkle free eye area, which will not only take years off but it will brighten and open up your entire face with the slightest amount. Come in for a consultation to determine which filler would be best for you.