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WINTER & DRY CLIMATE SKIN HEALTH

2008-08-11T08:42:00.001-05:00

by GreatSkin.com
� GreatSkin® Clinics

The winter months can be especially damaging to the skin. The wind blows harder and colder, the temperature drops, and moisture becomes depleted in the skin causing skin dehydration, erythema, scaling, and flaking cracked areas. Areas such as the lips, elbows, knees, heels, and hands become particularly parched during this season. UVA rays in winter are as intense and cause as much damage as UVA rays in the summer months.

The following are some pointers to help alleviate and prevent these conditions, whether in the dryness of winter or in an arid climate. We’ll discuss the facial area first.

First, and foremost, cleansing should be done with tepid water and a lathering gel rather than with hot water and soap. Hot water and soap are too harsh and can strip our Natural Moisture Factor and cause flaking of the skin.

Secondly, be sure to exfoliate the skin at least three times a week with a gentle non abrasive scrub (Dermalogica’s Skin Prep Scrub is a great one).

A hydrating mask should be used at least three times a week. M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenating Hydrating Mask and Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Power Mask are two of my favorites.

A Vitamin C Serum is powerful at combating wrinkles, which are much more prominent in the winter months. Our GreatSkin® C Serum has 14% ascorbic acid potency with pycnogenol for an added punch!

During winter months (no matter what skin type) we should be applying a hydrating booster with hyaluronic acid before our moisturizer, which will help draw moisture to the upper layers of the skin and replenish hyaluronic found naturally in our skin. I can’t go a day without using Skinceuticals Hydrating B Gel!

Always choose a moisturizer with anti oxidants to help protect from free radicals, especially Vitamins A and E. Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance is wonderful for extra dry skin!

Say good bye to ugly chapped lips with Bioelements Instant Emollient, Dermalogica’s Solar Shield Lip Shield, or Biomedics Lip Shield. All are excellent winter lip savers!

And, remember Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care was named the "Best Eye Cream" by a panel of Dermatologists with Health Magazine. It offers four important benefits to the eye area: re-texturizing, sun protection, minimizing of dark circles, and reduction of puffiness.

Last, but not least, defend against further environmental insults by applying Skinceuticals Daily Sun Defense 20 or Obagi Sunblock, both offer the maximum protection from the winter sun which is every bit as harmful as the summer sun.

For body, use a Body Wash like Bioelements Comfortable Clean Shower Gel or bathe in Dermalogica’s Hydro Active Bath Salts. Then, exfoliate with Bioelements Body Mineral Glow, using Dermalogica’s Ultimate Buffing Cloth or Bioelements Cactus Cloth. After blotting skin dry (never rub dry), spritz with Bioelements Monsoon Spray and then apply a rich body moisturizer like Dermalogica’s Ultra Rich Body Cream or Bioelements Extremely Emollient Body Cream.

Dry, neglected feet can be soothed with Biomedic Foot Cream while Dermalogica’s Multi Hand and Nail Cream will protect nails, cuticles and add moisture to chapped, parched hands.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Get Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation at our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Amarillo: 806-351-1160

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE

YOUR SKIN TYPE AND UV RAYS

2008-08-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

In the mid 1990's, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, created the UV Index. It s purpose was to create a standardized system to measure UV rays and to communication UV information to the public.

This effort to reduce the incidence of skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression from overexposure has led to the inclusion of the UV value on many weathercasts. The actions you take are tied to your specific skin type as listed below.

SKIN TYPE DESCRIPTION:
Type I	Fair skin, blue or green eyes, little or no freckles. Burns and peels severely.
Type II	Fair skin, blue eyes, blond or brown hair. Burns severely and easily peels, tans minimally.
Type III	Fair skin, brown hair, brown eyes. Burns moderately, tans somewhat.
Type IV	Olive or light brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Burns minimally, tans easily.
Type V	Dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans easily and substantially.
Type IV	Black or dark brown skin, brown eyes, black or dark brown hair. Burns only with severe exposure.
*If your skin description is not obvious, always use the lower of the potential type choices.

UV INDEX VALUE & EXPOSURE LEVELS (Base: Type II Skin Type)
0 - 2 Minimal	Indicates minimal damage from sun's UV for the average (Type II) person. Most people can stay in the noon sun for up to one hour without burning.
3 - 4 Low	Indicates low risk of harm to the skin: Type II individuals can experience a burn in 30-60 minutes.
5 - 6 Moderate	Indicates some significant risk of skin damage due to the sun. Unprotected exposure can result in a burn in only 20-30 minutes.
7 - 9 High	Indicates high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. Time in the sun should be limited during midday (10 am to 4 pm) since skin may burn in as little as 13-20 minutes.
10 + Very High	Indicates very high risk from harm. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the length of time to burn may be less than 13 minutes without protection.

Sunscreens and sunblocks remain the best defense your skin has against the drying, wrinkling, burning effects of the sun's UV rays. Adjust your SPF strength for your skin type. Or use one of our excellent Sunless Tanners.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation at our GreatSkin® clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.
Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Amarillo: 806-351-1160

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE

SUMMER skin care

2008-08-11T08:36:00.001-05:00

The pool. The beach. The sun. The wind. The air conditioning. The joys of summer can also wreak havoc on your skin. Chlorine keeps pools free from harmful bacteria and algae, but strips the outer layer of skin of its protective coating of oils, sweat and natural acids. The immediate result is dry skin. Good preparation and protection are your best allies for summer enjoyment without future blues. Knowing how your skin type reacts to the sun's UV rays can help you protect yourself.

Exfoliate to lift away dry winter skin cells. During and after summer, skin rejuvenation treatments including face and body exfoliations and deep moisturizing treatments restore skin balance and health.
Sunscreens are still the number one protection against the aging, drying effects of the sun. Invest in your future beauty with recommended SPF skin protection products. And our sunless tanners can give you that healthy glow without the danger of over exposure to the sun.
Overexposure to the sun is one of the major causes of hyperpigmentation or discolorations of the skin. Products and treatments ranging from mild bleaches to acid peels can help reverse hyperpigmentation. If you are prone to this condition, it is advisable to limit sun exposure and wear a strong sunblock year round.
Premature aging is the legacy of unprotected sun exposure. Deep cleansing, rejuvenating massage and professional products and treatments that firm, lift and moisturize can help revitalize your skin. Peels are a particularly effective way to reverse premature aging.
Living with wrinkles from your sunbathing youth? Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation at our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM SKIN CANCER

2008-08-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

Skin cancer is quickly becoming one of the most common forms of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately one million cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in 1998. Melanoma, the most serious form was diagnosed in about 41,600 people. An estimated 9,200 died from skin cancer in 1999.

These are certainly frightening facts.
Are you at risk?

People with 50 or more moles are three times more likely to develop melanoma as those with 25. Be sure to visit a doctor regularly for a preventative skin cancer check.

As with any type of cancer, early detection is key to survival. The American Cancer Society recommends the "ABCD RULE" as clues to early detection, keeping in mind that non-melanoma skin cancers often take the form of a pale, wax-like, pearly nodule, or a red, scaly, sharply outlined patch.

A. Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other half.

B. Border Irregularity: the edges of the mole are ragged, notched or blurred.

C. Color: the color of the mole is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present.

D. Diameter: the mole is wider than 6mm or 1/4 inch. Any changes in size should be of concern.

Remember to protect yourself by doing the following:

1. Select tightly woven, light colored clothing that is loose fitting.

2. Cover all exposed areas with a sunscreen of minimum SPF15.

3. Wear a wide brimmed hat.

4. Apply Vitamin C serum with your sunblock to increase its effectiveness. Topical Vitamin C serum, like our own GreatSkin C Serum has distinct activity as a free radical scavenger. It works on the inner layers of the skin to prevent and repair damage, support collagen, smooth lines, and even tone.

5. Use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are the most powerful agents for blocking out ultraviolet rays.

6. Avoid over exposure when the sun's rays are strongest, from 10 am to 4 pm.

We have a large supply of sunblocks and sunless tanners for your protection - order right online!

And order our own GreatSkin® skin care product line!

Laser removal is great for benign moles. Contact our Clinics.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Luxurious Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Amarillo: 806-351-1160

Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE

Mothers To Be: Your Changing Needs

2008-08-11T08:32:00.002-05:00

Today, many women wait to begin a family until they are somewhere between their late twenties and late thirties. Because of this, their skin is at a very different stage than their counterparts experiencing pregnancy at a younger age.

We've gathered some special products that you may find useful before and after baby arrives - Pregnancy Products. In addition, we carry the Belli line, created specially for pregnancy and beyond.

Common pregnancy concerns include dark circles under the eyes, stretch marks, varicose veins, brown patches, Acne dryness, and loss of collagen, elastin or resiliency.

Skin experiencing the normal effects of aging may face different or additional problems, and therefore requires special attention.

Become aware of your special needs through a consultation or our Free GreatSkin® Analysis. Then stick with the recommended treatments and products. And take advantage of relaxation treatments - you need them!

Post pregnancy varicose or spider vein problems? Radiowave Sclerotherapy treatment has made improvements in the success rate, comfort and speed of treatment. Most veins can now be completely eliminated without surgery and injections.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help selecting products.

We've gathered some special products that you may find useful before and after baby arrives - CLICK HERE. In addition, we carry the Belli line, created specially for pregnancy and beyond.

Luxurious European Facials
Schedule a consultation in our Clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment at a clinic.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Amarillo: 806-351-1160

Skin Health For Men

2008-08-11T08:29:00.001-05:00

Special skin care products for men
Shaving correctly
Razor bumps
Male hormonal replacement

More and more men are turning to skin care professionals for help with skin problems. Men’s skin can react to certain chemicals in shaving products, to improper cleansing, from sun sensitivity, or other environmental or health problems.

Greatskin

Dermalogica

Other

GreatSkin Shaving Tips:

Here are some tips to help care and protect your skin in shaving.

Correct Skin Preparation:

Gently cleanse skin.
Use recommended cleanser for proper skin type.
Soften the outer layer of skin with warm (not hot) water - the shower is a great place to shave.
Use a great shaving preparation, like Dermalogica Professional Shave.

Correct Instrument Care:

Frequently replace shaving blades.
If using electric razor heads, clean often to kill bacteria.

After Shaving:

Remove residue with a clean dry towel.
Apply non-astringent after-shave to soothe the skin and minimize pores.
Recommended hydrator completes the basic shaving routine.
Use recommended SPF sunscreen year-round (but especially during the summer months).
For ingrown hairs and razor bump irritation, we recommend Tend Skin.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products for you? Fill out our FreeGreatSkin® Analysis Questionnaire

Complexion scarred from past Acne? Laser Skin Resurfacing at Physicians GreatSkin® Clinics may be for you.

Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366

HOME MICRODERMABRASION NOW AVAILABLE!

2008-07-24T19:52:00.001-05:00

Microdermabrasion is popular type of treatment that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and abnormal areas of pigmentation, tightens the skin, and gives the skin a youthful glow.

This treatment is like sandblasting the skin. Fine mineral crystals are jet sprayed across the skin, then the debris is vacuumed off. The treatments are normally done in a dermatologist's office or esthetician's salon and cost somewhere around $200 each. Multiple treatments, continuing over time, are required to maintain the effects of the treatments.

Before we tell you about the new home treatment, let's take a look at how microdermabrasion works. Most of the systems that are being used have a simple vacuum chamber that propels the mineral crystals through a specially designed wand that simultaneously lifts the skin into the line of fire of the rapidly moving crystals and exfoliates, or "sands off" superficial skin cells.

Treated skin is smooth, polished, buffed and toned. There is some thickening of the inner skin layer (dermis), and even a mild increase in collagen fibers as the outer skin layer (epidermis) becomes quite thin. This leads to a thickening of the dermal layer.

Why would we want to do this? Here are a few reasons:

1. Microdermabraded skin looks healthier because the epidermis, which reflects light, is gone, leaving the skin with a youthful "pink glow."

2. With dermal thickening, fine lines are diminished and the skin tightens.

3. Skin tone and color evens as abnormal areas of pigmentation are removed. Makeup slides on easier and skin appears and feels smooth and soft.

What happens when you discontinue the treatments? Your skin simply returns to its native state of thick epidermis, dull color and rough appearance.

Read the rest of the article

IT'S FALL: Cure Summer Skin Damage

2008-07-24T19:47:00.001-05:00

Falling leaves, cooler weather, skin leafpeels... Yes, the gentler climate of fall is a perfect time for a peel and can set you on your way to a flawless winter complexion.

Most peels effect the dead protein tissue that connects dead skin cells to each other, rather than the live protein that is found in live cells. These peels remove only dead skin and never effect the living skin underneath, except to expose it. Increased cell turnover is beneficial, bringing the skin to a state of equilibrium. Trust your skin care professional to know when a peel is appropriate for you.

Visible results of summer skin damage include extreme discolorations, premature aging, wrinkling and dryness. Professional products and treatments can repair summer skin problems and help avoid them in the future. Knowing how your skin type reacts to the sun's UV rays can help you protect yourself.

THE PROBLEM	THE CURE
Dry Summer Skin: Caused by overexposure to the sun, as well as moving from cool artificial environments to the hot outdoors.	Skin rejuvenations including face and body exfoliations and deep moisturizing treatments. Don't forget your sunscreen next summer or on your winter cruise!
Hyperpigmentation: Overexposure to sun is one of the major causes of skin discolorations. Hyperpigmentation appears as dark brown patches on the face and hands.	Products and treatments ranging from mild bleaches to acid peels can help reverse hyperpigmentation. Those who are prone to hyperpigmentation are generally advised to limit sun exposure. And wear a strong sunblock!
Premature Aging: Wrinkles, sagging, and generally unhealthy skin can be caused by abuse of our skin - overdrying, too much sun, incorrect skin care procedures.	Deep cleansing, rejuvenating massage, and professional products and treatments that firm, lift, moisturize and revitalize. Peels are a particularly effective way to reverse premature aging.

If damage is severe, Laser Skin Rejuvenation may be for you.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Anti-Aging Medicine: Its a New World!

2008-07-17T06:26:00.002-05:00

The process of restoring one’s skin to that of a teenager has long been sought. It is the essence of all the current media hype over skincare products and has resulted in a multi billion dollar cosmetic and cosmeceutical industry.

Cosmetics are products, which merely hide, or create an illusion of beauty by accenting certain features like high cheekbones, lips or eyes while de-emphasizing other features such as uneven skin texture, lines or rhytids.

Cosmeceuticals, on the other hand, are products, which effect a change in the skin toward healthier, thicker skin. The process of aging causes a gradual loss and disorganization of elastin and collagen fibers, the supportive matrix of the skin, as well as dehydration. The result is lack of “bounce” or rebound to the skin matrix. The physical appearance is of droopy, thin, wrinkled skin.

What causes premature aging?

The main cause of premature aging of the skin is excess solar exposure to rays UVA and UVB. These rays result is excessive oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibers, which results in a process called “crosslinking.” Normally, collagen and elastin fibers are found in nice thick even rows spread parallel to the skin surface in the basal layer of the skin. With cross linking, the fibers become disorganized and entangled into many disorganized bundles which cause the skin to dimple, sag and become susceptible to the force of gravity. Muscles of expression further result in deep lines caused by repeated use.

What are the current technologies available for skin rejuvenation?

Cosmeceuticals are products, with ingredients, which theoretically stimulate collagen and elastin renewal. Many of these products are available and generally have ascorbic acid, pycnogenol and proanthocyanidins. All of these are potent antioxidants, thus free radical scavengers. Free radicals are damaging molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions, which attack cellular DNA resulting in cellular mutation and malformation of collagen synthesis. Theoretically the application of free radicals to the skin can diminish this problem, but only if the substance can penetrate deep into the actively dividing cellular layer of the dermis. With the protective epidermal barrier this becomes difficult. Chemical and mechanical peeling can result in exfoliation of the epidermis.

Why would one want to remove the skin’s protective epidermal barrier?

First, removal of this barrier does make one more susceptible to photodamage and further collagen crosslinking. However, when the skin notices the loss of the epidermal barrier, it reacts by thickening the dermal layer, the living tissue layer. The result is thicker, plumper, pinker, healthier looking skin. Thus, a series of chemical or mechanical (dermabrasion) peels can be helpful, but only if strong photoprotection is used.

Esthetic Laser

Laser resurfacing actually strips the epidermis and the upper dermis resulting in a second-degree burn which must heal. In that healing process the body is stimulated to lay down nice thick layers of new collagen. The result is “growing away the wrinkles.” Laser resurfacing combined with blepharoplasty in carefully selected patients can be a miraculous age defying procedure but requires anesthesia and about 14 days of healing time.

Laser resurfacing and chemical and mechanical peels can be followed by Epidermal Growth Factor, a human polypeptide which actually stimulates new cellular proliferation. For patients desiring a more conservative approach to skin rejuvenation, a home care program targeting both internal and external treatment is very effective.

What are some internally and externnally applied products that help retard skin aging?

Internally, antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, CoQ-10, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, and Microhydrin® are very powerful. Externally, Topical Vitamin applications in bioactive forms such as GreatSkin® C Serum or Skinceuticals C can be very helpful, as they are antioxidants, but also prevent UVA and UVB penetration.

Glycolic products, such as M.D. Forte, promote superficial exfoliation and promote dermal thickening, as do the tretinoin (vitamin A acids) derivatives (Retin A) and the retinol (vitamin A alcohols) derivatives Afirm and retinol creams. Many physicians will combine many of the ingredients and products into customized skincare programs designed specifically to address the skin needs of individual clients.

Agents such as hydroquinone, cojic acid and bilberry can fade dermal pigmentation by shutting off the enzyme tyrosinase, which results in melanin production. Through turning off melanin production in the skin and slowly exfoliating the skin, one can achieve beautiful even skin tone at any age.

Products containing DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid like our GreatSkin All in One Serum and Cream are particularly effective for Anti-Aging. Other products to add to your anti-aging skin care regime are : GreatSkin Red Tea Extract, GreatSkin Peptide Lotion, GreatSkin Super Firming Creme, GreatSkin Retinol 10X Serum, and GreatSkin Retinol Eye Serum. Also see our GreatSkin Scalpel-less Anti Aging Package.

Liposomes are tiny little balls of fat which deliver pharmacologically active ingredients to the dermis such as ascorbic acid, other antioxidants, tretinoins, oxygen containing molecules and moisturizing substances. Vitamin C and some of the components of Beef colostrum (Transfer Factor) can stimulate the skin’s ability to withstand infection (immune system). Sunblocks are perhaps the best products to retard premature solar aging. A good, thick makeup base with a sunblock within is a woman’s best friend!

Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366

Breaking the Acne Cycle!

2008-07-17T06:22:00.001-05:00

Acne the most common skin disorder in the US – affecting 17 million people, and not all of them teens. From infants to the elderly, 80 percent of the population experiences Acne at one time or another.

When skin cells block our pores, Acne results. Closed pores result in whiteheads, open pores in blackheads. Red inflamed areas occur when Acne bacteria break through the blackhead or whitehead. Most people with Acne experience a combination of these three, not only on the face, but on the back, chest, shoulders and neck as well.

Severe Acne can cause scarring, and often affects our self-image. Stress can play a role in Acne, by stimulating the adrenal glands, causing over-production of hormones. It is a vicious cycle that can leave us feeling stressed and stress in turn can worsen Acne.

Skin treatments can help alleviate Acne, but it is important to work on other aspects of your life that contribute to the problem, such as stress. Make a commitment to treatments and home-care in all these areas and break Acne's vicious cycle.

Check out products especially helpful for Acne Skin.

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. GreatSkin®.com carries many products that can address Acne in an effective way. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

Complexion scarred from past Acne? Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.
facial

Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.

Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366

Welcome to the Great Skin Blog

2008-07-16T08:16:00.004-05:00

We're pleased to present you state-of-the-art, premium skincare that incorporates the latest technological breakthroughs in skincare research.

Our products are far more potent than department store brands, and are the preferred choice of estheticians, doctors and discriminating men and women such as yourself who seek radiant, beautiful, younger-looking skin.

Greatskin's professional-grade products fight signs of aging while addressing specific issues such as blemishes, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and environmental damage caused by wind, sun and smoking. Take our free skincare analysis today, and our licensed estheticians will recommend products based on your skin type and specific needs

All Greatskin Skincare is formulated to give you beautiful, younger-looking skin without having to resort to cosmetic surgery. See for yourself! We're sure you'll be more than satisfied with the beautiful skin that will be yours with greatskin.