Brown Spots

June 30, 2010

Brown spots…….liver spots, age spots, sun spots, solar lentigines, sun-induced freckles are some of the many names for those pesky spots most of us will eventually discover on our bodies as we age.  They are benign (not cancerous) but can be a risk factor for skin cancer.  Brown spots are the body’s way of protecting us from excess sun or UV exposure.  They are found most commonly on areas exposed frequently to the sun like on our faces and hands.  Shoulders, forearms, and legs are also often affected. 

Our skin pigment is related to the presence of melanocyte cells.  As we age and our skin is damaged by the sun, our melanocyte cells are no longer evenly distributed in our skin and may bunch up.   The result is the not so lovely brown spot.  There are other causes of brown spots like medications such as birth control pills, diseases, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, and genetics but UV exposure is the most common cause.

Fortunately, there are many treatments for this malady.  My favorite is using sunscreen with SPF of 30 or greater.  If we consistently use sunscreen, the brown spots we have may fade and new ones can be prevented.  Other topical treatments include kojic acid, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, green tea, hydroquinone and vitamin C serums. 

Our Intense Pulsed Light laser at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser is an excellent treatment for pigment and brown spot issues.  The laser works when its light is attracted to the spot(s).  The light turns into heat which disables the spot(s).  The spots will initially darken and one to three weeks later flake off.  Most people get satisfactory results in one to five treatments.  Pretreating with topical applications can help improve results.

If brown spots are bothering you, give me a call today @ 360-676-1111 to set up a free consultation where we can find a treatment that is right for you.

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Posted by nar27

New and Better Sunscreens

June 8, 2010

I last wrote about skin cancer and today I’d like to focus on sunscreens.  Have you ever thought you or someone you knew were allergic to sunscreen?   Research and experience have revealed that all sunscreens are not created equally and many of us do have allergies or sensitivities to sunscreen. 

The good news is that some newer sunscreens do a much better job protecting us from UV light and are less irritating.  The Skin Cancer Foundation is now addressing both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and requiring labeling that tells consumers what they can expect from their sunscreens.  Of course, if you don’t routinely apply sunscreen as directed it doesn’t matter.  I tell my patients to think of sunscreen as UV screen.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, our sunny days are sometimes few and far between.  When I talk about sunscreen people often say, “It’s not sunny so I didn’t wear any today”.  My answer to them is, “If you can read a book in the amount of light you are exposing yourself to, you need UV screen,  AKA sunscreen”.  It’s time we get serious and think of tanned skin as damaged skin.  It is our body trying to protect us from UV light.

Did you know that UV screens are considered either organic or inorganic?  I’ll bet your first thought is that an organic screen must be the healthiest.  Actually, being organic doesn’t mean natural when it comes to sunscreens.  It means it is made of carbon, hydrogen, and other ingredients.  These organic or chemical sunscreens eliminate  UV rays by creating free radicals or unstable molecules that can damage DNA, depress our immune system, age us, and increase our risk of skin cancer.  There is growing research that organic sunscreens can effect our hormonal balance by mimicking the effects of estrogen.

For me, inorganic UV screens are a better choice.  These are the rocks or foundation that I use for UV protection.  Funny thing is……they really are made of rocks.  Physical UV screens consist of microscopic minerals that work by reflecting and refracting UV rays away from our skin.  People have very few allergic reactions to these inorganic screens.  The main ones you will see are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.  The rest of my weapons include: sun glasses, sun protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and basically seeking shade whenever I can.

When minerals have been micronized they are  stable, fragrance free, and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).  My favorite sunscreen, oops…UV screen is made by Colorescience and is powdered sun protection.  It is easy to apply, doesn’t burn your eyes, is highly water resistent and offers full spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.  I love their Sunforgettable powdered product that comes in a convenient tube with a brush and is easy for men and women to carry and use.

I’ll be you never knew there was so much to know about sunscreen/UV screen and I’ve only scratched the surface.  You will continue to hear more as people wake up and realize that it is up to them to protect their skin.  Time to stop using excuses like, “I’m allergic to sunscreen” and “I don’t like it running in my eyes”.  Call me today if you would like more information on the products we carry and ideas to help protect your skin.  Come visit us at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser or call me, Nancy @ 360-676-1111.

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Posted by nar27

May is Melanoma Month

May 13, 2010

Anybody that knows me or talks to me for more than five minutes knows I’m the Sunscreen Nazi.  I don’t even feel bad about it.  If I can get even one person to change their sunscreen and sunbathing habits, I feel my militant stance is worthwhile.  “Ya, ya, ya”….you say.  “I’ve heard it all before.”  “We don’t get that much sun around here so why worry?”  “Skin cancer is what other people get….not me.”  ”I feel better with a little color.”

Fact.  Skin cancer is the most common form of Cancer in the US.  More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year.  (Skin Cancer Foundation)

Fact.  Melanoma is the third most common cancer in women ages 20-39.  (Skin Cancer Foundation)

Fact.  Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 increases Melanoma risk by 75 percent. (Melanoma International Foundation)

Fact.  Skin cancer is the number one cancer in men over age 50, ahead of prostate, lung and colon cancer.   (Skin Cancer Foundation)

Fact.  Approximately 59,940 will be diagnosed this year, with nearly 8,110 resulting in death.  (Melanoma International Foundation)

Fact.  Eighty percent (80%) of our lifetime sun exposure/sun damage occurs before the age of 18.  (The Skin Cancer Foundation)

Fact.  One person dies every hour from Melanoma.(Melanoma International Foundation)

Fact.  Skin cancer affects one in five Americans.  (Cancerpage.com)

Do I have your attention?  Okay, prevention isn’t that difficult.

  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily.  30 is prefered.
  • Wear protective clothing and accessories, such as wide brimmed hats and sunglasses.
  • Stay out of the sun during midday hours (10am-3pm) &/or seek shade whenever possible.
  •  Set a good example for children.
  • Follow the “Shadow Rule”- if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s damaging rays are at their strongest and you are likely to burn.
  • Avoid tanning salons or lamps.
  • Check your skin regularly and seek professional treatment from an experienced medical professional qualified to diagnose abnormalities.  (Suggestions from Colorescience)

If you have questions about how to protect your skin from UV light please call or e-mail me.  I sell several excellent sunscreen products that carry the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval.  Don’t let ignorance or indifference prevent you from taking action.  As a Melanoma survivor myself, I urge you to take precautions and seek medical attention if needed.  Your life or the life of a loved one depends on it!

3 Comments | Skin Care | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by nar27

Wedding Show

April 29, 2010

I enjoyed the 2010 Organized Bride Spring Bridal Show in Ferndale Washington a couple of weeks ago.  It was fun meeting everyone who is planning a wedding, especially since my daughter is too.  Sometimes it takes a big event like a wedding, a reunion, or a special birthday to get us thinking about looking our best.  Brides visiting our table were most interested in laser hair removal and Latisse for growing eyelashes.  Mothers were most interested in Botox and skin rejuvenation.  We had lots of interest in our products and services.  Unfortunately, it was a lovely spring day and that kept the number of visitors down. 

If you are somebody that has been putting off spending money and time on aesthetic products and services, I invite you to come visit Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser for a free, no pressure consultation.  Be ready for all the upcoming spring and summer events.  Remember….when you look good, you feel good! 

1 Comment | Botox and Fillers, Eyes, Laser Hair Removal, Skin Care, Skin Rejuvenation | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by nar27

Introducing Neocutis Anti-Aging Skin Care

March 17, 2010

Obagi is a fantastic skin care line and I have seen amazing results but, as I have blogged in the past, it’s not for everyone.  Because of this, I am excited to share with you news that we have added the Neocutis skin care line here at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser.  These products have been developed after many years of medical research.  Swiss technology was used to discover potent anti-aging proteins called PSP®, Processed Skin Cell Proteins which include Human Growth Factors, Cytokines and Interleukins.  These ingredients have an incredible anti-aging effect and have been incorporated into Neocutis’ products. 

Neocutis will help revitalize, nourish and restore aging skin.  The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are diminished in as little as 2 months.  Patients report improved skin tone and texture.  Recovery after cosmetic procedures like peels, micro-dermabrasion, laser/IPL treatments, and cosmetic surgery can be improved significantly.  This line is especially good for sensitive and irritated skin.

Three products that I am especially excited about are their eye cream, skin cream, and a day lotion that includes both antioxidants and UVA/UVB sunscreen.  For people who want to minimize steps in their skin care routine, this is the line for you!!!

The anti-aging day cream is called Journee Bio-restorative Day
Cream with PSP®, a long name for a product packed with anti-oxidants, hylaluronic acid, and SPF 30+ which protects, rejuvenates, and hydrates skin.  All of this in a one minute complete anti-aging treatment.  Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Lumiere is a fancy name for “less eye wrinkles”!  It contains 30 % more of the PSP© to help firm and hydrate the delicate skin under and around the eyes.  It helps diminish fine lines, under eye circles, and puffiness.  In a multi-center study, Lumiere “was found to reduce the visible signs of peri-orbital skin aging when used twice daily for a period of 6 weeks”.¹

Bio-restorative Skin Cream with PSP® works great for reducing irritation and soothing skin when used in combination with topical medications for rosacea, anti-acne or retinoid treatments.  I especially like using it after laser/IPL treatments.  It works well on sensitive, reactive skin and is non-comedogenic, free of color and fragrance additives.

I welcome your questions and interest in the Neocutis line of products.  Check out their website at www.NEOCUTIS.com .  As always, we offer complimentary consults.

¹Lupo M., Cohen J., Rendon M., Novel Eye Cream Containing a Mixture of Human Growth Factors and Cytokines for Periobital Skin Rejuvenation, Journal of
Drugs in Dermatology. 2007: 6:725-729.

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Posted by nar27

Transformational Skin Care

February 23, 2010

Have you ever wondered why some people’s skin seems to glow?  Think about children with their shining little faces.  The light just seems to bounce off and reflect their joy.  How about pictures of you when you were in your teens or early twenties?  You may have suffered from acne at times but you still had the glow of youth.  Now think about how you look today.

Is your skin dull, irritated, wrinkled and not representing that youthful person you still have inside?  I have many men and women who come to me requesting help rediscovering younger skin.  The system I use to help transform their skin is called Obagi.  It was developed several years ago by a dermatologist, Dr. Obagi, who wanted to help skin look younger and healthier.

His goal was to actually transform skin at the cellular level by treating photodamage and restoring healthy functioning skin cells.  We all know that skin reflects environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors.  Some of these we control, others depend on the parents we “chose”.  This system is prescription strength which penetrates below the surface of your skin helping cells function as they were intended and correct damage already present. 

In future posts, I will share more about this amazing system that has changed so many people’s lives.  I welcome your questions.  Obagi products are not for everyone.  They are for committed individuals who are tired of wasting their time and money on treatments that don’t work.  After an initial investment of time and money, you will be closely monitored during the skin transformation process.  I work as my patients’ “skin rejuvenation” coach and help personalize their treatment protocol.  Like going to the gym to tone up, it takes time to have healthy skin.  People usually experience a few side-effects as their skin adjusts to the treatment.  Tools are available to help them through the adaptation process.  The average period needed to reveal clearer, firmer, more even and toned skin is just 12 to 18 weeks.

I encourage you to check out Obagi’s website at www.obagi.com .  Please call me with any questions or to schedule a free, no pressure consultation at 360-676-1111.  Let me help you rediscover the youthful person inside of you!

Before Obagi

 
 
  
After Obagi

After Obagi

 

 

 

 

 

Before Obagi

 

After Obagi

 

 

Images courtesy of Obagi Medical Products web site www.obagi.com .

2 Comments | Skin Care | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by nar27

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