Start the new year with Obagi’s Nu-Derm®

January 10, 2012

Now that the new year is here, help set new skin care goals to look your best in 2012.

The Obagi® Nu-Derm System can help give you a fresh start to achieve healthy, beautiful skin all year long.

Out with the old and in with the new
Nu-Derm promotes cellular turnover by replacing old damaged skin cells with fresh new ones, transforming the skin from the inside out:

  • Minimizes the signs of premature aging
  • Reduces future photodamage
  • Helps skin look and act younger and healthier

Find out more about the benefits of Nu-Derm.  Call today for your private, personal complimentary appointment where we can discuss your aesthetic needs. 360-676-1111

My Best,

Nancy 

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Posted by nar27

Check out Obagi Blog

December 15, 2011

http://www.obagi.com/patients/blog

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Posted by nar27

Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser has a new location

September 29, 2011

Nancy's Mayan Riviera Vacation

Good afternoon! I just wanted to let everyone know that we have moved to a fabulous new location at 2930 Newmarket St. #115 in the Barkley Village neighborhood.  I hope you check out our new digs very soon.  We have a beautiful new office and are conveniently located near Barkley Haggens, Starbucks, Cuts Plus, and John L. Scott Real Estate. Our office is open Monday through Friday 9-5.  I am still working Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment. Stop by and say hi!  October Botox will be administered soon and appointments are filling quickly so give me a call so I can reserve a spot for you.  (360-676-1111)   Summer sun has given many of us a few more wrinkles and brown spots. Let me help you reverse these annoying signs of aging. Remember…don’t stop using your daily facial sunscreen just because we aren’t seeing so much of the sun now. It still is a vital part of your anti-aging routine.

My Best,
Nancy

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Posted by nar27

Sugar and Skin

November 3, 2010

I came across a great article by Dermalogica that reminded me again of the adage, ” You are what you eat.”  We all know how seductive and addictive sugar can be but did you know that  sugar impacts the function and quality of skin?

“Collagen, essential to skin strength and elasticity, is a protein.  A diet rich in sugar can create excess waste products in the form of glucose.  Instead of “burning off,” this glucose (sugar) attaches to proteins in our skin.  This process is classified as glycation, and leads to the formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs), which increases inflammation in the body.  Inflammation breaks down collagen and leads to the loss of elasticity: in laymen’s terms, this means wrinkles, sagging and loss of tone.”1

Let’s recommit to watching for hidden sugars by reading labels and limiting refined sugars in our diets.  Instead, fellow healthy aging warriors, let’s add more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains now that we know what’s good for our waistline is also good for our skin!

If you would like a personal consultation with me, Nancy Repanich, RN, please call 360-676-1111.  I offer complimentary visits where we can discuss your concerns in a private, comfortable environment.  Many options are available to help your skin improve so you can look and feel your best.  I look forward to hearing from you!

1 “skin reporter, dermalogica thinks skin, volume 8″

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Posted by nar27

Laser Hair Reduction….AKA Laser Hair Removal

July 21, 2010

I hope you have all been enjoying our beautiful sunny weather.  Blue skies and warm weather turn on endorphines making most of us feel happier and in my case, a bit lazier! 

Today, I’d like to remind my readers that laser hair removal /laser hair reduction /skin rejuvenation requires patients to be tan free.  When I orient my patients to the laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation process, I try hard to emphase just how important this is.  Unfortunately, people often forget and we end up rescheduling their appointment.

If you are currently receiving laser treatments or have plans to start, you will need to take steps to protect your skin so you can receive safe, effective treatments.  When skin tans, the darker skin pigment competes with intented targets like hair, brown spots, blood vessels.  As a result, side effects like hypo and hyperpigmentation, burns, and poor treatment outcomes can result. 

Recent tans can be very problematic so I require my patients to avoid unprotected UVA/ UVB exposure.  This can be achieved by applying broad spectrum sunscreens before exposure and every two hours during exposure.  Hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing are also important.  Even self tanners and tanning beds/booths can adversely effect results.

If you are being treated in an unexposed area like underarms or bikini, staying tan free is easier.  Just remember to take precautions as needed.  Sometimes people ask if they will always need to protect their skin from the sun after receiving laser treatment.  My answer is, “I’d love  to see ongoing protection from UV rays but having had laser treatment will not mean you can’t ever expose your treated areas to the sun.  It will not effect hair reduction post treatment but it can mean more brown spots after skin rejuvenation”.

Enjoy your summer!  Call for a free consultation with me at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser @ 360-676-1111.  I’d love to meet you and answer your aesthetic laser questions.

My Best,

Nancy R., RN

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Posted by nar27

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

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

Not Enough Lashes……GROW them longer, fuller, and darker!

March 31, 2010

If you haven’t heard about or seen the ads for Latisse®, you probably live on another planet.  Okay……maybe you read books and live in a cave!  But……if you watch any TV, read magazines or use the Internet, you’ve probably seen Brooke Shields batting her beautiful eyelashes.  It’s hard for me to believe she needed any more lashes to enhance her lovely self but apparently she needs a little help now and again like the rest of us!

Her weapon…….Latisse®, or bimatoprost opthalmic solution 0.03%.  This Allergan product is the first and ONLY FDA-approved prescription treatment for sparse eyelashes.  The fancy name for this “condition” is hypotrichosis.  If you are suffering from hypotrichosis, you are not alone!  I am amazed at the number of women who are clamoring  for Latisse®.  Why?  Simple.  It works!

It apparently works by extending the growing phase of eyelash growth.  Latisse® has been used for many years as a prescription product for lowering eye pressure.  In fact, it was the elder users that noticed this medication caused their eyelashes to grow and even hit their glasses.  Allergan saw opportunity here.  They picked up the patent and now even “younger” patients can have long, lush eyelashes.

You should know that it is not for you if you have eye pressure problems, eye infections, or some other eye issues.  Also, Latisse® may cause eyelid skin darkening and possible darkening of the iris or colored part of your eye.  The eyelid skin tends to darken along the lash line and is reversible.  It is very rare for the iris to darken and that may be permanent.  Talk to your health care provider to find out more.

Now that I’ve got you curious, I know you want the answer to this question,  ”How long does it take to work?”.  Allergan says most users will see visible results as early as week eight with full dramatic effects in 12-16 weeks.  My experience has shown results beginning in as little as two weeks.   I have patients that rarely use mascara any more.  Their motto: CURL and GO.  Of course, adding mascara just intensifies their long, darker, full lashes!  All of this……. for applying a tiny drop to the lash line each night.

Call me today if you want some of what Brooke Baby’s got@ 360-676-1111 (office).  We can set up a complimentary consultation so you can learn more.

See www.latisse.com for more information.

Before and after using Latisse

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Posted by nar27

What is Skin Rejuvenation?

February 11, 2010

What is skin rejuvenation all about and is it worth the money?  I hear this question often.  Skin rejuvenation refers to improvement in skin tone, texture, and color through use of an intense pulsed light system.  You might also hear it refered to as a photofacial or photorejuvenation.  Wavelengths of light disable unwanted targets which result from aging and the environment. 

It works best on lighter skin types and is especially good at targeting age/brown spots and blood vessels.  Popular treatment areas for skin rejuvenation are the face, neck, chest, and hands.   This treatment also stimulates collagen and reduces pore size a little.  As one of our best non-invasive anti-aging tools, it is most effective when done as a series of 4-5 treatments.  My patients love the effect on brown and red pigmented areas.  Some people have more dramatic results than others but all report an improvement. 

It is important that an IPL (intense pulse light)  machine be powerful enough and your operator be experienced.  Most people feel discomfort that they describe as the snap of a warm rubber band.  The sensation only lasts a second while the pulse of light is administered.  Next, they feel the cooling phase which is painless.  Burns, hypopigmentation, and hyperpigmentation are possible if guidelines are ignored. 

Treatment costs vary greatly depending on where you live and who does your treatment.  You can expect to spend anywhere from $250-$500 for a single facial treatment.  Typically, 3-5 full face treatments run $1000-$2500.  The neck, chest, and hands may also be priced individually or as a package.

To answer my original question, is skin rejuvenation worth the price?  I definitely think it is an effective way to improve skin condition, if brown spots, redness, blood vessel “issues”,  and aging skin are bothering you.  You can spend thousands of dollars on lotions, potions, and surgery and still not get the results seen with skin rejuvenation.  Imagine a face lift….tight skin but poor texture, brown spots, and “broken” blood vessels.  Is that money well spent?  Both tightening and skin rejuvenation result in a more youthful appearance but not everyone can afford or wishes to have surgery.  Skin rejuvenation can help you feel confident that you look your best and when you look good, don’t you usually feel better?

HAlibhai before skin rejuvenation

HAlibhai after 3 treatments

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Posted by nar27

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