Celebrate Healthy, Beautiful Women During National Women’s Health Week! | Obagi

Celebrate Healthy, Beautiful Women During National Women’s Health Week! | Obagi.

Great article friends!  Please check it out.  Time to be ready for all the fun summer events ahead.  I’m here at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser to help you reach your skin and hair reduction needs.  Call for your free consultation today.  360-676-1111.  I look forward to meeting with you.

My best,

Nancy

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

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 

Get Sun Savvy

It’s time to get serious about sun protection.  I just found an interesting site that analyzes your knowledge base when it comes to being sun savvy.  There is a great survey and pictures that help us see what skin cancer can look like.  I invite you to check it out and would love your feedback.  Why do so many people think skin cancer only happens to other people?  Is it something you think about?  What are you doing to protect yourself and your family? 

 http://www.playsmartsun.org/

Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser carries amazing sunscreens by Obagi, Colorescience, and Neocutis.  Let me recommend one that will work for you.  If you like your sunscreen, using it is easy!  Nothing magical about that, but oh so smart. 

 

Nancy Repanich, RN 

Healthy Skin

I recently found some great ideas you may not have thought about on www.aolhealth.com.  When it comes to skin, it seems endless factors influence its health and appearance.  Have you considered the following?

• Water hardness/softness determines how much and what kind of cleansers you should use.  Susan H. Weinkle, a professor of dermatology at the University of Florida says, “Soft water doesn’t remove soap well, so it can leave a residue on your skin.”  Thus, we should use much less soap or cleansers than are required with hard water.  I tell my patients, “Count 25 splashes when washing soap/cleanser off your face.”  When soap remains on our skin it can cause everything from dryness to irritation and breakouts.
• Add green tea to your diet to help blotchy or red skin.  If you have rosacea, try iced tea since hot beverages make rosacea  worse for many.  Research has also shown that the epigallocatechin gallate (try saying that fast ten times) in green tea is believed to help prevent collagen destruction which causes wrinkling and sun induced DNA damage.
• Don’t forget the damage stress does to our bodies.  When we are stressed, the body produces more cortisol, which can lead to oilier skin and a decreased ability to fight off acne producing bacteria.  Shouldn’t we all be working on decreasing stress in our lives?  Find that special or even everyday healthy activity that leads you to your “happy place”.  It can be as simple as daily walks, reflecting on what is good in your life or even just slow, mindful breathing.  Controlling stress doesn’t have to be hard.  We just make it that way!
• If you are having issues with breakouts or irritation around your mouth, try switching to plain toothpaste.  Added flavors, tartar control, and even fluoride for some individuals can cause problems.  Try some time off and use a very basic paste.  When resolved, get back on a basic fluoride toothpaste.
• Finally, be sure to get the recommended 8-10 glasses of water daily.  Well hydrated skin looks and feels so much healthier!  Flavor your water with a lemon or orange slice if you’d like but stay away from soda, too much coffee, fruit juice, and alcohol. 

My best to all of you,    Nancy

New Year: New You Special

We are nearing the end of January and I’m wondering how many people have made a New Year’s resolution regarding their skin.  If this is an area of concern for you, you are reading the right blog!  I would love to help you transform your skin.  One of the tools in my handy arsenal is the uber popular and effective skin care line called Obagi.

This skin care line makes changes at a cellular level that really make a difference in how your skin looks and acts.  My patients love it!

Good news….stock up or get started now.  I’ve got a great sale going and even gifts with purchase.  Call me today at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser (360-676-1111) and we can start or continue your transformation.  No kidding!!!!  Make this your year to look and feel your best.

Regards,    Nancy

Sugar and Skin

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”

Top 5 Anti-Aging Vitamins

I recently read an interesting article on “The 5 Best Anti-aging Vitamins” in the Spring-Summer issue of Newbeauty.  We all know that vitamins are important when it comes to looking and feeling our best.  “We learn from a young age that the right mix of vitamins and minerals is a crucial component for total body health, but, as we grow older, they play an ever-increasing role in helping fo fight the signs of aging as well.”1  Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a Nebraska dermatologist says, “In general, for healthy skin, vitamins applied topically is the best route but oral vitamins can’t be discounted as they are an important part of the equation.”2

So what are the top 5 topical vitamins?

1. Vitamin E– a powerful antioxidant which helps skin retain its natural moisture. 
2. Vitamin A– found in retinoids like Tretinoin and Renova.  It helps increase cell turnover which can decrease wrinkles, rough patches, fine lines, and brown spots.
3. Vitamin C– a fantastic free-radical chaser that increases collagen, decreases brown spots, promotes wound healing and tissue growth.  Especially great for treating sun-damaged skin.
4. Vitamin K– helps diminish the appearance of spider veins, under-eye circles, broken capillaries, and helps decrease bruising post-surgery or trauma.
5. Vitamin B3 or Niacin–  helps skin retain moisture which strengthens our natural skin barrier.  Also functions as a mild exfoliator when used in products.

Now that you know the importance of these five anti-aging vitamins, you can look for them in everything from face wash to serums and incorporate them into your skin care routine.  We have several great products here at Puget Sound Cosmetic Laser that utilize these vitamins to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.  Find more information in the Spring/Summer 2010 Vol 6 Issue 2 of Newbeauty.  www.newbeauty.com .

My Best,  Nancy

1 & 2) Spring/Summer 2010 Vol 6 Issue 2 of Newbeauty, pg. 103

Brown Spots

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.

Pre IPL treatment

Post IPL Treatment

Wedding Show

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! 

Ready to meet our visitors

Lots of options

Nancy & daughter, Laurel (the Bride-to-Be)

Introducing Neocutis Anti-Aging Skin Care

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.