A common question we get asked is what products we use and recommend to our friends and family. We have compiled a list of our staff’s favorite products, and how they changed our skin! And we are excited to introduce a few members of our Appearance Center team.

Acne is caused by a variety of factors. These factors include increased p. acnes bacteria, increased oil production by oil glands, “clogged pores,” genetic susceptibility, and increased androgen hormones. It is important to target multiple causes of acne to best control it. There are many “tried and true” options and some newer and less well known treatment options. 

Initial treatment options for mild to moderate acne focus on consistent application of topical products. 

Face washes should contain an active ingredient against acne. Examples include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. After washing the face, topical retinoids are used. Prescription retinoids such as retin-A and tretinoin increase cell turnover and prevent “clogged pores.” Retinoids work best against comedonal acne which refers to whitehead and blackhead acne. Retinoids are a staple of acne management and are also a popular anti-aging product as they improve skin texture and fine lines. 

Antibiotics are another cornerstone of acne management- especially inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne usually appears as red bumps or nodules. Topical and oral antibiotics reduce p. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation leading to acne lesions. These are usually used in conjunction with topical retinoids. 

Hormones contribute to acne because androgens stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil. Oil rich environments allow p. acne bacteria to thrive and cause more acne breakouts. Females who break out during their menstrual cycle or primarily have bumps and nodules along their jawline often respond to hormonal therapies including oral contraceptives and oral spironolactone. Unfortunately, these options are not available to males. However, a new drug, Winlevi, offers a topical antiandrogen option for both males and females. 

The ultimate acne treatment is isotretinoin, previously known by a brand name, “Accutane.” Some patients may be nervous about isotretinoin because it is highly regulated due to causing birth defects in pregnant women. However, it is usually well tolerated and is extremely effective at eliminating active acne. Isotretinoin is also the only medication shown to cause long term remission of acne. 

The above options can control acne well, but it can be frustrating when there are breakthrough lesions. Some additional options for breakthrough lesions include chemical TCA peels (VIPeels), vascular laser (V-beam laser) treatments, and steroid (kenalog) injections. 

VIPeels are a chemical peel that include anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to promote cell turnover and reduce inflammation and hydroquinone to lighten acne scarring. 

V-beam and Kenalog can be used to spot treat a stubborn or inflamed lesion. V-beam is a laser that delivers energy to kill active acne bacteria or treat red scars left behind by previous acne lesions. Kenalog is a steroid that is injected directly into an acne lesion to reduce inflammation. Kenalog is especially useful before a big event because it works quickly, usually reducing a lesion within 24-48 hours. Kenalog is also useful to treat hypertrophic or keloid scars from cystic acne. 

With so many options available, it is important to meet with a provider to discuss which option(s) are best for you. 

Microneedling is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure with a short treatment time, minimal downtime, and noticeable improvement within a few days. It is also cost efficient while still providing long-lasting results. It is performed with a hand-held device containing a tip with very tiny needles. This creates micro wounds in the skin, which help to increase the production of collagen and other healing factors. This results in beautifully refreshed skin, smaller pores, a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more even skin tone.

Some of the most common benefits that our patients experience include: • Tighter, lifted skin due to collagen production • Minimized pores • Improvement with fine lines and wrinkles • Reduction of acne scars • Reduction of surgical scarring and stretch marks Microneedling is safe on almost all skin types. To maintain the results of your treatment, you may need multiple sessions and perhaps other complementing treatments. We can advise you on the best plan of action based on your individual goals.

 

Dr. Adam Aronson has joined our team! He is a Board Certified Dermatologist with an interest in cosmetic treatments that can compliment and enhance healthy skin.

Dr. Aronson specializes in injectable treatments, dermal fillers, advanced skin care, laser treatments and chemical peels.

Dark circles under the lower eyelidsare common in men and women. Often accompanied by bags, dark circles can make you appear older and tired. Fortunately, there are options to improve the appearance of the undereyes.

 What causes dark circles?
There are a number of contributing factors, including

What can be done to address dark circles?

• Injectables/fillers to help replace lost volume and reduce dark shadowing under the eyes (see below).
• Skin care products such as SkinCeuticals A.G.E Eye Complex or the ZO Growth Factor Eye Serum to smooth and  brighten the under eye skin. (Available at the Appearance Center.)
• CO2 laser resurfacing to tighten skin and reduce discoloration.
• You may be a candidate for eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. Speak with one of our surgeons to learn more.

All of our providers are available for injectables. Additionally, our PAs are available for free consultations on skin care, injectables and lasers. 

We are pleased to be offering the VI Peel, a chemical peel that is a blend of acids, retinol, and vitamins that goes beyond a general resurfacing peel to treat specific conditions, including:

• Acne and acne scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles

Benefits of the VI Peel include:

• Restoring a more even skin tone
• Smoothing away rough skin
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

This peel is applied in the office onto clean skin. It is left on for four hours, and the patient reapplies a solution later that evening, and peeling usually happens day three through day five. It is safe for all skin types, and is considered a medium-depth peel. Results are enjoyed in about seven days, and maximum results are achieved by doing multiple peels.

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We are currently offering a special! The price of one VI Peel is $425, but if you purchase a package of three VI Peels for $1,050. This is a savings of $225, or $75 per peel. Maximum results are achieved by doing multiple peels.

Vbeam is a classic laser treatment that uses pulsed dye laser (PDL) to treat a wide range of skin conditions. It is often referred to as a vascular laser because it is primarily used to treat skin issues related to blood vessels, including:

• Rosacea
• Broken Capillaries
• Scars
• Age Spots
• Inflammatory Acne

It delivers an intense but painless burst of light to the skin and the light selectively damages the blood vessels. These blood vessels are reabsorbed by the body, allowing for a cleaner, more refreshed appearance.

Safe, Quick and Visible Results

Eyes are protected with goggles during the procedure. Vbeam treatments are quick and feel like a warm blast hitting the skin. Downtime is minimal, with maybe a few hours of redness and mild pain, and makeup can be applied immediately after treatment.

Some conditions can be treated with one appointment, others may require multiple treatments. The number of sessions for maximum results is determined by a specialist