by Carol Mandro, Skincare Associate

 Avene Cleansers at Skincare-MD

Cleansing is by far the most important part of your daily skincare routine. For many people, finding an effective  cleanser they can use can be difficult. Whether you have skin that has an allergic reaction to fragrance, colorants, parabens, or other cosmetic ingredients, skin that is scaly, itches, or is irritated, has redness, is sun burned, is oily or blemish prone, or is post procedure, Avene has a cleanser suited to your specific needs.

Cleansing is the first step to healthy, youthful looking skin!

You should cleanse your face twice daily to remove impurities. It is important to use a soap-free cleanser, one that does not strip your skin, dry your skin or irritate your skin. It needs to do its job without injury or irritation to your skin. A cleanser should leave your skin, clean, refreshed and healthy looking.

Skincare-MD carries a variety of cleansers to meet the specific needs of our patients.  We can recommend the right cleanser depending on what your skin type and sensitivities are. Avene cleansers are gentle and effective, for hypersensitive skin, post procedure skin, skin that is irritated, severely dry skin, oily blemish prone skin, skin that presents with redness and so on. Many are formulated with minimal ingredients to maximize tolerance. One is package in a patented dispenser that keeps the formulation sterile for the life of the product, indicated especially for patients post procedure. No matter what your needs, we have a soap-free, gentle, effective cleanser for your skin.

Avene Cleansers:

Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion-unique sterile packaging method

Extremely Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin-allergic skin

Diacneal Soap-Free Gel Cleanser-oily blemish prone skin

Trixera Selectiose Emollient Cleansing Gel-severely dry skin

Antirougeurs Anti-redness Dermo-cleansing Milky Fluid-sensitive skin prone to redness

For more information about the Avene cleanser, please refer to “Cleansing with Avene”  or for information about cleansers from other product lines please call Skincare-MD at 1-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

by Carol Mandro, Skincare Assoicate

Do you want to be sure your facial products have a better chance of absorbing into your skin so you get the best results?

Do you want your skin to look healthier and feel softer?

Try the Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush. It will remove six times more makeup than manual cleansing. It is more effective at removing sebum than manual cleansing. It is two times more effective as manual cleansing with soap and water. The Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush is especially effective for patients with large pores. It is gentle and safe to use for all skin types even on Rosacea patients, acne patients, on mature skin, and on patients with seborrheic dermatitits. Daily cleansing with the Clarisonic Pro prepares your skin to better absorb skin care products. (A recent study showed 61% better absorption of vitamin C.) The Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush with 4 speeds is available in Pink or White.

Delicate, Sensitive and Normal Brush Heads are available for the face and a Spot Therapy Brush Head is available for body cleansing. Clarisonic also has a complete line of cleansers to compliment the Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush.

• The Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Cleanser for All/Sensitive Skin with Free Promotional Brush Head
• The Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser for Normal/Dry Skin with Free Promotional Brush Head
• The Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser for Normal/Oily Skin with Free Promotional Brush Head
• The Clarisonic Refining Skin Polish for All Skin Types with Free Promotional Brush Head

The micro-massage action of the Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush with 4 speeds works deeply to unclog pores, sweeping away impurities for healthier, softer, younger-looking skin!

To purchase the Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush with 4 speeds, you must call our aesthetician at Skincare-MD at the telephone number listed below. To order any of the accessories for the Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush, you can either call Skincare-MD or order directly through our skincare website. Follow the links in this blog for all Clarisonic items.

For more information about the Clarisonic Pro Skincare Brush, please call Skincare-MD at 1-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

submitted by Carol Madro, Skincare Associate

Do you have adult acne?

Our Skincare-MD practice at the Plastic Surgery Center started carrying the Avene line of products about 6 months ago. I am in my 50’s and am plagued by minor but annoying breakouts. I started using Avene Diacneal Soap-Free Gel Cleanser and the Avene Diacneal Skincare Lotion with Retinaldehyde. It has worked for me.

I use this system at night every night. I can’t say it eliminated breakouts but it has certainly minimized the breakouts and the length of time they remain. My skin remains mostly clear and is a lot smoother too.

The Avene Diacneal Soap-Free Gel Cleanser removes excess sebum, make-up and impurities without drying my skin. It helps restore the hydrolipidic barrier often altered by other acne treatments/products.

I let my face dry completely, I then apply the Avene Diacneal Skincare Lotion with 0.1% Retrinaldehyde which provides the efficacy of Retinoids for blemish-prone skin with little or no irritation. I had no irritation from this form of Vitamin A at all. I am very happy with the results I am seeing with this product plus I am receiving anti-aging benefits of the Vitamin A with the 0.1% Retrinaldehyde.

Try it – Avene Diacneal Soap-Free Gel Cleanser and the Avene Diacneal Skincare Lotion with Retinaldehyde works (no prescription necessary)!

For more information about Avene Diacneal Soap-Free Gel Cleanser and the Avene Diacneal Skincare Lotion with Retinaldehyde, please call Skincare-MD at 1-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

submitted by Carol Mandro, Skincare Associate

Does your face always look Shiny or Oily?

Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer eliminates shine and controls sebum. Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer also help to keep the base color you put on true to color all day long. This cream to powder primer absorbs and controls oil by reducing sebaceous hypersecretion using hydrated silica which encapsulates the oil and forms a barrier between it and the make up so the wearer stays matte all day. It regulates the pH balance of the skin without affecting the skin’s moisture, only the oil. It calms and soothes the skin, reduces inflammation and redness and provides bacterial protection. You’ll also notice your skin will appear smoother because it fills in fine lines.

Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer can be used on any type of skin. It is available in Absence and Absence 2 for darker skin tones. (Note: the best brush to use for Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer is the Jane Iredale Foundation Brush.

Stay shine free all day with the Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer!

For more information about Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer, please call Skincare-MD at 11-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

submitted by Carol Madro, Skincare Associate

Do you have light colored eyebrows, sparse eyebrows, a scar in your eyebrow, or do they lack definition?

Now with the cute little Bitty Brow Kit from Jane Iredale, you can define and correct imperfections. The Jane Iredale Bitty Brow kit comes in Blonde and Brunette. Brush the brows with the little spoolie wand included in the kit, fill in with powder (wet it or use it dry) using one angle brow brush, and fix with the wax using the other angle brush.

That’s all there is to it, simply natural looking eyebrows with the Bitty Brow Kit by Jane Iredale!

For more information about Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit, please call Skincare-MD at 1-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

Submitted by Carol Mandro, Skincare Associate Skincare-MD.com

Jane Iredale mineral bases have become an integral part of patient care in this office because of their benefits to the skin and their ability to conceal almost any distraction.  Known worldwide as the skincare make-up, they are foundation, concealer, powder and sunscreen all in one. Jane Iredale mineral bases are concentrated pigment so you get excellent coverage without looking like you are wearing makeup. When you apply this makeup correctly, it is long lasting, light, sheer and luminous, never heavy or cakey looking. The mineral bases also contain algae extracts that help prevent dehydration, calm the skin, provide it with much needed antioxidants and provide UVA/UVB protection.

We use this Jane Iredale mineral makeup exclusively in our practice and sell the entire Jane Iredale product line on our skincare website, Skincare-MD.com. We use Jane Iredale mineral makeup especially after microdermabrasion when skin is red and irritated to immediately calm the skin and hide any redness. Our patients can go back to work without worrying how they look. We teach our patients how to use the Jane Iredale camouflage products to conceal redness associated with rosacea or acne, post procedure to conceal bruising, scarring, to conceal hyperigmentation, vitiligo, and even to cover tatoos.

There are no oils, talc, FD&C dyes, synthetic preservatives or fragrance, so it can even be used by patients with sensitive skin. They also have a “Very Water Resistant” rating from the FDA. Your skin breathes and functions normally.

And now Jane Iredale has received the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Products with this seal are Recommended as an Effective UV Protectant. Jane Iredale Amazing Base, Jane Iredale PurePressed Base, Jane Iredale Dream Tint, Jane Iredale Lip Drink and Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF have all received this seal for containing effective ultraviolet (UV) sunscreen. The range of SPF covered by these products is a minimum of SPF 15 and as high as SPF 30. We at Plastic Surgery PA and Skincare-MD feel that sunscreen is a necessity everyday for everybody to protect against the harmful UVA/UVB rays. We see the damaging effects and the aging effects of UVA/UVB rays on a daily basis on the faces of our patients.

Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup is a simple solution with so many advantages. Your skin will look flawless, young and healthy.

For more information about Jane Iredale products, please call -/877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

Submitted by Carol Mandro, Sales Associate for Skincare-MD.com

I recently completed a treatment on my dry, cracked heels with a new product we carry at Skincare-MD.com. Glytone Body Lotion, with a 17.5 glycolic free acid value, repaired my heels in one month. Even after two weeks, I could see improvement.

Below are my before photos of my left and right heel:

Below are my 1 month post treatment photos of my left and right heel:

I have this problem every winter with my heels drying out and cracking. They can get so bad they hurt. They run my stocking and catch on the bed sheets. Frankly, my feet were ugly and embarrassing. I am really pleased with how they look and how they feel now and recommend Glytone Body Lotion to anyone with a similar problem.

For really cracked and calloused feet, Glytone makes Glytone Body Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream with a 29.5 glycolic free acid value.

Be ready for sandal season!

You can read the full article “Glytone Body Lotion Repairs Cracked Heels in Less than a Month” in the Resource Articles section on the Skincare-MD.com website.

For more information about Glytone Body Lotion or Glytone Body Ultra Heel and Elbow Cream, please call Skincare-MD at 1-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

Submitted by Carol Mandro, Sales Associate of Skincare-MD.com

Quote from Carol’s Mom

“After having any surgery I have had problems with the healing of the incision. The scar becomes raised, ropey, and really ugly (keloid scarring). Recently after an open shoulder repair, my daughter suggested I try Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Treatment. It worked so well the scar is barely visible and it is flat. I would highly recommend this product to help reduce scarring after surgery.”

Dermatix Ultra forms a barrier against chemical, physical and microbial invasion of the scar site while assisting with hydration. Scars largely develop because collagen deposition is more random during the healing stages. Dermatix creates an environment which allows for better organization of the collagen and improves the physiological and cosmetic appearance of the scar.

• Fast Drying
• Painless
• Can be used on a round joints and bony areas
• For all skin types
• Old and new scars

Use once or twice a day (or more if directed by your physician) for 60 to 90 days on wounds that are closed.

For more information about Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Treatment please call our Skincare Office at 1-877-415-0600 or 1-603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST. Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Treatment can also be purchased through our Skincare-MD.com website. 

Submitted by Tom Ouellette, Skincare-MD.com Associate

Obagi Medical Products has hit it out of the park once again with their new RosaClear system, designed for patients with mild to severe rosacea.  Though I’ve not been diagnosed with rosacea, and though our esthetician does not feel that I have it, the general consensus in the office was that RosaClear might help reduce the reddish, mottled appearance in the area of my cheeks. 

For as long as I can remember, my skin flushed at the slightest provocation, (sun, heat, cold, even washing with tepid water).  I just figured I’d have to live with it for the rest of my life.  Enter the RosaClear system for Rosacea by Obagi Medical, comprised of four products, purchased either individually or in a kit.  Once again, I volunteered to be the “Guinea pig,” but this time the products actually worked!  Don’t get me wrong; the products we carry are some of the best available in the world, but they just weren’t right for my super-sensitive skin. 

Here are the four RosaClear steps:

• Step 1 – Gentle Cleanser, (I do this part in the shower). 
• Step 2 –  Metronidazole 0.75% Topical Gel, (long the gold-standard in treating rosacea, and very light on the skin). 
• Step 3 – Hydrating Complexion Corrector, (which goes on light and sufficiently hydrates the skin). 
• Step 4 – Skin Balancing Sun Protection SPF 30, (this lightly tinted cream with mica offers physical blocking of UVA and UVB rays, yet still goes on lighter than any sunscreen I’ve felt). 

In two short weeks, my skin tone grew more even, and the blotchy redness on my cheeks has waned to a healthy pink glow.  I am sold on this product line, and don’t intend to play “Guinea pig” anytime soon.  The ease and simplicity of the program fits my busy lifestyle, the products are no more pricy than anything you’d buy at a department store, but certainly the best part of using RosaClear by Obagi Medical for Rosacea is that people are noticing the change and complimenting me on my skin!  How bad could that be?!

For any other questions about the RosaClear by Obagi Medical for Rosacea, please visit our skincare website http://www.skincare-md.com or  contact one of our sales associates at 1-877-415-0600 or 603-296-4920 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST.

Submitted by Dr. Daniel A. Sterling

I am considering an Obagi Blue Peel. Is there a preconditioning protocol that needs to be followed prior to having a peel.

No facial resurfacing is done without a preconditioning protocol and that includes laser, acid peels, or dermabrasion. Standard treatment is the use of Retin A (tretinoin), as well as hydroquinone which will condition the skin. Specifically, the Retin A will stimulate thickening of the skin by stimulating increased deposition of elastin and collagen making the overall skin healthier. Hydroquinone is used to prevent post procedure hyper pigmentation or dark spots. This is usually done for a period of six weeks prior to having resurfacing done.

Contact Us for More Information

For confidential personalized information and advice, please call us at 1-800-640-0290 during business hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. EST. You can also visit our website for more information or use the online contact form to send an inquiry. LATE AFTERNOON & EVENING HOURS NOW AVAILABLE . 

An effective treatment to improve blotchy hyperpigmentation is the use of 4% hydroquinone. This concentration of hydroquinone is "physician strength" and not available over-the-counter. 2% hydroquinone is available over-the-counter but is not as effective in achieving results.

Glyquin XM with Sunscreen and Obagi Nu-Derm Clear are two products that contain 4% hydroquinone. Glyquin XM Skin Lightening Cream is designed to slowly "lighten" hyperpigmented skin conditions such as discoloration, brown spots or an uneven skin tone. Glyquin XM Skin Lightening Cream contains 4% hydroquinone, 10% glycolic acid, vitamin C and E, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 and hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a super-moisturizing ingredient which was added to Glyquin to relieve the irritation that is sometimes associated with hydroquinone use.

Obagi Nu-Derm Clear is part of an advanced skincare system and contains physician-strength 4% hydroquinoine, glycolics and tretinoin (Retin-A) to enhance effectiveness in improving hyperpigmentation in an easy to use series of numbered containers. It is not available over-the-counter or through spas. 

The Obagi NuDerm System begins to clear the skin in 2 weeks, with dramatic results by 8 to 12 weeks. Sometimes an Obagi Blue Peel at a later date will provide additional clearing.

From Left to Right: 
Photo 1: Before Obagi Nu-Derm Products: This patient came to our office with severe sun damage and mottled hyperpigmentation. Photo 2: 6 week follow-up Obagi Nu-Derm Products: Note improved complexion and reduction of cheek wrinkles. Photo 3:  22 day follow-up Obagi 15 percent Blue Peel: Customized Obagi 15 percent TCA Blue Peel (2 coats). Note tightening of skin and improvement of wrinkles. Continued clearing of complexion. Now on a maintenance program for the Obagi Nu-Derm products. Photo 4:  10 month follow-up Obagi 20 percent Blue Peel:  Customized Obagi 20 percent TCA Blue Peel was performed 2 months after her first 15 percent Blue Peel. Note the rose color is the result of increased blood supply to the collagen layer.
 
If hyperpigmentation is due to Melasma (usually hormonal), treatment with the Obagi NuDerm System is equally effective as shown in the photographs below.

From Left to Right: 
Photo 1: Before Obagi Nu-Derm Products: Severe hyperpigmentation, melasma and acne. Hyperpigmentation may be hormonal. Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skincare System recommended with 0.025% Tretinoin. Photo 2: 3 week follow-up Obagi Nu-Derm Products: Reduction in uneven skin tone. Improved skin clarity. Some blemishes due to mild irritation. Photo 3:  6 week follow-up Obagi Nu-Derm Products: Amazing results. Skin tone is more even. Reduction in hyperpigmentation. Fewer blemishes. Patient will continue with the Obagi Nu-Derm System for 2-3 skin care cycles (12 to 18 weeks). Photo 4:  26 week follow-up Obagi Nu-Derm Products: Excellent results after 4 skin cycles. Patient now on maintenance program. Malasma has completely disappeared. Patient very pleased with the results of the Obagi Nu-Derm Advanced Skincare System.

For more information or ordering information on Glyquin XM or the Obagi NuDerm System, visit our Skincare-MD.com website. Additional before and after photographs can also be found on our skincare website.

Contact Us With Your Questions
As always, we encourage you to call our office and speak to our licensed Esthetician, if you have any questions. We are always happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make product recommendations based on your conversation. Our MD Forte, Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx and Kinerase Advanced Skin Care Programs are all excellent for skin rejuvenation. We can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. Our esthetician is available during office hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST at 1-877-415-0600 or (603) 296-4920. You may also email us at info@skincare-md.com if you have any questions.

CLENZIderm MD Acne Therapeutic System  is a new anti-acne product developed by Obagi Medical Products to address 3 primary causes of acne.  CLENZIderm MD uses a new form of liquefied benzoyl peroxide along with salicylic acid for deeper penetration of the hair follicle/sebaceous gland (pilosebaceous duct). Studies indicate that no other single acne treatment or combnation therapy is proven to work on all three causes of acne, including excess oil, acne-causing bacteria and clogged pores.

Five clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CLENZIderm MD with uniform penetration, reduction of bacteria and rapid reduction of inflammatory lesions.

Before and After Photographs

CLENZIderm M.D. System is clinically proven to treat the three main causes of acne: excess sebum, skin cell buildup and P. acnes bacteria. Left photograph: Before CLENZIderm M.D. Right photograph: 2 WEEKS after CLENZIderm M.D

Contact Us With Your Questions
As always, we encourage you to call our office and speak to our licensed Esthetician, if you have any questions. Our esthetician is happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make product recommendations based on your conversation. Our MD Forte, Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx and Kinerase Advanced Skin Care Programs are all excellent for skin rejuvenation. Our esthetician can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. Our esthetician is available during office hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST at 1-877-415-0600 or (603) 296-4920. You may also email us at info@skincare-md.com if you have any questions.

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. has introduced ELASTIderm Day Eye Gel and ELASTIderm Night Eye Cream, two eye-therapy products clinically proven to help the natural abilities of skin to produce insoluble elastin, decrease the number of wrinkles and increase functional elasticity of the skin. Although most cosmetic treatment products to date utilize moisturizing ingredients to help reduce the appearance of lines around the eyes, ELASTIderm utilizes a patent-pending bi-mineral complex technology with malonic acid to offer a superior approach to anti-aging treatment without the use of line-plumping moisturizers.

ELASTIderm uses Obagi's exclusive Penetrating Therapeutics, an effective patent-pending technology that allows for greater penetration of an active agent across the skin barrier to stimulate functional elasticity and to enhance the resilience of the skin around the eyes. Recent clinical studies on ELASTIderm demonstrated a statistically significant 46% increase in functional elasticity after nine weeks of use.

Formulated with a bi-mineral complex that works to replenish and cross link elastin to support collagen and give skin functional elasticity, the scientific data revealed the patent-pending complex was effective in improving the elasticity of photoaged skin and visibly reducing periorbital lines. A significant increase in elasticity was achieved within only two weeks and elasticity continued to increase over an eight-week period. Importantly, the increase in elasticity was independent of moisturization, indicating the effects of the bi-mineral complex were not simply the consequence of increased hydration.

Contact Us With Your Questions
As always, we encourage you to call our office and speak to Dawn Mailhiot, our licensed Esthetician, if you have any questions. Dawn is happy to talk to you about your skin type and condition and make product recommendations based on your conversation. Our MD Forte, Obagi Nu-Derm, Obagi-C Rx and Kinerase Advanced Skin Care Programs are all excellent for skin rejuvenation. Dawn can help you decide which skin care program would be best for you. She is available during office hours Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. EST at 1-877-415-0600 or (603) 296-4920. You may also email Dawn at info@skincare-md.com if you have any questions.