I LOVE IPL

show details Mar 3

For many of us, it takes a “major event” to spur us into action. For me, it was the wedding of my son, Christopher. I took a long look in the mirror and was sad and embarrassed by the condition of my skin. The sun-time I so loved had left my skin a mess. I realized that it was time to take action or spend countless hours trying to cover up and conceal - NOT a pleasant thought. Thankfully, I chose to address the problem, which led me to Dr. Carol and Timeless Skin Solutions.

When I am asked “what is your favorite treatment?” the answer is easy – IPL! Those were the first magic words that Dr. Carol said to me! She explained that through a series of IPL treatments – Intense Pulsed Light my sun spots and discoloration would fade and reveal fresh younger looking skin..... AND IT DID! I was thrilled with my results.

This easy, no down-time treatment helped take years of sun damage off my face.

If you are a sun-worshiper with regret, you spend time looking in the mirror thinking “how did I get here?” or if you would like to freshen up, but can’t take time out for down time, IPL could be the answer.

If you would like to learn more about IPL, or other treatments please contact me at Timeless Skin Solutions.

Mad Money

If you're like me, you despise tax season. I normally do my own taxes because in my mind I just cannot justify paying someone to tell me what I should be paying someone else. With the way the economy is today even Jim Cramer is making mistakes. I'm pretty sure he's still kicking himself for not investing in NetFlix.

With all of the things that we can be wrong about when it comes to our money one thing that you can never go wrong with is spending it on something that makes you feel good. Televisions and computers are outdated within weeks, clothes only fit a certain way for so long, and make-up and hair products expire before you make the life change to really use them everyday. So after sifting through all of the things that might not be the best idea what are we left with? Our skin and our bodies! You'll only have your one body and of course our skin changes with us. Here are some of my favorite ways that Timeless can help you make you feel good about spending your return (or making yourself feel better after you've had to pay the government!)

Botox: If you read my last blog (and if you didn't, shame on you, I was told it was entertaining) then you know how thrilled I was with my results. I'm about to begin month three and my strong eyebrow muscles still haven't been giving me the terrible wrinkles that I was used to frowning at in the mirror. The injections are incredibly quick and if you've been furrowing your brow since January over the IRS, furrow no more and save yourself the future wrinkles!

Chemical Peels: I cannot rave enough about chemical peels (and the fact that they're 20% off through April 16th doesn't hurt either!). I had my chemical peel on a Thursday evening and by Monday morning I can't count how many compliments I received not only about how my skin looked, but some people didn't even know what was different about me! My favorite quote: "Lyns, I don't know what you did differently, but you look really great", and keep in mind that the compliment didn't come from my significant other who is required by relationship law to compliment me. Expect to peel on days 3 and 4, but with a light peel I was comfortable with being out in public house hunting and grocery shopping.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): I adore this treatment! I'm a fair-skinned, freckle-faced, reddish-hue hair colored mess. The IPL procedure helps to even out skin tones, hyperpigmentation (freckles, sun-damaged skin), and reduces redness. My favorite part was there was absolutely no down time. I was out and about within ten minutes of my treatment, if you're even a little concerned with how you'll look, my fair skin was a tiny bit pink, as if I had a slight sunburn. The color on my face faded quickly and my freckle count seemed to go down after a few days.

Laser Hair Removal: The sun is shining, skin is showing and honestly, that means you might need to shave everyday and how annoying is that? I personally have not done any laser hair removal, but it's something I'm ridiculously interested in because of the results I've seen on others. My mother has had laser hair removal previously and is very happy with how her treatment area turned out. Now hair "removal" is best described as a permanent hair reduction. The biggest thing to remember when you are having this treatment is not to wax or pluck the area your unwanted hair dwells. The laser fixates on the pigment of the hair. The easiest way to do a quick self check on whether or not your hair is appropriate for laser removal is if the hair itself is darker than your skin. Unfortunately hair that is blond or gray/white would not have the same results as brunette or black hair. So shave away but don't pluck! If you want some more great info about laser hair removal check out Amanda's blog from last week!

So while you're finishing up all of your tax forms (and make sure anything you send is postmarked by tax day, because that's another headache you don't want) think about all of the great things you can do for yourself. And Jim Cramer might think he knows everything about your money, unless it's about Verizon becoming a mainstream cable provider (a 2008 prediction if you're curious) or how it truly is better to invest in something solid, like yourself.

Truth Time: I Have a 5 O’clock Shadow

For me, summer time means tank tops, bathing suits, and warm starry nights – nowhere in this romantic picture do I ever envision dealing with a 5 o'clock shadow on my armpits. This is hardly what I would call attractive. Shaving is tedious, can leave behind uncomfortable ingrown hairs, and when I shave in the morning, I'm already dealing with the beginning of little dark hairs starting to grow back by night fall…..maybe even by lunch time.

Since working at Timeless, I have been lucky enough to receive treatment for this little problem o' mine, and the results have been fantastic. Because of the way it works, you need at least 5 treatments to successfully reduce your hair growth, and the benefits honestly outweigh the minor disadvantages.

So, what are the advantages?

1. No more hair!! Need I say more?

What are the disadvantages?

1. It isn't painless – People say it feels like a rubber band snapping against your skin, and I think that's a fair assessment, but in my head I compare it more to someone touching your skin with a hot lighter for a second. Not quite the same image that a cute little rubber band gives you, but that's how I see it. The good thing though, is that the pain is very short-lived, we give you numbing cream to put on before you come in, and in 10 minutes (about how long it takes to have your underarms treated) you're in and out of here and you can go on about your day and forget it even happened.

2. It cannot treat hairs without pigment - So if you have light blond hairs or white/gray hairs, you are not a candidate for laser hair removal. It is unfortunate, but because the laser is removing the hair by targeting the pigment in it, the light hairs you have will not go away.

All in all, laser hair removal is 100% worth your time and money. Anything that means saying goodbye to annoying stubborn hairs and hello to smooth and silky skin once and for all sounds good in my book.

The Staff at Timeless Shares their Chemical Peel Experiences

Last week the Timeless Skin Solutions staff treated themselves to chemical peels. Read their stories ….

Kristy Suttle
When it comes to chemical peels I have always thought Samantha Jones from Sex and the City and her crazy red face! For those of you who watched the show, you know what I am talking about! With the image of Samantha in my head I had serious concerns, ok maybe even fears, about getting a chemical peel. I was relieved to learn that while there are peels that can leave you looking like this, there are also milder peels that do a great job of freshening up the skin.

My chemical peel experience went as follows:
While Allyson applied the chemical peel I experienced a slight burning sensation. This was followed by itchy skin for several hours later. I took a Zantac, yes the medicine for heartburn, to stop the itching. My skin was pink the day I received the peel. The following day my skin looked pretty normal. Day 3 and 4 my skin was peeling and flaking but looked fine as long as I kept a bit of moisturizer on it. The key is to have a moisturizer that does not irritate the skin at this point. I used SkinMedica's TNS Ceramide Cream. I am now on day 5 and my skin looks glowy and radiant! I plan to make chemical peels part of my overall skin care plan!

Amanda Logan
My skin has been uncharacteristically broken out lately and I've actually been pretty down about it – I was lucky enough to never have suffered from acne in the past, so this has been an interesting lesson for me. Allyson suggested that I do a SkinMedica Illuminize Peel to start out because I'm not very "good" at the kind of peeling you have to go through with the deeper peels. The Illuminize is a really light, superficial peel that doesn't actually make you shed all that much skin. It has alpha hydroxy acids, phytic acid and salicylic acid and then Allyson topped off the peel with some retinoic acid to give it a boost. The retinoic isn't always added with this peel, but I'm glad she chose to do so because I think it has given me a better result. Today is day 3 of my peel, and I'm still a little peely, but my skin is way smoother than before and all of my zits have dried up! This probably isn't the peel for a more severe acne patient, but for someone who wants a quick pick-me-up, little downtime, and smoother, clearer, more rejuvenated skin, it's definitely the way to go.

Allyson Sterling, PA-C
Staff Education at Timeless Skin Solutions: Chemical Peels

Each month at Timless Skin Solutions we have a staff meeting where I take some time to provide staff education over one of our treatments, products, or dermatologic issues in general. This past month we reviewed chemical peels because everyone at the office was getting them! Below are some of the specifics (probably more detail that you want to know!) of what our staff education entailed.

Uses:
Chemical peels can be used on the face, neck and body, including the décolleté and back. Chemical peels can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions. Some of these include: acne and mild scarring, a more youthful, refreshed and radiant appearance to skin texture and tone, restored sun-damaged, wrinkled, or blotchy skin and younger, tighter and fresher looking skin. It is important to note that chemical peels cannot treat all issue; deeper lines, wrinkles and other flaws will require additional intervention.

Mechanism of Action:
Chemical peels are used to improve the skin's appearance by applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing the top layers of skin to dehydrate, separate and peel off removing the skin's damaged outer layers. The precise formula and depth of a peel can be modified for each individual's needs. Patients will note immediate improvement after 1 peel, and dramatic results after a series of peels with little downtime.

Comparison to other treatments:
We can enhance the results of a chemical peel with laser/light-based rejuvenation techniques, or combine with another procedure, such as dermal fillers or Botox. In comparrison to microdermabrasion or Silk peels, chemical peels utilize a chemical solution which is applied to the skin to remove the surface tissue. During a microdermabrasion we use a mechanical method to achieve a similar result. The goal of both procedures is to rejuvenate and exfoliate the skin. A chemical peel, however, has the ability to go much deeper than physical microdermabrasion.

Treatment duration:
During a chemical peel, most patients experience a warm to hot sensation that may last about 5 to 10 minutes and may be followed by some stinging. The skin will become pink/red, which is followed by scaling that lasts three to five days. Sometimes Retin A or alpha hydroxy acid is used to pre-treat the skin. This thins out the skin's surface layer, allowing the chemical solution to penetrate more deeply and evenly.

Complications/Contraindications:
Patientswho are allergic to salicylates or aspirin should not receive a chemical peel. Other patients who are not candidates for a chemical peel include patient's taking Accutane, pregnant or breastfeeding patients, patients with excessive sun exposure, patients with active herpes simplex, warts, history of keloidal scarring, or patients who have recently waxed or used a depilatory such as "Nair" or "Vaniqua." There are several complications that could occur following a chemical peel. Do NOT ever pick or pull at the flaking or peeling skin, it can cause scarring or an infection. Certain skin types also have a risk of developing a temporary or permanent skin color change. Hyperpigmentation (excessive coloration) and hypopigmentation (lack of pigmentation) can be problematic of misdiagnosed skin types, failure to reveal any skin problems or ethnicity and improper post-peel care.

Limitations:
While chemical peels are a wonderful tool to refresh, rejuvinize and improve skin texture, quatity and tone, they do have their limitations. Chemical peels cannot tighten loose or sagging skin, remove deep scars, change pore size or remove broken blood vessels on the face; however, the procedure may improve the appearance of these conditions.

We are all big fans of chemical peels here at Timeless Skin Solutions!

What's in your bag?

Vacations can be fun, exciting and let’s not forget…stressful!

Today is the day before I embark on my vacation, a western Caribbean cruise! I am trying to get my bags packed, my camera and ipod charged and not forget any of the items I cannot live without. Last week I asked the other Timeless staff members to not only give me advice for packing, but to let me know what products they cannot live without! Most of us are on a full skincare regimen, and with airport security, it is tough to take it all! Take for example one of our patients who had their full Obagi regimen in their carry on and when stopped by airport security and told to “throw it away” she said she would rather miss her flight!

So what should you take on vacation?

Here is what our staff has to say:

Allyson Sterling
My last trip was to Grand Cayman. I don't leave home without my Clarisonic Brush! The charge lasts about 3 to 4 weeks and I would be lost without it. I also packed my Skin Medica Facial Cleanser, which removes make-up and cleanses skin all at once. My other must-haves include Obagi's 20% Vitamin C, a great antioxidant to help balance out the damaging rays of the sun, and TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer with SPF, a great 3-in-1 product to moisturize, protect and promote healing for sun exposed skin.

Kristy Suttle
My last trip was to Drummond Island, Michigan located off the Upper Peninsula. My bag contains no make-up because it is an extremely relaxed vacation in rustic cabins on Lake Huron - besides after using Obagi and Latisse I don't feel the need for cover-up or mascara! The things I would not travel without ... my Clarisonic Brush, sunscreen and skincare products (Obagi and Skin Medica Essential Serum).

Mary Beth Estwanik
This is easy … My next trip will be to Bermuda. My bag will include my Clarisonic Brush and my new Opal!! Next in goes my Obagi Gentle cleanser and toner, Elastiderm eye cream, Obagi sunscreen 35, TNS Essential Serum, and SkinMedica’s Ultimate Daily Moisturizer with 20 SPF. Last but not least, my Latisse. Jane Iredale liquid mineral makeup, blush and assorted cosmetics complete my bag. To keep the sun off my face I always have a big beach hat in my carry on. My best travel tip. If it is important to you --- make certain it goes in your carry-on bag. It's AMAZING how many things you can fit in one of those roll on bags!

Amanda Logan
My last trip was probably to Spain? I can't remember because it’s been so terribly long since I went anywhere but I am going in August so I can let you know what I will be taking with me! I always pack a good moisturizing cream for the plane ride because my skin gets dried out …I like SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair for my face and Chapstick (my favorite-is l'occitane with shea butter). I don't travel anywhere without my Clarisonic Brush - the best part is that it holds a charge for up to 3 to 4 weeks. I will also bring along SkinMedica’s Ultimate Daily Moisturizer because it is a moisturizer and sunscreen! Once on the ground, in the humid climate, I would use my Clarisonic every day, the Anthelios Shaka SPF 60 for my face and the Anthelios 60 for my body. For the evenings I would choose something light like SkinMedica’s Ultra Sheer or Hydrating Complex!

Lynsey Strouse
My last trip was to New York this past Thanksgiving. I was not working at Timeless Skin Solutions at the time so in my bag I brought as many tubes of Chapstick that I could find because it's ridiculously windy between those massive buildings! My next trip is to Las Vegas. I will bring lots of sunscreen because with my fair skin I will need it!

Dr. Carol
My last trip was to Georgetown with my daughter for a college visit. Quite simply, when I travel I always have in my bag a Clarisonic brush, Essential Serum and Obagi products.

Kate Amicon
As you read this blog post I am on my way to the Caribbean! I have taken with me my Obagi Clenziderm products, SkinMedica’s Ultimate Daily Moisturizer, SkinMedica’s Hydrating Complex and of course the Clarisonic Brush…which by the way I will pack in my checked luggage and not in my carry on because the last time I put it through the scanner... I received the weirdest looks!

Attention Spring Breakers!

Spring Break Travelers Take Note!





STOP the use of your retin A, retinol and hydroquinone about 5 days before departure if your destination is to a sunny location! These creams make your skin more sensitive to the sun and let's face it, those of us that live in Ohio have not been exposed to repeated days of direct sun for months now!

The specific products that you need to be aware of include the following:

• Tretinoin is a Retin A.
• Differen or Tazorac, these are retinoids.
• Epiquin is hydroquinone in the Skin Medica system.
• Obagi #3, #5 and #6 are hydroquinone in the Obagi system. Note that there is a #6 in the Obagi system that is a pure sunscreen. If you are unsure which Obagi #6 you have please check for hydroquinone as its active ingredient.

You should resume these products when you return from vacation. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Timeless Skin Solutions staff at 614-799-5100.

While out in the sun, remember to seek shade, wear a hat and keep your sunscreen applied! Don't forget to pack your Clarisonic brush and Opal – you will miss them more than your dog!

Roots and Skin Care Have More in Common Than One Would Think...

I was getting ready to go to dinner with my valentine and all I could think about is my hair and..its roots! Then I got to thinking about the idea of maintenance…which got me thinking about a question patients often ask me!

“How do I keep my skin looking healthy and radiant!?”

The reason looking at my hair got me thinking about this questions is because someone once told me that maintaining your skin is much like coloring your hair.

Right now I am about one month over due for an appointment with my hairdresser. I know this because I have 1.5-inch roots, and somehow I did not realize it until today! Of course, I may be the only person to notice, but if I don’t “maintain” the color, the highlights grow out, they fade, and my hair looks dull. Similarly, if you do not maintain your skin, it may look ruddy and on the day of an event or romantic holiday, you may look in the mirror and wonder…how did I just notice this?!

Here are some suggestions to those wondering how to achieve healthy radiant skin...and how to maintain it!

Establish a daily regimen:

The most basic at home regimen consists of using a medical grade facial wash, toner, exfoliant and a moisturizer. Depending on your concerns we will add or take away from this regimen. Sun Screen that protects against UVA/UVB rays are important anytime you go outdoors, the UVA/UVB rays cause wrinkles and damage to the DNA of your cells causing sun damage.

Make a monthly pit stop: recharge your skin!

In the office, we recommend regular Silk Peels/microdermabrasians and chemical peels at least twice a year. Men and Women who want to enhance the appearance of their skin can also take advantage of non-invasive procedures such as Botox, Dermal fillers and rejuvenating laser treatments that we offer.