Monthly Archives: April 2019

WHAT’S THIS ON MY FACE????!!!!!!!!

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As being an Esthetician and knowing the importance  of SPF, I never thought I would have the dangers of sun exposure  hit so close to home. I started really using SPF when I was in my early 30s, however like most of us, I use to love to lay out in the sun with baby oil on my skin and of course an occasional visit to the tanning beds. Not something I am proud to admit!

About two years ago, I noticed a small bump on my face, which looked very similar to a large pimple or enlarged oil gland. I did not think much of it and actually tried squeezing it out and then assumed it would just go away. After months and months of my very involved skin care routine and treatment plan, it was not getting any better, in fact it was getting bigger and more noticeable. YIKES!

Yesterday, I took the plunge and saw my very trusted dermatologist. I immediately showed him my suspicious bump, anxiously awaiting his reply.  He gave me the nod and said, “Yes, Julie we should remove this today and send it off for a biopsy.” GULP! He proceeded to ask me if I have any family history of skin cancer. I felt extremely scared as no one in my family has ever had any type of skin cancer. The doctor numbed up the site and then scraped it right off leaving a big hole on my face! I was told it would take up to two weeks for the biopsy results and to make sure I use ointment on my new hole.  WHAT THE HECK!

Last night, I fell asleep in my bed with my mind wondering and thinking the worst about this situation. What if I have a form a skin cancer, how far advanced could it be, what will happen to my children if I am not here, could this be in other areas of my body.  OMG, did this happen from the SUN?!

The die hard facts are too much radiation from the sun can damage the DNA in our skin cells.  If enough damage builds up overtime, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer.

I can not stress enough the importance of using SPF and reapplying throughout the day when exposed to the sun. It should be the most important part of our skincare routine.    I will keep you all updated on my lab results!

 

Derma Rollers Vs Microneedling

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What’s all the buzz about?  

Both microneedling pens and derma rollers are used to stimulate the production of new collagen.  Microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, in return remodeling damaged skin allowing corrective products to penetrate deeper. This rejuvenates the skin giving a more youthful appearance and effectively treats common skin concerns such as acne scarring, lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, texture, and stretch marks.

So what makes these two forms of microneedling different?

Let’s be blunt. The derma roller is a hand held microneedling device with hundreds of tiny needles used to puncture the skin or in this case shred the skin. Media has stated that these sharp objects are the hottest at-home beauty devices. Experts say it’s ineffective, seriously harmful for the skin, and they are exactly right! So let’s examine this further. First, the needles on these rollers are not sterile, in turn holding onto harmful bacteria. This bacteria can cause infections, break- outs, inflammation and trigger an array of skin conditions. EEEEK!!!!!!  

In addition, derma rollers have a much shorter needle depth and never puncture the skin at the same time. Theses superficial needles can actually tare the skin, especially when rolling and not using a controlled device.  The bottom line is derma rollers are a horror story waiting to happen!

Moreover, let’s now take a look into why microneedling is a better and safer option for  skin transformation. The process in general causes less damage to the epidermis than dermal rolling, lasers or any other ablative treatment. This is huge for quicker healing and higher rates of success.

Professional microneedling can safely treat all skin types to treat skin concerns of aging and acne scarring.  The microneedling device holds 12 or 36 sterile needles that glide across the skin opening up micro channels. This is a very controlled injury, with different needle depths on different parts of the face, that will naturally stimulate collagen and elastin production revealing healthier, younger looking, and clear skin.

Prior to a professional microneedling treatment, the provider will apply a topical numbing cream. Most do not feel any pain and it makes for a more comfortable experience. Post treatment is recommended based on everyone’s individual skin type.

These are the stone call facts.  If you are going to make the investment in your skin, make the right investment.  After all you would not buy cheap tires for a Ferrari!