In New England, the most popular
season in which to be married is the
autumn. Getting picture- perfect skin
for your big day after months of sun
exposure and oppressive heat is a
problem faced by many brides.
Saundra Grillo, President of Skin
Rejuvenation Center in Danvers,
Massachusetts (978-777-8181) and
licensed Medical Esthetician for over
twenty years, answers your questions
regarding reversing the effects of summer.
Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and
Cellular Regeneration Treatments are among
the offerings you can find out about at
www.skinrejuvenationctr.com
Mention New England Bride and receive a
$25 gift certificate good towards your first
procedure.
I HAVE BROWN SPOTS FROM THE SUN,
WHAT CAN I DO?
Those areas of darker skin on your face are called hyperpigmentation. When patches of skin become darker, it is from an excess of
melanin and can be caused not only by exposure to the sun, but
other factors including the birth control pill. The best treatment is
prevention. I recommend a broad spectrum sunblock every day,
even if you wear a moisturizer or makeup with an SPF. Look for
ingredients Titanium Oxide and Micronized Zinc Oxide for the
best protection, or a sunblock with “niacinamide” to prevent acne
and bleach out existing discoloration. Elta MD sunblocks offer this
formulation and Skin Rejuvenation Center will offer customized
samples to any reader mentioning this article.
There are a number of over-the-counter remedies that can assist
in lightening the skin and shedding those top layers of damaged
cells such as Kojic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Hydroquinone
4% as a prescription is especially effective, but should not be overused due to potentially dangerous side effects.
Procedures that will fade those darkened spots or patches
include chemical peels or Microdermabrasion, which will hasten
shedding to even out your skin tone. Skin Rejuvenation Center
invites you to a complementary skin consultation ($75 value) in
which I will examine your skin and make recommendations for a
plan of action.
IN THE SUMMER, I SWEAT A LOT AND
BREAK OUT ON MY FACE AND CHEST.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Break outs are caused by an overproduction of oil that can become
trapped in the pore if there is not enough shedding of skin cells.
Sweat and bacteria can exacerbate the problem, resulting in a
blackhead, whitehead or pimple. I recommend cleaning as the
first line of defense. For the best in cleaning, try a Clarisonic ™
machine, which uses ultrasound waves to loosen and draw out
dirt, makeup and sebum from the pores. The high speed medical
model is available at Skin Rejuvenation Center.
Look for products with ingredients such as salicylic acid to dissolve the sebum-packed pore, or glycolic acids to encourage shedding of dead skin cells. Extraction is part of a facial procedure, and
will provide a dramatic improvement in the appearance of pores
or acne symptoms. If you choose to attempt extraction at home,
start by cleaning the skin, then soften by placing a hot, damp towel
over the sites. Using a Kleenex wrapped around fingertips on each
hand, gently press on opposite sides of a clogged pore to eject the
sebum. For cystic acne symptoms, seek the advice of a dermatologist or a licensed medical esthetician. Y
