Clarisonic Recall

I got a notice today at my office from Clarisonic about a voluntary safety recall. They are recalling Clarisonic handles and chargers, manufactured prior to July 2007. The issue is limited to the product's internal componenets, not to its effect on the skin.

In some instances, the handle or charger can overheat, with the potential for injury or catching fire. There are no reports of serious injury or property damage.

They are saying that if you believe you have a problem with your Clarisonic handle or charger, please do not use it. Unplug the charger, and leave the handle in the charger.

You can go to the website to get all the details about the recall and replacement.

www.clarisonic.com/recall

or call their customer service number 1-866-378-7360 (7a.m. - 5p.m. M-F PST)

Save an Animal & Have Better Skin!! YEAH!!

Cutting back or eliminating animal products is good for your skin, too!! CLICK IT!!

Save an animal today and win an iPod Shuffle!

Take PCRM's Veg Vow to increase the amount of healthy fruit, vegetables, and other vegetarian foods in your diet. When you forward the pledge to a friend, you will automatically be entered to win an iPod Shuffle.

Go to http://support.pcrm.org/veg_pledge to find out more.

Please visit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) today!

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the Web address:
http://support.pcrm.org/site/PageServer?pagename=veg_pledge_form&s_oo=XQ-Y_IBUmPnqbETqjuI4OA..

Minimize Inflammatory Skin Problems

Thanks to my friends at Vitamedica for sharing these Guidelines to Minimize Inflammatory Skin Problems! Visit their web-site to get more info on their Healthy Skin Vitamins and other supplements. At the doctos office we use Vitamedica's surgical vitamins and patients have significantly faster recovery times! Gotta love that!

1. Discuss the medications you're taking with your doctor. Products that influence hormones such as anabolic steroids and birth control may contribute to acne.
2. Drink at least 8 glasses of high quality water every day. Water helps flush out the system and get rid of toxins.
3. Eat plenty of fruits & veggies. Minimize animal fats, processed foods, fried food, wheat and dairy products. Many of these foods are high in fat, which is associated with inflammation related to acne.
4. Eliminate refined and/or concentrated carbohydrates. Testosterone is a hormone that can trigger oil production. A diet high in carbohydrates increases production, whereas a diet high in protein decreases production.
5. Eat a diet high in fiber. Fiber helps your body to rid itself of toxins. You sould be getting at least 15 grams of fiber per day. If not, take a fiber supplement. Consume products with live cultures such as soy yogert to maintain a healthy intestine.
6. Consume hormone-free milk. Milk produced from cows fed growth hormones in not recommend. Replace with soy or rice milk. (YUM)
7. Avoid or reduce all forms of refined sugar. Some studies indicate that acne patients have impaired uptake of blood sugar by skin cells. Eliminating refined sugar helps to reduce this problem.
8. Avoid products with iodine. Iodized salt and products that contain high levels of iodine such as fish, shellfish and seaweed, should be avoided.
9. Consider an internal cleansing program. The body rids itself of toxins through several systems including the kidneys and liver. If these systems become overburdened, then the skin takes over. An internal cleansing program helps to rid the body of toxins so that the organ systems, including the skin, do not have to work overtime.
10. Reduce stress. Get plenty of sleep and try to manage stress in your life. Try meditation, yoga classes or just relaxing!

Make-up

I did a bride to be's wedding make-up run thru today - I just love doing make-up!   You can't do it "wrong" - if you don't like it, you just wash it off and start over!  Don't you wish everything in life was like that!  If you don't think you're good at putting on make-up, just practice - you'll get the hang of it!  Like I said, if you don't like it, you can wash it off and start over.  

But, let's get to the point of this blog...remember to wash you make-up brushes on a regular basis.  If you don't have make-up brush cleaner, just use a little shampoo and warm water.  Lay your brushes flat to dry.  Keeping your brushes clean can help keep your acne under control.  Also, remember to replace you mascara every 3 months or so.  This will keep bacteria from growing inside the tube and giving you any nasty eye irritation!

I just had a glycolic peel and...

...now what? Well, here is the short list of post-glycolic peel instructions:

1. Generally, makeup can be applied one day after treatment.
2. Avoid exercise for at least a few hours after your procedure.
3. Direct sun exposure without sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher must be avoided during the glycolic acid treatment cycle.
4. Wait one day after each treatment before resuming glycolic acid based home care products. Do not resume application of these products if you are experiencing any irritation. Wait until all signs of irritation are gone before resuming application of glycolic acid based products.
5. If irritation is not resolved within 48 hours, contact the office/spa where you had your treatment done.
6. Do not use Retin-A, Retinol, Differin. Tazorac or Renova for at least 48 hours after your treatment, unless directed by a physician.
7. It is common immediately after a glycolic peel to experience temporary flaking of the skin. A noncomedogenic, fragrance free moisturizer may be used.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns after your treatment you should contact your esthetician or physician at the location where you had your peel.

Feel free to post your questions here, too!

If You Look Good, You Feel Good

It is a commonly held belief that if you look good, you feel good. If your're considering a chemical peel to help your skin look good, here are some things you should know:

• Your skin should be prepared by using appropriate products one to two weeks prior to your first treatment.


• One week prior to treatment, avoid electrolysis, waxing, depilatories (chemical) and hair coloring/bleaching.


• Avoid using abrasive scrubs, exfoliants, loofah sponges, facial sponges and facial masks for at least 48 hours prior to treatment.


• Do not use self-tanning agents for at least 48 hours prior.


• Do not use retinol products, Rx (Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, etc.) or over the counter, for at least 48 hours prior to treatment unless advised otherwise.


• Please contact your skincare professional if you have a breakout of cold sores of fever blisters on the face prior to your treatment.

If you ever have any questions about the treatments you are scheduled to receive call the salon or office that you are visiting prior to your appointment day!

Does your shampoo cause acne?

Did you know that the ingredient that gives shampoos that pearlized look can contribute to acne? Yes, they can! So, if you have longer hair and are experiencing breakouts on your back and/or shoulders, try switching to "clear" shampoos.

Speaking of hair...my styist recommends only shampooing twice a week - especially if you color your hair. Use a hair powder to absorb the excess oil on your non-shampooing days. I like Bumble & Bumble hair powder - it comes in different shades to match your color.