Self Improvement Month

September is self improvement month at ArkLaTex Dermatology.  Most of us have had a great summer, but it shows on our face. Sunspots and uneven pigment age our skin. Here are some great tips for skin brightening.  

1) Start with one or a series of chemical peels.  Our Vitalize and Rejuvenize peels have minimal downtime.  The VI peel is also great, but you may have a little more peeling.  Peels are 20% off this month.  

2) Try a complete skin program with exfoliant, bleaching creams and antioxidants.  Our Obagi Nuderm and ZO pigment control kits have everything you need. They are 10% off in September.

3) Excel V laser treatments are great to remove red and brown discoloration on the face neck and chest.  

If you don’t know where to start, book a free cosmetic consultation. 

Your Summer Survival Guide

Everyone knows you need your hat, sunscreen and coverup at the beach.  Here are a few other tips to keep the fun in your trip:  

1) Make sure to bring an unscented moisturizer such as Cetaphil or Cerave cream.  Moisturizers that have certain scents can sensitize you to the sun and cause sunburn.  

2) Don’t forget quality sunglasses with UV protection.  UV rays or increase the risk of cataracts.  

3) If you are prone to fever blisters try the Jane Iredale lip gloss with sunscreen and ask your physician for a prophylactic prescription for Valtrex to take on vacation.

4) If you haven’t had laser hair removal, using a benzoyl peroxide wash in the bikini area can prevent razor rash.  Be careful though as it can bleach clothing.  

5) If you have the misfortune to get a sunburn, take ibuprofen, use a little hydrocortisone for 2 to 3 days, and try applying Neosporin Pain—it contains a topical anesthetic.

Hair Care for the Eyes

The basics for lovely lashes still start with Latisse, a nighttime product to lengthen your eyelashes. But Revitlash Cosmetics has upped the stakes by adding Revitalash Advanced to protect against breakage and strengthen them with special peptides.  

A second product, Revitabrow, adds to the dramatic look by creating fuller, bolder brows.  

All of these are available at ArkLaTex Dermatology. 

Summer Must Haves

Since I’m on vacation, I finally have time to catch up on reading all my favorite magazines.  Here is a synopsis of their best advice on beauty products.  

1. Best exfoliant is a summer favorite—SkinMedica AHA/BHA.  It’s mild enough to use at the beach.  
2. The consensus favorite for antioxidants to neutralize sun damage is still Skinceutical CE Ferulic.  
3. DEJ eye cream can give you visible changes in as little as four weeks with its amazing peptides to combat dark circles and fine lines.
4. Best serum and worth every dime is TNS Advanced by SkinMedica, although I still prefer their sister product TNS Essential Serum.
5. If your oily skin doesn’t like sunscreen, try Ella UV Clear.  

All of these are available at ArkLaTex Dermatology.  For those of you traveling with limited space for packing like me, a great over the counter cleanser is Cetaphil, and it can be bought in small travel size.  

Have fun on vacation with all your favorite products!

Lighten Up!

Three great ways to lighten those dark spots with ZO skin care

1. ZO pigment control—contains hydroquinone and also glycolic acid.  Bleaches and exfoliates at the same time.  May make you a little sun sensitive, so wear your sunscreen. And be prepared to peel a little initially. 
2. ZO pigment control plus brightening cream—contains antioxidants as well as hydroquinone to destroy free radicals while it lightens skin. It’s all you need under your sunscreen. 
3. ZO pigment control plus blending cream—a hydroquinone that mixes easily with Retin-A at night. Talk to your dermatologist to customize your skin care.

Recipe for Sexy Eyes

These 3 products are guaranteed to enhance eye appeal.  

Use your Latisse on your upper lids to lengthen and thicken lashes by lengthening the growing cycle.  

The Revitabrow stimulates eyebrow growth.  

Lastly, the Revitalashe double-ended volume set contains a volumizing primer as well as a volumizing mascara.  

All are available at Arklatex Dermatology.

Accent on Eyes

A common complaint I hear every day is about dark circles under the eyes. This is not from melanin and is not related to sun. 

So try these tips: 

1. Retin A each night.  It builds collagen and protects fragile blood vessels. 
2. DEJ eye cream.  It gives the skin an illuminating shine. 
3. Restylane in the tear troughs to blur the demarcation between eyelid and cheek. 

Talk with your dermatologist about which will help you.

Sculptra

As a result of the collagen breakdown, wrinkles and lines begin to form. Instead of “filling” the lines, Sculptra works differently; gradually stimulating the replacement the lost collagen.

Schedule your free consultation at one of our two convenient locations in Shreveport and Bossier City.

My Skincare Routine

Are you taking the skincare challenge with me?

Here’s a look at my current skincare routine.

AM

1)Obagi gentle cleanser 2) ZO complexion renewal pads 3) ZO pigment control cream 4)Sunscreen

PM

1) Obagi gentle cleanser 2) Complexion renewal pads 3) Pigment control cream 4) Retin A 5) ZO growth factor serum

Use ZO exfoliating polish 3-4 times a week.

Take the Skincare Challenge With Me!

It’s time for a skincare refresh! Let’s take the ArkLaTex Dermatology skincare challenge together.