There’s Still Time to Get Pretty for the Holidays with These Products & Treatments
The holidays are coming, and with them the traditional slew of parties, outings and family photographs — but the stress brought on by the holidays (and maybe those same family members) can wreak havoc on your skin.
Fortunately the experts at Dermatology, Laser and Vein Specialists of the Carolinas (DLVSC) have you covered with simple treatments from Esthetician Rachel Mysyk that will keep you looking your best for the “most wonderful time of the year.” Rachel also let us in on her favorite secrets for taking care of your skin at home.
The best part? The treatments/products are all available at DLVSC and the Skin Secrets Store. You may want to bookmark this page to send to your mom or hubby for gift-giving ideas.
At the DLSVC Offices
Dermaplaning
Ever wonder why so many men have gorgeous skin? It’s because they shave their faces all the time, exfoliating and removing layers of dead skin cells. Rachel says some female clients balk at the idea of shaving their own faces at home (even though she recommends it — just make sure to use a single blade or tinkle blade), but they’ll happily head to her office for a session of professional dermaplaning.
“We’re literally shaving your face,” Rachel said. “Dermaplaning removes surface dead skin cells from your face as well as the ‘peach fuzz’ hair. There’s no downtime and skin looks polished and fresh afterward.”
And no, your hair won’t grow back thicker or more coarse.
Rachel often combines dermaplaning with a facial or light chemical peel depending on your skin type, and you can come back for a new dermaplaning session every 3-4 weeks.
If you have cystic or inflammatory acne, this vacuum + light treatment is a great alternative to prescription drugs like Accutane. DLVSC is one of the only facilities in the area to offer this treatment, which helps shrink sebaceous glands, extract impurities and kill bacteria. Rachel says clients often come in once a month to get Isolaz for their hormonal acne, and that it’s extremely popular because there’s no downtime, flaking or peeling.
Chemical peels
DLVSC offers several varieties of chemical peels that Rachel can customize based on your skin. During a chemical peel, Rachel will apply a solution to your skin that will cause your skin to shed off the old, dead cells a few days later. Since there is some flaking and peeling involved, these treatments require a little bit of downtime. But with advance planning and the right peel, you’ll be heading to your next holiday event with baby-fresh skin.
Rachel recommends a light peel about a week before your event for some light rejuvenation, but to get long-lasting benefits from a light peel, you’ll likely need several treatments. Deeper peels can help with stubborn hyper-pigmentation, acne and melasma, and they’re safe for darker skin types. You can do a deeper peel less often, but you’ll need more downtime. Rachel recommends having a deeper peel a month or two before your event.
Facials
Rachel’s clinical facial is a must-have for people prone to clogged pores. She said it’s great to do a facial before an event, especially to manage blackheads and the pores around the nose. Many of her clients come in once a month or every other month for a facial with extractions to keep blackheads under control.
People with dehydrated skin can benefit from a facial as well. After deep cleansing the skin with a mild enzyme to remove dead skin cells, Rachel finishes with a mask that will calm and hydrate the skin.
Clinical facials also make great holiday gifts!
Microdermabrasion
A vacuum of salt crystals blown across your skin will stimulate circulation and blast away dead skin cells, leaving you with a nice, healthy glow. Rachel said your skin will likely feel slightly chapped (like if you got a wind burn), but there’s no flaking or peeling. She also recommended combining microdermabrasion with a facial because extractions come out easier right after a microdermabrasion treatment.
Things You Can Do At Home
Rachel recommends three products for corrective and preventative skin care:
Retinoid or retinol
Retinoids are FDA-approved for treating fine lines and wrinkles, but they also fight acne and boost cell turnover. Rachel calls her favorite product, SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex, a “mild at-home chemical peel.” You can purchase it at the Skin Secrets Store.
If your skin is on the sensitive side, she recommends alternating retinol/retinoids with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acid serum. They work quickly on the surface of the skin and compliment one another without overdoing it.
Vitamin C
If you aren’t doing a vitamin C treatment in the morning, you’re missing out on a potent antioxidant that protects from environmental damage, boosts skin’s protection against the sun and even brightens the look of skin.
Rachel’s favorite product is iSCLINICAL’s ProHeal serum which contains vitamins A C and E.
Sunscreen
What can we tell you about sunscreen that your mom hasn’t been telling you for years? You need it every day. Yes, even on rainy days. Yes, even if your makeup has SPF in it. Do it now and you’ll thank your younger self in several years.
METHOD
“Being consistent is the most important,” Rachel said. “Treatments can improve your skin so much, but you have to maintain your results with a skincare routine for more long-lasting benefits. It doesn’t have to be complicated.”
Rachel recommends cleansing your face in the morning before applying a potent vitamin C serum and a sunscreen. At night, she suggests cleansing, using retinol/AHA and finishing with a night moisturizer.
DLVSC also offers complimentary product consultation, so bring in the products you regularly use on your skin when you come in for a treatment and they’ll advise you on what products you should and shouldn’t be using.