Self-Love and Skincare (Ali’s Journey Part 2)

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

Ali scheduled an appointment for a full skin evaluation. She was excited about coming in for a complete skin evaluation and product recommendations. I could already hear a positive sound in her voice. I know just by using my products and seeing a real difference in her skin, she will feel empowered. Empowered will mean that she is now in control and can make a difference in her own life.

Ali’s appointment one week later:

Upon arrival it was interesting to see a little bit of excitement in her gate and an almost warm greeting. It wasn’t her usual “can’t look you in the eyes” greeting. So, just the thought of taking a first step in caring for herself is making a difference already. I saw improvements in spirit, but she still came in quite disheveled.

A complete medical history was taken, including past skin problems and treatments. Ali has a past history of drinking and smoking to excess. She claimed she stopped both about eight months ago. She also denies much sun or outdoor environmental exposure.

At 58, Ali’s skin looks much older with large pores, black heads, poor texture, and a pale skin tone. She also stated she is very stressed and her life is “awful.” It is also clear Ali has some financial problems. This factor alone must be taken into consideration. Our goal is not to simply try “sell” her products she can’t afford, which, in turn, might make her feel even worse. Again, our goal is to help her feel good about herself by making her look better while not feeling guilty about doing so. Self worth is a tricky lesson to learn for most of us.

During our appointment, I taught her how to properly cleanse her face. Since I’m a big fan of exfoliating dead skin, she will also be instructed the best way to do so.

Remember, Ali is not accustomed to spending time on herself, therefore we must keep her skin care regime simple and easy, but effective.

Ali will return to see me in two weeks. She knows can call me personally at any time with questions or concerns she might have.

Stay tuned for updates.

Does Ali sound like you? Contact me to schedule your consultation. In person or email.

Ali’s Journey Part 1

Does caffeine in skincare products work?

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

There is much talk about using caffeine in facial skin care products now. Some users are even claiming they are unable to sleep due to the absorption of the caffeine.

The truth is that very few studies have actually scientifically been done. In fact, to date, the caffeine products that have been researched never claimed to be the main responsible ingredient for the product results.

So what is all this hype about? Is it really possible that your skin care product can keep you awake at night? Is it really possible that topical caffeine can make you look younger and prevent skin cancers?

Many of us would like to see some legitimate scientific studies in the future. I personally will be following this subject matter.

Here’s some research that’s been done:

Cosmetics with caffeine: real benefits versus marketing claims

BOAVENTURA, Gustavo1; KRAUSE, Leandro1; QUEIROZ, Natália1; GRANADOS, Carlos1

.1. Cosmética em Foco, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Conclusions

Thus, we realized that although caffeine has multiple benefits, caffeine products are usually most known for their systemic activities such as CNS stimulation and increasing blood circulation. But those activities are related to oral intake of this composite when cosmetic products are meant to show only topical activity. Most of the products analyzed in this research, even those that claim in the front label the presence of caffeine, explore the intuitive effects of caffeine but it is never claimed to be the main responsible ingredient for the product results. We suggest that more research is needed in order to evaluate topical activities of caffeine and it’s actual benefits on skin and hair. So far, what we have the most of are marketing claims based upon common sense and social representations of this well known worldwide xanthine called caffeine.

References:

Barel, AO 2009, ‘Anticellulite Products and Treatments’ In: Barel, AO, Paye, M, Maibach HI

Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology

Why You Don’t Need Eye Cream

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

The first place we start to show age is around our eyes. Because we become desperate, eye creams have become one of the most popular gimmicky cosmetic products advertised today.

The eyeball is actually surrounded by fat and a thin muscle holds the fat back into place. When the muscle weakens through age or genetics, the fat becomes “bags” under your eyes. These “fat bags” cannot be reduced by topical chemicals, skin care creams, or under eye rollers & massage. The best way to correct this problem is with a surgical procedure called a blepharoplasty, either through a skin incision made under the eyelashes or through an invisible incision made on the inside of the lower lid.

So, let’s talk about what we should do to slow down the aging process of our eyes. First, let’s not forget that our eyelid skin is thin and delicate. Both our epidermal (outer layer) and our dermal (inner alive layer) are equally delicate. Remember our goal in medical skincare is to decrease the dead outer layer and increase the alive inner layer. This reversal is what anti-aging skin care is all about.

With this understanding, it makes sense to apply your Academy by Candy Glycolic Crème-10 to your eyelids. But how? Simply, massage a small amount of crème over your entire face and neck and use the remaining bit both under and over your eyelids.

Voila. This will help tighten the area around your eyes.

Self-Love and Skincare (Ali’s Journey)

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

I just saw a patient today who was so sad. She broke my heart. Her name was Ali and she was exhausted, frustrated, alone, and unhappy. Actually, I hate to say it, but she “looked a mess.”

Ali was a caretaker all her life. I don’t think she has ever done anything for herself. Her self-esteem is at 0. Not knowing which way to turn, she came to me for a complete consultation to discuss all of her options to make her look better and feel better.

We spent our time together beginning first with what bothered her the most about her appearance. We then discussed all options available today to improve those features. We talked about everything from invasive surgical procedures (such as a facelift or eye lift), non-invasive techniques (such as Venus Legacy and Zerona technology) for skin tightening and body contouring, and of course medical strength glycolic acid for facial skin rejuvenation.

Ali decided she was neither ready psychologically or financially to begin anything major. Fortunately, she was able to begin doing something for herself by using my Academy by Candy Medical Skin Care Products.

Just sending her home with a positive outlook on life was not only important to her, but to me as well. I have spent my life working with women like Ali. A little can improve so much. I’ve seen it happen over and over again. Her skin will no longer look gray and dull. Her fine lines will be gone and she will glow not only on the outside, but on the inside as well. Together, we will follow Ali’s life in upcoming articles.

Ali’s Journey Part 2

Ali’s Journey Part 3

Men, Get The Results You Want. Fast.

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

More and more men are interested in their appearance, especially in looking younger and healthier. But there are differences between men and women.

Most Men are more comfortable in a medical environment rather than feeling silly and awkward in frills. They want to get directly to the point, get it done, and know that it’s strong and effective!

“Being a beach person all my life, I developed many dark sun spot on the face. I started using Academy’s Hydro Light Plus-15 creme. I had 3 peels which really cleansed & improved my skin. I also had a laser treatment which totally eliminated the spots after one week I am clear of spots & glad I had the work done by professionals. Thank you Candy & Sig.” – Ernest Antholis

The most common complaints men have regarding their skin are:

  • beard folliculitis
  • ingrown hairs
  • large pores especially on the nose
  • hyperpigmentation or brown spots
  • keratosis
  • fine lines and wrinkles

So, we offer men psychological comfort with Academy Medical Skin Care. Rather than pampering facials, which offer no actual benefit, we provide a quick, painless medical strength effective procedure and products with no downtime.

That’s right, men, there will be no tell tail signs that you are caring for your skin other than simply looking better and better, younger and younger!

Our products are very direct as well. No gimmicks or fancy packaging, no silly little samples to confuse you, no shopping around and trying this or that. NO, we get right to the point!

We give you what works, what’s strong, what’s effective, and what’s easy to use!

For Academy it’s all about results! We know that’s what you want.

For large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation  and brown spots, try Academy’s Hydro Light Plus-15 

For acne, try Academy’s Acne Control-10

If you’re new to Academy by Candy, I recommend one of our starter kits:

Rejuvenation Kit: Cleanser, Hydrolight Plus-15, Moisturizer

Lightening Kit: Cleanser, Hydro Light Plus-15, Sunscreen

Blemish Control Kit: Acne Control-10, Facial Scrub, Dermabuff