Self-Love and Skincare (Ali’s Journey Part 3)

Ali finally showed up on April 17th (approximately a month after her second appointment). I was concerned we would never see her again.

Guess what though? She was nicely dressed and was even wearing some light makeup. Ali had been using the Academy Cleanser along with our Derma Buff and it was obvious that the little extra time she was spending on herself was making a difference, not only to her appearance but to her self-esteem.

So we’ve added Academy’s Hydro Light Plus-10 to her skincare regime.

She will cleanse, rinse, exfoliate, and pat dry before applying small amounts of Hydrolight to her entire face and neck.

Watch this video on how to use Hydro Light Plus-10:  Even stronger now Use Hydro Light Plus 15!!

Because Ali is using the Hydro Light Plus-10, the dull, dead skin on her face will shed. Her pores will become much cleaner and appear smaller. Her uneven, very discolored skin tones will become more vibrant and she will begin to look healthier.

What I love most is the smile on her face. She is no longer so distant, but much warmer.

Ali should return in about 3 weeks. Remember, we are not just selling products. Little by little this lady is going to like herself and when she does, she will become strong enough to deal with, as she stated, the “awful” parts of her life.

Catch up on Ali’s journey of self-love and skincare:

Ali’s Journey Part 1

Ali’s Journey Part 2

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

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

Self-Love and Skincare (Ali’s Journey)

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

Why You Won’t Have Gorgeous Skin & What To Do About It

Sun worshippers and smokers won’t have gorgeous skin. 

A gorgeous complexion just isn’t going to happen for you if you fall into one or both of these categories. Here’s why.

Sun Exposure

Minimizing sun exposure is key, but how? All too often, our patients disparagingly admit to baking in the sun while in their youth, using oils and reflectors. However, as adults, many of these people continue to bask. They may say, “I don’t sit in the sun.” But, they admit to walking in the sun, playing tennis, and playing golf. The sun rays do not offer special dispensation for these activities. Sun exposure is sun exposure! If the sun is unavoidable, then frequent application of a good sunscreen is mandatory. Read our FAQ on sun damage. 

Smokers

Smoking “reeks” havoc with the skin. It reduces the oxygen-carrying blood supply and nutrients vital to healthy skin. The result is a dry, flaky, wrinkled, discolored facial surface. While most of the damage caused by smoking is therapeutically reversible, those who still smoke will continue to damage their skin.

So, how do you not only acquire but maintain a beautiful, smooth facial surface?

First, a note on your genes. Good genes provide the basis for quality skin. Fortunately or unfortunately, we have no control over our inherited familial characteristics. Similarly, as aging is part of life, how we age is, to some degree, genetically pre-determined. However, we can significantly influence the quality of our aging facial skin by paying judicious attention to appropriate skin care. So what can we do to help our skin appear well?

Nutrition and Exercise

A good nutritious dietary regime including adequate hydration with ample fluid intake and consistent moderate exercise program tend to promote overall health that includes our largest organ, the skin.

Moisturize

Preventing skin dryness with constant topical moisturization plays a major role contributing to a smooth healthy appearing skin.

Exfoliate

In addition to keeping your body healthy and moisturizing, the most proactive consideration in achieving and maintaining a radiant, youthful smooth skin tone is the adoption and incorporation of the Academy by Candy Skin Care program, based on medical strength glycolic acid.

By the time we hit age 30, 50% of our collagen and elastin is lost. And each year after that, we generate less and less—causing lines, wrinkles and sagging to occur. What we want to do is to trigger the collagen and elastin again. Academy products have the ability to travel to the deeper dermal layer of the skin where our collagen and elastin cells live. The low pH glycolic in Academy by Candy products “smacks” the cells in the deep layer of skin back into rejuvenation. With the collagen and elastin working again, the aging process is slowed down and reversed.

The Academy System consists of a program of home maintenance with the application of Academy Glycolic Acid every morning and night. We have Hydro Light Plus-15, and Acne Control-10 for your individual skincare needs.

We have long-term experience of 30+ years employing the Academy System of medical skin care. Our many happy patients who have been absolutely thrilled with their lovely facial skin speaks volumes about the effectiveness. They no longer feel ashamed to show their skin, enhancing self-confidence and self-acceptance.

As I always say:

Looking good is feeling good. Feeling good is looking good.

When You Feel Broken and Ugly

Everyone needs me.

My family. My friends. My staff. My patients.

Everyone.

As soon as I get to the office, I’m swamped. Surgeries. Consultations. Peels. Phone Calls. Emails.

Next thing I know, it’s 9pm. I go home, make dinner, and have a glass of wine with my husband.

I’m involved heavily in the community, host events at my house, and always make sure I’m there when people need me.

I love my job. I love my life.

But I also make sure to take some time for myself and appreciate my life.

I know exactly how you feel. Life moves fast.

If we don’t feel good about ourselves, love ourselves, accept ourselves, then life can be a lot harder than it needs to be.

This is my purpose. I’ve been helping my patients not only look better, but feel better, for over 30 years. Even when I say that number, I’m shocked. But this is who I am, and I love every minute of it.

What keeps me going is knowing how much I help you. A patient just wrote this to me:

Candy Langen Sattenspiel is an amazing person, and I am blessed to have her in my life. Not only is she a very accomplished RN and business woman, but she is a very compassionate and understanding person.

Having gone through two very serious spinal surgeries in seven months, I was struggling with my recovery and not feeling very good about myself. I didn’t know what I wanted or needed. I reached out to Candy and she was there for me. Not only has she always offered good advice, wonderful products and services, but more importantly, she gave of herself. She has the unique ability to combine professionalism with compassion and caring. Candy helped me through one of the darkest times of my life.

I went from saying “I feel broken and ugly”, to saying, “Thank you for helping me get back to ME”. -Janet

Wow. I have tears in my eyes. This is why I do what I do. This is why I created Academy by Candy skincare products. This is why I’m always here for you.

On my blog, I’m featuring you. The women and men I do this for. The ones who have their own Academy by Candy stories.

Write to me and tell me your story. It can be anonymous if you choose. I want to hear from you. And so do others who are going through the same thing: the same struggles and insecurities. They want to hear from you too.