Can you buy confidence? (Including the most popular non-surgical/non-invasive procedures)

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

Beautiful skin brings confidence. That’s not a surprise. Many people go through extremely expensive procedures to “buy confidence,” but “buying confidence” doesn’t have to be expensive.  To look good and feel good one doesn’t have to opt for expensive cosmetic surgery.

The most popular non-surgical (non-invasive) procedures include:

  1. Soft Tissue Fillers are used for wrinkles, creases, and facial volumization.
  2. BOTOX® is for frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet.
  3. Venus Legacy is used to tighten the jawline and neck, reduce bulk, and tighten body and extremities.
  4. Zerona laser reduces inches and destroys fat cells.
  5. Medical Skincare is a popular, proven way to slow the aging process of the most important organ of the body, our skin. (Such as our Academy by Candy medical skincare line.)

All of these procedures have been growing in popularity as non-invasive techniques become more and more accessible and effective. Call us at the office to discuss your options. 

Should You Continue Your Glycolic Treatments in the Summer?

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

Absolutely.

It is imperative to continue use of your regular glycolic acid peels in-office and Academy by Candy glycolic acid products (Hydro Light Plus, Glycolic Creme, Acne Control), even if you will be in the sun.

Thinking your skin will be more sensitive if you use your products in the sun is a common misunderstanding. The truth is that it is even more important to have peels and continue using your products during summer because you want to counteract damage sun is doing. Your peels actually give the skin a sun-protection factor as well as reverse the damage caused by the sun.

When you’re in the sun, you’re killing skin cells. The glycolic peel and glycolic acid products are regenerating your skin cells by stimulating new collagen and elastin cells, thereby reversing premature aging.

Use your products, receive your peels, and ALWAYS apply sunscreen after you apply your glycolic acid products. The skin-aging process will continue to slow and you can still enjoy the sun. (in moderation of course)

Contact the office today to schedule your next peel: 732-780-5153. We are offering a special for the summer only.

Click here to stock up on your favorite glycolic products.

Happy Summer!

Are you damaging your skin when exercising?

Posted on by Candy Langan RN

Anne turned 50 recently and decided it was finally time to get in shape. Membership to the local gym was a delightful gift from her husband Bill. After starting her exercise routine, Anne asked me if working out was causing her adult acne. She wrote, “My goal was to look better not worse! Please help me out.”

Many people notice that exercise perspiration causes not only their face to break out, but their body to show pimples, acne, and bumps as well. Science no longer believes that sweating cleans your pores but that it actually causes your pores to become blocked and grow bacteria. This red inflammation is called a pimple.

Anne can follow a few simple guidelines to resolve this situation before it becomes a major problem. Problems could potentially include permanent acne scaring and an increase in lines and wrinkles, as well as an unsightly complexion.

Here are three tips to use to make sure your workout routine does not damage or ruin your skin.

1. NO MAKEUP AT THE GYM

Unlike, her 20 or 30 year old workout partners, Anne always arrived at the gym well groomed, which meant makeup. The first recommendation is to start your workout with a clean face. That’s easy in the morning but what about the days you go after work? No excuses! You must wash your face thoroughly before beginning your workout. An easy trick is to simply wipe the face down with Academy’s Acne Control-10 if you can’t wash.

2. EXERCISE IN MODERATIONyoga

Everything in moderation! Unless your goal is to train for a triathlon, I like moderate exercise including Pilates and yoga. I’ve always believed excessive jogging and fat burning does created an aging, sickly looking face. Fortunately, for those who have abused their faces with extremes, we can offer solutions such as non-permanent fillers and Academy medical based skin care products.

3. CLEAN YOUR BODY AND CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES IMMEDIATELY

Always take a cool shower, shampoo your hair, and change your clothes as soon as possible after exercising. Remember to rinse the conditioner out of your hair thoroughly before washing your face and body. The residue of the conditioner could be affecting your skin. Use Academy’s Gentle Facial Cleanser to cleanse thoroughly and calm your facial skin. Pat dry and wait one minute before applying Academy Glycolic Crème-10 to prevent breakouts. In the presence of active breakouts, use Acne Control-10 instead.

Also, if your exercising brings you outdoors you’ll be wearing a hat and sunscreen, both of which may cause you to breakout. Sweating under your hat for long periods of time is a likely culprit of clogged pores. Remove your hat as soon as possible and wipe quickly with Academy’s Acne Control when water is unavailable.

Take less than 10 minutes to practice these easy steps to guarantee your face will look as healthy as your body feels.

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