The Insight of Suzanne's Esthetics
From "Beauty Marks", Published in Belle Magazine:
From "Beauty Marks", Published in Belle Magazine:
During my 27 years as a skin care specialist, I have watched tremendous advancements occur in the science and technology of skin care. Technology has helped to create products now that are much more sophisticated and comprehensive to serve multiple purposes: to moisturize, prevent, correct, and protect, using antioxidants and sunscreen.
Researchers constantly uncover new information about how skin reacts to the sun's rays and the best ways to protect it. They know that light from the sun contains three types of rays: ultraviolet C (UVC), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet A (UVA). Our main concerns are the UVB & UVA rays, because UVC rays are stopped almost entirely by the ozone layer. UVB rays are shorter and only cause superficial burns. However, UVA rays are the longest wave lengths that penetrate the atmosphere. These rays go deep into the skin's dermis, causing the breakdown of collagen, which in turn, causes wrinkles, photo aging, hyperpigmentation (brown spots), and is also thought to be a major factor in melanoma development. (On a side-note, UVA rays are found also in fluorescent lighting, such as the use in tanning beds.)
Recent advances in technology have produced better products that are "broad spectrum" sunscreens, protecting from UVB and UVA rays. The micronized transparent zinc oxide no longer leaves behind a white frost like it used to, making it much easier to use sunscreens daily under our makeups. Also improved is the micro-fine titanium dioxide sunscreen. Both of these physical sunscreens do not absorb into the skin, making it better for sensitive/acne prone skin. Since scientists now know that up to 90% of wrinkles come from the sun (photo-aging), it is wise to use a sunscreen everyday that is broad spectrum for preventative maintenance.
Preventative measures are very important, but if you have neglected to do so in the past, it's not too late. As a matter of fact, what was once considered irreversible sun damage, can now be corrected with retinoids (Vitamin A), alfa-hydroxy (glycolic and lactic) and beta (salicylic) acids, hydrquinone, kojic acids, and vitamin C serums - but must be a pure pharmaceutical grade. They promote collagen synthesis (formation of new collagen) in the dermis, or living skin. There are products that promote collagen synthesis, but you must be ware, because over-the-counter (OTC) products are regulated by the FDA to have a high p.h. level (4-5) to stay on top of the skin. To restore and rejuvenate the skin, you must use these high concentrate serums at a low p.h. to effectively penetrate the skin, in conjunction with sunscreen to protect. These low p.h. and high concentrate serums are not found over-the-counter and must be purchased from licensed skin care specialists.
With all the new skin care products on the market, I feel it's my job as a skin care specialist to separate the wheat from the chaff. As a wise plastic surgeon taught me, always have clinical studies to support product claims. Clinical studies are different from "consumer survey" or "women's opinion", which confuses many. Products that have a patent also mislead consumers often. Just because a product has a patent does not mean it has been scientifically proven. I base my expertise on clinical studies and well documented evidence from a University and/or independent labs. Much effort is spent on research of anti-aging ingredients. The latest star to look for is Sodium hyaluronic acid which has continued to soar for many years. This is the body's natural hydrator and is capable of binding 1,800 times its own weight in water, acting as a moisturizer and skin healer. Furthermore, scientists now know that combining antioxidants such as C & E work better in concert than they do standing alone. They have also found that Retinoic Acids work better in concert with hydrquinone, AHAs, and Kojic acid to help the skin's renewal and restoration.
To top it off (no pun intended haha), is natural mineral skin care make-up that offers superior coverage and skin care at the same time. A far cry from the thick pancake make-up of the past that clogged our pores, mineral make-up allows the skin to "breathe" and contains a natural physical sunscreen. Mineral make-up is recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and skin care specialists because of the active antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
It's because of all these major steps in the discovery of active ingredients that truly do work, it is a very exciting time to be working as a skin care specialist!
Having beautiful, nourished skin however not only comes from the outside in, but it's just as important to rejuvenate our skin from the inside out. Drink (water), eat healthily, move lively, sleep, pray, love.
_________________
Article written by Suzanne Godbout, a licensed and board-certified skincare provider who has worked alongside the most elite doctors in Spartanburg County. Trained and certified by renown leaders including the late Dr. Sheldon R. Pinnell, two-time Noble Prize winning developer and founding scientist of SkinCeuticals; Jane Iredale, Founder of her allergen-free, mineral-based line coined "The Skin Care Makeup"; Zein E. Obagi, M.D., skincare formulator and author of "The Art of Skin Health Restoration and Rejuvenation"; Julie Woodward, M.D., Chief of Oculofacial Surgery and specialist of cosmetic laser surgery at Duke University; Jan Marini of San Jose, CA, Chief Executive Officer and researcher of skincare management; and Lyn Ross, L.M.E. of Atlanta, Founder and CEO of Institut' DERMed Clinical Skin Care, MedSpa and College of Advanced Aesthetics.
Researchers constantly uncover new information about how skin reacts to the sun's rays and the best ways to protect it. They know that light from the sun contains three types of rays: ultraviolet C (UVC), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet A (UVA). Our main concerns are the UVB & UVA rays, because UVC rays are stopped almost entirely by the ozone layer. UVB rays are shorter and only cause superficial burns. However, UVA rays are the longest wave lengths that penetrate the atmosphere. These rays go deep into the skin's dermis, causing the breakdown of collagen, which in turn, causes wrinkles, photo aging, hyperpigmentation (brown spots), and is also thought to be a major factor in melanoma development. (On a side-note, UVA rays are found also in fluorescent lighting, such as the use in tanning beds.)
Recent advances in technology have produced better products that are "broad spectrum" sunscreens, protecting from UVB and UVA rays. The micronized transparent zinc oxide no longer leaves behind a white frost like it used to, making it much easier to use sunscreens daily under our makeups. Also improved is the micro-fine titanium dioxide sunscreen. Both of these physical sunscreens do not absorb into the skin, making it better for sensitive/acne prone skin. Since scientists now know that up to 90% of wrinkles come from the sun (photo-aging), it is wise to use a sunscreen everyday that is broad spectrum for preventative maintenance.
Preventative measures are very important, but if you have neglected to do so in the past, it's not too late. As a matter of fact, what was once considered irreversible sun damage, can now be corrected with retinoids (Vitamin A), alfa-hydroxy (glycolic and lactic) and beta (salicylic) acids, hydrquinone, kojic acids, and vitamin C serums - but must be a pure pharmaceutical grade. They promote collagen synthesis (formation of new collagen) in the dermis, or living skin. There are products that promote collagen synthesis, but you must be ware, because over-the-counter (OTC) products are regulated by the FDA to have a high p.h. level (4-5) to stay on top of the skin. To restore and rejuvenate the skin, you must use these high concentrate serums at a low p.h. to effectively penetrate the skin, in conjunction with sunscreen to protect. These low p.h. and high concentrate serums are not found over-the-counter and must be purchased from licensed skin care specialists.
With all the new skin care products on the market, I feel it's my job as a skin care specialist to separate the wheat from the chaff. As a wise plastic surgeon taught me, always have clinical studies to support product claims. Clinical studies are different from "consumer survey" or "women's opinion", which confuses many. Products that have a patent also mislead consumers often. Just because a product has a patent does not mean it has been scientifically proven. I base my expertise on clinical studies and well documented evidence from a University and/or independent labs. Much effort is spent on research of anti-aging ingredients. The latest star to look for is Sodium hyaluronic acid which has continued to soar for many years. This is the body's natural hydrator and is capable of binding 1,800 times its own weight in water, acting as a moisturizer and skin healer. Furthermore, scientists now know that combining antioxidants such as C & E work better in concert than they do standing alone. They have also found that Retinoic Acids work better in concert with hydrquinone, AHAs, and Kojic acid to help the skin's renewal and restoration.
To top it off (no pun intended haha), is natural mineral skin care make-up that offers superior coverage and skin care at the same time. A far cry from the thick pancake make-up of the past that clogged our pores, mineral make-up allows the skin to "breathe" and contains a natural physical sunscreen. Mineral make-up is recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and skin care specialists because of the active antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
It's because of all these major steps in the discovery of active ingredients that truly do work, it is a very exciting time to be working as a skin care specialist!
Having beautiful, nourished skin however not only comes from the outside in, but it's just as important to rejuvenate our skin from the inside out. Drink (water), eat healthily, move lively, sleep, pray, love.
_________________
Article written by Suzanne Godbout, a licensed and board-certified skincare provider who has worked alongside the most elite doctors in Spartanburg County. Trained and certified by renown leaders including the late Dr. Sheldon R. Pinnell, two-time Noble Prize winning developer and founding scientist of SkinCeuticals; Jane Iredale, Founder of her allergen-free, mineral-based line coined "The Skin Care Makeup"; Zein E. Obagi, M.D., skincare formulator and author of "The Art of Skin Health Restoration and Rejuvenation"; Julie Woodward, M.D., Chief of Oculofacial Surgery and specialist of cosmetic laser surgery at Duke University; Jan Marini of San Jose, CA, Chief Executive Officer and researcher of skincare management; and Lyn Ross, L.M.E. of Atlanta, Founder and CEO of Institut' DERMed Clinical Skin Care, MedSpa and College of Advanced Aesthetics.
Contact to schedule a consultation and skin analysis!