Lemons and midriffs

Fruity, floral prints and midriff tops with front ties are fun for this summer.   Cold shoulder tops are also everywhere.  Just remember to put sunblock on your exposed shoulders.

Beware of Burns from waxing caused by using Retinoids

One of my co-workers gave permission to share her photo so we can teach how to avoid this.  There are many retinoid skin products that have gone over-the-counter in recent years.  DIFFERIN GEL and Retinol, and more.  If you are using these skin products, you must not wax your skin or you may get a burn like this.  You are at risk of burn for at least four weeks after stopping your retinoid.  Retinoids shed the dead skin cell layer (stratum corneum) and it takes at least 30 days for that layer of skin cells to renew.

Lemons and mid riffs

Fruity and floral prints with a tie at the front and a little mid riff show.  

Spring Lavender Nikes and Nails

Common mistake: When you rejuvenate your face, BUT not the neck

Check out comedian Kate McKinnon recently playing Brigitte Bardot on SNL. 

Fillers and Botox, and surgery to the face is great, but if you do not fix the neck to it can look odd.

Stay tuned for some ideas for neck rejuvenation in my next post. 

Patient Testimonial

Great Acne Home Care Book

If you are acne-prone, you can learn crucial steps to better looking skin in this short, easy-to-read book.

Now available for purchase in the following ways:  

purchase book links on this blog

amazon.com

lulu.com

barnes&noble.com

Oral Collagen Benefits: Fact or Myth

I have seen estimates of more than 60 studies now published on the efficacy of taking collagen orally.   Most of the studies are regarding bone and joint health; however, more in the past five years are about oral collagen and the skin.  Many of the studies are industry-sponsored like the one shown above, though they claim to be randomized, placebo-controlled.  The data so far is showing a modest 15-2% improvement in skin elasticity, and increase in the important structural elements of the skin like collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).   I am excited that there seems to be some anti-aging benefit to taking oral collagen peptides, but I would like to see more unbiased non-industry-sponsored studies.

The nice thing as no significant adverse effects are being reported from taking oral collagen.  So taking oral collagen may help your skin, and is unlikely to cause harm.

How Apple Cider Vinegar Helps Acne

Recent scientific studies done by dermatologists have determined that when our facial skin pH is not slightly acidic at about 5.5, then we may get more acne breakouts.  Using a pH correcting skin product like this Apple Cider vinegar-based line “True Cider” should inprove your complexion.  

Do not think that by adding straight up apple cider vinegar to your face you will get the same results.  The pH needs to be just right, so you can over-acidify with too much vinegar.