What a great article I found on the PCA webpage that explains a Chemical Peel. People tend to be so nervous when this is ever brought up to brighten and enhance their skin tone, but don't be afraid please read on.

When most women hear the term, they think of the burned, peeling, beet red horror that smanatha Jones experienced in a fabled episode of "Sex and The City."

And given my olive-toned complexion, which is more susceptible to scarring and permanent pigmentation changes at the hands of an unskilled practitioner than lighter skin tones, I avoid chemical peels the way vegetarians keep away from meat.

But when PCA Skin called me with a complimentary offer to try one of their next-generation peels, it was time to reconsider.

With over twenty years in the medical and clinical market as a peel formulator, PCA Skin is identified in medical textbooks as the first maker of blended chemical products.

Taking the opposite approach of beauty companies who race to launch the latest "life-changing" ingredient,
chief scientist and dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Linder says PCA Skin's philosophy is that slow and steady wins the race.

"We take a progressive approach to skincare. You don't just go in and get a major peel. You slowly work up to it. It's like running a marathon -- you would never just do it cold, but you would build up with training sessions until you could handle it," Dr. Linder told me.

And care is taken so that your trainer -- or certified consultant -- knows what she's doing. Before they can order the products, a skin pro must take an eight hour class to learn exactly how to apply the peel, which clients are -- and are not -- candidates for the treatments, and how to customize the formula to individual skin types.

"If we focus on making the skin more healthy, then beauty follows," says Dr. Linder.


One layer of peel had me at a one. The second painted-on layer touched a slightly more tingly three and a half. And that's where we stopped.

A glance in the hand-held mirror while still laying down revealed instantly brightened skin, like I had turned on a light in front of my face. I was intrigued.

Over the next few days, I noticed with excitement that I needed less and less concealer to hide those pesky spots. After seven days, all but the darkest had disappeared, and  a touch of cover up is all I need for coverage now, versus the foundation and concealer I relied on before.

Have you ever looked at bright and beautiful eye shadow colors and thought "I could never wear that?" Well you can! Your age and skin tone don't matter at all. It only matters how you apply it.

There are many levels of bright, from subtle to intense. The first trick is to experiment. Try new things and figure out what works for you. In fact, we want to hear about it, so please comment below or upload pictures to our facebook page.Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Bright Eyeliner: I love to use eye shadow as eyeliner, and this is a way to use that bright shade in the eye shadow triple you may have been avoiding. Wet your Detail Brush with Hydration Spray or water and dip it into a dark, bright shade like the teal in Azure.  Or you could try a nice bright shade of 24-Karat Gold Dust, like Aquamarine. Line the lower lash line only, from inner to outer corner. Use a neutral liner on the upper lash line, such as grey, black or brown; and a neutral shadow on the lid. This really allows the one swipe of color to pop.
2. Bright crease and lid: Brighten your eyes in a whole new way by thinking color for the crease, not just depth. Eye Shadow Triples are so versatile! Use your Crease Brush to sweep on a medium shade such as the turquoise shade from Sea Foam, the orange shade from Pecan/Chocolate  or the sage green shade in Azure. For more intensity, try the Eye Shader Brush. Another idea is to put one of those shades right in the center of the lid, above the iris. Then the color winks every time you blink your eyes.
3. Colored Mascara: Don't be shy, it doesn't have to be that electric blue from the eighties (unless you want it to). Try a flick of Navy PureLash or Ripe Plum Longest Lash to add a hint of color when your lashes catch the light. You can apply from root to tip, or apply your usual black or brown first and then just paint the ends with the colored mascara. Feeling flashy? Try painting the tips of your lashes with Gold or Silver Liquid Eyeliner. 
4. Smoky eyes: So you're ready to take the pure-drama plunge? 

So what are you waiting for, take a look at our broad selection of Jan Iredale today.

 

The UltraPulse TotalFX fractional treatment is receiving extensive media coverage lately as the new treatment for burn scar revision.



Watch 20/20 this Friday and see how the UltraPulse TotalFX helped the Berns triplets greatly reduce the appearance of their scars.

With physical properties such as the only CO2 system with an UltraPulse shaped beam, pulse widths under 200 microseconds, and both a 120 micron DeepFX treatments and a 1.3mm ActiveFX treatment on the same system, these features make it uniquely capable of treating burn scars and other scars.

NouveauDerm Medspa has been carrying PCA Skincare since we have been open and we are very pleased to read about an article that PCA Skincare posted. We learned that PCA is an ideal choice for soothing and supporting the skin of those undergoing treatment of cancer. Please read below: We are so proud to be using such an amazing product.
pca skin care chemotherapy/radiation therapy and the skin

PCA SKIN® is an ideal choice for soothing and supporting the skin of those undergoing treatment for cancer. We offer many advanced daily care products that provide gentle, non-irritating cleansing; soothing; and strengthening benefits for stressed skin. Some specific product recommendations are creamy cleanser, anti-redness serum, hydrating serum, brightening therapy with TrueTone, perfecting face & body hydrator SPF 30, après peel® soothing balm, ReBalance, silkcoat® balm and peptide lip therapy. common dermatological side effects of cancer treatment • sensitivity or allergic reactions • severe dryness • flushing • hyperpigmentation • photosensitivity • rashes • acne/folliculitis Through good skin care, we can help these patients look and feel better. It is wise to select skin care products that do not contain synthetic fragrances, colors or other known sensitizers to avoid instigating any reactions. Peels should be avoided during the course of chemotherapy, except detox gel for acne breakouts/folliculitis. Cancer patients should consult their oncologist prior to beginning any new regimens. rehabilitating the skin after completion of treatment Using gentle products during treatment can help keep hyperpigmentation at bay, but when the skin recovers, blended superficial chemical peels can help to rid the skin of any unwanted pigmentary deposits. Protocols should focus on the low-dose approach to allow the skin to adjust and regain equilibrium. Our highly educated team of Physician Consultants is also available to help you customize regimens and treatments for them.

listen to Jennifer Linder, M.D. on XM Radio

Summer is here and so are those Nasty Age & Sun Spots. We can help.
http://www.nouveauderm.com/sunspots.htm

Sunlight, the elements and the natural aging process all contribute to the development of dark spots and freckles. Your face, hands and chest are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging because they receive so much sun exposure. Age spots and freckles are forms of pigmented lesions. They are caused by excess production of melanin in the skin by cells called melanocytes. Most of the lesions are just a cosmetic problem. Things that would make some one suspicious about pigmented lesions being precancerous or cancerous are irregular borders, scaling, bleeding, itching, multiple colors or large (or increasing) size. Any suspicious lesion must be biopsied before it is removed. If ever questionable, err on the side of caution.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices have been used with great success to remove brown spots. The goal here is for the energy to be selectively absorbed by the pigmented areas, sparing the normal surrounding skin.

 We have the tools to help, contact NouveauDerm Medspa today. 603-964-3376 to set up your free consultation with a master esthetician to discuss your skincare needs.

Here's a great article I would like to share about hyperpigmentation. I feel that every women struggles with this one time or another in her life. This was very informative and I feel this will really help people understand what it is and how to treat this. If you are struggling with hyperpigmentation, here at NouveauDerm Medspa we have the right services and the right products for this. Call today.

Dr. Jennifer Linder Discusses Key Ingredient Combinations for Effectively Treating Hyperpigmentation
 
Dallas, Tex. – (March 23, 2009) Jennifer Linder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon, today presented a talk titled “Key Ingredient Combinations to Effectively Treat Hyperpigmentation” at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa, held yesterday and today in Dallas, Texas.

Hyperpigmentation, a discoloration of the skin, is often caused by inflammation, hormonal change or heredity. Inflammation leading to hyperpigmentation can come from prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, acne, through the use of lasers or other injuries to the skin. Hormonally-induced hyperpigmentation appears most often during pregnancy but can occur with any fluctuation in hormones, such as puberty, the use of birth control pills, menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

“I have found, through treating my own patients and in clinical research,” says Dr. Linder, who also struggled with hyperpigmentation as an adult, “that there is no single ingredient that effectively lifts existing and prevents future hyperpigmentation.”

According to Dr. Linder, physicians and licensed medical and skin care professionals wanting to treat hyperpigmentation in their patients effectively need to do their homework. First, they must develop a clear understanding of melanogenesis and its causes. Melanogenesis is the process that is instigated by inflammation or a hormonal fluctuation and results in discoloration on the surface of the skin.

Next, they will have to determine how specific topical ingredients treat hyperpigmentation.

Finally, armed with this knowledge, they need to use the appropriate ingredient combinations to interrupt melanogenesis at multiple points in the process.

“The greatest benefits to using a combination of ingredients in treating hyperpigmentation,’ Dr. Linder said, “are the synergy created by those ingredients working in concert, the avoidance of potentially irritating ingredients, accelerated results while reducing the risks of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (referred to as PIH), and increased cell turnover and exfoliation.

“Of course, one thing everyone must do to help prevent new hyperpigmentation from developing and greatly reduce the risk of skin cancer is to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays,” Dr. Linder continued. “It is critical that we all use products containing an SPF of 15 or greater daily, even if you work in an office. Look for products that offer both UVA and UVB protection. If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time, remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours.”

It is critical that patients struggling with hyperpigmentation receive a thorough skin analysis and consultation about their condition with a physician or licensed medical or skin care professional, such as a PCA SKIN Certified Professional, to learn which combination of professional treatments and daily care products are right for them.

About Dr. Jennifer Linder
Dr. Jennifer Linder is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon. She is in private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Linder also serves as a clinical instructor at University of California, San Francisco in the Department of Dermatology and as Chief Scientific Officer for PCA SKIN. She is a formally-trained bioengineer and chemist. Dr. Linder is also one of the foremost experts in the use of the cosmetic filler Sculptra. For more information about Dr. Linder, please call 480.946.7939 or visit www.jenniferlindermd.com. 

About PCA SKIN
PCA SKIN is a healthcare company that is acknowledged in prominent medical textbooks as the originator of advanced blended chemical peel formulations. The company remains the trusted industry leader in the development of gentle, yet highly-effective professional treatments and daily care products that are available exclusively through physicians and licensed medical and skin care professionals. PCA SKIN conducts approximately 300 education classes annually to clinicians nationwide. The organization is part of Physicians Care Alliance, LLC, and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Check  out the new Perfectly Nude Products From Jan Iredale!! They are truly fabulous.
Book your "FREE CONSULTATION"  with one of our make up artists today! Why wait to look amazing!!

Intoxicating, energetic, and full of opportunity for renewal, spring is the perfect time to show off some skin – as long as our skin is ready to be shown off! Because a healthy complexion is the most beautiful cosmetic you can wear, girls-in-the-know won’t be leaving home without Perfectly Nude, the new spring collection from jane iredale. Composed of flattering colors that know how to multitask, this timely collection will get you ready for a spring fling with beauty.

New! Perfectly Nude Eye Shadow Kit – Show (but don’t tell!)

Finally, a beauty secret that private eyes can keep to themselves. This bewitching palette features five shades guaranteed to draw attention to your eyes, instead of your makeup. Choose between: • Cream • Foxy • Cappuccino • Antique Gold • Copper Or create your own combo for a bright-eyed spring look. Learn More...

New! Perfectly Nude Lip Fixation™ – For staying-power that shines

Do double-beauty duty with two products in one. Each Lip Fixation™ boasts a lip stain and lip gloss in complimentary colors handpicked for the season. Choose between: • Desire • Fascination • Craving or better yet, succumb to all three! Learn More...

New! Perfectly Nude So-Bronze 3 – Ready, set, glow!

The much-awaited threequel to So-Bronze™ 1 and 2, this mineral bronzer is a must for sun goddesses and sun shunners, alike. There’s no complexion it doesn’t suit! Mix the two colors together or use separately to add an exquisite hint of sun-kissed shimmer to face, lips, and eyes.

I found a wonderful article that I would like to share from PCA Skincare regarding sunscreen.  It is so important these days to protect yourself against the sun. Here is some great information that will be very helpful for the summer months. Check out these great products that we offer right here at NouveauDerm Medspa. There are two types of sun protection available: chemical sunscreens and physical sunblocks. A chemical sunscreen works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays (UV radiation) before they affect the skin. A physical sunblock sits on the skin's surface and reflects or scatters UV radiation before it is able to damage the skin. These two forms of protection have different methods of achieving a similar goal.

The FDA requires that all sun protection products display a Sun Protection Factor or SPF label. The SPF indicates the relative amount of sunburn protection a product can provide when used correctly. Sunscreens or sunblocks with an SPF of at least 15 are recommended, however the number can be misleading as an SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15. When used properly, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93 percent of UVB radiation and an SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 percent protection. Although the SPF ratings apply only to UVB rays, applying a product containing avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide will provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Two types of UV Radiation: 

The two types of UV radiation that can affect the skin, UVA and UVB, have both been linked to skin cancer and a weakening of the immune system. They also both cause skin color changes and contribute to premature aging. UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer and penetrate deep into the skin. UVB rays mostly impact the surface of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by sun exposure.

About PCA’s Sun Protection Products:

SPF products from PCA SKIN are formulated with a sophisticated blend of chemical sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. PCA chooses chemical ingredients rather than physical for two important reasons:

• Our products are formulated with every skin type, condition and tone in mind. This ensures that most people can wear our products comfortably.  Daily broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection is important for everyone of every color. Darker-skinned individuals often find physical blocks leave them with a chalky or ashy appearance, as the ingredients sit on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed. 
• PCA strives to formulate cosmetically elegant sun protection products that are effective and also have a smooth, light feel when applied to the skin. Chemical sunscreen ingredients have a much more comfortable feel on the skin than physical blocks making them perfect as light, daily wear sunscreens. 

For more information about PCA’s Sun Protection Products, please select a product below

PCA SKIN®
pHaze 6+ Hydrator Plus SPF 25
pHaze 7 Protecting Hydrator SPF 25
pHaze 30 Perfecting Body Hydrator SPF 30

PCA® MEN
Total Defense Calming Hydrator SPF 25

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these PCA sun protection products as effective agents in the prevention of sun-induced skin damage, including sunburn and possibly premature aging. When used regularly, these products may also help reduce the potential risk of skin cancer due to overexposure to sunlight.

Here are some benefits of the CO2:

*You will see results in just one treatment!

*There is minimal downtime (about one week)

*Improves scars,  wrinkles and texture (who could ask for more!)

*It will get rid of any hyperpigmentation .

*The treatment itself will only take about 20 minutes!

I will be the first to admit that I love finding about alternative uses for things I use on a regular basis. Yes, I've put dryer sheets in my pocket on a buggy night or sprinkled kitty litter into my garbage can to absorb odors so I was excited when I came across this blog from the Jane Iredale website that listed some secondary uses for some of their products that I love and use on a regular basis.  Believe me you'll be thanking me that I pointed you in this directions when you realize that you've forgotten to put on your deodorant, but remembered that you had your Balance Spray in your purse.....Happy Reading :)

Value and Versatility: Now That's Beauty!

I am always so proud of the amazing quality and versatility of our products, which makes them such a great value. This blog is dedicated to describing new and unusual ways our make-up can be used, but here are some strange-but-true alternative uses we gathered from blogs, Twitter, etc. Have some of your own? Don't be shy, post them here!

1. Truly Pure, our makeup brush shampoo, makes an amazing sulphate free shampoo for your hair!
2. Disappear takes the itch out of mosquito bites.
3. The zap (clear) side of Zap&Hide smooths severely dry, flaky lips.
4. Botanical Brush Cleaner makes a great DEET-free and pleasant smelling bug repellent (I personally can't stand the smell of Citronella).
5. D20tames frizzies! I know we gals from the Northeast are suffering with bad hair this summer!
6. Pommisstcan be used like Febreeze, spray it on bedding and clothes for a sweet smell. D20 also keeps sweaters fresh when you pack them away for winter.
7. Balancecan be used in a pinch as a substitute for deodorant; perhaps it is the Tea Tree Oil in it.
8. One person wrote that when she had a skin rash, her doctor suggested she use something with Titanium Dioxide in it. She dusted herself with Powder-Me SPF and her skin felt better and it also helped camouflage the spots.
9. One esthetician uses shades from our Super Shape Me Brow Kit to cover up her clients' roots between coloring
10. Lip Drink conditions and tames unruly brows. This is great for busy-morning makeup!