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May 16, 2013 · 6:50 pm

Easy Steps To Minimize Your Pores This Summer

Q. My pores are huge. What can I do to get rid of them? Linda, Winona Lake

A. Linda, as we are heading into warmer weather you may notice your pores seem to be getting larger. Since there is extra humidity in the air, it can cause our face to be oilier. The oilier your face is the larger your pores look. Large pores are actually caused by three main culprits including: oil, age and gender. Unfortunately, while there is nothing you can do to permanently get rid of your pores, there are many steps you can take to minimize them and make them appear smaller.

The first step, Linda, is to keep them clean. By getting the dirt and oil out of your pores, it will help them from looking enlarged. I recommend you use a Clarisonic sonic cleansing device to wash your face twice a day. These tools gently massage your skin opening up and cleaning your pores six times more than you can clean your face with your hands. Be careful when selecting a cleansing device as some can tear the skin.

As we age, our skin loses its elasticity which can also contribute to larger looking pores. While you can’t change your age, you can take steps to turn back your skin’s clock. I know I mention Retin-A often in my columns here, but it really is the Swiss Army knife of skin care. By using a tiny amount of prescription strength Retin-A every night, you will help to start to build back your skin’s elasticity as well as keep the dirt, oil and bacteria out of your pores.A third option to treat your pores is through monthly laser treatments or medical chemical peels. Chemical peels are an excellent way to help the skin’s exfoliation process. When we are younger, our skin cells renew themselves every 21 to 28 days keeping our skin looking youthful and glowing. After the age of 30, that renewal process slows way down. By exfoliating the skin with a chemical peel, it will dissolve dead cells sitting on your skin, promote collagen production and minimize the appearance of pores.

Another method to help reduce to appearance of your pores is by applying a primer underneath your foundation. It is essentially like spackling the holes in your wall before you paint it. The primer helps to smooth the surface of your skin allowing your foundation to not fall into your pores further emphasizing them. Just be sure to select a primer that is non-comedogenic and appropriate for your skin type such as jane iredale’s Absence.

These are just a few of the many treatment options available to help manage your pores, Linda. If you have any more questions or want to learn which options are best for you, be sure to talk with a medical skin care specialist.

Jennifer Kauffman is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, practicing in Warsaw and Ft. Wayne. She is a sought after speaker at medical conferences such as the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons. Jennifer is a member of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and Coalition of Advance Practice Nurses of Indiana. She received her Nursing and Nurse Practitioner degrees from Goshen College, and Indiana Wesleyan University.

Jennifer is a Clinical Instructor nationally to physicians and nurses on sclerotherapy.Do you have a question for Jennifer, about this article or another cosmetic skin care issue? Please call Vein Institute & Medical Spa at 574-267-1900 to have your questions answered and considered for future columns. Questions can also be submitted online at www.veinmedicalspa.com

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Filed under Beauty, Face, Laser, Skin Care

Tagged as chemical peels, Cutera Laser Genesis, jane iredale Absence, minimize, Pores, Retin-A, Shrink Pores, Warsaw Indiana

May 9, 2013 · 12:38 pm

Don’t Rely On The SPF In Your Makeup For Protection

Q. My makeup has sunscreen in it. Why do I need to wear anything else? Angie, Warsaw

A. Angie, this is a very common question that my staff and I get asked on a daily basis. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, your question is very timely. While many makeup products, especially foundation, contain sun protection it is just not enough. According to dermatologist Leslie Baumann, “Makeup does not provide enough coverage,” she said. “You need seven times the normal amount of foundation and 14 times the normal amount of powder to get the sun protection factor on the label. No one does this.”For just your face, Angie, you need to be using about a tablespoon or large nickel-size dollop of sunscreen to ensure you are getting the amount of protection labeled on the bottle. If you used that much foundation, you would either end up looking like you were ready to take the stage or the grave. Think of your makeup as a little extra bonus protection rather than relying on it as your sole source of protection.

Like most women, I’m sure you are concerned with aging, wrinkles and brown spots. Aging from the sun does not happen overnight, but rather over a lifetime. It is a cumulative process that happens every single day and not just on your beach vacation. Any time you drive to work, sit by the window in your office or walk your dog you are exposing your skin to the damaging ultraviolet rays.

The best defense is to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 35 every day of the year as the last step before your makeup. If you are going to be outside, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours as the protection factor begins to wear off at this time. If you’re already wearing makeup for the day and don’t want to reapply a liquid sunscreen on top of that, did you know they also make dry sunscreen that you can easily dust over your face? jane iredale makes a great one called Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen that comes in three shades. It is a great alternative to traditional sunscreen and makes reapplication a breeze. Want proof it works? Check out this blog post with an amazing after photo.

Don’t let your makeup with SPF give you a false sense of security, Angie. Your youthful, healthy looking skin will thank you. If you have any questions about sunscreen, be sure to talk with a medical professional.

Do you have a question for Jennifer, about this article or another cosmetic skin care issue? Please call Vein Institute & Medical Spa at 574-267-1900 to have your questions answered and considered for future columns. Questions can also be submitted online at www.veinmedicalspa.com

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Filed under Beauty, Face, Makeup

Tagged as dry sunscreen, jane iredale Powder Me SPF 30, Makeup with SPF, Sunscreen, Warsaw Indiana

May 3, 2013 · 4:29 pm

Get A Golden Glow Without Giving Yourself Wrinkles

Q. With summer approaching, I’m feeling really pale. Can I get just a little bit of sun? Deanna, Syracuse

A. Deanna, you don’t need to sneak outside like a rebellious teen in order to get a healthy glow. You don’t even need to stay out of the sun. What kind of life would that be being a hermit and not enjoying our area lakes, festivals and outdoor fun? The key to enjoying the outdoors and protecting your skin from sun damage including premature aging, brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer is daily sunscreen use including reapplication every two hours when you’re outside. Your next thought, Deanna, will probably be that by following those instructions it defeats the whole purpose of being outside and getting a tan. Well, no sunscreen can block out 100 percent of the UV rays, so you will still get some color but maybe not as much as you would like.

If you are looking to increase your tanned appearance, I recommend my patients consider a self tanner, mineral makeup bronzer or even a spray tan. Many of my patients love the look of tanned skin, but understand the harm and aging effects that a real tan imparts. They have switched to using a sunless self tanner that allows them to achieve the desired color they want while still having healthy, youthful looking skin. Just recently, I was ready to reprimand one skin care patient for not wearing her sunscreen while on vacation, but it turns out her golden glow was all jane iredale’s self tanner, Tantasia.

Sunless tanners have come so far in technological advances that you no longer have to be scared about it looking orange or streaky, Deanna. Talk to a friend or a professional makeup artist for their recommendations. An even easier option is to look for a mineral powder bronzer. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect one to give your skin a healthy glow.

With prom and wedding season upon us, gently remind your daughters, granddaughters and friends that any tanned skin from the sun or the tanning bed is a sign of injury to their skin. Not only does your natural skin color photograph better than damaged skin, but it will also keep your skin looking younger and healthier for years to come. Give one of these tanned skin alternatives a try, Deanna. It’s a simple investment in your skin health that can be a matter of life or death. If you have any questions about skin care or sunless tanner, be sure to consult with a medical professional.

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Filed under Beauty, Face, Makeup

Tagged as bronzer, Glowing Skin, Jane Iredale, pale skin, Sunless tanner, Tantasia, Warsaw Indiana

April 25, 2013 · 7:11 pm

Don’t Let Spider Veins Hold You Back This Summer

Q. I have veins on my legs. Does this mean I’m getting old? Ruby, Warsaw

A. Ruby, the good news is having spider veins on your legs does not have any indication as to your age. Leg veins in women are instead associated with your genetics and your hormones. Men typically do not get spider veins. Spider veins are actually a very common problem. Some 80 million Americans suffer from venous problems, according to Dr. Goldman, an industry leader in venous disorders.

Are you avoiding going golfing this summer because you don’t want to wear shorts? Are you avoiding time on the lake to hide your veins? Within our community, we have a lot of outdoor activities from the lakes, to the outdoor walking paths to golf courses and parks. I certainly hope you are not avoiding these popular warm weather activities just because of spider veins that can be easily treated.

It is common for me to hear in my practice almost on a weekly basis from women that their family has a boat, but they haven’t been on it in years because of the embarrassment of unsightly legs. Almost all women suffer from some degree of spider veins on their legs. If you know someone who has beautiful spider-vein free legs, Ruby, more than likely they are extremely lucky or have had their veins treated. Some of my patients will try using a tanning bed or sunbathing to camouflage the spider veins; however, this actually makes them worse. The heat causes the veins to dilate adding to the problem.

Fortunately, treating spider veins is a very simple office procedure. A medical professional will inject your spider veins with a medication that will cause the veins to disappear. The treatment is extremely effective and safe. These treatments have been performed in the United States for 20 years. Rarely do we see any complications or side effects. It is common to have some bruising and discoloration after the treatment. Don’t wait any longer, Ruby. Stop hiding your legs and get them treated.

I hope that you get outside this summer on the golf course or the lake in your shorts. Don’t let those spider veins hold you back any longer, Ruby. Get on with your life and show some leg! If you have any questions, be sure to consult with a medical professional.

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Filed under Injectables, Veins

Tagged as Asclera, sclerotherapy, Spider veins, Warsaw Indiana

April 17, 2013 · 3:37 pm

Filling In Crow’s Feet Isn’t A Job For Fillers

Q. I want to fill in the lines around my eyes. What kind of filler do I need to do this? Heather, Milford

A. Heather, it sounds like you are referring to what we call “crow’s feet” or expression lines around your eyes. Whenever you laugh, frown, concentrate or squint into the sun, your facial muscles contract and your skin creases. As you get older your skin loses its elasticity and those creases deepen into lines that become permanently etched on your face. While it seems logical that filling those lines in would be the best way to make them go away just as you would spackle a hole in the wall, the best option is actually to relax those muscles with a medication such as Botox® or Dysport®.

These medications work by relaxing your muscles that cause you to make those expressions. Over the next two weeks after your treatment, the muscles will gradually relax preventing you from creating more lines. You probably won’t notice it happening, Heather. You’ll just become aware that your crow’s feet are starting to soften and diminish. You can enjoy a more youthful appearance while maintaining a natural expression.

Dermal fillers on the other hand are used to fill up those areas suffering from volume loss such as the cheeks, jowls, marionette lines and lips. As we age, we slowly lose our skin elasticity and the lower face begins to see the effects of gravity. Unfortunately, over time, this leads to a tired or aged appearance. Fillers work with your body to stimulate new collagen growth and regenerate tissue helping to restore what time has taken away.

Heather, as a general rule, anything from the eyes up to the forehead is best treated with a muscle relaxer while anything from the cheeks down to the chin will yield better results with a dermal filler. Since there are always exceptions it is best to consult with an experienced injector. They can look at the areas of your face that trouble you and offer a personalized recommendation based on your concerns, needs and budget.

It can be confusing trying to understand the many treatment options available for those pesky wrinkles. Find a trusted medical professional and talk to them about the best treatment plan for you to help you feel younger in no time.

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Filed under Beauty, Face, Injectables

Tagged as Botox, Crow's Feet, Dysport, Fillers vs. Muscle Relaxers, Fine Lines, Warsaw Indiana, Wrinkles

April 10, 2013 · 3:37 pm

Don’t Leave Retin-A Out Of Your Skin Care Routine

Q. I hear all the time about how Retin-A is so good for your skin. I tried it once, but my skin was just a mess. What happened? Kristen, Warsaw

A. Kristen, you are correct that Retin-A® is good for your skin. In fact, I often tell my patients that if their budget only allows for one medical skin product it should be Retin-A. While using several products in conjunction will yield the quickest and best results, using a prescription-strength Retin-A cream is a good starting point.

Retin-A penetrates to the deeper levels of your skin to promote cellular turnover and increase the production of elastin and collagen. After the age of 30 our exfoliation process slows down, so we have a lot of “dead skin” sitting on our face. This gives the skin a dull appearance. With the use of Retin-A, your skin will become brighter and tighter. For acne sufferers, it unclogs pores, clears blackheads and controls oil. For fine lines and wrinkles, it increases collagen production to fill in those lines. For skin with large pores, it exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells resulting in new smoother skin. For discolored skin, it lightens the imperfections as it exfoliates the old skin off. Retin-A really is the multi-purpose skin care product for almost anyone.

There are two probable reasons that you had difficulty when trying Retin-A, Kristen. The first is that you were using too much product. As humans we tend to have the belief that more is better. When dealing with prescription creams, it is vital to follow the correct dosage. I recommend my patients start by using only a rice size amount of Retin-A. This may not seem like much, or like it will even cover your entire face, but when dotted over your face and worked in it is the best place to start. The dosage will gradually be increased over time to a pea-size amount when your prescriber recommends. It is common and expected when beginning Retin-A to experience some side effects including dryness, redness and flakiness. These side effects should subside within a few weeks as your skin adjusts to the cream.

Kristen, a second possible cause for your trouble adjusting to the Retin-A is that you were using the incorrect strength. Retin-A comes in a variety of strengths depending on your skin type. It is up to a licensed practitioner to determine which strength is best for your skin.

Don’t give up on Retin-A, Kristen. It really is a terrific product for tackling so many skin care concerns. Follow your medical skin care provider’s instructions and communicate any concerns during the process and in no time your skin will be looking younger and brighter.

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Filed under Beauty, Face, Skin Care

Tagged as Acne, Budget, Collagen, Dull Skin, Exfoliation, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Medical Skin Care, Multi-Purpose, Obagi, One Skin Care Product, Retin-A, Tretinoin, Warsaw Indiana

April 5, 2013 · 11:19 am

Mascara Maneuvers To Magnify Your Lashes

Q. I have been wearing mascara for more than 30 years. Has anything changed? Sue, Claypool

A. Sue, mascara is probably one of the first makeup items you started using when you were allowed to wear makeup. Even if it was only clear mascara, getting to apply makeup to create long, lush lashes was an exciting time. Remember getting ready with your girlfriends to go to the movies or the roller skating rink and applying each other’s mascara and lip gloss? That was often more fun than the day’s plans were. Now, the excitement of applying your mascara is long gone and can often be more of a chore. I asked the makeup artist at my office to share some of her mascara reminders and helpful hints because when you’ve been doing something for so long it is a good idea to review the basics and get some fresh ideas.

1. Lash Conditioner – While it may seem just like an extra step, taking that extra step of applying a lash conditioner underneath your mascara will have big rewards creating thicker, longer lashes. Not only will you need to use less mascara, the conditioner will act as a protective layer to help your lashes from drying out and breaking off. When using lash conditioner, apply a thin layer to your lashes and then while it is still wet apply your mascara on top.

Try jane iredale’s Purelash Lash Extender & Conditioner

2. Application is Key – The way you apply your mascara can mean the difference between clumpy spider leg-looking lashes and long, full lashes. The key is to wiggle your mascara wand back and forth from the root of the eyelash to the tip before you sweep the brush from bottom to top. If you do not get the mascara all the way from the root to the tip, your eyelashes will actually look shorter. If you choose to apply mascara to the bottom lashes, do so sparingly and hold the brush vertically. If you struggle with your mascara clumping, make sure if you apply a second coat of mascara that you do so while the first coat is still wet and then stop at two coats.

3. No Pumping – Remember to never pump the wand in the tube to get out the mascara. It will only push air inside causing it to dry out quickly. It also introduces bacteria into the mascara, which you don’t want near your eyes. Mascara also has the shortest shelf life of all makeup. After three months, it’s time for a new tube.

4. MacGyver Mascara – In you’re ever in a pinch without eyeliner, did you know you can use mascara in its place? It acts almost like a gel or liquid eyeliner and stays on great! Just take a brush and tap the mascara wand to get some product on it and apply it along the lash line as you would eyeliner.

If you have any questions about mascara or your makeup routine, Sue, be sure to consult with a professional makeup artist.

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Filed under Beauty, Face, Makeup

Tagged as Application, jane iredale Purelash Lash Extender & Conditioner, Lash Conditioner, Mascara, Mascara as eyeliner, Warsaw Indiana

Easy Steps To Minimize Your Pores This Summer

Don’t Rely On The SPF In Your Makeup For Protection

Get A Golden Glow Without Giving Yourself Wrinkles

Don’t Let Spider Veins Hold You Back This Summer

Filling In Crow’s Feet Isn’t A Job For Fillers

Don’t Leave Retin-A Out Of Your Skin Care Routine

Mascara Maneuvers To Magnify Your Lashes

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