Monthly Archives: March 2012

March 30, 2012 · 2:32 pm

True Mineral Makeup Is Good For All Ages

Today’s Question: I’m interested in wearing mineral makeup, but I’m afraid at age 72 I’m too old. Is this true? Betty, Warsaw

A: Not at all, Betty! One of the wonderful aspects of true mineral makeup is that it not only works on skin of all ages, but it can actually help improve your skin and be an extension of your skincare at the same time!

The misconception that all mineral makeup is drying or does not work on older or aging skin comes from lower quality mineral makeup. Not all mineral makeup is the same, Betty. Don’t be misled by the word “mineral.” Be an informed consumer and read the ingredients’ labels. Many cosmetic companies fill their “mineral” makeup with harmful fillers, dyes, parabens and talc to bulk up the product and use actually very few minerals. Did you know that the closest thing to talc in nature is asbestos? You wouldn’t want to put that on your face; yet it’s the leading ingredient in many cosmetics today. Talc is also the culprit that leaves your skin dry and emphasizes fine lines. Most mineral makeup formulas in today’s market are comprised of 90 percent talc and very little makeup.

Talc-free mineral makeup actually works quickly and beautifully on mature skin. True mineral makeup is a light-reflective cosmetic, which means that it obscures fine lines and wrinkles and gives a healthy glow to the skin, making it look younger. Matte makeup absorbs light and allows the eye to see “into” the skin. After applying the mineral makeup, it is helpful to spritz your face with a hydration spray. This sets the makeup, softens lines and gives a dewy look. True mineral makeup should feel weightless, like you are not wearing any makeup at all, but provide full coverage all day long. As an added bonus, mineral makeup is water resistant which means it will not crease or smear.

Another misconception about mineral makeup is that it is only available as loose powder. Did you know, Betty, that mineral foundation is also available in liquid, pressed powder and tinted moisturizer formulations? No matter your preference in consistency and coverage, you have several healthy makeup options from which to choose.

Betty, do you have a granddaughter that suffers from acne? Not only does true mineral makeup work well on experienced skin, but it can also be a wonderful option for acne-prone skin. It is completely non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your pores and it will allow your skin to breathe and function normally. It also easily covers the redness common with breakouts. Some mineral makeup lines, found in medical spas and dermatology offices, contain anti-inflammatory properties as well which will help heal the blemished skin in addition to providing the desired coverage.

I recommend you talk to your local medical spa and test out some true mineral makeup to see the difference for yourself. I think you will be amazed at the look and feel it provides. Betty, you are never too old for beautiful skin!

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.

Be Sun Smart This Spring Break

Today’s Question: I’m leaving for Spring Break vacation next week. What do I need to remember to keep myself protected without feeling like a hermit? Katie, Leesburg

A: I’m so glad you asked, Katie! With the start of spring this week and many families heading south soon for Spring Break, it’s a great time for a reminder on protecting yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays. By following a few easy guidelines, you can enjoy the sun worry free, wrinkle free and sunburn free!

1. Do Not Get A Base Tan Before You Leave

There is no such thing as a safe tan, Katie. Any tan at all is a sign of skin damage. It is a myth that a “base tan” protects your skin from a sunburn. According to Dr. Steven Rotter of the Center for Skin Surgery, “A suntan or sunbed tan usually provides a maximum SPF (sun protection factor) of 4, which means you would take four times longer to burn than if you had no tan. If you would normally burn after 15 minutes of sun exposure, with a tan you would burn in one hour. Since sunburns are also associated with higher risks of skin cancer, especially melanoma, avoid both tans and sunburns.” In addition to skin cancer, the UV damage also causes sagging skin, wrinkles and brown spots.

2. Vacation Sunscreen 101

A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied 30 minutes before you hit the beach to allow the ingredients to bind to your skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, in order for the SPF to be effective you should apply about a shot glass full of sunscreen every two hours. You will need to reapply more often if you have been swimming in the pool or looking for sand dollars in the ocean. Check and make sure your sunscreen is not expired and that it is labeled “broad spectrum.” Broad spectrum means that it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to aging and skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburns. When most people hear the word sunscreen, they think of a thick, heavy lotion their mom lathered on them at the beach. Katie, sunscreens have come a long way since then. Today’s sunscreens from a medical professional’s office are weightless and won’t leave you feeling greasy or smelly.

3. Accessorize

In addition to your sunscreen, Katie, I recommend you also wear a wide-brimmed straw hat with at least a 3-inch brim for additional protection for your head, scalp, ears and face. Besides looking sophisticated and in style, you will also give yourself an added level of protection from crow’s feet, forehead lines and brown spots. Also, don’t forget your sunglasses! Not only will they help protect your eyes from cataracts and cancer, but they can help prevent crow’s feet and frown lines caused from squinting.

4. Don’t Forget Your Lips

Lips have almost no melanin in them (pigment that gives color to the skin), so it’s vital that you protect them. “The lower lip, which receives greater sun exposure, is especially vulnerable to squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer,” according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Using a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF 15 or higher will block out those damaging UV rays. Don’t forget to reapply! Not only will you prevent cancer, but also chapping, peeling and dryness.

Katie, I hope these few reminders will help you and your family stay protected on your upcoming vacation. As you can see, by taking a few precautions you can both enjoy your sunny vacation without feeling like a hermit and keep your skin healthy at the same time. If you have any questions about the proper sunscreen for you and your skin, be sure to talk to your medical skin care specialist for a recommendation. Have a wonderful trip!

What Is The Vi Chemical Peel?

Today’s Question: I am hearing a lot about the Vi Peel. What exactly is it and will it help with my sun damaged skin? Jenni, Warsaw

A: That’s a great question, Jenni, and one that even the Hollywood celebrities are asking! It’s easy to be confused by all the different options available when discussing chemical peels and facials. It’s important to keep in mind, Jenni, that chemical peels and facials are not the same treatment. Chemical peels may only be performed by a medical professional and the procedure treats the skin at a much deeper level than a facial can.

The Vi Peel (pronounced V-I peel) is the latest technology in chemical peels and the first to offer dramatic results with virtually no pain, downtime or skin preparation. It is a medium-depth chemical peel that addresses numerous skin concerns including sun damage. Before the Vi Peel, the deeper the peel meant more pain and more downtime to achieve the best results. Most people just don’t have the time in their busy schedules to plan around one of the older peels. With today’s advanced formulations, patients can have a peel on Thursday, go to work Friday, experience the majority of their peeling on the weekend and be ready for work Monday. The Vi Peel aims for “true repair” of the skin without hindering clients’ fast-paced lifestyles. With the newer chemical peels, you don’t have to wait weeks or even months for results.

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 build elasticity and help resolve your sun damaged skin, Jenni.

A single Vi Peel will achieve significant repair and add a healthy glow to the skin. Rather than burning the skin off, it addresses skin problems at the cellular level. This peel improves the tone, texture and clarity of skin, reduces or eliminates age spots, freckles and hyperpigmentation, including melasma, softens lines and wrinkles, clears acne skin conditions, reduces acne scars and stimulates the production of collagen. The Vi Peel is unique in that it is safe and effective for all skin types.

For most patients, medium-depth peels should be done three times a year starting at puberty to repair sun damage that is already present, and to avoid permanent scarring for those affected by acne. Clarifying superficial peels should be done monthly. The frequency of the peel depends on various factors, and will be determined by your medical skin care professional. For extremely damaged skin, the Vi Peel can initially be done once a month to get quicker desired results.

Jenni, I would recommend you talk with a medical skin care professional to find out if you are a good candidate for the Vi Peel. No matter what route you choose to treat your sun damaged skin, be sure to be diligent about wearing your sunscreen 365 days a year to prevent future damage.

Monthly Archives: March 2012

True Mineral Makeup Is Good For All Ages

Be Sun Smart This Spring Break

What Is The Vi Chemical Peel?

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