Category Archives: Laser

Today’s Question: My skin is so dull. How can I brighten it at home? Kathy, Warsaw

A. Kathy, many patients come to me wanting to know how they can get a brighter, glowing complexion like Jennifer Lopez and other celebrities they see walking the red carpet. Dull skin is usually the result of dead skin that has not been exfoliated or sloughed off your face and is just sitting on top of your skin. After the age of 30, our skin’s exfoliation process slows way down so we have to give it a little extra help. It’s important to remove those skin cells in order to keep your skin bright, glowing and youthful. By maintaining a regular exfoliating routine, you will encourage a greater skin cell turnover rate which will also help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

The first step toward brighter skin is exfoliating. There are several options you can do right at home, Kathy, to exfoliate your skin. One of the easiest ways is with a microdermabrasion scrub like Neova’s Microdermabrasion Scrub. Look for an extremely gently scrub that is not abrasive and will not tear up your skin. The gentlest of scrubs can be used two to three times a week to remove dead skin cells for a brighter complexion.

Once you have removed the dead skin cells, you can add an extra glow to your skin with a topical medical strength Vitamin C serum like Obagi’s Professional-C Serums. Vitamin C serums can also increase collagen production and improve needed moisture and hydration to improve the skin’s tone and texture. This powerful antioxidant will also protect your skin from the free radicals in the environment, which next to the sun’s damaging rays causes the most skin damage, fine lines and wrinkles.

Finally, to complete your dull skin makeover try a mineral makeup bronzer or highlighter like jane iredale’s award-winning bronzer, Moonglow. Minerals, when properly applied, will lie on top of the skin reflecting light and creating a soft focus effect. A cream highlighter applied to the cheekbones will also add a soft, radiant glow to your complexion.

The most effective way to brighten your skin is to bump your skin care up to prescription strength levels.  Medical strength retinoids alone will provide at least twice as much brightening to the skin versus over-the-counter products. If you have reached an effective brightness with prescription products, but want to take it a step further, consult with your medical skin care specialist about combining the use of in-office chemical peels and laser facials. All of these products are best from a medical practice such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or medical spa as the ingredients are higher quality, proven effective and safe and backed by clinical research.

Kathy, the key is maintenance. In order to maintain the results you desire and combat that dull, lifeless skin, you must do something at least every 30 days to remove the dead skin. Talk to your medical skin care professional to find out which options are best for you. In no time, your skin will be glowing!

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