Medical-grade skincare products, such as those from Skin Medica, can optimize non-surgical and surgical procedure results. Patients may even choose to use the products without undergoing any additional procedures.
Since the array of products can be overwhelming, we spend time with each patient to plan a daily routine specific to their needs. Through the use of cutting-edge Visia Skin Complexion Analysis, a clear and detailed evaluation of the skin can be established. Wrinkles, age spots, sun damage, and the presence of acne-causing bacteria will be noted, allowing for an individualized treatment plan to be created.
There may be a number of products involved in the steps to optimal skincare. The following information is aimed at providing skincare patients with an overview of how products are commonly used.
Step One: Cleansing the Skin
When used twice daily, a skin cleanser can effectively maintain a moisture balance in the skin conducive to a fresh, healthy appearance. Face washes are formulated for many types of skin, including oily, acne prone, normal, and dry. Specialized lines may cater to a wider range of skin conditions and issues. A cleanser helps to remove impurities from the skin, including daily pollutants and cosmetics. Men are encouraged to use many of the same skincare product types as women, including facial cleansers.
We also offer the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System. It is the number-one physician-rated product that gently cleans the skin deep down in order to achieve a glowing appearance. The Clarisonic Skin Cleaning System produces a sonic frequency with more than 300 movements per second. In 60 seconds, these micro-massage actions will remove twice as much dirt and oil, and six times more make-up than hand-scrubbing alone.
Out With the Old, In With the New: Exfoliate
Cell renewal is one of the most important processes for skin health. In order to speed up this regular turnover, which ensures newer cells are always present at the skin’s surface, exfoliants manually grind older skin cells away.
An exfoliant can soften the skin after every use and create a more uniform complexion. It also clears debris from the pores, lessening the appearances of blackheads. The gritty particles in these skin treatments may be natural or synthetic and vary in size. Because of the abrasive nature of the product, many skin scrubs are not suggested for everyday use.
Another type of exfoliator is the at-home chemical treatment that may use a low grade glycolic acid to remove unwanted surface skin cells. These may be more desirable to patients with active acne breakouts so as not to rupture blemishes, which can spread bacteria and cause scarring. Additionally, the acid will not harm the skin, but can actually dissolve oil and residue build-ups that lead to acne breakouts.
Step Two: Tone
Once the skin has been cleansed and/or exfoliated, the next step in the skincare regimen is the application of toner. Typically offered in liquid form, this product is not rinsed from the skin. A toner may be formulated to combat acne, moisturize the skin, or to treat the skin in other ways. This product also removes the last bit of makeup that may be remaining on the skin. The ideal application involves a cotton pad or cotton ball and enough toner to smooth over the entire face. The skin should feel moisturized, but not dripping wet.
Step Three: Apply Serum
Serums and moisturizers are not interchangeable products as the former is a power-packed, concentrated treatment and the latter has the main duty of hydrating the skin. Typically, serums are slightly thicker than toners and almost of a gel consistency. A facial serum may be designed to combat lines and wrinkles or other signs of aging, or infuse the skin with potent moisturizers. In the same way every other skincare step is customizable, the same is true for serums. These treatments offer the strongest, most effective ingredients that are comparable to prescription strength skincare and remain on the skin where they are quickly absorbed.
Step Four: Eye Cream Application
Some patients question why there is a separate treatment for the eye area, and often elect to skip this step in their skincare regimen until they learn of its importance. The eye area is very sensitive, with some of the thinnest skin of the entire body surrounding these vital organs of vision. When reading skincare labels, one common instruction is to avoid the eye area, because the ingredients may irritate the eyes or have not been tested for use around or in the eyes.
And because the skin in this area is very thin — and the eyes are involved in many facial movements and expressions — products designed for the rest of the skin of the face may be insufficient to treat this area. The eyes can exhibit early signs of aging in people as early as their 20s, which is why some eye creams have been developed to prevent the signs of aging. Some eye creams have been developed to treat the creases commonly known as crow’s feet, while others treat dark under eye circles, under eye bags, and add hydration to the skin.
Step Five: Moisturize
Once a serum and eye cream have been fully absorbed by the skin, a moisturizer can be smoothed over the face. While other steps in the skincare process may only be performed once daily, it is typically advised that patients moisturize their skin two times each day, once in the morning and once at night.
For daytime, a lighter facial lotion with an SPF may be ideal, while at a night a nurturing treatment cream can be applied. Moisturizers not only soften the skin, but may also contain treatment ingredients. Facial hydrators are created in a wide variety of formulations to suit the needs of the various types of skin. This promotes optimal skin health and long-lasting comfort throughout the day and night.
Contact MirrorMirror and Book a Free Consultation
If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, or if you have a question about dermal fillers, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.
Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.
The office of Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery and the Fine Art of Natural Cosmetic Surgery is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at MirrorMirror Beauty Boutique.