modern chemical peels Archives - The New Jersey Vein & Vascular Center

Three Essential Skincare Tips for Men

Aug 30, 2018 | News

Men often face the same complicated skincare problems as women such as wrinkles, dryness, dark spots, and adult acne, but it gets spoken about a lot less. We do get many requests for skincare tips for men.

Fortunately, solving these problems doesn’t have to be complicated, time consuming or involve multiple skincare products.

In fact, your skincare daily routine doesn’t have to take longer than five minutes a day to complete! By following these three simple but essential skincare steps for men, one can achieve clearer, younger-looking skin without a hassle.

1) Get in a Daily Routine

Taking care of your skin should be a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Cleanse your skin once or twice a day using a gentle cleanser and follow up with a moisturizer.

To see the best results, use products that are tailored to your skin type. If you have issues with acne, dark spots, or wrinkles, add in an additional serum or cream once a day to problem areas.

If you are looking a highly-effective and specialized line of skin care products, our exclusive Neocutis line will help you start a skincare routine that will give your skin the essentials it needs to look its best.

2) Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin regularly will remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and create a dull appearance. You should exfoliate once or twice a week with products that are safe to use at home. This takes about the same amount of time as washing your face and you can use basic items from around your kitchen, like sugar or lemon juice.

For a deeper cleaning of your pores, we recommend a professional Chemical Peel. A Chemical Peel is non-surgical procedure performed that will instantly improve skin tone and texture. In our offices, we analyze your skin to develop a customized Chemical Peel treatment plan, ensuring you achieve your desired results.

One of our most popular treatment plans is our lunchtime peel, a 30-minute procedure that has instant results and allows patients to return to work the same day without having to worry about redness or peeling.

3) Protect Your Skin

Whether you’re spending all day in meetings or on a basketball court, always wear sunscreen. The sun and UV rays cause damage to your skin, increasing your risk of skin cancer and aging your appearance.

Our SkinCeuticals broad spectrum sunscreens deflect and absorb damaging UVA and UVB rays and offer a range of protective formulas for a variety of skin types and lifestyles.

Simply apply a non-greasy, quick drying sunscreen after washing your face in the morning and you’ll be set for the rest of the day!

When you have concerns about your skin, it is important to consult with a skincare professional. Everyone likes to look and feel their best. At NJVVC, we really do understand the concerns you may have with your skin.

Contact Us For an In-Depth Evaluation of Your Skin

How to Prevent and Control Acne

Apr 14, 2018 | News

We all get them…pimples. If you haven’t had a few, then you just might be the luckiest person on earth. One pimple doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but when they begin to multiply, things can get out of control quickly. Many factors lead to uncontrollable acne, such as your daily routine, what you eat, and how you deal with a breakout. If you have concerns, here’s how to prevent and control acne.

Acne Prevention: Your Daily Routine

It’s the small steps you take every day that add up and help prevent acne breakouts. Following the tips below will help keep acne away and help minimize any issues you may already have.

Wash your face – Twice daily with warm water and mild soap. A salicylic acid exfoliating cream cleanser or a lightweight cleanser with gentle foaming agents to remove surface debris will work best for acne prone skin.

Don’t touch – Avoid touching your face throughout the day and remember to wash your hands before doing so.

Wipe your phone – Clean your phone regularly and hold it away from your face while talking.

Clean your glasses – Glasses collect oils and dead skin. When you wash your face, you should wash your glasses too.

Change your pillow case – For the best results, change daily.

Hair care – Keep your hair clean and pulled back away from your face.
Avoid oil-based products – Choose skin, hair, and makeup products for sensitive skin that are non-comedogenic which do not clog pores.

Soften skin – Before shaving, use warm soapy water prior to applying shaving cream. Make sure your razor is sharp and clean.
Sun exposure – Many acne medications increase the risk of sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can cause the skin to produce more sebum or oil.
Anxiety and stress – Cortisol and adrenaline, both produced during high stress times will exacerbate acne.

Skin care products – It’s important to choose products that don’t irritate the skin and have been proven highly effective. SkinCeuticals, a widely trusted skin care product, has designed a multi-tasking blemish and age defense serum that fights the formation of acne, minimizes blemishes and scarring, and even reduces the signs of aging

Foods That Help Control Acne: You Are What You Eat

There are many foods that are thought of as “acne causing” such as pizza, chocolate, fried foods, and caffeine. These foods have not been scientifically proven to bring about acne, but many people react to them by “breaking out” which has caused them to become synonymous.

Identify what triggers YOU to have acne and adjust your intake of those foods accordingly. Here are some of the most common foods that can cause breakouts and a few that will help control acne.

Just Say No

Sugar – Sugar raises your insulin level which has been linked to oil-triggering hormones. Soda is a major contributor of fructose or sugar that people ingest every day. Choose water and whole-grain options to keep your insulin levels even throughout the day and your skin healthier!
Iodine – Iodine builds up overtime in the body and causes acne. Choose foods such as shellfish, kelp, and spinach in moderation as eating them may cause large acne flareups.
Bread and Bagels – Try reducing gluten intake or go gluten free. Gluten increases systemic inflammation and inflammation is a trigger for acne.
You may have a sensitivity to gluten and not even be aware of it.
Dairy – Milk related products are hormone-dense. Acne has been linked to hormonal issues. If you have acne breakouts, dairy may be the culprit.

More Please!

Cruciferous Vegetables – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Grass-fed Protein
Healthy Fats – avocado, nuts, salmon, olives

Control Your Acne: When Acne Won’t Go Away

When you already have acne, prevention tips might stop future outbreaks but what can you do in the mean time? Here are some ways to handle the breakout you are experiencing right now.

No scrubbing – Scrubbing and/or rubbing your skin will further irritate the area. Use clean hands or a cloth to lightly pat or touch your skin.
Avoid popping pimples – This can push infection further down causing swelling and redness. Pooping pimples also leads to scarring.
Let your skin breathe – Keep your skin free of makeup whenever possible. If acne is on your back, shoulders, or chest, avoid tight clothing.
Chemical Peels – Chemical peels cause the skin’s top layer to peel away. This removes dead and damaged skin cells which aids in the production of new and healthier cells. Chemical peels will also help minimize scars from acne.

Acne is a common problem. It can be embarrassing for anyone, but treatment is available and has proven to be effective in many cases. For more information about how our skin care services and product line can help you control acne and prevent breakouts, Contact us today!

Melasma: Symptoms and Treatment

Mar 28, 2018 | News

Have you noticed skin discoloration on your face or chest? Melasma, a common skin problem, often presents as tan, brown or greyish-blue marks on the parts of our bodies that get the most sun. While this skin issue appears on a lot of women during pregnancy, men and woman of all ages are susceptible.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin discoloration condition that most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. It can also affect men; however, it is extremely rare. Melasma normally appears on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip in the form of dark irregularly-shaped blotches.

Pregnant women, those who take chemical contraceptives, or postmenopausal women who take progesterone replacement therapy commonly come down with this condition. Melasma in pregnant women is also known as chloasma, or “the mask of pregnancy”.

Cause and Symptoms of Melasma?

At the bottom end of your outer layer of skin, you have cells called melanocytes. These are what produce melanin. A change in your progesterone and estrogen levels combined with sun exposure can stimulate the irregular production of melanin. This is the most common cause of melasma. In and of itself, this condition causes no other symptoms beyond the skin blotches. It is a cosmetic condition and has not been linked to cancer or any other dangerous skin diseases.

However, autoimmune thyroid disease and Addison’s disease have been associated with melasma. The development of Addison’s disease can cause melasma above the kidney area. Therefore, if discoloration occurs in other areas than your face, you may want to consult a doctor for additional information and testing.

Can It be Treated?

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for this condition. There are many topical treatments that will reduce melasma such as hydroquinone, cysteine hydrochloride, or azelaic acid. Some patients also respond to microdermabrasion which removes the outer layer of skin reducing dark areas.

The top product on the market, and most recommended by skin care professionals, to aid in skin discoloration treatment is SkinCeuticals’ Advanced Pigment Corrector. This cream offers a multi-layered hyperpigmentation correction that is proven effective without harmful side-effects. This topical solution exfoliates existing spots, inhibits melanin transfer, blocks excess melanin, and boosts pigment resistance.

At the New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center, we also offer an effective chemical peel technique that can be utilized with SkinCeuticals products to offer maximum results. Our skilled staff will be able to resurface your skin for a reasonable cost that will help reduce the discoloration and give your skin an overall improved, more even tone.

Melasma can develop slowly and it takes a while to clear up. Skin type plays a role in determining the best treatment. Melasma caused by serious sun exposure can be the most difficult to treat.

Preventing Melasma

While there are many cures, including our chemical peels and SkinCeuticals products, you can take preventive measures to lessen your odds of acquiring melasma.

Avoid excess sun exposure, and wear shade-giving hats if you must be outside for a long duration of time. Sunblock and sunglasses are extremely important as well. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 which contains physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is recommended.

Contact NJVVC today for more information about reducing uneven skin and achieving a more youthful glowing look.

Chemical Peels: Separating Fact from Fiction

Dec 14, 2017 | News

Chemical peels have gotten a bad rap due to DIY horror stories, but they’re actually a great way to treat a number of skin issues when administered by a qualified physician. They increase skin turnover to improve the appearance of acne, mild scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, and dark spots. They’re also great for improving the youthful appearance of skin, so they’re not just for people with skin problems.

Properly applied skin peels can change the look and feel of your skin with minimal down time. We want to dispel the most common myths and misconceptions about chemical peels.

Myth: All chemical peels are painful.

Truth: The level of discomfort depends on the depth of the peel. Most people will only feel a light tingling sensation, which can increase with deeper peels. A physician can help you determine the level of peel you will need to achieve your desired results but, peels should not be painful. During the procedure you may feel a slight tightening of the skin and after the procedure your skin may be slightly sensitive. You shouldn’t do anything that might irritate your skin for a few days, such as use any type of exfoliant. Staying hydrated is essential for your skin.

Myth: You must stay home for days after a chemical peel because of flaky skin, redness and sun exposure.

Truth: In most cases, you can go about your day directly following a peel. Many people can even apply makeup after our Lunchtime Peel. Modern peels are gentler on the skin, so there’s less irritation and downtime after a treatment, but it may depend on the type and sensitivity of your skin and how deep a peel you get.

Myth: You can do chemical peels at home.

Truth: Chemical peels should only be performed by a qualified physician. There are many factors that affect the success of a peel, such as skin sensitivity and skin disorders. Performing a peel without professional training can lead to severe complications or even permanent damage to your skin.

We’ve seen many patients who have actually caused damage to their skin and come to us for help. A professionally administered peel will always yield better results.

An experienced physician should properly assess your skin, take time to understand what you are trying to achieve, and provide you with realistic expectations. Only then can they determine the right application for you, and the correct length of time the product should remain on your skin. For some people, getting a series of peels will achieve the best results.

Myth: Skin Peels Are Not Safe

Truth: One of the most common questions we get is, “are skin peels safe”? When performed by a professionally trained physician or esthetician in a controlled setting, and if all pre-procedure and post-procedure instructions are followed, skin peels are safe.

For best results, the procedure should take place in a sanitary medical environment where the appropriate steps can be followed before, during, and after the application.

Chemical peels are a wonderful, non-invasive way to improve the look of your skin. At NJVVC, we’ll work with you to determine the best solution for your skin.

Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and find out which chemical peel is right for you.