MAIN SITE BLOG HOME

Archive for the ‘Products’ Category

Want To Look Your Best For Valentine’s Day? Here’s How:

Monday, February 7th, 2022

Preparing Your Skin For Valentine’s Day:

Naturally, Valentine’s Day is a day when we want to present our best selves. Not too mention it’s a valid excuse for us make up enthusiasts to go all out. Whether it’s a subtle, natural, bold or seductive look you desire, to achieve your ideal look, you must first start by making sure your skin is a smooth, fresh, blemish free canvas for which you can create your make up masterpiece. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and harsh winter elements in full swing here in central Illinois, you might find you skin is needing a little tender loving care before the big night.  Here are a few tips that can help assure your skin is fresh, smooth and supple:

Assess and Address Any Skincare Concerns Now

Don’t wait until the day before Valentine’s Day, hoping for a miracle from your new facial mask or skincare product. Stay faithful to your skincare regimen, especially when it comes to nightly cleansing and moisturizing.  If you haven’t already established a consistent skincare regimen then just focus on the following basic skincare needs for the short term to assure your skin looks its best for your  special Valentine’s Date.

 

 

THE BASICS:

  1. CLEANSE
  • Cleanse both in the morning and before bed. Do not skip your night-time cleansing. Going to bed without removing your make-up can clog pores, create blackheads, acne break outs, inflammation, and textural issues. While you are fast asleep, your skin is regenerating, rejuvenating & renewing itself!  Cleansing your skin improves cell turnover and even stimulates circulation. Even if you do not wear make-up, it’s one dirty world out there.  By day’s end, your skin’s surface contains dirt, grime, debris, bacteria.  You need to cleanse away the day’s collection and allow your skincare products to effectively penetrate and do their intended jobs.
  1. TREAT TEXTURE / BLEMISHES
  • Exfoliation will help improve rough texture, fine lines, wrinkles and clarity. Exfoliation is often needed to keep aging skin looking fresh and smooth because as we age, dead skin cells to do not slough off as rapidly as they once did. This can result in dull, rough texture and more apparent lines and wrinkles. A build up of dead cells not only makes it difficult to achieve a flawless make-up application but dead cell build up also reduces the effectiveness of your skincare products and steals your radiance!  During dry winter months, try to avoid harsh scrub type exfoliants if you have acne-prone skin or if your skin is dry.   Exfoliating with gritty facial scrubs or buff puffs when your skin is already extra dry from dried winter weather conditions or inflamed with an acne breakout will compromise your protective barrier, creating further dryness and skin irritation. Instead for dry, dull skin tones select a pumpkin enzyme exfoliating mask to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate or seek a professional, light glycolic acid application at your cosmetic surgeon’s office.
  • Stay proactive if you are prone to acne breakouts. Clear Skin Pads like those from Castillo MD Skin Science containing a 5% glycolic, 2% Salicylic Acid (for exfolation) & lactic acid (for hydration) can be particularly helpful in preventing new breakouts and decreasing cellular build-up without irritations caused by more abrasive options.
  1. MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE
  • Whether your goal is a flawless make up application or a natural, radiant, no make-up look, supple, hydrated skin is key. Dry skin leads to dull, flaky skin, and increases the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.  Remember to pay extra attention to the skin around your eyes. The eye area needs moisture formulated specifically for that delicate eye area. Radiant skin and a flawless makeup application is dependent on well hydrated skin.

4. PROTECT

  • Apply a medical-grade, UVA/UVB physical sunscreen every day. If you are new to my blog, you might be thinking, sunscreen… in the winter? What sun?? Is that really necessary? Don’t fool yourself. I assure you, UVA (the aging ray, you know the one responsible for lines, wrinkles, sagging, unwanted pigment…) is just as prevalent in the winter as in the summer so be sure to continue to protect your skin each day throughout the year.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day full of love, laughter and luminous skin!

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

LIKE us on FACEBOOK @  http://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drcastillocps/

 

What Can I Do At Home To Reduce The Signs Of Aging?

Wednesday, July 28th, 2021

More than ever, skincare has become a booming. progressive industry!  Finally, we have entered a culture  or state of mind that says it’s okay to value ourselves,  to invest in ourselves.   I’m not talking about entitlement,  That’s a whole other kind of topic. I’m talking about self-care and self-respect.  On one hand, that’s great.  We are living longer but we don’t necessarily want to look like it, am I right? This boom has created a push to develop and (hopefully) improve the very products you need to keep your skin looking good for as long as possible.  Now, on the other hand, wow – the sheer number of options out there is over-whelming, and it can be a disappointment and costly lesson to try to figure out which products work and which products are just marketing hype.  How many of you have drawers full of  product disappointment?

An at-home skincare regimen can mean so many different things to different people.  During each new skincare evaluation, I ask my patient to tell me what they are currently doing for their skin.  The answers range from an over-the-top laundry list of products to absolutely nothing.  I have always believed that delivering age-reversing results for our patients is best accomplished through dedication to communication, teamwork and most of all, consistency. You can start small with a smart, simple, medical-grade, proven-effective skincare product regimen at-home and move forward if needed, as you become more comfortable.

So, what can you do at home to reduce the signs of aging, sun damage and improve your skin’s texture and tone?  I will review a few of my favorite at-home product categories that will help you do just that!

Before I dive into discussing each basic product category, the first thing I want to talk about is the principal reason our skin ages.  Can you guess it? I’ll give you a hint… is NOT our age itself… but rather recurring sun exposure from birth onward. Studies indicate that approximately 80% of our lifetime sun exposure comes from “incidental” sun exposure, not a day at the beach.  Incidental sun exposure refers the UV rays you catch while walking your dog or in my case…walking my cat, walking to your car, sitting in front of a window in your home or while driving etc.  That being said, if you are not applying and re-applying quality, broad-spectrum UVA/UBA sunscreen on a daily basis, then the rest is for not because unprotected sun exposure will speed up your aging process and lines, wrinkles, rough texture, dull skin are certainly on the horizon.

Any basic anti-aging skincare regimen should include four application categories, although in some cases we may be able to streamline it even further.  Now of course, depending on the severity of your skin damage and your goals, we would customize a regimen specifically for you and skin concerns, but this will give you some good general knowledge.

 

The categories in review are:

  1. Cleansers
  2. Transformation products
  3. Anti-aging moisturizers
  4. Protection:

 

 

Okay, so the first product category I typically recommend to fight the signs of aging and achieve glowing skin is a good cleanser.

 

  1. CLEANSE:

In general, I prefer facial cleansers that contain exfoliating enzymes, AHA’s, BHA’s, and certain botanical ingredients. These ingredients will help to break down the build-up of dead skin cells, bacteria, grime, and sebum.  They can also stimulate circulation and improve cellular turn-over; all good things when you are looking for that natural glow.  Now do keep in mind, if your skin is really dry then you are better off using a gentle cleanser without AHA’s or other exfoliant properties until your skin’s protective barrier has been restored.

In the Castillo MD Skin Science Skincare line, I recommend one of the following cleaners depending on your skin type:

Advanced Enzyme Cleanser:

This cleanser can be used for dry, normal, oily, combo, acne sensitive skin types.  It is formulated to deliver a brighter, clearer complexion and encourages the healthy production of new skin cells. Papaya Enzymes and salicylic acid exfoliate dead cells, kill bacteria in pores and removes impurities and make-up without stripping the protective skin barrier.

 

Gentle Cleanser:

Gentle cleanser is for dry, normal, post-procedure, rosacea, sensitive skin types. It is formulated with botanical ingredients such as Clary Sage, Aloe, Cucumber Fruit, and Ginger Root. This cleanser will clean, condition and invigorate the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and visibly younger looking without causing irritations. It is also a good choice for mature skin that is dry as aggressive cleansers can compromise the protective skin barrier even further.

 

  1. TRANSFORM:

This category refers to products that have a specific anti-aging job to do.  Transformation products might be used to reduce brown pigmentation, fight free-radicals, repair damaged DNA cells, brighten your complexion,  improve texture, reduce lines, wrinkles and large pores.  Depending on the skin concerns you may have, one of the following products might be recommended in your anti-aging at-home treatment plan.

 

Clear Skin Pads

These pre-soaked pads are a quick and simple way to deliver an at-home, anti-aging micro-peel to exfoliate and improve dull skin, rough texture and lines or clean out pores, correct acne and prevent future breakouts.  Clear Skin Pads soften and sooth acne-prone, inflamed skin while reducing irritations and redness with a botanically infused formula.  Contains Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Yeast, Horse Chestnut, Ivy, Burdock, Olive, and Clary Sage Extracts.

 

Tretinol PM Serum

Beyond sunscreen, topical Vitamin A products (retinoids) such as Tretinol PM Serum are the most beneficial, proven-effective anti-aging topicals available.  Tretinol PM Serum stimulates cellular regeneration which improves tone, texture and hyperpigmentation. It reduces lines and wrinkles (who doesn’t love that)!  It is naturally derived, sulfate and paraben-free and contains antioxidants.  This is an after dark product only.  You should not apply this product during the daytime as it can make you more sun sensitive and could increase your chances of developing unwanted pigmentation.  If you are going to use this product you should always wear a UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day.  Vitamin A products generally have a reputation for being harsh at first.  However, Tretinol PM Serum by Castillo MD Skin Science is impressively gentle due to the product’s silky emollient delivery system.

 

Antioxidant Serum:

This is a powerful combination of medical-grade Vitamin C (15% L-ascorbic acid), Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid and a peptide complex. It enhances collagen syntheses, which means you can expect firmer more supple skin.  Vitamin C is the ultimate skin brightener. Not only will it brighten dull, lifeless skin, but this antioxidant serum inhibits melanin production which helps reduce unwanted pigmentation and melasma,  leaving your skin clearer and luminous.  Antioxidant Serum neutralizes free radicals to protect the skin from cellular damage, resulting in healthier, more radiant skin inside and out! It even increases the SPF in sunscreen as it helps to fight UVA/UVB sun damage.  Vitamin C reduces sunburns, redness and irritation. It is a wonderful anti-inflammatory and increases your skin’s ability to produce collagen. This product can be used twice daily. It is formulated for dry, normal, oily, combo, acne sensitive skin types.  Note:  Vitamin C products are known to very unstable and in those cases it’s not likely to deliver much benefit.  It is important to choose a Vitamin C product formulated with  both Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid.  These two ingredients help keep the Vitamin C stable so you can enjoy the benefits.

Pigment Reducer:

This is a recent addition to Dr. Castillo’s skincare line.  This is another “after dark” only product.  It is an advanced, multi-active formula designed for rapid and significant improvement in the appearance of unwanted pigmentation. Pigment Reducer features an innovating lightening complex combined with alpha-hydroxy acids and botanical extracts to maximize penetration and stimulate cell turn-over.  This technology interrupts the melanogenesis pathway at multiple points, resulting in visible reduction in brown spots and other pigmentation.

 

Microdermabrasion Scrub:

Microdermabrasion is a wonderful, inexpensive addition to almost any skincare regimen in need of exfoliation or resurfacing to improve rough texture and allow your smooth, natural glow to show through!  It gives your skin an instant little boost of radiance.  It smooths dull, dry skin by exfoliating away dead cells and debris from your skin’ surface. It allows your skincare products to penetrate more effectively and will improve the look of your make-up.  While I am focused on faces to today, this product is also wonderful on your neck, chest, legs, feet, hands, lips, everywhere really! You will love how smooth your skin feels after using Castillo MD Skin Science Microdermabrasion Scrub.  This product is also beneficial in helping maintain the result of an in-office microdermabrasion in between treatments.

 

  1. MOISTURIZERS:

For many patients, winter means even drier skin. Not only does the outside air become drier (less humid) but when you turn on the heat, our homes and vehicles become drier too and our skin suffers.  Without proper hydration and moisturization, skin can become dull, dry, flaky and irritated. Lines and wrinkles will become more apparent and cosmetics will not perform as well if your skin becomes dry.  You can avoid losing that supple, youthful appearance by using a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type.

 

Lush Replenishing Cream:

Lush Replenishing Cream is a patient favorite for sure! It is an elegant moisturizer that combines 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) with barrier enhancing lipids. It is intended for dry, normal, sensitive skin types and those with occasional minor acne breakouts.  It is formulated to decrease the appearance of sun damage, texture, hyperpigmentation and lines. Because of its anti-bacterial properties and oil reducing factors, those with mild-acne breakouts may also benefits from this moisturizer.

 

Calmative Cream:

Calmative Cream is intended for dry, normal, combo, oily and sensitive skin types. It is fortified with Vitamin K, Sunflower Oil, and Sweat Almond Oil. It is a concentrated, restorative treatment moisturizer that helps reduce dark under-eye circles and puffiness. It reduces the appearance of bruising, spider veins and broken capillaries. Calmative Cream is an excellent choice for those with conditions such as Rosacea who wish to reduce facial redness. Soothing, hydrating properties help skin retain its natural moisture. Calmative Cream combats symptoms of aging with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and calming emollients relieve redness and irritation associated with rosacea. It can be used for pre and post-treatment of fragile skin.

 

Revive Recovery Complex:

Revive Recovery Complex contains four different ceramides to restore the skin’s barrier function which helps the skin maintain its structure. Maintaining structure decreases water loss and increases factors which hydrate and protect the skin and aid in the skin’s recovery after exposure to stress. It is specially formulated with cactus and yeast extracts to significantly reduce irritation and redness caused by AHA’s, or  retinoids.  Appropriate for Dry, normal, combo, sensitive, and irritated, acne skin types.

 

  1. PROTECT:

The last step in this basic skincare routine as I mentioned earlier is the most important if your goal is to fend off the appearance of wrinkles and sun damage for as long as possible.

Sun Defense SPF 45

Sun Defense is designed to protect the skin from UVA / UBV and infrared radiation. It is a thin, lightweight, medical-grade, broad-spectrum sunscreen that is recommended for acne, oily, combo and sensitive skin types.  It absorbs quickly and contains high levels of Niacinamide along with Vitamin E, knotweed extract and hyaluronic acid to increase firmness and elasticity and reduce redness and blotchiness.

 

Physical Defense SPF 49

Physical Defense  is a very versatile, medical-grade, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. It is both gentle and light-weight.  It absorbs and dries quickly.  It offers our patients a more natural approach to sun protection by utilizing only chemical-free active ingredients.  Zinc Oxide & Titantium Dioxide sit on top of the skin to deflect UV radiation. Physical Defense SPF 49 creates a moisture barrier to stop the skin’s water from evaporating to help maintain hydration.  This sunscreen is beneficial for all skin types, especially those who are sensitive to over-the-counter chemical sunscreens. Barrier reef safe.

 

Prime Defense SPF 40:

If you love the feel of a good BB cream, you will love Prime Defense.  I always feel a little extra pampered when I am applying this product. It just feels so amazing!  Not only does it provide you with the necessary sun protection, but the pigments in this luxurious tinted sunscreen help to even out your skin tone.  Prime Defense contains protective anti-oxidants like Vitamin C & E, and Ferulic Acid Ester along with barrier protective lipids.  Prime Defense is a chemical-free sunscreen.  It even contains silicone polymers that provide a make-up primer base which leads to an even, smooth make-up application.

If you would like more information on building a custom skincare regimen that is right for you, contact Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center in Champaign at 217-359-7508.

 

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

 

 

How To Fix Common Lipstick C­omplications:Think Quick & Easy Solutions

Thursday, July 25th, 2019

My #lipstick relationship is complicated. On one hand, I can’t get enough of it. I wear lip color in some form every single day; lipstick , lip crayons, lip liners, lip gloss, lip tint…I’ve even been known to throw a little cream blush on my lips now and then if the color is right.

The right shade of lipstick can totally change my mood within the second it takes to put it on. Doesn’t it just make you feel…like a girl?  Of course on the other hand, there have been times when lipstick has just plain done me wrong!

Ever catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror to find that your once perfect lipstick application has left you looking like you just stepped off the crazy circus train? I hope you have girlfriends like mine who love you enough to tell you straight away!

In the words of Madeline Albright, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” So in the spirit of Madeline, here are a few quick and easy solutions for some common lipstick problems:

PROBLEM #1 – Cakey looking lipstick:

 SOLUTION:

  • The rules of applying lipstick are no different than applying a foundation to your face; you have to start with a smooth canvas. Exfoliate your lips. This will create a smooth surface to apply your lipstick. Then follow with a good lip hydrator. Just like any other skin surface…it’s pretty impossible to make dry, flakey skin look flattering.

PROBLEM #2 – Lipstick bleed:

SOLUTIONS:

  • For a quick no fuss solution, try using a lip crayon, preferably in matte rather than gloss. I find them to have more staying power due to their thicker consistency and more intense pigment. I like the Suede Matte Lip Crayons by Glo Skin Beauty. They offer colors and intensities for every mood and the staying power is remarkable.
  • Apply a make-up primer to your lips before applying your lipstick. This will increase the time your lip color will stay put and fill in any lines for a smooth appearance.
  • Apply a concealer around the perimeter of your lips using a small concealer brush. The concealer will act as a bleed barrier to hold your lipstick in place.
  • My favorite trick… just a touch of translucent power. After you apply the lip color of your choice, place s single ply layer of tissue over your lips. Using a powder brush, dust just a touch of silica based translucent powder over the tissue.  This will set your lipstick for an all-day stay!
  • Before apply your lipstick or lip crayon, fill in your entire lip with a lip liner of similar color. As a side bar here, there a few modern guidelines for lip liners…
  1. Lining the perimeter of your lips with a dark liner, then using a light lipstick to fill was socially exiled a few decades back…so…stay strong and resist the temptation.
  2. If you are old enough to wear lipstick, you  should be old enough to  color within the lines. If it is larger lips you desire, try a lip plumper or visit your local cosmetic plastic surgeons office to discuss dermal filler options  (exiting my soapbox now…and going back to our regularly scheduled program).

PROBLEM #3: Lipstick on your teeth: Uhggg!

SOLUTIONS:

This post wouldn’t be complete without addressing this one. Who hasn’t had lipstick on their teeth? I know I have. Just ask my beautiful daughters. I have countless memories of them making desperate hand motions indicating another embarrassing lipstick on my teeth episode! Years back, I read a great tip somewhere that I will pass to you. It is a simple, no-cost, product-free solution. All you need is your index finger and moment of privacy. Just after you apply your lipstick, make an “O” shape with your mouth. Stick your pre-cleaned index finger in your mouth. Close your lips around your finger and pull your finger out. Wha-la, all the excess lipstick is now on your finger and not on your teeth!

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
#COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY    https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery

VISIT MY BLOG:

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/blog/
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SURPRISING THE IMPORTANCE OF WASHING YOUR FACE AT NIGHT

Tuesday, February 12th, 2019

The Importance Of Cleansing Your Face Before Bed:

I can’t tell you the number of men and women who have confessed to me that they often skip washing their face at night.  Noooo!  Pleeeease!  Must wash.

Aside from wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, washing your face at night is probably the most important step on the road to healthier skin.

Why:

Not to freak you out but seriously – it’s a dirty, dirty world out there.  Think of all of the bacteria, dirt, grime, environmental pollutants floating around in the air. Guess what – they land on your skin. They get stuck to your skin… embedded in your make-up. This happens to you daily, whether you realize it or not.

How many items do you touch every day: a grocery cart, money, door knobs…?  Again, you just made skin contact with bacteria, dirt, grime, pollutants and probably touched your face as some point. Am I right?  I know, that is not a pretty picture! At the end of the day how can unwashed skin appear pretty covered in all that environmental garb? Not to mention that if you didn’t wash your face before bed, you’ve just transferred all the bacteria, dirt, grime and pollutants to your pillow.  Yes, the very pillow you lay your sweet little head on every night.  Move over microbes! Make room for me!

Now – if the dirty world reality check wasn’t enough to convince you to wash your face every single night, well then… I guess… I’ll try harder…

Let’s talk about large pores:

Larger pores are one of the top concerns patients in our skincare suite want to address. Washing your face every single night is the best way to avoid large pore issues.  If you are not consistent with nighttime cleansing, your pores will get impacted with all the above mentioned grossness and form blackheads, whiteheads, full blown break outs, develop irritations and inflammation and lead to… you guessed it… larger pores.

A Better Canvas:

Like any good and prideful artist, you must start your painting with a pristine canvas! Having clean, smooth, well hydrated, and UV protected skin will make applying flawless make up so much easier!

So Why All The Emphasis On Cleansing At Night?

It’s simple really.

Even the most basic at-home skincare regimens require an application of moisturizer and maybe a retinoid or anti-aging product of some kind.  Even if you don’t wear make-up, your skin needs to be cleansed to remove the dead cells of the day so that your skincare products can penetrate effectively and do their intended job.  Your skin is working hard while you sleep.  It is a time of increased rejuvenation and cell renewal.

 

You must be on-board by now with consistent nightly cleansing, so let’s take a look at the proper way to cleanse at night.

I like facial cleansers (notice I did not say a bar of soap or facial wipes) that contain exfoliating enzymes, AHA’s, BHA’s, or certain botanicals to help break down the days build up.  I recommend massaging the cleanser into wet skin with your clean hands and then using a damp facial sponge, thin buff puff or textured facial cloth to clean away all the debris.  Rinse, then pat your skin dry.

Cleansing not only helps remove dead cells, bacteria and grime but it stimulates circulation and improves cells turnover. Yay! This means new fresh, sexy skin cells! Now you are ready for the rest of your skincare routine.

 

 

 

 

Spread Love & Sunscreen,

Y0ur Skincare Specialist,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT QUALITY MAKE-UP BRUSH: OUR INFORMATIVE REVIEW OF EACH MAKE UP BRUSH

Monday, September 10th, 2018

Selecting the right eye make-up brushes to achieve the look you want, shouldn’t strain your brain but sometimes it can feel like it! There are so many options for such a tiny space (eyelids), it’s hard to know which ones you really need. Choosing the right brushes to complete your look can really make a different in whether your eyes look tired and aged or bright and uplifted.

 

Dual-Fiber Eye Brush:

This is my FAVORITE eye brush! Super versatile! It makes applying and blending light layers of shadow a cinch. As we get older, the words light layers and blending could not become more important to maintaining a youthful looking eye. So I think this brush is must have. It can also really decrease the frustrations of trying to discreetly conceal any under-eye area flaws. It’s easy to lay down very thin layers of concealer with its wispy, feather like bristles. Very lightly dampen the ends of the bristles and lightly whisk the brush across your problem areas for thin, flawless coverage. The trick to using this brush successfully is to relinquish all control. Instead of holding it near the Ferrule (metal part), move as far back on the handle as you can. This will make a huge difference in your application.

 

Eye Base Brush:

This is a pretty basic, user-friendly brush. In fact, it is my go to brush for all-over applications, but works just as well for specific placement of color before moving on to a blender brush.

 

Eye Blender Brush:

You guessed it! This brush is for blending, the most important part of your eye shadow application. This is a versatile, fluffier, long-bristle, domed brush. It can be used to apply a light color wash or to soften the edges of multiple colors, blending them into a seamless transition. Swirl in a circulation motion to blend shadow into the crease of your eye. Just like the Dual Fiber eye brush, hold this brush near the end of handle. The less control you have the better.

 

Mini Eye Crease Shader:

If you are beginning to feel like its time to stop wearing eye shadow because it makes your eyes look older rather than younger… go get this brush! Crease shaders in general are meant to contour the eye to give dimension. The “mini” crease shader has a smaller end with a bit of a point. Use it like a stylus or pencil to draw on color to create shape and definition. This brush will become your best friend if the outside portion of your upper lid is turning downward which happens to most of us as we age. Rather than following the crease line of your upper lid when applying shadow, try defining your upper lid shape by drawing on a medium dark shade of shadow from the lateral end of your lower lid up to your brow bone, then medially, mid-way across the brow bone, creating a bit of right angle or sideways “v” depending on your lid shape to lift the eye shape back up to a more youthful shape. Then shade and blend, blend, blend as you normally would, adding lighter and dark colors; medium -dark on the edges, lighter inside.

 

Angled Eye Contour Brush:

Create contour of your eyelid by applying and blending shadows into the crease of your eye until they become seamless. Now if your eyelids “maturing”, I recommend that you avoid placing dark or heavy shadow in the crease of your eyelids.  This will only create a more tired appearance. Instead, as discussed above, use the mini-shader to draw a line from the outside corner of your upper lid to the brow bone to help draw the eye upward, then blend.

 

Smudge Brush:

Looking for a little drama? This brush can be used to apply eyeliner or eye shadow near the lash line. Then blend to soften the line to create the sultry, smoky eye.

 

Brow Brush: Thinly shaped, angled bristles used to re-shape or fill in sparse eyebrows.

 

Warmly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)



800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

HERE IS THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO OUR BEST SELLING MAKE-UP BRUSHES

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

Figuring out which make-up brushes you really need can be over-whelming whether you are a professional make-artist, or purchasing your first set of brushes. My first bit of advice is to splurge a little and invest in quality brushes.  So, I have put together a  comprehensive guide to all the make-up brushes available here at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center to help you figure out which brushes your just can’t live without. Check out my blog on A Comprehensive Guide To Our Best Selling Make-Up Brushes For Eyes for an in-depth explanation on eye brushes.

FOUNDATION:

Flat Top Kabuki:

The design of this brush allows for applications of both pressed mineral powder foundation or liquid foundations (though you should have one dedicated to each product rather than one brush for both products so that you do not transfer unwanted ingredients into your powder). It’s expertly designed “flat-top” as apposed to a rounded top, is perfect for buffing (in circular motion) mineral powder into a smooth, radiant finish. It provides light to medium coverage, depending on your layering preferences.

When using this the Flat Top Kabuki to apply liquid foundation, you can expect a soft, flawless, airbrushed finish with medium to full coverage. This brush also comes in a travel-friendly version for quick touch-up and on-the-go applications. Perfect purse size!

Pro Kabuki:

This is a tightly packed, round top, mineral powder foundation brush. Choose this brush when you are looking for the full coverage of a pro! Its brush head is packed with very dense, soft bristles for a full, radiant coverage.

 

CAMOUFLAGE / CONCEALER:

 Dual Foundation / Camouflage Brush:

This is a dual-ended, double duty brush. It is suitable for both liquid and cream concealers and foundations. One end offers the precision needed when applying camouflage and other end provides the ease an expert liquid foundation application.

Full Coverage Camouflage Brush:

This is a flat-domed shape brush with a somewhat pointed tip. This brush is commonly used to cover blemishes, facial redness, brown spot etc. It is intended for cream camouflage formulations. It is easy to blend and perfect. For a more fluid application, try misting the end of the brush with setting mist or water. Blot the fibers between paper towels to remove access. Then you are ready to begin applying your camouflage.

Precision Camouflage Brush:

This is a smaller version of the full coverage camouflage brush. It works well with cream camouflage, concealers or primers for smaller, detailed areas.

 

HIGHLIGHT / CONTOUR / BLUSH / POWDERS:

Contour / Highlighter Brush:

Make no mistake about it, when it comes to make-up brushes, the right contour brush is a girl’s best power tool! It is the key to changing your look from everyday to runway!! It is a dual-head brush. One end contours while the other end highlights. The contour end is tapered with a nice apex for more precise placement. I like to pinch the bristles together to accentuate the apex ,which give me more control when shading. It’s ideal for both highlighting and shading to create dimension, chiseled jawlines, nasal narrowing and prominent cheek bones.

Powder Brush:

Typically an extra full, soft, rounded brush designed for translucent powders, bronzers, finishing powders. Distributes sheer to medium coverage. Tap off any access powder before using a circular motion to buff the product on the skin.

Tapered Powder Brush:

A tapered powder brush is typically a soft brush with a pointed end for delicate placement of setting or finishing powders.

Powder Blush Brush:

These brushes can be rounded or angled and intended to apply blush, bronzers or highlight powders.

Dual-Fiber Blush Brush (a.k.a – Texture Brush):

I must own 4-5 of this brush. They are made from a blend of synthetic, soft, flowing fibers, which makes for a luxurious experience. The feathery, flat-top head delivers a light-weight applications of powders, shimmers, and cream blush. Perfect for layering and building.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Ask Our Expert: What is the best type of sunscreen?

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018

 

Q: What is the best type of sunscreen?

A: Historically, it has been shown that physical sunscreens provide the best protection against both UVA & UVB radiation and are less likely to cause skin irritation.  Dr. Castillo, cosmetic surgery and anti-aging expert  recommends medical-grade, physical sunscreens to all his patients.

There are two divisions of sunscreen ingredients; physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens reflect the UV radiation while chemical sunscreens absorb the UV radiation and break it down within the skin. Some sunscreens contain both a physical and a chemical component.

There are two types of physical sunscreens available; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Today, these ingredients can be found in finely micronized, nano-sphere  form which allows for ease of daily use. Not only does zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide needed broad-spectrum coverage but they are also beneficial to those who have sensitive skin or are irritated by chemical ingredients.

You will typically find multiple active ingredients listed in chemical sunscreen.  Each chemical ingredient protects only against a specific portion of the UV spectrum. Be aware that at this time many over-the-counter sunscreens protect against UVB rays only, although there are a few chemical ingredients like Oxybenzone that do offer UVA/UVB protection. Therefore, when purchasing over the counter sunscreen, it is important to examine the label for the claim “broad-spectrum.”  Also look for a sunscreen that says “very water resistant.”  However, keep in mind that even the best water resistant sunscreens can only protect you for 80 minutes.  Then you will need to re-apply.

With inconsistent OTC product labels and the idea that active ingredients in sunscreens differ from manufacturer to manufacturer it can be difficult to decipher all of them so I have provided at chart of the more common ingredients found in sunscreens.  When in doubt whether a sunscreen will effectively protect you and your family, I recommend selecting a medical grade sunscreen from your local cosmetic surgeon, plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Our patient’s favorite sunscreens are:

Physical Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science,  is a chemical-free, pure physical broad-spectrum medical-grade sunscreen making it perfect for even oily and acne skin types! It offers superior protection due to it’s high percentage of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

Sun Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, which offers medical grade 12% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

Prime Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, which offers 10% Titanium Dioxide, 4% Zinc Oxide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an added skin primer.

Body Guard is a medical-grade, body mist sunscreen, making it perfect for those on the go or chasing after little ones.

Chemical & physical ingredients found in sunscreens.

Ingredient:                                            Ray Type:

Avobenzone UVA
Dioxybenzone UVA/ UVB
Homosalate UVB
Octocrylene UVB
Octyl methoxycinnamate UVB
Octisalate UVB
Oxybenzone UVA/ UVB
Padimate O UVB
Mexoryl UVA/UVB
Titanium dioxide UVA/UVB     broad spectrum
Trolamine salicylate UVB
Zinc oxide UVA/UVB     broad spectrum

WARNING: You must actually apply the sunscreen to your skin – just purchasing it will not provide sufficient protection! lol

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Ask Our Expert: Absolutely Everything You Need To Kow About Retin-A Skincare

Friday, July 20th, 2018

RetinA postQ:   My dermatologists gave me a prescription for Retin-A, but after a few days my skin became very red and irritated.   My Doctor explained that several weeks of skin irritation is often just par for the course when using Retin-A.  He asked me to try applying it every other night instead of every night, to be patient and that eventually the irritation would resolve itself.  I stopped using the Retin-A because the irritation was worse than my aging skin.   Is there anything else I can do?

A:  I am happy to report – YES!  Our patients have found success with a few simple adjustments to the way they apply their Retin-A, Renova, Tretinion, etc.

1.  After you cleanse your face, pat it dry and wait at least 15 minutes (to assure your skin is completely dry) before applying your Retin-A.

2. Apply a pea size amount.  This is typically all you need for the entire face. Remember that more is not better in this case. 

3. Avoid combining other exfoliating or skin regenerating products like glycolic acids, with Retin-A, at least until your skin is able to easily tolerate the Retin-A.

4. Always apply a moisturizer on top of your Retin-A.  This is a very important step in the success of your regimen so resist skipping it. (If you find that you are still experiencing dry, irritated skin after trying all of the suggestions here,  you can try mixing your moisturizer and Retin-A together as this will reduce its potency. )

5. Begin applying your Retin-A every third night.  As your skin tolerates the Retin-A, increase use to every other night, then every night.

6. Remember that Retin-A and like products will cause increased sensitivity to the sun.  Therefore Retin-A should only be applied at night only, never during the day.  Wear a medical grade broad-spectrum suncreen every day, re-apply the sunscreen when needed and avoid excessive sun exposure.

If despite all of the above suggestions, you find that you are still unable to tolerate Retin-A, you may want to consider medical microdermabrasion.  It is a pain-free, even relaxing way to keep your skin well exfoliated and looking fresh.  For more information on medical microdermabrasion visit Dr. Castillo’s website.

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)