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How Should I Care For My Skin After My Chemical Peel?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

CHEMICAL PEEL POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 

Proper maintenance of your skin after a chemical peel will facilitate and enhance your rejuvenation process. It is important that you follow a few easy steps to achieve the maximum benefit from your peel.

What To Expect:

You will receive written instructions and a post-peel skincare kit with all the products you will need to care for your skin following your peel. During your recovery period, we request that you use only the products provided in your kit unless instructed otherwise. These products will keep your skin hydrated, protected and nourished.

For the first few days after your peel, your skin will look normal with some possible redness similar to a sunburn. In approximately 48 hours, your skin may feel tight and will begin to flake or peel.  Some patients will peel mildly while others will peel more dramatically.

It is important not to pick at your skin, which could potentially introduce bacteria, or cause scarring. Do not attempt to help the skin peel off.  Let this process occur naturally to avoid exposing immature skin and irritation.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after your peel as sweat my cause irritation or burning.

SUN BURN ALERT: The peel solution contains a blend of ingredients that may increase your skin’s sensitivity level to the sun, especially for the first TWO weeks following your peel. Please use the medical-grade, UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen provided in your post-peel kit (Castillo MD Skin Science Sun Defense SPF 45).

Post-Peel Instructions:

A.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a facial cleansing sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Apply the selected Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit and re-apply liberally as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and re-apply as needed.
  4. Avoid sun exposure.

P.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and Pat dry.
  2. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.

A.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has ceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and avoid sun exposure.

P.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has deceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.

To extend the life of your beautiful results, I recommend beginning a medical-grade skincare program designed specifically for your skin needs.

 

Yours Truly,

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)

 

 

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Posted in Instructions / Recovery Tips, Non-Surgical Treatments, Recovery: What to expect, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Pre & Post Microdermabrasion Treatment Instructions

Friday, April 17th, 2020

MICRODERABRASION

To maximize your results and recovery, please adhere to the following Microdermabrasion directives: Post-treatment instructions will be reviewed with you and may be modified depending on your individual situation.

Pre-Microdermabrasion Treatment Instructions:

  • Please discontinue all Retin-A, retinoids, tretinols, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, Beta-Hydroxy Acids, exfoliating creams, lotions or treatments, skin lighteners, or topical acne products 5-7 days prior to treatment.
  • Please keep skin well hydrated prior to treatment. If your skin is too dry, your appointment may be rescheduled.
  • Please avoid unprotected sun exposure prior to treatment. If you arrive with too much sun exposure (e.i. – sunburn), your treatment will need to be rescheduled.
  • Avoid waxing of the area to be treated for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Please refrain from chemical peels, or other skin procedures for 2-4 weeks depending on the procedure.
  • Please inform us of any outside or at-home skin treatments prior to treatment or in-between treatments.
  • If you have an active cold sore or suspect you may be developing one, please reschedule your appointment. If you have a moderate history of cold sore, you may consider beginning a prophylactic dose of prescription Valtrex, 3 days prior to your treatment to help avoid a break-out.

 

Post-Microdermabrasion Treatment Instructions:

  • Skincare products such as antioxidants, moisturizers and sunscreen will be applied at the end of treatment so you can immediately apply make-up if you choose to.
  • You can begin to cleanse your skin the evening of your microdermabrasion treatment. Avoid using cleansers that are drying to your skin or contain AHA’s, BHA’s, abrasives or exfoliants.
  • Keep your skin well moisturized.
  • Apply and re-apply the medical-grade sunscreen recommended for you each day. You will be more sensitive to the sun for at least 14 days. Avoid direct or unprotected sun exposure.
  • Please refrain from using OTC or medical-grade retinols, tretinols, benzyl peroxide, topical acne products, AHA’s and BHA’s for 3-4 days post-treatment or as instructed at your treatment.
  • You can typically resume the use of topical prescription Vitamin A products such as Retin-A, or Renova, or topical prescription acne productions such as Differen, Clindamycin, Epiduo, Tazorac etc. within 7 days after treatment or as instructed at your treatment.
  • Please refrain from picking or scratching of the treated areas as it can cause unsuspected injury or irritation.
  • In the event that flaking occurs, keeping the area well moisturized will reduce the effect.

 

Please call our office to get clarification for any questions or concerns you may have. (217) 359-7508.

 

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

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

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Posted in Microdermabrasion, Recovery: What to expect, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Want To Know What To Expect During Your Comprehensive Microdermabrasion Consultation?

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

When you arrive to your consultation, you will be greeted by our patient coordinator and asked to fill out a brief form regarding your skin.  It will cover topics such as your skin type, current medications, allergies or sensitivities, past skin treatment history, and your current skincare regimen.

Then you will meet with me for a full skin evaluation. We will discuss your skincare concerns, current regimen and your goals.  We will then determine whether or not you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion is often a good choice for those with minimal to moderate aging changes, rough texture, lines, blotchy skin tones, or minimal acne scarring, for those who want improvements in the way their skin looks and feels but do not want a more invasive treatment or those who have a busy schedule that does not allow for down time, and for those want to maintain their skin after having a surgical and laser procedure.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  We want you to have all the information you need to make an educated decision. Once the evaluation is completed, if microdermabrasion is not an appropriate treatment option for you, other treatment alternatives may be recommended instead.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion, we will review the benefits, risks, expected out-come and contra-indications.  Should you decide to move forward, we will create a treatment plan. The plan will include the number of treatments anticipated and how far apart you should schedule each treatment.  You will also leave with a formal, written cost quotation.

We will also discuss your current at home skincare regimen, if you have one.  We will look at which ones will enhance your results and which ones we may want to discontinue.  Maximum results are obtained by consistently and simultaneously participating in an at-home medical grade skincare program.

What To Expect During Your Microdermabrasion Treatment:

Your appointment will last 35-45 minutes. We will begin by reviewing the condition of your skin, any changes since your consultation and your at-home skincare program if you have already begun one.

We will begin treatment by cleansing your face. I will then physically exfoliate your skin with the diamond-tome wand.  As we progress further into your treatment plan, we may increase the abrasiveness of the exfoliating tip as your skin dictates. This is followed by a glycolic application.  You can expect some light tingling for 1-2 minutes. Then we finally reach everyone’s favorite part…the soothing oxygen-nutrient facial mist!  The treatment ends with an application of Dr. Castillo’s premier line of medical grade skincare products and mini-facial massage. You will leave the office feeling relaxing, refreshing and ready to face the world!

Depending on your treatment plan, you are likely to schedule the first 3-6 treatments 2 weeks apart if this is your first experience with microdermabrasion.  Our maintenance or monthly club members are more likely to seek treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Working as a team is the best way to support your results.  I am available to answer questions, deliver information and education as it pertains to your goals. I will routinely review and evaluate your treatment plan and perform effective, thorough in-office treatments.  Keeping your regularly scheduled appointments, consistently following an at-home skincare product regimen and limiting unprotected sun exposure will assure that we are both investing in the same goal of obtaining the best outcome possible.

Does It Hurt?

The old saying “no pain, no gain” does NOT apply here.  There is no pain involved in Diamond -tip type microdermabrasion.  You can feel a slight tugging of the skin due to suction, with abrasiveness similar to a buff puff.  You can feel a light tingle during the glycolic application and just might fall asleep during the mini facial massage.

What To Expect After Your Microdermabrasion Treatment:

Click here to learn more about BOTOX® in Illinois.

There is no-downtime after microdermabrasion. You will immediately notice that your skin feels smoother and looks refreshed. You may experience slight flushing of the skin for 10-30 minutes post treatment. As we increase the level of abrasiveness in future appointments, it can occasionally result in small cat-like scratches that will resolve quickly. Microdermabrasion is a quantitative procedure.  This means you will see more results after each treatment.

You can apply make-up and carry-out all of your normal activities immediately following your treatment. Microdermabrasion, like any exfoliating treatment will make your skin more sun sensitive for a few weeks.  Be sure to apply the recommended medical-grade, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily.

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

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Posted in Ask Our Expert, Microdermabrasion, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About Our Popular Microdermabrasion Treatment

Thursday, January 16th, 2020

Microdermabrasion:

If you are feeling disenchanted with the texture and appearance of your skin, you might check with your local cosmetic plastic surgeon to see if they offer Microdermabrasion.  It can be a simple, even relaxing way to revitalize your complexion.

What is it?

Microdermabrasion is an in-office skin treatment that is used to treat sun-damaged skin, signs of aging, acne-prone skin, acne scarring, mild pigmentation, rough texture and lines. It increases circulation and exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smoother and looking brighter, much like a buff and polish process.

How does it work?

There are two basic types of microdermabrasion:

  1. Crystal Microdermabrasion – This is the original form of microdermabrasion. It was first used over in Europe and then came to the United States by the early 1990’s. In this version, crystals (usually made of aluminum oxide) are sprayed over the skin to exfoliate, then the crystals and skin cells are suctioned back through a tube suction system.

Personally, I am less of a fan of this type of microdermabrasion though it is widely used.  It can sting when the crystal hit the skin, making it a less enjoyable experience.  The crystals can be messy and there is potential for crystals ending up in places they should not. For those who are more sensitive, breathing in aluminum oxide can cause temporary breathing difficulties.

  1. Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion – This version utilizes interchangeable diamond-tip wands with varying degrees of abrasiveness to gently exfoliates and loosens the dead cells which are then suctioned away through a sterile vacuumed system. There is no debri or crystals making this system a healthy choice for both the operator and the patient.

If you have never had Microdermabrasion (or skin treatments such as Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing) then it is generally best performed in a series of treatments as each treatment results in more improvement. On average, you can anticipate having about 6 treatments to get your skin back in shape; of course, this depends on the condition of your skin to begin with.  Once your initial series is completed, you may want to consider a microdermabrasion treatment every 4-6 weeks to maintain your results. While microdermabrasion is most often used to treat the face, it can address skin concerns of the neck, chest, hands, arms, legs etc.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, we take microdermabrasion a few steps further. We offer “Medical Microdermabrasion,” which is a 5-step process.  We begin by exfoliating the skin with microdermabrasion with a Diamond-tome system as described above but we don’t stop there!  We follow with a glycolic application, an oxygen-nutrient mist, a mini facial massage, and finally an application of premium medical grade skincare products.

What improvements could I expect?

With recurring treatments, you can expect to see diminished appearance of lines, rough texture, and acne scarring.  You can expect a more even skin tone, fewer break-outs, a softer feel, and a radiant glow. Microdermabrasion can also help maximize the benefits of your at-home skincare product routine.

 Am I a good candidate?

Microdermabrasion is safe for all colors of skin.  It is best utilized for those with minimal to moderate lines, rough texture, dull, dry or lifeless skin, sun damage, clogged pores / black-heads, acne-prone skin, mild pigmentation concerns.  Microdermabrasion can also be an alternative solution for those with melasma (condition usually due to hormonal changes that results in brown or grey-brown patches on the skin) that becomes aggravated with other forms of treatment.

Those who have Rosacea and those who have active cold sores should avoid this treatment. Those who have waxed, had a chemical peel or other facials treatments should avoid microdermabrasion in the same area for a few weeks.

How will I look after my treatment?

The good news is there is no down time for this rejuvenating treatment.  Your skin may look slightly flushed 10-30 minutes after your treatment. When more advanced ranges of abrasiveness are used, it can result in cat like scratches that will resolve quickly.  Your skin will look and feel smoother after the first treatment and will continue to improve with each additional treatment. You can apply cosmetics right away.  You can return to work, go out for lunch, or carry out any of your daily activities immediately.

Microdermabrasion or exfoliation of any kind will make you skin more sun sensitive for a few weeks. Be sure to apply quality broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily and reapply as needed.

 

Yours Truly,

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)

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Posted in Microdermabrasion, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Ask Our Expert: Are My Brown Spots Sun Damage Or Just Age Spots?

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

Ask Our Expert: Brown Spots:

 Q: Roxanne, I have brown spots on my face, arms and chest.  How do I know if they are caused from sun damage or if they are just age spots?

A: Lentigos, or lentigines are commonly referred to as brown spots, sun spots, liver spots or age spots.  They appear as flat spots in various shades of brown that appear on skin that has been over exposed to the sun. These spots can appear on the face, arms, shoulders, neck, chest, hands; anywhere the skin has been over-exposed to the sun. Typically, the lighter the skin and the more sun exposure one has, the greater accumulation or chance of accumulation of sun spots.

Melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment in the skin are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) when you are exposed to ultraviolet rays. Because the symptoms of excessive sun damage are cumulative, these spots increase with age, hence the term “age spots.” They are more common in lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick 1-3), such as those who freckle and who burn easily but can appear in any skin type.

I recommend applying a medical-grade, physical sunblock such as Physical Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, 365 days per year, to all skin that will be exposed.  Not only is this your best defense for future sun damage but  you may find that the brown spots that you have become lighter over time.

There are  treatments that can help to rid your skin of brown spots as well. CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is typically an excellent option.  A series of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments can also deliver very good  results.  Some chemical peels  can improve spots to some degree as well as skin bleaching or lightening agents like Advanced Lightening Complex or Spot Light. 

While sun spots themselves are not cancerous, if you have had enough lifetime sun exposure to develop brown spots, this may place you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.  Therefore, it’s a good idea have your physician examine them for changes from time to time.

Warmly,

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

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

 

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Posted in Ask Our Expert, Non-Surgical Treatments, Skincare & Aging | 3 Comments »

Ways To Achieve Remarkable And Beautiful Skin Characteristics

Saturday, May 5th, 2018

While sitting in a small room in a Champaign office recently, I over-heard an elated young lady boasting about the beautiful diamond she received over the holiday. Her gushing excitement was infectious. I found myself feeling almost as excited as she, yet I couldn’t even see the diamond!

I then began to wonder “what it is that makes diamonds or other precious gems for that matter generate that type of admiration.” I would guess most of us regard diamonds as a thing of beauty… but why? What specifically is it that makes girls go gaga over diamonds? Is it the number of carats? Could it be the shape of the stone that is so enchanting?

To me, it is the clarity and color of the stone. I would much prefer a petite diamond with such superior color and clarity that it shimmers and dances in the light, and highlights every curve and contour, to a cloudy, three carat diamond that lacks life and luster. Would you agree? Now, don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely a fan of big rocks. I’m not trying to fool anyone here. Size does matter! It just falls short without superior color and clarity.

So why am I even talking about diamonds in a skincare blog?

Well, the characteristics that make a diamond sparkle and radiate beauty are very similar to the characteristics of beautiful skin. I mean is there anyone out there who would not be flattered to have their skin compared to a radiant, flawless diamond? Just as clarity and color are mandatory characteristics of a beautiful diamond, clarity and color are also key factors in creating beautiful skin.

Achieving superior skin color means that your skin is free of brown spots, freckles, redness, broken vessels and melasma. Skin clarity refers to skin that is free of rough texture, flakes, dull skin, large pores, acne, keratoses and moles. Superior color and clarity can be achieved through treatments such as traditional CO2 Full Face Laser Resurfacing , CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing, IPL, medical grade bleaching agents such as Castillo MD Skin Science  Advanced Skin Lightening Complex or Spot Light, medical microdermabrasion, chemical peels and medical grade skincare products.

I would say that most people who are bothered by facial aging are focused on wrinkles. When they look in the mirror, they see an aging face with a custom set of lines and wrinkles that have formed after years of abuse, mainly by sun exposure, and other factors. However, most often, removing wrinkles is only half the battle. It is the brown spots, broken vessels, rough texture and dull, flaking skin that create a less youthful appearance.

The concept of color and clarity is an important concept to understand. One must realize that if you treat only the lines and wrinkles of an aging face whether it be though a facelift, forehead lift, fat grafting, Botox or dermal filler such as Restylane Lift,  you are likely to find yourself feeling more like cubic zirconium than the real thing.

Here’s to wishing you the kind of admiration only superior color and clarity can generate.

 

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)

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Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal: New Complete Guide On How To Pick A New Favorite

Friday, August 25th, 2017

NOT ALL SUNSCREENS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Today, most of us are aware that we need to apply sunscreen when we are headed to the beach or going to be outside for an extended period of time on a hot July day but have you considered the effects of incidental sun exposure?

The principal reason our skin ages 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 from a day at the beach. Incidental sun exposure refers to the UV exposure you get while walking your dog, walking to your car, sitting in front of a window in your home or a restaurant, driving to work, etc.

While there is no question that you need to apply and re-apply sunscreen when you are at the beach, it’s also failing to apply a sufficient amount of “proven-effective” broad-spectrum UVA / UVB sunscreen 365 days per year that will speed up your aging process and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. So if you are concerned about looking younger longer, protecting yourself from incidental sun exposure is paramount.

The difficult part of choosing a sunscreen is knowing which ones really offer you the protection you need. Not all sunscreens are created equal.  Some sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, while some do not. Some sunscreens are considered physical sunscreens (our preference) and some are considered chemical sunscreens.  More-importantly, some sunscreens are “medical-grade” and must be FDA regulated to prove it’s effectiveness, strength, ingredient content and stability while OTC sunscreens do not have to be regulated.  Chemical sunscreens can cause irritation or stinging when applied to sensitive skin types while physical sunscreens will not.

Sunscreens work by either using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to physically reflect the sun’s rays or by use of absorbent ingredients referred to as chemical sunscreens, which absorb and break down the UV radiation. Some sunscreens use a combination of both. When choosing a sunscreen, there are some very important elements to look for. Look for labels that say “broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection” and check the ingredient label to make sure it contains micronized zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide at sufficient levels.   For example, Physical Defense Sunscreen by Castillo MD Skin Science contains 10% Zinc Oxide and 5.5% Titanium Dioxide and Sun Defense Sunscreen contains 12% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate.

For years the media has drilled the importance of “SPF” into our heads.  It is used on labels with cosmetics, moisturizers and sunscreens, but gives us a false sense of protection. SPF (sun protection factor) actually refers only to UVB, a shallow ray that causes skin burns / tans & skin cancer. It is of great importance that we are protected from daily UVA exposure as well. UVA rays are deeper penetrating rays known as “the aging rays.” They are responsible for pre-mature photo-aging and hyperpigmentation, along with some skin cancers.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we recommend using a medical-grade physical sunscreens rather than chemical sunscreens for optimal protection. I prefer Physical Defense, Prime Defense or Sun Defense for the face and Body Guard for the body. Theses sunscreens by Castillo MD Skin Science are medical-grade and all contain high levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and some contain Octinoxate as well. These medical-grade sunscreens contain important physical (mineral) components we find necessary to provide effective protection:

  1. Finely Micronized Zinc Oxide – 10% -12%
  2. Titanium Dioxide – 5.5% – 8%
  3. Tint (iron oxides) – tinted sunscreen reflects the sun’s powerful rays as an added source of protection.
  4. Antioxidants – to provide future protection against UV and environmental sun damage.
  5. Water resistance (up to 80 minutes). There is no such thing as truly “water-proof,” as all sunscreens will break down within about 80 minutes when exposed to water or perspiration.

I recommend these sunscreens for a few reasons. They are formulated with the highest percentages of Titanium Dioxide and / or Zinc Oxide that I have used to date. I also like that don’t don’t feel like sunscreens. They are not sticky or smelly and actually enhance the appearance of your cosmetics and your bare skin. The cosmetically elegant formulation found in these sunscreens makes them perfect for daily use. Whichever sunscreen you choose, be generous with your applications.  If you are good to your skin, it will be good to you!

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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)

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Skincare & Aging, Sun Protection, Uncategorized | No Comments »

The New Coca-Cola Tanning Trend – And Why We Don’t Recommend It

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

There is newer trend in tanning appearing on social media that involves putting “Coca-Cola” on the skin as a way to enhance a tan. Quite frankly, I cannot wrap my head around the thinking process or lack there of when it comes to this Cola-Cola” tanning trend. It is beyond comprehension. This is absurd on so many levels, unless of course the objective here is to find the fastest direct route to damaged, sun-burned, wrinkled skin with an increased risk of skin cancer.

First, take a look at this list of Coca-Cola ingredients directly from the Coca-Cola website:

“Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color,

 Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine. 

I guess the thought process here is to use the Carmel Color to stain the skin, giving the appearance of a tan. Believe me, there are definitely better, healthier options out there for achieving a fake bake look from body bronzers to spray tans. Check out my last two blog entries for my latest experience and lessons learned with airbrush spray tanning.

The Phosphoric Acid alone is enough to stamp “recipe for disaster” all over this one! Phosphoric Acid is a corrosive. This means it can remove the enamel off your tooth or polish old metals and coins. And… people want to put this on their skin? Nooo thank you!   Remember even simple exfoliation increases your risk of burning and sun damage when exposed to UV radiation.

Second, Thirty years ago we didn’t have the scientific support to enlighten us about the dangers of UV radiation. People used to apply baby oil and tanning oil and lay out on silver reflectors to get the deepest, darkest tan they could. But, the days of ignorant bliss are over! We now know that ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a HUMAN carcinogen! Say it with me…, “HUMAN carcinogen!” – That’s bad! Not even a tan can make that look good.

Third, if corrosive material and skin cancer isn’t deterrent enough, then for beauty’s sake, please! There are safe ways to get glowing skin! According the Skin Cancer Foundation, “an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. “ Going outside unprotected is a sure fire way to develop an earlier onset of wrinkles, lines, rough texture and blotchy skin.

And Fourth, it’s gross! You will be a walking feeding frenzy for flies and other sugar seeking creatures like one of those sticky fly strips… a corroded, wrinkled, walking, sticky fly strip.

I rest my case.

 

Sincerely,

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)

 

 

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Posted in Patient Advocacy, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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