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Warning Signs of Leg Vein Disease

Warning Signs of Leg Vein Disease

About 1 in 3 adult Americans have some form of leg vein disease. Although these may be of just cosmetic concern, many people suffer significant symptoms that impact their daily quality of life. Even many physicians are unaware of the impact of leg vein disease on a person’s quality of life. Here are some warning signs of lower leg venous insufficiency.

Tired, achy, and/or heavy-feeling legs.

Leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing.

Leg discomfort improved with leg elevation.

Leg itching.

Night cramps.

Swollen ankles at night.

Restless legs.

Varicose or spider veins.

Discoloration of the lower leg.

Open sores or ulcers on lower leg.

History of vein problems in the family.

Consult a phlebologist, a vein disease specialist, if you are concerned about leg vein disease.

Sonic Skin Cleansing with Clarisonic

By Hadley, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology Aesthetician

Oh how I love thee, Clarisonic, let me count the ways. Softer, smoother, and more radiant, my skin has never felt so clean! After the topical antioxidant, anti-aging serums, sunscreen, concealer, and mineral make-up not to mention dirt, pollution and oil it’s no surprise my manual cleanse left my skin feeling clogged.

I’d cleanse two sometimes even three times wasting expensive face wash and countless tissues. The worst part was the visible mineral make-up in the fine lines on my skin and corners of my nose after cleansing. What could I do? Doomed to live a life of manual cleansing I settled for half clean skin… then along came the Clarisonic brush.

In a study comparing the Clarisonic brush to manual cleansing in the removal of mineral make-up this magical device proved to clean the skin 6 times more effectively. The key to this impressive cleaning is the oscillating brush, which moves back and forth at 300 times per second. Simple, easy and cost effective this tool preps the skin and improves product penetration. Another study compared manual cleansing to Clarisonic cleansing, and reported 61% greater absorption of Vitamin C after using the Clarisonic brush. Finally, a tool designed to clean our skin better and make our products more effective! Customizable settings and several brush head options make the Clarisonic suitable for even sensitive skin types.

To use, apply cleanser directly to the face or brush and press the start button. Beginning at the forehead move the brush in small circles until you hear the beeping prompt to move to the next area. The sequence is 20 seconds for the forehead, 20 seconds for the chin area, and 10 seconds for each cheek. But at what point do I clean my nose? This part needs special attention! Feeling rushed to include my nose in one of the four ‘sections’ I opted to start over with a new cleansing sequence and then turn the tool off.

A client clued me in that the outer portion of the brush can be ‘popped off’ leaving a smaller brush to reach the corners of the nose. My first attempt at this failed miserably as I sadly watched my brush head fly onto the bathroom floor. After a second more careful try I successfully removed the inner brush, attached it to the Clarisonic and now my nose is squeaky clean. A quick call to the representative confirmed that this method is safe for the skin and the Clarisonic brush head. She warned that only the fully intact brush head should be used to clean the rest of the face. Without the ‘anchor’ or outer ring the Clarisonic may not clean the skin properly.

About Your Skin: Fact or Fiction

About Your Skin: Fact or Fiction?

 

‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty, – that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.’
John Keats

 

We know to knock on wood, not walk under ladders, and to be careful what we wish for. And if we pluck a gray hair, will two more really grow back in its place? All of us have heard the claims, the persistent beauty secrets from our mothers and grandmothers that go back probably to their own mothers and grandmothers. Is there a kernel of truth to them, perhaps some wisdom that comes from generations of passed-down observation? Or are they just myths?

Wrinkles form at an early age but don’t appear until later in life
Fact
Yes, the changes to the skin that cause wrinkles can start when you are young, and show up later in life. There are primarily two types of wrinkles.

One type, dynamic wrinkles or lines of expression, occur from movement of the underlying muscle. Examples of this sort are frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines. At first these may be visible only during active expression. Over time, however, they become visible even at rest. For example, squinting eventually can cause wrinkles around the eyes. Treatment with Botox® can be quite effective in smoothing this type of wrinkle, because it prevents the communication between the nerve endings and the muscles treated, creating a smoothing effect that generally lasts 3-6 months. Botox® also offers a preventive benefit, because the muscles aren’t scrunching up the skin and damaging the collagen.

The second type is caused by aging and sun damage. Ultimately, wrinkles occur with the weakening of the collagen and elastin fibers that keep the skin firm. It’s also useful to remember that sun exposure is the number one cause of collagen degeneration. Gravity is also a culprit in the formation of wrinkles.

Exfoliating slows hair growth
Fiction
There is no evidence that exfoliation changes any phase of the hair, follicular, life cycle. The follicular life cycle of hair takes place in 3 phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the phase of active growth. The catagen marks follicular regression, and the telogen represents a resting period. Exfoliation has no effect on these stages of the hair growth cycle.

Greasy food causes acne
Inconclusive
Acne has commonly been attributed to diet. The association between acne and diet was evaluated in a recent literature review of 27 studies. Observational studies, including 2 large controlled prospective trials, reported that cow’s milk intake increased acne prevalence and severity. Prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials, also demonstrated a positive association between a high-glycemic-load diet, hormonal mediators, and acne risk. Studies have been inconclusive regarding the association between acne and other foods.

Lemon juice gets rid of freckles
Probably Fiction
There is no evidence-based science proving that this works. If you want to try this treatment, consider doing it on only half the area, so that you can judge the results for yourself. Caution is required though as the citric acid may be irritating and can cause the skin to be photosensitive.

The sun clears up blemishes
Probably Fiction
While some people feel their acne improves with light exposure, there is no proven effect of sun on acne. The increased humidity of summer may even exacerbate acne for some people. Ultraviolet light in sun (UVA, UVB) increases skin aging and the risk of skin cancer, so it is not advisable to use this as a treatment. For more info on sunlight and its impact on skin see

Toothpaste dries up pimples
Fact with Caution
Toothpaste can be drying, and this might occasionally be helpful, but it could also cause irritation. Also, it’s better for your treatment program to prevent acne lesions from developing rather than treating them after they have already surfaced.

You can get rid of cellulite
Not as of yet
First, cellulite is normal. In varying degrees, every adult woman is likely to have it. Unfortunately for the prevailing cosmetic preferences of today, treating cellulite presents a challenge. Existing treatments can yield temporary improvement, but long-term clearing is probably not realistic. Newer technologies are being developed which seem promising. Non-invasive skin tightening procedures such as Thermage can provide reasonable skin tightening and contouring, but the long-term effect on cellulite is less reliable.

Shaving makes hair come back thicker and darker
Fiction
Shaving does remove the fine tip of the hair, leaving behind the thicker hair below the tip. Doing this creates an illusion that the hair is thicker, when it really is just blunted. That hair will fall out in a few weeks, just as all hair does, when the follicle enters the rest phase. Then it will reactivate. When it re-grows, its size will be the same as before.

Sleeping on satin pillows will keep wrinkles at bay
Fiction
Satin is soft and luxurious, but there are no good studies to support this. On the other hand, your sleeping position does have an impact on facial lines, especially nasolabial folds. So, sleep on your back if you can.

And don’t forget gray hair…

If You Pluck a Gray Hair, Two More Will Grow Back in Its Place
Thankfully, fiction
Gray hair proliferates quickly, so it seems that once you see one gray hair, you start noticing them all over your head, as if they multiplied overnight. But each follicle produces one strand of hair, no more, no less. Plucking a gray hair won’t cause more hairs to sprout from the same follicle. Actually, plucking can cause you to lose hair, since yanking can damage the follicle or destroy it completely. It’s okay to tweeze the occasional stray gray, but if your hair is already thin or thinning, getting it colored might be your best bet.

Laser resurfacing video, part 3

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

by Hadley, Zimmet Vein & Dermatology Aesthetician

 

A good quality sunscreen is an absolute necessity for preventing sun damage, lowering risks of skin cancer, and maintaining optimal skin health. With so many choices on the market how can one even begin to make a good decision?  Here are some tips to better understand the mystery of skin and sunscreens.

1. Know the difference between ‘chemical’ and ‘physical’ sunscreens.

– Chemical sunscreens protect the skin by absorbing UV light

– A chemical reaction takes place when UV light is absorbed and heat is created

-This heat and the chemicals involved can cause redness and irritation in those with sensitive skin

-Chemical sunscreen products tend to be thin and easy to apply

-Physical sunscreens use titanium, zinc oxide, and iron oxides to block UV light from the skin

-The anti-inflammatory benefits make physical sunscreens the preferred choice for sensitive skin individuals.

-Physical sunscreens can be thick and must be warmed on the fingertips and applied to hydrated skin.

2.  Invest in a high quality broad-spectrum sunscreen for face, neck and chest.  Skincare companies such as Skinceuticals offer a range of suncreen choices for every skin type.  Their newest product, Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50, with transparent Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, is lightweight, sheer, and dries to a matte finish.  It is ideal for oily skin individuals and those who hate the greasy feel of sunscreens.

3. Understand your skin type.  This is best done by consulting with an aesthetician, who should analyze your skin with a magnifying lamp. Choosing the right sunscreen can help balance the skin, reduce inflammation, fight aging and reduce the risk of skin cancers.

4. Recognize that breakouts and red irritated skin may be a skin disease or disorder such as acne or rosacea.  Certain sunscreens can aggravate these conditions so, if suffering from these symptoms, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

5. Understand that certain prescription and over-the-counter medications such as Retin-A, retinol and benzyl peroxide can increase sun sensitivity and overall sensitivity of the skin.  If you use these or other products that increase skin sensitivity be aware that ‘physical’ sunscreens, containing ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, may help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin while protecting from the sun.

6. Remember to use a sport sunscreen when swimming or being active outdoors.  Use waterproof rather than water-resistant formulas and reapply often.

7.  Make sure to purchase a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB light.

I will never go without sunscreen again.

Taken with iPhone, day 7.


It’s Day 7 and I am going about my normal activities. So far, no one has pointed and/or gasped. Without the ointment now my face feels tight and very, very smooth. Still a tiny bit of peeling and the one bruise over my right eyebrow still slightly visible. I’m obsessed with being covered with sunscreen, and yet still, for the few minutes I’m in really intense sun walking to my car between meetings, I’m paranoid about my tender new skin. I put on sunscreen at 6:30 in the morning to walk the dog–that’s new. I’m carrying sunscreen in my car in case I need to re-apply, or ever forget to put it on in the first place (unlikely).

Continue reading

Day 6–goodbye, ointment!


No ointment, yay!

Night 5 was the worst. It was the first night that I didn’t sleep well, I tossed and turned so much that I rubbed most of the ointment off and had to get up in the middle of the night to re-apply. I also managed to get lots of it in my hair—so much so that when I washed my hair the next day it didn’t come out completely. I also realized last night that I was really  not going to be able to go to my morning meeting. Not only was my face still too red, I’d developed a bruise around my right eyelid. I emailed Dr. Zimmet about it, he said that it was probably from one of the nerve block shots, and that bruising was rare but not unheard of. I agonized all evening about whether to call in sick for my 8 a.m. meeting, and at 11 p.m. decided to email my client and reschedule. I never do that—unless I’m contagious I’ll go to meetings when I’m sick to avoid rescheduling—but I just didn’t see how I was going to able to sit across from my client in the bright light of Starbuck’s at 8 a.m. Continue reading

Not yet ready for public consumption

Post-procedure Day 5

I’m definitely not ready for public consumption yet. And I’m about to see only the second person I will have allowed to see me since this began—an ex-boyfriend from college, now friend, who is in town from Fort Worth. I’ve over-warned him about how I look. I look better than yesterday, even, but there is still a very obvious line at my jaw where the procedure began and my face is red and peeling. A couple of places look kind of yellow-ish, almost like old bruises healing. I’m trying to think positively about tomorrow, because I don’t think I can call in sick for these meetings in the morning. I’ll be able to wash my face three times between now and then, but I can’t imagine it’s going to be OK to wear makeup yet. The instructions say to keep using the ointment until I’m not peeling anymore. But I definitely can’t go to the meeting with my face all covered with ointment—that just isn’t an option. I’m supposed to go for one more follow-up visit at Dr. Zimmet’s tomorrow but that won’t be until after my two morning meetings. I’m just going to have to suck it up and go, I guess. I’m having an early dinner tomorrow night at Uchi with friends—at least it’s somewhat dark in there and I can try to have my hair down around my face. Thank goodness I have long hair!

Yesterday I was super-excited about how tight my skin looked, especially my eyelids, around my mouth and eyes. Continue reading

Post-procedure Day 4

Dr. Zimmet is using a better camera than I've been using, so this photo is a great representation of how red I look on the fourth day after the laser FX treatment.

Big changes today. Lots of skin peeling. It’s hard to keep my hands off my face. Still a little puffy, and red/brown on most of my face, and most noticeable around the edges. Bright pink where skin has peeled off on my cheeks. I took this picture last night realizing that it shows the most contrast. I had my first post-procedure check-in with Dr. Zimmet this morning. (Either he or someone from his office has called me every day to check on me, which has been really nice.) He said everything looks good, to keep the ointment on at all times. He affirmed that I should be gently washing my face. Today I realized that I have a meeting two days from now and I am NOT going to want to be out in public. I still have two full days, and Dr. Zimmet said that once the peeling starts in earnest that the way I look will rapidly improve, but he agreed that I probably won’t want to be at this 8 a.m. meeting on Day 6. I’m going to try not to worry too much about it today. Continue reading

Active FX Post-procedure Recovery Day 3

If anything I look worse today. The white area around my eyebrows is very visible in the sea of red/brown that is my face. Pictures are not doing it justice. I’ve tried to get close-ups but with or without the flash it’s just not showing how crusty I really look. I can totally see why the instructions repeat several times to use old sheets and pillowcases. My pillowcases are totally gross when I wake up. I’m going through lots of washcloths and towels as I’m washing my face four times a day as instructed. My face feels a little bit sore, mostly when I touch it. My skin is tight—I can really feel the tightness when I frown or wrinkle my nose. Also itchier today.

Here is a video about the procedure:

Here is the Active FX post-procedure regime (given to me in writing the day of the procedure): Continue reading

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