You know how I always rave about my skin care guru, Peggy? Well, this is one of those times. Yep, she is always teaching me the best stuff and I have to share it with you.
Peggy Cummings, is not a plastic surgeon, she is THE Esthetician, a certified laser professional and makeup artist. Peggy works Richmond Surgical Arts, so this was my first time in a plastic surgeon's office, but I wasn't there for a surgical consult. On my first visit she had me sign the standard disclaimer, saying that she was not a doctor. I informed her that I was also not a doctor but would happily dispense my unsolicited advice on any topic that she would like to discuss. We giggled, then moved on with the process.
Here is the deal, I met Peggy when I first moved to Richmond. I immediately knew that Peggy knew her stuff. Peggy is also a a makeup artist. I like being friends with other makeup artists, especially when we specialize in different things and can share info with each other.
When I went to beauty school, I was all about hair and makeup. Skin care didn't interest me. At the time, I was 22 and it never occurred to me that aging would ever be an issue for me. It has recently come to my attention that I may need to rethink my priorities with cosmetics.
Lately, I have been struggling with some periodic acne flare ups and scarring. There may or may not be some initial signs of aging. I'm not really ready to admit that. This has been stressing me out so much lately and after my first appointment, Peggy made me feel so much better because now we have a plan. We discussed a two-pronged approach of home care and in-office treatments to help achieve clear, glowing skin. Yes! Now we are talking.
On my first visit, Peggy taught me so much. First, I was over using my Clarisonic. I am now only to use it once a week, until my skin clears up. I thought my daily Clarisonic habit was going to be a hard habit to break, but it was easier than that I thought.
Per Peggy's instruction, I have been getting peels every 6 weeks ( I think yesterday was my 4th one), drinking green tea every day and using the retinol product 3 times a week. These were Peggy's instructions/recommendations (in blue)...
Home Care Routine:
P.M.
1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphyl)
2. Apply a product that is a derivative of vitamin A, i.e. retinol (When starting with a retinol product, I like to have folks start slow so their skin is able to build up a tolerance without over irritating the skin.)
3. Apply moisturizer depending on skin type - in your case, something that is light without additives
4. Finish with an eye cream
A.M.
1. Cleanse
2. Apply sunscreen (My preference are sunscreens which include either or both zinc or titanium dioxide.)
3. Apply eye cream
Treatment Recommendation:
Micropeel
P.M.
1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphyl)
2. Apply a product that is a derivative of vitamin A, i.e. retinol (When starting with a retinol product, I like to have folks start slow so their skin is able to build up a tolerance without over irritating the skin.)
3. Apply moisturizer depending on skin type - in your case, something that is light without additives
4. Finish with an eye cream
A.M.
1. Cleanse
2. Apply sunscreen (My preference are sunscreens which include either or both zinc or titanium dioxide.)
3. Apply eye cream
Treatment Recommendation:
Micropeel
A micropeel is a three-step clinical procedure combining dermaplaning (physical exfoliation), chemical exfoliation and cryogenic therapy to reduce signs of photoaging including fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, visible skin imperfections and acne. Best results are realized when the micropeel is performed every 6 - 8 weeks.
In your case, I choose to use lactic acid for your first micropeel to help me get to know your skin while starting the exfoliating process. Lactic acid also helps to inhibit melanin to lighten and brighten skin discolorations plus it helps to hydrate your skin.
It has gotten much better. It is manageable but still not perfect. I can live with that. I do still think that I am FAR too old to be struggling with break out. Yes, that is the only time I will say that I am too old for something. Now, back to feeling/acting 23.
In addition to the green tea, I know I need to drink more water. I used to be so good with my water drinking but I really need to up it. My Tervis cup is always in hand and I feel like I drink more water when I have a straw in my cup. It could be in my head. I am always on the hunt for a water bottle that I will enjoy chugging out of. Here are some favorites.
How do you handle skin challenges like this? Do you have any suggestions for me? Who has tried peels? What about Retin-A (other rentinol product) or other topical treatments? If you want to make an appointment with Peggy, check out this website for contact information and more on her bio.
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Who is Emily Hudspeth? Professional Stylist, Airbrush Makeup Artist, and Beauty Blogger....just to start. I am an all around girl's girl who is totally addicted to all things beauty related. It is my mission to find the best of the best and share it with you. You can hire me for events, commercial production, photo shoots and image consulting.
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I love this post! I think I've gotten more serious about my face as I've gotten older (I can't say aged!). I've tried many different moisturizers over the years, and the one that I always go back to because it works so great for me is the classic Olay facial moisturizer with SPF. My face tends to break out when I use regular sunscreen, so if I know I'll be in the sun for a while, I use Burt's Bees sunscreen stick... I think it's called Baby Burt's. It's not greasy or oily, and my makeup goes on fine over it.
ReplyDeleteLast thing, I'm not crazy about green tea. Do you know anything else I could drink or use to get those same benefits?
Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed it! I also love Oil of Olay moisturizer. I will have to try that Baby Burts. I also really like the Peter Thomas Roth powder sunscreen, it is great to reapply over your makeup for a touch up and to keep your sunscreen active. You know, I don't love green tea either. I have been powering thru it honestly. I find its easier to suck it down when its iced. Its the antioxidants that are helpful.
DeleteThat is great advice! The only thing you are missing is a Vitamin C. It helps protect your skin from environmental damage as well as precancerous cells. This along with a retinol and spf you will have healthy and radiant skin!
ReplyDeleteCandace
Thanks Candace! Do you recommend Vitamin C topically or orally or both?
DeleteIt is good to use both but for the purpose of skin health you need a topical vitamin c. They can be a little more money but they last awhile. Skin ceuticals or Radical results are two great vitamin c products. It is such an important tool to have in your skin regimin. Use it in the morning after you cleanse but before you apply your SPF. Our website www.doctorjaneolson.com has a great breakdown of skin care routine. Listing the most important products you want to invest your money in.
DeleteCandace
Thanks so much for sharing your expertise Candace!
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