My First Trip to the Plastic Surgeon's Office

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

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. 

Make sure you go here to enter the giveaway for the Smashbox palette. There is also a giveaway here for the Liorac French horn comb. Enter both! Stay tuned for the Julep giveaway next month! Remember the Beauty Blog Coalition is giving away $400! You can enter here.

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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