The Importance of a Professional Skin Care Consult

“Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time.”

— Linden Tyler

Have you ever left the cosmetic counter feeling overwhelmed by the choices available? If so, you are not alone. With so many different brands, ingredients and price points it is easy to get confused. You may have asked yourself: What is a cosmeceutical? Which creams would work for me and in what order should I apply them to get the best result?

Finding the right products for your skin type and aesthetic goals is challenging. Finding quality advice from a trustworthy practitioner, even more so.

Professional skin care consultations provide an excellent opportunity to get to know your skin care specialist and the clinic in which you will be treated. Building a relationship with your cosmetic professional over time allows you to develop trust and confidence in their recommendations.

Be wary of clinics offering free skin care consultations. This is a strategy used to attract customers, but it doesn’t necessarily ensure the depth and thoroughness that you deserve. Often a clinic will charge a modest fee for a professional consultation, redeemable in products or treatments, making it well worth the investment.

What to expect from your Professional Skin Care Consultation

Before you arrive at your appointment, consider a few questions you may be asked by the professional consultant. What bothers you about your skin? What would you like to change? What level of commitment are you prepared to make both financially and with regards to your time? Are you open to exploring other treatment options to reach your goals? By reflecting on these questions prior to your arrival, your consultant will be better able to advise you on how you can incorporate an effective skin care regime into your lifestyle.

A skin care consultation with a qualified professional will last approximately 30 minutes. Your specific concerns should be discussed in the context of your medical history and past treatments. An examination of your skin under magnification is essential to evaluate your skin and prescribe appropriate regimes that are both safe and effective for you. With your skin specialist, you should be able to ask questions openly and feel at ease.

Your consultation is all about developing your individualized treatment plan. No two patient’s goals or circumstances are exactly the same. Perhaps you just want to begin with information about maintaining healthy skin and minimizing aging. Recommendations emphasizing a healthy lifestyle and education about main active ingredients will allow you to make informed choices.

Skin care routines needn’t be complicated or fussy. The best and most long-lasting results can be achieved with a few quality formulations used consistently. The key is determining which scientifically proven active ingredients are right for you. Your skin care consultant should be able to advise you on how to simplify your routine while maximizing your results. Your individually prescribed home skin care system should be clearly communicated and supported by easy step-by-step written instructions. Over time, your regime may require reassessment and adjustment to meet new goals.

With the rapidly advancing field of medical aesthetics, your skin care consultant should also be knowledgeable and open to discussing other treatments available to help you achieve your goals, even if not offered in their clinic.

Dr. Andrea Hickey and her professional skin care consultant, Courtney Smith-Jones, RN, BN, have many years of experience in aesthetic medicine. With the foundation of general medicine and surgical nursing, they are able to understand skin health and how it reflects ones physical health, lifestyle choices, and psychological wellbeing.

Dr. Andrea Hickey personally selects products after researching the scientific evidence supporting the key active ingredients. Careful consideration goes into choosing only quality skin care products that are specifically formulated to treat certain skin types and conditions. We have done our homework to simplify your experience.

You can be assured of our confidentiality, professionalism, and honest advice.

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National Sun Awareness Week: Sunscreen vs Sunblock

June 6th to June 12th is National Sun Awareness Week! Choosing a sunscreen can be overwhelming as store shelves across the country stock up on hundreds of different kinds of sun protectants. Sprays vs lotions, SPF 20 vs SPF 60, Ultra Sheer vs Ultra Defense… the list goes on and on! Although it is common to interchange the words sunscreen and sunblock, there is indeed a difference between the two: chemical vs physical protection.

Sunscreens protect our skin from harmful rays by absorbing UV radiation using carbon-containing chemicals. These chemicals go by a variety of names: avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone, octisalate, ecamsule, etc. Sunscreens are absorbed by the skin and should be applied 20-30 minutes before exposure. It is not uncommon for your skin to develop a sensitivity to one or more chemicals found in sunscreens. If this is true for you then consider using a sunblock instead!

Sunblocks protect our skin by reflecting the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in sunblocks are minerals – Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Sunblock is also known as physical or mineral sunscreen. It is effective immediately after application. Recall the vibrant white nose of the lifeguard at the beach? Sunblocks have gotten a bad rap for being thick, greasy, and unappealing as their formulas rest on the skin’s surface. Nowadays, technology has enabled the micronization of the active minerals allowing for a sheer application and matte finish.

At Dr. Andrea Hickey’s Medical Aesthetics we are happy to offer both sunscreens and sunblocks. The ProDerm™ Cosmeceutical line provides two excellent sunscreens – a Facial Day Cream and a Daytime Fluid. In addition to providing an SPF of 20, each daily protectant also contains natural soothing agents and high quality moisturizers.

The newest addition to our sun protection collection is the TiZO Mineral Sunscreen. Both tinted and non-tinted formulas are gentle on even the most sensitive skin. These sunblocks have an SPF 40 and are free of chemical sunscreen filters, dyes, fragrances, oils and preservatives.

All of our sun protection products guarantee broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays!

The Science of Gift Giving

Imagine its Christmas morning. You wake from a peaceful sleep as the morning glow shines through your window. A blanket of fluffy snow covers the ground. The smell of brewing coffee lifts you from your warm bed. Gathering around the sparkling tree, you smile with joy at the sight of your loved ones. Excitement fills the air as the gift opening unravels.

The most wonderful time of the year would not be so without a great deal of planning. Staying in tune with current trends and our kids’ ever-changing wish lists is not a simple task. But what really motivates us to put in all this effort? The answer lies in research from the fields of psychology and sociology.

There are various mental and emotional benefits which fuel gift giving. One of main reasons we give gifts is to show that we care. “A way to express feelings, giving reinforces appreciation and acknowledgement of each other” writes Darice Britt in an article titled The Psychology Behind Gift-Giving. Taking the time to select a gift and see the expression on the recipient’s face upon unwrapping provides a psychological lift. It also creates a deeper sense of connection between the giver and recipient. Giving altruistically – giving without expecting anything in return – has been shown to improve psychological health (1).

Another emotional benefit of gift giving is to reduce guilt. In the advent of globalization and with the convenience of online shopping, we can easily send thoughtful presents to loved ones at a distance. This can make us feel better about our absence as well as strengthen an emotional bond.

We give with the best of intentions, but how can gifting sometimes go so awry? One reason may be that our own preferences influence our gift purchases – we have a tendency to give what we would like to receive. We know how excited we would be if we received that new gadget or beautiful gown and we want others to feel that same enjoyment. However, what makes us happy may not be what pleases the recipient. An example of this disconnect can be seen with gift exchanges between partners. Men tend to go for more practical gifts and are price conscious, whereas women are more inclined to purchase gifts with sentimental value.

As we consider gifting this holiday season, we must remind ourselves that it’s the thought that counts!

(1) Brown, S. L. (2003). An altruistic reanalysis of the social support hypothesis: The health benefits of giving. New Directions For Philanthropic Fundraising, 2003(42), 29-57.

Can Botox Treat Depression?

Major depressive disorder, simply known as depression, is a serious mental illness. About 1 in 10 Canadians will experience an episode of depression during their lifetime1. Interestingly, women are more likely than men to experience depression (1).

Research is suggesting a novel approach to treating depression: Botox®. One theory highlights the fact that when we look good we feel good. Looking into a mirror and being happy with our reflection is an uplifting experience. Feeling good about our appearance makes us feel more confident as we go about our day.

A second theory focuses on the way we express our emotions. Our facial expressions show others how we are feeling. When we are happy, we smile. When we are sad, worried, or angry, we frown. Recent studies explore the concept that the expressions we wear on our face actually influence our mood. These preliminary studies show that by selectively relaxing the muscles that cuase us to frown we may be able to improve our mood from the outside in. Over the past 20 years, Botox® has been found to treat a number of different medical conditions (migraines, strabismus, dystonias, spastic muscles, TMJ, bladder dysfunction) in addition to its cosmetic use.

While more scientific research is necessary to reach a definite conclusion, perhaps, in the future, Botox® will also be used to treat depression.

(1) To learn more about the signs and symptoms of depression and how you or a loved one can get help, please visit www.depressionhurts.ca.

Your Skin Care Routine: Transition from Winter to Spring

A long winter can wreak havoc on your skin – dry air and cold temperatures can result in a dull, rough texture. We’ve been diligently moisturizing and exfoliating to keep the harsh effects of this chilly season at bay. But with spring on the horizon it’s time to refresh our skin care routine! We’ve compiled a list of the most important skin care modifications to help transition your skin care regime from winter to spring.

1. EXFOLIATE  Keep up your exfoliating routine as it improves skin texture and radiance. Rather than using a scrub or brush to mechanically exfoliate opt for a gentler approach with products containing Glycolic Acid such as ProDerm AHA Night Cream or AHA BHA Lotion.

2. PROTECT   It’s time to amp up the SPF! As the days get longer and the UV index rises, we need to protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun. For daily use, opt for an SPF of 20. If you plan to spend more time outdoors up your SPF to 60. We recommend ProDerm Day Cream SPF 20 or Daytime Fluid SPF 20. In addition to its UVA/UVB blocking properties, these creams contain anti-oxidants and natural soothing agents – a great combination for protecting your skin!

3. MOISTURIZE    Lighten up your moisturizer! As spring rolls around the humidity in the air increases, decreasing our need for thick creams. As the temperature warms, our complexion may become oily and prone to acne breakouts.  Moisturizing is still important year round as it protects the integrity of our skin and improves tone and elasticity. We suggest swapping out your heavier night creams for lighter, mattifying versions, particularly if you have oily or acne prone skin. Liftense LTL is a light textured anti-aging lotion that includes a concentrated peptide complex and ingredients chosen for their anti-wrinkle, repairing, hydrating, and lifting actions.

4. TONE   Spring is an excellent time to pamper yourself. Going the extra mile to give your skin a boost is as easy as a weekly clay mask. Clay is a natural exfoliant and softener. It helps to keep your skin clear by soaking up extra oil and unclogging pores. ProDerm’s Terreus Masque is a great option to create a matte appearance and maintain the radiance of your skin. 

5. GLOW     The earth radiates in spring as the ice melts, the grass greens, and the flowers blossom. You too can get a beautiful glow with ProDerm’s Summer 365, a gradual self-tanner for the face and body. This luxurious, soothing formula also contains antioxidants and applies easily for a gradual and even tanned look. The light scent of this cream is possible because it is free of the malodorous ingredient found in most self-tanners. Self-tanning creams provide a healthy alternative to achieving sun-kissed skin without the risks associated with sun exposure.

Read more about ProDerm Products at www.drandreahickey.ca/products and www.pro-derm.com.

What is Collagen Induction Therapy?

Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is commonly known as microneedling or skin needling. While the basic concept behind skin microneedling has been around for more than a century, the emergence of this therapy in aesthetic medicine didn’t occur until the mid-1990s. In 1997, Canadian plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Camirand accidentally discovered that skin puncturing with tattoo needles resulted in improvement of facial scar texture. Fundamentally, the mechanism is simple – controlled delivery of damage to the skin stimulates collagen production through the body’s natural healing process. Over time, the skin is remodeled which results in smoother skin texture and improved strength and elasticity.

A decade later the first microneedling device became available: the Dermaroller. This rotating drum-shaped tool embedded with stainless steel needles even came in versions for home use. However, there are multiple limitations including excessive trauma and pain caused by angled piercing, inability to conform to facial contours, and non-adjustable needle depth. All these shortcomings led to the development of the automated microneedling device or Dermapen™.

Dermapen’s unique spring-loaded needle tip uses an automated vibrating stamp-like motion that enhances results while offering a more controlled and safer method of treatment than other microneedling devices. Dermapen’s needle depth can be adjusted during the course of the procedure to accommodate different treatment areas and can easily maneuver around facial contours and delicate features, such as the eyes, nose and mouth. The small and light Dermapen™ is available in two models. The Aesthetic Model has a limited treatment depth suitable for use by aestheticians. The newer Dermapen 3MD™ is a Medical Model which may be used to penetrate up to 2.5 mm for more aggressive treatment and is used exclusively by medical practitioners.

Read more about our Dermapen™ services at drandreahickey.ca/services/dermapen.

Improved acne scars and minimized pore size after 5 sessions:

It's Time to Get Even!

Have you been noticing some of the common signs of skin aging and sun damage such as brown spots and tiny broken vessels? These areas of uneven complexion become much more visible after we have been exposed to the sun. To protect us from burning, our skin produces a dark pigment called melanin. Over time the melanin accumulates into spots that are darker than our background skin tone. These spots are most common in areas of repeated sun exposure such as the face, neck, decollete, and hands. Redness and tiny capillaries also develop from sun damage on fair skin. This is why it is important to protect our delicate skin from t he damaging effects of UV by wearing a sunscreen daily.

But what can we do once the damage is done? There is good news. Scientifically proven treatments are available to remove the discolorations and reverse the damage. A series of IPL Photorejuvenation sessions is the quickest and most efficient method to remove brown spots, freckles, and reduce the redness of rosacea. This gentle light-based technology used in the treatment is absorbed by the target tissue, and is then removed by the body's natural processes. The result is a more uniform skin tone and clearer complexion. IPL Photorejuvenation is the treatment of choice for most skin discolorations, providing superior cosmetic results with no down time.

The photos below show how IPL Photorejuvenation treatments can smooth and even skin tone:

The Practice of Self-Care

The pace of life today commonly dictates that we can excel at everything from caring for loved ones, maintaining a successful career, creating a lovely home, while managing hectic schedules in our speed of light technological age. How to do everything better and faster is a common theme found in media which encourages us to engage in a cycle of “doing”.  All too often we find ourselves overwhelmed with not only existing commitments, but feeling as though we ought to create a picture perfect life, with boundless energy.  In the pursuit of these lofty ideals, stress is often the end result.  While small amounts of stress in our lives are often the catalyst for productivity, long term stress wreaks havoc on our state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In spending our time and energy thinly, it is common to find little time left over to nurture our own sense of self.

When we actively participate in self-care, we acknowledge that we are important and deserving of special attention.  By caring for ourselves as we do for others we make deposits to our energy bank, which contribute to our sense of empowerment and self-worth, and our ability to manage life’s stressors.  The implication of these small actions can promote feelings of rejuvenation and vitality, while also filling our proverbial cup and benefiting not only ourselves but those around us. 

The New Year is an ideal time to evaluate our lifestyle and to commit to small changes. In doing so, consider adding some positive self-care strategies to your existing routines:

-Engage in enjoyable physical exercise.  Perhaps a brisk after dinner walk or an exercise class you enjoy.
-Nourish yourself with wholesome meals and snacks.
-Take in a show, make time to listen to music, or catch up on your reading list
-Share tea or a meal with a treasured friend
-Take a relaxing aromatherapy bath

By giving yourself permission to indulge and pamper both your inner and outer being, you allow your best and most beautiful self to shine. 

Our staff is committed to assisting you in your personal aesthetic goals and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Volbella™ Filler for Lips

Introducing Juvéderm® Volbella™- a revolutionary new dermal filler designed specifically for lips.Scientifically advanced Volbella™ treatments give lips a smooth, natural look and feel, with less swelling and a longer lasting effect.

With images in the media of "trout pout" and 'duck lips", it is understandable that patients are concerned about an unnatural looking result from a lip treatment. This new filler is different. It allows the skilled physician to create an ulta-smooth, natural look tailored to the fullness the patient desires. This is the only dermal filler clinically proven to last up to 12 months in the lips with a single treatment.

As we get older, our lips and surrounding skin may be impacted resulting in loss of volume,drooping of the lip corners and the development of lines around the mouth. With the development of Volbella™, lip fillers have evolved. It is now possible to have smooth, soft and natural looking lips with the fullness you desire. Volbella™ can also be used to gently rejuvenate the lip area by restoring lost volume, defining lip borders, and filling lines. Volbella™ is now available at select medical aesthetic clinics in Canada.

Clarity UV™

Take the Forever Young Challenge with Clarity UV™: We are pleased to be the first clinic in Atlantic Canada to offer the Clarity UV™ Visualizer.  Introduced by Clarion Medical Technologies this software application allows digital photo analysis to reveal areas of sun damage in the deeper areas of your skin. Using this technology we are able to develop a personalized treatment plan which can then be emailed to you along with your photo. Suggested treatment options may include chemical peels, IPL photorejuvenation and skin care products.

A series of skin treatments with IPL or intense pulsed light has been clinically shown to remove accumulated sun damage and restore skin to a more youthful state visually and at the molecular level. Looking ahead with a maintenance plan of IPL and solar protection from damaging UV will keep your skin forever young.