Ask the Expert: Skin Care 101

January 2012

by: Jan Dupuy, RN Nurse Specialist in Cosmetic Skin Care
Owner of the Biltmore Skin Care Center

Ask: I’ve heard about a procedure call Dermaplaning. What is that?

Answer: One of the healthiest things you can do for your skin is to exfoliate. Exfoliating is great for anti-aging, acne and skin cancer patients and it be accomplished in a number of different ways. You’re probably most familiar with topical creams, cleansers and medicines that contain mild acids, like ones from the AHA group and Retin-A, just to name a few. Additionally there is a procedure called Dermaplaning. Performed by certified individuals and done only in medical offices, this treatment is done at the same time of your facial at no additional charge. Once patients start this procedure they are usually hooked! It not only removes a couple layers of useless skin cells but it also removes facial hair. The peach fuzz is gone and that’s a wonderful feeling. Additionally, Dermaplaning also clears the skin’s surface and better prepares it to absorb all of those wonderful products you are treating your skin to.

Ask: I have large brown spots all over the back of my hands. I’ve tried bleaching creams but those don’t seem to work. Can you recommend anything else?

Answer: . Yes I certainly can because I’ve had it done myself. I was so impressed with the results that I now perform this special light treatment on my own patients. It’s a beam of light that is liter-ally attracted to the brown pigmented spots. Over the course of several treatments these spots simply get lighter and lighter. To maintain your results, I suggest you apply a mixture of Hydroquinone 4% and sunscreen to your hands twice daily. Here today … gone tomorrow!

Ask: I have had a little too much fun in the sun and my skin looks terrible. Is there anything I can do to fix it?

Answer: I would start with a series of 3 Vitalize Peels and then if that doesn’t resolve your uneven complexion then I would follow-up with some Photofacial treatments which will remove the residual brown spots and smooth the texture and tone of your skin. As well this exciting technology can reduce the amount of tiny little red veins on your face and it will tighten pores while stimulating collagen cells. Collagen cells = less wrinkles! Who can’t love that? It’s a 10 minute procedure with NO downtime. How can you beat that!

Be sure to contact the Biltmore Skin Care Center for details on products and procedures.