Ask the Expert: Skin Care 101

OCTOBER

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

Q. I bought an eye cream that is advertised on TV and I thought it would reduce my lines but it hasn’t worked. Why hasn’t someone cracked down on this type of advertising? What a waste of my money.
A. If you listen and read carefully, you’ll find words like “may reduce the appearance of fine lines”. Advertisers know it’s illegal to say it reduces, so they tip-toe around it by using the word “may”.

Q. What’s with all of these 30 something’s getting Botox? Even my own niece.
A. It’s called preservation! Botox interrupts the ability to make facial creases. If you can’t make a frown (the lines between your eyes) or smile lines (also known as crows feet) you won’t develop wrinkles as quickly as you normally would. It’s also a great preventative for the rest of us who already have wrinkles because your wrinkles won’t get any deeper.

Q. Every department store or salon I go into the ladies are trying to sell me a skin cleaning brush. Do I need one?
A. I think you might be inquiring about the new Clarisonic Pro Skin Care Brush. I have to admit I was a little skeptical about whether or not we needed help washing our faces. But after reading and seeing the results with my own eyes, I have to say “help me”. The Clarisonic Brush was developed by the same company that developed the Sonicare toothbrush and works on the same idea. Studies prove the gentle oscillating head of the brush is twice as effective as manual cleaning. Not only does it reduce the amount of oil on the skin it also diminishes the appearance of pores and blemishes. The exfoliating affect that takes place when using the brush allows 61% more absorption of the expensive products you are applying topically to your face. That alone puts the Clarisonic Brush on my “Must Have” list. Buy the Pro version of this brush. Sold in medical offices. It’s a much better model.

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