Breyer Medspa in Philadelphia

TRANSITIONING YOUR SKIN FROM WINTER TO SPRING

Staff — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:39:18 +0000

As the weather starts to get warmer out you may notice some changes in your skin. Winter months are naturally drier and indoor heat works against our skin. During the winter, we tend to use thicker creams to keep our skin soft. When spring comes we may notice that continuing to use those thick creams may cause some unexplained breakouts. In order to transition your skin from winter to spring you need to make a few adjustments to your skin care regimen.

Start by switching from your cream cleanser, you used in the winter, to a gel cleanser. Then, add an exfoliator to shed that dry skin from those winter months. No need to limit the exfoliator to your face, an all over scrub will be very beneficial for your body as well. You don’t need to forgo your moisturizer completely, just switch to a lighter formula. Make sure you are always using an SPF! I would recommend even changing your makeup. Instead of using your thicker foundation try using a tinted moisturizer and concealer.

If you make these simple changes to your skin care you can avoid a lot of the issues that may arise when the seasons change.

Check out our “Spring Cleaning special” to help your skin make a smooth transition into spring!!

Nicole MacDonald L.M.E

GET READY TO STRIP

DOWN TO YOUR BARE

SKIN. BREYER MEDSPA’S

“SPRING CLEANING”!!

All laser and skin care treatment packages are

25% OFF!!

Space is limited, schedule today!

Offer expires 5/15/10

Perfect gift for Mothers day

We are now open Saturdays, by appointment only.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL * IPL * PHOTO GENESIS * BOTOX TITAN SKIN TIGHTENING * VEIN & SCAR

REDUCTION * MICRODERMABRASION *

CHEMICAL PEELS* COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN. 8380 Old York Rd., Suite 200 Elkins Park PA 19027 (215)886-9116 www.breyermedspa.com skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

Under the supervision of Dr. Michael D. Birnbaum, MD PC, F.A.C.O.G, F.A.C.E

Help your heart and skin by reducing salt intake

Staff — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:44:22 +0000

Excess amounts of salt, evidence continues to suggest, are connected with high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney problems. It is also said that having too much salt in your diet can cause water retention in your body and among other problems can be the cause of those puffy eyes or dehydrated skin. Since too much salt is believed to be one of the main enemies of the skin, it would be sensible to limit the intake for reasons, not only of health, but cosmetic too. Sodium is a necessary element in the body for the maintenance of fluid levels and other functions and is fine to use in moderation. In our hectic and busy lives one of the biggest mistakes we make is to eat a diet containing lots of processed foods. Fast food, ready-made meals are convenient for all of us. These foods will do us little harm if eaten only once in a while. Unfortunatelty, many of us are relying on them as our main meal. Manufacturers want the longest possible shelf life for their products and in order to acheive this they add extra salt and preservatives! Many recipes include “a pinch of salt”. Try a new approach to improve flavors, in place of salt you could use herbs, spices, a little garlic or lemon/lime juice. After a little while, with using this reduced salt strategy you wont even miss the extra salt. Then, not only will you eat healthier and enjoy the foods you eat, but you will be helping to keep your blood pressure low, your heart healthy and your skin healthier looking too.

Nicole MacDonald L.M.E skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

*Check out our February special. 10% of products and packages purchased are donated to the American Heart Association*

“HAVE A HEART” EVENT

In the spirit of the Valentine’s season,

and in recognition of February as

American Heart Awareness Month:

10% OF ALL PRODUCT SALES WILL BE DONATED TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.

RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE OF A LASER, MICRODERMABRASION, OR CHEMICAL PEEL PACKAGE AND AN ADDITIONAL 10% WILL BE DONATED TO THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

*With your purchase, you will also receive the Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” Cookbook! *

For info on the American Heart Association and February’s “Go Red For Women” go to www.americanheart.org

BREYER MEDSPA - COMFORTABLE IN YOUR OWN SKIN.

8380 Old York Road, Suite 200 Elkins Park PA 19027(215)886-9116

www.breyermedspa.com skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

Present this offer at time of purchase. May not be combined with any other discount offer. Packages must be paid in full in February to secure discount offer rates. Valid while supplies last. Offer good 2/1/10-2/28/10.

Frequently asked skin care questions

Staff — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:06:10 +0000

For this blog I have compiled a list of questions that are frequently asked by patients in our medspa, as well as on the Internet.

Q:Does Salicylic Acid make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure?

A: Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid. BHA’s are exfoliants, causing the top layers of the skin to exfoliate or shed. With salicylic acid there is an increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is important to use sunscreen while using salicylic acid and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Q: What are the best products to use post chemical peel?

A: Post peel your skin may feel sensitive and somewhat like a mild windburn or sunburn. Remember do not pick any peeling skin! The best products to use post peel to minimize discomfort are products that are gentle on the skin. Make sure you use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. I recommend that you start on Skin Ceuticals Phyto Corrective, it has natural botanicals that work to significantly reduce inflammation and Meg 21, not only is this product anti-aging, but it will help with post peel dryness and flaking.

Q: What are the best products to use during pregnancy?

A:Due to significant hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy acne tends to flare up. Starting on glycolic acid would be great to help keep skin under control. Melasma, skin discoloration, is also very common in pregnancy so it would be beneficial to add a topical Vitamin C to your skin care regimen. I like Skin Ceuticals Vitamin C, this helps fade the dark spots and prevent new ones from forming. Phyto Corrective Gel is another great product to use during pregnancy because it is oil free and helps soothe inflamed skin and has natural skin lighteners that will give you a more even skin tone. Don’t forget to use sunscreen daily! Products to avoid all together are salicylic acid, retinoids, and accutane.

Q: What if you don’t “peel” after a chemical peel?

A: Some people do not peel right after a peel, but the chemical peel is still just as effective. Peels rapidly exfoliate allowing the dead skin cells to shed more effectively. If you do not have a lot of build up on the surface of the skin you will not peel as much. However, most people do at least have a slight flaking 2-3 days post treatment. This can be minimized by the usage of proper skin care products.

Q: How do you protect your skin during exercise?

A: For people who are worried about protecting their skin from outside elements while jogging, sunblock is a necessity. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and try to exercise during low peaks of sun (before 10 AM and after 3 PM) if possible. Wear a hat and reapply sunblock. Make sure to wash you skin after exercising to get rid of excess oils.

Q:What can I expect post Laser Hair Removal?

A: After laser hair removal you may have mild redness, but it is helpful if you ice post treatment. You need to avoid retin A, glycolic acid, salicylic acid and direct sun exposure for a couple days post treatment. Around 3-10 days the hairs that were treated will surface, this is not regrowth. Hair follicles need to purge the hairs that were treated, but remained under the skin. Refrain from waxing, bleaching, plucking, but you can still shave. It would be helpful to use an exfoliator, such as our Breyer exfoliator, to help remove the hair as it falls out. Remember to always use your sunblock!

before/after laser hair chin

Nicole MacDonald L.M.E
Breyer Medspa … Comfortable In Your Own Skin.
Under the supervision of Michael D. Birnbaum, MD, F.A.C.E, F.A.C.O.G
www.breyermedspa.com
Laser Hair Removal * Chemical Peel * Microdermabrasion * Photo Genesis * IPL * Titan Skin-Tightening * Vein Removal * Scar Reduction * Acne Treatment * Anti-Aging * Rosacea Treatment * Photo Damage Reversal * Pre-Natal Skin Care * Bridal Packages

TRANSITIONING YOUR SUMMER SKIN FOR FALL

Staff — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:04:44 +0000

Change in seasons can lead to more skin problems because as the air dries out, so does your skin. Switching a few habits and products can help minimize dry skin.
Do not use bar soap, the chemicals and ingredients in soap dry out your skin. Use a body wash instead, as well as a facial cleanser for your face.
It is also important to exfoliate your skin 2-3 times per week to help slough off the dead skin cells that will make your skin look dull in appearance. I recommend our Breyer Exfoliator that is fortified with green tea antioxidants, for at home use, and Microdermabrasion treatments in office. Microdermabrasion is a skin-freshening technique that repairs skin from damage. Fine crystals are used to physically buff away skin cells from the outer most layer of skin, while vacuum suction works to clear pores. This combination stimulates collagen and elastin, and results in smooth, fresh and rejuvenated skin. A series of microdermabrasion may be recommended to treat sun damage, fine lines/wrinkles, superficial age spots, acne/blemished skin, enlarged or clogged pores, dry/flaky skin, melasma, and superficial scarring.
I also suggest avoiding alcohol or water-based moisturizers. Moisturizers and lotions that are mainly water or alcohol based aren’t as hydrating as others and will actually end up drying your skin more. Meg 21 is a product we frequently recommend,Â it allows normal collagen production and reduces oxidative stress. The results are smoother, firmer, more hydrated skin within 14 days, and reduction of fine lines and pigmentation in just 4 weeks.
As relaxing as a hot bath or shower can be, hot water actually strips the skin of its moisture, so try and keep your showers and baths lukewarm and moisturize immediately after getting out of the shower. If you put lotion on skin that is still slightly damp it helps you retain the moisture that you get from your shower.

Always drink lots of water. Keeping your body hydrated, especially during changing seasons, will also help your body to increase the moisture it naturally creates.

Nicole MacDonald L.M.E skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

www. breyermedspa.com

TITAN- The non-surgical face lift

Staff — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:37:26 +0000

One of the most popular brands in the field of non-surgical skin tightening is Titan, a system that utilizes infrared light energy to help improve the elasticity of skin and tighten loose skin caused by weight loss or aging.Â Titan anti-aging treatments also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin tone on most areas of the body, from the face and upper arms to abdomen and legs. The Titan system was carefully designed to increase the connective collagen bonds in the dermis without causing damage to the epidermis, resulting in collagen production. It kicks theÂ fibroblastsÂ into overdrive and strengthens the essential support structures of the skin. If a woman 30-40 years old started having a single, yearly face and neck Titan treatment,Â she may postpone a real face lift for decades… even forever. Women in their 50s and 60s who have fairly good skin tone can see remarkable results after 2- 3 treatments, spaced a month apart, and then plan on a yearly touch-up procedure. This treatment is a must for new moms to tighten up the abdominal skin after delivery. You will need to lose the weight on your own, but TitanÂ can diminish the unsightly creases and folds that remain after weight loss.Â In my opinion, Thermage is a very poor alternative to Titan. There is more than adequate documentation that Titan is far more effective, and Thermage hurts. Titan involves very little discomfort and excellent results. The treatment can be performed at lunchtime and following, a patient can return to normal activities. In addition, the treatment can be combined with fillers and Botox injections, as well as other non-invasive laser procedures.

Nicole MacDonald L.M.E skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

Titan before/after abdomen

Titan before/after face & neck

STAY RADIANT WITH RADIESSE DERMAL FILLER

Staff — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:11:06 +0000

Radiesse dermal filler is a FDA approved wrinkle treatment made of calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel, and is injected into the skin through a simple and minimally invasive procedure. It is the ideal choice for total facial contouring. It is used to fill in nasolabial folds, fine lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth, marionette lines,Â Bridge Augmentation, Nasal Defect Correction, and Nasal Tip Projection, Jaw Line Enhancement, sculpting cheekbones and fill in pitted acne.Â With Radiesse youÂ can restore a healthy, youthful appearance or enhance your existing features without invasive surgery or scarring. Radiesse works with your own body in a remarkable way. Upon injection, it immediately adds volumeÂ and, unlike other fillers, it continues to work over time. After injection, Radiesse starts a process called collagenesis, stimulating your body to produce new collagen and encouraging collagen to grow around the injection area. It actually helps your body create its own naturally younger look, setting a new standard in facial contouring and augmentation. Thereâ€™s virtually no risk of allergic reaction. Treatment is so simple and convenient, it can be performed during a lunch hour. Youâ€™ll see the results right away - and these results may last up to a year or more for many patients. The long-lasting effects of Radiesse dermal filler can reduce the need for retreatment, which saves you time and money compared with other fillers. I have yet to see any other filler that can do what this one does,Â Â it is amazing!! I have attached some before and after pictures for you to see how great the results are.

Nicole MacDonald L.M.E

skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

www.breyermedspa.com

(215)886-9116

BOTOX-THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Staff — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:00:05 +0000

What causes frown lines and crows feet? As you age, your skin becomes less taut and repetitive movements, such as squinting or frowning, lead to furrows and folds in your skin. The sun and other sources of ultraviolet light damage our skin as well, and this damage makes the face more susceptible to wrinkling.

BOTOX^Â® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, wrinkles around the eyes, chin or,Â forehead, and even give you aÂ fuller upper lip.Â BOTOX works by blocking the chemical that causes these muscles to contract. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The procedureÂ involves a couple tiny injections and is often referred to as a “lunchtime procedure” because treatment is so brief and requires no recovery.Â No anesthesia is required and within 3-5 days you will notice a softening in the appearance of the wrinkles. It takes a week for full effect, but results can continue to improve for up to a month. My favorite thing about BOTOX is that it looks so natural you won’t look like you had “work done”. The muscle activity is simply reduced, so you are still able to show expression but without the wrinkles! Curious how you’d look with BOTOX? UploadÂ yourÂ own photoÂ andÂ try this treatment visualizer!

Nicole MacDonald, L.M.E

skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

www.breyermedspa.com

ANTIAGING BENEFITS FROM ANTIOXIDANTS

Staff — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:04:07 +0000

Antioxidants fight the free radicals that cause damage and premature aging. They help repair past damage and prevent future damage. Antioxidant skin care helps in achieving youthful skin, and maintaining it by assisting in the production of collagen and elastin. One of the most popular antioxidants is
topical vitamin C. It performs three different functions in skin metabolism: as an antioxidant, as an inhibitor of melanin, and as a stimulator of collagen synthesis. As an antioxidant, vitamin C prevents or suppresses the development of skin cancer caused by UVA/UVB exposure by preventing the mutation of the thymine dimer cellsÂ that cause melanoma. As a melanin inhibitor, vitamin C helps to lighten the skin.Â And by stimulating collagen synthesis, vitamin C accelerates skin firming and helps to prevent fine lines. “SKINCEUTICALS ANTIOXIDANTS ARE CLINICALLY PROVEN and are designed to provide the most advanced protection from environmental aging. SkinCeuticals antioxidants provide ultimateÂ photoprotection- preventing the visible signs of photoaging, and promoting optimal skin health”.
The result â€” a strengthened support structure on the inside and a more youthful, firm, radiant appearance on the outside.

click to enlarge

“WORSHIP YOUR SKIN, NOT THE SUN”

Staff — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:07:57 +0000

Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to your skin. The skin can start to thin with sun exposure and cause fine wrinkles, easy bruising, skin tearing, and the appearance of telangiectasias, tiny blood vessels, in the skin especially on the face.The most noticeable sun-induced pigment change is a freckle (age spots/liver spots), which occurs more noticeably in light-skinned people. Over time UV exposure can also cause white spots, hypopigmentation, as melanocytes are destroyed.
It is well known fact that with excessive sun exposure comes the risk of getting skin cancer. The 3 main skin cancers are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer and it is believed that the amount of exposure of the skin to the sun before the age of 20 is the determining risk factor for melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to spread locally. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, and it can metastasize although not as commonly as melanoma. The risk of getting basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is determined by a person’s lifetime exposure to UV radiation and the person’s use of sun protection.

THE A,B,C’s OF EARLY SKIN CANCER DETECTION

A- Asymmetry: You should notice the general look of your moles or growths, for example, if one-half of the mole or growth does not match the other half.

B- Border Irregularity: Notice if the edges of the mole or growth are ragged, notched or blurred.

C- Color: The pigmentation of the growth is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red, white and blue add to the mottled appearance.

D- Diameter: If the width is greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), it could be an indicator of an abnormal skin growth. Generally, any new mole growth should be a concern

“Remember, there is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan.
A “tan” is damaged skin trying to protect itself from solar radiation exposure (sun rays)”. Dr. M.
Â
Wear SPF!!
Wear protective clothing, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses
Wear sunscreen and lip balm
Use an antioxidant
Check your skin for any unusual freckles or moles
See a dermatologist with any questions

–
Nicole MacDonald L.M.E
Breyer Medspa … Comfortable In Your Own Skin.
Under the supervision of Michael D. Birnbaum, MD, F.A.C.E, F.A.C.O.G
www.breyermedspa.com
skinsmart@breyermedspa.com

LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR ETHNIC SKIN

Staff — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:10:04 +0000

The use of lasers in ethnic skin had once posed a challenge due to significant risks of post-inflammatory pigment alteration in darker skinned individuals. The greatest risk occurred in lasers with wavelengths in the range of the absorption spectrum of the melanin instead of targeting the hair follicle. The long pulsed Nd:YAG, offered at Breyer MedSpa, is the safest for laser hair removal in darker skin types. It has been proven to safely treat all skin types including tanned skin. The wavelength of the Nd:YAG (1064 nm) is at the end of the absorption spectrum of melanin. This wavelength is sufficient to achieve significant thermal injury in dark fine or coarse hairs while sparing epidermal pigment. Secondly, the adjustable pulse width of long pulsed Nd:YAG lasers allows the laser energy to be delivered over a longer period of time allowing for the heat to dissipate and sufficient epidermal cooling to occur. Since lasers can be challenging in ethnic skin, it is important to choose devices that have been studied and have demonstrated safety like Cutera’s Nd YAG. Typically a series of 6 treatments are necessary and results are permanent.
Â CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING APRIL/MAY SPECIALS
Nicole MacDonald L.M.E
www.breyermedspa.com … Comfortable In Your Own Skin.