Spoiler Alert -celebrity esthetician- Candace Marino, aka the LA Facialist is not an advocate of self extractions. According to Candace” It’s the equivalent of giving free condoms to teens – not encouraging it, but if they’re going to do it, let’s make it safe!”
Seeing too many horror stories as clients were sucked into the rabbit hole of the 10X magnifying mirror, Candace believes in saving it for the experts.
That being said, trapped at home with a next facial [potentially] months away, it’s peak pick time so she is breaking down the safest way to self-extract and care for your poor pores!
Here is a basic breakdown of her at home “Pore Protocol”
Cleanse
Gentle Cleanser with light acids for mild exfoliation
Product Recco: SkinBetter Oxygen Infusion wash/oxygenating acid complex to help prevent/treat breakouts
Heat / DIY Steam [Note: NOT recommended for anyone with melasma or hyperpigmentation.]
Favorite/most cost effective way to steam is by boiling hot water
Throw some tea in there to give off spa vibes
Hover over the pot with a towel over your head to trap in steam for 5 minutes to allow your skin to soften
No longer or it can cause TEWL [transepidermal water loss and dehydration]
Direction for Extract but first – PUT down the knife – use clean fingers only – leave digging devices to the professionals to avoid potential permanent scarring or pigmentation issues and injury.
Wrap finger in tissue or cotton, gently pinch the skin together and press upward
Press only the direction you want the congestion to go. If you’re pressing down into the skin you’re making things worse, and potentially spreading bacteria under the skin.
Be gentle and give pores a break in between & minimize nails
Leave aggravated or super stubborn acne alone – hard angry or underground is no go
Cleanse — repeat same as above
Ice Roller Product Recco: Stacked— ideal for immediate for inflammation reduction and pain
Retinol for turnover without trauma Better Skin AlphaRet overnight combo of AHA and Retinol
Go for the big guns weekly with a peel AlphaRet Peel Pads with the starring role of Retinoic Acid
FINAL NOTE: little dots on your nose most likely aren’t blackheads, they’re sebaceous filaments.
Blackheads will be raised, textured, truly black, thick and waxy. The skin oils solidify, forming plugs that can dilate the pore further leading to enlarged pores. Sebaceous filaments are the normal function of the follicle. Narrow, lighter in color under the skin — they do not fully obstruct the pore and are not meant for extractions.
Retinoids are the A-List of all Vitamin-A derivatives. The gold standard for over 2 decades in wrinkle reduction, pore refining, texture softening, dimming discoloration and fighting acne can however, be highly reactionary.
Not all created equally with some less potent and some a harsher as they essentially work to trick the skin into thinking and acting like its younger self.
“Retinol transition can be outright treacherous with dermal downtime but,
worth every flake in the end” – Dr. Ava Shamban
A bright side Benjamin Buttons skin scenario is the “Qua-Routine” can power through the “rough stuff” red, flaking, raw, irritation and inflammation. Come June, emerge fully “filtered” with visible improvements and glowing reviews.
WHY NOW
NEVER too early or too late
Best to start when there is limited to sun exposure / outdoor activities [and not a chemical peel, laser or other contraindications in sight]
Minimum 1-month commitment to breakthrough the transitional side effects and dermal downtime
HOW THEY WORK
Engages skin cell turnover — replacing old with new, fresh cells
Thickens skin from inside out
Stimulates production of new blood vessels
Removes dead skin cells keeping pores clear
Eliminates dry rough patches
Dims discoloration and smooths scarring
Increases collagen and elastin
RETINOID RANGE — NOT ALL A’S ARE EQUAL
Retinyl palmitate – lowest strength / converts with enzymes but at 20-25% % less potent than Retinol
Retinol Most tolerable middle strength OTC product
Retinaldehyde High strength product converts 10 times faster into Retinoic Acid in skin therefore considerably stronger than Retinol
Adapalene Strongest OTC option but a little different than the others. It slows process of hyperkeratinization in the pores making it a beneficial acne treatment. Can be used with Benzoyl Peroxide without contraindications.
RX versions include: Retin-A, Tretinoin or Tazarotene, which work faster, no conversion and most effective, but also extra irritating to the skin/sun sensitive. Tretinoin can be less effective if used with Benzoyl Peroxide products.
THE RETINOL RULES:
Start at night pea sized amount twice weekly
Building up to 3X and then nightly over 4 weeks
Another 2-4 weeks of nightly usage will yield real results
Add neck/décolleté
Use calming moisturizer or serum to hydrate and sooth skin at night
Add a hydrating spray by day helps to keep from itching/touching face
All formulas are developed by our Swiss R&D laboratory and scientists with over 30 years of experience in the skincare industry; they are famous for their cutting-edge innovation, outstanding quality, and high performance-driven actives.
Evening application. Unretouched clinical photography. Data on file, skinbetter science. Individual results may vary. *Twice-daily application of Even Tone Correcting Serum and evening application of AlphaRet Overnight Cream.
Experience radiant skin as enchanting as the purest of precious stones! This is the premise of U.SK UNDER SKIN, a brand that relies on excellence and a partnership with renowned Italian laboratory, Monteresearch.
Dermaclara Beauty is a groundbreaking line of skincare that addresses both wrinkles and stretch marks using medical grade silicone patches and complementary skincare that smoothes, plumps, and prevents. Designed for both face and body, their clarafuse silicone patches utilize Silicone Fusion™ technology, and can be applied easily and discreetly. Clarafuse patches firm, plump, and erase wrinkles and stretch marks. Each patch is reusable up to 30 times.
Dermaclara Beauty’s youth scientists explain how the use of medical grade silicone on skin to create a microclimate (called occlusion) that works to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks. Not only that, they discovered that using clarafuse silicone patches, users could delay or even prevent getting wrinkles in the first place! Gentle on the skin, clarafuse encourages hydration and the skin’s natural healing mechanism to effectively smooth, plump, and rejuvenate itself. The process also stimulates natural collagen production, which helps maintain results over time.
Or, the only non-holiday holiday I can totally relate to and fully celebrate! Besides National Donut Day, of course.
“Since its approval for cosmetic use, millions of people have received Botox, and there are still millions more who want to try it. National Botox Cosmetic Day is meant to celebrate this iconic product that has become a part of American culture and educate consumers who want to learn more.” – Carrie Storm, Senior Vice President of Marketing for U.S. Medical Aesthetics, Allergan
Whether you’re a loyal BOTOX® Cosmetic patient or someone who is curious about exploring aesthetic options, there is no denying the impact BOTOX® Cosmetic has had on the presence in the American cultural conversation and the modern empowerment around owning your look.
In honor of this iconic product, November 20 will mark the first-ever National BOTOX® Cosmetic Day. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only neurotoxin FDA-approved to temporarily treat three areas – moderate to severe forehead lines, crow’s feet lines, and glabellar lines – in adults.1
Fittingly, November 20 is the busiest day on record for booking BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments here in the U.S.2 This one-day event will give back to loyal consumers and customers, while educating and engaging with those considering a treatment ahead of the holiday party circuit.
The brand is partnering with actress and New York Times best-selling author Jenny Mollen as part of the BOTOX® Cosmetic Day celebration to encourage people to own their look and take time for themselves.
For the first time ever and to celebrate the occasion, BOTOX® Cosmetic is offering an exclusive offer for one day only where you can “buy one, get one”: for every $100 gift card purchased on November 20, consumers will get an additional $100 gift card while supplies last.*
DEETS:
EXCLUSIVE OFFER. ONE DAY ONLY.
Be the first to get the alert! Sign up for Brilliant Distinctions® below to receive notifications on November 20, when it’s finally BO-TIME. This will be an epic one day only event featuring an exclusive offer, so save the date and get excited.
You can opt out of receiving emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or by signing in to your profile at BrilliantDistinctionsProgram.com and updating your preferences.
RESTYLANE LYFT FOR MIDFACE & CHEEK INJECTION VIA CANNULA Restylane Lyft Now Joins Restylane Silk as the Only Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Approved for Use with Cannula1, 2.
We are massive all-time fans of all things Restylane to soften lines and restore facial volume. We age. We lose volume. It’s that simple. The old expression, we need to choose between our asses or faces. I’d like to think to keep both going at full volume.
Forget the days of over-filling faces to look like puffer fish – that aesthetic is our biggest turn off and has never been something we even want to associate with. At Groomed LA, we simply want to share the best tools to make you look as awesome as you feel on the inside. We give you the best tools for inner work and the best for outer to reflect your awesomeness inside – that simple!
I have used fillers in the most delicate ways, to soften under eye circles and add some fullness in areas where the face started to thin out.
Restylane Refyne is FDA-approved for smile lines and now, Restylane® Lyft it is the first and only hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler approved for use to restore age- related volume loss in the midface and cheek area with a blunt tip cannula.
I worked with The Master Injector,Bernice Cohen, RN, PHN ,BSN, CANS, at AVA MD, as she is the expert trainer in this and tops in the country. It’s always thrilling to work with Bernice as she is such a top level pro in the field, I always learn so much and leave with my mind blown (on top of looking excellent).
Bernice Cohen is a Registered Nurse, nurse injector and laser specialist, as well as a Public Health Nurse with a B.S. degree in Nursing. Having joined the Ava MD practice in March of 2010, she is now a Top Trainer in the US for Galderma Injectables, teaching other doctors and injectors how to use Sculptra, Restylane, Restylane Lyft and Dysport. Born in Berlin, Germany and raised in Burbank, California, Bernice worked as an international model doing runway, print and commercial modeling with Ford and Elite for 15 years before making her transition to dermatology.
Why a cannula?
The use of a cannula may be associated with less potential damage to blood vessels, and may help minimize patient bruising, help decrease swelling, and allow for minimized downtime.
Natural-looking results, restored volume and fullness to the cheeks.
Restylane® Lyft
Created with XpresHAn Technology™, to help smooth moderate lines and provide the right amount of support and flexibility through a range of facial expressions
Integrates with your skin and acts like your body’s own hyaluronic acid
Gives the support you need while allowing a range of facial expressions
Restylane® Lyft is the first and only hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler approved for use to restore age- related volume loss in the midface and cheek area with a blunt tip cannula.1,2
What is a cannula? What are the benefits of injection with a cannula?
A cannula is a small, thin, flexible, blunt tip needle with a small opening on the side that provides an effective means for injecting HA dermal fillers into the skin.3
The use of a cannula may be associated with less potential damage to blood vessels, and may help minimize patient bruising, help decrease swelling, and allow for minimized downtime.4
Bernice in action….
Precise implantation of HA fillers is important for patient safety and for achieving the best aesthetic outcome and using a cannula can result in a more precise injection as compared to a needle.
When injecting with a cannula, a single-entry point is used so the cannula can be inserted through the entire midface or cheek area.6 When using a needle, the sharp tip of the needle penetrates through the skin down to the depth in each point where the filler is injected. In contrast to this, a cannula has a blunt tip, and requires only one to two insertion points on either side of the entire injection area.
Here’s what you can expect with Restylane Lyft for midface and cheek injection via cannula:
Bernice made sure to enhance my natural bone structure, not change it. The goal is to leave looking the same only BETTER!
Restored volume and fullness to the cheeks
Natural-looking results
May be associated with less bruising and decreased swelling compared to injection via needle4
Results proven to last up to 12 months1
Restylane Lyft is the only HA filler with three FDA-approved indications – the midface/cheek area, nasolabial folds, and back of the hands.1,2
For more information about Restylane® visit www.RestylaneUSA.com
Important Safety Information
The Restylane family of products includes Restylane®, Restylane-L®, Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine, Restylane® Silk, Restylane® Refyne, and Restylane® Defyne.
APPROVED USES
Restylane® and Restylane–Lyft® are for mid-to-deep injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane® and Restylane-L® are also indicated for injection into the lips in patients over the age of 21.
Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine is for deep implantation into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds and for cheek augmentation and for the correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21. Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine is also indicated for injection into the subcutaneous plane in the dorsal hand to correct volume deficit in patients over the age of 21.
Restylane® Silk is for lip augmentation and for correction of perioral wrinkles in patients over the age of 21.
Restylane® Refyne is for mid-to-deep injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, in patients over the age of 21.
Restylane® Defyne is for mid-to-deep injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, in patients over the age of 21.
Are there any reasons why I should not use products within the Restylane® family? (Contraindications)
To ensure a safe procedure, your doctor will talk to you about your medical history to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for treatment. You should not use products within the Restylane family if:
• You have severe allergies with a history of severe reactions (anaphylaxis)
• You are allergic to lidocaine or to any of the gram-positive bacterial proteins used to make hyaluronic acid
• You are prone to bleeding or have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder
Are there other precautions that I should discuss with my doctor?
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or trying to become pregnant. The safety of these products for use during pregnancy, or in women who are breastfeeding, has not been studied
• Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine, Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne are intended to treat facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane and Restylane- L are also intended for lip enhancement. Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine is also intended for injection in the dorsal hand to correct volume loss. Treatments in other areas of the face or body have not been evaluated in clinical studies.
• The safety and effectiveness of Restylane® Silk for areas other than the lips and perioral area have not been evaluated in clinical studies.
• Tell your doctor if you have any history of scarring, particularly thick and stiff scars, or any pigmentation (skin color) disorders. These side effects can occur with hyaluronic acid fillers in general.
• Tell your doctor if you are planning other laser treatments or a chemical peel, as there is a possible risk of inflammation at the treatment site if these procedures are performed after treatment
• Patients who experience skin injury near the site of injection with these products may be at a higher risk for side effects
• Tell your doctor if you are on any medications to decrease your body’s immune response (immunosuppressive therapy). Using these medications may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding at the gel injection site.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any “blood thinners” such as aspirin, warfarin, or any other medications that affect bleeding. Using these medications may increase your risk of bruising or bleeding at the gel injection site.
• The use of these products on gel injection sites with skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infections should be postponed until healing is complete. Use of product in these areas could delay healing or make your skin problems worse.
Tell your doctor if you have diseases, injuries, or disabilities of the hand.
What are the possible side effects?
The most commonly observed side effects are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, headache, tenderness, lump formation, itching at the injection site, and impaired hand function. These are typically mild in severity and typically resolve in less than 7 days in nasolabial folds and less than 14 days in lips. Serious but rare side effects include delayed onset infections, recurrence of herpetic eruptions, and superficial necrosis at the injection site.
One of the risks with using this product is unintentional injection into a blood vessel. The chances of this happening are very small, but if it does happen, the complications can be serious, and may be permanent. These complications, which have been reported for facial injections, can include vision abnormalities, blindness, stroke, temporary scabs, or permanent scarring of the skin.
As with all skin injection procedures, there is a risk of infection.
*To report a side effect with any of the Restylane products, please call Galderma Laboratories, L.P at 1- 855-425-8722.
