Tag Archives: brown skin spots

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Sciton® laser: Skin tightening with BBL SkinTyte™

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, available now.

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

Sciton® BBL SkinTyte™ laser treatment is an innovative approach to tightening aging skin that is starting to wrinkle and sag.  Of particular concern to many patients is the “turkey gobble” that often develops in the neck region, but common areas successfully treated include:

•    neck
•    lower face/jowls
•    chest
•    hands
•    tummy
•    arms
•    just above the knees

How does SkinTyte™ work?  

BBL (Broadband light) treatment utilizes pulsed light technology to deeply heat your skin while simultaneously cooling and protecting the entire treated surface, setting you on your path to more youthful skin.

Delivered in a sequence of rapid, gentle pulses that heat the dermal layer of your skin’s collagen, use of this technology promotes contraction and denaturation—modification of protein’s natural configuration.  Rebuilding themselves, the skin cells form a new foundation of collagen, leading to increased skin firmness.

How many treatments are needed?  

Although the number of treatments needed will vary based on the level of improvement desired and the starting point of your skin condition, many patients opt for 2-5 treatments to achieve maximum positive benefit.

With no anesthetic needed, this quick and effect “lunch-time” procedure will only last 30 minutes and cause you no disruption to your day.  Not only is there no downtime, there is also no skin care regimen necessary.  The collagen in your skin will, however, continue to rebuild and strengthen up to 4 months after the procedure.

Stay tuned for more details on vein treatments.

© 2012 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Sciton® laser: Skin pigment reduction with Contour TRL™ or BBL™

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, coming soon…

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

Skin Pigment. Unwanted skin pigment is normally referred to as hyperpigmentation. It is unwanted melanin in the skin that creates a spotty look with brown spots and is a result of too much sun exposure and also aging.

I am a candidate for one of these laser procedures, to reduce the pigment on my chest, hands (and maybe fronts of legs too). After my 5-series PCA chemical peel (physician-strength) with Dr. Macdonald, we were not able to make much progress on my chest area. I experienced a lot of itching and irritable rash on chest but no peeling on peels #4 and #5 when Dr. Macdonald used the PCA with resorcinol.

On my face, I was left with a vibrant glow after the PCA peel treatment by peel #5 though. I had wonderful, soothing results with his new private label skin care products, specifically the Power of Three by Replenix and Fortified by Glycolix.

Note: on my face, now that the brown spots have diminished, I have some rosacea that Dr. Macdonald would also like to treat with the Sciton® laser (vein treatment to be discussed later in this series of articles).

A) Contour TRL™ Laser Peel skin pigment reduction treatment. This procedure is not only a treatment for overall skin resurfacing, but specifically reduces hyperpigmentation.

Sciton® Laser Peel – Contour TRL™ safely erases skin hyperpigmentation that appears on the skin from sun damage and age. Although there are several different types of lasers on the market used to perform peels, the Contour TRL™ is widely regarded as the most effective laser available. This treatment targets the effects of sun damage and environmental pollutants which create skin tone irregularities, solar spots, and scars.

How does Contour TRL™ work? This laser safely removes a layer of skin, with computer-guided micron precision. The depth of treatment depends on your skin condition, desired outcome and expectation for down time. Treating your hyperpigmented skin with this laser will stimulate the growth of new collagen to improve the skin as healthy new skin cells regrow.

Common body parts treated:
 face, neck

B) BBL™ Broadband Light skin pigment reduction treatment.

Sciton® BBL™ is an innovative light-based technology that sets new standards for skin conditions associated with aging, active lifestyles, and sun damage. It also treats any unwanted melanin and pigment you were born with (i.e., freckles).

How does BBL™ work? This phototherapy treatment utilizes pulses of light energy to gently penetrate into the skin. The light energy will gently heat the upper layers of your skin, stimulating the skin cells to regenerate new collagen. The natural beauty of your youthful skin will be evident as this process blends the natural skin colors restoring your youthful skin’s glow before the pigment irregularities appeared.

Common body parts treated (body parts exposed to the sun): face, hands, neck, chest, shoulders

Stay tuned for more details on skin tightening treatments.

© 2012 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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PCA chemical peel for face, neck and chest

Last month I began a physician-strength PCA chemical peel with Dr. Macdonald for my face, neck and chest (a.k.a. decolletage area) to attempt to repair some –if not all–of my sun-damaged skin.   Now I am on peel #3 of 5 and seeing a positive effect.  Dr. Macdonald, whom I only see every 2 weeks, sees a noticeable difference as well.

On peel #2, the concentration was increased on both the neck and chest to PCA resorcinol which contains hydroquinone to lighten the hyperpigmentation. On peel #3, resorcinol was used on my face too, and yet a stronger dose on chest and neck since I had very little reaction on previous attempts.

The resorcinol peel does produce a hot, burning sensation during the peel, making it soothing to use the fan to cool my skin for 10 minutes.

Rosacea. An issue Dr. Macdonald wanted to bring to my attention is some rosacea on my cheeks and nose (i.e., little red blood vessels on the skin).  After lightening my hyperpigmentation, the red vessels will be more visible.  His solution would be to treat the rosacea with laser treatment after the peels are completed with VariLite laser at 512 nm strength.

Like clockwork, it seems that after 48 hours, my skin begins to peel and lasts until around day 6 for the face, with a longer delay on the neck.

My neck has been the itchiest.  I treated this with hydrocortisone creams.  PCA SKIN® Après Peel Soothing Balm (with 0.5% hydrocortisone) was especially supportive.  I also fell in love with a new lotion with a soothing effect called “Yes to™ Cucumbers”  It is formulated for sensitive skin and gently hydrates with organic cucumbers, aloe vera and green tea.

During one of my peely-ist moments, an acquaintance asked me:  Is that good for you? Answer:  Here is exactly what happens to the skin–and underneath the skin–during the 2 weeks between peels.

The carefully selected solutions in a chemical peel sink into the skin and cause the skin layers below the surface to react on the cellular level.

  • The skin cells are repaired
  • Melanin is reduced (darkness)
  • Cells produce more collagen and elastin
  • Dead cells are eaten away

Even though it looks like a sunburn, there is a science behind chemical peels vs. the sun.  Melanin protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays or from any skin injury.

  • Suntan. The skin of a person with enough melanin in their skin to handle the sun’s rays turns a little darker as a result.
  • Brown spots. However, the skin of a person with less melanin in their skin reacts; it goes into protection-mode and releases melanin (that naturally lays beneath the skin’s surface).  This melanin rises to the surface… but not uniformly, resulting in a spotty look.

The tender skin on my neck and chest are starting to react for the first time on peel #3.  Of course, I have the itchiness but also some significant skin shedding….

Throughout the peel process, I need to pay extra attention to sunscreen.  During the days where I’m wearing lots of lotions to sooth or cover up peeling and itching, it sure is nice to have the powdered sunscreen by Colorscience®.  [Dr. Macdonald is now carrying this product in his office.]

5-minute sauna and steamroom steam sessions sure do help to break down and soften harder, thicker, dryer skin on days 4-5, while continually dousing with cool water while in the steam.

I’ve experienced the most advanced stage of peeling today (counting my PCA peel last year, 1st and 2nd PCA peels this past month and Vi PEEL™ this year) on day 5 of peel #3.  I’m scared to post this one, but here is a lovely photo of my peeling-look as I woke up this morning.  Today is the day I discovered the “Yes to™ Cucumbers Soothing Cooling Body Butter“.  In a few days I will be all better…

Dr. Macdonald has a full-fledged skin rejuvenation and skincare treatment center in his office, including laser treatments for full fractional resurfacing, skin tightening, sun damage repair to hair removal, dark spots and rosacea.

Pam DePianto is his new Medical Esthetician in the office as of August.  Pam is focusing exclusively on the beauty of your skin…  She brings you 15+ years of experience as a small skin spa owner, a Kaiser skin health educator and, most recently, the lead esthetician for an East Bay dermatology & plastic surgery practice. With Pam, you’ll be in good hands!

Pam is offering a special Pumpkin Enzyme Peel Facial now (on special now through next Friday):

This luxurious facial is loaded with antioxidants, beta-carotene and vitamin C to replenish the skin with much needed nutrients.  Exfoliating the skin’s surface, this facial will soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as it improves the skin’s texture.  Price includes: deep cleansing, steam, pumpkin enzyme exfoliation, extractions, massage, treatment mask, treatment serums, day cream and SPF. 

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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New spacious office space for a Dr. Macdonald chemical peel and more

For over a year now, I’ve been on the path to clearing out the hyperpigmentation on my skin. My light, sun-damaged and aged skin has been stubborn. Since my skin is also sensitive, we have had to take the slow path.

 

Last summer I did 5-series PCA peel through Dr. Macdonald’s office. My results were a better complexion, smoother skin, fine wrinkle line reduction, and less hyperpigmentation.

I wasn’t convinced at that point that I was not capable of going to the next level in hyperpigmentation reduction. To that end, I did the following:

  • Sunscreen and hat all year round (even on cloudy days)
  • Recognition of my sensitive skin and genetics as seen in my father
  • HQRA (Hydroquinone to lighten pimentation & Retinol A to reduce wrinkles)
  • Research on PhotoFacial
  • Research on 2 Sciton laser applications: skin resurfacing, IPL for sun-damage (available in January 2012 through Dr. Macdonald’s office)
  • Vi PEEL™ (12 days) last month

My goal is to make a visible difference in my brown age spots on my face and upper chest area (i.e. decolletage area) and hands so that I a) look younger and b) feel that there is a solution to most of the sun damage from my many years in the sun.

Dr. Macdonald’s new office space at 500 Sutter St, Suite 430 in San Francisco. The new office space is beautiful and is a lot more spacious than the previous office. He has stunning artwork from local artist and photographer, Simeon Schatz on order–a must see…

Dr. Macdonald and his staff are ready to take on more patients and a new Sciton laser, among other perks. [It's only a block away so the parking situation is similar.]

 

PCA Chemical Peel. Since Dr. Macdonald has been working with me on this for over a year, during my recent skin check-up he decided that he wanted to do another PCA peel on me himself (and go a little deeper to make some more progress on the darker pigmented areas, yet pay close attention to my sensitivies).

I had my 1st of 5 PCA peels to my face, neck and chest area (i.e., decolletage). Similar to my previous experiences, I had no irritation in the first 2 days. I am starting to peel today, 48 hours later.

What I like the best this time around is the PCA SKIN® post-procedure solutionwhich includes:

  1. PCA SKIN® Facial Wash (very light and absorbant)
  2. PCA SKIN® Apres Peel Soothing Balm (with 0.5% hydrocortisone)
  3. PCA SKIN® ReBalance (to help inhibit redness and inflammation)
  4. PCA SKIN® Silkcoat Balm (for nighttime moisturizing)
  5. PCA SKIN® Perfecting Protection SPF 30 (for UV protection)

The products are soothing and restorative to the skin (and have a great scent and light non-greasy after effect).

I will return in 2 weeks for PCA Peel #2 of 5.

Day 2

The skin on my face was a bit tight but I kept the PCA SKIN® products on all day. I had a healthy glow.

Day 3

The skin on my face was tighter and noticeably wrinkly. I continued with the PCA SKIN® products.

In the afternoon, which is 48 hours since the peel, my skin started to peel. It started around my mouth and continued through the day.

Day 4

My neck was itchy but the PCA SKIN® products soothed it tremendously. I had to use the products more often than previous days.

By afternoon my face was peeling in big flakes, and the skin on my chest started to peel partially in flakes, previously splotchy looking skin (as if it had peeled). There was no itching or irritation though.

Day 5

The skin on my face and chest was peeling all day. It was a little itchy. I wore a hat and long sleeves all day (even on hot sunny day).

Day 6

My face was still peeling along hairline. I noticed that the peeling on my chest had stopped yet was still splotchy (i.e., half-peeled). I made a note to have double PCA solution applied next time (hopefully) so that it will all peel off.

Day 7

I was still peeling on my face, neck and chest. I started to use an exfoliant cleanser at this point to continue the peeling (possibly). Next peel in a week.

Amazing new sunscreen by Colorscience®

Pam turned me on to this powder sunscreen by Colorscience®. It’s SPF 50 plus comes in a convenient brush applicator. It contains some skin color, so is much like powdered foundation makeup. I love the easy application and light formula. Thank you, Pam!

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Vi PEEL™ daily results, first 12 days: Final results at 4 weeks

I ended up going for it and got a Vi PEEL™ to  reduce the hyper pigmentation (i.e., brown skin spots), visibly improve my complexion, firm up my skin and produce smoother, more youthful skin.

It has worked beautifully so far.  But 2 weeks later, I have learned that I won’t see the final results most likely until week 4.  As stated already, I had been nervous about getting the stronger peel with my sensitive skin. Here are my daily results.

Day 1

Vi PEEL™ performed by Pamela DePianto, Dr. Macdonald’s Clinical Esthetician.

Preparation. For the week proceeding this day, I had not used any cleansers or creams which would have exfoliated the skin on my face.  I needed to let my skin rest.

The procedure. To prepare my skin, Pam started with an acetone cleanser. She then applied 2 layers of Vi PEEL™ solution while I was cooling off by the fan.

I felt a little tingly and warm sensation but no real burning. In fact, the burning sensation was less than my PCA peel series I did last year.

The scent was more like a “perm” (for permanent hair curling).

Two hours post-procedure. As expected, my skin was yellow-orangish, similar to the look after coming back home from a day at the beach, or after having applied tanning lotion. It’s was not red or hot though. It felt a little tight though.

I was instructed to leave the solution on until I go to sleep at night.  My skin was a little itchy but not too uncomfortable. What bothered me the most was the scent.

Pam sent me home with a small home kit containing:

  • Vi PEEL™ post-peel towelettes (two) containing Retin A and Vitamin C — to use each night before going to sleep
  • Vi DERM™ moisturizer — to use as often as needed when my skin feels tight, irritated or dry
  • Vi DERM™ sunscreen SPF 55, containing aloe and green tea, for daytimes

I was also instructed to avoid exercise and heat such as a sauna or the sun.

Sunscreen is important. Pam reminded me how important sunscreen is on a daily basis. She has a great way to remember the two important breakdowns of ultraviolet radiation that we get from the sun.

  • UVA — think of A as standing for aging. We get UVA rays from the sun through clouds and on days when we don’t know it. This is when most people forget to wear sunscreen, or do not think it’s important.
  • UVB — think of B as standing for burns. We get UVB rays from the sun through direct, hot sunlight. This is when most people think to apply sunscreen.

*** Sunscreen is necessary to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Nighttime routine. I cleansed my face with a mild cleanser containing tea tree oil and awapuhi. I then followed the Vi PEEL™ instructions by swiping my entire face and neck with the Vi PEEL™ post-peel towelette.  I could feel the stinging sensation of the Retin A / Vitamin C. That sensation didn’t last too long though. I was instructed to apply it one hour before bed and to leave it on overnight.

After a few hours, I found myself still awake working on my computer.

The skin on my neck started itching too much….

I tried many cooling remedies and finally washed off the Retin A / Vitamin C from my neck around midnight and applied the Vi DERM™ moisturizer which contains 1% hydrocortisone, vitamin E and organic aloe vera gel.  [2 hours later my face was unbearably itchy so it too was washed of the Retin A / Vitamin C .  I tried to last as long as I could, but I felt like sleeping..]

Then I went to sleep more comfortably, ceiling fan on.

Day 2

First morning after procedure. I woke to a red face as expected. After cleansing, I applied the Vi DERM™ moisturizer to my entire face and neck. It had a soothing effect.  My skin was comfortably warm.

I noticed that I needed to keep the activity level to a minimum, as even walking fast would make my face feel extra hot, which then turned to an itchiness. Drinking cool water and staying cool in general helped.

Mid morning. Drove in car on a sunny day.  I had to turned on the air conditioning to max to cool down. I wore a big floppy hat for extra sun protection.

My neck still felt itchy, so I applied Vi DERM™ moisturizer repeatedly.

Afternoon. I tried out the Vi DERM™ SPF 55 and it was soothing and comfortable for my face. So, with the A/C blasting and my sun hat, I was comfortable even as the day got hotter.

Nighttime. Cleansed and reapplied the 2nd and last Retin A / Vitamin C towelette provided by Vi PEEL™ for day 2.

  • To my neck: Since Retin A / Vitamin C was too strong for my neck the evening before, and I feel like sleeping, I did not put it on my neck. I used Vi DERM™ moisturizer instead.
  • To my face: Applied Retin A / Vitamin C as directed. It did not burn as much as previous night. I went straight to sleep, so was able to leave it on the entire night. My lips felt especially dry so I used Alba Un-petroleum jelly. [I was not putting the Retin A / Vitamin C on my lips, nor was the Vi PEEL™ applied to my lips--only to the skin above my upper and lower lip.]

Day 3

Upon waking.  Face felt a little dry, a little hot, a little itchy before I did the morning cleanse.

No peeling yet. I noticed the most dryness around my lips.

I also notice that the hyperpigmentation I had on my cheeks had turned darker.

 

Afternoon. Just when I was thinking this “peel” should be renamed, I started peeling in big flakes. It began on my chin. Then around my mouth. No discomfort.

Dr. Macdonald called to check up on me about the state of my skin. He mentioned,

I would not apply the Retin A / Vitamin C this early on in a peel. I would not have advised it until day 4 or 5 instead.  [A change in the Vi PEEL™ company instructions].

Since my Vi PEEL™ packet only included 2 of these towelettes, I was already finished with them.

Dr. Macdonald also let me know that although there is trichloric acid in this peel, he does not consider it a typical TCA peel because the amount is so minimal. This peel is a step between typical PCA and TCA peels.

Evening. Skin started to tighten and peel more continuously all day.

Before bed. I cleansed my face with the Trader’s Joe’s tea tree oil cleanser, applied the Vi PEEL™ moisturizer and went to sleep with some active peeling. No itching or pain.

Day 4

Morning. I woke to tight skin and skin shedding like a lizard. It felt the tightest on my forehead and around my lips. No pain, no itching.

I smiled at all that is getting peeled away here. All of my skin’s impurities.

Afternoon and evening. Continued to peel. I was in public most of the day just smiling as if I had a Hawaii suntan peel. I applied more Vi PEEL™ lotion than previous days.

By bedtime it started to feel like the lotion was irritating my skin, especially on my chin area which had stopped peeling (also where peeling began) so I didn’t put on as much as before. I used another moisturizer which contained more inert ingredients  – Alba’s Un-petroleum Jelly.

Day 5

Morning.  I woke to extra tight skin and very strange looking tight crepey wrinkles when I smiled. 

Forehead and upper cheeks were still peeling.  Using the Vi PEEL™ moisturizer and SPF 55 sunscreen, which both soothed the raw skin.

Afternoon.  Skin peeled off in sheets. By early evening, it was close to done (little remnants along hairline). What remained on my forehead and upper face was a smoothness, yet red and splotchy.  What remained on the lower half of my face was an irritation (slight raw skin pain) and dry, hard skin like a callous or leather.  I continued with the Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly  since at this point the Vi PEEL™ moisturizer  was too irritating.  The Alba product contains:

  • Castor seed oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Beeswax
  • Vitamin E

Early evening. Since the peeling had subsided and I knew my skin craved some serious moisture, I went into the steam but had cold water with me to keep pouring on my face too. I did this routine for about 10 minutes. While I was in the steam, the hardened skin seemed to be completely better!

Hours later, it was a little raw again but the hardened skin was not as bad.

Later in the evening I switched to 100% pure jojoba oil for my dry and scaly chin and lips.

Day 6

Morning. My skin was still dry. The area around my mouth was dry and scabby, beginning to flake off in tiny sections (very unlike the initial layer which came off in light sheets of skin).

My overall face was reddish and all previous hyper pigmentation now darker (reddish) and more pronounced.

I kept up with the moisturizers, caked on at this point.

A quote from my daughter:

“My mom looks like a snake failing to shed its skin. It feels hard like scabs on her chin.”

Afternoon. Check up with Pamela DePianto and Dr. Macdonald’s.

Pam said that I was definitely was not done peeling and healing. The darker skin would lighten up to 4 weeks post-peel.

Day 9 and Day 10

Second layer of peeling on forehead and cheeks.

I was happy to find that the darkest hyper pigmentation areas had extra dryness and scabbing, preparing to peel off.

Before bed I used a Vitamin C Exfoliant cleanser (by L’Oreal). Very mild but has a little kick to the exfoliating. Since my skin is not irritated at all, I wanted to get that extra boost so these dark spots definitely come off…

Day 12

Skin color evened out.  Peeling stopped.  Skin felt smooth….   Planning on next update at 4 week mark.

Week 4

My face is smooth and noticeably healthy, similar to day 12.  It is recommended to do 3 peels with the Vi PEEL™ series.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Obagi Blue Peel®, Vi PEEL™: What is the result?

I keep hearing about the TCA peel, Obagi Blue Peel® and the latest peel (with a small amount of TCA) called a Vi PEEL™. I wondered if it is time for me to have one done. Having been through a 5-series PCA chemical peel through Dr. Macdonald’s office, I know the benefits to enhancing the skin at the cellular level, and also know that it’s good to do this periodically.

Am I ready for the intensity of a TCA Peel or even a medium peel that is stronger than a PCA? This is what I wonder.

For my next peel I’m thinking I want to try a deeper and stronger strength–one that will potentially diminish, if not erase, my remaining hyperpigmentation (a.k.a. “brown spots”) that I’ve accumulated from the sun and/or age.

As I’ve discussed before brown spots on your aging skin are 85% due to the environment and 15% due to aging.

Unlike the chemical peel series I had performed last year (search Category: Chemical Peel for my story), the Obagi Blue Peel® and Vi PEEL™ contain TCA (medium to deeper peels made of trichloric acid) and are considered physician-strength peels. This means that a doctor needs to administer it instead of a Medical Aesthetician.

I am a little nervous about the idea of a stronger peel since my skin is so sensitive, even with the lighter PCA peel. However, I have faith in Dr. Macdonald’s physician-strength peel care.

With TCA peels, I would expect a mild, burning sensation for the first few minutes. Then I will require a longer healing time than the PCA peel. There will most likely be more than one peel to get my desired results.

Both PCA and TCA peels together with the following will help with my skin health:

  • proper cleanser to balance out the oil and the dryness
  • sunscreen with SPF to block from the sun’s harmful rays
  • antioxidants to neutralize free radicals
  • retinol A (vitamin A) to rejuvenate cells
  • vitamin C to build collagen
  • vitamin D3 to protect
The Obagi Blue Peel® and Vi PEEL™ TCA peel would:
  • reduce the brown skin spots
  • visibly improve complexion
  • firm up skin
  • produce smoother, more youthful skin

Of course I’d like the results I mentioned. The cons are the longer downtime (7-10 days). This would mean that not only would I need to hide from the public, but I also cannot go to yoga or go in a steamroom–my favorites.

I asked Pamela DePianto, new Clinical Esthetician in Dr. Macdonald’s practice, about her stance on chemical peels and skin care. Specializing in skin care, after hearing my story, she advised that I will probably want to try the Vi PEEL™ since it has a milder approach and would probably be more favorable to me with my sensitive skin (yet desire to go deeper than PCA). She said that the Vi PEEL™ is not as intense as Obagi Blue Peel® and just as effective. She advised that I would probably do 2-3 peels in a series.

Before making any true assessments of my skin, she will have me come in to the office for a consultation and facial. I’m looking forward to it!

To be continued….

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Healthy Skin After Sun Exposure: PCA and TCA Body Peels

photo Wikimedia Commons

Do your hands or upper torso need help restoring a youthful appearance they once had and now are just covered in “brown spots”? I know my answer to that question is ‘Yes’ for me.  I’m also learning that a chemical peel is for more than just the face, but for different body parts too such as the hands and chest.  Dr. Macdonald’s office does both the PCA peels (plus more through Amy, the Medical Esthetician) and TCA (and other physician strength peels).

Did you know that brown spots on your aging skin are 85% due to the environment and 15% due to aging? That statistic opened my eyes as I had thought more of my recent effects were due to aging.  Environmental damage, for me, started in my early years with suntan contests with suntan oil (no SPF) which left me sunburned and peeling… Sun exposure to this day is minimal but I have heightened effects.

Not only do I have brown spots on my face (as we’ve seen in my facial chemical peel story (which ended with this post), I have them on my hands too, as we’ve seen in part with my laser treatment.

But wait, there’s more!  I also am full of brown spots on my chest, front of arms and front of legs.  Basically, all the main target areas hit by sunburn and peeling during the suntan years now have brown spots. [And I didn't even win the suntan contests, even when I used the silver, reflecting suntan blankets... Go figure--someone with my light skin trying to compete with a person whose skin has more natural melanin.]

Since I am now “studying” brown spots on skin, I seem to notice them everywhere, on everyone.  I am perplexed at how clear some people’s hands are.  I have learned the reasons behind this.

The darkness in skin is melanin.  Those with darker complexions naturally have more melanin in their skin.  What happens when we go in the sun?  We either get tan or we get burned (or somewhere in between).

I am interested in the science behind tan vs. sunburn. Melanin protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays (or from any skin injury).  The skin of a person with enough melanin in their skin to handle the sun’s rays turns a little darker as a result.  However, the skin of a person with less melanin in their skin reacts; it goes into protection-mode and releases melanin (that naturally lays beneath the skin’s surface).  This melanin rises to the surface… but not uniformly, resulting in a spotty look.

Wrinkles are another subject of interest here, increased with sun exposure. The reason is that the UVA light breaks down collagen fibers which were once tightly woven together, and then as the skin repairs itself, the fibers grow back together with a little separation.  This results in wrinkles.   Another reason is that the sun strips the skin of its natural moisture.  Healthy skin needs moisture.

PCA (light peels) and TCA (medium to deeper peels made of trichloric acid) together with the following will help you with your skin health:

  • proper cleanser to balance out the oil and the dryness
  • sunscreen with SPF to block from the sun’s harmful rays
  • antioxidants to neutralize free radicals
  • retinol A (vitamin A) to rejuvenate cells
  • vitamin C to build collagen
  • vitamin D3 to protect

Next time you’re in the sun, especially a hot beach, chose a spot with an umbrella, or wear a hat if you can….

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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VariLite Post-Laser Treatment to Remove Brown Spots From Hands, Scar Healing

It’s been 4 months since my VariLite Laser Treatment by Dr. Macdonald on my hands.

Laser treatment for hands. I’m seeing first hand how different the skin on the hands is from the face.  When it comes to scarring, Dr. Macdonald indicates that the hands have a longer healing time because the skin is thinner.

4 months post-laser

He did a great job getting rid of the brown pigment.

As stated in my post directly following the treatment, the darker the pigmentation, the harder the laser has to work.

Dr. Macdonald wears special glasses that allow him to see the pigmentation in the most effective way.

Scar healing timeframe. Scars can take up to 18 months to heal.  To assist with

pre-laser

this effort, it is best to:

  • Apply scar gel daily.  Dermatix™ is a great brand to use.
  • Wear silicone sheeting taped on at night (or during the day if it doesn’t bother you).
  • Protect the scar from the sun with clothing, hats or sunscreen.
  • Let time heal :)

At my 4 month follow up appointment yesterday, Dr. Macdonald advised me that I will see significant healing in the next 6 months and to use the scar gel and silicone sheeting when I can. The more I wear it, the more it works.  [It's cool that you reuse the sheet over and over so it's not so wasteful.]

Also, I’ll do my best in the sun to cover the areas with sunscreen.  I’m going to the tropics next week so I will definitely be in the sun!  :)

At any rate, since my skin is so thin and susceptible to scarring, I was already ready for some extra healing time.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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2 1/2 Weeks: VariLite Post-Laser Treatment, Removing Brown Spots on Face + Hands

It’s now been 2 1/2 weeks since my laser treatment for my hands and face.

The lesions are almost healed but still noticeable.   I’ve been applying vaseline moisturizer every day.  Some days they itch a little but I have tried not to scratch off the scabbing, so that it comes off on its own as directed by Dr. Macdonald.

I will start using scar gel on the effected areas until the wounds completely vanish.

 

18 days post-laser

pre-laser

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

 

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Days 3-5: VariLite Post-Laser Treatment, Removing Brown Spots on Face + Hands

It’s been 5 days since my VariLite laser treatment with Dr. Macdonald.  The healing process has been as expected.

Dr. Macdonald notified me to expect the following post-laser treatment for pigmented lesions:

  • Pigmented lesions may turn gray or dark after treatment.  As the skin heals, in 7-14 days, the spot will slough off.  Do not rub or pick the lesion.  Antibacterial or moisturizing ointment may be applied to the area as desired.
  • Do not use a “loofa” sponge on these areas.  Let them “slough” off naturally.
  • For the next 3-4 weeks, avoid sun exposure to the treated area.  Use of a sunscreen containing an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended.

I had dark scabs at first, as shown in my previous post on day 2.

Day 3

The day to follow I went surfing :)   The salt water I know has a healing effect for skin.  It stung a little bit.   The scabs soaked in salt water became soft and started to come off later in the day as shown in the picture (left).

On my face, the scabs remained as you can see in the picture (right).

Since the treatment I have been applying antibiotic ointment or Aquaphor a few times a day.

Day 5

Today the scabs have fallen off on my hands but they still feel and look as if they are infected and yellowish, encircled with redness and a little painful to the touch.  Without the protective scab, I’m using even more ointment to protect them and help the healing process.

I’m looking forward to looking down at my hands and seeing those darker spots gone!

Stay tuned…

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Day 2: Laser Treatment, Removing Brown Spots on Face + Hands

Yesterday I went in for my VariLite laser treatment appointment with Dr. Macdonald.   I’m following up on the pursuit of removing the hyperpigmentation on my hands and my face.  The darker pigment is extra melanin present in the skin.

I had 3 spots on my hands treated yesterday and one on my face. [Read here for my latest article following my facial PCA chemical peel and interview with Dr. Macdonald.]

The procedure

I wore protective goggles over my eyes to protect me from the intense light of the laser.  The idea is that the laser light is absorbed by the dark pigment in the skin and decomposes from the heat of the laser, removing the unwanted skin cells and leaving healthy cells intact.

It hurt a little more than I thought it would.  It feels like a series of pricks with a hot pin.  As Dr. Macdonald moved the laser though over the spot, the burning sensation (and smoke coming off the spots as I watched the skin burn :) ) increased and turned into a feeling as if I were being burned by a match.

I had to have him give me little breaks.  Also, he turned down the intensity of the laser for me.

Apparently, the darker the pigmentation, the harder the laser has to work and so the more it stings.  Dr. Macdonald wears special glasses that allow him to see the hyperpigmentation in a different way; when I looked at the spots I simply saw a bunch of black burning skin.

Interestingly enough, when he did the spot on my face we expected that the pain would be less since the pigmentation is less.  But, this was not the case.  It stung just as much as my hands, if not more so since my skin on my face is so sensitive…

Once the torture was over, I felt better in a few minutes.

Pictures on Day 2


On Day 2, as expected, the lasered spots are black and crusty looking.  I’m allowed to wash gently and then apply antibiotic ointment to them.

As the scabbing starts to fall off, I’m supposed to let the process occur naturally and not scrape any of it off myself.

There is no pain.

I will be posting updates of the pictures as the coloring changes and the scabs come off.

There is a small chance that this treatment will not work completely. In this case, in approximately one month Dr. Macdonald will redo the laser treatment.

He charges 1/2 price for touch-ups.

For my face, however, he said he’d do a touch-up for free since he needed to turn down the intensity for me due to the pain.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Beyond the Light PCA Chemical Peel: Remaining spots

Having gone through a 5-series PCA chemical peel, I now know that my skin is in wonderful shape. As stated in my previous post at the end of my 5 series peel, I am happy with all the benefits.

At this point, I have a new wonder.  What would the procedure be to get rid of the brown spots, for someone of my light skin genetics?

I was in Dr. Macdonald’s office recently getting some high resolution pictures to compare the results of my skin before and after the chemical peel.

May 14 pre-chem peel

Oct 12 post-chem peel

Since the peel series ended, I have been using the HQRA product every other night. I have some peeling, but not much. I have been using Ti-Silc sunscreen every day and always a hat while in the sun. My skin cannot possibly be getting any more sunspots at this point.

We still see brown spots on my face. So, despite all of the great cellular rebuilding below the skin, the smooth texture and lighter lines on the surface of the skin, the appearance of spots remains.  I am still glad to have learned all about how my skin has improved as a whole by this process, and to know that the remaining spots are a different issue.

I asked Dr. Macdonald for his advice on the brown spots.  He offered three options:

  1. TCA Peel.  It is a deeper peel than the one I did.  It is made of Trichloracetic Acid and is otherwise known as the Obagi Blue Peel.
  2. Laser Resurfacing with IPL (a.k.a., PhotoFacial).  This would be a treatment given to the entire face, done gradually in a series.
  3. VariLite laser treatment.  This would be a treatment localized to the spots only.  He would use the 532 wavelength setting for spots.  The 940 wavelength would be used for excessive red blood vessels.

In addition to the face, I couldn’t help but ask him about the dark spots on my hands. I wondered would he treat those spots in the same way as the face?

  • He would use the VariLite laser treatment on the specific spots at the 532 wavelength.
  • It would take about 5 minutes to perform the procedure.

To be continued.. I am thinking about having him zap those spots on my hands with his laser treatment.

I will report back with details on recovery. :)

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Light Chemical Peel Series Completed: Results + Lessons

Now that I have completed the 5 series Light Chemical Peel (read here for all related posts)…

I am pleased that I went through these 5 peels all spaced out by 2-4 weeks.  In retrospect, I only needed to hide from the public for about 10 of those days.

Now my skin feels extra smooth to the touch, and I’m getting lots of comments from others on my complexion.

In general, the fine lines all over my face have been reduced — from the marionette lines at the corners of my mouth to the lines around my eyes.  No one has mentioned any of this in particular and it’s not the easiest to pinpoint in a before/after photo, but what I have noticed is an overall, more youthful look.   Others are commenting on my overall look.

Some comments from others:

“Look at you, you are glowing!”

“Your skin looks a lot more even toned now, compared to your skin before the peel.”

“Your pores seem cleared out, and you no longer have any areas on your face that were prone to acne break outs.”

“Mom, everyone thinks you look too young to be my mom.”

I truly feel a weight lifted from my face.  It is lighter.  I guess my pores have been rebuilt at the cellular level!   My skin does feel extra smooth, as I mentioned above — but say again for enhancement.

And, I was carded at the grocery store 2 times this past week… :)

Before the first peel:

Before the first peel, my face was noticeably more spotty from age and sun damage and I had more fine wrinkle lines.  I have learned in retrospect that my pores were significantly clogged too.

During my next office visit with Dr. Macdonald I will get him to take an “after” photo in the same lighting and setting as the “before” photos so that you can get the most visible effect of the changes.

Overall lesson about my skin:

It has given me better health habits in terms of the sun now that I know I have rebuilt many of my skin cells deep down.  I want to keep the healthy cells.  Now, I am more aware than ever before of the damage of the sun on the skin, especially my face.

I know how crucial sunscreen is on a daily basis, year round even if you are simply driving in the car (and extra sunscreen for direct sun, plus a hat!)

I feel healthier that the skin layers below the surface have been repaired and the dead cells have been eaten away, making way for the new and existing cells to produce more collagen and elastin.

I have learned that many of the spots on my skin are from my genetics and not necessarily sun spots that can be corrected with a peel.  I see a similar look on my dad’s skin.

Since there are certain limitations with the peel-series treatment, Dr. Macdonald’s office offers other alternative solutions to the PCA Light Chemical Peel that I had:

  • Deeper chemical peel (see the details here)
  • PhotoFacial – laser procedure that is more aggressive than a peel.  Reduces sun damage, evens out pigmentation irregularities, removes vascular and pigmented lesions, and decreases redness from rosacea.
  • Continue the peel with Hydroquinone / Retinol A (HQRA) at home

Ongoing treatment to maintain my skin:

I will follow up my chemical peel treatments now with HQRA Cream in-home treatment by Neutraderm.  I apply it every other night before bed.  It will continue the peel benefits (bleaching dark spots, reducing fine lines, and improving cells), while exfoliating only a minimal amount.

Chemical Peel Promotions in Dr. Macdonald’s office:

If you’re thinking about sprucing up your post-summer skin this fall before the holidays, I definitely recommend you take advantage of Dr. Macdonald’s medical aesthetics experts and the $500 Light Chemical Peel 5-series package (savings of 33%!), that I’ve mentioned here in previous posts.

It runs October through November and includes a complimentary post-healing care kit and 15% discount off the TiSilc sunscreen I love!

You can click here to send an inquiry about scheduling.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Light Chemical Peel #5, Skin Glowing

I had my final chemical peel #5 of the series of 5 today.  Of the 5 peels, hours later my skin feels the best it has felt yet.

Someone saw me in the lobby as I was leaving Dr. Macdonald’s office and she told me I am glowing and I look great!  (Even with the shiny-look :)

Amy Crowley, Dr. Macdonald’s Esthetician applied 3 layers this time of the Resorcinol solution. It is the same solution from the 3rd and 4th peels, but with an additional layer this time.

I am still red in color but there is no burning.

My skin was burning in the office, but I’m getting used to it so I didn’t flinch a bit.  Amy kept going to the 3rd layer and we both agreed at this point that it was enough!  The Vitamin A layer after the Resorcinol burned the most.

My Light Peel series of 5 was a PCA peel. It is best for diminishing photopigmentation, improving skin tone and color irregularities. It consists of lactic acid and L-ascorbic acid. There is usually a choice between the PCA peel, Glycolic Acid (which stimulates production of collagen) and Amino Fruit Acid (potent antioxidant and exfoliant). Some ingredients in the peels include Hydroquinone which have a tendency to overlighten skin, but this is only an issue for people with darker skin.

The darker spots on the side have diminished significantly.  I hope to see even more improvement after this 5th and deepest peel.

When this current peel is over and the skin is back to normal, I will continue the chemical peel benefits with the in-home treatment recommended by Amy called HQRA.  It is a Hydroquinone / Retinol A cream made of a lower dosage in comparison to the in-office peels.  It will continue to bleach the skin with the Hydroquinone and improve the cells with the Retinol A.

The instructions are to wait 3-5 days after the peeling skin has gone and then to apply a small amount of this cream every other night to my face before bed.  There are no restrictions with heat (as I can still sweat or go in the hot tub), but I should continue with extra protection in the sun.  The HQRA may at first cause my skin to peel a little but as I get used to it, this will cease.

This one 50ml tube will last me 2-3 months so I will continue.  It is recommended by Amy to keep applying the HQRA continuously in between full 5-series chemical peels twice a year for optimal results in reducing and/or eliminating fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots.

This brings me again to my final reminder to you on Fall Chemical Peel discounts through Dr. Macdonald’s office…

Promotion applies to all peels booked between October 1 through November 30.

  • Discounted price for 5-series peel is $500, where normally each 5-series peel costs $750.
  • Includes a free “Healing/Post Care Skin Kit” plus 15% discount off of the Ti-Silc sunscreen. This is the luxurious and light sunscreen I have been using. Love it.

The promotion is running for the Fall because Amy advises that this is the best time of year for a peel as the weather starts to cool and we are out of intense summer sun exposure, diminishing the skin’s healing discomfort due to the heat and sun.

It is advised to call this month (September 1st is tomorrow!) to book your appointments for October/November as Medical Esthetician hours fill up fast! :)

[Note: single peel sessions will not be discounted and will remain at $150 per session. Amy and Dr. Macdonald both highly recommend doing the entire 5 sessions, as you get the best results after the 5th peel.]

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Light Chemical Peel #4, Feeling Great

I had my 4th light chemical today in the series of 5. I am feeling great 4 hours later…


Before the peel, I took note of my skin condition, especially the spots on the right and left sides along my hairline…

Amy applied the same solution this time as she did on my last (3rd) peel which includes Resorcinol. This time it burned in the same way in the office, mostly along the T-zone, but it stopped sooner. An hour later my skin no longer burned and there was no itching either.

I asked Amy about the area under my eyes (i.e., the extra puffiness effect from the crows feet BOTOX® injection) to see if she needed to do something different in the chemical peel in order to let this puffiness heal. Her response was that the reaction my skin under my eyes is having is not something that would really be effected by the chemical peel solution. So, she will apply the solution as usual.

She made a comment that due to my reaction, if I never do the crows feet BOTOX® again, this would be an even better reason to get the chemical peel to do its work on the crows feet lines at least.

I requested that she put extra solution on the brown spots on the sides of my face since 1) it seemed to have a delayed effect in the last peel, waiting until the 2nd week, 2) the intensity of the peel for me seems to be around the T-zone so it seems to me as if the brown spots along my hairline can stand a deeper peel.

Amy took note and noticed that this time, after two layers on my whole face (just like last peel #3) and after a stronger third layer on the spots, they were very red so she stopped there. Hence, she only applied a small amount more than the previous peel.

Four hours since the peel, I am a little red but my skin feels great. My skin is getting used to this. :) I will follow all the usual remedies for keeping the skin cool and moisturized. Stay tuned for updates as I see changes.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.