Category: Skincare, Page: 2

I tell all my clients that injectables and laser treatments can do amazing things for your skin. But what you apply to your skin at home is also of utmost importance if you want to improve and maintain the results of your professional treatments. Purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) products after you spent money and time on a service would be as effective as throwing your money to the wind.
Clinical skin care ingredients are constantly evolving, as are their delivery systems. In today’s market, science-based skincare doesn’t set on the skin but actually penetrates to the deeper levels and signals for our skin cells to function more properly.
Most people think that active ingredients are expensive, and not worth the cost. What they don’t realize is that they are buying products with clinical data to support the claims and actions of the products. OTC products can be very expensive, too, but these do not have the data to support their claims.
So what ingredients should you be looking for?
Vitamin A
I’m a big fan of Vitamin A in a fat-soluble form. SkinMedica®, ALASTIN®, and SENTE® all have great retinoids that are well tolerated. Most people quit because of the redness and dryness, and that is why it’s important to consult with a skin care specialist to determine usage and the type of retinoid that would be best for their needs and concerns.
Antioxidants
You can never go wrong with a Vitamin C product, but the formulation is key. We love Revision® Vitamin C Lotions. In addition to Vitamin C, there are many other great antioxidants to keep skin healthy. Ask me about SENTE and ALASTIN treatment topicals!
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is best known for its skin-clearing benefits, but this powerful exfoliator is a proven deep cleaner, helping to “unplug” clogged pores, reduce oiliness, and dissolve the skin debris that causes breakouts. I love SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Cleanser and Cream.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
HA is a moisture magnet that acts as a cushion and lubricant in your joints and tissues. HA’s claim to fame is its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, helping your skin cells retain moisture and elasticity. I love SENTE’s HSA (which stands for heparan sulfate analog), a patented ingredient found exclusively in the SENTE product line. I think HSA is even better than HA because it’s molecularly optimized to improve the appearance of mature, photo-aged, and dehydrated skin.
For your convenience, you can find all of the above ingredients in various combinations at AVIE! Our skin care experts can’t wait to help you discover the best products for your unique skin care needs! Call 703.870.3844 or request a personal consultation today.
—Kim

My awesome clients constantly inspire me, and this month, you’ve inspired me to write about skin care products! So many of you are knowledgeable about skin care but remain confused and overwhelmed by the endless options out there, all claiming to be the best. From “physician-inspired” skin care lines sold through the home-party circuit to the products lining drug store shelves, there’s infinite variety in quality and cost. How do you know which skin care products are truly effective? And, even if they are effective, are they right for you?
First of all, let me start by saying that you have every right to be confused because it is confusing! Second, take a deep breath and relax, because effective skin care is easier to find than you think!
I’ve undergone years of training to understand the science behind healthy, beautiful skin. As a master aesthetician and registered nurse, I’ve devoted my life to providing the leading products and treatments for achieving radiant skin at every stage of life.
To help you find your ideal skin care regimen, I’ll share a few expert (and easy!) tips:
Stick with the professional stash.
We know it’s tempting to buy the cheaper drugstore brands, but they are cheaper for a reason. They contain weaker amounts of the active ingredients you crave like retinoids or antioxidants. Without expiration dates, they are also allowed to sit on shelves for unspecified periods of time, which means they can get stale and lose their potency, and you have no way of knowing it. When you buy your skin care products at professional offices like AVIE!, you can be confident knowing that you are getting fresh, highly potent products that are clinically tested and proven.
Ask for help.
Once you find a medical-grade line based on research and results, your next step is determining the right products for you. We are here to help you understand your skin and will help you pick the ideal products for your unique needs and goals.
Be patient.
Your largest living organ, the skin takes time to renew itself (about 3 to 4 weeks, to be exact), and can take months to start showing noticeable results. Diligent, daily product application paired with daily sunscreen use over time is the only way to achieve the luminous skin of your dreams.
Don’t trust your skin to just any old products. Knowing that the products you use are quality and geared to your needs is truly priceless. I can’t wait to help you find your best skin! At AVIE!, we carry a number of physician-grade, results-driven skin care lines, including SkinMedica®, Alastin Skincare®, and more! Call 703.870.3844  or click here to schedule a free skin care consultation today.
–Kim