Skin Care Precautions for Moms-to-Be
Retinoids, a type of Vitamin A, are found in many moisturizers and are used to improve skin tone and reduce wrinkles. So far no evidence has been shown that topical use is harmful to a baby, but doctors are being extra cautious and advising to stop or limit the use while expecting due to the harmful effects of high doses of Vitamin A on babies in the womb.
Salicylic acid is used mainly for treating acne (a big problem for many expecting mothers). High does in the oral form have been shown to cause birth defects and complications in pregnancy- again doctors choose to be extra cautious and suggest stopping or limiting it’s use while pregnant. One larger precaution is not to use facial peels containing Salicylic Acid as it gives the skin more time to soak in the solution- more absorption in the bloodstream.
Yes you read that right… SOY! Most moms-to-be look for natural and healthy alternatives in diets and beauty products but soy isn’t the best go to. Expecting mothers who suffer from Melasma, also known as pregnancy mask, can actually get worse effects by using products with soy. Some products use soy which have the estrogenic components removed and this makes them safer to use. Check the ingredients carefully.
we can always help you fake it!
Get Lucky with our March Specials
* 20% off Ultherapy~ An uplift, NOT a Faceflift!
LARGE Applicator~ $999.00
REGULAR Applicator~$500.00
CoolSculpting™ by Zeltiq is an FDA cleared technology that uses cold therapy to freeze and destroy fat cells permanently, no surgery required. Zeltiq uses precisely targeted cold therapy in a comfortable treatment room. The process zaps the energy from the fat cell, causing it to die over a period of 2-4 months. It crystallizes the lipids in the fat cells causing the slow breakdown of the cells and then is released through your body’s normal metabolic processes. The procedure takes about an hour and is literally harmless.
Turning back the hands of time has never been so easy thanks to all the advancements in peels. Unveil clearer and more even skin tone with this most advanced chemical peel.
Dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel, RADIESSE®, SCULPTRA® Aesthetic, Perlane® and Restylane® can replace lost volume in a non surgical treatment. Dr. Marguerite Germain uses these injectable treatments with skill and artistry to temporarily fill-in wrinkles and plump up facial features for a natural-looking, refreshed appearance.
Some fillers, such as JUVÉDERM XC, have incorporated lidocaine for a more comfortable injection experience. For other fillers, Dr. Germain may use a topical anesthetic to ensure that your treatment is as pleasant as possible. She takes the time with each and every patient to be sure that she is accomplishing your aesthetic goals and, in the process, ensuring your comfort both during and after the procedure.
BOTOX works by relaxing the specific muscles that contract to cause wrinkles. Although a great deal of skill and focus is required on the part of the physician, for patients, BOTOX treatments in South Carolina will actually seem very simple and easy. Just apply some ice to the treatment area, a few tiny injections, a slight amount of pressure – and, before you know it, the treatment is over! Dr. Germain recommends that her patients keep up with BOTOX treatments every 3 to 4 months to maintain beautiful, prolonged wrinkle reduction.
* Dysport $3.00/unit
Dr. Germain also offers Dysport™, a BOTOX alternative. She may recommend Dysport for some patients and can discuss the differences between the two treatments with you. Dysport is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of your moderate to severe frown lines without changing the look of your whole face. The untreated facial muscles still work normally, allowing you to freely show facial expressions, such as smiling, in untreated areas.
*Dr. Germain Performs all Injections
Does your Suit Protect You?
It is that time of year where retailers are starting to stock the shelves with the dreaded BATHING SUIT From the trendy vintage one piece to the tiny bikini they can make even those with the fittest bodies feel uncomfortable. Other than hiding your less favorable features what do you look for in swimwear?
Most women (and men) do not know that most swimwear material is not UV Protected. When we head to the pool or the beach and do our duties of lathering on sun block to all the ‘exposed’ areas we are leaving out some of the most delicate and, actually, exposed parts of our skin- those under the suits!
In addition to looking for sun protected clothing/swimwear we suggest applying sun block to your ENTIRE body before dressing for a day in the sun. You’re most sensitive areas deserve as much TLC from damaging rays as the rest. Also, when planning your summer fun make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunglasses, hats to protected your face and scalp and stay near shaded areas to retire to in the hottest times of the day (10am-4pm).
Some designers are also on the brink of developing a ‘Smart Bikini’. A new swimsuit was developed in Canada to provide protection from “post-tan” problems by warning of excess UV light. The suits look like regular bikinis decorated with beads of plastic that can change their color depending on the intensity of UV emission. Exposed to low or medium emission, the beads are of white or lavender color. Abnormal rate of UV emission makes the beads glow deep violet, alarmingly indicating that tanning should be ceased. This swimsuit is available this month! Check it out at Solestrom. There is also one already on the market by Solestrom that has a LED UV meter built into the belt, which also shows if it’s time to stop sunbathing. The LED UV meter is solar powered. What will we see next?!