Turn back the hands of time!

Wouldn't it be nice if we could go back in time to when we didn't have acne, scars, wrinkles, brown spots, saggy skin, or dull complexion?

We have found the Fountain of Youth!

Not really, but those are the claims of many cosmetic products.  

Here's the stark reality - it is nearly impossible to erase the evidence of your past skin health through cosmetic products.  Most skin problems that people try to correct happened long before the issue is in front of them.  Sun damage doesn't show up for 15-20 years.  Acne scars from youth never go away.

Walk through the cosmetic department at your favorite store and you'll soon realize that there isn't one product, line or company that has found the solution to resolve the aging skin question.  New products are always being introduced or old ones re-marketed.  We would like to give you some insight on what you should reasonably expect your cosmetic product to do for you.

Take a moment and look in the mirror.  Do you see fine lines near your eyes?  How about deeper creases near your mouth or forehead?  Brown spots here and there?   That is your evidence of the past.   The basic expectation is that if you started using quality skin care products now you would maintain your current appearance.  You might be able to soften fine lines and creases.  You could lighten brown/dark spots.  You could help your face have a little glow.  But those results will take years of faithful attention using products alone.

We hate being the bearers of bad news.  But don't give up hope.  We want to help you navigate through products and treatments that work together to slow down, stop or even reverse a little of the problematic issue of aging skin.

Our next posts on this blog will cover these topics:

• Department store products vs. specialty/spa/medical office products.
• Sunscreen - the ultimate wrinkle preventer
• Treatments that boost the renewal process

www.mountainderm.com
208-528-6653

Do you know what this symbol means?

Many cosmetic products have this cute little image on the bottle but do you know what it means?

It tells you how long the item is good after it has been opened.  The item pictured above has a 12 month period in which it is said to be the best.  Products can range anywhere from 3-18 months.

So what happens after the open period expires?  The components in the products have started to degrade and their effectiveness is lessened.  You could still use the products but they wouldn't work as well as they did when they were first opened.

The time period of a product is based on a product in optimal conditions.  Temperature is a sure killer when it comes to products.  Too hot breaks down the components fast.  Too cold (like freezing) destroys the consistency and causes the components to separate.  Either way, you're not getting the full value of your purchase when your product is destroyed by temperature.

www.mountainderm.com
208-528-6653

The truth about Warts

Regardless of what the fairy tales may say, you can't get warts from toads.
Nope, no-way, impossible.

But you could get warts from your neighbor, the door handle at the store or the bench at the gym. That's because warts are caused by a virus.  And this virus is everywhere.  It is spread from person to person.  Maybe shaking hands or maybe touching something that has the virus on it spreads the virus around.

Whether you get warts or not depends a lot on how well your immune system is able to attack the virus.  Strong immune systems are able to attack and kill the virus.  Most adults have that type of immunity, children not so much.  That is why warts usually are more of a problem for younger people than adults.

There is not a treatment to kill the wart virus.  The best we can do is blister it off or encourage the natural immune system to attack the virus.  The infamous "Old wives tales" recommend anything and everything that "works" to rid the person of the unsightly warts.  Duct tape, vinegar, onion peel, or remove the "seeds" are just a few.   There are also many over-the-counter remedies.  The medical profession freeze, chemically treat or cut out warts.  Sometimes these funny or medical treatments work.  Sometimes not.

From a medical perspective, freezing warts is the preferred method because it reduces the chance for a scar to develop.  But we also use a chemical (extracted from beetles!) that causes the skin to blister or there may be a combination of cutting down and freezing or chemical treatment for really healthy warts.  If your immune response is great, one treatment could do the trick.  It may take a couple of tries.

In the end, it all depends on the size, location and depth of the wart and how the immune system responds to the treatment.   Our providers do their best to provide the right conditions for your body to fight back.  But these treatments can get expensive (especially if your insurance applies them toward your deductible), and you could spend a lot of money and still have warts.  Especially after three or four attempts.  It really stinks.  We wish there was a better way.  We just keep trying and hopefully something will trigger the immune response we need to kill the virus.

So go ahead and go catch toads with your children and grandchildren.

www.mountainderm.com
208-528-6653

Chemical peels just sound scary part 2

This post will cover the benefits of beta-hydroxy acids (BHA).  Visit our "Chemical Peels just sound scary Part 1" to learn about the benefits of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA).

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHA)

Beta Hydroxy acids are part of the family of aromatic acids.  That means that this acid is foreign to the body and has an immediate effect on the skin. 

The most common BHA is salicylic acid.  This acid is highly keratolytic, which means that it will dissolve or break down the outer stratum corneum, the top layer of skin that is constantly regenerating.  It can only go one layer at a time, so repeated applications are necessary to achieve the maximum results. 

Flaking of the skin is often associated after the use of some salicylic acid applications.  The acid has broken the bond of the outer most parts of the stratum corneum and the dead skin cells are falling away.  This acid works particularly well for individuals who suffer from acne.  As the stratum corneum sloughs off dead skin cells, these cells get stuck in hair follicles and plug the opening.  Bacteria begin to grow in the follicle and causes inflammation in the surrounding tissue.  Salicylic acid helps to clear off the dead skin cells before they can get stuck. 

Salicylic acid is also soluble by lipids, the natural fats on the skin.  This is especially helpful for the individual with acne, who tends to have more oil production.  Salicylic acid will help dissolve and remove excess oils from pores and off of the surface of the skin. 

How you can use Salicylic Acid to benefit your skin

Professional application of salicylic acid will speed up the natural process of skin regeneration by removing the outer layers of dead cells.  We recommend an in office chemical exfoliation with our Esthetician.  Our Sal-Ex 20% peel will do the trick! 

Continue the exfoliation at home with quality skin care product from Dermalogica and Glymed.  Dermalogica offers several items with salicylic acid:  Clearing Skin Wash, Daily Microfoliant, and Superfoliant.  Glymed offers Skin Astringent #5 and #10, and Sal-Ex Exfoliating Cleanser.

All services and products are available in our office.

www.mountainderm.com

208-528-6653

Chemical Peels just sound scary Part 1

You may have ideas of needing weeks to recover.  

Or you may think you’d be disfigured like a horror film villain. 

Nothing we do in our office would be like that.  In fact, fears and misconceptions about chemical exfoliation prevent many people from enjoying the benefits that are available.  We hope to change your opinion as you become educated and informed about the most common acids and how they can help you.  These acids are safe and effective.

This two-part blog post will cover the two different types of acids we use in our office.  Part One covers alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA).  Part Two will cover the beta-hydroxy acids (BHA).  

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids are part of the organic acid family.  What this means is the body can use it at the cellular level to perform metabolic functions, therefore they have the ability to provide nutrition and hydration to the skin cells. 

The most common AHA’s are Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid.  These acids will penetrate into the skin where the body uses them to do a variety of functions.  They begin to change the skin by changing the cells.  Building blocks of collagen (plumpness) and elastin (ability to stretch) are greatly enhanced with AHA’s.   The body can also use AHA’s to improve hydration of the skin. 

When using AHA’s, there may not be any visible flaking of the skin.  The chemicals are hard at work detaching the lower levels of the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin that is constantly regenerating.  The result is younger skin cells on the surface of the stratum corneum, which in turn helps your skin to appear younger and healthier. 

AHA’s are not speedy.  The results are delayed: very subtle over time.  They are very effective because they work from the inside out.  These acids work especially well with mature or pre-maturely aging skin where the regeneration of skin cells slows down and the stratum corneum hold on to dead skin cells a little longer.  

How you can use AHA's to benefit your skin 

Get a jump start on improving your skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles. We recommend an in office chemical exfoliation with our esthetician.   There are three different professional treatment options to get you going:  Lactic Action, AHA, or Vitamin A peels. Our esthetician can help you determine which will work best for you.

Continue the cellular benefits at home with Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing cleanser (lactic acid), Glymed Gentle Facial Wash (glycolic acid), AHA Accelerator (glycolic and lactic) and Elta MD UV Clear (lactic). 

All services and products are available in our office.

www.mountainderm.com

208-528-6653

Jordan Heinze is a rock star!

Her rocks are just very, very, very small.

Kind of like salt small. 

And they can help your skin look more vibrant and healthy.

Microdermabrasion is a wonderful thing!

Jordan Heinze is our licensed Master Esthetician.  She knows her stuff when it come to quality skin treatments and skin care.  

Jordan was raised here in Idaho Falls.  As a teenager, Jordan struggled with her skin.  She came to our office and received treatments from our esthetician.  Jordan was so grateful for her care and knowledge, she chose to become an esthetician so she could help others love their skin.  Jordan graduated as a Master Esthetician from Acadia School of Esthetics in Provo, UT.   Jordan is trained in microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation techinques, spa facial treatments, and facial and body waxing.  

Jordan also is very knowledgeable when you need help finding the right skin care products for your skin.  She takes the necessary time to learn your desires, understand how your skin works and then can recommend which products will help you.   Our office carries Dermalogica, Glymed Plus, Elta MD, and Cerave for skin care.  Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup is our professional makeup line.  

We hope you'll come meet Jordan and see what she can do for you.  

www.mountainderm.com
208-528-6653

We're coming, I promise!

I am excited you have come to our blog hoping to find out some amazing information about skin issues and diseases, products and services and more.  

Unfortunately, you got this post.  

But here's a nice picture of our providers.
Dr. Mark Hinkson is seated.  Rob Willis, PA-C and
Jordan Heinze, Licensed Master Ethetician are standing.

We'll have more posts up soon, probably in the next day or two.  

Here's what we have planned for right away (blog titles).

Jordan Heinze is a rock star!

Chemical peels just sound scary Part 1

Chemical peels just sound scary Part 2

The truth about Warts

Do you know what this symbol means? 

Check back soon.

www.mountainderm.com

208-528-6653