Obagi has informed its customers that there is a company in China making and selling “fake” Obagi products that looks just like the real thing on the outside but the ingredients are awful and dangerous for your skin!  Below are some of the sites selling the Chinese fake Obagi products.  Obagi only sells their products to authorized medical practices!

Warning just released from Obagi:  Products purchased from these sites may not be authentic or may be diluted or expired:

Partial List of Unauthorized Internet Resellers:

• 101 MedicalSpa

• Agelessology.com

• Airaonline.com

• Amazon.com

• Ebay.com

• EliteDepot.com

• Endlessbeautycare.com

• Fivestardiscount.com

• Lepetiteskinboutique.com

• Obagiclear.com

• Obagiconnection.com

• Radiancerx.com

• Skincaremarket.net

• Skin-one.com

• Skintransformationworld.com

• Strawberry.net

It is time to get serious.  I know that you love the products that we carry, and I know that you use your product regimen faithfully.  What sort of friends would we be at S.K.i.N. if we did not divulge a great way to improve the efficacy of the products that you get from us? 

The Clarisonic Pro is made by the makers of the Sonicare Toothbrush (and who doesn’t love that?!).  It is a handheld, waterproof brush that osculates back and forth in a way that opens the pores to remove dirt, oil, makeup and sebum.  The Clarisonic Pro uses sonic technology to make skin healthier, smoother, more radiant and more beautiful.  You think this is an easy claim to make?  Take this in for consideration:

• The micro-vibrations of the Skin Cleansing System gently loosen and remove more makeup than manual cleansing….6x more to be exact.
• The Clarisonic Pro removes 2x more dirt and oil than manual cleansing
• The Clarisonic Pro is gentle enough to use twice a day
• It help reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• It helps minimize the appearance of large pores
• The Clarisonic increases the absorption of Vitamin C by 61%

The Clarisonic even comes with a body brush option.  Use the body brush after shaving to reduce those annoying bumps!  This is also a great method to fight Keratosis Pilaris on the arms!

The sister product to the Clarisonic Pro is the Clarisonic Opal.  The Opal is a palm-sized sonic infusion device specifically designed to work serum deep into the skin where it matters most.  At 7,500 micro-massages a minute, the opal infuses our specially formulated Anti-Aging Sea Serum into the delicate skin around the eye.  After just 30 seconds around each eye, skin immediately feels firmer and more hydrated with a noticeable improvement in elasticity in as little as 4 weeks.  Fine lines, puffiness and dark circles are also visibly reduced.    

The Clarisonic comes with:

• A 60 day money back guarantee (don’t worry, their return rate is less than 1%)
• A 3 year product warranty on the Clarisonic Pro Skin Cleansing System
• A 2 year product warranty on the Opal Infusion System
• Results that you will feel and see immediately

We can’t wait to hear all your success stories!  Happy Cleansing!

On July 14^th, S.K.i.N. will be hosting an informative Q&A session with Ryan Martinson from Revision Skincare.  Ryan will be here from 2:00 until 6:00 pm.  You may attend the 2:00 until 4:00 or 4:00 until 6:00 session.  A $20 reservation fee gives you a guaranteed spot with a Revision Skincare gift set (valued at $25).  This low $20 cost is also applied to any purchase that you make during the event!

We will discuss the products, try samples and learn how to incorporate these awesome products into our daily routines.  Need to sluff off dead and dull skin between peels?  You will love Finishing Touch!  The Brightening Facial Wash foams and creates a thick lather to clean your pores deeply.  Teamine is the #1 cream for dark circles.  Intellishade – well, once you try it you will understand why it is the one staple the staff at S.K.i.N. cannot live without.  Come check out these, and the rest of the AMAZING product line!

Now pay attention – there may or may not (but probably may) be some pretty fabulous exclusive Botox specials during the event.  So hint hint, register quickly!

• SKIN CANCER is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• EACH YEAR there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
• ONE IN FIVE AMERICANS will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• ABOUT 65 PERCENT of melanoma cases can be attributed to ultraviolent (UV) radiation from the sun.   
• MELANOMA accounts for about three percent of skin cancer cases, but it causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. 
• MORE THAN 20 AMERICANS die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.  One person dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 62 minutes).
• WOMEN AGED 39 and under have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer except breast cancer.
• ONE IN 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.
• ONE OR MORE BLISTERING SUNBURNS in childhood or adolescence more than double a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. 
• A PERSON’S RISK for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns at any age.
• FREQUENT TANNERS using new high-pressured sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure. 
• PEOPLE WHO USE TANNING BEDS are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. 
• THE AVERAGE ANNUAL melanoma rate among Caucasians is about 22 cases per 100,000 people.  In comparison, African Americans have incidence of one case per 100,000 people.  However, the overall melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 77 percent, versus 91 percent for Caucasians. 

S.K.i.N. Medical Spa wants to encourage you to be Sun Smart!!  Come in and speak with our knowledgeable staff on how to enjoy your summer while protecting your skin!  We will set you up with a sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays…Hey – you are worth it!

Now, off to the lake we go!!

Much like a wedding, this coming of age tradition is prepared for by the attendees for weeks ahead of time.  When I was in high school we tanned, prepped our hair color, and practiced our makeup for weeks.  We took TONS of pictures and had to poses with everyone that we knew.  My group of friends even took pictures of our waiter at the restaurant that we ate at.  Yup, this is serious folks!

One huge part of being a teenager is acne.  Let us help your son or daughter have an amazing prom night by allowing their inner beauty to glow!  With just a few simple treatments and an easy at home system, we can prepare that teenage skin for that important night. 

Not sure where to have her makeup done?  Schedule a makeup session with one of our amazing estheticians.  They will keep your daughter looking youthful and young.  It is important that kids remain kids for as long as possible, so let us create a classy, light look for her.

One more thought…while your kids are out dancing the night away we think you enjoy a relaxing moment.  Schedule a time to come in and pamper yourself!  Or get together all the moms for an Irresistible Girl’s Night Out the evening of prom.  You have worked hard to get this far, you deserve it!

Schedule your free consultation and learn how to obtain flawless, radiant skin for the big day through Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion and Laser Treatments!  Discover all about our Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup and the benefits you receive from using this “skincare makeup” line.   Explore different product options to ensure that results obtained in the spa are maintained through proper homecare.  Finally, uncover the difference Botox and Fillers can make in helping to present the most beautiful you possible!

We also offer an “Irresistible Girls Night Out”.  This is an evening that is completely devoted to you and your bridal (or bachelorette) party.  We will educate you on services, treatments and products available to help you achieve results for the entire wedding party!  Come in, sit back and relax while we supply refreshments and knowledge!  You will also receive 15% off of everything purchased during your party as well as a useful and fun goodie bag. 

Congratulations on the Big Day!  We can’t wait to be a part of it!

Helpful wedding links:

http://www.stylemepretty.com/wedding-diy/ – Creative do it yourself ideas

http://www.terraceonthepark.com/Websites/terrace/Images/pdf/wedding-prep-checklist.pdf – A complete wedding checklist

http://wedding.theknot.com/bridesmaids-mother-of-the-bride/bachelorette-party-ideas/articles/14-bachelorette-party-themes.aspx – Fun bachelorette party ideas (we LOVE the spa day idea!!)

http://couples.weddingchannel.com/wedding_websites/pages.action – Create your own wedding website!

Your wedding day is all about you.  We want to make sure that every time you look at your wedding pictures you see perfection.  We suggest that you start your skincare regime as soon as possible.  Scheduling regular appointments 6-9 months before your wedding is preferred to help you achieve your desired results.  We will see you soon!

The staff at S.K.i.N. believes it is imperative to address these questions in a formal manner.  It is important to be aware of and understand that our products are pharmaceutical grade.  We are a medical level spa that requires physicians on site and regular supervision.  Other spas that are not considered “medical” spas do not have the ability to sell the medicinal products we retail due to the required prescription and authorization of a physician.

When individuals order any pharmaceutical grade products from a dealer other then the manufacturer or authorized dealer with prescriptive authority, the risk of receiving used, expired, or fake product dramatically increases.  Reports of serious skin reactions, break outs and mild to severe allergic contact dermatitis have resulted from the use of these products.  Due to the Black Market nature of these products, there is no way to return the products for a refund or to lodge a formal complaint.  The sites that sell these products close down frequently and reopen under new names, which makes it more difficult to track their activity.          

OurObagi Rep had this to say when questioned about the prevalence of third party distribution of their products, “There have been numerous reports of people that have purchased Obagi products online from distributors that are not authorized. The products are either expired or not as described (bottles are emptied out and replaced with an alternative substance/product). Patients should be aware Obagi products that contain prescription components (Hydroquinone and Tretinoin) require a medical director to dispense them.”  

In addition, these prescription products should only be sold and utilized under the supervision of medical director.  There are multiple prescription products not suitable for certain individuals such as pregnant, nursing, or lactating women, persons with hypersensitivity issues, and those with chronic skin conditions under the supervision of a dermatologist.  A trained clinician should thoroughly educate the client on proper uses and potential side effects of any product.     

Obagi is now using bar codes to track where products are coming from and the online sales of Obagi will be changing significantly. Online distributors of Obagi have been shut down and this type of selling technique is continuously being monitored.

The Obagi website has a list of online distributors that are not authorized. See the link below:

http://obagi.com/patients/unauthorized-resellers

Our iS CLINICAL rep explained that a division has been created within Innovate Skincare, the company that manufactures iS CLINICAL products, to track and close down these “rouge” sites.  She says, “people have reported buying iS CLINICAL online from an illegal seller and having horrible skin reactions to products they’ve used for many years.  This is because some of these rogue sellers manufacture fake packaging and fill it with product that is NOT iS CLINICAL.  This is a problem from luxury high end handbags to watches and jewelry.  There are FAKES everywhere, and more recently high end cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and perfume have entered this illegal industry.  We at iS CLINICAL are battling hard against it and will continue to fight it.” 

When planning on investing on the health of your skin, we highly encourage you to come in for a free consultation to discuss allergies and any medical conditions you may have.  With a thorough understanding of your individual needs, the staff at S.K.i.N. Medical Spa will recommend products, treatments, and services that will enhance your physical presence and also can help you avoid drug interactions.  Many of these products have complementary products that they work well with, as well as products that they will interact negatively with.  It is important for consumers to understand that purchasing from and consulting with an authorized dealer such as S.K.i.N. Medical Spa is a very important necessity when purchasing these pharmaceutical grade products.

The same goes for chemical peels and injectable products.  Ordering acids online in an attempt to perform chemical peels on yourself or a friend is extremely dangerous.  There are countless documented cases of serious burns, scarring and complications that have occurred from at-home chemical peel applications.  It is important to recognize that chemical peels contain many different levels of acids; there are allergies and drug interactions that need to be considered.  Some acids need a method of neutralization, others do not.  The dangers of chemical peel self application are numerous and are simply not worth the small amount of money you think you are saving.      

It seems like every few months the news gives us a horror stories about someone that attempted to self-inject Botox or Filler that they purchased online.  You must understand that different fillers have different placement areas, depths and injection methods.  When ordering these injectable products online you run similar risks as when you order skincare products online.  You may receive expired, fake or incorrect product.  When you come in for a Botox or Filler treatment at S.K.i.N. Medical Spa, you can be confident that we receive our product from FDA approved, American based companies such as Allergan (Botox and Juvederm), Merz Aesthetics (Radiesse) and Medicis (Restylane).  Here is a link that further explains the danger of self injecting Filler:

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/cosmetic-procedures-womens-disaster-stories/story?id=9240571

The staff at S.K.i.N. that perform laser, aesthetic and injectable services are highly trained and participate in ongoing education throughout their careers.  There is no replacing the on the job experience as well as formal training that they receive.  Regardless of where you choose to receive your services, we want to stress the importance of researching the experience your providers have.  When a properly trained provider is chosen, you can expect positive, safe and enjoyable results.

Revision Brightening Facial Wash– Exfoliates with Glycolic & Salicylic acids that gently remove dead surface cells from the skin.  It brightens and protects with Vitamin C by improving the clarity and tone of skin by inhibiting melanin production.   Licorice and Lily help increase skin brightness while they help protect that skin from free radicals.  This Brightening Facial Wash mildly cleanses skin without stripping it of its natural moisture content. 

Revision Exfoliating Facial Rinse– This toner is ideal for oily (t-zone) and acne-prone skin.  It provides the properties of a powerful astringent without the associated irritation and dryness.  This toner can be used by mature skin to help revitalize dull, dry skin and help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.  Exfoliating Facial Rinse can also be used as a spot treatment to dry up blemishes or can be used all over the face to inhibit sebum production.  This is an aggressive, but effective formula that should be used one daily until the skin is acclimated to the formula.  This is not a suitable product for sensitive skin.

Revision Intellishade MATTE – Contains SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protection with powerful wrinkle-reducing peptides.  This is a unique formula that blends with every skin shade in a MATTE finish.  

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Gel– Effective for all ages and skin types, twice-daily use of Elastiderm Eye Gel is clinically proven to improve skin elasticity and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. 

Obagi Foaming Gel Cleaner – A gel-based cleanser that removes impurities, oil, and makeup to leave even the oiliest skin clean and fresh.

Obagi Blender– a topical prescription treatment that contains 4% hydroquinone to target hyperpigmented (discolored) areas of the skin and increase the penetration of other active ingredients.  This pairs with the Obagi Tretinon either .05% or .1%. 

Come in, call or email to inquire about these fantastic new products!

                This event will be kept to a small list of participants, so please make sure you contact us via email, phone or Facebook to sign up!

The Illuminize Peel – Suitable for all skin types, this superficial chemical peel, recommended for anti-aging and sun damage, maximizes skin rejuvenating effects with low irritation. With this peel, you will experience enhancement of skin appearance with minimal downtime and discomfort.

The Vitalize Peel – Vitalize Peel brings the benefits of alpha hydroxy acid and other peeling agents in a unique blend to provide an effective but gentle treatment that is appropriate for all skin types.  It has been clinically proven to reduce the visible signs of aging.

The Rejuvenize Peel – Our deepest peel, Rejuvenize penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and produces the most exfoliation. The formulation includes a unique blend of peeling agents: alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, resorcinol and retinoic acid.

This is the perfect chance to get to know the S.K.i.N. Medical Spa staff a little better, learn about these amazing peels as well as view a demonstration of what to expect in your own appointment.  There will be chances to win great prizes and goodies, which you won’t want to miss.  Please sign up early, spots are limited!

This week, I ate lunch outside and let the warmth of the sun heat my face!  I grew up in the time where our parents would load us up on baby oil and sit us in the sun – a tan was attractive and desired.  It was CoCo Chanel that popularized the concept of tanned skin after she accidentally burned in the French Rivera while on vacation.  Prior to this accident of history, pale skin was a sign of prestige and money.  If you had pale skin, it meant that you could afford to pay others to do your outdoor work for you.    

Unfortunately, for decades sun worshippers who followed Coco Chanel’s new trend knew nothing or very little of the sun’s affect on our skin.  I’ll be honest; it is not something that I want to think about.  I survive Minnesota winters by focusing on the upcoming boating and grilling weather.  I love the feeling of my skin being slightly sun-kissed.

As I began working at S.K.i.N., I began to compare my (fake) tanned skin to my co-workers, models in our brochures, as well as clients that came in.  I always assumed that my freckles were genetic and gave me character.  Then Theresa pointed out, “how many babies are born with freckles?”  Then it struck me.  Freckles are a sign of damage done to your delicate skin by harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.  I could see premature wrinkles, larger areas of pigmentation emerging as well as a general dullness in my face.       

As I began using sunscreen and Jane Iredale Pressed Powder (which also contains sun protection), I missed my “healthy” glow.  I began to explore more options.  I use Jane Iredale Moonglow Bronzer to add a hint of glow to my face and neck.  Revision Intellishade is a Moisturizer with SPF 45 that also gives me a smooth, all over color while protecting my skin.  Jane Iredale also has a self tanner that is mild and easy to use, which will be available for retail in May! 

Through a series of Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasions and laser treatments paired with my skincare product regime created by my Aesthetic staff here at S.K.i.N., I have seen a wonderful reversal in my pigmentation and overall appearance of my skin.

With all of the skin cancer scares we have seen in the spa, and my personal family history of cancer, I made a personal decision that I was more concerned with healthy skin than I was a tan.  Below are some links on our sunscreen products, skin cancer information as well as some other general resources. 

http://www.skincancer.org/Sunscreen/

http://www.skincancer.org/Self-Examination/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-cancer/DS00190

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/melanoma/DS00575

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/skin

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_tanning#Cultural_history

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/basal-cell-carcinoma

Sun Protection Carried at S.K.i.N. Medical Spa:

SkinMedica SPF 30 – A full spectrum UVA/UVB protection strengthened with anti-oxidant/free radical defense in an elegant oil-free and fragrance-free formula.

SkinMedica SPF 50 – A version of SPF 30 meant to accommodate longer periods of outdoor activities.   

Revision Intellishade SPF 40 – Provides a sheer, mineral tint while providing peptides that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  This formula is lightweight while providing superior hydration. 

iSclinical SPF 25 Treatment Sunscreen – Provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while reducing the appearance of erythema and smoothing inflammation.  This sunscreen smoothes, softens and hydrates while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It also offers an antioxidant rich protective seal.

iSclinical SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen – Provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a powder form that is easily applied over make up in a Matte form.   

SkinMedica TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer with SPF 20 – Hydrates and helps fight environmentally induced skin aging with TNS, antioxidants and full spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  Enriched with the patented growth factor blend TNS and antioxidants, this formula guards against the destructive effects of free radical damage.   

Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup with SPF (varies by product) – Jane Iredale Provides a SPF protection ranging from 15 to 30 depending on the product.  The protection is found in their lipsticks, powders, dream tints and foundations.