Oprah loves Weightless Protection SPF 45!

The May issue of O magazine has hit the shelves and guess what made The O List? PCA SKIN Weightless Protection SPF 45! Since its launch in 2010, this light, quick-absorbing sun protection powerhouse has quickly become a customer favorite. Now it seems it’s become one of Oprah’s favorites, too.

Weightless Protection SPF 45 is a revolutionary formulation that provides broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and octinoxate. Part of what makes this sun protection product unique is caffeine, an amazing topical ingredient that increases the activity of other antioxidants and also identifies cells damaged by UV exposure and forces them into apoptosis – the process of cell death.  This is an unprecedented boost to skin cancer prevention. Also, the powerful antioxidant sylibin from milk thistle fight free radicals, suppresses redness caused by exposure to UVB rays and reduces the formation of sunburn cells. Because it is so light and disappears into the skin, especially people with oily skin and acne love this product.  This member of the PCA SKIN family of sun protection products truly is the next generation of sun protection, and we’re glad that Oprah agrees! 

Summertime Clues

Ok, so it’s only the beginning of March, and you’re probably wondering why we are posting a blog about summer treatments….  Well, in a few months, the weather will be warming up, and your patients are going to be planning their summer vacations.  Sometimes chemical peels aren’t always the best type of treatment this time of year, mainly because it’s important to stay cool after a peel.  As a clinician, you need to be planning ahead in order to maintain the health of your patients’ skin and practice revenue in the commonly slower summer months.

Start talking to your patients about their vacation plans.  This way you can begin to plan treatments that will maintain their skin health and minimize any treatment risks.

Treatment masks are a great alternative to chemical peels during the summer months.  Masks are typically removed so there is less time on tissue.  As a result, they don’t penetrate as deeply.  Enzyme masks, such as pumpkin or papaya, work to dissolve keratinized skin cells on the surface of the skin; salicylic masks are also keratolytic, but salicylic also assists with sebum regulation and keeps the pores clear of debris.  Retinoid masks will assist with cellular turnover, pigment control and collagen production.  Clay-based masks help to detoxify the skin and refine pores.

If masks are not an option for some reason, consider an antioxidant treatment.  Summer brings increased UV exposure and increased pollution, which results in an increased need for antioxidants.  You may consider having patients come into your practice for one of these specialized treatments once a week.

Another thing to consider is to make sure your patients have enough daily care and SPF product to last them through any long-term vacations.  Many times patients will leave town, or even leave the country, and then call you in a panic because they are out of product.  Shipping costs may escalate depending on where they are, so they will appreciate your reminding them to order ahead which will save them the extra expense.

Our patients depend on us to keep their skin healthy…. Impress them by planning a couple of months ahead!

O Magazine features our amazing Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45

Once again, the editors at O Magazine gave PCA SKIN some exciting recognition.  This influential publication circulates 2.7 million copies each year. Our revolutionary Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45 is highlighted in the “Here Comes the Sunscreen” section featured in the June issue.  This unique broad-spectrum sunscreen combines Z-Cote and other potent sunscreen agents with caffeine and silybin to fight environmental cellular damage.  Proven effective for up to 80 minutes in dynamic water, this is the perfect choice for those enjoying outdoor sports, regardless of skin type.  This exceptional product also passed rigorous testing to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s ‘Active’ Seal of Recommendation.

We are thrilled to be recognized for our exceptional sun protection product.  Feel free to call PCA SKIN for more information about Active Very Water/Sweat Resistant SPF 45 and the rest of our suite of advanced products designed to protect skin from UV and other environmental damage.

avoiding summer hyperpigmentation

For those prone to hyperpigmentation, summer drawing nearer can mean worry.  Many put in lots of effort to clear their skin of discoloration throughout the fall and winter, only to see it resurface as the temperatures rise and they inevitably spend more time on outdoor activities.  With some minor adjustments to habits and regimen, this cycle does not have to repeat itself.

It is important to remember that heat, not only UV exposure, can stimulate melanogenesis.  Although it can be difficult to avoid getting overheated during the summer months, especially in humid climates, if you are prone to hyperpigmentation, it is wise to avoid extended or frequent overheating. Outdoor activities during the hours of 10am and 4pm should be minimized, and wearing wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing and staying in the shade can help to suppress unwanted pigment deposit.

The daily use of broad-spectrum sun protection is a must for everyone, but imperative for keeping skin discolorations from resurfacing. In addition to continuing with your regular use of the melanogenesis inhibitors in Pigment Gel and Brightening Therapy, adding Perfecting Protection SPF 30 to your regimen boosts your skin’s ability to suppress hyperpigmentation. This revolutionary broad-spectrum sun protection product contains a blend of bearberry, licorice root extract, kojic acid, mulberry root extract and lactic acid that work synergistically to inhibit and interrupt melanogenesis.  Additionally, the inclusion of caffeine and silybin from milk thistle gives skin powerful protection against free radical damage and the formation of sunburn cells.

For more tips on treating hyperpigmentation and keeping it at bay, feel free to call a highly-educated member of our Practice Development team at 877.PCA.SKIN (722.7546).

maintaining healthy skin throughout the summer

With the dog days of summer in full-swing, maintaining results achieved during cooler months can be a challenge.  Not only do many people choose to forgo their regular treatment appointments for long days in the heat and sun, the increase in heat and humidity also exacerbates many common skin conditions. To help keep skin healthy and beautiful throughout the summer, PCA SKIN® has assembled a group of highly effective, results-oriented treatment protocols appropriate for hotter weather. Below is one of our treatments designed to soothe and re-hydrate normal to dry, combination and mature skin types.  It will also help to minimize the damage and dehydration caused by increased environmental exposure.

(Please note that a 48-hour respite from any excessive heat exposure following any PCA SKIN professional treatment is recommended. In addition, daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 25 or higher is strongly encouraged.)

non-burning hydra-renewal treatment protocol

This treatment will not create any burning sensations and may be applied on anyone with any condition (including rosacea) at any age; however, it may be too moisturizing for those with oily, acneic skin. It is likely to cause some delayed flaking two to four days post-treatment.

Contraindications: pregnancy and lactation.

1. facial wash oily/problem (pHaze 1) – Cleanse the skin thoroughly. Rinse.

2. BETA-C Nutritioner (Steps 1&3 from the Pumpkin Peel Treatment) – Apply with a cotton pad. Allow the skin to dry.

3. ExLinea® peptide smoothing serum (pHaze 25) – Apply to areas of laxity and wrinkling.

4. C-Quench® antioxidant serum (pHaze 15+) – Apply two pumps for strengthening and hydrating benefits.

5. hydrating serum (pHaze 43) – Apply two pumps to encourage ceramide, essential fatty acid and moisture retention.

6. anti-redness serum (pHaze 42) – Apply two pumps to improve microcirculation and barrier function while reducing inflammation and redness.

7. retinol renewal with restorAtive complex (pHaze 26) – Apply one to two pumps to increase cellular renewal, moisture content and collagen production.

8. rejuvenating serum (pHaze 24) and C-Strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E (pHaze 16) – Apply a mixture to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis and cell division while improving barrier function.

9. BETA-C Gel (Step 4 from the Pumpkin Peel Treatment) – Using the fan brush or gloved hands, apply a thin layer to the area of treatment.

10. Ultra Peel® II - Dispense one pump into gloved hands. Gently spread the product over the area of treatment, keeping the application even and thin.

11. ReBalance (pHaze 17) and hydrator plus spf 25 (pHaze 6+) - Apply a combination to calm, hydrate and protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure.

12. peptide lip therapy - Finish with a liberal application to reduce peeling, improve hydration and reduce lip lines.