PCA SKIN Charitable Giving

It is PCA SKIN®’s mission to improve lives. This task is not only followed through in the products PCA develops or the professionals the company trains, but through the charitable giving PCA SKIN takes part in annually.

According to Ian Dunlap, PCA’s human resources manager, “The PCA team was asked which organizations they had an interest in partnering with for our annual Day of Service. There is no doubt that given the survey results PCA has a passion for helping women, children and animals. We have partnered with the HALO Animal Rescue, Hunkapi Horse Program, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Sojourner Center in the past, and our team wanted to continue fostering those relationships this year. This is not only a great opportunity to help our community, it is also a time for our team to bond outside of the workplace.”

This year, this skin care enterprise once again partnered up with four charities in the Phoenix, Arizona, area to give back:

• HALO Animal Rescue: HALO Animal Rescue is a safety net for thousands of homeless dogs and cats each year. HALO is an acronym that stands for Helping Animals Live On. They are a no-kill facility, which means they never euthanize an animal because they’ve run out of room, but it also means they are limited in the animals they can take in at any given time. Their specialty is to provide a refuge to those pets who might otherwise be destroyed at other Valley shelters for reasons such as a treatable injury, illness, or those who are too scared or too young to go up for adoption at their time of arrival.
• Hunkapi Horse Program: In 1996 Debbie Crews, Ph.D., an assistant research professor at Arizona State University, began researching the effect of sport on the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic populations. For three years she incorporated kids in eight-week athletic programs including basketball, weight lifting, running, archery and horseback riding. Dr. Crews compared all the sports and horseback riding proved to be the most positive intervention. She believed that everyone could benefit from interaction with horses. This sparked the development of the outreach horse program at ASU called Hunkapi. After 10 years with the university, Hunkapi is now an independent, non-profit program that continues to serve clients all over the Valley.
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix is truly “the House that Love Built.” Since 1985 families that have traveled to the Phoenix area from all over Arizona, and throughout the world, to receive medical care for their children have found a “home away from home” at the Ronald McDonald House.
• Sojourner Center: Since 1977, Sojourner Center has provided shelter and support services to thousands of individuals affected by domestic violence. Through empowerment, families discover hope and have the opportunity to build a new future free from violence. As the nation’s largest domestic violence shelter, Sojourner Center is a tireless advocate for domestic violence victims and survivors.

PCA SKIN employees were able to choose any of the aforementioned charities to volunteer with for a day.

Among those who chose to spend time cleaning and playing with the animals at the HALO Animal Rescue were PCA SKIN Project Coordinator Dian Thalman, Operations Support Specialist Jamie Workman and Print Shop Specialist Duane Whittle.

“What an incredible experience!” Thalman said. “HALO Animal Rescue was opened in 1994 and they rescue dogs off the euthanasia list at the humane shelters in the Valley. All of the staff and volunteers are passionate and it shows through their dedication, love and care for each animal, and they welcomed us with open arms as well!”

Workman added: “The day at HALO was amazing… The staff and volunteers know each animal by name and personality, and are completely dedicated to ensuring the animals are brought back to health and taught to trust people…  It’s impossible to go there and not fall for the dogs and cats, as well as the organization.”

A second trip to HALO was made by Austin Buck (Distribution Specialist) and Melina Morales (Physician Consultant), who cleaned kennels, took several dogs on walks and played with the animals for several hours.

“Their foundation is really quite amazing,” Morales said. “They are so passionate and dedicated to treating these animals and finding a happy home for them. It’s great to see people out there that care.”

Employees who spent a day with the Hunkapi Horse Program prepared the horses for their participation in the Special Olympics. Communications Manager Alison Walkley, Physician Consultant Emily Rowan, Certification Specialist Kandida Baker and Distribution Specialist Janina Shields washed horses, cleaned saddles and bridal, and even shaved some of the animals so they would look their best in competition.

“It was both a joy and a privilege to groom the horses in preparation for their Special Olympics event. Getting to interact with the horses on an individual basis was a special treat… The horses are definitely unique and a gift to the children who have the honor of spending time with them. Giving the horses showers with the warm sun hitting all of us was refreshing! I would spend time at Hunkapi anytime,” Baker said.

A second trip to Hunkapi was made by Beatrice Zarco (Practice Development Consultant), Ashley Smith (Physician Consultant) and Lacey West (Editorial Liaison), who were trained on how to groom the horses, as well as how to handle the animals with the children who took therapeutic lessons during their time of service.

“The facility is great and the trainers were so nice,” Smith said. “It’s a great opportunity and partnership.”

Those who took part in raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House paired up with the Phoenix West Rotary Club, helping with the live auction at their annual Beach Party. PCA SKIN CEO Richard Linder, Practice Development Group (PDG) member Abby Boswell and PDG Manager Andi Melnuk assembled auction baskets for presentation; labeled items; and prepared bid sheets, description sheets and guest bidder cards.

“The Ronald McDonald House is an example of how small acts of kindness have enormous impact on the world,” Linder said. “What we experienced was a well-run facility touching thousands of patients and their families each year through combing the acts of kindness of caring volunteers, and the caring donations of companies and individuals. Ronald McDonald House is a true respite for families. I left knowing that PCA will do more to support them.”

Boswell added: “Not knowing what to expect from my visit, I was completely overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the community in helping these families of sick children… I’ve done other volunteer opportunities in the past, but this was, by far, the most rewarding. I’m honored to work for a company that is willing to help in the community!”

Melnuk said, “Knowing that the Ronald McDonald house is there, with people who really care, is comforting. The small amount of work that we did at the Ronald McDonald house felt like a drop in the bucket of support that we could have provided. I am looking forward to doing more in the future and continuing our support of their mission.”

A second group of volunteers including Dunlap, Zarco, Johnny So (former Web Developer), Cathy Parker (Purchasing Manager) and Ashley Rolinger (Education Support Specialist) spent time volunteering at the Ronald McDonald Cambridge House through the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. They spent an evening helping to prepare a dinner for 16 families and provided all 16 children with PCA SKIN Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45, along with a note wishing them a speedy recovery and hopes that they would be able to return home soon.

Zarco commented: “My Ronald McDonald House experience was amazing! I am thankful and grateful for my growth and for helping others. I am extremely thankful to PCA SKIN for helping change my life and helping me change the lives of others. I am honored to work with such a great team and such a wonderful company.”

Rolinger said, “It was an absolute honor being able to serve at the Ronald McDonald House! I was completely humbled as my small part in serving allowed them to have a home-cooked meal. Again, it was such a joy to be part of giving back to the community and helping to improve these individuals’ lives (even if it was in a small way).”

Tana Holcomb (Education Support Specialist), Sheresa Rogers (Distribution Specialist) and Veronica King (Distribution Center Administrator) volunteered for the Sojourner Center and spent a day helping women with their cleaning chores around the shelter.

“We love what they’re about and what they’re doing,” King said of Sojourner.

A second group consisting of Laurie Penn-Moyer (Marketing Director), Jamie Justesen (Physician Consultant), Whitney Fry (Physician Consultant) and Travis Halsall (Shipping/Receiving Specialist) spent time at the Sojourner Donation Center processing a large donation of fabrics for the Center to use for sewing classes.

“My experience at the Sojourner Center was great!” Fry exclaimed. “Although we did not work directly with the women and children of the Center, I still felt like we made a big difference… Workers at the Center continually thanked us for our time and seemed genuinely happy to have us there. I think it’s so great we work for a company that allows us to have this opportunity.”

Justesen added: “The history of the Sojourner Center is truly inspiring. From what I understood, they started with a small domestic home and have now expanded to accommodate nearly 300 survivors at a time, with the addition of offsite apartment housing. The revival that they are able to breathe into these strong women’s lives is both admirable and remarkable… I could say so much more, but simply I am grateful for what they do for these women and for having been a small part of it all.”

“It was a rewarding experience to spend the day helping women who are in need of support for themselves and their children,” Penn-Moyer said. “We learned more about the organization’s mission and the variety of services they offer to help women and children break the cycle of domestic violence.”

Additionally, Rowan and Zarco embodied the spirit of the company by independently spending time with teenage moms at the Young Lives Benefit Tea through the Young Life Christian organization in early April. Fellow Young Lives volunteer/mentor and former PCA SKIN employee Laurie Webb said, “Emily and Bea joined us early Sunday morning and hung out with eight teen moms for the afternoon. They got them ready for our fashion show, talked with them about life and just generally made a huge impression on our girls. Emily told me as she left that she may even be doing makeup for one of the girls for her prom, how cool is that?”

Rowan commented: “It amazed me how at such a young age how brave they had to be… The tea itself allowed us to all see how Young Lives has changed these young ladies’ futures. They shared videos, pictures and some came on stage to share their personal stories. Laurie spoke about her role as a mentor and how it has affected her life in a positive light, as well. It was very uplifting to see so many people come together for a great cause. I will definitely be helping out next year!”

Dunlap said, “As a company, we really do have a passion for improving people’s lives, whether it be our customers, internal team or our community. I feel we really do live our mission of improving lives every day.”

can I treat cholesterol deposits and milia with peels and daily care?

Cholesterol deposits are fatty-looking, slightly raised plaques in the skin near the eyes. They are either just below the eye or, more commonly, in the upper eyelid near the inner corner of the eye. The medical term for these is ‘xanthelasma’ (pronounced zan-thu-laz-ma). They usually appear gradually, are not painful, tender or itchy. They are not dangerous, because they do not turn into cancer and they do not affect the function of the eye or the eyelids. They look fatty, because that is what they are. They are collections of cells called histiocytes, bulging with fat (usually cholesterol). In some people xanthelasmas can be indicative of a raised level of harmful fats in the blood, such as high cholesterol, and the physician may recommend that the patient have their cholesterol levels checked. The only sure way to get rid of xanthelasmas is to have them removed surgically. This could be risky in the delicate area near the eye, so should be performed by a qualified surgeon.

Milia (also known as milk spots or oil seeds) are very common, benign, keratin (protein)-filled cysts within the sudoriferous (sweat) glands that present as whitish, pearly bumps on the skin, usually across cheeks, nose, chin or gums, but milia can occur anywhere on the body. Sometimes milia are caused by trauma, such as deep laser treatments, which can cause damage to the sweat glands. Milia need to be extracted either by a physician or in some cases a licensed aesthetician. Many times a topical retinoid is required for at least two months before extraction can take place.

PCA SKIN^® has daily care products that can help with milia, but if you are prone to them, they may continue to appear. The products that are recommended for daily care use are: Clearskin, any one of our vitamin A products: Retinol Renewal with RestorAtive Complex, Intensive Age Refining Treatment: 0.5% pure retinol night, A&C Synergy Serum, Intensive Clarity Treatment: 0.5% pure retinol night; Gentle Exfoliant may be used weekly as well. If the milia are located on the eyelids or very close to the eyes, then consult a physician before using products that can get into the eyes. Alpha hydroxy acid-based peels will help to keep the skin exfoliated; however, do not apply peels to the delicate eye area. Treat once a month with peels appropriate for skin type.

    

April is rosacea awareness month

Although the latest 2010 research from the National Rosacea Society suggest that rosacea affects nearly 16 million Americans, a large majority of those affected have no knowledge of the condition or how to treat it. As rosacea awareness month, April is a great time to take that extra time to educate your patients about this chronic condition.

Some important facts about rosacea:

• it is seen more in women aged 30-50, although it typically affect men more destructively.
• people with rosacea tend to get red more easily and remain red longer when exercising, in heat or under stress.
• dry skin and barrier dysfunction are common, and if not addressed in conjunction with the redness the symptoms will usually worsen.
• rosacea will continue to worsen if left untreated.

Common triggers for rosacea:

• drinking alcoholic beverages

• using alcohol-based products topically

• eating spicy foods

• drinking hot beverages such as coffee and tea

• leading a stressful lifestyle

• saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs

• exercise

• extremes in temperature

• aggressive mechanical exfoliation of the skin (e.g. loofahs, nut-based scrubs)

Currently, rosacea cannot be cured. It is usally best controlled using a combination of prescriptions, cosmeceuticals and lifestyle considerations. Two PCA SKIN products that are highly effective in the treatment of rosacea are Anti-Redness Serum and Hydrating Serum. These products work to reduce the microcapillary dilation and leaking as well as provide intercellular moisture and improved barrier function.

Feel free to contact us or visit pcaskin.com for more information about rosacea, and the products and treatments available for its treatment.

 

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!

antioxidants: multifunctional ingredients – part one

As one of the important systems in the body, the skin strives for a state of balance (homeostasis). Oxidative stress occurs as a result of many internal and external factors and disrupts this homeostasis.  Free radicals are molecules or ions with unpaired electrons that create oxidative stress and contribute to aging and disease. Our own cells’ mitochondria create free radicals as a result of normal cell metabolism.   UV rays, pollution and chemotherapeutic drugs are just some of the external sources that can also create oxidative stress in the skin.  Although our bodies contain their own natural antioxidant defense system, supplementation is typically necessary to fight oxidative stress and the resulting skin damage. Topically applied and orally administered antioxidants provide this needed protection.

 There are several levels of antioxidant function: primary antioxidants, secondary antioxidants and co-antioxidants.  Primary antioxidants act by donating an electron to disarm a free radical.  Secondary antioxidants chelate metal ions that are rich with electrons.  These metal ions are capable of triggering oxidation by donating or taking an electron.  By removing these metals, secondary antioxidants eliminate potential radical initiators.  Other molecules function as co-antioxidants.  These function by facilitating the antioxidant activity of other compounds.  Most antioxidants have a primary mechanism of action, but may have multiple functions.

UVB rays from the sun are the primary cause of a decrease in the antioxidant levels naturally found in the skin as well as an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a particularly damaging free radical to the skin.  Because of this, regular use of broad-spectrum UV protection along with diligent application or topical antioxidants is necessary to help the skin’s system fight off oxidative stress.  This strategy will help protect skin from the premature aging caused by the sun as well as minimizing the chances of skin cancer.  PCA SKIN strongly believes that antioxidants are important for total skin health.

Next week we will outline some of the best antioxidants for your own skin care regimens.

Niacinamide and the skin

Although it is the only non-living layer of our epidermis, the skin’s stratum corneum (SC) has the critical job of providing a shield from the outside world.  The SC is made up of three vital components: the corneocytes, or dead skin cells; the lipid bilayer; and a combination of lactic acid, urea, salts and amino acids that is collectively referred to as the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF).  When functioning properly, the lipids act like plastic wrap that surrounds the corneocytes, sealing in the NMF and keeping this outermost barrier healthy and hydrated.   Unfortunately, this barrier system is relatively easy to disrupt, leading to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), or the evaporation of our NMF.

The terms TEWL, impaired barrier function and skin dryness are often used interchangeably.  When TEWL occurs, several essential functions, including desquamation, are not possible. This often instigates or worsens skin conditions. The most obvious characteristics of impaired barrier and TEWL is dry, flaky skin; however, a dull complexion may also be an indicator.

The best and most comprehensive way to improve and protect skin suffering from barrier issues is to use products that include both humectants (ingredients that draw moisture into the epidermis from the dermis) and occlusives (ingredients that trap moisture within the epidermis). One well-known occlusive is petrolatum. Think old fashioned petroleum jelly.  Yes, it is effective as it traps 99% of moisture within the skin, but its greasy and heavy feel makes it an unpleasant option for facial use.  Silicones like dimethicone and cyclomethicone are better options as they have a light cosmetically elegant feel, but their moisture-trapping action and powdery finish are their only benefits.  This leads us to niacinamide.

People sometime mistakenly equate niacin and niacinamide.  Although they are related members of the vitamin B family, they have different actions.  Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is converted into nicotinamide in the body.  This conversion process is actually what causes the infamous flushing that occurs from topical and internal niacin use. When used topically, niacinamide does not need to convert an therefore does not cause the negative vascular responses of topical niacin. Additionally, niacinamide has been shown to increase the skin’s important essential free fatty acids, ceramics and cholesterol, further improving dry skin.

Our longtime PCA SKIN favorite ReBalance now contains niacinamide – and all of its benefits.  This excellent occlusive and antioxidant ingredient simply adds to the recognized efficacy of ReBalance.

treating melasma

Melasma is a very difficult and frustrating condition for both the clinician and the patient. Over 6 million Americans suffer from this condition and roughly half of this number does not know what causes it or how to treat it. Surprisingly, 10% of men can also develop melasma.

There are still a lot of mysteries surrounding this condition and why hormonal fluctuations trigger the melanogenesis response. These hormonal fluctuations can be brought on by pregnancy, birth control, hormone-replacement therapy, or thyroid or hormonal disorders. In addition, melasma can be exacerbated by internal heat, inflammation and UV rays. Melasma is typically seen more in Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V, but anyone can be affected by it.

A broad-spectrum SPF product must be used every day, when treating melasma, and this must be conveyed to the patient during the first consultation. Without SPF, products and professional treatments will not produce the desired results. Daily care product use is also important in controlling the pigmentation process at home. Look for ingredients that inhibit pigment, such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid and licorice root extract, to name a few; and ingredients that provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection.

Treating the skin with gentle chemical peels every three weeks is the recommended professional treatment for melasma patients. By treating the skin every 21 days, the clinician is able to prevent pigment that is rising to the surface of the skin from appearing darker, and this type of consistent exfoliation will lead to quicker lifting of the pigment without causing undue inflammation.

It is recommended to avoid overly-aggressive treatments, such as straight TCA peels, high percentages of hydroquinone or light therapies, such as laser or IPL. Patients commonly request IPL or laser as they think these will provide instant gratification and removal of their melasma. In fact, these are no longer recommended for melasma: IPL is considered an inconsistent treatment with only a small number of patients responding favorably; and laser treatments are too unpredictable and may produce initial lightening followed by a reoccurrence or worsening of the discoloration.

PCA SKIN® provides gentle professional treatments for melasma, such as the Sensi® Peel (formulated with five pigment-inhibiting ingredients) and Esthetique Peel (formulated with antioxidants and six pigment-inhibiting ingredients). Our Perfecting Protection SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum SPF product formulated with antioxidants and four pigment-inhibiting ingredients.

These are just a few of the many treatment and product options available for treating melasma in all skin types. Remember: the key to treating melasma successfully is to understand its triggers and to inform your patients of the best treatments for their unique skin type, product use and lifestyle changes that will improve the health and appearance of their skin.

vitiligo and chemical peels

Vitiligo and Chemical Peels

“I have a patient with vitiligo.  Can I give him or her a chemical peel?”

This is a question that is becoming more and more common in the skin health industry.  Patients with this condition are hoping to find a solution to their uneven pigment. Unfortunately, due to the nature of vitiligo, chemical peels are not the best choice for several reasons:

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) resulting in areas of depigmented skin.  While the condition itself is benign, its presentation can be devastating, especially for higher Fitzpatrick skin types.

Vitiligo can be triggered by heat and friction, and the application of a chemical peel can create heat, which in turn can exacerbate the very condition you are trying to treat.

Vitiligo  affects roughly 1% of the population. Many times it is left untreated and continues to spread. Because its presentation is on the skin, it makes sense that patients would think that chemical peels would help to “even out” the skin. This, however, is untrue.  Superficial chemical peels are not going to change the color of the remaining pigmented skin to “blend” with the depigmented skin.  And, as mentioned above, because this is an autoimmune disorder, treating it topically with a chemical peel will have little if no effect – at least the effect most patients are hoping to achieve.

There is hope for the vitiligo patient. While chemical peels are not the recommended course of action, there are other prescription medications, therapies and support groups available. Refer the vitiligo patient to a dermatologist who can inform them of the available options.

Empowering these patients with knowledge and resources is an important step in building a lasting and endearing relationship.

Visit this website for more information www.vithappens.com.

the amazing grape

Inflammation is a key initiator for many of the conditions that we at PCA SKIN are working to improve.  The topical use of anti-inflammatory
antioxidants is important in this quest for healthy skin.  This unassuming fruit provides us with many powerful antioxidant ingredients.  Here are just a few:

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols and proanthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and improve circulation.  It has been shown to assist in cell regeneration and strengthen capillaries.  Grape seed extract also contains the potent antioxidant resveratrol.

Resveratrol is a phytoalexin from red grape skins.  Phytoalexins are polyphenols that function as a plant’s protective mechanism against harsh conditions. It is a strong antioxidant and is excellent for controlling acute and chronic inflammation.  Resveratrol is also an MMPI that prevents the production os cyclooxygenase (COX), a key enzyme in the inflammatory response.

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil has a high concentration of polyphenols as well as the essential fatty acid (EFA) linoleic acid.  It is used frequently as a light occlusive agent. This oil is beneficial for acne patients because of its EFA content. The skin of acne patients is typically deficient in EFAs and this deficiency leads to an increase in sebum production.  By topically supplementing EFAs, acne can be improved.

These beneficial ingredients can be found in the following PCA SKIN products: EyeXcellence, C-Quench Antioxidant Serum, A&C Synergy Serum, Acne Cream, BPO 5% Cleanser, Purifying Mask and Esthetique Peel.

a healthy and happy New Year

As skin health clinicians, we are by nature caregivers. We take pride and pleasure in helping our patients overcome even the most difficult skin challenges to achieve healthy, beautiful complexions. It is not uncommon for caregivers to focus their energy and attention primarily outward.  The end product is often that we do not give our own skin the regular care we so diligently give to others.  Remember that beautiful, healthy skin is something that you should take time to maintain and achieve for yourselves, as well.  The health of your own skin is your business card, and the best possible free advertising.  Take time for yourselves this New Year to achieve and maintain your own ‘PCA skin’.

We wish you all a healthy, successful and prosperous 2011.  The whole PCA SKIN team looks forward to helping you build your practices and improve people’s lives in the coming years. Happy New Year.