Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

Are you are sick and tired of shaving, waxing or plucking unwanted hair?  Summer is here and skin is back in the daylight.  Now is the time to consider laser hair removal as advanced technology has made this procedure simple, effective and affordable. 

The history of hair removal goes back to the Greeks and Romans who used pumice stones to remove unwanted hair.  The Native American Indians used sharpened stones or shells to tweeze or abrade, while the ancient Turks invented the first “Nair” product using a combination of rose water, arsenic, quicklime and yellow sulfate. 

Modern men and women continue to desire the removal of unwanted hair for various reasons.  Most are simply tired of shaving underarm, leg and bikini areas.  Some wish to be rid of pesky facial hair or general body hair.  Whatever the reason, it is now available for just about anyone to safely and quickly remove unwanted hair.

Today’s methods of hair removal are much more effective and gentler than those of our ancestors!  Removing hair above the skin is called depilation and includes shaving, chemical hair removal (e.g. Nair) and bleaching solutions.  Removing hair below the skin surface is called epilation and includes plucking, waxing, electrolysis and laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal

Epilation is much more effective than depilation for long lasting or even permanent hair removal and the lasers rule!  To know what makes lasers so awesome at hair removal I need to explain how hair grows and what makes lasers tick.

The hair follicle growth starts 2-6 mm below the skin surface in the bulb, which is surrounded by a nourishing matrix.  The bulge, located above the bulb, houses the stem cells that are required for hair follicle regeneration.  These critical areas (bulb and bulge) must be destroyed for successful hair reduction. 

Laser energy (light) works to remove hair because the energy is selectively absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in hair follicles.  The light energy is converted to heat which diffuses to and injures the bulb and the bulge without damaging the surrounding tissue. 

The best candidates for laser hair removal have dark hair and light skin, and the hair needs to be darker than the skin color.  Red hair is difficult to remove and blonde hair is very difficult.  White or gray hair lacks the necessary melanin thus laser hair removal is not possible.  Since the laser light energy is absorbed by the dark melanin pigment, dark or tanned skin is at more risk of absorbing the energy which can cause burns, scarring and pigment changes. 

Terminal hair is the coarse hair that grows on our head, beard, underarm, groin, arms and legs.  Velus hair is the soft, downy hair that covers our entire body.   Laser hair removal is best for terminal hair because it will absorb the laser energy well due to its more typical thick and dark characteristics.

Hair growth occurs in three cycles, anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting).  Laser energy only works to eliminate hair during the anagen phase, which at any given time is occurring in about 70-80% of the hairs on the upper lip and beard, and only about 20-30% of the hairs on the other body areas.  Anagen phase lasts several years, catagen a few weeks, and telogen a few months.

Multiple treatments are necessary for hair removal because only a portion of the hair is in anagen phase at any given time.  The different growth phases explain why some body areas can be treated every 4-6 weeks and others every 6-8 weeks, and why some body areas need more treatment than others.  Lighter skin types typically need 3-5 treatments while darker skin types may need 6-10 treatments.  Beware of clinics that offer hair removal treatments too frequently – the only thing they are removing is money from your pocket.

Laser hair removal is safe and effective only in the hands of an experienced specialist.  There are numerous details that go into making laser so effective for hair removal, such as considering skin type, hair color, body area, laser power and wavelength.  Making laser safe and comfortable depends on all of the above plus understanding how to cool the skin during and after treatment to avoid burns. 

What does laser hair removal feel like?  Does it hurt?  A good answer is to imagine a light snap of a rubber band on the skin – really not a big deal.  The heat generated by lasers can build up and cause warmth in the skin which is why using the correct settings in the first place and adding cooling is so important. 

The newest generation of laser delivers energy only in a therapeutic range, precisely heating the target with little or no damage or discomfort.  “In-motion” technology is another advance that allows the laser to always be on the move while treating, making it quicker and virtually pain-free.  The result is safe, quick and effective hair removal that lasts.  Involving no downtime, you can continue with all your regular activities immediately after treatment.  See www.almalasers.com for more info on hair removal technology.

Also important with hair removal is to consider whether hair growth is excessive and reflects an underlying hormone disorder.  I often get referrals from our laser center to investigate the cause of excess hair growth.  Removing the hair with laser is great but more important is to fix the original disorder, which makes the treatment that much more successful and also improves the general health of our patients!

Our laser specialists are certified with Alma lasers and have ongoing training in order to stay up to date with the latest in laser technology and treatment techniques.  We offer free consultations with any of our specialists.  The cost of hair removal depends on the size of area treated and most areas need 3-5 treatments.

FREE SEMINARS

“Low Thyroid:  Misunderstood, Misdiagnosed, Missed!”

Monday, June 24^th

Seminars are at 6pm, at the IMC

RSVP at 245-6911

Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com) and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics (www.bellezzalaser.com).  Call 245-6911 for an appointment or more information.

Look and Feel Your Best

Cosmetic Skin Care Reaching New Heights

Skin is the largest organ in the body and has considerable influence on our well being both from a medical as well as psychological standpoint.  The good news is that it is now well within reach of anyone to improve the health and appearance of their skin.  And a comprehensive skin care program will address not just the outer look of the skin but inner health as well.
Consider skin protection, products and procedures, laser and light therapies all as part of skin care, and skin care as part of your overall health routine.
Treating the Inside
One of the most successful things that will improve the health and look of the skin is to address internal factors such as hormones, inflammation, toxins, blood flow, lymph drainage, and cellular energy.
Hormones exert a powerful influence on skin.  At menopause many women note the skin becoming dry and pale with less softness and radiance.  Estrogen stimulates the hydration and elasticity of skin, while testosterone increases collagen and oil production.  Low thyroid may cause dry, lifeless and puffy appearing skin.  High cortisol, caused by stress or inflammation, may cause acne and thin, overly oily skin. 
Many patients consult with me for acne treatment thinking the cause might be hormone imbalance, and sometimes that is the case, but most of the time underlying inflammation is the main culprit.  Coming from impaired gut health, infections, or immune response to environmental toxins, inflammation will wreak havoc throughout the body, and sometimes acne is part of the syndrome.  Skin rashes are another area where the skin is actually just the “tip of the iceberg” symptom along with some underlying health condition.
With aging there is a normal decline in fundamental systems that help keep skin vibrant.  Decreased blood flow to the skin leads to less nutrient delivery, while impaired cellular energy leads to less skin turnover or the normal shedding and rebuilding of the layers of the skin.  Clogged lymphatic drainage will cause puffiness and build up of toxins. 
Treating the Outside
Protecting the skin from the damage of the sun is arguably the most important thing one can do to maintain good skin health.  The ultra-violet type B (UVB) rays cause the notable sunburn, while UVA especially leads to deeper damage, skin cancer and aging appearance.  UVB is mostly a concern during summer months and peak daylight hours, while UVA is harmful year-round, all day long, even penetrating through glass.  Avoid excess sun and use a sunscreen with zinc or titanium to truly block both UVA and UVB rays.  I do not recommend the chemical sunscreens as they are toxic and less effective.
Skin products can be friend or foe to skin health.  Many are chocked full of toxic chemicals that harm the skin and internal organs.  Most do nothing to really promote skin health.  Do your research and look for “products to avoid” when it comes to skin health.  A certified esthetician should be able to list these toxic skin care products and guide you to various products that are proven to actually help skin health.  Consider products that add moisture, increase the elasticity and thickness, increase normal skin cell turnover, and blood flow.  There are also ingredients that reduce DNA damage and increase the cellular energy of skin cells making them more resistant to aging.
Procedures such as facials, microdermabrasion, and peels, are designed to help pull off old outer unhealthy layers of skin, infuse products into the deeper layers, and stimulate the factors that lead to healthier skin.  These easy, inexpensive treatments should be done at least monthly and considered a basic, essential part of overall skin care.
Laser treatments work to increase the health of skin by causing a thermal “injury” that is repaired by the body’s normal healing mechanisms.  Laser energy is absorbed into the prescribed area of the skin where it then turns to heat and releases the energy into the tissue.  Lasers can be used to treat the surface of skin to target fine lines, broken blood vessels, dark pigment spots, and large surface pores.  Deeper laser treatments will stimulate new elastin and collagen formation leading to skin tightening and improvements in texture and tone of skin. 

Light therapy uses a light emitting diode (LED) that sends light energy into tissue where it is then converted into cellular energy.  LIGHTWAVE is the most sophisticated LED light therapy application in the industry utilizing Red, Infrared and Blue light therapy to increase cellular metabolism and the flow of nutrients into and the cells, which aides in collagen and elastin production, while increasing blood blow and lymphatic drainage, thus having a regenerative effect on wrinkles, cellulite, scars, flaccid skin, pigment changes and more.  Best of all, LED therapy is a very relaxing treatment, has no negative side effects and no recovery downtime.

Your Skin Health Program
If you are interested in skin health and appearance but are not sure where to start or who to trust then I recommend seeking guidance from a skin care professional.  Work with estheticians and laser specialists that know more than just the latest marketing hype while trying to sell you the newest product.  Ask about the science of skin and about the internal factors that play a role in skin health.
We always have free consultations for skin evaluation.  During a one-hour appointment we screen for underlying health issues while examining the skin with various scopes and cameras that can help to really identify the various skin conditions that need treatment.  Our team is trained to treat both inside and out so that you can look and feel your best!
Come join us for a free Open House on Wednesday, February 27^th from 6-8 pm, at Bellezza Laser Aesthetics.  There will be wine and appetizers, many valuable giveaways, and out team of experts will be there to visit and answer skin health questions.  Please RSVP at 245-6911.

OPEN HOUSE Bellezza Laser Aesthetics

Wednesday, February 27^th, 6-8pm at the IMC

Giveaways, wine and appetizers!

RSVP at 245-6911

Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com) and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics (www.bellezzalaser.com).  Call 245-6911 for an appointment or more information.

Adventure Medical Kits

  

What if your routine cross-country ski jaunt on the Mesa turned emergent and you were stranded - would you be able to spend a night out on the Mesa this time of year?  Or how about an incapacitating sprained ankle or illness during the backpacking trip – how would you deal with that?  Having the right medical gear is simple and might just save a life.  Here are some tips on where to start preparing or updating your kit.

General Considerations

Preparing a medical kit requires addressing a few general issues first.  What is the purpose of the kit?  The contents are determined by the nature of the trip, and the specific injuries or illnesses most often encountered.  My day kit is mostly a survival kit with fire starters, rescue mirror, emergency blanket, compass, knife, cordage, etc.  The kit I taking rafting or camping is my standard adventure medical kit, with the survival kit included and now adding more medical supplies.  The kit in my car has contents that would be appropriate if we got stranded or came upon an accident.

The level of medical training of the party is another issue.  Obviously the people using the kit need to know how to use its contents appropriately.  A license or degree does not guarantee adequate knowledge of wilderness medical skills.  I might have IV fluids and injection medications while everyone could have wound care and basic medications.  Knowledge of what to do is sometimes more important than the contents of the kit.

The destination of a trip has a big impact on kit contents.  Consider climate, terrain, altitude, and unavoidable dangers of certain areas.  For example, desert hiking requires different items than winter mountaineering.  When backcountry skiing I add a metal cup to melt snow, a Nuwick 120 hour candle, and small lightweight snow-shovel.  Consider endemic diseases.  A kit for use in America is different than a trip to another country where malaria or other diseases are endemic.

The length of trip determines how much to bring.  I don’t need a week supply of different medications in my day pack, but for a two week camping trip I need to prepare for a complete course of medications should they be needed.  Consider high use items such as blister pads versus rarely needed items such as epinephrine and stock accordingly.

The size of the party is a similar variable as length of trip, and again requires stocking more high use items.  Even as a kid on adventures with my buddies, I was generally the “go-to” person whenever there was trouble.  So I’ve learned to prepare for myself and family, but also recognize that I might be treating others as well.

Exposure is the amount of time until outside help can be reached and may greatly influence the level of care needed and thus the supplies.  From the Grand Mesa I might walk downhill to a highway in a day, or call a medical helicopter to fly in, while on a remote river or backpacking trip you might be days away from help.

Bulk, weight and cost are variables.  Include items with multi-purposes and take a modular approach to packaging that allows changing kits without completely repacking.  I’ve prepared small, light kits for as little as $25 and also spent thousands for huge kits used by commercial companies caring for employees spending months in remote parts of foreign countries.

Containers and Equipment

Think maximal protection and maximal accessibility.  Use containers that are easily located and allow you to rapidly identify the contents using labels or visible colors.  Divide "mini kits" among party members to avoid loss of the entire kit.

The materials included reflect the needed functions.  A fundamental need is to stop bleeding.  One can use direct pressure with bare hand, clothing, or pressure bandages.  I keep a complete wound kit for convenience with minor wounds, but for anything life-threatening or large plan to use cotton clothing or other material and not try to stock huge amounts of pressure bandages. 

Treating and closing wounds can be done with butterfly bandages, steri-strips or sutures with surgical equipment.  Duct tape can be cut into a very effective butterfly bandage.  Cleansers and disinfectants, local anesthetics, bandaging materials and blister treatment fall into this category.  In the wilderness, you should boil or purify water for cleansing a wound just like you would to prepare for safe drinking. 

Splinting is a common need for a sprain or fracture.  Prefabricated splints are widely available and I always carry a light-weight SAM splint.  Improvisation is the key as most anything can be splinted with a stick and duct tape.  Coban, or “vet wrap”, makes a great compression dressing and soft splint.

Monitoring vital signs is important and a watch is helpful for checking pulse rate.  A thermometer can be useful.  A blood pressure cuff is rarely needed.  Special equipment is needed for administering medication by injections or IV fluids.  Usually in wilderness settings more serious life support equipment is not realistic, such as artificial airways, chest tubes, electroshock, etc. 

I recommend purchasing an empty specialty bag such as a first aid kit, toiletry bag or camp kitchen bag then filling it with materials.  Prepackaged kits are costly and not usually complete to my specifications anyway.  Most supplies can be purchased at a pharmacy or through your doctor.  I simply drop my organized bag into an ammo can for water protection.

Medications

Here is a comprehensive list of different medication categories to consider:  antibiotics, analgesics (pain killers), anaphylaxis, anti-histamines, anti-pyretic (for fever), anti-emetic (for nausea and vomiting), anti-diarrhea, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-tussive (for cough), cardiovascular, decongestant, dental, dermatologic, diabetes, diuretic, hemorrhoidal, iv fluids, laxatives, local anesthetic, muscle relaxant, ophthalmic, otic, rehydration, sedative, snake bite and vaginal. 

About half the medications can be found over the counter without a prescription.  I recommend speaking with your physician about prescription medications.  I generally meet with a patient for a short office visit to discuss the various medications that are indicated and simply write them a prescription.  I’m careful to include “first aid kit – for expedition use only” on the prescription and emphasize the medications are for the patient or family use only.  Giving the medications to other people is discouraged due to issues such as allergies or medication interactions, and patients have to use their discretion and accept responsibility if sharing medication with others.

Remember the old saying, “proper prior preparation prevents poor performance” and once packed and ready to go I don’t give it another thought because I’m prepared.  Most wilderness medical emergencies can be handled with a good adventure medical kit, a little first aid knowledge, and the determination to succeed with grit, spit and a whole lot of duct tape!

FREE Seminars

“Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for WOMEN”

Monday, February 4^th, 6pm at the IMC            

“Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for MEN”

Monday, February 18^th, 6pm at the IMC

OPEN HOUSE Bellezza Laser Aesthetics

Wednesday, February 27^th, 6pm at the IMC

Giveaways, wine and appetizers!

RSVP at 245-6911

Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com) and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics (www.bellezzalaser.com).  Call 245-6911 for an appointment or more information.

Aging Skin Has Seen the Light

A gentle and completely natural form of therapy has arrived that can reduce and even reverse the appearance of aging and damaged skin.  LIGHTWAVE therapy is the first and only advanced light system specifically designed for aesthetic applications that promote health and healing for the entire body.

LIGHTWAVE therapy utilizes a process called “photostimulation” in which pure beneficial red or infra-red light, outside of the damaging ultra-violet spectrum, is converted into cellular energy, resulting in stimulation of the body’s own natural regenerative systems.  This surge in cellular energy allows the body to increase production of collagen and elastin, cellular nutrient uptake, blood flow to the surface of the skin, and removal of excess fluid and waste products from cells.

Photostimulation uses a light-emitting diode (LED) with a low level power output which is safe and will not damage the skin.  The LED is completely non-invasive and does not produce thermal damage, unlike IPL (intense pulsed light) or laser resurfacing.  The typical LIGHTWAVE treatment is about 20 minutes in duration and is enjoyable and relaxing.

The LIGHTWAVE is used to treat different conditions with three different lights, blue, red, and infra-red.  Each light has a different wavelength that causes different effects in the body.  There is no post-procedure downtime whatsoever so treatments may be done anytime.

The blue light is used for acne treatment as the light will kill the acne-causing bacteria and dimish the oil in the clogged pores.  This makes LIGHTWAVE a 100% natural alternative to prescription antibiotics and other painful treatment options.  After a series of 6-8 treatments 80% of patients will see a 75% reduction in the number of acne lesions with the results lasting 3-6 months.  The blue light can be used in combination with other therapy for acne such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

The blue light is also used to activate photosensitive chemical peels that are used for treatment of acne, surface skin pigmentation and wrinkles, and pre-cancers called actinic keratoses.

LIGHTWAVE red light therapy increases collagen and elastin production in the skin which revitalizes the health of aged or damaged skin.  It will reduce the appearance of fine lines and superficial wrinkles by increasing cellular hydration, blood flow, and removal of toxins within the various layers of the skin and supporting tissue.  The result is 100% natural looking improvements in tone and texture of the skin.  It can also reduce the appearance of scars, burns, sun damage, and sun spots. 

The red light therapy can be used to improve the appearance of stretch marks, tired flaccid looking skin on the breasts and abdomen, “orange peel” and cellulite.  By stimulating lymphatic drainage it can help restore skin tone resulting in a younger-looking, smoother and firmer body.  We also use the red light after a blue light treatment for acne, in order to reduce inflammation and speed the healing process.

Infra-red therapy was originally developed by NASA and is used for healing and pain-management.  Infra-red energy is well known to penetrate about 4 inches deep into tissue and increase cell permeability which facilitates equilibrium of cellular pH, increases nutritional absorption and elimination of waste byproducts.  The result is reduced inflammation, improved healing and less pain.

Infusing Nutrients into Skin

Human skin acts as a barrier to keep the internal organs sheltered from outside elements and it holds in water and additional fluids our bodies need to survive.  However, in the process of protecting the body the skin can prevent the absorption of beneficial ingredients.  Many active ingredients currently used for skin care simply lay on the surface with little or no benefit to the skin.  The surface appears smoother and softer only because the product is on the surface of the skin, while little is happening underneath the surface of the skin where aging and damage occurs.

The DermaKinetics system offers a method to definitively deliver active skin repairing ingredients into the skin regardless of the size or chemical properties of the ingredient.  The treatment involves applying a topical solution to the surface of the skin that is cyclically illuminated with the LED light therapy.  By rapidly cycling on-off the light energy “excites” the topical solution which will then drive the solution as much as 50 times deeper into the skin than simple topical application!

The fusion of LIGHTWAVE light therapy with DermaKinetics topical applications allows for unprecedented results in skin care.  Compounds previously thought to be impossible to deliver through intact skin can now be “pushed” into the skin by this active transport system.  There is an entire range of protein/peptide cellular regenerators and active compounds such as vitamin C, that exist for wrinkle reduction, collagen synthesis, fat reduction, hair growth, scar reduction and acne treatment that could not previously be delivered deep into the skin.

Safe Effective Skin Care

The same company that developed the LIGHTWAVE and DermaKinetics has also created an entire line of skin care products called ABI Dermaceuticals which are designed to complement the treatments done by laser resurfacing and LED therapy.  These scientifically developed products contain the highest recommended levels of active ingredients while banning questionable ingredients such as harmful parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, artificial fragrances and dyes. 

The application of LIGHTWAVE technology to living tissue provides a remarkable alternative to traditional medications, more invasive laser procedures and/or surgery.  By promoting the healing process and fueling over 20 different positive changes at a cellular level we are just beginning to realize the potential of LED therapy.

Typical LIGHTWAVE treatments require about 30-60 minutes, cost from $50 to $125, and 6-8 treatments are usually recommended over a period of 4-6 weeks.  As a special for teens we only charge $25 for the blue/red light therapy for acne and their first treatment is free.

FREE Seminars

“LIGHTWAVE and Laser Skin Care Essentials”

Wednesday, January 30^th, 6pm at the IMC

“Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for WOMEN”

Monday, February 4^th, 6pm at the IMC            

RSVP at 245-6911

Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com) and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics (www.bellezzalaser.com).  Call 245-6911 for an appointment or more information.

The Face of Winter, Protecting Your Skin from Dry, Cold Weather

The Face of Winter

Protecting Your Skin from Dry, Cold Weather

By Lisa Holmes, CLS & Scott Rollins, MD

                             

Winter cold, dryness and sun is damaging to our skin.  Fluctuating from the extremes of cold and harsh outside weather to warm indoor air is hard on our skin, causing scaly, chapped and flaky conditions.  The dry winter air really pulls the moisture out of our skin leaving it cracked and dry.  Just as we make a transition in our clothing – from lighter layers to thicker warmer layers – we need to do the same for our skin.

If your skin is feeling dry and chapped in the winter, then you might need to change from your usual summer soap and cleanser routine.  The sweaty, oily skin from summer is gone!  It’s time to use a gentle, non-irritating or hypoallergenic soap.  Limit products with fragrances that might irritate the skin.

Thicker, cream or oil based moisturizers provide the best protection from the dry winter air.  The most susceptible areas are the cheeks, lips and eye regions.  The type you choose largely depends on the dryness of your skin and your tolerance for the greasy feel of the moisturizer.  Oils are definitely greasy, but they seal in moisture well, and block against windburn.  Creams aren't as greasy, soak in well when you rub them in, and they also trap moisture well.  Lotions tend to add the least moisture, but they soak in to skin quickly so they don't feel as greasy.  However, many lotions contain alcohol, which helps quicken their absorption, but can also dry the skin.

Be sure to keep your skin protected with a sunscreen.  Don’t be fooled by cold weather – the sun reflects off the snow and can cause damage to the deeper layers of your skin.  Use only sunscreens that block both the ultra-violet (UV) type A and B rays.  UVA is present year round and causes skin aging and cancer.  UVB is around mostly in summer and causes sunburn – although with altitude and reflection off of snow, UVB is still present enough to cause horrible sunburn even in winter. 

The only sunscreen ingredients that truly block both UV rays are the physical sun blocks, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  The numerous chemical sunscreens not only don’t block both UV rays but are also linked to hormone disruption, cancer and other health issues.  Finding the correct moisturizers and sunscreens can be daunting, so be sure to ask a licensed skin care professional for the appropriate protection for you and your skin.

Another important factor in keeping skin protected is hydration.  Water seems to be a forgotten factor in the colder months, but it is just as important during winter as in summer.  Hydration is an important factor to helping our skin stay supple and plays a key role in the absorption of our skin care products.

Using anti-aging products at home, such as retinol or retinoic acid, may require a shift to a lower strength or even a temporary halt in your program during winter months.  The anti-aging effects of retinol creams are due to the stimulation of skin to exfoliate or clear the skin surface of dirt and dead skin cells.  This is excellent for promoting a youthful healthy glow to skin but can make the skin more tender and susceptible to drying.

Professional Skin Care

In the colder months our blood circulation slows resulting in a dry and dull skin tone making it important to keep up with your facials, which increase blood flow rejuvenating your skin and returning a healthy youthful glow.

Professional facials, often thought to be a luxury, should be done routinely to help prevent damage to skin, remove signs of aging, improve skin tone, and prevent acne.  By having a licensed Aesthetician monitor your skin monthly, they can spot changes before bigger problems arise.  And as part of our services we can recommend specific products for your home skin care regimen that will help you maintain optimal skin health between facials.

Microdermabrasion is a wonderful procedure that gently exfoliates the.  Using a diamond tipped wand the skin is gently scrubbed while a vacuum pulls away the surface debris and dead skin cells.  The procedure is painless and simply feels like someone is rubbing a finger across the face.  Microdermabrasion promotes a smooth and healthy skin surface.  Doing a few treatments during winter can help promote skin turnover without the more drying effects of exfoliating creams.

Chemical peels are similar to microdermabrasion but instead of using a physical technique a chemical is used to stimulate skin shedding and turnover.  Numerous chemicals are used to stimulate healthy new skin cells.  We offer a variety of chemical peels, varying from gentle all natural peels, to popular standard chemical peels, and the most aggressive such as Levulan that require a blue-light to “photo-activate” the peel. 

Fall and winter can be a perfect time to get laser skin care treatments.  Surface imperfections such as fine lines, dark spots, or surface blood vessels are all treated easily in a 30-minute rejuvenation treatment.  With no downtime at all the rejuvenation procedure is a quick and easy treat for your skin.

Deeper wrinkles and sagging skin are targeted with more aggressive skin tightening treatments such as Pixel or the state-of-the-art CO2 iPixel from Alma Lasers.  These treatments have a bit of social downtime in which it is preferable to be able to stay home and indoors for a few days to begin the healing phase.  Usually within 1-2 days after Pixel, and 4-6 days after iPixel, patients are ready to go back to work or resume regular activities.  I would avoid extreme outdoor activities such as skiing for several weeks after these procedures.

Don’t let the long cold winter months keep you hibernating.  Hydrate, use a quality moisturizer and sunscreen, and see your licensed skin care professional for the proper skin care products and services that will protect you and improve your skin.  Then, get out and enjoy our many Colorado mountain winter activities!

Free Seminars

Laser Skin Care Essentials

Monday, November 26^th at 6pm, at the IMC

RSVP at 245-6911 or online at rsvp@imcwc.com

Bio

Lisa Holmes is a Licensed Aesthetician and Certified Laser Specialist.  She is certified in chemical peels and microdermabrasion.  Lisa believes in helping her clients achieve and maintain optimal skin health and beauty by using only professional medical spa grade products and is proud to feature ABI skin care as well as Youngblood Mineral makeup.  She is available for a FREE consultation at Bellezza Laser Aesthetics, 254-1195.  For more information please visit www.bellezzalaser.com.

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement for men and women, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia, weight loss and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com) and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics.  Call 245-6911 for an appointment or more information. 

Better Acne Treatment Inside and Out

Better Acne Treatment Inside and Out

Most people have experienced acne.  For some it is merely an occasional nuisance while others find it to be a seriously embarrassing and frustrating issue that seems to defy all logical treatment.  And for a few it can leave emotional scars that are more than just skin deep.  Successful acne treatment requires getting to the root cause of the acne and fixing it at the source.  We need to address issues with skin turnover, bacteria and fungal infections, inflammation in the body and hormone imbalances.  And yes… diet, stress, and sleep also play a role.

Acne is the result of clogging of the skin’s oil glands, with or without inflammation and infection.  We know that acne is caused by hormones and bacteria.  The oil glands secrete a waxy oil called sebum, and become whiteheads (closed and plugged oil glands), blackheads (open and plugged oil glands), and pustules (red and inflamed, often infected).  At a basic level the simplest form of acne is when the oil glands are plugged by the normal outer layer of dead skin, called keratin.  

Good skin care involves twice daily washing, moisturizing, and sun protection.  We recommend cleansers that gently and effectively rejuvenate the skin by dissolving surface oil, bacteria and impurities without harmful over drying, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.  A good moisturizer should be oil free and provide nutrients that encourage healthy skin.  By combining a sunscreen with moisturizer it makes for a very simple step in your daily regimen.  We recommend the ABI product line for basic skin care with outstanding results.

When it comes to make-up, avoid heavy pore-clogging, high-fragrance foundations such as Revlon, Loreal, Maybelline, Mary Kay, Lancome, Elizabeth Arden, etc.  We suggest mineral make-up which does not clog pores.  Our favorite brand is YoungBlood, which is full of nutrients and antioxidants, even including sunscreen. 

Control of acne requires an effective and convenient way to control sebum production and gently exfoliate dead skin cells.  This can be done with daily topical treatments, such as glycolic and salicylic acid topicals, retinoids, and fruit peels.  Microdermabrasion can be very helpful in preventing keratin build up but can worsen acne during a flare up.

A crucial part of successful acne treatment is to understand the role of infection.  P. Acnes is a common bacteria that inhabits oil glands, causing a worsening of the size and inflammation of plugged glands.  Once acne moves beyond whiteheads or blackheads into pustules or boils then additional treatment is indicated.  For milder cases, prescription topical antibiotics often work well.  For more intensive infections systemic antibiotics are helpful.  The Blu-U light therapy effectively kills the P. Acnes bacteria.  Adding the photosensitizing agent Levulan to the Blu-U is great for the most resistant cases. 

For many people acne is a sign of underlying inflammation or problems with the immune system as a whole.  Everything from diet, stress, poor sleep, infections and allergies might be playing a role in acne due to inflammation.

Certain foods cause acne due to the effects on various hormones in the body that deal with inflammation.  High sugar and high glycemic diets will cause spikes in insulin and with it our stress hormone cortisol will rise.  Cortisol will directly stimulate the sebum glands and cause acne.  Too much saturated fat in the diet will cause inflammation and high cortisol.  Stress and lack of sleep will both cause high cortisol, and again, this can lead to more acne.

Sneaky underlying infections in the gut or bloodstream, such as the yeast Candida, can cause inflammation and acne.  Interestingly, the “good” bacteria in the body, especially in the gut, play a big role in keeping the immune system strong and helping to keep “bad” microbes and inflammation under control.  When the immune system is weakened it allows the otherwise harmless microbes to take over - and this can happen in the skin.  The beneficial bacteria in the gut also play a role in removing toxins and excess hormones from the body, both of which may help acne.  We often treat for infections such as Candida and include a probiotic (our body’s beneficial bacteria) supplement as part of our acne treatment plan.

Believe or not, delayed food allergies can cause acne due to the resulting inflammation and increased cortisol hormone production.  We see numerous cases where acne just disappears as patients eliminate certain foods they are allergic to such as gluten or dairy products.

The skin is often a tell-tale sign of an underlying hormone imbalance.  Similar to cortisol, the androgens or “male hormones” such as DHEA, Testosterone, and its byproduct DHT, all increase oil production in the skin and stimulate hair growth.  When the androgens are in excess relative to the “female hormones” such as estrogen and progesterone then the skin can become oily, hairy, or both. 

Pre-menopausal women commonly have estrogen dominant cycles due to a lack of sufficient progesterone, causing pre-menstrual breakouts.  During and after menopause many women experience a flare up of acne not seen since their teens or at all due to the falling levels of estrogen and progesterone.  Other hormone conditions such as low thyroid and polycystic ovarian syndrome can affect the skin.  A hormone analysis is a very important step in acne treatment and correction of hormone imbalances will improve skin and overall health.  In some cases we prescribe medications that block hormone receptors in the skin.

Our acne treatment protocol typically involves treating the skin directly while evaluating the whole person beneath.  Certainly proper skin care and aesthetic procedures will do wonders for reducing acne and improving skin health but we also help with lifestyle issues such as dietary changes, stress management, and improving sleep – all of which can build the immune system and reduce acne promoting inflammation. 

An integrated medical-aesthetic approach looking for underlying causes is often the “cure” for difficult to treat acne.  We’ve seen many cases where years of acne frustration ended simply and quickly with proper treatment of immune system or hormone imbalances.  For better acne treatment, consider an approach that works inside and out!

Free seminars

The ACNE Cure:  Functional Medicine & Aesthetic Skin Care

Monday, October 15^th at 6pm, at the IMC

BioIdentical Hormone Replacement for WOMEN

Monday, October 29^th at 6pm, at the IMC

RSVP at 245-6911 or online at rsvp@imcwc.com

Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com).  Call (970) 245-6911 for an appointment or more information. 

Sunscreen Tips for Youthful Skin

Sunscreen Tips for Youthful Skin

By Scott Rollins, MD and Erin Larson, CLS

The number one thing that ages skin is sunshine.  Not just the sunburns, but the relentless day to day exposure to the sun causes the skin damage that leads to discolored spots, wrinkles and sagging skin.  And don’t be fooled as most sunscreens do not protect from all the skin-damaging rays.  If you want youthful skin then your number one skin care strategy is to avoid excessive sun and use a true sun protective sunscreen.

Sunlight Basics

Just below the spectrum of light that is visible to our eye lies the ultra-violet (UV) light spectrum.  First is the longer wavelength UVA (315-400 nanometers), then intermediate UVB (280-315 nm), and last the shortest wavelength UVC (100-280nm).  The shorter wavelengths are more irritating to the surface while the longer wavelengths penetrate the skin and cause deeper damage.  

The visible light spectrum (400-780nm) gives us our rainbow of colors, starting with violet-indigo-blue-green-yellow-orange and finally red as the light wavelength increases on up into the “infra-red” spectrum (> 780nm).  Infra-red rays radiate heat and give us warmth.

UVC is actually the most damaging of the UV rays, causing the skin to burn and promoting cancer changes.  UVC will even kill germs and is known as “germicidal” rays.   Fortunately most all UVC is blocked by the earth’s ozone layer.

UVB causes the familiar “sunburn” by damaging the skin’s outer layer, the epidermis, leading to dark spots, fine wrinkles, broken surface capillaries, and skin cancers that arise from the epidermis.  Cumulative sun exposure causes the familiar basal and squamous cell skin cancers to erupt from the skin’s epidermal layer.  These are typically gray in color, either smooth or scaly lesions, that show up on the face or arms where the skin has been most exposed.  

UVA causes the darkening of skin known as “suntan” and was once thought to be harmless but is now known to be very damaging to the skin.  By absorbing into the deeper dermal layers UVA causes the collagen that supports our skin to simply waste away leading to thinning and sagging of the skin.  UVA is responsible for much of the premature aging of skin evidenced by inflammation and dryness, and eventually uneven pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and skin cancer.

UVB exposure occurs mainly in the summer months and is worse from 10am to 4pm.  It does not penetrate glass and is basically filtered out during winter months.  However, the UVA rays are present all year round, all day long, and go right through glass.  Even while driving the UVA rays are streaming into the auto and soaking right into exposed skin.  

High altitude allows much more of the UV rays to get through the atmosphere.  This explains why the mountain states have a higher incidence of skin cancer!  And more sun damaged, aging skin…

Sun Protection

The well-known sun-protection-factor or SPF is misleading, outdated, and frankly worthless when it comes to insuring your skin is protected.  The SPF ratings only apply to UVB rays.  Many products advertise “blocking both UVB and UVA” but in fact only a tiny percentage of the UVA spectrum is really blocked - just enough to allow the marketing but not even close to the complete blockage we really need.

There are about 15 FDA approved chemicals that will absorb UV rays and are used in various combinations as sunscreens.  Some examples include Octyl Salicylate, the oldest in use, Padimate O which is the most common in the US, and Octyl Methoxycinnamate which is the most common world-wide.  These sunscreens block a narrow range of UVB light in the 300-315nm range, leaving the UVA spectrum untouched.  Thus, other chemical absorbers, such as Oxybenzone and Avobenzone, are mixed in to give a bit more protection up into the UVA range, but they are very limited in effectiveness.

Physical blockers, known as “metal oxides” are the most complete remedy for truly blocking the UVA and UVB rays.  These natural occurring particles will physically block all UV rays, as well as protect from wind and block the heat from infra-red rays thus keeping the skin cooler.  Titanium dioxide, used to lighten cosmetic products, blocks most of the UV spectrum but misses a bit of UVA.   Zinc Oxide really blocks the UVA spectrum well and thus is commonly blended with titanium dioxide to add full UVA coverage.

No matter what sunscreen is used, the actual protection offered is directly related to their level of concentration, how long they remain stable when exposed to sun, the film thickness applied to the skin, as well as the careful, frequent total coverage of the exposed skin sites.

Skin Protection

As skin goes through repeated cycles of sun exposure, especially with sunburn and suntan, inflammation and skin darkening occurs, and over time the photo-aging and skin cancer.  The UV rays cause damage to the skin that generates damaging “free radicals” that react with and oxidize any tissue in the area.  The inflammation and oxidation leads to skin breakdown and DNA damage that promotes cancer.  Even the defenses against infection are impaired as the UV rays suppress the skin’s immune system.

Supplemental nutrients can be added to sunscreens to provide direct and indirect protection to the skin.  Antioxidants such as vitamins E, C and A, and selenium help “clean up” the free radicals generated by sun damage.  Bioflavanoid antioxidants such as pycnogenol from pine-bark, and resveratrol from grapes, are also found in better products.  Studies confirm the ability of these highly specialized antioxidant bioflavanoids to augment vitamin C, protect cells and collagen tissue, and also to strengthen blood vessels and capillaries.

With our laser skin care we can do amazing things to help restore healthy youthful skin and remove years of sun damage.  However, it all starts with protecting what you’ve got so enjoy the great Colorado outdoors but be sun-smart and protect your precious skin.  If you are making the effort to use sunscreen then be sure you are using the right stuff.  We recommend and carry a professional line of sunscreens from Fallene Cosmeceuticals, called “Solar Protection Formula”.


Open House
Bellezza Laser Aesthetics
Register to WIN a free iPixel treatment worth $1500
Register to WIN a free vial of Juvederm cosmetic filler worth $500
Learn about the latest professional grade sunscreens and mineral make-up
Wednesday, May 16th, 6pm
RSVP at 254-1195

Bio

Scott Rollins, MD, is Board Certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine.  He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, thyroid and adrenal disorders, fibromyalgia and other complex medical conditions.  He is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com).  Call (970) 245-6911 for appointments or more information. 

Erin Larson is a certified laser specialist, aesthetician, and co-owner of Bellezza Laser Aesthetics.  She has worked with many different brands of laser equipment and is experienced with every aesthetic laser procedure as well as the Levulan procedure for precancerous lesions, microdermabrasion and numerous skin care product lines.  Bellezza is located in the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado (www.imcwc.com).  Call 254-1195 for a complimentary consultation.