In the video, Kristen points out the pores and sunspots on her face prior to using Obagi. After using the system she is clearly happy with the results. “If you just look at my skin — it’s white. It’s just clean all the way through,” she says.

The Nu-Derm System focuses on treating the signs of photodamage. Kristen’s regimen was custom-tailored for her. “My doctor’s really good,” she says. “She customized it for me, so it’s ‘Kristen’s Obagi Nu-Derm’.”

She explains that the Nu-Derm System works by getting rid of dead skin cells on the top and then helps you build new skin cells.

“There’s a tone to my skin now that wasn’t there before that’s all over my face,” Kristen says.

She says that the sun spots that ran across her forehead are gone and that she looks and feels awake and refreshed. “People who’ve seen me say that my skin looks clear,” she adds.

Skin Speaks Spa M.D. offers Obagi Nu-Derm System, as well as other Obagi products, including Obagi-C Rx System that helps skin look more even toned by correcting mild to moderate sun damage and Obagi Professional-C Serums that offer maximum daily antioxidant protection.

The survey examined how consumers shop for beauty products, what influences their purchase decisions, and what they’re looking for in beauty products.

The 1,952 participants revealed they use beauty products for a variety of reasons:

• 69 percent use them to make sure hair and skin stay healthy
• 67 percent use them to help solve specific skin and hair problems
• 59 percent use them to maintain a certain look/style
• 55 percent use them to look the best for their age

Consumers report that they like when products offer free samples or trials and coupons. But they also say recommendations from friends (55 percent) and experts (43 percent) are factors in motivating them to try new products.  Celebrities are also a big influence, especially when it comes to hair—69 percent of respondents said they were influenced by famous figures.

More than 50 percent of respondents showed a preference to established brands over generics because they are more reliable and are perceived to have higher value. Consumers prefer established brands over generics for cosmetics (73 percent), skin care products (72 percent), and hair care products (67 percent).

Despite the economy, consumers are willing to pay for beauty products if they meet their needs; almost half (47 percent) said price was not a factor if a product solved their beauty problem. Read more about the 2010 Beauty Study.

Skin Speaks Spa M.D. carries upscale brands of skin care and makeup products, including Obagi, Glo Minerals and La Roche Posay.

Conducted by Neutrogena and Harris Interactive, survey highlights include:

• 58% said they wanted a product that delivers flawless skin tone, if they could only own one cosmetic product
• 68% would be willing to give up something for a year to have flawless skin
• 46% said that using cosmetic products and wearing makeup is an extension of their overall skincare routine
• 56% rely on cosmetics with SPF to provide protection from UV rays

While flawless skin tone was the leading response for all women of what they most want in a cosmetic product, 51 percent of women over 55 said the key benefit they want is to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. These benefits were chosen ahead of more traditional cosmetic benefits, such as longer lashes (8%), fuller looking lips (3%) and cheekbone definition (2%).

The survey also revealed that even as the trend points to a natural look, makeup application is still an essential part of many women’s morning routines. Forty-two percent said if they had to choose between makeup and breakfast when pressed for time, they would choose to put on makeup.

Women also recognize the damage sun can cause to their skin, as 56%, say they wear cosmetic products and makeup with SPF protection. Older women are more likely to wear SPF cosmetic products and makeup year round, 72% vs. 50%.

The survey was conducted online within the United States and was taken by 1,018 women ages 18 and older.

Dr. Carney’s Skin Speaks practice carries glo Minerals makeup.

Latisse

Throughout her 16-week treatment on Lastisse, Danes was photographed at different angles to demonstrate her lash growth. The gallery is posted on the Latisse site and none of the photos have been retouched.

Danes said she became the latest “Latisse girl” because she was curious about the product. “The more I learned about Latisse, the more impressed I was. I’ve never used a product that actually affected real physical change,” she said.

In 2001, Allergan developed a glaucoma treatment called Lumigan, and a side effect was discovered—patients began growing longer, fuller lashes. This led Allergan to study the active ingredient in this other product, and after a clinical trial, Latisse was born and earned FDA approval in December 2008.

During research of Latisse, doctors reported on average:

• 25 percent increase in eyelash length
• 106 percent increase in eyelash fullness
• 18 percent darkening of the eyelashes

The effects of Latisse are not permanent, so you have to keep using it, as the eyelashes will return to normal if you stop using Latisse.  Advancements in Dermatology offers Lastisse; call for more information and special introductory pricing. You can sign up for Latisse Lash Perks to get a $20 rebate on Latisse. (images via www.latisse.com)

A new generation peel for all skin types to improve skin tone and texture. Great for reversing sun damage and signs of aging while stimulating collagen and elastin production. A single Vi Peel will achieve significant repair and add a healthy glow to the skin. It is a true, restorative and painless repair of damaged skin including sun damage and acne.

The VI Peel addresses skin problems at the cellular level to help erase fine lines and wrinkles, shrink enlarged pores and build collagen. It is effective in practically eliminating hyper pigmentation including melasma, the most difficult pigmentation issue to address. The Vi Peel also provides excellent results for patients with acne.

The skin peeling associated with the VI Peel is a light, fluffy peel that begins on the third day and is generally finished by the end of day four. The peeling is easily hidden by moisturizer and in some cases is virtually invisible.

Rejuvenize Peel:

• An advanced formulation of peeling agents, with a built-in anti-irritant and penetration enhancer that provides controlled exfoliation of the uppermost damaged layers of the skin to reveal fresher and healthier skin.
• Provides predictable results with minimal down time.
• Effective for use o skin with sun damage, melasma, pigmentary changes and acne scarring
• Noticeable improvement with just one peel
• Recommended for Skin types I-VI
• Can be used on skin types V-VI after the patient has established tolerability to Vitalize Peel, or with physician consent
• Well tolerated with minimal “down time”
• Easy to use (does not require timing or neutralization)
• A novel synthetic surfactant, Isoceteth-20, creates more uniform peeling while controlling penetration of salicylic acid, and therefore reduces skin irritation associated with the stronger chemical peels without diminishing peeling effect

The philosophy of SkinMedica is that everyone deserves to have naturally radiant skin. Each SkinMedica product is backed by years of research on the skin’s healing ability. Restorative ingredients such as retinol, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and their patented TNS growth factors make these products an effective part of your anti-aging and skin care regimen.

From the inventor of the Sonicare toothbrush – The micro-massage action of the Clarisonic skincare brush makes 300 movements per second to gently loosen dirt and oil.  Apparently, your hands just aren’t going to cut it anymore when it comes to facial cleansing – technology to the rescue!

9. Omnilux “New U” and “Clear U” Handheld LED light technology

The new-U is designed to treat periorbital wrinkles and improve skin clarity, while the clear-U is designed to reduce inflammation and acne.

Now if they could only make my iPhone do this, we’d really be in business!

8.  gloMinerals Lash Thickener and Conditioner

While you may not realize the same effects as a prescription product like Latisse, the gloLash thickener and conditioner is said to help lashes “grow to their potential” with an exclusive antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, and E.

Don’t forget about our Christmas Latisse special!

7. CVS Oil Absorbing Sheets

This is an easy one, but a great stocking stuffer that should be under 5 bucks, which is less expensive – while just as effective – as other oil absorbing sheets.

Just wipe off the oily areas of your face and look at the sheet; you’ll be convinced these are worth the money.

6. Oxygenetix breathable foundation

This is great foundation because it promotes healing after a professional skin treatment or surgery and protects against the sun. Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation is tested in a 12 Point Purity Evaluation; can your foundation stand up to this kind of test? We didn’t think so.

5. The Smart Woman’s Guide to Plastic Surgery by Jean Loftus MD

This book is written in a very readable style, which provides much-needed clarity about many cosmetic surgery topics. The first edition covered breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facial rejuvenation, and minimally invasive procedures for “your lunch hour.” I assume the 2nd edition is updated with information about silicone gel implants, new dermal fillers, and so on.

4. Obagi Clenziderm Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

This is an awesome cleanser to maintain that glowing skin. Dermatologists recommend that people with oily skin use it twice daily, while those with dry skin may want to limit their use to about twice a week.

3. Eco Tools 6 Piece Brush Set

Earth friendly, inexpensive brush set is made with natural and recycled materials. Even the hair is “cruelty-free!” No baby seals were clubbed to make these brushes. We promise.

2. Make a gift basket with some or all of the items listed above. Want to make it unique? Include a personal note about what’s included! Want some tips on how to create the perfect gift basket? Read this.

1. Skin Speaks Gift Certificate! Excuse us for the shameless self-promotion, but seriously – we carry all of the best cosmetic products and services and when your friend or family member comes in for an appointment, we can personalize the treatment and make sure they are super satisfied.

From the website:

Clarisonic is the sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Brush uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, the Clarisonic micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing.

See this quick product tour on Clarisonic.com

What was first labeled a complication or side effect of using these topical agents was hypertrichosis, a condition characterized by darkening, thickening, and lengthening of the eyelashes.

Allergan offered the topical prostaglandin Lumigan in 2001, a drug that contained the active ingredient bimatoprost. Two important precursors to Latisse occurred after the FDA gave clearance for Lumigan.

Jan Marini Skin Research Inc had over $2 million worth of product seized by the Food and Drug Administration.  The product, Age Intervention Eyelash, evidently contained bimatoprost, which was unapproved for cosmetic use at the time. Allergan later filed a patent infringement suit against Jan Marini and several other companies that had tried to market bimatoprost in their eyelash enhancing drugs.

Some doctors started prescribing Lumigan off-label to enhance eyelashes.  Knowing the desirable side effects it could produce. But Lumigan was not formulated for cosmetic use and many believed more research was needed to confirm the safety of topical prostaglandins for cosmetic use.

Clinical trials and further research is exactly what Alllergan Inc did.  In one early study, 278 healthy adults with minimal to moderate eyelash prominence applied bimatoprost or a placebo to their lash line.  The results were favorable; researchers observed that the average patient’s eyelashes were 25 percent longer, 106 percent fuller, and 18 percent darker, while only 3.6 percent experienced itchy eyes and redness, and only 2.9 percent experienced skin hyperpigmentation.

Latisse received FDA approval late last year for the treatment of inadequate eyelashes. Allergan now owns the patent on use of bimatoprost for eyelash enhancement.

Contact Skin Speaks for more information on Latisse in Minnesota.