An Esthetician's Point of View with Nicki Loizzi, Licensed Esthetician

An Esthetician’s Point of View with Nicki Loizzi, Licensed Esthetician

Published by Webmaster

on January 10, 2022

From our Licensed Esthetician, Nicki Loizzi – Favorite Exfoliating Skincare Product

I am fortunate to work at such an incredible practice that takes skin health so seriously, which is why I am always excited to walk my patients out to the checkout counter located in our very own store, here at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, called Chicago Skin Science. We carry the biggest selection of skincare I’ve ever seen at a practice because we know that each patient’s skin needs, as well as the budgets, can vary.

I make sure that at the beginning of every appointment I ask what my patient is currently using at home and if they feel like it’s working. After carefully listening to what they are currently doing and their level of satisfaction with what they already have, it is my job to be a “skinvestigator” (as I call myself), to see what they are missing from their routine so that I can suggest products to help their concerns and/or assure that the products they have already invested in are working to their full potential. There truly is no point investing in expensive serums and moisturizers if one is not exfoliating your skin properly because the skincare products are essentially just sitting on top of the skin instead of penetrating deep into the dermis.

I’ve noticed a common trend in what the majority of patients are lacking- an exfoliating step to their skincare regimen (and no, a scrub with beads in it will not suffice), which is why I am so happy we carry our own CCSD Reverse Peel Pads which are 15% glycolic acid and come in a convenient pack of 60. I recommend patients start incorporating these easy-to-use, inexpensive (about $42) pads every other night after they cleanse their skin and prior to putting on serums/moisturizers/night creams for a variety of reasons since glycolic acid…

Helps prevent acne
Slows down the aging process
Treats hyperpigmentation
Aids in reducing the appearance of scars
Improves the overall appearance of skin

“Glycolic acid has a small molecular structure, giving it the ability to travel deep into the layers of the skin. Once there, the acid dissolves excess sebum and dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin.”

Call or text our office at 312-245-9965, to book your consultation with me so I can help further educate you on what we offer! We can take a deep dive into how we can help assist you in your skincare needs and overall skin health goals!

Product Shout Out – Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream!

Chicago Skin Science spotlights a tried and true product that has been a popular recommendation amongst providers at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology for many years. Trust the experts to help you naturally feel great in your skin. Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream Thanks to its unique combination of an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a retinoid it allows for noticeable skin rejuvenation with little to no irritation. *Key Factors & Key Ingredients* Improves the appearance of lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture. Contains a potent blend of antioxidants (vitamin C, E, green tea extract) to help neutralize free radicals and help protect against collagen degradation. Provides moisture (with squalene, niacinamide, and ceramides) to help counteract dryness associated with traditional retinoid-based products. Contains a retinoid and lactic acid- that creates a revolutionary double-conjugated retinoid that releases both the collagen-invigorating retinoid and the skin-retexturizing AHA, these are naturally time released into the skin to allow for optimum effectiveness. Good for all skin types, even sensitive to dryness! Also contains glycolic acid that helps textured skin and increases the efficacy of AlphaRet. ***We've heard some great testimonials around the office for this product. The most exciting is that our sensitive and dry skin patients can use this without the irritation and dryness that are commonly associated with retinol products!! It has a nice creamy texture, making it a wonderful overnight cream. *Directions* PM use only. Apply a thin layer all over the face, after cleansing, and after any other serums you may use. And remember to always wear sunscreen in the AM, especially when using any product with AHA or retinol in your routine. Chicago Skin Science is a luxury skincare store readily available for the city of Chicago and the U.S. Our Board Certified Dermatologists hand-select products to ensure that you're only getting the safest & most effective products for your regimen. Our store is located at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology at 515 N State Street, Suite 900 on the 9th floor! CSS welcomes walk-ins and offers same-day shipping to customers within a 10-mile radius. But don't worry, domestic shipping in the U.S. is also available so anybody anywhere can feel great in their own skin.

The NEED TO KNOW Summer Tips for flawless & radiant skin

Going into summer 2024, everyone wants the best skincare advice and tips to combat summer heat, prolonged sun exposure, and how to get that glow! CCSD asks Alexis Jawny, our License Esthetician here at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology. Q: What are your top summer skincare tips? A: HYDRATION! Especially in the summer due to our bodies losing more water from sweating. We need to replenish that water loss by staying hydrated. Best way is to apply a Hyaluronic Acid serum. My favorite is the Alastin HA Immerse because it helps the skin’s ability to naturally increase its own high-molecular hyaluronic acid production. Giving the skin an instant boost of hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A: SUNSCREEN! We must protect our skin from harmful UV rays even on cloudy days. Too much unprotected sun exposure can lead to sunburns, pigmentation, premature aging and potential skin cancer. I always recommend using a mineral based sunscreen because it reflects UVA and UVB rays. Tinted sunscreens are extra beneficial to melasma patients or patients with more hyperpigmentation. The iron oxide helps block visible light and blue light which also contributes to pigmentation forming. I love the Elta MD Elements Tinted SPF. It is an all mineral sunscreen that is tinted to eliminate the white cast most mineral sunscreens leave. A: ANTIOXIDANTS! The sun can cause unstable molecules, called free radicals, to damage cells in your skin. Applying a topical antioxidant can help neutralize the unstable molecule, reducing its capacity to damage the skin. Your skin will have a more even skin tone and summertime glow. I LOVE the Alastin C Radical Defense serum. This Vitamin C uses Sodium Ascorbate which defends against free radical damage and conserves elastin production. The only Vitamin C on the market to do so! Plus, it has a creamy texture that is nonirritating on the skin! Q: What is the best treatment for summer? A: I highly recommend getting a Diamond Glow Microdermabrasion! It is the perfect summertime treatment because there is zero downtime and no interference with sun exposure. In these hot months it is important to exfoliate, have a deep cleanse and enhance hydration. The Diamond Glow can provide all three of those concerns in one treatment. Your skin will feel soft, plump and hydrated. Perfect before a vacation or wedding! I even like to combine it with a dermaplaning for better product penetration, make-up application and removal of peach fuzz. The treatments complement each other very well! Q: What is the best product to have with you this summer? A: My favorite summertime product is the SkinBetter Science Sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact. This sunscreen uses its tone smart technology to match any skin tone and blend well into the skin. I use it has my make-up coverage for the summer. It provides beautiful coverage without feeling heavy or greasy while still being protected from the sun! The compact case makes it very easy to carry around and convenient for reapplication throughout the day! For more information, connect with us for a personalized skincare consultation. Our office is located downtown Chicago, IL on the corner of Grand/State. 515 N State Street, Floor 9 - Suite 900 Chicago, IL 60654 Call 312-245-9965 opt 2 to schedule. View our very now skincare store located at the office, ChicagoSkinScience.com.

Day of Beauty Virtual Event 2023

Click HERE for your Day of Beauty virtual event access! Our most popular event of the year, Day of Beauty, is just around the corner! Mark your calendars to join us virtually on October 12 from 12:00 am - 11:55 pm CST to enjoy these event specials: Save 20% on skincare product purchases at chicagoskinscience.com using code "DOB23" at checkout! All Day of Beauty orders will receive a free curated skincare sample bundle, and any orders over $500 dollars (after discount) will get a luxury swag bag, while supplies last. Event-only discounts on our most popular esthetic, injectable, cosmetic, and body sculpting services at chicagodermatology.com! Enter for a chance to win FREE cosmetic treatments and skincare products such as Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Alastin, DiamondGlow & more! (event-day purchase needed to be eligible for product raffle. $500+ is necessary to be eligible for winning a treatment raffle.) Virtual all-day event, shop whenever you want on Oct. 12th! 10% of our net event proceeds will go to the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. No registration is necessary, just mark your calendars now so you don't miss out on all the savings this October 12th! Hope to (virtually) see you there!

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