Category: Esthetician Point of View

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

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!

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At home skin care routine for brighter skin

We asked Angela Preski, Licensed Esthetician and skin care expert at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, what her favorite at home skin care routine for brighter skin is. Go-to skincare for radiant skin. Now that we’re all staying at home much more than we could have ever imagined, I feel like my skin (and myself) can use any brightening pick-me-up that’s available. I love using Chicago Skin Science’s new Curated Brightening Skincare Kit! Think of it as a mini peel treatment you can easily do at home, no esthetician required. Does that mean your skin will actually peel off? Probably not, this brightening treatment is mild on the skin, which means you don’t have to worry about peeling skin falling off your face.  What you will see is a luminous, bright finish to the skin! The more regularly you do this routine, the better the results you will see; once or twice a week is perfect! It’s ideal for normal, combo, or oily skin. Just about any skin type can do this routine except for the very sensitive. Wash away the day. 1. First, I start by cleansing with my everyday face wash – I personally love the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex and the Elta Foaming Facial Cleanser. Use whichever cleanser you have at home! Once I rinse it off that takes care of my first cleanse, now onto the second cleanse. Doing a double cleanse allows for better exfoliating of the pores and allows for greater penetration of the products that I will put on following the face wash.  2. For my second cleanse I use the PCA Skin Pigment Bar – a wonderful cleanser with kojic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide to help brighten the skin. I LOVE PCA’s cleansing bars! I have several patients that swear by them. Wet the sponge that comes with the bar, lather it up in the jar, and apply to the face. Leave it on for about 5 minutes (you can apply with a Clarisonic brush instead of the sponge, for extra exfoliation). After that, rinse off the cleanser thoroughly.  3. After that, grab a cotton pad and apply PCA Nutrient Toner for further benefits to the skin with it’s enzymes and antioxidants packed in. In addition, with the pumpkin wine extract and cinnamon ingredients, it smells so yummy! Finish off the routine to seal in the benefits. 4. Then, I apply one of my favorite medical grade sheet masks, the Sesha Cell White Brightening Mask. This mask is formulated with alpha-arbutin, a powerful brightener, plus advanced peptides and antioxidants! Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Take off the sheet mask and pat any excess serum left from the mask into the skin.  5. Finally, I apply Epionce Enriched Firming Mask as my last step to lock in all the brightening ingredients from the previous steps and give a boost of hydration. I swear by this mask, as does just about everyone else at CCSD! It smells so fresh and lovely, feels great on the skin, and above all it leaves my skin feeling so soft and hydrated.  Leave the mask on to sleep in overnight (a thin layer so it dries nicely) and remove it the next morning. In conclusion, I loved how smooth and glowing my skin looked the next day! If you have the extra time in the evening for this at home skin care routine, I can’t recommend it enough to reveal a glowing complexion overnight!  

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An Esthetician’s point of view

From our Esthetics Coordinator and Licensed Esthetician, Meaghan – Dermalinfusion Microdermabrasion It’s that time of year! The season is changing and our skin is looking not as vibrant as our summer skin! The SilkPeel Microdermabrasion can help exfoliate, extract and infuse all at the same time. We customize your treatment to give you the glow that you want, targeting acne, pigmentation, hydration and overall health of your skin. We pick a diamond tip based upon your skin to help exfoliate the dead skin off to allow your products to penetrate and reveal a glow that will make your friends envious! The suction helps pull that dead skin up, as well as loosen up any dirt or debris that may be in our pores and infuses a solution for optimal penetration! You will walk out refreshed, smoother, and feeling so clean! Absolutely no down time with this treatment, you can wear makeup directly after and go about your normal routine!” Give our office a call at 312-245-9965 opt. 2 to schedule your esthetic treatment with Meaghan Dare, LE or one of our other expert licensed estheticians.

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An Esthetician’s Point of View by Angela Preski, LE

From our Licensed Esthetician, Angela – PCA Antioxidant treatment I am so excited for this month’s special – $25 OFF a custom Microdermabrasion with Dermalinfusion and an added PCA Skin Antioxidant Exfoliation treatment! The best of both worlds, this treatment begins with a Silkpeel Dermalinfusion Microdermabrasion which extracts all the dead skin and debris from your pores. A PCA Antioxidant Exfoliation is done next, to brighten and exfoliate your skin leaving your face  feeling crystal clear! I like to describe the PCA Antioxidant Exfoliation as a great way to boost the customized Microdermabrasion with a hint of a chemical peel; specifically a Sensi Peel mixed with PCA Skin’s Nutrient Toner. My patient’s love this treatment, which is perfect for people battling acne, light hyperpigmentation, or just wanting a more clear and even skin tone. It’s safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin! Call to schedule with me or one of our other Licensed Estheticians today at 312-245-9965 opt. 2!

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