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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Safe Skincare!

Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Safe Skincare At Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology we realize that pregnancy and breastfeeding are a vital time in yours and your child’s lives. So we want to make sure that you are still getting the best Pregnancy/Breastfeeding safe skincare possible during this time. Below you will find bundles and skincare lines that are great AND safe to use! Melasma (Pregnancy safe) Package Bundle – $438.30, Save $48.70 IS Clinical Cleansing Complex – AM 1 / PM 1 CCSD Correct Brightening Pads – AM 2 Revision C+ Correcting complex – AM 3 Revision Intellishade – AM 4 IS Clinical Active Serum – PM2 (follow with Moisturizer) Acne (Pregnancy safe) Package Bundle – $268.20, Save $29.80 IS Clinical Cleansing Complex – AM 1 / PM 2 Elta MD Clear Sunscreen – AM 2 IS Clinical Active Serum – PM 2 (follow with moisturizer) Epionce Spot Treatment – As Needed CCSD Azelaic Acid (RX) – As Directed  Anti-Aging (Pregnancy Safe) Package Bundle – $413.10, Save $45.90 IS Clinical Cleansing Complex – AM 1 / PM 1 Neocutis Journee – AM 2 IS Clinical Active Serum – PM 2 CCSD Revive Night Cream – PM 3 Not looking to get a full bundle? Check out these Pregnancy/Breastfeeding safe skincare products, sold at Chicago Skin Science! Shop in-store, online or through our CSS App, that you can download for free, on the App Store or Google Play Store.

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PCASkin Research Study Opportunity

Do you have facial hyperpigmentation or photoaging due to sun damage and UV exposure? We are conducting a PCA Peel research study, starting this month! You may be eligible to participate in the study if you meet the following criteria: Women, ages 35-60 No facial laser, microdermabrasion, or filler treatments in the last 3 months  No neuromodulators in the last 3 months Not pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during study (4 months) No actinic keratosis, vitiligo, active inflammatory lesions/dermatitis on the face No history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring No history of chemical peel sensitivity No excessive sun exposure or tanning in the last 30 days  The study will require 4 months of participation, with subjects receiving 3 PCA chemical peels, 4 weeks apart. Compensation available to participants that complete the study.  We are recruiting 30 subjects of all Fitzpatrick skin types, so if you qualify with the items above, please email [email protected] and our Research Department will reach out to you!

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Chicago Skin Science: What’s new?

Chicago Skin Science: What’s new? Our NEW Chicago Skin Science app is here! It’s available for download from both the Apple App Store and Google play store. We created this app to make it even easier for you to order your favorite CSS skin care and beauty products! However, don’t forget that your prescription refills would still need to be purchased by calling our office or at CCSD in-person. Download the app today!  Product Price Increase Alert Beginning February 1st, 2021 the following products will increase in price: Sente Bio Complete Serum | was $110 | now $118 CCSD Correct Brightening Pads | was $69 | $74 CCSD Purify BPO 10% Spot Gel | was $19.50 | now $21 CCSD Purify BPO 10% Wash | was $22.50 |now $24 CCSD Purify BPO 5% Wash | was $22 | now $23.50 CCSD Purify GlySal 10/2 Pads | was $31.50 |now $33.50 CCSD Purify GlySal 10/2 Spray | was $32 | now $34 CCSD Reverse Peel Pads |was $37.50 | now $38. 50 CCSD Revive Moisturizer |was $32 | now $35.50 CCSD Revive Night Cream | was $88 | now $94 CCSD Revive Warming Scrub | was $60 | now $63 CSS Protect Physical SPF 50 | was $44.50 | now $49 CSS Protect Powder SPF 30 | was $37 | now  $46

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Giving Tuesday: Because Self Care is Important

If you’re still searching for a way to give back this Giving Tuesday, don’t forget that until December 31st, 2020, all profits from the sales of our Epionce Firming Mask & Sesha sheet masks will be donated to Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness. CCSD continuously strives to give back and support non-profits in the Chicago area. One of our newest initiatives promotes self-care for skin as well as mental health. ⠀ We started our “Because Self-Care is Important” initiative to help support and uplift Sista Afya’s important mission of building sustainable mental wellness communities through affordable and culturally-centered community mental wellness care and education to Black women in the Chicagoland area. ⠀ You can help support this amazing organization by purchasing your self-care masks on our website at chicagoskinscience.com or by stopping by our store to purchase yours today!

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Product of the Week: Skinbetter Science AlphaRet

Our product of the week is Skinbetter Science AlphaRet, which combines alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a retinoid, providing visible skin rejuvenation with little-to-no irritation! This is a CCSD Provider and staff favorite. We’ve also had great testimonials from our patients with using AlphaRet! The most exciting being that our sensitive and dry skin patients can use it without irritation and dryness that they get from other tretinoin or retinol products! It has a nice creamy texture to it, making it a wonderful overnight cream. Benefits and Key Ingredients Combines two gold standard skin rejuvenation ingredients — a retinoid and lactic acid. This creates a revolutionary, double-conjugated retinoid that releases both the collagen invigorating retinoid and the skin retexturizing AHA, that are naturally time released into the skin to allow for optimum effectiveness. Provides moisture (with squalane niacinamide, ceramides, and fatty acids) to help counteract dryness associated with traditional retinoid-based products. Contains a potent blend of antioxidants (vit C, E, green tea extract) to help neutralize free radicals and help protect against collagen degradation. Improves the appearance of lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture. Great for all skin types, even sensitive to dry! A trilogy of skin soothing ingredients including allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid, bisabolol and portulaca extract provides a sensation of calmness. How to Use SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Apply a thin layer all over the face at night after cleansing and after any other serums you may use. Work up to daily use gradually to ensure you won’t experience any sensitivity. And remember to always wear sunscreen in the AM, especially when using any product with AHA or retinol in your routine as these ingredients may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. SkinBetter AlphaRet Results A significant reduction in the appearance of depth and size of wrinkles in as little as four weeks Improves the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture Skin irritation and redness is calmed after continued use Want to experience the benefits of AlphaRet Overnight Cream for yourself? Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology is an Authorized Physician Partner with SkinBetter Science, which allows us to sells their products in our Practice. Pick one up at your next appointment, or call our office at 312-245-9965 to purchase over the phone!  

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Product of the Week – Tria Age-Defying Laser

Tria Age-Defying Laser Our product of the week is a clinically proven way to visibly restore the natural luminosity to your face at-home! Key Factors Treats fine lines and wrinkles all over the face by sending targeted beams of light deep beneath the skin’s surface where collagen and elastin form, accelerating skin’s natural rejuvenation process. See younger-looking skin in as little as two weeks with the Tria Age-Defying Laser as you rebuild your collagen. FDA-cleared to be safe and effective for use on the entire face Great for all skin tones and skin types. Can be used in conjunction with in-office laser treatments  Benefits of Added Skinceutical Antioxidant System SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: A synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), and 0.5% ferulic acid neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects against. SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E: An antioxidant night concentrate with a maximized concentration of 1% pure, stable resveratrol, 0.5% baicalin, and 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) supports your skin’s natural antioxidant defenses. How To Use After cleansing, select a treatment level and slowly guide the Tria Age-Defying Laser across the treatment area with a smooth, even motion. The device will beep when your treatment is complete. Follow with SkinCeuticals skincare post-laser antioxidant regimen: C E Ferulic followed by Resveratrol B E. For detailed directions, please read the included Instructions for Use before treatment. Treat the desired area at nighttime, 5 days a week for 12 consecutive weeks. Resume treatment after 4 weeks. During this 4 week resting period continue to apply C E Ferulic in the morning and Resveratrol B E in the evening for long-lasting results. Do you want more youthful, radiant, and refreshed looking skin from home? Purchase your Tria Age-Defying Laser today!

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Product of the week – Tria Blue Light

Tria Acne Clearing Blue Light Our product of the week is this safe and effective way to clear skin of acne – using light, rather than relying on skincare or prescription medications. This device can also be used in addition to skincare products to help clear acne faster! Key Factors The Tria Blue Light is a small handheld device for everyday, easy at home use to clear acne and help prevent future breakouts! It’s professional-strength, dermatologist tested and FDA-cleared. Indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne, the Tria Blue Light is also appropriate for all skin types and all skin tones! Gentle enough for even sensitive skin, it’s also safe for pregnancy usage or allergy-prone skin that can’t use certain ingredients. The Tria Blue Light device also does not require cartridges (for holding a charge) like other light therapy devices! How It Works Blue Light energy penetrates deep below the skin’s surface to eliminate acne-causing bacteria. The emitted blue light is a safe, non-UV light and is also non-irritating. In a study by Tria, results were seen after 2 weeks with over 90% of users reporting fewer and milder breakouts and 70% of their blemishes were cleared. After 8 weeks, 100% of Tria Blue Light users reported an improved overall appearance, with 97% seeing clearer skin! Clears Skin From Within – The blue light gently infiltrates pores and eliminates acne-causing bacteria to get to the source of the problem. Reveals A Healthy Complexion – Use the device daily for skin that’s clear, healthy and glowing. Directions Wash your face with a cleanser of your choice (we love IS Clinical Cleansing Complex for acne patients) to remove oil, dirt, makeup and other impurities that may block the blue light. Dry your face. Glide the Tria Blue Light device over the area you want to treat for just 5 minutes daily. Treat your entire face or just concentrate on breakout-prone zones. Can also be used on the neck, chest and back! Watch Dr. Carolyn Jacob Talk About the Tria Blue Light Device Purchase Your Tria Blue Light in July and Get 15% OFF!

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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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The Best Moisturizers For Hands Dry From Coronavirus Handwashing

If you’ve been keeping up with the CDC’s recommendations for protecting yourself from the COVID-19 virus (we hope you are), you’re probably feeling the effects of washing your hands for 20 seconds several times a day. Here are some of the best products from Chicago Skin Science that will save your hands from the toll of constant cleaning. Our providers also suggest that you use warm, not hot, water to avoid stripping your skin barrier of even more of natural oils. Try to choose a soap that is moisturizing and fragrance free. Finish with one of the following moisturizers immediately after hand washing to lock in hydration! There’s very few skin issues that a little Aquaphor can’t handle! It’s an affordable option that’s perfect for on-the-go use. Aquaphor Healing Ointment – $12.96 Great for dry, cracked, irritated skin Helps restore smooth, healthy skin   Perfect for the whole family, Avene Xeracalm Balm restores dry hands that are prone to eczema. Avene Xeracalm Balm – $33 Ideal for redness, itchy, eczema prone skin Approved by the National Eczema Association Formulated without any preservatives, parabens or fragrances Suitable for infants, children and adults   Want to heal dry, cracked hands without the feeling of greasiness? This is the one for you! Avene Cicalfate Hand Cream – $25 Restores and brings relief to dry, cracked hands Lasts through up to 5 hand washings 91% noticed reduction of tightness, tingling, heat/burning sensations, itching 51% reduction of redness, roughness, thickened skin, blisters and cracks   This hand cream is a wallet AND hand saver enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream – $15 Helps repair, restore and protect rough, dry, and irritated hands Formulated with essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid Non-greasy cream that helps repair your skin’s natural skin barrier while protecting from the harmful irritants and allergens that your hands encounter every day   Go beyond just moisturizing with Elta’s hand créme by also brightening skin tone and protecting against pollution! EltaMD So Silky Hand Créme – $19 Clinically proven to moisturize dry, flaky skin up to 12 hours Helps maintain moisture, even after hand washing Protects against urban pollution Brightens the appearance of skin tone Has “quick dry” ingredients that doesn’t leave an oily or sticky residue

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Product of the Week: Skinbetter Science Interfuse Treatment Cream

Skinbetter Science Daily Interfuse Treatment Cream for face (and neck!) This is for the patient wanting to correct or prevent deep wrinkles and sagging skin. Also beneficial for anyone who needs help with background redness on the skin. Key Factors & Key Ingredients Collagen boosting serum – Improves the appearance of skin sagging, lines, and wrinkles. Firms the feel of the skin for a more lifted and contoured appearance. Uses proprietary delivery technology that drives a unique messenger peptide blend to help bring the look of firmness back to the skin. A blend of messenger peptides targets the nourishment of five types of collagen, all critical to skin density. Helps reduce redness – Offers an immediate smoothing effect from a neuro-calming peptide. Provides a breathable layer of moisture, through an exclusive blend of hydrating ingredients, to help give the skin a radiant glow. Can also be used on the neck for improved resiliency of the skin. Directions This is a daily cream that can be used morning and night. Use after cleansing, after any other serums you may use, and before your daily/nightly moisturizer, although some skin types (the oilier types) may find it hydrating enough to use as their moisturizer. Use AM/PM. Safe for all skin types and during pregnancy or nursing.

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Product of the Week: Neocutis Bio Serum Firm

Neocutis Bio Serum Firm Combines the two Neocutis technology powerhouses: rejuvenating growth factors and proprietary peptide treatment with results in less than a week. That means, for those of you familiar with the previous Bio Serum (without the “firm”), this is a different product with different fabulous ingredients. Key Factors & Key Ingredients Growth factors rejuvenate the skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles AND redefine the look of facial contours. Peptides restore by improving texture, tone, elasticity, and firmness AND support collagen and elastin production. Acetyl Glucosamine brightens skin tone and gently exfoliates. Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin boosts hydration. Pullulan aids in skin tightening and improving elasticity. Glutamine supports collagen production. Good for all skin types and pregnancy safe! While everyone can benefit from this, this is a good one to recommend to a patient with deep wrinkles and sagging skin concerns.  Directions Cleanse face, apply Bio Serum Firm, then follow up with any other moisturizers or creams, then SPF! Use this product AM & PM for best results.

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Product of the Week: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex This clear, lightweight cleansing gel is powerful, yet gentle enough for hypersensitive skin. Excellent for all skin types and all ages!   Key Factors & Key Ingredients Deep-cleanses skin and pores without drying and stripping the skin of its essential natural oils, excellent for blemish-prone skin, yet safe for sensitive skin! Smooths and softens the skin and gives the appearance of smaller pores. Includes:  Chamomile Flower Extract, a highly active antioxidant, which helps protect against the visual effects of photo-damage while providing calming properties. Centella Asiatica, a powerful antioxidant, with nourishing properties that help diminish the appearance of premature aging. Sugar Cane Extract, gently exfoliates the skin for a renewed complexion. White Willow Bark Extract, exfoliates the skin and deep-cleanses pores. Directions Use AM & PM. Apply gel to face, mix with water, cleanse, remove and carry on with the rest of your routine!

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