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Sunscreen: Apply, apply and reapply!

Being fanatical about skin health, we reinforce the importance of reapplying sunscreen regularly. For prevention and protection, your SPF needs to be applied everyday, rain or shine! Luckily for our patients we stock a variety from clear, tinted, lotion, powdered and anti-aging there is a sunscreen for everyone. Top tip from the CCSD team is to apply with your favorite cream or lotion based sunscreen and reapply with the Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF50 brush. This handy portable, purse-sized powder comes in three shades and is the perfect solution for reapplication on the go that doesn’t ruin your makeup! Stop by the office for free sunscreen recommendations, perfect for your skin type and preference today!

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NEW! Skinceuticals Tria Age Defying Laser

This at-home device partners the Tria Age-Defying Laser with state-of-the-art antioxidants for improvement in the visible signs of aging. A quick once-a-day treatment works to reduce fine lines, pigmentation and restore luminosity to the skin.  It can be used in conjunction with laser resurfacing treatments with your Physician or as at home maintenance. This awesome kit also comes included with a post-treatment antioxidant regimen, containing Skinceuticals C E Ferulic® and Resveratrol B E®. This duo is proven to replenish post-laser skin and improve visible signs of aging by protecting against free radical damage and supporting natural skin repair. In office now, the SkinCeuticals Tria Age-Defying Laser + Antioxidant System is sold for $695 and saves you a massive $180 on items bought separately.

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TOP 4 for July 4th – Skin Care Tips

Holiday weekends give us all the chance to get some much needed R&R and spend time outdoors with friends and family. Here are our Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology top tips to staying safe in the sun this July 4th. 1. Wear sunscreen! Whether it is cloudy or sunny, be sure to apply sunscreen throughout the day especially if you are attending an outdoor event or barbecue. We recommend application with any EltaMD sunscreen product, and reapplication with the Colorescience Sunforgettables brush. Stay sun safe out there! 2. Wash your face before bed! Throughout the day smoke, cooking oils and dirt particles may collect on your skin causing irritation, possibly even an acne breakout. Resist the temptation to hit the hay before cleansing your skin. We recommend rinsing with the iSClinical Cleansing Complex before bed, suitable for all skin types. 3. Don’t bug out! If you’re hiking or camping use a tick and bug repellent with up to 30% DEET. While very effective, DEET should not be used on very young children. Products with citronella and lemon-eucalyptus oil can also be effective at deterring bugs. Check yourself (and your pets) for ticks at the end of each day. 4. Stay hydrated inside and out! Drink lots of water and spritz skin surfaces regularly with the Avene Thermal Spring Water to remain cool and refreshed. A naturally soothing source for sensitive skin since 1743, Avène Thermal Spring Water is clinically shown to calm, soothe and soften the skin. Ideal for red, sensitive or irritated skin and perfect for post-workout, travel, outdoor activities or to freshen up makeup.  

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Dermaplaning with a PCA Peel

A staff favorite! Why limit yourself to one, when you can have both?  This effective treatment combines two champions of esthetic skin care, the Silkpeel microdermabrasion with a PCA chemical peel. Our experienced esthetician will tailor each treatment for your skin type blending both physical and chemical exfoliation to smooth and brighten your complexion for a photo-ready finish. This is the perfect treatment if you have a summer wedding or event to attend or if you are looking to revive your complexion.  For the month of June save 10% on a single treatment (regular price $150) and 15% on a package of 3 (regular price $400).

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Summer Skin Hero Product: Antioxidants

When it comes to anti-aging ingredients, research is clear: Antioxidants reign supreme. Not only do antioxidants combat the free-radical damage responsible for visible (and hidden) signs of aging but they also enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen in preventing sun damage. During the day, a combination of antioxidant with sun protection is a strong defense against the many signs of aging, including wrinkles, dullness, and discoloration. At night, dosing your skin with an antioxidant will promote cellular repair and healing. Ask our staff about the best option for your skin. Revision Vitamin C Lotion 30% – $109 Skinceuticals CE Ferulic – $162 Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Serum & Gel – $162  

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Give the Gift of Great Skin this Valentine’s Day

Want your loved one to feel the glow this Valentine’s Day? Maybe you want to give a little (well deserved) love back to yourself? Be it our ever popular $99 microdermabrasion treatments or a complete body consultation with Dr. Niki Christopoulos, a Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology Gift Certificate gives you the freedom to invest in yourself, or your special someone. Not sure what skin treatment or service to try? Speak with our highly trained Patient Entry team to coordinate a cosmetic consultation with an appropriate provider. We also offer complimentary Reveal Skin Analysis with Julie, our Esthetician, so we can evaluate the right care plan for you! Call today to make someone feel special. 

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Microdermabrasion + PCA Peel

Twice as Nice: Microdermabrasion + PCA Peel Why limit yourself to one treatment when you can have both?  A favorite among our staff, this effective treatment combines two of the leaders in esthetic skin care, SilkPeel Microdermabrasion with a one-layer PCA Skin chemical peel. Our experienced esthetician, Julie Hamilton tailors each treatment to your needs using physical and chemical exfoliation to buff and slough away dead skin cells and brighten your complexion. SPECIAL PRICE At only $5 more than a regular Microdermabrasion for a limited time, you can revive your dry, dull Winter skin.  Book your appointment today and receive the Special Price of $155 (regular price $175). Go ahead, treat yourself!

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Christmas Gift Ideas and ‘Skinspiration’ at CCSD

Look no further than our CCSD skin care store for Christmas Gift inspiration! The Neocutis Skincare Kit is the perfect introduction to anti-aging products. Containing some Practice favorites, the Neocutis Biocream, Journee and Hyalis comes complete with a free travel bag all for only $99! For a real treat, invest in the Clarisonic Smart Profile, an ultrasonic cleansing device for face and body with four speed settings, cleaning your skin 11 times better than hands alone for superior results. For the month of December we are including a free Clarisonic Pedi replenishment kit with every purchase, while supplies last. Our PCA Pigment, Blemish and Dry Skin Bars make perfect stocking stuffers for all skin types. Use the bar after washing with your favorite cleanser as a mini-treatment mask for optimum benefit. Last but not least, we recommend the Colorscience Corrector Palette, a mineral based kit for hiding blemishes and suitable for any skin type. If you are seeking advice for a gift purchase, don’t hesitate to ask our staff for tips and seasonal ‘skinspiration’.

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Dry Skin Rescue Remedies

Our skin becomes susceptible to dryness during the winter months with the combination of freezing cold temperatures and forced air heat. Areas such as the hands, lower legs and lips are often most prone to the ravages of winter because they produce less natural oil. Our dermis provides an armor against the elements and must remain nourished to protect us. When selecting a moisturizer, choose one that is both non-irritating and hydrating. With a unique anti-itch ingredient and sterile delivery system, we recommend the Avène Xeracalm for repairing irritated and dried-out skin to face and body. To soothe and soften dry, cracked lips Avène Cold Cream Lip Balm and Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm are office favorites. Avène Skin Recovery Cream and SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream are rich, emollient facial moisturizers suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Not forgetting our very own CCSD Revive Night Cream containing peptides for added anti-aging benefit. Please remember, if over-the-counter options are not meeting your needs, please seek the advice of one of our CCSD providers. Certain skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema may require prescription topicals to prevent flares. Call the office today at 312-245-9965 if you would like to discuss your dry skin further!

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A Drink of Water For Your Skin: Hyalis

Ever feel that your moisturizer isn’t giving you enough hydration? Has your skin ever felt dry even though you have just applied a moisturizer? If you have answered yes to either of these questions then I recommend you give Hyalis a try. When you apply this fabulous serum underneath your current moisturizer it will deliver immediate moisture for youthful, radiant looking skin. It’s a must have product if you travel on a regular basis and your skin suffers from constant dryness. If you’re just starting off on topical retinoid such Retin-A, it offers instant relief with surface dryness and redness. This is often a common side effect when just starting off on topical prescriptions creams. My personal experience with Hyalis is that it gives my skin that glow and dewy, hydrated appearance. My skin definitely can’t survive the cold, dry winter months without Hyalis because it helps significantly with my surface dryness and skin sensitivity. It especially helps with allowing my night time moisturizer to penetrate deeper into my skin leaving it plump as well as hydrated. Some fun facts about Sodium Hyaluronate, which is the main component of Hyalis, is that is has water retaining properties that creates a sponge like effect, absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight for optimal skin hydration. This wonderful molecule will literally draw in your moisturizer deep into your skin to offer instant relief and intense hydration. It will smooth and plump skin with the highest concentration of pure, pharmaceutical grade Hyaluronate for maximum tolerability and efficacy. Tip…great for under the eyes! Soothes stressed skin during the dry winter months and following any cosmetic procedure and helps to speed the recovery process. Minimizes the signs of skin aging and helps restore radiance. Use AM and PM and you’ll see immediate results that you’ll love. Price $55 Julie Blecker is a licensed medical aesthetician who has worked in aesthetics for over 12 years. She performs a variety of aesthetic procedures including microdermabrasion, chemical peels and deep pore cleanse. She has a passion for aesthetics and making her patients feel great in their own skin.

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FDA Sunscreen Regulations and Sun Safety

Top 5 Myths About Sunscreens: They completely block out UVA and UVB rays. They are waterproof. They provide “all day” protection. SPF 100 is 4 times SPF 25. Sunscreen prevents you from producing Vitamin D. The FDA has recently created new sunscreen regulations to clarify the confusion with SPFs, labeling, and sun protection. Currently, a sunscreen can claim that it is “broad spectrum” for both UVA ( the aging, deeper penetrating rays) and UVB (the burning rays) without having an appropriately protective UVA ingredient. Now the government will require the sunscreen manufacturers to use a strong enough UVA ingredient if they claim “broad spectrum protection”. What does this mean for you? An easier time determining what sunscreen is best for you. What do we recommend? We prefer a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and for many patients, one containing zinc oxide. Even these sunscreens are not water proof, they are water resistant. All sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours while out in the sun. The SPF ratings refer to UVB protection only, and the numbers are not linear. Even while you wear sunscreen, you are still getting some sun exposure and will still have Vitamin D production. However, we do recommend Vitamin D supplementation from foods or pharmaceutical grade supplements such as AmeriSciences Osteo. If you haven’t had a yearly skin exam, now is the time to visit us to find out your risks of developing skin cancer. Call us at 312-245-9965, and make your appointment today!

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Top Ways to Manage Men’s Skin

We all know that women and men can be very different. But did you know that there is a difference in their skin? Men tend to have thicker, oilier skin (thanks to testosterone!), which can withstand stronger acne medications and anti-aging products. Men also tend to have more collagen to give their skin fewer fine lines, but often more deep lines on the forehead or frown area. What should men be doing to keep their skin in top shape? Wash your face twice a day. We know you don’t usually wear makeup, but you still need to cleanse excess oils and dirt from the skin, especially if you work out. A gentle cleanser that helps fight breakouts as well as deep cleans the skin is IS Clinical Cleanser. It contains potent anti-oxidants, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to improve pores and refine the skin. Use Sunscreen EVERY DAY. UVA rays from the sun come through window glass and clouds and can cause damage when you least expect it. Men need to protect their skin daily with a moisturizer containing sunscreen. Several are available such as Elta Daily Lotion SPF40, and we dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. Add moisture to your body wash. Most guys use macho smelling bar soaps to cleanse the skin, but a lot of these can de-grease the skin, leaving it dry and dull, especially in the winter months. Since men are not the greatest about using moisturizers after the shower, it’s simpler to use a moisturizing body wash. Dry skin lacks something known as “Natural Moisturizing Factor”. One of the ingredients of NMF is Ceramides. These are now added to many body washes such as CeraVe cleanser, to make moisturizing easy. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection when outdoors. This will help prevent squinting which leads to wrinkles around the eyes and between the brows. It also helps protect that portion of skin from sun damage.

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