Category: Skin Care Tips

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The Best CSS Skincare For The Summer

Summertime in Chicago means long beach days, weekend trips and relaxing with friends and family at the park. (plus so much more!!) Here are some of our very own Chicago Skin Science products we carry that are perfect for the hot summer days ahead. Whether it’s clogged pores, hyperpigmentation or just sun protection, here are just SOME of the best CSS skincare products for the Summer: First and Foremost – SUNSCREEN! EltaMD Clear SPF 46: A CCSD Staff and Patient favorite!! Formulated with high-purity Niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, discoloration, and photo-damaged Skin. Available in Tinted or non-tinted and great for acne-prone skin! EltaMD Daily SPF 40: A sheer SPF with lightweight moisturizers, formulated with hyaluronic acid. Available in Tinted or non-tinted! EltaMD Elements SPF 44: A chemical-free tinted sunscreen, purely physical with a universal tint – one of Dr. Rachel Pritzker’s favorite SPF’s! Congested Skin Be Gone! Cleansers For All Skin Revision Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser: Just one bottle is a 3-month supply! This soap and sulfate free formula also contains unique amino acids that provides a comfortable clean feeling to even the most irritated and dry skin. Because let’s face it, your skin can also get dehydrated too with this sun! EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser: This PH balancing foaming cleanser contains bromelain enzymes to gently exfoliate but not overly strip the skin. Perfect for those wanting a clean feeling without compromising the skin’s moisture barrier. Also available in a travel size perfect for weekend getaways! Get Your Tone On This Summer! Revision Exfoliating Facial Rinse: This bad boy should definitely last the whole summer because it’s a professional-size of 16 fl. oz.! If you’re prone to acne or blocked comedones, this is the toner for you. Containing witch hazel astringent, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, your summer forecast is looking clear! PCA Skin Nutrient Toner: Need a gentler toner that’s still exfoliating AND smells like a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte? Then this toner is for you! Boost your natural brightness with this toner pumpkin wine enzymes. Hydrate Without Feeling Greasy Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream: This gentle moisturizer will restore the skin barrier while not feeling too greasy on the skin. It contains D-Sensinose postbiotic derived from Avène’s famous Thermal Spring Water to help hydrate and keep any skin type feeling comfortable. CSS Revive Moisturize: Don’t forget we carry our very own lightweight day cream! This affordable cream contains hero ingredients like moisturizing ceramides and Vitamins A,C,E to fight free radicals. Summertime Antioxidants Are A Must! Skinbetter Alto Advanced: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Vitamin C serum! Alto Advanced is a super-potent antioxidant serum that helps shield the skin against the effects of internal and external free radicals. Vitamins C and E, plus 17 additional antioxidants brings a new level of comprehensive defense. Avene A-Oxitive Water Cream: This elegant antioxidant only costs $42 and contains 1.8% ascorbyl glucoside (derivative of Vitamin C) which supports collagen and brightening. It also has Vitamin E for free radical defense, HA hydration, and mother of pearl  luminescence. Roll Back The Clock All Summer Long Neocutis Biogel Firm: We LOVE LOVE LOVE this PSP (processed skincare proteins) powered hydrogel! It’s super lightweight and is great for oily skin. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate and tighten all in one product! Neocutis Journee Firm: Dr. Carolyn Jacob‘s holygrail skincare product! This one-and-done anti-aging product contains PSP technology, protecting antioxidants AND an SPF of 30! Just use in the AM and you’re ready to go!

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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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Skincare Resolutions For The New Year

Let’s be honest, when most people think of New Year’s resolutions, the first thing that comes to mind is going to the gym more, cutting back on certain foods/drinks or learning a new hobby. But have you ever thought about having a SKINCARE resolution? Taking care of yourself can look different to many people, but taking care of the largest organ of your body is extremely important! Here are a few ways to have a great skinvestment throughout the New Year: Wear your SPF *DAILY* even on those cloudy, gloomy days! Some great options for SPF for you and the whole family are: EltaMd Pure SPF 47: Great for the whole family, starting at 6 months+ Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30: Vegan / Non-GMO / Gluten-Free / Paraben-Free & Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104 Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 50: Great for reapplication, for children & adults Neocutis Journee: The all in one SPF 30 to help rejuvenate, hydrate, protect, nourish and revitalize skin’s appearance Drink your water! Keeping yourself hydrated helps ALL of your organs, ESPECIALLY the largest one – your skin! Wash your face *DAILY* – It cleanses your skin of all your makeup, oil, and daytime pollutions. Check out some of these cleansers our Providers recommend to their patients: CCSD Purify AHA 5% Wash – check out our blog for more info & key ingredients iS Clinical Cleanser – comes in two sizes! CeraVe Cleanser EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser – also available in a Travel Size! Epionce Milky Lotion Cleanser Get a good night’s sleep – you may be thinking “yeah, sure” but it’s the truth! Resting your mind and body have beneficial effects, like de-stressing, which in turn helps you wake up with clearer skin. Treat yourself to a self care day – It’s not selfish or “too much”, it’s needed! You can schedule a CCSD Signature, Luxe or Revitalize treatment with any one of our Licensed Estheticians – Angie, Angela P., or Nicki! Looking to deep dive into your SKINCARE Resolution, but don’t know where to start? Give us a call at 312-245-9965 option 2 and we can help get you started on the right path!

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What’s up with the recent headlines these days about celebrities not showering?

Sure, the pandemic has been hard on all of our daily beauty routines! But are there any hygiene risks with skipping the shower? We revisit a previous USA Today article with Dr. Carolyn Jacob back in 2017 explaining some of the repercussions of not showering for long periods of time! You’d develop an odor “Oily parts of your body would collect dirt & pollutants” -Dr. Jacob Higher risk of infection Your “hair becomes heavy with oil secreted from the scalp and the collected dirt and pollutants that stick to it” -Dr. Jacob “As bacteria builds on your skin, it risks inflaming hair follicles, causing pimples.” Dr. Jacob Your groin can develop “intertrigo, a yeast and inflammation combination that goes from itchy and red to burning and painful” -Dr. Jacob “Dead skin would build up between your toes and become crusty.” -Dr. Jacob   How often should I shower? So what’s the deal? How often do we ACTUALLY have to shower? Although some of the above cases are after extended periods of time, it’s recommended to shower every other day. However, this might not be the case for people who exercise frequently or work physically active jobs. If you work outside in the heat, are a line cook or moving shipments all day for example, you would be more prone to sweat and require daily showers. But if you work an indoor desk job with minimal movement throughout the day, then showering every other day should be fine for you. For you regular shower takers out there, try some of these tips from our providers to help keep your skin healthy regardless of how often you’re sudsing up. Keep showers under 15 minutes Do not shower in extremely hot water Pick products that don’t have harsh fragrances or perfumes – like the Elta Foaming Cleanser or the Revita Shampoo and Conditioner Pat dry after getting out the shower Moisturize immediately after drying to seal in moisture Be sure to consult your CCSD Board-Certified Dermatologist or Certified Physician Assistant on any skin issues you may have. Call our office at 312-245-9965 option 2, to schedule your appointment or book online. Check out the full USA TODAY article here.

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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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Product of the Week: PCA Rebalance Mositurizer

A favorite among oily or acne prone skin or anyone wanting a lightweight and fluffy moisturizer!    PCA Rebalance A nourishing, light moisturizer that hydrates, calms and soothes normal to oily to sensitive skin.    Key Ingredients & Key Factors Feather-light, whipped texture. Good for normal to combo or oily skin.  Hydrating formula helps keep skin calm and balanced – Borage seed oil & Evening primrose oil – calms the skin Antioxidant protection with Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant that strengthens & protects the skin Niacinamide – hydrates the skin This moisturizer has a wonderful balance to it, not too light and not too heavy. It feels great! A nice alternative to Skin Recovery Cream for anyone wanting a different texture.    Directions After cleansing your face, follow up with any serums, then finish with PCA Rebalance moisturizer. Use morning and night. When using in the morning follow up with your favorite SPF and you are all set!

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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK & Product Announcement: Sesha Masks

These are now BUY 3 GET ONE FREE! Buy any variety of the three Sesha masks we carry and get one for free! A $10 value!   Sesha Cell-White Brightening Mask This mask combines peptides, antioxidants, and powerful lightening ingredients to brighten skin color while cucumber extracts soothe, hydrate and tone the skin. Key Factors & Key Ingredients -Lightens and brightens skin with a plethora of skin lightening ingredients such as alpha-arbutin. (Studies show that alpha-arbutin decreases melanin production by 70% compared to kojic acid.) -Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles -Calms the skin’s surface with botanical extracts -Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin -Includes Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Seaweed Extract, Hexapeptide-2, White Tea Extract, Mulberry of Japan Extract, Cucumber Extract, Alpha-Arbutin Directions 1. Remove pre-cut mask from envelope and place over clean face with moist side of mask facing downward. 2. Smooth mask over face starting with the nose area, then peel off plastic backing. 3. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. 4. Remove mask and gently wipe off remaining residue (no need to rinse). Okay to use on a weekly basis, typically 1-3 times a week. (This one is a staff favorite for several CCSD members ?) Sesha Botanical Hydro Mask Soaked in botanical extracts such as cucumber, aloe, and hyaluronic acid, this hydrating mask moisturizes and purifies the skin. Hydration and calming results are immediate. Key Factors & Key Ingredients -Soothes and calms the skin’s surface -Deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin -Includes Cucumber Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Witch Hazel Extract, Green Tea Extract, Calendula Extract, Rosemary Leaf Directions 1. Remove pre-cut mask from envelope and place over clean face with moist side of mask facing downward. 2. Smooth mask over face starting with the nose area, then peel off plastic backing. 3. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. 4. Remove mask and gently wipe off remaining residue (no need to rinse). Okay to use on a weekly basis, typically 1-3 times a week. Sesha Calming Mask This calming mask is a natural polysaccharide seaweed extract. An excellent soothing and refreshing mask that combines antioxidant and natural botanical extracts to hydrate and tone the skin. Key Factors & Key Ingredients Soothes and calms the skin’s surface Deeply hydrates and tones the skin Includes Cucumber Extract, Green Tea Extract, Chamomile Extract Directions 1. Remove pre-cut mask from envelope and peel plastic layers. 2. Place mask over clean face. 3. Smooth mask over face starting with the nose area. 4. Leave on for 15-30 minutes. 5. Remove mask and gently massage or wipe off remaining residue (no need to rinse). Okay to use on a weekly basis, typically 1-3 times a week. Try keeping it in the fridge for an extra calming element to the experience. Great after certain treatments here at CCSD! Since these masks are corrective, hydrating, soothing masks and not exfoliating masks it is easy and safe to fit them into your normal routine! ***You can even use these after doing an at-home exfoliation, such as if you use the CCSD Warming Scrub, after rinsing it off, try applying one of these sheet masks as your next step. Or if you use the Revision Black Mask at home, rinse it off, and apply one of these masks, it will make for a great combo allowing the ingredients from the sheet masks to go even deeper!

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National Healthy Skin Month

With the changing seasons, our providers wanted to give our patients their top skin care tips to keep your skin healthy all year long! Wear sunscreen: Sun protection should be applied during any season, even on gray and gloomy days. Dr. Rachel Pritzker loves EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44, which is gentle for even the most sensitive skin types. The chemical-free sunscreen provides safe but sure sun protection. The mineral-based UV filters work with hydrating hyaluronic acid to protect and hydrate the skin. Protect dry lips: Our Physician Assistant duo, Whitney and Brittany, recommend you carry a product like Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm with cortisone for extremely chapped lips (applied twice per day) or the Avène Cicalfate Lip Balm for moisture. Apply generously to ensure lips remain protected and plump. Moisturize: Your skin needs to stay hydrated to be healthy. You may even need to upgrade to something a little more rich and emollient to survive the colder temperatures. Dr. Lauren Fine suggests the Avène Skin Recovery Cream for face and Avène Xeracalm Balm for body. If using a moisturizer doesn’t quite quench the thirst prep, Dr. Carolyn Jacob suggests prepping the skin with Revision Hydrating Serum first. Check moles head-to-toe: Our CCSD providers recommend having your skin examined annually. Call us at 312-245-9965 opt. 2 and ask for a Full Body Skin Examination. At home you can check your skin for any new moles, growths or signs of irritation. If anything changes or something new appears – we need to know about it!

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Product Spotlight by Angela Preski, LE

We are highlighting the newest addition to our antioxidant serums – Skinbetter Science Alto Defense Serum! Why do we love this product at CCSD? It has a super light, silky texture. This antioxidant serum offers daily protection from free radicals and improvement of the appearance of uneven tone and redness. Key Factors & Key Ingredients Combines Vitamin C ( Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate* ) and Vitamin E ( Tocopherol ) PLUS 17 additional antioxidant ingredients designed to provide a new level of comprehensive and dynamic defense against free radicals. Enhances vitality and improvement in skin tone and luminosity. Reduces the appearance of background redness and dark spots and uneven tone. Loaded with brightening and calming botanical extracts to keep skin bright and hydrated. Includes Licorice Root and Turmeric Root Extract, Olive and Grape Seed Extract, and more!! Winner of 2017 Allure Beauty Expert Award! Directions – This product can be used AM and PM. Use after cleansing with your favorite face wash. One pump applied all over face.

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Winter Skin tips from our Providers

Keep your skin looking hydrated and vibrant, even through the winter months! So many of our MDs, PAs & Aestheticians have favorite products to keep their own skin looking great during the winter months and we hope you will love them too. Dr. Jacob’s top product for a mom on the go is Neocutis Journee because it has multiple benefits all in one pump: anti-aging human growth factors, SPF 30, antioxidants and a moisturizer! Dr. Pritzker’s favorite product, that she’s raves about to her patients, is Avene Skin Recovery Cream. It’s great for sensitive skin, helps reduce redness and irritation and protects the skin’s moisture barrier. Follow us on social media to see all our other staff product picks that help with dry, irritated winter skin!

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