Category: Skin Care Tips

Our Blog

New Skin, Fresh Start

Here at CCSD, we want you to feel great in your own skin! We have an expert team of MD’s, PA’s & Aestheticians who can keep you looking and feeling your best, even in the harshest of winter months! Book with our Aestheticians Meaghan, Lizz or Angela for a complimentary Reveal Skin Analysis to get a jump start on your skin care regimen. Begin your year with peace of mind by scheduling yourself a full body mole check with our certified Physician Assistants Whitney or Brittany. For the complete cosmetic treatment, our fellowship trained board-certified physicians are here to banish wrinkles, volume loss and sun damage! Make your appointment with Dr. Lauren Fine, Dr. Omer Ibrahim, Dr. Rachel Pritzker or Dr. Carolyn Jacob today and rest easy that 2019 can be your best year yet!

Read More

Back to School Skin

Your trusty CCSD Dermatologist is the best person to help manage any back to school skin issues. Acne breakouts, dry skin, rashes, warts and molloscum contagiosum can be common occurrences during the school semester, all of which are simple to treat with the right medical care and skin regimen. With hours running from 8am to 6:30pm, and two Saturday clinics per month, we have plenty of before and after school availability. We also offer online remote dermatology appointment via our OnlineMD website, which means even if you are going away to college you can still receive medical care from your CCSD provider, or be seen remotely if you are experiencing a flare. Look no further than the CCSD Online Skin Store for any product refills – we ship across the USA and shipping is waived for all purchases over $100. Convenience has never been so easy!

Read More

It’s here – the lazy guide to perfect summer skin!

AM & PM / Cleansing: Daily sun often causes our skin to suffer from build-up of sweat, sunscreen residue, oil and city grime. Under these circumstances, be sure to rinse your face morning and night to avoid acne. There is nothing wrong with using a cleansing wipe (it’s better than doing nothing) but remember they are often filled with chemicals that shouldn’t remain on your face! We recommend using the EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser as it is gentle enough to be used night and day, a great deal at $25. AM / Antioxidants are your friend: If you still feel that your summer glow hasn’t quite emerged, or that your sunscreen alone isn’t quite cutting it in the protection stakes, give your skin a boost of Vitamin C. Antioxidants are packed with anti-aging benefit, giving you brighter, healthier looking skin all summer long. We recommend Skinceuticals C E Ferulic or Skinceuticals Phloretin CF, which are both light serums perfect for hot days where you don’t want to smother too many products on your face. This month CCSD has 15% off any sunscreen and antioxidant combo when purchased together in the same transaction. AM / Sunscreen: A simple tip for the summer months is to use a moisturiser with at least SPF30 (and reapplying throughout the day). This way you can be one-and-done, without multiple steps or overloading your skin with goopy creams. Dr. Jacob loves the Neocutis Journee Bio_restorative Day Cream for it’s anti-aging collagen growth factors. Dr. Pritzker frequently recommends the EltaMD UV Elements SPF44 Tinted which contains hydrators and is perfect for sensitive skin. Dr. Ibrahim’s vote goes to the new Revision Intellishade TruPhysical SPF44, a 5-in-1 anti-aging moisturizer that works to correct, protect, conceal and brighten. All available in store now! PM / Fitting in facemasks: If you’re a lazy beauty or beau, face masks may just be your saviour.  To restore glow we recommend the Sesha Cell-White Brightening Mask to lighten and brighten, smooth fine lines, calm and hydrate skin. The Revision Black Mask is a popular silt-based product providing a deep cleanse, ridding the skin of impurities and excess sebum. Our brand new CCSD Reverse Peel Pads 15% are convenient and easy to use as they gently exfoliate, maintain cell turnover and assist in the removal of oil and residue on the skin. Although masks are soaring in popularity right now, whatever you do, please remember the internet is not your Dermatologist! Some of the ingredients in these products are not to be taken lightly. Watch HERE to see our very own Dr. Lauren Fine talk about a real life patient experience on Fox32 News.

Read More

Join the Sunscreen Scene

Sunscreen helps to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use sunscreen offering Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), an SPF 30 or higher and with water resistance. When dealing with reapplic­ation, the FDA requirement for label directions is to reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. However, everyone should be aware that redness is not a sign to reapply sunscreen, but rather to to get out of the sun. If the skin is red at the time of reapplying, this is a sign your skin is already burning. In addition to wearing sunscreen, dermatologists recommend taking the following steps to protect your skin and find skin cancer early: – Seek shade – One shot glass amount (1oz) of sunscreen will cover your entire body – Wear protective clothing – Use extra caution near water, snow and sand – Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet – Avoid tanning beds – Check your birthday suit on your birthday with a board-certified CCSD provider!  

Read More

Skincare BFF’s = Antioxidant + SPF

Guys, we’ve told you before and we’ll tell you again: Sunscreen alone is not enough to keep sun damage away. Before you have a freckle freakout and cry into your EltaMD, we have the solution! In honor of our awesome monthly special we wanted to spread the love about these two skincare BFF’s: antioxidants and sunscreens. So why do they work so well together?  There is significant research to show that antioxidants help prevent free radical damage that causes unhealthy or mutant cells. Sunscreen is still important because it prevents those molecules from getting to your cells in the first place. In short, adding a layer of an antioxidant serum or lotion under your sunscreen can add an extra line of defense for your skin and reduce photo-aging effects of the sun. Protect, apply and reapply! Here are our favorite combos: For: Acne or Combination Skin SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum + EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF46 Why it works: The SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is oil free, containing 2% Phloretin, an ingredient that helps improve cell turnover, and improves the appearance of discoloration. EltaMD UV Clear SPF46 contains niacinamide which can help to calm the angry redness we often see with acne papules. Both have nice light formulations! For: Dry or Mature Skin SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum + EltaMD UV Daily SPF40 Why it works: The skinceuticals C E Ferulic contains 1% Alpha Tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, helping to neutralize free radical damage and replenish skin lipids. The EltaMD UV Daily (which comes in a tinted and non-tinted option) contains hyaluronic acid, the drink-for-your-skin water molecule to help keep skin hydrated. For: Men SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel + EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF50 Why it works: The comforting light gel texture is ideal for normal, oily and combination skin. It is proven to be well tolerated by men, particularly post-shaving. The EltaMD UV Sport SPF50 is ideal for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers or those who just love to be outdoors. UV Sport is water-resistant so it won’t rinse off in water or drip into your eyes and sting when you sweat. For: One & Done Neocutis Journee Bio-restorative Day Cream SPF30 + Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF50 Why it works: Neocutis Journee is a multifunctional anti-aging cream containing a potent blend of collagen growth factors, hyaluronic acid, powerful anti-oxidants and a broad-spectrum SPF30 to help rejuvenate, hydrate, protect, nourish and revitalize the skin in just one application! Of course sunscreen requires re-application every two hours, so we recommend topping up with the Sunforgettable SPF50 mineral sunscreen brush, which feels weightless and fits easily into your purse or bag. It is perfect for on-the-go protection and skips the mess of traditional liquid sunscreens. No spills and non-greasy.

Read More

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!

Read More

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.  

Read More

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  

Read More

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!

Read More

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.

Read More

Holiday Proofing Your Skin

The holidays are around the corner, and we at CCSD want to make sure your skin stays clear and glowing. To help prevent breakouts and blotchiness, follow these 5 simple rules: Drink plenty of water – multiple holiday parties means late nights and cocktails. Both can wreak havoc on your skin. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and the evening. 80-90 ounces a day are recommended Sleep – no one should fault you for leaving the party a wee bit early to get some good zzzzz’s. Especially if you have multiple late nights out in a row. Sleep allows your body to detoxify itself, and repair damaged skin cells. So get 8 hours if you can. Exercise – you don’t want holiday food to pack on the pounds, but you also need stress relief during the holiday season. Stress leads to increases in oil production and acne. Stress also causes a breakdown in collagen, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Wash your face before you go to bed – don’t leave party makeup on overnight where it can mesh with oils and plug up pores. Keep your skin crystal clear by using the Clarisonic Pro brush to wash each night. Avoid excess sugars – they increase oil production on the skin, which leads to unsightly acne bumps. Sugars also may lead to early cell death and destruction of collagen, leading to wrinkling skin. Follow these simple rules, and enjoy your holidays with great skin!

Read More

Top 5 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Skin

Top 5 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Skin: Use a moisturizing body wash, such as CeraVe Cleanser, to add some of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) back into your skin Moisturize your skin within 1 minute of getting out of the shower or bath. Moisturizers that contain ceramides, such as TriXera or CeraVe Cream, work the best. Add a humidifier in your bedroom and run it each night. Protect your skin from the sun daily with lotion containing full spectrum sunscreen, such as Vivite Day Lotion SPF30 Wear gloves and a scarf to keep the dry cold winter wind from dehydrating your skin.

Read More

DON’T MISS OUT!

Sign Up For Our Newsletter