Why You (And Everyone Else) Should Be Using Retinol

 

               Selecting the right products for your skin can be very overwhelming. With a plethora of products and brands to choose from, it can be difficult to nail down exactly which products would benefit you best. The truth is that everyone’s skin is incredibly different, and the needs of each person can vary greatly. With that being said, there are also a few products I recommend to EVERY one of my patients. That’s right, EVERY patient.

                The price of products can add up quickly, and so your selections should be chosen wisely. If my patients are on a budget and want the most “bang for their buck”, I recommend they are armed with AT LEAST these three weapons at all times: Retinol, topical Vitamin C, and SPF. Vitamin C and SPF both benefit new and existing skin, while retinol helps to speed up the cell turnover and allow the new skin to shine. As we age, our cell turnover rate begins to slow and only continues to do so. Thick, keratinized skin begins to build up and appear dull and even “crepe” like. Retinol helps to prevent this thickening process and keeps the skin cells moving <and exiting> in a speedy fashion. In addition to keeping the newest and freshest skin visible, retinol also helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, kill p. acnes bacteria known to cause breakouts, and even out the overall skin tone.

                A common misconception about retinol is that is always irritating and causes constant peeling, redness, and itching. Many improvements have been made in product development, and retinols are now <much> more cosmetically elegant than in previous years. Strengths available vary, and most formulations are now packed with hydrating ingredients that keep irritation and visible flaking and peeling at bay. Something else to keep in mind about when using retinols is that most patients have to develop a tolerance, meaning that nightly use needs to be reached over time. Patients also need to remember that using an exfoliating product, like retinol, means sun exposure needs to be eliminated. If a patients skin is exposed to the sun while using an actively formulated product the skin is more susceptible to future damage, and the dangerous, cancer-causing rays of the sun. You can remain safe by minimizing exposure, wearing hats when outdoors, and always lathering up the SPF (even if most of your time is spent indoors). Your skincare products are an investment, so you want to make the most of them!

For more information about retinols and home care regimens, please contact Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery and schedule a complimentary consultation with Annie.

Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery

480.241.9955

8415 North Pima Road Ste# 120

Scottsdale, AZ 85258

“Why Do You Work In Plastics?”- My Truth About Working In Aesthetic Medicine

                For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a girly-girl. “Lipstick Dependent”, as my mom and Aunt Jan like to call it (a trait that I proudly-inherited). I’ve always enjoyed beauty, skin care, and everything in between.  My career that started in traditional spa-like esthetics was a natural calling to me. After working in the field for a few years, it became apparent just how much you could do to positively affect the skin as a nurse working in the same industry.

                I can remember arriving to nursing school and always feeling like the classroom’s black sheep when our professors would ask us <every time>  “What kind of nurse do you want to be?” on each course’s first day. Common answers always included pediatrics, trauma, ER, ICU, etc…. You can imagine the surprise and confusion of my instructors and classmates when my answer was always “Aesthetics” (sealed with a smile). But… “Why do you want to work in plastics?” (cue the judgey eyes). The answer for me is simple, and it is that aesthetics allows me to help others. While it is obvious that aesthetics isn’t exactly saving lives, it is a critical piece that involves improving self-love, self-esteem, and allowing one’s best self to shine through. As a nurse, I can work on deeper layers of the skin and produce clinical results with measurable changes. And when you look good, you feel good.

                While plastic surgery is typically viewed as something extremely superficial, and sometimes even scary when overdone, I’d like to put a (polite) reminder out there that it doesn’t have to be. I didn’t go to nursing school so I could over-inject lips and send my patients out to scare the public. Many of our patients suffer skin issues that while may not be life-threatening, are extremely important, and even sometimes devastating to them. Imagine (and maybe you don’t have to because you’ve experienced this yourself), if you had severe acne, burns, or scarring on your face that you had to literally wear on your face for everyone to see all of the time. Some skin issues, like cellulite and hyperpigmentation can be easily concealed-facial issues aren’t always that simple. When plastic surgery, aesthetic enhancement, or a new skin care routine is adapted, you shouldn’t be able to tell. Sure, you can tell that the person looks better, but you can’t quite hit the nail on the head- “What did she do? She looks so… well-rested.”

                I love my job, and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to help people every single day. It doesn’t feel like work when I spend my days at the office because I get to share my excitement and education with others. I feel very privileged to be appointed someone’s go-to person that they trust with their insecurities, and self-appointed flaws. Nothing warms my heart more than having someone tell me that they appreciated my information, or how I have been able to positively influence their skin health and self-love. I love watching patient’s skin <and self-esteem> glow! Please know that if you visit me at Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery your information and treatment plans are always confidential and I am here to help if ever you need. I hope for the chance to meet you soon, and welcome you with open arms!

Be well,

Annie

 

 

 

For more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation please contact:

.Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery.

480.214.9955

8415 North Pima Road Suite #120 Scottsdale, AZ 85258