I try not to but do occasionally project my personal curiosities onto the topics covered in this column. Thus, today’s topic on skin care and beauty treatments. It is the first month since October that I’ve slowed down long enough to notice my skin’s dullness and fatigue and it ain’t pretty. I need help and STAT but have specific questions and concerns I’d like answered before booking any treatments. So, with the hopes of reverting to my glowy-skinned self, I’ve consulted two local experts on topics that I hope will benefit us all.
The first is Vitamin C. Should I invest in an at-home product? According to Healthline, a good topical Vitamin C can provide hydration, brighten your skin, reduce redness and hyperpigmentation while also promoting collagen production and protecting against sun damage. But we rarely hear about the potential downsides, like the fact that quite a few people are sensitive to it. Including me! Local dermatologist Dr. Kate Ziblich Holcomb of Pure Dermatology weighs in on this phenomenon, “Vitamin C is constantly touted on social media, but people don’t realize a few disadvantages of it. It is very acidified, so often not tolerated by people who have rosacea or atopic dermatitis. Also, because Vitamin C is an unstable molecule, often the inexpensive formulations do not have the technology or budget to make them effectively like a larger company (La Roche Posay or CeraVe).” If you are in the sensitive camp, the team at Pure Dermatology recommends Alto Advanced by Skin Better Science. Dr. Holcomb says, “It contains 18 antioxidants instead of just one (Vitamin C) and the Vitamin C in it is the gentler one. Also note, Vitamin C is very sensitive to sunlight while it is stored, so to maintain optimal efficacy it should be stored in dark or amber glass bottle or an airless pump.”
The second topic on my mind is, once I decide on a treatment to brighten and plump my skin, what are the right questions to ask? Be it an injectable product, a facial or a CO2 laser, if I’m paying for a service I’d like to be prepared and set up for success. Sophie, the lead aesthetician at Audubon Facial Plastic Surgery shares her thoughts on how to be prepared, “I always have a chat with a first-time client about expectations. Our practice owner, Dr. Claire Melancon, can come in to assess whether a treatment like our RF Microneedling will actually give the patient the results they are looking for. Sometimes, the skin is too far past the point of the treatment providing noticeable results.” Sophie also recommends discussing your pain tolerance ahead of any more in-depth treatment. She says, “If you have a low pain tolerance, certain treatments may not be right for you, or you may need to be prescribed something ahead of the treatment to feel comfortable and relaxed. “
Regarding injectables specifically, Dr. Holcomb of Pure Dermatology advises, “Always ask if your injector is “board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.” This can be confusing because a provider can receive other types of certifications by simply paying a fee or taking a quick weekend course without really having the expertise. Dr. Holcomb also says, “Do your homework before getting to the office and assess the practice’s reputation for services and outcomes. I think the most important question to ask before getting filler injected is if the provider has the enzyme to dissolve filler (in the event of a patient not liking it or in case of an emergency). For example, an emergency can mean the artery to the skin is being blocked and
causing damage to the skin. In rare cases it can also go to the eye and cause blindness. Although this is rare (less than 80 reported cases in the literature), it is possible. Anyone injecting filler who does not have the enzyme available in office is putting serious risk on their patients. Anyone injecting frequently should have a very ample supply in their office as well as a colleague partner they can borrow from in case of a true emergency. Asking this one question and seeing how the injector responds will give you a good idea on the experience of the injector.”
There are many more questions to come but that’s all for today. Please note that you should always consult your dermatologist in advance of booking any treatment.
Sale & Event Picks:
March 7 at 5 p.m.: Author Nina Farmer discusses, Timeless by Design: Designing Rooms with Comfort, Style, and a Sense of History, with Sara Ruffin Costello, Garden District Book Shop
Ongoing: 15% off Fractional C02 Laser Resurfacing, Audubon Facial Plastics
March 8-9: Post Sale Period for the Decorative Arts Auction, Crescent City Auction
