Parkway Medical Blog

Many people find themselves applying a number of skin care products to keep their skin feeling and looking its best. If you are not getting the desired results from your skin care products, try applying products in this sequence:

Moisturizer: For best results, a moisturizer should be applied after bathing and spread on damp skin. Moisturizer forms a protective coating that reduces the amount of water lost through the skin. This, in turn, decreases dryness, itch, and cracking skin. When using a topical medication, be sure to apply the medication first. Then wait one or two minutes before applying the moisturizer so that the medication can penetrate the skin. The same procedure should be done in using a treatment serum.

Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen every day helps prevent premature aging caused by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. To give the sunscreen time to work, be sure to apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors.

While some makeup and moisturizers contain sunscreen, dermatologists recommend applying a separate sunscreen. The sunscreen found in moisturizers, foundations, and other products tends to have a low SPF, and this sunscreen usually wears off quickly.

Foundation: Applying a foundation over other topical products allows the products to work effectively and gives the best cosmetic result.

Makeup including powder and blush: These products look best when applied last. If you are not getting the results you want from your skin care products, be sure to try these recommendations. Hopefully, you will see a visible difference.

The summer is here and our skin needs sun protection. Regardless of age or skin type, everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer. With that in mind, here are three efficient and inexpensive ways to reduce sun damage: water, sun block and hats.

Water helps the body work better. It also helps keep the skin moist and fresh. Collagen and other building blocks of the skin are made up of mostly water. Without enough water, the body will re-absorb as much water as possible. Staying hydrated helps avoid this, and keeps all of your body systems working better.

Sun block protects the skin from sun effects, but you have to use it properly. It should be applied every two to three hours and re-applied after swimming. If you use a sun block rated SPF 30, and you don’t apply enough, you have effectively cut the protection in half. So, apply liberally. Many people don’t use sun block because it feels greasy or stings the eyes. Natural powder sun block made from minerals is a good alternative. Sunforgettable by Colorescience goes on dry, lasts a little longer, is waterproof and does not feel greasy. It works well, is relatively inexpensive, and is easily applied to children without a fight!

Finally, wear a wide-brim hat. Because of the extensive blood supply to the scalp, most of our water loss is from our head. A hat will decrease this dramatically, especially if it is ultraviolet rated. Wearing a hat makes us feel cooler and keeps the sun off of our faces and ears. The top of the ear has a high incidence of skin cancer.

Visit Parkway Medical to check out our array of physician-endorsed sun blocks, hats and sunglasses.

Thermage and Body by Thermage are non-surgical, non-invasive procedures that smooth, tighten and contour the skin, producing long lasting results for an overall naturally younger looking appearance. Any area of the face or body with loose or lax skin can benefit from this treatment. A hand piece with a smooth, flat tip delivers Thermage’s unique monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology, which safely heats the deeper layers of your skin. This stimulates existing collagen and promotes new collagen growth over time resulting in smoother, tighter skin. Unlike many laser procedures requiring four or more sessions, a single Thermage treatment produces results. With an excellent safety record, no downtime and the ability to return to normal activities immediately after the procedure, Thermage is an ideal way to improve your skin’s overall look and condition. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-348-3245.

It’s everywhere! The cosmetic revolution began some time ago and now is growing exponentially. It seems as though everywhere you turn, there are ads, coupons, and deals to make you prettier, healthier looking, slimmer, or whatever you want. So, what makes Parkway Medical Laser & Skin Centre different?

First, we recognize(and you should as well) that cosmetic enhancement isn’t a necessity. It is a luxury. Many patients ask, “What do you think I need?” Our answer is always the same. “You don’t need anything. We are not treating a disease. What will make you happy?” Botox, dermal fillers, laser, microdermabrasion and other methods of skin rejuvntaion are for enhancement. They can make you look relaxed and feel better about yourself.

Finally, combination therapy is the ideal solution. There are many modalities and products to try. Each one has its benefits. But, a combination works even better. Laser treatments, combined with dermal fillers(ex: Restylane, Juvederm) and Botox enhance the whole picture and can easily be used in combination to achieve the desired result. Add skin care products and you have a winning combination.

Recognized as two of the top practitioners in the skin care industry, Dr. Martin Blume and Certified Medical Laser Technician & Licensed Aesthetician Breanna Hall have been invited to teach their skills to other skin care providers. Dr. Blume’s expertise led Allergan, the maker of Botox® and Juvederm®, to invite him to teach advanced techniques to experienced providers throughout the Southwest, leading them toward advanced certification. Breanna was asked by a pharmaceutical skin care company and a skin care makeup company to teach other professionals in the aesthetic and medical aesthetic industries (salons, spas and doctor’s offices), as well as students in aesthetic schools, about their individual products and how they can be used to obtain optimal results. Breanna also provides hands on makeup instruction, including basic application, color matching, eye techniques, and more advanced procedures, such as facial contouring and camouflage.

Dr. Blume and Breanna’s high level of professionalism and proficiency make Parkway Medical Laser & Skin Centre a leader in skin care rejuvenation.