AZ mom

Recent comments

• Posted to Would NOT Recomment IPL for Freckles and Sun Spots on 25 Aug 2011

  When you read a "study" you need to dig a little deeper and read between the lines. Anyone can create a study to support their agenda. This study did not say that IPL produced a dangerous amount of lipid peroxides and did not clarify if any products were used on the skin. You should always look for something called P-value at the end of a clinical study - google it.
  
  Are bodies are subject to free radicals and oxidative stress all day. Eating and breathing introduce free radicals. Oxygen can cause oxidative stress - I guess we should all stop breathing.
  
  Most of these oxygen-derived species are produced at a low level by normal aerobic metabolism and the damage they cause to cells is constantly repaired.
  
  
  Short-term oxidative stress may also be important in prevention of aging by induction of a process named mitohormesis. Reactive oxygen species can be beneficial, as they are used by the immune system as a way to attack and kill pathogens.

• Posted to At-home 50% Chemical Peel Did Not Turn Back my Skin Tone on 19 Sep 2010

  I am a Medical Esthetician and I work for a Plastic Surgeon, I do many chemical peels and specialize in treating dark skin. Unfortunately, you have just done severe damage to your skin that you may not be able to correct. You need to see a dermatologist immediately. The sooner you get professional care the better, this isn't optional at this point. You will probably have some hyperpigmentation (dark areas), that can be corrected. I am concerned that you may have peeled deep enough to cause hypopigmentation (loss of pigment), that can't be corrected. For Now: Do not pick at skin, treat it as if you are trying to keep skin on. If you remove skin prematurely you will do more damage. It should take at least 14 days to peel off, NOT SOONER!!!!! Use a topical hydrocortisone and a gently moisturizer 4 times a day. Cleanse with Cetaphil AM/PM , you can use Aquaphore to spot treat areas of cracking. Get Domboro at the drug store, it is powder in a packet, mix each pack with 1 cup cool water, use gauze pads to dip in solution and gently press on skin for few minutes, do this 2x a day and then apply hydrocortizone. You will not be able to use sunblock for a while, so stay out of sun. You can get everything I mentioned above at the drug store. Do not let water run directly in your face when you shower, the skin should not get soggy or to dry, keep it moist. You may need an occlusive like Aquaphore on areas that have peeled, but can't say without seeing you, so go to a derm ASAP. The Problem: You should have never done a peel on yourself, where did you get a 50% TCA? The strongest that should ever be used is about 35%, and that is what a plastic surgeon would use. A 50% TCA is NEVER recommended. You don't dilute TCA with water, infact you don't dilute it at all. An Obagi Blue Peel is done with a 30% TCA mixed with a blue base that acts as a "buffer", meaning it slows it down so that the person performing the peel can look for signs of "end points" and stop before it peels to deeply. Dark skin is at more risk for complications from TCA peels, I recommend that patients precondition skin for at least 2 months with Hydroquinone 4% and Tretinoin 1% (Retin-A) before having a TCA peel. After Peel. When skin has finished peeling 14 days or more, you should use a 4% Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and a very protective Sunblock. All available from a physician. You need to be very compliant and do everything your doctor recommends, even if you hate it. If you don't your skin will be damaged. Look for a doctor that does TCA peels, if they do Obagi blue peels they should be able to help you, just be sure it's someone reputable, you are not in a position to bargain shop at this point. Bring the TCA product used with you to the doctor, it will help them treat you. Hope this helps. TCA shouldn't be available to any one other than medical professionals. I am sorry this happened to you, I wish I had better news. Good luck.