Put your best leg forward!

As if the signs of aging on your face and neck aren't enough to force you to make a deal with the devil...then come the signs of aging on your body. Imagine my dismay, when I recently peeked at my upper thighs and realized that a road map of purple veins had crept up overnight. Lucky for me, treatment for spider veins on the legs is quite easy and effective! Here are a few quick facts about this laser service:

Treatment can only be done on spider veins. If you have varicose veins, you must see a vascular specialist to receive treatment. Not sure which kind of veins you have? Come in for a free consultation!

Treatment is usually completed in only 15 minutes per leg. For time may be necessary depending on the amount of veins present.

Leg veins are improved after the first treatment. Most people are completely satisfied with the appearance of their veins after the initial treatment and one follow-up treatment.

You can resume regular activities on the day following the treatment. Of course, certain exceptions do exist... no marathon running in the weeks following treatment!

The treatment is only minimally painful and presents only very mild side effects.The area treated will be red, with a sensation of warmth, and the veins will visibly raise above the surface. All of these resolve after a short period of time!

Do you want to see some before and after pictures?

Interested in learning more? Contact us today at 312-770-SKIN to schedule a free consultation and to take advantage of our November special, where you can receive two 15 minute sessions of leg vein removal for only $250 until December 20th, 2013! Regular price is $700!

Obliterate your summer damage!

Usually by mid September we are facing chilly nights and fading tans, but this fall's fluctuating weather makes it hard to think of the impending change to cooler fall and winter weather. With each change of season, we swap out our wardrobes and home decor, but do we think about a shift in our skin care regimen? Most people probably have skin care at the back of their minds, especially in the time of back to school prep and the upcoming holiday season. I'm here to rescue you! Fall is the best time of year to re-evaluate your routine and re-focus on eliminating the damage caused by summer! With each year that we age, it is inevitable that sun damage and "age spots" start peeking through previously flawless skin. I have faith that all of you are doing an impeccable job of protecting yourselves each day with spf 45 and a large hat, but often that damage we see is from the bygone summers of our youth. So what can you do now?

First, keep up with the daily use of broad spectrum sun protection to prevent any further damage.

Next, establish a home care regimen that promotes healthy exfoliation and features ingredients to brighten your complexion. Of course, it is best to come in for a consultation so that I can determine the proper products, but here is my basic ABC to fighting sun damage!

Vitamin A (also known as Retinol or Retinoic Acid) is an agent that increases cell turnover and promotes the healthy exfoliation of cells, which means that old skin will slough away to show the fresh new skin underneath! My favorite retinol product is the Tretinol ($60) from gloTherapeutics, used once nightly. It is similar in strength to Retin-A, without the irritation that is often a complaint of the original cream version. I think it has an awesome silky feel that exfoliates without leaving the skin raw or red.

Vitamin B comes in many forms. Do you know how many b vitamins there are? Too many to list! So here are the top two to include in your fight against summer damage! Vitamin b3 (Niacin) is a water-soluble vitamin that is known to treat and prevent sun damage/hyperpigmentation, ALONG WITH rosacea, acne, eczema, dermatitis, and aging skin. Most multi-vitamins contain b3, but since it is water soluble, it passes through your body very quickly and will need to be replenished throughout the day in the foods you eat, such as: fish, shellfish, beef, lamb, cheese and eggs. As for the topical application of vitamin b5 (panthenol), I recommend B5 Hydration ($57) from gloTherapeutics, to nourish and hydrate dry and damaged post-summer skin. Use daily after your serum, and before your moisturizer to improve your skin's suppleness and brighten your complexion!

Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid is nature's bleach! Do you have dark spots and an uneven complexion? Large pores? This should be your GO-TO ingredient in your skin care regimen! Vitamin C is another vitamin that can be sourced through food and can be found in papayas, brussel sprouts, strawberries, oranges, bell peppers, and kale. Topically, Vitamin C is best applied in the form of a thin serum, and stored in an amber jar with a medicine dropper. True vitamin C products lose both their stability and efficacy when stored any other way. Vitamin C will shrink pores, lighten existing pigment and even out skin tone. Of course, my favorite is the 15% Vitamin C Serum ($95) from gloTherapeutics. Apply daily on bare skin and then follow with b5 Hydration and then an appropriate moisturizer.

Lastly, you should establish a regimen of professional care that compliments the home care routine I mentioned above. There are many treatments that help to reduce or eliminate sun damage, however it is best to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to determine which of these treatments is best for you! In most cases, a series of moderate chemical peels is the first step, followed by series of laser treatments. When it comes to sun damage and other hyperpigmentation, sometimes IPL photofacials can eliminate the damage in only one or two treatments. Often, if the damage is deeper or more stubborn, a series of fractional skin resurfacing treatments may be necessary. We offer both of these services in our office, and encourage you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION to learn more! You can also visit our website at to learn more about the laser treatments we offer!