by MediResource Clinical Team | Oct 18, 2010 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Pop quiz: the truth about acne
Don’t break down over your breakouts – get educated!
Don’t fall prey to false information and be armed with important information to help control your acne faster. Read on to find out if you have the right facts.
I have acne because I don’t wash my face enough.
False! Actually, if you wash your face more than twice a day and scrub your skin hard, you will not only irritate your breakouts but also end up stripping your face of its natural oils and stimulate the production of excess oil that can clog up your pores and worsen acne. Cleansing your face gently with water or a mild cleanser twice a day is sufficient to rid the skin of excess oils and accumulated dust and dirt.
I have acne because I love chocolate, chips, and anything fried.
False! While some people claim that greasy foods stimulate their breakouts, studies have failed to find a connection between the 2. Nevertheless, if you feel that eating certain foods makes you break out, avoid them! Eating healthy is always a good thing.
I’m stressed out and breaking out.
True! While stress doesn’t necessarily cause acne, it can promote breakouts. For example, college students who are prone to acne find that their acne flares up during exam week. So the key here is to try and limit the stress in your life. Try exercise, yoga, meditation, or a relaxing hobby that you enjoy to help you calm your nerves during stressful times.
Getting a tan will clear up my acne.
False! While getting a tan will make your skin darker and temporarily hide the redness of your breakouts, it does absolutely nothing to clear up your acne. In fact, spending time in the sun or in a tanning salon will only damage your skin, resulting in burns for now and freckles, sun spots, premature wrinkling, and a whole range of other skin conditions later on in life.
Since I have acne, I can’t wear makeup anymore.
False! Heavy makeup that is oil based can clog your pores and cause flare-ups. But you can always choose makeup that is oil free and states “non-comedogenic” and “non-acnegenic” on the label. There are concealers and foundations on the market today that are medicated with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid – while concealing the breakouts, they also work to control them. Consult your doctor or cosmetician to get more details.
There’s absolutely nothing I can do about acne.
False! The bad news is that acne will not disappear overnight. It may take anywhere from 6 weeks to a year or 2 to clear up. And most people suffer from acne at some point in their lives. But the good news is that it can be cleared up, or at least controlled. There are many products on the market today for treating acne, from topical medications to tablets taken by mouth. So talk to your doctor to find out what will work best for your acne.
by Q Pro-team | Sep 2, 2010 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Top 3 Misleading Ideas About Laser Hair Removal
So you have decided to redefine your beauty with laser hair removal. To ensure that you get a happy hair removal experience, you should always do your research before talking to any clinic or spa. However, when you dig deep into the information about laser hair removal, you may notice that there are many confusing and misleading ideas spreading out there. The following are just a few examples for your reference:
Misconception #1: Laser is better than IPL
Due to the fact that most people these days simply use Laser Hair Removal to call all light-based hair removal technologies and treatments, it is easy to see why laser is considered the best if not the only technology that achieves permanent hair removal. But in reality, IPL was developed and used for hair removal earlier than laser, though it took more time to fine-tune itself to become as popular as lasers in the hair removal industry.
Clinical studies have shown that IPL can be just as good as or better than the “gold standard” lasers in delivering results of permanent hair reduction. The bottom line: Find a clinic that uses the device and technology that is ideal for your skin type and your hair color.
Misconception #2: Doctors are better than any other operators
Unwanted hair is not a disease and laser hair removal training is not provided in a medical school, so a licensed doctor is not necessarily better than a certified laser technician in regards to performing the laser hair removal procedure. Care and experience is the key. Another thing you may want is to have the same technician perform the treatments for you on every visit.
Misconception #3: 50% off is better than 30% off
50% off can be better than 30% off in some cases, but it’s worth a close watch when seeking a better price. To determine if a laser hair removal price is a favorable one, consider the following: the skill of the performer, the equipment used, and the environment set, etc. For example, a clinic may offer you a price per session that is a little higher than others, but they may get you the results you need in less time and with fewer sessions, saving you money in the long run.
We hope this will help you in finding the happy hair removal experience and long-lasting results you deserve!
by Q Pro-team | Aug 11, 2010 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Dark Chocolate Prevents Wrinkles
Did you know eating a chocolate bar a day can in fact prevent wrinkles? It is a well known fact that dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants. Thanks to the great researchers at Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading chocolate maker, now you have an excuse to indulge yourself on a regular basis. Yes, it’s true: they have developed chocolate bars filled with added antioxidants, flavonoids, and great taste.
Flavonoids are natural compounds found in berries, red wine, green tea and cocoa beans. These enriched antioxidants help repair blood vessels, lower cholesterol, and promote brain functionality by increasing the blood flow to the brain.
By having healthier organs and better blood circulation, elastic fibres in your skin are able to regenerate more quickly, instead of slowing down as you age, thus making your skin smoother, more elastic, more hydrated, and healthier looking. What could be better?
However, don’t forget that good things are only good in moderation. Chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, and white chocolate do not provide the antioxidants that keep our skin healthy. They contain high amounts of sugar, and ingredients that are not beneficial for our health. If you pay attention to the cocoa content in the list of ingredients, you will see that dark chocolate has the most flavoniods and antioxidants.
So remember, you can have great tasting chocolate, and healthy looking skin, too!
More Information about Wrinkles
Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Botox Injections
Antiaging Treatment
by Q Pro-team | Aug 10, 2010 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
SPF and Sunscreen
Planning on enjoying the summer? Fun in the sun? Make sure to protect you and your family with sunscreen while enjoying outdoor activities.
However, it can be difficult to make a decision on which sunscreen to purchase, since there are so many brands to choose from. Here is some tips for making the right decision.
1. Never sacrifice quality by purchasing a brand that offers the most quantity just to save money. Always do some research to find one that is really effective.
2. If you are currently undergoing skin treatments such as laser acne treatment, photorejuvenation, fractional skin resurfacing and chemical peels, etc, your skin is more sensitive to sunlight, making sunlight protection even more essential. Sunblock, protective clothing and hats are highly recommended for your outdoor activities.
3. UV radiation is harmful to our skin. Make sure the cream you purchase offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher are strongly recommended by dermatologists. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Examples of products that offer maximum protection for most skin types include: Revision Multi-Protection SPF 50, Intellishade SPF 45 and Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin SPF 35.
It is hard to stay indoors when summer is only a few months long. Still feeling unsafe or having concerns about prolonged sun exposure? The medical aesthetician performing your treatments can advise you on the best protection for your unique skin conditions.
Enjoy the summer by staying protected!
by Q Pro-team | Jun 25, 2010 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Anatomy of cellulite
As fat cells enlarge, they push up against the skin. Tough, long connective cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling, often referred to as cellulite.
by Q Pro-team | Feb 20, 2010 | 1.1 Resources & Tips
Diet And Acne
Dermatological studies have shown that diet has a significant influence over acne condition. An improper diet could worsen one’s acne symptoms by increasing the imbalance in the body’s digestive system and immune system. People with acne should be careful of what to eat and what not to eat.
During the course of the acne treatment, we strongly recommend reducing your consumption of the following foods:
1. Foods high in iodine such as seafood and onions, etc.
2. Beef and dairy products such as milk, cheese and cream, etc.
3. High glycemic foods such as soft drinks and sweets, etc.
4. Greasy and spicy foods.
5. Alcohol.
But please do not make any drastic changes to your diet without first consulting your medical professional.
Back to Toronto Acne Treatment page.
