MAIN SITE BLOG HOME

Archive for the ‘Ask Our Expert’ Category

Want To Know What To Expect During Your Comprehensive Microdermabrasion Consultation?

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

When you arrive to your consultation, you will be greeted by our patient coordinator and asked to fill out a brief form regarding your skin.  It will cover topics such as your skin type, current medications, allergies or sensitivities, past skin treatment history, and your current skincare regimen.

Then you will meet with me for a full skin evaluation. We will discuss your skincare concerns, current regimen and your goals.  We will then determine whether or not you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion is often a good choice for those with minimal to moderate aging changes, rough texture, lines, blotchy skin tones, or minimal acne scarring, for those who want improvements in the way their skin looks and feels but do not want a more invasive treatment or those who have a busy schedule that does not allow for down time, and for those want to maintain their skin after having a surgical and laser procedure.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  We want you to have all the information you need to make an educated decision. Once the evaluation is completed, if microdermabrasion is not an appropriate treatment option for you, other treatment alternatives may be recommended instead.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion, we will review the benefits, risks, expected out-come and contra-indications.  Should you decide to move forward, we will create a treatment plan. The plan will include the number of treatments anticipated and how far apart you should schedule each treatment.  You will also leave with a formal, written cost quotation.

We will also discuss your current at home skincare regimen, if you have one.  We will look at which ones will enhance your results and which ones we may want to discontinue.  Maximum results are obtained by consistently and simultaneously participating in an at-home medical grade skincare program.

What To Expect During Your Microdermabrasion Treatment:

Your appointment will last 35-45 minutes. We will begin by reviewing the condition of your skin, any changes since your consultation and your at-home skincare program if you have already begun one.

We will begin treatment by cleansing your face. I will then physically exfoliate your skin with the diamond-tome wand.  As we progress further into your treatment plan, we may increase the abrasiveness of the exfoliating tip as your skin dictates. This is followed by a glycolic application.  You can expect some light tingling for 1-2 minutes. Then we finally reach everyone’s favorite part…the soothing oxygen-nutrient facial mist!  The treatment ends with an application of Dr. Castillo’s premier line of medical grade skincare products and mini-facial massage. You will leave the office feeling relaxing, refreshing and ready to face the world!

Depending on your treatment plan, you are likely to schedule the first 3-6 treatments 2 weeks apart if this is your first experience with microdermabrasion.  Our maintenance or monthly club members are more likely to seek treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Working as a team is the best way to support your results.  I am available to answer questions, deliver information and education as it pertains to your goals. I will routinely review and evaluate your treatment plan and perform effective, thorough in-office treatments.  Keeping your regularly scheduled appointments, consistently following an at-home skincare product regimen and limiting unprotected sun exposure will assure that we are both investing in the same goal of obtaining the best outcome possible.

Does It Hurt?

The old saying “no pain, no gain” does NOT apply here.  There is no pain involved in Diamond -tip type microdermabrasion.  You can feel a slight tugging of the skin due to suction, with abrasiveness similar to a buff puff.  You can feel a light tingle during the glycolic application and just might fall asleep during the mini facial massage.

What To Expect After Your Microdermabrasion Treatment:

Click here to learn more about BOTOX® in Illinois.

There is no-downtime after microdermabrasion. You will immediately notice that your skin feels smoother and looks refreshed. You may experience slight flushing of the skin for 10-30 minutes post treatment. As we increase the level of abrasiveness in future appointments, it can occasionally result in small cat-like scratches that will resolve quickly. Microdermabrasion is a quantitative procedure.  This means you will see more results after each treatment.

You can apply make-up and carry-out all of your normal activities immediately following your treatment. Microdermabrasion, like any exfoliating treatment will make your skin more sun sensitive for a few weeks.  Be sure to apply the recommended medical-grade, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily.

 

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare & Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK   http://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery

 

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

Expert Advice: When Should I Actually Clear Out And Replace My Make-Up?

Tuesday, July 16th, 2019

How Can I tell When It’s Time To Purge My Make-Up?

They say “all good things must come to an end,” and unfortunately, the shelf-life of your make-up is no exception. At some point, they expire either from age or contamination and it’s time to purge and replace. So how is one supposed to know how long to expect their make up to last?

Look on the product box or label for the PAO (“period after opening”) symbol on your cosmetic. This symbol will tell you how long the product will last once you have opened it. The symbol is a cosmetic jar with an open lid. You will see a number and letter inside (6M, 12M, 24M) indicating whether it is good for 6 months, 12 months, 24 months etc.

If you don’t know the PAO of a product, here are a few signs that it’s time to pitch a cosmetic:

  • It smells wonky
  • If it looks bumpy or chunky instead of smooth after you apply it.
  • If small, shiny or shimmery areas appear on the top of your powders (pressed powers, blush, eye shadows); this means oils from your skin, fingers, make-up brushes etc. have been transferred onto the surface of your powder. You can try to gently scrape it off but if it has penetrated very deep, it’s time to pitch it. It will be difficult to get a good application, as your makeup brushes will have a hard time picking up the makeup from its compact and distributing it evenly.
  • If you have had an eye infection or a cold sore.

There are a few keys to preserving most cosmetic items:

  1. Do not share your make up – with ANYONE. Seriously. No really, don’t do it. Sharing your makeup means sharing the millions of micro-organisms present on your skin! Ewe! Someone else’s micro-bacterial bits transferred to your skin (or vice versa) isn’t exactly a beauty booster and take it from someone who spent the last few days of her freshman year in an eye patch trying to pass her final exams half blind, an eye infection is no joke!
  2. Keep your finger out of them. Oils, debris and bacteria from your fingers can contaminate your makeup and shorten its shelf-life.
  3. Always use a clean brush. Avoid double-dipping your makeup brush once it has touched your skin. Cross-contamination from your make up brush into your makeup compact or container can cause you to have to pitch your product.
  • When applying liquid foundations, concealers or cream makeup, use spatula to remove the amount your will need and dab it on the back of your hand like a palette. You can double-dip your brush or use your finger as often as you like at that point.
  • I also recommend an anti-bacterial brush spritzer after each use. Then once a week, soak them in a glass of water with Shampoo (for brushes made of real hair) or gentle anti-bacterial soap for synthetic brushes. Then rub them with a little hair conditioner, rinse and let them dry.

The typical shelf-life times for most cosmetics:

3-4 months range-

  • Mascara / liquid eyeliner:

These are first on my list for good reason. You want to stick pretty close to the shelf-life dates these ones. They will go bad and are easily contaminated. When oxygen gets in the tubes, it dries out the product so try not to “pump” the wand, instead just rotate it. This will help you make it to the 3-4 month mark. In the event that you have any type of eye irritation or infection, conjunctivitis / sty, then boom! It goes straight in the trash! It’s contaminated and could re-infect you.

6 – 12 month range-

  • Cream blush, cream eye shadows:

Expect them to last 6-12 month unless you are dipping into these creams with your fingers, which can transplant the oils, debris and bacteria living on your skin into your makeup and shorten their shelf life.

12 -18 Month range-

  • Liquid Foundations & Concealers:
  • Pressed Powder
  • Lipsticks, Lip Liners,  Lip Gloss
  • Eye Liner Pencils

12 -24 Month range-

  • Powder Blush
  • Powder Eye Shadow

Happy Purging!

Sincerely,

Your Skincare Specialist

 

Roxanne Grace

G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery

VISIT MY BLOG: http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/blog/

 

 

Ask Our Expert: Are My Brown Spots Sun Damage Or Just Age Spots?

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

Ask Our Expert: Brown Spots:

 Q: Roxanne, I have brown spots on my face, arms and chest.  How do I know if they are caused from sun damage or if they are just age spots?

A: Lentigos, or lentigines are commonly referred to as brown spots, sun spots, liver spots or age spots.  They appear as flat spots in various shades of brown that appear on skin that has been over exposed to the sun. These spots can appear on the face, arms, shoulders, neck, chest, hands; anywhere the skin has been over-exposed to the sun. Typically, the lighter the skin and the more sun exposure one has, the greater accumulation or chance of accumulation of sun spots.

Melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment in the skin are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) when you are exposed to ultraviolet rays. Because the symptoms of excessive sun damage are cumulative, these spots increase with age, hence the term “age spots.” They are more common in lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick 1-3), such as those who freckle and who burn easily but can appear in any skin type.

I recommend applying a medical-grade, physical sunblock such as Physical Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, 365 days per year, to all skin that will be exposed.  Not only is this your best defense for future sun damage but  you may find that the brown spots that you have become lighter over time.

There are  treatments that can help to rid your skin of brown spots as well. CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is typically an excellent option.  A series of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments can also deliver very good  results.  Some chemical peels  can improve spots to some degree as well as skin bleaching or lightening agents like Advanced Lightening Complex or Spot Light. 

While sun spots themselves are not cancerous, if you have had enough lifetime sun exposure to develop brown spots, this may place you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.  Therefore, it’s a good idea have your physician examine them for changes from time to time.

Warmly,

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare & Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT QUALITY MAKE-UP BRUSH: OUR INFORMATIVE REVIEW OF EACH MAKE UP BRUSH

Monday, September 10th, 2018

Selecting the right eye make-up brushes to achieve the look you want, shouldn’t strain your brain but sometimes it can feel like it! There are so many options for such a tiny space (eyelids), it’s hard to know which ones you really need. Choosing the right brushes to complete your look can really make a different in whether your eyes look tired and aged or bright and uplifted.

 

Dual-Fiber Eye Brush:

This is my FAVORITE eye brush! Super versatile! It makes applying and blending light layers of shadow a cinch. As we get older, the words light layers and blending could not become more important to maintaining a youthful looking eye. So I think this brush is must have. It can also really decrease the frustrations of trying to discreetly conceal any under-eye area flaws. It’s easy to lay down very thin layers of concealer with its wispy, feather like bristles. Very lightly dampen the ends of the bristles and lightly whisk the brush across your problem areas for thin, flawless coverage. The trick to using this brush successfully is to relinquish all control. Instead of holding it near the Ferrule (metal part), move as far back on the handle as you can. This will make a huge difference in your application.

 

Eye Base Brush:

This is a pretty basic, user-friendly brush. In fact, it is my go to brush for all-over applications, but works just as well for specific placement of color before moving on to a blender brush.

 

Eye Blender Brush:

You guessed it! This brush is for blending, the most important part of your eye shadow application. This is a versatile, fluffier, long-bristle, domed brush. It can be used to apply a light color wash or to soften the edges of multiple colors, blending them into a seamless transition. Swirl in a circulation motion to blend shadow into the crease of your eye. Just like the Dual Fiber eye brush, hold this brush near the end of handle. The less control you have the better.

 

Mini Eye Crease Shader:

If you are beginning to feel like its time to stop wearing eye shadow because it makes your eyes look older rather than younger… go get this brush! Crease shaders in general are meant to contour the eye to give dimension. The “mini” crease shader has a smaller end with a bit of a point. Use it like a stylus or pencil to draw on color to create shape and definition. This brush will become your best friend if the outside portion of your upper lid is turning downward which happens to most of us as we age. Rather than following the crease line of your upper lid when applying shadow, try defining your upper lid shape by drawing on a medium dark shade of shadow from the lateral end of your lower lid up to your brow bone, then medially, mid-way across the brow bone, creating a bit of right angle or sideways “v” depending on your lid shape to lift the eye shape back up to a more youthful shape. Then shade and blend, blend, blend as you normally would, adding lighter and dark colors; medium -dark on the edges, lighter inside.

 

Angled Eye Contour Brush:

Create contour of your eyelid by applying and blending shadows into the crease of your eye until they become seamless. Now if your eyelids “maturing”, I recommend that you avoid placing dark or heavy shadow in the crease of your eyelids.  This will only create a more tired appearance. Instead, as discussed above, use the mini-shader to draw a line from the outside corner of your upper lid to the brow bone to help draw the eye upward, then blend.

 

Smudge Brush:

Looking for a little drama? This brush can be used to apply eyeliner or eye shadow near the lash line. Then blend to soften the line to create the sultry, smoky eye.

 

Brow Brush: Thinly shaped, angled bristles used to re-shape or fill in sparse eyebrows.

 

Warmly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)



800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

HERE IS THE NEW COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO OUR BEST SELLING MAKE-UP BRUSHES

Monday, September 3rd, 2018

Figuring out which make-up brushes you really need can be over-whelming whether you are a professional make-artist, or purchasing your first set of brushes. My first bit of advice is to splurge a little and invest in quality brushes.  So, I have put together a  comprehensive guide to all the make-up brushes available here at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center to help you figure out which brushes your just can’t live without. Check out my blog on A Comprehensive Guide To Our Best Selling Make-Up Brushes For Eyes for an in-depth explanation on eye brushes.

FOUNDATION:

Flat Top Kabuki:

The design of this brush allows for applications of both pressed mineral powder foundation or liquid foundations (though you should have one dedicated to each product rather than one brush for both products so that you do not transfer unwanted ingredients into your powder). It’s expertly designed “flat-top” as apposed to a rounded top, is perfect for buffing (in circular motion) mineral powder into a smooth, radiant finish. It provides light to medium coverage, depending on your layering preferences.

When using this the Flat Top Kabuki to apply liquid foundation, you can expect a soft, flawless, airbrushed finish with medium to full coverage. This brush also comes in a travel-friendly version for quick touch-up and on-the-go applications. Perfect purse size!

Pro Kabuki:

This is a tightly packed, round top, mineral powder foundation brush. Choose this brush when you are looking for the full coverage of a pro! Its brush head is packed with very dense, soft bristles for a full, radiant coverage.

 

CAMOUFLAGE / CONCEALER:

 Dual Foundation / Camouflage Brush:

This is a dual-ended, double duty brush. It is suitable for both liquid and cream concealers and foundations. One end offers the precision needed when applying camouflage and other end provides the ease an expert liquid foundation application.

Full Coverage Camouflage Brush:

This is a flat-domed shape brush with a somewhat pointed tip. This brush is commonly used to cover blemishes, facial redness, brown spot etc. It is intended for cream camouflage formulations. It is easy to blend and perfect. For a more fluid application, try misting the end of the brush with setting mist or water. Blot the fibers between paper towels to remove access. Then you are ready to begin applying your camouflage.

Precision Camouflage Brush:

This is a smaller version of the full coverage camouflage brush. It works well with cream camouflage, concealers or primers for smaller, detailed areas.

 

HIGHLIGHT / CONTOUR / BLUSH / POWDERS:

Contour / Highlighter Brush:

Make no mistake about it, when it comes to make-up brushes, the right contour brush is a girl’s best power tool! It is the key to changing your look from everyday to runway!! It is a dual-head brush. One end contours while the other end highlights. The contour end is tapered with a nice apex for more precise placement. I like to pinch the bristles together to accentuate the apex ,which give me more control when shading. It’s ideal for both highlighting and shading to create dimension, chiseled jawlines, nasal narrowing and prominent cheek bones.

Powder Brush:

Typically an extra full, soft, rounded brush designed for translucent powders, bronzers, finishing powders. Distributes sheer to medium coverage. Tap off any access powder before using a circular motion to buff the product on the skin.

Tapered Powder Brush:

A tapered powder brush is typically a soft brush with a pointed end for delicate placement of setting or finishing powders.

Powder Blush Brush:

These brushes can be rounded or angled and intended to apply blush, bronzers or highlight powders.

Dual-Fiber Blush Brush (a.k.a – Texture Brush):

I must own 4-5 of this brush. They are made from a blend of synthetic, soft, flowing fibers, which makes for a luxurious experience. The feathery, flat-top head delivers a light-weight applications of powders, shimmers, and cream blush. Perfect for layering and building.

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Ask Our Expert: What is the best type of sunscreen?

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018

 

Q: What is the best type of sunscreen?

A: Historically, it has been shown that physical sunscreens provide the best protection against both UVA & UVB radiation and are less likely to cause skin irritation.  Dr. Castillo, cosmetic surgery and anti-aging expert  recommends medical-grade, physical sunscreens to all his patients.

There are two divisions of sunscreen ingredients; physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens reflect the UV radiation while chemical sunscreens absorb the UV radiation and break it down within the skin. Some sunscreens contain both a physical and a chemical component.

There are two types of physical sunscreens available; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Today, these ingredients can be found in finely micronized, nano-sphere  form which allows for ease of daily use. Not only does zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide needed broad-spectrum coverage but they are also beneficial to those who have sensitive skin or are irritated by chemical ingredients.

You will typically find multiple active ingredients listed in chemical sunscreen.  Each chemical ingredient protects only against a specific portion of the UV spectrum. Be aware that at this time many over-the-counter sunscreens protect against UVB rays only, although there are a few chemical ingredients like Oxybenzone that do offer UVA/UVB protection. Therefore, when purchasing over the counter sunscreen, it is important to examine the label for the claim “broad-spectrum.”  Also look for a sunscreen that says “very water resistant.”  However, keep in mind that even the best water resistant sunscreens can only protect you for 80 minutes.  Then you will need to re-apply.

With inconsistent OTC product labels and the idea that active ingredients in sunscreens differ from manufacturer to manufacturer it can be difficult to decipher all of them so I have provided at chart of the more common ingredients found in sunscreens.  When in doubt whether a sunscreen will effectively protect you and your family, I recommend selecting a medical grade sunscreen from your local cosmetic surgeon, plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Our patient’s favorite sunscreens are:

Physical Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science,  is a chemical-free, pure physical broad-spectrum medical-grade sunscreen making it perfect for even oily and acne skin types! It offers superior protection due to it’s high percentage of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

Sun Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, which offers medical grade 12% Zinc Oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection

Prime Defense by Castillo MD Skin Science, which offers 10% Titanium Dioxide, 4% Zinc Oxide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an added skin primer.

Body Guard is a medical-grade, body mist sunscreen, making it perfect for those on the go or chasing after little ones.

Chemical & physical ingredients found in sunscreens.

Ingredient:                                            Ray Type:

Avobenzone UVA
Dioxybenzone UVA/ UVB
Homosalate UVB
Octocrylene UVB
Octyl methoxycinnamate UVB
Octisalate UVB
Oxybenzone UVA/ UVB
Padimate O UVB
Mexoryl UVA/UVB
Titanium dioxide UVA/UVB     broad spectrum
Trolamine salicylate UVB
Zinc oxide UVA/UVB     broad spectrum

WARNING: You must actually apply the sunscreen to your skin – just purchasing it will not provide sufficient protection! lol

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

Ask Our Expert: Absolutely Everything You Need To Kow About Retin-A Skincare

Friday, July 20th, 2018

RetinA postQ:   My dermatologists gave me a prescription for Retin-A, but after a few days my skin became very red and irritated.   My Doctor explained that several weeks of skin irritation is often just par for the course when using Retin-A.  He asked me to try applying it every other night instead of every night, to be patient and that eventually the irritation would resolve itself.  I stopped using the Retin-A because the irritation was worse than my aging skin.   Is there anything else I can do?

A:  I am happy to report – YES!  Our patients have found success with a few simple adjustments to the way they apply their Retin-A, Renova, Tretinion, etc.

1.  After you cleanse your face, pat it dry and wait at least 15 minutes (to assure your skin is completely dry) before applying your Retin-A.

2. Apply a pea size amount.  This is typically all you need for the entire face. Remember that more is not better in this case. 

3. Avoid combining other exfoliating or skin regenerating products like glycolic acids, with Retin-A, at least until your skin is able to easily tolerate the Retin-A.

4. Always apply a moisturizer on top of your Retin-A.  This is a very important step in the success of your regimen so resist skipping it. (If you find that you are still experiencing dry, irritated skin after trying all of the suggestions here,  you can try mixing your moisturizer and Retin-A together as this will reduce its potency. )

5. Begin applying your Retin-A every third night.  As your skin tolerates the Retin-A, increase use to every other night, then every night.

6. Remember that Retin-A and like products will cause increased sensitivity to the sun.  Therefore Retin-A should only be applied at night only, never during the day.  Wear a medical grade broad-spectrum suncreen every day, re-apply the sunscreen when needed and avoid excessive sun exposure.

If despite all of the above suggestions, you find that you are still unable to tolerate Retin-A, you may want to consider medical microdermabrasion.  It is a pain-free, even relaxing way to keep your skin well exfoliated and looking fresh.  For more information on medical microdermabrasion visit Dr. Castillo’s website.

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

 

New Exclusive & Informative Interview with Skin & Laser Specialist, Roxanne – Question #3

Tuesday, September 15th, 2015

Question: Why do people come to the skin rejuvenation suite at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery?

Roxanne: “Most men and women, even teens simply want to become a better version of themselves.

  • They may have a special occasion coming up like a wedding, vacation or new job.
  • Some are seeking one of our signature facials or microdermabrasion to relief stress and brighten their appearance while others are working on self-improvement with chemical peels, hair reduction or vein therapy.“
  • In January of this year, to support the services that the skin rejuvenation suite offers, Dr. Castillo introduced his own medical-grade skincare line called Castillo MD Skin Science.  It has been very well received by our patients and our staff.
  • The new skincare line has been a huge success and the results speak for themselves! This has brought a new sector of patients to us who are simply tired of being disappointed by empty promises made by over-the-counter skincare product lines. Trial sizes are available for most of the products so patients can try them out before purchasing a full size product. It is a nice benefit for the patient and they come back so excited, bursting with compliments about the skincare products they tried. As I always say, “you don’t need a cabinet full of skincare products, just the right products and knowledge to know the difference!”Microdermabrasion ScrubIMG_2054

Lush Simplicity Kit