I feel like SPF is the ultimate false security. I think people grab a 100 SPF lather some on at 7AM and then after 8 hours in a bikini in the sun wonder how in the world they are sun burned. I hear it all the time “and I used 100 proof sunblock and still burned”. Sunscreen should only be used in areas that can’t be covered with clothes. If you happen to be a math person or a visual person then follow this “sun protective clothing >sun screen”. Then you have to pick a good sunscreen which is daunting. Even I just buy what we have at Johnson Dermatology because I don’t want to search that overwhelming aisle at Wal-Mart. SPF stands for sun protection factor. It’s a confusing thing knowing exactly what it means but here is my best attempt at explaining it to you.

SPF refers to the amount of UVB (UV-burn)only. That’s right, it has nothing to do with UVA (UV-aging, think wrinkling and sunspots) which is why you need to make sure you are getting a broad-spectrum sunscreen (think titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in the ingredients).

SPF 15 filter out 93% UVB, SPF 30 filter out 97%UVB, SPF 50 filters out 98% UVB and SPF 100 filters out 99%UVB. None are 100%. That’s why we say at least 30 SPF because after that they are pretty close together.

The number after SPF is the amount of UV rays it takes someone to burn with the sunscreen divided by the amount of rays it takes them to burn without the sunscreen and the result is then rounded to the nearest 5. It’s not exact, no one has the exact same skin tone. It just isn’t as simple as SPF last this long or that long. Wouldn’t that be so much more user friendly? I mean why don’t we just say all sunscreens last 2 hours then you need to re-apply and be done with it America? ( #NinaforPresident )The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours regardless of which SPF.

Other factors weigh in too like sunscreen rubbing off, getting washed off with sweat or water and all the other things that make anything you rub on your skin not stay like you would love it to. Think of your lipstick. It naturally wears off without you rubbing it off, right? This is why you should reapply every 2 hours when outdoors, more frequently if in water activities.

Bottom line, get a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours to skin that can’t be covered by clothes.

It’s still Skin Cancer Awareness month which means we are still running a special on our BOB (my entire families favorite sunscreen) which is the brush on powder sunscreen. If you buy one in the month of May at Johnson Dermatology you get a free refill!

Come get in on all the sun protective fun at JD this Summer!

Stay hip, stay with it, stay skintastic, Nina

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I have recently had so many questions about the different devices that we have at Johnson Dermatology. More specifically about our skin resurfacing options. Sublative is a procedure that we use at Johnson Dermatology for resurfacing of the skin. This is a device that looks like a “laser” or a microneedling device but it’s actually quite different. We use this to treat acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines, stretch marks and uneven texture. What makes sublative treatments so unique is that it is the ONLY radiofrequency device cleared by the FDA for skin resurfacing on the market. Aging skin suffers from collagen destruction which causes skin laxity and overall deterioration in skin tone and texture. So the goal in treating aging skin (whichever mode being used) is collagen regeneration. Sublative is often confused with microneedling or skinpen and lasers because these are other devices that can regenerate collagen. Sublative uses radiofrequency delivered through small probes that do not penetrate the skin. Microneedling uses small needles that actually penetrate the skin. The advantage of sublative probes is less damage to the top layer of skin called the epidermis while still maximizing desired impact to the dermis (deeper layer of skin) for collagen regeneration. With epidermis intact there is less chance of complication such as infection. Infections after microneedling can be very difficult to treat so this is an example where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and you should always make sure your procedures are done with a licensed medical professional with expertise (and cleansing protocols). Lasers use light at different wavelengths, there are multiple different lasers with wide ranges of capabilities and downtimes etc. We have tons of before and after pictures at the clinic of real patients that have had SHOCKINGLY GOOD results with sublative for acne scars, eyelids, traumatic scars, sagging and wrinkles. Come and see for yourself!

In my opinion one procedure doesn’t fit all. Certain people have different expectations, different down time capabilities, different pain tolerances and different skin types. A personal consultation with an expert is key to finding the best fit for you. I don’t do facelifts but I do tell people they need them sometimes. I don’t do blepharoplasty but I do recommend them from time to time. My point is that my patients’ best outcomes is what is most important to me. I want what’s best for your skin and will help you achieve that goal whether with me or not, that’s my number one priority. Please remember that Dani, our cosmetic concierge is always available for free consults and Tasha our expert laser technician loves to talk lasers so if you have any questions we are only a phone call away. You may have noticed the clinic is growing and lots of exciting things are happening at JD. Follow along with us on snapchat at jdermatology where we are always snapping the daily going ons at the clinic and lots of procedures including injections, lasers, peels, make-up and much much more!

I missed you guys while I was at the beach, glad to be home! Have a great week!

Stay hip, stay happy and always stay skintastic, Nina

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Practice what you preach, it’s a pretty universally agreed upon idea. Don’t tell someone they shouldn’t smoke then light up a cigarette. Don’t tell someone to lose 50 pounds when you need to lose 100. You lose credibility, people shrug you off and laugh at your advice. If you want to be credible and trusted you should really practice what you preach. Now I must admit I often break my own rule. Like when I tell my kids they can’t eat in the car while I am stuffing a granola bar down my throat. There are often times in parenting when I have to say “because I’m the Mom” and sometimes I just don’t lead my example. It’s a whole different situation with my skin. Everyday I ask people to be sun smart and wear their sun protective clothing and sunscreen. I’m off to the beach this month and I am stocking up on all the skin smart beach wear I can find. If I want you to take my advice you have to know I believe in it, and I do. So here are this season’s (yes I did this last season if you want to check that post too) sun smart clothing must haves:

First for the littles. How annoying is it trying to keep a hat on a baby? And one that protects the face, ears and neck? And is stylish? It’s tough! Try out the shop George Hats on Etsy. They have really cute prints and the elastic keeps the hat in place. My favorite is this dessert print.

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But don’t worry they have the boys covered too….

You can never go wrong with monochrome. They are just a click away at www.georgehats.etsy.com.

And speaking of for the kids. I’ve been eyeing this super cute flamingo print one piece from www.snapperrock.com for my girls.

I haven’t pulled the trigger because there are no pants on it but I might use extra sunscreen to the legs and live a little because it is so dang cute!

But let’s not forget about the adults. Another Etsy shop in the business of hat making is Freckles California. This shop will make you a custom wide brim hat, reversible! Pick your print, pick your color! My personal fav is this greek key pattern in black because it is so versatile.

If you can’t find what you like in the stores then this is a good option to find one perfect for your taste. www.frecklescalifornia.etsy.com

Next up, one of my personal favorite shops, Cabana Life. I have shopped from Cabana Life multiple times now. They are an online store with men’s, women’s and children’s. They usually have a good sale running at all times. My favorite piece from them is the ruched rash guard because you can cinch it up and wear it with pants or release the ruching and wear it as a dress with bottoms while swimming.

I love this embroidered one and it comes in multiple prints. Check out their lounge pants too while browsing the site. (www.cabanalife.com) They are comfy and cute!

Want something affordable and easy to find? Head to Target. Marimekko for Target has some great rashguards and swim pants that are cute and come in baby to adult. Yes, you can match your baby or kids! Isn’t that fun? From $19.99-24.99 how could you go wrong? These are the two prints I found at our Target in Fort Smith.

If you have followed me on my blog for any amount of time you have seen me in my one piece amazing leopard suit, if not here ya go!

This one is from www.exoticwaterwear.com.au and they ship to the US for free. But I have my eye on a new print for this Summer. I found some really cute print one pieces at www.slipins.com like this tribal one!!!

This print comes in pants and rash guard separates too. I really like all their prints but this is my fav and if you get it we can totally twin together this Summer!

And for all you cool cats that shop Anthropologie they have teamed up with Seea again this year. Last year I showed you their vintage rose line (which I own and LOVE) but this year I am drooling over this new print…..

I just can’t decide which piece to get! You will love all the pieces they have collaborated on and you can find them at www.Anthropologie.com or www.Seea.com

Hope you all found something you will find fashionable and helpful to protect your skin from harmful UV rays this Summer. I know I’m stocked up and you can expect to see me practicing what I preach the entire season. I will post beach pics later this Month!

Have a great week and remember May is Melanoma & Skin Cancer Awareness Month so what better month of the year to stay skintastic or become skintastic?!?!?

Cheers, Nina

P.S. E-mail me if you ever need help finding sun protective clothing-combining shopping and skin is my happy place!

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Today is my birthday! I turned 32 years old today. The thirties are the best! All your friends are in different walks of life when you are in your thirties. Some have kids, some don’t. Some are single, some are married. Some are starting their first job and some have been with their current employer for over 10 years. You can be at so many stages in your thirties, be anything you want. As I drove home from Bentonville this weekend I reflected on my 32 years and my current life circumstances. What I want to change, what I love, what else I want to accomplish, what goals I want to work towards. I’m happy in my life but it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. I’ve got problems too, but nothing major. I actually think my problems are pretty “first world”. As a matter of fact, the problems I have are pretty great. And that, my friends, may be the key to a happy life; having great problems. So here are some of the problems I’ve accumulated over my past 32 years that you should have too.

Nina’s suggested life problems:

1. No matter how much time I spend cleaning my house it’s still a mess.

2. I eat organic but let my kid eat lucky charms for breakfast.

3. It’s never silent in my home (1 year old and 3 year old).

4. My kids can drive me insane (but they are healthy and happy).

5. I have too many friends and family to spend adequate time with everyone.

6. I’m loud, my kids are louder.

7. I’m still growing up.

8. I have so much to learn.

9. I have hormonal acne because I have been pregnant or breastfeeding for 4 years ( two of the best things ever).

10.  The older I get the harder it is to stay in shape (mentally, emotionally and PHYSICALLY).

The point is this: in order to enjoy all the greatest blessings in life, you must accept the negative side of all those things too. Don’t stress over these problems, know they are just the negative side to something great. Something in your life that makes you smile. Enjoy your family and friends, make memories and as the saying goes “don’t sweat the small stuff”. I hope you all find joy and happiness in life because it’s a short time we are given and it shouldn’t be wasted.

“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” -Ralph Waldo Emmerson

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They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. If you believe this, then you agree that the eyelids are the window treatments that you see the soul through. Many people don’t come to me seeking treatment for around the eyes but after they are treated there, they absolutely love how refreshed, awake and youthful small tweaks to the eyelids have made them feel. There are lots of safe, effective treatments for the eyelids but beware this is a high risk area to treat and you should seek an expert healthcare provider when treating this area. I can’t tell you how many “botched” eyelids I’ve fixed (#humbrag). Here are my favorite options for treating lines, wrinkles, crepe paper like eyelid skin, dark circles and the dreaded “bags”.

1. Blepharoplasty- This is a surgery where they repair or reconstruct the eyelid. We don’t perform this at JD but it is a good option for some people.
2. Filler- I personally think this is the easiest way to “botch” the eyelids. It’s a high risk area to inject and can even cause blindness. I often times inject the midface to pull the skin under the eyes which looks natural and works wonders. warning: seek an expert, please!
3. Botox- FDA has approved 24 units for “crows feet”. If your main focus is to enhance your smile with softening your “crows feet” then Botox is the way to go. Warning: Seek an expert. When injected incorrectly this could cause a “shelf” look to the cheek when smiling. FYI: This is my personal favorite location to have Botox injected. It opens my eyes and helps me look so refreshed compared to how tired I am with two kids under 3.
4. Growth Factor- This is the precursor to collagen. It’s a hot ingredient right now and guess what?  You don’t have to pay all that money for a poorly studied procedure (cough, vampire facial, cough) to get the benefits of growth factor. It is an unstable molecule so you need a good researched skin care product to reap the benefits. My favorite is TNS recovery or TNS essential serum from SkinMedica. It works, it’s magic like breastmilk and it can’t be reproduced. It tells your collagen factory, which  starts slacking as you age, to make more collagen. The recovery I recommend for acne prone skin and the essential serum is good for everyone else, especially if you tend to be dry skinned because it has vitamin C which is excellent for moisturizing. Warning: You must get through two bottles before you decide if it works-it’s like losing weight, real results that last take time to achieve.
5. HA5-The newest product to the SkinMedica family and most patients’ current fav addition. Imagine a cream that fairies make with the water from the fountain of youth on the beaches of Bali and then travel via Unicorn to have it packaged in a magical factory made of spring flowers where the employees let little newborn babies give each bottle a little giggle and snuggle. That’s the feeling I get and what I dream of as I apply HA5 to my face. It’s that good. It contains 5 hyaluronic acids that get you an immediate plumping but as you use it over time the vitis flower extract in it tells your skin to make more collagen resulting in reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, redness and irritation. Come get some, you can thank me later. Your eyelids will go from scratchy potato sack to silk curtains before you know it.
6. Sunscreen- To prevent premature photoaging around the eyes you should apply at least a 30 SPF broad spectrum, waterproof sunscreen daily and reapply every 2 hours while outdoors. My favorite for antiaging is the Total Defense and Repair by SkinMedica because it repairs but it also has a tinted version that covers and protects against infrared rays too!
7. Latisse-This is a prescription FDA approved and effective treatment for lengthening, darkening and thickening the lashes. If I use mine every night I can’t wear my glasses without my super lashes pushing them down my nose-yes I’m serious. There is no generic or alternative with the same ingredients. It’s very cost effective compared to eyelash extensions but it is also great to use with eyelash extensions. After I have injected and lasered my mom, she feels like Latisse is what really made her look/feel younger. You don’t realize how much losing your thick, dark, long lashes matures you.
8. Sublative- This is thought of like some people may think of laser but it is not a true laser because it isn’t light. It is microneedling and radiofrequency. It breaks up the top layer of skin and makes you rebuild collagen. It tightens the skin helping fine lines, wrinkles, crepe paper like skin and sagging around the eyes. There is some downtime with this procedure but when you see the before and after pictures of some of our patients you won’t care what kind of labor you have to go through to have those babies!

I would encourage you all to come see us at Johnson Dermatology and let us consult what the best option for you is to beautify and enhance the window treatments for the windows to the soul. Dani is our cosmetic coordinator who loves talking procedures with you and we also have a great skin care product team to discuss products with you anytime.

“Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child” -Ron Wild

Hope your weekend was perfect, xoxo, Nina

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Someone once said that you can’t give advanced knowledge to someone who is basic, even if the knowledge is basic to you. It makes sense. We all have different expertise, knowledge on different topics. If I try to talk to my husband about healthcare he often gets irritated with my medical terminology skills. 10-4 is my most advanced radio lingo but he can have a full conversation with his cop friends in nothing but numbers. One question that I get asked a lot about products is “how do I use it?” which seems self explanatory to me. But something so basic can actually be very complicated. How much do you use? In what order do you use it? Wash first or after? Leave it on indefinetely or wash it off? Where can I put it? Where shouldn’t I put it? Skincare product application can actually be trickier than I give credit. So here are my tips for skin care product application.

1. Always apply sunscreen as your LAST product in the mornings. Otherwise the order is usually flexible. At Johnson Dermatology we try to write down what order to use products if it makes a difference.
2. Put product on the back of your hand before applying it to your face. This allows control of consistency of the product before going to your face and it keeps your hands’ skin taken care of too. If you pump the product into the palm of your hand then some of the product is wasted on the tough, thick palm skin. The back of the hand can really age a person. You want your hands protected with sunscreen and reversing the damage with retinol or other specialty products. Some products separate in the packaging. Squirting onto the back of your hand and then mixing with one finger there allows you to get rid of any dry clumps and mixing any separation that may have occured in the bottle.
3. One pump is enough. If you are using a product that comes in a pump (retinol, TNS, lytera or HA5 for example) then one pump is a sufficient quantity. If you are using a product that comes in a jar (like redness relief calmplex) then use one pea size drop amount for entire face. This is a general rule, sometimes there are variations but this is a good starting point at least.
4. Apply evenly to face. My favorite technique is to get the initial pea size drop of the product on the back of the hand and make sure it is mixed evenly and remove any clumps from drying. Next, take one finger from the opposite hand and put an even amount on each cheek, forehead, chin and nose. Then you can rub it all over your face for an even distribution. If you have some product left on your hands rub down the neck and decollete. Lastly, rub the back of your hands together so no product is wasted.
5. Wash your face prior to applying product. This simply gets off any dirt or product that could block your skincare products from penetrating the skin like you want. I don’t recommend cleansing more than twice a day.

What tips do you have for applying skin care products? Would you like to see a video on our youtube page of me applying my regimen? Do you have any questions? I love hearing from you guys! I always take your suggestions to heart. Hope your weekend was magical!

“It’s still magic even if you know how it’s done.” -Terry Pratchett

XOXO, Nina

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I ended this past week with a girls night sleep over. I’m from Fayetteville and I have a group of girls with whom I have been friends since before I knew my ABC’s. They are my people, my low maintenance friends. You know someone is a best friend when they become low maintenance status. I mean I have other friends that obviously are special to me but they require some work. Like new friends who you aren’t sure if you can feed your kids marshmallows for dinner and not be judged by them. Or your classy friends whom you can’t have more than one glass of wine around. Or your sensitive friends whom you can’t accidently tell the hard core truth to or they will be mad at you for a week. What about the picky friend who you have to always eat where they want to eat or do the activities they are comfortable doing or they get cranky. I really LOVE all my friends low maintenance or not. I’m just saying, some friends take work and that’s okay. I’m most relaxed when it’s just easy. I never have to worry about what I say or if my actions will be judged, if something will make them mad or if they like me-everything is set because we have been friends for so long we understand each other and it’s just easy. That’s how I like my skin care too. The other day I looked over at my counter top and realized I had more skin care products than necessity products (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) and it dawned on me that I was no longer a low maintenance skin care regimen. I have made lots of new friends (added skin care products). Partly because I’m getting older, partly because I test products and partly because I’m struggling with hormonal acne as we speak. So for those of you who like the low maintenance skin care regimen that will take you day to day with healthy skin, here it is-bonus:only two products involved.

Morning regimen for the low maintenance girl boss:

1. Gently cleanse-with just water, with plain white soap whatever you choose just don’t irritate. No scrubs, beads, exfoliators, toners and loofas.
2. Sunscreen- The best for the low maintenance gal is  tinted Total Defense and Repair by SkinMedica because it really is 3 products in one. You get sunscreen, repairing antioxidants and the best color matching tint with which you won’t even need powder make-up. It dries like a powder and doesn’t leave that greasy film you sometimes feel with sunscreen.

While doing your thing all day remember to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays with sun protective clothing and reapplying your sunscreen.

Night time regimen for the low maintenance boss babe:

1. Gentle cleanse again. Pretend you have the most sensitive skin.
2. Retinol-I use the SkinMedica Retinol (do you ask your dermatologist what they use? you should). It’s plain and doesn’t irritate your skin as bad as other retinols that have irritating additives, fragrances and colors. Plus, it’s scientifically proven to be as effective as prescription tretinoin. Retinol is a perfect product for the low maintenance regimen because it helps with so many skin problems including brown spots, acne, uneven skin texture and tone, blackheads, fine lines, wrinkles, melasma and dull skin. It’s the most tried and true anti-aging product.

There is something refreshing and invigorating knowing that you can take care of the largest organ in your body so easily. I definitely have increased my skincare regimen and the time it takes me to care for my skin but on those nights when I fall asleep on the couch or I am just not in the mood, I go back to this regimen. This is my low maintenance go-to and it works! There is so much trickery in skin care product marketing so whether you’re the low maintenance kind of girl or you like to up your game and have the best of the best, we have a regimen for you at Johnson Dermatology. Let one of our skin care experts tailor a regimen that fits your skin needs and your budget perfectly. Just call and schedule a free consult at your convenience we would love to help you become skintastic.

Happy Easter everyone! Hope to see you at the clinic this week!

“Make it simple, but significant” -Don Draper

XXOO, Nina

P.S. To all my friends reading this, it’s not about you! Promise, nothing but love to all.

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Every single day someone tells me “back then we didn’t know the sun was bad for you, we wanted tans” or something of this nature. How they used baby oil, iodine and aluminum foil. In my head, I sometimes think to myself “you wouldn’t have done anything different if you did know”. That sounds awful doesn’t it; that I think like that? But currently we all know tanning beds and sunburns increase our risk for skin cancer, specifically melanoma, the one that can kill you. Still, I see teen girls getting in tanning beds before prom, women tanning before their wedding or my favorite excuse, tanning to get ready for vacation so they don’t burn (insert eye roll emoji here). But I do realize that some of those people who say they wish they had known really would have changed their habits. Some people out there really are applying sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing sun protective clothing and keeping their skin healthy. For those people, here are my sunscreen tips.

1. Choose appropriate sunscreen for the event. If you are sunscreening a bunch of kids on a field trip pick a cheaper physical sunscreen like barerepublic at Target. If you are acne prone pick a light sunscreen such as a mineral powder like the BOB. If your skin is dry and it’s winter pick a creamy, non-greasy sunscreen like Elta MD sport. My point is, I use different sunscreens everyday. You have a go-to daily lipstick but you change it up for a special night out or family photos. Have that same arsenal of sunscreens.
2. Apply everyday. Often times when I give this advice people say “oh but I don’t go outside”. If you see light of day then the UV rays see your skin. Do you walk from your car into work and then from your car into the grocery store, then back to your car, then into your home? That alone is a good 30 minutes outside. Every. Single. Day.
3. Reapply, reapply, reapply. Every 2 hours while outdoors. More often if participating in water sports. Usually people say “I burned even though I used sunscreen” and then I say “did you reapply?” and then they give me a deer in headlights look.
4. Use enough, which seems like a lot. Most adults need one ounce to cover all exposed areas of skin. That’s about a palm full. Or for all you spring breakers it’s a shot glass full. So fill your palm with sunscreen and then rub that all over. Don’t try to spread a pea size drop of sunscreen on your hands, feet and face-it’s just not enough! If you’re burning while using sunscreen then most likely you’re not using enough or not reapplying enough or it’s just expired sunscreen.
5. Only use GREAT sunscreen. Here are my rules: #1 at least 30 SPF #2 UVA/UVB #3 water resistant #4 a physical sunscreen (like zinc oxide). That’s just 4 rules so don’t break them-your skin deserves the best, right?
6. Apply BEFORE you go outside. Cloudy, sunny, hot or cold you have to apply every day  so just get in the habit of applying before walking out the door.  People on spring break who walk out to the beach, set up the umbrella, lay out the towels, order a drink, grab a magazine and then pull the sunscreen out have already had harmful sun exposure for a good 20 minutes before they even start applying sunscreen then another 15 minutes for the sunscreen to absorb. You don’t grab a hot baking dish out of the oven without your oven mit, get a slight burn on your hand, then decide to put on an oven mit to finish getting your casserole out of the oven. You put the oven mit on first so that you don’t burn yourself at all. Sunscreen first, that’s how protection and prevention work.

Sunscreen is one anti aging product every single person should be using. It’s not easy to use sunscreen in our busy lives but you will be happy you did. I’ve never met a patient who said “I wish I wouldn’t have used sunscreen”, not one. But I meet a lot who say they wish they would have been more sun protective. Hind sight is 20/20, have 20/20 vision now for you skin, protect it.

Happy Spring Break to everyone this week! I will be at the clinic for all your spring break skin needs, hope to see you there.

Sun smart and proud, Nina

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People come to me for advice on their skin care. That’s what I do all day, give skin advice. When it comes to the products that I recommend people don’t just ask me what products to use, they want to know why as well. After I suggest products, I can almost gaurentee that half those people are going to say “well what’s the difference in what you want me to use and what I already use?” in some form or fashion. So here are my most common “what’s the difference?” questions and answers. Hope this helps explain why I give good skin advice, muah!

1. What’s the difference in SPF # of sunscreen mean? SPF stands for sunburn protection factor. The number after SPF represents how much UVB (the burning rays, not UVA) the sunscreen can filter out. SPF of 15 filter 93% of UVB and SPF of 30 filter out 97% which is why I recommend an SPF of 30 or higher and sun protective clothing too because neither are 100%!
2. What’s the difference in chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen? Chemical sunscreen (ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzene) protects you by absorbing the suns’s rays while physical sunscreen (ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) protects by deflecting the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreen is like a sponge on your skin if you drip water on the dry sponge it will protect you from getting wet  but you may still feel some moisture. Physical sunscreen is like putting aluminum foil on your skin. When you pour the water on you, the aluminum deflects it from hitting your skin. That’s why I recommend physical sunscreens.
3. What’s the difference in the SkinMedica Retinol you use and local drug store retinols? The SkinMedica retinol has anti-inflammatory properties instead of pro-inflammatory properties so it’s less irritating. It’s also very plain. Some of the drug store retinols have added fragrances or 30 other ingredients that actually cause irritation. The SkinMedica Retinol I use has been tested against prescription retinoid tretinoin and proven to be just as effective. The difference is the tolerability, the effectiveness and the science to back it up!
4. What’s the difference in the Jane Iredale makeup you use and other makeups? The Jane Iredale powders use pure mineral pigment with no fillers such as talc that can irritate the skin. They have been tested and proven to be non-comedogenic (they don’t clog pores and cause acne). They have received the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation. To achieve this, they had to provide scientific data showing the products aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. They have good adherence (don’t streak in creases),  minimum allergy risk and have anti-irritant, natural ingredients-paraben free. My drawer at home is full of Jane Iredale.
5. What’s the difference in Botox, Dysport and Xeomin? They are all neuromodulators meant to do the same thing-relax the muscles that cause lines in motion. I usually explain to people they are like drinking coke and pepsi, although both are colas some people prefer coke and some people prefer pepsi. Some say that Dysport spreads more which can be a good or bad thing. Xeomin claims that it doesn’t have the proteins that Botox has so it is a “more pure” product. Botox is the tried and true, it’s been around the longest in the USA and it’s what I personally prefer.
6. What’s the difference in neuromodulaters and fillers? Neuromodulators, like Botox, are placed in muscles that make lines in motion so that you don’t have lines in motion develop into lines at rest (unwanted wrinkles). Think of fillers (Juvederm) as temporary implants. We use them to stretch the skin or lift what has fallen. When there is volume loss, we can replace that loss in the face with fillers. For a natural appearance, most people will use both neuromodulators and fillers together.
7. What’s the difference in SkinMedica AHA/BHA exfoliating cleanser and the exfoliating at home you’re telling me not to do? The roughness that you feel in the AHA/BHA cleanser is jojoba which is a natural ingredient that dissolves as you are cleansing your skin so that it is very gently exfoliating. The scrubs and beads (that have been outlawed by the way due to their harm to our environement) don’t dissolve, they just harshly scrub your skin causing inflammation and irritation that leads to dullness, acne and redness.
8. What’s the difference in the lasers and the sublative treatments? We have an ATV, PDL and YAG laser. These all use light to treat different conditions like tattoo removal, brown spots, redness, red lesions, hair reduction and skin tightening respectively. The sublative device doesn’t use light; instead it uses microneedling and radiofrequency to treat scars, fine lines and wrinkles. I recommend a consult with Dani, our cosmetic coordinator, for a consult to determine  your best option.
9. What’s the difference in prescription retinoids and the retinol you use? The retinoids are pro-inflammatory and the SkinMedica retinol is anti-inflammatory so you will be able to tolerate it better without as much initial redness, peeling and irritation.
10. What’s the difference in the millions of moisturizers and washes? Usually what irritants are in them. Remember, moisturizer is important but it is just water and/or oil so although it keeps your skin hydrated improving overall skin health and appearance it doesn’t actually induce change in your skin. So either use products that change your skin AND moisturize like the HA5, which has hyaluronic acid, to intensely moisturize but also has vitis flower stem cells that tell your skin to make more hyaluronic acid or just pick a cheap, plain white moisturizer at the drug store to use everyday. I like cetaphil dermacontrol for the acne prone.

I know this was a long post but I promise I could’ve easily gone to 50! I hope this answered some of your questions and gave you a peek into my evidence-based practice. What I use on my skin and recommend to you guys has been researched and proven to work. I want you to see results and reach all your skin goals!

Hope you all had a great weekend, stay skintastic!

xxoo, Nina

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International Women’s Day is this Tuesday, March 8th, 2016. According to www.internationalwomensday.com Tuesday is “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women”. I’de never heard of the day until one of my favorite bloggers (www.thealisonshow.com go follow, you will love her energy) was posting about the party she is throwing to celebrate. I work with over 40 women every day and life is good so it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the struggle in other workplaces, countries and continents where women are constantly fighting to be equals. I hope my daughters grow up in a world where they feel like boss babes, like they can do anything anyone else can do when they put forth all their effort. In honor of International Women’s Day, this week I wanted to share the things that I do to try to lead by example to my friends and especially my daughters how women really can rule the world.

1. Befriend other women who achieve. My boss and mentor is a woman. There are tons of small businesses in Fort Smith owned by women, support them. Show them you support them. Collaborate with other powerful women. Together we can lift each other and achieve even more greatness.
2. Don’t be mean jealous. Do you know how jealous I am of the Moms at daycare who send Valentines that look exactly like a DIY off pinterest that took at least 10 hours to make when all I threw in the bag was a tootsie roll with a dollar store Elsa card? But I love those moms for it. I’m thankful that my kid gets those awesome treats (especially since she will never get them from me). I let them know I think it’s awesome. If you are feeling jealous of another woman’s degree, mom skills, wife skills, home or clothes that is a feeling that you are getting because another woman is doing something right and maybe even better than you do it. But that’s okay, someone is jealous of you too. So when I feel that jealousy, I give a shout out. Props to the Moms with the creative craft skills.
3. Competitors are a good thing. I know I’m not the only nurse practitioner in Fort Smith. I know you could chose to trust me with your skin or someone else. I don’t speak negatively of other nurse practitioners in the community. Do your thing girl, I’m gonna be doing mine. There is enough room in this world for all us ladies to be successful and rise up!
4. Offer your help. Is there a student you could mentor? Are there other women you could collaborate with? Is there a class you could teach? Do you write a blog to help share your knowledge (toot-tooting my horn)? Help other women achieve with you! You don’t want to be sitting on top of the world by yourself do you? Women should help each other just like men help each other and men help women and women help men. Help a sister out!
5. Be kind and have courage. So Cinderella said. If you haven’t seen the new Cinderella you may not know this line but I love this advice Cinderella was given. If you are kind to people and you have courage often that is all you need to be a successful woman.

On a side note, most of my cosmetic dermatology practice consists of women and I want to take a minute to thank them for trusting me with their skin. They are all hard working women who invest in the care of their skin and I have a little place in my heart for all of them. Taking care of our skin, oddly enough, is something women already excel in, usually (not always) better than men so shout out to all my women out there who take such good care of the largest organ in their body, the skin!

Hoe to see you this week, Happy International Women’s Day to all!

xoxo, Nina

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