The Today Show

ENHANCEMENTS Body Micro-Dermabrasion was featured on the Today show in March 2009 in a segment called “Beauty breakthroughs: Triple threats. Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t look your best.” Featuring beauty expert Jenn Falik as she talks to the Today hosts about breakthrough products that won’t bust your budget, this segment is not-to-be-missed.

Confessions of a Dermatologist

Dr. Fields and I will be the first to tell you to run from the sun. That natural, sun-kissed glow may be pretty but it is hardly worth the risks of skin cancer, brown spots and accelerated aging. Just because I slather myself in sunscreen, hide under a huge hat and sport sunglasses so large they cover half my face doesn't mean I've abandoned my Southern California beach babe roots in favor of a pasty white, librarian-like complexion. I want it all-especially when it comes to my skin. So here's how I have learned to fake it:


First: Prep your skin by exfoliating: Before applying a self-tanning lotion, I scrub away dead, dry, scaly skin on my legs, chest and arms with a gentle micro-dermabrasion stick. And for a two-for-one benefit, I leave the micro-dermabrasion product on my legs for an even closer shave and enhanced exfoliation in one fell swoop. Smooth, freshly shaved and exfoliated skin ensures a uniform application of the self-tanning product.


Second: Moisturize the driest areas over your joints: Apply a thick coat of your favorite body lotion over the elbows, ankles and knees to prevent a concentrated uptake of the self tanner in areas where the skin is thickest.


Third: Apply a gradual self-tanning moisturizer for a more natural, and streak-free glow. My favorites are made by Jergens and Dove which are lightweight, full of good moisturizers and don't smell like your average
self-tanner.

April is National Rosacea Awareness Month

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) announced the estimated number of Americans now suffering from rosacea has increased to 16 million, while untold millions more may be in temporary remission. April is designated as Rosacea Awareness Month by the NRS to alert the public to the warning signs of this red-faced, acne-like and often life-disruptive disorder, and the importance of seeking early diagnosis and treatment.

“Many people assume that rosacea is simply a sunburn or complexion problem that will eventually go away, and fail to realize they have a chronic condition that may get worse without medical treatment and lifestyle modifications,” said Dr. Jonathan Wilkin, chairman of the NRS medical advisory board. He noted the steady growth and aging of the population during the past decade have significantly raised the incidence of this widespread but poorly understood disorder, and its effects are now in full force among the massive numbers in the baby boom generation.

The NRS had previously estimated the number of rosacea sufferers in the United States at 14 million, and recent epidemiological studies have also found the incidence may be much higher. Despite its prevalence, however, most Americans are unaware of its signs and symptoms, and medical data suggest that only a small percentage of rosacea sufferers are being treated.

“It’s especially important for people to know about rosacea, not only because of its potential for the development of other skin and serious eye effects, but its negative impact on personal appearance can be even more devastating to their emotional, social and professional lives,” Dr. Wilkin said.

In a NRS surveys of more than 1,200 rosacea patients, more than 76% said their condition had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem, and 41% said it caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements. Among those with severe symptoms, nearly 70% said it had adversely affected their professional lives, and nearly 30% said they even missed work because of its effect on their personal appearance.

R+F Dermatologists offer SOOTHE

Calm the flush-blush reaction of a hyper-sensitive complexion with SOOTHE. Clinically proven to reduce redness and irritation in as little as 5 minutes, SOOTHE helps interrupt the inflammatory cascade, strengthens skin’s natural moisture barrier, calms redness, and reduces irritation so that you can take comfort in having a healthy-looking complexion every day.