Hydroquinone, a widely used ingredient in skin bleaching and fading creams, has been banned in Asia and Europe for some time due to safety concerns. Now Texas authorities are calling it an unapproved drug, and are confiscating it from physician offices.

View Article: Should Hydroquinone Be Allowed in Cosmeceuticals?

Hydroquinone is a potential carcinogen. It often causes irritation which can lead to more pigmentation. It can also over-lighten the skin, or lighten the normal skin around dark marks causing a halo effect like the one seen here. It can even lead to ochronosis, a condition which leads to a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin which is irreversible.

For the treatment of hyperpigmentation, we recommend the use of natural lighteners like L-arbutin in conjunction with other products and/or treatments to suppress melanin and lift pigmentation without the concerns of carcinogenicity and unwanted side effects.

Skin can generally be categorized into four main groups: dry, normal/combo, oily and sensitive. Determining your skin type will help you choose the right products and skin care regimen to make your skin look and feel its best.

First, take a look at the size of your pores. Pores are very small on dry skin while, on normal/combo and sensitive skin, pores go from smaller to larger around the nose area. Pore size on oily skin tends to be large all over.

Next, examine your skin without makeup by midday. Dry and sensitive skin may feel tight or look flaky. Sensitive skin may also start looking red and irritated. Normal skin may look slightly shiny around the forehead and nose, while oily skin may look shiny all over.

Need help determining your skin type or the best treatment regimen to care for your complexion? At Isis, we will perform a complementary skin analysis at your consultation! Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.

Laser hair removal targets pigment in the hair follicle. As long as you have hair with some pigment (not white, light red or true blonde), you are a candidate for laser hair removal. However, depending on your skin tone, certain lasers may not be safe for you. If you are darker-skinned (type IV through type VI – see below), not all lasers will be safe or appropriate for you. For a free laser hair removal analysis by email that is personally reviewed and responded to by our staff, click here.

Here is an abbreviated version of the skin typing tool we use to determine your skin type:

TYPE I: Highly sensitive, always burns, never tans. Light hair, light eyes.                     TYPE II: Very sun sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
TYPE III: Sun sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown.
TYPE IV: Minimally sun sensitive, burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown.
TYPE V: Sun-insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans easily.
TYPE VI: Sun-insensitive, never burns, deeply pigmented.

If you are a type IV to type VI, not all lasers are safe for you. In most cases, the Nd:Yag laser will need to be used (particularly for Type V and VI). The risks of being treated with an inappropriate laser include burns to the skin. We have also seen cases where the settings were turned down low enough not to cause burns, but so low that they were not effective for hair removal. As you are investigating the best laser hair removal establishment for you, inquire about the laser types they use, and also their experience treating your skin tone.

At Isis, we utilize an Nd:Yag laser, the Coolglide, as well as the Prowave 770. Each has its advantages and we sometimes may use both on the same person. Please contact us with any questions you have or to set up your free consultation.

Protecting your skin from the sun is not just for skin cancer prevention. No matter what your skin tone, minimizing sun exposure also means less fine lines, discoloration, uneven texture and broken capillaries. Sunscreen alone typically does not provide enough protection. Here are nine basic steps you can take to keep your skin healthy and looking young!

Sun Safety Basics:

• Avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours (10am to 4pm).
• Wear a hat with at least a 4 inch brim to protect the face and neck.
• Wear sunblock even below clothing when you plan to be out in the sun (an average t-shirt has an SPF of about 4!)
• If you drive a lot, the left side of your face, chest and left arm are at increased risk. UVA rays do pass through glass, so use the same precautions you would when spending the day outdoors.
• Wear sunglasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection.
• Wear protective clothing (the tighter the weave, the better).
• Wear sunscreen with adequate SPF (see details below).
• Wear clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Isis carries a wide range of hats, sunglasses and scarves with UPF built in.
• If you have children, set an example! Make sun protection fun and they will grow to love their sunglasses and hats!

Click here to learn more about the controversy around sunscreen and sunblock ingredients so you can make an informed decision about the best choices for you!

Contact us if you have questions, need help selecting the best sunblock for you, or would like to browse our selection of sun-smart hats, sunglasses and scarves!

Buy a $50 Gift Card and get a $10 Gift Card for Free! Or get a $100 Gift Card and get a $20 Gift Card for Free! Exclusive offers like these are emailed out about twice a week to Isis Deal of the Day members. Sign up for free today and don’t miss any more exclusives like these!

Isis Skin & Body is featured today on Plum District for a Blueberry Smoothie or Pomegranate Peel. Blueberries and Pomegranate, packed with antioxidants, are healthy for you inside or out! The Blueberry smoothie is an intensely hydrating treatment, perfect for a first-time peel. The Pomegranate Peel is a little stronger, clarifying the skin and lifting away dead skin and scale. Both will leave you rejuvenated and glowing! This makes a great gift too! Contact us if you have any questions.

“…Recent evidence suggests that the use of Botox decreases one’s ability to empathize with others. Users of Botox were discovered by USC and Duke University researchers to have a diminished capacity to read the emotions of others. This seems to be because we naturally mimic others’ expressions which helps us to decode their meaning. Since users of Botox are unable to use all of their facial muscles to make expressions, their ability to mimic, perceive and therefore empathize with another person’s emotions is significantly diminished. And, of course, since their ability to display emotion through facial expression is also impaired, this may lead to a perception of indifference as well…”
Read the full article “Botox: What You Need To Know“: