Ringing in the New Year

Can you believe it? 2011 is almost here.  So to wrap up 2010, we figured we'd look at some helpful beauty tips that you can implement into your routine in 2011. Happy New Year! 

Some helpful healthy tips for the new year: 

Germain Rx Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 30

1. Get your yearly skin check.  

2. Wear sunscreen daily and make sure it has physical blocks in it. Men and women both should be doing this. We see too many men who forgo wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, make it part of your routine when you shave in the morning. 

3. Drink more H20. Water is great for your skin! 

4. Try to eat a bit more healthily. Say goodbye to junk food and fast food and enjoy some healthy food. You will notice a difference in your skin. 

5. Learn something new! Learn a new language, take a new course, read new books, learn a sport or take the Peace, Love & Hip Hop class with Angel Roberts (one of our favorites!) just keep things moving both physically and mentally and you will feel energized. 

Smooth As Silk Lotion

6. Take care of your hands. The skin on your hands is very fragile and thin, so be sure to moisturize often and use gentle anti-aging products on them to keep them looking resilient. 

7. Go Mineral! Mineral cosmetics are wonderful for sensitive skin types and conditions like acne and rosacea, not only because you can control the coverage but because the ingredients are non-comedogenic so they’re less likely to cause reactions. We suggest our favorite and one of the hottest sellers around the world, Jane Iredale. 

8. Invest in high quality products for your face and read the ingredients. We see so many patients that have wasted their money on over the counter products that are all wrong for their skin. Get a skin evaluation and truly know what you are. You’d be surprised at the amount of women who think they have oily skin when really they have dry skin, especially in our crazy Lowcountry weather. Once you’re on a regimen that is tailored to your skin type, you will see a difference and in the end you will save money because you will no longer be wasting your money on products you can’t and won’t use. 

9. Get moving. Regular exercise can play a big role in how young and healthy your skin looks and feels. When you exercise your level of stress diminishes, so your adrenal glands are producing less testosterone-related hormones that can play a part in those acne flare-ups. 

10. Be grateful and smile. No matter how many procedures you have to look refreshed, one of the best ones that takes years off your look is simply a smile. So be happy with all of your blessings and enjoy life! 

Happy New Year from Dr. Germain and everyone at Germain Dermatology 

Best of the Best

The time has come again for one of our favorite parts of the year ~the Charleston City Paper Best of Charleston voting. For the last five years, Dr. Germain has been honored to receive the Best Dermatologist award. These awards mean a lot because they're coming from the community, a true sign that what she does in our community does make a difference. The voting just opened yesterday, but it seems that all kinds of businesses are campaigning for your vote. The voting ends on January 25 and then they release the issue around the first week in March, so you have a whole month to vote.

With the Best of Charleston here, it makes us remember a card we received last December. It read,


"Dr. Germain, 
Season's Greetings! Thank you so much for the beautiful work on my undereye circles, they are now nearly non-existent! Miraculous!


Love, Regan, Your client in Bahrain" 


 Bahrain! Can you believe it? It's a great feeling to know that Dr. Germain has fans a half a world away. So if you do take some time to vote for Dr. Germain as best dermatologist, she is more thankful than you'll ever know! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.


http://posting.charlestoncitypaper.com/charleston/Survey?survey=2545633

Last Minute Gift Ideas

Christmas week is here and many people are still scratching their heads wondering what to buy their loved ones. We often get the question, "Is it weird to buy people gift certificates for botox or juvederm for Christmas?" as if you may offend them by giving them this--but really, it's a great gift! Many women want beauty treatments like botox, silk peels or dermal fillers but usually don't put themselves first on the Christmas list..so once again they get a robe or a bad Christmas sweater. Yikes! 

So here's some great Christmas gift ideas for you last minute shoppers to bring beauty into your loved one's holiday: 

BOTOX & DYSPORT GIFT CERTIFICATES 
Botox injections or Dysport injections are a quick and simple procedures done in our office in minutes. With no downtime from work or other activities, results are fast and sometimes amazing. Most people who have had Botox or Dysport are extremely satisfied. We jokingly say that the one side effect of these is how much they love their results. Also, for you bargain hunters out there, Dyport is offering a $50 rebate when you get your injections until December 31, 2010...so book your appointment today! 




SILK PEELS 
Get a face that is smooth as silk with SilkPeel. It is one of the most dynamic skin treatment available today. It is in the only procedure featuring Dermalinfusion™, the non-invasive exfoliation and delivery of skin-specific solutions, leaving patients with fresher-feeling and better-looking skin. SilkPeel is safe and painless. In addition, SilkPeel is unique because it does not use crystals or other abrasive particles that can irritate the skin. And good news, we're offering a great holiday special -- Buy one, get one free!! 

GERMAIN RX PRODUCTS 

Our patients are in LOVE with our exclusive line of products. Germain Rx has been designed exclusively for the specific needs of our patients. Using the latest in skin care technology, this line includes the highest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and is made at an FDA-regulated facility. Germain Rx includes products for anti-aging, acne and problem skin, sensitive skin, and rosacea. It also includes a complete sunscreen line and body products. Some of the products we love: Magic Eyes,  Skin Enhancement Treatment Pads, Hydrating Serum, Skin Tone Enhancement Therapy, Green Tea Serum, Collagen Growth Accelerator, Trifusion Miracle Face Cream, Anti-Aging Sunscreen SPF 45 and so many more! We have patients from around the nation who swear by our products, one of them as far as Japan - she makes her sister send her a product care package every 6 months! 

Gift certificates are always a safe bet when it comes to buying for those who like to pick out their own treatments. We're offering buy $100 gift certificate and get a $10 gift certificate free! 

So from the Germain Dermatology family to yours, Merry Christmas and thanks for being such wonderful patients. 

Be sure to check out our brand new website at www.germaindermatology.com, created by Geeks in a Box and Nelwater Consulting. We'll be adding a shopping cart to it in the new year, so it's easier for you to shop our great Germain Rx products from the comfort of your own home. 

Merry Christmas! 

Life is Beautiful without the Bulges

“He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!”

We all know the famous poem describing Santa as a chubby and plump old elf, but when you look in the mirror do you really want your belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly?

This holiday season, unwrap a whole new you.  Now it’s easy to get rid of the love handles, muffin top and other unwanted bulges comfortably, conveniently and naturally.  The process is called  CoolSculpting™ by ZELTIQ.™ and I am proud to be the only dermatologist in South Carolina offering the service.  It’s the “cool” way to effectively and permanently reduce fat. 

Unlike traditional invasive surgical procedures, Zeltiq is an FDA cleared technology that uses no needles and there is no need for surgical incisions, anesthesia or pain medication.  During the procedure, our patients rest comfortably as a non-invasive applicator is applied to the skin surface.  This delivers precisely controlled cooling to target and eliminate fat cells in specific areas of the body.

Most people ask, 'Well if you're freezing fat, then why can't I just put a 20-lb bag of ice on my muffin top?', however, Zeltiq is not actually freezing the fat but taking away the energy from the fat cell, causing it to die over a period of 2-4 months. It crystalizes the lipids in the fat cells causing the slow breakdown of the cells and then is released through your body's normal metabolic processes.

The CoolSculpting procedure is comfortable for most patients; they can read, work on their laptop computer, listen to music or just relax. Most patients typically resume their routine activities, including returning to work and exercise regimens on the same day as the procedure.

Click HERE to watch our informational video. 

So this holiday season, get jolly by saying goodbye to that muffin top for good!

Call us today to see if Zeltiq is right for you at (843) 881-4440.  

As Red As Rudolph's Nose - Eczema

The holidays are here, along with the stress...and your eczema is starting to flare up. From putting up Christmas trees to having a house full of relatives, stressful events are enough to make you turn as red as Rudolph’s nose. Eczema affects more than 30% of the population and is term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated.  It’s extremely common in young children and infants...and parents, listen to this...more than 85% of those suffering from it are under 5 years old. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. It is estimated that atopic dermatitis affects over 30 million Americans.

Unfortunately, the cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to unknown triggers...and good news, it is manageable. Often, people may suffer "flare-ups" but knowing what to use and when to use it is so important. Also, make sure that you do see a professional like a dermatologist when it comes to eczema. It’s a must. 

Even the weather can play tricks on your skin. Lately it’s been freezing in the Lowcountry and that doesn’t help anyone’s skin but those with eczema have to take extra care because this low humidity combined with cold temperatures can aggravate it. 

Other aggravators are excessive washing without use of moisturizers, and use of harsh, drying soaps - so be sure to moisturize!! Here’s some helpful tips when dealing with eczema. 

Helpful Tips When Dealing With Eczema 

-Moisturize frequently

-Watch your stress level, it can cause it to flare up

-Avoid rough or scratchy materials 

-Stay away from soaps and detergents

-If sweating, shower immediately after 

-Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies like animal dander, pollen, etc.

-Don’t scratch or rub the skin. 

-Wash all new clothes before wearing them. This removes formaldehyde and other irritating chemicals which are used during production and packing.

-Wear garments that are “flowy” against your skin 

Get that Holiday Glow

Bling Eye Shadow Kit

 

Tis the season for holiday parties.  A time to dazzle and shine.  So let us help you look your holiday best with Jane Iredale skin care makeup available at Germain Dermatology.

I love Jane's line because it is a highly-sophisticated blend of minerals and pigments. These crystals overlap each other on the skin to form a filter that allows the skin to breathe and function normally while still protecting it from air-borne pollutants. This makeup also contains a complete physical block from the sun having an SPF of 17 or 20. The staying power of the minerals is so great that they rarely need a touch-up.  

Lip Fixation™

One of my favorite Jane Iredale products is
Lip Fixation™.  It's a stain and a gloss packed with botanicals and fortified with the natural plumping properties of ginger root extract and the moisturizing power of avocado oil.  These
ultra-hydrating, long-lasting shades will add just the right amount of sparkle to any occasion this holiday season.

So let us help you or someone you love be merry and bright.  Schedule a makeup consultation today by calling (843) 881-4440.  We also offer gift certificates !!

Crazy Weather = Crazy Skin

In the Lowcountry, the weather has a mind of its own. One day it's hot, the next day it's cold...one day it's rainy, one day it's beautiful...making it hard enough to even know what to wear and even harder on our skin. Changes in the climate takes their toll on our faces and our entire body, for that matter. I see many people this time of year with dry spots, blotchy skin and more. Recently, I appeared on My News 2 on the local NBC station here in Charleston with host Tara Lynn and we discussed different ways to "Winterize Your Skin" and our office received several calls with questions so I figured the blog would be a perfect place to post those tips for my other patients who didn't call. Most importantly, it's always best to see a physician if you're experiencing skin issues -- these are just helpful tips to get you through this crazy South Carolina weather. 


Winterizing Your Skin Tips: 

Wash in cool water

No wash cloth

Use a soap-free cleanser

Moisturize within 3 minutes

I recommend a regimen that I have in my office - Germain Rx - to keep you skin as smooth as silk: Mild wash with glycolic acid – natural, that exfoliates while adding moisture, Intensive Body moisturizer, Foot and Elbow cream and Intensive Hand Cream. People waste a lot of money on bad skin care products that are wrong for their skin and don’t give them results.  I analyze everyone’s skin type to determine exactly which products are best for them and will give them the best results. 

And we can't forget that we're all still trying to get rid of the blotchiness from the summer sun- it's hot here until October!! Here's what you need in your regimen for sun damaged skin: 

-Glycolic acid wash

-Retinol 

-Antioxidant cream

-Sunscreen

-Fading cream

I hope some of this helps and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to set up an appointment for a consultation at 843-881-4440 with me or my dermatology physician assistant Holly Carter. 

Yours in Good Health, 

Dr. Germain

Thankful for It All...

With Thanksgiving upon us, this is a perfect time to look at how lucky we are...whether it's being thankful for our family, friends, job and more, this is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives us all chance to breathe and say "thanks". 


First, say "Thanks!" to your body. Your knees may creak when you climb the stairs or your eyesight may not what it used to be but be thankful that each day you can get up and enjoy the Lowcountry (with SPF of course!). Every day, I see so many wonderful patients who take care of their body. I can't thank so many of you for coming into the office for your yearly skin check. We're very lucky to live by the beach but with the blazing sun taking its toll on our skin, I see the ravages of the sun. With up to 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging caused by the sun and one in five Americans developing skin cancer in the course of a lifetime, it's crucial to love your skin and take care of it too! 


Secondly, say "Thanks!" to those around you. I love my staff and this is perfect time to thank them for all of their hard work. They make your entire experience at Germain Dermatology what it is and I love them for it. I also want to take a moment to thank all my patients...I really enjoy seeing my patients and hearing about their backgrounds-- listening to your stories and helping you is what makes my day complete. 


Finally, say "Thanks!" to yourself! We're wrapping up 2010 and I know you've worked hard so it's a perfect time to pat yourself on the back. Don't focus on your imperfections and remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s not about size, shape, color, sex, or age. It’s about being your best self from the inside out. So give thanks this Thanksgiving for all the great things! 

Dr. Germain & Mimzi 

And I can't forget to thank my wonderful mom, Mimzi who makes each day a blast. Happy Thanksgiving! 


Dr. Germain 

The Beauty of Skin Care

I've been lucky to have such wonderful patients over the last decade in Charleston and have had the opportunity to educate them on the importance of seeing a dermatologist when it comes to their skin. Do you know how many people I've seen that have spent numerous amounts of money on over the counter products that are completely wrong for their skin? Which is why I am proud to offer my own customized skin care line - Germain Rx. I know you are wondering, what makes it so different than all the other products in your cabinets? These products have been designed exclusively for the specific needs of my patients. Using the latest in skin care technology, Germain Rx used the highest pharmaceutical grade ingredients and they're made in an FDA registered facility. My patients who have made the change to these products swear by them and there's a wide variety to fit different facial needs. So whether you're looking for anti-aging products or you have acne, rosacea or sensitive skin, Germain Rx products has something for everyone.

I have super senstive skin and have finally found something that works for me! I know it will work for you, so when you make your next appointment, ask about our products...your skin will thank you!