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Facts about Melanoma

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The number of people with this deadly cancer is skyrocketing. Luckily, if caught early, melanoma can be cured. Here are some facts you need to know about melanoma. Melanoma is the leading cancer in people aged 25-29 One in 67 American Caucasians will develop melanoma in their lifetime One American dies of melanoma every minute Exposure to tanning beds increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75% Having a parent or sibling with melanoma is a risk factor for developing it If you haven’t had a yearly mole exam, now is the time to see your dermatologist to find out your risks of developing melanoma. Call us at 312-245-9965 and make your appointment today M 2nd – Tired of excessive underarm sweating? Now we can stop it PERMANENTLY with the FDA approved MiraDry device! A simple 40 minute treatment can leave your underarms dry and your shirts stain free. We are currently conducting a study on patients with excessive underarm sweating. If you suffer from underarm sweating, please call us at 312-245-9965 ext 4 and ask for Stephanie, the research coordinator. R 5th – Introducing the acne fighting blue light – the Tria Skin Clarifying system. This at home device can help clear your acne in just 5 minutes of treatment a day! To purchase, go to www... and use code... To receive $10 off your purchase! M 9th – Melanoma awareness blog R 12th – Product specials of the month: ReVisage, Glytone Eye Cream. Come in and get yours for 15% off the regular price. Only for the month of May M 16th – Earn Points for free product and coupons when you receive Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm XC, or purchase Latisse. Join the Brilliant Rewards program and start earning now. Come in for your treatment in May 312-245-9965 R 19th – Discover Dysport, the fast acting wrinkle reducer, and get a $50 rebate! Hurry in though, this special is only good for May and June! M 23rd – SilkPeel Microdermabrasion treatments can get your face fresh and ready for summer! Call us to book an appointment, and save money by purchasing a package of 6 treatments R 26th – Introducing our newest product for moisturizing...Hyalis Fri May 27th? – Don’t FRY DAY – play it safe in the sun and wear sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher this weekend and every weekend when enjoying the outdoors. Have a great Memorial Day weekend from the staff of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Tue 31st – Free Restylane with the Cearna Method Study! We are conducting a trial on a topical anti-bruising medication and are looking for candidates who bruise easily with filler substances. If you are a female between 35 and 75 and are interested in receiving Restylane to the nasolabial folds (smile lines between the nose and corners of the mouth), please call us at 312-245-9965 ext 4 and ask for Stephanie, the study coordinator.

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June is Acne Awareness Month

Top Myths About Acne Acne goes away after high school. Once acne is cleared you can stop all your medications. Acne scars are caused by picking. Spot treating acne pimples is the best way to clear skin. Acne vulgaris affects 80% of the population at some time in their lives. Also known as pimples or zits, it is caused by oil production, plugged pores, and a bacteria that causes inflammation called p.acnes. It is aggravated by hormonal changes, stress, and changes in weather. There are several forms of acne including comedonal acne (black heads and white heads), inflammatory acne (the pink bumps) and nodular acne (large cysts which often scar). Uncontrolled acne can lead to permanent scarring,which is very difficult to treat. Sometimes acne improves with age, but not always. Many people who did not have acne as a teenager can develop it in adulthood as well. There are several ways to get clear skin. Firstly, the pores need to be unplugged. this is usually done with vitamin A creams and gels, known as retinoids. The vitamin A is used once a day, usually at night time, to unplug pores and reduce red bumps. Glycolic acid cleansers and lotions, such as IS Clinical Cleanser, Glytone Lotion, and Vivite Day Lotion can help to clear plugged pores and fade away pink spots that are left over. SilkPeel Microdermabrasions and PCA chemical peels can also lift off dead skin cells, and unplug pores. Secondly, the bacteria causing the inflammation needs to be treated. Several medicines can kill off bacteria, such as benzoyl peroxides and antibiotics. A special Blue Light Treatment can also kill off the acne causing bacteria and can be done in the Dermatologist's office. Thirdly, curbing oil production is sometimes necessary. There are pills and topical gels which help to reduce the oil production on the skin. Dark or pink marks left over after acne can be lightened by SilkPeel Microdermabrasion treatments or PCA peels. These treatments are done on a monthly basis, as the skin cycling process is about 28 days. Most patients can have clear skin in 5-6 months and maintain with a daily topical treatment.

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FDA Sunscreen Regulations and Sun Safety

Top 5 Myths About Sunscreens: They completely block out UVA and UVB rays. They are waterproof. They provide "all day" protection. SPF 100 is 4 times SPF 25. Sunscreen prevents you from producing Vitamin D. The FDA has recently created new sunscreen regulations to clarify the confusion with SPFs, labeling, and sun protection. Currently, a sunscreen can claim that it is "broad spectrum" for both UVA ( the aging, deeper penetrating rays) and UVB (the burning rays) without having an appropriately protective UVA ingredient. Now the government will require the sunscreen manufacturers to use a strong enough UVA ingredient if they claim "broad spectrum protection". What does this mean for you? An easier time determining what sunscreen is best for you. What do we recommend? We prefer a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and for many patients, one containing zinc oxide. Even these sunscreens are not water proof, they are water resistant. All sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours while out in the sun. The SPF ratings refer to UVB protection only, and the numbers are not linear. Even while you wear sunscreen, you are still getting some sun exposure and will still have Vitamin D production. However, we do recommend Vitamin D supplementation from foods or pharmaceutical grade supplements such as AmeriSciences Osteo. If you haven't had a yearly skin exam, now is the time to visit us to find out your risks of developing skin cancer. Call us at 312-245-9965, and make your appointment today!

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Sun Damaged Skin

Summer is almost done and likely you’ve enjoyed some of the sun, but what do you do if you accidentally overdid it? Top 5 ways to Repair Sun Damaged Skin Use an antioxidant to reduce “sunburn cells”. These can help reduce the breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue due to sun exposure. Antioxidants come in many forms. There are creams such as Revaleskin Day cream, night cream and intensive repair cream which contain CoffeeBerry, an ingredient which provides over 19 different antioxidants to the skin. Antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C and E can also be found in pill form in the AmeriSciences Women’s or Men’s Multivitamin pack. They help quench oxidizers throughout the body, increasing overall health and well-being. Get a peel. Nothing removes dead, dull, damaged skin cells better than a peel. There are different types of peels that can benefit your skin. SilkPeel Microdermabrasion with Dermal Infusion helps to eliminate dead skin cells using a diamond-tipped wand, while antioxidant fluids are instilled into the skin. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and leaves your skin glowing and soft. PCA peels are a combination of special medications to exfoliate, hydrate, lighten, and renew the skin. Light peeling takes place 3-5 days after treatment. Get an ultrasound infusion. Elite Ultrasound Revisage is a revolutionary way to send antioxidants, skin growth factors, and exfoliants down to the deeper layers of the skin using ultrasound technology. Typically performed after a SilkPeel Microdermabrasion, this treatment has been clinically proven to decrease wrinkles. Have a Skin Rejuvenation treatment with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The SRA device lightens brown spots and erases redness in just 5 monthly treatments. It is great for the face, décolletage, or arms – anywhere the sun has abused your skin. Get a Reveal Skin Care analysis. This free examination shows brown and red spots and helps our esthetician come up with a detailed plan for your specific sun damage. If you have any questions on how to renew your skin, please feel free to make an appointment today!

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Top Ways to Manage Men’s Skin

We all know that women and men can be very different. But did you know that there is a difference in their skin? Men tend to have thicker, oilier skin (thanks to testosterone!), which can withstand stronger acne medications and anti-aging products. Men also tend to have more collagen to give their skin fewer fine lines, but often more deep lines on the forehead or frown area. What should men be doing to keep their skin in top shape? Wash your face twice a day. We know you don’t usually wear makeup, but you still need to cleanse excess oils and dirt from the skin, especially if you work out. A gentle cleanser that helps fight breakouts as well as deep cleans the skin is IS Clinical Cleanser. It contains potent anti-oxidants, glycolic acid and salicylic acid to improve pores and refine the skin. Use Sunscreen EVERY DAY. UVA rays from the sun come through window glass and clouds and can cause damage when you least expect it. Men need to protect their skin daily with a moisturizer containing sunscreen. Several are available such as Elta Daily Lotion SPF40, and we dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. Add moisture to your body wash. Most guys use macho smelling bar soaps to cleanse the skin, but a lot of these can de-grease the skin, leaving it dry and dull, especially in the winter months. Since men are not the greatest about using moisturizers after the shower, it’s simpler to use a moisturizing body wash. Dry skin lacks something known as “Natural Moisturizing Factor”. One of the ingredients of NMF is Ceramides. These are now added to many body washes such as CeraVe cleanser, to make moisturizing easy. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection when outdoors. This will help prevent squinting which leads to wrinkles around the eyes and between the brows. It also helps protect that portion of skin from sun damage.

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Great Nutrition for Your Skin

Top 5 Foods for Younger, Healthier-Looking Skin Nuts, especially almonds- They are rich in Vitamin E which is the primary antioxidant to quench those damaging "free radicals" that form from the sun and pollution. Free radicals lead to inflammation and the breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue forming wrinkles and aged-appearing skin. Blueberries- They are super high in antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins, to help protect the skin. Onion (raw)- It contains high levels of quercitin, the most common flavonol antioxidant. Salmon- It is rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which are anti-inflammatory and also help to moisturize the skin. Tomatoes (raw)- They are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties to control inflammation that could break down the collagen and elastic tissue in your skin, leading to wrinkles and damaged skin. It also contains Vitamin C, the major component for collagen formation- and don't forget, Knowledge is knowing that tomatoes are a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put them in a fruit salad. You are what you eat, literally. Everything you consume affects your skin, so choose wisely.

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Holiday Proofing Your Skin

The holidays are around the corner, and we at CCSD want to make sure your skin stays clear and glowing. To help prevent breakouts and blotchiness, follow these 5 simple rules: Drink plenty of water – multiple holiday parties means late nights and cocktails. Both can wreak havoc on your skin. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day and the evening. 80-90 ounces a day are recommended Sleep – no one should fault you for leaving the party a wee bit early to get some good zzzzz’s. Especially if you have multiple late nights out in a row. Sleep allows your body to detoxify itself, and repair damaged skin cells. So get 8 hours if you can. Exercise – you don’t want holiday food to pack on the pounds, but you also need stress relief during the holiday season. Stress leads to increases in oil production and acne. Stress also causes a breakdown in collagen, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Wash your face before you go to bed – don’t leave party makeup on overnight where it can mesh with oils and plug up pores. Keep your skin crystal clear by using the Clarisonic Pro brush to wash each night. Avoid excess sugars – they increase oil production on the skin, which leads to unsightly acne bumps. Sugars also may lead to early cell death and destruction of collagen, leading to wrinkling skin. Follow these simple rules, and enjoy your holidays with great skin!

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Top 5 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Skin

Top 5 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Skin: Use a moisturizing body wash, such as CeraVe Cleanser, to add some of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) back into your skin Moisturize your skin within 1 minute of getting out of the shower or bath. Moisturizers that contain ceramides, such as TriXera or CeraVe Cream, work the best. Add a humidifier in your bedroom and run it each night. Protect your skin from the sun daily with lotion containing full spectrum sunscreen, such as Vivite Day Lotion SPF30 Wear gloves and a scarf to keep the dry cold winter wind from dehydrating your skin.

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Healthy Skin Recipe for November

Our Healthy Skin recipes are now going to be part of our blog. This month's recipe is from Rhapsody, led by Executive Chef Dean Zanella, offers a menu inspired by fresh Italian flavors and the incorporation of local, seasonal ingredients. For reservations, call (312) 786-9911 or visit www.rhapsodychicago.com. Please enjoy this month's recipe of an Apple and Hazelnut Salad. Here is how this delicious recipe is also great for you skin. Olive oil provides the fats that are incorporated into the layers of the skin to prevent dryness (very important in Chicago winters!). Celery, apples, and hazelnuts provide flavones and proanthocyanidins - both potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals which normally break down collagen and elastic tissue, leading to wrinkles. A tasty way to smoother skin! Our chef also recommends pairing this dish with a Pinot Noir. APPLE AND HAZELNUT SALAD (serves 4) For the dressing: (can be made one day in advance) ¼ cup cider vinegar 2/3 cup olive oil 2 TBSP honey 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves Sea salt and pepper For the salad: 3-4 red apples depending on size (preferably local, Cortland apples are best or Pink lady for commercial) 4 stalks celery (no leaves) 1 head bibb lettuce ¼ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts ¼ cup grated pecorino cheese Either with a knife or a mandolin, thinly slice the apples omitting the core. Immediately place the sliced apples in a bowl and toss with enough of the dressing so the apples are just coasted. Thinly slice the celery on a diagonal. Add to the sliced apples. Tear the bibb lettuce into medium size pieces and add to bowl. Add half the hazelnuts and pecorino cheese to bowl. Toss all ingedients with remaining dressing (you might not need all the dressing) and season with sea salt and pepper. Divide the salad onto 4 bowls and top with remaining nuts and cheese. Serve and enjoy.

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Client Reviews

Love love Dr. Ibrahim. He helped me to find a combination that helps with my acne scars due to cystic acne in my teenage year. Just like anything in medicine, good things take time with a good skin care and medical grade products. I continue to see him for Botox concurrently with the acne scar regimen, so l can get a snatch jawline again. He is funny and a knowledgeable. The best compliment I had was when my patient see me every 3 months saw my skin recently and complimented on it. I have found myself not wearing makeup and only using tinted SPF.

— Huong Iodice

Dr. Grushchak is my favorite derm I've been to so far. She is very professional and has great bedside manner. Same thing goes for all the staff. I always see great results after leaving the office. The office itself is very clean and enjoyable to visit. Would definitely recommend.

— Krystyna Marynevytch

This is nicest place I have ever seen looks like a luxury spa. Everyone is nice and friendly. Looks amazing and they help me with my Personal skin issues. Whitney was awesome to work with . Great team work *** Appreciate everyone love this place

— Daniel Nino

Thank you to the friendly staff at CCSD for always making my visits pleasant and efficient! An even bigger thank you to Dr. Jacob for the phenomenal job she did all but erasing a scar on my face from skin cancer, and the amazing job she always does defying Mother Nature keeping my face looking young and alert!

— Christopher

Dr. Ibrahim is AMAZING. He has such a wonderful “bed side manner” and his experience is multifaceted. I go to him for both regular skin concerns and cosmetic reasons and he has been able to help with every issue I have! He is by far the best dermatologist I have been to and I recommend him 100%!

— Maddy

Loved results..and my daughter had microdermabrasion and beautiful results..they r so professional and very organized..appointment times right on schedule..no waiting. I would say this is the best place in Chicago..for any needs of the face. They are the experts..

— Rosalina

I am BEYOND obsessed with this place! From the front door staff, to the medical assistants to wonder women herself (Dr. Jacob) and her amazing counter parts- hands down the most magical experience EVER! Not to mention if you’re going here for cosmetic reasons, Dr. Ibrahim is an absolute MAGICIAN/WIZARD with injectables! My lips are the best on Instagram! I 100000% recommend this place over and over and over again!

— Kelly

I have lines above the bridge of my nose, wanted a more relaxed, rested look. I had a dysport appointment, it was ontime, my nurse asked if I had any concerns.I was a little nervous… Then Dr. Jacob came in, made sure I was comfortable. She asked if I wanted more of an arch in my eyebrow. She said it would really opened my eye area… 4 days later… Full effect…AWESOME results!! Very…

— Gracie

I’ve been seeing Dr. Ibrahim Omer for a few months now for some derm issues (perioral dermatitis, eczema). He instantly identifies the problem and prescribes appropriately. He is also great with taking the time to explain what’s happening, and how to manage the medications and creams once I get home. I’ve never done botox or fillers, but am planning to return for a little boost once my skin heals. The front desk is attentive, and appointments run on time. I’ve never waited more than a few minutes.

— Lindsay

4.8

1,000+ reviews

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