An Esthetician’s inside point of view | Fine Line Eraser

Fine Line Eraser! So, I’m sure everyone has heard about growth factors in skincare products entering the market lately. Well, when I was introduced to the newest eye cream from Neocutis called Lumiere I was curious to see how this product was different. After just two weeks of using this product twice daily, I was sold. I noticed a significant difference in existing fine lines as well as tightening of the skin. This amazing eye cream contains 30% more PSP (processed skin cell proteins) than other products that Neocutis manufactures. This makes for faster results! This eye cream also contains anti-oxidants, caffeine and Hyaluronic acid to help firm and hydrate. This helps with stressed, puffy skin and reduces dark circles over time. Use twice daily for optimal results. Retail $80. Julie Blecker, Esthetician

An Insider’s Point of View | Latisse

...Miracle in a bottle. I have been using Latisse for four years and my eyelashes have completely transformed from average to fabulous with only one thing…Latisse. I often get asked if I have fake lashes on or eyelash extensions. I have tried the fake lashes but I’ve never been very good at applying them and so half way through my evening, they are usually falling out and can make for an embarrassing situation! My secret is Latisse. And it’s less time consuming and overall less expensive than the alternatives. My lashes look great with mascara but I can even go without mascara now. They have made my lashes not only longer, but also fuller and darker. And it’s very easy to use. Just apply directly to the skin of the upper eyelid margin and the base of the eyelashes (like using eyeliner) every night. It takes about four weeks for you to notice the effects but being patient is well worth it! Latisse is a prescription and can be purchased through our office. Give us a call and make a wish on your new eyelashes! Trish, Patient Entry Staff and Cosmetic Coordinator

An Esthetician’s Point of View | The Truth about Peels

An Esthetician’s point of view… The Truth about Peels I decided to blog about peels this month to help clarify and put to rest some notions that peels are scary and require days of downtime. In the early days of peels, it was believed that the more aggressive the peel the better the treatment. As such, peels were composed of a high percentage of a single acids that had to be neutralized and rinsed off, leaving your skin with a sunburnt appearance for several days. Here at CCSD we use different yet equally effective peels when used properly. PCA (Physicans Choice Alliance, LLC) peels are different because it’s a layered and leave on treatment. The peel slowly gets released into the skin over the next 5-8 hours and you rinse it off. Minimal flaking of the skin occurs between days 3-5 and you’ll be sent home with a post procedure kit that you will use to minimize the potential for complications and increase positive patient outcome. Some of the benefits to having the PCA peels done are that they effectively exfoliate and brighten with blends of Lactic, Citric and Salicylic acids, and Resorcinol, while promoting an even skin color with Kojic acid and Hydroquinone. These peels help encourage a clear complexion and soften the appearance of lines to provide a more even and smooth skin texture. These are great for overall skin health and maintenance. Myths and Truths Should skin peel after having a peel treatment? No, visible exfoliation doesn’t determine the efficacy of the treatment. Generally, healthy skin has less visible exfoliation as well as patients that use topical prescriptions on a regular basis. Exfoliation often takes place at the cellular level and is not always apparent to the naked eye. Could skin be too sensitive for a chemical peel? Sensitive skin is defined as a heightened intolerance to certain topical products or external factors. PCA’s Sensi-Peel is formulated as a unique peeling option for all patients, including those with highly sensitive skin. To find out which PCA peel is right for you I encourage you to meet with me, a Licensed Esthetician. I am also certified with PCA Skin. (Physicians Care Alliance) The consultation is free and the cost per treatment is $200 and a series of 6 for $1000 and could be performed every 3-4 weeks. Julie Blecker,LME

National Eczema Awareness Month

October is National Eczema Awareness Month Eczema or atopic dermatitis comes in many forms. From mild to more severe cases, there is a very high prevalence of this skin issue among the general population. The most common symptom is itching and a red rash, but frequently there are other signs and symptoms. It is important to have a good daily skincare regimen and treatment from your dermatologist to help treat and prevent the recurrence of this common skin issue. Please let us know if you have any questions about eczema as this is eczema awareness month!

An Esthetician’s Point of View | Silkpeel Dermalinfusion

The benefits of Silkpeel Dermalinfusion. I have often been asked about the difference between regular Microdermabrasion verses Silkpeel Dermalinfusion treatments. I hope to answer and clarify these questions for you! Silkpeel Dermalinfusion is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation procedure which offers advanced exfoliation and then delivery of problem specific, topical solutions. The diamond tip treatment will exfoliate the superficial buildup of dead skin allowing the solution delivery to penetrate deep within the skin. The dated versions of microdermabrasion with aluminum oxide crystals will leave the surface of the skin feeling dry and dehydrated. It is also not recommended to acne prone patients as there is a risk of worsening the acne. What makes Silkpeel Dermalinfusion treatments superior to other types of microdermabrasions…the ability to custom choose the type of topical solution for your specific skin needs! Patients with acne, oily prone skin would benefit from the Clarifying solution of 5% Salicylic Acid which helps decrease the surface bacteria count as well as help speed up the healing process of current acne blemishes. Patients with dry skin would benefit from the Hydrating solution which contains Hyaluronic Acid and Chamomile to soothes and moisturize the skin. Patients with skin discoloration caused by photodamage would benefit from the Lumixyl solution which helps lighten as well as brighten the skin It is best to have these treatments performed in a series of 6 and intervals of every 2 to 3 weeks. The cost is $150 per treatment or a series of 6 for $800. Your skin will feel softer and brighter after each treatment, but the series will yield maximal benefits. Julie Blecker, Esthetician

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

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