french pharmacie

Bonjour,

I am attending the IMCAS meeting in Paris and, as I walk around the city (in between meetings, of course) and visit the conference exhibit hall looking at all of the products, devices, fillers and objects de beaute that are available in Europe and are not yet, or may never be,  available in the US due to our FDA process, I started to wonder, do the french know something about beauty that we don’t?

Let’s start with the obvious: despite the fact that the French smoke (alot) they also walk alot. I was impressed by the lack of obesity in Paris. We all know about the heart healthy benefits of red wine and dark chocolate ( my french fav is Maison du Chocolat) , both of which are in abundance here.  Ah the food…… French  food is  delicious and decadent but it is also farm fresh and proportions are not supersized. Moderation is key (we already know that too). We also know the health benefits of food which is not processed thus maintaining it’s nutrient value. Yes, starbucks and McDonalds have a presence here, but a small one.

We are a beauty obsessed society and the french are no different.  As in the US, the  french are obsessed with skin care. This is certainly obvious from the conference and exhibit hall  but also evident in  the local pharmacie where i spent quite a bit of time looking at the abundance of creams, lotions and potions in search of some beauty secret to share with you.  In effort to provide a balanced review I visit  three different pharmacies and two sephoras to see if there was any location variance. Despite having a wider variety of topicals to choose from here, the ingredients in these products  are basically very similar to those available in the US and include those which we know to be beneficial (antioxidants, retinoids, growth factors).  Interestingly, none of the Dr specific brands ( Dr Brandt, Perricone etc) so prominent  in the US had a presence in Paris. However one important part of the skin care regimen which was noticeably lacking in my search was sunprotection! Quelle dommage!

What did I learn from this meeting that I will bring back to my practice and share with my patients? While I cannot bring some of the fillers available to our European colleagues back to my patients due to the FDA, I did  purchase some new cannulas to make filler injections more comfortable. I also purchased a nifty little device to be used in conjunction with our microdermabrasion which will leave your skin unbelievably soft (tried it myself) and met new colleagues from other countries who invited me to give talks at future international  conferences.  Most importantly I was reminded that the French dont really have any beauty secrets or information  that we don’t already know about.   They may have a different approach but we have more sunprotection!

A bientot

I am honored to have a recurring guest blog as the derm detective and wanted to share one of my recent posts.

http://community.blackdoctor.org/category/healthy-living/skin-beauty/the-derm-detective

http://www.cltv.com/videobeta/1aec06a5-8273-4b0e-a4a4-0a3cc14f9a0a/Health/LHC-Money-Saving-Winter-Skin-Tips

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The average man will shave approximately 20,000 times in his lifetime which leaves alot of opportunity for something to go wrong whether that be an occasional nick, to redness, ingrown hairs, irritation, discoloration and scarring.  Shaving problems tend to be more common in men with curly hair so what better way to end our celebration  black history month i n Chicago  than with a  few tips from Dr Brooke Jackson, Medical Director of Skin Wellness Center of Chicago to help you with a smoother shave.

1. Pre-treat your skin: use a baby’s toothbrush to dislodge those ingrowns. Brush in small cirlces for 5 minutes 2-3 times per week.
2. Hydrate your beard hairs prior to shaving. This can be done by shaving after a warm , steamy shower (which can dry out your skin during chicago winters– see previous blog on help for winter skin) or by placing a warm towel on your face for 5 minutes prior to shaving, just like they do at the barber shop.
3. Lather up: use a non irritation, moisturizing shave cream. Dr Jackson often reccommends Shea moisture shave ($10 at Target). Using a shaving brush to apply can also help to dislodge those curly hairs that want to re-enter the skin causing bumps
4. Try a multihead blade (Mach 3 or 5). Shave WITH the grain
5. Rinse your blade often
6. soothe your skin post shave. No need to apply alcohol. try a lotion or balm with a bit of tea tree oil or glycolic.

If bumps persist, it might be time to see a dermatologist. Chicago Dermatologist, Dr Brooke Jackson often combines some prescription medications with chemical peels and/or laser hair removal which can make a tremendous difference.  Dr Jackson says” Some of our happiest patients are laser hair removal patients who have stuggled with shaving for years. Often after a few treatments in our office, their skin is much smoother, texture and discoloration have improved as well”

Dr Jackson was recently featured on WGN news in Chicago discussing shaving techniques. Click the link below to view Dr Jackson’s interview

http://www.wgntv.com/news/middaynews/wgntv-midday-fix-shaving-techniques-skin-wellness-center-of-chicago,0,3156949.story

Visit WGN at http://www.wgntv.com

1. Use heavier products: you change your wardrobe for the winter, change your products. Go for creamier products which are heavier in texuture to seal in moisture. For your body think JAR, scoop the cream and apply. You may need to do this twice a day.
2. Rethink your antiaging routine: most antiaging products are irritants of some sort (glycolic acid retinoids, alpha hydroxy acid). If your face is more irritated, try using the product every other night or mixing with a bit of moisturizer. If this still doesnt work, consult your dermatologist for suggestions of other products that will help to achieve your skin care goals without irritation.
3. Shorter Showers: Cold Chicago winter mornings mean long hot showers! Shorten the duration to less than 10 minutes, use a moisturizing cleanser (my fav is Eucerin Calming Body wash) and make sure to layer on a heavy moisturizer (see # 1). If your skin is still itchy, it may be time to see your dermatologist.
4. Hydrate: most people are slightly dehydrated during the winter. We drink less because we are less thirsty. Keep your fluid intake up even if it is hot herbal tea!
5. Humidify your home: once the heat goes on everything dries out. Increase the humidity gage on your furnace or place a humidifier in your bedroom
6. Gentle Fabrics: Cold chicago winters mean bundling up with warm cozy sweaters. Avoid scratchy fabrics next to the skin such as wool. Make your first layer silk or cotton.
7. For those brave enough to run/ski/walk/bike in Chicago winter: apply a thin layer of vaseline to your face before heading outdoors to play. It will provide a barrier to the wind and minimize windburn
8. Dont forget your sunprotection: just because chicago has long winters does not let you off the hook for sun protection. Sun reflects off of the snow and UV damage can still occur. Make sure to apply your sunscreen every single day!
9. Watch out for frostbite: when the windchill dips dangerously low, limit your time out doors and remember that all exposed skin is susceptible to frost bite. So layer up and keep an eye on the time
10. Dont for get your pets: My dog loves to play in the snow but hates walking on the sidewalk or street after it has been salted. Pet’s paws can burn and when they lick the chemicals off of their paws they can become ill. Consider boots for your pooch or walk them in the snow. Once inside, dip their paws in warm water to rinse and give them a paw-massage with some vaseline. You will be thier best friend.

Enjoy, be safe . Spring will be here soon!

Brooke Jackson, MD

Whether you are training for the Chicago marathon, triathlon, gardening, boating or playing golf you MUST protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Significant sun exposure is the # 1 risk for skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. 

1)avoid sun at peak hours ( between 10a-2p) when the rays are the strongest. Best to get that long run or round of golf in early

2)use broadspectrum sunBLOCK with SPF factor of 30 or greater each and every time you go outside. Try a lighter weight alcohol based spray product such as coppertone sport block especially if you are acne prone. remember to apply to backs of ears, neck, legs and arms as well as your face.

3)apply 30 min BEFORE outdoor activities and re-apply every 2-3 hours.

4)Keep your clothes on!-having a shirt on provides protection of about SPF 8 which is better than nothing.

5)wear your hat and sunglasses. A hat will protect your scalp if you have thinning hair. Sunglasses with UV protection will protect your eyes from sundamage and cataract formation. Keeping your sunglasses on might help to minimize those crows. If they do occur, they are easily treated with Botox injections.

6)Certain medications can make you more sunsensitive: many oral or topical medications ( acne, highblood pressure, birth control) make your skin more sensitive to the sun and you may burn or develop discoloration more easily. Chicago summers are short, enjoy them and protect your skin against future sun damage. Most discoloration can be treated with chemical peels ,  prescription medications or laser treatments.

Enjoy the summer. Run happy , run safe!