Daily Skin Care Instructions

Dr. McMenamin and his staff often get asked about recommended skin care for our patients. He believes in keeping skin care simple because patients are more likely to adhere to a daily skin care regimen when there aren’t a lot of steps to take.

Cleansers

Cetaphil lotion (or the generic) is an excellent over-the-counter cleanser for most skin types. It is gentle, greaseless, and inexpensive. Use it in place of regular soap as a makeup remover and cleanser. You can purchase Cetaphil lotion at most pharmacies, department stores, and super markets.

Our esthetician, Fonda Jo, also offers excellent cleansers from Vivant and AcuteDerm. Feel free to call her for a skin analysis and recommendations. (916) 967-6266

Retin-A (Renova)

One of the most valuable treatments for skin maintenance and rejuvenation is Retin-A (retinoic acid). This vitamin A compound should be used at night after cleansing the skin and removing all makeup. We recommend 1/2 of a pea-size amount Renova 0.05% Cream applied to moist skin. The package insert says to apply the Retin-A to dry skin but we have obtained more even spreading by applying the cream to skin that is moist. This also makes it easier to use less to cover the entire face. This process avoids over exposure and burning or irritating the skin by using too much cream.

Some patients will need to use even less than the 1/2 of a pea-size amount due to their sensitive skin. It will take some experimentation to find the best combination for your skin type. Retin-A will still work if you skip a few nights, use less than the 1/2 pea size amount, mix the Retin-A with a moisturizer before applying it to your face, or even putting moisturizer on immediately after the Retin-A. After applying Retin-A to your face, you may use most other skin treatments, moisturizers, masks, or makeup on your skin. You should be gentle and cautious until you figure out how best to use Retin-A for the rejuvenation of your skin.

Scientific studies show that results from Retin-A are best if used for approximately 4 months straight. Most patients need 3-6 weeks to build up to every night use. Some patients are unable to use the Retin-A this intensively, but they still can improve their skin by less frequent use. For the first 3-6 weeks most patients will have some peeling, scaling, & irritation of the skin, especially around the nose and mouth. Retin-A can make acne worse during this introductory period. Your skin becomes hyperactive as it begins to renew itself. You can adjust the frequency of application or use a moisturizer to decrease these side effects. Almost everyone, in 3-6 weeks, can adjust to a routine that will fit their skin type and tolerance.

After 4 months of nightly use, most patients can decrease the frequency of Retin-A application. Fair skinned patients can use it 1-2 nights per week. Normal skin responds well to 3-4 nights per week. Oily skin can get the best benefits by using the product 4-7 nights per week. These regimens will maintain the improvement you have achieved.

Since Retin-A will cause some healthful thinning of the skin, it is essential that sun block be used if you are going to be in the sun. Any type of sun block with a sun protection factor (SPF) of greater than 30 (UVA & UVB) will be adequate. Many patients use Retin-A from Sunday through Thursday, and then avoid weekend use when they will have greater sun exposure. We still recommend a sun block and a wide brimmed hat whenever you will have sun exposure.

Glycolic Acid

While Retin-A rejuvenates the deep skin, or dermis, Glycolic Acid works best on the superficial skin or epidermis. It should be used in the morning, 4 to 7 mornings per week. We recommend 5 - 10% Glycolic Acid for sensitive skin and 10 - 20% for normal to oily skin. It is also available in cream, lotion, or gel so that the correct combination for your skin can be used. Glycolic Acid will enhance the effects and benefits of Retin-A. We recommend the application of a small amount of Glycolic Acid to moist, clean skin in the morning prior to makeup or moisturizer. You can put sun block, moisturizer, and/or makeup over the Glycolic Acid without difficulty. Most patients benefit from the combination of Retin-A and Glycolic Acid use. Occasionally, patients with sensitive skin use Retin-A a few nights per week and Glycolic Acid on the nights that they do not use the Retin-A. They may or may not use Glycolic Acid in the mornings depending on the response of their skin. It is important to remember that everyone has different skin care needs and a little experimentation will find what works best for you.

Sunscreen

We recommend that you use a sunscreen daily. Use a PABA free, non-comedogenic (greaseless so it won’t block pores) product that protects against UVA and UVB light. An sun protective factor of 15-20 SPF should be used for regular daily protection and a stronger SPF of 30 or more should be used with prolonged sun exposure. Ask our esthetician about Acute Derm. They make an excellent sunscreen that absorbs well under makeup and meets the above criteria for daily use.

Fonda Jo Franyovich

Licensed Esthetician

Fonda Jo has been teaching skin care and makeup artistry since 1970. She has had extensive training with Hollywood makeup artists and has over ten years experience representing Vivant, A-Cute Derm and Jane Iredale products and learning their applications. Attending seminars and workshops from a variety of skincare companies and organizations keeps her up on the latest trends and research. She added to this broad base of knowledge by becoming a Licensed Esthetician.

Call me for an appointment: (916) 967-6266

The Silk Peel...for men and women

One of the most dynamic skin treatments available today is the SilkPeel Dermalinfusion. Silk Peel is a breakthrough treatment combining non-invasive diamond head (no crystals) microdermabrasion exfoliation with deep delivery of skin-specific solutions to improve and revitalize your skin. SilkPeel leaves your skin looking better and feeling fresher. It is a safe, easy and virtually painless procedure that eliminates abrasive crystals that might irritate your skin. It effectively treats all skin types and a wide range of skin conditions including hyperpigmentation, acne, photo damage, fine wrinkles, dehydration, and uneven texture.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling is the application of one or more chemical exfoliation agents to the skin resulting in the removal of portions of the outer layers of the skin with subsequent regeneration of new tissues. It is frequently used in conjunction with a home care skin program, microdermabrasion, and other skin rejuvenative techniques to help your skin reach its full youthful potential.

Facials

Several different types of facials are available depending on your skin type and goals. Those range from Deep Pore Cleansing to Vitamin Power Treatment to Soothing Exfoliating Treatment. We'll be glad to discuss those with you at your consultation. Our treatments are excellent for men as well as women!

Additional "Finishes" by Fonda Jo:

Facial Waxing and Eyebrow Shaping

Make-up Application and Lessons

Gift Certificates are available.

Call Fonda Jo for information and a consultation and start your way toward smoother, healthier, and more youthful skin.

Fonda Jo Franyovich, Esthetician

(916) 967-6266

Permanent Makeup

Permanent Cosmetics by Victoria (510) 908-5306

Victoria Forristall, our permanent makeup technician, has been affiliated with Dr. McMenamin since 1995. For thirteen years prior to that, she owned and operated her own clinic in Sausalito, California. She has been an instructor of advanced permanent makeup application techniques.

Victoria is an accomplished portrait artist. This talent lends itself well to the art of applying permanent makeup. In Northern California, she is known as "…the queen of brows…" and lives up to her name. She can shape and enhance eyebrows, to make them appear more symmetrical. Her expertise also applies to eyeliner and/or eyelash enhancement.

Before                                    After

Think of never having to apply lipstick again! Permanent lip enhancement can make your lips appear larger (or smaller) and more shapely, as well as colorful in an attractive, natural appearing way.

Before                                    After

Many satisfied customers are willing to share their experience with you. Also, she has many before and after pictures to share with perspective clients.

It is important that all your questions regarding permanent makeup be answered accurately and fully. Victoria will spend time with you to answer your questions in depth. Her goal is to make you an informed and satisfied client.

Please feel free to call her to discuss these very popular procedures. (510) 908-5306

Do you have other questions regarding skin care? If so, call the office at (916) 564-8888 or the Esthetician at (916) 967-6266.