By: Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O.,
Medical Director of Reflections, A Medical Spa

Ok, so we are all counting our pennies and watching what we are spending, does that mean that we have to let our skin care go? Just because all the banks got the bail out money, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give yourself a little bailout. Let’s focus on how we can be beautiful on a budget.

Let’s start with the basics. A good skin care line. Even in these trying times, everyone can afford some good products. Professional product lines allow you to use less product with a better result. So what does that mean to you? Purchase a good product now and it will usually last you anywhere from 6 to 9 months. I’m no math whiz, but that sounds like you only have to buy product once or twice a year. What kind of products though should you fill your beauty bag with? Well, a good cleanser is a place to start. Next I would add some type of exfoliator. That can be a cream impregnated with some retinol or an alpha hydroxy acid. I would also add a topical antioxidant with vitamin C. Topical antioxidants help destroy free radicals that form on the skin and when mixed with ferulic acid can even help prevent to a degree, skin cancer. Lastly, never leave the house without a sunscreen on.

Professional line products usually don’t have any fragrance to them so you won’t smell like you just left the beach. Even on cloudy days, a daily sunscreen is a must. So, how much is all of this going to cost? Depending on the line itself, you can invest anywhere from $100 to $200 and it will last you at least 6 to 9 months.

Ok, so now you want to get some treatments done. A microdermabrasion will run you around $125 or so. You’ll get all those dead layers of skin removed and all your products that you just purchased will penetrate into your skin much better.  Botox anyone? Three hundred dollars may get you introduced to the wrinkle remover. There are a few other things that you can try as well. A nice massage or body treatment will feel fantastic without breaking the bankbook.

Wow, that’s not bad at all. If you are looking to spend $500 – $1000, you’ll have a lot of things to choose from. While it may not cover the entire cost, laser hair removal is now in the picture. If you’ve always wanted your underarms or your bikini area done, now is the time. You could get the complete treatment between $600 and $800. Think about it, no more shaving and you didn’t go broke doing it. If you teased yourself with Botox but now want the full kit and caboodle. Knock yourself out and get the full treatment done. In this price range you can also consider fillers like Restylane or Juvederm.

Prices vary from product to product and duration of effect also varies so ask your doctor.

If you want a little fabulous with a little buck, Latisse is here! Latisse is the only FDA approved medication for lengthening of eyelashes. The product has been around for over 10 years and is completely safe. In as little as 8 weeks, you will see a significant growth in lash length. Optimal results are seen around 16 weeks. The product is available by prescription only and will run around $120.

There is no reason to panic, just because the economy is ugly doesn’t mean you have to be! You can still indulge yourself without breaking the bank. So go ahead, get that microderm, dive into Botox, or get that unwanted hair taken care of. Treat yourself and help the economy.

Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O., is the Medical Director of Reflections, located at 2036 Foulk Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, DE. Reflections is open Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Evening appointments are available. Call 302-246-2306 today to schedule a free consultation and start indulging yourself.

Reflections,
A Medical Spa –
How do you look in the mirror?

www.reflections-medicalspa.com