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During this most recent level of COVID-related regulations, our Cosmetics department has been at its highest level of restriction. Our Dermatology Centre is considered essential, but over here on the Cosmetics side, we have had to alter our way of helping patients.

We have been utilizing our time reading and training, improving the clinic, doing phone and virtual consults and helping patients order their products through our online store. It has been a very strange time indeed!!

For someone like myself, who has been performing services for decades, it is difficult to sit at a computer when I am used to being on the move all day long. I cannot deny that I am itching to get back to a somewhat regular schedule of in-person consults and treatments and running around all day!

So, when our restrictions let up (and they will, they will!!) how should you go about getting back into the clinic to see us (and make us ALL happy again)? We have been talking to a lot of patients, both old and new and I feel that when the time comes, there will be a lot of people interested in coming back all at once. I know I am desperate to get in to see my hairdresser, and I feel that many people are feeling just about the same way for their skin.

One of the things we have been doing for those who want to go ahead and book…..well, we have just been pre-booking them in, with them knowing there is still a chance they may get a call from us if some of the restrictions haven’t changed. For other patients, we have created a list of Call-Backs. We have specified what the treatment is and which equipment is required. As time goes on and more and more services are available, our list will get shorter and all of those patiently waiting will be the first ones to get the appointment times they are looking for.

It is important to note that whether we are on lockdown for a longer period or not (numbers are coming down!), we will still be in the clinic daily to assist any of our patients who have questions or concerns. Patients can come by to get products as we are following all of the COVID rules by screening, directing traffic and maintaining patient distance. These protocols will remain intact until the green light back to normality is given.

So, although we are not currently able to see all of our wonderful patients in person just quite yet, please know that we are in the clinic and that you can call, email or get onto our Call-Back list anytime!

As always, stay safe and we hope to see you soon!

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

With the promise of a vaccine on the horizon, 2021 is looking hopeful. However, the COVID numbers in Canada, and especially in Ontario in the last few months have continued to rise to the point where a lockdown was imminent.

So, here we are. Toronto Dermatology Centre (TDC) has been following the guidelines as set out by the government throughout every twist and turn of this pandemic. Like other businesses, we have added and subtracted things from our business to be able to adhere safely and yet still remain effective.

We are fortunate that due to our physician expert Dermatologists being essential, our doors are able to still remain open, unlike many medispas and some plastic surgery clinics. While the medical clinic is still fully able to see patients, but without overcrowding the waiting area (helps that we have over 13, 000 square feet and over 20 clinic rooms) and with proper screening upon entering the clinic, this most recent restriction has affected the cosmetics clinic far more.

Our cosmetic clinic is currently able to do phone consults and are in the clinic every day to answer questions and help patients with their products and answer questions about services.  However, at least until February 10th, we are not able to perform most services or do in-office consults. There are a few services that are considered medical that are still on our roster for the time being. If you are not sure if your treatment qualifies, please don’t hesitate to call and find out. The Cosmetic Clinic can be reached at extension 2 when you call.

Our online boutique is always the easiest way for you to order or reorder your medical-grade home care. If you are new to our online boutique, or if you are interested in what’s new, please call the clinic and we will walk you through how to sign up, how to order and of course help you choose the best products for your skin.

If you have been booked into the Cosmetic Clinic for a service, you will receive a call or email to reschedule prior to your appointment at this time. Right now we are rebooking patients starting February 10^th, restrictions pending. If you have not received a call or email, your treatment may be considered medical and we will be able to proceed on the day selected. If in doubt, again, please call us at 416-633-0001 x2, Monday-Friday from 8-5pm.

Keep safe. Let’s work together to get this COVID pandemic under control, and we hope to see you all as soon as possible!!

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

These skin conditions, which can flare up during cold weather, may need a doctor’s help

Dry, itchy skin is a common winter companion when the humidity drops, especially as we get older.

“The oil-producing glands that lubricate skin shrink and don’t work as efficiently,” says Amy Kassouf, M.D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. And that dry winter skin can certainly be uncomfortable.

Some people with find relief with self-help measures, over-the-counter products, or medication. Here are some strategies for three common dry-skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Unlike many clinics, Toronto Dermatology Centre doesn’t tend to jump on the “latest and greatest” train when it comes to technology. We do a ton of research, seminars, peer suggestions & discussions with technology & laser gurus from around the world, and trials of our own before committing to a new device for our patients. We do NOT use our patients as guinea pigs; ever!  One area we had been looking into for several years was skin tightening. But we didn’t want just any device. We needed something that was tolerable (pain) for the patient, didn’t require the patient to come in every month for the rest of their lives, and was at an affordable cost with little-to-no downtime. A very high satisfaction rate is also super important to us as is our reputation.

We also wanted to look into the field of merging not only RF (Radiofrequency) with microneedling but also to develop combination treatments that would allow the patient quicker results with less down time and fewer clinic visits.

After many years, we have found the perfect combination of “wants and needs” from our wish list. Introducing Inmode Forma and Morpheus 8, with additional Lumecca handpiece to compliment the other services for an all-over impressive rejuvenation experience.

Fractora (we thought it was good, but knew something better was coming) has made an excellent name for itself in the time it has been in both Canada and the USA. The Morpheus 8 is the newest version of the Fractora with advanced application of treating both face and body through RF (radiofrequency) and microneedling. With the ability to treat texture, scars (especially acne scarring), lines and wrinkles, colour, tone and tightening for the face and body, without discomfort or downtime, the Morpheus 8 can be combined with Lumecca to deal with sun damage or the Forma to advance skin tightening starting in one application. Although each patient is unique, and depending on your goals, less treatments are required overall and results come sooner.

For those who have healthy skin but may have some volume loss or loose skin, either on the face or the body, the Forma can provide excellent results. Unlike most RF devices, the Forma is not painful. It feels like a hot stone massage and many patients even fall asleep during the treatment. Results are immediate and no downtime is required. Its really something to behold.

The Lumecca is a more powerful (3x) IPL (intense pulsed light) device that can be used to enhance the results of both the Forma and the Morpheus 8 and can be performed on the same day. By adding the Lumecca, the patient can treat sun damage (vascular and brown pigmented lesions) and increase collagen production while treating for their other concerns at the same time, reducing downtime and visits to the clinic.

This is really a major victory for us at Toronto Dermatology Centre. We have spent years trying to find just the right device for our patients; we were simply not interested in lackluster results or too much pain or too much cost or downtime for our patients. The Inmode trio (Forma, Morpheus 8 and Lumecca) fulfills all of our wish list requests and we can’t wait to share our victory with you.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

A recent article in Dermatologic Surgery discussing Botox notes that “Besides reducing wrinkles, Botox injections in the glabella (frown lines area between the eyes) improve eyebrow shape and position” with resulting lasting approximately 4 months and improving overall facial appearance and quality of life. It noted that Botox dose often remains stable over time, whereas the frequency of treatment decreased. It also reports that not only do the wrinkles improve in the frown areas and around the eyes, but that there is a long-term cumulative benefit resulting in delayed eyebrow drooping (“ptosis”) which can delay the need for more invasive procedures in these areas.

I just finished watching a video from CBC Marketplace that one of our dermatologists recommended to me. A portion of the episode was dedicated to shopping online and mistakenly buying fake products. What an eye opener!!!

Now, I can admit, I LOVE shopping online!!  Me in my jammies and a hot cup of my favourite specialty coffee checking out the deals…. that’s as good as it gets. But, while you and I may know that buying designer products online is a big no-no, did you know that buying many things from a third party, in many cases, is often fake?

The episode had a panel of 3 experts in the field of fraud including a lawyer who specializes in fraud and fake products. They were introduced to a selection of accessories and make-up as well as your basic skin care lines such as Biotherm. These items were sold on EBay, Wish, Amazon, AliExpress and Walmart. In most cases, the audience was polled and felt the items being shown were real, but in almost every case, the item was a fake.

I guess for me, I don’t trust big item or high-cost products to be real, so I avoid them. And of course, I have always known that medical-grade products are typically fake, as they can only be sold by medical retailers. I think what startled me the most was that even basic items like Urban Decay eyeshadow or items from cheaper lines could also be fraudulent.

While I have never trusted AliExpress or Wish, and I know some retailers on EBay and Amazon are known to sell fake purses and accessories, I kinda thought Walmart, with its naturally lower priced lines would have no reason to sell imitation products. Walmart was the only company of those five mentioned to deny fraud, but the experts didn’t buy it. And the other companies say they are working hard to eliminate third party sellers when they have been tipped off to the unfair sales. But this has been going on for a long time, and I don’t think it is possible for some of these sites to ever completely be on the up and up due to the way their items are sold by individuals all over the world. It would be impossible to prevent all fraud, I would think.

There are some sites that sell legitimate products and have been proven to be on the up and up. But those sites are dealing directly with the manufacturers, not a third-party seller.

So, while you and I are at home in our jammies, shopping online and relaxing, pay attention to the details. Know what can and can’t be sold online. Or, if you want to be really sure your hard-earned money is going to the purchase you THINK it is going to, buy direct. Reputable companies like Toronto Dermatology Centre have websites and will often sell their products online, especially now that most of us aren’t able to get out to shop. Be assured that when you buy direct from companies like ours, you are getting what you pay for and not some cheap or even dangerous knock off. Our clinic has been in business for over a decade and plans to be around for a very long time. Our reputation is everything, so you can always count on the most effective medical-grade skincare products at the best price possible. When it comes to skincare, the last thing you want to do is put something on your face that isn’t what it says it is, doesn’t have enough or any of the key active ingredients, or which is long-expired!

If you have purchased an item you suspect to be a fake, you can contact the Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre, located in North Bay and dedicated to eradicating illegal sales. Without tip- offs though, they won’t be able to help us feel safe with our purchases. And remember, try to buy direct from the stores or clinics when purchasing skincare as well as most other items. When this is not possible, do your research, read reviews and be as knowledgeable as possible so you won’t suffer from buyer’s remorse.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

Recently Dr. Barankin asked me a question regarding iron oxides in sunscreens. I have to admit I had never really thought about that particular ingredient. This week, while being my usual skin geeky self, I came across a recent study about iron oxides. So, of course my curiosity got the best of me and I have to say I was surprised and impressed by what I learned.

In the Journal Of Cosmetic Dermatology November 18, 2020,  the results of an in-vitro study showed that sun protection products containing iron oxides provide extra protection against high energy visible light (HEV). Consumer electronics such as your Smartphone or computer emit HEV. Many studies have now proven that HEV contributes to aging skin in multiple forms such as increased wrinkles, skin laxity and pigmentary damage.

The study shows that iron oxides can protect against the HEV light whereas titanium dioxide and zinc oxide give us UVA and UVB protection, but provide a limited protection when it comes to HEV. Even antioxidants that provide protection from free radicals can’t prevent blue light melanogenesis. Therefore, the addition of iron oxides may protect patients who struggle with melasma or are more prone to hyperpigmentation (especially those with darker skin).

Dr. Eric F. Bernstein, M.D. one of the researchers for this study and a highly respected cosmetic dermatologist had this to say: “My entire career has been laser-focused on the use of lasers in medicine and the study of sunlight. One thing I’ve learned all too well is that sunlight causes a range of problems for our skin including fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, redness, pigmentation, skin sagging and skin cancer. Visible blue light is the most energetic, and therefore the most damaging light, to reach our skin and penetrates more deeply than ultraviolet rays. I have been interested, for many years, in ways to protect skin against all wavelengths of light. This research is important because it shows that skin care products formulated with iron oxides, combined with mineral sunscreen actives and other ingredients, effectively shield skin against harmful, high-energy, visible wavelengths.”

You can read the full study here. 

As we continue to find better products to amplify the health of the skin and to protect it against the signs of aging, cancer and pigmentation, and with continued studies being conducted providing concrete results, it is possible to slow down deterioration of the skin and to be able to age gracefully. Ask us about which sunscreen products have iron oxides (unfortunately not many!); we’ve made it a point to carry sunscreens with this important ingredient.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre

We have a very busy clinic (multiple dermatologists and a plastic surgeon all working on 2 floors spread over 13,000 square feet) and we get a lot of phone calls. One recurring query has me wondering what is going in this industry, especially in Toronto. Every step of the way along this confusing and yet somewhat defined protocol for COVID, Toronto Dermatology Centre has adhered to the standards and regulations set forth by our governing parties (and additional precautions to protect you and our staff as well).

We have had to call and unfortunately cancel some services during different phases since returning to work at the end of May. And, like any other business in the city, or in the world for that matter, turning away business hurts. However, with that said, there is a reason these regulations have been put in place, and it is for the safety of our patients and our staff, for their friends and family and to continue to help stop the spread of this unrelenting virus.

So when I hear patients getting upset with us and telling us that other clinics are still doing the treatments that have specifically been added to the restricted list, it makes me wonder where their priorities are at.  Is it worth it to book a patient for a treatment that has been restricted and possibly take the chance of spreading a virus? If that does happen, not only are they now adding to the problem, but that clinic will then have to close down for 2 weeks. The patient won’t be aware immediately that they have been infected, and the vicious cycle continues.

So, when I hear this, instead of getting upset or mad, I simply tell the patient to consider whether or not they want to hand over their face (or body) to a clinic that ignores health standards in order to make a few bucks. Do they have your best interest at heart? Do they have the health of their staff as a main priority? Have they even been following what is going on in the city? The province? If a clinic or medispa chooses to ignore the standards set to keep us safe, are you willing to have a treatment performed at that clinic, wondering what other protocols are not being adhered to?

Update:  When I started this blog, it was before the Toronto/ Peel region modified lockdown.  Now that our circumstances are more restricted, it is imperative that all clinics adhere to their local and provincial rules and regulations. At Toronto Dermatology Centre, our dermatologists, the only true skin experts, are considered essential. Medispas, unfortunately, at this time may have to close down temporarily and some will close permanently as this longer than expected situation continues. Thankfully, we can guarantee that we will not be going out of business. We have spent the past few days calling and cancelling some further services, but still have the right to treat some patients under stricter guidelines. We are also here to consult medical patients who have been here to see one of the dermatologists on the medical side of the clinic, and to help patients with products and potential services in the future.

We will continue to serve our patients in the safest, most effective ways throughout this unusual time. But, we will always choose the safety of our patients, our staff, and our families first. Please do the same for you and yours and always choose wisely.

~ Sheri Roselle, Medical Esthetician at Toronto Dermatology Centre