Terrible Trend: Beauty Before Health

Need to get an appointment to see your dermatologist? Tell him you want to find out about Botox. According to the New York Times, dermatologists see patients who want cosmetic procedures--ones not paid for by insurance--far faster than they see patients who need, say, psoriasis or a suspicious mole checked out. Some docs even have separate waiting rooms for cosmetic patients vs. medical patients. Personally, I think this is ridiculous--but given my recent run-in with my dermatologist, it doesn't surprise me.

Scent I'm Loving Now: Calendula

I'd never given much thought to calendula, an herb that looks a lot like a marigold. Then a friend of mine gave me some Weleda baby products for my daughter, including their Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash. It wasn't long before I was poaching it for myself--it's got the most delicious, woodsy, honey-like smell, and leaves my skin unbelievably smooth. Added bonus: Weleda products are free of all kinds of chemicals, like parabens, that you'll find in most other beauty products.

Spa Swindled

Spa dermatology is on the rise, and while I generally think it's a great concept, I found out the hard way this week that it can have its drawbacks. I went in to a new dermatologist, who practices in a med-spa-like facility, to see what I could do about a pesky rash I have on my arms. He suggested a glycolic peel. I assumed that it--like my visit that day--was covered by insurance, and the dermatologist never mentioned otherwise, so I agreed. Well, when I went to pay my co-pay after the visit, I was informed that I owed several hundred dollars for the glycolic peel!! Needless to say, I was furious--if not illegal, it seems extremely unethical to not disclose fees up front. I won't be going back to that dermatologist again ... lesson learned.

Something's Fishy

I'm not squeamish, but when I heard about fish pedicures, I was officially grossed out. You stick your feet in a pool of water with tiny carp, and they eat the dead skin off your feet. Supposedly, the beauty treatment, which originated in Turkey but is now available in the U.S., doesn't hurt, but I don't think I could handle dozens of scaly minnows attacking my toes, no matter how effective it is. Would you try it?

Shortcut of the Week

Short on time? Who isn't? Well, uber-talented (and semi-famous) dermatologist Dennis Gross M.D., creator of MD Skincare, has devised a product that will cut your p.m. beauty routine in half: the EZ4U 4-in-1 Facial Treatment. These pocket-sized towelettes contain cleanser, tone, wrinkle fighter and moisturizer. Just wipe your skin down and crawl between the sheets. Brilliant!

Friday Fantasy

I got a press release yesterday for a tropical getaway spa package at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego. This over-the-top treat includes a "tropical essence massage”, (coco-mango body polish and a rub-down with Ylang Ylang oil), followed by the "signature spa terre facial”, and last but not least, a manicure and "passionflower pedicure," complete with a rose-petal milk bath. At over $500 for the whole package, I won't be indulging myself in it anytime soon. But it sounds nice, doesn't it?

In any case, have a beautiful weekend.

Aren't I Callus?

After nearly two months of sandal season, my feet started to look rough--literally. We're talking hard-core calluses. I recently wrote about how I usually turn to topical solutions to get smoother feet, but even that wasn't cutting it anymore. So I did what any well-heeled woman would, and turned to my Tweezerman callus remover. I know some women are terrified of callus removers because they use a razor blade to take off dry, dead skin. Personally, I've never so much as nicked myself (thank you, safety shield) and nothing, and I mean nothing, is so effective at giving me gorgeous tootsies.