You are only protected to the extent of the higher rating of one product.  A foundation with an SPF of 10, moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and a sunscreen with an SPF of 20 does not yield an SPF rating of 45.

SPF ratings, soon to be revised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only refer to protection from UVB rays.  A person needs sun protection that has chemical and physical blockers, plus antioxidants.  A higher SPF also gives a false sense of security and introduces more potentially harmful chemicals to the body.  Plus, an SPF of 50 is only marginally more protective than an SPF of 15; an SPF of 30 has only 2% more protection than an SPF of 15, and a 40 has only 1% more than a 30.  Sunscreens need to be reapplied every 90-120 minutes.

Truth: Pores are openings in the skin that allow oils (sebum) to reach the surface. If pores are larger, this can be due to dead cells, genetics or scarring from squeezing blemishes.

Truth: The principle ingredient in cucumbers is 90% water with the balance being inert fiber. They can be soothing and, with moisture, hydrate skin temporarily. The same results can be obtained from a cold compress.

Truth: Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps build skin, but there is no evidence that it does anything to help with scarring. There is even some research that suggests it may have a negative effect on scarring.

Skin care professionals and consumers alike are bombarded daily with a myriad of information about skin care, skin science and skin health from the media, manufacturers and an ever-increasing number of physicians, all attempting to justify that what they profess and advocate is the truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes claims are accurate and sometimes they aren’t. More often than not, the truth may lie somewhere in between.

Myth #1: Facial exercises tone facial muscles and make a person appear younger.

Truth: The face is the only part of the body where muscles are attached directly to the skin; there are no facial ligaments and tissue. Constant facial exercise and tugging contribute to additional lines. Actually, wrinkles often form along expression lines caused by facial movements.

Most spa clients regard the temporary discomfort of laser hair reduction as a short-term nuisance.  However, for super sensitive areas, such as the bikini and beyond, “discomfort” may be an understatement.

“Taking Ibuprofen 45 minutes prior to your appointment will help alleviate discomfort,” Kymberly Baldwin-Brown, licensed clinical aesthetican at The Spa at the Firehouse said.  “You can also request a topical numbing cream which is applied 30-45 minutes before your treatment.”

The Spa at the Firehouse utilizes a compounded combination of three different numbing agents.   When scheduling your appointment, please mention your request for numbing cream so your treatment time can be booked accordingly.  Another option is to ask for a prescription for a topical numbing cream when scheduling your session that you can pick up from your pharmacy and apply before arriving at The Spa.  For more information, please call (515) 277-4984.

Yesterday we posted Keys to Success as presented in the book The Nordstrom Way.  One of the bullet points presented, Tracking Spheres of Influence, deserves special attention and explanation.  How often do you ask your patients why they do business with you?  Tracking your spheres of influence involves four basic steps that will answer ‘how did you get that patient?’

• Make a list of your long standing patients
• Ask them what’s keeping them coming back
• Devise ways to reward those clients for their loyalty
• Follow through by rewarding them for their loyalty

At Koch Facial Plastic Surgery, we realize that people have choices.  We’ve worked hard to implement ways to retain patients and to keep them coming back to our office.  One example, we have a Frequent Frowner’s Card.  It’s a simple business card-sized punch card for our Botox patients.  There are five frowning faces and the sixth one is a smiley face - and signifies a free Botox treatment.  We reward our patients for being loyal to us.  We utilize this same concept in our spas for services such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

So, while you are out there building relationships, be sure to track your spheres of influence - satisfied patients who would recommend their services - and keep in regular contact with those people.  As Nordstrom would theorize, you never know when that relationship might lead to a sale.

The following is an excerpt from the book The Nordstrom Way to Customer Service Excellence. This handbook provides example after example of ways in which you can improve the customer service culture in your office.

Keys to Success
Relationships are the essence of customer service. If what you are selling is similar to what your competitor is selling, and if your prices are similar to your competitor’s prices, how can you get an edge? By developing a strong relationship with your customer - and by never taking that relationship for granted. Customers are looking for people who take responsibility for their actions. Those customers can be very forgiving if they see that you hear problems and you take care of the problem.

• Listen to the customer.
• Understand the customer’s needs.
• Emphasize knowledge of your products and services.
• Be honest and sincere.
• Track your sphere of influence.
• A referral that comes from a satisfied client is a lot easier to get than new business from a stranger.
• Create a lifetime experience.
• Develop a positive working relationship with your vendors and suppliers.
• Service the client not the project.
• Become a source for new ideas.

While none of these tips are terribly unique or profound, do we really follow and adopt these seemingly simple strategies with every interaction?   Take time to consider a few ways you can improve and be sure to pat yourself on the back for the tactics you have mastered.

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Posted Apr 08 2009, 05:55 AM by Douglas McIntyre

A number of studies show that tall, good-looking people do better in life and in love. It makes some sense, even in the job markets. Who would not rather have an attractive salesman or clerk instead of an ugly or overweight one?

The bias toward better-looking people is cruel, but it is a fact of life. As jobs disappear, the Adonis is more likely to find work than a hag is.

According to Reuters, doctors are seeing increased interest in surgery among people “wanting to look younger and ‘fresher’ for the ever-competitive job market.” The surgeries may not ultimately help a significant number of people find jobs, but they’ll keep plastic surgeons off the bread lines.

The news points to the vicious cycle caused by the recession and resulting job loss. An individual out of a job may have very little money. If that money is spent on surgery, the patient may have little left for essentials like housing and food. The trend could even increase mortgage delinquency rates.

The desperate are often willing to take chances, even those with long odds. In most cases, these are bad decisions, but they still may have some benefits. Even those who are out of work, but surgically improved, will feel better looking in the mirror.

Top Stocks blogger Douglas A. McIntrye is an editor at 24/7 Wall St.

What do you think?