Chemical peels are a fast and effective treatment option for improving the complexion. For some, chemical peels are an entry way into cosmetic treatments as they are relatively affordable compared to more intensive procedures while still providing excellent results. While chemical peels are commonly used, it is important that the practitioner understand peel concentrations and application technique. Peels are relatively safe when used correctly but they can be painful as…

Lidocaine is one of the most commonly used anesthetic ingredients in topical anesthetic creams. The onset of action of lidocaine is rapid and compared to other topical anesthetics it has an average duration of action. In general there is a low incidence of side effects when it is used correctly but there are some important contraindications. Lidocaine has been made in patches, gels, sprays, ointments, creams and more for providing…

Cosmetic treatments continue to advance and become more available to many patients. For many, one of the main obstacles to overcome is the fear of how painful the treatment will be. Powerful numbing creams, like compounded BLT cream, help make the actual treatments much less painful and easier to tolerate. Here we will talk about some of the current cosmetic treatments being done that can be made easier with a…

Our benzocaine, lidocaine, tetracaine anesthetic cream is used by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals throughout the country. In the majority of cases this cream is applied correctly and there are no serious adverse effects. However, negligence does occur in some cases when proper precautions are not followed. It is important to understand BLT cream before using it on a patient and understand the symptoms of anesthetic toxicity. What is BLT…

Microneedling is one of the most common cosmetic treatments performed by dermatologists. It is used to treat acne, scars, sun-damaged skin, hyperhidrosis, and to reduce wrinkles. Studies have shown that the transdermal delivery of drugs might be enhanced by the use of microneedling to improve penetration in the skin. Why Use Microneedling? Microneedling is often used in combination with chemical peels and medications to treat acne. The exfoliating effect allows…

Products that Are Not Commercially Available Dermatologists are frequent prescribers of compounded creams. There are many combinations of ingredients that can be made by a compounding pharmacy that are not commercially available. Higher-strength ingredients can be used including in hydroquinone creams and chemical peels. A compounding pharmacy makes medications that have been discontinued, are experiencing shortages, or are not available in the United States. Combination drug products are available to…

Laser hair removal continues to be a popular cosmetic treatment for both women and men. Even with the increased use of Botox, fillers, laser resurfacing, and skin tightening devices, laser hair removal is still the most frequently requested treatment. While usually not as painful as something like laser resurfacing or a deep chemical peel, laser hair removal can still be uncomfortable. Many individuals having laser hair removal request a numbing…

Dermatologists and aestheticians frequently use benzocaine cream for a variety of skin procedures. The skin can be numbed with a benzocaine cream before everything from mole removal to skin tightening. This cream makes the experience of a cosmetic procedure more comfortable for patients and easier for professionals. Benzocaine cream is also sometimes prescribed to provide pain relief form minor burns and irritations on the surface of the body. While benzocaine…

Permanent makeup application provides a clean, consistent look for makeup that doesn’t fade. It makes it so that a woman can wake up every day with a flawlessly done face. The procedure is the same as a tattoo permanently inking the skin. This involves small needle punctures to insert the ink. Since this can be painful, a numbing cream is often used to make the procedure more comfortable. The best…

One aesthetic technique that is becoming increasingly popular is microblading – which involves making realistic-looking eyebrows with carefully placed pigment. Microblading produces excellent results that are semi-permanent, which means they have to be touched up occasionally but in general will stay for at least two years. The procedure makes it so that eyebrows always look perfect and never need to be filled in. Since it involves the use of small…