Aesthetics Practice Today

The Importance of Moisturizers

2013-05-14T16:45:00Z

Over the years we have introduced various medical skin care products and aesthetic procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels and micro-needling that result in temporary redness, dryness and irritation. At times, instructions for use of moisturizers for irritation from skin care products or post procedures are not specific enough. So much time and effort is taken to learn about products that are therapeutic, and the importance of moisturizers is not given enough attention. Patients starting...(read more)

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

2013-05-07T16:52:00Z

Hyaluronic acid is a basic element in connective skin tissue. As a hyaluronic acid filler, Belotero is effective because of its ability to attract and retain water. Hyaluronic acid also helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. Unfortunately, as we age the hyaluronic acid in our skin diminishes. Belotero is a highly anticipated filler and is unique to all others on the market. It is perfect for rejuvenating areas such as the frown lines, smile lines, chin folds, Marionette lines (that give us a sad...(read more)

Regenerating Growth Factors

2013-04-30T15:09:00Z

Growth factors enhance the skin's natural ability to heal and regenerate to produce more youthful skin. Growth factors are proteins that regulate cellular growth and the activity of skin cells. There are multiple growth factors responsible in maintaining healthy skin. As we age, the production of growth factors such as TGFB reduces and contributes to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Years ago, when Skin Medica first developed the TNS Recovery Complex (Tissue Nutrient Solution), our patients...(read more)

Quench Your Skin with H20

2013-04-23T21:22:00Z

Have you noticed that we live in a dehydrated world full of carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol? I know people who consume multiple sodas, juices and coffees a day. But what about water? Drinking adequate amounts of water daily is important for overall good health because water aids in digestion, circulation, absorption and even excretion. Our skin is an organ (the largest organ in our body, in fact) and just like any other part of the body our skin is made up of cells. Each cell that comprises...(read more)

Arm Reshaping and Toning

2013-04-15T16:47:00Z

As spring and summer entice the sunshine and warm weather, short sleeves or sleeveless tops and spaghetti straps are the favorite fashion. Yet some people prefer long sleeves and sweaters year-round because they feel self conscious about their arms. Due to the social climate of southern California, patients come to our clinic year-round presenting with various complaints about their arms, looking for nonsurgical means to improve their appearance. Here is a list of common complaints that I hear. Below...(read more)

Healthy Tan? No Such Thing

2013-04-09T20:46:00Z

Working in medicine, specifically dermatology, we know there is no such thing as a "healthy tan." When it comes to educating younger generations, I wish the effects of sun were immediate. I wish when a young girl stepped out of the tanning bed she saw dark spots, wrinkles and skin cancers forming on the body. Only then might she consider the harmful effects of tanning. We are a society desiring immediate results. Just as we don't put down our cell phones (we might miss something that second, right?),...(read more)

Micro-Needling for Skin Rejuvenation

2013-04-02T21:17:00Z

Everyone wants beautiful, healthy skin. Patients seek various skin rejuvenation treatments to reduce pore size, reduce pigmentation, tighten skin and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and scars. Micro-needling using a device such as Dermapen is a skin rejuvenation procedure that can enhance skin beauty. Using multiple micro-needles, various channels are made creating a direct pathway into the skin. These channels allow enhanced absorption of topical antioxidants, vitamins, hair loss products and PRP (platelet...(read more)

Anti-Aging for Men

2013-03-26T15:02:00Z

As I plan my honeymoon in Italy I can't help but pause for a moment and think about the incredible culture, great food, amazing coast line - and then there's the man who only seems to get better looking, George Clooney. Let's face it, the man is undoubtedly getting older but the years have treated him well. Which brings me to the topic of this post: anti-aging for men! In our society, sure, men are allowed to age more so than their female counterparts. But this doesn't mean they have to. Men become...(read more)

VISIA Skin Analysis

2013-03-19T21:10:00Z

A skin analysis device can help determine your patient's complexion profile. With so many options for skin rejuvenation, it's difficult for practitioners, let alone patients, to choose what treatment is right for them. Skin analysis should be performed at the first visit to your clinic to optimize your recommendations for the patient's skin care and facial rejuvenation treatment plan. VISIA can provide in-depth analysis for each individual, and the skin care and rejuvenation treatment program can...(read more)

Treating Acne Aftermath

2013-03-12T19:44:00Z

Whether you currently have acne or have suffered from acne in the past, one thing we know for sure is that acne changes our skin. This includes dark spots, red spots and indentations that remain well after acne lesions have cleared. Exactly how this is treated is a common concern of patients. Whether you work in internal medicine, dermatology or cosmetics, why not help your patient improve their skin with these simple tips: Encourage patients to leave their skin alone. This means no touching, picking,...(read more)

My Best Beauty Tips

2013-03-05T20:55:00Z

Five Common Beauty Problems Acne/Acne Scars - Systemic medication such as Accutane with potential serious side effects may be avoided with the use of topical anti-acne and antibiotics combined with Cooltouch and Spectra Laser treatments that help to reduce over-productive sebaceous glands without downtime. Also, these lasers stimulate collagen production so patients see improvement in their acne scars. Brown Spots and Melasma can now be treated safely and effectively with a Q-switched Spectra Laser...(read more)

The Naked Neurotoxin

2013-02-26T16:30:00Z

Move over Botox and Dysport. There's a new botulinum on the market. Incobotulinumtoxin A, or Xeomin, is the latest serotype A botulinum toxin available. Manufactured by Merz Aesthetics, it has been used in Europe since 2008 with over 84,000 patients treated to date worldwide. Xeomin was originally FDA approved in the US for the treatment of cervical dystonia and blepharospasm in 2010. It was not until July 2011 that Xeomin was approved for the cosmetic treatment of moderate to severe glabellar (frown)...(read more)

Skin Rejuvenation at the Genetic Level

2013-02-19T18:04:00Z

Intense pulsed light - photorejuvenation - has been around for over 20 years. It has grown rapidly in popularity over the last decade. It is the most popular non-ablative skin rejuvenation treatment that has continued to show clinical improvement of skin quality with little to no downtime, hence the name "Fotofacial." With a series of treatments, patients can experience the following: Healthier, smoother skin Reduced redness and flushing Reduced pore size Reduced fine lines and wrinkles Reduced sun...(read more)

Hyperpigmentation and Fresh, Glowing Skin

2013-02-12T18:12:00Z

Vivatia is an advanced skin care system offering patients undeniable results. This system is a new take on anti-aging skin care, focusing on safe and effective delivery of key ingredients such as anti-oxidants and hydroquinone. Vivatia consists of 3 steps: Gentle Cream Cleanser - A non-foaming cream cleanser that is hydrating while it cleanses to remove impurities. It is specially designed for use with high-potency retinoid therapy that we all know causes cell turnover (peeling) and in patients'...(read more)

Laser Treatment of Acne

2013-02-05T16:15:00Z

Earlier this month I discussed using a combination of over-the-counter and prescription topical solutions for treatment of acne . In patients with more severe cases of acne, oral antibiotics and chemical peels may be used in addition to other treatments. Laser or light therapy may provide improvement in clearing acne when these other treatments have failed. I highly encourage continuing the use of topical acne solutions while undergoing laser or light therapy. It's difficult to predict how patients...(read more)