Ultraviolet radiation from the sun accounts for approximately 90 percent of all skin cancers.  While the windshield is specially treated to block both the Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the car’s side and rear windows only block the UVB rays.  UVA rays are responsible for most of the deep damage to the skin, such as premature aging and skin cancers.   UV exposure is cumulative and, over time, repeat exposure leads to significant skin damage.  The more time people spend driving their cars, the more severe the sun damage on the left side of the body.  For people who spend more time as passengers, the reverse trend is seen, with more damage on the right side.

Observational studies have shown an increased risk of melanoma in users of UVA tanning beds.  Studies have also shown an increased rate of melanoma on the left side of the body, where UVA from driving is up to 6 times more than the non-exposed side.  Convertibles and sun roofs allow even more UV exposure.

There are several ways to protect yourself in the car.  First, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to the exposed areas of skin about a half hour before you go driving.  Because the UVA rays penetrate glass, make sure your sunscreen does contain some form of UVA protection, such as zinc or titanium.  Second, wear long- sleeved shirts, pants and even a hat to help minimize the long-term exposure.  A third sun safety strategy for the car is the application of window tinting or lamination to the side and rear windows.  Window tinting is regulated in many states; however, a clear window film is available by the maker LLumar, which blocks out 99.9% of UV rays.

By following these precautions, you can stay sun safe outdoors as well as in your car, and avoid the cumulative sun damage that ages the skin and causes skin cancer.

Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank.  She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. You can schedule a Free Cosmetic Consultation with their cosmetic nurse.  Check out their website for a complete list of all the treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com

“The damage caused by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds and the sun is cumulative and often irreversible, and the earlier people start to tan, the higher their risk of developing skin cancer in their lifetimes,” said Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation. “In fact, melanoma risk increases by 75 percent when indoor tanning begins before age 35.”

If the threat of skin cancer isn’t enough to scare young people away from tanning salons, they should know that 90 percent of visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by exposure to UV radiation. Tanning accelerates the signs of aging, including wrinkles, leathering and fine lines, which can be seen as early as in one’s twenties.

In addition to being dangerous and damaging to the skin, tanning is completely out of step with current fashion trends. The three leading ladies of the 2011 Oscars, Natalie Portman (Best Actress), Melissa Leo (Best Supporting Actress) and Anne Hathaway (co-host), led the way with beautiful, untanned skin. While the fashion reviews were mixed, all agree that healthy, luminous skin was the accessory of choice.

Other Hollywood heavy hitters— including Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, Scarlett Johansson, Annette Bening, and Jennifer Hudson— know that naturally radiant skin is what looks best on the red carpet. Cleary, the tanned look has lost its appeal.

Men’s skin care often begins and ends with shaving. And that’s where their first mistakes often occur. The biggest error that men make while shaving, says Eric Malka of The Art of Shaving, a men’s grooming company, are “not using good preparation methods, and then shaving too fast and hard.” The results? “Razor bumps and ingrown hairs.”

The key, says Malka, is to take your time. The Art of Shaving recommends a four-step process: prepare, lather up, shave, and moisturize.

The preparations begin with showering, to let the steam soften the hairs. Then, apply a pre-shave oil. “The oil coats the face and protects it,” Malka explains.

The next step is to apply hot shaving cream with a shaving brush. “The motion of the brush lifts the hairs away from the face, making it easier for the razor to grab,” said Malka.

When it is time to shave, “take your time,” Malka cautions again. “Use short strokes, and never shave against the grain.”

After shaving, apply sunscreen. “I recommend that my patients apply a sunscreen after shaving, before moisturizing,” says Dr. Ariel Ostad, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. The sunscreen should be an SPF 15 or higher, and should be applied to the face as well as the neck, including the back of the neck, and ears. After the sunscreen, apply a moisturizer, or moisturizing aftershave balm, with an SPF of 15 or higher. Because most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, this double layer will help ensure that you’re better protected.

“Too many men don’t moisturize,” notes Dr. Ostad. “As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain moisture. When men don’t moisturize, they wind up with dry skin, rashes, eczema and wrinkles.” It’s important to find a moisturizer that fits your skin type. Dr. Ostad recommends an oil-free moisturizer for oily skin, and a cream moisturizer for dry skin. Men should especially avoid stinging aftershaves that contain alcohol, says Mr. Malka, which can irritate and dry out your skin.

The skin around the eyes is often the first place where signs of aging show, but putting sunscreen and moisturizer around the eye area can irritate the eye itself. Instead, protect your eyes with a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses.

If you are going to be exposed to the sun for extended periods, consider a heavier, beach-type sunscreen, and follow our guidelines for sun safety.

This may seem awfully involved for some men, especially for those who aren’t used to taking time with their skin. But your face is how the world sees you. By giving it some care, and shielding it from the sun, it will reward you by looking healthier – and being healthier – for years to come.

Photoaging is caused by lifetime sun exposure – and that’s not just the few days you spend at the beach every summer. Walking your dog, driving to work, and sitting in front of a sunny window are all examples of the type of sun exposure that you might not think of protecting yourself against – but over the years they can add up to wrinkling, leathering and other signs of aging, as well as skin cancer.

For this everyday exposure, cosmetics with the proper ingredients, applied the right way, can protect your skin.

First, select a sunscreen-containing moisturizer. Look for a product labeled “broad-spectrum” that has an SPF rating that is 15 or higher. The package, should include a list of active ingredients. Look for zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) or ecamsule (Mexoryl) combined with octocrylene and avobenzone. These are the most cosmetically elegant, long-lasting broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients found in moisturizers.

After cleansing your face in the morning, apply the moisturizer to your face, and also to your ears, neck, and upper chest. The latter are often-overlooked areas in terms of sun protection, but are equally susceptible to photoaging.

The delicate skin around your eyes needs protection as well, but most moisturizers are not recommended for use in the eye area. Eye creams that contain an SPF are available from some manufacturers, and should be applied during the moisturizing step of your morning routine.

Your second line of skin defense can be found in your foundation. When choosing a foundation, look for one with an SPF rating between 8 and 15. While this may seem like overkill, the truth is that most people do not get the most out of their sunscreen because either they do not apply enough of it, or they apply it unevenly. Two applications of cosmetics that contain a sunscreen will increase your chances of getting good protection.

Top off your foundation with powder. Your powder should be of the compressed variety, and applied with a sponge. The benefits of powder are twofold: The tiny pigmented talc particles it contains provide a certain amount of protection on their own, and applying a layer of powder will help both your sunscreen and your moisturizer stay put through the day. Once the sunscreen is off your skin – washed away by perspiration or your own skin oils, or simply wearing off – it won’t protect you any longer.

Complete your routine with your usual makeup, and don’t forget the lips. Lips have almost no melanin (the color is derived from tiny blood vessels beneath the skin) and so it’s up to you to protect them. If you don’t regularly wear lipstick, get in the habit of using a colorless lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. If lipstick is part of your makeup regimen, avoid the super-shiny, high-gloss lipsticks with little pigmentation. These act like baby oil for the lips, directing damaging UV rays right to the area you’re trying to protect. An opaque lipstick will provide better protection. Try to find one you like with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. If you’re wedded to the wet look, apply the colored lipstick first, then top with a gloss for shine.

It’s important to keep in mind that cosmetics should not be used as the sunscreen component of your comprehensive sun protection regimen when you are going to be out in the sun for a long time. For those times, you’ll need a heavier, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of fifteen or higher, and you’ll need to reapply it every two hours. If you’re playing sports or swimming, find one that is water-resistant, and remember to reapply more often if you’re sweating or after toweling off. And for your lips, definitely keep a lip-specific sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on hand, and reapply it every two hours, just as you would your regular sunscreen.

Cosmetics can go a long way in protecting your face against UV damage. But sunscreen is only one part of a comprehensive sun protection routine. Following our guidelines is the best way to protect your skin and help keep it looking youthful for years to come.

Sunlight triggers many changes in the skin. Some show up quickly – suntan, sunburn, freckles; others take years to appear – wrinkles, splotches, looseness. The most serious change is skin cancer, which can be lethal. Experts know that at least 90 percent of all skin cancers result from excessive exposure to sunlight. In fact, one blistering sunburn in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.

Of course, children, like all people, need light and air to grow and thrive. How to balance? Practice good sun protection habits, including wearing sunscreen, whenever your child is outside.

Outdoor Precautions

• Make sure that your baby’s stroller or carriage provides adequate shade, with a hood or other shade-providing structure
• Your baby should have fresh air and light – but not at the peak times of the day. Schedule your baby’s stroll around the neighborhood in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are less powerful
• Your baby should wear a sun hat or bonnet with a wide brim whenever he or she is outside
• When sitting outside, find a shady place to rest
• Make sure your baby’s arms and legs are covered by tighly-woven (but loose-fitting) clothing.

Choosing a Sunscreen

• When selecting from the vast array of available sunscreens, look for SPF 15 or greater.
• Do a “patch” test by putting a small amount of sunscreen on the inside of your child’s wrist the day before you plan to use it to test for irritation or allergies.
• If an irritation or rash develops at any time, try another product. Ask your child’s doctor to suggest one that will not irritate.
• A cream or lotion may be less drying to young skin than a gel or alcohol-based product.
• If a scented product attracts insects, try an unscented one.

Applying Sunscreen

• Sunscreen should not be used on babies under six months old. Babies under six months should not be exposed to the sun at all.
• Coat your child’s skin liberally and evenly. Rub in well. If your baby or toddler is squirmy, apply the sunscreen to your hands first.
• Apply the sunscreen at least an hour before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours. If your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot, reapply more often.
• Don’t forget your baby’s hands, ears, nose, lips, and the area around the eyes. Zinc oxide on the nose and ears can provide extra protection. An SPF 15 lip balm should be applied to the lips, and toddlers may enjoy applying it themselves. UV-blocking sunglasses will protect the vulnerable eye area.
• Never put baby oil on your child before going outdoors. It makes the skin translucent, letting solar rays pass through more easily.

Babies under six months of age should never be exposed to the sun. Babies older than six months should be protected from the sun, and wear uv-blocking sunglasses to protect their eyes. However, if your child is sunburned:

• For a baby under one year old, sunburn should be treated as an emergency. Call your doctor immediately.
• For a child one year or older, call your doctor if there is severe pain, blistering, lethargy, or fever over 101 F. (38.3 C)
• Sunburn can cause dehydration. Give your child water or juice to replace body fluids, especially if your child is not urinating regularly.
• Give acetominophen if your child’s temperature is above 101 F.
• Baths in clear, tepid water may cool the skin.
• Light moisturizing lotion may sooth the skin, but do not rub it in. If touching the skin is painful, don’t use lotion.
• Dabbing on plain calamine lotion may help, but don’t use one with an added antihistamine.
• Do not apply alcohol, which can overcool the skin.
• Do not use any medicated cream – hydrocortisone, benzocaine – unless your baby’s doctor tells you to.
• Keep your child out of the sun entirely until the sunburn heals.
• Familarize yourself with the rules of sun protection, and make sure that no matter where you child goes – daycare, play dates, nursery school – sun safety is taken into account.

Children need to get used to wearing sunscreen-it’s as essential as bathing and brushing their teeth. Here’s how to avoid a daily struggle.

• Get a kid-friendly brand. If she likes Barbie, get Barbie sunscreen or one in a pink bottle.
• Let him apply it himself first. Don’t worry about the mess. Once he’s done, you can give him a good once-over yourself.
• Use your imagination. Tell your child that sunscreen is special “makeup” or “paint,” and write words or letters on her body (and let her do the same to you).
• Find the form he likes best. Experiment with foams, sport creams, gels, and no-rub sprays.

Don’t Forget Sunglasses!

Your child’s future’s so bright, she’s gotta wear shades. Sun exposure can damage her eyes, so make sure they’re protected.

• Read the fine print. Choose sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection.”
• Let your child choose a style he likes. Look for frames in his favorite color or decorated with characters he loves. “Once older kids see that celebrities and rock stars wear sunglasses, they’ll want a pair,” says Dr. Brodell.
• Even babies need shades. Your baby may take them off at first, but keep trying until she gets used to them. Look for ones with an elastic strap.
• Set a good example. If you wear your sunglasses, your kids are more likely to wear them.

You need to think about sun safety year-round-whether you’re at the beach, at a soccer game, or in your backyard. In fact, your child gets lots of little doses of UV when you don’t even realize it-while sitting in his stroller or even in the back seat of the car-and they all add up. Here are smart ways to stay safe.

• Nuture your children’s lotion devotion. Put sunscreen on them every day after they brush their teeth or before they get dressed. “If you get kids in the habit of wearing sunscreen when they’re young, they’ll be more likely to make it part of their routine as they get older,” says Dr. Cambio.
• Fill a basket by your front door with sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. Grab a bottle on your way out so you can put more on later in the day.
• Keep sunscreen in all your bags�from your purse to kids’ sports duffels. At the beach, keep it in your cooler; it’ll feel refreshing when you reapply.
• Put tubes OF SPF 30 lip balm in the pockets of frequently worn coats, backpacks, and purses.
• Pack sunscreen with your child for preschool or day care, and talk to his teacher about reapplying it.
• Make it fun to play in the shade. Get a UV-protective tent to use in your backyard.
• Explain to your kids that too much sun is bad for their skin. “Just like you tell them about the dangers of smoking and the importance of eating healthy foods, talk to them about risks from the sun,” says Susan Boiko, M.D., a pediatric dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente, in San Marcos, California.
• Let your kids see you putting sunscreen on yourself�and don’t even think about going to a tanning salon.

Sunscreen Essentials

If you’re like 58 percent of the Parents readers we polled, evaluating sunscreen labels can seem like reading a chemistry textbook. Here are the most important things you need to know when you shop.

• Buy at least SPF 30. Many experts say that SPF 15 is plenty, but going higher gives you a crucial margin of error. “If you don’t apply enough-which most people don’t-then an SPF 15 will only be an SPF 6 or 7,” says Dr. Boiko. “If you don’t use enough of an SPF 30, it may be equivalent to an SPF 15.”
• Choose one that says “broad spectrum,” “multispectrum,” or “UVA/UVB protection.” This means it protects against both UVB and UVA rays (although not necessarily equally). Look on the ingredient list for avobenzone (aka Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or oxybenzone-all of these ingredients shield against both types of rays.

“You can buy the best sunscreen, but it won’t protect you if you don’t apply it properly,” says pediatric dermatologist Virginia Sybert, M.D., clinical professor of medical genetics at the University of Washington, in Seattle. Here’s how.

• Get an early start. Put sunscreen on all sun-exposed areas at least a half hour before going out so it has time to be absorbed into the skin. If you put it on your child before she gets dressed, you’ll be less likely to miss spots.
• Use more than you think you need. When manufacturers test a sunscreen’s SPF, they’re required to apply a thick layer to skin. “Most people don’t use half that much,” says Dr. Boiko. “Put enough sunscreen on your child’s skin so that it’s visibly white, like butter on a bagel, and then rub it in until it disappears.”
• Don’t forget to reapply. Put on more every two hours and right after kids get out of the water-even if your sunscreen says “waterproof” or “one application lasts all day.” Surprisingly, the FDA has no approved regulations about these types of claims on labels, and most sunscreens wear off in the sun and water-especially after kids towel off. In fact, lawyers recently filed a class-action suit against several sunscreen manufacturers alleging that labels mislead consumers.
• Remember these spots. People often overlook the ears, nape of the neck, chin, tops of the feet, backs of the hands, part in the hair, and any sparse spots on the scalp. “Little boys often wear baseball caps, but their ears stick out,” says Dr. Weinkle. “I see lots of skin cancer on ears.” Stick sunscreens are especially good for these areas because they don’t drip.
• Pucker up. A recent study found that 63 percent of sunscreen users don’t protect their lips-another common spot for skin cancer. Don’t use petroleum jelly on your child’s lips when she’s going outside-it offers no protection and actually attracts more sun. Instead, use lip balm with an SPF 30, and reapply it often.
• Don’t save it for sunny summer days. The sun’s reflective powers are great-17 percent on sand and 80 percent on snow. Even when it’s cloudy, 80 percent of invisible UV rays still hit your child’s skin , and they can cause surprisingly bad burns.

Reality check: In 2006, you need much more than just sunscreen to keep your kids safe from skin cancer. Here’s the latest information about sun protection from the nation’s leading experts.

Okay, this question sounds like a no-brainer: Is sunscreen the key to protecting your family from skin cancer?

The Answer: Yes-and no. Of course, it’s crucial to make sure your kids wear sunscreen whenever they’re outside, but high-SPF products have given us a false sense of security. Too many parents assume they can just give their children a little spritz or smear and they’ll be magically protected for hours. As a result, kids today may actually be spending even more time in the sun-and may be exposed to more UV radiation- than they were a decade ago. “Wearing sunscreen doesn’t make it safe for you to stay out in the sun all day, just like wearing a seat belt doesn’t make it safe for you to drive 100 miles per hour,” says Andrea Cambio, M.D., a pediatric and adult dermatologist in New York City. If your child gets just one bad sunburn, his chance of getting melanoma-the most deadly form of skin cancer- doubles. Even if your child normally tans, her golden skin is still a sign of sun damage. Don’t let our culture’s obsession with bronzed celebrities fool you: One person in the U.S. dies about every hour from melanoma, and 20 percent of Americans will get skin cancer during their lifetime. In fact, melanoma, which is seen primarily in adults over age 50, now strikes kids as young as age 10. “We’re definitely seeing more melanoma in children than we used to,” says Parents advisor Lawrence Eichenfield, M.D., chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Children’s Hospital, San Diego. This is partly due to the fact that the UV-blocking ozone layer has thinned-another vital reason you need to be vigilant about protecting your kids.

But many of us are much too lax: In a poll of more than 3,700 Parents readers, only 38 percent of those surveyed said that they put sunscreen on their children every day in the summer, and only 7 percent do so year-round, as experts recommend. And pediatricians aren’t always focusing on the problem either; a recent study in Pediatric Dermatology found that doctors only raise the issue of sun safety during 1 percent of all well-child checkups. Here’s the crucial medical message: It’s estimated that your child will get more than half of his lifetime sun exposure before age 18, and smart sun protection throughout childhood can decrease his skin-cancer risk by 80 percent. And while most people know that sun exposure can cause cancer, far fewer know that even a mild sunburn suppresses the entire body’s immune system-possibly making a child more vulnerable to infections.

Sunscreen is only one aspect of skin-cancer prevention. Equally essential: limiting time in the sun between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M., seeking shade, putting on a hat, and wearing protective clothing. Although 94 percent of readers knew sunscreen was important, only 56 percent believed the same about hats, and just a third said either shade or clothing was crucial. Because steps you take now can save your child’s life, we teamed up with the American Academy of Dermatology to give you the very latest information.

Know the Lingo

The sun has three kinds of ultraviolet rays with different wavelengths.

UVA leads to skin aging and cancer UVB causes burning and cancer UVC can’t pass through the ozone layer

In the past, experts believed that UVA-which accounts for up to 95 percent of all UV radiation that reaches the earth-caused fewer cancerous mutations than UVB. But new research shows that UVA, which penetrates deep into the lower levels of skin, may actually be equally dangerous.

• A sunscreen’s SPF (sun-protection factor) is a measurement of how well it protects against sunburn. If you slather on an SPF 30 product, you should be able to stay in the sun for 30 times longer without burning than if your skin were bare. However, SPF only measures how well a sunscreen blocks UVB. There are no numbers that measure protectiveness against UVA.
• Clothing’s UPF (ultraviolet-protection factor) reflects how much total UV the fabric blocks. UPF 50 means that only 1/50 of all UV rays (2 percent) can shine through.

Reprinted with permission from Parents Magazine.

In the past two years, dermatologists and health groups such as The Skin Cancer Foundation have been soul-searching about their core messages concerning sun protection. The reasons: recent reports that some Americans suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and that vitamin D produced in the body by solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure may help prevent prostate, colon, breast, and other cancers, as well as bone diseases.

Given these findings, the Foundation contemplated acknowledging that a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure here and there might not be such a bad thing. However, we refrained, because of more compelling proof that unprotected UV exposure ages the skin and can lead to skin cancer.

Now, an important new analysis from the Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, proves we made the right decision.

The Debate

The authors, Deon Wolpowitz, MD, PhD, and Barbara A. Gilchrest, MD, reviewed massive research on vitamin D and sun exposure. They found that “selected epidemiologic data suggest an inverse correlation between solar UVB exposure and mortality from several cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate, and between sun exposure and the incidence of colon cancer.” In other words, in regions where people have greater sun exposure, fewer cases of colon cancer occur (presumably because of sun-induced vitamin D), and fewer deaths occur from these three cancers.

However, they pointed out that UV is an officially recognized environmental carcinogen. There has been “a near epidemic” of skin cancers, they say, with more than 1.5 million diagnosed yearly in the U.S. – and the cause of most is sun exposure.

There’s Evidence. . . and There’s Evidence

In the end, whether or not to advocate increased sun exposure for vitamin D comes down to which studies are most convincing. Drs. Wolpowitz and Gilchrest say those supporting unprotected sun exposure are of “variable quality” and merely “observational”: The data generally link mortality from colon, breast, and prostate cancer in specific regions with the amounts of UV in those regions. Such studies may be confounded by climatic factors such as pollution, variations in population genetics (such as darker- or lighter-skinned populations), and cultural or lifestyle factors (such as socioeconomic status and diet). The studies cannot directly correlate disease with individual sun exposure, and “cannot establish that solar exposure decreases incidence or mortality from these cancers.”

In contrast, research from animal studies and surveys to large population studies and human DNA studies have strongly established the connection between sun exposure and skin cancer. Sun exposure also causes wrinkles, brown spots, leathering and sagging.

Drs. Wolpowitz and Gilchrest further note that very small amounts of sun exposure provide all the vitamin D the body can manufacture. Even when you wear sunscreen, some UV reaches the skin, and this may be plenty, at least for fair-skinned individuals. “Incidental protected exposure. . . to minimal UVB radiation three times weekly generates adequate vitamin D levels by classic criteria,” they say. “Greater exposure adds nothing to vitamin D stores, while increasing DNA damage in a linear fashion.”

All evidence considered, the authors conclude, “The tradeoff of vitamin D production today for photoaging and skin cancer decades hence may have made sense millennia ago, when life expectancy was 40 years or less, but it’s a poor exchange when life expectancy has doubled, skin rejuvenation is a $35 billion/year industry, and one in three Caucasians develops skin cancer.”

We second this motion. “Skin cancer prevention messages should encourage outdoor physical activity, but it is premature to make specific recommendations for ‘sensible’ sun exposure,” says Allan C. Halpern, MD, a Vice President of The Skin Cancer Foundation and Chief, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York City. “The idea that a little sun is good for you and a lot of sun is better undermines skin cancer prevention.”

The Safer Way

Fortunately, Drs. Wolpowitz and Gilchrest point out, there are “effective and almost effortless” noncarcinogenic alternatives — vitamin D-fortified foods and/or dietary supplements. For most, just two 8-oz glasses of fortified milk or orange juice or one standard vitamin D pill is safe and sufficient. Those at high risk for vitamin D deficiency should take additional daily supplemental vitamin D (200-1000 IU) with concurrent dietary calcium.

Some experts say we should stick with the higher end of supplementation. “The skin is a target tissue for the active form of vitamin D,” notes Arnold W. Klein, MD, professor of medicine/dermatology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. “Although the recommended dietary allowance in adults is 5 micrograms (200 IU) daily, there is mounting evidence that in the absence of sunlight exposure the requirement should be at least 15 micrograms (600 IU).”

Coupled with a yearly skin exam by a doctor, self-examination of your skin once a month is the best way to detect the early warning signs of basal cell carcinoma , squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, the three main types of skin cancer. Look for a new growth or any skin change.

What you’ll need: a bright light; a full-length mirror; a hand mirror; two chairs or stools; a blow-dryer.

	Examine head and face, using one or both mirrors. Use blow-dryer to inspect scalp.
Check hands, including nails. In full-length mirror, examine elbows, arms, underarms.
	Focus on neck, chest, torso. Women: Check under breasts.
With back to the mirror, use hand mirror to inspect back of neck, shoulders, upper arms, back, buttocks, legs.
	Sitting down, check legs and feet, including soles, heels, and nails. Use hand mirror to examine genitals.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is especially hard to stop once it has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. But it can be readily treated in its earliest stages.

What To Look For: The ABCDE’s of Moles and Melanoma

The answer to the question asked by patients, their families, and other concerned people is that melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. To reach a more complete understanding, it is necessary to learn how the cells in the body become malignant.

The Origin of Melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates in melanocytes, the cells which produce the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes and is heavily concentrated in most moles. The majority of melanomas, therefore, are black or brown. However, melanomas occasionally stop producing pigment. When that happens, the melanomas may no longer be dark, but are skin-colored, pink, red, or purple.

Some Are More Dangerous

The physician will tell you whether the melanoma is early or advanced by describing it as either in situ or invasive. “In situ” is Latin and means “in one site” or “localized.” Melanomas in situ occupy only the uppermost part of the epidermis, the top layers of the skin.

Invasive melanomas are the more serious, as they have penetrated more deeply into the skin and may have traveled from the original tumor through the body.

The Four Basic Types

Melanomas fall into four basic categories. Three of them begin in situ and sometimes become invasive; the fourth is invasive from the start. It is helpful to recognize the names and be able to define the characteristics of each type.

1. Superficial spreading melanoma is by far the most common type, accounting for about 70 percent of all cases. As you might expect, this melanoma travels along the top layer of the skin for a fairly long time before penetrating more deeply.The first sign is the appearance of a flat or slightly raised discolored patch that has irregular borders and is somewhat geometrical in form. The color varies, and you may see areas of tan, brown, black, red, blue, or white. Sometimes an older mole will change in these ways, or a new one will arise. The melanoma can be seen almost anywhere on the body, but is most likely to occur on the trunk in men, the legs in women, and the upper back in both. Most melanomas found in the young are of the superficial spreading type.
2. Lentigo maligna is similar to the superficial spreading type, as it also remains close to the skin surface for quite a while, and usually appears as a flat or mildly elevated mottled tan, brown, or dark brown discoloration.This type of in situ melanoma is found most often in the elderly, arising on chronically sun-exposed, damaged skin on the face, ears, arms, and upper trunk. Lentigo maligna is the most common form of melanoma in Hawaii.

   Lentigo maligna melanoma is the invasive form.

3. The third type of melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma, also spreads superficially before penetrating more deeply. It is quite different from the others, though, as it usually appears as a black or brown discoloration under the nails or on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. This type of melanoma is sometimes found in dark-skinned people.It is the most common melanoma in African-Americans and Asians, and the least common among Caucasians.
4. Unlike the other three types, nodular melanoma, is usually invasive at the time it is first diagnosed. The malignancy is recognized when it becomes a bump. The color is most often black, but occasionally is blue, gray, white, brown, tan, red, or skin tone.

The most frequent locations are the trunk, legs, and arms, mainly of elderly people, as well as the scalp in men. This is the most aggressive of the melanomas, and is found in 10 to 15 percent of cases.

Malignant Melanomas

Malignant melanomas are usually small brown-black or larger multicolored patches, plaques or nodules with irregular outline. They may crust on the surface or bleed. Many of them may arise in pre-existing moles.

Older adults have the greatest risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, this fact hasn’t made a big impression on men.

A recent study reviewing the American Academy of Dermatology’s National Skin Cancer Screening Program shows that middle-aged and older men have the poorest track record for performing monthly skin self-examinations or regularly visiting a dermatologist. Thus, they are the least likely individuals to detect melanoma in its early stages, when it is almost always curable through surgical removal alone.

“This increases their chances of having an undetected melanoma spread, thereby requiring more radical treatment and lowering their odds of survival,” says study co-author Barbara Gilchrest, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at Boston University. “That’s one reason why men over age 50 have a disproportionately high mortality rate from melanoma.”

Over 44 percent of the screened individuals diagnosed with melanoma were men over age 50, though this group comprised only 25 percent of those screened. Fortunately, the vast majority of their melanomas were not yet invasive or barely invasive. Without screening, many of these melanomas might have remained undetected until dangerously advanced. The study suggests that widespread screenings could vastly improve the cure rate.

At Any Age, Sunburn Raises Melanoma Risk; But Menopause May Provide Some Protection

You’re never too young or too old to be harmed by the sun. This may sound strange to you, because without the sun’s warming rays, life on earth could not exist. But the sun is both friend and foe. It is responsible for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers, which are now occurring at the epidemic rate of more than a million new cases a year in the United States. The sun can also age your skin before its time.

Skin cancer experts have long believed that sunburns suffered during youth are more likely to lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than sunburns in adulthood. New research, however, suggests that sunburns at any age may be equally dangerous. This is true for both males and females, although one recent study suggests that women in their menopausal years may be less susceptible to melanoma.

Double Trouble. A team of scientists at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, recently found that having several sunburns over the course of a lifetime can double or triple melanoma risk, no matter when the sunburns occur.

The study included 603 melanoma patients and a control group of 627 individuals who had never had melanoma, according to lead researcher Annette Pfahlberg, PhD, assistant professor, School of Medicine, Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry & Epidemiology. All the subjects, from seven different countries in Europe, reported their history of sunburns, dividing them into two periods — before and after age 15. This dividing line proved irrelevant, because the patients’ risk of developing melanoma increased as their frequency of sunburns increased, regardless of when the sunburns occurred. More than five lifetime sunburns translated to twice the risk; more than 15 translated to three times the risk.

This is the largest case-control study (where patients who have a disease are compared against people who don’t) to investigate the different impact of childhood and adulthood sun exposure on melanoma development.

Temporary Exceptions. Women between 45 and 60 do appear to have some temporary protection against melanoma, according to another recent study that analyzed records from more than 100,000 melanoma cases nationwide. The researchers, at the University of California Irvine College of Medicine, believe that hormonal changes due to menopause may be the main reason that women’s melanoma risk decreases during these years. “This doesn’t mean that sun damage occurring during this age period necessarily has less of a long-range impact on women,” notes study leader Frederick Beddingfield, MD. “It just means that women’s risk of developing the disease may be lower during their menopausal years.”

Up until age 40, women are diagnosed with melanoma at a slightly higher rate than men. After 40, however, the rate increases dramatically for men while it levels off for women. Between ages 45 and 60, men are significantly more likely than women to be diagnosed with the disease.

Nonetheless, even sunburns occurring during menopause will take their toll, increasing women’s odds of developing melanoma after age 60, if not before. So, the skin damage caused by sunburn remains a significant concern for both males and females at all ages.

“Since it appears that sunburns throughout life contribute to melanoma, programs designed to educate the public about sun protection should not focus only on younger age groups or parents with young children,” says Dr. Pfahlberg. “Rather, they should be aimed at the entire population.”

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends monthly self-examination and an annual screening by your physician.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting 800,000 Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers. One out of every three new cancers is a skin cancer, and the vast majority are basal cell carcinomas, often referred to by the abbreviation, BCC. These cancers arise in the basal cells, which are at the bottom of the epidermis (outer skin layer). Until recently, those most often affected were older people, particularly men who had worked outdoors. Although the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of onset of the disease has steadily decreased. More women are getting BCCs than in the past; nonetheless, men still outnumber them greatly.

The Major Cause

Chronic exposure to sunlight is the cause of almost all basal cell carcinomas, which occur most frequently on exposed parts of the body — the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. Rarely, however, tumors develop on non-exposed areas. In a few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, and complications of burns, scars, vaccinations, or even tattoos are contributing factors.

Who Gets It

Anyone with a history of frequent sun exposure can develop BCC. But people who have fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue, green, or gray eyes are at highest risk. Those whose occupations require long hours outdoors or who spend extensive leisure time in the sun are in particular jeopardy.

What to Look For

The five most typical characteristics of basal cell carcinoma are shown below. Frequently, two or more features are present in one tumor. In addition, basal cell carcinoma sometimes resembles non-cancerous skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. Only a trained physician, usually a specialist in diseases of the skin, can decide for sure. Learn the signs of basal cell carcinoma, and examine your skin regularly — once a month, or more often if you are at high risk. Be sure to include the scalp, backs of ears, neck, and other hard-to-see areas. (A full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror can be very useful). If you observe any of the warning signs or some other change in your skin, consult your physician immediately. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises people to have a total-body skin exam by a dermatologist at regular intervals. The physician will suggest the correct time frame for follow-up visits, depending on your specific risk factors, such as skin type and history of sun exposure.

The Five Warning Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma

	An Open Sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for three or more weeks. A persistent, non-healing sore is a very common sign of an early basal cell carcinoma.
	A Reddish Patch or irritated area, frequently occurring on the chest, shoulders, arms, or legs. Sometimes the patch crusts. It may also witch or hurt. At other times, it persists with no noticeable discomfort.
	A Shiny Bump, or nodule, that is pearly or translucent and is often pink, red, or white. The bump can also be tan, black, or brown, especially in dark-haired people, and can be confused with a mole.
	A Pink Growth with a slightly elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center. As the growth slowly enlarges, tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface.
	A Scar-like Area which is white, yellow or waxy, and often has poorly defined borders. The skin itself appears shiny and taut. This warning sign can indicate the presence of an aggressive tumor.

Treatment Options

If skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy must be taken and examined microscopically. If the diagnosis is confirmed, there are many treatment options from which to choose.

Topical Medications

In addition to being used to treat actinic keratosis (AK), the most common skin precancer, Imiquimod and 5-FU are also approved for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC).

Curettage and Electrodesiccation

The growth is scraped off with a curette and the tumor site desiccated with an electrocautery needle. The procedure is typically repeated a few times to help assure that all cancer cells are eliminated. Local anesthesia is required.

Excisional Surgery

Along with the above procedure, this is one of the most common treatments for BCCs and SCCs. Using a scalpel, the physician removes the entire growth along with a surrounding border of apparently normal skin as a safety margin. The incision is closed, and the growth is sent to the laboratory to verify that all cancerous cells have been removed.

Radiation

X-ray beams are directed at the tumor. Total destruction usually requires several treatments a week for a few weeks. This is ideal for tumors that are hard to manage surgically and for elderly patients who are in poor health.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

The physician removes the visible tumor with a curette or scalpel and then removes very thin layers of the remaining surrounding skin one layer at a time. Each layer is checked under a microscope, and the procedure is repeated until the last layer viewed is cancer-free. This technique has the highest cure rate and can save the greatest amount of healthy tissue. It is often used for tumors that have recurred or are in hard-to-treat places such as the head, neck, hands, and feet.

Cryosurgery

Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growths with a cotton-tipped applicator or spray device. This freezes them without requiring any cutting or anesthesia. They subsequently blister or become crusted and fall off. The procedure may be repeated to ensure total destruction of malignant cells. Some temporary redness and swelling can occur. In some patients, pigment may be lost.

Laser Surgery

The skin’s outer layer and variable amounts of deeper skin are removed using a carbon dioxide or erbium YAG laser. Lasers are effective for removing actinic cheilitis from the lips and AKs from the face and scalp. They give the physician good control over the depth of tissue removed, much like chemical peels. Lasers are also used as a secondary therapy when topical medications or other techniques are unsuccessful. However, local anesthesia may be required. The risks of scarring and pigment loss are slightly greater than with other techniques.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT can be especially useful for lesions on the face and scalp, and when patients have miltiple BCCs. Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is applied to the lesions at the physician’s office. As soon as an hour later, those medicated areas can be activated by a strong light. This treatment selectively destroys BCCs while causing minimal damage to surrounding normal tissue. Some redness and swelling can result from this newer therapy.

What is it?

An actinic keratosis (AK), also known as a solar keratosis, is a small crusty, scaly, or crumbly bump or horn that arises on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of these… or the same color as your skin. The scale or crust is horny, dry, and rough, and is often recognized by touch rather than sight. Occasionally it itches or produces a pricking or tender sensation. It can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratoses can bleed.

The skin abnormality or lesion develops slowly and usually reaches a size from an eighth to a quarter of an inch (2mm to 4mm) but can sometimes be as large as one inch. Early on, it may disappear only to reappear later. You will often see several AKs at a time.  An AK is most likely to appear on the face, lips, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders and back — the parts of the body most often exposed to sunshine. The growths may be flat and pink or raised and rough.

Why is it dangerous?

AK can be the first step in the development of skin cancer. It is thus a precursor of cancer or a precancer.

If treated early, almost all AKs can be eliminated without becoming skin cancers. But untreated, about two to five percent may progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer. In fact, some scientists now believe that AK is the earliest form of SCC. Although SCCs are usually not life-threatening when detected and treated in the early stages, they can grow large and invade the surrounding tissues. On rare occasions, they metastasize or spread to the internal organs.

Another form of AK, actinic cheilitis, develops on the lips and may evolve into a type of SCC that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

If you have AKs, it indicates that you have sustained sun damage and could develop any kind of skin cancer — not just squamous cell carcinoma. The more keratoses that you have, the greater the chance that one or more may turn into skin cancer. People may also have up to 10 times as many subclinical (invisible) lesions as visible, surface lesions.

Actinic Keratosis is skin cancer’s warning signal.  Heed that signal.

What does it look like?

Common forms of AK are shown here in the sites where they most often develop. Examine your skin regularly for any lesions that look like them. If you ever spot these or any other suspicious or changing growths, see your doctor promptly.

What is the cause?

Chronic sun exposure is the cause of almost all AKs. Sun damage to the skin accumulates over time, so that even a brief exposure adds to the lifetime total. The likelihood of developing AK is highest in regions near the equator. However, regardless of climate, everyone is exposed to the sun. About 80 percent of solar ultraviolet (UV) rays can pass through clouds. These rays can also bounce off sand, snow, and other reflective surfaces, giving you extra exposure.

AKs can appear on skin that has been frequently exposed to artificial sources of UV light (such as tanning devices). More rarely, they may be caused by extensive exposure to X-rays or specific industrial chemicals.

Who is at greatest risk?

People who have fair skin, blonde or red hair, and/or blue, green, or gray eyes are at greatest risk. Because their skin has little protective pigment, they are most susceptible to sunburn. But even darker-skinned people can develop AKs if exposed to the sun without protection.

Individuals whose immune systems are weakened as a result of cancer chemotherapy, AIDS, or organ transplantation are also at higher risk.

How common is it?

AK is the most common type of precancerous skin lesion. Older people are more likely than younger ones to develop these lesions, because cumulative sun exposure increases with the years. Some experts believe that the majority of people who live to the age of 80 will have AKs.

However, a considerable amount of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 20. Thus, AKs also appear in people in their early twenties who have spent too much time in the sun with little or no protection.

How is it treated?

There are many effective methods for eliminating AKs. All cause a certain amount of reddening, and some may cause scarring, while other approaches are less likely to do so. You and your doctor should decide together the best course of treatment, based on the nature of the lesion and your age and health.

Cryosurgery

The most common treatment for AK, it is especially effective when a limited number of lesions exist. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growths with a spray device or cotton-tipped applicator to freeze them. They subsequently shrink or become crusted and fall off, without requiring any cutting or anesthesia. Some temporary redness and swelling may occur after treatment, and in dark-skinned patients, some pigment may be lost.

Curettage and Desiccation

This is a valuable procedure for lesions suspected to be early cancers. To test for malignancy, the physician takes a biopsy specimen, either by shaving off the top of the lesion with a scalpel or scraping it off with a curette. Then the curette is used to remove the base of the lesion. Bleeding is stopped with an electrocautery needle, and local anesthesia is required.

Topical Medications

Medicated creams and solutions are especially useful in removing both visible and invisible AKs when the lesions are numerous. The patient applies the medication according to a schedule worked out by the physician. The doctor will also regularly check progress. After treatment, some discomfort may result from skin breakdown, but the risk of scarring is minimal.

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream or solution, in concentrations from 0.5 to 5 percent, is the most widely used topical treatment for AK. It works well on the face, ears, and neck. Some redness, swelling, and crusting may occur.

Another preparation, imiquimod cream, is used for multiple keratoses. It causes cells to produce interferon, a chemical that destroys cancerous and precancerous cells.

An alternative treatment, a gel combining, hyaluronic acid and the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac, also may prove effective.

Chemical Peeling

This method makes use of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or a similar agent applied directly to the skin. The top skin layers slough off, usually replaced within seven days by new epidermis (the skin’s outermost layer). This technique requires local anesthesia and can cause temporary discoloration and irritation.

Laser Surgery

A carbon dioxide or erbium YAG laser is focused onto the lesion, removing epidermis and different amounts of deeper skin. This finely controlled treatment is an option for lesions in small or narrow areas; it can be effective for keratoses on the face and scalp, as well as actinic cheilitis on the lips. Laser surgery is useful for people with bleeding disorders and is also used as a secondary therapy when other techniques are unsuccessful. However, local anesthesia is usually necessary, and some scarring and pigment loss can occur.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT may be used to treat lesions on the face and scalp. Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is applied to the lesions by the physician. Within the next 24 hours, the medicated areas are exposed to strong light, which activates the 5-ALA. The treatment selectively destroys actinic keratoses, causing little damage to surrounding normal skin, although some swelling and redness often occur.

Summertime and tanning is easy, unless you are among the millions of people who burn after only a few minutes in the sun. The only certain way to avoid sunburn is to stay indoors. But when it’s fun in the sun you’re after, sunscreen is essential.

What Causes Sunburn?
Sunburn is caused by a type of ultraviolet (UV) light known as UVB, which can lead to skin cancer.

While UVB is still responsible for much of the skin damage caused by sunlight, especially sunburn, another ultraviolet light – UVA- may be an important factor in other types of sun damage.

The role of sunscreens is to absorb, reflect or scatter damaging UV rays before they have a chance to interact with the skin. Most sunscreens do a good job blocking UBV but fewer filter UVA. When protecting your skin, you need a product to block both UVA and UVB rays.

What is SPF?
Protection is a combination of skin type and length of time spent in the sun.  This will tell you what SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen will best protect you from sunburn.

A sunscreen with an SPF of 10 should let you stay in the sun 10 times longer than you could without sunscreen. That means if you burn in 15 minutes, you should be able to stay out 150 minutes (2.5 hours) without burning. Even with that rule of thumb, experts warn to reapply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes or after being in the water.

Skin Types

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), knowing your skin type is important when choosing a sunscreen that will work best for you.  There are 6 primary skin types:

• Redheads with blue or gay eyes generally have Type 1 skin, which burns and freckles but never tans. AAD recommends Type 1 people use a sunscreen with the highest SPF rating, as should children.
• Type 2 skin – light blonds with blue or green eyes – eventually develops a tan but always burns after 20-30 minutes in the sun. Sunscreen with a high SPF (45) is recommended.
• People with Type 3 skin usually have dark blond or light brown hair and blue, green or brown eyes. They can develop a dark tan but will burn some, so they should begin with a high SPF, at least 30.
• People with Type 4 skin normally have naturally dark complexions, brown hair and eyes, and always tan dark brown. Even so, they can burn and should use at least and SPF of 15 sunscreen.
• With Middle Eastern or Latin American ancestry, Type 5 skin rarely burns but should use a light sunscreen of SPF 4
• Type 6, with black hair and dark skin, almost never burns, but play it safe and use a sunscreen of SPF 4.

Follow the Directions

To work efficiently, sunscreen must be used as directed:

• Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going into the sun so it can be absorbed by the skin and become less likely to wash off when you perspire.
• Use 1 ounce of sunscreen, about enough to fill a shot glass, to properly cover the exposed areas of your body.
• Apply sunscreen on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, the backs of your knees & legs, and your feet. Don’t forget your face, but be careful when applying sunscreen around the eyes so you do not irritate them.  And use a lip balm with sunscreen.
• Reapply as often as directed, especially if you’re going in and out of the water or sweating a lot. Even waterproof sunscreen with wash off, and all sunscreen will rub off.

Resource: The American Academy of Dermatology; compiled by Candy Goulette, ADVANCE.

Taking good care of your skin is important.  In fact, proper skin care is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance throughout your life. A chemical peel is one choice of many.But proper skin care changes as you age, and you need to know the best skin care regimes for your age and for some common skin problems and conditions.

Teens and 20s

Puberty and the transition into adulthood bring about huge changes in skin.  Hair becomes thicker and oiler, as does the complexion.  Practicing proper cleansing techniques is vital.  Skin should be cleansed twice daily; washing more frequently can trigger an over-production of oil. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, including drinking plenty of water between meals, can also help keep skin clear and blemish free.

But sometimes cleansing and diet is just not enough to prevent teen and young adult acne.  For acne that does not clear up with cleansing, a dermatologist can prescribe a topical medication, or even antibiotics.

These years are also the time to establish a life-long commitment to protecting skin from sun damage.  Using sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or clothing with UV protection and avoiding too much sun exposure will help prevent skin cancer or premature aging.

Skin in the 20s can start to show subtle signs of photodamage and “social aging” – from smoking, drinking or excessive tanning.  Antioxidant creams as well as lighter procedures, such as chemical peels can keep your skin from premature aging.

30s and 40s

While most men have outgrown acne by their 20’s, many women continue to suffer from acne into their adult years. In addition, this is the time when the signs of aging can begin to appear – pigment irregularity, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Skin in the 30s and 40s can benefit from a variety of noninvasive procedures, including Botox, fillers like Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm, chemical peel and noninvasive lasers. A consultation with a dermatologist can determine which approach is right for you.

Adults should also adapt their skin care regimes to incorporate cleansers and moisturizers specially designed for more mature complexions.

50s, 60s and beyond

As skin ages, different problems emerge.  Some men and women experience rosacea, which is characterized by redness and pimples on the face in addition to flushing in response to certain triggers, such as caffeine, wine or stress.  Rosacea can be treated with creams, laser and avoiding specific triggers.

Mature skin definitely benefits from facial rejuvenation,  although you are more likely to avoid major interventions during this time if you have had preventative procedures during your 30s and 40s.  Rejuvenation treatments include Botox and fillers, as well as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and ReFirme Skin Tightening, or even more extensive procedures, such as Active FX and Total FX.  Again, your dermatologist can recommend a rejuvenation treatment that is best for you.

Older skin can also get dry and flaky; frequent application of gentle, effective moisturizers is critical for keeping skin well hydrated and less itchy.  Moisturizers should be applied at least once a day, preferably after a bath or shower when the skin is still damp.  Have any suspicious growths examined, and if you or your family has a history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, be sure to have a thorough checkout from your dermatologist once a year.

Following these few simple guidelines can help your skin stay young looking and healthy, whatever your age.

One of the most beneficial trends that has emerged from the last decade is the move towards health and earth-conscious products, also known as “green” products. While it may be trendy to develop and carry organic, natural-ingredient based products, it is also a responsible method of living our lives, taking care of ourselves, and being consumers.

For decades women have been using harmful ingredients to delay the effects that aging has on our bodies. Thanks to the “trend” towards green products, we now have an alternative. These products use only ingredients found in nature, without chemicals, yet they are still very effective agents for anti-aging and healthy skin. Chemical treatments still have their place in skin care regimens for those that need them and they do show greater improvements.

Image Skincare makes pharmaceutical-grade products with natural and organic ingredients. They are effective and safe for all skin types, including people with sensitive skin and women who are pregnant or breast feeding. They use ingredients as familiar as aloe vera and vitamin C while also combining more unusual elements like zinc and bearberry to achieve results. The Image Skincare line includes a pH balancing moisturizer, an anti-oxidant serum, anti-aging products, and more. They also offer specialized treatments for acne, sun protection, and skin lightening. Image Skincare stands out from their competitors by offering paraben-free products. Paraben is a chemical preservative that has become commonplace in the cosmetic industry, but there is a possible link with cancer and other health issues.

Products can only take one’s skin so far. There are cases when treatments may be needed or desired. There are several all-natural peels that don’t use chemicals or chemical acids to renew the skin. The Green Peel is a five day peel developed specifically for skin regeneration. It uses a combination of herbs to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and also penetrate deeply into the pores to stimulate blood circulation and intensify the skin’s metabolism. The result is healthy and youthful skin.

Other natural treatments available include an assortment of peels that use fruit and other natural ingredients to rejuvenate a variety of skin types. They use ingredients like mango and cranberry to enhance the skin’s immune system, revitalize and detoxify the skin, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

The world of beauty is full of passing trends. Nonetheless, the movement towards green products is a “fashion” that is becoming a way of living. By reducing the chemical intake on our skin in addition to in our food, while supporting environmentally sustainable products, we can have a higher quality of life for ourselves and leave a better world for our children.

The team of doctors and nurses at Lisa Benest MD understand the desire we all have to be as beautiful and healthy as we can be.  Whether you have a medical or a cosmetic skin care need, they blend the latest advances in skin care into the experience and wisdom of medicine. Visit them for a FREE Consultation with their Cosmetic Nurse Specialist to find out how they can help you look as young as you feel!

There is no reason to delay a clinical exam for skin cancer. Annual skin cancer screening is ideal because finding a growth in its early stages can mean the difference between life and death. Most melanomas can be seen by the naked eye.  Usually there is a long period of time when the tumor grows beneath the top layer of skin but does not penetrate the deeper layers. This slow growth means the cancer may be cured if it is found before it spreads deeper. Mortality rates are directly related to the depth of the cancer. The 5-year survival rate if melanoma is caught before spreading to a lymph node is 98%.  If all skin cancers were found and treated early on, the disease would be nearly 100% curable.

Melanoma is increasing fastest in females between ages 15-29, the most common location being on the torso.  This is felt to be due to high-risk tanning behavior.  In addition, exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning lamps has been linked to both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. For young women, using tanning beds for the first time before age 35 increases melanoma risk by as much as 75%.

How often should someone check for abnormalities?
Do self-exams for suspicious moles and spots. Recruit a partner for those hard-to-see spots. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist.

Who is at risk?
It’s misleading to think that only a certain demographic should be screened. Exams are a necessary routine no matter your age or your ethnicity. It is the No. 1 cancer in adults aged 25-29. Skin cancer screening in Los Angeles is more important than ever, as well as other regions with more exposure to the sun.

Do I need a doctor’s opinion?
In most instances, your dermatologist or regular provider should perform a clinical skin exam at least once a year (more often if you have a history of skin cancer). Multiple studies have shown that dermatologists are more likely to detect melanomas compared with non-dermatologists. Research published in the August 2009 issue of Archives of Dermatology showed that most melanomas detected in a dermatology office were found as a result of doctor-initiated exams instead of a specific patient complaint. Doctors can educate patients about the signs and symptoms of melanoma and train them in how to perform a thorough self-examination.

What to look for?
The American Academy of Dermatology has revised the “ABCDs of Melanoma Detection” by adding an “E” for evolving. A mole or skin lesion that is evolving, or changing in size, shape or color should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist. This is in addition to other characteristics of moles for which individuals should check their skin: Asymmetry (one half unlike the other half), Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined), Color (varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue), and Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger). A mole with any of these characteristics, or one that is an “ugly duckling”, meaning it looks different from the rest, should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention.

What happens next?
If an area on the skin looks abnormal, a doctor may recommend a biopsy. A biopsy is the only certain way of identifying skin cancer and determining the specific type of cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor removes a sample of the suspicious tissue for examination under the microscope.  This sample is then sent to the pathologist who can identify any cancerous cells, if present.

Sun safe behavior and early detection are essential to preventing and curing skin cancer. Self examinations with every change of season, as well as yearly skin exams with your doctor can help ensure you stay healthy as long as possible.

Dermal fillers are designed to fight the signs of aging by plumping wrinkles, filling in hollowness and enhancing lips. Dermal fillers have been available for many years, but recently new kinds of fillers have become available through your dermatologist.

First, it is important to understand the difference between injectibles such as Botox and Dysport and dermal fillers. Although they are both delivered by injection, they serve very different purposes. As the name implies, fillers are designed to plump wrinkles, fill in hollowness and enhance lips, while Botox or Dysport targets and relaxes muscles to prevent new lines from developing.

The advantages of fillers are usually considered to outweigh possible risks. Fillers are generally cost-effective (starting at a few hundred dollars), easy to administer and natural looking. The effects commonly last four to 12 months. However, fillers can cause occasional bruising, mild pain or discomfort when injected and, in rare circumstances, allergic reactions. Thus is it always recommended to discuss this option with your dermatologist.

Increasingly popular, brand-named fillers can be classified into several categories, including collagen, hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane) and calcium-based (Radiesse). However, new kinds of fillers – including synthetic and permanent options, have recently debuted on the market, making it even harder to evaluate the growing list of brands.

Fillers that use hyaluronic acid act as humectants (substances that preserve the moisture or water content of the skin). They increase volume and are best used for lips and wrinkles. New hyaluronic acid-based fillers on the market include Juvéderm XC containing the anesthetic lidocaine to help reduce pain during the injection procedure. Both Restylane and Perlane also have a new lidocaine-included version. Calcium-based Radiesse works to combat deeper creases around the cheeks. Another product, Sculptra, is especially good for the hollows in the skin. These products generally last 6-12 months, although some individuals experience longer lasting results, especially after several treatments.

The new wave of fillers aims to improve the longevity of the treatments. The most controversial may be permanent options such as silicone or Artefill, another synthetic product. Although these fillers sound appealing, experts question whether permanence is truly a benefit. Also, since these materials are often foreign to the body, they can lead to long lasting allergic reactions, such as nodules at the injection sites.

With so many options available, those interested in dermal fillers should consult with their dermatologist to discuss expectations, evaluate options and devise a plan specific to their needs. Look for a doctor who is well versed in using different types of fillers and who doesn’t have alliances with just one company. A doctor who is comfortable with different dermal fillers will choose the best ones for your needs, often using several kinds to achieve best results.

Dark circles under or around the eyes can be caused by many different factors.  The most common causes are:

• Fatigue, lack of sleep: Excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin and poor circulation, which can cause the skin to appear darker.
• Nutrition: The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the under eye area.
• Stress: A too-fast-paced lifestyle, or long hours on the computer, can contribute to bags under your eyes, especially when coupled with inadequate sleep.
• Heredity: Like varicose veins, dark circles under the eyes can be an inherited trait. The skin under the eye is very thin. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent your skin, the darker the circles appear.
• Allergies, Asthma and Eczema: Any condition that causes eyes to itch can contribute to dark circles under the eyes because rubbing or scratching can darken the skin. Hay fever sufferers particularly will notice under-eye “shiners” during the height of the allergy season.
• Medications: Medications that cause blood vessels to dilate can cause circles under the eyes to appear darker. Because the skin under the eyes is very delicate, any increase blood flow shows through the skin.
• Age: As we get older, there is a shift in the fat pad under the eye, and you may develop creases.  This can looks like dark circles, because the creases cast shadows on the skin.  This shadowing greatly improves with the application of fillers, such as Restylane, under the skin.

Consult with your dermatologist to determine the actual cause of the dark circles.  And follow these simple guidelines to improve your circulatory health and appearance right away.

• Get eight hours of sleep. This is a must for all of us, especially for people with dark circles under their eyes.
• Diet: Eat a whole-foods, plant-based diet, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
  • Include green leafy vegetables and all other food items that are rich source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is very effective in treating the damaged capillaries around the eyes.
• Tea Bag Treatment: Try applying a cold compress of green or black tea to increase circulation, which helps reduce swelling around the eyes. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain and chill. Place over eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day, as needed.
• Moisturizer: To minimize the appearance of bags, plump up skin with moisturizer, one that contains vitamin C, green Tea, vitamin K and other antioxidants.

Whether from heredity, stress, diet or any other reason, dark circles under the eyes just make us look tired.  Simple diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce those circles, but to erase them most effectively consult with your dermatologist and say “goodbye” to raccoon eyes.

The first treatment for sun-damaged skin is preventing or minimizing the damage in the first place.  The steps for prevention are simple, but important.  They include:

• Avoiding sun exposure when UV rays are at their peak (between 11 am and 4 pm).
• Wearing long sleeves, long pants and a hat when you can’t avoid being over-exposed.
• Applying sunscreen to your face every day, even if you’re just going about your usual business.  A majority of sun exposure actually occurs on an everyday basis, such as when walking to and from your car.
• Avoiding tanning beds altogether.

Overexposed skin can be treated to reverse or minimize the effects of sun damage.  Your dermatologist can help you determine the best course of treatment for you.

• Surface skin can be rejuvenated to get rid of sun-damaged cells and stimulate the body to make more, healthy skin cells.
• Pigment discoloration can be treated.
• A dermatologist can prescribe a topical application to lighten pigment, or a retinoid to speed skin-cell turnover and a steroid to prevent inflammation.
• Antioxidant serums, such as vitamin C and green tea, may be recommended to prevent sun damage and repair existing damage
• Peels can also rejuvenate skin.

Darker skin can also be damaged by overexposure to sun. In fact, overexposure to sun is a main cause of pigment problems in darker skin.  People with darker skin should take the same prevention measures that lighter skin people do: daily sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding peak UV rays.  If sun damage has occurred, a dermatologist can recommend treatment, including:

• A topical application with multiple active ingredients (such as chemical or herbal bleaches as well as vitamins) for a combination approach.
• Chemical peels

Remember that preventing over exposure not only minimizes skin damage and the signs of aging, but also reduces the chances of contracting skin cancer by 90 percent.  So follow these simple steps to look younger, feel better, and live longer.

EXFOLIATE – This process removes dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull. Using a cleanser or lotion that contains alpha (glycolic) or beta (salicylic) hydroxy acids will keep your skin looking fresher and more youthful.

CLEANSE – Daily cleansing is essential to remove excess oil and dirt from your skin. This will help prevent pimples and acne as well.  Ensure you use a cleanser that is meant for your skin type.

MOISTURIZE – Whether your skin is oily or dry, you may benefit from moisturizing your skin. Moisturizers moisten your skin by locking water on the surface. Keeping skin hydrated always helps boost a blah complexion, but new lotions made with niacinamide (vitamin B) and other thirst quenching nutrients do more than that.

PROTECTION FROM SUN – Ultraviolet rays present in sunlight are one of the biggest enemies of your skin. Protect your skin from the sun with a daily sunscreen SPF 30 or higher.  For those of you who are active outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming/heavy sweating.  New studies show that combining green tea extracts with sunscreens provides more potent protection against sun damage.

EAT WELL – Adding a dressing made with olive oil to your salad may increase your skin’s radiance.  The monounsaturated fats in the oils help increase the absorption of the disease-fighting antioxidants and skin-smoothing nutrients found in dark leafy greens and colorful vegetables.  A diet high in antioxidants and low in refined, processed foods not only keeps our skin smoother, it also protects us against skin cancer and other forms of cancer.

EXERCISE – Being physically active is directly related to the health of your skin. Sweating clears out the skin pores and stimulates blood circulation.  This, in turn, cleanses the skin and brings a glow to it. Moderate exercise such as walking for a half hour, cycling, swimming, etc will help in maintaining the health of your skin over time.

These are some simple secrets to flawless and healthier looking skin. Everyone can implement most of these into a daily routine and see a difference in no time! Consult with your dermatologist and discover other ways to halt the process of time on your skin and see a beautiful, healthy, and younger looking appearance.

Dry Skin
Winter is harsh on skin, and nothing looks worse in that pretty spring dress than dry, cracked skin.  A full body exfoliation will get rid of that dead skin and get the fresh glow of spring.  Pay special attention to feet, knees and elbows, and any other trouble spots for your body.  But remember – your facial skin is more sensitive than your arms and legs, so don’t use the same product on your whole body.

You can also help your body deal with dry skin from the inside out!  Keep skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day.  Also, foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – such as fish or fish oils – will help keep your skin glowing with health.

Breakouts on Chest and Back
Heavy winter clothing – or even your layered workout clothing – traps sweat and oil, allowing it to mix with dead skin and bacteria in your pores, forming pimples.  This might look bad, but it’s not hard to handle.  A medicated body wash, with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, will help kill bacteria and unclog pores.  Or treat yourself to a peel, which will not only help with pimples, but also any residual redness and scarring.

Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal can be burdensome and uncomfortable.  But unlike shaving, tweezing or waxing, laser hair removal is a more comfortable and long-lasting solution to removing excess hair. Laser hair removal treatment is effective on a wide range of body and face areas, with permanent hair reduction achieved in almost all cases. Laser hair removal systems use a non-invasive laser light that is specifically designed to eliminate hair. During treatment, highly controlled flashes of light energy are delivered to the treatment area, where they are selectively absorbed by the hair follicles below the surface of the skin. The laser light destroys the hair follicle without damaging the skin.
Laser hair removal is very popular with women for facial hair, underarm area and the bikini line.  But men also choose laser hair removal for their back, neck, shoulders, and chest.
Removal of Spider Veins
Hate those facial spider veins?  Don’t go buy a hat to hide under.  Lasers can address the veins as well as facial blotchiness.  For veins on the legs, injection sclerotherapy is a comfortable procedure with an excellent success rate.  You can also treat “cherry angiomas,” those pesky little red spots we get as we get older. And with virtually no downtime, you can be enjoying the summer in no time.

Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer is never attractive.  Neither is leathery, over-exposed skin.  The greatest underlying cause of skin cancer is the accumulated damage from excessive sun exposure.  While all skin cancers can be successfully cured if they are discovered and treated early, prevention is your best way of avoiding skin cancer later in life.  Use sunscreen with a high SPF (such as 30 or 45) on face, neck and hands. Avoid sun exposure when UV rays are at their peak (between 11am and 4 pm), and wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat when you can’t avoid overexposure.  However, remember to supplement with extra vitamin D to maintain appropriate levels in your body.

The warm weather is almost here, and if you use some of these simple procedures, you’ll be ready to show off your summer skin in no time! Add a cool drink and a hot pedicure, and everyone will be asking you for your beauty secrets! So do it now – treat your skin and yourself and look great and feel confident this summer!

Use Sunblock
Sun exposure will make your skin look older.  Wrinkles, sun spots, discoloration and fine lines age the skin on your face, arms, legs, neck and chest. Using a sunblock with a high SPF won’t undo past exposure, but will prevent damage from future exposure.  And don’t wait for summer – the sun’s UV rays are working on your skin all year long.  One caveat—those with limited sun exposure will need to supplement with extra vitamin D, as one cannot get sufficient vitamin D from the diet alone.

Peels
A peel (chemical or other) gets rid of the old, dead layers of skin, leaving your complexion fresh and rejuvenated.  A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged top layers of the skin.  Other peels use varying ingredients (such as fruits, enzymes or other plant materials), but all peels enhance and smooth your complexion.

Nutritional Supplements
Too many of us do not get enough vital nutrition from our diets.  Supplements can help provide the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that contribute to overall systemic health, and help prevent inflammation and free radical damage in organs – including the skin.  Consider adding vitamin D3 and Fish Oils (Omega 3 Fatty Acids) to your vitamin regime.  If you do take a multivitamin, make sure it is food based and not synthetic, for better integration.

Moisturizers and other topical treatments
The right moisturizer can help fortify and renew your skin, sealing in moisture while protecting your skin from environmental dirt and toxins.  For even more effectiveness in fighting aging, look for a moisturizer that has active ingredients such as antioxidants and peptides to help encourage natural metabolic skin function and a healthy complexion.   Topical retinoids, such as Retin-A, diminish dark spots, balance skin tone and suppress visible wrinkles.  Your dermatologist can prescribe the appropriate treatment for you.

Hydrate
Remember, moisturizing isn’t just about lotions and creams.  Hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods rich in antioxidants. You can also use a humidifier while you sleep to give your dry skin a boost during the night, which will prevent your skin from drying out throughout the day.

Active FX/Total FX
Active FX/Total FX is a revolutionary fractional laser for more severely sun-damaged skin. An Active FX/Total FX treatment reduces wrinkles and fine lines by working deeper in the skin, to stimulate new collagen formation.  The skin becomes plumper and the skin tone and texture show noticeable improvement.  This is also a great treatment for facial acne scars.

The right treatment can help prevent skin damage before it’s even visible. But remember – whatever treatments or products you use on your face, you want to address your neck as well.  Don’t let the skin below your face give your secret away.

CHEMICAL PEELS
A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. A chemical peel enhances and smoothes your complexion.  There are several different types of chemical peels.  Your dermatologist will advise which is the best peel for you.

Light Chemical Peels
Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on your skin and desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, as well as enzyme peels. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Antioxidant and brightening peel boosters add antioxidants, such as vitamin C or Green Tea, and lightening agents, such as kojic acid and hydroquinone, to stimulate collagen and inhibit pigment production, resulting in brighter, glowing skin.

Medium Chemical Peels
For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This treats fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Medium depth peels typically cause several days of peeling after the procedure.

Other types of peels are also available through your dermatologist.  In addition to providing relief for dry, winter skin, these peels supply a wide variety of benefits for skin health and appearance.

GREEN PEEL
This is a 5-day deep herbal peel that was scientifically developed for skin regeneration using natural plant ingredients. It has been recognized worldwide as being highly safe and effective. These natural herbs increase circulation of the skin and cause layers of the epidermis to peel off, without the use of chemicals. They stimulate blood circulation and intensify metabolism, while promoting a healthy youthful looking skin.

VI PEEL
The Vi Peel can visibly reverse the effects of sun damage, environmental factors and time. It is also helpful in clearing acne, pigmentation and impurities.  You can expect several days of peeling after this procedure.

4-LAYER FACELIFT
The 4-layer facelift is an organic peel with dramatic and fast acting results.  Vitamin C, glycolic acid and gentle enzymes speed up cellular turnover and brighten, tighten and lighten your skin in just one treatment. And because it’s organic, it is safe for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

FRUIT PEELS
Pumpkin, Mango, Cherry-Berry or Cranberry Peels are excellent sources of anti-oxidants, vitamins and enzymes as well as beneficial nutrients which help to rejuvenate the skin’s surface and transform dull, lifeless complexions into more youthful skin.  Consult with your dermatologist for more information on these invigorating, natural peels.

Treat yourself to a soothing facial this winter.  Loose the dry, dead skin while you brighten your complexion, and look and feel younger in the process.  Talk to your dermatologist today.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your skin moisturized and comfortable as that cozy winter sweater.

Use a humidifier. With heat on and windows closed, the air inside can become very dry. Placing two or three small, relatively inexpensive humidifiers around your home will help to humidify the dry air and keep skin from becoming cracked and itchy.  Hydrating your body by drinking water will also help keep you comfortable all winter long.

Switch to an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come as an ointment contain the most oil and form a protective layer on the skin that makes them more “moisturizing” than creams and lotions.
If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.

Wear gloves outside. Protect your hands from cold air and low humidity. Make sure the gloves are made from material that does not irritate your skin. And don’t forget to moisturize your hands (and your feet, too).

Dress in layers. Common causes of sweaty, itchy skin are sweating and overheating. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothing as needed to prevent overheating. Be sure to wear loose-fitting cotton fabrics next to your skin. And if your clothes or shoes get wet, take them off as soon as you get inside as wet clothes will also irritate the skin.

Don’t forget the sunscreen. Snow if more reflective than sand, making winter sunscreen as important as summer protection.  Look for a SPF 30+ sunscreen with an oily, moisturizing cream. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask your dermatologist.

Treat it if it gets worse. Sometimes winter skin gets so dry it results in flaking, cracking, or even eczema.  If this happens, see your dermatologist and get the right treatment for your skin type.

Just because we’re bundled up in sweaters and scarves doesn’t mean that we should forget about our skin until summer. Following these simple steps will keep you more comfortable all winter, and allow you to show smoother, fresher skin when the warm weather returns.

“Forever young” skin starts with Prevention.  A few simple practices and a regular at-home skin care regimen are vital for maintaining a younger, healthy appearance.   Plenty of water for hydration, sun protection, gentle cleansing, a healthy diet, vitamins, exercise and avoiding stress all contribute youthful skin.

But even with a prevention routine in place, wrinkles, lines, facial sagging and sun damage can occur and add years to your appearance.  This is when you should consider the wide range of non-surgical procedures available through your Dermatologist.  These treatments include injectible fillers, chemical peels, antioxidant brightening and lightening peels and cosmetic lasers. Facial Rejuvenation:

INJECTIBLES
Your dermatologist uses two types of injectibles – relaxers and fillers.  Relaxers, such as Botox® and Dysport, lessen muscle reactions so that the overlying skin becomes smoother.  Injectible fillers, such as collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Perlane and Radiesse restore lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots.

PEELS
Chemical peels enhance your skin’s appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation and fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells.  Antioxidant brightening and lightening peels fade stubborn dark patches and restore the skin’s natural smoothness using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other natural ingredients.

LASERS
Cosmetic lasers are the latest developments in advanced skin care.  Lasers treat wrinkles by tightening skin tissue, prompting the production of collagen and elastin, and removing sun damage by breaking up pigment.  Active FX and Total Fx are fractional lasers for aged or sun-damaged skin. The Active FX/Total FX Laser Treatment reduces wrinkles and fine lines, softens deeper frown lines, noticeably improves skin tone and texture, stimulates new collagen formation and plumps the skin.

Lasers can also be used to reverse the effects of photoaging.  Sun damage makes us look older than we are.  Surface skin can be rejuvenated to get rid of sun-damaged cells and stimulate the body to make new, healthy skin cells.  Many dermatologists now recommend laser or light source treatments, such as Photo-Rejuvenation or Active FX/Total FX.  Photo-rejuvenation uses the IPL (intense pulsed light) laser to restore a natural youthful beauty to skin with no “downtime,” and stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin, which gives the skin a much more youthful texture.

Yes, you can look “forever young.”  Talk to your dermatologist in Los Angeles about how you can fight the aging process.

1. Sun Protection – This one is no secret! Over-exposure to the sun can cause wrinkling, pigmentation, thinning of the skin (that horrible crepe-y texture), broken blood vessels, and skin cancer. Daily use of a sunscreen, or a moisturizer with a sunscreen built in, will do wonders for protecting the skin from the aging effects of the sun. It is easy to add this step into daily morning regimen.

2. Antioxidants – There is a lot of literature and hype out there about antioxidants – and for good reason! Environmental damage, such as pollution, cigarette smoke, pesticides & radiation all damage cells, creating what is called free radicals. Many of the aging effects we see are caused by the break down of skin cells from free radicals. Antioxidants halt this process and can even reverse some of the effects! Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, especially berries as these naturally contain antioxidants. Drink green tea. Begin juicing! Additionally, you should add products with antioxidants into your beauty regimen. Your skin will absorb the nutrients directly.

3. Omega 3 – Taking Omega 3 oils can help decrease the appearance of fine lines. This is because this oil helps normalize the skin lipids and prevents dehydration of the cells, which keeps them strong and full of moisture. Get a good quality fish oil supplement, and take 1500 mg or more daily of EPA+DHA. Store your bottle in the fridge to keep it from oxidizing and forming free radicals—and a fishy taste.

4. Cigarette Smoke – Avoid cigarette smoke. Whether you smoke yourself or are around people who do, cigarette smoke exposes your skin to free radicals and other damaging chemicals that rob your skin of moisture and cause the cells to be unable to absorb nutrients. In effect, cigarette smoke “strangles” your skin cells (not to mention your lung cells) so they can’t “breathe.” This accelerates wrinkling and the aging process.

5. Relax! – Relaxing your stressed facial muscles will go very far in preventing further wrinkling. Excessive frowning or scowling tends to cause wrinkles to appear where muscles contract often. When you get stressed, make an effort to relax your facial muscles. This will make a difference in the long run, and may even help you with your stress!

6. Cosmetic Procedures – There are many cosmetic procedures around today that are of varying intensities. Among the procedures that are available are lasers, peels, and injectables. All of these procedures can be very effective in treating wrinkles, discoloration, and other telling signs of aging. They can make wrinkles smooth out, remove discoloration spots, increase collagen production, or relax the muscles for a smoother, younger appearance. Talk to a Cosmetic Specialist to decide what procedure, and what intensity, is best for you.

These are some simple solutions to healthier and younger looking skin. Everyone can implement most of these into a daily routine and see a difference in no time! Call our office for a consultation and discover other ways to halt the process of time on your skin and see a beautiful, healthy, and younger looking appearance.

A generation ago, sagging and wrinkled skin were commonly equated with the then-current understanding of aging. A woman of 40 or 50 was expected to look weathered and aged. Today, it is know that the conditions frequently associated with aging are not the result of genetic or hormonal programming – otherwise known as intrinsic factors. They actually are primarily the result of the opposite, called extrinsic factors. The most significant of these is – you guessed it – exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, as in the sun and tanning booths. Other extrinsic influences include environmental pollution, stress and nutritional choices. Even the breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue in the skin that is concurrent with menopause may largely be the result of free radical assault – which is extrinsic – rather than purely the decline of estrogen production, as once assumed.

The current medical thinking today is that if humans ate healthfully, were sheltered from environmental toxins, got adequate exercise and rest, and spent most of their lives away from the sun, their skin would look and feel plump, moist, firm and unlined well into their 60’s and 70’s. But is this anyone’s idea of fun?!!

• Is it ever too late to start an anti-aging lifestyle? Absolutely not!! There are many changes that one can make in order to reverse the aging process. Remember that age is, in many ways, a state of mind. Here are a few factors in understanding the anti-aging lifestyle:
• Over-activation of the immune system – such as from an infection, allergy or toxin – can lead to an internal inflammation at the cellular level. In addition, poor nutrition, too little sleep, and radiation (including sunlight) are common culprits of low-grade inflammation, which has been linked to arthritis, wrinkles, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
• Lifestyle: What we eat (too much sugar, fat, sodium), drink (too many sodas, juices and caffeinated beverages), do (get overstressed, work too much), don’t do (exercise or sleep enough) and what we expose ourselves to can either speed up or slow down the aging process, the degree of inflammation and chronic disease.
• Hormones: Levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid and/or human growth hormone drop as we age. By balancing these all-important biochemicals, it may be possible to improve health and forestall the aging process. A controversial approach, hormone therapy requires oversight by an experienced physician.
• Anti-Oxidants: As we get older, we are more subject to oxidative stress. This is the byproduct of free-radical damage in which unstable molecules disrupt cell and tissue function. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E , CoEnzyme Q10 and others can help protect cells.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Recent studies show that 99% of Americans do not get enough omega 3’s in their diet. Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation, joint pain and depression. Sound familiar? We all know that omega-3 can be found in salmon, but supplements are another way to get your daily dose.

To help reverse some of the environmental damage to our skin, we also have cosmetic lasers. These have evolved to become one of the hottest modalities in the quest for smooth, younger-looking skin. They not only treat existing problems but they can also help prevent the onset or advancement of certain conditions, such as wrinkles, rosacea or sagging skin. The Polaris and ReFirme anti-wrinkle laser systems, are revolutionary new technologies that offer a safe and effective solution for smoothing fine lines, deeper wrinkles and firming the skin.

No matter how many candles on our birthday cakes, we want to age as healthfully and happily as possible. Call us for a free skin consultation with one of our nurse specialists to learn how any of our treatments can help you look younger!

What is Vitamin D?
When our skin is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun, the radiation causes a chemical reaction in certain cells in the skin. These cells create an inert form of Vitamin D that is then converted into an active form, is called calcitriol or vitamin D3. Another form of Vitamin D, known as vitamin D2, is absorbed through food. Various sources include fortified milk (most of the milk in the United States is fortified), fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel), oysters, eggs, cheese and butter.

A body uses Vitamin D for various functions. Vitamin D is vital for proper absorption of calcium, without which our bone health is severely diminished. Actually, a deficiency means that only 10-15% of the calcium consumed by an individual is absorbed into their body. When properly taken, it improves blood vessel function, boosts the immune system, and inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells.

What is caused by a deficiency?
In children and infants, the results of a Vitamin D deficiency can be severe and affect their entire life. Because of the importance of this supplement in calcium absorption, a deficiency can cause skeletal deformities, growth retardation, and increased hip fracture in later life. It has long been known to be the cause of rickets, which is a disease characterized by a softening of the bones due to poor calcium absorption. In adults, a deficiency usually leads to osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers. There is increased risk of arthritis, bone-related knee troubles, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

In fact, many studies have been done, and more are underway, to explore the corollaries between a lack of sun exposure, and hence Vitamin D deficiency, and prostate and breast cancer, as well as others. A National Cancer Institute map revealed a startling majority of colon cancer deaths in the Northern United States, almost three times as many as in the Southern States. This is because the radiation level of the sun is much less in the Northern States. This did not prove that a lack of sunlight and Vitamin D definitely caused tumors, but Vitamin D has been shown to inhibit cancer cells, and proper supplementation very likely helps a body prevent growth of cancerous cells, especially in people prone to cancer. Calcitriol (vitamin D3) plays an important role in cell growth and maturation, so the relationship with abnormal cell growth can be clearly seen.

Who is prone to a deficiency in Vitamin D?
Many adults are prone to a Vitamin D deficiency. In today’s age, we are warned away from too much sun exposure. The sunscreen many of us wear everyday inhibits the absorption of the ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. But in trying to avoid the pitfalls of sun exposure, namely skin cancer, we do not reap the benefits of it, even if we find ourselves in the sun.

Infants who are breast fed by a mother who has a Vitamin D deficiency will also be deficient and prone to rickets and other bone formation troubles, as mentioned above. Many infant formulas have enough supplementation to avoid this difficulty, but if a mother chooses to breast feed her baby, she should ensure that she has Vitamin D in sufficient quantities. Vitamin D is vital for infants, children, and young adults because of its role in bone formation.

Adults who need to avoid sunlight for medical reason, or are sun conscious, are prone to a deficiency because they lack the ultraviolet exposure to produce it themselves. African-American and other dark-skinned people are more prone to a deficiency because the dark pigment in their skin blocks the sun’s rays from reaching the cells that produce the vitamin. The risk is even worse for people living in the Northern States. Elderly people not exposed to the sunlight are at a higher risk as well. This is compounded by the decreased absorption of calcium by the body in later years.

Smoking severely interferes with Vitamin D production and leads to poor muscle function and other problems.

Kidney or liver problems could lead to a Vitamin D deficiency and such people should consult with their doctors about an appropriate solution.

Sun exposure or supplementation?
Research has shown that 10 minutes or less of daily sun exposure is probably safe and will usually allow the body to produce the Vitamin D needed on a daily basis. But is this true for all individuals?

Despite the fact that sun exposure is vital in the production of Vitamin D, the risks of skin cancer do not change. Those who are at higher risk of skin cancer should continue to use sunscreen, avoid the sun when possible, and add the appropriate amount of supplements into their daily regimen. For example, a very fair skinned person who has had skin cancer before, should take supplements instead of spend more time in the sun. However, a dark-skinned African-American could probably spend more time in the sun without a much higher risk of skin cancer. Sensible sun exposure should be maintained and each individual needs to determine what this is for himself or herself based on their body type and risk factor.

Vitamin D is usually measured in IU, which stands for International Units. The RDA amount of 200 IU daily is probably still not enough for most adults who are sun conscious. For the average adult 400-800 IU daily is much better. Those at higher risk (the elderly, dark-skinned people, and others mentioned above) will do well to take 800-1200 IU daily. For infants, 100-200 IU daily is safe, unless they are consuming an infant formula. In this case, the formula amount is probably sufficient. Children should take 200-400 IU daily depending on their risk factor as well.

It should be noted that amounts in excess of 2000 IU daily for adults (1000 IU daily in infants and children) for prolonged periods of time can be toxic and can cause serious side-effects.

Deficiency in this easily found vitamin can be very easily avoided by finding a good quality supplement and adding it to your regular health routine.

Where to find a Vitamin D Supplement?
While there are many brands of supplements available on the market, it is prudent to find a high quality supplement. Mycelle D3 is absorbed much more efficiently than most brands available.

The first hormone to decline during the aging process is progesterone. Symptoms of deficiency include PMS, night sweats, hot flashes and a loss of well being, often including depression. Synthetic progestins have numerous side effects and do not function the same way as natural (bio-identical) progesterone. What seems to be a tiny change in the molecular structure can make a huge difference in its effect on your body. Bio-identical progesterone has also been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Progesterone reduces the proliferation of breast cells and studies have shown that women who are deficient in this hormone have a higher rate of breast cancer and were more likely to die from all malignant cancers than women without progesterone deficiency.

Traditionally, doctors prescribe estrogen as the primary hormone for women going through menopause. Estrogen is not a single hormone, but a family of hormones consisting mainly of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3). Premarin^TM contains 48% estrone and 52% horse estrogens. It also contains additives foreign to a woman’s body. Estrone is felt to be the most carcinogenic form of estrogen. Estriol is the least active form of estrogen, and current research suggests it may be anti-carcinogenic. None of the American drug products contain estriol (E3), which has been widely used in Europe and China. It is available in the US from a compounding pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. Long-term studies revealed that 92% of women using estriol had elimination or reduction in hot flashes and sweating. There was also significant improvement in depressive mood, forgetfulness, irritability, loss of concentration and heart palpitations.

Hormones can effect bone loss as well. Bone constantly undergoes a process of breaking down of old bone and building up of new bone. Osteoporosis occurs when break down occurs at a greater rate than building up. Estrogen slows down bone loss, but cannot actually increase bone growth. Natural progesterone actually stimulates new bone formation, resulting in greater bone density.

DHEA is another hormone that declines during the aging process. The rate of decline varies for each person, so blood testing is essential to determining the appropriate supplementation dosage. Deficiencies of DHEA have been correlated with numerous age-related condition, including chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, depression, rheumatoid arthritis, increased risk for certain cancers, excessive body fat, cognitive decline and more.

Testosterone is important for maintaining sexual interest and function, and provides many other health-enhancing benefits. A lack of this hormone can also promote breast cancer. It promotes bone development and muscular strength while improving the libido.

Studies involving women who took chemically modified prescription hormones for extended periods showed that they had increased incidence of breast cancer, along with higher risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. The media generated warnings that hormone replacement is dangerous. Yet the media ignored the fact that these results occurred in women taking synthetic hormones.

By using natural hormone replacement and following a program of regular blood testing, women can develop an individualized regimen that is safe and effective. Ask your doctor to test your hormone levels and see if you are a candidate for bio-identical hormone replacement.

Rejuvenating the skin can be viewed on a gradient approach. There are creams and superficial, light procedures that help give the skin a fresher glow or soften some of the lines and age spots. For more dramatic improvement there are laser procedures. These are stronger than face creams and peels, so they work more effectively, albeit cost more. Beyond that there is plastic surgery, which typically results in the greatest improvement, with understandably higher expenses.

For those who are looking for a simple boost, without the high price tag, here are some tips. First, what you put into your body affects how well it functions. That is not news to most people. The skin is our largest organ and it is chock full of cells that are growing and duplicating. Cells need quality food, air and water to be healthy and fulfill their jobs. Organic foods, free of pesticides and hormones nourish our cells so that they are not trying to survive amidst a sea of chemicals. Certain foods, such as sugar and white flour, stress our cells the most, and contribute to overall inflammation in our bodies. This translates into more irritated skin and more WRINKLES. Some foods, such as fish (especially wild Alaska salmon) and fresh fruits and vegetables, help reduce cellular inflammation. Wrinkles are also formed by repeated motions, such as by frowning or along the lips by smoking. Eventually, the skin creases where these motions have been made over and over again. Supplementing with anti-oxidant vitamins can minimize some of the damaging chemicals we encounter daily, such as from pollution. Two such antioxidants that are helpful for wrinkles are alpha lipoic acid and DMAE. Fish oils (EPA/DHA) are also excellent anti-inflammatory supplements that keep our skin healthy and also more youthful. CoEnzyme Q10 is additionally a crucial antioxidant for keeping the body’s organs functioning at its best.

What you put onto your skin can affect the way it feels and looks as well. There are some brands that use all organic ingredients. Some products contain topical vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, alpha lipoic acid, CoEnzyme Q10, and more. With good formulations, these antioxidants can penetrate the skin at higher concentrations than what you could get with internal supplements. You could expect to notice a smoother, even complexion, and healthier looking skin. An added bonus is that some of these topical vitamins, especially vitamin C and green tea, help protect your skin’s DNA from the damage due to the sun’s rays, which contribute to aging skin and skin cancer.

As far back as 1800 someone knew. First of all, real beauty is not all that common, at least not the naturally occurring variety. But with some effort and expertise applied, a reasonable version of it is readily available to almost anyone. There has finally occurred a collision of medicine and the age-old pursuit of beauty, and the results are quite astounding.

Aging gracefully with character is out. Hunks who look like they care about their appearance and actually do something about it are in. Enter a new awareness of natural beauty.

Notice that the really beautiful people we encounter or see in entertainment are for the most part just plain good looking. Their skin is blemish free and clear with a healthy glow and their appearance rarely ages as quickly as they do because their skin seems to defy time itself. They simply take advantage of the medical-cosmetic services available from dermatologists, who know skin best. These are services that can not only alter or remove unwanted blemishes and skin conditions but can actually make one’s skin much healthier and able to maintain a youthful healthy look for years beyond what one would normally experience. This is about as close to the proverbial fountain-of-youth as we have come.

Here we have established a new definition of beauty. Anyone can find out just how attractive they can become by having the healthiest, blemish free skin possible. Any dermatologist aided by a staff of professionals can show you the real beauty within you that you’ve always had available. You owe it to yourself to be the work of art you really are!

Dr. Lisa Benest offers extensive procedures in non-invasive cosmetic skin care, using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment. Visit us for a free consultation with our skin care specialist!

The top layer of our skin is called the epidermis, which contains a variety of cell types. The 3 basic cells are the squamous cell, the basal cell and the melanocyte, each with its own distinct function. The squamous cells act as the “bricks” of the epidermis. They regenerate from below and grow upward. The cells grow older and reach the top, where they finally dry out and slough off (and contribute to your house dust!). After a bad sunburn, layers of these squamous cells peel off.

The bottom row of epidermal cells is called the basal layer. It contains both your basal cells and melanocytes. The basal cells are the parent cells which divide and give rise to the squamous cells. The melanocytes can be found scattered between the basal cells. They produce clumps of pigment called melanin. When you tan, your melanocytes get excited and put out more melanin, thus giving your skin a darker color.

If any of these cell types begin to divide too rapidly, they form a skin cancer. Cancers begin “in-situ”, which means they are found just locally at the spot where they originated, and have not broken through their natural boundaries. They are typically small at this time and respond excellently to local removal. When they grow larger and extend outside of their original boundaries, they are no longer in-situ, and now have the potential to spread to farther locations (metastasize).

The most common type of skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It forms from basal cells that multiply too rapidly. It is mainly seen on sun-exposed areas and looks like a shiny pink bump that usually bleeds more easily. This type of skin cancer virtually never spreads and it responds excellently to local treatment, such as scraping or surgical removal.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also presents relatively frequently, mainly on sun exposed skin areas. It can look like a thick, hard nodule or a pink, scaly patch that may bleed when rubbed. SCC’s respond quite nicely to local surgical removal, although there is a slightly higher propensity to spread, compared with BCC’s. As a result, they are treated with a little more caution, particularly on the lip or ear. In most cases, simple removal is enough to cure it.

Melanoma is a skin cancer that derives from the melanocytes. That is why melanomas are usually dark in color. When melanomas are caught early enough, they are cured with surgical removal. Sometimes a nearby lymph node is removed and examined to check for early spread. If there is evidence of spread, various treatments, in addition to surgery, may be recommended.

Naturally, the best cure for skin cancer is prevention, as well as early detection. That includes minimizing sun exposure, wearing a hat and protective clothing, as well as applying a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, every 2 hours while outdoors. Most of all, you should get familiar with your skin by performing routine self-examinations. By finding early changes in your moles or finding new suspicious lesions, you can help your doctors detect skin cancer before it has a chance to spread.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are non-visible rays transmitted from the sun. Those UV rays that reach the earth’s surface are divided into UV-A and UV-B, depending on their wavelength size. UVA and UVB radiation irreversibly damages our skin and an effective sunscreen should protect against both types of radiation.

A list of several active ingredients is found on sunscreens because the combination is necessary to protect against this broad spectrum of radiation. Typically, there will be either salicylates or cinnamates, which are the UVB protectors. Avobenzone has been added to many sunscreens, thus extending coverage to include the UVA range. Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measurement of the sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVB rays. An SPF of 15, when properly applied, will extend the time one can stay in the sun without burning by a factor of 15. If you are fair skinned and otherwise burn after 10 minutes of sun, you are protected for 10 minutes x 15=150 minutes. An SPF 15 shields about 90% of the UVB rays from our skin. An SPF 30 protects us against approximately 95% of those UVB rays. Higher SPF’s do not deliver substantially more protection.

The exact SPF of a sunscreen is determined by dividing an individual’s lower back into small test squares. Some squares are exposed to varying amounts of UVB light without sunscreen. The next day, sunscreen is applied to other squares and allowed to dry. The SPF is calculated by determining the amount of light needed to cause the same amount of skin redness as the day before, when no sunscreen was applied.

Under these test conditions, the sunscreen is applied thickly and evenly. There is no wind, humidity, sweating or excessive heat. With actual use, the SPF is likely not as effective as the number indicated on the bottle and we should not rely on the sunscreen to protect us from the effects of staying out all day in the sun without a shirt or a hat.

Water resistance is determined by applying a thick layer of sunscreen, allowing it to dry for 20 minutes, then applying a second layer with another 20 minutes allowed for drying. The test individuals then swim for 20 minutes, dry their skin and rest for 20 minutes, then swim for another 20 minutes. If the SPF is the same before swimming as after, the sunscreen is considered water resistant. Note that there were two applications plus adequate drying time in these tests. That is the recommended manner that sunscreen should be applied prior to swimming. Sunscreens can and do eventually get washed off in the water and should be reapplied regularly throughout the day as well.

Finally, sunscreens should be discarded after their expiration date, since their stability and activity cannot be guaranteed.

The skin is a reflection of what’s going on in the body; what you put in your body will affect the appearance of the skin.

The cells in your skin die and are replaced every day, in fact all of the cells in your body are replaced at least every seven years. There is no question you can improve the quality of your appearance by feeding those cells with pure water and plenty of nutrients.

Here are some tips for beautiful, youthful-looking skin.

1. Avoid processed food and hydrogenated oils

2. Eat organic meats to avoid unwanted hormones and antibiotics

3. Stay well-hydrated with plenty of water which is assimilated by your cells.

4. Drink alcohol in moderation. Too much alcohol will dehydrate your body.

Be alert, if you are drinking a lot of coffee or soft drinks you are probably dehydrated.

5. You have probably heard that smoking can age your skin. The reason is that smoking cuts off oxygen so your skin does not get as many nutrients. This is why people who smoke often heal more slowly after surgery – their skin does not get oxygen and nutrients fast enough.

6. Take sun in moderation and no tanning salons.

Sun is necessary to produce vitamin D. But too much can cause wrinkling; it damages the DNA and cells and ages the collagen and elastic issues in the skin.

Tanning booths are harmful even if they use only “UVA” rays. UVA rays penetrate deep and can damage the skin and cells, which can result in skin cancer. While tans can be attractive, the best attraction is clear, healthy youthful-looking skin.

Skin is a beautiful but it is also a very practical organ. It acts as a protective barrier, guards against bacteria, heals minor injuries easily, regulates body temperate and even helps to purify the system by eliminating waste fluid. It can remain and attain greater attractiveness with proper care. Some skin conditions are genetic and this too can be addressed and handled with modern dermatology.

But in either case, a good start is proper diet and plenty of water. Youthful-looking skin is healthy skin!

What is Coffeeberry?
The product coined “Coffeeberry” comes from the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. Yep, the same kind of coffee bean we drink (or avoid) every morning. This fruit has not previously been available because it perishes very rapidly. This is why only the seed, or bean, of the coffee bush has been used. An extract derived from the coffee berry has been found to exhibit an antioxidant capacity ten times greater than that of green tea.

The amazing thing about Coffeeberry is the amount of antioxidant power that is packed into the fruit, and therefore the extract. It contains polyphenols (also called phenolic acid) which help to neutralize toxic free-radicals, preserve natural antioxidants in the body, protect the cell membranes and human plasma against damaging oxidants, and reduce the occurrence of oxidative pathologies (such as coronary heart disease, inflammation, and even certain types of cancers). Consumption of polyphenols can even help provide health benefits associated with glucose management and Type 2 Diabetes by maintaining healthy blood glucose levels in the body. Coffeeberry also contains five of the eight rare and essential sugars called monosaccharides which are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system.

When Coffeeberry is applied to the skin, these benefits are transferred to the skin cells directly. The polyphenols work their magic in preventing cellular damage to the skin, which means it can be used as a potent anti-aging power. Sun exposure, pollution, and aging cause the skin to release free radicals, which destroy collagen (the protein that keeps our skin looking plump and lifted). Coffee berry can be used to help prevent future damage by free radicals, but the effects are more than just preventive. Women that were part of the manufacturer’s studies saw a 46% improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, a 64% improvement in overall skin smoothness, and a 79% improvement in skin hydration. Coffeeberry enhances the skin tone, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminishes skin pigmentation due to sun exposure, and decreases some signs of skin inflammation in as little as three weeks. Research showed that use over a six-week period resulted in even more significant improvements. The natural, exfoliating polyhydroxy acids in Coffeeberry allow us to see immediate improvements.

Products that Contain Coffeeberry
An extract has been formulated from the coffee berry. Predictably, it is called Coffeeberry. It is this extract that is included in the Coffeeberry products produced by RevaléSkin and it is the first time that it has been available in skin products. Adding skin products to your daily regimen that contain antioxidants will help further damage from being done to your skin by the sun, wind, and passage of time, but it may also correct some of the damage that has already been done.

Dermatologists offer many non-surgical approaches to restoring or maintaining beautiful and youthful skin, including:

Injectibles
There are two types of injectibles: relaxers and fillers. Relaxers, such as Botox, relax the muscles so that the skin that lies over them becomes smoother. It can take from a few days to two weeks for the full effects of a Botox treatment to be seen, but the results last up to four months. Patients using Botox report looking up to five years younger and less stressed. Fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane and Collagen replace lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots. Local or topical anesthetic creams minimize any discomfort involved. Bruising and swelling are temporary side effects, so fillers should not be used for several days before important events. However, the results can last up to six months, and fillers can unwrinkle deeper lines than Botox can reach, as well as work in areas that are not a candidate for Botox.

Lasers
Non-ablative lasers are intense, focused beams of light that lessen signs of aging like brown spots, acne scars and wrinkles. They can also help remove unwanted hair. And unlike ablative laser treatments, which are more aggressive and can cause superficial burning, non-ablative lasers are less invasive and conduct heat to deeper dermis stimulating collagen synthesis. Examples of non-ablative lasers include: IPL, Fotofacials, Trinity and ReFirme. The abalative lasers, such as Active FX/Deep FX will affect deeper lasers of the skin, and thus provide even better results with the fine lines and wrinkling.

Peels
There are many different types of peels, and results depend on both the ingredients and how long the peel is left on the skin. Chemical peels can enhance your appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. Many offices offer antioxidant brightening and lightening peels, which boost the skin using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other ingredients to fade stubborn dark patches and restore your skin’s natural smoothness. Chemical peels take 20 minutes and are done once a month until the desired results are obtained. Other types of peels include Green Peel (a 5-day deep herbal peel), Vi Peel, Mesoclat, Fruit Peels and Glycolic Acid Peels.

Big dinners, special deserts, a cup of good cheer with friends and family – it all adds up to a lot of fun and a diet of delicious food that we, unfortunately, eat much more of than during the year. Along with the few extra pounds that invariably become part of our new year’s resolutions, the holidays also take their toll on our skin. However, what you may not know is that many of the traditional holiday foods also make great natural skin care ingredients, to turn your holiday kitchen into a much-needed holiday spa.

Your first order of business should be a facial – and your holiday kitchen has all the natural skin care ingredients you need. One that is sure to be at your fingertips is the pumpkin. A superfood that’s good for you inside and out, pumpkin is high in protein, essential fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Folate, B12, A and E. It nourishes the body and fights free radicals – a major cause of aging. In some countries, pumpkin is a staple – where we serve potatoes, they serve pumpkin. Pumpkin has everything you need in a good natural skin care treatment.

• To make a holiday pumpkin masque, skin and seed a ripe papaya, mash a cup of pumpkin, beat an egg white to meringue consistency and puree it all with a teaspoon of honey. Smooth it on your face and continue your holiday preparations. Rinse it off after five or 10 minutes and your skin will be soft and smooth.

Next is the cranberry. While not on the superfood list, cranberries are nevertheless being recognized for their therapeutic value. High in phytonutrients and antioxidants, cranberries prevent bacterial build up in the body. However, they also provide special protection as a natural skin care treatment for dry, chapped lips in the winter months.

• For a great tasting lip balm, combine a drop of Vitamin E, a teaspoon of honey, a tablespoon of sweet almond and 10 fresh cranberries. Bring just to a boil in a double broiler, stirring frequently and crushing the cranberries. Let it cool for two or three few minutes, strain to remove the cranberry pieces, and continue to cool to room temperature. Spoon it into a small jar you can carry with you.

Do you make apple pies during the holidays?  Apples are high in Vitamins A, C and K, and several minerals. These vitamins are essential basics in natural skin care treatment.

• To make a holiday toning masque, peel, seed and core an apple, then puree with two tablespoons of whipping cream or sour cream. Smooth in onto your face and rinse off after 20 or 30 minutes – by that time you should be ready to put your pie in the oven.

Last, but not least, is the holiday turkey. Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you puree it with a little dressing and gravy and take a bath in it. But it does help with one thing we all need during the busy holiday season – a good sleep. Turkey contains an essential amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan helps the body produce niacin, niacin helps produce serotonin, and serotonin calms the brain and helps us sleep. How important is sleep to natural skin care? Try being short on it for a few nights and you’ll see the difference.

Although pumpkins, cranberries, apples and turkey are common in the holiday kitchen, you may want to use these recipes for natural skin care treatment throughout the year!

A generation ago, drooping, sagging and wrinkling were commonly equated with the then-current understanding of aging.   A woman of 40 or 50 literally was expected to look weathered, Today, it is know that the conditions frequently associated with aging are not the result of genetic or hormonal programming – otherwise known as intrinsic factors.  They actually are primarily the result of the opposite, called extrinsic factors.  The most significant of these is – you guessed it – exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.  Other extrinsic influences include environmental pollution, stress and nutritional choices.  Even commonly observed phenomena, such as the breakdown of collagen and elastic in the skin that is concurrent with menopause, largely may be the result of free radical assault – which is extrinsic – rather than purely the decline of estrogen production, as once assumed.

The current medical thinking today is that if humans ate healthfully, were sheltered from environmental toxins, got adequate exercise and rest, and spent most of their live indoors and away from the sun, their skin would look and feel plump, moist, firm and unlined well into the 60’s and 70’s.  But is this anyone’s idea of fun?!!

Is it ever too late to start an anti-aging lifestyle?  Absolutely not!! There are many changes that one can do in order to reverse the aging process.  Remember that age is in many ways a state of mind.  Here are a few of the changes one can make to their lifestyle:

• Activation of the immune system – due to an infection, allegen or toxin – can lead to an internal inflammation at the cellular level.  Poor nutrition, too little sleep, and radiation (including sunlight) are common culprits of low-grade inflammation, which as been linked to arthritis, wrinkles, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
• Lifestyle:  What we eat (too much sugar, fat, sodium), drink (too many sodas, juices and caffeinated beverages), do (get overstressed, work too much), don’t do (exercise or sleep enough) and what we expose ourselves to can either speed up or slow down the aging process and the development of chronic disease.
• Hormones:  Levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid and/or human growth hormone drop as we age.  But by increasing these all-important biochemials, it may be possible to improve health and forestall the aging process.  A controversial approach, hormone therapy requires oversight by an experienced physician.
• Anti-Oxidants: As we get older, we’re more subject to oxidative stress, the byproduct of free-radical damage, a natural process in which unstable molecules disrupt cell and tissue function.  Antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E and others can help protect cells.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids:  Recent studies show that 99% of Americans do not get enough in their diet.  Symptoms of omega-3 deficiency include fatigue, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, constipation and joint pain.  Sound familiar?  We all know that omega-3 can be found in salmon, but supplements are another way to get your daily dose.

No matter how many candles on our birthday cakes, we want to age as healthfully and happily as possible.

Yes, the medical field has everything to do with beauty. It is now clearly established that there is a limit to just how far a beauty salon or a spa excursion can go verses a dermatologist in Los Angeles. How about fixing or dramatically improving blemishes and signs of aging rather than searching for new ways to conceal one’s cosmetic shortcomings.

Your skin can be healthier, clear and more youthful looking. Your skin is alive and capable of improving in appearance if treated properly. Experts in the field of Dermatology (the branch of medicine dealing with skin), such as Dr. Lisa Benest Dermatologist Los Angeles and her staff of doctors and nurses, are totally focused on issues and the treatments that pertain to healthy and beautiful skin. It should come as no surprise that the most beautiful skin you encounter is always healthy, blemish free and youthful in appearance. This applies equally to men and women.

Because this route to beauty exists primarily in the medical arena, there are some points to consider. There is an extremely large array of possible treatments, procedures and even skin care regimens to choose from. Someone with the knowledge and understanding of all the potential tools available and how they can work in unison is the obvious choice for results and safety.

Cosmetic lasers have evolved to become one of the hottest modalities in the quest for smooth, younger-looking skin. They not only treat existing problems but they can also help prevent the onset or advancement of certain conditions, such as wrinkles, rosacea, sagging skin or cellulite.

The word lasers commonly refers to all cosmetic machines that use light energy and/or radio-frequency energy. Some work to tighten tissues, prompting collagen and elastin production (which helps improve wrinkled or sagging skin). Other lasers direct heat to break up pigment (which removes sunspots). Other lasers focus on the reduction of broken blood vessels or unwanted hair.

Anti-Wrinkle treatments, such as the Polaris and ReFirme laser systems, are revolutionary new technologies that offer a safe and effective solution for smoothing fine lines, deeper wrinkles as well as firming and tightening the skin. They use the ELOS (ELectrical Optical Synergy) system, which is the first and only technology that combines both laser and radiofrequency energy for a synergistic, collagen tightening effect.

These days we are living longer and retiring later. An emerging priority is to remain attractive, youthful and healthy in appearance. It has become more possible to have natural looking, clear, healthy skin. Find your skin’s potential by visiting Dr. Benest’s Dermatologist office in Burbank, Los Angeles CA and you’ll have something to smile about too!

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature. Beautiful old people are works of art.”
Author unknown, circa 1800

As far back as 1800 someone knew that beauty was not just skin deep. While real beauty is not all that common, at least not the naturally occurring variety, with a good skin care routine and some expertise applied, a reasonable version of it is readily available to almost anyone. There has finally occurred a collision of medicine and the age old pursuit of beauty, and the results are quite astounding.
To a large degree the earlier attempts at creating beauty consisted of finding ways to conceal, either with cosmetics, wardrobe or some form of illusion, any trait considered unattractive. For example, a colonial American woman of some note would spend hours donning a torturous laced up corset to manufacture a certain shape, try on her many wigs and get virtually sealed up in makeup in order to become that work of art known as beautiful. Sort of a “hide the unwanted and only the aesthetic replacement remains” approach.

Imagine being a man who had for months wooed and finally won such a woman only to find that when unwrapped she was quite ordinary or even worse underneath. Fortunately that period has passed and women gained enough status and dignity to no longer feel the need to succumb to such a nutty idea of what beautiful meant. Still, the makeup to bring out or enhance one’s better features or a wardrobe to accentuate the assets one’s figure possessed remained part of the art of being attractive to others. Less outright illusion as mentioned before and more “make the best of what we have and try to slow down the effects of time.” While this allowed women to retain some semblance of what they actually looked like, there was still some hocus pocus involved for most in becoming really glamorous.
Enter the modern, health conscious, self-assured, holistic, all natural set of crazes that are dominating our culture at the moment. You get women who want to look good naturally and are quite sure they have the right to. To make it even more interesting, men have decided to join the fray,pay attention to skin care and put their best face forward. Aging gracefully with character is out. Hunks that look like they care about their appearance and actually do something about it are in.

This new awareness of natural beauty is a blessing in disguise. Notice now that the really beautiful people we encounter or see in entertainment are for the most part plain old good looking. As a result of an excellent skin care routine their skin is blemish free and has a healthy glow. Their appearance rarely ages as quickly as they do because their skin seems to defy time itself. There is no magic, no trickery, no trade-off that will haunt them later. They simply take good care of their skin with the mostly medical cosmetic services available from dermatologists who know skin care best. These are services that can not only alter or remove unwanted blemishes and skin conditions but can actually make one’s skin much healthier and able to maintain a youthful healthy look for years beyond what one would normally experience. This is about as close to the proverbial fountain-of-youth as we have come.

Here we have established a new definition of beauty. Anyone can find out just how attractive they can become by having the healthiest, blemish free skin possible. Any dermatologist aided by a staff of professionals can show you the real beauty within you that you’ve always had available. For the first time, real beauty that is lasting with no pretense or trickery can be yours. You owe it to yourself to be the work of art you really are, naturally!

1. DRINK MORE WATER
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. This will help hydrate your cells and keep your complexion at its best.

2. DAYTIME MOISTURIZERS
Use daytime moisturizers, foundations or creams with UV protection. The best time to apply a moisturizer to the skin is immediately following a bath or shower.

3. MINIMIZE SUN EXPOSURE
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, especially between noon and 2 pm. When in the sun, wear a broad rimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protective lenses.

4. STOP SMOKING
Smoking causes premature aging and wrinkling of the face.

5. EAT YOUR VEGGIES
The saying “You are what you eat” is truer now than ever. Studies show that food not only nourishes the body but also has a marked impact on the skin. Skin wrinkling can be influenced by the types of foods people eat. Higher intakes of meat, dairy and sugar products create more stress and damage on our bodies but high intakes of vegetables, legumes, olives & fruit protects our skin against this damage.

6. TAKE YOUR FISH OILS
Ingestion of fish oils for 3 months was found to significantly increase one’s ability to tolerate the sun.

7. NOURISH YOUR SKIN FROM THE OUTSIDE IN
More evidence confirms that certain vitamin and antioxidant extracts, when applied topically, improves the health and appearance of the skin. Look for vitamins C & E, CoEnzyme Q10 and green tea extract to not only improve the skin’s appearance, but also to protect the skin from precancerous spots!

The sun provides health benefits for the body, including providing the body with a vital nutrient: vitamin D. The body was designed to be a “solar collector” that manufactures or synthesizes this essential nutrient metabolically, and it is commonly known that Vitamin D helps to reverse osteoporosis, strengthen bones and assist in the formation of strong teeth.

What many people may not know is that a lack of adequate sunlight weakens the immune system and facilitates the proliferations of cancer in the body. Recent studies suggest your body needs up to 1,000 units of vitamin D per day to cut the potential risk for some cancers in half.

While vitamin D is produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight, scientists are finding shockingly few people have adequate vitamin D levels to support their daily needs. Because sun exposure has its own hazards and health risks, perhaps the best way to address this situation is through appropriate supplementation. Many scientists now advocate supplementing with doses that are considerable higher than the minimums currently recommended. Though vitamin D can be obtained through a few food sources, such as fish, eggs and dairy, these foods fail to provide the daily levels required by most individuals, thus necessitating vitamin D supplementation.

Strong data now implicate low vitamin D levels in at least 16 different types of cancer. Powerful evidence indicates that vitamin D may be useful in preventing and even treating colon and prostate cancers. There is also evidence that points to its effects in countering lung, breast, skin and other cancers.

Cancer prevention specialists at the University of California recently conducted an extensive review of scientific papers published between 1966 & 2004. Their analysis suggests that taking 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 daily lowers an individual’s risk of developing colon/rectal cancer by 50%. The researchers recommended increased intake of vitamin D3 as an inexpensive, non-toxic preventive therapy for colon cancer. Emerging studies suggest vitamin D may help avert cancers of the breast, ovaries, head and neck. Research published over the last decade suggests that vitamin D toxicity is unlikely at daily intake levels of less than 10,000 IU.

Low dietary intake and limited sun exposure have led to an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays many essential roles, including enhancing calcium absorption, contributing to healthy bones, supporting immune function, reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer. Vitamin D also shows promise in preventing both type I and type II diabetes. Finally, vitamin D may also help alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression experienced during winter months due to decreased sunlight. Here’s to your health!

1. Smooth Skin
Sweeping away surface cells gives you a more light-reflective complexion and allows the products you’ll apply next to penetrate better. Use a cleanser or lotion that contains alpha or beta-hydroxy acid; these gentle exfoliants are less likely to inflame skin than gritty scrubs. For a more dramatic effect, you can use prescription strength vitamin A creams (tretinoin), which increase the cell turnover rate and help us shed the damaged surface layers. These creams have the added benefit of helping reduce our risk for precancers of the skin.

2. Even Out Tone
Antioxidants are nature’s recipe for evening out the irregular pigment and blotchiness we often experience from too much sun. Topical concentrations of vitamin C, green tea, CoEnzyme Q 10, as well as other vitamins and herbs have been shown to improve skin tone and quality, some with the additional advantage of assisting in skin cancer prevention.

3. Moisturize and Protect
Keeping skin hydrated always helps boost a blah complexion, but new lotions made with niacinamide (vitamin B) and other thirst quenching nutrients do more than that. Protect your skin from the sun with a daily sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. For those of you who are active outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming/heavy sweating. New studies show that combining green tea extracts with sunscreens provides more potent protection against sun damage.

4. Quick Food Fix
Adding a dressing made with olive oil to your salad may increase your skin’s radiance. The monounsaturated fats in the oils help increase the absorption of the disease-fighting antioxidants and skin-smoothing vitamin E found in dark leafy greens and colorful vegetables. A diet high in antioxidants and low in refined, processed foods not only keeps our skin smoother, it also protects us against skin cancer and other forms of cancer.

5. Water
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause one to feel ill and stresses the body’s organs. Sodas, alcohol and beverages with caffeine cause our bodies to lose more fluids than we take in. Lack of water is the number one cause of daytime fatigue. Even mild dehydration can slow the metabolism and cause difficulty focusing.

There are many additional treatments that target the changes in your skin and help to repair its dullness and gives it a smoother, creamier glow. Consult with your dermatologist to see which treatment may be best for you.

Dermatologists offer many non-surgical approaches to restoring or maintaining beautiful and youthful skin, including:

Injectibles
There are two types of injectibles: relaxers and fillers. Relaxers, such as Botox used in Los Angeles, relax the muscles so that the skin that lies over them becomes smoother. It can take from a few days to two weeks for the full effects of a Botox treatment to be seen, but the results last up to four months. Patients using Botox in Los Angeles report looking up to five years younger and less stressed. Fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Perlane and Collagen replace lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots. Local or topical anesthetic creams minimize any discomfort involved. Bruising and swelling are temporary side effects, so fillers should not be used for several days before important events. However, the results can last up to six months, and fillers can unwrinkle deeper lines than Botox can reach, as well as work in areas that are not a candidate for Botox.

Lasers
Non-ablative lasers are intense, focused beams of light that lessen signs of aging like brown spots, acne scars and wrinkles. They can also help remove unwanted hair. And unlike ablative laser treatments, which are more aggressive and can cause superficial burning, non-ablative lasers are less invasive and conduct heat to deeper dermis stimulating collagen synthesis. Examples of non-ablative lasers include: IPL, Fotofacials, Trinity and ReFirme. The abalative lasers, such as Active FX/Deep FX will affect deeper lasers of the skin, and thus provide even better results with the fine lines and wrinkling.

Peels
There are many different types of peels, and results depend on both the ingredients and how long the peel is left on the skin. Chemical peels can enhance your appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. Many offices offer antioxidant brightening and lightening peels, which boost the skin using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other ingredients to fade stubborn dark patches and restore your skin’s natural smoothness. Chemical peels take 20 minutes and are done once a month until the desired results are obtained. Other types of peels include Green Peel (a 5-day deep herbal peel), Vi Peel, Mesoclat, Fruit Peels and Glycolic Acid Peels .

RELAXERS
Many wrinkles are actually creases that are worn into the skin by repeatedly making the same expression. Botox injections smooth wrinkles by safely relaxing overactive muscles, thus allowing the creases in the skin to smooth out. Botox is especially effective in treating frown lines, horizontal lines across the forehead, crows’ feet and vertical lip lines (“smoker’s lines”).

Botox treatments consist of approximately 10 minute sessions.  There is no down time after your treatment, which means that you can apply make up immediately.  Results typically last about four months, after which the muscles begin to contract once again. As an added bonus, if you begin your Botox regime early enough (say, in your 30’s or 40’s), it can prevent deep wrinkles from ever forming in certain areas.

FILLERS
For areas that Botox won’t handle, your dermatologist might recommend a dermal filler, a substance injected below the skin to fill up and soften the wrinkles.  The effectiveness and duration of results depends on which filler is used, what area is being treated, and how each patient interacts with the specific filler.

Fillers come in three main types:  those that stimulate collagen and tissue growth, those that replace lost volume with “filler” material, and those that both stimulate and replace.

Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse are examples of the last type:  they are smooth gels that keep the skin plumped and stimulate the production of new collagen to lift and fill.  Common areas treated in this manner include the nasolabial folds (“smile lines”) and the marionette folds under the mouth.  Fillers are also very effective in the cheeks, for restoring youthful fullness, as well as the lips.

In most cases, these fillers last nine months, although in some instances the treatments can last for over a year.

The treatment options for minimizing lines and wrinkles, as well as lifting up the downward sag on the face are many and varied.  However, not all products are appropriate for all treatment areas.  Consult with your dermatologist about which product is right for you.  And regain your smooth, youthful appearance today.

• Have a busy lifestyle or cannot be away from work for a long time
• Want noticeable results with minimal downtime
• Want to treat discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity

you should speak to your dermatologist about ActiveFX.  ActiveFX yields noticeable, long lasting results after just one treatment.  Procedures are done in your doctor’s office, with minimal patient downtime and minimal interference to your work or busy life.

Laser Skin Resurfacing
ActiveFX is a fractional laser treatment for laser skin resurfacing.  Laser skin resurfacing replaces damaged skin with new, fresh skin. Using the UltraPulse® CO2 laser, an ActiveFX treatment delivers thousands of tiny laser pulses in a pattern over the skin. Each pulse heats a column of tissue, eliminating pigment discolorations at the surface, smoothing out lines, wrinkles and scars, and creating a zone of heating deep in the tissue.  This deep heating contracts existing collagen and further stimulates collagen formation to plump out the skin and continue improvement over time.

In an ActiveFX fractional laser treatment, only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated by the laser, leaving small “bridges” of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner

The primary targets of laser skin resurfacing include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the upper lip, cheeks and forehead
• Loose eyelid skin
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Pucker marks (smoker’s lines) and frown lines
• Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin tone
• Scars, especially acne scars
• Loose skin around the neck and jowls

An ActiveFX treatment
Most physicians perform the procedure in the office with a topical anesthetic cream that is applied 30-40 minutes before the ActiveFX procedure begins. Pain is managed using a cold air blower to the skin, or if desired with oral pain medication. You can drive yourself home after the procedure if you have not taken any pain pills. With a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen, your photodamaged skin will begin to flake off within 2-3 days. After about 3-5 days, your doctor will probably let you wear make-up. Pinkness should be gone in about a week or two, a little bit more for the neck area.

The results of ActiveFX laser treatment are long-term and, with proper sun protection, can persist for many years. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, whereas others – such as new collagen formation – build up gradually and become more evident over time. Therefore, most people look even better 3-5 months after the procedure.  So, if you think that ActiveFX might be right for you, make an appointment with your dermatologist and start looking younger right away.