Top Ten Summer Skin Care Survival Tips

1. Add a new product to boost your skin care routine to increase its defense mechanisms and minimize damage from the extra exposure outdoors. This may be an oil control serum if you find your skin is oiler in the summer, an antioxidant product, a deep nourishing product for emolliency, and always hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
2. Drink more water. Many of us tend to be more active during the summer, which can lead to dehydration.
3. Wear sun protection. Be careful with extreme SPF numbers as they will have more chemical screens that can irritate the skin. A SPF 30 gives you about 98%. Select a good sun protection product that does more than provide SPF. Some contain other great ingredients to benefit the skin, i.e., anti-oxidants, dermal protein boosters, etc.
4. If applying SPF on top of your day cream feels too heavy, put a treatment serum under your sun protection. This will be lighter on the skin while still caring for your skin type. Don’t forget, when layering products always wait a minute or so between applications otherwise the products will build up on the skin surface and feel heavy.
5. Exfoliation for face and body will also benefit your skin as the skin thickens in the summer months as a defense action. Exfoliate once a week to improve the penetration of products you are using. It will also ensure a tan lasts longer.
6. Always use an after sun product. These products are designed to minimize the damage UV causes.
7. Body lotions will keep your skin hydrated and looking great and will help your tan (real or artificial) last longer.
8. Wear sunglasses with UV protection for your eyes. This will not only protect your eyes, but also minimize squinting which promotes crows feet. Larger sunglasses will cover the delicate eye area better preventing damage and concealing those fine lines that may already exist.
9. Hats can be fun and functional, add a little shade for our eyes and face, and protect hair from UV damage.
When you have had your limit of sun exposure, cover up or get out of the sun . . . applying more sun protection does not work.
10. Don’t forget to protect your lips, especially if you are prone to fever blisters (cold sores).

Summer Skin Care

Ah . . . that warm summer air and the glow of the sunshine is simply exhilarating. It also means it is definitely time to change up your skin care products and daily routine. The warmer air may mean there is a little more moisture in the air (for most areas), which plumps the skin a little and minimizes those fine lines adding softness and a healthy fresh glow to the skin.

This is all well and good until you turn on the air conditioning or go and stretch out in the sun. The sun's warm breezes and the the coolness of air conditioning may feel great, but they cause major moisture loss for the skin. Remember, moisture loss leads to aging of the skin. The increase in sebum during the summer can make many feel a day cream is unnecessary. This is far from the truth. The hotter months are a perfect time to change to lighter textures of creams, cold emulsions (between a cream and a gel) and introduce a serum to be used under a product with SPF. Make no mistake . . . your skin needs to be hydrated and protected at all times. No exceptions.

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Say No to Botox and Dermal Filler Home Parties

Q. I received an invitation to a botox party at my girlfriend's house. Is it safe?
A. Botox and dermal filler injectable parties are a very popular trend. And, in our professional opinion, a very dangerous one. Consider this . . . an appointment in a physician's office will provide critical information about the doctor's background and credentials. It will offer an excellent opportunity to have a good look around to make sure the medical office is well equipped and one that follows a stringent sterilization process. A consultation will determine if you are a good candidate for a particular procedure and answer any questions you may have to make an informed and responsible decision.

Going to a "pumping up the volume party" is like playing 'russian roulette' or flying blind. The risk factor dramatically increases. The question is . . . are you willing to gamble your health and appearance just for the fun of it? We hope not.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Gummy bear breast implants are the new silicone filled breast implants poised to make a comeback in the USA, should the FDA offer up a green light. It is no surprise that the path of the gummy bear is uncertain since there has been a moratorium on silicone filled breast implants since 1992.

In the wake of the silicone implant's rebirth, many breast implant manufacturers are looking for other alternatives. One solution is a cohesive gel made out of plain old sugar and water - the antithesis of saline and a whole lot sweeter. These little beauties mimic silicone but are made from a solution of natural based sugars and water. They reportedly offer a more natural feel and a perkier lift. Did we happen to mention there are no health risks should they rupture or leak? S-w-e-e-t.

Liquid Face Lift

Can the signs of aging be erased with a needle instead of a surgical knife? Yes. The procedure is called the Liquid Face Lift. Juvederm has three different formulations, Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus. A creative mix of these three gels are injected at varying depths to instantly fill space, plump, and smooth the facial features to create a more youthful shape. Juvederm can fill in the lines around the eyes and under eye area while softening the contours downward toward the cheek. Injections will add definition to the cheekbones, plump up the nasolabial folds and replace volume. The lines above the lips can be gently filled in and add volume to the area. Juvederm will add definition to the jawline and deal with sagging skin by adding much needed volume. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Bruising is to be expected to last for approximately seven days. The great part? No incisions. The cost? Approximately $2,200 to $6,000 and will last for a year or so.

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Dermal Fillers - Perlane

Perlane is made from hyaluronic acid and is similar in nature to Restylane and Juvederm. It is a thicker product with larger molecules and works better for deeper wrinkles and lines. Many physicians prefer to use Perlane to give the face a visual lift by adding volume, outlining the cheek bones, and filling in the nasolabial folds. The costs are noted at $275 - $650 per syringe and has the potential to offer results that will last for six to twelve months. Since Perlane is a thicker product and is injected deeper than other fillers, bruising and swelling can be expected afterward. While the swelling should subside quickly, bruising is different with everyone and generally takes a few days to a few weeks to heal. Icing the area, sleeping with an elevated head, and a visit to a naturopathic/wellness store to pick up some Arnica or Bromelain Pineapple Extract will most definitely help speed things up.

Note: If there are any unpleasant results from a treatment of Perlane, it can be counteracted with Hyaluronidase.

Dermal Fillers - Radiesse

Radiesse is not a hyaluronic acid dermal filler like Restylane or Juvederm, but is a synthetic product composed of very tiny microspheres of calcium hydroxyl apatite (CaHA), the primary mineral element of bones and teeth. It is said that, "these particles form a scaffold through which your body's own collagen grows, thereby producing long-term results." How long? The effects are reported to last from one to two years, thereby providing recipients with longer lasting facial corrections. This scaffolding effect is used primarily for face shaping and contouring, but has also shown very promising results for nose reshaping. Radiesse is a popular dermal filler with a lengthy safety track record. It's versatility and effectiveness has resulted in a high patient satisfaction profile.

Note: Radiesse is not recommended for use in the lips.

Can dermal filler injections be reversed?

Great question. Hyaluronidase is a product that is used to correct, or reverse, the effects of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, such as Restylane and Juvederm should it be necessary. Hyaluronidase is FDA approved and made up of enzymes that will rapidly break down and decompose hyaluronic acid. It is important to note that it does not correct or have any effect on semi-permanent or permanent fillers, which are generally not recommended.

How much does Juvederm cost?

Juvederm, as all dermal fillers, is sold by the syringe and ranges from $450 to $900. Why such a difference in price for the same product? Geography. The top end prices are charged in high profile cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Miami. The lower prices are paid in middle America and throughout smaller cities and towns across the country. It is reasonable to expect to buy more than one syringe, but it really depends on how much work needs to be done and what results are desired. Most treatment centers will discuss a discount the second syringe. A deal on dermal fillers? Sure, why not?

The most important decision is choosing the right physician who will inject the product properly to achieve the best possible results. As with any medical procedure, it is critical to check the physician's credentials, view a selection of before and after pictures of previous clients, and make sure a good rapport is established. Take the time during the consultation to have a clear and healthy discussion about your expectations to make sure you are both on the same page.

Note: It is a very good idea to bring a photo of yourself taken prior to the aging process to help record your natural facial alignment.

Dermal Fillers - Restylane vs Juvederm

According to the experts, Restylane and Juvederm rank well with one another. Is one better than the other? No. The choice of which product to use is better left to the professionals and greatly depends on the task at hand. Both dermal fillers are hyaluronc acid products that effectively fill in facial lines and wrinkles.

Restylane (Medicis) is a gel-like product that is thicker than Juvederm (Allergan) and may treat deeper lines more efficiently. Restylane is used for creating a fuller face because of its ability to plump the skin. Once 'molded' it tends to stay in place and not travel into other areas.

Juvederm, on the other hand, is a more syrup-like substance and produces smoother lines without too much manipulation, and as a result, may be better around the lips and mouth area. Juvederm produces less bruising. Both last for just under a year and can correct most of the issues around an aging face.