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Lasers vs. Chemical Peels

Despite the fact that both deep chemical peels and laser resurfacing treatments offer similar end results, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your skin type and skin concerns to determine which treatment is best for you.

Both focus on regenerating the skin and improving fine lines, wrinkles and texture, but the way each works is different.

Laser resurfacing has a fixed penetration, and the effect is enhanced by the number of passes. On the other hand, the effect and penetration of chemical peels have to do with their concentration and the amount of time they are left in contact with the skin.

In both cases, it’s extremely important that the person administering the treatment is well-versed and experienced; otherwise your skin could experience damage beyond the controlled injury intended by the procedures.

From newbeauty.com.

Varicose Vein Culprit Found?

For nearly 20 percent of the population, spider and varicose veins are a concern. They occur when blood pools in a faulty vein, creating unsightly lines or bulges, typically in the legs. They are usually harmless, but when enlarged, can create a health-threatening situation.

Luckily, we have several remedies at our disposal: injections, lasers, surgery and topical solutions. And now, researchers from Heidelberg University’s Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology may have found a way to prevent the bulging veins all together.

In their quest to find the culprit behind varicose and spider veins, they discovered that a particular protein in the body responded to the stretching of the blood vessels by producing molecules that changed the structure of the vessel’s wall architecture, that ultimately leads to the visible veins on the skin’s surface. By inhibiting the function that leads to this protein’s action, the varicose veins didn’t grow during tests conducted in the lab.

“Using our model, we can now more precisely analyze the early stages of the disorder and test possible drugs for their ability to prevent varicose vein formation,” said study leader Dr. Thomas Korff at Heidelberg’s division of cardiovascular physiology. “Which, as a result, may improve the quality of life of afflicted patients.”

From newbeauty.com.

FYI: How does a Chemical Peel work?

Chemical peels first gained popularity back in the 1960s, yet almost half a century later, many of its fans don’t quite understand how this kind of exfoliation works; they simply know it helps resurface and refresh their complexion, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

The way a chemical or acid peel works is relatively simple: it disrupts the bonds between dead skin cells. The speed and depth of the exfoliation is determined by which acid is used, its acidity (pH), the concentration of the solution, and the amount of time it’s left on the skin.

Once the skin is injured by the peel (in a controlled, safe way), it repairs itself by flaking away the dead skin to reveal new, fresh skin.

It’s extremely important that the person administering the treatment is well-versed and experienced. If the peel isn’t left on long enough, there will be no effect on the skin; if it’s left on too long, it can cause damage to the living cells.

From NewBeauty.com

Prep Now for Winter Skin

It’s starting to cool down now that winter’s on its way. Before we know it, we’ll be bundled up from head to toe. While winter scarves are cute accessories, tight and dry skin is certainly not. There’s no question that the winter months can wreck havoc on your skin, but if you start using these skin-saving tips now, you’ll be in the clear when winter hits full-on.

Exfoliate. This is the key to revealing a healthy glow for both your body and your face. No matter how much moisture you give your skin, it can’t penetrate though dead cells. But be careful not to overdo it—once or twice a week is plenty. Be sure to use formulas suitable for your skin type. “Steer clear of the overly rough, feels-like-sand paper microdermabrasion formulas that I’ve seen on the market,” says Amos Lavian, founder and president of Dermelect Cosmeceuticals. Lavian suggests facial scrubs like Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Microdermabrasion-2-3- Facial Reveal and body scrubs like Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Thermaj Self Heating Total Body Polish.

Wear SPF. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean the sun’s rays aren’t a threat. Over time, sun exposure contributes to dryness and loss of elasticity. So remember to apply SPF daily, no matter the weather. We like this one.

Stay Hydrated. According to Dr. Murad, to prevent dry winter skin, it’s vital to protect cellular water levels. Try to limit your coffee intake, he suggests. Many are surprised to learn that caffeine is a major cause of dehydration. Also, you might want to cut back on alcohol, which can also leave your body and skin dehydrated. Choose a mocktail instead or alternate water with cocktails to make sure your body is hydrated.

Switch up your skin care. You may need to adjust your skin-care regimen a bit during the winter months. Make sure to use a mild cleanser that’s nondrying with lactic acid and enzymes. And don’t skimp on the toner–a toner can help alleviate some dryness since it acts as an oil stimulant and helps get the sebaceous glands going. You’ll want to incorporate a serum too. Serums are able to penetrate deeper than a moisturizer, which usually helps more on the surface layer of the skin. Look for serums with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for added benefits.

From NewBeauty.com

Is Hyaluronic Acid the Key to Looking Younger?

It’s naturally found in the body and necessary for maintaining smooth, plump skin. Thanks to research and advancements in cosmetic dermatology, hyaluronic acid—available in supplement, cream and injectable form—is a mainstay in the war against aging. Because hyaluronic acid binds to and absorbs water, it a gives a fullness and plumpness to the skin that we are constantly trying to replicate as the effects of aging intrude. When there are ample amounts of hyaluronic acid in the skin, it is plump and smooth with good support.

What it is: Hyaluronic acid is actually a sugar that attracts water molecules to provide a plump, spongy effect to skin.

How it plumps: As water is absorbed by the acid, volume is created, acting in the same manner as how a sponge soaks up water and becomes full to even out every crevice. When the skin is young, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body is abundant, which is why the skin has a nice plump look to it.

When levels drop: As hyaluronic acid levels drop and the body begins to produce less of it, the effects give way to skin that can look crepey, dry and laden with lines and wrinkles, with an overall lack of support.

An aged appearance: “A deficiency of hyaluronic acid, coupled with the effects of aging, can really give way to an aged appearance and make you look older than you may be,” says New York dermatologist Roy G. Geronemus, MD.

From newbeauty.com.

The Key to a Youthful Face

So you’ve heard all the talk about collagen. Why is it so important for a youthful appearance, you ask? Collagen is essential for healthy, younger-looking skin because it gives structure to our skin cells. As we age and lose collagen—the structural protein that helps provide healthy elasticity—our skin thins and starts to act less like lycra and more like linen. As a result of this depletion, you may see any of the following:

Crow’s-Feet: The outer corner of the eyelids becomes saggy.

Drooping Brows: Your eyebrows to droop, resulting in a hooded look over the eyelids.

Nasolobial Folds: Lack of collagen causes the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Jowls: Jowls are due to excess skin, which occurs from a decrease in collagen, elastin and volume.

Thin lips: Lost collagen leads to lip lines and a loss of volume.

From newbeauty.com

Laser Hair Removal In Cincinnati Gets Easy Financing Option

Reflection Medical Spa Teams Up With CosmetiCredit For An Affordable Way To Get Laser Hair Removal In Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) September 01, 2011

Reflection Medical Spa is pleased to announce their partnership with CosmetiCredit, offering healthcare finance solutions for their patients. CosmetiCredit offers convenient financing for plastic and cosmetic surgery. They are offering Reflection Med Spa’s patients no enrollment fees, no annual fees and superior customer service.

Dr. Florencia Guzman of Reflection Med Spa says, “CosmetiCredit is filling a much requested need for our patients. They take away the stress of upfront costs and allow the patients to focus on their treatments. Their services open up cosmetic procedure options to those who in the past couldn’t afford it.”

Reflection Med Spa specializes in treatments that are designed to assist patients in their desire to age gracefully and virtually pain-free, yet without the high costs of plastic surgery and lengthy down time. Their innovative laser treatments are safe and effective for patients of all skin colors and ethnicities. Services include BOTOX®, vitamin B-12, sclerotherapy, wrinkle fillers, laser hair removal, leg vein removal, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.

“CosmetiCare and Reflection Medical Spa’s mission is the same. We put our clients’ needs first and do everything possible to make their experience easy, convenient and safe”, notes Dr Guzman.

Reflection Medical Spa is Cincinnati’s premier location for non-invasive cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal, BOTOX®, chin lift / jaw line and facial line fillers. They offer the most advanced aesthetic laser hair removal and dermatologic procedures available today in a professional spa environment. They offer treatments to fill scars, cellulite dimples, sunken eyes, excessive sweating of the hands, feet and underarms (Hyperhydrosis), smokers lines, and hand rejuvenation. Reflection Medspa is headed by Dr. Florencia R. Guzman, M.D. Dr. Guzman is certified with The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine.
http://www.reflectionmedicalspa.com 513.671.2411, Cincinnati Ohio

A Winning Skin Care Combination for Botox Users

Botox Cosmetic users seeking to further enhance their skin appearance may want to give a combination of two topical skin treatments a try. A recent study suggests that using a new 4% hydroquinone skin care system—one specifically designed for use in conjunction with nonsurgical cosmetic skin treatments—in combination with tretinoin (Retin-A) further enhances the improvements in skin appearance attained using botulinum toxin type A, better known as Botox Cosmetic. Applying the hydroquinone system plus tretinoin may offer multiple clinical benefits over standard skin care, including significantly milder fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The results of the study, “Further Enhancement of Facial Appearance with a Hydroquinone Skin Care System Plus Tretinoin in Patients Previously Treated With Botulinum Toxin Type A,” appear in the July issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ).

In this multicenter, randomized, investigator-masked, parallel-group study, 61 patients who received upper facial treatment with botulinum toxin type A at a plastic surgery or dermatology clinic were randomly assigned to use either the hydroquinone system (cleanser, toner, proprietary 4% hydroquinone, exfoliant, and sunscreen) plus 0.05% tretinoin cream, or a standard skin care regimen (cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen) for 120 days. Outcomes were assessed by the investigators and through a patient questionnaire. Compared with standard skin care, the hydroquinone system plus tretinoin resulted in significantly milder fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmentation at days 30, 90, and 120 (p ≤ 0.05) and significantly superior overall ratings for each of nine patient assessments at days 90 and 120 (p ≤ 0.05). A greater proportion of patients using the hydroquinone system plus tretinoin believed that their study treatment had further enhanced the improvements attained with botulinum toxin type A compared to those using the standard skin care regimen (86% vs. 8%). Both regimens were generally well tolerated.

“The new hydroquinone system is not only effective, it is also easy for patients to use, increasing the likelihood that they will be able to get maximum benefits,” said study co-author Joel Schlessinger, MD, FAAD, FAACS. “Most importantly, using the system in combination with tretinoin significantly improved how patients perceived themselves, which is the ultimate goal of any aesthetic treatment.”

From www.PRWeb.com

Nonablative Fractional Laser Proves Effective for Actinic Cheilitis

The nonablative fractional thulium 1927-nm laser effectively treated actinic cheilitis in 15 patients, without subsequent downtime or significant side effects, Robert Anolik, MD, reported at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Current treatments for actinic cheilitis—including surgery, carbon dioxide/erbium laser ablation, electrodesiccation, and 5-fluorouracil—typically involve significant pain, edema, and other adverse effects, including permanent scarring. The 1927-nm thulium laser, which is effective and well-tolerated for superficial resurfacing, has been approved by the FDA for treating actinic keratoses, according to Anolik, of the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York.

Charts were reviewed for the 15 patients with actinic cheilitis who had been treated with the nonablative fractional 1,927-nm laser at two private laser and skin surgery centers. All were pretreated with topical anesthetic creams and given oral antiviral prophylaxis. Treatment parameters were 10 to 20 mJ per MTZ, 65% to 70% coverage density, and total delivered energy of 0.08 to 0.1 kJ.

In blinded assessments of before-and-after photographs using a quartile improvement scale, all 15 patients had improvements of either 76% to 100% (nine patients) or 51% to 75% (six patients) after one to two treatments. No adverse events occurred, and the only side effects were transient erythema for 1 to 4 days and edema for 1 to 3 days. “This is in stark contrast to the wounding, pain, and downtime expected with the other common treatment strategies,” Anolik says.

Planned next steps include increasing the patient pool, trial treatment of patients with a range of actinic cheilitis severity, assessment of before/after or left/right specimens for molecular features of actinic cheilitis such as p53, and an evaluation of long-term benefit, he noted.

[Source: Skin and Allergy News]

http://www.plasticsurgerypractice.com/eReport/2011-06-13_03.asp