What To Do About That Sagging Jawline

I treat quite a large number of  patients who notice the beginnings of loose and sagging jawlines, creases around their mouths and a less-than-tight turgor of their facial muscles.  These folks just need a 'quick fix', some lifestyle modifications and routine touchups.  Botox (injectable poison) is not an option for this highly sophisticated and educated group of individuals, so they opt for low level laser and acuprobe treatments.   Simply 30 minutes on the table with a non-invasive, drug free and relaxing low level laser and acuprobe treatment will leave these individuals looking remarkably better.  Their skin glows and has a youthful appearance.  They feel relaxed and less stressed.  This is because low level laser and acuprobe therapy excites the muscle cells and promotes collagen growth.  The painless and nonivasive cotton tipped probes are strategically moved over key points on the face, scalp, chin and neck to promote lymphatic drainage and new red blood cell production.  This tones and tightens the muscles of the scalp, face and neck.  The client leaves looking remarkably better and feels better because these very same points enhance the performance of the body organs.

Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  This is one of the best kept secrets out there and I keep it affordable so that every single person can look fabulous and feel better.  $50 for a 30 minute session is all you need to get started on your road to looking and feeling about 10 years younger.  Call or email my office and make an appointment...you're gonna like the way you look and feel!

Eat Blueberries for Great Skin and Health

I LOVE blueberries...they've been my absolute favorite fruit since I can remember.  But did you know that blueberries are loaded with anitoxidants and vitamin C?  If you want to have smoother, clearer skin with better turgor, eat fruits and veggies with antioxidants.  Antioxidants are soldiers that help combat the signs of aging skin!  Tastier and healthier than botox, you can throw a cup of blueberries into your morning shake or oatmeal and makes a great sauce for fish and meats.  Ever try blueberries as another topping to salads?  Try it, you'll like it!   And here's some good news for you chocolate and wine lovers out there.  Red wine and dark chocolate when ingested with moderation are wonderful sources of antioxidants.


Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day:  When you think of your skin, think COLORS!  Lots of colors will give you plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to help your skin look and feel younger.  Red, yellow, green vegetables and fruits...blues, purples and oranges....create a pleasing palette of color; it will be a tasty treat and you never know....having a younger and healthier complexion might just land you that dream job over your competition who looks unhealthy, unfit and has sallow skin!

Indoor Tanning Increases Melanoma Risk by 74 Percent

Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors. Additionally, the more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, killing approximately 8,650 Americans in 2009. “We hope that these findings, along with what we already know about the risks of indoor tanning, will keep people from using tanning beds,” said Allan C. Halpern, MD, MSc, Chief of the Dermatology Service at New York City’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Vice President, The Skin Cancer Foundation.
In a study of 1,167 melanoma cases and 1,101 people without melanoma (controls) appearing in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers, led by DeAnn Lazovich of the University of Minnesota, found that almost 63 percent of the melanoma patients but just over 51 percent of the control group had tanned indoors. Ultraviolet radiation from tanning machines is cancer-causing to humans, according to a 2009 report released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), affiliated with the World Health Organization. The IARC also includes solar radiation in its list of the most dangerous types of cancer-causing substances.
http://www.skincancer.org/

Fun in the Sun...Don't Forget the Sunscreen

Using sunscreen can help prevent sunburn, skin cancer, visual pathologies, and premature aging of the skin. Sunscreen protects the skin (the body’s largest organ) against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. No matter what type of color or skin, all persons should use sunscreen, especially if you will be exposed to the sun for 10 minutes or longer, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the rays of the sun are the strongest. UV rays can damage the skin during any time of year, so sunscreen should be used year round. Did you know that more than 60% of the sun’s UV rays penetrate the clouds and can reflect off of surfaces such as water, sand, snow and concrete? Skin exposure to the sun helps the body produce vitamin D, but it is by far much healthier to use sunscreen and add vitamin D by ingesting multivitamins and drinking vitamin D-fortified milk.


What Kind of Sunscreen Should You Buy?
Sunscreen is available in a number of forms including gels, lotions, ointments, creams, wax sticks and sprays. There are formulas that are sweat and water resistant and products made for sensitive skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the use of sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Read the product labels! It is recommended to use products containing the physical blocking agents titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, helioplex or mexoryl, which offer the most broad spectrum coverage to block both UVA and UVB rays.

What is SPF?
Sunscreens are classified by the strength of their SPF. This rates the product’s ability to protect from UVB rays. The higher a sunscreen’s SPF, the more UVB rays are deflected. According to the AAD, examples of a sunscreen’s ability to deflect UVB rays include:

SPF UVB Rays Deflected
30 97%
15 93%
2 50%

SPF rating is calculated by comparing the length of time it takes for unprotected skin to turn red versus protected skin. For instance, a light-skinned person may burn after 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Protected by sunscreen with an SPF of two, the same person would burn in 20 minutes. So, a sunscreen will offer protection. A sunscreen rated SPF 15 would provide the same fair-skinned person with protection for 15 times longer, or 150 minutes. Those persons with fair skin should use products with higher SPF ratings. Sunscreens that are water-resistant or waterproof are more effective because they are not as easily removed by sweating or swimming. Children over the age of 6 months can safely use sunscreen. However, they should only use sunscreen that is especially made for children. Parents should consult with their child’s pediatrician before applying any product to their child’s skin. People who are prone to acne may benefit from a water-based, non-comedogenic formula, because this type of sunscreen does not clog the pores. A cream-based sunscreen is usually less irritating than sunscreen in a gel or lotion form. Creams are a good choice for people with sensitive or dry skin. People who have allergic reactions may benefit from using a chemical-free physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Application of Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied to dry skin about 20 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Enough sunscreen should be used to completely cover all areas of exposed skin, including the nose, ears, neck, hands and feet. Sunscreen should also be applied to any areas of the scalp that are exposed. It is safe to apply makeup over sunscreen. Sunscreen-containing cosmetics are also available. Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding reapplication. In general, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours and reapplied immediately after getting out of water. Some sunscreens also contain insect repellants. These products are less effective, so use separate sunscreen and insect repellant products. Sunscreen products have a shelf life. Check for an expiration date on the packaging.

Source: Medscape June 2009