From Brotox to Fillers: The Best Injectable Treatments for Men

Happy 2019! Who’s turning 30 this year? 40?

As we ring in the last year of the 2010s, it’s only fitting to look back to other milestone years. Let’s consider 1989. It’s been three decades since the banner year that saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dawn of commercial internet service. “Harry Potter” actor, Daniel Radcliffe and Grammy Award-hoarder Taylor Swift were both born in 1989. Similarly, 1989 was also the year that pharma giant Allergan disrupted the world of cosmetic procedures by introducing a form of botulinum toxin to the market under the brand name of “Botox.”

As early adopters of injectable treatments like Botox (and other neuromodulator brands like Dysport or Xeomin), women have enjoyed benefits of these non-invasive procedures to help them look and feel their best selves for three decades. But in recent years, men have also gotten in on the action. In fact, a 2017 report by the American Society for Plastic Surgery noted a 325 percent increase in overall anti-aging procedures for men. But it’s not just Botox. That same study reported an over 26 percent jump in use of guys using hyaluronic fillers from 2014 to 2015 alone.

So, set aside any jokes about Pinhead from the “Hellraiser” movies. Injectable treatments for men are a very real (and growing) thing.

At Sadick these days, more than ever, we’re seeing men are visiting our center with anti-aging and skin care questions in mind. And while each guy’s goal is unique to him, there are a few common themes we’re hearing over-and-over. In the “City that never sleeps,” men want to look less tired. But mostly, guys just want to appear refreshed without looking like they’ve had anything “done.”

Whether the concern is under-eye dark circles, wrinkles, or laugh-lines men have been turning to Sadick Dermatology for a discrete New York City center to receive their subtle injectable treatments. Here are our “Top Four.”

ELEVENS ARE GOOD ON A CRAPS TABLE, NOT YOUR FOREHEAD

Concern:  Wrinkles on the forehead, around or between the eyes (11’s)

Treatment: Neuromodulators using Botox, Dysport or Xeomin

The Low-Down: What it Is: Botox, Dysport or Xeomin are neuromodulators that when injected into facial muscles, blocks the enzyme responsible for moving these muscles, and the temporarily minimizes the appearance of moderate-to-severe wrinkles. Each treatment is customized to keep the face looking less fatigued while maintaining a masculine appearance.

Results: Keep in mind that it takes 7-10 days for the neuromodulator to fully kick-in. Most people begin to notice a softening of the wrinkles in as little as two days.

Note: If you’re worried about looking “frozen,” don’t. In the hands of a skilled injector such as one of our board-certified dermatologists, you’ll have a refreshed, rested look without the expression lines but that doesn’t mean you won’t have any facial movement.

JAMES DEAN WAS THE LAST GUY WHO COULD MAKE ‘RACOON EYES’ LOOK SEXY

Concern: Tired Eyes and Dark Circles

Treatment: Dermal Fillers using Restylane or Belotero

The Low-Down:  We hear a lot of guys complain about looking tired even after a full night’s rest. That’s hardly surprising. As men age, they tend to lose volume in their tear-troughs (under-eyes). Restoring volume can be achieved using filing agents, such as Belotero or Restylane, to soften the appearance of work-related stress.

Results: The bonus in using dermal fillers is that the results are instant and can last 6-12 months!

Note: Don’t worry, our expert injectors won’t make you look feminine, just rested and ready to face the board room!

You may, however, experience mild swelling after the treatment and there is always a risk for minor bruising. Be sure to speak with one of our filler experts about the do’s and don’ts before your treatment to reduce the likeliness of bruising or swelling.

DO YOU SEE “LAUGH LINES” WHEN THINGS HAVEN’T BEEN THAT FUNNY?

Concern:  Lines on either side of your mouth

Treatment: Dermal fillers using Restylane, Juvederm

The Low-Down: New York City men have been coming to Sadick Dermatology to treat their laugh-lines for years. These pesky folds develop around the mouth as a result of a loss of collagen over time. One of our expert injectors will add support to these folds in order to soften their appearance while maintaining a masculine appearance.

Results: Similarly to tear-trough fillers, the results are instant! There is little to now downtime and you can resume all normal activities immediately.

Note: Be sure to avoid alcohol a day or two before and stop aspirin (unless prescribed by your doctor) advil, motrin and aleve one week prior.

DON’T SWEAT IT ANYMORE. YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

Concern: Hyperhidrosis, otherwise known as “Excess Sweating”

Treatment: Botox, Dysport or Xeomin

The Low-down: Many man (and women) have turned to Sadick Dermatology to help treat embarrassing excess sweating.  Botox, Xeomin and Dysport not only treat wrinkles but they also temporarily stop hyperhidrosis.

Here’s how it works. The neuromodulator is injected into the skin to safely block the nerve responsible for triggering the sweat glands.

Results: The treatment can last 3-5 months and begins to work 1-2 weeks after the treatment is performed. There is no downtime and you can resume all normal activities after the treatment.

Note: While the underarms are the most popular area injected, many men also choose to treat their scalp, palms and feet, keeping you looking cool as a cucumber.

Interested in learning more about the best skincare treatments for men? Call us at 212-772-7242 or email us at info@saddickprod1.wpengine.com

READ MORE

Pregnancy Acne: Managing Changes to Your Skin While Nursing or Pregnant

Whether you’re a regular at the dermatologist’s office or seeking a first treatment, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you might want to hold off.

Many women experience changes to their skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These changes can include hyperpigmentation, acne, growths, and varicose veins. Frequently, these changes will send women to seek treatments from a skincare specialist.

We dermatologists take special precautions to consider the welfare of both the patient and the baby during pregnancy. While some procedures are perfectly safe, others should be put off until after delivery.

So what’s safe for expectant mothers and what should be avoided? Keep reading to learn more about some of the frequently asked skincare questions we receive from pregnant and nursing women.  

How Should I Treat Pregnancy Acne?  

As a result of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, up to 45% of pregnant women experience increased levels of acne. Occasionally, it may be the first time you experience acne to such a degree. But if a breakout has you headed towards the pharmacy in search of an over-the-counter acne treatment, you might want to visit your dermatologist first.

Surprisingly, many over-the-counter acne products contain ingredients which are considered “Category C” in pregnancy, which means that research has not yet determined whether they are safe for pregnant women to use. These ingredients include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, both of which are incredibly common in everyday acne treatments.

Thus, if you’re experiencing pregnancy acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist for recommendations on which acne products are safe for you to use. Your dermatologist may suggest one of the following treatments for pregnancy acne:

Topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythomycin:

• Topical chemical exfoliants like glycolic or azelaic acids
• Regular facials and extractions performed by a dermatologist

As your hormones change throughout your pregnancy and after giving birth, your skin will continue to change. Your doctor can help you to design a skincare routine that’s effective yet safe.

What Skincare Ingredients Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?  

There are several other product ingredients that should be completely avoided during pregnancy and nursing, and even while trying to conceive. Many people don’t realize this, but any ingredients you apply to your skin can seep into your bloodstream and interact with your baby’s development.

Vitamin A derivatives are a common cautioned-against ingredient, since they have been associated with defects. Propoular skin products formulated with vitamin A derivatives include Retin-A, Tazorac, Renova, and Accutane. We also recommend avoiding tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline, as these may cause permanent skin and teeth discoloration.

Can I Get Botox and Fillers While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? 

One question that frequently comes up is whether fillers and Botox-like products such as Dysport and Xeomin are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of fillers and other injectables on pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established. Thus, they are generally not recommended.

That said, hyaluronic filler products like Restylane, Juvederm, or Belotero are technically safe as they are simply sugar-based compounds. However, in general, we recommend that new and expectant mothers hold off on all cosmetic procedures until after delivery or breastfeeding has ceased. If you have your heart set on these procedures, we recommend that you consult with your obstetrician first. In our opinion, since we don’t know whether they are 100% safe, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Can You Have Other Dermatology Treatments While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? 

Similarly, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser, ultrasound, and radiofrequency type facial procedures should also be avoided while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

While there’s no strong evidence to suggest that these procedures are harmful to either mother or baby, these procedures can have adverse effects to the skin. During pregnancy, women are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring. Thus, dermatologists cannot promise that these treatments will have the same positive results for pregnant women as they might before or after pregnancy.

Due to the lack of studies, we recommend scheduling any elective dermatological treatments until post-pregnancy. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry and you and the baby are more important than any cosmetic treatment. We also recommend consulting with your dermatologist to develop a safe skincare routine, especially if you’re experiencing pregnancy acne. When in doubt, ask your obstetrician for their advice.

At Sadick Dermatology, we know that many women want to look and feel their best, no matter what stage of life or experience. Since pregnancy can provide new challenges to skincare, it’s best not to guess or go it alone. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to develop a plan specific to your needs. We’re here to help. Sadick Dermatology has some of the best dermatologists in NYC. Call us at 212-772-7242 and one of our highly-experienced staff will be pleased to assist you.

 

READ MORE

Cold Weather Skincare Tips: How to Prepare for a Winter Wedding

While winter weddings are certainly romantic, winter is not the best time for your skin to be front and center. Chilly temperatures and dry indoor heating can do a number on the smooth, supple complexion you’ve been perfecting in the months leading up to your wedding.

Luckily, dry winter skin is preventable – if you know what you’re doing. That’s why we put together these winter skin care tips! Keep reading to find out how to prep skin for a winter wedding.

Winter Skin Tips for Brides

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! 

When the temperature drops, so do humidity levels, and the resulting dry air can zap the moisture right out of your skin. Thus, your summer moisturizer isn’t going to cut it during the winter months. 

Replace your usual moisturizer with a thicker formula that includes ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help skin hold onto moisture. Further amp up the hydration factor by using a moisturizing mask once or twice per week.

The result? Your skin maintains its beautiful dewy glow – even in the dead of winter.

Stock Up on Blueberries 

Eating more antioxidants can preserve your complexion by neutralizing glow-stealing free radicals from pollution, UV radiation, and stress. Antioxidant-rich superfoods like blueberries, cranberries, squash, and pumpkins are all in season, so make sure you add them to your grocery list. 

…Or Apply Antioxidants Topically 

Antioxidants don’t just benefit your skin when you eat them. Some antioxidants are actually more effective when applied directly to the skin.

Ask your dermatologist for creams that include ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, or resveratrol. These can create a barrier on your skin, protecting it from environmental stressors.

Play with Climate Control

Indoor heating can spell disaster for a luminous bridal complexion, so avoid cranking the heat at home. You might be a bit more chilly than you like, but you’ll save on your energy bills!

Invest those savings in a humidifier, which adds water back into the dry air. Aim for 45-55% humidity, which is the optimal level for skin hydration.

Say Goodbye to Hot Showers

Long hot showers feel great (especially when the weather is cold!), but they strip skin of its natural moisturizing oils. Take quick, lukewarm showers instead. When you step out of the shower, apply moisturizer while skin is still damp to lock in hydration.

Perfect Your Pout

When planning your winter skincare strategy, don’t forget about your lips! If your bridal makeup look includes a bold lipstick shade, then a dry, flaky pout is the last thing you want.

It’s easier to prevent chapped lips than to treat them, so wear a lip balm with SPF 30 every day and reapply frequently. We also recommend using a sugar scrub on your lips weekly to gently exfoliate them, keeping them smooth and flake-free.    

Protect Your Skin

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear sunscreen. Wear a daily moisturizer with SPF to protect skin against photoaging and sunburn. SPF protection is especially critical if you’ve been undergoing treatments to fade hyperpigmentation and scarring. Otherwise, you might undo all your hard work!

If you’re planning on being outdoors for long periods of time (like if you’re going skiing), layer exposed skin with a protective ointment to keep it from getting chapped and inflamed.

Discuss with Your Dermatologist

Any bride’s first step in her bridal beauty timeline should be talking to a board-certified dermatologist. Make sure your dermatologist knows that your wedding will take place in winter. This will help them to design a custom beauty plan that will fit your needs. Need some advice or interested in learning more about our advanced treatments? Contact us at: info@saddickprod1.wpengine.com

Overall, the best way to avoid dry winter skin is to stay ahead of it. Start following these winter skin care tips now and your skin will be healthy, hydrated, and luminous on your big day.

Want to learn more about ways to maintain a glowing look, even in winter? Sadick Dermatology has some of the best dermatologists in NYC. Call us at 212-772-7242 and one of our highly-experienced staff will be pleased to assist you.

 

READ MORE

From Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments to Hair Loss Cure-All?

 

By now you’ve likely at least heard about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments, which have gained popularity for their intrigue and effectiveness. Celebrities like Kobe Bryant, Angelina Jolie, Kim Kardashian West and the Real Housewives are known to be huge fans of this treatment that conjures up images of those mythical figures who never age. Celebrity or not, the truth is PRP isn’t a passing fad and facial rejuvenation isn’t the only benefitSo, what is Platelet-Rich Plasma? First of all, platelets are cells found in the bloodstream that allow blood to clot; leading to wound healing and tissue repair. They do this by releasing growth factors, and powerful enzymes that attract stem cells to the area of damage. The result is tissue regeneration through new cell growth and collagen production. Back in the 70’s scientists thought, “Why don’t we isolate all this natural power from the patient’s own blood and treat their concerns?” Thus, the birth of PRP therapy: by spinning the blood at a high speed, the platelets rise to the top (as they are lighter than the rest of the blood) allowing it to be easily removed. This PRP portion can then be injected back to the patient, without fear of adverse reaction, as it’s not a foreign substance.

PRP therapy was initially used in sports medicine to treat injuries, then in chronic medical conditions such as arthritis, and for the past couple of decades in skin conditions, such as acne scars, stretch marks, anti-aging and hair loss. Today there are hundreds of high quality level clinical studies showing that PRP therapy…bloody works!

To maximize the effects of PRP, we often perform it after a treatment like Clear and Brilliant, Fraxel, Endymed Intensif, or Permea. These create skin microchannels that serve as direct passages allowing PRP to access the deepest layers of the skin or scalp and quicken healing.

Whether you are seeking to refresh your face, remove acne scars / stretch marks, reduce your pores or are looking for a non-surgical solution to hair loss, the PRP procedure is the same. First, one of our technicians draws some blood, an amount of about 2 teaspoons. The blood is spun in a centrifuge for about 10 min to prepare the PRP. PRP will then be applied topically over the treatment, immediately after the laser/microneedling treatment. If you are using PRP alone, the provider will first apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort and then perform injections, every half inch, directly to your skin or scalp. From start to finish the procedure lasts around 30 min, and aside from temporary redness, there are generally no side effects. Most patients will see the best results after 3 treatments, one month apart. It takes around 30 days for new cells, vessels and collagen to regenerate, so you should start seeing revitalization, smoother skin, and/or healthier hair around that time frame.

In an interview with Allure Magazine, Dr. Sadick remarked about PRP therapy for hair loss: “The first result that patients usually note is decreased hair shedding, followed by early regrowth and increased length of hair. The general consensus is that receiving treatments every three to six months on a long-term basis are optimal for continuing to stimulate the growth factors and stem cells that are associated with regrowth and stopping hair fallout.” The treatments should be a part of a comprehensive plan created by your provider at Sadick Dermatology, with the final results being increased hair count, increased hair thickness, and increased hair growth!

Sadick Dermatology has been one of the pioneers in this breakthrough treatment and our expertise is unparalleled. If you’re in NYC and would like to learn more about the best PRP treatments, give our office a call at 212-772-7242.

READ MORE

3 Reasons to Try SculpSure

Are you looking for a way to eliminate stubborn fat while sculpting and defining your curves – without surgery? SculpSure is helping many of our patients at Sadick Dermatology do just that today. This laser treatment is a revolutionary way to get rid of isolated areas of adipose tissue (fat) that don’t respond to your workouts the way you would like. As FDA approval for SculpSure has expanded this year, we have even more reasons to recommend this nonsurgical method of body contouring to our patients.

Safe and Effective

SculpSure was first approved by the FDA in 2015 for reducing fat in the abdomen and flanks (love handles). Since that time, approval has been expanded to other areas, indicating the device is both safe and effective, Dr. Sadick told Allure Magazine in June of this year. Dr. Sadick explains SculpSure in the same article, “It’s a laser fat technology that passes heat through the dermis to directly target fat cells. The heat melts the fat, which is then absorbed into the body.”

The laser technology is delivered into the adipose tissue without damaging surrounding dermal layers or other tissue. This means you can say goodbye to stubborn fat without incisions, anesthesia or downtime frequently seen with other fat reduction methods. This reduces risks associated with the procedure as well as minimizing discomfort and downtime.

According to the SculpSure website, clinical studies have found the following results associated with the SculpSure procedure:

• 24-percent reduction in stubborn areas of fat
• Patient satisfaction rate of over 90 percent
• Results start to become evident in about six weeks

Most patients will see positive results after a single treatment session, although some will schedule a second appointment to achieve even more dramatic results. Results will improve gradually as the treated fat cells are flushed out through the body’s lymphatic system. Since fat is removed, results will be permanent if no weight is gained afterward.

Fast Treatment, No Downtime

A SculpSure treatment session lasts just 25 minutes. There is no anesthesia required to prolong the time you are in our office, and you will be able to get up and leave as soon as the procedure is over. This allows our patients to sculpt and tone those problem spots over a lunch hour if they choose, making this one of the most convenient methods of body contouring on the market today.

As the SculpSure device starts to work, you may feel some cooling on your skin’s surface, that will continue throughout the treatment. This integrated cooling helps maintain a comfortable temperature outside while the heat penetrates the adipose tissue below. Patients usually feel some warming sensations during treatment as well, but it is not often painful.

As soon as your procedure is completed, you will be ready to resume your daily schedule. You should not experience any side effects like bruising or swelling, which are common after other types of body contouring procedures. You may be sore in the treatment area for a few days, but it should not be severe enough to prohibit you from performing your regular tasks. There is no restriction on exercise after SculpSure, so you don’t have to worry about missing workouts to recuperate from the treatment.

Multiple Treatment Areas

While SculpSure began as a contouring treatment for the abdomen and flanks, its use has been considerably expanded as its safety and efficacy have been proven. Over the summer, the FDA approved SculpSure for trimming the lower body, and more recently it was approved to eliminate problematic submental fat underneath the chin. Today, we offer SculpSure body contouring for the following areas:

• Abdomen and waistline
• Hips and flanks
• Inner and outer thighs
• Upper and lower back
• Underneath the chin

With many different treatment areas to choose from, we can offer you full body contouring with a single, nonsurgical device. The procedure can be tailored to address each area safely to create the precise sculpting you want.

SculpSure works on every skin type and tone and is recommended for patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 30 or less. If you want to remove more than 25 percent of the fat cells in a single treatment area, Dr. Sadick may recommend liposuction instead of SculpSure. In patients with some skin laxity, SculpSure may be followed up with a skin tightening treatment like ThermiTight or Ultherapy to enhance your results further.

Body sculpting has become more comfortable and convenient than ever before, thanks to the introduction of SculpSure. If you would like to find out more about this revolutionary treatment, contact Sadick Dermatology today at 212-772-7242 to schedule your consultation.

READ MORE

Sun Damage? No Problem!

Months of outdoor time over the summer season can take a significant toll on the complexion. If sun-weary skin is getting in the way of your fresh fall look, we have the solutions you need to reverse sun damage and restore a clearer, more radiant appearance. With a variety of laser devices available at Sadick Dermatology, we can help you choose the treatment or combination of treatments that will meet your needs best. Last fall, Dr. Sadick told the Dermatology Times why two could be more valuable than one for some patients.

“A combination treatment approach allows physicians to meet patient expectations, allows for greater patient satisfaction and can ultimately result in increased patient retention in clinical practices,” Dr. Sadick stated. He recommends a collection of complementary treatment options, which is what he provides at his office. With a variety of options available, he can address most signs of sun damage to provide his patients with the best possible results.

Treating Brown Spots and Visible Vessels

Brown spots and spider veins are common byproducts of too much time in the sun. IPL (intense-pulsed light therapy) or a photofacial is one option for eliminating these blemishes. This device emits multiple wavelengths of light that target the blood in the visible vessels or the melanin that leads to the formation of pigmentation spots. The procedure produces the best results in patients with lighter skin tones. A series of treatment sessions is recommended to ensure the best possible results, which can last many months before a maintenance treatment needs to be scheduled.

IPL is performed in our office with or without topical anesthetic. Many of our patients find the treatment is tolerable without any numbing beforehand, while others prefer to take that step to avoid any discomfort during the procedure. Most treatment sessions take about 30 minutes to complete, although the use of topical numbing cream will extend the time you spend in our office as we wait for the anesthetic to take effect. You won’t need any recovery after your procedure, but you may notice your skin is pink and tender for a day or two. Sun protection is a must while the skin is healing to avoid unnecessary complications or side effects.

Reducing Subtle Lines and Wrinkles

You might associate the formation of those facial creases with the aging process, but sun exposure can accelerate their development as well. If you notice fine lines making an appearance after your summer of fun, we have different treatment options available. Injectable procedures like Botox and dermal fillers are a quick and easy way to smooth away lines, with results that can last for many months. These treatments can be performed on nearly any area of the face and can be performed with different treatments to achieve even more dramatic results.

Laser skin resurfacing is another option in skin rejuvenation that will address facial lines and other signs of sun damage. Our Fraxel laser system is an efficient way to restore health and beauty to the skin without excessive discomfort or downtime. The procedure delivers narrow columns of laser energy into the deeper dermal layers, stimulating cell renewal and collagen production for natural, long-lasting results. Fraxel is performed using a topical anesthetic, and most patients require a series of treatment sessions to achieve their best outcome.

Addressing Early Skin Laxity

Sun exposure depletes collagen inside the dermal structure, which can lead to early skin laxity. When loose skin is still a relatively new problem, it can be treated non-surgically using innovative skin tightening devices like Thermage. This system delivers bi-polar radiofrequency energy into the underlying layers of the dermis, where the heat causes constriction of tissue and stimulates additional collagen production. In just one treatment session, you should see results that last for years and this procedure can be combined with other types of skin rejuvenation for truly dramatic results.

Full Skin Rejuvenation in a Single Treatment

To achieve complete skin rejuvenation with a single, painless treatment, Dr. Sadick is finding the revolutionary PICO Genesis to be an excellent option. After treating Real Housewives of New York City’s Sonja Morgan with this device, he has begun to recommend the procedure to many of his patients in need of sun damage repair or anti-aging results. Last spring, he told New Beauty exactly why he was growing so attached to this treatment.

“PICO Genesis not only gives us a new way to treat common pigmentary concerns, but I’ve also been particularly impressed with the results I see in more challenging cases such as lighter brown spots,” Dr. Sadick explained. “In addition to the skin tone improvements, it’s visibly clear that there is also something special happening to the overall skin quality – the skin looks brighter and more youthful even following one treatment. PICO Genesis is a game-changer for me, especially when treating my darker-skinned patients.”

PICO Genesis uses picosecond pulses of laser energy to shatter pigment and eliminate brown spots and other pigmentation irregularities. At the same time, the procedure evens out skin tone and produces a healthy, radiant glow to the skin after a single treatment session. The device works well on all skin types and tones, giving this treatment much more versatility than other procedures using light and laser energy.

No matter what type of sun damage your skin has suffered this year, Dr. Sadick has a nonsurgical treatment that can help you reverse the harm and restore vibrant, youthful skin. To learn more about any of these treatments, contact Sadick Dermatology today at 212-772-7242.

READ MORE

Why You Need Sunscreen Even When It’s Cold Outside

When it comes to skin care, most people are looking for simple solutions that can help them make sure their skin stays supple, firm and smooth without a lot of hassle and expense. That may sound like a lot to expect from just a single product, but in fact, today’s sunscreens deliver all that – and more!

Sunscreens help block the harmful UV rays of the sun, the rays that can cause skin cancer as well as premature aging of the skin. Those harmful rays interact with the skin’s cells causing them to break down, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sun spots, uneven coloration and textural changes that can make your skin look older much too soon.

When it comes to wearing sunscreen, most people make three critical mistakes: They don’t apply enough; they don’t reapply it often enough; and they don’t wear it every day. Public education has gone a long way toward educating people about how much to apply – about the same amount as would fit in a shot glass – and it’s also done a lot to remind people to reapply after sports or swimming or whenever they’ve been perspiring a lot. However, many people still neglect to wear sunscreen every day, especially in the winter when dry skin really needs all the help it can get to stay healthy and protected.

The fact is, even on cold, wintry days, the sun’s rays are still shining. Many people mistakenly believe that if they don’t feel the hot, baking heat of midsummer, the sun’s UV rays aren’t still streaming down on them. But they couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, the UV rays that cause the most damage don’t cause you to feel warm; instead, they penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin where they cause damaging structural changes. And if there’s snow on the ground, their effect can be magnified by as much as 80 percent, thanks to snow’s reflective surface. Even on cloudy days, as much as 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays reach the earth’s surface – and your skin.

We can hear you now – I already apply moisturizer to my skin in the winter; now I have to add another product to the mix? Not necessarily. Sunscreens have come a long way since the first commercial products were introduced in the first half of the 20^th century, and today there are plenty of products that combine both moisturizers and sunscreen so you can keep your skin healthy and protected in one simple step. Most people apply moisturizer in winter anyway – adding a product that includes sunscreen is a good way to make sure your skin is getting all the protection it needs, even when the cold, wintry winds are blowing.

READ MORE

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: The Safe and Effective Alternative to Surgery for Hair Loss

Hair loss affects many people today, with the majority of them facing the condition because of their genetic draw. In these instances, it’s caused by the thinning of the hair follicle to the point where no hair continues to grow from a particular area. Although typically associated to men, women are also affected by hair loss. When women face genetic hair loss, the condition could better be described as hair thinning rather than complete baldness. Overall, the condition afflicts such a wide portion of the population that many dermatologists have been working to come up with new forms of treatment. Platelet rich plasma therapy has come to the attention of many professionals and patients recently, but many people still have questions about what the treatment entails and the benefits of the procedure. Here are the basics of how platelet rich plasma therapy works and the advantages it offers patients.

How the treatment can be used

Platelet rich plasma therapy involves taking some of the patient’s own blood and separating the platelet rich plasma from the rest with a centrifuge and combining it with an activating compound. The patient’s scalp is then numbed and the plasma is strategically injected into the scalp. Platelets are excellent for stimulating growth and healing, which means there are two main ways that the treatment can be used.

Some dermatologists use the platelets to halt and reverse the thinning of the hair follicles, which is causing the hair loss. Others choose to use the therapy in conjunction with hair transplants. Since the plasma helps to stimulate growth and healing, it can be used to help with the recovery following a hair transplant.

The benefits offered by platelet rich plasma therapy

The first benefit noticed by many patients and their doctors is that the plasma is developed from the patient’s own blood. This eliminates risks associated with donor genetic materials such as allergies, hypersensitivity, and other adverse reactions. Many patients are also drawn to the natural qualities of using elements of their own body rather than chemicals or donated cells.

The second benefit, which many patients like to hear, is the effectiveness of the treatment. When used to stimulate the restoration of hair follicles, studies have shown it to be very effective. It is important to note that the procedure works better for certain conditions than for others. In the cases of androgenetic or hereditary alopecia (hair loss), which causes the hair follicles to thin until hair is no longer able to grow, the procedure has been especially effective. Typically, results are seen within 3-6 months following treatment. The best results are also seen in those who started experiencing hair loss rather recently rather than those with advanced conditions, as the treatment works with the hair follicles that are still present.

The results have also been strong in patients who experienced hair loss due to alopecia areata (spot baldness) or similar diseases, when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. Hair loss as a result of chemotherapy treatments or radiation, however, has not been shown to respond well to the treatments.

When used in conjunction with a hair transplant, it has also been shown to improve success rates by stimulating the transplanted hair follicles to grow and develop as expected. The plasma also helped with the healing of the tissue damaged in the treatment.

Another important consideration of many patients is cost. Fortunately, the treatment has proven to be very affordable and cost effective, especially when compared to other surgical treatment options. A study published by the European Journal of Plastic Surgery stated that “PRP injections are simple and efficient, have minimal morbidity with a low cost-to-benefit ratio and can be regarded as a valuable alternative for the treatment of alopecia”.

People experiencing hair loss often search for the best way to halt the process and reverse their symptoms. Many will try a variety of over the counter methods, others will go as far as to get hair transplants. Fortunately, the platelet rich plasma therapy used in conjunction with laser treatment is proving to be an effective, safe, non-surgical alternative for many experiencing hair loss.

READ MORE

Skin Care During Pregnancy

So you’ve got a baby coming, and you don’t want to lose ground with your skin care routine.

While some women can look fabulous through pregnancy, others are more affected by the hormonal changes. They notice dark spots, acne or varicose veins appearing. These are common concerns that you should discuss with your dermatologist, midwife, obstetrician or family physician.

When it comes to skin care products and treatments, many physicians recommend that you simply postpone their use until pregnancy and breastfeeding are over. In addition to safety concerns about products, skin issues may resolve on their own when your life is back to normal.

Topical moisturizers, antioxidants and sulphur-based products are safe during pregnancy. You could also safely undergo microdermabrasion, which exfoliates the skin with tiny crystals.

Products to Avoid

Unsafe products include but are not limited to:

• Retinoids (tretinoin) are a standard part of the anti-aging regimen. But they are not recommended for use during pregnancy. The FDA also recommends that pregnant women limit their Vitamin A intake.
• Beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment.
• Accutane is known to cause serious birth defects when used during pregnancy.

The clinical research done on this topic is limited – because no physician is likely to perform studies of pregnant women and different skin care products. If you’re in doubt about any skin care product or treatment, consider your options carefully and talk to a physician before using it.

Photo by Showbits

READ MORE

6 Celebrity Skin Care Tips Anyone Can Use

READ MORE