Skinkare

How Botox Works

2009-03-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dolores Kent explains Botox from her Los Angeles office. Los Angeles Botox injections are used to gain a more youthful appearance by reducing wrinkles. Botox is non surgical and is injected in our Los Angeles office by Dr. Kent. Botox treatments can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

Women Aren’t The Only Ones Concerned About Skincare And Preventing Wrinkles

2008-03-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

How many times have you been told that beauty is only skin deep? You hear that a lot from older people who tell you that you should concentrate on inner beauty as opposed to the outer. I’m sure that that’s true, and all of my friends know that I am a kind gentle person, who is spiritual and always ready, willing and able to help those in need. That does not make me feel better when I look in the mirror and see, “laugh lines” around my mouth. Trust me, I’m not laughing.

Women think they are the only ones that despise the signs of aging that begins to appear on our faces as we get older. I’ve had countless women say to me that men get more distinguished looking as they age. Yeah, right. Leave it to a woman to be self centered enough that she thinks aging is all about her.

I have no shame when it comes to trying to stop age from making a life long appearance on me. I happily dye my beard to make myself look 10 years younger. I shaved my head a few years ago and instantly took years off and found out that women loved it! My wife likes it and so do I. You can go ahead and call me a wuss if you like, but I have no problem with going to my wife for advice on preserving my youthful look. You know the old saying, behind every good man, there’
s a good woman and my wife has proven this to be the case.

Some of the advice she has given me, I’m sure has contributed to my hunky looks. We both strive to eat nutritious foods, since a lack of proper nutrients will go a long way to advance the appearance of age.

Neither one of us leaves the house without putting on plenty of sun block. We both play tennis and with the sun beating down on our faces, we know that it can dry out our skin and cause a lot of damage, the worst of which could be skin cancer.

A lot of people are careful to put on sun block before heading outside, but many just apply it once before leaving the home. They don’t think about how sweating may reduce the effectiveness to nothing. They also might not realize that they need lip protection as well. My wife wears a lipstick that has a sun block in it; I have found a lip balm that gives the same benefit.

We also drink lots of water, even when we are not playing tennis. Without the proper hydration, the skin can wrinkle even faster. It doesn’t hurt to put down the beer can and have an icy cold glass of water instead.

The next time you macho men get annoyed because your wife turned her head to look at the hunk jogging down the street, remember that hunk was probably me.

Cheap Natural Solutions for Dry Skin and Wrinkles

2008-03-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Natural treatments for dry skin are the best choice today rather than harsh chemical treatments. Dry skin can lead to fine lines and wrinkles if it isn’t kept hydrated.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of our skin. it contains no blood vessels, and cells in the deepest layers are nourished by diffusion from blood capillaries extending to the uppermost layers of the dermis. Skin is the largest organ in our body and one of the organs of elimination.

Some serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can arise for people with type 2 diabetes. Dry skin when exposed to the elements, especially in winter, causes it to become drier and fine lines and wrinkles have a good chance to get a hold on your skin. And forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is.

Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamin group can also contribute to dry skin and wrinkles or result in a chronic dry skin condition that’s not relieved by anything else. Dry skin happens more often in the winter when the cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity. If you break out on the skin around your eyes, it could be the shellac in your mascara; buy a shellac-free mascara like Ecco Bella’s.

If you break out around you mouth and nose it could be from your make-up lip liner or lipstick. Both these break-outs become severely dry. It’s less common knowledge but these breakouts can be from pesticides in your food that have brushed against your face. These skin conditions are actually contact dermatitis and become very dry.

The two most common problems that affect our skin are: not drinking enough water and not eating enough fiber. Eat at least one avocado every day; put it in your salad or mash it up and eat it with a spoon. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts and cause fine lines and wrinkles to set in. Drink plenty of pure water.

Only use mild cleansers or mild soaps if you have to use a soap or cleanser. Apply moisturizers right after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp. Try using a humidifier if the air is dry and you have a dry skin condition.

After a soothing bath or shower at night just before your bedtime, apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body. It will even last on your skin through the shower you take in the morning. Use can use bath oils and moisturizers every day if they don’t have a drying effect on you, but coconut oil has the added power of healing. I buy coconut oil by the gallon. It’s cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, designer or name-brand moisturizer.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive. It’s a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I’ve ever found for dry skin and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. In fact it can work on almost all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, leathery skin, etc.

The skin is subject to a constant attack from without. It can be affected by many internal conditions, diseases and ailments. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it isn’t clean. It becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases, and it’s more prone to develop infections.

See your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn’t improve in spite of your best efforts. Continue using coconut oil and you’ll see the benefits in good, clear skin, free of dryness and other skin conditions and a lessening of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re still worried about your skin, or severe problems persist after everything you try, make sure to see your skin doctor.

Botox and wrinkles

2008-03-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Nobody likes to grow old. Everybody wants to stay young forever. Getting old means getting more wrinkles but it is an unavoidable part of life. You can’t stop growing older but you can get rid of wrinkles - thanks to Botox Injections and other options.

Firstly, where do those dreaded wrinkles come from?

Wrinkles come from long years of frowning, laughing, and smiling! Yes, these everyday activities form creases in your face due to the contractions of the delicate facial muscles. These “creases” tend to be invisible and light when you are young since the skin is more supple then. But as you age, they become more visible and turn into permanent wrinkles on your face.

How can you get rid of wrinkles ?

There are some options you can consider :-

1. Anti-wrinkle creams, eye creams, and other over-the-counter beauty products

These products take time to work (if at all). Also, you usually have to use them diligent (night and day) in order to achieve desirable results. It can be time consuming and tiresome to say the least.

2. You can also get rid of wrinkles through face lift surgeries. This is a viable option but is very expensive so not everybody can afford it.

3. And you can have a Botox injection

In 1989, the US FDA approved Botox injection for specific kinds of treatment. It gave great hopes to many people suffering from eye muscle disorders such as blepharospasm, crossed eyes, strabismus, and uncontrollable blinking.

It was not until the year 2000 that Botox treatment was used to get rid of unwanted facial and eye wrinkles. They rest, like they say, is history.

So, what in the world is Botox?

Botox is actually a poison or toxin. It is the substance generated from a neurotoxin called Botulinum toxin. It is used clinically in small quantities to treat neurological disorders such as facial spasms and strabismus - abnormal contraction of muscles found on eyes, neck, face and shoulder areas.

Botox injection smoothes frown lines or wrinkles and is only done by cosmetic surgeons. This injection can get rid of the frown lines but this result last only 3 to 6 months. After that, you need another injection and so on.

Here’s how Botox gets rid of wrinkles and make you look years younger…

Your cosmetic surgeon injects Botox into the affected areas of your face. This injection will cause a temporary paralysis of your facial muscles, resulting in the disappearance of facial creases. Botox’s main ingredient of natural purified protein will smoothen those overactive muscles present in your face. Thus you will look younger and fresher.

Botox cosmetic treatment is now an extremely popular option for many women (and now men) who want to get rid of wrinkles and look younger. And in the year 2002, the FDA grant approval for it to be used to treat additional disorders and sickness such as migraine headache, hyperhidrosis and even juvenile cerebral palsy.

Just as an indication, there have been 2,272,080 Botox injections performed in the year of 2003 alone. As you can see, Botox injection has worked for scores of women and men because it is a reliable treatment. Besides making your face a little stiff, this anti wrinkle treatment has no known negative side effects.

Alternative Medicine

2008-03-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

With the introduction and initial advancement of medical science herbal and natural cures experienced a pitfall. During those days, we gradually started believing that chemicals and synthetic medicines are the best cure for the treatment of all types of illness and diseases. Through the ages, knowledge and information about the healing and the soothing properties of different plants and herbs have been passed down by the wise herbalists.

However, in recent times, more and more people have come to realize that in spite of the advancement of medical science, the modern medicine prescribed by the physicians does not always hold the answers for the problems related to their health. As a result, people are once again turning their faces to the more natural and traditional ways of living and healing their health problem. Instead of relying upon medical science and the physicians in general, these days, people are increasingly depending on the herbal cures for their well being and are on the look out for healthy life style.

Wrinkles are very often on the face skin. It is just a natural process of aging, which can hardly be checked. But these days we do come across many teens and also people in their early twenties facing the same problem of lines and wrinkle formation on the face skin. This is however premature wrinkles and aging - a problem which can definitely be controlled with a little acre taken. Brushing off synthetic medicines, these days more and more people are relying on home remedies for problems to get permanently cured. Following are some of the tips which can be used to prevent wrinkles and enhance the skin tone and health.

1. Avoid Sun Tan: First and foremost, it is very important to protect yourself and your skin from sun. The skin gets affected a lot as a result of sun tans; it leads to fast damaging and aging of skin. Medically it has been proved that sun rays directly upon the skin results in skin cancer.

2. Vitamin E Pack: Break 3 vitamin E capsules and put them in a small bowl. Two teaspoons plain yogurt, half a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey needs to be added. This mixture needs to be applied over the face, left over for 10 minutes and rinsed off with plain water. This acts as an anti-wrinkle pack and nourishes the skin well.

3. Healthy Diet: Intake of healthy and nutritious diet is of utmost important. Leafy green vegetables and bright colored fruit need to be included in the diet for maximum free radical elimination. It has been medically proved that lack of free radicals is the direct cause of wrinkles on skin.

4. Facial massage: Massage enhances the blood circulation and also results in the tightening of muscles and the underlying tissues. This reduces the fleshiness of the skin and prevents from having wrinkles. Places where wrinkles have already set in can be massaged with coconut oil at night.

5. Avoid smoking: Premature face lines and wrinkles are mainly the results of smoking. It hinders natural blood circulation and gives rise to several internal problems. Once the habit of smoking is avoided, the premature wrinkles will be found to disappear.

6. Try bananas: Bananas are the best for anti-wrinkle treatments. One fourth of a banana mashed and applied over the face work wonders. After 10-15 minutes it needs to be rinsed off with warm water.

7. Sleep on your back: As a result of lying upside down or side ways. Wrinkles may be formed. So it is highly recommended to lie down straight and on your back. This type of sleeping eliminates the problem of wrinkle formation.

8. Get a humidifier: Things like room heaters and air coolers impart a drying effect on the skin by absorbing the moisture. This results in fast formation of wrinkles. So it is best to a humidifier. It helps to keep the surrounding air moist and therefore has a good effect on the skin.

Laser Skin Resurfacing to Remove Wrinkles

2008-03-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Used to effectively remove the outer layers of sun-damaged, blemished, unevenly pigmented, blotchy skin or pre-cancerous growths Chemical peels are available in three strengths to accomplish peels at three levels of depth.

The solution is applied to the skin and the chemical reaction peels off the outer layer of skin leaving fresh new skin growth with the absence of blemishes, blotches and wrinkles. A peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift but it is not a substitute for a facelift since it does not achieve the same results. Chemical peels also do not stop or retard the normal effects of aging.

Chemical Peel Overview:
Lights peels: Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) and Betahydroxy acids (BHA) are often called Light or Lunch-hour peels. AHA and BHA solutions are the mildest form of peel used to smooth rough, dry skin and improve the texture of sun-damaged skin and mild acne. The AHA solution can also be mixed with a bleaching agent to correct or improve pigmentation problems. The AHA peel may be used as a pre-treatment in preparation for a TCA peel or for laser resurfacing.

Whats involved in a "light peel"
AHA & BHA peels are usually performed in our office surgical suite.
These lift peels are relatively light and simple.
No sedation or anesthesia is required only slight stinging is experienced.
Treatments normally take about 10 15 minutes.
The solution is applied after the face is thoroughly cleansed left on 15 minutes and then removed.
Flaking, redness, dryness or mild irritation is common
You will be able to return to normal public activities within a day or two.
A sun block must be used until the surgeons says its o.k. to stop using it.
Medium peels involve the application of a solution of Tricholoroacetic acid (TCA) to treat skin with moderate sun damage, surface wrinkles or uneven tone or pigment abnormalities. TCA can also be applied in varying strengths to adjust the depth of the peel.

Whats involved in a "medium peel"

TCA solution is applied to your face after it is thoroughly cleansed.
You will be given a light sedative before treatment begins if you so choose.
The solution has somewhat of a numbing effect so sedation is not always needed.
You may feel a "warm" or "burning" sensation.
TCA peel may also be used on the neck and is preferred for darker skins.
Often 2 or more TCA peel treatments are needed to achieve the optimum outcomes spaced at one or two month intervals.
Flaking, redness, dryness and irritation are normal during healing.
Deep peels: Phenol acid is the strongest chemical peel solution and accomplishes the deepest peel and most dramatic results. It smoothes coarse wrinkles and is often used to remove pre-cancerous growths. Blotchiness is also treated with Phenol peel.

Whats involved in a deep "Phenol" peel:

After your face is thoroughly cleansed the Phenol solution is applied.
Phenol peels generally take one to two hours (full face) depending on the area being treated. Small areas can take as little as 15 minutes such as the upper lip.
Phenol peels are normally performed in our surgical suite in office.
Phenol peels usually require sedation for maximum comfort.
Phenol peel is used on the face only scarring may occur if used on other areas of the body.
Phenol peel is only suitable for fair, thin-skinned individuals with superficial wrinkles.
Flaking, redness, dryness and irritation will occur along with minor crusting. A dressing will be applied after your peel is completed.
Tingling or throbbing is common and will be managed with mild pain medication.
Swelling will be significant but subsides over a few days time.

Crusts or scabs that form will slough off in a week to 10 days and then you will be able to resume normal activities except for sun exposure.

A liquid diet may be required for a few days talking may also be difficult.

New red skin begins to form from 7-10 days after your treatment and this color fades gradually over a few weeks.

You must have a responsible adult drive you to your appointment, drive you home after and stay with you for a couple days. Swelling around the eyes is common.

Returning to work and normal activities including wearing makeup- may take 2 weeks or longer.
You must avoid sun exposure until told its o.k. and then a Sun block must be used the doctor tells you otherwise.

About Skincare Wrinkles

2008-03-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

Women think they are the only ones that despise the signs of aging that begins to appear on our faces as we get older. I’ve had countless women say to me that men get more distinguished looking as they age. Yeah, right. Leave it to a woman to be self centered enough that she thinks aging is all about her.

I have no shame when it comes to trying to stop age from making a life long appearance on me. I happily dye my beard to make myself look 10 years younger. I shaved my head a few years ago and instantly took years off and found out that women loved it! My wife likes it and so do I. You can go ahead and call me a wuss if you like, but I have no problem with going to my wife for advice on preserving my youthful look. You know the old saying, behind every good man, there’
s a good woman and my wife has proven this to be the case.

Some of the advice she has given me, I’m sure has contributed to my hunky looks. We both strive to eat nutritious foods, since a lack of proper nutrients will go a long way to advance the appearance of age.

Neither one of us leaves the house without putting on plenty of sun block. We both play tennis and with the sun beating down on our faces, we know that it can dry out our skin and cause a lot of damage, the worst of which could be skin cancer.

A lot of people are careful to put on sun block before heading outside, but many just apply it once before leaving the home. They don’t think about how sweating may reduce the effectiveness to nothing. They also might not realize that they need lip protection as well. My wife wears a lipstick that has a sun block in it; I have found a lip balm that gives the same benefit.

We also drink lots of water, even when we are not playing tennis. Without the proper hydration, the skin can wrinkle even faster. It doesn’t hurt to put down the beer can and have an icy cold glass of water instead.

The next time you macho men get annoyed because your wife turned her head to look at the hunk jogging down the street, remember that hunk was probably me.

Understanding Aging Skin and Wrinkles

2008-03-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

We’ve all seen the pictures of elderly men and women whose skin shows the wear and tear of aging. While wrinkles may be considered a sign of wisdom and experience, most of us would rather not have them. Wrinkles may look cute and cuddly on a Sharpei but they aren’t so appealing for those of us who have to look at ourselves in the mirror on a daily basis.

Wrinkles and other signs of aging can appear just about anywhere on the human body however; they tend to be more prevalent in areas that have had extensive exposure to the sun. The most common breading grounds for wrinkles tend to be the face, hands, forearms, and neck. There are several categories of skin wrinkles including fine lines, surface lines, and deep furrows. Anti wrinkle treatments are generally most effective on fine lines. Deep creases typically require more drastic measures to correct.

So what causes wrinkles anyway? Wrinkles tend to develop with age as skin looses Elastin or the fibers that give skin its elastic quality and help to hold in moisture. The loss of Elastin along with a protein called Collagen in the middle layer of human skin (Dermis) allows the skin to gradually become thinner and begin to sag. There are a variety of contributing factors including exposure to the sun, smoking, heredity, and skin type. Some of these factors such as heredity and skin type are currently beyond our control forcing us to focus on those areas where we can make an impact.

First and foremost; do not smoke. Smoking has been proven to increase wear and tear on the skin and lead to premature signs of aging. If you are currently a smoker; quit. It’s never too late to start making the right decisions and to begin promoting healthy skin. Second, avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet light is known to be damaging to the skin and can speed the aging process. This includes self tanning parlors where users are exposed to concentrated UV light for even short to moderate periods of time. When you are going to be outdoors, be sure to protect your skin with a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least a 15. Be sure to reapply often if your plans include swimming or exercise.

OK, that’s all fine and dandy you say but "What can I do about the wrinkles I already have?" There are several potential solutions available ranging from painful injections and complicated cosmetic surgeries to topical creams and moisturizers that can help reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles. Anyone considering cosmetic treatments for existing wrinkles should consult a medical professional so that they may be informed about the risks and expenses involved with cosmetic surgery. For those of you who may be looking for less painful and less expensive alternatives, there are still many viable options. Keeping your skin clean and moist is perhaps one of the easiest and least expensive actions you can take to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Staying properly hydrated is another important aspect of proper skin care. Following these simple steps can help keep the signs of aging in check. If you would like to go a step beyond basic skin care to go on the offensive against wrinkles, you may want to look into some of the newer topical facial creams that have come on the market. Some of the very best ones are listed in medical publications such as the Physicians Desk Reference and have clinical trial data to back up their results. Many products on the market will claim to reduce wrinkles but you must seek out products that can provide evidence to support their claims.