Michael Lin MD's Blog
Creator of Linage LinQ, Linage, and ACT Skincare products. Celebrity Dermatologist and founder of Linage Dermatology.
FIVE Signs Your Skin Is Aging
FIVE Signs Your Skin Is Aging
By: Angela L. Robles
In a perfect world you started anti aging during your teen years, avoided the sun, smoking and stress. Well, this isn’t a perfect world! Besides what fun would it be to stay inside all day. Knowing what is going on with your skin, why it’s happening and how to fix it is what is important.
You might have noticed that the circles under your eyes are a bit darker. This is a common complaint, what happens over time is that the fat breaks down under the eye area the fastest. As the fat breaks down the skin appears saggy and your under eye area looks hollow. Some people are genetically predisposed and have dark circles under their eyes. Weather age or genetics is responsible, the treatment is the same. Be sure to use eye creams that both hydrate the eye area and stimulate circulation. Stagnant blood can give the appearance of darkening under the eye as well. Laser treatments that are non-ablative can be used to stimulate collagen production under the eye area. Otherwise, filler such as Juvederm can be injected under the eye to fill the hollow and restore a youthful appearance. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about which treatment option is best for your condition. Oftentimes, this depends on the severity of the darkening.
Have you noticed that your once oily skin has become dry over the years? This isn’t a figment of your imagination, instead it is a combination of two logical reasons. One: Over time your oil glands shrink, leaving your skin dry. The oil that your skin produces is designed to lubricate the surface of your skin and to protect you from external environmental aggressors. Two: You can’t seem to apply enough moisturizer to hydrate the surface of your skin. Most people either over exfoliate or under exfoliate. If you don’t exfoliate enough, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin and moisture simply cannot penetrate into the skin. Thereby, also leaving your skin feeling dry. Although, you cannot unshrink your oil glands you certainly can exfoliate so that your moisturizer has an unobstructed path to hydrate your skin.
If fine lines and wrinkles have become a normal part of your reflection in the mirror, this too is a sign of aging. Most of this damage is a direct result of sun exposure over several years time. Genetics can also play a roll in fine lines and wrinkles. The third culprit is repetitive facial expressions. Your skin looses it’s support (collagen and elastin) and over time cannot bounce back. The result is fine lines and/or wrinkles. Before you jump to injections, consider using an Clarisonic Pro and Retin A or Renova. Inectables that work to cease movement within the muscle or fillers that fill in gaps and holes are an invaluable tool in the war on anti aging. Consult with your medical professi0nal to see if laser, creams or injections are best for your skin condition.
“Turkey Neck” is another common complaint when it comes to aging. The same break down of collagen and elastin is responsible for the sagging of the neck area, commonly called turkey neck. One thing you can do during your lifetime is try to never let your weight fluctuate more than 10 lbs. This prevents the skin from stretching out and sagging. Although, injectables are being used more often in the neck, it still isn’t common practice. Laser seems to be a common choice to tighten and improve the appearance of the neck area. The laser treatments vaporize tissue which creates some skin tightening. Several laser treatments may be necessary to achieve your desired goal. It is always important to have realistic goals before commencing treatment.
Those freckles that were cute once, have become larger and darker well, that too is a sign of aging. After years and years of sun damage it’s logical that the sun should leave it’s speckled mark on your face. The bulk of your damage was either done while driving or being a passenger in the car, not reapplying sunscreen while on vacation and/or sweating it off. There are several ways to improve the appearance of these unsightly speckles. First and foremost, you have to take the sunscreen pledge. You must wear SPF 30 each and every day of your life for the rest of your life. A series of chemical peels can help lighten the brown spots. Prescription bleach creams that are applied to the affected areas will lighten the pigment as well. Visible results usually occur within a month. Finally, you can have the brown spots lasered off.
Your skincare provider can point you in the right direction to help lighten your pigmentation, tighten loose skin, treat dark circles and get your dry skin under control. When you begin to notice changes in your skin consult your physician sooner rather than later. It is easier to treat newer damage. Not matter which option you chose make sure your using SPF daily and have patience and comply with your treatment plan.
What Really Ages Your Skin
What Really Ages Your Skin
By: Angela L. Robles
After sifting through countless pieces of information about aging and talking to doctors, nurses and skin care professionals the question became: What really ages the skin and what can be done about it. Thankfully, we were born into the generation of skin change. It is no longer necessary to accept your predisposed skin destiny. Knowing what ages you and how to deal with it should ease your worries. Right off the bat, don’t SMOKE and avoid the sun whenever possible.
Sugar is a skin no no. I know, in two sentences I have taken away all your fun: smoking, sun and sugar! Sugar quite simply raises your glycemic index. Glucose eats away at collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that are responsible for maintaining your skin structure. Compromised collagen or elastin is like trying to wear elastic pants with damaged elastic, the pants will either fall off or won’t stay put. Glycation leads to the hardening of collagen, which leads to less supple skin and soft skin.
Many people simply are not aware of how much sun they get on a daily basis. Weather they get their sun exposure from sitting in the car for 5-10+ minutes, from the window in their home or office, running errands all day, going for a walk at lunch or simply not re-applying their sun screen during the day. All of that sun adds up! On a regular work day you should re-apply SPF every 2 hours, on a day where your directly in the skin you should apply every 45 minutes to an hour. UV rays have a long wavelength therefore they can travel through glass.
Although, it is virtually impossible to lead a stress free life, it is important to have tools to deal and cope with stress. Stress raises cortisol levels. The stress hormone cortisol eventually breaks down collagen and elastin. Remember that collagen and elastin are responsible to maintain the structure of your youthful appearance. Try this easy tip: When you are entertaining a stressful thought simply say, “next” or focus on your breathing. If it works 1 time out of 5 you saved your collagen and elastin from that damage.
Get some sleep. You need at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep each and every night. While you sleep you body repairs, regenerates and heals itself. Anti aging creams are always applied at night, this is because your body is in the state of rest and can absorb anything applied to it’s surface. During the day your body is stressed and cannot absorb creams in an uninterrupted manor. That is why sun protection and antioxidants are applied during the daytime and you should treat the skin with anti aging creams at night.
As the years pass your skin cells slow down and are not able to turn over as quickly as they once did. This leads to an accumulation of dead and dull skin cells on the surface of your face. Many people then try to purchase expensive hydrating skin moisturizers and don’t realize that it is impossible to hydrate dead skin cells. Exfoliation is an important part of any skin care routine, regardless of age. The main problem with exfoliation is moderation and the appropriate type of exfoliant for your skin. Everyone should use a Clarisonic cleansing unit to cleanse their skin daily. In addition you should use an anti aging cream that contains Vitamin A. It is important not to use anti aging creams in excess because it will overly dry your skin. In combination with your anti aging cream you should hydrate with a hylauronic acid cream or moisturizer. Hylauronic Acid draws moisture from the air and in turn hydrates your skin.
If you live in or around a city you should know that pollution causes oxidative stress. Pollution activates MMP’s (matrix metalloproteinases- harmful enzyme that speeds aging by breaking down collagen and elastin) that can speed your aging process. Applying an antioxidant cream, lotion or drops daily under your sunscreen will help protect your skin against unnecessary environmental damage. You’ll find that the most common antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Percentages of active ingredients vary and cocktails of antioxidants are now available, simply ask your dermatologist or skin professional which antioxidant is best suited for your skin needs.
Always be sure to avoid excessive sun exposure and smoking. Be careful not to eat too much sugar and whenever possible try to manage your stress levels. Hit the pillow nightly with the intention of getting 7 hours of sleep. Use your anti aging products as directed to properly exfoliate the skin and wear your antioxidant protection daily underneath your sunscreen. Try to be consistent with your skin routine and preventative skin habits. All of your hard work will pay off when you go to buy a bottle off wine and the clerk asks to see your ID.
A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time
By: Angela L. Robles
Is it a wrinkle, fine line or motion line. Classifying the type of line isn’t as important as understanding both how to prevent it and treat it.The damage has been done, now it’s time to deal with it.
I have clients ask me all the time,”What is the best anti-aging cream on the market, money is no object.” The answer is simple! Sunscreen is the least expensive ant-aging cream on the market. Then my clients usually rolls their eyes. The sun is responsible for 90% of ALL damage done to the skin. 90% of ALL damage. I just wanted to make sure you understood. Be sure to use a physical sunscreen that contains either Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and contains SPF (sun protection factor) of 30. Start doing this from a young age and use SPF daily and voila you’ll be wrinkle free.
Assuming you didn’t know this fact while you were growing-up and you used iodine, a sun reflector and tan enhancing cream just take a deep breath and start from today. Wear your sunscreen daily to prevent further cosmetic damage as well as skin cancer. If you lead a sun indulgent life you skin might not look as fresh and flawless as you’d like. Luckily there are several things that you can do to improve those wrinkles!
I had a desperate bride that only had two months to look her best. When she walked in, I though if only we had more time. Alas, we didn’t. The dermatologist quickly wrote her a prescription for Renova and sold her a Clarisonic Pro cleansing machine. We were able to squeeze in three chemical peels before the big day. By the time her wedding day arrived, she looked beautiful. He skin was radiant and glowed in all of her photos. Mission accomplished! I don’t suggest waiting until a big event is on the horizon, but miracles can occur.
Had the bride felt comfortable with injections she could have had Botox or a similar product along with Juvederm or a similar filler to further enhance her look.
Clarisonic
Retin A
Peels
Botox
Filler
Laser
Some people consider wrinkles a badge of honor while others view it as a sign of their inevitable mortality. Most people agree that they will use the necessary skin care products to look as fresh and youthful as possible. It is when needles, cutting and pasting come into the equation that they rapidly change their mind. Prevention is the key to anti-aging. However, it’s never too late to treat your wrinkles, fine lines or motion lines.
Newport Beach Open House
Meet Dr. Michael Lin and Kristyn Smith- Esthetician at our newest location:
1401 E. Avocado Ave. Suite 810, Newport Beach on March 20, 2012
from 5:00p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
New procedures offered!
IPL photofacials, Laser Hair Removal, Customized Facials & Chemical Peels
Attendees may book cosmetic procedures at a discounted rate on the night if the event ONLY. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! RSVP to 949/760-5047
The Perfect Cream
The Perfect Cream
By: Angela L. Robles
Have you ever thought that you could make the perfect face cream. A cream designed for you made by you. In a perfect world this would be possible. However, in this world it is more difficult than it seems. With the internet at your finger tips, it seems like it would be easy to find raw materials, containers, create labels and mix away. If only you could create creams in your own kitchen.
When we decide to add a product to the Linage family we first have to decide what to create. What we usually do, is pull a report to see what sold the most. Then the conversation begins, is the demand enough to off-set the cost. Once the product has been agreed upon. It is time to call the chemist. The chemist will come in and take our wish list down. What is the product? What is it for? What type of skin is it for? What are the ingredient must have’s? Will it be organic? Contain fragrance? What is the proposed price point of the finished product? Once the chemist has all of this information, he will then begin mixing the first test batch. 
While the chemist is busy working on the test batch,we begin researching packaging. Will it go into a tube, a jar and will it have a pump? How many ounces will go into the package? Will the tube, jar go into a box? Let’s say that we picked a jar for the next product. How are we going to seal the jar to ensure it isn’t contaminated. For aesthetic reasons, should we design a box, after all products look more elegant in a box . It’s time to have the graphic designer design the label and the box. The box can only be designed after you pick the winning batch, of creme from the chemist because you have to list the ingredient deck on the back of the box. This is something that the chemist will provide.
Picking a winning batch of cream can be a challenge. Batch one may be tacky when it dries. Batch two might be stinky, because we wanted the creme to be fragrance free…mistake. Batch three might smell better and dry better, but the consistency of the product itself may be too runny. Finally batch four arrives, it might appear to be the best of all of them. Now, so much time has passed that your not sure if you like batch four or if you are frustrated that 4 months has elapsed and your settling.
After 6 box designs, 3 different labels and 4 test batches of product your slightly closer to creating your ideal cream. It’s time to secure your manufacturer. The manufacturer minimum quantity is 5,000 pieces and each unit will cost about $20.00 and they want a check so they can start purchasing raw material. Although your closer to the end you are still far away. The raw material will arrive from all over the world, stability tests on the finished product and several other things need to happen before the finished product is in your hands.
The Perfect Creme
The process is long but the payoff can be great. The truth is that usually the first batch ends up being tweaked or tossed, no matter how small or large the company is. Once all is said and done you cross your fingers and hope that your perfect cream is perfect for 4999 other people as well as for yourself. I say that you should leave it to the professionals and hope that someone else creates your perfect cream.
Facials: Do they work?
Facials: Do they work?
By: Angela L. Robles
As an Esthetician, now a Para Medical Esthetician it has been fun to watch the evolution of facials. The technology has improved across the board from skin care lotions; potions and creams to the machines that are used to both treat and prevent various skin conditions. Luckily, I have access to a ton of medical data and doctors making it easier to sift through the products and procedures that don’t warrant results.
Oxygen facials are the treatment that won’t go away. It seems that there is always a article or a celebrity that brings oxygen treatments back into the spotlight. There is NO medical proof or studies to prove oxygen treatments do anything that the manufacturer claims. Oxygen Facials promise to hydrate the skin, plump up the skin cells, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and leave the skin looking dewy. The claims don’t end there oxygen facials also claim to force oxygen into the skin, enhance the ability to absorb products and allow make-up to glide on the skin. I will agree that oxygen leaves the skin slightly flushed and is the perfect thing to do the day of a party or television appearance. The average cost of an oxygen treatment is anywhere from $150.00 to $500.00 per visit. Six visits are recommended.
Ultra sound facials or Ultherapy treatments direct sound waves through the skin while maintaining visual contact of the layers of skin. Ultherapy can target the deeper layers of skin with heat. The heat then stimulates the skins natural ability to create collagen. There is an ongoing trial you can view at: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01422538. Clinical trials can take up to FIVE years to complete. In my experience when a product or procedure applies for a study the results are usually positive. Especially in this case where they are going up against a well known product like Sculptra.
The microcurrent face-lift is another newer facial that has no medical proof to verify the results. A research doctor who found this technology to be the best designed the machine itself. These facials claim to activate the skins natural chemical response that are responsible for health and vitality, improve muscle tone, soften fine lines, eliminate wrinkles, improve circulation and drain the toxins from the skin. Microcurrent also claims to enhance product penetration and improve pigmentation or brown spots on the skin. The most important function of the microcurrent lift is it’s claim to re-educate the muscle. The microcurrent mimics the signals sent by the brain, which ultimately strengthen the muscle.
Traditional facials, Microdermabrasion and chemical peels remain the tried and true treatments that yield results. While a facial only provides hydration and nourishment to the skin it still is an important part of skincare. Dehydrated skin can react differently than hydrated skin, it can cause breakouts, make the skin appear rough or look as if the skin has a red hue or rash. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that has been used for many years that simply evenly removes the dead outer layer of skin. Chemical peels have the most research that supports the claims of anti-aging, anti-acne, improvement in the appearance of pigmentation and overall exfoliation.
The companies that retail the machines necessary to perform these treatments have clinical data that is not to be confused with medical data. Clinical data can be done without parameters and supervision. The only proof provided is usually before and after pictures and client testimonials. Medical studies have to follow specific protocol and the length of time varies depending on paperwork and findings.
When it comes to skincare I always say one size does not fit all. It is important to find your winning combination. Those include both in office treatment and home care products. Once you find a skin technician that you trust, follow his/her recommendations.
Make sure you clearly state your skin concerns and if you are unhappy with the results or progress of your skin, SPEAK UP. Don’t head out looking for a new skin therapist, you’ll simply have to start over while a new therapist gets to know your skin and it’s limitations.
French Skin Care vs. American Skin Care
French Skin Care vs. American Skin Care
By: Angela L. Robles
A doctor recently asked me what was the difference between American and French facials. It occurred to me that not as many of my clients ask for French or European Facials anymore. They want the biggest bang for their buck, this usually includes a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. The easiest way to differentiate between the two would be maintaining the integrity of the skin or the French way vs. wounding the skin or the American way. To understand the difference it is important to understand the different between cultural skin care beliefs.
Matis a French Night Anti-Aging Cream
Home care that is preformed every morning and evening is a given in France. Women use night creams, day creams and eye creams. They masque their skin weekly in addition to getting their facial treatments. It still surprises me how many Americans DO NOT wash their face before bed, apply sunscreen daily let alone apply anti-aging day or night creams. Six months to a year can elapse between facial appointments. Overall skin care has not become American norm yet.
There are about twice as many salons in France than in the U.S. You can find a salon that offers skincare in a small town in France whereas you could not in the U.S. The Americans still view skincare and facials as a luxury and factor it into disposable income. In France, a woman may get a facial every week as common practice regardless of social standing or economic class. It is part of grooming it isn’t a luxury that is reserved for a girls night out. In France, women take their young and teens to get facials. In America, I only see teenagers for facials if they have acne.
French or true European facials are done without machines and water. All of the products are removed with toner, not water. The heat of the esthetician’s hand are used to stimulate or penetrate products into the skin. Steam is not used because the products can soften the skin or prepare the skin for extractions. Massage is used to lift muscles and aid in anti-aging the skin. Masques are packed with plant extracts that are released at different depths of the skin to calm, anti-age, hydrate or nourish the skin. The French have mastered delivery systems that aid in releasing essential oils or plant extracts into the skin. Every cream and every movement is used to nourish the skin and care for it.
Nourish vs. Wounding the Skin
The American’s use a slightly approach. Exfoliation and stimulation are the most common practices used in American skin care this would be considered wounding the skin. By exfoliating the skin you are promoting cellular turn over which helps the skin function on a healthy level. As aging occurs, the skin sheds less often. Small children shed or turn their skin every 15 days whereas adults can max out at about 45 days. Stimulating the cells to behave as young cells is the ultimate goal in American skin care. Facials include scrubs, enzymes, microdermabrasion or chemical peels all of these treatments are used to exfoliate and stimulate the skin’s natural ability function on a healthy level.
The ideal marriage between French and American skincare would be the best course of action for healthy skin. If Americans would adopt the French mentality of home care and frequency of skin treatments and French would wound the skin a bit, everyone would be in good shape. I prefer to treat my clients using a bit of both beliefs. Depending on the concerns of the skin I either have my clients have 2 peels then 1 facial or 1 facial then 1 peel. It seems to integrate both philosophies and the end result is healthy, glowing skin.
Everything You Need To Know About Hydroquinone PART 3 of 3
SIDE EFFECTS & RISKS
A. Irritant-contact Dermatitis
You may experience mild burning or stinging sensation, itching, minor redness, or irritation of skin at the application site. If HQ has been applied around eyes or nose, you may also experience dryness or cracking of the skin. In a study, cosmetic formulation containing 2% HQ has known to produce mild irritation reactions positivesensitization reactions.
But more severe reactions can also occur. These include the feeling of more extreme burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated areas. You may even notice unusual skin discolouration. And although rare, a blue-black darkening of the skin may occur.
B. Allergic-contact Dermatitis
Many HQ products contain sodium metabisulphite that may cause serious allergic reactions. These include minor hives, itching, wheezing, severe asthma attack and even anaphylaxis in certain susceptible people. So if you have sulfite allergy, pay careful attention to the labels. Product such as Esoterica contain sodium bisulfite or sodium metabisulfite.
In severe allergic reactions, you may experience excessive dryness and cracking, redness, stinging or blue-black darkening of the skin. Others severe reactions include rash, hives, blistering, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, and tongue.
In cases of dermatitis due to HQ, removal from exposure will quickly clear up the symptoms.
C. Ochronosis
Sometimes, instead of lightening the skin, HQ have been linked to ochronosis—a progressive sooty darkening and thickening of the skin that has been exposed to HQ. Most reports have been particularly in people of color, and after prolonged period of daily use—sometimes 10 to 40 years—of high concentrations HQ. Nevertheless, even short-term use of HQ-containing cosmetics in black people of South Africa, Britain, and the U.S. have observed dome-shaped yellowish spots and grayish-brown spots.
Histologically, degeneration of collagen and elastic fibers occurs, and is followed by the appearance of characteristic ochronotic deposits consisting of crescent-shaped, ochre-colored fibers in the dermis.
D. Cancer & Leukemia
Although its cancer-causing properties have yet to be proved in humans and, HQ has been known to cause mutations in research lab—liver cancer and leukemia in rats. Also, its strong implication to produce leukemia is associated with benzene exposure—in leukemia the hematotoxicity of benzene causes DNA and chromosomal damage. Hence in 2006, the FDA proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of HQ-products due to these studies that indicated HQ acting as a carcinogen.
MECHASNISM OF ACTION—The Science behind HQ Part 2 of 3
MECHASNISM OF ACTION—The Science behind HQ.
Prior to discussing the various skin-lightening agents, it is helpful to know the pigmentation pathway. Melanocyte (cells that synthesize melanin, the brown pigment) produces different types and amounts of melanin, and its distribution pattern in the epidermis will determine the actual color of the skin. Melanin then forms through a series of oxidative reactions involving the amino acid tyrosine and the enzyme tyrosinase.
The first step is the most critical because the remainder of the reaction sequence can proceed spontaneously at physiological pH. Tyrosinase converts tyrosine to DOPA and dopaquinone, and through auto-oxidation to dopachrome. Finally, DHICA forms eumelanin—black-brown pigment. Also, in the presence of cysteine (cys) or glutathione (gsh), dopaquinone is converted to cys-DOPA or gsh-DOPA. Subsequently, pheomelanin, a yellow-red pigment, is formed.
HQ interferes with tyrosinase activity and effectively shuts down the melanin production.
SAFETY & BAN
Minor to moderate side effects from using products with (1% aqueous solution or 5% cream) include irritations—erythema or dermatitis. In the presence of moisture at room-temperature, HQ oxidizes to quinone, which causes further irritation than HQ itself. For instance, it can affect the eyes and cause conjunctivitis or corneal erosion. More severe cases include symptoms of lung edema that occurs if you are exposed to HQ inhalation. This is usually aggravated by physical exertion, and may require rest or hospitalization.
There are also a marginal number of cases of serious damages reported in patients who applied long-term HQ. For instance, high levels of mercury, abnormal function of the adrenal glands, and blood diseases can occur when excess HQ products containing toxic chemicals enter the bloodstream. Hence, affecting the immune system and organs.
In 2001, HQ was rejected as an ingredient in cosmetics after it was shown to cause leukemia in mice and other animals. Since then, it has been banned for sale in Europe, Japan, Australia and Asia because of its cancer-causing (carcinogenic) properties, and for causing more damaging hyperpigmentation.
However here in United States, products containing HQ is still widely available. Bleaching products containing HQ can be bought in almost any beauty supply stores, even in groceries or department stores. However, concentrated cream containing more than 2% requires a doctor’s prescription. Directions for usage for both OTC and prescription (4% is the most common rx) strengths state clearly that HQ is only to be used for 4-6 months. Yet, there are many people who still choose to ignore the warnings and potential risks, overusing HQ-containing products for longer periods of time. For this reason, the FDA is calling for a ban on OTC bleaching creams, and if this takes effect, only the prescription strength formulations will be available
Resolution Reminder
Resolution Reminder
By: Angela L. Robles
Have you already forgotten that you promised to work out more, slow down and take time to take care of you during the new year? Let this serve as your reminder to put yourself on the master check list. Good skin should be a goal that you set for yourself this year. The skin is the largest organ of the body, so it’s logical that you should want your skin to be in optimal health.
There are several things that you should do to maintain general skin health. The easiest thing to do is to use good skincare products at home. There are thousands of brands out there and it can get overwhelming. Use what works for your skin. Daily you need to cleanse morning and night. In the morning use an anti-oxidant rich face product, eye cream and lastly use sunscreen 365 days a year. Nightly use an anti-aging night cream with retinol or vitamin A and eye cream. Products like Linage LinQ are a great place to start looking.
The next level of skincare would be adding in chemical peels. There are AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) and deeper peels like TCA. Peels should ideally be done in a doctors office by someone who is properly trained like a nurse or a paramedical esthetician. Peels that are done every two weeks are aggressively treating a specific skin condition like brown spots, wrinkles or acne. Monthly peels are a great way to make subtle changes in your skin and fight aging. Peels done every 6-8 weeks are considered maintenance. Deeper peels like TCA should be done once or twice a year, they can be closer together if you want to make changes in your skin.
The next step becomes a bit more invasive. This is where fillers, botox and lasers come into the picture. Filler is used to fill the hollows in the face. Botox is used to temporarily cease muscle movement. Lasers are used to remove hair, work on brown spots, red spots and even promote collagen production and skin tightening.
The TWO treatments I wish everyone would have Sculptra and PDT/IPL. Sculptra is a series of injections. Sculptra has small particles that your collagen wraps itself around to promote the growth of collagen. Second, I wish the world would have PDT/IPL. PDT is a medication that is applied to the face; it brings up past damage from the sun. Then IPL then lasers them away. The result is clear and youthful looking skin. This treatment has tremendous cosmetic value but it is medically necessary for those patients that have had a history of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions on their face, arms of chest.
The sooner you begin home maintenance and chemical peels the less likely you are to have to have cosmetic surgery. Plastic Surgery as well as Cosmetic Dermatology are constantly having NEW and IMPROVED treatments become common practice. It is important to know that there are several alternatives to going under the knife.
