Simple Secrets To Succor Your Skin

It is so true...... You are what you eat!!!!!

Eat as healthy as possible, having a good diet, makes your skin look healthy and beautiful.

Now lets talk serious.... preventing redness, brown spots, and hyperpigmentation pesky issues that add unwanted years to your vis-age. I unflinchingly believe in these tried & tested three easy-basic guidelines......... Don’t be shy read on & make them your-own-skin-habits and enjoy clearer improved skin/complexions. (You're welcome by the way) *Wink* .....Stay Radiant!

• Be gentle on your skin: Avoid harsh scrubs and rigorous towel drying, friction can cause irritation that makes skin look older. And anytime you have an ingrown hair, clogged pore, or even a scratch from your pet—don’t touch it!! Many women pick at their skin, not realizing it can cause post-inflammatory pigmentation and scarring.

• Stay away from smoke: Chemicals from cigarettes get into your bloodstream and find their way to your skin, making it sallow and spotty. Even if you don’t smoke, sitting in a smoky room or restaurant exposes your skin to the same chemicals that cause discoloration. 

• Say yes to daily SPF: You’ve heard it a million times, but have you gotten the message? My patients say they don’t use sunscreen because they don’t sunbathe, so I show them the freckles and little broken capillaries on their skin. I explain that they can get sun damage from simply walking to the car each day without sunscreen.

Modern Day Girl’s Hair Conundrums

Flash News: Dyes, straighteners and blow dryers may help make you stylish in the short term, but over time, harsh chemicals and heated styling devices can damage your hair.

I have been collecting questions about prevalent hair problems from my patients over the last few weeks today I'd try to adress the most common ones bringing to light the top causes of hair damage and tips on how to maintain a healthy and lustrous head of hair.

Are chemical dyes bad for the hair?

Chemical damage is one of the most common culprits of hair damage, as processed hair loses its natural moisturizers and the protective lipid layer of fat on the outside of the cuticle (responsible for making the hair shiny) is removed. The result is dried-out, dull, & frizzy hair.

What are the best ways to combat chemical damage?

• Use conditioning shampoos and conditioners regularly to improve the appearance of frizzy hair. 2-in-1 shampoos that remove oil from the scalp, clean the hair, and then condition the hair in the rinse phase also are good choices.
• Look for shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and creams containing dimethicone, which has been shown to decrease static electricity, increase shine, and improve manageability. 
• Hair serums rubbed through the length of the hair may also help.
• Of course the best option is to stop dyeing your hair. If you do dye, choose a shade that's within three shades of you natural color. Dyeing hair darker, rather than lighter, also generally is less damaging.

Can the sun damage hair?

Hair can get tanned and damaged, just like skin. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or a tanning booths weakens the hair structurally, resulting in hair breakage and loss.

The best protection is a hat or an umbrella, though conditioners that contain a sun screen can help too. Just be sure to reapply after each shampoo.

Grey hair is most subject to damage from the sun, followed by blonde hair. If your hair is grey and you’re going to be out in the sun a lot without a hat, you may want to consider dyeing it dark; it's a trade-off, but damage from the sun is worse in this case than damage from the dye.

Can blow-drying my hair result in damage?

Yes. Water in hair is what makes it flexible. Heating appliances boil the water within the hair shaft, creating escaping steam. Hair bubbles form on the hair shaft, creating a loss of cuticle. Signs of heat damage include hair that smells burned, has frizzy ends, and breaks easily.

How can I dry my hair without damaging it?

Allow it to air dry, when possible. If you have to use a hairdryer, start out on the lowest heat setting first and gradually increase it.

Moisturizing the hair regularly will help the appearance of heat-damaged hair to some degree, but hair damaged by heat cannot be repaired. The affected hair will need to be cut off and allowed to regrow as healthy hair.

Since hair is alive, won't damaged hair just grow back?

One of the most common misconceptions about hair is that it is alive, when in fact hair is nonliving and does not heal itself once it is injured. So once the hair is damaged it cannot heal itself except through new hair growth at the scalp.

How about straightening my hair?

If you're straightening hair with a ceramic iron, put a moist towel in the device to protect the hair from direct heat. 

There's also a procedure called keratin hair straightening that uses gluteraldehyde or formeldahyde in combination with heat to straighten the hair’s natural bonds. After the chemical solution is applied to the hair, a keratin protein conditioner must be put on the hair to make it less brittle. The hair must be kept dry and not bent or manipulated for several days or the bonds will repair and the hair won't be straight.

Munch Your Way To Skinny

Remember the days when your metabolism was like a caffeinated mouse in a wheel? Yeah, me neither. If you aren’t one of those lucky gals who can eat whatever she wants and burn it off thanks to an annoyingly fast metabolism, look to these helpful foods to boost your metabolism.

Grapefruit

This diet super fruit (above) lowers the insulin levels in your body that trigger your system to store fat. Plus, it is rich in fiber, and your body must burn extra calories in order to break it down.

Green Tea

Green tea is the main source of epigallocatechin gallate, known better as EGCG. This healthy catechin speeds up your brain and nervous system, causing your body to burn more calories.

Yogurt

The high levels of protein present in natural yogurt require a lot of energy to be processed. Plus, the pro-biotic cultures found in yogurt help regulate your digestive tract.

Almonds

Almonds’ essential fatty acids help raise your body’s metabolism. Just don’t overdo it because they’re also very high in calories.

Coffee

Coffee has caffeine, which does give you a boost. Just ensure that you don’t exceed 2 or 3 cups a day, or you risk a host of side effects, including irritability and jitters.

Turkey

This protein-rich meat builds lean muscle tissue, which causes your body to burn extra calories and raises your metabolism.

Apples

Like grapefruit, this low-calorie snack is high in fiber, which your body must burn calories to break down. Plus, since apples help you stay full for longer, you’ll eat less.

Spinach

Popeye was right about one thing: spinach can help make you strong and healthy. In addition to speeding up your metabolism, it’s a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin C.

Beans

Low in fat and packed with protein, beans keep you full for long durations, and your body must burn extra calories in order to process this fiber-rich food.

Jalapenos

The capcaisin found in jalapenos causes your body to burn extra calories for hours after you ingest them, speeding up both your heart rate and metabolism.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains a highly effective metabolism-boosting team of nutrients: calcium and vitamin C. Calcium acts as a metabolic trigger, while vitamin C helps your body absorb more calcium.

Oatmeal

Because your body takes a long time to break down the fat-soluble fiber in oatmeal, this healthy food lowers your body’s insulin level and speeds up your metabolism as a result.

Soy Milk

Fortified soy milk is loaded with calcium, which helps boost your metabolism. Just stay away from the sweetened varieties.

Curry

Like jalapenos, curry increases the amount of calories your body burns and speeds up your metabolism.

Cinnamon

A little bit of cinnamon can go a long way. Add some zing to your daily cup of tea with this tasty spice to help your body metabolize sugars more effectively and maintain steadier blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can also help lower your cholesterol.

Hair Dietetics

Your body thrives on the right blend of nutrients, and your hair is no different. To get the best vitamins and minerals for healthy hair, choose foods packed with these nutrients.

Protein

More than 90 percent of your hair is made up of protein, so you need to have enough protein in your diet to support hair growth. Fortunately, most people get plenty of protein naturally from their diet. Foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are high in protein. Vegetarians can get protein from plant sources such as soybeans, seeds, and nuts.

Beta-carotene

This antioxidant can help your body synthesize protein, may encourage hair growth, and may help prevent hair loss. Look for it in lots of fruits and vegetables, especially orange ones.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A fosters scalp health. Many orange fruits and vegetables — cantaloupe, apricots, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots — are good sources of vitamin A, as is broccoli.

The B Vitamins

The nutrients in this family of vitamins, often called B-complex vitamins, may help promote hair growth and prevent hair loss and breakage. Vitamin B3 (niacin) may nourish hair follicles, while vitamins B5, B6, and B12 may prevent both hair loss and premature graying. B vitamins can be found in poultry, beef, fish, eggs, whole grains, beans, sunflower seeds, peas, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and fortified breads and cereals.

Biotin

A biotin deficiency can leave your scalp itchy and scaly. To help keep your scalp healthy, choose biotin-rich meats, fish, eggs, dairy foods, nuts, whole grains, and molasses.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. It also helps keep your blood vessels healthy, helps prevent hair breakage, and promotes hair growth. All the citrus fruits — grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines, and so on — are high in vitamin C, as are berries and melons.

Vitamin E

This antioxidant vitamin helps your cells repair themselves and facilitates your body's synthesis of protein; it also encourages hair growth and aids in circulation. It is plentiful in green vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, beans, nuts, and avocados.

Vitamin K

This vitamin can promote hair health. You'll find it in seafood, eggs, liver, dairy products, green vegetables, figs, cabbage, oatmeal, yogurt, and wheat.

Para-aminobenzoic acid

This nutrient might help stave off grey hair. Look for it in yogurt, whole grains, and some organ meats (like liver).

Minerals

A range of minerals, including trace minerals, can help promote hair growth and protect against hair breakage. Key among them are silica, calcium, iron, copper, and zinc. These minerals are found in a broad range of unprocessed foods, including meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, liver, eggs, rice, oats, whole-grain cereals, sunflower seeds, lettuce, onion, cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, bean sprouts, leafy green vegetables, strawberries, dates, and raisins. Organic foods frequently have higher concentrations of trace minerals than conventionally grown foods.

Enjoy A Variety

For the broadest range of the best vitamins and minerals for hair health, eat a variety of nutritious foods. That way, you'll get the benefit of the micronutrients that are found in trace amounts. If you feel your diet may be lacking in any vitamins or minerals, talk to your doctor to see whether he or she recommends a daily multivitamin.

Wish you all great hair days!!

Skin Metamorphosis: Peels & Post Care

Chemical peels help rejuvenate the skin via a chemical solution that sloughs off the damaged, outermost layer of the skin, which allows smoother, more evenly pigmented skin to surface, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. The mildest type of chemical peels generally contain alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. A medium-depth peel consists of trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, while a deep peel uses the strongest chemical solution, known as phenol. Aftercare will vary depending on the strength of your chemical peel.

Hand's Off  Policy

Mild or light chemical peels can cause reddening and peeling of skin in the days following the treatment, while deeper peels can cause blistering, scabbing and peeling that persists for up to two weeks. Strong peels may also cause swelling of the skin.

Even though skin may itch or burn early in recovery, it's important to resist the urge to rub or scratch the affected skin. Picking, patting, wiping or otherwise touching the treated area may lessen the results of the peel and increase the risk of infection. A cold compress may help relieve any post-peel discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe oral steroids following medium and deep peels.

Moisturize

It's important to keep your face moisturized after a chemical peel since dry skin is more vulnerable to cracks and possible scarring. Make sure to apply cream or lotion diligently & multiple times in the days and weeks following a peel until your skin has completely healed. Your dermatologist may also recommend or prescribe soothing ointments if your skin is very sensitive.

Sun Protect

Shielding your skin from the sun is critical following all types and strengths of chemical peels, cautions the ASPS. It's best to avoid the sun completely in the first seven to 14 days after a peel unless you are wearing sunscreen. Unprotected skin is at risk of developing blotchy patches or irregular skin coloring following a peel.

Once your skin has healed, continue to wear sunscreen in order to minimize the formation of new lines and wrinkles. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher with UVA & B filters. Remember to apply sunscreens 20 to 30 minutes before you head outdoors.

Scars: What’s New On Treatment Menu?

I remember some years back when some one walked into my practice asking about treatment for unsightly & unwanted scars I was not very happy delivering the news there’s not much we can do to help the appearance. Utilizing intra-lesional injections, pulse dye lasers, deep peels etc. maximum we could predict up to 20-30% improvement and that was it.

Now we have entered exciting times where with the help of improved and advanced laser dermatology you no longer have to live with the unsightly scars. With advances in laser technologies particularly, fractionated ablative laser the treatment outcome for scars has improved significantly. Whether it’s a surgical scar or a scar from some sort of accident; we can improve them considerably utilizing fractionated laser skin resurfacing along with combination therapies.

Why Do Scars Develop?

Scars develop as a response to any wound or cut. As a response to injury protein-based collagen fibers are formed to mend the damage and replace the wounded skin. During healing process different elements can have an effect on scars for e.g. exposure to sun, your skin type and genetics. All of these factors play a role in how your scar is going to heal & look in the end. Once that scar has developed, most people believe they have to live with the scar for life.  Not anymore!

Lasers Can Help Reduce the Appearance of Many Types of Scars

Keloid Scarring- Raised, reddish scars that extend beyond the initial wound area and that grow over time.

Hypertrophic Scarring- Firm, raised, pink scars that remain within the initial wound area and may fade gradually over time.

Atrophic Scarring- Depressed pin-like pockets in the skin that can result from skin conditions or acne.

Contracture scars- Flat & tight scars that constrict movement, usually caused from burns.

Over the last few years there have been new lasers introduced that give excellent results in scar treatment. These are the CO2 fractional and Erbium lasers. Both give good results treating scars, whether we are talking a fresh surgical scar or a mature surgical scar, a burn scar, a keloid scar, or hypertrophic scar; we can now treat them all.

How Lasers Work to Remove Scars?

The laser beam gently vaporizes skin tissue to improve anything from wrinkles, to unsightly scars. The CO2 and Erbium fractional lasers drill small holes in the scars and cause the scars to remodel with normal tissue.

So, if you have a scar that you are not happy with you can go to your dermatologist’s office that have these devices and have your scars treated. I’ve had some amazing results treating these scars. It takes a few treatments, but using these new therapies I am seeing huge changes in scars that were previously untreatable.

RF Face Lifts

Aging is a fact of life and technology is being employed constantly to fight it in an innovative & inerrant fashion. There is new crop of skin tightening procedures sprouting every season,  with endless media campaigns and hypes it is difficult to decide what is effective and what is a mere hoax. Two widgets that are best known and have stood the test of time are: Thermage & Accent XL. While these two treatments utilize different proprietary technologies, the idea is essentially the same; they both aim to heat the deeper layer of the skin (the dermis) in order to generate a “healing response”. This healing response encourages increased collagen production and remodeling of existing collagen. Supportive underlying tissues of the skin contract, resulting in a tighter, more uplifted appearance to the skin.

Both treatments have been used with success on the face and areas of the body. Some of the most dramatic results have been seen in the area of the neck and jaw line. However, these treatments are also showing some promising results on sagging skin on the abdomen, upper arms, butt, and thighs, and seem to offer some help with diminishing the appearance of cellulite as well.

Special Advantages:

• Unlike with ablative lasers or chemical peels, there is no peeling of the top layer of skin, and therefore the procedures are more suitable for patients with darker skin tones, because of the significantly lowered risk of pigmentation changes.
• The cost is also considerably less than surgical face lift, and because the procedure is non-invasive (no cutting) there is usually no need to take time off from work.
• Pain management is hardly an issue, as these procedures require the use of local anesthetic and/or over-the-counter pain-killers, Accent XL requires no anesthesia at all.

For most patients, there is no downtime following a treatment.

Non Invasive Realistic Expectations:

Keep in mind that these procedures are not meant to deliver the same results as a surgical face lift. You cannot expect to erase 15-20 years with non-invasive tissue tightening. Also important to remember is that results vary from patient to patient due to differences in skin thickness and texture, healing response, and lifestyle variables. These procedures are probably best looked at as a way for younger patients to stave off more invasive procedures, or for those patients for whom surgery is not an option.

Skin-tightening procedures seem to work best in patients who have thin faces who don’t quite yet need a facelift and want to put it off for a few years. In some cases, these procedures may have little or no discernible effect on those who are really ready for a facelift due to having very loose skin and, or those with a lot of excess facial fat. Although many patients do experience dramatic differences, there is no guarantee of a noticeable improvement.

Operator technique is of paramount importance to obtaining a good result with these procedures, so make sure to do your research regarding the experience and training of the person who will be performing your procedure. And don’t forget to get and check references!

Keep in mind that since dermal collagen remodeling takes place over time, you cannot expect to see the final result until up to six months following your final session. This means that patients may be able to expect to see some immediate results, with improvements continuing for up to six months following the procedure.