Category: anti-aging
The Science Behind Attractiveness: Exploring the Complexities of Perception
The concept of attractiveness appears straightforward; we often feel an instant, involuntary reaction when encountering someone we perceive as beautiful. Yet, this seemingly simple assessment is underpinned by intricate processes within our brains, transcending mere personal preference.
Studies over the years have revealed a fascinating consensus among individuals regarding what constitutes beauty. Surprisingly, this alignment extends beyond subjective taste, delving into the realm of brain science. Even babies exhibit a propensity to recognize and prefer faces deemed attractive by societal standards.
But what makes a face beautiful goes beyond superficial features like eye size or lip fullness. Our brains possess the remarkable ability to discern attractiveness, emotions, personality traits, and even fertility. The fusiform, a region of the brain responsible for facial recognition, plays a pivotal role in this process. Damage to this area impairs our ability to distinguish between faces and affects our perception of beauty.
When we perceive someone as beautiful, what we’re truly recognizing is their health and vitality. Studies have shown that features like smooth skin and symmetrical facial proportions signal good genetics and robust health. Consequently, our brains interpret these traits as markers of attractiveness.
Regardless of how our perceptions are shaped, the impact of appearance, both on others and ourselves, is profound. Our emotions are intricately intertwined with how we perceive beauty, influencing various aspects of our lives.
In essence, the notion of attractiveness is far from simplistic. It is a complex interplay of biological processes, societal influences, and individual experiences, each contributing to our understanding of beauty. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of perception, we gain deeper insights into the profound effect that appearance has on our lives.
See you soon.
The Surprising Health Benefits of Looking Pretty
Did you know that there’s more to looking pretty than just aesthetic appeal? It turns out, there are actual health benefits associated with feeling attractive and confident in your appearance. Let’s explore how looking pretty can contribute to your overall well-being.
Boosted Confidence: When you feel good about how you look, it naturally boosts your confidence. Confidence is not only attractive but also essential for overall mental health. Studies have shown that confident individuals tend to have lower levels of stress and anxiety, leading to improved emotional well-being.
Reduced Stress Levels: Taking the time to groom yourself and put effort into your appearance can have a calming effect on your mind. Engaging in self-care activities like skincare routines or styling your hair can serve as therapeutic rituals, helping to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
Enhanced Mood: Looking pretty often goes hand in hand with positive self-perception. When you like what you see in the mirror, it can uplift your mood and increase feelings of self-worth. This positive self-image can translate into greater happiness and satisfaction with life.
Social Connection: Feeling attractive can also improve your social interactions. When you exude confidence and positivity, others are naturally drawn to you, leading to stronger social connections and a sense of belonging. Meaningful social relationships are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
Physical Health Benefits: Believe it or not, looking pretty can even have physical health benefits. Research has shown that individuals who prioritize their appearance are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. These lifestyle habits contribute to overall health and longevity.
Improved Professional Success: In many cases, looking pretty can positively impact your career. Studies have found that individuals who invest in their appearance are perceived as more competent and trustworthy in professional settings. Additionally, feeling confident in your appearance can give you the motivation and drive to pursue career advancement opportunities.
While it’s essential to remember that beauty comes in many forms and is subjective, there’s no denying the potential health benefits of feeling attractive and confident in your appearance. Whether it’s through skincare routines, fashion choices, or simply practicing good grooming habits, prioritizing your appearance can have a ripple effect on your overall health and happiness. So go ahead, embrace your unique beauty and enjoy the health benefits that come with looking pretty.
See you soon.
Avoiding Premature Aging: Unveiling Skin Care Habits to Embrace
The quest for timeless beauty often begins with the habits we cultivate daily. While many focus on skincare routines that promote a youthful glow, it’s equally crucial to be mindful of habits that may contribute to premature aging. Let’s review some common practices and discover the key to preserving your skin’s vitality without invasive measures.
Sun Neglect
One of the primary culprits behind premature aging is unprotected sun exposure. Skipping sunscreen or neglecting to reapply throughout the day exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. Embrace sun protection as a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine to shield your skin from the aging effects of the sun.
Inconsistent Hydration
The importance of staying hydrated goes beyond internal health; it significantly impacts your skin’s appearance. Inconsistent hydration can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, making fine lines more noticeable. Ensure your skincare routine includes a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and maintain a supple, youthful complexion.
Sleeping with Makeup
The allure of a cozy bed after a long day tempts many to skip the makeup removal ritual. Sleeping with makeup can clog pores, contribute to breakouts, and hinder the skin’s natural renewal process. Embrace the nightly cleanse to allow your skin to breathe and regenerate, promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Overlooking Antioxidants
Neglecting antioxidant-rich skincare can leave your skin vulnerable to environmental stressors. Antioxidants combat free radicals, preventing oxidative stress that accelerates aging. Integrate products with potent antioxidants like vitamin C into your routine to fortify your skin’s defense against premature aging.
Skimping on Sleep
In our fast-paced lives, adequate sleep often takes a backseat. However, quality sleep is when your skin undergoes crucial repair and regeneration. Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to fine lines, dark circles, and a dull complexion. Prioritize restful sleep as a cornerstone of your anti-aging strategy.
Preserving youthful skin is a journey that extends beyond skincare products. By avoiding sun neglect, staying consistently hydrated, removing makeup nightly, incorporating antioxidants, and prioritizing quality sleep, you empower your skin to defy premature aging naturally. Embrace these age-conscious habits, and let your skin radiate with timeless vitality.
See you soon.
Revitalize Your Radiance with a Renewal-Lift
As we navigate the journey of life, the subtle signs of aging often make their presence known across various facets of our faces. Loss of facial volume, sagging skin, and the emergence of lines and folds can collectively contribute to a sense of overall aging. Because of the multi-dimensional nature of these changes, we offer the Renewal-Lift – a non-surgical, comprehensive solution tailored to address the unique needs of each individual.
Aging, a natural and beautiful part of life, manifests differently for everyone. The Renewal-Lift acknowledges that no single treatment can combat the multifaceted aspects of aging. Instead of opting for a one-size-fits-all approach, the treatment offers a personalized combination of Botox, dermal fillers, and advanced skin-tightening or resurfacing treatments.
The Renewal Lift in Action:
Botox and Dermal Fillers:
- Restore lost volume
- Smooth wrinkles, furrows, and folds
Fraxel Dual, Fraxel Repair, Thermage CPT, and Exilis Ultra 360:
- Treat lines and wrinkles
- Tighten the face and neck
Key Benefits of the Renewal-Lift:
- Non-Surgical Approach: No need for invasive surgery.
- Anesthesia and Incision-Free: No general anesthesia or incisions required.
- Scar-Free Results: Leaves no scars or marks.
- Natural-Looking Results: Avoids the taut and stretched appearance associated with traditional facelifts.
- Comprehensive Rejuvenation: Address aging concerns both superficially and deeply.
- Immediate and Long-Term Results: Enjoy visible anti-aging effects right away with lasting benefits.
Experience the artistry of cosmetic enhancement without the downtime associated with surgical interventions. This non-invasive approach to facial rejuvenation ensures that you not only look rejuvenated but also feel confidently and authentically yourself.
Don’t merely age gracefully – age beautifully with the Renewal-Lift. Schedule your consultation today.
We Can’t Remind You Enough: Avoid The Sun
Tanned skin is damaged skin…and who wants that? Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause early wrinkling and brown spots, and it puts you at risk for skin cancer, too. While most of us enjoy being outside in the summer, not many of us really want to suffer the effects of sun damage. Staying safe while spending time outside is possible, though. The strategies just need to become a part of your daily routine.
Here are some simple ways to protect your skin:
- Stay indoors between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is most powerful. There are two types of rays: UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
- Go nowhere without sunscreen:
- More is better, so don’t scrimp. Make sure that it has a SPF of 30 or higher and it says “broad spectrum” on the label, which means that it will handle both UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure it’s water-resistant and that you apply it all over your body 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house.
- Use sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside, when you are driving in a car and inside a window. UVA rays penetrate clouds, glass and water.
- If you wear foundation, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb before continuing with your makeup.
- Don’t forget the lip balm, SPF 15 or higher.
- Remember the tops of your ears, hairline, the “V” of your chest, nose, hands and tops of your feet. Eighty percent of skin cancer occurs on the head, neck and hands.
- Wear protective clothing: hats, sleeves and sunglasses. Dark, tightly woven fabrics provide more protection than lightly colored ones. Find hats that have protection built into them.
- Be aware that umbrellas and shade trees give only moderate protection from ultraviolet light. They don’t protect you from light that is reflected off of sand, snow, concrete and other surfaces.
- Avoid tanning oils. These essentially cook your skin.
- Be conscious of your medications. Certain medicines can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, including tetracycline, diuretics and even herbal formulations such as St. John’s Wort.
Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
What Makes Someone Beautiful, Anyway?
The notion of attractiveness seems simple. When we see a person, we know immediately whether we think he or she is beautiful. We don’t really have to decide; our reaction is involuntary, and it is personal. You might think that a particular person is stunning, while your best friend might not.
Interestingly, studies over the years have shown that most people tend to agree, for the most part, on what constitutes a beautiful face, and that the reason they do relies more on brain science than on preference. Consider the ability of babies to recognize faces and prefer the ones that society deems pretty.
So, how we assess appearance might be more complex than simply liking large eyes better than small ones or full lips rather than thin ones. The brain has the capacity to recognize not only attractiveness, but also emotions, personality traits and fertility. The part of the brain that allows us to do this, the fusiform, is also responsible for our ability to recognize familiar faces. When it is damaged, we can’t recall whom we’ve just met, and we can’t distinguish between plain faces and beautiful ones. When we decide that someone is beautiful, we are really thinking that the person is healthy and vital, studies have shown. Smooth skin and symmetrical facial features, for instance, indicate to our brain that a person has good genetics and is not ill, both of which lead us to think that the person is attractive.
However our perception is formed, appearance–of others and ourselves–has a powerful effect on so many of our emotions.
See you soon.
Stop the Squinting: Be Smart About the Sun
Herewith, a crash course in U’s and V’s…or, in other words, how sunny is it and what do I need to do about it?
The Ultraviolet index is a measurement of the strength of UV radiation at a particular time and place. It’s a standard scale used around the globe, with a range of 0 to 11.
- 0-2: This is considered low danger, but the Environmental Protection Agency recommends sunglasses and broad spectrum SPF 30+ protection. Also, avoid bright surfaces (sand, water) that can reflect and intensify UV rays.
- 3-5: Moderate danger. Seek shade during the height of the sun, at midday. Wear protective clothing, hat, sunscreen if outdoors, and reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- 6-7: High risk. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Follow protective measures as above.
- 8-10: Very high risk. Follow above.
- 11+: Extreme. Avoid the sun or if you have to be outside, follow the above.
As we know, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause early wrinkling and brown spots, and puts you at risk for skin cancer. While most of us enjoy being outside in the summer, not many of us really want to have old-looking skin, or illness. Staying safe while spending time in the sun is an easy thing to do. It may just require a little extra awareness and preparation on your part. Remember, tanned skin is damaged skin…and who wants that.
Here is some more specific information for protecting your skin and keeping you looking young, beautiful and healthy, particularly when the UV rays are at their most dangerous.
- Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the burning rays of the sun are at their height. There are two types: UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
- Go nowhere without sunscreen:
- More is better, so don’t scrimp. Make sure that it has a SPF of 30 or higher and it says “broad spectrum” on the label, which means that it will handle both UVA and UVB rays. Also, be sure that it is water-resistant, and that you apply it all over your body 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house.
- Use sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside, when you are driving in a car and inside a window. UVA rays penetrate clouds, glass and water, so when you’re swimming, make sure to apply plenty of waterproof sunscreen.
- If you wear foundation, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb before continuing with your makeup.
- Don’t forget the lip balm. SPF 15 or more is best.
- And, don’t forget the tops of your ears, hairline, the “V” of your chest, nose, hands and tops of your feet. Eighty percent of skin cancer occurs on the head, neck and hands.
- Wear protective clothing, including hats, sleeves and sunglasses. Dark, tightly woven fabrics provide more protection than lightly colored ones.
- Be aware that umbrellas and shade trees do only so much. They give moderate protection from ultraviolet light, and they don’t protect you from light that is reflected off of sand, snow, concrete and other surfaces.
- Avoid tanning oils. These essentially cook your skin.
- Be conscious of your medications. Certain medicines can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, including tetracycline, diuretics and even herbal formulations such as St. John’s Wort.
If you suspect that you have sun damage, call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll suggest specific treatments that can help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots.
See you soon.
Beauty Time for New Moms
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are rough on your body, causing skin and shape issues that perhaps, you’ve never experienced before. Some of you may not be feeling like your old self, which can be disconcerting. So, after you’ve settled in to this new phase of life, it could be time to correct some of these concerns.
It’s not uncommon for young mothers to notice skin and stomach issues such as acne, acne scarring, melasma (darkened facial skin), cellulite, unwanted fat, unwanted hair growth, prominent facial blood vessels, loose skin, brown spots and stretch marks.
You may feel that you don’t have the time or energy to take care of yourself, or that doing so is too indulgent. But, feeling and looking as great as you can is critical for your self-esteem and general well-being at this exciting time.
Here are conditions that new moms often face and treatments that work well to minimize then and help you feel more like yourself in the process.
- For acne: pulsed dye laser, DermaFrac, microdemabrasion
- For melasma: Fraxel DUAL laser
- For cellulite: Cellulaze, Exilis Elite
- For unwanted fat: SmartLipo TriPlex, Exilis Elite
- For unwanted hair growth: Laser Hair Removal, IPL Hair Removal
- For facial blood vessels: Diolite (KTP532) laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), GentleWaves
- For loose skin: INFINI™, Thermage CPT, Exilis Elite, Fraxel lasers, SmartLipo TriPlex
- For brown spots: Fraxel DUAL laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), Diolite (KTP532) laser, chemical peels,GentleWaves
- For stretch marks: Fraxel lasers
- For acne scarring: INFINI™, Fraxel lasers, pulsed dye laser, dermal fillers
We can help you figure out a treatment plan that will help minimize some of these conditions. Call our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
The Skin Cycle: What You Can Expect, Decade by Decade
Your skin has a natural plan. With each year that passes, it undergoes assorted stressors, some that it has experienced before and some that are brand new. And it reacts to these changing stimuli in different ways, subtle and not-so. Unfortunately, while you may not feel any older, your skin has another story to tell. Aging plays tricks on its delicate composition. But do not despair–you have strategies at your disposal for warding off the first signs of attack. The trick: know what’s coming and take as many precautions as possible.
Here is what you can expect:
In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes may happen during this time, causing adult acne. We can treat it, though, with our Pulsed Dye Laser. Also, you may notice hints of wrinkles (yes, they begin early) and pigmentation. Botox and Dysport will help minimize lines, keeping them from setting and deepening. Catching them early is more effective than waiting until they are extreme. Fraxel DUAL and IPL will help reduce discoloration, brown spots and freckling.
In Your 40s: Your skin may begin to lose its luster, appearing dull and rough. Also, age spots may appear since the skin can’t repair itself as quickly or as completely as it used to. You may notice, too, that your skin doesn’t glow as much, since skin cell shedding begins to slow down. But, we can brighten and smooth out your skin with Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair laser treatments. Your skin tone will look even, and wrinkles and pores will diminish. During your 40s, wrinkles may be deeper than they were before. Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Voluma, Juvederm, Belotero and Radiesse, and neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are effective in reducing the appearance of these lines and folds.
In Your 50s and 60s: Subtle lines may have turned into deep wrinkles and previously taut skin may have begun to sag. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile. As the underlying skin structure is less supported, the skin falls down and droops. We have many laser treatments that can work wonders to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production, which will help lift up and plump your skin, nonsurgically. The treatments will also help to brighten and lighten any discoloration caused by sun exposure or simple aging.
At all times of your life, remember to do what you can to preserve your skin’s natural beauty. Wear plenty of sunscreen (and not only in the summer), avoid the sun as much as possible, steer clear of smoking and cleanse and moisturize often.
Call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you look your most natural youthful best.
See you soon.
We Can’t Remind You Enough: Avoid The Sun
Tanned skin is damaged skin…and who wants that? Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause early wrinkling and brown spots, and it puts you at risk for skin cancer, too. While most of us enjoy being outside in the summer, not many of us really want to suffer the effects of sun damage. Staying safe while spending time outside is possible, though. The strategies just need to become a part of your daily routine.
Here are some simple ways to protect your skin:
- Stay indoors between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is most powerful. There are two types of rays: UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
- Go nowhere without sunscreen:
- More is better, so don’t scrimp. Make sure that it has a SPF of 30 or higher and it says “broad spectrum” on the label, which means that it will handle both UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure it’s water-resistant and that you apply it all over your body 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house.
- Use sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside, when you are driving in a car and inside a window. UVA rays penetrate clouds, glass and water.
- If you wear foundation, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb before continuing with your makeup.
- Don’t forget the lip balm, SPF 15 or higher.
- Remember the tops of your ears, hairline, the “V” of your chest, nose, hands and tops of your feet. Eighty percent of skin cancer occurs on the head, neck and hands.
- Wear protective clothing: hats, sleeves and sunglasses. Dark, tightly woven fabrics provide more protection than lightly colored ones. Find hats that have protection built into them.
- Be aware that umbrellas and shade trees give only moderate protection from ultraviolet light. They don’t protect you from light that is reflected off of sand, snow, concrete and other surfaces.
- Avoid tanning oils. These essentially cook your skin.
- Be conscious of your medications. Certain medicines can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, including tetracycline, diuretics and even herbal formulations such as St. John’s Wort.
Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. See you soon.
Give Yourself a Pre-Holiday Lift
We know that you want to look your best this time of year, with holiday festivities just getting under way. The good news….there is still time for a few quick in-and-out treatments that will make all the difference in your appearance. Instantly, you’ll look fresh and rested, and you’ll feel invigorated, too…just the right recipe for the holiday season.
Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming weeks…
Try a nonsurgical mini facelift that will tighten skin and boost collagen production. With Thermage CPT, we can treat the skin on the eyelids, under-eye areas, abdomen, arms, legs and even your sagging buttocks. It’s the most effective lift treatment for a multitude of concerns, and the results are dramatic. Or, you can try an Exilis laser treatment, which tightens, firms and tones loose and sagging skin and reshapes and melts stubborn fatty deposits anywhere on your face and body. Popular areas treated with Exilis include the face, jowls, neck, chest, back, “love handles,” “bra fat,” abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks and knees.
Restore facial volume with dermal fillers such as Voluma, Radiesse and Restylane Lyft. These will minimize hollowness or lines that have formed with age.
Plump your lips with hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane.
Smooth out forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet with Botox or Dysport.
Fill in smile lines, marionette lines or nasolabial folds (lines that stretch from the outer edge of the nostrils to the outer tip of the lips) with Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse.
All of these quick treatments are nonsurgical, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. You can be back in full swing immediately, looking younger and feeling that way, too.
Call our offices this week to schedule a pre-holiday appointment.
See you soon.
Here Comes The Sun: Time To Get Ready
Living close to the beach requires discipline. That may seem like a strange statement, given how relaxed and casual the environment is here. But when it comes to your skin–and wrinkles, dark spots and melanoma–you need a serious regimen.
Since just last month, the UV (harmful ultraviolet radiation) index for Long Island has increased one level. In two weeks, it will jump two more, followed by another in May and again in June. (Click here for a map of UV averages around the country)
Now is the time to put your sun protection plan in place, if you haven’t done so already. It is easy to do if you simply make it part of your daily routine. Here is what I recommend:
Think 30: Every day, whether you are going to the beach or not, and even when it is cloudy, apply a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or above. Use it on your face before you put on makeup and on the exposed parts of your body. You may choose a moisturizer formulated specifically for the face and another just for your body, or you may use the same for both. If you are at the beach, where the rays are intensified, remember to reapply after two hours or after swimming or perspiring.
Search for Shade: Sun damage is cumulative, so every minute spent out of dangerous rays will help your skin stay young-looking and healthy. So, avoid the sun when you can, at all costs–cross to the shady side of the street, sit under the umbrella on the restaurant patio, carry an umbrella in your purse.
Beware the Bewitching Hours: The sun is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm, so do what you can to avoid it during this time.
Hats On: Go for a wide brim, and make sure that it covers the back of your neck, too. Make wearing other protective clothing a habit, too, such as sunglasses and long sleeves. Keep a basket of summer sun gear in your car, as you would a fleece throw in the winter.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, we’ll be happy to help you look and feel your best.
