Category: IPL
The Sun’s Double-Edged Sword: Why Too Much Sun Exposure is Bad for Your Skin
Ah, the warmth of the sun on our skin – it feels like a blissful embrace from nature itself. But as much as we love basking in its glow, there’s a darker side to the sun’s rays that we often overlook: the damage they can inflict on our skin. Here’s why too much sun exposure is a recipe for trouble:
Premature Aging: UV rays from the sun are like silent saboteurs, quietly but steadily breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin. These proteins are essential for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. When they’re damaged, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin become more prominent, giving rise to premature aging. So, if you’ve ever wondered why those sun-worshipping beach bums tend to look older than their years, now you know.
Sunburn: This one’s a no-brainer. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, leaving your skin red, tender, and painfully sensitive to the touch. Sunburn is not only uncomfortable but also a sign that your skin has suffered damage from UV radiation. Over time, repeated sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Uneven Skin Tone: Ever noticed how your skin tends to develop dark spots and patches after spending too much time in the sun? That’s because UV radiation stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving your skin its color. While a tan might seem like a sign of health and vitality, it’s actually your skin’s way of trying to protect itself from further damage. Unfortunately, this self-defense mechanism can result in uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Skin Cancer: Last but certainly not least, excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. UV radiation damages the DNA in our skin cells, increasing the risk of mutations that can lead to cancerous growths. The most common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – are all strongly associated with sun exposure. Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing these potentially life-threatening conditions.
Despite the risks, there’s hope for sun-damaged skin. Advanced treatments like Fraxel laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Botox, and fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can help rejuvenate and repair sun-damaged skin, restoring a youthful appearance and reversing some of the signs of aging. These procedures work by stimulating collagen production, reducing pigmentation, and smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, helping you reclaim smooth, radiant skin.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Enjoying some sunshine is perfectly fine – in fact, it’s essential for our physical and mental well-being. But like most good things in life, moderation is key. Be mindful of how much time you spend in the sun, especially during peak hours when UV radiation is at its strongest. And always remember to protect your skin with sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade-seeking behavior. Your skin will thank you for it in the long run.
See you soon.
How IPL Treatments Tackle Rosacea and Hyperpigmentation
Are you tired of battling persistent redness or struggling to fade those stubborn dark spots? If so, you’re not alone. Rosacea and hyperpigmentation are common skin concerns that can affect confidence and self-esteem. Rosacea, characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps, can be a frustrating condition to manage. Similarly, hyperpigmentation, or dark spots caused by excess melanin production, can be challenging to fade, especially with topical treatments alone. Fortunately, there’s a solution: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
Rosacea Relief: IPL effectively reduces redness and the appearance of blood vessels associated with rosacea. The light energy penetrates the skin, targeting hemoglobin (the pigment in red blood cells) and causing the blood vessels to constrict and fade over time. This results in a more even complexion and a significant reduction in redness.
Hyperpigmentation Correction: IPL also addresses hyperpigmentation by targeting melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots. The light energy is absorbed by the excess melanin, causing it to break down and gradually fade away. With regular IPL sessions, you can achieve a more uniform skin tone and a reduction in the visibility of dark spots.
But the benefits of IPL extend beyond treating specific skin concerns. Here are a few additional advantages:
Non-Invasive: IPL is a non-invasive procedure, meaning there’s no need for incisions or downtime. You can return to your daily activities immediately after treatment, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.
Customizable: IPL treatments are tailored to suit your unique skin type and concerns.
Collagen Stimulation: In addition to targeting redness and pigmentation, IPL stimulates collagen production in the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, resulting in a more youthful appearance over time.
Long-lasting Results: While multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, the effects of IPL can be long-lasting with proper skincare maintenance. By protecting your skin from sun exposure and following a consistent skincare routine, you can enjoy clearer, more radiant skin for months to come.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to redness and dark spots, consider incorporating IPL into your skincare regimen. Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
Say Goodbye to Rosacea with IPL Treatment
Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Characterized by facial redness, visible blood vessels, and occasional bumps resembling acne, rosacea can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem and overall well-being. However, there’s good news for those seeking relief from this condition. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment has emerged as a revolutionary solution for managing rosacea, providing patients with clearer, smoother, and more even-toned skin.
IPL treatment, also known as photofacial or photorejuvenation, is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilizes intense pulses of light to target and correct various skin issues. When applied to rosacea-affected skin, the broad spectrum of light emitted by the IPL device gently penetrates the outer layers of the skin, targeting the dilated blood vessels responsible for the redness and flushing associated with rosacea. This process helps to constrict these blood vessels, reducing redness and promoting a more even skin tone.
If you’re tired of living with the redness and irritation caused by rosacea, IPL treatment could be the solution you’ve been seeking. With its ability to reduce facial redness, minimize visible blood vessels, and promote a more even skin tone, IPL offers hope and relief for those battling with rosacea. Call our office today to schedule your 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 Defyne, Restylane Refyne, 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 treatments, such as Infini, 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.
Red Lines No More
If your face is beginning to look like a road map, don’t worry. At some point, you may notice tiny red spider veins criss-crossing your cheeks and nose, giving you a ruddy look. These lines are simply small broken veins that are pretty common and tend to return.
We have two treatments that show terrific results in reducing the presence of these veins, without any peeling or sloughing. Both Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Diolite laser enhance and rejuvenate skin. You’ll see fewer lines and redness, and your skin will appear more youthful.
Here is what our treatments can do for you:
IPL: Intense Pulsed Light rejuvenation can help to restore a healthy-looking and vibrant appearance. By delivering broadband light through the skin, the laser helps to decrease redness, pigmentation, lines and pore size. After treatment, the overall texture and tone of your skin will be improved. IPL can be used on your neck, chest, hands and legs, as well as the face, where broken veins are most typical.
Also known as a “photofacial,” the noninvasive treatment will not damage the surface of your skin. The light is directed to the deeper parts of the skin (dermis); the outside layer (epidermis) is untouched.
In addition to working well on facial spider veins, IPL photorejuvenation improves imperfections such as rosacea, fine wrinkles, sun and age spots.
Diolite: Diolite is a gentle laser that pinpoints the skin’s target area with extreme precision. It is an extremely effective treatment for eradicating superficial facial spider veins. Diolite helps to erase vascular and pigmented imperfections while leaving your surrounding tissue untouched. Older lasers could cause pain, blistering, oozing and crusting, but Diolite produces the same results without these side effects. After treatment, your skin will look youthful and refreshed.
Diolite can also help to minimize cherry angiomas, which are raised red mole-like lesions. In addition, it works on small brown spots such as freckles, sun spots and pigmented keratoses. These may be found anywhere on the body.
Call my office to schedule a complimentary consultation, and I will tailor a treatment plan just for you.
See you soon.
Treat Yourself Now: Schedule a Mommy Makeover
If it’s been about six months since you’ve had your baby, you may be feeling more like yourself. You may have lost most of your pregnancy weight and stopped nursing, you may be sleeping more, you may be back at work. But there may be a few cosmetic issues that have lingered, and really bother you. Most new moms aren’t prepared for some of the changes that their bodies will endure, but many of them are reversible.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can take a toll on the skin and body, specifically the face and stomach. It is not uncommon for you to experience an array of conditions, including 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 be feeling that you don’t have the time or the energy to address these issues right now, but your self-esteem and general well-being are important. A few simple cosmetic treatments can boost your overall mood more than you may imagine. Now, with a few holiday weeks coming up, you may find that you have some extra time to invest in yourself.
Here’s how I can help:
• For acne: pulsed dye laser, DermaFrac, microdermabrasion
• For melasma: Fraxel DUAL laser
• For cellulite: Cellulaze, Exilis Ultra 360
• For unwanted fat: SmartLipo Triplex, Exilis Ultra 360
• For unwanted hair growth: Laser Hair Removal, IPL Hair Removal
• For facial blood vessels: Diolite (KTP532) laser, IPL (intense pulsed light)
• For loose skin: INFINI™, Thermage CPT, Exilis Ultra 360, Fraxel lasers, laser wrinkle reduction
• For brown spots: Fraxel DUAL laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), Diolite (KTP532) laser
• For stretch marks: Fraxel lasers, Infini
• For acne scarring: INFINI™, Fraxel lasers, pulsed dye laser, dermal fillers
• For vaginal laxity: Ultra Femme 360
Call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. I’ll tailor a post-baby treatment plan just for you.
See you soon.
Diminish the Dots: Ways to Restore Your Even Skin Tone
Even if you avoid the sun religiously, your skin is bound to suffer some effects of UVA and UVB rays. If you avoid the beach and cover yourself with sunscreen, you’ll still notice that your skin may appear more tan in the summer than it is now, in October. And now, you may even notice freckles and brown spots, which are more visible on fair skin than dark. So, it’s a terrific time for reducing the appearance of these spots and restoring your skin to its smooth and even tone.
Freckles can have a range of colors, from red, yellow, tan, light brown, brown or black. You’ll most likely notice that on your skin, they are generally the same color. Caused by an increase in the amount of dark pigment, or melanin, freckles reveal themselves in two different ways–simple and sunburn. Simple freckles are usually tan, round and small. Sunburn freckles are darker, larger and may have irregular borders. They usually appear on the upper back and shoulders where severe sunburns often occur.
To reduce the appearance of these dark spots, we offer a variety of treatments:
Diolite: This gentle, precise and controlled laser generates an intense beam of light that destroys unwanted cells in the affected area, leaving only healthy cells behind. With the Diolite laser, we can direct the light to the treatment area only, leaving the surrounding tissue intact.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light ) Treatment: This photo-rejuvenation procedure quickly, effectively and non-invasively treats skin damage. IPL is a versatile treatment that corrects all kinds of facial skin imperfections and signs of aging, such as freckles and sun spots, as well as rosacea (facial inflammation), vascular lesions and acne scarring. It safely treats areas including the face, neck, chest, hands and legs and offers long-term results without any downtime, recovery time or chemicals.
Fraxel: A trio of laser treatments, Fraxel offers the most advanced technology for improving your skin’s radiance and youthfulness. Depending on the intensity of the treatment you need, you can choose Fraxel Repair, Fraxel DUAL or Clear & Brilliant. Each is a state-of-the-art device with its own advantages.
Call our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn about how to reduce the appearance of your freckles and brown spots.
See you soon.
When Freckles Are No Longer Adorable
Despite your efforts to avoid the sun, freckles may be having a field day on your face right about now. While you may have a few here and there throughout the year, and while they may be cute, these tiny brown spots tend to flourish after repeated exposure to sunlight, particularly if your complexion is fair.
Caused by an increase in the amount of dark pigment, or melanin, freckles can have a range of colors, from red, yellow, tan, light brown, brown or black. In one person, they are generally the same tone. The two basic types of freckles–simple and sunburn–look a bit different. Simple freckles are usually tan, round and small. Sunburn freckles are darker, larger and may have irregular borders. They usually appear on the upper back and shoulders where severe sunburns often occur.
To reduce the appearance of these dark spots, we offer a variety of treatments:
Diolite: This laser generates an intense beam of light that destroys unwanted cells in the affected area, leaving only healthy cells behind. Diolite is gentle, precise and controlled. With the Diolite laser, we can direct the light to the treatment area only, which leaves the surrounding tissue intact.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light ) Treatment: This photo-rejuvenation procedure quickly, effectively and non-invasively treats skin damage. IPL is a versatile treatment that corrects all kinds of facial skin imperfections and signs of aging, such as freckles and sun spots, as well as rosacea (facial inflammation), vascular lesions and acne scarring. It can safely treat areas including the face, neck, chest, hands and legs. Photo-rejuvenation offers long-term results without any downtime, recovery time or chemicals.
LED Photomodulation: A non-thermal, low intensity light-emitting diode treatment, LED Photomodulation uses a carefully timed sequence of emissions to activate the skin’s natural rejuvenation process. Unlike laser treatments that can cause a snapping sensation, LED Photomodulation treatments are entirely painless. Youth-restoring results are gradual, and patients report noticeable changes after 5 to 7 weekly treatments.
Fraxel: A trio of laser treatments, Fraxel offers the most advanced technology for improving your skin’s radiance and youthfulness. Depending on the intensity of the treatment you need, you can choose Fraxel Repair, Fraxel DUAL or Clear & Brilliant. Each is a state-of-the-art device with its own advantages.
Call our office today to learn about your easy options for reducing the appearance of freckles and brown spots. Our consultations are complimentary. Meantime, apply that sunscreen.
See you soon.
Tracking Changes In Your Skin
It seems that summer just began and now, Labor Day is around the corner. The time goes quickly, and while you may not feel any older, your skin has another story to tell. Aging plays tricks on the delicate composition of your skin. The best way to ward off the signs of stress is to know what is ahead and take as many precautions as possible.
Here is what you can expect:
In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes can happen during this time, causing adult acne. We can treat it, though, with our Pulsed Dye Laser. Also, you may notice the first signs of wrinkles and pigmentation. Botox and Dysport will help minimize lines, keeping them from setting and deepening. Fraxel DUAL and IPL will help reduce discoloration, brown spots and freckling.
In Your 40s: Your skin may look dull and rough, and age spots may appear since the skin can’t repair itself as quickly or as completely as it use to. You may notice that your skin is beginning to lose its youthful glow as skin cell shedding begins to slow down. But, we can brighten and smooth out your skin with Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair laser treatments. Your skin tone will look even, and wrinkles and pores will diminish. During this time, wrinkles may be deeper than they were before. Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, 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: You may notice that subtle lines have turned into deep wrinkles and previously taut skin has begun to sag. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile and the underlying skin structure to be less supported. Lasers such as Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Dual can work wonders to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production, which will help lift up and plump your skin, nonsurgically. They will also help to lighten any discoloration caused by sun exposure or simple aging. Loose and sagging skin can be tightened with radiofrequency treatments like Infini and Exilis Ultra 360.
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.
If you’d like to hear how we can help you look your most youthful best, call our office for a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
What Do I Do With an Empty House? Come See Us
In the upcoming weeks, many of you will be sending your college kids back to campus, some of you for the first time. Whatever stage you find yourself in, the maiden launch or the latest of many, you’ll no doubt feel a mix of emotions. It is hard to see your children go, but that is, after all, what we want them to do.
Their independence gives you a bit more time to yourself, and why not direct your energies toward your own care and feeding. Moms are famous for living on the back burner. Now is a good time to ease yourself forward.
We offer many super-parent beauty treatments that are easy to accomplish, convenient and stress-free.
Here are a few conditions that you may be concerned about and treatments for helping you feel better about how you look:
• For unwanted fat: SmartLipo Triplex, Exilis Ultra 360
• For unwanted hair growth:Laser Hair Removal, IPL Hair Removal
• For loose skin: Infini, Thermage CPT, Exilis Ultra 360, Fraxel lasers, SmartLipo Triplex
• For brown spots: Fraxel DUAL laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), Diolite (KTP532) laser, chemical peels
• For cellulite: Cellulaze, Exilis Ultra 360
• For double chin: Kybella
Please call our office for a complimentary consultation. New seasons are a time for positive change, and we are ready to help you transform, physically and emotionally.
See you soon.
I Never Thought I Would Do This
For those of you who are considering our nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the first time, I understand that the idea of it may get in your way. Mainly, you may not want anyone to know that you’ve been in for treatment.
So, here are a few first-time procedures that no one will know that you’ve had (and that you will forget that you’ve had by the time you’ve left our office). With no incisions, anesthesia or downtime, your treatment will be our little secret, if you want it to be. All that will be obvious is your rested and youthful look.
Botox: Worry lines, frown lines, laugh or smile lines, crow’s feet …these are all “dynamic” wrinkles caused from years of living and using facial muscles to show expression. The more emotion we show, the deeper the wrinkles and lines can be. Botox injections can safely and effectively soften lines and reduce wrinkles. Botox is also known as “cosmetic denervation” – a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that many patients have come to depend on to show results in a few days. The procedure takes under ten minutes, too.
Dermal fillers: Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane (Contour, Defyne, Refyne, Silk and Lyft) and Voluma are a few of the FDA-approved treatments that restore fullness and contour that has diminished with age. These treatments are quick and easy, and show immediate results in all areas of the face, including cheeks, mouth, chin, nose and lips, as well as the hands.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is simple, convenient and popular among patients showing early signs of aging, sun exposure and other facial imperfections. It not only exfoliates the skin’s surface, but also promotes new cell growth in the basal, or deepest layer of the skin. It also cleans the pores and stimulates collagen networking to further improve the skin’s texture. After the treatment, your skin will have a new fresh-looking glow.
Intense Pulsed Light: If your facial skin has lost its youthful glow, Intense Pulsed Light Rejuvenation can help to restore a vibrant appearance. The procedure delivers broadband light through the skin, helping to decrease redness, pigmentation, lines and pore size, and improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. IPL can be used on the face, neck, chest, hands and legs. Also known as a “photofacial,” the noninvasive treatment treats imperfections including birthmarks, spider veins, rosacea, fine wrinkles, sun and age spots, vascular lesions and acne and acne scarring.
For new and return patients, please call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
