Category: skin care

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.

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 17th, 2018 at 3:02 pm and is filed under anti-aging, Brown Spots, Red Spots, skin care, Sun, Sunscreen. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

When winter temperatures hit, we put on coats, scarves, hats and boots to keep our bodies warm. But it is just as, if not more important, to protect the delicate skin on your face.

Biting cold and wind can assault exposed skin, causing dryness, chafing and other more serious skin disorders, including frostbite. And, it happens quickly. So, before you venture out, even for a few minutes, moisturize with a broad-spectrum sunblock and apply a petroleum-based product to your lips. If your moisturizer is oil-based, choose an oil that is “non-clogging,” such as avocado, mineral, primrose or almond. Then, cover your face as best as you can with a scarf or hood. Also, don’t forget the sunglasses, which will protect your eyes from glare, freezing temperatures and wind.

To avoid the inflamed and itchy skin that happens all over your body during the winter months, you can take several preventative steps all season long, around the clock. Remember, the condition happens because of a lack of water, not oil, so the following tactics aim to prevent dehydration.

*If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, an alcohol-free toner and masks that are “deeply hydrating” rather than clay-based, which tend to draw moisture out of the face.

*Trap water from a shower or bath quickly by applying a water-in-oil cream moisturizer. If you have sensitive skin to begin with, use a cream moisturizer that does not contain lanolin or perfume, and don’t scrimp. More is better in this case, particularly on your hands, elbows and feet (these can contain petroleum or glycerin).

*Choose a shower instead of a bath; sitting in hot water will break down lipids and dry your skin.

*Limit your use of hot water and soap. Take short lukewarm showers, using non-detergent soaps and cleansers, and only as much as you need since they remove natural moisturizers from the skin. If you must bathe, keep the water as cool as possible.

*Keep your house temperature as low as you can (no higher than 78 degrees) and use a humidifier that returns moisture to the air.

*Overnight, use a thicker night cream on your face, a product formulated for the delicate skin under and over the eyes, and a lip balm.

As always, call my office to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how we can help you look and feel your best.

See you soon.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 15th, 2016 at 10:23 pm and is filed under skin care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

The school bells are ringing again and for moms, the sound means one thing–extra time. With kids back in the classroom, why not devote a little attention to yourself this fall?

Whether you are a new mother enduring the lingering effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding or a seasoned mom who forgets to put herself first sometimes, you could be a candidate for our Mommy Makeover, a collection of treatments that will help you feel and look as terrific as you can.

It is not uncommon for young mothers to experience such conditions 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. Experienced moms may feel that they look tired and worn.

Wherever you are in life, I will customize a specific plan that will address all of your post-baby or super-parent beauty concerns in a way that is easy to accomplish, convenient and stress-free.

Here are a few possible conditions and treatments for all mommies, new and not-so-new:

• For acne: pulsed dye laser, DermaFrac, microdermabrasion
• 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: Thermage CPT, Exilis Elite, Fraxel lasers, laser wrinkle reduction, 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: Fraxel lasers, pulsed dye laser, dermal fillers

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.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 9th, 2015 at 10:00 pm and is filed under Botox, cosmetic laser treatments, Dark Spots, Fraxel, Injectable, Injectable Fillers, Instant Injectable Face Lift, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Microdermabrasion, Mommy Makeover, Restylane, skin care, Smartlipo TriPlex, Thermage CPT, VolumaLift. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Aging wreaks havoc on skin, as we know well, and as the years press on, the effects change. But knowledge is power, as we also know, so here is what you can expect…and how we can help keep you looking young and beautiful, nonsurgically, of course.

In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes in these decades can cause adult acne, and you may also see the first signs of wrinkles and pigmentation. We can help with Botox and Dysport, which will keep the lines from setting and deepening. Acne can be treated with Pulsed Dye laser and pigment concerns can be treated with Fraxel DUAL and IPL.

In Your 40s: As skin cell shedding begins to slow, your skin may lose its youthful glow. It 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. 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. For the 40s’ deepening wrinkles, fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Voluma, Juvederm, Perlane, Belotero and Radiesse, and neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are effective.

In Your 50s and 60s: This is when you could see deep wrinkles and a loss of firmness. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile and the underlying skin structure to be less supported. Lasers can work wonders to stimulate collagen production and lighten discoloration. Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Dual lasers offer the best possible skin resurfacing results by stimulating the skin to heal while tightening and lightening dark spots.

At all times of your life, remember to do what you can to preserve your skin’s natural beauty. Wear plenty of sunscreen, avoid the sun as much as possible, steer clear of smoking and cleanse and moisturize often.

See you soon.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 24th, 2015 at 6:20 pm and is filed under skin care, Sun. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2015 at 7:07 pm and is filed under anti-aging, Botox, Dermal Repair, Face, facial contours, Instant Injectable Face Lift, Liquid Face Lift, Restore Contours, Restore Volume, skin care, Wrinkles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Today’s Men are clearly in on having anti aging cosmetic procedures!  My male clientelle is growing by leaps and bounds the same as others across the nation. There are a few differences between men’s demands and those of our female patients.  Basically, Men want to look younger, more energetic and healthy simply because they want to…and because the competitive career market today demands that men and women look good.  Our society equates looking good with youthfulness, thus the tremendous upsurge in age defying cosmetic treatments this past decade.  Men also want their treatments to be “subtle”…they simple don’t want anyone else to know they’re having Botox® (Brotox) treatments for a smoother, younger looking face.  Men want “in and out” no downtime options.  That means treatments like Botox with reduced redness, swelling and bruising. (Be sure you use only a Certified Expert Injector).

We offer many Men’s anti aging cosmetic treatments that are safe and effective without surgery…that’s right no knife, no cutting and no downtime.

TOP COSMETIC TRENDS for MEN

• American Board of Plastic Surgery reports Male cosmetic treatments are up by 258% over 10 years
• Men are opting for more laser treatments to promote health and youthfulness
• Rhinoplasty, Hair Removal and Blepharoplasty (for the eyes) is still at the top
• Botox (Brotox), Hyaluronic Acid Fillers e.g. Juvederm, Restylane etc for lines and wrinkles and stressed look removal
• Microdermabrasion for skin resurfacing reveals younger, healthier skin, removes scars, sun damage and discoloration
• Men are starting cosmetic treatments at younger ages and then maintaining on a regular basis
• The Millenials treat cosmetic anti aging procedures as part of their regular health regimen
• Cosmetic treatments for men and women of the younger generations are the “New Beauty Economics”
• The stigma for men and cosmetic treatments is gone…men are in the deal to stay
• I offer non surgical alternatives to surgical procedures

Ok, we have the treatments and they work.  But preventive measures are important too.  Here are a few that can really make a difference in your quest for anti aging:

1. Start now and do these the rest of your life to make a difference
2. SKIN CARE is critical at every age.  To maintain healthy skin keep well hydrated, including your facial skin.  Yes, men need good skin hydration and protection against harmful environmental agents.
3. Use Sunscreen – UVA and UVB rays are responsible for 90% of the early signs of facial aging
4. Stress…manage it or it will manage you!  Daily stressors contribute to acne, facial lines and grooves especially around the eyes.
5. Exercise for Stress Reduction.  Go to the gym and workout, ski, swim, bike etc to get the blood flowing and strengthen those heart muscles.
6. Maintain a “healthy” diet.  Get rid of the junk food.  Instead, eat raw vegetables, fruits, good oils, drink at lest 64 ounces of water daily, eat more fish etc.
7. Sleep is critical to good overall health.  Lack of adequate sleep shows up in facial aging.
8. Live a Healthy Lifestyle.  Don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumptions, get over the party life and into a daily healthy routine.
9. Visit my website for info on procedures/products: www.drcovey.com.

This post is an overview of future articles I’ll write educating on the procedures I offer to both men and women.  Look for great info as we go through 2014… helping you to be your very best!

Dr. Covey

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 28th, 2014 at 5:12 pm and is filed under acne scars, anti-aging, Botox, Brown Spots, eyes, Face, Facial, Injectable, Juvederm, laser treatments, Microdermabrasion, Products, Restylane, skin care, Wrinkles, wrinkles around eyes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

We are thrilled to introduce Exilis™, the most exciting new non-surgical technology available to redefine your face and body, with no anesthesia and no downtime. Clinically tested and FDA approved, Exilis uses the most advanced radio frequency energy to tighten loose skin, melt fat and resculpt facial and body contours during fast, comfortable and painless treatments.

Exilis gives us maximum power with total control. Now we can safely and effectively deliver the right amount of thermal energy in order to tighten, firm up, and tone sagging skin and reshape and melt stubborn fatty deposits anywhere on your face and body – with no incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime! Popular areas treated include the face, jowls, neck, chest, back, “love handles”, “bra fat”, abdomen, thighs, hips buttocks and knees.

Here’s how Exilis works: a computer controlled hand piece is guided over the treatment area precisely delivering the most effective amount of the revolutionary monopolar radio frequency (RF) thermal energy in order to give you the best result.

For skin tightening, the RF energy is directed straight to the dermal layer of your skin. The energy stimulates the collagen layer causing it to remodel into a stronger, more youthful configuration resulting in firmer skin.

For fat reduction, the RF energy targets the fat deposits located deeper under the skin. The liquefied fat is then excreted by your body’s own natural processes resulting in a slimmer looking silhouette.

Exilis is painless so it does not require any special numbing cream or anesthesia and, best of all, you can resume normal activities immediately after treatment!

For best results, we recommend a series of quick treatments designed to fit your needs. Results are immediate and progressive. Many patients may see results immediately with optimal results visible within three months of the treatments.

Call us today to see how Exilis can help you look your best.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 17th, 2012 at 1:29 pm and is filed under anti-aging, Dark Spots, Exilis, Face, facial contours, forehead, Mouth, skin care, smile lines, Wrinkles, wrinkles around eyes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

This month I’m excited to tell you about our NEW Clear + Brilliant™ treatment. This treatment promises to give patients their GLOW back . . .and it delivers!

Clear + Brilliant (aka Clear and Brilliant) was developed by the same folks that designed the Fraxel line of lasers. Using the same revolutionary fractionating laser technology, Clear and Brilliant laser treatments expands skin care to not only address the signs of aging, but gives you the power to help prevent them. This unique laser system can help erase the early signs of photo-damage, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture and large pores.

before and after

before and after

Clear + Brilliant is usually performed as a series of treatments however the number of treatments you need is tailored to your concerns and skin care desires. Results are both immediate and progressive. Some patients may see results immediately with more visible improvements after a series of treatments. The treatment takes about 20 minutes to perform however we ask that you allow one hour for you appointment. After the treatments some patients may experience mild redness and mild swelling which quickly subsides. Mineral makeup can be applied after your treatment.

For more information about this treatment visit our website at www.drcovey.com or call us at (631) 878-9200 for a complimentary consultation.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at 2:29 pm and is filed under anti-aging, Brown Spots, collagen networking, Dark Spots, Dermal Repair, Face, forehead, Fraxel, Hands, Microdermabrasion, Mouth, skin care, smile lines, Sun, Wrinkles, wrinkles around eyes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

It’s December again . . .our radios are playing holiday music, our offices are decorated with sparkling tinsel and jingle bells, our Toys For Tots box is filling up (thank you once again for helping us with this very worthy cause) and our patients are rushing in for their pre-holiday touch-ups.

Today was no exception. At least 7 people asked me this morning which treatment can give them the best result in the shortest amount of time. Since so many are asking I thought I’d share my thoughts here.

While almost all of our treatments fit this description, the most popular treatments this time of year are usually Botox/Dysport, Dermal Fillers, Microdermabrasions, chemical peels and facials. Each of these treatments immediately combats the signs of aging leaving you with naturally younger and healthy looking skin.

Botox and Dysport are simple and safe non-surgical injectable treatments that smooth the dynamic wrinkles and erase that “angry” look some have due to forehead wrinkles and creases.  Using very tiny micro-needles, Botox or Dysport is injected right into the muscle causing the wrinkle action. Within 3-10 days your skin smooths out and the wrinkles are diminished – just in time for all those holiday get-togethers.

Dermal fillers, including Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse, work a little differently. They actually replace volume lost under the skin and are perfect for plumping up your lips, filling in smile lines and giving you back the youthful contours of your face.

Microdermabrasions, chemical peels and other facials are quick refreshing non-surgical treatments that rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. Designed specifically for your skin type, these treatments exfoliate your skin, promote new cell growth, clean your pores, stimulate collagen networking and improve your skin’s texture giving you a healthy glow. And they’re relaxing too – something many of our patients look forward to this time of year!

This entry was posted on Thursday, December 8th, 2011 at 11:19 am and is filed under anti-aging, Botox, Chemical Peel, collagen networking, Dysport, eyes, Face, Facial, facial contours, forehead, Injectable, Instant Injectable Face Lift, Juvederm, Liquid Face Lift, Microdermabrasion, Mouth, Perlane, Radiesse, Restore Contours, Restore Volume, Restylane, skin care, smile lines, Uncategorized, VolumaLift, Winter, Wrinkles, wrinkles around eyes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Fall is just around the corner. Children are back in school, Halloween treats are in the stores (I’ve even seen some winter holiday decorations for sale too!) and some of us have closed our pools for the season. And this is the time of the year that I begin to hear questions about skin care for the fall. Our skin is sensitive to the weather changes. With humidity dropping, temperatures cooling, and less opportunity for outdoor activities our skin starts to dry out. It’s important to continue to use your moisturizer – or start using it again if you stopped for the summer months.

Next Blog Topic Coming Soon: “Focus on Fraxel” Why this treatment is one of our most popular fall treatments. . .

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 8th, 2011 at 2:40 pm and is filed under Dermal Repair, Face, moisturizer, Products, skin care, Wrinkles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.