The Surprising Thing That's Ruining Your Botox

From New Beauty magazine

The sun gets a bad rap for so many skin-aging issues, and now there might be a new negative side effect to add to the list: The cause behind Botox breaking down. Here, the experts debate this snag in anti-aging—and make the case for one more reason you need to be wearing sunscreen.

It might make it metabolize quicker.
According to New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD, at certain times, a patient may metabolize Botox quicker than other times—meaning, it doesn’t last as long as it had in the past. “There may be many factors responsible for this, one of which is ultraviolet exposure, which increases the metabolism of Botox,” she says.

It’s the loss collagen that’s doing the damage.
“The sun does not directly affect Botox,” says New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD. “It’s the UV radiation inducing collagenase in fibroblasts, which in time causes degradation of collagen. This is what leads to lines and wrinkles.” One thing Dr. Peredo says she does see shorten the duration of injectables at certain times: Concomitant treatments (procedures performed at the same time, such as lasers), when performed in the same area on the face.

Either way, you need SPF.
Regardless of whether or not you are worried about your injectable treatments having a shorter span because of the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology stands by its recommendation that you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher, every day, rain or shine.

Reference: https://www.newbeauty.com/hottopic/blogpost/8976-can-the-sun-break-down-botox/

When is the Best Time to Use Retinol Products?

Always, always, ALWAYS use your retinol products at night.  Each of our licensed, professional estheticians at Chic Esthetiq Med Spa & Laser Center will always tell you to use your retinol products at night.  This is because retinol products contain Vitamin A and can make your skin more sensitive to the sun causing even further sun damage, which further reduces the efficacy of the product and can cause further sun damage.

If you’re not sure if one of your products contains retinol, check the label.  Each of our products will direct you to use the product in the morning and at night, just in the morning or just at night.  For best results, cleanse your skin, apply toner, your retinol product then finish up your night time skin regimen with a good moisturizer before nodding off.  You’ll be so much happier with your results and feel better about the money spent on products that are working as they are intended for optimum results.

For a skin care routine customized to your needs, call 713-909-3088 for a complementary med spa consultation at our Pearland laser clinic.

SkinCeuticals Retinol Cheaper Than Retin A

Many of you have brought our attention to the fact that generic Retin A seems to have doubled and sometimes even tripled in price depending on your pharmacy.  We have a much less expensive alternative available here at our office.  Available in 0.5% and 1.0%, Retinol by SkinCeuticals is similar in strength and efficacy to prescription Retin A and costs only $57.  It also is formulated such that it is less irritating on your skin as well.  So if you are seeing some Retin A sticker shock now, come by and give this product a try!

 

Benefits of pure retinol:

 

Helps reduce appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and uneven tone

Preserves optimal retinol stability and minimizes irritation commonly associated with the use of retinoids

Ensures maximum amount of retinol reaches the target site

If you are concerned with improving and evening your skin tone or reducing fine lines and wrinkles, we have options such as Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, laser facials, chemical peels, Ultherapy and more.  Call Chic Esthetiq Med Spa & Laser in Pearland for a complementary Botox consultation or free skincare evaluation -- 713-909-3088.

Scarring After Surgery: Management and Treatment

The skin is amazingly self-sufficient. Though it requires lifelong care and protection, it has its own complex healing process to deal with trauma. Scar formation is a normal part of the skin’s natural healing after surgery, and with proper care and vigilance by both patient and doctor, this healing process can be monitored without damage to the skin.

Scar management is three-fold: Use proper clinical judgment, follow the patient closely and intervene as soon as possible if signs of problematic scarring occur. For a surgeon, the first priority is to ensure the best medical and aesthetic outcome for my patient. This may mean making a larger incision in order to achieve a better contour; however, I can take necessary steps afterward to control scar formation. The goal is management, not prevention, of scars.

Scar tissue forms as the skin’s natural healing response to trauma, whether from a cut, puncture, burn or controlled injury to the skin as the result of surgical incision. The skin reacts by contracting and closing over the open wound (or sutures) and rushing collagen-producing fibroblasts to the site of the injury to produce the new skin cells that form a scar.

The skin can reveal the whole general condition of the patient—and in the case of scarring, it also allows me to ascertain how well a patient will heal. A host of variables affect the severity of scarring, including the area of the body, skin laxity, age, ethnicity and skin tone. For example, darker skin tones and redheads are both more susceptible to problematic scarring, while most fair skins tend to scar very well.

Patients with loose, saggy skin and decreased elasticity due to age or significant weight loss will develop very little scar tissue because there is less tension when closing the skin together after surgery. And on the contrary, if you have taut, tight skin, you will be more apt to develop noticeable scars because of the tension that occurs when stretching the skin back together during the suturing process.

The ideal scar develops into a flat, thin line that fades over time. However, scar tissue may become hard, raised, itchy or red as a result of excess collagen growth. This fibrous tissue extends above a scar site in the form of a raised growth known as a hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scars are fairly common and respond well to treatment when caught early.

A similar type of scar called a keloid is indicated by uncontrolled collagen growth beyond the trauma site. Keloid scars most commonly occur on the earlobes, jaw line, face and sternum; because of their severity, they typically require an aggressive treatment plan combining surgical excision with steroid injections to stop collagen growth.

The primary goal of scar management is to control collagen fibroblasts and stop the growth of additional scar tissue. Steroid injections effectively treat raised or hard scars by paralyzing fibroblasts. If the patient has a history of keloids, I focus on preventative measures to keep the scar under control, often doing a steroid injection at the time of surgery. It’s important not to overcorrect with steroids, as this can lead to hypopigmentation, or lightening, of the skin.

After an elective surgery on the face, abdomen or breasts, patients apply a pressure garment to the scar site and firmly massage the scar several times a day. I also suggest a series of in-office laser treatments to treat redness. I use a vascular laser that targets the red pigment in the skin to effectively reduce discoloration.

Patients should play an active role in the healing process. It is crucial to avoid sun exposure and commit to vigilant use of sunscreen, as any burning of the skin will cause additional redness and irritation. Smoking decreases microcirculation and is the worst thing patients can do to delay healing. Most importantly, any itching, increased redness or significant change in a scar should prompt a call to your doctor.

As with most skin conditions, there is no singular approach to scar treatment. A qualified doctor understands the anatomy of the skin and can develop a clinical plan of action to manage scarring and help you achieve the best result from your surgery.

Reference:  http://www.skinmedica.com/beautytalk/scarring-after-surgery-management-and-treatment

Authored by Mokhtar Asaadi, MD, FACS in On Call on July 9th, 2012

Mokhtar Asaadi, MD, FACS; Plastic Surgeon, Asaadi Plastic Surgery, West Orange, NJ

 

Dr. Mokhtar Asaadi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with practices in West Orange, NJ, Bedminster, NJ and New York City. He received his medical degree from the Pahlavi University Medical School in Iran. Dr. Asaadi serves as the chairman of the plastic surgery department at New Jersey’s Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where he also completed his residency. Dr. Asaadi is credited with patenting the MasterTuck liposuction procedure using VASER Lipo. He is a member of numerous medical societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Medical Association.

Steam, Sauna and Hot Yoga: The Effects of Heat on the Skin

When the mercury starts to dip, heat seekers looking for a warmer-weather fix can head indoors: to a sauna, a steam room or even a hot yoga studio. Not only do these practices relax the body, reduce stress, and release endorphins essential to proper nerve function, they increase circulation to the skin to improve its health—and appearance.

Our bodies react to any increase in temperature by perspiring. Sweat is released from the body via sweat glands located in the dermis, and this sweat-secretion process helps the body maintain its temperature as sweat evaporates from the skin.

So why does getting hot and sweaty give us a healthy glow? While little scientific data exists supporting the link between sweating and detoxification (as the body’s other exocrine glands are sufficiently equipped to get rid of what it doesn’t need), sweating is a form of excretion, so it makes sense that perspiration will aid in toxin and waste removal, leading to healthier skin overall.

Heat also increases circulation, enabling blood to bring vital oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface. This increased blood flow gives the skin an instantly healthier appearance by creating the rosy, flushed glow that’s synonymous with optimal health and vitality.

In high-humidity environments like steam or hot yoga rooms, added moisture in the air encourages the skin to maintain suppleness and hydration. In addition, the process of steaming cleanses skin from the inside out by encouraging the release of bacteria and debris from the pores. Though pores cannot technically open and close, loosening pores via steam helps expel bacteria and debris that may lead to enlarged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne symptoms.

Sweat dissipates more slowly in moist environments and may breed bacteria if allowed to sit on the skin, potentially worsening skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis. Therefore, it is important to remove makeup before a sweat session, as it blocks pores and prevents sweat from escaping; properly cleansing the skin after a steam room, sauna, or hot yoga class is another simple way to keep bacteria at bay. Sauna-goers should also moisturize after cleansing, as dry sauna air can dehydrate the skin.

Heat, too, is a known aggravator for patients suffering from rosacea, a disorder characterized by bouts of skin redness, flushing, and pimple-like bumps. Case in point: In a 2010 survey published by the National Rosacea Society, 56 percent of participants reported that indoor heat was a trigger for rosacea flare-ups. Patients with rosacea should minimize their exposure to extreme heat, or better yet, skip extreme heat-related activities altogether.
Finally, as our bodies are composed of approximately 70 percent water, replenishing water lost to sweating is absolutely critical during, before, and after activities that significantly raise body temperature. And, as with any lifestyle change, check with your doctor before spending any time in saunas, steam baths or hot yoga rooms to confirm whether or not they’re right for you.




Reference:
http://www.rosacea.org/press/archive/20100525.php
 

Authored by Karen Sticka; Physician Assistant, Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner, M.D., Dallas, TX in Ask a Skin Care Specialist on November 3rd, 2013

Karen Sticka is a physician assistant at the Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner, MD, in Dallas. She is a graduate of the physician assistant program at LeMoyne College and has over 14 years of experience in both dermatology and emergency medicine. Karen’s work practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology allows her to focus on education and prevention, and she enjoys making her patients look as good on the outside as they feel on the inside. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, and is pursuing diplomat status.

What's So Special About Serum?

What’s the difference between a serum and a cream? Why are they so expensive? And most importantly, have you considered trying one? Here are some reasons why you might want to consider making a worthy investment:

You have a skin problem / issue / imperfection... (but don't we all?!)
Serums tend to be more effective than plain old-school moisturizers due to the method of delivery: Serums are more concentrated so they’re able to penetrate more deeply than creams.  Because of this, these products are ideal for troubleshooting specific problems such as redness, acne and hyperpigmentation.

You have oily skin.
Oily skin types tend to avoid rich, heavy oil-based creams since they can clog pores and bring on breakouts. But skimping on a moisturizer means losing out on potential anti-aging benefits. Many people do not understand that drying out your skin can actually result in increased oil production. Luckily, most serums are lightweight enough to slather on without having to be concerned with overly oily skin. Bonus: Formulas that contain vitamin C and antioxidants leave skin looking hydrated and healthy—not sweaty. Top off with an oil-free sunscreen like my personal favorite -- SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion Tinted Sunscreen in SPF 50 ($34).

You have dry skin days.
Winter is notorious for causing your skin to turn dry and flaky—and even the creamiest, richest moisturizer isn’t always enough. Many serums are formulated to act as boosters to heavier creams by providing a crucial layer of vitamins and antioxidants that the cream effectively “seals” into skin. Think of a serum as a strong foundation and cream as a protective barrier.

We carry some amazing serums like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.  We’d love to explain their benefits to you and help you decide which one suits your needs best. Drop by to chat with us or learn more about our products here.

Amber K.
Director

3 Ways To Look Your Best Every Day

Looking your best shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions.  If you can commit to these three tips on looking your best every day, you’ll eliminate the chaos of getting prepared for big moments like weddings, parties, and high school reunions.

1.     Maintain a Healthy Weight:
We all know this is easier said than done, but the significance of maintaining a health weight cannot be overstated.  Not only does it help your appearance—looking healthy means looking young—but it is also one of the best ways to stay healthy, which as we all know helps us feel great on a day to day basis. We offer a range of weightloss services, such as: medical weightloss, nutritional weightloss, laser body sculpting with Smartlipo Triplex, and more.

2.     Take Care of Your Skin:
Despite our best efforts, signs of aging will begin to show in our skin.  Botox treatments and other cosmetic facial treatments reduce the visibility of age, but routine skin care regimens are important to maintaining smooth, radiant skin.  Starting at a young age is the best way to maintain young, smooth skin, and many people don’t begin a skin care regimen until they are in their 30s or later.  In addition to washing regularly, moisturizing and using proper skincare products ensure that your skin retains moisture. If you’re unsure of what to use, you can always schedule a complementary med spa consultation and have a personalized session with an Esthetician.

3.     Know Your Body Type:
Dressing well is a great way to feel good about yourself, but whether or not you’re clothing is flattering can be difficult to determine.  Learning your body type will help you choose the most flattering clothing for your frame, height, and weight.  Each body type looks best in particular kinds of jeans, swimsuits, and even jackets; knowing your own body will help guide you to the right styles of clothing when you shop.

Here at Robert Kratschmer MD and Chic Esthetiq Med Spa, we offer many services to assist you in looking your best.  We offer Botox treatment, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, Smartlipo Triplex, weightloss, and more.