Blue MedSpa Blog

Are you suffering with symptoms of rosacea? You’re not alone.

More than 14 million American have rosacea according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes redness around the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Some of the most common symptoms of rosacea include:

• A flushed, red face
• Visible blood vessels
• Sensitive, dry skin
• Small bumps or acne-like breakouts
• Red, irritated eyes

If left untreated, these symptoms tend to get worse. And though there is no cure for rosacea, with adequate treatment, most people can control their symptoms and prevent rosacea from getting worse.

Popular Treatments for Rosacea

Facial redness and visible blood vessels can be treated with:

• IPL Photofacial treatments
• Pulsed dye laser resurfacing

Acne-like breakouts and bumps can be treated with:

• Low-dose antibiotics like doxycycline
• Topical creams like metronizadole or azelaic acid

Dry, sensitive skin can be treated with:

• High quality moisturizer
• Broad spectrum sunscreen
• Clothing protection (scarves or ski masks) during the winter
• Avoiding skin products that contain alcohol
• Avoid irritating skin by touching it too much

Red, irritated eyes can be treated with:

• Artificial tears or prescription eye drops

Know Your Rosacea Triggers

In addition proper treatment, it’s possible to minimize symptoms by identifying lifestyle and environmental factors that may be causing your rosacea to flare up. Though triggers can vary significantly from individual to individual, some of the most common triggers include:

• Temperature changes
• Dairy products
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Stress
• Sun exposure

Learn More About Rosacea Treatment

Do you still have questions about IPL photofacial, pulsed dye laser resurfacing or other cosmetic treatments for rosacea? Contact us to set up a one-on-one consultation today.

If you want to look great on a budget, these simple tips can help get you started.

1. Avoid sun damage this Summer

As we begin the Summer here in Atlanta, many of our patients want to get out and start tanning. There's nothing wrong with a healthy glow, but skin cancer and sun damage are real threats to your health. Avoid sun overexposure when you're young, and you'll thank yourself later.

2. Banish wrinkles

Injectable products like Botox, Juvederm and Restylane can quickly (although temporarily) correct wrinkles and folds. With a simple injection, many people can lose their unsightly smile lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Today's injectables come with lidocaine, so they're more comfortable. If you're concerned about the cost, keep an eye out for specials offered by your local plastic surgeon.

3. Improve your skin care routine

Start a daily routine that includes the best skin care products for you. Start by talking to an aesthetician or plastic surgeon, so they can guide you toward a good regimen. Choose a product line that is designed to meet your needs, whether that means anti-aging, skin lightening, sun protection or any of your other appearance goals.

4. Eat healthier

It shouldn't cost you more money to eat healthier. It all starts with a good grocery list. Start editing your list today, and cross off all the junk food. Then replace those items with vegetables, fruits and lean meat. Be wary of anything that comes in a cardboard box; if it does, remember to read the nutrition information. To keep costs down, track prices on your grocery list; when you find a cheaper or healthier option, then it's time to edit your list again.

5. Hire a tailor or a personal shopper

Don't underestimate the importance of clothing fit. A personal shopper can help you understand your body proportions and then show you how to buy clothes that flatter them. Finding a great fit off-the-rack can be difficult, so find a good local tailor who can make the right adjustments to your new (or old) clothes.

6. Find the right bra

For whatever reason, many women wear the wrong bra size. No matter what type of bra you wear, it's a great idea to get it fitted to match your current size. A local store or boutique should be able to help you with this.

7. Get plenty of sleep

Studies have shown that sleep affects us in a multitude of ways. In one recent study, doctors found that sleep deprived people looked less healthy and less attractive than their rested counterparts. By simply getting enough shut-eye, you can look better and younger.

The thought of growing old together is one of the most romantic parts about being in a committed relationship. That being said, men and women don’t always age in the same way – especially when it comes to wrinkles.

Though genetics will always play an important role in the aging process, gender is just as important.

For example, men are more likely to develop wrinkles in the forehead region. It’s also common for men to loose chin definition over time. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to notice fine lines around their eyes and mouth.

Anti-Aging Treatments for Men and Women

Whether you’re a man or a woman, the art to aging gracefully starts with proper skin care. A daily routine should include:

• A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater
• A mild cleanser in the morning and the evening
• A moisturizer to hydrate dry or damaged skin

But even with perfect skin care maintenance, wrinkles and normal signs of aging are inevitable. Fortunately there are a number of cosmetic procedures available to treat common signs of aging in both men and women.

Top Procedures for Men and Women

• Eyelid surgery
• Facelift surgery
• Botox
• Chemical Peel
• Microdermabrasion 
• Dermal fillers

Interestingly enough, couples cosmetic enhancement has emerged as a popular trend in recent years because many men and women feel more comfortable going under the knife or needle together. Despite this trend, it’s important to remember that individual consultations are necessary to determine eligibility.

If you or your partner is considering cosmetic enhancement, it’s important to speak with a qualified doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.

Image Credit: Deviant Art

Study finds a high percentage of satisfied patients with endoscopic brow lift surgery.

Here’s news that should raise some eyebrows: Most patients undergoing an endoscopic brow lift are pleased with the results and would recommend the procedure, according to a recently published study in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.

The telephone survey, which examined satisfaction, recovery and outcomes, involved 57 patients who had undergone either a brow lift alone or concurrently with a facelift.

Also known as a forehead lift, a brow lift can provide a more alert and youthful appearance, improving frown lines and furrows. It can also help minimize creases across the forehead or high on the bridge of the nose as well as correcting low or sagging brows. In some cases, brow lifts have also reduced or even helped eliminate migraine headaches.

Researchers found that 93 percent of patients reported the procedure as successful and 96 percent would recommend it. Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed stated that they had been told looked younger and less tired and that the procedure helped bolster their self-confidence.

Along with a quick recovery of about a week– return to normal activities after more than two weeks was mostly reported by those who also underwent a facelift – scars and swelling were minimal, as were complications such as numbness. And 50 percent of the patients who reported headaches prior to surgery experienced a reduction in their frequency and intensity.

Such surveys not only enhance research but assist consumers in making informed decisions. Additionally "relying on patient-reported information helps us to better understand the surgical experience and to improve preoperative counseling," the authors write.

Photo by Walt Stoneburner  

We’ve all hear the saying “you are what you eat.” Well it’s kinda true – especially when it comes to beauty.

If you’re struggling with common beauty problems like dry skin, puffy bags or premature wrinkles, it might be time to re-evaluate your diet. The nutritious (and delicious) snacks below may just be the beauty answer you’ve been looking for:

The Problem: Thin or Damaged Hair

The Fix: Whole Grains

Whole grains found in oats, quinoa and brown rice are rich in essential B vitamins which can help improve the texture and quality of your hair. They also contain silica, which can minimize hair breakage, and zinc, an important hair nutrient that prevents hair loss.

The Problem: Wrinkles

The Fix: Oily Fish

To keep your skin hydrated and wrinkle free, it’s important to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. These essential nutrients will keep your skin hydrated and supple. They’ll also boost your skin’s collagen production – which will prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the long run.

The Problem: Dry Skin

The Fix: Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are not only tasty – they’re also a great source of vitamin E, which can help your skin stay hydrated longer. Walnuts and flaxseeds (unsalted) will give you the best results because they’re also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

The Problem: Puffy Bags

The Fix: Avocado

Puffy under eye bags are often caused by excess fluid retention. To fix this problem, you should decrease your sodium intake and increase your potassium intake. Avocados are rich in potassium and healthy fatty acids which can also reduce skin inflammation.

The Problem: Brittle Nails

The Fix: Egg Yolk

Egg yolks are rich in vitamin B7, zinc, iron and protein – all of which are essential to strong, healthy nails. Eating egg yolk rich foods like omelettes on a regular basis is a great way to reduce brittleness and nail abnormalities.

Source: Huffington Post

Image: Pixabay

Pores are microscopic openings at the surface of the skin. They provide a way for the body to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature and moisturize overly dry skin. We need pores to stay healthy and the average human face has thousands.

That being said, enlarged pores are a bothersome cosmetic concern for many people.  Fortunately there are a number of ways to treat large pores with lasers, proper skin care and other topical methods.

What Causes Enlarged Pores?

Pores may appear enlarged for a number of reasons:

• Genetic predisposition
• Too much sun exposure
• Increased oil production
• Naturally due to age
• Smoking

Dirt, oil and dead skin cells tend to collect around pores, making them appear even larger.

Switching Up Your Skin Care Routine

There are number of ways to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, starting with your daily skin routine. Washing your skin daily is vital to a healthy, vibrant complexion. Just make sure to use a mild cleanser and exfoliant so that your skin doesn’t become overly dry. The body responds to dry skin by increasing oil production, which could exaggerate the appearance of already enlarged pores.

Daily sunscreen is also important. Protecting your skin with an SPF of 15 or higher will prevent the rims of your pores from becoming thicker and enlarged. Depending on your skin, a combination of topical treatments may also be recommended such as retinoids, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or benzoyl peroxides to further minimize the appearance of your pores.

Professional Treatments for Large Pores

If switching up your skin care routine simply isn’t enough, there are a number of professional treatments that may help eliminate large pores, including:

• Chemical Peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• Photofacial

You will need to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to determine which approach is best for your skin.

It used to be that if you really wanted to look younger, you had to undergo invasive cosmetic surgery. But these days, modern advances have made it possible for you to target unwanted fine lines and wrinkles through laser resurfacing technology.

Laser treatment before and after can reveal dramatic results with less discomfort and less recovery time than traditional surgery.

So what are your options?

Non-ablative (non-wounding) laser skin resurfacing.

Laser energy is used to damage collagen beneath the surface of the skin. This process stimulates the growth of new collagen, which in turn tightens the underlying skin and improves skin tone and texture.

This technique requires a series of treatments. Prior to treatment, a skin numbing agent may be applied to minimize discomfort. Following treatment, the skin will be temporarily red and swollen, but most patients can resume normal routines right away.

Ablative (wounding) laser skin resurfacing.

Laser energy is used to destroy the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), while also heating the dermis underneath. This process leads to collagen destruction and eventual regrowth.

Treatment is completed at a surgical facility and requires a numbing agent or anesthesia. Following treatment, the skin will be raw and swollen for a few days – and a full recovery will take about two weeks. Results are often dramatic and can last for several years.

Fractional laser resurfacing.

This approach uses the same laser technology of ablative and non-ablative laser technology. This difference is that fractional lasers emit tightly spaced columns of laser energy over broad areas of skin. Less damage occurs and healing time is minimized. The final results are comparable to more traditional approaches, but several treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results.

Are you interested in laser skin resurfacing? Contact us to set up a personal consultation. You’ll have the chance to look at laser treatment before and after photos and discuss your candidacy for treatment.

Image Credit: Deviant Art

When used correctly, ablative and non-ablative laser resurfacing are both effective rejuvenation tools for the skin. That being said, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before settling on any particular treatment.

Skin rejuvenation is known by many names: laser resurfacing, laser surgery, laser peel and more. But no matter what it’s called, all laser treatments use energy to penetrate through various layers of the skin to repair the appearance of wrinkles, discolorations, acne scars and other signs of aging.

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative

The basic difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments is that ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work by heating up the underlying skin tissue (without harming the surface) so that your body will produce new collagen.

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Ablative lasers are more invasive, making them a great option for treating mild to moderate wrinkles, facial scaring and skin discoloration.

Dramatic improvements can generally be seen after a single treatment, but most patients need two weeks or more of recovery time. During recovery, it’s common to experience some discomfort accompanied by swelling, oozing and crusting of the skin.

Ablative laser resurfacing is the best choice for patients who:

• Show signs of significant facial aging 
• Have deep or pitted facial scars
• Want to see significant results fast
• Can take time off from work to recover

Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing

Meanwhile, non-ablative lasers are best at improving skin texture and tone. In some cases they may also be used to improve the appearance of fine lines, mild wrinkles and pigmentation issues as well.

A number of separate treatments are usually needed to see significant results, but recoveries are generally mild (especially when compared to ablative treatments). Other than some mild redness or swelling, the skin is not visibly affected, and most patients can resume normal routines right away.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is the best choice for patients who:

• Are relatively young (between 25 and 65 years of age)
• Have mild to moderate signs of aging (with minimal skin sagging)
• Are willing to undergo multiple treatments before seeing results
• Can’t afford to take time off from work

Which laser resurfacing treatment is right for you?

The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to schedule a personal consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to make a recommendation based on your skin type and cosmetic goals.

Image Credit: Flickr

Back hair. It’s one of the biggest grooming nuisances for men – especially with beach season just around the corner.

Fortunately, back laser hair removal has made the process a whole lot easier.

What is back laser hair removal?

Laser technology is one of the latest trends in hair removal. During treatment, a concentrated beam of light is aimed at the unwanted back hair. The light is then absorbed by the hair’s pigment (color), which damages the hair follicle – delaying future growth.

How Long It Takes: Each treatment session will take less than an hour, but eight treatments or more may be needed to achieve desired results.  

Best Candidates: Generally speaking, laser hair removal works best on patients with light skin and dark hair. However, there are certain lasers that may still work regardless of your skin/hair color combination. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to point you in the right direction.

Final Results: Once a full series of treatments is completed, results will be long-lasting, if not permanent. Annual touch up appointments may be necessary to maintain results.

A few things to keep in mind before treatment

• Multiple treatment sessions will be needed. Hair grows in indeterminate cycles. And for laser hair removal to be effective, hair needs to be caught in the growth phase. 
• Treatment may be a little uncomfortable. Depending on your natural pain tolerance, lasers hair removal can feel like a mild pinch or the snap of a hot rubber band. Your cosmetic surgeon may use a numbing agent to minimize discomfort.
• You won’t be beach ready immediately following treatment. Post-laser breakouts are common because laser hair removal leaves the hair follicles open for a few days. Using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream is a good way to prevent blemishes.

Are you interested in laser hair removal? Contact us today to set up a personal consultation.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Not everyone wants to spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic enhancement – and luckily they don’t have to. These days, there are a number of cosmetic procedures, medications and injectable treatments on the market designed to turn back time without breaking the back.

The treatments below all cost less than one thousand dollars:

Chemical Peels  

One of the oldest cosmetic treatments in the world, a chemical peel is an acid-based solution that removes the top layer of skin, revealing a more youthful complexion underneath. Chemical peels can be used to treat a wide range of skin imperfections, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone and superficial acne scars.

Intense Pulsed Light therapy

Intense pulsed light therapy (or IPL) is similar to cosmetic laser treatment – but instead of emitting only one wavelength of light, IPL treatments emit a broad spectrum with each pulse. This makes IPL diverse enough to offer significant improvement after a single treatment. IPL is an effective treatment for sun damage, wrinkles, vascular birthmarks, rosacea, broken capillaries and facial redness.

Botox Injections

Botox is the most popular minimally-invasive procedure in the world – and for good reason. It’s both effective and affordable. A quick and easy injection, Botox can be used to treat wrinkles between the brows, forehead creases and lines around the eyes. It can also be an effective way to rejuvenate cleavage or eliminate neck bands.

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Originally developed to treat acne, Tretinoin is a topical cream also known for its powerful anti-aging properties. Continued use of Tretinoin speeds up the cell turnover process and increases collagen production beneath the skin. The result is a reduction in fine wrinkling, sun damage, skin roughness, and loose skin.  Tretinoin creams are available in prescription-strength doses, as well as over-the-counter.

Are you interested in learning more about our anti-aging treatments? Contact us to schedule a personal consultation today!

Are you seeing spots? After a lifetime of sun exposure, you’re bound to have at least a few brown spots on your hands and face. Also known as “age spots,” these areas of skin discoloration aren’t actually caused by age – rather, they’re a consequence of sun damage.

If you’re self-conscious about your brown spots, there are a number of treatment options available that can help.

Treating Brown Spots with Laser Resurfacing and IPL Therapy

Because of their unique ability to selectively target skin tissue based on pigment color, fractional lasers (Fraxel) and intense pulsed light (IPL therapy) are both popular treatment options for brown spots.

Treatment can typically be completed within an hour, depending on your skin type and the density of spots. Following treatment, your skin should be protected from direct sun exposure for several days. As it begins to gradually heal, the targeted brown spots will get darker and flake off in the following weeks.

Most patients require multiple treatments to achieve desired results. Your doctor will be able to determine the optimal number of treatments during your personal consultation.

Recovering from Treatment

Before undergoing treatment, it’s important to remember that virtually every cosmetic laser or IPL procedure requires a certain amount of downtime.

In some cases that might mean a few bruises and some minor redness; in other cases it might mean significant oozing and crusting. Either way, you’ll probably need to take a few days off from work – so we suggest you plan appropriately.

Other Treatments for Brown Spots

Lasers and IPL therapy aren’t the only treatment options available for brown spots. Other popular approaches include:

• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Hydroquinone cream

A skin care professional will be able to determine which treatment option will yield the best results for your skin type.

Image Credit: Deviant Art

If you’re considering IPL laser treatments, you’ve probably got a few questions on your mind and one of them is probably related to potential side effects.  

Like all cosmetic procedures, IPL laser treatments do pose the risk of side effects, but before we discuss them, it’s helpful for you to understand how IPL laser treatments work.

What is IPL laser treatment?

First off, IPL laser treatments aren’t actually “laser” treatments. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Treatment is non-invasive and works by emitting short bursts of light (a spectrum of colors from different wavelengths) to the skin. This enables selective light-absorption, making it possible to target a variety of unwanted skin imperfections.

IPL is commonly used to:

• Lighten sun spots, age spots and signs of discoloration on the face, neck, chest or hands
• Reduce facial redness related to rosacea, dilated or broken blood vessels
• Minimize fine lines and wrinkles and improve pore size through collagen stimulation

What are the most common side effects?

Some of the most common IPL side effects include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Minor Bruising
• Itchiness
• Peeling
• Scabbing

While virtually all cosmetic procedures carry inherent risks, it’s possible to greatly improve your odds of a successful outcome and avoid IPL side effects by:

• Seeking out a qualified expert to administer all of your IPL treatments
• Carefully follow all pre and post-treatment instructions and guidelines

Before seeking out treatment, it’s also important to make sure you’re a good candidate. Generally speaking, the best candidates are healthy and possess realistic expectations.

If you are currently pregnant, taking certain skin medications like Accutane or Isotretinoin, or have an active skin infection – you probably won’t quality for IPL treatments at this time. 

Proper sun protection isn't your only defense against skin cancer.

Yet another study has come out suggesting that aspirin may actually inhibit the development of melanoma.

The study, which was published in the medical journal Cancer, is by far the largest of its kind. Researchers at the Women’s Health Initiative were able to gather data from nearly 60,000 post-menopausal women over the course of 12 years.

During their enrollment, these women regularly answered questions about their diet, lifestyle habits (including sun exposure) and medication use.

Aspirin and Melanoma Risk

What researchers found was that women who took aspirin at least two times per week showed a nearly 21 percent lower risk of developing melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) than women who didn’t take the pain killer.

"We're really excited aspirin could be used as a potential preventive agent for melanoma," the study’s senior author Dr. Jean Tang of Stanford University said in a recent interview. "In terms of cancer prevention, a lower melanoma risk by 20 percent is very large and significant."

And the longer women stayed on a regular dose of aspirin, the lower their risk. In fact, women taking aspirin for five years or longer had a 30 percent lower risk of developing melanoma.

Additional Research is Necessary

Despite the results, the study’s senior author was quick to point out that this type of observational study isn’t enough to prove anything in concrete terms.

"We would have to do a large clinical trial, randomizing women to receive aspirin versus placebo, following them for 10-plus years."

So the question remains: Should you start popping a couple aspirin tablets a week to lower your risk?

Opinions are certainly split on the matter, but Tang had this advice to offer women:

"In somebody who's at high risk for melanoma, I would say that taking aspirin is a good idea."

High risk means anyone who has previously been diagnosed with skin cancer (whether it be melanoma or a less dangerous form) or individuals who sunburn very easily.

Whether you’re battling genetics, sun damage or seasonal allergies, dark under eye circles can make you feel old, tired and unhealthy.

Fortunately there are a variety of treatment options on the market, which depend on the cause and color of your under eye circles.

Blue Under Eye Circles

Bluish under eye circles tend to get worse with age, but they can also be genetic. Thinning skin combined with a loss of collagen can cause bluish circles – especially in the morning. When you’re lying down at night, fluids accumulate and the veins underneath your eyes expand to hold more blood.

Over-The-Counter Treatments

• Topical creams containing stimulating ingredients like caffeine can cause the blood vessels under the eyes to temporarily constrict, reducing the amount of pooled blood.
• Hydrating creams that contain plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid can push the skin up and away from pooled blood.

Professional Treatments

• Prescription-strength retinoids are an option for those suffering with chronic under eye circles. Retinoids bolster skin thickness and elasticity – while also slowing down the skin’s natural breakdown of collagen.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can plump the skin underneath the eyes, concealing blueness. Results last for up to a year or longer, but routine treatments will be necessary to maintain results long term.

Brown Under Eye Circles

Brown under eye circles are common with Asian and African American skin tones. They can be due to a variety of factors such as natural hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone), excessive sun exposure, genetics or chronic under eye rubbing.

Over-The-Counter Treatments

• Skin brightening treatments that contain soy or citrus can lighten up dark under eye skin when used on a regular basis. However, it’s important to avoid hydroquinone (a natural skin lighter for scars and sun spots) because it’s too strong for sensitive under eye skin.

Professional Treatments

• Chemical peels are an affordable and effective treatment for brown under eye circles. Generally speaking, they respond best to low-concentration TCA peels which cause the damaged outer layers of skin to slough off. More than one treatment may be necessary to achieve desired results.
• For more dramatic enhancement, laser resurfacing techniques such as Fraxel can be used to destroy pigment cells – causing the skin to even out. Two or three sessions are usually needed before significant results are visible.

Article Source: CNN

Photo Source: Flickr

With so many cosmeitc options out there, narrowing down the right one for your needs and lifestyle can seem near impossible. To make the process a little easier, we recommend first considering some of the pros and cons of surgical verses non-surgical cosmetic enhancement.

Recovery Time

Generally speaking, most surgical options require a longer period of recovery than non-surgical. If you simply aren’t in a place to take several days off from work, then you’ll probably fare better with a non-surgical procedure that offers minimal recovery time (e.g., Botox injections, dermal fillers or laser skin resurfacing).

Longevity of Results

One of the biggest benefits of cosmetic surgery procedures is that they offer long-term (even somewhat permanent) results. Most patients may never have to go under the knife again – or only several years later to address new age-related changes to their face or body. When it comes to non-surgical procedures, most require regular upkeep (whether it be every few months or every few years) to maintain results long-term.

Type of Results

Are you hoping for a big unveiling of your new look, or would you like improvements to be a little more subtle? Most surgical procedures produce noticeable results, which will most likely be visible to friends, family members and co-workers. If that sounds like too much attention, you might want to consider a non-surgical option that produces gradual results instead.

Total Cost

With its widespread popularity, cosmetic enhancement has become more affordable over the past several years – but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. In most cases, the more invasive a procedure is, the more expensive it will be. The total cost of cosmetic surgery will account for not only the surgeon fees, but also the anesthesia and surgical facility.

It’s important to keep in mind that most non-surgical procedures like Botox are less expensive upfront, but they may actually cost more in the long run as you continue with routine maintenance. It’s best to ask your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist for advice if you aren’t sure which is best.

By now, you’ve probably heard of and maybe even toasted to the anti-aging benefits of drinking red wine. Resveratrol, an antioxidant which has been shown to slow the aging process, is a natural component of red wine.

Resveratrol is one of 600 antimicrobial compounds known as phytoalexin. These compounds are made by plants and can shield the skin from harmful UV exposure, infections and climate change – which ultimately leads to an anti-aging effect on the skin.

Though numerous studies have investigated the benefits of ingesting resveratrol; few have looked at the antioxidant’s effectiveness when applied externally to the skin. Despite this, a number of new skincare spa treatments (otherwise known as “red wine baths”) have come out recently claiming to reduce signs of aging with the help of resveratrol.

So what has research shown us so far?

• A 2005 study from the National Institute of Health found resveratrol to serve as highly effective sunblock when applied to the skin of laboratory animals.
• A 2011 study from the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that human subjects who applied a gel containing resveratrol to their skin benefited from a 54 percent reduction in acne.

From the current available research, resveratrol does seem to be an effective topical skin treatment. However, it’s important to recognize that these studies only investigated regular use of resveratrol – which means you should probably think twice before dropping a significant amount of cash on a spa treatment that involves only a single session.

Tried-and-True Treatments

If you’re feeling a little sceptical about resveratrol, we suggest opting for some tried-and-true anti-aging treatments that will improve your complexion instead.

Popular minimally invasive treatments include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. Skincare products such as Vitamin C and tretinoin can also improve the tone and texture of your skin, producing a healthy, luminous glow.

Source: CBS News

Advances in skin care have made it easier to age gracefully. So much so that it can be pretty hard to guess someone’s age these days – unless you know where to look. Below are four common problem areas and their corresponding cosmetic solutions.

The Neck

The neck region is vulnerable to aging for a number of reasons. First off, it’s exposed to just as much sun as the face – which can be a major problem for those of us who don’t extend our SPF moisturizers to protect the neck. The skin on the neck is also thinner than facial skin and the muscles are weaker. This means less resilience and more sagging.

Surgical Fix: Neck Lift Surgery

Non-Surgical Fixes: Botox Injections, Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Crepey Skin

As we age, the skin our face gradually begins to loose elasticity and collagen content – this process can make the skin appear thinner and more wrinkled. Crepey skin is most often found around the eyes, cheeks and neck. Symptoms can be accelerated by sun damage, smoking, dehydration and environmental factors.

Non-Surgical Fixes: RetinA (tretinoin), Chemical Peels, Laser Skin Rejuvenation

The Hands

Similar to the neck, the hands are often subject to a lot of sun exposure because most people don’t cover them with UV protection on a daily basis. Years of excessive sun exposure combined with the normal effects of gravity and aging can cause your hands to appear wrinkled, sunken and freckled.

Non-Surgical Fixes: Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Jowls

Aging and a loss of skin elasticity often lead to sagging skin around the face. Jowls, which can be described as sagging cheeks and a softening jawline, are often the beginnings of a double chin. As a result, they’re one of the most common reasons given for first-time cosmetic surgery consults.

Surgical Fix: Face Lift Surgery

Non-Surgical Fix: Laser Rejuvenation

Divorce rates in the over 50 crowd have nearly doubled in the past two decades. And as a result of their newly single status, more senior* men and women are looking to enhance their looks with cosmetic surgery.

Well-preserved so-called female ‘silver separators’ like Susan Sarandon, 66, and ‘silver foxes’ like Richard Gere, 63, have become a source of inspiration for seniors as they re-enter the dating pool. They’re walking-talking proof that age doesn’t have to define a person’s looks or lifestyle.

Senior Cosmetic Surgery: Facts & Figures

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), men and women between the ages of 51 and 64 make up nearly 28 percent of cosmetic enhancements annually. While seniors over 65 make up a little over 8 percent – a nearly 80 percent increase in the past 10 years.

So what cosmetic procedures are the most popular with the over 50-crowd? According to the ASAPS, it’s mostly anti-aging surgical procedures that rejuvenate the face:

• Eyelid surgery
• Brow lift surgery
• Face lift surgery
• Neck lift surgery

Not Everyone is Candidate for Cosmetic Surgery

Because cosmetic surgery is elective, it should only be performed when the risk of complication is extremely low. Seniors are more likely to be diagnosed with medical conditions that can increase their risk of experiencing post-surgical complications.

They’re also more likely to be taking medications such as anticoagulants (like a daily aspirin) that can interfere with the surgical process. However, generally speaking a patient’s overall health is a better indicator of their candidacy for cosmetic surgery rather than their actual age.

If you’re thinking about cosmetic enhancement, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to determine if surgery is safe and effective option available for you.

*We’ve chosen to loosely define senior by AARP standards as 50 years of age and older.

If you took a look in the mirror earlier today around 3:30pm, you might be able to relate to the results of a new study.

St. Tropez (a self-tanning retailer), decided to investigate aging and how appearances change throughout the work week. And what they found was that women look their oldest around 3:30pm every Wednesday.

The Aging Effects of Work Stress & Weekend Partying

So what’s the deal?

According to the study, Wednesday is when low energy levels, work stress and the effects of late weekend nights prevail – leaving some women looking a little worse for wear.

Of those surveyed, about one in ten women (12 percent to be exact) revealed Wednesday to the most stressful day of their week – with one in five admitting they usually work through their designated lunch hour.

Wednesday isn’t the only stressful day of the week though; a quarter of women surveyed also admitted to feeling stressed out several times a week.

As far as weekend drinking goes, you might feel the physical effects the next day, but they won’t appear on your face for about 72 hours – otherwise known as Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday, Friday & Beyond

Interestingly enough, the study also revealed that once women make it over that Wednesday afternoon slump, they start feeling frisky. Thursday is when women are most likely to get romantic – giving them a rosy Friday glow.

As a result (along with several other reasons) Friday is the happiest day of the week for 60 percent of study participants.

While we’ll admit the results of this study are certainly interesting, it’s important to consider the source.  In addition to researching the aging process, St. Tropez also sells anti-aging products. This study in particular, coincides with the release of their newest anti-aging self-tanning lotion.

Source: DailyMail

Photo Credit: cwangdom

 

When thinking in terms of cosmetic enhancement, age is more than just a number. As we get older, our bodies gradually begin to change, and so do our cosmetic priorities and expectations.

Though men and women of all ages seek out cosmetic enhancement, the type and frequency vary significantly across age. To elucidate cosmetic enhancement trends across age, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently released an infographic on the subject.

Men and Women 19-34

Those in the 19-34 group comprise around 19.5% of total surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed annually. And in general, younger adults seek out cosmetic procedures to enhance body proportions, facial imbalances or skin tone and texture.

Most popular surgical procedures:

• Breast augmentation
• Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Most popular non-surgical procedures:

• Microdermabrasion
• Laser hair removal
• Botox injections

Men and Women 35-50

Approximately 42.9% of cosmetic procedures performed annually are within the 35-50 age group – making them the most likely to seek out cosmetic enhancement. For this age group, anti-aging and body contouring procedures are by far the most popular.

Most popular surgical procedures:

• Breast surgery
• Tummy Tuck
• Liposuction

Most popular non-surgical procedures:

• Botox, Dysport & Xeomin
• Laser resurfacing
• Chemical peels
• Light treatments

Men and Women 51-64

Those in the 51-64 age group comprise around 27.8% of cosmetic procedures performed annually – making them the second most likely to seek out surgical and non-surgical enhancement. Anti-aging surgical procedures (rather than non-surgical) that minimize wrinkles and rejuvenate the face are the most popular.

Most popular surgical procedures:

• Eyelid surgery
• Brow lift
• Face lift

Men and Women 65+

Men and women 65 and over are the least likely to seek out cosmetic enhancement. Roughly 8.3% of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are performed in this age group. Though this group is small, it’s been steadily growing – increasing by nearly 80% in the past 10 years.

Most popular surgical procedures:

• Neck lift
• Neck liposuction
• Enhancing or correcting previous cosmetic procedures

Check out the actual infographic below.