Good skin care — including sun protection and gentle cleansing — can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Don’t have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. When you’re outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.
• Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Don’t smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn’t clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

Using Chemical Peels to improve facial skin dates back centuries. The reason that chemical peels improve the skin is simple; acidic compounds break down the barriers between dead skin cells and accelerate exfoliation. Acidic peels cause a “controlled injury” to the skin, and in the process of healing the skin makes new collagen, elastin and matrix substrates, essentially making itself younger. The harsher the chemical and the deeper the penetration (up to a point), the greater the controlled injury and hence the greater the improvement in the skin.

In more modern times, lasers have become the “sexier” way to achieve younger looking skin and reverse the signs of aging and sun damage. But the fundamental premise behind lasers and chemical peels is the same. They both cause a “controlled injury” to the skin and initiate the healing process that brings about younger, healthier skin. Lately though, blended chemical peels that are safer for darker skin and less painful have begun to make a resurgence in beauty circles. They are a less expensive and more convenient way to get results similar to a laser. And skin that is properly maintained with regular chemical peels and the proper skin care regime can stay healthy, youthful and radiant at every age.

THE Vi-PEEL

The Vi-Peel is just one of these types of peels that has gained popularity nationwide. It is a blend of TCA, Tretinoic Acid (Retin-A), Salicylic Acid, Phenol, Vitamin C and proprietary mix of botanicals created by Vitality Institute Medical Products. Dr. Abdala Kalil created the original version of the VI PEEL to treat his teenage daughter’s acne.  By carefully blending small percentages of more potent chemicals like phenol and TCA with milder exfoliators like salicylic acid and adding Retin-A to the mix, Dr. Kalil came up with a true breakthrough in the science of chemical peels. This peel can be used even on the darkest skin types safely, and it is virtually painless.

The Vi-Peel addresses these common skin problems:

• Uneven tone, texture and clarity
• Age spots, hyperpigmentation and even melasma (mask of pregnancy)
• Increased pore size
• Softening of fine lines
• Adult acne or persistent acne

See the Vi-Peel in action in the You-Tube Video below

 SUPPORTING RESEARCH

Vitality Institute Medical Products completed an intense clinical study hosted by the International Research Services, Inc. The evaluation studied the safety and effectiveness of Vitality Institute Medical Products’ VI Peel Facial Peel. Participants were carefully selected based on a variety of skin types and various levels of wrinkles and fine lines. Progress was thoroughly examined by trained professionals utilizing comprehensive visual observations and advanced instrumental analysis. These were their conclusions:

• The Vi-Peel was found to be completely safe for its intended use.
• Improvements in crow’s feet and other fine lines were “statistically significant.”
• Up to 71% of participants reported a significant improvement in “improved fine lines” and “skin suppleness.”
• Study participants showed a reduction in melanin content and increase in collagen content.
• Just two weeks after VI Peel use, study participants showed a hemoglobin increase, suggesting increased blood flow to the treated areas.

Dr. Lawton at Bella Luce Medispa is offering a special on the Vi-Peel for $299, which is a $50 savings off the regular price. He offers free consultations so that you can feel comfortable that the Vi-Peel will meet your skin care goals. Feel free to contact us a info@bellalucespa.com or call us directly at 714-846-5950 and we will be happy to answer all of your questions about this revolutionary skin peel.

Axillary Hyperhidrosis is the medical term given to the condition where someone sweats excessively from the armpit area. Generalized Hyperhidrosis is a condition where excessive sweating occurs all over the body wherever there are sweat glands, but that condition is more rare. The more common types of hyperhidrosis are called Focal Hyperhidrosis, and they affect only certain areas of the body that have the largest concentration of sweat glands: this includes the axilla (armpit), the hands, feet and the groin area. Sweating, of course, is quite normal and is the way that the body cools itself when it encounters increased external temperature or when physical activity increases the body’s temperature, as during exercise. In hyperhidrosis, people sweat out of proportion to the body’s need for thermal regulation.

It has been estimated that up to 1% of the population has some form of hyperhidrosis. It usually starts during the teens and twenties, and may have some genetic component.Many things can trigger normal sweating and this is also true for hyperhidrosis – it’s just the amount of sweating that varies. People with axillary hyperhidrosis often complain that anxiety or stressful situations trigger large amounts of sweating, and the result is often emabarrassment in work or social situations that can be crippling to job performance and self esteem.

HOW DOES BOTOX HELP WITH ARMPIT SWEATING?

The sweat glands in the armpits are eccrine sweat glands, and their function is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which explains why sweating increases with exercise as well as with emotional stress and anxiety. Botox is a purified neurotoxin that blocks the nerve transmission that causes the sweat glands to activate, and thereby reduces or eliminates sweating. Botox was approved by the FDA in 2004 for the treatment of axillary hyperhydrosis, and since them millions of people have been helped by this innovative and effective treatment.  In clinical studies, upwards of 88% of people achieved a reduction of 50-80% in underarm sweating.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE TIME OF MY TREATMENT?

When planning for Botox treatment for underarm sweating, it’s important that the area be shaved and that no underarm deodorants or anti-perspirants be used for 24 hours before the procedure. Typically, 50 units or Botox are injected into each armpit for a total treatment of about 100 units. A tiny gauge needle is used and the Botox is injected just under the skin, so there really is minimal discomfort, contrary to what most people would think. 2 to 2.5 units are injected into 20-25 spots evenly spaced to cover the entire armpit area. Side effects are minimal since the injections are so superficial and there are no muscles nearby that might experience weakness.  See diagrammatic image below of a typical underarm injection site.

The most typical side effects usually can include minor bleeding or bruising in the area. The results of the treatment typically take anywhere from 5 days to up to 2 full weeks for effect. Many people treated for underarm sweating notice that the Botox lasts 6 months or more. If there is still some residual excessive sweating at 2 weeks, usually a touch-up treatment is all that is needed.

Dr. Lawton is an Allergan Platinum-Plus injector with one of the largest solo injector practices in Orange County. He offers Botox treatments for axillary hyperhydrosis, and the cost for new clients is $8.50 per unit. Call us at 714-846-5950 and we can answer any questions you have or schedule an appointment.

THE “DUET” SPECIAL IS BACK

Starting May 1 and running through August 21 of 2012, Allergan is running its “Duet” promotion. If you are a member of the Brilliant Distinctions Rewards program, you instantly get $100 off any syringe of Juvederm as long as you get a $200 Botox treatment in the same office visit. The special applies to Juvederm Ultra as well as Juvederm Ultra Plus. If you’re not a member of Brilliant Distinctions, it’s free to join online and takes as little as 5 minutes to sign up. You’ll be glad you joined because you earn points for every Botox, Juvederm or Latisse purchase and points can be redeemed for future cash savings on any of the Allergan products.

THE LATISSE “BOGO” IS BACK!

For a very limited time, we’re offering the best deal ever on Latisse. Buy 1 kit for the regular $120 retail price and get a 2nd Latisse kit   absolutely FREE. The supply of free kits is extremely limited, and we expect this promotion to only last a week of two, after which the pricing will return to 1 kit for $120 or 2 kits for $199. This limited time offer ends when our supply of promotional Latisse if exhausted. There is a limit of 1 free kit per person and we cannot ship Latisse.

  20% OFF VIVITE SKIN CARE AND A FREE VIVITE GLYCOLIC PEEL WITH ANY FACIAL

This special runs only through Mother’s Day, but imagine the savings. You can save 20% when you purchase at least $100 worth of Vivite Skin Care. Remember, you also earn Brilliant Distinctions Rewards points for every Vivite Skin Care purchase you make. Also, why not treat Mom to a fabulous Vivite 70% buffered Glycolic Peel….it’s free with any facial, including the $65 Deluxe Customized One Hour facial.

Vivite Skin Care is based on the patented GLX glycolic matrix technology. It’s like a timed-release glycolic that penetrates deeper into the dermis safely and consistently for real clinical results in just weeks. Loaded with natural, plant-based antioxidants, it also protects you from the sun’s damaging effects on the skin going forward.  Vivite is made by Allergan, the makers of Botox and Juvederm and the leader in anti-aging aesthetics.

For more information about our specials or to book an appointment, call us directly at 714-846-5950. Follow us on twitter or facebook .

The Vivité Skin Care System was developed by Allergan, experts in rejuvenating skin care and the makers of Botox Cosmetic and the Juvederm line of injectable wrinkle fillers. Vivité products are scientifically formulated and clinically proven to rejuvenate the skin. The core of this skin care line is based on their patented GLX™ technology. This technology allows for greater amounts of glycolic compounds to reach deeper layers of the skin safely by creating a matrix of glycolic acid and ammonium glycolate.

 WHAT IS GLX™ TECNOLOGY?

 Glycolic acid is a small molecule that is ideal for exfoliating the skin as it easily penetrates the skin.  However, because of its easy penetration, only small percentages can be applied at a time in a skin care cream to avoid damage to the skin. By combining glycolic acid in their GLX™ matrix with ammonium glycolate, the latter compound creates a buffering effect and can safely penetrate deeply into the skin and slowly dissolve into glycolic acid over time.  It’s like a time-release capsule of medication for the skin, delivering maximal exfoliation with minimal irritation.

 In addition, this matrix also contains some of nature’s own greatest anti-oxidants to help protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage. The following is only a partial list of some of these super anti-oxidants, most of which you’re probably already familiar with: pomegranate, lycopene, Vitamins C and E, soy isoflavones, green tea extract, grape seed extract and mulberry fruit extract.  In addition, aloe, shea butter, chamomile, ceramides and wild mango butter are infused into Vivité’s skin care products for an elegant, soothing and calming feel. To top it all off, light-diffusing interference pearls are used to create the effect one would get from a matte make-up.

 VIVITÉ’S CORE SYSTEM FOR SKIN REJUVENATION

Vivité’s core system is consists of 4 products that are available for retail sale in large sizes as well as a convenient, inexpensive travel size pouch. The core system includes the exfoliating cleanser with micro-beads (15% glycolic matrix compound), the anti-oxidant facial serum (15% glycolic matrix compound), the extra-rich night renewal cream (20% glycolic matrix compound)  and the revitalizing eye cream (10% glycolic matrix compound plus caffeine to reduce puffiness).

 Bella Luce Medispa is offering all Vivité products at a 20% discount now through Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012. Call us at 714-846-5950 for details or visit us on the web at www.bellalucespa.com.

Remember, this program is only available for another 3 weeks through the end of April 2012. In order to be eligible you must register with Brilliant Distinctions and get treated by April 30, 2012. In addition, your Botox treatment must be for $200 of more. Rebate supplies are limited so don’t wait for these great savings.

Dr. Lawton of Bella Luce Medispa is now offering these great rebates plus a new client rate of only $8.50 per unit. Dr. Lawton is an Allergan Platinum Plus injector with one of the largest solo injector Botox practices in Orange County. Call us today at 714-846-5950 or email us by visiting our contact page at bellalucespa.com.

Anagen (Growth) Phase

The anagen phase is also called the growth phase. During this phase, the lash is actively growing, and usually continue to do so for about 4-6 weeks.  The majority of the lashes are in this phase at any given time.  Each lash will grow to a specific length and then stop and enter the catagen, or resting phase. The reason that your lashes are so much shorter than your scalp hair is because this active growth phase is as short as it is, compared with a growth phase for scalp hair that can be years! This is the phase when Latisse works its magic. The active ingredient in Latisse, which is a prostaglandin-type molecule called bimatoprost, actually lengthens the growth phase of the lash. Given more time in this phase due to Latisse, the lash grows longer and fuller, or larger in circumference.  The darkening of the lashes is due to the fact that Latisse also stimulates more melanin production in the hair.

However, an interesting study was conducted at the Oregon Health and Science University’s Casey Eye Institute and published in the June 2011 edition of the prestigious journal Dermatologic Surgery. The study looked at women ages 30 to 50 who received regular Botox injections for 2 years. The study found that after 2 years of Botox treatments every 4 months, the frequency of injection could be reduced to every 6 months with comparable wrinkles reduction and high patient satisfaction. Roger Dailey, MD, head of the OHSU’s Casey Eye Institute, states “Patients who begin receiving Botox between their 30’s and 50’s are able to prevent dynamic wrinkles from forming and eliminate existing wrinkles”.

While one small study on this issue is far from proof, it’s tantalizing to think that if one starts using Botox at an early age, before static wrinkles exist, that one could prevent or delay by decades the formation of static wrinkles that we usually associate with aging.  We’ve all seen examples of people whose faces are paralyzed from stroke of the persistent effects of Bell’s palsy. In these patients, the paralyzed half of the face often has dramatically fewer wrinkles than the working half of the face.

It is clear, however, is that people are getting Botox at younger and younger ages.  Recently there’s been a great increase in use among 20-somethings. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 370,597 people between the ages of 19 and 34 got Botox injections in 2010.  That’s 15.2% of the total population.

And the media plays right along with this. Take a look at the following video in which Kim Kardashian gets Botox injections. The popularity of celebrities like the Kardashian sisters publicly getting Botox only makes it more likely that young women especially will feel the pressure of be completely wrinkle free even at very young ages.

So how young is too young?  Botox is not approved by the FDA for use in people younger than 18. But for many young women starting in their 20’s,  Botox injections are like sunscreen….a way to help prevent wrinkles from forming and keeping them looking younger longer.

Let’s first review the anatomy of the area so that we can understand how Botox can achieve these goals. Vertical upper and lower lip lines, or “smoker’s lines” as they’re commonly referred to, are caused by over-activity of the orbicularis oris. The image below shows you the action of this muscle, and you can see how over time the lines will form in the skin where it is creasing due to the action of the muscle.

The orbicularis oris is a muscle that encircles the mouth just under the skin, and it allows you to “pucker-up”, as they say. Activities like kissing, drinking through a straw or whistling are common actions that use this muscle. Not just smokers get these lines; age, genetics, sun exposure and a host of other factors can lead to these lines even in people who have never smoked. The image below shows the anatomy of this muscle.

ORBICULARIS ORIS MUSCLE

Botox, in doses of 2-5 units, can be injected in two or four injections sites along the upper lip, right at the border between the lip and the skin. This then slightly relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, softening the lip lines. The effect of the Botox can also cause the upper lip margin to drift upward slightly, created the effect of a larger, fuller, more youthful upper lip. Botox, also in doses of 2-5 units, can be injected at three injection sites along the lower lip to achieve the same softening of lower lip lines. It’s important to keep in mind that when Botox is used in this muscle, some people can experience temporary sensations similar to numbness as well as temporary difficulty with actions like sipping drinks through a straw. These side effects are usually limited in time to one or two weeks after injection.

Over-activity of another muscle in the lower face, the depressor anguli oris, can lead to the appearance of a down-turned smile in certain people. This can be distressing because affected individuals feel that they look as though they’re always sad or frowning. The image below is an example of this phenomenon.

The depressor anguli oris does what its name says. It depresses the angle of the “oris”, which is the latin root word for mouth. This muscles allows you to pull down the corners of your mouth, as when you grimace or cry. It’s often called the “cry-baby” muscle. This muscle is triangular in shape, with the apex at the mouth corner and the base of the triangle along the angle of the jaw. The anatomical image below shows you this muscle.

Botox, when injected in one or two injection sites into the belly of this muscle, will relax the muscle. The dosing can vary from as little as 5 units to as many as 10 units into each muscle. Then, the corners of the mouth will drift slightly upward in the resting state. This improves the appearance of a down-turned smile. The action is not enough to actually curve the lip corners upward, but this effect can be achieved by using fillers after the Botox has taken effect.

If you have more questions about Botox for the lower face, Dr. Lawton offers free consultations and can answer all of your questions and concerns. Call us at 714-846-5950 for an appointment of email us through our website at www.bellalucespa.com.

What’s not to like about something that’s completely natural, safer, less painful and leaves your skin healthier than before? Take a quick look at the video below which shows you the actual process of sugaring.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR SUGARING TREATMENT

1. Make sure the hair is not too long…1/8 to ¼ inch is best. This usually means going no longer than 4 weeks between treatments or you may have to trim the hair before sugaring.
2. Make sure the skin is clean and dry and avoid lotions, creams, powders or deodorant before your treatment.
3. Gentle exfoliation of the area 1-2 days before the treatment is recommended.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOUR SUGARING TREATMENT

1. Avoid tight fitting clothing and the application of perfumed lotions or soaps to the treated area for 12-24 hours.
2. After your sugaring treatment, it is essential to keep your skin healthy, smooth and free of blemishes and ingrown hairs. We recommend that you apply a thin layer of PFB-Vanish, a cosmetically elegant roll-on serum that will gently prevent ingrown hairs (see image below).
3. You should continue to exfoliate regularly between sugaring treatments. We recommend you begin exfoliating on the 3rd day after your first treatment using Jan Marini’s Bioglycolic Body Scrub (see image below). It’s also an excellent way to keep your skin soft, smooth and healthy.
4. Make sure you book your next sugaring appointment about 3-4 weeks away. The first few sugaring appointments are the most important given the natural hair growth cycle.