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The Lowdown on Lip Filler (and 3 Myths Debunked!)
It seems like everywhere you turn these days; people are talking about lip filler – from medspa ads to celebrity recommendations. Injectable lip filler, which adds volume to thinner lips, is a popular aesthetic procedure primarily because of its minimal downtime and relatively low cost while offering stunning results. But what is lip filler? Should you get it? And what can you expect from a lip filler procedure? Not to worry – our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know!
The Benefits & Concerns of Vampire Facials – Microneedling With PRP
A vampire facial, also called microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), is a cosmetic treatment that has recently received a lot of hype and exploded in popularity. You’ve likely heard about it and may wonder… what exactly is it? And more importantly– does it work? Will it take years off the appearance of my facial skin? And is it safe?
Vampire Facials are used to do the following:
- Improve skin tone
- Reduce fine lines & wrinkles
- Enhance and plump sagging skin
- Reduce acne scars
- Decrease signs of aging
So, what’s all the buzz about? If you’ve wondered if a vampire facial or microneedling with PRP suits you, this is what you need to know.
Understanding How the Sun Can Do Damage Beneath the Visible Skin
UV or ultraviolet damage occurs when our skin gets exposed to sunlight, especially during the most intense hours at midday and in the summer. UV light encompasses a narrow portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and x-rays, up to about 380nm. This causes skin issues because of damage to cells and the possibility of mutating the skin’s DNA itself. While DNA damage is irreversible, cellular damage to the skin may eventually turn over and can be reversed in some situations.
UV damage can cause wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, lentigo or brown spots, and skin cancer. And this photodamage may take years before the problems are even visible. So, it’s important to see your dermatologist before you see visible sunspots.
Three Proven Compounds to Tackle Dry and Sensitive Skin
You are not alone if you are struggling with dry or sensitive skin. Many, if not most, people will have dry skin at some point in their lives, and it is estimated that more than half of all people will experience abnormally dry skin, otherwise known as xerosis. Because it is such a common problem, you may think it is not worth seeing a dermatologist, but you may be mistaken. Sure, mildly dry skin can be treated with cream or lotion, but there are tricks and products that your dermatologist can recommend that may help heal and replenish the moisture in chronically dry skin. Further, if an underlying condition causes your dry skin, medical therapy may be necessary.
Let’s review a few products beyond essential moisturizers for tackling dry skin.
Does Panoxyl Acne Wash Work (& Three Good Alternatives)
When it comes to acne, products that contain benzoyl peroxide, such as Panoxyl, can work well. So well, in fact, that this treatment is often the very first tool for combating acne. Benzoyl peroxide is a mainstay for treating acne because it is highly effective, so dermatologists will usually reach for it before attempting more in-depth or aggressive approaches.
So, the short answer is a resounding YES – Panoxyl does work. The caveat is that patients must understand this medication has its limitations, too. When benzoyl peroxide cannot clear more stubborn or severe acne, there are alternatives.
Three Hacks for Dull Skin
It’s that time of year again when your skin starts drying out as the summer humidity wanes. You might be reaching for the moisturizer – which is a great, yet basic, option, But before you have to relegate your skincare to an easy but only partially effective fix like an over-the-counter moisturizer, consider these three hacks to get your glow on and keep it going.
Hair Loss Treatments for Men Compared
Approximately 50% percent of men over 40 in the United States suffer from androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. While this is no reflection on a man’s virility, many men are concerned about what that means and do not want to let natural aging and genetics take their course without some pushback. Androgenic alopecia ultimately revolves around the excess production of DHT or dihydrotestosterone, a byproduct of testosterone production on the scalp. DHT is problematic because it can eventually shrink and destroy the hair follicle, leading to permanent hair loss. Typical male pattern baldness will leave hair unaffected on the side and back but with progressive loss of hair on the front, crown, and top of the scalp.
If caught early, patients have several options for slowing hair loss, but before we continue, it is worth noting that our modern modern-day lives are stressful, which can also lead to hair loss. Anything from physical stress like rapid weight loss or overexercising to emotional stress can cause the resting hair phase (telogen) to extend and the growth phase (anagen) to decrease. This is usually reversible with lifestyle change and proper self-care. As such, today, we will only discuss hair loss options for androgenic or genetic alopecia.
How We Minimize Skin Discoloration After Laser Treatments
As laser facial and body treatments grow in popularity and accessibility, your dermatologist will discuss the risk of unwanted side effects following therapy. While some side effects, such as pain, swelling, and redness, are temporary, the discoloration some people experience following laser treatments can be longer-lasting without preventative care or additional treatment. This is why it is critical to minimize the risk of skin discoloration as much as possible.
Let’s discuss what causes the skin to discolor in the first place. After laser treatment, inflammation is our body’s natural mechanism that spearheads healing. The healing following laser treatments is part of why the laser is useful. However, there is a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH when inflammation occurs for any reason. PIH can arise from many conditions – like acne, eczema, or injury. And laser treatment is exactly that – a controlled injury to the skin at exact depths and locations. Continue reading
What Is “Skin Tightening” and How Do You Achieve It
Skin tightening is often high on the list for anyone feeling the pull of gravity, resulting in unwanted drooping skin. This sagging process is natural and happens as we age; years of UV exposure can also contribute to skin appearing laxer than it used to be. The main reason for this change is that collagen, the support mechanism that gives our skin its firm, supple texture, begins degrading and breaking down after the 30th decade of life. We lose some collagen, and other parts of the skin’s matrix, like elastin and extracellular matrix fibers, each year thereafter.
So, what are some of the best tried and true skin-tightening approaches? How can you achieve firm, supple skin even into your later years when a good deal of collagen has already been lost? Fortunately, there are many options for skin tightening. No matter your budget or age, there is likely a way for you to tighten that skin!
Acne Scar Removal: What You Need to Know
It is estimated that up to 80% of people have experienced acne at some point. You might have scars if you suffered from acne as a teenager or even as an adult. While mild comedonal acne typically doesn’t leave behind any noticeable reminders, inflammatory and cystic acne can. Scars resulting from inflamed skin on the face, neck, and back can last a lifetime, long after the acne has cleared. The skin on our faces is thinner and more delicate than on other body parts, making it more prone to scar development. You might be wondering if there is any way to prevent or treat scars – and fortunately, the answer is YES to both!
Of course, it’s better to avoid scarring in the first place, so let’s start with some of the basics of scar formation. As the old saying goes – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.