Blog Posts Archives - Page 44 of 45

A Younger You, No Knives Needed

There is one question that I hear all the time in my office : How can I look younger without having plastic surgery. ‘Non-evasive’ is a new trend in medical care and in the field of dermatology there are a growing number of options that provide dramatic results without the risks associated with surgery.

Surgical procedures are effective but come with a lot of risk and often require a long recovery time. Surgical procedures can also sometimes change your image too drastically, leaving you unsatisfied with the results.

My philosophy is to renew you, not make a new you. Simply put, I aim to refresh and update your features with non-surgical methods. There are a variety of non-surgical options depending on the area and specific request. Many of these can be completed during an office visit and require minimal recovery time. Maintenance is easy with repeated office visits throughout the year.

The first area of options are collagen simulation fillers which are used to restore the volume that is lost as an effect of aging.

RADIESSE® : Best for smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds, the creases that extend from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth), this is a dermal filler which will plump the skin. RADIESSE is injected through a small needle and placed under the skin and will work immediately to add volume under the skin. Over time, the benefits continue by naturally stimulating your body’s own natural collagen. The results are proven to be immediate and long lasting – shown to last a year or more in many patients.

Juvederm Voluma : A deep injection in the cheek area to correct age-related volume loss, Jevederm offers an instant, natural-looking result that can last up to 2 years.

Sculptra Aesthetic : Injected into shallow to deep facial wrinkles, this filler is suitable for nasolabial folds, the lines framing your mouth and chin wrinkles. A full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic (an average of three injections over a few months) can last over two years.

The second options are neuromodulators, which are used to reduce or even eliminate the lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes, by relaxing the muscles responsible for the development of lines and wrinkles. The muscles will gradually become relaxed allowing the skin to appear smooth and unwrinkled. Two common neuromodulators are:

Botox : Injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of both moderate to severe crow’s feet lines and frown lines between the eyebrows. Results will be noticed in 24 to 48 hours and last up to 4 months.

Dysport: Smooths the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines without changing the look or movement of the rest of your face. In one 10-20 minute injection, Dysport has been prove to last up to 4 months.

With all of these products, no sedation or anesthesia is required and discomfort is usually minimal. Your Board Certified Dermatologist will discuss all available treatment options with you to help determine which is most appropriate for your needs.

Stay connected! Join my Beauty Club for skin tips, giveaways and more.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

New Year, New You – Top Tips For A Healthy 2016

Happy New Year!

New Year resolutions always seem to follow a familiar trend around diets, exercise and getting healthy. I think it is important to build a lifestyle that supports health and wellness (versus just making a big push in January which is hard to sustain long term). Life doesn’t always make it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle – kids, work, and family keep me busy – but I 100% stand behind a healthy lifestyle to keep you feeling & looking your best.

A few of my top tips for staying healthy all year long:

The 80/20 rule. I don’t like following strict diets which make me feel like I’m missing out. The occasional treat or glass of wine is super motivating to me so I approach my diet with an 80/20 rule. 80% of the time I eat a diet that is well balanced and full of nutrition. That leaves some space for me to indulge on occasion. A proper diet leaves you well equipped to ward off illness, lose weight and look your best.
Eat your veggies. Every meal, try to fill your plate with as many vegetables as possible. Vegetables are filled with nutrients, water, fiber, and very few calories – by loading up your plate with vegetables you will fill up faster and cut down on calories without feeling deprived. I use a variety of herbs and spices to flavor my veggies so that I can cut down on the butter and salt. My kids look to me as an example so when they see my plate full of veggies, they ask for the same! If you find it hard to eat a plateful of vegetables try adding them into yummy things like smoothies (I do this every morning), soups, and stews. I also love grilling and roasting vegetables, which makes them much sweeter. My kids love broccoli florets that I drizzle with a good dose of extra virgin oil, season with herbs, and pop in the toaster oven for 15 minutes.
Find an exercise program that you enjoy and find motivating. Personally, I need the input of a personal trainer to help me target specific areas and safely change my exercise routines. I don’t always have a ton of free time to get to the gym so I have a variety of at home DVD’s that I do – a few of my favorites include BeachBody 21 Day Fix and Moms into Fitness by Lidnsay Brin, and P90X. I find if I take 30 minutes to sweat it out my day is much calmer and I feel so much more energized.
Pick one day during the week and pamper yourself. It doesn’t have to be an all day event – even just one hour to exfoliate, moisturize and paint your nails. On Sunday evenings once the kids are in bed I like to light a few candles, play some quiet music and pamper myself. This leaves me relaxed and ready to tackle the week ahead.
Stay on top of your medical care. Now is a great time to organize your medical providers and schedule any appointments that you will need during the year. Don’t forget about your annual skin check with a dermatologist. Early detection is so important – if you see something suspicious call right away to rule out skin cancer.
Lastly, I share one of my new resolutions for 2016: take 10 minutes of the day to meditate. Between motherhood, work, and marriage, I find that there is also something to be thinking about or planning for. My goal for this year is to try to be more present in the moment. There are many known benefits meditation including stress relief and improved immunity. I will keep you posted on how I do with this new resolution!!

Start slow with any lifestyle changes to make them easy to maintain – jumping right in 100% is sure to cause burn out quick. Pick one area and focus on that for a month before picking up another area.

As my yogi friends say – Namaste! Happy New year.

Visit my website, join the Beauty Club and be entered to win a great at home chemical peel this month!

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Product Review & Giveaway : Hydro Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Polish & Plump Peel

It’s January and that calls for a review & refresh of your skin care routine. Winter can leave your skin feeling dry & dull and the holiday stress (not to mention all of the food & drinks) can wreak havoc on your face. All these changes will make wrinkles more evident. It’s time to introduce a great product that you can use in the comfort of your home.

A chemical peel is great for peeling away signs of aging and helping to restore a more youthful look. There are many ‘at home’ chemical peels on the market, but HydroPeptide has nailed it with this award-winning product! After just one treatment you will notice smoother, brighter and healthier looking skin. It’s a two-step regimen that is easy to follow and requires zero downtime.

The Polish & Plump Peel kit includes two separate products. Peel 1 contains microdermabrasion crystals to polish away dead skin cells along with Vitamin C and Orange Peel Oil which provides multiple anti-aging benefits. Peel 2 pulls in 6 different peptides which will plump, relax, moisturize and hydrate your skin as well as Lactic Acid and Bearberry which evenout the skin tone and promote a better complexion. The addition of green tea, cucumber, Echinacea and chamomile will help to calm and sooth the skin.

To use the Polish & Plump Peel, start with skin that has been gently cleansed. Take about ¼ tsp of Peel 1 and massage into skin in circular motion for 1 to 2 minutes. Next take about ¼ tsp of Peel 2 and massage in the same manner as Peel 1. After a few minutes, rinse off with tepid water.

The plump and peel kit is now a regular park of my exfoliation routine. I use it weekly, on Sundays, which is my pampering day! I love how effective the microdermabrasion crystals are for wiping away a week’s worth of weathered skin, leaving me with a refreshed glow. My pores, which tend to be more prominent, immediately look smaller.

Purchase now through HydroPeptide and use code ‘DOCTOR-IP’ for a preferred customer discount.

I love this product so much that I’m giving away one of these to a follower. Simply visit the Beauty Club page and sign up to join and you will be entered to win. Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter for additional entries.

You’ll definitely be radiating beauty with this kit.

Congratulations Amber! We hope that you enjoy this fantastic kit.

Diaper Rash 101

Freshly home from hospital, you’ve finally mastered changing the diaper without making a huge mess and then realize that your baby has a bright-red, irritated bum. There will be a variety of rashes that appear on your baby and diaper rash is certainly going to be one of them.

Diaper rashes can be caused by a number of things. Most common is a reaction to a soiled diaper being left on too long. Other things that can cause a diaper rash: chafing from the diaper, yeast infection, bacterial infection, allergic reaction, and seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap).

Treatment of diaper rash is obviously dependent upon the cause of the rash and it will usually take a few days for the rash to clear completely. For immediate relief, expose the bottom to air and use water and a soft cloth to clean the bottom (instead of wet wipes which can be a bit harsh). Strip the baby down in a warm room and have tummy time on a blanket. This could be messy, but the air on babies bottom will help tremendously.

If you must put a diaper on, make sure that your babies bottom is well protected by a lubricating barrier such as zinc oxide cream. I am a big fan of Cerave diaper rash cream, which contains zinc oxide as well as other soothing emollients. A cheaper and equally effective option is good old Vaseline (that’s my go to for my baby’s bottom!). Be sure to change the baby as soon as you can when the diaper is soiled. The cream will soothe the skin as well as provide a protective barrier. Be sure that the area is completely clean and dry before putting on a fresh diaper. If you suspect that the diaper is the reason for the rash, try changing the type of diaper you are using. If using cloth diapers, choose a mild, hypoallergenic detergent when washing. Dermatologists like All Free and Clear Detergent for patients with sensitive skin and for babies.

When to call the doctor:

The rash gets worse or doesn’t clear up in a few days
Your baby has a fever or seems sluggish
You see fluid-filled bumps or crusty areas – this might be a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics
You notice redness in the folds of the baby’s skin or small red pimples outside of the diaper area – a sign of a yeast infection which would require antifungal medicine.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Ten Tips For Healthy Winter Skin

The chilling-cold of New England hasn’t quite set in yet but I’m already finding myself with dry, itchy skin. I find myself switching up my routines to counteract the effect that the brutal cold can have on my skin. As the temperature drops, so does the humidity level, resulting in dry, itchy skin. A few changes in your winter skin care routine will provide relief from dry skin that many people experience during the winter.

These ten tips are easy to implement and will leave you glowing skin all winter long.

Hydration – Make sure you are drinking enough water which is important for your overall health and will also keep your skin from feeling and looking dry.
Exfoliation – Use a gentle exfoliate to slough off dead cells which will help your moisture penetrate further. While exfoliation is key, you don’t want to get carried away! Gentle scrubs should be used only once a week.
Moisturize – Upgrade your face and body moisturizers during the colder months. In the winter, creams are key as they contain nourishing oils with a thick texture to lock in moisture. Apply moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower – it will really help to lock in the moisture. My favorite winter combination is Vanicream moisturizing body cream followed by a light layer of Vanicream bath oil .
Diet – Eat a balanced diet filled with healthy fats, fresh produce and plenty of water. Snack on coconut, avocado, and oatmeal. Rich and full of healthy fats and vitamins, these foods will seriously help with your skin! Don’t forget about getting enough exercise and following a good sleep schedule. When your body feels good, it will look good too.
Lips – Chapped lips are easily fixed with Vaseline. Use it under your regular lipstick and you’ll find smooth lips that look fantastic.
Humidifier – Sleep with a humidifier running. Not only will this help the tone and texture of your skin but will also help keep your sinuses moist and keeps your hands and nails hydrated too.
Luke warm water – I know how great it feels to warm up with a hot bath or shower when its cold outside, but washing up in luke warm water will help keep your skin moist. Also, try to keep your exposure to water under 5 minutes.
Cover up – Hats, mittens, scarves! Not only do these pieces help keep you feeling warm and looking cute but they also protect your skin from the brutal cold air.
Keep it simple – Your skin care routine could need an upgrade. Many acne treatments can be very drying. Talk to your dermatologist to see if there is a more gentle routine to use during the winter months.
SPF – The sun may not be shining and you may not be planning on lounging by the pool all day, but it is still super important to protect any exposed body parts from UV rays. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Never miss an update! Join my Beauty Club for skin tips, giveaways, promotions and more!

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Caring For Your Skin During Pregnancy

You’re expecting, congrats!

I’m sure you’ve covered the list of foods to avoid when pregnant. Have you considered the changes that you might need to make in your skin care routine? Some topical ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream and could affect your growing baby. Plus, the hormonal changes happening in your body could cause your skin to change. I learned a ton of great tips during my two pregnancies, which will help to keep your skin beautiful during your pregnancy.

First things first, there are a few things to definitely avoid. No lasers, no injectables, no acids, no retinoids. Stick to a gentle cleanser, lotion and sunscreen. My recommended skin-care routine for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers includes:

Cleanse – Pick a gentle cleanser that removes all of your makeup, rinses off easily and leaves your skin non-irritated with no redness or after wash tightness. My go to is Cetaphil Cleanser.
Exfoliation – When not pregnant, a chemical exfoliation is my go-to. Since the beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid are a no-go during pregnancy, I opt for a physical exfoliation. One to two times a week I will use a scrub to help slough off dead skin and keep my skin glowing.
Moisturize – Keeping your skin nice and moist helps with minimizing signs of aging and will help ward off any itchiness and redness. Hydration is also super important, be sure to drink plenty of water every day.
Sunscreen – At a bare minimum, SPF 15 with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, but SPF 30 is even better! In the summer time, I recommend SPF 50. Some of my favorite brands are Cerave Am lotion and Aveeno positively radiant, both contain spf 30. Do not rely on your makeup for SPF. As your hormones run amok you may notice what is typically called the ‘mask of pregnancy’, Melasma. Reducing your exposure to UV rays will help prevent Melasma (as well as spots, burns and wrinkles) so be sure to cover up!

As your body reacts to the new pregnancy hormones in your body you may notice some not-so-nice changes, including:

Acne – Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can cause breakouts. Cleansing daily with a cleanser that contains alpha-hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid, can keep breakouts to a minimum. Cleanse twice daily and if breakouts are severe, follow up with a board-certified dermatologist, as there are certain safe medications you can use during pregnancy. They include medications like clindamycin gel and azeliac acid cream.

Moles & skin tags – these may start popping up everywhere and will continue to grow during your pregnancy. Rarely, the hormones of pregnancy may cause some moles to become atypical. If anything suspicious crops up, go see your doctor right away to rule out skin cancer. In general, we do not remove moles in pregnancy unless medically necessary.

To help combat dull, dry skin during pregnancy, take a daily DHA/Omega-3 supplement to promote baby’s growth and developed. Added benefit: it will also reduce inflammation and promote glowing skin. Also, be sure to consume “good fats” such as fatty fish (salmon), flax seeds and walnuts, and avocado to enhance skin’s elasticity and natural glow.

Pregnant or not, join my Beauty Club to learn more about how to take the best care of yourself. I’ll be sharing skin tips, hosting giveaways and having some great promotions so join today!

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Eleven Superfoods For Gorgeous Skin

Although a great skin care routine is important for gorgeous skin, your diet also plays an important role in the way you look. Simply changing your diet to a healthier alternative can be the key to improving your skin’s overall appearance. I’ve compiled a list of eleven superfoods that will help your skin look amazing.

Blueberries – This berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables). A half cup of these berries every day will provide antioxidants to protect you from premature aging.

Wild Salmon – This beauty superfood is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin D which will help to keep your skin supple and moisturized, protect the skin from sun exposure and keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy. There must be at least a hundred different ways to prepare salmon which makes it an easy one to add to your diet. My favorite is grilled with a side of asparagus. Make sure you are buying wild salmon – not farm-raised.

Mackerel – Another fish that is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin E. There are some great health benefits from mackerel and check out these great mackerel recipes.

Spinach – Leafy and green, this vegetable is full of lutein (keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling) and is a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. I like to throw a handful of spinach in my smoothie in the morning.

Oysters – If you can get past the sliminess of these guys, they are a great source of zinc which aids in skin cell renewal and repair (and also keeps your nails, hair and eyes healthy).

Tomatoes – The very best anti-aging antioxidant, lycopene, is found in tomatoes. Research has shown that lycopene is more easily absorbed by the body when consumed in cooked tomato products, rather than fresh tomatoes.

Walnuts – Just a handful will do – either on their own or tossed into a salad – benefits from nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E include smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes and strong bones.

Kiwis – This fruit is known as the leading source of Vitamin C which keeps skin young and vibrant. Kiwi also provides Vitamin E and antioxidants which keep skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth.

Dark Chocolate – It’s true! This treat is good for you. When enjoyed in moderation, the flavonoids in dark chocolate absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, and improve skin’s hydration and complexion. Moderation is key – stick to no more than three ounces per day.

Yogurt – A great calcium source – which helps with posture, nails and teeth. High in acidic nature, yogurt can help destroy various acne-causing bacteria, fungus, and germs within the body. Make sure you are buying plain, unsweetened yogurt.

Sweet Potatoes – Packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights aging by offering significant protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, adding these to your diet is a great idea. My kids especially love when we add roasted sweet potatoes to the dinner menu.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

11 Ways to Make Your Pores Look Smaller

As posted on http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a35847/how-to-minimize-pores/

Pores — they’re so tiny, they shouldn’t be that visible, right? Oh, if that were only true. Some of us have noticeable pores, and we’re not too happy about it. Unfortunately, you can’t physically reduce their size without seeing a dermatologist, but you can make them look less obvious. Thanks to a few pro tips and tricks, there are ways to make them (almost!) disappear.

1. Keep your face clean.

“When dirt clogs the pores, they expand and appear larger,” explains dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. “So, it’s important to always wash your face with a gentle cleanser, especially before bedtime, to remove any extra dirt and grease.” On top of cleansing every day, always use clean makeup brushes and never touch your face with your fingers. Your complexion will thank you.

2. Before you put on your foundation, use a primer.

Yes, you can camouflage their appearance with makeup. And primer is great option says Laramie, pro makeup artist and founder of Book Your Look. But that’s not all: “You can also use the ‘blurring’ foundations that are so popular right now,” she adds.

3. Be gentle with your skin.

Aggressive cleansing, exfoliating, and skin picking can cause wrinkles and lead to worsened acne, but going too rough on your skin can also damage your pores. “Be gentle so you don’t expand your pores, which you can do permanently,” warns esthetician Mariola Barczewska of Haven Spa. Already damaged your pores? Barczewska advises taking it especially easy so your skin can heal properly.

4. Get facials every month or so.

Barczewska recommends seeing a facialist every four to six weeks. Why? A little professional extraction and exfoliation can help clean out your pores, so you wind up with clearer, healthier skin. If this seems a little too indulgent for you, consider getting one a couple times a year or on special occasions like your birthday.

5. Exfoliate regularly.

While keeping your face clean is so important, it’s the act of getting rid of dead skin cells that really keeps your complexion looking its best. “Exfoliation can be achieved in a number of ways, both physical and chemical,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, dermatologist and consultant for HydroPeptide. “Gentle cleansers containing low concentrations of salicylic acid (.5% – 1%) or lactic or glycolic acid (2.5% – 5%) will stimulate cell turnover and keep pores clean.”

6. Keep your skin extra hydrated.

Yes, you can start by drinking a lot of water. But you could also use a hydrating serum before putting on moisturizer. “It helps shrink your pores by plumping up the surrounding skin,” explains Dr. Craig Kraffert, dermatologist and president of Amarte. Just make sure you exfoliate often so your hydrator can really work its magic.

7. Add a retinoid to your skincare routine.

“Using a prescription-strength topical retinoid, such as Retin-A, can increase cell turnover, thus exfoliating the pore and making them appear smaller,” says Dr. Lolis.

8. Don’t skip your moisturizer, even for a day.

You already know lots of bad stuff can happen if you stop moisturizing, and enlarged pores are just another one. “It’s important to use a high-quality, noncomedogenic moisturizer twice a day,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip. “If you leave your skin to get dry, it will respond by producing excessive amounts of oil that can clog your pores.” If you’re not sure exactly how to apply it most effectively, we’ve got this handy tutorial to show you how.

9. Use sunscreen no matter what.

You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but that’s because it’s totally true: SPF is an integral part of your skincare routine. “UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, thus expanding the pore,” warns Dr. Lolis. “So the best way to prevent your pores from becoming enlarged is to protect yourself from the sun.” Warning: Some sunscreens can make your skin appear shinier or oilier, thus accentuating your pores. In that case, opt for a matte finish primer, foundation, or powder to minimize that effect.

10. Find the right face mask.

One easy, luxurious, and relatively inexpensive way you can get smaller-looking pores: masks. “At-home treatments such as masks and peels work with consistent longterm use,” says Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip. “Masks containing ingredients such as clay or charcoal work by absorbing oil out of pores.” Plus, if you have multiple types of problem areas, you can try the multi-masking technique.

11. Head to the dermatologist for a laser treatment.

That’s right: Lasers can help reduce your actual pore size. “A series of treatments with nonablative lasers can help reduce pores by building collagen, thereby plumping the skin and shrinking pores,” explains Dr. Lolis. Bonus: This treatment has minimal downtime.

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

Dr. Ip’s Tips for 4 Decades of Beautiful

On January 17th, our first lady, Michelle Obama, turned the big 5-0, and in an interview with PEOPLE magazine she admitted that she will not rule out the idea of Botox, fillers, or plastic surgery.

“Women should have the freedom to do whatever they need to do to feel good about themselves,” she states. As a dermatologist, I could not agree more!

In fact, a study in the Journal of Modern Aesthetics reported that 69 percent of women ages 45 to 60 feel at least 6 years younger than their chronological age.

The women studied said that when it comes to reversing signs of aging, they want a natural result and want to be the best version of themselves they can be, without looking too different. So, in honor of the season of love, I’d like to challenge all my patients to work toward loving the skin that they are in.

Here are my tips for 4 Decades of Beautiful Skin.

In Your 20s:

The number one skin complaint of my twenty-something year old patients is acne. Yes, acne.

It’s a myth that acne is something that only teenagers deal with. Furthermore, many people inadvertently worsen their acne through the inconsistent use of prescription acne medicines and by using harsh products that strip the skin of natural oils.

Plan

– Use gentle skin care products, and work on acne prevention.

– Wash your face once or twice a day (if you have an oily skin type) with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil.

– Generally, if you have acne, only prescription medications or acne lasers really work. If you have a prescription, you must use that prescription even when your skin is clear.

Remember it’s all about PREVENTION. Most importantly, wear a moisturizer with sunscreen. It’s anti-aging and can soothe irritated, sensitive acne-prone skin.

In Your 30s:

Even if you have taken good care of your skin, you may begin to notice subtle signs of aging in your 30s. This includes fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hyperpigmented sun spots and melasma that give you a mottled uneven complexion.

Plan

Continue with good skin care habits–gentle cleanser and sunscreen.
You may want to consider asking your dermatologist to prescribe a topical retinoid, which is great for acne and is also anti-aging. (Every dermatologist uses one!)
It’s also a good idea to consider twice yearly chemical peels, which will exfoliate the skin and help you to maintain an even complexion.
If your skin is too sensitive for retinoids or peels, over-the-counter glycolic acid washes will gently exfoliate your skin and slowly help to improve unwanted hyperpigmentation.

In Your 40s:

Close-up portrait of happy faces of smiling friendly young famile with son

Many forty-year-old women feel even more physically fit than they did in their 20s. There is no reason your skin shouldn’t follow suit. However, those beach vacations, tanning, and years of not wearing sunscreen can really show up on your face. In your 40s, you have to work harder to maintain that youthful glow.

Plan

– Your dermatologist should be your best friend, with new state-of-the-art lasers such as the IPL photofacials and the Vbeam laser, your doctor can help you erase years of damage in a little as 20 minutes. What I love about these lasers is that patients experience little downtime—just minor redness usually—that can be covered with make-up.

– With respect to your home skin routine, I recommend using a gentle, creamy (rather than gel) cleanser morning and night.

– Supplement your broad-spectrum sunscreen with serums or lotions that contain antioxidants, such as green-tea and vitamin C.

Fifty and Fabulous:

Turning fifty does not mean that you can retire from your skin care game! It’s never too late to prevent sun damage, and skin cancer for that matter, with sunscreen.
However, in your 50s physiological changes slow skin cell turnover, and as a result you may notice significant skin dryness, and loss of elasticity. Expression lines may become etched into your skin, giving you a tired or angry appearance. You may also notice rough, scaly, precancerous lesions developing.

First and foremost, make sure that you see your dermatologist for an annual skin exam. With respect to anti-aging tips, neurotoxins like Botox® and Dysport® and fillers like Sculptra, Restylane, and Perlane, have completely revolutionized your dermatologist’s anti-aging armamentarium. You DO NOT have to go under the knife to replace volume loss and to address deep wrinkles. Many of these procedures have minimal downtown, and the results can last for up to 2 years with products like Sculptra!

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist

10 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your Face Waxed

As posted on http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a35411/waxing-facial-hair-female/

1. What’s the difference between face waxing and sugaring?

With all the different kinds of hair removal on the menu, it can get confusing to navigate what is what and which one is right for you. Here’s a quick rundown.

“Face waxing when you use a warm resin base that is applied to an area and then removed either with a strip or let dry and removed on its own, taking hairs out by the root,” explains esthetician Marta Grochowska of New York City’s Haven Spa. On the other hand, “sugaring is a warm sugar and lemon mix that’s applied to the skin and rolled across, thereby removing the hairs,” she adds.

2. Will waxing hurt my skin?

“If you’re very prone to breakouts, especially if you have acne mechanica, you should consider other options like electrolysis or laser,” advises Grochowska. (See #4 on this list for why your acne treatments are always necessary to disclose.)

More serious medical conditions, too, can play a part in whether face waxing negatively affects you. “If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, your skin is way more sensitive to getting burned or irritated,” warns Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, board-certified dermatologist and consultant for HydroPeptide. If you’re not sure whether your skin could be at risk, especially if you plan on doing a wax at home without an esthetician’s expertise, consult with a dermatologist first. Dermarolling Lips

3. Will the hair grow back thicker?

“The hair generally grows back the same — though everyone seems to have their own theory or old wives tale about it,” says Grochowska, who adds that generally, most people find that long-term waxing results in less regrowth. That said, the hair “will seem thicker if it’s broken than if it’s removed at the root” because it won’t have a tapered end.

4. Can my skincare routine affect how the wax works?

Listen up! “Topical treatments like Retin-A and Differin thin the skin, making it much more sensitive and prone to tears and peeling,” warns Grochowska. But these aren’t the only meds you should be mindful of before getting a wax, oral medications can put you at risk, too: “Accutane and many antibiotics will make your skin hypersensitive.”

5. What’s “double dipping” and why should I avoid it?

Double dipping is when the practitioner dips the stick into the wax, applies the wax to the skin, then dips the stick into the wax again for the next application, explains Grochowska. Basically, a big no no. Why? Bacteria and pathogens form one person’s skin can get introduced back into the pot, passing onto the next person. One woman even got an STD through this practice, so even if the spa is otherwise wonderful, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

6. Will I be red afterwards?

When you tear out hair and pull at your skin with wax, there’s a chance you will wind up with a little irritation. “Some people are red for a few minutes, some are red for 12 hours,” says Grochowska. “If you’ve never been waxed before or you’re trying a new place or wax, it’s best to err on the side of caution and give yourself plenty of time to recuperate.” If you’ve got a big event to go to and want to prep your brows or lip, schedule your wax a few days beforehand to ensure any redness goes down.

7. Okay, so how do I make the irritation go away?

Most of the time, you just have to wait it out, but there are ways to help speed up the process. “Most people respond well to aloe gel,” says Grochowska. Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip also advises using a little over-the-counter hydrocortisone to soothe the skin.

8. How long will it take to grow back?

The annoying thing about shaving is that if you’re particularly hairy, stubble will probably start cropping up within a day or two, which isn’t so much of a problem with waxing. “The great thing about waxing is that it’s semi-permanent — it lasts two to eight weeks,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip.

9. How can I tell if I’m having a bad reaction?

A little redness and irritation is normal, but there are some signs that you may be having more than the average reaction. If you’re noticing little pimples or pus-filled bumps around the waxed area, you could be experiencing folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles, explains Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. While folliculitis can occur simply from the trauma of waxing, it can also be caused by exposure to bacteria in the wax and result in an infection. If this is the case, Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip advises heading straight to the dermatologist.

Another big red flag: significant redness, swelling, and pain, which could indicate an allergy to the wax. “Wax contains a lot of additives like colors, fragrances, and essential oils that people may be allergic to, which we call contact dermatitis,” explains Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. “That won’t go away on its own — you may need topical medications or even oral meds,” so see a doctor as quickly as you can.

10. Is it safe to wax at home?

If you take all precautions and follow all the directions properly, like doing a patch test to check for an allergy, waxing at home can be safe. “A common mistake I see in at-home waxing procedures is not having a good gauge on the temperature of wax,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. While burns can happen anywhere, even at a reputable spa, she warns that they’re more likely when waxing at home. “People think if they leave it on a little longer, it will be more effective, but you can get a temperature burn.” If your skin gets torn off along with the wax, you could put yourself at risk for scarring or an infection.

Another bad habit to avoid: Waxing on a day you’re doing lots of other treatments. “People do their waxing in the context of a ‘spa day,’ so they do it along with peels, face scrubs, and face masks, which make you more susceptible to negative reactions from the wax,” says Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip. “For my patients who use retinoids or peels, I recommend they opt for other forms of hair removal like threading, which just grabs the hair instead of the skin and the hair.”

Dermatologist Boston

Hyde Park Dermatology

Black Dermatologist

Canton Dermatologists

African American Dermatologist