Category: anti-aging
We Can’t Remind You Enough: Avoid The Sun
Tanned skin is damaged skin…and who wants that? Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause early wrinkling and brown spots, and it puts you at risk for skin cancer, too. While most of us enjoy being outside in the summer, not many of us really want to suffer the effects of sun damage. Staying safe while spending time outside is possible, though. The strategies just need to become a part of your daily routine.
Here are some simple ways to protect your skin:
- Stay indoors between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is most powerful. There are two types of rays: UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
- Go nowhere without sunscreen:
- More is better, so don’t scrimp. Make sure that it has a SPF of 30 or higher and it says “broad spectrum” on the label, which means that it will handle both UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure it’s water-resistant and that you apply it all over your body 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house.
- Use sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside, when you are driving in a car and inside a window. UVA rays penetrate clouds, glass and water.
- If you wear foundation, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb before continuing with your makeup.
- Don’t forget the lip balm, SPF 15 or higher.
- Remember the tops of your ears, hairline, the “V” of your chest, nose, hands and tops of your feet. Eighty percent of skin cancer occurs on the head, neck and hands.
- Wear protective clothing: hats, sleeves and sunglasses. Dark, tightly woven fabrics provide more protection than lightly colored ones. Find hats that have protection built into them.
- Be aware that umbrellas and shade trees give only moderate protection from ultraviolet light. They don’t protect you from light that is reflected off of sand, snow, concrete and other surfaces.
- Avoid tanning oils. These essentially cook your skin.
- Be conscious of your medications. Certain medicines can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, including tetracycline, diuretics and even herbal formulations such as St. John’s Wort.
Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
What Makes Someone Beautiful, Anyway?
The notion of attractiveness seems simple. When we see a person, we know immediately whether we think he or she is beautiful. We don’t really have to decide; our reaction is involuntary, and it is personal. You might think that a particular person is stunning, while your best friend might not.
Interestingly, studies over the years have shown that most people tend to agree, for the most part, on what constitutes a beautiful face, and that the reason they do relies more on brain science than on preference. Consider the ability of babies to recognize faces and prefer the ones that society deems pretty.
So, how we assess appearance might be more complex than simply liking large eyes better than small ones or full lips rather than thin ones. The brain has the capacity to recognize not only attractiveness, but also emotions, personality traits and fertility. The part of the brain that allows us to do this, the fusiform, is also responsible for our ability to recognize familiar faces. When it is damaged, we can’t recall whom we’ve just met, and we can’t distinguish between plain faces and beautiful ones. When we decide that someone is beautiful, we are really thinking that the person is healthy and vital, studies have shown. Smooth skin and symmetrical facial features, for instance, indicate to our brain that a person has good genetics and is not ill, both of which lead us to think that the person is attractive.
However our perception is formed, appearance–of others and ourselves–has a powerful effect on so many of our emotions.
See you soon.
Stop the Squinting: Be Smart About the Sun
Herewith, a crash course in U’s and V’s…or, in other words, how sunny is it and what do I need to do about it?
The Ultraviolet index is a measurement of the strength of UV radiation at a particular time and place. It’s a standard scale used around the globe, with a range of 0 to 11.
- 0-2: This is considered low danger, but the Environmental Protection Agency recommends sunglasses and broad spectrum SPF 30+ protection. Also, avoid bright surfaces (sand, water) that can reflect and intensify UV rays.
- 3-5: Moderate danger. Seek shade during the height of the sun, at midday. Wear protective clothing, hat, sunscreen if outdoors, and reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- 6-7: High risk. Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Follow protective measures as above.
- 8-10: Very high risk. Follow above.
- 11+: Extreme. Avoid the sun or if you have to be outside, follow the above.
As we know, prolonged exposure to the sun can cause early wrinkling and brown spots, and puts you at risk for skin cancer. While most of us enjoy being outside in the summer, not many of us really want to have old-looking skin, or illness. Staying safe while spending time in the sun is an easy thing to do. It may just require a little extra awareness and preparation on your part. Remember, tanned skin is damaged skin…and who wants that.
Here is some more specific information for protecting your skin and keeping you looking young, beautiful and healthy, particularly when the UV rays are at their most dangerous.
- Stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the burning rays of the sun are at their height. There are two types: UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
- Go nowhere without sunscreen:
- More is better, so don’t scrimp. Make sure that it has a SPF of 30 or higher and it says “broad spectrum” on the label, which means that it will handle both UVA and UVB rays. Also, be sure that it is water-resistant, and that you apply it all over your body 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house.
- Use sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside, when you are driving in a car and inside a window. UVA rays penetrate clouds, glass and water, so when you’re swimming, make sure to apply plenty of waterproof sunscreen.
- If you wear foundation, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb before continuing with your makeup.
- Don’t forget the lip balm. SPF 15 or more is best.
- And, don’t forget the tops of your ears, hairline, the “V” of your chest, nose, hands and tops of your feet. Eighty percent of skin cancer occurs on the head, neck and hands.
- Wear protective clothing, including hats, sleeves and sunglasses. Dark, tightly woven fabrics provide more protection than lightly colored ones.
- Be aware that umbrellas and shade trees do only so much. They give moderate protection from ultraviolet light, and they don’t protect you from light that is reflected off of sand, snow, concrete and other surfaces.
- Avoid tanning oils. These essentially cook your skin.
- Be conscious of your medications. Certain medicines can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, including tetracycline, diuretics and even herbal formulations such as St. John’s Wort.
If you suspect that you have sun damage, call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll suggest specific treatments that can help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots.
See you soon.
Beauty Time for New Moms
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are rough on your body, causing skin and shape issues that perhaps, you’ve never experienced before. Some of you may not be feeling like your old self, which can be disconcerting. So, after you’ve settled in to this new phase of life, it could be time to correct some of these concerns.
It’s not uncommon for young mothers to notice skin and stomach issues such as acne, acne scarring, melasma (darkened facial skin), cellulite, unwanted fat, unwanted hair growth, prominent facial blood vessels, loose skin, brown spots and stretch marks.
You may feel that you don’t have the time or energy to take care of yourself, or that doing so is too indulgent. But, feeling and looking as great as you can is critical for your self-esteem and general well-being at this exciting time.
Here are conditions that new moms often face and treatments that work well to minimize then and help you feel more like yourself in the process.
- For acne: pulsed dye laser, DermaFrac, microdemabrasion
- For melasma: Fraxel DUAL laser
- For cellulite: Cellulaze, Exilis Elite
- For unwanted fat: SmartLipo TriPlex, Exilis Elite
- For unwanted hair growth: Laser Hair Removal, IPL Hair Removal
- For facial blood vessels: Diolite (KTP532) laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), GentleWaves
- For loose skin: INFINI™, Thermage CPT, Exilis Elite, Fraxel lasers, SmartLipo TriPlex
- For brown spots: Fraxel DUAL laser, IPL (intense pulsed light), Diolite (KTP532) laser, chemical peels,GentleWaves
- For stretch marks: Fraxel lasers
- For acne scarring: INFINI™, Fraxel lasers, pulsed dye laser, dermal fillers
We can help you figure out a treatment plan that will help minimize some of these conditions. Call our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
The Skin Cycle: What You Can Expect, Decade by Decade
Your skin has a natural plan. With each year that passes, it undergoes assorted stressors, some that it has experienced before and some that are brand new. And it reacts to these changing stimuli in different ways, subtle and not-so. Unfortunately, while you may not feel any older, your skin has another story to tell. Aging plays tricks on its delicate composition. But do not despair–you have strategies at your disposal for warding off the first signs of attack. The trick: know what’s coming and take as many precautions as possible.
Here is what you can expect:
In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes may happen during this time, causing adult acne. We can treat it, though, with our Pulsed Dye Laser. Also, you may notice hints of wrinkles (yes, they begin early) and pigmentation. Botox and Dysport will help minimize lines, keeping them from setting and deepening. Catching them early is more effective than waiting until they are extreme. Fraxel DUAL and IPL will help reduce discoloration, brown spots and freckling.
In Your 40s: Your skin may begin to lose its luster, appearing dull and rough. Also, age spots may appear since the skin can’t repair itself as quickly or as completely as it used to. You may notice, too, that your skin doesn’t glow as much, since skin cell shedding begins to slow down. But, we can brighten and smooth out your skin with Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair laser treatments. Your skin tone will look even, and wrinkles and pores will diminish. During your 40s, wrinkles may be deeper than they were before. Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Voluma, Juvederm, Belotero and Radiesse, and neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are effective in reducing the appearance of these lines and folds.
In Your 50s and 60s: Subtle lines may have turned into deep wrinkles and previously taut skin may have begun to sag. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile. As the underlying skin structure is less supported, the skin falls down and droops. We have many laser treatments that can work wonders to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production, which will help lift up and plump your skin, nonsurgically. The treatments will also help to brighten and lighten any discoloration caused by sun exposure or simple aging.
At all times of your life, remember to do what you can to preserve your skin’s natural beauty. Wear plenty of sunscreen (and not only in the summer), avoid the sun as much as possible, steer clear of smoking and cleanse and moisturize often.
Call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you look your most natural youthful best.
See you soon.
We Can’t Remind You Enough: Avoid The Sun
Tanned skin is damaged skin…and who wants that? Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause early wrinkling and brown spots, and it puts you at risk for skin cancer, too. While most of us enjoy being outside in the summer, not many of us really want to suffer the effects of sun damage. Staying safe while spending time outside is possible, though. The strategies just need to become a part of your daily routine.
Here are some simple ways to protect your skin:
- Stay indoors between 10am and 3pm, when the sun is most powerful. There are two types of rays: UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles and contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer.
- Go nowhere without sunscreen:
- More is better, so don’t scrimp. Make sure that it has a SPF of 30 or higher and it says “broad spectrum” on the label, which means that it will handle both UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure it’s water-resistant and that you apply it all over your body 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house.
- Use sunscreen even when it is cloudy outside, when you are driving in a car and inside a window. UVA rays penetrate clouds, glass and water.
- If you wear foundation, apply the sunscreen first and let it absorb before continuing with your makeup.
- Don’t forget the lip balm, SPF 15 or higher.
- Remember the tops of your ears, hairline, the “V” of your chest, nose, hands and tops of your feet. Eighty percent of skin cancer occurs on the head, neck and hands.
- Wear protective clothing: hats, sleeves and sunglasses. Dark, tightly woven fabrics provide more protection than lightly colored ones. Find hats that have protection built into them.
- Be aware that umbrellas and shade trees give only moderate protection from ultraviolet light. They don’t protect you from light that is reflected off of sand, snow, concrete and other surfaces.
- Avoid tanning oils. These essentially cook your skin.
- Be conscious of your medications. Certain medicines can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure, including tetracycline, diuretics and even herbal formulations such as St. John’s Wort.
Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. See you soon.
Give Yourself a Pre-Holiday Lift
We know that you want to look your best this time of year, with holiday festivities just getting under way. The good news….there is still time for a few quick in-and-out treatments that will make all the difference in your appearance. Instantly, you’ll look fresh and rested, and you’ll feel invigorated, too…just the right recipe for the holiday season.
Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming weeks…
Try a nonsurgical mini facelift that will tighten skin and boost collagen production. With Thermage CPT, we can treat the skin on the eyelids, under-eye areas, abdomen, arms, legs and even your sagging buttocks. It’s the most effective lift treatment for a multitude of concerns, and the results are dramatic. Or, you can try an Exilis laser treatment, which tightens, firms and tones loose and sagging skin and reshapes and melts stubborn fatty deposits anywhere on your face and body. Popular areas treated with Exilis include the face, jowls, neck, chest, back, “love handles,” “bra fat,” abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks and knees.
Restore facial volume with dermal fillers such as Voluma, Radiesse and Restylane Lyft. These will minimize hollowness or lines that have formed with age.
Plump your lips with hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane.
Smooth out forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet with Botox or Dysport.
Fill in smile lines, marionette lines or nasolabial folds (lines that stretch from the outer edge of the nostrils to the outer tip of the lips) with Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse.
All of these quick treatments are nonsurgical, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. You can be back in full swing immediately, looking younger and feeling that way, too.
Call our offices this week to schedule a pre-holiday appointment.
See you soon.
Here Comes The Sun: Time To Get Ready
Living close to the beach requires discipline. That may seem like a strange statement, given how relaxed and casual the environment is here. But when it comes to your skin–and wrinkles, dark spots and melanoma–you need a serious regimen.
Since just last month, the UV (harmful ultraviolet radiation) index for Long Island has increased one level. In two weeks, it will jump two more, followed by another in May and again in June. (Click here for a map of UV averages around the country)
Now is the time to put your sun protection plan in place, if you haven’t done so already. It is easy to do if you simply make it part of your daily routine. Here is what I recommend:
Think 30: Every day, whether you are going to the beach or not, and even when it is cloudy, apply a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or above. Use it on your face before you put on makeup and on the exposed parts of your body. You may choose a moisturizer formulated specifically for the face and another just for your body, or you may use the same for both. If you are at the beach, where the rays are intensified, remember to reapply after two hours or after swimming or perspiring.
Search for Shade: Sun damage is cumulative, so every minute spent out of dangerous rays will help your skin stay young-looking and healthy. So, avoid the sun when you can, at all costs–cross to the shady side of the street, sit under the umbrella on the restaurant patio, carry an umbrella in your purse.
Beware the Bewitching Hours: The sun is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm, so do what you can to avoid it during this time.
Hats On: Go for a wide brim, and make sure that it covers the back of your neck, too. Make wearing other protective clothing a habit, too, such as sunglasses and long sleeves. Keep a basket of summer sun gear in your car, as you would a fleece throw in the winter.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, we’ll be happy to help you look and feel your best.
What Makes Someone Beautiful, Anyway?
The notion of attractiveness seems simple. When we see a person, we know immediately whether we think he or she is beautiful. We don’t really have to decide; our reaction is involuntary, and it is personal. You might think that a particular person is stunning, while your best friend might not.
Interestingly, studies over the years have shown that most people tend to agree, for the most part, on what constitutes a beautiful face, and that the reason they do relies more on brain science than on preference. Consider the ability of babies to recognize faces and prefer the ones that society deems pretty.
So, how we assess appearance might be more complex than simply liking large eyes better than small ones or full lips rather than thin ones. The brain has the capacity to recognize not only attractiveness, but also emotions, personality traits and fertility. The part of the brain that allows us to do this, the fusiform, is also responsible for our ability to recognize familiar faces. When it is damaged, we can’t recall whom we’ve just met, and we can’t distinguish between plain faces and beautiful ones. When we decide that someone is beautiful, we are really thinking that the person is healthy and vital, studies have shown. Smooth skin and symmetrical facial features, for instance, indicate to our brain that a person has good genetics and is not ill, both of which lead us to think that the person is attractive.
However our perception is formed, appearance–of others and ourselves–has a powerful effect on so many of our emotions.
EXILIS ELITE Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for a revolutionary treatment to restore your youthfulness, melt fat and cellulite at the same time, then EXILIS ELITE could be your answer. EXILIS ELITE is FDA approved to be used for reducing wrinkles and firming up loose skin, and an added benefit of the technology is that it melts fat and stimulates collagen production, too. Read more to answer some of the most frequently asked questions I hear about EXILIS ELITE.
How does EXILIS ELITE work?
EXILIS ELITE uses thermal energy that is generated by the most advanced monopolar radio frequency. The dual control handpiece has both DTC (Dermal Temperature Control) and EFC (Energy Flow Control) to protect the skin from heat that could harm it, while simultaneously generating consistent energy for dependable results.
The handpiece generates heat within the treatment area to cause the targeted fat cells to break down. This process of reducing fatty deposits also causes the sub dermal collagen to remodel and tighten, resulting in firmer skin.
Will EXILIS ELITE treat all fat?
EXILIS ELITE radio frequency depth penetration addresses the subcutaneous fat. This is superficially located just below the skin and above the muscle.
What parts of the body can be treated with EXILIS ELITE?
The built in cooling system makes EXILIS ELITE safe for reducing loose skin and excess fat anywhere on the body. This includes the face, neck, jowels, décolletage, arms, back or bra fat, abdomen, love handles, thighs, knees, etc.
When will I see results?
You may see immediate results, but maximum results are experienced incrementally over 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. EXILIS ELITE treatments are usually done 1 to 2 weeks apart with visible fat reduction ranging from 1 to 6 inches of volume loss after 4 treatment sessions.
How long are treatments?
Each treatment, depending on the area of the body, takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but we ask you to allow an hour. This non invasive procedure can be accomplished on your lunch break from work. There is no downtime and normal activity can resume immediately. For treatments to areas of the face, there may be some mild redness and mild swelling, but this can easily be covered with mineral makeup.
What does the procedure feel like?
EXILIS ELITE is a safe and comfortable procedure, requiring no numbing cream or anesthesia. The treatments are comfortable and pain free by targeting the proper amount of energy while simultaneously heating and cooling the skin.
I hope that I’ve been able to answer your top questions so that you can see how revolutionary the EXILIS ELITE treatment is for firming skin, reducing cellulite and melting fat. Let’s talk about what EXILIS ELITE can do for you. www.DrCovey.com
Sincerely,
Dr. Alexander Covey
Melt Fat and Tighten Skin Without Surgery
Roll out the red carpet of non-invasive anti aging procedures because EXILIS ELITE is coming through! We are excited to offer you a very effective, pain free solution to sagging skin and stubborn fat. EXILIS ELITE therapy is the latest technology when it comes to aesthetic procedures for body contouring and skin tightening.
Lasers are very versatile and typically a great way to melt fat and tighten skin without surgery, but even they have a minor discomfort. I am pleased to offer another option, EXILIS ELITE. EXILIS ELITE is a clinically proven treatment to eliminate fat deposits and firm up the skin with absolutely no discomfort or downtime.
How Does EXILIS ELITE Work?
EXILIS ELITE uses the most advanced and sophisticated thermal energy available to give patients real results without surgery or downtime. Its clinically proven and FDA approved technology uses the most advanced monopolar radio frequency energy. This energy is directed through a dual function handpiece to target specific treatment areas. EXILIS ELITE provides maximum power with total control. By volumetrically heating the area, it causes the subdermal collagen support tissues under the skin to remodel and tighten and the fat to melt. Firmer and flatter skin without any pain or discomfort is the result.
What Can EXILIS ELITE Do?
With just the right amount of thermal energy, EXILIS ELITE gently, yet effectively contours the face and body. It can tighten, firm up, and tone sagging or loose skin on pretty much any area of the face or body. Stubborn fatty deposits melt away while the skin is tightened so there isn’t any saggy skin left once the fat is gone. All of this with no numbing or anesthesia, no incision, and no downtime.
EXILIS ELITE can tighten and tone these areas:
- face
- jowls
- neck
- chest
- back
- “love handles”
- “bra fat”
- abdomen
- thighs
- hips and buttocks
- knees
EXILIS ELITE is ideal for people who would like their weight loss and toning to look like a natural progression. It usually takes a couple of treatments to achieve the desired end results. This gradual melting of fat and tightening of the skin along the way looks more natural because it is not a dramatic overnight change.
EXILIS ELITE Benefits in a Nutshell
- FDA approved treatment that has been scientifically proven and clinically tested world wide
- fast, safe and effective
- treats all areas of the face and body
- results are gradual, lasting and measureable
- precise and targeted to correct deep skin problems as well as problems located at the surface of the skin
- offers circumferential reduction
- effectively treats cellulite
- non-invasive
- no downtime
- comfortable treatment without pain
- no anesthesia necessary
I hope this introduction to EXILIS piqued your interest because in the following weeks we’ll discuss this procedure more completely. In the meantime, visit www.DrCovey.com to learn more or schedule a consultation to see how EXILIS ELITE can help you achieve a younger, healthier body in 2015.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Filler for Laugh Line Rejuvenation
Last week I covered some areas of the face that show the signs of aging and are the least common to be addressed with cosmetic procedures. Fillers can be used on these areas, such as the earlobes, temples and chin, to give subtle yet significant rejuvenation for the entire face.
Fillers can also be used on some other areas that are moderately known, yet not widely realized that rejuvenating them can really help restore a youthful look to the entire face. The area that I’ll be covering this week is in the mid face: the melolabial folds (laugh lines). This is a very noticeable area of the face that can really benefit from fillers in many cases.
Melolabial Folds
Over time, lines begin to develop at the edges of the nostrils and stretch down toward the mouth and below. These medium-to-deep facial creases are known as nasolabial folds, melolabial folds, mesolabial folds, laugh lines, smile lines or marionette lines. All of these terms have come to be interchangeable and this has sometimes caused confusion among my patients, but rest assured they are referring to the same area of the face. If not corrected, these lines can give a drastically aged appearance to the mid and lower face.
Causes of Melolabial Folds
The mesolabial folds are connected to deeper mid face tissues. They are some of the first visible signs of aging in the mid face as a result of the cheeks descending over time. Gravity along with the following causes help to create these creases:
- facial volume loss
- less elastic skin
- sun exposure
- smoking
- genetics
Lessen Those Laugh Lines with Fillers
Fortunately there is a solution for these laugh lines that may not require a face lift or other surgical procedure. Often, facial fillers can decrease the appearance of these folds with results lasting close to a year. Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVEDERM and RESTYLANE plump up the area by attracting water. These are great for the milder creases.
Liquid Face Lift for Melolabial Lines
Depending on your unique situation, it may be better to treat these marionette lines by restoring volume loss in the cheeks to provide a mini face lift. Here’s why a liquid face lift with JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC can lessen those marionette lines:
- It contains the thickest, smooth flowing hyaluronic acid gel available today, which makes it ideal for midface rejuvenation.
- It is the first and only FDA approved filler for cheek augmentation, with results lasting up to 2 years.
- Restoring volume to the cheeks provides a gentle lift to the midface, which can also tighten the skin around the mouth and nose to minimize the appearance of laugh lines.
Now you know that with the help of fillers, you can laugh and be expressive without those melolabial lines to age your face. You can even give the gift of a smile without lasting lines. A gift certificate would make a great surprise for Christmas or Hanukkah.
For more information on how fillers can restore volume and youthfulness to your mid face, as well as how to give this as a gift to others, visit www.DrCovey.com
Sincerely,
Dr. Alexander Covey
