Unfortunately, we are all subjected to the deleterious effects of solar radiation, oxidation, pollution and aging. While the sun’s infrared rays warms us and makes us feel comfortable, the sun’s ultraviolet rays destroy our DNA, our collagen, while producing unsightly pigmentation and wrinkles. In addition the same oxygen we need to breath, chemically reacts over time to break down our internal carbon polymers to make us less flexible and more brittle. Furthermore, as we age, our organs shrink partly caused by loss of connective tissue (collagen), subcutaneous hyaluronic acid gels and muscle mass, all of which accentuate wrinkling.

There are many ways to maintain skin health and beauty. First we must protect the skin from harmful solar radiation with proper daily UV sun block and intelligent sun avoidance. Secondly we must maximize internal hydration with at least 8 to 10 eight ounce glasses of fluid daily. The human body is mostly water (85%). Every bodily function from immunity to muscle contraction requires proper hydration for efficient operation. The skin is especially sensitive to the degree of water content for it’s strength, color, sheen and flexibility. Dehydrated skin feels and acts like hard plastic!

Thirdly, we must provide proper nutrition with essential vitamins, fats, and protein. Remember scurvy in our ancestral English sailors (Limies) from lack of vitamin C. These are best obtained from unprocessed “organic” colorful fruits, vegetables, and fish rather than manufactured supplements.

The skin is also exquisitely sensitive to hormonal fluctuations and systemic diseases. Skin and hair changes are often dramatic in thyroid and estrogen imbalances. These may require oral or topical supplements. In fact the skin is an effective root to apply topical medication for everything from pain control to blood pressure control.

Finally the genetic material you inherit from parents is responsible for a multitude of chemical reactions that determine skin color, thickness, texture and inflammatory response. Obviously there are multiple factors effecting skin health and beauty and no single easy answer or remedy. Many cosmetic manufactures make anti-aging and anti-wrinkle claims for their lotions, creams, and potions. We should approach these with a good deal of skepticism. Ideally there should be a skin care system that addresses the wide diversity and individuality in skin genetics, environment, and age.

Our experience shows that the Fraxel Restore Laser can correct many of these aging and damaged skin deficiencies. We believe a combination of the Fraxel with dermal fillers, Botox, proper nutrition, exercise, hydration, and highly individualized cosmesceuticals can provide a unique path to restoring and maintaining healthy beautiful skin.

Stay tuned for information on our upcoming line of highly individualized skin care product…

Dermal fillers such as Restylane®, Juvederm®, and Radiesse® allow aesthetic physicians to restore skin volume to eliminate or reduce folds between the nose, mouth, and chin and to augment the lip line and volume of the lips. We can also build up the upper cheek and decrease the appearance of “bags” under the eyes. This is done with very fine injections of gels under the skin with minimal discomfort.

With a combination of Botox®, dermal fillers, and certain laser treatments to tighten skin and stimulate collagen, the eyes and facial structure can be transformed to improve facial symmetry, make the eyes appear bigger,  and the cheek bones higher and the lips fuller. The result is a younger, beautiful appearance.

Scaring is caused from an interaction of genetic healing factors, inflammation, and trauma, which result in decreased amounts and disturbed arrangement of collagen . The proper amount and placement of collagen are responsible for the skin’s flatness, strength, and elasticity.

Fraxel® uses millions of computer-guided laser micro-spots to treat the skin “pixel by pixel” to gently repair the epidermal surface abnormalities and simultaneously reach deeply into the dermis to induce new collagen formation and remodeling. The new collagen adds volume and tightness. smoothing depressions and indentations. Fraxel® also promotes a more uniform distribution of pigment cells, called melanocytes, to improve color. With Fraxel®, we control a new healing process and restore the scarred skin’s youthful, healthier appearance. Each patient’s genetics and scarring condition is unique, and each Fraxel® treatment is tailored and adjusted treatment by treatment to maximize results for you. Call for a free consultation today.