Here are four different types of procedures that can help make you look better and younger. Ask your dermatologist if you are a good candidate for one of the following:
1) Laser resurfacing procedures or peels
2) Fillers
3) Tightening or lifting procedures
4) Botox or relaxing procedures
You go to the gym and buy work out equipment for the home to keep your body in shape, so why not also take the time to work out your face. Facial muscles need as much exercise as much as the rest of your body. As facial skin and muscles lose elasticity and start sagging over time, regularly exercising your facial muscles ensures that they will stay firm, support the skin on your face against gravity and have good circulation so that you can decrease wrinkles and droopiness in old age.
Facial muscle exercises don’t require a gym, and can be done pretty much anywhere in just a few minutes. Set aside a few minutes in the morning and before bed, and try to do five to ten repetitions of each. Doing these in front of the mirror in the morning will also help you start your day with a laugh! How about at your desk? Or on the subway? Or bus? In your carpool if you’re a passenger – give the other drivers a good laugh! (Just don’t distract them too much – or get distracted yourself if you’re driving.)
1. “Oh My” – raise your eyebrows as high as you can and hold them for five seconds.
2. “I Love Gene Simmons” – open your mouth as wide as possible and stick your tongue out as far as you can and hold for a few seconds.
3. “The Scream” – using your three center fingers, press down on your cheeks and smile as hard as you can to raise your cheek muscles against your fingers.
4. “Bewitched” – move your nose as much as you can from side to side.
5. “The Sourpuss” – lift your eyebrows as high as you can, open your eyes as wide as possible and frown at the same time.
6. “Gimme a Kiss” – pucker your lips out as far as possible into the shape of an “O.” Then change your expression into a wide smile. Repeat several times.
7. “Don’t Ask” – sit in a comfortable chair and look up at the ceiling. Pucker your lips and stick your tongue out as far as possible to exercise your neck muscles. You can also simulate a chewing motion (or chew gum!) while you are in this position.
Once you’ve established a regular routine for working out your face, don’t forget to reward those hard working facial muscles by giving yourself a face massage. Press your fingers into your facial muscles and work in gentle, circular motions from top to bottom. This increases circulation and also helps your facial muscles relax if you have been looking really stressed.
As you’ll soon see, it does not take long to do these facial exercises, and you will be rewarded now and in the future with healthy, firm and glowing skin – and a good laugh every day!
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all the treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
By Lisa Benest MD
It’s almost time to shed those winter woolies and expose your skin to summer sunshine. Are you and your skin ready? Most of us can’t go straight from parkas to poolside – we need a little help getting our bodies ready for short sleeves, bare legs and bathing suits! Here are a few simple procedures you can do to show off your body at its best this summer.
Dry Skin
Winter is harsh on skin, and nothing looks worse in that pretty spring dress than dry, cracked skin. A full body exfoliation will get rid of that dead skin and get the fresh glow of spring. Pay special attention to feet, knees and elbows, and any other trouble spots for your body. But remember – your facial skin is more sensitive than your arms and legs, so don’t use the same product on your whole body.
You can also help your body deal with dry skin from the inside out! Keep skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day. Also, foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – such as fish or fish oils – will help keep your skin glowing with health.
Breakouts on Chest and Back
Heavy winter clothing – or even your layered workout clothing – traps sweat and oil, allowing it to mix with dead skin and bacteria in your pores, forming pimples. This might look bad, but it’s not hard to handle. A medicated body wash, with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, will help kill bacteria and unclog pores. Or treat yourself to a peel, which will not only help with pimples, but also any residual redness and scarring.
Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal can be burdensome and uncomfortable. But unlike shaving, tweezing or waxing, laser hair removal is a more comfortable and long-lasting solution to removing excess hair. Laser hair removal treatment is effective on a wide range of body and face areas, with permanent hair reduction achieved in almost all cases. Laser hair removal systems use a non-invasive laser light that is specifically designed to eliminate hair. During treatment, highly controlled flashes of light energy are delivered to the treatment area, where they are selectively absorbed by the hair follicles below the surface of the skin. The laser light destroys the hair follicle without damaging the skin.
Laser hair removal is very popular with women for facial hair, underarm area and the bikini line. But men also choose laser hair removal for their back, neck, shoulders, and chest.
Removal of Spider Veins
Hate those facial spider veins? Don’t go buy a hat to hide under. Lasers can address the veins as well as facial blotchiness. For veins on the legs, injection sclerotherapy is a comfortable procedure with an excellent success rate. You can also treat “cherry angiomas,” those pesky little red spots we get as we get older. And with virtually no downtime, you can be enjoying the summer in no time.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer is never attractive. Neither is leathery, over-exposed skin. The greatest underlying cause of skin cancer is the accumulated damage from excessive sun exposure. While all skin cancers can be successfully cured if they are discovered and treated early, prevention is your best way of avoiding skin cancer later in life. Use sunscreen with a high SPF (such as 30 or 45) on face, neck and hands. Avoid sun exposure when UV rays are at their peak (between 11am and 4 pm), and wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat when you can’t avoid overexposure. However, remember to supplement with extra vitamin D to maintain appropriate levels in your body.
The warm weather is almost here, and if you use some of these simple procedures, you’ll be ready to show off your summer skin in no time! Add a cool drink and a hot pedicure, and everyone will be asking you for your beauty secrets! So do it now – treat your skin and yourself and look great and feel confident this summer!
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all the treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
www.lisabenestmd.com
The current anti aging discoveries show that if humans ate healthfully, were sheltered from environmental toxins, got adequate exercise and rest, and spent most of their lives away from the sun, their skin would look and feel plump, moist, firm and unlined well into their 60’s and 70’s.
An example of this aging with grace is Sophia Loren, about a month before her 72nd birthday, Sophia Loren was voted the world’s most naturally beautiful person, eclipsing younger beauties such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Anti aging research shows that aging skin is a natural part of getting older, and from the moment you are born your skin begins to respond to two sets of biological processes:
The aging skin “genes” you inherited, over which you have little control. These are the hereditary patterns in your family lineage that predetermine how your face and body respond to the aging process; and the external factors that act on aging skin, over which you have a lot of control.
Everybody ages, and there is little one can do. One thing that can be done is to ensure your skin doesn’t show it. Dr. Lisa Benest personally chose these anti aging supplements to reverse or slow the effects of aging. Here is everything you need to get the smooth and youthful looking skin you want.
We’re highlighting three products that are essential for Winter. Just because we’re bundled up in sweaters and scarves doesn’t mean that we should forget about our skin until summer. Following these simple steps will keep you more comfortable all winter, and allow you to show smoother, fresher skin when the warm weather returns.
In the winter it is a good idea to switch to an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come as an ointment contain the most oil and form a protective layer on the skin that makes them more “moisturizing” than creams and lotions.
Oil-based Moisturizer –
Moisturizing Complex by IS Clinical: Moisturizing Complex was created to work as a shield for the skin against environmental damages, it moisturizes and hydrates your skin, layers deep! It contains Jojoba Oil which is a natural oil used to help prevent water from escaping the skin, and Glycerin which absorbs and holds moisture. It is a heavier moisturizer, dry or mature skin.
If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.
Foaming Cleanser –
Cleansing Gel by Exuvience: This face wash contains no artificial fragrances, but its natural fruit acids and botanical extracts, give it a light fruity smell. Great for most skin types but it is not ideal for someone with dry, sensitive skin. Also an excellent makeup remover, one pump with the foaming action…and you’re set!
Don’t forget the sunscreen. Snow if more reflective than sand, making winter sunscreen as important as summer protection. Look for a SPF 30+ sunscreen with an oily, moisturizing cream. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask your dermatologist.
SPF 30 with Moisturizer –
Elta SPF 30 – UV Facial with Moisturizer: This sunscreen was specifically designed to provide moisturizing UV protection for the face, either alone or under makeup. It is a light, fluffy moisturizing base with an elegant feel. Great for all skin types.
To learn more about or order any of these products (or others) feel free to visit our product store online! Click here.
Read the rest of the article these Winter Skin tips came from here.
(These are great products to treat your loved ones…or yourself! Give them a gift to enhance their beauty, youth and confidence – they won’t forget it! Happy Holidays!)
By Lisa Benest MD
Winter can bring snow, crackling fires, holidays with friends and family… and dry, irritated, red and cracked skin. So, while you’re making your list and checking it twice, don’t forget your winter skin care regimen.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your skin moisturized and comfortable as that cozy winter sweater.
Use a humidifier. With heat on and windows closed, the air inside can become very dry. Placing two or three small, relatively inexpensive humidifiers around your home will help to humidify the dry air and keep skin from becoming cracked and itchy. Hydrating your body by drinking water will also help keep you comfortable all winter long.
Switch to an oil-based moisturizer and moisturize frequently. The more oil a moisturizer contains the more effectively it protects against moisture loss. Moisturizers that come as an ointment contain the most oil and form a protective layer on the skin that makes them more “moisturizing” than creams and lotions.
If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.
Wear gloves outside. Protect your hands from cold air and low humidity. Make sure the gloves are made from material that does not irritate your skin. And don’t forget to moisturize your hands (and your feet, too).
Dress in layers. Common causes of sweaty, itchy skin are sweating and overheating. Wearing layers allows you to remove clothing as needed to prevent overheating. Be sure to wear loose-fitting cotton fabrics next to your skin. And if your clothes or shoes get wet, take them off as soon as you get inside as wet clothes will also irritate the skin.
Don’t forget the sunscreen. Snow if more reflective than sand, making winter sunscreen as important as summer protection. Look for a SPF 30+ sunscreen with an oily, moisturizing cream. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask your dermatologist.
Treat it if it gets worse. Sometimes winter skin gets so dry it results in flaking, cracking, or even eczema. If this happens, see your dermatologist and get the right treatment for your skin type.
Just because we’re bundled up in sweaters and scarves doesn’t mean that we should forget about our skin until summer. Following these simple steps will keep you more comfortable all winter, and allow you to show smoother, fresher skin when the warm weather returns.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about skin rejuvenation as well as the most up-to-date lasers, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all the treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149
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Skin Care Advice 