Sunscreen

Besides wearing sunscreen when you visit the beach or take a dive in your swimming pool, how important really is sunscreen? Well, up to 90% of the visible damage on your skin can be attributed to sun exposure. In addition to aging the skin, sun exposure substantially increases the likelihood of developing skin cancer, the most common cancer in humans. It is estimated that about 1 in 5 people develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. People who hope to maintain their skin's youth and protect it from cancer, should seriously consider wearing sunscreen regularly.

Sunscreens are usually a white, creamy color, though they can sometimes be slightly tinted. Their primary use is filter out variant forms of UV light. Specifically, they prevent UV lights A and B from penetrating the skin and causing damage. This is why the FDA requested that it be called "sunscreen" rather than "sunblock."

Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a long wavelength, allowing it to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, causing skin damages such as wrinkles (photoaging) and mutagenic effects in our DNA that can lead to skin cancer. UVA persists throughout the entire day, and can go through glass and clouds, so remember to wear your sunscreen before a drive, even on a cloudy day! 

Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are strongest between the hours of 10AM-4PM. They're responsible for inducing the production of melanin in your skin, a protein that acts to protect the skin from photodamage. This is also what induces the tanning effect by essentially burning the superficial layer of the skin. Too much exposure to UVB can increase your risk of your skin cancers. 

Nevertheless, not all sunscreens are made alike. For instance, many sunscreens can potentially disrupt hormonal balance and are hazardous to our ocean's wildlife. Additionally, a significant percentage of people are vitamin D deficient, and they need exposure to the sun to produce vitamin D in their bodies. This is why it is important to find a sunscreen that only protects from UVA and UVB. So let's discuss what to look for in your sunscreen: 

What is SPF (sun protection factor)?

Each sunscreen should have an SPF number. This number indicates what ratio of UV light can still penetrate through your skin while the sunscreen is being used. To further explain, an SPF of 30 means that theoretically only 1/30th of sun rays can still penetrate through your skin. An SPF of 15, then, means 1/15th of rays can still penetrate through your skin. In other words, SPF 15 blocks 94% of UV light, while SPF 30 blocks up to 97%, SPF 45 blocks up to 98% and so on. 

Look for a “ broad spectrum sunscreen,” which blocks both UVA and UVB.

There are several types of UV sunscreens, such as chemical (organic) and non- chemical (inorganic). Be cautious of the word “organic,” which has a different implication here then what we're used to in our food. Here, organic is used to discuss organic chemicals versus inorganic minerals.

Organic sunscreens use chemicals manifactured in a lab that absorb the UV rays and convert it into heat. They usually contain one or more of the following ingredients: Oxybenzone, abvobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, and/or octinoxate. Inorganic sunscreens, on the other hand, are mineral-based. 

Mineral (Inorganic) Sunscreens

Inorganic sunscreens are actually chemical free, natural sunscreens, which reflect and scatter the UV radiations.

They contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.

Which to choose and why?

Mineral (inorganic) over chemical (organic). Mineral sunscreens are usually less irritating to the skin and are considered safer. Chemical sunscreens could potentially disrupt the estrogen hormone, and the chemical oxybenzone widely used in most chemical sunscreens can be disruptive to ocean wildlife.

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is the best mineral-based sunscreen so far. It prevents UV lights better than titanium dioxide, and it's a critical mineral nutrient in many vitamin supplements. Zinc oxide is very safe for the skin, and the FDA has actually approved the use of zinc oxide in creams for babies with diaper rash, 

It has also been studied that zinc oxide has several other benefits to the skin. For example, tt is antiseptic, absorbs moisture, and especially useful for severe eczema. It also been approved to be used in facial skin redness as a soothing preparation.

Several important considerations on sunscreen and sun exposure:

For most people, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to burn without sunscreen, however it depends on the UV index, skin type, severity of the sun, etc. However, it may take hours to see the manifestation of the burn, even though the damage to skin occured much earlier.

It's usually recommended that you reapply sunscreen every 120 minutes after initial proper application. Apply again after swimming, sweating, and towel wiping. Use water resistant sunscreen if swimming.

How long a person can stay in sun with sunscreen application

You can calculate the time by multiplying the SPF by 6. For example, in the case of SPF 30, the maximum time one can stay under the sun steadily with sunscreen without burning is 180 minutes. Reapplication of the sunscreen does not prolong this time. Meaning, after about 3 hours, people with fair skin should try to get out of the sun. 

Men Facial Aging and Beauty 

Abstract

Gender differences play an important factor in facial anatomy, behavior, and beauty concerns. In men, a balance between masculinity and femininity is important in outcome satisfaction. Most men are more concernered with their hairline, periocular, and jawline.

Introduction

Like women, men facial aging, is due to changes in skin, soft tissue, and skeletal structures. Factors affecting men’s aging are either due to intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Intrinsic, includes genes and hormonal effects. Extrinsic, include environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, etc. 

Despite known factors in men’s aging, the rate and pattern of aging, is unique to each individual, which is itself influenced by genetic, anatomical, and behaviorial aspects of each person.

What is less understood, however, is the aesthetic goal for men and what is ideal beauty or “man-some” for men. Since "beauty is in the eye of beholder," it is important to understand the male aesthetic ideal, for rendering the aesthetic service for ideal result, which should be align with the patient goal.

Male Facial Aging

Men, are aging poorly due to both, intrinsic and extrinsic factors. They have reduced innate antioxidant capacity than women. Also they are less knowledgeable or protective against UV radiation and engage in more health riskier behavior, like ; they smoke more than women.

Men develop wrinkles earlier and more severe, also, it’s pattern is different due to difference in facial muscle movement and cutaneous appendages. Wrinkles are more preocular and less perioral areas. The shape of wrinkles also different; U-shape in glabellar area mor common in men and the lower lis sags more and deeper.

Men lose their facial soft tissue steadily as opposed to women which their loss accelerates around menopausal age. Also, men lose earlier and more hair loss than women, at least %50 of caucasian have some hair loss by age 50. Hair loss make men appear older than their stated of age and make them less youthful.

Male is different in regard to facial anatomy, testosteron attributes to secondary sexual characteristics which is masculine. Men face is wider and larger at every level, also, more angular. Chin is more square in men. The supraorbital ridge is more prominent.

Men,has less subcutaneous tissue than women, and is more evenly distributed. They have more sud-Q fat at lateral mid face as opposed to women in medial mid face.

“Man some” or male beauty

The aesthetic concerns in men are somewhat different than women. In surveys, they want to “look good for my age” and “more youthful”. The number one cosmetic concern in men, is the hair loss and hair line. Also, they exhibit concern on their preocular ( crews feet and tear trough). Maintaining masculine jawline, by treating submental fullness and chin is another priority.

Overall, strike a right balance, between masculinity and femininity, could provide a better facial aesthetic outcome. Attractiveness to the opposite sex is an important factor , however, patient aesthetic concern should be addressed for better satisfaction.Most men are internally driven to look better rather attracting a mate or competing at work.

Conclusions

Men, currently comprise about %10 of cosmetic procedure, however, it is growing rapidly. Men, comprise %40 of luxury fashion market, and it is growing faster than women’s one.

A through understanding of gender differences and priorities, as well as, mastering the knowledge of male anatomy, facial aging, and cosmetic concerns and developing a comprehensive aesthetic plan for male patient, practitioner can capitalize in this growing segment of aesthetic care.

Rejuvenation ( Non or Minimally Invasive) For Aging Gracefully

Introduction:

Traditionally improving aging patient appearance focused on skin laxity and surgery to remove excess skin which resulted sudden change and often unnatural appearance.

Later deep chemical, dermabrasion and even early laser treatment helped skin texture, toning and color, however required long downtime and not infrequently resulted hyperpigmentation and skin color changes.

Advances in new injectables, cosmeceuticals and energy based devices made it possible to improve appearances, younger and preserve natural beauty in a more realistic way. At times, combinations of these options required to achieve the goal, in a short or longer periods, depending the age, gender, race and circumstances.

Thorough knowledge, in skin physiology, anatomy and skill helps to improve outcomes.

It is also very important a proper through assessment during consultation, paying attention facial anatomical landmarks, asymmetry, facial skin quality and volume depletions.

It is very important to explain the reachable objectives that is realistic and achievable in a specific time frame.

In elder clients it may require more volume replacement

continues..

Acne Vulgaris(AV) Pathogenesis:

Abstract

It is the most common skin disorder(D/O), regardless of gender, skin color or ethnicity. For a long time it was thought it is due to abnormal desquamation of the keratinocytes and hyperkeratinization of the sebaceous glands which causes acne lesions. However the pathogenesis of acne believed to be due to an inflammatory skin D/O which is present before the acne lesions manifestation.

Introduction

AV is a chronic inflammatory skin D/O which involves pilosebaceous unit. It is a a most pervasive skin D/O regardless of gender, skin color and ethnicity.

For many years it is thought acne lesions develop due to hyperkeratinization and abnormal desquamation which facilitated by increase in circulating androgen during puberty.

It is thought the above development provides a medium which Propionibacterium Acne colonizes. This will result in inflammatory and chemotactic elements and inflammation.

However recent studies shows subclinical inflammatory cells before and during hyperkeratinization and manifestations of microcomedone.

Further investigations like biopsies, showed inflammatory cells like CD3, CD4, Interleukin (IL1),

And macrophages are present even in normal appearing skin of AV patients as well as in acne lesions.

The paradigm of pathogenesis of AV has shifted from a simple hyperproliferation of sebaceous glands to an inflammatory skin D/O.

The role of Propionibacterium Acne (P.acnes)in pathogenesis of AV

The exact mechanism of P.acnes in AV still under study, however considerable evidence delineates its involvement in AV.

Studies have shown P.acne activates cytokine and other inflammatory responses via its receptors.

In addition P.acnes has several genotypes 1, 2 and 3 also subtype A and B. type 1A has an extremely high association with acne.

Gene Array profiling

In lieu of evidences of chronic subclinical inflammatory process in the pathogenesis of AV and discovering numerous biomarkers in the process AV, gene expression profiling in AV been studied which revealed 211 genes been upregulated in the biopsies of the AV lesions.

 

AV and scarring

AV patients has different responses to scarring base on their initial cell mediated immune response type. Patients with less prone to AV scarring shows more CD4, T-cell and macrophage and more HLA DR. Also shows more angiogenesis in early stage of AV legions developments.

Conclusions:

Recent discoveries has changed the pathogenesis of AV from a primarily a hyperproliferative D/O of pilosebaceous unit to chronic inflammatory skin D/O.

Furthermore it also been discovered that not all type P.acne are involved in AV lesions which further supports the AV not primarily an infectious disease as it is rather an inflammatory D/O.

Furthermore the inflammation continues even after the resolution of papules and pustules.

We can’t stop ourselves from aging, but that doesn’t mean we have to let our skin show it. Belotero Balance is a prescription filler that is FDA approved to temporarily smooth out and fill the wrinkles around the mouth.

Belotero is right for you if the skin around your mouth:

• Lost structural volume
• Has etched-in lines and wrinkles, even when not smiling
• Vertical lip lines

A benefit of using Belotero is that it integrates within your skin’s own tissue, smoothing wrinkles and providing a look that is natural to the touch. It can smooth moderate-to-severe etched-in facial wrinkles, and it will also allow you to maintain normal movement and facial expressions. Have your skin look fresh and natural. Give us a call if you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation.

Anaheim Medical & Cosmetic Clinic. (657) 230-9434.

The Juvèderm family includes two different types of fillers that are used to addressed various needs. The first is Juvèderm XC, which is a filler in the US used for moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds to temporarily add volume to the skin, especially around the nose and mouth. The second is Juvèderm Voluma XC, which is a filler intended to correct age-related volume loss in the cheeks in patients over the age of 21.

The Juvèderm Family of fillers are injectable gels made from modified Hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a complex sugar that is found naturally in the body which helps the skin retain both its moisture and its softness. Juvèderm XC fillers also contain lidocaine, an anesthetic that will help reduce discomfort. Your healthcare profession will inject these smooth gels under the skin with the use of a very fine needle. While Juvèderm XC will help fill deep lines for a smoother appearance, Juvèderm Voluma XC will instantly add volume and lift to the cheeks for a more youthful profile.

Some of the benefits of choosing Juvèderm over different treatments include:

• Nonsurgical
• Instant results
• Natural Looking
• Long lasting
• In-office procedure

Say goodbye to those wrinkles in your neck! If you've ever looked in the mirror and pulled back your skin to tighten it and witness the appearance if you had a bit of a life, but you're not quite ready to go under the knife, then Radiofrequency could be the solution for you. RF is a non-invasive, painless beauty treatment that can be used to reduce the wrinkles and fine lines in your neck, in addition to combating saginess and loose skin. 

RF energy heats the skin to high temperatures in a controlled fashion in the area of the skin called the dermis. This then promotes the stimulus of collagen production, which can reduce wrinkles, while also causing skin tightening. With RF, you can contour the neck, chin, and jowls with no downtime and no bruising. Give us a call if you have any question or wish to schedule a consultation. 

Anaheim Medical & Cosmetic Clinic. (657) 230-9434. 

Relieve Acne Scars with Microneedling Radiofrequency 

Dealing with active acne and acne scars is a problem that so many of us face. To make matters worse, acne scars are one of the more difficult disorders to treat in aesthetic dermatology. As such, both patients and doctors are searching for the safest and more effective methods to solve acne problems.

Acne scars generally vary between different subtypes according to the severity of inflammation and the deepness of the scars. Two of the more common types of scars are ice-pick scars and boxcar scars, with boxcar scars being further subdivided into superficial and deep boxcar scars. Ice-pick scars appear as small, sharp margins that penetrate deep into the skin. Boxcar scars, on the other hand, have a broad, porous appearance. Beyond simply textural issues with acne scarring, many people suffer from redness and hyperpigmentation. This can leave devastatingly noticeable blemishes on the skin.

Standard treatment for acne scarring usually consists of either full-face CO2 treatment or laser resurfacing, with the former tending to show greater results. These procedures, however, tend to carry a significant risk of dyspigmentation, infection, further scarring, and extensive recovery time. Even more so, they present risks for patients with darker skin types because they pose a great risk of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation (PIH).

Fortunately, recent studies have illustrated that Microneedle Radiofrequency (MRF) techniques can bypass many of these issues and safely treat both active acne and acne scarring. One of the greatest advantages of MRF is that it can safely be applied to patients of all skin types. This is because MRF works by applying a very specific temperature of heat directly to the dermis (the dermis is the area beneath the outer layer of the skin that contains living tissue and proteins that make up the structure of the skin) through a number of very small microneedles. This then creates microthermal zones (MTZs) that only apply the radiofrequency energy in the specific areas of the skin desired, while other areas remain untouched.

Side-by-side comparison studies of CO2 and MRF techniques have illustrated that MRF resulted in the same degree of clarity from acne scarring as did CO2. However, the patients who received the MRF techniques reported that there was very little pain, and needed 5x less recovery time than the patients who received the full-face CO2 treatment. Additionally, none of the patients who received the MRF treatment suffered from PIH, while some patients under the CO2 treatment noticed PIH after about 3 weeks.

In sum, Microneedle Radiofrequency is a treatment option for active acne and acne scarring that has been reported successful and associated with a high degree of efficiency and safety. Patient results can be seen in the ‘Photo Gallery’ section under “B&A MRF Acne Scarring.” Give us a call if you any questions or would like to schedule a consultation.

Anaheim Medical & Cosmetic Clinic. (657) 230-9434.

3DEEP Radiofrequency 

Lax skin and wrinkles are generally due to the reduction of collagen fibers in the dermal layer of the skin. Collagen fibers are the proteins that support the structure of the skin. When the dermal layer is heated, collagen synthesis is stimulated. This leads to the appearance of facial remodeling with tighter, more youthful-looking skin due to the reduction of wrinkles and sagginess. Radiofrequency (RF) energy easily targets particular areas of the skin in order to trigger the production of new collagen where it is needed most.

There are several different methods of applying RF energy to the dermis. Initially, RF-based devices used either monopolar or bipolar electrodes, with these treatments being termed as ‘monopolar RF’ and ‘bipolar RF,’ respectively. Think of these “electrodes” as very small, fine wires that electrical currents can flow through. Essentially, bipolar RF uses two electrodes to deliver RF energy between them, while monopolar RF uses a single electrode. Bipolar RF shows limited results because of the limited flow of RF energy between the two electrodes. Monopolar RF has been associated with painful procedures because of the uncontrolled flow of RF beyond the target location from the single electrode.

As a consumer in beauty, it’s easy to generalize cosmetic treatments based upon specific keywords. To provide an example, when people think of using RF treatments to help improve wrinkles and lax skin, they may associate these treatments with a great deal of pain and local safety concerns like bruising and hyperpigmentation. However, recent technological advancements in RF treatments have minimized these risks while almost completely absolving the issue of pain.

EndyMed has developed 3Deep technology by using multi-source, multiphase-controlled RF energy which delivers the energy more efficiently within the dermal layer in a nearly painless manner. Studies have indicated that after RF treatments, the collagen fibers in the skin appeared both more fine and dense, resembling the structure of youthful skin collagen fibers. 3DEEP RF treatments provide a significant reduction in wrinkles and excellent facial tightening.

See the amazing results that patients have experienced in our photo gallery. Give us a call if you have any questions or wish to schedule a consultation.

Anaheim Medical and Cosmetic Clinic (657) 230-9434.

Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

What is Radiofrequency? 

Radiofrequency (RF) is becoming a quick and popular treatment in the rejuvenation of skin in the battle against aging, but what exactly is it? It is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to pass a current through the dermis to apply macroscopic thermal wounds. So what does this mean? Well, while invasive procedures (surgery, generally) pull the skin tighter by cutting out excess tissue, RF applies heat beneath the superficial layer of the skin to an area called the dermis. The dermis is the region of skin which contains collagen, elastin, and other components important to the shape and structure of the skin. When the collagen in the dermis is heated to a specific termpature by the radiofrequency energy, it induces the stimulation of more collagen and other skin fibers. This, in turn, will cause the collagen in the skin to not only grow but also tighten, causing the skin to appear tighter and overall more youthful. Radiofrequency, in contrast to some laser treatments, can be applied to all different types of skin tones. 

What can Radiofrequency treat?

Radiofrequency can be used for a number of different treatments of both the face and body. For instance, it can: 

• Diminish  frown lines
• Lessen wrinkles around the face, eyes, and neck
• Tighten lax skin in the face and jawline
• Lessen depigmentation caused by aging
• Lessen cellulite or irregular shaped skin