Dr. Lisa Benest Featured on YouTube's eHow Beauty Channel

Skin problems can come in a number of forms, including acne, oily skin, skin tags, dryness, blackheads or moles. Learn about skin care and treatments for skin problems in this free video series on dermatology.

Dermatology & Skin Care: Video Series

Tip of the Week: Is There Anything I Can Incorporate Into My Diet To Help My Skin?

Minimizing your sugar, dairy and processed food intake may help prevent acne, plus eating a variety of fruits and veggies in a rainbow of colors will not only make your skin look better, but you're also get anti-aging and anti-cancer benefits too. Plus a diet chock full of antioxidants helps prevent all cancers, including skin cancers.

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Have Sippy Will Travel

Hey everyone,

The great Blog Have Sippy Will Travel featured us in a guest post today!

Take a trip over there and give them a follow. Enjoy your reading!

Tip of the Week: How many abnormal moles should I have biopsied?

If you're mole-y and/or at high risk for skin cancer, chances are you've had some spots removed but it doesn't necessary decrease your chances of getting skin cancer. This is because skin cancer can arise from new moles as well as pre-existing ones.

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Tip of the Week: If I have an atypical or abnormal mole, will it turn into cancer?

Not necessarily, but be sure to look for new spots or anything that changes or evolves. The general rule of thumb when looking for suspicious moles is all about ABCD (asymmetry, border, color, diameter) — and “E” (which is for evolving).

It’s important to look for what the one that stands out and looks different from the others. For example, if you’re pink and freckly and have a black dot on your back amid the freckles you should have this looked at.

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Tip Of The Week: How often do I need to be seen for skin cancer prevention?

It really depends on risk factors like:

1) Having a family history of skin cancer
2) Having a history of childhood sunburns
3) Having fair skin and/or freckles
4) Having lots of moles.

So, if you are at a high risk, then you should go see your dermatologist at least once a year. However, even if you're not, it doesn't hurt to get regular yearly checkups. And no matter how few or many risk factors you have, you should always be hyper-aware of your body and anything that looks unusual on your skin.

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Tip of the Week: What causes my acne?

While it's common knowledge that clogged pores and bacteria can cause acne. Acne may also be due to the following:

1) Hormones: Your acne could be elicited by your birth control pill, so getting rid of your skin imperfections could be as simple as switching to a different pill. Your natural hormone changes may cause the acne too, and there may be some natural hormonal creams that could help.

2) Diet: Acne has been linked to sugar and dairy, as well as refined and processed foods. You could try cutting back on these items to see if your diet is triggering your breakouts.

3) Stress: Leave it to good ol' stress to manifest itself in ugly ways like zits. Stress affects our skin by stimulating our body to produce too much of acne producing hormones.

For more information on acne, it's causes, prevention and ways to handle it, please visit the website.

www.lisabenestmd.com

Tip of the Week: What simple things can I do to make myself look better?

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

www.lisabenestmd.com

Tip of the Week: What's the best sunscreen to use?

There are a ton of different types of sunscreens on the market, but recent studies have shown that melanoma is on the rise and UVA rays are responsible for this potentially deadly form of skin cancer. (FYI, tanning beds are pure UVA rays.) To ensure that you're protected, use an SPF that blocks UVA rays as well as UVB rays. And if you avoid the sun or use sunscreen, remember to supplement with extra vitamin D, at least 2,000 units each day.

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Tip of the Week: How do I prevent skin cancer?

We all know that wearing sunscreen and hats or just staying out of the sun all together are some no-brainer ways to prevent skin cancer. Using creams that contain vitamin A, C and green tea, as well as some other antioxidants can help your body repair precancerous cells before they turn into skin cancer.

For more skin care information and tips, please visit our website!

www.lisabenestmd.com

Say Goodbye to Raccoon Eyes

Dark eyes can be quite dramatic when applied with eye liner…or if you’re a raccoon. But dark circles in the form of “bags under the eyes” make us look old and tired and simply detract from the rest of our appearance. Cover up and eye makeup can help hide dark circles, but the best solution is to understand the real cause and apply an effective remedy.

Dark circles under or around the eyes can be caused by many different factors. The most common causes are:

Fatigue, lack of sleep: Excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin and poor circulation, which can cause the skin to appear darker.

Nutrition: The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the under eye area.

Stress: A too-fast-paced lifestyle, or long hours on the computer, can contribute to bags under your eyes, especially when coupled with inadequate sleep.

Heredity: Like varicose veins, dark circles under the eyes can be an inherited trait. The skin under the eye is very thin. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent your skin, the darker the circles appear.

Allergies, Asthma and Eczema: Any condition that causes eyes to itch can contribute to dark circles under the eyes because rubbing or scratching can darken the skin. Hay fever sufferers particularly will notice under-eye "shiners" during the height of the allergy season.

Medications: Medications that cause blood vessels to dilate can cause circles under the eyes to appear darker. Because the skin under the eyes is very delicate, any increase blood flow shows through the skin.

Age: As we get older, there is a shift in the fat pad under the eye, and you may develop creases. This can looks like dark circles, because the creases cast shadows on the skin. This shadowing greatly improves with the application of fillers, such as Restylane, under the skin.

Consult with your dermatologist to determine the actual cause of the dark circles. And follow these simple guidelines to improve your circulatory health and appearance right away.

Get eight hours of sleep: This is a must for all of us, especially for people with dark circles under their eyes.

Diet: Eat a whole-foods, plant-based diet, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Include green leafy vegetables and all other food items that are rich source of vitamin K. Vitamin K is very effective in treating the damaged capillaries around the eyes.

Tea Bag Treatment: Try applying a cold compress of green or black tea to increase circulation, which helps reduce swelling around the eyes. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain and chill. Place over eyes for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day, as needed.

Moisturizer: To minimize the appearance of bags, plump up skin with moisturizer, one that contains vitamin C, green Tea, vitamin K and other antioxidants.
Whether from heredity, stress, diet or any other reason, dark circles under the eyes just make us look tired. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce those circles, but to erase them most effectively consult with your dermatologist and say “goodbye” to raccoon eyes.

Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. 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 how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse.

Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
http://www.lisabenestmd.com

Tip of the Week: How do I know if I'm aging well or not?

To determine how well you're aging is really about accessing how much sun damage you have. So if you are more of a sun worshiper, then you probably aren't aging as well as someone who avoids the sun. Aging skin woes like wrinkles and splotchiness are mainly the result of sun damage. However, creams that contain vitamins and antioxidants, as well as Botox and fillers can counter signs of aging (if you're open to going that route).

If you have any questions, please feel free to visit the website for articles, tips, products and more!

http://lisabenestmd.com/

Secrets to Flawless Skin

Lisa Benest MD

An even-toned and softly-textured complexion can help you have a youthful appearance. But environmental elements and lifestyle choices make tone and texture more difficult to maintain. Uneven skin tone, texture and color can be the result of a variety of factors, including environmental exposures, pollutants, sun exposure, tanning beds and even diet. Most people (yes, men, that includes you!) want to present a healthy and youthful image. There are some very simple ways of doing this – ways that will fit right into your daily routine, but will make a big effect on your skin's health and appearance! They are simple secrets to healthier, younger looking skin.

EXFOLIATE – This process removes dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull. Using a cleanser or lotion that contains alpha (glycolic) or beta (salicylic) hydroxy acids will keep your skin looking fresher and more youthful.

CLEANSE – Daily cleansing is essential to remove excess oil and dirt from your skin. This will help prevent pimples and acne as well. Ensure you use a cleanser that is meant for your skin type.

MOISTURIZE – Whether your skin is oily or dry, you may benefit from moisturizing your skin. Moisturizers moisten your skin by locking water on the surface. Keeping skin hydrated always helps boost a blah complexion, but new lotions made with niacinamide (vitamin B) and other thirst quenching nutrients do more than that.

PROTECTION FROM SUN - Ultraviolet rays present in sunlight are one of the biggest enemies of your skin. Protect your skin from the sun with a daily sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. For those of you who are active outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming/heavy sweating. New studies show that combining green tea extracts with sunscreens provides more potent protection against sun damage.

EAT WELL - Adding a dressing made with olive oil to your salad may increase your skin’s radiance. The monounsaturated fats in the oils help increase the absorption of the disease-fighting antioxidants and skin-smoothing nutrients found in dark leafy greens and colorful vegetables. A diet high in antioxidants and low in refined, processed foods not only keeps our skin smoother, it also protects us against skin cancer and other forms of cancer.

EXERCISE – Being physically active is directly related to the health of your skin. Sweating clears out the skin pores and stimulates blood circulation. This, in turn, cleanses the skin and brings a glow to it. Moderate exercise such as walking for a half hour, cycling, swimming, etc will help in maintaining the health of your skin over time.

These are some simple secrets to flawless and healthier looking skin. Everyone can implement most of these into a daily routine and see a difference in no time! Consult with your dermatologist and discover other ways to halt the process of time on your skin and see a beautiful, healthy, and younger looking appearance.

Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. 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, schedule a Free Consultation with their cosmetic nurse. Check out their website for a complete list of all their treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com

Products Recommended by Lisa Benest, MD: Juvederm

Get Your Body Ready For Summer

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

Elōs™ Skin Renewal - The Art of Creating Beautiful Skin

How elōs™ Works to Provide Permanent Hair Reduction

Los Angeles BOTOX® Cosmetic

Dysport has arrived! About DYSPORT® Cosmetic

Like Botox, Dysport is a modified version of botulinum toxin A that is administered by injection and inhibits the facial muscle contractions that lead to forehead furrows, frown lines and crows feet.

Dysport has proven to be safe. In fact, it's been used in Europe, Asia and South America for more than a decade. Always keep in mind that Dysport is a prescription treatment and should be administered only by medical professionals who have the training and clinical understanding of the muscles and expressions of the face and the skill to retain natural expressions while reducing the signs of aging.

See before and after photos.

Fast Facts on DYSPORT Cosmetic
Here are some of the most important things you need to know if you are considering DYSPORT Cosmetic at our Burbank treatment center.

Area Treated and Results:
DYSPORT relaxes the facial muscles on the forehead, frown and crows feet, thereby reducing and smoothing away frown lines and wrinkles.

Treatment Interval:
In most patients, Dysport lasts approximately 4 months, at which point another treatment is administered to maintain the desired results.

Number of treatments required:
A single treatment can keep your skin looking smooth and youthful for about 4 months. After this time, the facial muscles which originally caused the wrinkles will begin to contract once again, unless a follow-up treatment is administered.

Treatment Time:
DYSPORT takes just 10-15 minutes. This makes it ideal to receive during lunchtime or a short break from work! You will be in and out of our office quickly.

Recovery Time:
There is no recovery time and makeup may be applied immediately after treatment.

Results:
Smoother skin around the eyes and on the forehead, with softened wrinkles. You will still retain the ability to make a full range of facial expressions.

If you are ready to schedule your San Fernando Valley / Los Angeles DYSPORT Cosmetic treatment, contact us online for a Free Consultation with our Cosmetic Nurse Specialist. You can also call our Burbank office at 818-729-9149. We look forward to helping you enhance your appearance!

http://lisabenestmd.com/cosmeticlaser/cosmetic/dysport.html

Young Looking Skin – At Any Age!

Lisa Benest MD

Taking good care of your skin is important. In fact, proper skin care is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance throughout your life. But proper skin care changes as you age, and you need to know the best skin care regimes for your age and for some common skin problems and conditions.

Teens and 20s

Puberty and the transition into adulthood bring about huge changes in skin. Hair becomes thicker and oiler, as does the complexion. Practicing proper cleansing techniques is vital. Skin should be cleansed twice daily; washing more frequently can trigger an over-production of oil. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, including drinking plenty of water between meals, can also help keep skin clear and blemish free.

But sometimes cleansing and diet is just not enough to prevent teen and young adult acne. For acne that does not clear up with cleansing, a dermatologist can prescribe a topical medication, or even antibiotics.

These years are also the time to establish a life-long commitment to protecting skin from sun damage. Using sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or clothing with UV protection and avoiding too much sun exposure will help prevent skin cancer or premature aging.

Skin in the 20s can start to show subtle signs of photodamage and “social aging” – from smoking, drinking or excessive tanning. Antioxidant creams as well as lighter procedures, such as chemical peels can keep your skin from premature aging.

30s and 40s

While most men have outgrown acne by their 20s, many women continue to suffer from acne into their adult years. In addition, this is the time when the signs of aging can begin to appear – pigment irregularity, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

Skin in the 30s and 40s can benefit from a variety of noninvasive procedures, including Botox, fillers like Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm, chemical peels and noninvasive lasers. A consultation with a dermatologist can determine which approach is right for you.

Adults should also adapt their skin care regimes to incorporate cleansers and moisturizers specially designed for more mature complexions.

50s, 60s and Beyond

As skin ages, different problems emerge. Some men and women experience rosacea, which is characterized by redness and pimples on the face in addition to flushing in response to certain triggers, such as caffeine, wine or stress. Rosacea can be treated with creams, laser and avoiding specific triggers.

Mature skin definitely benefits from facial rejuvenation, although you are more likely to avoid major interventions during this time if you have had preventative procedures during your 30s and 40s. Rejuvenation treatments include Botox and fillers, as well as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and ReFirme Skin Tightening, or even more extensive procedures, such as Active FX and Total FX. Again, your dermatologist can recommend a rejuvenation treatment that is best for you.

Older skin can also get dry and flaky; frequent application of gentle, effective moisturizers is critical for keeping skin well hydrated and less itchy. Moisturizer should be applied at least once a day, preferably after a bath or shower when the skin is still damp. Have any suspicious growths examined, and if you or your family has a history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, be sure to have a thorough checkout from your dermatologist once a year.

Following these few simple guidelines can help your skin stay young looking and healthy, whatever your age.

Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. 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 how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: http://www.lisabenestmd.com/

Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149

http://www.lisabenestmd.com/