Looking as Young as You Feel

By Lisa Benest MD

“I'm not interested in age. People who tell me their age are silly. You're as old as you feel." - Elizabeth Arden

Forty is the new thirty. Fifty is the new forty. Sixty is the new forty! Today we are staying active and youthful for years, even decades longer than did previous generations. We eat healthy, exercise, stay mentally fit, all to keep us feeling and acting younger than our years might otherwise suggest. But what about our skin? Do those fine lines around the eyes and mouth suggest wisdom over youth? What about wrinkled or sagging skin? Does it point to the march of age? Nothing gives the impression of youth more than a beautiful, healthy complexion.

Over the counter creams and solutions, spa treatments and a good diet all contribute to that youthful complexion, but as we age, those things just aren’t enough. That’s when we turn to medical advancements in the field of dermatology to target and comprehensively handle all those skin imperfections that affect how we view ourselves, and how others view us.

Cosmetic lasers are the latest developments in advanced skin care. Lasers treat wrinkles by tightening skin tissue, prompting the production of collagen and elastin; removing sun damage by breaking up pigment; treating rosacea by reducing broken blood vessels; and simply removing unwanted hair. Our Skin Care and Laser Center in Burbank, CA uses Active FX, a revolutionary fractional laser for aged, sun-damaged or acne scarred skin. The Active FX Laser Treatment will reduce wrinkles and fine lines, soften deeper frown lines, noticeably improve skin tone and texture, stimulate new collagen formation and plumps the skin.

In addition to lasers, the office offers a wide range of non-surgical procedures, including injectable fillers like collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Botox®, Dysport and chemical and other peels, to enhance the appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. The antioxidant brightening and lightening peels which boost the skin using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other ingredients will fade stubborn dark patches and restore your skin’s natural smoothness.

Our Board Certified doctors can even treat and control embarrassing outbreaks of adult acne!

At our Skin Care and Laser Center, you’ll find dermatologists and nurses who dedicate their expertise and artistry to making your skin look the best it can be. We have been featured in Pasadena magazine, Cosmetic Surgery Times and on ABC News. We were recently awarded the Patients' Choice Award for 2008, and voted a Top Doc in Pasadena by Pasadena Magazine, and Best Dermatologist in Burbank, CA by The Burbank Leader.

Our team of doctors and nurses understand the desire we all have to be as beautiful and healthy as we can be. Whether you have a medical or a cosmetic skin care need, we blend the latest advances in skin care into the experience and wisdom of medicine. Visit us for a FREE Consultation with our Cosmetic Nurse Specialist to find out how we can help you look as young as you feel!

Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818.729.9149
www.lisabenestmd.com

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/