Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Fight Back Against the Signs of Aging

by Lisa Benest MD

Cellular function begins to slow down in our 20s and 30s, and when combined with sun exposure, spots, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles can start to show much sooner. In fact, most of us start to show some signs of aging by 25, when skin-cell turnover begins to slow and moisture levels decrease. Here are some tried and true anti-aging basics, plus some innovative treatments and products, to help you prevent or reduce the signs of aging.

Use Sunblock
Sun exposure will make your skin look older. Wrinkles, sun spots, discoloration and fine lines age the skin on your face, arms, legs, neck and chest. Using a sunblock with a high SPF won’t undo past exposure, but will prevent damage from future exposure. And don’t wait for summer – the sun’s UV rays are working on your skin all year long. One caveat—those with limited sun exposure will need to supplement with extra vitamin D, as one cannot get sufficient vitamin D from the diet alone.

Peels
A peel (chemical or other) gets rid of the old, dead layers of skin, leaving your complexion fresh and rejuvenated. A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged top layers of the skin. Other peels use varying ingredients (such as fruits, enzymes or other plant materials), but all peels enhance and smooth your complexion.

Nutritional Supplements
Too many of us do not get enough vital nutrition from our diets. Supplements can help provide the vitamins, minerals and amino acids that contribute to overall systemic health, and help prevent inflammation and free radical damage in organs – including the skin. Consider adding vitamin D3 and Fish Oils (Omega 3 Fatty Acids) to your vitamin regime. If you do take a multivitamin, make sure it is food based and not synthetic, for better integration.

Moisturizers and other topical treatments
The right moisturizer can help fortify and renew your skin, sealing in moisture while protecting your skin from environmental dirt and toxins. For even more effectiveness in fighting aging, look for a moisturizer that has active ingredients such as antioxidants and peptides to help encourage natural metabolic skin function and a healthy complexion. Topical retinoids, such as Retin-A, diminish dark spots, balance skin tone and suppress visible wrinkles. Your dermatologist can prescribe the appropriate treatment for you.

Hydrate
Remember, moisturizing isn’t just about lotions and creams. Hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods rich in antioxidants. You can also use a humidifier while you sleep to give your dry skin a boost during the night, which will prevent your skin from drying out throughout the day.


Active FX/Total FX

Active FX/Total FX is a revolutionary fractional laser for more severely sun-damaged skin. An Active FX/Total FX treatment reduces wrinkles and fine lines by working deeper in the skin, to stimulate new collagen formation. The skin becomes plumper and the skin tone and texture show noticeable improvement. This is also a great treatment for facial acne scars.


The right treatment can help prevent skin damage before it’s even visible. But remember – whatever treatments or products you use on your face, you want to address your neck as well. Don’t let the skin below your face give your secret away.

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

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Los Angeles BOTOX® Cosmetic Informercial

Wrinkles are one of those things that are never in style - especially in Los Angeles. So many patients at the Lisa Benest Dermatology & Laser Center choose BOTOX Cosmetic because it is highly effective and safe for treating wrinkles around the eye, in between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and around the mouth.

BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified protein that relaxes facial muscles and holds them in place in this relaxed state for several months to achieve wrinkle reduction.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

50% Off A Refreshing Peel - Simply for Mentioning...

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50% Off A Refreshing Peel!

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Lisa Benest, MD Skin Care and Laser Center
1624 W. Olive, #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818.729.9149
http://www.lisabenestmd.com

$40 Value - Offer Expires February 27th, 2010

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Appealing Peels: Treating Your Dry And Winter Damaged Skin

By Lisa Benest MD

Winter weather can leave your face red and irritated, even in Southern California. Your warm weather skin care products can actually make your skin look and feel worse in winter. If your face is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh treatments, drying masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Use products that hydrate and help skin retain moisture. You should also consider a chemical or other peel to get rid of old, dead skin, leaving new, regenerated skin that can absorb your moisturizers and leave you with a rosy glow.

CHEMICAL PEELS
A chemical peel is a treatment in which an acidic solution is used to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin. A chemical peel enhances and smoothes your complexion. There are several different types of chemical peels. Your dermatologist will advise which is the best peel for you.

Light Chemical Peels
Your cosmetic dermatologist will use a specific formula for your chemical peel based on your skin and desired result. Light chemical peels are used to treat fine wrinkling, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation, and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, as well as enzyme peels. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Antioxidant and brightening peel boosters add antioxidants, such as vitamin C or Green Tea, and lightening agents, such as kojic acid and hydroquinone, to stimulate collagen and inhibit pigment production, resulting in brighter, glowing skin.

Medium Chemical Peels
For medium facial peels, many doctors use trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This treats fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems. Medium depth peels typically cause several days of peeling after the procedure.

Other types of peels are also available through your dermatologist. In addition to providing relief for dry, winter skin, these peels supply a wide variety of benefits for skin health and appearance.


GREEN PEEL
This is a 5-day deep herbal peel that was scientifically developed for skin regeneration using natural plant ingredients. It has been recognized worldwide as being highly safe and effective. These natural herbs increase circulation of the skin and cause layers of the epidermis to peel off, without the use of chemicals. They stimulate blood circulation and intensify metabolism, while promoting a healthy youthful looking skin.

VI PEEL
The Vi Peel can visibly reverse the effects of sun damage, environmental factors and time. It is also helpful in clearing acne, pigmentation and impurities. You can expect several days of peeling after this procedure.

4-LAYER FACELIFT
The 4-layer facelift is an organic peel with dramatic and fast acting results. Vitamin C, glycolic acid and gentle enzymes speed up cellular turnover and brighten, tighten and lighten your skin in just one treatment. And because it’s organic, it is safe for women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

FRUIT PEELS
Pumpkin, Mango, Cherry-Berry or Cranberry Peels are excellent sources of anti-oxidants, vitamins and enzymes as well as beneficial nutrients which help to rejuvenate the skin’s surface and transform dull, lifeless complexions into more youthful skin. Consult with your dermatologist for more information on these invigorating, natural peels.

Treat yourself to a soothing facial this winter. Loose the dry, dead skin while you brighten your complexion, and look and feel younger in the process. Talk to your dermatologist today.

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. Check out their website for a complete list of all treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com


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