Fraxel Re:pair

August 5, 2008. Get more information regarding the newest addition to FIX Malibu.

Fraxel Official Website
Fraxel Treatment Video
Close-up Video of Tissue Contraction

FALL Skin FIXes...

August 7, 2008. You’ve spent all summer enjoying the sun, but now that fall’s approaching, it’s time to get serious about taking care of your skin. Rebecca Giles, M.D., Founder of FIX in Malibu, California, shares 5 tips to getting your glow on this fall:

1) Exfoliate: As we age, cell turnover at the surface slows, leading to irregular surface texture. Surface irregularities reflect light poorly, and this translates visually to skin that looks dull and lacks a healthy glow. Exfoliation helps remedy irregular surface texture, and it’s one of the easiest, quickest fixes for tired skin.
a. Begin using a hydroxy acid cleanser. These natural acids are potent exfoliators and very effective at improving the skin’s appearance. A word of caution, though—they can be drying if over-used. Once daily use is typically well-tolerated by younger skin. If you’re over 30, you may prefer a creamier formulation, used only every other day or so.
b. Book an appointment for microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion uses a mechanical process to exfoliate surface skin cells. Judiciously done, it can be a boon to skin’s appearance, and allow topical products to penetrate better and to greater effect. Be sure to check the credentials of the aesthetician performing the service.

2) Protect your skin with Antioxidants: Think of antioxidants as the second line of defense against UV radiation. They scavenge free radicals generated by the UV rays that get past your sunscreen (and no sunscreen is 100% protective against UV radiation, so this happens to all of us). Antioxidants are synergistic with sunscreen, and in serum form they are easily absorbed. Good ones to look for include Vitamins C (in a concentration of at least 15%) and E (1%), Ferulic Acid, green tea extract, alpha lipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10, and ellagic acid (found in pomegranate extract). They work best in a serum formulation, applied to clean, dry skin.

3) Begin using topical retinoids. In prescription strength, these compounds are terrific for increasing the thickness of the dermal collagen layer as well as speeding up surface exfoliation to improve skin’s texture. They are safe and effective, although results aren’t typically apparent until you’ve used them consistently for a few months. One caveat: if you’ve never used them before, start gradually, applying the retinoid every other night for a few weeks until your skin adapts. There are several preparations available by prescription, although more emollient formulations (e.g., Renova®) are better tolerated. And be patient! This takes time to show results.

4) Hydrate your skin: Hydrated skin looks younger and healthier, so this is a good short-term way to improve skin’s appearance while you’re making more lasting improvements with antioxidants and retinoids. Pick a moisturizer with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid (which binds water to plump up the skin) and peptides, which have been shown to bolster collagen.

5) Protect skin from UV damage: The cheapest and by far the most effective way to keep skin looking its best is simple: get in the daily habit of applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This is essential, every day, rain or shine. Why? Both types of UV radiation contribute to skin cancer and photoaging, with UVA being the bigger culprit in the latter. SPF ratings indicate a sunscreen’s degree of protection against UVB rays but give no indication of a product’s effectiveness against UVA radiation. The FDA has proposed a new four-star system to rate UVA protection that should take effect sometime in 2009. In the meantime, look for sunscreens with good UVA blockers like micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, Mexoryl®, avobenzone, and octocrylene. Bear in mind that physical sunscreens (titanium and zinc) provide somewhat better protection because they work immediately and don’t break down with sun exposure. Chemical sunscreens require frequent re-application to be effective.

Laser and Product Maker Links

August 5, 2008. Get more information regarding the lasers and products that FIX Malibu uses for their treatments.

www.cynosure.com
www.rhytec.com
www.mesoesteticusa.com
www.isclinical.com
www.skinmedica.com