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Here Comes the Sun: Protecting Yourself from Bright UV Rays in Los Angeles

Posts, Skin Treatment

Sorry Game of Thrones fans – winter is over. As the calendar fades into springtime, Los Angelenos take to the beaches, porches, and anywhere else where they can soak in the stunning SoCal weather.

Spring is basically summer in Beverly Hills. The sun beckons locals and tourists alike to bask in the warmth of our iconic landscape and legacy. But as the UV rays bathe Tinseltown in a golden glow, you should be aware and prepared for the more harmful effects of sun exposure.

CARCINOMA

As you frolic in the California surf, you may feel like nothing could rain on your proverbial parade. Unfortunately, an ominous cloud hangs over the sunny SoCal skies, and it is shaped like carcinoma.

Every year, over 3 million Americans receive skin cancer diagnoses. It is the most common form of cancer, but that doesn’t make it any less serious or scary. To better understand the ways in which we can prevent and treat skin cancer, let’s discuss the various types that affect us most.

Of that staggering 3 million cases of skin cancer mentioned above, approximately 80% are attributed to basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Epithelial tissue is a lining of cells that runs just below the surface of the skin. We also have epithelial matter in our blood vessels, organs, and digestive tract, so it is an expansive network indeed.

When a tumor develops in the epithelial tissue, this is called a carcinoma. Individuals over the age of 50 are particularly prone to developing carcinomas, so be sure to get checked regularly once you surpass the Big 5-0. Also, professional estimates indicate that 90% of carcinoma cases occur in white-skinned individuals. 

Basal cell carcinomas (BCC) lurk in the base of the epidermis, as the name suggests. BCCs are less likely to spread than other forms of carcinomas, but you should still refer the condition to a skilled healthcare professional for treatment. 

More serious is the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). “Squamous” means scale-like; the term describes the flattened, overlying pattern of our top layer of skin. If the carcinoma is detected in the squamous layer, it is more likely to spread. Please do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you suspect the existence of SCCs.

The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to UV rays. The radiation from the sun’s light can mutate cells along or even beneath the skin. Ultraviolet radiation accounts for approximately 99% of the non-melanoma cancers listed above. These same UV rays contribute to 95% of the more serious strains of skin cancer: melanomas. 

MELANOMA

The skin cancer of which you should be even more concerned is melanoma. Unlike carcinoma, melanoma has the ability to spread rapidly from the skin to other vital organs. 

Melanoma affects cells called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for giving our skin the pigment we project to the world. Melanocytes produce melanin, a process that is accelerated by exposure to UV rays. When exposure becomes overexposure, melanoma may occur.

Sunlight can mutate melanocytes, triggering uncontrolled cell growth. This can manifest itself in the forms of moles or splotches of discoloration on the surface of your skin. Some spots are harmless, but others may spell danger. Here is a helpful way of telling the difference: it’s as easy as A-B-C-D-E.

  • Asymmetry – If one side of a blemish grows beyond the confines of the other side, then you may be dealing with a problematic melanoma.
  • Border – Keep a close eye on the outline of your mole/mark. Look for ragged edges, blurry borders, or other irregularities.
  • Color – Check for inconsistencies in the hue of your discoloration. Different shades of black, brown, white, pink, and even blue may cloud the surface of a melanoma.
  • Diameter – Measure the width of your spot. Is it 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) or more? Some melanomas can be small, but if a mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser, it could be worrisome. 
  • Evolution – Has a splotch changed color, shape, size, or made any other noticeable shifts over a short span of time? If so, please contact a specialist to have it checked out.

PREVENTING SKIN CANCER

The best treatment is prevention. To avoid developing the types of skin cancer detailed above, be sure to use proper protection from the Southern California sun. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before direct exposure to UV rays, and make sure it is water-resistant if you are enjoying a beach day.

Use SPF 30 or greater and stay in the shade whenever possible (especially the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm). If you have a tendency to nap on lazy vacation days, seek refuge! Don’t fall asleep in the sun or you may forget to reapply that sunblock every two hours, or more frequently if you swim.

TREATING SKIN CANCER

If you do happen to develop skin cancer, we are here to support you. Dr. Binder has perfected the art and science of removing cancerous lesions, and he can tailor his approach to your issue. These methods include freezing or excision when the incidence is small enough. For larger areas of skin cancer, Dr. Binder has pioneered grafting and flap techniques to alleviate your concerns and preserve your aesthetic beauty.

When a cancerous spot is removed, Dr. Binder will patch it up using healthy skin of your own. He can harvest skin from donor sites on your own body and select the incision site to hide it from everyday view. This healthy tissue is then integrated with the blood vessels on the area where the cancer was removed. As your body adopts the relocated skin, the healing process continues.

To learn how Dr. Binder can address your concerns and amplify your skin health, please call (310) 858-6749. Relief and rejuvenation await.

Can Botox Help with Acne Scars?

Botox, Skin Treatment

Growing up is hard enough without the added stress (and distress) of acne. Many of us endure this indignity during our teen years, but acne isn’t exclusive to adolescents… and the scarring from facial blemishes can last long after the initial bout of inflammation has dissipated.

While the skin care aisle is flooded with products to help consumers fend off oily skin and other agents that cause acne, what about its residual effects? How can you replenish your skin after it has been adversely affected by acne, either in your youth or beyond?

Doctor Binder has an answer that may surprise you.

After engineering, the use of Botox for groundbreaking uses such as migraine alleviation and the cessation of profuse sweating, Binder’s team is putting their skills to work helping those who are plagued by acne scars.

How can Botox reverse the blemishes that acne left behind? Let’s take a look under the microscope…

Acne: An All Too Common Occurrence

As our bodies change, our skin sometimes has trouble keeping up. During adolescence, hormones increase the production of natural oils and new outcroppings of facial and body hair. When follicles get clogged by any of the aforementioned materials, they form bumps and pimples. These are the foundations of acne.

This affliction befalls approximately 85% of all young people during the ages of 12 to 24 years. Over five million Americans per year have such bad incidents of acne that they seek medical attention. The price tag for these visits is staggering, accounting for an estimated 1.2 billion dollars in annual costs nationwide.

The Scars Left Behind

Acne itself is a difficult enough situation, by its ramifications can be even more upsetting. When a pimple or other blemish is treated, your skin naturally produces collagen to replace the damaged cells. This material has a different look and feel than the flesh around it, resulting in an unsightly pockmark.

Pockmarks can also occur after a patient heals from chickenpox or a staph infection. While the particular causes vary, pockmarks linger long after their inception, begging for a remedy that will restore your skin to its former luster.

How Botox Can Help

When you study an acne scar closely, you see that it appears to be stretched and tight. That’s because your muscles have contorted themselves to deliver healing collagen to the site of the scar, and your skin reflects this sense of strain and unease.

The way that Botox works is that it relaxes muscle tissue. That’s how it earned its reputation as a leading cosmetic compound; Botox gets under the flesh and finds the source of the strain. The chemical allows muscle tissue to release, which is why it is so effective in easing laugh lines, worry lines, and other facial markings almost immediately after being introduced to your system.

But the relaxation of muscle tissue is just the first step in the process of healing acne scars. The marks are still present, so extra attention must be paid to the site. That’s where fillers come into the equation.

The Added Need for Fillers

When a blackhead or other unwelcome skin impurity is eradicated (or “popped”), it leaves behind a divot in your skin. While Botox is instrumental in relaxing the taut perimeters of this divot, it can’t fill in the gap.

That’s why fillers are sometimes necessary to help finish the task of repairing the damage caused by acne scarring. Fillers help level the entire site where a scar once appeared, raising divots until they are flush with the plane of the rest of your epidermis.

And now that the acne scar has been treated, let’s get back to Botox to see how we can prevent this situation from reoccurring.

Botox for Skin Care

As previously established, Botox disrupts unwelcome facial deterioration. It smoothes lines and relaxes muscles, but its cosmetic benefits don’t end there. By introducing Botox into your tissue, it can slow the skin’s production of sebum and excess oil. These are the harmful agents that often block pores and trigger an acne outbreak, not to mention how they accelerate the aging process.

Therefore, Botox works on several levels simultaneously. It acts as a preventative to acne formation, it repairs the damage of previous acne scarring by releasing the strain of damaged musculature, and it fights against wrinkles where pores can get easily clogged if they aren’t properly maintained.

Is Botox Right for You?

Your face is as special as you are, and there is no uniform approach to beauty, healthcare, and overall aesthetics. You must express your individuality and style as you see fit; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

If you need guidance on your journey to self-actualization, we can help. Botox may not be right for everyone, but its applications are varied and surprisingly impactful. If you think it may be helpful to solve your specific cosmetic or skin maintenance goals, then contact one of our knowledgeable staff members today.

If you do, indeed, embark upon a course of Botox, you will want the best minds in the field to consult on your case. Doctor Binder has been a visionary in the usage of Botox since its early days. He pioneered its use as a treatment for chronic and debilitating migraines, and he knows how powerful and transformative this compound truly is. If you are curious to learn more, then we are eager to connect.

Positive Life Changes With Plastic Surgery For Women Over 50

Lifestyle, Motivation, Facial Liposuction, Face Lifts, Botox, Skin Treatment

The benefits of facial surgery are more than just skin deep. Of course, there are aesthetic enhancements to these procedures, like the fact that an improved outlook often garners increased visibility from others. Once you are truly seen, then your self-esteem inevitably swells, thus adding to your overall sense of worth.

It’s an upward spiral, especially for women over the age of 50.

As you enter the next phase of your maturity, you take control of your look and your legacy. But the superficial and social ramifications of plastic surgery are merely the most obvious positives outcomes. There are a host of other residual benefits that result from a smart and successful cosmetic strategy for women over 50.

Empowerment

It’s the oldest cliché in the proverbial book: when you look good, you feel good. But there’s a reason why some adages become clichés; it’s because they have a streak of truth running through them.

Case in point: one groundbreaking study indicates that the way you perceive your golden years can actually extend them. Respondents were surveyed over a span of 23 years to gather their opinions on aging, wellness, and happiness. The individuals who had a negative outlook toward getting older tended to succumb to the ravages of age more quickly than those with a more positive disposition. In fact, the optimists in the study lived an average of seven and a half years longer than the more pessimistic group.

It’s a matter of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you dread something, then that something will become more dreadful to you, but if you face your fears, you might be able to overcome them.

Plastic surgery is the ultimate way to confront your feelings about age. When you turn 50, it’s a chance to reassess your values, your goals, and your approach to the outside world. Are you on the right track? What’s your next big move? And what are you doing to treat yourself?

By empowering yourself to grow more independent, you never really grow old.

Confidence Yields Results

Gaining a spring in your step is beneficial for more than just your inner sense of joy. Confidence pays dividends in the workplace. Employers look for a team with energy, professionalism and, yes, confidence – in fact, those are the three traits cited most often by bosses when they are seeking new employees. A decisive 61% of those surveyed ranked confidence as an essential factor in someone they are considering for a potential job.

In other words, by looking the part, you might just get the part.

It’s important to give yourself every advantage you possibly can, especially in the cutthroat corporate world of today. As it stands, women only earn 80.5 cents on the dollar when compared to men’s salaries. This wage gap is unacceptable, and we should all work together to overcome it by any means necessary. A boost in your confidence might just be another tool in our collective toolbox when it comes to conquering gender inequities, one job at a time.

Defying Ageism

Now let’s transition from the wage gap to the age gap. Another factor that affects income levels and overall workplace satisfaction is the maturity of a given group of employees. Americans are working later and later into their lives. Statistics show that the percentage of workers over the age of 65 rose from 12% in 2000 to almost 17% today.

But as workplace age demographics rise, so too do incidents of ageism.

About half of workers over 50 were laid off from their full-time jobs before they were ready to leave them. Of these newly unemployed individuals, only about 10% were able to find a new job that paid the same or more than the one they had just left.

Don’t be a statistic. Take control of your destiny by transcending age and focusing on the ageless. Your beauty is an asset that conveys your strength, wisdom, and commitment. Any employer would be lucky to have you, so don’t be afraid to put your best face forward.

Psychological Benefits

As we get more mature, our psychology also changes. We reflect on our life experience and draw lessons, triumphs, and regrets from years gone by.

We might also accumulate reserves of anxiety and depression as a result.

Turning 50 presents an especially pointed occasion to assess our life’s trajectory. For some, it may be a welcome meditation, but for others it’s daunting. If psychological distress sets in, be sure to consult a trained professional, but also consider the benefits that facial surgery could offer.

One report indicates that cosmetic procedures could actually alleviate the need for antidepressants in some patients. A group of 61 research participants admitted to taking such prescription meds before their plastic surgery, but that number dropped to 42 just six months after their successful procedures. In other words, almost one-third of the study no longer reported the need for antidepressants after undergoing cosmetic surgery.

The Ripple Effect

As you get older, your social circles expand. You have loved ones far and wide, class reunions filled with familiar faces, and a family that loves you no matter what.

By enhancing your own sense of beauty and assuredness, you are sharing your best self with those around you. Your acquaintances will notice your renewed confidence and appreciate the fact that you take pride in yourself then, now, and forever.

Turning 50 can be inspiring. Harness everything that’s great about yourself and don’t be afraid to try something new. Whatever your cosmetic curiosities or ambitions may be, we want to hear all about them. Contact us today and together, we’ll make 60 the new 50.

How Do Scars Form on Our Skin?

Skin Treatment

Like it or not, scars are a natural part of life, It’s hard to escape childhood without racking up at least a few cuts and bruises along the way. In order to make it easier to learn how to heal scars and how to further care for your skin, it is vital to better understand the process of skin and scarring.

More often than not, scars cannot be completely erased. Still, discoloration, surface irregularities, and other subtler flaws can be cosmetically improved upon with treatments like scar revision surgery, which offer very pleasing cosmetic results while drastically improving on any poorly healed scars.

The procedure is meant to minimize the look of a scar so that it is more consistent with surrounding skin tone and texture. A specific type of plastic surgery is performed to improve the condition or appearance of scars anywhere on the body.

Scar Formation

The skin is a sensory organ (and it has the unique distinction of being the body’s largest organ). When the epidermis is damaged, either by accident or through surgical incisions, the injury typically results in a scar. As such, scars represent the final phase of the body’s healing or repair processes. Scars are a direct result of everything from burns, surgery, skin conditions, or exposure. Even a procedure as simple as an ear piercing can sometimes cause a deforming scar or keloid.
 

Initial phases of the wound-healing process include control and cessation of bleeding and sealing the wound to prevent the penetration of bacteria or potential infection. The body then produces collagen to repair and close the wound. The entire healing process can be likened to human cement that is triggered by the body to fill up a hole—i.e. the wound. The resulting scar tissue has a different texture and quality than the older, surrounding tissue.

Types of Scars

There are various different varieties of scars, ranging from the more typical flat and pale-looking to more raised scars. The latter type is called a hypertrophic scar or keloid scar, and it occurs when the body produces too much collagen. Other blemishes have a more sunken or pitted appearance, occurring when underlying structures supporting the skin (like fat or muscle) are lost. Some surgical scars also have this appearance, as do some acne scars. 
 

Another classification of scars: those that occur when skin stretches rapidly, as evidenced in growth spurts or during pregnancy. This stretching phenomenon can also arise when the skin is near an overly stressed joint or experiencing increased tension during the healing process.

Best Scar Treatments

Like scars themselves, the plethora of treatment options for scars varies widely. During their early stage of formation, some scars should be vigorously massaged with a moisturizer several times a day for about one minute, as the active movement helps reorganize the not yet mature collagen bundles that are forming during the reparation of the injury. The moisturizer not only decreases friction on the tender new scar but also provides moisture to the area. Some choices such as cocoa butter and vitamin E oil are often quite effective.
 

One important thing to remember is to stay away from sunlight because immature scars need to be amply protected from the sun in order to prevent hyperpigmentation or becoming overly dark. 

No matter how well you care for a recent wound, scarring may be inevitable. In the case of such an eventuality, a medical procedure is required to alleviate the damage. Surgical techniques for scar revision are designed to make the scar as smooth and invisible as possible. It can involve everything from moving skin around the affected area to actually recreating the incision to make it less visible. What works best for any specific scar depends solely on where it is located and how it looks. Most of the time, surgeons will evaluate individual cases beforehand to discuss the many options for revision surgery.

Some of the most effective scar treatments available include:

  • Steroid injections: Long-term courses of steroid injections into a scar may help flatten it by helping soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
    • Dermabrasion: Removes the surface of the skin with special equipment and is especially useful when a scar is raised above the surrounding skin (though it is less useful for the treatment of sunken scars). Microdermabrasion, a less invasive form of dermabrasion, can also be minimally useful for very superficial scars.
    • Laser Resurfacing: Similar to dermabrasion, resurfacing removes the surface layers of the skin using different types of lasers. The advanced technology results in little downtime as opposed to traditional laser resurfacing and dermabrasion, which both require a long recovery.
    • Radiotherapy: Low-doses of superficial radiotherapy can be used to prevent the recurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. 
    • Filler injections: Though the effects of injections are only temporary, they can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding skin. These procedures must be repeated regularly and there are many newer forms of injectable fillers now on the market that may be worth considering.
    • Surgery: Although it is not recommended in cases of hypertrophic or keloid scarring (raised scars), surgery can be used to alter a scar’s initial shape or to make it less noticeable.

The formation of scars after surgery or trauma to the skin is an inevitable fact of life that needs to be dealt with as it occurs—whether we like it or not. It is important to be proactive in regards to the treatment of scars early on in order to maximize the outcome of their final appearance.

Aftercare

As with any kind of surgery or scar revision, it is very important to follow the surgeon’s aftercare instructions to make sure the wound heals properly. Though some patients recover rather quickly, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take a more gradual approach when it comes to resuming your normal activities. Furthermore, depending on the surgery performed and the site of the scar, facial plastic surgeons will provide a list of activities and specific medications to avoid. It is also important to remember that scar tissue requires a year or more to fully heal and achieve maximum improved appearance.

Immediately after the procedure, expect to feel some discomfort, especially in the cases of facial scar revision surgery. Swelling, bruising, and redness are generally unavoidable, and though sutures are typically removed within days after the surgery, the skin still needs ample time to heal.

Facial plastic surgery and other forms of scar revision surgery essentially make it possible to correct any flaws in the skin that undermine self-confidence. Sometimes, even the slightest change in the appearance of a scar can help change how one feels about oneself. And like all other cosmetic procedures, teamwork between the physician and patient is always needed to help ensure an optimal result in scar revision.

Let Dr. William J. Binder, an experienced, acclaimed, and world-leading facial plastic surgeon be of help. Contact his office today to find out more about ways to address your scarring issues.

 

How Do Scars Form on Our Skin?

, Skin Treatment

Like it or not, scars are a natural part of life, and most of the time, it’s hard to escape childhood without racking up at least a few cuts and bruises along the way. In order to make it easier to learn how to heal scars and how to further care for your skin, it is vital to better understand the process behind skin and scarring.

The skin is a sensory organ, the body’s largest organ, and when opened, either by accident or through surgical incisions, the injury typically results in a scar. As such, scars represent the final phase of the body’s healing or repair process after skin is damaged, occurring as a direct result of everything from burns, surgery, or skin conditions to any significant traumas. Even a procedure as simple as ear-piercing can sometimes cause a deforming scar or keloid.

Scar Formation

Scars form due to damage of the dermis (deep, thick layer of skin), as the body works to form new collagen fibers that then result in a scar.

Initial phases of the wound healing process include control and cessation of bleeding and sealing the wound to prevent the penetration of bacteria or potential infection. Collagen is then used to repair and close the wound. Scars form after a wound heals, usually having a different texture and quality than the surrounding tissue. The entire healing process can be imagined as human cement that is utilized by the body to fill up a hole—i.e. the wound.

Types of Scars

There are various different types of scars, ranging from the more typical flat and pale-looking to more raised scars called hypertrophic scars or keloid scars that occur when the body produces too much collagen. Other scars have a more sunken or pitted appearance, occurring when underlying structures supporting the skin (ex. fat or muscle) are lost.

Scars can also appear in the form of stretched skin. These occur as a result of rapid skin stretching, as in growth spurts or during pregnancy, or when the skin is under tension or near a joint during the healing process.

Best Scar Treatments

Like scars themselves, the various treatment options for scars range widely. If very early on, some scars should be vigorously massaged with a moisturizer several times a day for about one minute, as the active movement helps reorganize not yet mature collagen bundles that are forming during the repair of the injury. The moisturizer not only decreases friction on the tender new scar but also provides moisture to the area. Some choices such as cocoa butter and vitamin E oil are often quite effective.

One important thing to remember is to stay away from sunlight because immature scars need to be amply protected from the sun in order to prevent hyperpigmentation or becoming overly dark. Some of the best scar treatments available include:

• Steroid injections: Long term courses of steroid injections into a scar may help flatten it by helping soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
• Dermabrasion: Removes the surface of the skin with special equipment and is especially useful when a scar is raised above the surrounding skin (though it is less useful for the treatment of sunken scars). Microdermabrasion, a less invasive form of dermabrasion, can also be minimally useful for very superficial scars.
• Laser Resurfacing: Similar to dermabrasion, resurfacing removes the surface layers of the skin using different types of lasers. The advanced technology results in little down time as opposed to traditional laser resurfacing and dermabrasion, which both require a long recovery.
• Radiotherapy: Low-doses of superficial radiotherapy can be used to prevent the recurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring.
• Filler injections: Though the effects of injections are only temporary, they can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding skin. Procedures need to regularly repeated and there are many newer forms of injectable fillers now on the market that may be good to consider.
• Surgery: Although it is not recommended in cases of hypertrophic or keloid scarring (raised scars), surgery can be used to alter a scar’s initial shape or to make it less noticeable.

The formation of scars after surgery or trauma to the skin is an inevitable fact of life that needs to be dealt with as it occurs—whether we like it or not. It is important to be proactive in regards to the treatment of scars early on in order to maximize the outcome of their final appearance.

Let Dr. William J. Binder, an experienced, acclaimed, and world-leading facial plastic surgeon help with the best scar treatments available today. Contact his office today to find out more about ways to prevent scarring or to schedule a consultation.

Beautiful women

5 Habits That Are Aging Your Skin

Skin Treatment

Does your skin seem to be aging faster than your actual years? Do you not love what you are seeing in the mirror? Well, it may be time to reassess some of those daily routines because like it or not, how you look and feel as the years progress often depends critically on the choices you make and the habits you acquire throughout the years. When it comes to aging skin care, consistent bad habits will not only threaten the youthful complexion you desire, but will also cause premature skin aging that will add decades to your face. Ditch that unhealthy routine early on and ultimately stop future epidermis woes by simply making some changes to everyday behavior. Here are five common culprits that speed up the aging process of your skin to take note of.

1. Holding Grudges & Carrying Stress

Life is way too precious and too short to hold onto old grudges. Sometimes, forgiving, forgetting, and just letting go can add years to your life as well as make it a lot more productive. What’s more is that you’ll likely notice fewer wrinkles from less frowning, especially around the eyes and on the forehead, as well as more vibrant looking skin from lower blood pressure, less depression, less stress, less anxiety, and overall better physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.

All that said, nothing can and will make you feel or act older than allowing stress to take the driver’s seat. So, believe it: Stress doesn’t just make you anxious, it also works against aging skin care. Keep your mind young, your skin vibrant, and avoid cognitive impairment by simply letting go. Not only will you avoid acne and oily skin, but disruptions in sebum production, microcirculation, and hydration levels that can all lead to a duller, more aged complexion. Stress also leads to free radical damage, which is another top cause of aging.

2. Skipping Sunscreen & Heavy Toxin Exposure

Aging skin is a natural process and aging skin care demands you be aware of these natural processes and triggers. Daily sun exposure can actually contribute hugely to premature aging by slowing down the turnover of new healthy skin cells and old damaged cells. It is important to remember that UV exposure is the number one named cause of skin aging, as 90% of all visible age signs and 80% of skin-aging free radical damage are caused by everyday time underneath sunlight doing activities like gardening, dog walking, or even driving. Even for those who wear makeup containing SPF, full coverage is not available because layers upon layers upon layer of cosmetics – much more than an average person would wear – would be needed to reach the levels needed for ample protection.

Another cause for concern would be everyday toxins in the air. Though you cannot control pollution in the same way you can control something like fitness and diet, toxin exposure plays a huge role in affecting aging skin care by slowing down cellular growth which allows skin to age more rapidly. Toxins decrease oxygen and collagen in the skin, leading to duller, more blotchy appearances, uneven tone, and constant breakouts. The key to minimizing the risks is protection. So, do not skip on that sunscreen, as SPF protects not just from the rays of the sun, but free radicals that cause aging as well. Remember also to cleanse skin thoroughly every night, to exfoliate twice a week, and to use products filled with antioxidants to help moisturize and stay protected.

3. Lack of Sleep & Incorrect Sleep Positioning

In the short run, insufficient shut-eye causes dark circles under the eyes and a lackluster complexion. But did you know that not getting enough sleep also ages skin prematurely, leading to prolonged dullness and dryness by not allowing cells to receive the full repair and rejuvenation they would otherwise be getting during the normal hours of the night? Sleep deprivation also decreases vital collagen production and raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which increases oil production in the skin and can lead to bouts of acne. In the long run, skimping on Zzzzs can actually be more consequential than most would think — so hit the hay and your skin will be pleased.

Remember also that when it comes to sleeping, positioning in everything. Sleeping on the side or on the stomach increases wrinkles on the sides of the face, brows, and cheeks. For the best aging skin care, how and when you sleep is everything.

4. Smoking & Alcohol

Besides the obvious dangers of smoking and drinking such as heart, lung, and liver disease, there is also the fact that the two inhibit proper blood flow and age skin dramatically. Wrinkles around the mouth area become more visible, skin tone and vibrancy are affected, and skin elasticity breaks down more quickly than ever for those who choose to light up. Wine, beer, and liquor, in addition, severely dehydrate the skin, leaving it quenched for moisture. Without that moisture, skin is more prone to wrinkles and dryness.

Next to UV exposure, smoking and drinking are the worst habits for your skin, not only choking skin’s tissues by depleting them of much needed oxygen (which causes improper functioning that allows skin to become sallow and lined) but also damaging capillaries carrying away damaging free radicals (which leads further to a toxic skin environment and more accelerated aging).

5. Poor Diet Habits

You are what you eat. Everything you put in your body has a direct impact on the skin, and though the connections between diet and overall health are fairly obvious, poor diet actually has a much bigger impact on your skin than anyone would probably realize. Bad habits can cause dullness, puffiness, redness, congestion, acne, faster aging of the skin, and a myriad of other health disorders. High sugar intake, in addition, degrades collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that keep skin soft and supple. Lack of nourishment from vitamins and minerals, especially those found in fruits and vegetables, also shows up on the skin, as the nutrients found in the two feed the skin to keep it youthful, hydrated, and glowing. Make sure your diet also includes fish with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, as well as plenty of fiber from whole grains.

Dr. William J. Binder is experienced, acclaimed, and considered one of the world’s leading facial plastic surgeons. Contact his office today to find out more about ways to prevent aging and to schedule a consultation.

laserskinresurfacing

What Laser Skin Resurfacing Does for You

Skin Treatment

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic rejuvenation procedure that uses targeted laser therapy to safely and effectively remove damaged skin one layer at a time to reveal the healthy skin beneath. Because of its relatively lower cost when compared to other skin rejuvenation options, it is rapidly growing in popularity and has benefited from numerous advances in recent years.

Now, skilled cosmetic surgeons and reconstructive surgeons can offer patients an unprecedented level of care thanks to these exciting new tools.

How It Works

Laser skin treatment works by using very finely controlled laser diodes to remove damaged and dead layers or skin in much the same way that a more traditional chemical peel would, but with a much tighter focus and greater overall effectiveness. There are also fewer side effects and less recovery time (typically) with laser skin resurfacing than with more traditional skin resurfacing. There are two main types of lasers used for skin resurfacing. Both are perfectly safe, but have different applications.

● C02 Laser Resurfacing: This technique uses a carbon dioxide laser, either in a modulated pulse or continuous beam, to remove heavily damaged skin. This is by far the most common form of laser skin treatment, and it has a wide range of applications when it comes to skin resurfacing. It can be used to treat more involved conditions such as fine lines and wrinkles, or for scar removal and revision, particularly on sensitive areas around the eyes, nose, and mouth.

● Intense Pulse Light: This laser technique is more suited for younger patients such as young children with birthmarks, or patients with lighter skin pigmentation issues such as varicose veins and skin damage.

What Laser Skin Resurfacing Can Help Treat

Laser skin treatment can help to mitigate a number of skin issues including:

● Fine Lines and Wrinkles
● Blotchy Skin
● Age spots
● Scars
● Acne Pockmarks
● Skin Discoloration

Laser Resurfacing Can Help Fix Discoloration

Skin discoloration is something that can happen to virtually anyone. Most frequently the causes are aging, sun damage, congenital issue, or medical disorder. While laser skin resurfacing can’t fix dramatic discoloration, it can help to even out discoloration and blotchiness to make it less noticeable and easier to conceal. For mild discoloration, such as skin with mild sun damage, laser resurfacing can even out your skin tone to where only you, or a close loved one like a spouse would notice.

Laser Resurfacing for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Typically, injections such as Botox or surgical lifts are the first thought when it comes to fine line and wrinkle treatment, even though these procedures are typically more invasive and disruptive to a patient’s schedule. Fortunately, laser skin treatment can also be used to treat fine lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet and smile/laugh lines. For many patients who don’t see great results following lifts, laser resurfacing can be a much more successful option and can even be more successful than other options.

This technique is especially effective for treating crow’s feet and other small lines that develop around the mouth and eyes that can be very difficult to manage with something like Botox or a facelift and still maintain a natural appearance in the short term.

Laser Resurfacing for Scar Removal

Unlike other skin resurfacing procedures, laser skin resurfacing can improve the appearance of any and all types of scars, even acne scars, that other skin resurfacing treatments can’t handle effectively. Laser scar revision is one of the most commonly used scar revision techniques. Laser revision for scars can be used to lessen the severity and noticeability of scars from surgery or injury. Laser resurfacing of facial scars is so effective, primarily, because of its pin-point accuracy and fine control that lets the surgeon target just the scar or other imperfection.

This is especially important when treating something like acne scars, which other scar revision and mitigation therapies can struggle to treat. The same goes for chicken pox scars, and other pockmark type scars from injuries.

Laser Skin Treatment from Doctor Binder

Dr. William J. Binder is an industry-leading plastic surgeon based out of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California. Doctor Binder and his team specialize in treating a wide variety of cosmetic and reconstructive facial issues. If you want to learn more about laser skin resurfacing, or one of our other treatment options, contact Dr. Binder’s office today to schedule your consultation.