California Bans UV Tanning Bed Use by Minors

On October 9, 2011 Califorina Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law prohibiting the use of indoor tanning for minors under 18 years of age, making California the first state to ban it for those aged 16-17. Ultraviolet tanning beds are dangerous to all people, not just minors, because it induces photodamage to the skin, which is evident as fine lines, discoloration, sagging skin, and laxity. Even more important is that it increases the risk for skin cancer, both melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and non-melanoma skin cancer, the most common type of skin cancer. For these reasons dermatologists recommend against ultraviolet tanning beds. Spray tanning gives a similar effect without the risks. Dr. Ronald Roy, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association commends "the California legislature for their efforts to help reduce the future incidence of skin cancer by protecting youth from the dangers of indoor tanning." The legislation was sponsored by the California Society of Dermatology and AIM at Melanoma, a non-profit organization involved in research and education in the area of melanoma.

Botox Before and After Pictures 3

The three most common areas for cosmetic treatment with Botox are the forehead, the glabella (area between the eyebrows), and crow's feet. Below is an example of an outstanding result for wrinkles on the forehead. The patient is attempting to raise his eyebrows in all pictures. Usually several injections are made over the forehead to relax the thin but broad muscle.

The next picture is an example of another great result, this time in the glabella. This patient is attempting to frown in all six pictures. Generally five to seven injection points are made in this area. While the area is not as large as the forehead, this muscle is large and requires a good dose for relaxation.

The picture below is another of the glabella, but this time a side view. Here you can see the bulge formed when the muscle is contracted is smoothed out after treatment. Again, the patient is attempting to frown in both pictures.

The other common area of treatment is the crows feet which appear around the eye when people smile or squint. Great results can also be obtained in this area. Because of the rich blood supply in this area, it is the most common place to get bruises after treatment. Bruises are temporary and the risk is minimized by placing ice over the area for a few minutes several times a day. Below is a before and after of a smiling patient who got great results. Treatment in this area can also give a cosmetically desirable lift to the outer part of the brow which is subtle yet evident in these pictures. In these areas anywhere from one  to six injections are made.

Exfoliation

As we age, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of our skin. When light hits this skin it does not reflect, giving a dull appearance. Exfoliation helps remove this layer. The fresh cells that remain underneath reflect light and give a youthful and radiant appearance to the skin. Exfoliation can be done manually with scrubs, chemically with solutions, and with treatments such as peels and laser treatments. Using products containing acids such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and phytic acid daily in combination with procedures can help with a variety of conditions such as acne and provide a beautiful glow.