Elta MD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen

The Elta MD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen is a product now available at A E Skin. It has become very popular for many reasons. First of all it has an SPF of 41 (the American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens with SPF of at least 30). It is chemical-free and water resistant. It rubs onto the skin easily and is absorbed quickly. It is ideal for both sensitive skin and for children. But perhaps the most popular aspect of the sunscreen is that it is lightly tinted so it does not leave a thick white residue that it seen with many sunscreens; and because of the tint, many women do not need to use foundation after applying it. This sunscreen is one of many Elta MD skin care products now avaialble at A E Skin.

Laser Skin Tightening

What is Laser Skin Tightening?

Laser skin tightening utilizes pulsed light technology to deeply heat your skin while cooling and protecting the entire treated surface. The treatment is provided quickly and comfortably with no downtime. The end result is a more youthful appearance.

How does Laser Skin Tightening work?



Model (Courtesy of Dr. Gloria Lopez, MD)



The procedure utilizes infrared energy to deeply heat dermal collagen. This process promotes partial denaturation and contraction of collagen. The heat also initiates the body’s natural healing process, which creates a renewed collagen foundation leading to increased skin firmness. Powerful cooling maintains the outer surface of your skin at a cool temperature before, during, and after each pulse providing the patient a comfortable and safe procedure.

What is the treatment like?

The light energy is delivered in a sequence of rapid, gentle pulses. There is no need for a topical anesthetic. A series of pulses will be repeated over the treatment area to ensure best results. While the face and neck can typically be treated within 30 minutes, the actual time will depend on the area treated.

What should I expect after treatment?

You may experience some mild redness in the treated area immediately after treatment and this should return to normal within minutes. Since the procedure is noninvasive there is no downtime so you can resume regular activities immediately following treatment. You can also apply sunscreen after each session.

What results should I expect?

Model (Courtesy of Dr. Jody Levine, MD)

Laser Skin Tightening results may vary from patient to patient. The procedure is recommended for patients who desire moderate, noticeable skin improvement without having to undergo surgery. Full results often take up to six months as the collagen foundation of your skin is rebuilt and strengthened.

What areas can be treated?

Treatments are safe for all skin colors and can be performed on any area of the body where an improvement in your skin firmness is desired. Popular areas include the face, neck, abdomen and arms. Consult with Dr. Alex regarding the treatment options that are best for you.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed will vary from patient to patient and Dr. Alex can personalize a treatment plan based on the level of improvement you desire. Most people undergo an initial series of three treatments at three to six week intervals. Dr. Alex may also combine laser skin tightening with other popular aesthetic procedures to further personalize your treatment.

What aftercare do I need?

It is important to carefully follow the aftercare instructions. No special skin care regimen is required following treatment. However, you should always protect your skin from direct sun exposure and use a sunscreen with SPF at least 30 with broad spectrum coverage every day. Dr. Alex can also recommend an at home skin care regimen if desired.

Solutions to Dry Skin in the Fall and Winter Months

As the Fall progresses and the Winter approaches, the weather begins to change. There are a number of effects of this change on the skin; the most common is dryness, which can be difficult to manage. The solution to dryness begins with a healthy lifestyle including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. These serve to reduce the stress on the skin which can lead to redness, itchiness, and dry skin. The next step is to make sure there is enough moisture in the skin. There are two aspects to this: getting water into the skin and preventing it from leaving the skin. To get an appropriate amount of water in the skin, it is important to first be well hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of water daily. If there is not enough water in the body, it can not get into the skin. Thirst is an indication of dehydration and you should drink plenty of water to avoid getting thirsty. To get the water into the skin, I recommend using hydrating serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid binds one thousand times its weight in water and draws the water into the skin from the blood supply, providing a tremendous amount of hydration to the skin. To prevent water from evaporating from the skin surface, use plenty of moisturizers. Moisturizers are best applied on a wet face so that the moisture on the skin is retained. Be sure to use moisturizer twice daily, or even more if necessary. Lighter moisturizers are more comfortable during the day while thicker moisturizers work well at night. Follow these steps to avoid having dry skin as the seasons change.

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin (also known as incobotulinum toxin A) is a neuromodulator like Botox and Dysport made by Merz Aesthetics, the same company that makes Radiesse. It has been used in Europe for several years under the name Bocouture and now is FDA approved for treatment of frown lines just like Botox. It is currently used in the United States to treat certain neurological conditions and it is expected to be commercially available for cosmetic use in the United States in 2013. The active component in Xeomin is identical to that in Botox and Dysport, but it lacks what are called accessory proteins. For patients, this means there is a decreased theoretical risk for resistance, but this has not been shown in studies. The results are similar to that of Botox and Dysport: the onset is less than one week and duration of effect is three to four months. The most significant difference is likely to be the cost of the product. The cost has not been released yet, but is likely to be more competitive than that of Botox. This competition will likely drive down the cost of Botox and Dysport, making it more affordable for patients.