Summer Soiree

Dr. Alex and his assistant Nora

A E Skin held its first Summer Soirée on Tuesday June 25, 2013 from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Encino office. It was a packed house with over 30 people attending the event. One night only promotions were available on all skin care products and treatments. The most popular product was the A E Skin Brightening Cream that everyone was raving about and the most popular treatment was the IPL photofacial. Everyone in attendance received a beautiful gift bag with many different skin care products. The highlight of the night was the raffle. Prizes included skin care products by both Elta MD and A E Skin as well gift certificates to Nuts N Berries Café and treatments including IPL, Micro Laser Peel, Red Carpet Peel, and Soft and Smooth Rejuvenation. Everyone won a prize! Support was generously provided by Merz Aesthetics, makers of Xeomin, and Allergan, makers of Juvéderm. Representatives from Revivogen and Clarisonic were also in attendance to speak about their products. Catering was provided by Nuts N Berries Café. The Summer Soirée was a tremendous success and we look forward to our next event in September, the second annual Red Carpet Event.

The Truth about Natural Skin Care Product Ingredients

Natural and botanical skin care products have become very popular in recent times because many think that the do not contain synthetic chemicals and provide benefits superior to products produced in a laboratory. Many people are surprised to hear that many of these products undergo a significant amount of chemical processing before they are incorporated into skin care products, which affects their activity. Additionally, there are many things that occur in nature that are dangerous when applied to the skin, for example poison ivy.

 

Many so called laboratory grade products, both prescription strength and over-the-counter strength, are originally discovered  in naturally occurring products. For example, retinoids such as retin-A and retinol are vitamin A derivatives. Hydroquinone, the strongest available brightening agent, is found naturally in coffee, beans, beer, wine, and vegetables; we consume it daily. Other naturally occurring skin care product ingredients include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid.

 

The most important difference between natural or botanical products and those developed in a laboratory is the consistency of the active ingredient. Laboratories have very sophisticated testing measures to ensure that the product is both pure and free from contaminants and at the exact strength required. There is a high degree of variability of active ingredients when they are derived from plants. This is due to inconsistencies in the plant source (leaf, root, fruit, etc.), growth conditions (soil, water levels, climate, etc.), harvesting conditions including transportation, and preparation method (crushing, boiling, distilling, etc.).

 

Another important difference between plant derived skin care products and those produced in the laboratory is that plant contain many other ingredients in addition to the active ingredient, some of which may not be beneficial. Laboratory grade products are pure and contain no other ingredients except those required for stability or cosmetically pleasing effects.

 

Finally, there is a tremendous amount of data to back products that are produced in the laboratory. This is due to rigorous testing requirements set forth by the FDA. For instance, some of these required tests compare patients who use the product with those that do not. Additionally, the products are tested to make sure they do not cause allergic reactions. It usually takes a few years before a product is approved by the FDA. Botanical products are not subject to these testing requirements and often there is little to no evidence that they actually work.

 

Be sure to understand the difference between "natural" ingredients and laboratory grade ingredients when choosing skin care products. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Skin Care for Men

Happy Father's Day from A E Skin! This is the perfect opportunity to discuss skin care for men. Unlike women, men typically do not have a complex skin care regimen and like to keep things simple. The most important aspect is using a sunscreen. Many sunscreens, such as the Elta MD UV Clear, contain moisturizers. This combines two steps and provided everything you need in the morning. Since sunscreen is not needed at night, a simple moisturizer will work. While these are the basics, many men will expand their regimens for further benefit. Other products including exfoliants, antioxidants, hydrating products, eye gels, growth factors, retinoids, and brightening cream. Some of these will provide a closer shave on the face, which many men desire. Physical exfoliants like the Clarisonic Pro provide thorough cleansing of the skin. Each step adds time to the regimen every day, so be sure that you will be able to use the products before purchasing them. Additionally, take into account the financial investment involved. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Sunscreen Myths and Facts

Myth

Sunscreen only needs to be applied in the summer. 

Fact

Sunscreen must be applied every day year-round because sun exposure can damage the skin and occurs year-round. 

 

Myth

Sunscreen does not need to be applied to children. 

Fact

Sunscreen should be applied to children starting at 6 months of age.

 

Myth

UV tanning is safe. 

Fact

UV tanning is as dangerous as sun exposure.

 

Myth

Sun exposure does not damage the skin. 

Fact

Sun exposure leads to fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, sunburns, pre-cancers, and skin cancer. 

 

Myth

Sunscreens with SPF 15 found in many makeup products provides sufficient sun protection. 

Fact

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens with SPF at least 30 and with broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB protection).

 

Myth

Sunscreen is not needed when the sky is overcast. 

Fact

Damaging ultraviolet light can penetrate through clouds, which is why sunscreen must be applied even on cloudy days. 

 

Myth

Daily sun exposure is required to provide adequate amounts of vitamin D. 

Fact

Adequate amounts of vitamin D can be supplied from the diet. Therefore sun exposure is not recommended as a source of vitamin D because of the dangers of ultraviolet radiation such as fine lines, wrinkles, discolorations, pre-cancers, and skin cancer. 

 

Myth

Those with dark skin do not need sunscreen because they rarely burn.

Fact

Everyone must apply sunscreen because the sun can damage the skin even if you don't burn.

 

Myth

I do not need to use sunscreen because I wear a hat. 

Fact

Dangerous ultraviolet radiation reflects off of soil, sand, water, snow, and asphalt. Therefore hats do not provide complete protection. Sunscreen is necessary.

 

Myth

Sunscreen is not necessary when driving. 

Fact

Dangerous ultraviolet A rays can penetrate glass and lead to signs of aging. Therefore sunscreen should be applied when driving.

 

Myth

Sunscreen only needs to be applied to the face. 

Fact

Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed surfaces of the skin including the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs.

 

Contact Dr. Alex for a free consultation: 818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com

Moisturizers

Moisturizer is an important of a skin care regimen. The skin is the largest organ in the body and approximately two thirds of the skin is composed of water. One of the many functions of the skin is to act as a barrier to prevent both water loss and water gain. Eczema is an example of a condition where the barrier function works improperly and the skin becomes red, dry, and sensitive.

 

The term moisturizer is broad and encompasses three main components. The first is a humectant, a substance that draws water into the skin from the deeper layers and ultimately the blood supply. Hyaluronic acid is a good example of a humectant; it binds 1,000 its weight in water. An occlusive barrier is a substance that retains the water in the skin. Petrolatum products such as Vaseline and Aquaphor are common examples of these products. Emollients are substances which sooth the skin, and examples include jojoba oil and dimethicone. These substances make a product cosmetically elegant because they feel good when applied to the skin. A good moisturizer should contain a combination of all of these.

 

Moisturizers should be applied twice daily, or even more frequently for those who have dry skin or live in dry climates. Some moisturizers contain sunscreen to make skin care regimens easier. Be sure to drink plenty of water daily for proper hydration of the skin. A good skin care regimen including moisturizers and other products will lead to healthy, radiant, and youthful skin. Contact Dr. Alex for a free consultation: 818-835-1833, info@aeskin.com.