Sleep and Your Skin

The amount of sleep you get each night can have an effect on the appearance of your skin. While everyone is different, most people require seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Not getting enough sleep affects the appearance of the skin. This is seen commonly as puffiness under the eyes because the blood vessels around the eyes open up and bring fluid into that area. Additionally, when you do not get enough sleep your body releases the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol leads to breakdown of collagen in the skin, the protein that gives the skin its tightness. Over time, this leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and laxity. At the same time, when you get enough sleep your body produces an adequate amount of human growth hormone, which thickens the skin. A recent study by Estee Lauder demonstrated scientifically that inadequate sleep speeds up skin aging. Specifically, poor sleep correlates with increased amounts of fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and discoloration. So before starting a new skin care regimen or doing treatments, be sure that you are treating your body and skin right by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, protecting yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen daily, and avoiding bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is found in many species of fungus and is used for a variety of applications. In skin care it is used in many products to act as a brightening agent. Like hydroquinone and other brightening agents, kojic acid will help to remove dark discolorations on the skin. Unlike certain other brightening agents such as hydroquinone (4 % and up), kojic acid is available over-the-counter and is found in many cosmeceutivals. Discolorations on the skin can be genetic (freckles), hormonal (melasma), sun-induced (sun spots), etc. Kojic acid can be used in conjunction with other products such as hydroquinone, retin-A, azeleic acid, vitamin C, and alpha-arbutin for more powerful effects. For example, the A E Skin Brightening Cream combines hydroquinone, kojic acid, and retin-A for strong effects. Additionally, doing treatments such as IPL photofacials and chemical peels while using kojic acid will produce even better effects. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Nefertiti Neck Lift

Nefertiti was the wife of an Egyptian pharaoh who was known for her well-defined jaw line and long neck. These traits are highly desirable for many people and now there is a treatment to help improve the definition of the jawline and flatten the neck. The treatment is with a neuromodulator such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin. These proteins relax the muscles in the neck which pull down on the jawline and create a saggy appearance. Injection points are done just below the jawline to improve the definition on the jawline, above the jawline to point the corners of the mouth upward, and on the neck to flatten the neck muscles. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Adjusting IPL Settings for Different Skin Types

Before and After One Treatment

An IPL photofacial treatment is a popular treatment that will improves discolorations such as dark spots as well as redness and broken capillaries. While it is suitable for almost all skin types, the settings need to be adjusted for each person for best results and to avoid complications such as burns and discolorations. There are six different skin types and IPL treatments can be done on types I through V. Since the settings on the laser are specific for each person, it is important that you see someone with experience in treating all skin types and go  to a center where they use a laser such as the Sciton which has many settings that can be adjusted to the individual. Dr. Alex has done over 1,000 IPL photofacial treatments and teaches other practitioners on the treatment. Patients get outstanding results and the treatment is fast, safe, and comfortable. Contact A E Skin (818-835-1833, info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.