Botox Approved for Crow's Feet

Before and after one Botox treatment on the Crow's feet.
The patient is smiling in both pictures.

Botox has been used for many years to improve wrinkles on the face. The FDA approved Botox treatment in the glabella, the area between the eyebrows where vertical lines form when people frown, in 2002 based on the initial studies of Botox cosmetic. A recent study tested Botox on the crow's feet, the areas just beside the eyes where wrinkles are formed (in the shape of crow's feet) when people smile or squint. In this study, 833 people were tested and Botox was shown to improve the appearance of the crow's feet. On September 11, 2013 the FDA has approved use of Botox for this indication, and treatment of the crow's feet is now on label. On label use is when the FDA approves the treatment based on rigorous scientific studies. Once it is approved for one area, many doctors use it safely off label on other areas. There are many other areas where Botox has been used off label, including the forehead, nose, around the lips, chin, jawline, and neck. Unlike Botox, the other available neuromodulators (Dysport and Xeomin) have not yet been approved for crow's feet and are only approved for the glabella. Again, both Dysport and Xeomin are frequently used off label in areas such as the crow's feet. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Differences Between IPL Photofacial Treatments

Before and after one IPL Photofacial treatment
for dark spots on the hands

One of the most common questions that I am asked is about the differences between IPL photofacial treatments. There are many different laser systems available and each one is a little different. Also, each office does the treatments a little bit differently. At A E Skin, Dr. Alex uses the Sciton Profile Broad Band Light system. This is an outstanding device for many reasons. It has a large spot size and fast repetition rate. When combined with Dr. Alex's experience of having done over 1,500 IPL photofacials, the treatment time is less than five minutes long. This compares with 20 to 30 minutes for other systems and users. Additionally, at A E Skin every patient receives topical numbing cream prior to the treatment and cold air during the treatment to allow for a comfortable treatment. The Sciton Broad Band Light system has many settings that can be adjusted for each person's skin to allow for safe treatment of people with both fair and dark skin. Dr. Alex always uses a conservative approach for the first treatment to prevent unwanted side effects such as burns and discolorations. Patients can therefore expect best results after a series of three to six treatments at four to eight week intervals. Those with darker skin require more treatments. For these reasons, the A E Skin IPL Photofacial treatment, unlike other treatments is fast, safe, and comfortable with minimal downtime and outstanding results. It is important to understand these factors and to have appropriate expectations. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) for a free consultation.

Skin Care for the Fall Season

Now that the summer is wrapping up and fall is around the corner, it is time to make adjustments to your skin care regimen. The changes in temperature and humidity will have effects on the skin. For example, when the air is cold and dry dead skin cells accumulate on the skin. This leads to a rough and uneven texture as well as a dull complexion, because the skin does not reflect light. It is important to exfoliate these dead skin cells using products with ingredients including glycolic acid and salicylic acid such as the A E Skin Exfoliating Serum. Products with retin-A such as the A E Skin Night Cream and Brightening Cream will also stimulate cell turnover, getting rid of these dead skin cells, giving a soft and smooth texture and a bright glow. Also as the weather gets dryer, hydrating and moisturizing the skin become increasingly important. Drink plenty of water, use products with hyaluronic acid such as the A E Skin Hydrating Serum, and apply moisturizer twice daily. Finally, it is important to continue applying sunscreen daily even when the temperatures decrease in the fall and winter months because the sun can still cause damage to the skin.

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.