These three products are a great package for overall body beauty!
For the morning - Corium 21: Corium 21 is an Aloe-based face and body cream, great for cracked heels and dry elbows! It contains a specific family of Aloe known for its healing properties. Reaching many layers deep, the pure Aloe Vera softens your skin, increases circulation and stimulates and repairs your skin down to a cellular level.
For the shower - Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash: "This product is highly effective in removing dead skin cells as you wash in the shower or bath. It contains glycolic acid at a high enough concentration to slough off old, dry skin leaving the skin smooth and silky to the touch. Yet this body wash is gentle enought for daily use."
For the night - Glytone Retexurize Body Lotion: "This lotion contains distinctive emollients and glycolic acid to smooth and hydrate the skin. It has more than 4-5 times the glycolic content of even the strongest over-the-counter moiturizer and rids your skin of dry, sun damaged skin and dead skin cells leaving a soft, smooth fell that you'll love to touch"
To learn more about or order any of these products (or others) feel free to visit our product store online! Click here.
(These are great products to treat your loved ones...or yourself! Give them a gift to enhance their beauty, youth and confidence - they won't forget it! Happy Holidays!)
Who among us doesn’t want to cheat the aging process and look younger than our years? Who doesn’t love being told how young they look, or what beautiful skin they have? Who wouldn’t want to look “forever young?”
“Forever young” skin starts with Prevention. A few simple practices and a regular at-home skin care regimen are vital for maintaining a younger, healthy appearance. Plenty of water for hydration, sun protection, gentle cleansing, a healthy diet, vitamins, exercise and avoiding stress all contribute youthful skin.
But even with a prevention routine in place, wrinkles, lines, facial sagging and sun damage can occur and add years to your appearance. This is when you should consider the wide range of non-surgical procedures available through your Dermatologist. These treatments include injectible fillers, chemical peels, antioxidant brightening and lightening peels and cosmetic lasers.
INJECTIBLES Your dermatologist uses two types of injectibles – relaxers and fillers. Relaxers, such as Botox® and Dysport, lessen muscle reactions so that the overlying skin becomes smoother. Injectible fillers, such as collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Perlane and Radiesse restore lost volume by plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots.
PEELS Chemical peels enhance your skin’s appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation and fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. Antioxidant brightening and lightening peels fade stubborn dark patches and restore the skin’s natural smoothness using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other natural ingredients.
LASERS Cosmetic lasers are the latest developments in advanced skin care. Lasers treat wrinkles by tightening skin tissue, prompting the production of collagen and elastin, and removing sun damage by breaking up pigment. Active FX and Total Fx are fractional lasers for aged or sun-damaged skin. The Active FX/Total FX Laser Treatment reduces wrinkles and fine lines, softens deeper frown lines, noticeably improves skin tone and texture, stimulates new collagen formation and plumps the skin.
Lasers can also be used to reverse the effects of photoaging. Sun damage makes us look older than we are. Surface skin can be rejuvenated to get rid of sun-damaged cells and stimulate the body to make new, healthy skin cells. Many dermatologists now recommend laser or light source treatments, such as Photo-Rejuvenation or Active FX/Total FX. Photo-rejuvenation uses the IPL (intense pulsed light) laser to restore a natural youthful beauty to skin with no “downtime,” and stimulates the growth of collagen and elastin, which gives the skin a much more youthful texture.
Yes, you can look “forever young.” Talk to your dermatologist about how you can fight the aging process.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank and offers extensive procedures in cosmetic skin care, using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment. She is known for her exceptional care and service. Visit them for a FREE consultation with their cosmetic nurse specialist.
Lisa Benest M.D. 1624 W. Olive, Suite B Burbank, CA 91506 818-729-9149 www.lisabenestmd.com
“I'm not interested in age. People who tell me their age are silly. You're as old as you feel." - Elizabeth Arden
Forty is the new thirty. Fifty is the new forty. Sixty is the new forty! Today we are staying active and youthful for years, even decades longer than did previous generations. We eat healthy, exercise, stay mentally fit, all to keep us feeling and acting younger than our years might otherwise suggest. But what about our skin? Do those fine lines around the eyes and mouth suggest wisdom over youth? What about wrinkled or sagging skin? Does it point to the march of age? Nothing gives the impression of youth more than a beautiful, healthy complexion.
Over the counter creams and solutions, spa treatments and a good diet all contribute to that youthful complexion, but as we age, those things just aren’t enough. That’s when we turn to medical advancements in the field of dermatology to target and comprehensively handle all those skin imperfections that affect how we view ourselves, and how others view us.
Cosmetic lasers are the latest developments in advanced skin care. Lasers treat wrinkles by tightening skin tissue, prompting the production of collagen and elastin; removing sun damage by breaking up pigment; treating rosacea by reducing broken blood vessels; and simply removing unwanted hair. Our Skin Care and Laser Center in Burbank, CA uses Active FX, a revolutionary fractional laser for aged, sun-damaged or acne scarred skin. The Active FX Laser Treatment will reduce wrinkles and fine lines, soften deeper frown lines, noticeably improve skin tone and texture, stimulate new collagen formation and plumps the skin.
In addition to lasers, the office offers a wide range of non-surgical procedures, including injectable fillers like collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Botox®, Dysport and chemical and other peels, to enhance the appearance by reducing blotchy and uneven pigmentation, fine lines and renewing sun-damaged cells. The antioxidant brightening and lightening peels which boost the skin using vitamins C & E, Green Tea Extract and other ingredients will fade stubborn dark patches and restore your skin’s natural smoothness.
Our Board Certified doctors can even treat and control embarrassing outbreaks of adult acne!
At our Skin Care and Laser Center, you’ll find dermatologists and nurses who dedicate their expertise and artistry to making your skin look the best it can be. We have been featured in Pasadena magazine, Cosmetic Surgery Times and on ABC News. We were recently awarded the Patients' Choice Award for 2008, and voted a Top Doc in Pasadena by Pasadena Magazine, and Best Dermatologist in Burbank, CA by The Burbank Leader.
Our team of doctors and nurses understand the desire we all have to be as beautiful and healthy as we can be. Whether you have a medical or a cosmetic skin care need, we blend the latest advances in skin care into the experience and wisdom of medicine. Visit us for a FREE Consultation with our Cosmetic Nurse Specialist to find out how we can help you look as young as you feel!
Taking good care of your skin is important. In fact, proper skin care is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance throughout your life. But proper skin care changes as you age, and you need to know the best skin care regimes for your age and for some common skin problems and conditions.
Teens and 20s
Puberty and the transition into adulthood bring about huge changes in skin. Hair becomes thicker and oiler, as does the complexion. Practicing proper cleansing techniques is vital. Skin should be cleansed twice daily; washing more frequently can trigger an over-production of oil. Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet, including drinking plenty of water between meals, can also help keep skin clear and blemish free.
But sometimes cleansing and diet is just not enough to prevent teen and young adult acne. For acne that does not clear up with cleansing, a dermatologist can prescribe a topical medication, or even antibiotics.
These years are also the time to establish a life-long commitment to protecting skin from sun damage. Using sunscreen, wearing a hat and/or clothing with UV protection and avoiding too much sun exposure will help prevent skin cancer or premature aging.
Skin in the 20s can start to show subtle signs of photodamage and “social aging” – from smoking, drinking or excessive tanning. Antioxidant creams as well as lighter procedures, such as chemical peels can keep your skin from premature aging.
30s and 40s
While most men have outgrown acne by their 20s, many women continue to suffer from acne into their adult years. In addition, this is the time when the signs of aging can begin to appear – pigment irregularity, fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Skin in the 30s and 40s can benefit from a variety of noninvasive procedures, including Botox, fillers like Restylane, Perlaneor Juvederm, chemical peels and noninvasive lasers.A consultation with a dermatologist can determine which approach is right for you.
Adults should also adapt their skin care regimes to incorporate cleansers and moisturizers specially designed for more mature complexions.
50s, 60s and Beyond
As skin ages, different problems emerge. Some men and women experience rosacea, which is characterized by redness and pimples on the face in addition to flushing in response to certain triggers, such as caffeine, wine or stress. Rosacea can be treated with creams, laser and avoiding specific triggers.
Mature skin definitely benefits from facial rejuvenation,although you are more likely to avoid major interventions during this time if you have had preventative procedures during your 30s and 40s. Rejuvenation treatments include Botoxand fillers, as well as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and ReFirme Skin Tightening, or even more extensive procedures, such as Active FX and Total FX. Again, your dermatologist can recommend a rejuvenation treatment that is best for you.
Older skin can also get dry and flaky; frequent application of gentle, effective moisturizers is critical for keeping skin well hydrated and less itchy. Moisturizershould be applied at least once a day, preferably after a bath or shower when the skin is still damp. Have any suspicious growths examined, and if you or your family has a history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure, be sure to have a thorough checkout from your dermatologist once a year.
Following these few simple guidelines can help your skin stay young looking and healthy, whatever your age.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a complete list of all our treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Cancer occurs when cells multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. Any cell can lose control and begin to divide too rapidly, thus causing a cancer of that cell type. In fact, this happens almost daily in our body, but we are equipped with an exquisite surveillance mechanism that finds these aberrated cells and destroys them before they reproduce. Various environmental “insults” can make this more likely to occur - for example, cigarette smoke, toxins and radiation.
The top layer of our skin is called the epidermis, which contains a variety of cell types. The 3 basic cells are the squamous cell, the basal cell and the melanocyte, each with its own distinct function. The squamous cells act as the “bricks” of the epidermis. They regenerate from below and grow upward. The cells grow older and reach the top, where they finally dry out and slough off (and contribute to your house dust!). After a bad sunburn, layers of these squamous cells peel off.
The bottom row of epidermal cells is called the basal layer. It contains both your basal cells and melanocytes. The basal cells are the parent cells which divide and give rise to the squamous cells. The melanocytes can be found scattered between the basal cells. They produce clumps of pigment called melanin. When you tan, your melanocytes get excited and put out more melanin, thus giving your skin a darker color.
If any of these cell types begin to divide too rapidly, they form a skin cancer. Cancers begin “in-situ”, which means they are found just locally at the spot where they originated, and have not broken through their natural boundaries. They are typically small at this time and respond excellently to local removal. When they grow larger and extend outside of their original boundaries, they are no longer in-situ, and now have the potential to spread to farther locations (metastasize).
The most common type of skin cancer is the basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It forms from basal cells that multiply too rapidly. It is mainly seen on sun-exposed areas and looks like a shiny pink bump that usually bleeds more easily. This type of skin cancer virtually never spreads and it responds excellently to local treatment, such as scraping or surgical removal.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also presents relatively frequently, mainly on sun exposed skin areas. It can look like a thick, hard nodule or a pink, scaly patch that may bleed when rubbed. SCC’s respond quite nicely to local surgical removal, although there is a slightly higher propensity to spread, compared with BCC’s. As a result, they are treated with a little more caution, particularly on the lip or ear. In most cases, simple removal is enough to cure it.Melanoma is a skin cancer that derives from the melanocytes. That is why melanomas are usually dark in color. When melanomas are caught early enough, they are cured with surgical removal. Sometimes a nearby lymph node is removed and examined to check for early spread. If there is evidence of spread, various treatments, in addition to surgery, may be recommended.
Naturally, the best cure for skin cancer is prevention, as well as early detection. That includes minimizing sun exposure, wearing a hat and protective clothing, as well as applying a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, every 2 hours while outdoors. Most of all, you should get familiar with your skin by performing routine self-examinations. By finding early changes in your moles or finding new suspicious lesions, you can help your doctors detect skin cancer before it has a chance to spread.
Dr Lisa Benest has been practicing general and cosmetic dermatology in Burbank, California for over 9 years. She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149 www.lisabenestmd.com
Most of us can relate to acne—who hasn’t had it to some degree. However, unlike many of us who outgrow it in our teens, about fifty percent of individuals with acne still suffer well into adulthood and sometimes even in our older years. While many treatments—ranging from cleansers to creams to pills—help clear our skin, some individuals do not adequately respond to therapy.
We know that with acne, the skin cells become stickier and block the pores, excessive oil is produced in those pores, bacteria feed on the oil and the bacteria then multiply. This results in inflammation surrounding the pores, seen as redness, swelling, tenderness and pus.
We have observed that in a number of populations who eat a diet free of refined grains, sugars and other processed foods, there is virtually no acne! When those same people move to an industrialized city and adopt a more “civilized” diet, they now become subject to acne. Here’s what happens.
A diet high in refined, processed foods, such as breads, cereals, pastas, candy, etc., creates an environment in our bodies that causes a cascade of adverse effects on our hormonal system. These types of foods stimulate a surge in our blood sugar level (a high glycemic index*). To compensate, our pancreas pours out insulin to “neutralize” the sugar. The elevated insulin triggers our body to secrete androgens (male hormones), which are known to activate the oil producing glands in the skin. In addition, these high insulin levels trigger more inflammation in our skin as well as stimulate production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). This causes excess production of skin cells with further blockage of the pores, and also plays a role in aging, diabetes and cancer.
Cutting out these refined and processed foods will go a long way in keeping you blemish free. For further improvement, we recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners (Xylitol or Stevia are ok) refined vegetable oils (they also produce inflammation) and dairy products (they add to imbalances in the hormone system). Finally, supplementing with omega-3 fish oils helps to calm the inflammation. As an added benefit, this type of diet will help you to control obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol!
* Glycemic index is ranking system assigned to foods based on their effect on blood sugar (glucose). Carbohydrates that break down rapidly and cause a rapid increase in blood sugar have a high glycemic index. Carbohydrates that break down slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the blood stream, have a low glycemic index. A lower glycemic response equates to a lower insulin demand, better long-term blood glucose control and a reduction in blood lipids.
Dr Lisa Benest has been practicing general and cosmetic dermatology in Burbank, California for over 9 years. She can be reached at:
1624 W. Olive Ave #B
Burbank, CA 91506
818-729-9149 www.lisabenestmd.com
Time is not kind to our skin.Brown spots, wrinkles and laxity can make us look even older.If you:
·Have a busy lifestyle or cannot be away from work for a long time
·Want noticeable results with minimal downtime
·Want to treat discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles and skin laxity
you should speak to your dermatologist about ActiveFX.ActiveFX yields noticeable, long lasting results after just one treatment.Procedures are done in your doctor’s office, with minimal patient downtime and minimal interference to your work or busy life.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
ActiveFX is a fractional laser treatment for laser skin resurfacing.Laser skin resurfacing replaces damaged skin with new, fresh skin. Using the UltraPulse® CO2 laser, an ActiveFX treatment delivers thousands of tiny laser pulses in a pattern over the skin. Each pulse heats a column of tissue, eliminating pigment discolorations at the surface, smoothing out lines, wrinkles and scars, and creating a zone of heating deep in the tissue.This deep heating contracts existing collagen and further stimulates collagen formation to plump out the skin and continue improvement over time.
In an ActiveFX fractional laser treatment, only a fraction of the skin’s surface is treated by the laser, leaving small “bridges” of untouched skin. This technique makes the healing process much faster and enables you to get back to normal activities sooner.
The primary targets of laser skin resurfacing include:
·Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the upper lip, cheeks and forehead
·Loose eyelid skin
·Crow's feet around the eyes
·Pucker marks (smoker's lines) and frown lines
·Brown spots and splotchy, uneven skin tone
·Scars, especially acne scars
·Loose skin around the neck and jowls
An ActiveFX treatment
Most physicians perform the procedure in the office with a topical anesthetic cream that is applied 30-40 minutes before the ActiveFX procedure begins. Pain is managed using a cold air blower to the skin, or if desired with oral pain medication. You can drive yourself home after the procedure if you have not taken any pain pills. With a gentle washing and moisturizing regimen, your photodamaged skin will begin to flake off within 2-3 days. After about 3-5 days, your doctor will probably let you wear make-up. Pinkness should be gone in about a week or two, a little bit more for the neck area.
The results of ActiveFX laser treatment are long-term and, with proper sun protection, can persist for many years. Most effects of treatment become visible right away, whereas others – such as new collagen formation – build up gradually and become more evident over time. Therefore, most people look even better 3-5 months after the procedure.So, if you think that ActiveFX might be right for you, make an appointment with your dermatologist and start looking younger right away.
Dr Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in Burbank and offers extensive procedures in cosmetic skin care, using the latest and most up-to-date lasers and medical equipment.She is known for her exceptional care and service.Visit them for a FREE consultation with their cosmetic nurse specialist.
