Quick Tips to a More Youthful You

Women today are savvier than ever when it comes to taking care of their skin. We are taught from a young age to do things like apply sunscreen when we’re out in the sun and a good moisturizer before we go to bed at night. In fact, a study by dermatologists Dr. Kathy Fields and Dr. Katie Rodan found that 84 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds are afraid of the effects of aging on their skin. So, what’s the result? Women in their 20s and 30s are more aware of the efficacy of ingredients, and are more apt to take preventative measures using cosmetic procedures. According to the annual survey of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the most common procedures among women between the ages of 35 and 60 were blepharoplasty, Botox, brow lifts, facelifts, filler injections and chemical peels.

So, we get it. You’re listening. That’s great! Read on for a few tips on how to combat some of the most common issues we see in our practice.

How to Revive Tired Peepers

The first signs of aging show up in and around our eyes.

Baby-step solution: Big UV-protective sunglasses (to prevent squinting and filter sunlight) and a moisturizing nighttime eye cream with antioxidants and retinol will do a lot to prevent and treat early crow's-feet.

Serious fix: If the rings under your eyes are pronounced to the point where you look tired all the time (thank genetics for that), a derm or plastic surgeon can inject a hyaluronic acid filler along the circles to create a smooth surface between your cheeks and eyes.

Be Spotless

Don’t be fooled. Those cute freckles your mom adores so much are actually sun damage. It’s a condition called hyperpigmentation, and it gets worse as we age. So, maybe slathering on the baby oil before baking yourself in the sun wasn’t such a good idea. Sure, it may have looked good then, but now it’s time to repair and reverse those sun spots.

Baby-step solution: Anyone who has come home from the beach sporting a splash of new freckles knows that sunscreen is most crucial to people prone to sunspots. Layer on protection any chance you get - vitamin C serum under daily sunscreen and topped with mineral powder is a sweet trio. At night, help the fade with alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, or kojic acid.

Serious fix: Ask your dermatologist about mild acid peels to increase cell turnover and get rid of blotchy surface skin, or Intense Pulsed Light treatments, which are extremely effective in targeting and removing sun damage.

Erase Those Lines

Expression lines result from a combo of UV damage and the skin's elastin wearing out from repetitive use.

Baby-step solution: At home, use vitamin A derivatives like over-the-counter retinol or prescription retinoids like Retin-A Micro to prevent and minimize fine lines by increasing collagen. Retraining ourselves to not make some very basic facial expressions - like scowling - can make all the difference. Whenever you feel tense, consciously take a moment to breathe deeply, which will force you to relax your facial muscles.

Serious fix: The only way to stop expression lines from forming is to refrain from making the expression, which requires Botox or another botulinum toxin. Some dermatologists recommend starting to use a botulinum toxin as a preventative measure, before those lines set in.

Pamper Your Pores

As we age pores start to sag because of, you guessed it, sun damage. Makeup, pollution, and your skin's natural oil can stretch out your pores over the years beyond the point where they can shrink back, and folks with oily skin are even more prone to stretched pores because their skin produces more…well…oil.

Baby-step solution: Clean out and tighten your pores so they can't hold as much. Peptide creams and serums strengthen and firm the skin, salicylic acid products dissolve the oil in your pores, and face scrubs with round beads smooth away surface dullness - just steer clear of scrubs that contain ground seeds or pits because jagged edges can microscopically tear skin, making the problem worse in the long run.

Serious fix: Enzyme facials are great for jump-starting a pore-minimizing regimen. For a more drastic approach, Isolaz is a no-downtime laser procedure that literally vacuums out your pores and kills bacteria, which also makes it great for getting rid of pore-stretching acne - a condition that many women don't outgrow until their 40s.

Turn Back the Hands of Time

For ages man has searched for the elusive fountain of youth, but can we really slow down the aging process or are we doomed to play the hand that fate and genetics have dealt us? Why do some people look thirty when they are sixty? And why do some thirty-year-olds look fifty? What’s the secret? Read on to find out ways you can start preserving your youthful appearance today.

Manage Your Stress

That’s right. One of the most severe causes of aging is unhealthy stress. Recent research suggests that when the body is exposed over a long period of time to stress, the aging processes of the brain accelerate. Learning to manage your stress effectively is key to a youthful appearance. Learn to take time in your day to do something that calms you down. Learn to prioritize responsibilities. Make a list of things you need to accomplish and check them off one by one as you finish them. Calming rituals including meditation and yoga will reduce your levels of stress hormones and keep you looking and feeling better.

Stop Smoking

You’ve heard it before, but the plea to stop smoking deserves a spot on our list. Tobacco is one of the most powerful stimulants known to man. A single puff of a cigarette exposes the body to over 4,000 chemical compounds and 600 additives. Smokers tend to have pronounced wrinkling and lines, gauntness or an off-color complexion. This is likely due to the barrage of chemicals clouding around your mouth, cheeks and nose in the form of smoke and the muscle movement of inhaling itself. Not to mention the risk of heart attack and lung cancer.

Eat More “Anti-Aging” Foods

There is a group of substances known as "antioxidants" that helps greatly in keeping you young. They neutralize what scientists call "free radicals". Free radicals set off a chain reaction that can kill cells, tear holes in cell membranes, mutate DNA which is the mastermind of cell activity. One theory, which was formulated by Denham Harman, PhD, a biochemist at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, contends that the cumulative damage by free radicals is responsible for the decline in functioning that accompanies aging. Two known antioxidants are Vitamin A and C. The best source of Vitamin C is citrus fruits. Rich sources of Vitamin A are carrots, squash, spinach and collard greens.

Work it Out

Most adults lose one percent of bone mass annually. As you lose bone minerals your bones become lighter, more porous, weaker and greater risk of fracture. You can increase bone density and strength with weight bearing exercises such as walking, bicycling, swimming or weight training. Measure your 25 (OH) vitamin D level every year.  Take Vitamin D to reduce your bone’s aging.

Take Care of your Teeth

After 40, the main cause of tooth loss is periodontal or gum disease. The culprit: "plaque", a sticky film made up of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. Bacteria produce toxins that irritate gums, making them recede and form pockets. If the immune system of the body can't fight the bacterial invasion, the bones anchoring the teeth eventually erode and teeth fall out. Also, poor dental hygiene leads to high levels of inflammation which is bad for you.  Brushing every after meal and daily flossing will reduce plaque attacks. Low dose doxycycline may also help reduce inflammation.  So visit your dentist at least twice a year!

Following these guidelines should keep you on track to a more youthful you. Just remember, what you put in your body affects what you look like on the outside. Take care of you and you’ll enjoy a healthier, happier life and a more youthful glow.

To Tone or Not to Tone? That’s NOT a Question!

Everyone knows about the importance of moisturizing your skin. Just turn on prime time television and you’re inundated with images of middle aged celebrities touting the newest revelation in anti-aging technology. But what about the elusive black sheep of the skincare family: toners? What do they do and do we really need them?

There are three types of products that fall into the toner category: traditional toners, astringents, and fresheners. Read on to find out which is right for you.

Traditional Toners:

Traditional toners contain moisturizers, extracts and essential oils that soothe your skin and restore its moisture. They also help to balance the pH of the skin. Your skin needs a certain amount of oil to stay waterproof and resistant to infection. Too little oil and you have dry skin (which can lead to problems with wrinkles); too much oil and you’ve got an oil slick and probably acne. The Concentrated Balancing Toner by Suki is packed with vitamin C and soothing aloe, helping to balance normal to oily skin types and offer gentle relief after a day out in the sun. If you have dry skin, check out Pomega5’s Daily Purifying Face Mist. The invigorating toner replenishes the skin’s moisture with citrus essential oils.

Astringents & Fresheners:

An astringent is designed to penetrate through the pores to constrict them, neutralize excess oils, and remove dirt and dead skin cells, giving the skin a healthy effect. Biore Blemish Treating Astringent is great for ance prone skin.  If you have very oily skin this is the perfect choice for you. A freshener works similarly to an astringent, but has organic ingredients instead of chemicals. Check out AmorePacific Treatment Toner Alcohol-Free Freshener from Sephora for an awesome organic freshener.

Those with dry skin should avoid using astringents or toners that have retinols, glycolics, or benzoyl peroxide in them. These will be too drying and may even cause the skin to breakout. Instead, look for one that is water-based and has ingredients like rosewater or chamomile extracts, and vitamin B derivatives like panthenol, which help lock in moisture and prevent makeup from looking cakey.

Stay tuned for Scientific by Kenneth Beer MD’s pH Balancing Toner, scheduled to debut in Spring 2012.

Cellulite: the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly

Summer will be here before we know it. The steps we take now to reduce the appearance of cellulite will help insure that those short shorts, bathing suits and sun dresses look as awesome as the Summer sun feels. For many women with body cellulite on their arms, stomach or legs, the thought of baring it all can be a little daunting. Don’t worry! Read on for ways to reduce the appearance so you can stop worrying about the view from behind and start focusing on the fun ahead!

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin. This makes the surface of the skin pucker and look lumpy. Whether or not one will get cellulite during their lifetime depends on factors such as genetics, diet and exercise. While there is no miracle cure, there are a few things you can do to reduce the appearance.

Anti-Cellulite Creams:

According to research studies conducted by the University of North Carolina, the active ingredient found in most anti-cellulite creams has little to no effect on reducing cellulite. Aminophylline is a derivative of theophylline that relaxes smooth muscle and is used mainly to dilate the airways in the treatment of asthma and emphysema, but has not been proven to directly affect cellulite.

In-Office Cellulite Treatments:

Many doctors use the latest in laser technology to treat cellulite. The specifics of the technology may vary from machine to machine, but most use a combination of laser and suction to reform the tissue beneath the skin. Dr. Beer uses SmoothShapes in his offices, which targets the bumpy appearance of cellulite by restoring enlarged fat cells, resulting in smoother skin. It also treats the dimpling cellulite by remodeling collagen for tighter, more flexible skin.

Liposuction:

Think this invasive procedure will cure your cellulite woes? Think again. The surgical removal of fat actually does nothing to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Why, you ask? Liposuction removes deeper layers of fat than those that cause the puckered effect of cellulite.

Diet and Exercise:

That’s right. The two words most women dread. The truth is, even thin women can have cellulite. The best way to reduce cellulite is to eat a healthy diet and exercise at least three times a week.

For more information on in-office procedures or to view before and after pictures, please visit www.palmbeachcosmetic.com.

A New You in the New Year

Each New Year we begin thinking of ways to better ourselves. What could we change in the New Year to improve our health, our appearance and our lives in general? Considering the first thing people generally notice about someone is their face (and subsequently their skin), why not make your skin care a priority for 2012?

Wash the Day Away!

No matter how tired you are from the bustle of your busy day, take time to cleanse and hydrate your skin before slipping off to sleep. And we don’t just mean sweeping some soap and water over your mug, either! Failure to cleanse your skin well before bedtime can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Use a cleanser with glycolic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. We love Scientific Skin by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s pH Balancing Cleanser. Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, but 13 Botanical Extracts nourish the skin to help restore luminosity and leave the skin soft and supple while helping to unclog pores and prepare the skin for additional products and treatments.

Bedtime Bacteria?

Most of us change our sheets once a week…right? If you haven’t gotten into the routine of changing your pillowcases weekly, it’s time to start. Bacteria can build up on the material and can transfer right to your face, causing major acne breakouts. So resolve to change those sheets more often in the New Year and enjoy healthier, clearer skin for years to come!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Did you have a few too many merry cocktails over the holidays? Even those of us who usually eat an antioxidant rich diet tend to forgo the blueberries for sugary snacks during the holidays. Alcoholic drinks and treats can leave us dehydrated and can cause skin to look dry and dull. Boost your water intake and use a good moisturizer to bring back a plump and youthful complexion. We love Scientific by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s Intensive Repair Serum. Hyaluronic acid spheres carry moisture deep into the skin, helping to restore elasticity, while squalene regenerates and protects the skin from the earth’s harsh elements and forms a barrier to maintain moisture in the epidermal layer. It’s all very…Scientific? Oh, and start eating those blueberries again! The antioxidants you eat help fight off free radicals and environmental pollution.

  

New Year. New You.

Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, resolve to treat yourself better.  Eat better, get more rest, do more exercise and use better skin care. 

  

Eat Your Way to a Healthier Complexion

When we think about how to best take care of our skin we usually think in terms of what serum or moisturizer will give us that coveted glow. While what you use on your skin is important, supplementing your skin care with a healthy diet will do wonders in helping you put your best face forward.

Water: Drink up!

Few things can rival water in terms of what it can do for your skin. Our bodies are made of up to 60% water, so keeping hydrated isn’t just about what you put on your skin, it’s about what you put in your body. Water keeps skin hydrated, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps cells take up nutrients and get rid of toxins. Getting up to pour yourself a glass right now? Go for it, because water also helps circulation and blood flow, giving you the coveted dewy glow we all crave.

Selenium: Boost Your Immune System

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health. The antioxidant properties of selenium help to prevent cellular damage from free radicals. In case you’re not in the know, free radicals are natural by-products of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Selenium can also help regulate thyroid function and play a role in boosting the immune system. So how do you get your fix? Foods such as shrimp, lamb, snapper, halibut, tuna, and salmon are all excellent sources of selenium. Those foods not on your favorites list? Don’t worry. Beef, oysters, sardines, crab and whole wheat pasta are also good sources of selenium.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a powerful antioxidant made naturally in your body. That’s great news right? Sure, but the problem is that production decreases with age. CoQ10 protects sin and other body cells from the damage caused by…you got it…free radicals. CoQ10 can be found in a variety of topical serums and creams, and is reported to improve the appearance of wrinkles and the signs of aging. Rich sources of CoQ10 include fish, poultry, and whole grains. Dr. Beer is currently developing new products loaded with CoQ10, so stay tuned and check here often for information on new formulations and exciting breakthroughs in skincare.

Vitamin A: Repair Your Skin and Slow the Signs of Aging

Vitamin A is used in many forms to help with a variety of skin issues from repairing tissue to helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Topical creams such as Retin A help with acne while retinols, vitamin A derivatives, help to reduce the signs of aging. We love Scientific by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s Daily Hydrating Cream, which helps the tone, texture and pigment of the skin. When you’re looking for foods rich in vitamin A, grab an orange, carrots, leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy.

Vitamin C: Protect Your Skin

Vitamin C helps protect skin from the sun. It also helps to undo damage done by free radicals, which destroy skin-firming fibers such as collagen and elastin. Excellent sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, citrus fruits, papaya, kiwi, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Of course, eating Vitamin C alone won’t protect your skin from the Sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sun block for optimal results. We like Shelter Broad Spectrum SPF 30 by Philosophy. This antioxidant-rich, broad-spectrum sun protection formula incorporates the anti-aging benefits of peptides as it moisturizes and soothes the skin. EltaMD UV FACIAL SPF 30+ is another favorite that Dr. Beer recommends often to patients.

Essential Fats for Your Skin

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health but the body can't make them, you have to get them through food. help produce your skin's natural oil barrier, keeping dry skin and blemishes at bay. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish such as salmon, tuna, and halibut as well as in algae, krill and nut oils.

To get skin that really glows from within the solution is simple: put good products in and put good products on. What do we mean by that? We mean eat well and use products with good ingredients on your skin. Ingredients such as selenium, CoQ12, vitamin A, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. Beauty starts from within, so go ahead and eat your way to healthy, glowing skin.

Winter Skin Care Tips for Beautiful Skin

It’s officially Winter. If you’re lucky enough to live year round in a tropical or warm-weather climate, this could mean only minor changes to your skin care regime and the best skin care products for you. But for many people, winter means drier skin that is exposed to increasingly extreme weather elements. How will you keep your skin healthy all winter long? Read on for tips on how to maintain healthy, glowing skin even in the harsh Winter months.

Get Hydrated: Inside and Out. For much of the world, drier, cooler air results in dry, flakey, red, irritated skin. To maintain beautiful, healthy, glowing skin despite mother nature, it’s critically important to hydrate both your skin and body. Use a moisturizer each time you cleanse your skin. We like Scientific by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s Daily Hydrating Cream. In addition to providing a skin barrier from environmental stressors and pollutants, this incredible formula draws in and retains moisture to help keep your skin hydrated. With daily use, ferulic acid (a potent anti-oxidant) helps stop oxidative damage while retinol helps improve the tone, texture and pigment of your skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While keeping your skin hydrated on the outside is important, it’s equally important to hydrate from the inside as well. Drink plenty of water and make sure to eat foods that hydrate you as well. “What’s that?” you ask? “Foods can hydrate you too?” Oh yes! Check out this article in MensHealth Magazine for a list of foods that let you “eat your water.”

Pucker Up and Hydrate Your Pout! One of the most neglected areas of the skin is the lips. To keep them kissable this season, make sure to don a lip treatment with SPF often. We like Burt’s Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8. Winter already nipped at your lips, leaving them dry and flakey? Try an ultra moisturizing lip treatment like Deep Renewal by Blistex. Ingredients such as coenzyme Q10, hyaluronic filling spheres, and SPF 15 make this product the perfect on-the-go solution to chapped lips.

Exfoliation= Hydration. Already beginning to see the flakey, dry skin you dread? Not to worry, just remember this: exfoliation=hydration. When you exfoliate the skin it allows products to penetrate deeper. We love Scientific by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s White Bamboo Exfoliator. This clay-based scrub for all skin types warms upon contact with water. This deep-cleansing formula helps purify skin, minimize pores and balance excess oils. Microsifted White Bamboo crystals gently resurface the outer layers of skin while four powerful antioxidants (Acai Fruit Extract, Green and White Tea as well as Ferulic Acid) aid in correcting daily environmental damage. Once your skin is exfoliated, use your favorite moisturizer and feel the difference.

Ante up on Antioxidants. Antioxidants are always important, but in the winter when we tend to eat less fresh fruit and vegetables containing antioxidants and vitamins, getting an extra boost from your skin care products can help keep skin healthy. We like Scientific by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s Brightening Serum. Seaweed Extract and Hyaluronic Acid promote hydration and Emblica Fruit is a powerful antioxidant that all work together to help reduce oxidative stress and create a more even skin tone and brighter complexion. It’s essential to continue eating seasonal fruits and dark green vegetables, but augment the delivery of antioxidants to your skin with topical skin care products.

Get your block on! While many of us think of sun block or sunscreen as a summer skin care essential, the sun doesn’t entirely disappear in the winter! In fact, winter can often mean double damage thanks to direct UV rays from the sun plus reflected or diffused UV rays from the snow. Make sure when choosing a sun block that it contains broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. We like EltaMD UV FACIAL SPF 30+. Sun damage happens as frequently in December as it does in June, and the effects on your skin are just as lasting.

Winter is a beautiful season for spending time with family and friends, but it can also be hard on your skin. Stay healthy, happy and glowing by following the tips above.
Click here to learn more about Scientific by Dr. Kenneth Beer’s best skin care products, including the White Bamboo Exfoliator, Brightening Serum, and Daily Hydrating Cream.