, , , , , , ,

10 Tips for Beautiful Summer Skin

Summer is a wonderful time of year, but the sun and heat can take a toll on your skin, hair, and body. That doesn’t mean you should stay indoors — with a little care and a few precautions, you can enjoy summer to its fullest.
1. Try a Self-Tanner
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are very damaging, especially UVA rays. They not only burn your skin and cause premature aging, but can also lead to skin cancer.
So, instead of lying for hours in the sun, get that sun kissed glow with a self-tanner. Many salons offer spray-on tan services, or you can purchase an inexpensive self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore. Gradual self-tanning moisturizers keep your skin smooth as they help you control just exactly how bronzed you become, and they are less prone to streaking. Just remember to exfoliate before you apply self-tanner to remove any dry skin that could pick up excess color and lead to an uneven appearance.
2. Slather on Sunscreen
Many dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The Skin Cancer Foundation points out that tests demonstrated SPF 30 products block out only 4 percent more rays — 97 percent compared to 93 percent for SPF 15. So know that you’re getting more protection with SPF 30, but not double the amount of SPF 15. In the past, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreens made skin look whitish because of the opaque nature of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays, but with more refined, micronized formulations, you can get their sun protection benefits without the ghostly appearance.
More sunscreen smarts to follow include:

  • Check the sunscreen’s ingredients list; it should contain agents that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Apply sunscreen regularly, as it will wear off with prolonged swimming or sweating.
  • Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet rays can still reach your skin, so wear sunscreen even on sunless days.
  • Many makeup and skin care products contain an SPF agent, but don’t be fooled: Look for the SPF number and use extra sunscreen if it’s below 15.

3. Give ’Em Lip Service
Use a lip sunscreen with SPF agent even if you’re putting lipstick on, too.  Many chapsticks are available with and SPF of 15 and 30. One of my personal favorites is Zinka Clear Lip Protector with Aloe.  It smells good and doesn’t go on greasy and has and SPF of 30.
4. Remember Hair Care
The beating sun will hit your hair hard, but there are a number of sprays containing SPF that you can put on after you wash your hair. This is a must if your tresses has been chemically treated.  When you are out in the sun and swimming, wet your hair before you swim, then put conditioner on and run it through your hair.  This makes it harder for the chemicals in the water to be absorbed by your hair.  An added bonus, your hair smells good all day!
Another tip: Don’t overwash your hair as this can remove the oils that naturally protect it.
5. Exfoliate Head to Toe
Expensive scrubs and salts feel wonderful, but if you’re on a budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove and your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs.
6. Moisturize and Nourish With Oils
Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth. Avocado oil not only moisturizes, but also has nourishing properties as it contains vitamin E.
7. Be Kind to Your Face
Chemical peels, creams, scrubs, and other products containing glycolic acids and retinoids should not be used if you spend a lot of time in the sun: These treatments can make your skin more sun sensitive and cause more damage to your skin. If you must use them, wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your face. Follow this advice as well if you’re taking certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, which also make you more prone to sunburn.
8. Try Mineral Makeup
Because mineral makeup has a light powder base, it won’t sweat off as easily as regular foundation. Some mineral bases even contain a built-in SPF. And you don’t have to spend a fortune: Check out what’s in the aisles at your local pharmacy or supermarket. There are many inexpensive brands there that are as good as the more pricey products sold in department stores.
9. You Are What You Eat
Your skin needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, so check out your local farmer’s market for the freshest fare in summer fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in antioxidants and protein, such as fresh produce, fish, and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, which keeps the skin elastic and helps prevent wrinkles.
10. Drink Plenty of Water
The beating sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re active, you need to drink at least 8 glasses during the day.
This Information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
 
 

/by
, ,

VI Peel- What is it

VI Peel is a facial peel for all complexions

The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers the VI Peel.   VI Peel is a facial peel for ALL complexions. It helps to improve the appearance of acne, unwanted pigmentation and melasma. It is the only peel of its kind to contain a synergistic blend of TCA, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and Vitamin C. It gives great results in as little as one treatment.
After four weeks of closely-monitored use, we’re pleased to announce that International Research Services, Inc. concluded the following: 

  • After close examination, VI Peel was determined to be completely safe within intended use.
  • Crow’s Feet line improvements were “statistically significant for the spacing parameter, and trendwise (directionally) significant for five additional parameters.”
  • Fine Lines & Wrinkle improvements were “statistically significant. Overall, the changes were in the direction of smoother fine line texture, i.e., decreases from baseline for Rz, Shadows and NumWr.”
  • Up to 71% of participants reported a significant improvement in “improved fine lines” and “skin suppleness.”
  • Signs of minor irritation decreased quickly after participants used the VI Peel.
  • Participants rapidly showed a reduction in melanin content and increase in collagen content.
  • Just two weeks after VI Peel use, participants showed a hemoglobin increase, suggesting increased blood flow to the treated areas.

We have also offer other chemical peels from the SkinCeuticals line— with no pain, no skin preparation and little downtime! 
Skin consultations are available to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for your chosen treatment. To learn more about these treatments, or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 817-473-2120.

This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa staff.
Please follow us on Facebook for other useful informational blog topics at The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Medspa

 

/by
, , , , , , ,

Laser 360 and Juvederm Voluma

Laser Skin Resurfacing and Filler Juvederm Voluma

Using a laser skin resurfacing treatment like our Laser 360 and combining this with the new Juvederm Voluma; these are two of the best options to combat the signs of aging. You would want to start with a skin resurfacing laser treatment(s), such as the Laser 360. This would help erase wrinkles, tighten the skin, even out your skin tone, and also stimulate collagen. After your laser treatment we would then inject the filler of choice, and a great choice would be the Juvederm Voluma for adding volume to the cheek area.
Laser 360:
Laser360™ is a skin treatment for anyone who would like to revitalize their look without invasive procedures or injections. You no longer have to accept fine lines and wrinkles or skin discoloration as an inevitable part of the aging process.
Juvederm Voluma:
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel is the first and only filler FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area. It gives you a subtle lift, helping to restore contour and a more youthful profile, for up to 2 years, in patients over the age of 21. It’s different than JUVÉDERM® XC and works on a different area of the face. JUVÉDERM® XC smoothes out moderate to severe wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, like parentheses. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, however, adds volume to the cheek area.
Please contact our office at (817) 473-2120 for more information on combing these treatments and you can also visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com.
Please visit our Facebook page at The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Medpa

/by
, , , , , ,

Skin Tightening

Many patients seek skin tightening treatments to combat the loose and sagging skin that givess an aged, tired or sickly appearance. Tightening loose skin using technological advancements can be an appropriate treatment for a number of reasons.

Tightening Loose and Sagging Skin

As we age our bodies produce collagen at a slower rate than when we’re young. Collagen makes up a large portion of the connective tissue in our skin and provides the framework that gives us a taut and youthful appearance. The loss of collagen allows skin to sag around our jaw line and cheeks. In many of these cases laser skin tightening can often help a person reclaim the taut-skinned, healthy appearance of their youth.

Weakened Elastin – and Aging Skin

Elastin is another important component of the skin’s biological framework. Elastin gives our skin its ability to stretch, expand and recoil to maintain a vibrant, tight look. As we lose elastin this ability diminishes. So sagging skin can appear in many different areas. Likewise, weight loss can bring about loose skin in areas that don’t recover well. Again, skin tightening treatments can be an effective solution in many of these cases.

Photoaging – and Loose Skin

Most already know that sun exposure is the skin’s natural enemy. UV rays can trigger pigmented lesions and a host of other problems and seem to speed up the aging process dramatically. The Alma Laser product line is poised to treat the effects of accumulated sun damage not only on the surface level but in the sub dermal layers where it counts.

Near infrared technology is used to penetrate deep heat to the deepest layers of tissue. This stimulates collagen production and tightens lax skin. Nearly any patient seeking fuller, tighter skin can benefit from laser skin tightening as a safe, noninvasive and effective procedure. The laser skin tightening procedure can be fully customized to help each patient receive the best possible results, depending on the skin condition, size and location of the targeted area and the strength of the laser exposure. Treatments should be performed once every two weeks for a total of 6, followed by quarterly maintenance.
Please call the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa at (817) 473-2120 for more information or visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com.
Please visit our Facebook Page at The Paragon Plastic Surgery and Medspa

/by
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Minimize fine lines, wrinkles and acne


Your body goes through a ton of changes and to top it all off, fine lines are starting to appear right alongside those pesky pimples that you thought would have gone away after high school.
You’re not alone. According to a report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 35 percent of women ages 30-39 and more than 25 percent of women ages 40-49 reported suffering from acne.
So what’s a girl to do? Here are some simple solutions to banish this—stat!
Cleanse
Use a mild foaming or cream cleanser daily. Since your cleanser is on your skin for the shortest amount of time of any other product you use, it’s the least important step in your beauty regimen. If your skin is oily, look for a cleanser that has salicylic acid or glycolic acid which exfoliate to unclog pores and help to stimulate the skin to prevent wrinkles.
Protect
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best ways to prevent wrinkles. Even small amounts of sun exposure through windows in your home or in your car add up.  Look for products that have an SPF 30 or more and zinc oxide of at least 5 percent.
Prevent
Antioxidants are your second line of defense against damage from the sun, smoke, and pollutants in the air. These power houses work like sponges to soak up free radicals that do damage to your skin. Look for moisturizers and serums that have vitamins E, C, green tea, or grape seed extract.
For wrinkles around the eyes- it’s important to wear sunglasses anytime you’re outside. You really have to maintain your collagen as much as possible because it’s not an area that’s easy to treat with lasers or anything else.
Exfoliate
Prescription Retin-A and over-the-counter retinol products are the best way to treat both wrinkles and acne because they work to reduce oil secretion, unclog pores and eliminate old, damaged cells.
Superficial chemical peels that contain both salicylic and glycolic acid are also great options because they allow oxygen to get into the pores and prevent bacteria from growing. Professional microdermabrasion is also effective for treating fine lines and large and clogged pores.
Avoid abrasive scrubs that are granular or have beads because they can be too harsh. Instead, look for products that contain both salicylic acid and retinol together. Be sure to check labels—if retinol is listed as one of the first few ingredients, it’s likely to have a higher concentration. For some women, retinols are too harsh, so alpha hydroxy acids can work.
Treat
Sometimes a little professional Rx is needed in the form of topical solutions, prescription medications, or a variety of in-office procedures. It’s best to speak with your dermatologist who can devise a plan that works for your skin type and the type of acne and wrinkles you have.

Where to go for professional wrinkle and acne treatments:

Sona Med Spa offers patients help with sun damage, skin resurfacing, and microdermabrasion to name a few.  Locations in Dallas, Grapevine and Frisco https://www.sonamedspa.com
M-Pulse Modern SkinCare can help patients with acne therapy, skin rejuvenation and skin care for both men and women. Locations in DFW- Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth https://www.m-pulse.com
For more information on treating fine lines, wrinkles, and acne please visit a skin care professional that is trained in skin care health.  Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons offices are also great places to visit.
The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers patients treatment with fine lines, wrinkles, acne therapy, as well as many surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. We are proud to serve the Mansfield and Southlake and surrounding areas.  Please call our office at (817) 473-2120 for more information on our services or visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com.

This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr.Mark Bishara and The Paaragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX

 

/by