What are Free Radicals?
Antioxidants are the only defense you have against free radical damage. What are free radicals? A free radical is a molecule in your body which is missing one electron. In an attempt to regain that lost electron, the molecule steals electrons from other molecules, which causes a ton of problems. These free radicals are so highly reactive and unstable, that they cause immense damage to the cells they come in contact with. Sometimes the damage is so severe, that it can even harm your DNA!
You may be asking yourself: what does this have to do with skincare? Well, everything! The harm caused from free radicals doesn’t just affect you on the inside, it affects your skin as well. If your skin has been in particularly bad shape lately, or you’re noticing wrinkles have been forming easier, you may be exposing yourself to too many free radicals. If that is the case, you should examine your surroundings to determine the sources of the radicals.
Smoking, UV ray exposure, and poor diet are very common free radical producers. As you age, and the ability to produce collagen decreases, free radicals penetrate much further, causing much more damage. They will also speed the decline of collagen in the body, allowing wrinkles, dark-spots, and sagging skin to form much quicker.
Antioxidants & Anti-Aging
Luckily for us, there is a way to prevent free radicals from causing damage in the body. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega-3, and many others have proven to minimize free radical damage by donating a spare electron of theirs to end the harmful electron-seeking chain reaction. Taken orally or absorbed topically, antioxidants are the answer to becoming healthier overall, both inside and out.
With your body becoming healthier, your skin will reflect the newfound protection. In the anti-aging skincare world, antioxidants are no secret. The positive benefits antioxidants produce for the skin have been utilized for generations, however they are now harvested synthetically as well as naturally and are incorporated in many skincare & supplement products.
Look for anti-aging products that feature antioxidants, such as Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, as well as a range of hydrating & firming agents. Please call our office at (817) 473-2120, to find out how we can help you to maintain a healthy face for years to come.
Are sun spots on your skin becoming unwelcome reminders of aging? Today there are treatments available that can help you get rid of them.
Sun spots usually start appearing after the age of 30 and are common in people with light skin. They start spreading more once you cross 50. Long hours or days spent in the sun during your early years are one of the most likely causes of sun spots.
While sunspots are medically harmless, many people seek to hide sun spots for cosmetic reasons.
Sun spots can occur both in males and females, but women are more likely to opt for a treatment to get rid of them. Today, a wide variety of remedies, including peels and laser therapy, are available to treat sun spots.
Laser treatments are one of the most effective. After the treatment it’s necessary to avoid the sun by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreens in order to prevent these spots from reappearing.
At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we want to teach patients about proper skincare and help them regain the healthy skin tone that they desire.
Join us this Fall and Winter for Skin Rejuvenation
- For those who want the best possible results before the holidays, purchase our Ultimate Laser 360 treatment; a combination of Fotofacial, skin tightening and laser resurfacing. $3,000 for 3 treatments or $1,100 for 1 treatment.
- For the time honored effective treatment for sun spots and discolorations, with the added benefit of eliminating broken capillaries, buy a package of 4 IPL Fotofacial treatments and get 2 FREE.
- To help you achieve that perfect glow try out our SkinCeuticals Chemical Peels. Prices range from $100-$250 depending on exact treatment
- Our VI Peel is a facial peel for ALL complexions. It helps improve the appearance of acne, unwanted pigmentation and melasma. It is the only peel of its kind to contain synergistic blend of TCA, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and Vitamin C. It gives great results in as little as one treatment.
- For people who want skin rejuvination with no downtime, smoother and softer skin and a reduction of fine lines tryMicrodermabrasion treatments. Buy 4 for $255
Call 817-473-2120 today to make an appointment
Sun safety is never out of season. Summer’s arrival means it’s time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach—and a spike in the number of sunburns. But winter skiers and fall hikers should be as wary of the sun’s rays as swimmers. People who work outdoors need to take precautions, too. Dr. Mark Bishara- with offices in Mansfield, Southlake and Dallas- focuses on educating patients about skin protection and wants to help patients restore or achieve their ideal appearance.
The need for sun safety has become clearer over the past 30 years. Studies show that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Harmful rays from the sun—and from sunlamps and tanning beds—may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you skin spots, wrinkles, and “leathery” skin.
Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People recognize sunburn as a type of skin damage caused by the sun. Tanning is also a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but often not enough—protection against sunburn.
Whatever our skin color, we’re all potentially susceptible to sunburn and other harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have:
- pale skin
- blond, red, or light brown hair
- been treated for skin cancer
- a family member who’s had skin cancer
If you take medicines, ask your health care professional about sun-care precautions; some medications may increase sun sensitivity.
Reduce Time in the Sun
It’s important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.
Dress with Care
Wear clothes that protect your body. If you plan on being outside on a sunny day, cover as much of your body as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available. However, FDA only regulates such products if the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim. Consider using an umbrella for shade.
Be Srious About Sunscreen
Check product labels to make sure you get the following:
- a “sun protection factor” (SPF) of 15 or more. SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn.
- “broad spectrum” protection—sunscreen that protects against all types of skin damage caused by sunlight
- water resistance—sunscreen that stays on your skin longer, even if it gets wet. Reapply water-resistant sunscreens as instructed on the label
Tips for Applying Sunscreen:
- Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
- If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
- Reapply at least every two hours.
- Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
- Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.
Protect the Eyes
Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand, or water further increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.
Tips for eye-related sun safety include:
- When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
- Eyewear should be labeled “sunglasses.” Otherwise, you can’t be sure they will offer enough protection.
- Pricier sunglasses don’t ensure greater UV protection.
- Ask an eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you don’t know their level of UV protection.
- People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
- Wraparound sunglasses offer the most protection.
- Children should wear real sunglasses (not toy sunglasses!) that indicate the UV protection level.
At the office of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we want to help you take care of your skin and rejuvinate it as needed. Most people already have some sort of sun damage for improper sun protection. Please contact our office to ask about our Skinceutical skin care line and sunscreens, as well as our Paragon Med Spa services. We offer many treatments that can help you rejuvinate your skin. Call (817) 473-2120 for more information on click on the button below.
Good Skin Care in Your 20’s, 30’s and 40+
20’s: The Issue- Dullness
In-Office Fixes: Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels
When you’re young skin cells turn over, exfoliating every 28 days. But as you move into your mid to late 20’s, that process starts to slow, and a natural decrease in skins sloughing ability. You’re left with a layer of dead skin that doesn’t evenly reflect light. Lunchtime procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels take less than and hour and leave behind only mild redness. During a microdermabrasion treatment, an aesthetician buffs away the top layer of skin. For maximum results, consider a series of 3 treatments, spaced apart- followed by a chemical peel. Microdermabrasion removes any build up and then the chemical peel makes skin look brighter and more toned evening out skin discoloration and tightening pores.
30’s: The Issues- Fine Lines, Redness and Sun Spots
In-Office Fixes for Fine Lines: Injectables such as Botox
Those little lines that used to disappear as soon as you stopped smiling or frowning are suddenly here to stay. Movements that cause skin to repeatedly crease in the same place eventually wear down the underlying collagen, creating lines that remain after muscles relax. Injectable muscle relaxers containing botulinum toxin A, such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, temporarily paralyze muscles so you can’t make those wrinkle-causing movements. Expect smoother skin 72 hours post-injection and results last 3-4 months on average. If you have no lines to speak of yet, these injections can be used as a preventative measure. Small doses can prevent muscle action so you’ll never get the creases to begin with.
**6.1 million people had Botox treatments performed in 2012**
In-Office Fixes for Redness and Sun Spots: Laser Procedures
A rosy glow can be a sign of good health, but a constant ruddy complexion is a red flag. For some it’s a sign of sun damage. Excessive UV exposure weakens blood vessels until they no longer constrict after dilating. For others redness stems for rosacea, a condition marked by flushing, broken blood vessels and acne-like bumps. Other issues like brown spots are a sign of chronic sun damage triggered by overexposure of UV rays. Unlike freckles these marks don’t fade after reduced sun exposure- but they will get darker with even more.
An IPL-Fotofacial will target and treat unwanted discoloration, pigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots and sun damage. It also lessens the appearance of rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles. At The Paragon Med Spa our medical microdermabrasion also includes a chemical peel. Our Laser 360 treatment offer 3 technologies in 1 visit. The Laser 360 is meant to be done in a series of 3 treatments and produces optimal results. During this treatment a fotofacial, skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing are combined to offer the most comprehensive correction and rejuvenation. Bonus: Your skin will look tighter and feel smoother.
40+: The Issues- Sagging, Deep Creases and Hollowed Cheeks
Genetics and the effects of sun damage really start to show in this decade, as skin’s elasticity takes a nosedive. Sagging skin and crow’s feet that showed up in your 30s are probably more pronounced now. And due to natural volume loss, you may be noticing new wrinkles especially around the lips and in between the nose and corners of your mouth. With age, skin loses fat, exposing folds and creases.
In-Office Fixes for Sagging and Deep Creases
Fillers such as Juvederm instantly plump indentations. JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus is used to treat deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds, and provides results that last up to one year. Injections take about 15 minutes to administer and do not require any anesthesia. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure for the first 24 hours after treatment, but can otherwise resume normal activities right away.
In-Office Fixes for Hollowed Cheeks
Injectables such as Radiesse, reign supreme here too. Thicker fillers are ideal for filling out hollowed cheeks. Radiesse is a stiff material, so it’s good for replacing volume as well as lifting the skin. Radiesse provides an immediate fill plus long-term collagen stimulation for 18 months to two years.
Dr. Bishara provides a wide range of cosmetic procedures to help patients look and feel their best. These procedures are designed to improve the appearance of the face and body through minimally invasive techniques that provide highly effective results. Many of these procedures can be combined in order to achieve your desired appearance. Please call our office to schedule an appointment at (817) 473-2120 or click on the button below.
Skin is the body’s largest organ and one of the most important. To achieve optimal skin health you must understand the various skin types and conditions as well as factors that can potentially cause damage. At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa, we emphasize the importance of taking care of your skin. We offer SkinCeuticals products and treatments to help you properly treat your skin, and our staff can educate you on the products that are right for your own skin type.
Breakthrough Scientific Discovery: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is proven to protect against Infrared Radiation A
Sun Damage and Sun Protection
Accumulated exposure from the sun without proper protection has negative consequences. The three main types of rays that damage our skin are UVA, UVB, and infrared rays, all of which have the ability to penetrate skin and cause damage to cells and DNA. On the surface, this damage manifests as fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and discoloration, but the most dangerous consequence beneath the surface is the risk of skin cancer.
To adequately shield skin from the sun, sunscreen needs to be a part of every daily routine. Options include physical UV-reflecting ingredients, chemical UV-absorbing ingredients, or a combination of both, but the most important thing to look for on a label is the term “broad spectrum”. This indicates full coverage from the entire spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation, whereas SPF only measures the length of time one is protected from the UVB rays responsible for sunburn.
Research has shown that sunscreen alone does not provide adequate protection from environmental damage. The average consumer does not apply enough sunscreen, therefore only obtaining up to half the protection stated on the bottle. Second, sunscreens only block 55%* of the free radicals generated by UV exposure. Finally, UV filters do not provide protection from damaging infrared radiation. For broad range protection against all sources of environmental skin insults, it’s imperative to use a topical antioxidant in conjunction with a daily sunscreen. Our SkinCeuticals products offer eight antioxidant products that have been clinically proven to provide optimal protection from the damage caused by UV rays and other environmental factors.
To adequately shield skin from the sun, sunscreen needs to be a part of every daily routine. Options include physical UV-reflecting ingredients, chemical UV-absorbing ingredients, or a combination of both, but the most important thing to look for on a label is the term “broad spectrum”. This indicates full coverage from the entire spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation, whereas SPF only measures the length of time one is protected from the UVB rays responsible for sunburn.
Research has shown that sunscreen alone does not provide adequate protection from environmental damage. The average consumer does not apply enough sunscreen, therefore only obtaining up to half the protection stated on the bottle. Second, sunscreens only block 55%* of the free radicals generated by UV exposure. Finally, UV filters do not provide protection from damaging infrared radiation. For broad range protection against all sources of environmental skin insults, it’s imperative to use a topical antioxidant in conjunction with a daily sunscreen. Our SkinCeuticals products offer eight antioxidant products that have been clinically proven to provide optimal protection from the damage caused by UV rays and other environmental factors.
Environmental Aggressors
Natural protective antioxidants helps the skin repair itself, but when it is hit with environmental aggressors, this supply is quickly depleted. Without antioxidant protection, the skin can be damaged in both its appearance and long-term health.
The main environmental factors that contribute to skin damage are sunlight, infrared radiation, air pollution, alcohol, and smoking. These aggressors generate free radicals, which cause damage in the skin that compromises vital cellular components as well as the cells’ DNA. When cells can’t defend themselves, they then lose their ability to replicate correctly- and the visible signs include fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and potentially skin cancer.
The main environmental factors that contribute to skin damage are sunlight, infrared radiation, air pollution, alcohol, and smoking. These aggressors generate free radicals, which cause damage in the skin that compromises vital cellular components as well as the cells’ DNA. When cells can’t defend themselves, they then lose their ability to replicate correctly- and the visible signs include fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, discoloration, and potentially skin cancer.
The Importance Of a Proper Regimen
In order to maintain and improve the health and appearance of skin, a proper skincare regimen is essential. Although the specific products depend on skin type and skin conditions, every effective regimen must include three fundamental elements—Prevention, Protection, and Correction.
To “Prevent” accelerated skin aging and skin cancer, it’s imperative to use a daily topical antioxidant. This targeted range of products prevents skin damage by neutralizing the free radicals generated by UV rays, infrared radiation, and other environmental factors like pollution, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoke. Photodamage created by the sun is the number-one cause of accelerated skin aging and skin cancer. In order to prevent this damage, it’s essential to “Protect” skin with sunscreen. To minimize lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and other visible effects of past damage, we offer products designed to “Correct”. These potent skincare products are formulated with powerful ingredients and advanced technologies to restore a healthier, younger-looking complexion.
These three components ensure an effective skincare regimen for maintaining and improving the health and appearance of skin. To properly choose a skincare regimen and proper treatments we now offer Digital Facial Scanning at Dr. Bishara’s office. The Reveal Computer Skin Analysis System is computer imaging software that takes high resolution photos and demonstrates areas of aging and sun damaged skin. After your digital facial scanning we can discuss proper SkinCeutical products and laser facial rejuvenation procedures that would correct your skin conditions.At the office of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa- we can create an effective skincare regimen that is tailored to every unique skin type and condition. Our staff can prescribe additional in-office treatments that make it possible to achieve one’s skincare goals. Think of us as an essential partner for healthy, beautiful skin. Please contact our office at (817) 473-2120 for further information or questions.
Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Mark A. Bishara, M.D., serving Fort Worth, Arlington, and the surrounding area.
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