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Don't Fry Day- Tomorrow- May 23, 2014

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention Encourages Everyone to Protect Your Skin Today and Every Day

The National Council Declares the Friday before Memorial Day, May 23, 2014 is “Don’t Fry Day” To Encourage Sun Safety Awareness
To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. Because no single step can fully protect you and your family from overexposure to UV radiation, follow as many of the following tips as possible:

  • Do Not Burn or Tan
  • Seek Shade
  • Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
  • Generously Apply Sunscreen
  • Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand
  • Get Vitamin D Safely

As warm weather approaches and millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors, the risk for ultraviolet (UV) damage of the skin increases. Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States, and the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 76,250 new cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and more than two million new cases of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers in the U.S.
Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable if found early and can be prevented. Remember to Slip! Slop! Slap!…and Wrap when you’re outdoors — slip on a shirt, slop on broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap on sunglasses. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.
Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Individuals with lighter-toned skin are more susceptible to UV damage, although people of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, plenty of moles or freckles, or a history of severe sunburns early in life are at a higher risk of skin cancer as well. To minimize the harmful effects of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, protection from intense UV radiation should be a life-long practice for everyone.
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is a united voice to reduce skin cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, through awareness, prevention, early detection, research, and advocacy.

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

 

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Get Summer Skin

The first official day of summer is only eight weeks away, which means you have just enough time to whip your skin-and the rest of your body-into shape. Whether you need to tighten up, nourish or just get your good habits back on track, here are four excellent ways to treat your skin now so you’ll be ready to glow this summer:
Add antioxidants
Consuming and applying certain antioxidants, especially vitamin C, will actually boost your skin’s strength against the sun’s damaging rays. Grab a high-quality vitamin C serum to add to your daily skin-care regimen, and eat plenty of berries, beans, nuts, citrus and green veggies to add protection from the inside out.
Nourish dry skin
If you naturally have dry skin, the hot summer months can make it even worse. A great way to boost your hydration levels is with an oxygen-based facial that deeply delivers moisture to the lower layers of skin. You’ll notice a difference right away in the way your skin looks and feels. Day-to-day, use a toner to activate your skin’s natural oils, which will improve dry skin over time.
Tighten up your skin
You have just enough time to schedule a series of skin-tightening procedures that use near infrared, which is used to tighten the stomach, love handles and arms. You’ll need four to six once-a-week sessions to see results.
Start good habits
Eight weeks is plenty of time to see a real difference in your body through good diet and exercise, especially when paired with good sleep and a stringently followed skin-care plan. Cut back on simple carbs, especially sugar, and fit in five cardio sessions a week, plus two strength-training workouts.
This Information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
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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
 
 

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What's Your Sun Safety IQ?

As summer is soon approaching, and we are out in the sun more and more, we want to educate patients on sun-safe behaviors and the selection and use of sunscreen for maximum protection.
 
Here are three important points to remember when shopping for and using sunscreen this summer.
1. Make sure your sunscreen is labeled “BROAD SPECTRUM” meaning it protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Both UVA and UVB radiation contribute to the sun’s damaging effects, which include sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging.  The best sunscreen offers protection from ALL UV light.
2. Choose an SPF or 15 or higher — only broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher can state that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging (when used as directed).
3. Use sunscreen early and often. Apply a good sunscreen liberally, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. That term is no longer allowed on labels. Any claims of water resistance must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.
But wait, there’s more! While knowing how to select and use the proper sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the sun, these additional sun safety measures should be part of your routine this summer.

  • Avoid sun burns, intentional tanning, and use of tanning beds
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand
  • Get vitamin D safely through food and supplements.

Enjoy your summer, but don’t let it damage or prematurely age your beautiful skin!
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

 

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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

 

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