Taking Care of Your Winter Skin

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Seven out of ten people believe that skin care is something you should worry about only during the summer. After all, whatever could damage your skin during the winter? This misconception however, could lead you to neglect skin care for months, thus triggering a series of ski conditions or skin-related issues that could be prevented with proper care.

Why it should Matter that much

If you are having a hard time trying to understand why skin care should become a priority in the winter, take a look at these facts:

  • Higher risk: To begin with, when the temperature drops and the cold season settles in, skin is bound to become flaky and itchy. The reason behind these symptoms is weather-related. July is the coldest and driest month in Australia, with low temperatures and very little humidity. These conditions contribute to skin dehydration considerably. In addition, most households resort to many heating methods that hinder skin hydration even further. This causes skin to lose its natural moisture, leaving skin cells exposed to exterior factors without their natural protection.
  • Dangerous Fashion: As if all this natural phenomena were not enough, we punish our skin by wearing irritating materials, such as wool, tweed, nylon or rayon. In short, fashion could eventually kill you (or your skin).

Winter Skin Care: What you should know

Having mentioned the main causes of skin damage, we will now turn to useful tips that will help you maintain skin health all year round. You should apply any good gardener’s principle when it comes to taking care of your skin: provide humidity and set the groundwork until spring comes along.

Sensible Heating

We all enjoy the feeling of living in a warm cozy atmosphere. Nonetheless, avoid overheating. If 18 Cº is enough to help you feel comfortable, why set your thermostat at 24Cº? Do your budget and your skin a favor by keeping your house warm at sensible temperatures. After all, you should know that the higher the heating, the lower the humidity. This simple equation translates into drier, itchier skin.

Wear SPF all year round

Many people may find this hard to believe, but sun rays in the winter could be just as harmful as in the summer. Especially in higher areas, UV radiation gets worse, so make sure you are wearing the proper SPF for your skin type.  In fact, even if it does not snow in Australia, you should always wear SPF or make up with SPF at all times.

Use Moisturisers Regularly

This is no breaking news; everybody will agree that skin calls for extra moisturizing during the winter months. Keep lotion in your bag or in your desk drawer at work and re apply every time you feel your skin needs it. Remember hands take the worst part, so that they need extra protection.

Choose Clothing

Since irritating materials can contribute greatly to causing skin damage, stay away from rough or itchy materials, or else wear 100% cotton underneath regular winter clothes.

Follow these tips and your skin will be able to enjoy this season looking and feeling health: get ready to say goodbye to itchy, flaky skin.

 

 

 

How to Get Clear Skin

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Advanced Dermatology’s Tips of How to get Clear Skin

Many on us are on a mission to find out the secrets on how to get clear skin fast. Clear skin can be defined as skin that is free of acne, acne scars, blackheads and generally a clear complexion. This can be achieved by finding a skincare regimen that works well for the skin. This includes washing your face daily, exfoliating, wearing sunscreen, and taking care of the face in general.

When on a mission to find out the best ways on how to get clear skin, you should start by examining your skincare routine. The face should be washed twice per day, once in the morning and again at night. Look for a gentle cleanser. Use a soft washcloth or the fingertips to work the cleanser into the skin. A skin brush may also be used to deep clean the skin. The next step is a toner, which should be alcohol free. This will help to remove any residue that is left from the cleanser. The third step should include moisturising the skin. We recommended that those with oily skin use a light weight gel formula during the day, and possibly a heavier moisturiser at night. Those with normal or dry skin can use a heavier moisturiser if they wish. Remember that each night, all traces of dirt and makeup should be removed from the skin. Leaving makeup on overnight can clog the pores, which will only lead to more pimples.

One tip that is useful to know when finding out how to get perfect skin is to exfoliate the skin on a regular basis. This can be done a few times per week. Look for a product that is still gentle to the skin. Often times, smaller granules of the exfoliating product will be gentler.

Some of you may not realise that when they are on the search for how to get clear skin, you also need to think about sunscreen. Did you know that many acne products on the market today make the skin more susceptible to sun damage? This is why it is essential to wear a high quality sunscreen each day. An SPF of 30 or higher should be used.

If you have suffered from acne previously, and they have left scars, it is best to use a product that contains salicylic acid and licorice root, as these ingredients will fade the acne scars over time. It is equally as important to remember if acne do pop up, they should never be squeezed or popped. As tempting as it is to do, this will only lead to infection and possible scarring. Touching the face will also transfer the oils from the hands to the face, which will only help to clog the pores.

We recommended that in order to get clear skin, water be drank throughout the day to help keep the skin clear. Six to eight glasses is a great place to start. Cut out sugary drinks from the diet, and eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to help with clear skin. An individual should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night. To ensure that the skin is getting the most out of this, an individual should wash their pillowcases at least once during the week to remove any dirt and debris that may be trapped in the pillow case.

Early intervention is the key to clearing the skin. Look for a quality skin care line up to help intervene. One on the market today is the Advanced Dermatology skin care line. This six step lineup includes a daily cleanser, a youth serum, a night cream, a regeneration cream, a day cream, and an eye cream. This comprehensive skin care system is often what is desired when individuals are on the lookout for how to get clear skin.

Sun Safety Guide

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A Guide to Protecting your Skin from Sun Damage

Sun safety is something that every individual should know about. The sun can really damage the skin when it is exposed to it on a frequent basis. It is essential that when in the sun, the body be well protected, with either a sunscreen or a hat or lightweight clothing. This is especially applicable during the warmer months of the year. It’s also just as important to remember, even in winter the sun can still damage your skin, this is why it’s vital to protect your skin with an SPF even during the cold wintery months.

How to protect the skin

There are a number of things that an individual can do for sun safety. These include:

  • Wearing a high quality sunscreen. Sunscreen is one of the number one products that an individual will read about when learning about sun safety. Sunscreens come in different forms- creams, ointments, gels, sprays, lotions, wipes and lip balms. Sunscreen will help to protect against the sun’s rays. Many do not realise that sunscreen will only keep part of the sun’s rays from entering the skin. This is why it is essential to know about different forms of sun safety. It is recommended that a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 be worn. The sunscreen should have a broad spectrum protection, meaning it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. When applying sunscreen, be generous. It is recommended that about 35ml of sunscreen be applied to the entire body, paying close attention to the arms, legs, neck, ears, face and any other exposed skin. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors to allow plenty of time for it to soak in.
  • Wear a hat. A hat that has a 2 to 3 inch brim all the way around is the best hat as this will protect areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the ears, forehead, and nose. It is not recommended to wear a straw hat for sun safety as they are made of tightly woven fabrics.
  • Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses will not only protect the eyes but also the delicate skin around the eyes. Look for sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wrap around glasses will do a better job at protecting the eyes and skin from light that is coming in at different angles.
  • Seek shade when outdoors. One of the best things that a person can do for sun safety is to avoid the direct sunlight. Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, but if you must be outdoors at this time, seek shade.
  • Wear protective clothing. A great piece of advice for those that are looking for sun safety tips is to cover up the skin as much as possible. Look for lightweight clothing in darker colors, as the darker colors generally provide more sun protection than lighter colors.

Reverse Sun Damaged Skin

There are a few things that an individual can do to reverse sun damaged skin. Besides following the sun safety tips listed above, an individual can also exfoliate the skin. The skin will look smoother and healthier when loofahs, skin scrubs and alpha hydroxy acid are used. The skin should also be hydrated, so keep a moisturiser with AHA handy.

Sun Damaged Skin Treatments

If the skin is damaged by the sun, there are some sun damaged skin treatments that can be performed by a skin specialist. These include:

  • Chemical peels- The top layer of the skin is removed using chemicals so new skin can regrow.
  • Laser resurfacing- The top layer of the skin is removed with a laser beam to allow new skin to regrow.
  • Tretinoin- These creams and gels will reverse sun damage to the skin, working within a few weeks.
  • Tararotene- This retinoid product (vitamin A) has shown to be significant in reversing sun damaged skin.

At Advanced Dermatology we provide treatments for sun damaged skin so if you feel that you have been exposed to too much sun during the Summer months, give us a call or simple fill out the contact form and we will call you back.

 

Retin A Cream

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What is Retin A Cream?

Retin A Cream is a skin cream that is used to treat acne, wrinkles, and fine lines. Retin A Cream can help individuals clean out the pores and smooth out facial skin that is rough. This cream, which was approved by the FDA in the 1960s, is only available by the prescription of a doctor.

Retin A Cream exfoliates the skin, removing the trapped dead skin cells, which will stimulate the growth of new skin cells. When dead skin cells are removed, it is harder for acne to form. The pores will be unclogged by drying up excess oil that is forming on the skin.

Fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced when Retin A Cream is used as the cream will help new collagen to form. Applications of Retin A Cream will also help cell turnover speed up, which will not only smooth out the skin but also help with any discolouration of the skin.

What are the benefits of using Retin A Cream?

Using Retin A Cream can have many benefits. While it was originally prescribed by skin specialists for controlling acne, it was quickly discovered that patients using Retin A Cream had softer skin that appeared to look and feel smoother. The complexion also looked brighter and the skin looked younger. When used on a regular basis, Retin A Cream may also ward off certain types of skin cancer.

Retin A Cream has been used successfully by many individuals to help diminish the appearance of freckles, sunspots, and age spots.

Retin A Cream is often used by individuals when they are preparing to have laser resurfacing or facial surgeries. It may also be used after procedures to speed up the recovery time.

What are the side effects of Retin A Cream?

Retin A Cream can make the skin very sensitive to the sun. This will make the skin more likely to get sunburned. Always make sure that a high quality sun screen is applied to the skin before heading outdoors. Excessive drying of the skin may also occur when using Retin A Cream, which can cause peeling of the skin. It is important to note that since excessive drying may take place, Retin A Cream should only be used around the eyes and the mouth once every third night. The skin may also have excessive redness to it.

Excessive cold weather may make the skin irritated when using Retin A Cream. After applying Retin A Cream, an individual might notice a warm feeling where the cream was applied.

Rare side effects of using Retin A Cream include severe allergic reactions. These reactions may include tightness in chest, difficulty breathing, itching, rash, hives, severe redness, swelling of the mouth, lips or tongue, crusting and blistering of the skin. If any of these rare side effects are seen, an individual will want to get medical attention as soon as possible.

For the first two or three weeks of using Retin A Cream, the skin condition will often look worse compared to when first starting the cream. This is normal and the individual should continue using the cream.

Who is Retin A Cream suitable for?

Retin A Cream can be used by individuals that face struggles with acne, fine lines and wrinkles and ageing skin. It should not be used by pregnant woman as Retin A Cream may not be safe for the unborn baby. Those that are breast feeding should also avoid using Retin A Cream. An individual that is allergic to any ingredient in Retin A Cream should also refrain from using the product. Individuals that have sunburned skin should not use the cream until after the sunburn has fully healed.

Bio Oil Acne Scars

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What is Bio Oil, and How Does it Work?

Bio oil acne scars is a skin care product, composed largely of plant extracts — such as calendula, lavender, chamomile, and rosemary — and refined into a topically applicable oil. It is designed to improve the look of stretch marks, acne scars, other scars, and many other skin imperfections. Supposedly, it improves uneven skin tone, such as in the case of dark spots in ageing skin. It helps to heal and eliminate stretch marks and prevent them during pregnancy or any period of intense growth changes or sudden weight changes.

But one of bio oil’s biggest uses is the treatment of acne scars. Acne scars are blemishes, usually raised or depressed pits, caused by the existence of severe acne. They form when pimples are destroyed, damaging the skin and, as with any injury, the skin must deposit attempt to heal the area. Usually, this causes a deposit of collagen. Acne scars are usually caused by “popping” or otherwise irritating acne, and people with predispositions are much more likely to get acne scars. Especially inflammatory acne or acne that is not treated during its course are also key in the accumulation of acne scars. There is very little research to suggest that bio oil acne scars works and we encourage our clients to check out our other treatments that assist with acne scars. (We want to just point out that the best way to treat acne scars is to prevent them, to treat acne while it is present, so that scarring does not take place)

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Bio Oil for Acne Scars

Bio oil acne scars is common. Bio oil aims to help reduce the appearance of acne scars by hydrating the inflamed patches that may be involved. Bio oil does not, ultimately, aim to eliminate acne scars, or to prevent acne.

When using bio oil for acne scars, make sure to avoid the sensitive eye area (as with most any topical product). Bio oil can do wonders for the skin, mainly in the area of hydration. Unlike heavier oils like mineral oil, bio oil acne scars is fairly mild and dissolves into the skin more readily. However, it is an oil, and therefore can easily stain clothes or other fabric and take a while to completely be absorbed by the skin.

Because bio oil is made from gentle, natural extracts (oils), it should not clog pores, and is not thought to make acne or acne scars worse. However, the basic function of bio oil is to provide hydration through the oils. Usually, acne is caused by (or at least exasperated by) oily or oil prone skin. Bio oil might hydrate dry parts of skin, or help to aid healing or prevention of scars and stretch marks, but combating oil with oil may not be effective. It does not address the underlying cause of acne, nor the underlying cause and condition of acne scars.

So, is bio oil for acne scars really a legitimate method? Not really. It won’t hurt you to try, but the truth is, bio oil’s essential ingredients and basic functions do not do much for acne scars. As well, it will not prevent more acne or scars to develop. It is not advisable to use bio oil to combat acne or acne scars caused by excessively oily skin. Although it likely won’t exacerbate the situation, it doesn’t have the capability to improve it with any significance.

So What Else Is There?

There are a number of other treatments for acne scars, with similar levels of effectiveness. Below, we name a few and how they work.

Creams

Cortisone cream, or hydrocortisone cream, is a steroid based topical ointment. More specifically, corticosteroids. They target inflammation, rashes, and other minor skin conditions. Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation, most simply, which is what these creams do.

When used against acne scars, they aim to reduce the appearance and keep them from getting any worse. Although corticosteroids can have negative side effects, topical over the counter ointments usually are low concentration and don’t have significant negative consequences.

Fade creams, such as hydroquinone, aim to bleach skin in an effort to “fade” dark spots caused by acne scars. Like hydrocortisone cream, this is a topical over the counter remedy that can help to treat the appearance of acne scars. Other, less harsh treatments, such as the application of vitamin C, may also help improve and lighten skin in the presence of acne scars.

However, just like bio oil acne scars neither of these methods prove to yield any very definite results.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion involves the use of a burr, or a wire brush or harsh wheel, to abrade the top skin layer unlike the bio oil acne scars or the above mentioned creams. Basically, the first layer of the epidermis is scraped off, leaving the skin below exposed. By scraping and disturbing the skin, it hurts it, thereby forcing the skin to regrow a new layer. This can be used to treat skin almost anywhere on the body, and to help remove scars, but is usually used on the face, and is often used to treat acne scars.

The extent of dermabrasion depends on each individual case and its severity. Recovery from this procedure also depends on the severity of the treatment. After, it is important to keep the area from getting irritated, and to clean it regularly to prevent infection.

This method is somewhat extreme, and, to some, yields more negatives than positives.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments, like laser skin resurfacing, is a newer method that is uniquely effective for the treatment of acne scars. It can also be used for treating other scars and wrinkles, to improve overall complexion and skin tone, and skin blemishes like sun spots associated with ageing. At Advanced Dermatology we recommend the Fractional Laser Treatment for acne scars, safest and most effective laser treatment.

Laser treatment will either target collagen, triggering the skin to create more — in order to fill and smooth out acne scars — or destroy the scar itself, allowing smooth skin to take its place. Either way, it is more effective than bio oil dermabrasion, creams, or most any other treatment for acne scars.

Treatment is quick and not at all painful, non-invasive, and overall better than other acne scar removal methods.

As well, unlike dermabrasion, there is no damage to the surface of the skin. It can only take one treatment, although sometimes a few more depending on the severity of the scarring. Your skin will come out literally like new after laser treatment — the definitive treatment for acne scarring.

Hydroquinone

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Hydroquinone is a skin lightener.  It can be used to lighten melasma, liver or age spots, or freckles that have been caused by injury to the skin, birth control pills or hormone medication. The medication is applied to the skin and will essentially block the process it takes to make the skin dark.  It can also be applied for reducing blemishes.  Hydroquinone is also referred to as quinol, 4-diol, or benzene-1.

There are side effects to taking Hydroquinone.  These would include a mild burning, stinging sensation, dryness to the skin, and redness.  If these symptoms occur, it is best to contact your doctor or pharmacist if they do not go away or if they get worse.  Many that use this medication do not have side effects or they are minimal.

Should your skin crack or blister, one will need to stop using the medication immediately.  Call your doctor right away if your skin darkens to a blue-black colour.

Rarely, people taking hydroquinone will have severe reactions.  These would include a rash, itching or swelling that usually takes place in the face, throat or tongue, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness. If any of these symptoms are present, one will need to seek medical attention immediately.

If your doctor has prescribed Hydroquinone to you, be upfront with your medical background.  Make it a point to tell your doctor if you suffer from asthma, or have any skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema. If you are pregnant, do not use unless directed to by your physician.  It is not known at this time if hydroquinone will pass into breast milk, so if you are breast feeding, it is best not to use this.

One thing to note is that using Hydroquinone as a skin lightening agent will cause the skin to become very sensitive. One should be sure to wear a high quality sun screen to reduce the damage the sun has on the skin.  Avoid being in the sun as much as possible.  Do not use a tanning bed while you are applying hydroquinone to the skin.  Take care to wear protective barriers for the sun as well, such as a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses, or long sleeved  shirts.

Often times, Hydroquinone is combined with alpha hydroxy acids.  This is used to exfoliate the skin so the lightening process is quicker. More than likely, topical treatments will have 2% hydroquinone added to them but in prescriptions for hydroquinone, there may be up to 4% added.

When using Hydroquinone for the first time, it is essential to do a skin test.  To do this, apply a small amount to an area of unbroken skin.  Check the area within 24 hours to see if there are any signs you may be allergic to it. If the skin is puffy or blistered, or is red and itchy, discontinue use and contact your doctor.  Mild itching is normal, and in this case, the treatment may be applied to the desired area.

Remember it is always best to use this product as prescribed by your doctor.  Use only the amount prescribed.  Using too much of the product or using incorrectly could lead to unwanted skin lightening. This product is only intended for use on the skin.  Never get into the eyes, mouth or nose.  If this should happen, flush with cool water immediately.

Hydroquinone is a great treatment to use for skin lightening. If after 2 months of applying to the skin, there are no improvements in your skin, or the condition worsens, contact your doctor.  It is best to apply only twice a day, unless directed otherwise by your physician.

*Note that hydroquinone requires a prescription in Australia and therefore you should consult your doctor before making any decisions. This article is provided for educational purposes only.

Excess Skin after Weight Loss

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Gastric bypass surgery can perform miracles for those who are severely overweight, but it can cause some complications, and one of the most common is to have excess skin after weight loss that is very rapid. In such situations, patients tend to lose a lot of weight in a very short amount of time, which can cause significant amounts of sagging skin, because it cannot respond fast enough to the rapid decrease of tissue underneath. Excess skin after weight loss is most common in the arms, abdomen, and the buttocks, which can create unsightly rolls that are frustrating for those who have already lost the weight and want to see a change in their self image. However, there are several options to deal with loose skin, including skin removal surgery as well as non-surgical options. If you are dealing with excess skin after weight loss, make sure to carefully consider your options before jumping into action because you want to see rapid results. You’ve already come a long way, and it’s important to select a procedure that will help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted, and not hurt all the effort you’ve put into your transformation.

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Non-Surgical Options to Get Rid of Excess Skin after Weight Loss

While there are limited non-surgical options to get rid of excess skin after weight loss, there are several things you can do if you’re suffering from this issue. Over-the-counter skin firming lotions can help, as many of these lotions contain retinol, an ingredient that can boost collagen production and help tighten skin from beneath the surface. The effects of firming lotion will take some time to show, and it’s important that you keep your expectations realistic, especially if you use it on thicker sagging skin, such as the skin on the abdomen.

Another non-invasive way to tighten excess skin after weight loss is to tone your muscles. One of the reasons that skin sags after weight loss is that the fat that used to be underneath it is lost, leaving sagging skin. Toning your muscles and building up new muscle will replace the fat beneath the skin and help to keep it firm. It is important to work with your doctor when you start building muscle, as you will want to start out slowly with lifting small weights and doing other toning exercises. This will take time, but you will see results within several months and this natural way may be a safer option for losing excess skin after weight loss than surgery.

Surgical Options

If you have severe excess skin after weight loss that is affecting your ability to walk properly, exercise, or that is causing skin sores, your doctor may recommend skin removal surgery. During this procedure, you will be put under general anesthesia and the doctor will surgically remove the extra skin and then stitch the area where it was removed so that it no longer sags. This is a common surgery for gastric bypass patients who have an “apron” of excess skin after weight loss on their abdomen that muscle toning will not address.

Another option that you may consider to get rid of excess skin after weight loss is to undergo body sculpting. This kind of surgical procedure will lift sagging skin in the arms, breasts, and buttocks. This is a surgical procedure, and it is important that you are in good health and that your weight loss has stabilized. During body sculpting surgery, skin will be both repositioned and/or removed; depending on how much is present and the kind of result you want to achieve. In addition, the incisions that are necessary for this type of surgery may be quite long and not always easy to hide. If you do not want to deal with any type of scarring, this may not be your best option for getting rid of excess skin after weight loss.

7 Signs That You have Gone TOO far with your Beauty Enhancements

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7 Signs That You have Gone TOO far with your Beauty Enhancements

We all wish we had Scarlett Johansson’s lips, the body of Jennifer Lopez, and the hip-shaking dance moves of Shakira. But most of us weren’t born with these blessings. Most of us have to work for weeks in the gym to get rid of a pound of unwanted tummy fat. We have minor procedures done, and do our best to follow the latest trends. But sometimes, the trends are misleading. And sometimes, we take them too far. Here are 7 signs that your natural beauty is not shining through:

Number 1: Fake Tans

Tanning-Treatements

Yes, the tanning bed is bad for you on a number of counts, but shining yourself up with spray tans is not the solution. Having spray tans applied every other day can leave you with the glow of Snooki and leave your brand new white jeans orange.

Number 2: Butt Boosters

7 Signs That You have Gone TOO far with your Beauty Enhancements - Advanced Dermatolgoy

Instantly enhancing your backside in hopes of getting curves like Beyonce is one high hope!  It’s all good until you find yourself on a beach trying to strut that same luscious booty in your bikini. Or until you want to get it on with that special someone. I hope he doesn’t feel your butt booster!

 

Number 3: The Duck Face.

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We all can agree that a little pouty face from a 4 year old is cute, but unless you are under the age of 10, “The Duck Face” pout pose is entirely absurd and truly is not flattering.

 

Number 4: “The Duck Face” as a Result of Over-filling Lips with Collagen or Fillers.

“The Duck Face” as a Result of Over-filling Lips with Collagen - Advanced Dermatology

There is such thing as too much. If your collagen injections become more frequent than your paychecks, you may be over doing it. And if your lips come together to form a duck face pose without attempting, it’s time to give it a break (and potentially find a new cosmetic specialist).

Number 5:  Too Much Perfume.

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Women, naturally put off a scent to attract men. A scent that, to many men, is completely irresistible even though they don’t even know it. But, still women overkill with the perfume!  You naturally have the ability to attract the male species. Don’t ruin it with those fake floral scents that make it difficult for those of us around you to breathe.

Number 6: Obnoxious, Ridiculous Nails

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We were all in grade school at one time. It was fun to have glitter-covered, bright, fun nail décor. But after high school that’s no longer acceptable.  Stick to the subtle nail colors and nail designs. Minimalism is attractive.

Number 7: Dying Your Hair the Opposite Color of Your Eyebrows

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I loved dyed, highlighted, fun, crazy hair. But when you try to go be platinum blonde and you naturally have black hair… stop. Heed my advice and refrain from those drastic changes; it doesn’t match! Keep what works for you naturally.

 

 

 

 

If the above 7 tips apply to you, you are ready for a “make-under”. Take steps to tone it down. I can guarantee that you will love your new, elegant, demure self, and so will those around you.

 

Clinical Downtime vs Social Downtime

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Clinical Downtime vs. Social Downtime

 

In this week’s clinical roundtable we are breaching a subject of common confusion – that of post-surgery downtime. The benefit offered by surgical and non-surgical procedures need to be balanced with the risks involved, and we know that many people are confused about this subject; and rightly so. 

It’s a subject close to our hearts, because we’ve tried and tested every worthwhile cosmetic technology since the advent of the first cosmetic “ruby” laser in 1997, and the very first version of the (now household) anti-wrinkle toxin injection approved by the FDA in 2002. In the process we’ve taken in all sorts of manufacturer claims. Some true; some false. Each involved various degrees of downtime, in either of the forms we outline below.

Downtime means different things to different people and is used liberally in our industry. Downtime historically meant the time that the patient was down due to clinical wound care. As devices and procedures progressed, a new term was created to qualify the type of downtime – social downtime. Today, downtime is broken into two groups – clinical and social. Clinical downtime, which is what most of us think of when we think of downtime, involves some sort of non-functional period, or when applied to a cosmetic setting, a period that requires wound care. Social downtime does not require non-functional bed time or wound care, but is a period of time when a patient may prefer to avoid social settings for cosmetic reasons.

We know patients find these classifications confusing, so in next week’s clinical roundtable we’ll offer some examples of each and review some of the latest advancement in no-downtime surgery.

Skin Food: Pomegranate

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Skin Food: Pomegranate

Pomegranates are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods, says Dr Sarah Freilich at Advanced Dermatology. “Recent research shows that they provide potent molecular defence and makes us less susceptible to free radical damage”.

Eat some fresh or use it as an age-fighting facial scrub. Available all year round, Pomegranates are one of our favourite fruits in Advanced Dermatology’s anti-ageing tool-kit.

Research has shown that Pomegranate has incredible anti-microbial, anti-ageing, and anti-inflammatory properties. These go a long way in encouraging super radiant skin, both when eaten and applied topically onto the skin. It also makes a great home-made face scrub. Keep reading for more tips.

 Pomegranate juice anyone?

Recent research shows that pomegranate fruit’s juice has more anti-inflammatory antioxidants than green tea and red wine. Its popularity has seen pomegranate juice available from most local supermarkets, but why not make some yourself? Most of us are afraid of the pomegranate eating challenge but this tip will help: try separating the rind from the seeds by opening up the Pomegranate, dividing it into quarters and then soaking them in water for 15 minutes. Most of the seeds will fall to the bottom making them much easier to separate, and those that don’t will be easier to remove as well. Then throw the seeds into your juicer or blender for a super antioxidant rich drink. We prefer using a high-powered blender over a juicer, because we find that it keeps more of the important nutrients in place. Here’s our technique:

1. Following our separation method above place separated seeds into a blender.
2. Pulse the seeds a few times to break away the juice. Don’t blend them for long period because this will cause too much seed breakage and cloud the juice.
3. Use a straining mesh to strain the pomegranate, leaving the seed pulp in the strainer.
4. Using either a potato masher or the back of a spoon push against the seed pulp left in the strainer to leash out as much of the remaining pomegranate juice as possible.
5. Pour out into a glass and serve chilled!

 Medicine of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks!

The pomegranate fruit is one of the oldest medicine remedies known to man. First documented in Egyptian texts over 3,500 years ago for its ability to treat a whole host of disease. Medical Physicians in ancient Greece prescribed the pomegranate fruit juice as a treatment for viruses, circulation disorders, digestion problems and arthritis. The fruit also has a lot of symbolism for the ancient Persians and significant meaning in the Jewish faith, being mentioned a number of times in the Torah.

More recently, it’s polyphenol and antioxidant properties have been studied extensively by scientists with some interested discoveries. The most studied of the polyphenols within Pomegranate is known as Ellagic acid, a powerful free radical scavenger it protects our DNA by increasing the body’s own in built antioxidant molecule, glutathione. It’s long been known that increasing Gluthione can have profound health and longevity benefits. These findings are so profound that some of the leading skincare brands have started incorporating it into their own skincare.  We’ve tested and reviewed many of these products at Advanced Dermatology, and find that the doses are usually not sufficient enough (sometimes as low as 1%) to produce a desired result.

 Homemade Pomegranate Beauty Scrub

Here’s a quick face scrub idea you can use to apply to your skin once a week to exfoliate away dead skin cells and provide a super dose of skin restoring anti-oxidant nutrients into your skin.

1. Cut open a pomegranate and break away the seeds (don’t forget our handy hint mentioned above to help you do separate the seeds from the rind).
2. Using a blender or food processor combine three heaped tablespoons of the pomegranate seed fruit with 1 cup of cooked oatmeal, 2 tablespoon of extra virgin organic olive oil and 1 tablespoon of raw honey (antiseptic).
3. Apply to the face for a 10-15 mins then rinse with warm water.

As you’ve discovered there are a lot of benefits to eating pomegranate, both eaten and applied to the skin. We hope you enjoyed our tips and would like to invite you to share your tips or thoughts in our comment sections below.  Spread the word by sharing  and recommending this post to your friends.