It’s About Moisture…

Cold, dry winter weather can really cause irritation, discomfort and… can age the skin if proper care isn’t taken. You invest in your skin with cosmetic surgery and non invasive procedures, so it is important to take extra care of your skin…especially when the weather is extreme.  Here are some age defying tips to help you keep your skin healthy and feeling great in all kinds of weather!

Conserve Moisture
There are many habits that can strip out the moisture from your skin. This dryness can be painful, itchy and contributes to skin-aging by stripping moisture. So – work on replenishing this lost moisture using a few simple steps:

First…some habits to avoid – and some to do:
….Hot showers or baths removes the natural lubrication and oil on the skin. Although a hot shower always feels good after coming in from the cold, try to keep it short and not too hot.
…..Cleansers and toners, containing harsh ingredients, strip your skin of natural oil. Real sudsy cleansers usually have a surfactant like sodium laurel sulfate, and the acetone in many toners can be too harsh, along with already dry conditions.

…..Use mild cream or gel cleansers and toner with no alcohol this time of year.
Sipping hot coffee and tea is so comforting when it’s cold out, but beware the dehydrating effects they can have. Most people only think to drink lots of water when they’re sweating and hot, but cold, windy air can be just as dehydrating for your skin. So, drink lots of pure water everyday!

Moisture Reinforcement
Not only do you need to be on the defensive when it comes to protecting your skin (during the winter) by not participating in certain drying habits, but you need to be on the offense to add the extra help it needs this time of year. Here are some ways to add moisture reinforcement for your skin:

…..Running the heat in a home strips the air of any moisture -counter this by adding a little water vapor back to your home’s air with a humidifier.
…..Diligently use moisturizer morning and night… your face and hands are most exposed to the elements, but don’t neglect the rest of your body.
…..Exfoliate gently to remove the dull dead skin build up … then you must moisturize that fresh new skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
…..Continue using sunscreen. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent UV rays. As skiers and snow sports enthusiasts know, you can get a sunburn in the winter.
…..Eat foods that encourage your skins moisture retention... rich in essential fatty acids like salmon and other “healthy fats” found in avocados and coconut oil.

I hope these tips help you save your skin this winter. We also offer medical grade, physician prescribed skincare, SkinMedica, which effectively addresses many skin issues and is essential for healthy skin maintenance. Stop by our office or visit our website www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Aging & environmental factors slow down skin cell functions… Obagi transforms skin by restoring skin cell function. 

The Obagi system combines specially developed products with medical supervision and counseling to treat your skin from the inside out. Obagi products penetrate below the surface of your skin to stimulate cell renewal, improve circulation and help to restore your skin’s natural moisture.  It also works on the surface to smooth roughness and to correct damage that results in uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation. Obagi is what I recommend to my patients of all ages…in all of life’s stages.  Ask Nora in our SPA about the right Obagi system for you

CONSIDER THIS ABOUT OBAGI SKIN CARE SYSTEMS:

• Obagi Accelerates cell turnover in skin with moderate to severe sun damage.
• Obagi  achieves brighter Photolumines skin with mild to moderate sun damage
• Obagi Pro-C Serums provide daily anti-oxidant protection
• Obagi CLENZIderm MD provides effective acne therapy treatment
• Obagi has a system for every skin type…since one product does not work for every face!

 HOW OBAGI SYSTEMS WORK:  In damaged skin the stratum corneum is thick and dehydrated, skin cells are misshapen and disorganized, excess melanin causes freckles and age spots while collagen and elastin fibers become weaker and more damaged. Healthy skin cells function normally when there is continual renewal of old, dead cells which are simultaneously replaced by fresh healthy cells being pushed to the surface.  This makes the skin’s surface smoother and naturally hydrated – while age spots seem to disappear, melanin is more evenly distributed to prevent the appearance of new, fresh spots. The healthy skin is rich in collagen which promotes resilience and firmness.  All these functions work together to keep the skin acting younger and healthier.

THE FOUR PHASES OF OBAGI TRANSFORMATION:

There are four phases of skin transformation experienced by every person who uses Obagi – without exception.  They are:

Phase 1 – Out with the old – Obagi penetrates to the deepest dermal level to correct signs of  aging and acne flares.  Old, dead cells are pushed up and replaced with fresh new ones. Itching dryness and redness occur as the skin adapts to the prescription strength ingredients.  (Weeks 1-6)

Phase 2 – In with the new – Healthy new cells are producing, pigment/melanin become more evenly distributed, collagen is stimulated – smoother, softer, clearer skin appears. (Weeks 7-12)

Phase 3 – Healthy glow – Skin cells are in transformation process, collagen production continues, skin is clearer, firmer and tighter – with a healthy glow, natural hydration, even color and more resilience.   (Weeks 12-18)

Phase 4 – The new you!  – Your skin is transformed – it looks and acts younger and healthier. With continued use you can expect FABULOUS blemish free skin all the time!