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

COSMETICS containing Mercury are poisonous.  A new FDA update begs your attention. Many face creams manufactured out of country and sold in the US, illegally contain mercury. Mercury causes serious health problems such as kidney and nervous system damage, poor brain development in the unborn and very young children, breathing/respiratory issues and much more.  Children are exposed simply by touching their mommies and putting fingers into their mouths or by breathing in vapors.  ONE EXAMPLE:  A 39 year old woman from California presented with 100 times more than the average amount of mercury in her urine and symptoms of mercury poisoning.  For three years, she and her husband had been using an unlabeled face cream brought in from Mexico.  Other immediate family members (one 4 year old), who did not use the cream, also had elevated levels of mercury.  Virginia, Maryland and New York have reported similar cases.  Mercury containing products have been found in 7 states so far.  Recent FDA investigations  revealed 35 products with unacceptable levels of mercury.

Products most likely to contain mercury:  skin lighteners, anti aging treatments, acne products, lotions and potions to remove age spots, freckles, blemishes and wrinkles. These are frequently sold online and in Latino, Asian, African or Middle Eastern communities.   Other names for mercury:  mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, mercurio or mercury.  Avoid them!  Stop using them if you are using them!

Talk with Nora at DAVinci…she can help you find the right products and skin care regimen for your specific needs.

MEDICAL TOURISM UPDATE:  We enjoy many, many international patients here at DAVinci.  They travel to us for the “Premium” procedures offered and because they know we are educated, trained, skilled, qualified and board certified.  They come because they  can place their confidence and trust in us.  They know we perform only within our realm of expertise, using the safest, yet most advanced techniques and world class technology.  They come because they have experienced the outstanding results and…they bring friends and family members from all over the world.  DAVinci has earned that trust and the privilege of serving so many wonderful people!  My patients have good outcomes and amazing experiences. This is not always the case with medical travel…read on.

SAD TALE of TWO WOMEN!  Two women took a trip to Mexico in hopes of saving $$$$ on plastic surgery costs in the US.  They were excited about getting Tummy Tucks and Breast Augmentations until it was too late.  Both were excited about the discounts for plastic surgery in Tijuana.  They both knew it was too good to turn down.  The YouTube presentation filmed at Jerusalem Hospital in Tijuana was exciting. They went, they saw and they had surgeries.  The excitement turned to horror when the bandages came off and one of the women saw skin hanging out of her incisions.  Within two weeks both women required medical treatment and hospitalization…one was near death.  They have survived and want other women to take heed!  They ignored certain signs and trusted medical people who clearly were not qualified. Enough said.

BOARD CERTIFICATION…in the United States does not guarantee specific outcomes.  It does ensure that the surgeons’ training is beyond the norm, with honed skills, a vast knowledge base, and years of experience.  Please choose carefully…here at home.  The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has a find a surgeon option on their website.  If travel to DAVinci is not an option…find a qualified surgeon in your area using this website.

Fall is here!  Are you ready for the Holidays?  Need Brotox, Mommy Makeover, Daddy DoOver, anti aging facial treatments…and so much more.  Come and see me.

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”