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

We are truly partners in your anti aging goals. While I can provide wonderful youth restoring results with plastic surgery and injectables, you need to take measures to protect and preserve your skin. Taking care of your skin will help you to have the best and longest lasting results from your procedures. Proper skin care strengthens the skin and slows down the signs of aging in between treatments.

Here are a few of the ways to maintain healthy skin:

• don’t smoke
• manage stress
• drink lots of water
• always use sunscreen
• eat healthful, antioxidant rich foods
• use high quality, science based skincare every day

PROTECTING SKIN WITH SKINCARE
It is crucial to take care of your skin in between treatments. With all of the environmental threats to your skin, you need to use some of the most cutting edge, scientifically based skin care to help protect and preserve your skin. SkinMedica is the brand I recommend and offer through my office.

WHY SKINMEDICA?
Advanced formulas with decades of scientific research and proven results behind them.
Many formulas contain the unique, patented complexes:
*APS Corrective Complex – a patented mixture of antioxidants, peptides and other innovative ingredients that synergistically improve the overall appearance of skin.
*TNS Recovery Complex – formulated from naturally occurring growth factors, antioxidants, soluble collagen, cytokines and matrix proteins (93.6% concentration.

*Does not conduct product testing on animals.*

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
With all the skincare products on the market, it can be hard to know what you need. Who better to help you than a physician like myself? If I’ve performed any procedure on you, we’ve had a consultation. Because of this, I have a knowledge of your health, your anti aging goals and the condition of your skin, therefore I can make a “tailored” recommendation just for you.

These are some of my favorite SkinMedica products:

1. TNS Essential Serum … offers multi functional performance to lighten, tighten, and brighten skin. This all in one formula has clinical studies that demonstrate improvements to the appearance of skin tone, texture, coloration, fine lines and wrinkles. It combines SkinMedica’s renowned growth factor formula, TNS Recovery Complex and APS Corrective Complex.
2. TNS Eye Repair … provides both prevention and improvement to wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes. This product contains TNS, chelating agents, light diffusers, as well as vitamins C and E.
3.  Rejuvenative Moisturizer … hydrates and improves fine lines. It protects against free radical damage and keeps skin soft and supple with Hyaluronic Acid, vitamins C, E, and Retinyl Palmitate.

4.  Retinol Complex 0.5% … deep wrinkle treatment regenerates skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines. Retinol should be a part of most everyone’s skincare routine.
5. Lytera … addresses pigmentation, redness and dull skin. Look for a brighter more even skin tone in 4 weeks.
6. Vitamin C&E Complex … offers powerful protection against free radical damage and helps improve skin tone.
To learn more about which SkinMedica products would be best for you, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon