There are certain foods that tax the body which we should generally avoid but definitely cut out while cleansing.  Animal Products like meat, poultry, fish, eggs and especially dairy are hard for the body to process or digest and can wreak havoc on your intestines. Sugar, alcohol and caffeine can lead to unstable energy levels throughout the day and gluten, which is found in wheat and a few other grains, can cause inflammation.

Maybe you have recently felt compelled to try to do a cleanse.  Maybe the thought of doing one scares you a little or you feel that you aren’t up to a challenge.  Not all cleanses are terribly difficult but they are extremely personal.  It takes commitment, at least a little perseverance and an honest belief in why you are doing it. You may decide to start slow or you may jump right into austere measures to achieve your cleansing goals, but there are a few helpful tips that repeat cleansers, like me, have come up with to support our fellow cleansers.

1. First things first, if you can, get rid of any foods in the house which are not on your cleanse regimen. Hide them or put them away, out of reach, where you won’t be tempted.
2. Do it with a friend! It always helps to have a shoulder to lean on. When you’re feeling stressed out or just having a weak moment, reach out. There are also lots of sites online where people come together to chat about their experiences and show support.
3. Ease into it! Start cutting out problematic foods from your diet prior to cleansing.  A slow transition will make it easier to attain your goals.
4. Prepare! It helps to prepare any food you may be having during the day in advance. Don’t wait until you’re starving! Also, prepare for social occasions. Bring your snacks or meals with you if you can or make sure there will be something accessible for you while you’re out. Many shops carry healthier food choices these days, like raw veggies, fresh fruit or nuts.
5. DRINK WATER!!!!! At least 64 ounces per day. You can include most herbal teas in the tally but it is essential to hydrate. Water helps remove waste from your cells, it flushes out your system and aids in the metabolism of fat.
6. Exercise at least 4 times a week until you sweat. Sweating helps remove toxins through the skin. This will speed the cleansing process and make you feel better sooner.

Although I have not set a start date for my next cleanse, I am working on doing one within the next couple of weeks. I will be doing an Isagenix 9-day cleanse which has worked really well for me in the past. My goal is to lose 10 lbs. and to detoxify my system. I like the Isagenix 9-day cleanse because it is not a fasting cleanse or strictly liquid and it provides me with all my nutritional needs. My skin really glows afterwards and of course, I feel terrific. I am looking forward to keeping you posted on my progress with this endeavor and from hearing more about your cleansing experiences.

Nicole at Lifetime Laser

Hello again.  Here we are in the thick of winter and even though it has been pretty mild, I’m sure most of us are combating the irritating dryness of our winter skin. There are many reasons why our skin can become dry and I found a terrific article online with a great summary of these causes.  I have included it in this blog because I found it also has excellent advice on how to treat dry skin. Here at Lifetime Laser, as you know, we carry PCA Skin products, a professional skincare line with the best moisturizers I have ever used.

Not all moisturizers can be considered equal.  Just because a lotion is thicker does not mean it has a greater hydrating effect.  A lightweight formula with the right ingredients can be even more effective than its counterpart.  Quality ingredients are important and should be what you are looking for in a moisturizer.  Richer creams generally prevent moisture from evaporating while using ingredients like lanolin and petrolatum.  Lighter creams use humectants like hyaluronic or lactic acid to pull and hold moisture in to the skin.

PCA Skin’s “Body Therapy” uses 12% lactic acid in its formula which dramatically increases hydration and encourages cellular exfoliation like no other moisturizer. We also carry other wonderful PCA Skin moisturizers and serums with quality ingredients such as marigold, lemongrass, vitamin A and shea butter. Formulas with collagen stimulators like the phytohormone, genistein and antioxidants are also very effective.

We are currently running a special on “C-Quench Antioxidant Serum” an antioxidant serum which provides skin strengthening for the face, neck and chest.  Its humectants ingredients help the skin attract and hold moisture. Its advanced blend of antioxidants fights free radicals, smoothes fine lines, minimizes pores and plumps and strengthens the skin.  We regularly sell this product for $74.00 but this month it is on sale for $56.00.

I encourage you to read the following article and to visit our website for all of our latest specials. For more information on these products or to purchase, I have provided this link to our online Lifetime Laser Store.  Hope to see you soon!

 http://www.lifetimelaserstore.com/body-therapy/

http://www.lifetimelaserstore.com/vitamin-c-topicals/

Winter Skin Survival Guide

By Stacey Colino

Learn how to prevent and combat the worst winter skin symptoms.

Facts About Dry Skin

Dry, irritated skin is your body’s way of sending an SOS signal―and it’s not just a matter of comfort. “Well-moisturized skin provides a barrier that keeps out infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and it protects against friction,” explains Kelly M. Cordoro, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville. With a little knowledge, you can answer your skin’s distress call and enjoy a smooth season.

Skin Basics
The skin’s moisture levels are controlled by lipids, oily substances produced by the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. An epidermis that is deficient in lipids allows water to escape from the skin and evaporate, causing dryness.

Skin regenerates on a monthly cycle. It sheds the dead, flattened cells that lie on its surface to make room for new, living cells to rise. “If the dead cells don’t shed as quickly as they should, thick, dry skin can form,” says D’Anne M. Kleinsmith, a dermatologist in West Bloomfield, Michigan. This further impairs the skin’s normal barrier function. Environmental irritants such as bacteria can then sneak in, causing inflammation.

Some body parts are more prone to dryness than others, depending on their concentration of oil glands. The greatest concentrations are on the face (especially around the forehead and the nose), the chest, and the back, which all tend to have little trouble with dryness. The lower legs have few oil glands, which is why they dry out so easily. Lips have none, and unlike the skin on the rest of the body, lip tissue has no thick, protective outer layer, either. They are also constantly moisturized by saliva, then dried by breathing, which has an evaporative effect. Evaporation also dries out hands (from washing) and feet (from sweating). The thicker skin on elbows and knees has trouble retaining water, and its constant exposure to friction is also drying.

Hydration is important not only for skin’s health but also for its appearance, says New York City dermatologist Doris J. Day: “When skin is dehydrated, it droops and sags. It looks older, and wrinkles are more pronounced.”

Causes of Dry Skin

Many different factors cause dry skin.  Here are the most common.

Age: As estrogen production decreases in women, particularly as menopause nears, the skin produces fewer lipids. As you get older, cell turnover also slows down, resulting in more flakiness.

Genes: Some people are more genetically predisposed to skin dryness than others. It could be as simple as having fewer oil glands. Or you could be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from eczema, a skin disorder that is often hereditary.

Weather changes: “Chilly temperatures, cold winds, low humidity, and dry indoor heat (particularly the forced-air type) cause water to evaporate from the skin because there is more water in your skin than in the air,” says Cherie Ditre, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Long, hot baths and showers: Too much washing strips the skin of its protective layer of oil, causing it to become dry. Then, as the water evaporates from the skin, it pulls more valuable moisture from the epidermis with it. Cleansing with harsh soaps can also strip lipids from the skin and increase water loss.

Smoking: Extremely toxic for the skin, smoking deprives the outer layers of oxygen and nutrients, as well as promoting premature wrinkling. In addition, “the smoke itself dries the skin’s surface,” says Jerome Z. Litt, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland.

Bundling up in woolen clothing: Scratchy materials can rub your skin the wrong way, disrupting the barrier that keeps moisture in and causing chapping.

Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, and some other conditions can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Some medications―including antihistamines, tamoxifen (for breast cancer), and certain antidepressants―also cause dryness.

How to Winterproof Your Skin

Slightly adjust your skin-care routine and daily habits to ward off dryness. Cleanse your face just once a day―at night, to remove dirt, impurities, and makeup―and simply rinse it in the morning. Alcohol dries the skin, so during the cold months, shelve products with high levels of alcohol, such as facial toners and astringents. Exfoliate your face and body once a week with a gentle scrub or a washcloth.

Take lukewarm showers and limit them to five minutes or less. “Just as you use hot water, soap, and scrubbing to get grease out of dishes, you can wind up removing natural oils from your skin by using these things during bathing,” says Barbara R. Reed, a dermatologist in Denver. If you prefer baths, add colloidal oatmeal, which is moisturizing, soothing, and particularly helpful if your skin is chapped.

Replenish the moisture that you remove from your skin by washing. Drinking plenty of water isn’t enough by itself. “If you are well hydrated, the skin will be healthier, but it does not make a difference to the outer layers of the skin,” says dermatologist Doris J. Day. “You still need to use a moisturizer on the surface.” During the colder months, moisturize your body at least twice a day―immediately after showering and before bedtime. “The drier your skin, the thicker the lotion should be,” Reed says. “If you are very dry, you should be dipping into a jar, not squirting lotion out of a bottle.”

Put on thin white cotton gloves over moisturized hands. It’s been said before, but this really works to heal very dry skin. Dampen your hands, apply a rich ointment, and then wear the gloves for a few hours. For rough patches, such as on elbows, lock in moisture with petroleum jelly.

Try a humidifier in your bedroom if you don’t have one in your central heating system. But be vigilant about keeping it clean: “Different molds, fungi, and bacteria can grow in a humidifier,” says Kelly M. Cordoro, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville. To prevent yours from becoming a germ haven, change the water daily and clean it every three days.

Cover up before heading outside. Leather gloves keep hands from chapping (the leather provides a better barrier to moisture evaporation than cotton), and wax-based products like lipstick and lip balm provide moisture and wind protection. Just as you shouldn’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water, don’t wait until your skin and lips are dry before moisturizing.

Time to Dose Up on D

Supplementing with vitamin D prevents drop in levels as winter approaches

Thought about your vitamin D status lately? As the winter months approach and the days get shorter in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun’s UVB rays weaken to a point that they’re not strong enough to activate vitamin D production in skin. Because of the sun being too high and the angle too oblique during some of the winter months for certain places, it becomes impossible to glean any vitamin D benefit, even if you were to stand outside stark naked!

It’s about this time when vitamin D levels begin to plummet for many of us. Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University Medical Center has been studying vitamin D for more than 35 years and defines this principle even more in his book The Vitamin D Solution (Isagenix interviewed Dr. Holick prior to the launch of his book; see the interview here).*

He writes that “where you live” can indeed determine whether or not you can make vitamin D from sun exposure. For example, people living at mid-latitudes (about 30 to 50 degrees) in San Francisco or New York City make virtually no vitamin D from November to February. Similarly, people living in high latitudes (about 50 to 75 degrees), or as north as Anchorage, Alaska or Stockholm, Sweden, can’t make any vitamin D from October to March.

Vitamin D levels can be dangerously low for many in northern countries, which has created the need to fortify foods (such as milk) to boost intake and levels of vitamin D to prevent deficiency and potential disease. However, recent research has determined that vitamin D from fortified and natural foods has proved insufficient for maintaining blood concentrations of active circulating vitamin D (25-hydroxy(OH)2D) above the recommended 30 ng/mL.

Earlier this year the Endocrine Society issued a “Task Force” led by Dr. Holick to establish clinical practice guidelines to maintain vitamin D consistently above the recommended level. To assist at-risk individuals with meeting recommended vtamin D levels, the Task Force issued new dietary intake recommendations that differ significantly from those given by the Institute of Medicine:

• Infants ages 0-1: 400-1,000 IU/day
• Children ages 1-18: 600-1,000 IU/day
• Adults ages 18+: 1,500-2,000 IU/day
• Pregnant or nursing women under 18: 600-1,000 IU/day
• Pregnant or nursing women 18+: 1,500-2,000 IU/day
• Obese children and adults: at least 2-3 times the recommendation for their age group
• Children and adults on anticonvulsants, antifungals, and AIDS medications: at least 2-3 times the recommendation for their age group

Winter is a long time to go without a vitamin-like hormone as critical as vitamin D, which the scientific literature consistently shows has a heavy hand in bone modeling, muscle function, immune health, heart health and overall healthy aging. The good news is that if you’re already taking Ageless Actives™ or Essentials for Men or Women™, then you will get the 2,000 IU per day that is recommended to keep vitamin D at concentrations high enough for optimal health.

A Quick Fix

Enhancing circulation has a positive impact on nearly all skin conditions. By increasing circulation in the skin we immediately reduce cutaneous bacterial content and revive the dull, lifeless complexion that often accompanies aging skin. Improved blood flow in the skin also accelerates the healing process, making it essential for inflamed skin conditions like Rosacea. Although many would not consider increasing circulation a common treatment method, it is one of the simplest ways to enhance results. Light manipulation of the skin, as with massage, is an excellent means of increasing circulation. In this circumstance a quick two to five minute massage will suffice and provide a healthy glow and added treatment benefits. Additionally, the topical application of selected ingredients can stimulate blood flow and follicular oxygenation. Ingredients such as niacin and fumaric acid trigger increased circulation within the skin, and topical oxygen sources such as benzoyl peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, deliver oxygen within the follicle for antibacterial benefits.

The New Oxygenating Trio

Come in to Lifetime Laser to pick up the new Oxygenating Trio.

This antioxidant therapy corrects and prevents free radical damage, as oxidative
and environmental stress is one of the more significant contributors to the aging
process. This three-step treatment helps stimulate cutaneous oxygenation and circulation, rejuvenating sluggish, stressed skin as it draws oxygen to the skin’s surface, resulting in radiant, healthy skin.

Key Ingredients:
Superoxide Dismutase
Fumaric Acid
Niacinamide
Hydrolyzed Candida Saitoana Extract
Hydrogen Peroxide
Lactic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Salicylic Acid

Coming of Age by Kristina Grish

Getting older isn’t about fighting time, but enjoying it. Here are 20 of the most surprising and inspiring tips on how to live a longer, healthier life.

1. Think young. Perspectives on Psychological Science recently published a study by Ellen Langer, Ph.D., a mindbody psychology professor at Harvard, about the correlation between how women look and feel after having their hair cut and colored. Salon subjects’ before and after shots were assessed by volunteers only, and those women who believed having their hair dyed made them look younger actually did look younger after the salon visit. Those who didn’t think they looked youthful with a new ’do didn’t appear so. The take-away? “Feeling young makes you look younger,” says Langer. “So act your inner age.”

2. Meditate. Ancient Taoists used meditation techniques to help maintain emotional balance, and thus good health, into old age. Cut to 2010, and Blue Cross-Blue Shield found factors that typically increase with aging—such as blood pressure, susceptibility to stress, insomnia and heart failure—actually decreased among meditators. Another recent study found that meditators have a 30 percent higher level of telomerase—the enzyme responsible for repairing telomeres, structures on the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration—than those who don’t meditate. (Each time a cell reproduces, telomeres become shorter and less effective at protecting the chromosome, and this is a cause of aging.) So, hit your meditation pillow—even if it’s just for a few minutes a day.

3. Be consistent in the kitchen. Don’t pay attention to your diet one minute, and then ditch your good-eating habits the next. “This can create a sugar imbalance, which causes confusion, headaches and fatigue—characteristic features of aging brain syndrome,” says Naheed Ali, M.D., author of Diabetes and You: A Comprehensive Holistic Approach (Rowman & Littlefield).

4. Stop multitasking . Cramming a lot of to-dos into a limited amount of time gives us the false impression that we’re über-efficient. But studies show chronic multitaskers have elevated cortisol levels, more incidences of depression and weaker immune systems—all of which can diminish cognitive prowess as we age. To reduce multitasking but still bang through your to-dos, jot down your tasks—but focus on three that have the biggest impact on your day or involve strategic thinking.

5. Eat your antioxidants.  These free radical foragers help delay aging and reduce vulnerability to cancer, heart disease and diabetes, so don’t just put them on your face. Keri Glassman, R.D., author of The O2 Diet (Rodale), calls these edible antioxidants “beauty foods”: dark chocolate (it contains cocoa flavanols that increase blood flow to the skin), salmon (its omega-3s prevent collagen breakdown and reduce skin-damaging inflammation) and green tea (it’s loaded with polyphenols that boost cell turnover to improve skin tone).

6.Give for giving’s sake.  “There’s nothing more health-giving than feeling useful and knowing you’ve helped someone else,” says Christiane Northrup, M.D., and author of the newly revised Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom (Bantam). “But far too many people give in order to get, and don’t know it. Giving out of a sense of obligation or because you feel as though it will earn you love or respect can be a health risk.” So, go ahead and do something nice for someone—without expectations of anything in return. And don’t forget to notice how great it feels.

7. Pump some iron . The typical American gains a pound of fat and loses a half pound of muscle yearly from the age of 30 to 60, says Desmond Ebanks, M.D., former assistant clinical professor of medicine at New York Medical College. “Loss of muscular strength is a major reason that elderly people lose mobility and independence,” he says. Ebanks suggests an interval-style resistance program for the most muscle-building benefits; brief but intense bouts of strength training, lasting 12 to 20 minutes, have also been shown to preserve telomeres.

8. Learn how to feel full.  Trimming calories can help reduce cellular inflammation, which drives the aging process by causing disturbances in hormonal signaling between cells, thus decreasing the efficacy of every organ in the body. “Reducing excess calories is only possible if you’re not hungry between meals,” says Barry Sears, M.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation. Reach for at least 3 ounces of low-fat protein at breakfast, lunch and dinner, which increase the release of satiety

9. Confide in a friend.  “We know regular social interaction has a significant effect on long-term brain health and function,” says Michael Roizen, M.D., a Cleveland-based internist and co-author of the bestselling You series (Rodale). “But you must also have friends with whom you can be intimate and vulnerable. You need to connect with your confidantes at least six times a month.” In a landmark Harvard University study of more than 56,000 women, the absence of a single confidante, as measured in physical decline, was equivalent to being in the highest category of obesity and being a heavy smoker.

10. Get a massage.  A good rubdown does more than lower stress and make you feel like a million bucks: A 2010 study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that Swedish massage can improve immune function, helping your body fight off everything from the common cold to cancer.

11. Move it.  New research from The Center for BrainHealth at the University of Texas at Dallas claims that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week, improves short-term memory by increasing blood flow to the medial temporal lobe—where memories are stored. Gettin’ physical also lengthens our telomeres, says Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D., founder and chief director of the institute, and the sooner you start, the better: Researchers recently found that women older than 70 who regularly exercised during middle age were in better health than those who didn’t.

12. Eat bitter.  Humans recognize six distinct tastes—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, savory and astringent—and each plays a role in feeding your body and mind. In terms of longevity, however, bitter-tasting foods are the best because they balance sugar cravings, support digestion and metabolize fat, says Stephan Dorlandt, C.N., a clinical nutritionist and herbalist in Los Angeles. Tasty bitters include yellow and green vegetables, such as yellow peppers, broccoli rabe, collard greens, mustard greens, radicchio and chicory.

13. Eat like an Italian . In a 2011 Rush University Medical Center study, researchers found that the Mediterranean diet, long known to be heart-healthy and reduce risk of certain cancers, is now also associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in older people. This diet—rich in fruits and vegetables, legumes, olive oil, potatoes and fish—also helped prevent Alzheimer’s disease in subjects.

14. Keep working.  Can’t wait to quit your day job? Be careful what you wish for. New data from the United States, England and 11 other European countries suggest that the earlier people retire, the more quickly their memories decline. Researchers found that the longer subjects kept working, the better they did on memory skills tests in their early 60s. Some experts say social and personality skills known to support a healthy aging brain—like getting up in the morning, dealing with others and knowing the importance of being prompt and trustworthy—may play a role here, because these factors are highly valued in the work environment.

15. Relax your face.  It’s great to book a massage for your body, but don’t forget your face! Facial massages stimulate circulation, creating softer, suppler skin and a younger-looking complexion, says Lynn Anderson, Ph.D., N.D., R.Y.T., a naturopathic doctor and yoga and fitness instructor in Los Angeles.

16.Tell your story . Judith Kolva, Ph.D., a psychologist who focuses on aging, says adults who write down their life stories use skills highly valued by longevity experts. “Writing our memoirs helps us bestow knowledge, offer advice and give meaning to experiences—all components in aging w ell,” she says.

17. Get healthy, not skinny.  Alice D. Domar, Ph.D., executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health in Boston, says being thin doesn’t necessarily make you live longer. “Being in the middle zone of the BMI scale is actually associated with the longest life span,” she says. Just be sure to choose your calories wisely. A 2011 University of Maryland study found that eating lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and fish leads to better quality of life in older adults, but those who indulged in sweets had a 37 percent higher risk of death.

18. Prepare your body to sleep.  Logging eight hours of shut-eye can make you look as much as three years younger, says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist. But if you have trouble relaxing into a sound slumber, prepare for it with a series of bedtime rituals: Don’t drink caffeine four to six hours before bed; eat a full meal three hours before hitting the hay; and turn off electronics an hour before sleep.

19. Believe you’re getting better with age.  Dilip Jeste, M.D., director of the University of California, San Diego’s Stein Institute for Research on Aging, says people who think they’re aging well aren’t necessarily the healthiest physically. “Yet they generally possess a positive, yet realistic, attitude about their lives and an ability to adapt to change,” he says. Tend to look at the glass as half empty? Try writing three positive things that happen each day in a journal to help redirect your thoughts.

20. Have a beer . Scientists at the University of California, Davis, found that beer is a substantial source of silicon, which stimulates the production of collagen to keep bones strong and joints healthy by maintaining flexibility in cartilage. The study found that most beer brands contain between 6 milligrams and 57 milligrams of silicon per liter, and those with high levels of malted barley and hops have the most. We say go organic and drink in moderation. If you’re not down with a brew, silicon can also be found in foods like bananas and brown rice.

Investigating Redness

Rosacea research continues for the cause and potential cure for this increasingly common skin condition. Although numerous factors have been linked to the onset of the persistent flushing and breakouts associated with rosacea, a study published by the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that certain triggers are much more prevalent than others. The study involved 317 participants and evaluated the significance of age, gender, Fitzpatrick skin type, lifestyle, family history and Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The results indicated that gender, Helicobacter pylori content, caffeine intake, alcohol consumption and occupational environment may play less of a role in triggering rosacea than experts once thought. The most influencing factors included genetic predisposition, lower Fitzpatrick skin types and a history of smoking. It is important to remember that each patient is different and individual triggers may vary. The most effective treatment plans include daily care and professional treatments along with lifestyle adjustments to avoid potential aggravation.

At Lifetime Laser we can assess your individual needs and help you manage your rosacea symptoms. We offer IPL photo facials as well as the latest in PCA skincare products targeting rosacea.

Anti–Redness Serum

This unique serum has proven benefits for patients with sensitive skin, rosacea, barrier dysfunction and sunburn. Clinical studies have shown that twice-daily use of PCA SKIN® anti-redness serum results in a 14% decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) over a four- week period and a 50% reduction in redness over an eight-week period.

Directions
After cleansing and toning, apply one to two pumps of anti-redness serum over entire face, focusing on areas of persistent redness. Follow with the appropriate PCA SKIN® moisturizer with SPF in the daytime and moisturizer in the evening.

Key Ingredients: Aldavine, Capparenols and Bisabolol

Give us a call and we can schedule an appointment for a consultaion. Don’t let rosacea symptoms bring you down.

We are here to help,

Donna

As I look in the mirror each day I say to myself, next summer I will wear a big hat or I won’t go out at all, but I know eventually my vices will catch up with me. In the meantime, I can offer up some hope to my fellow sun worshipers (or even my fellow ex-sun worshippers), as well as those of you who suffer from hyperpigmentation for a variety of other reasons. Hyperpigmentation can be treated and typically with good results.

Read on.. to learn even more about hyperpigmentation.

In dermatology, hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of the skin or nails caused by an increase in melanin. Sun damage, inflammation from acne, pregnancy and injuries of the skin can all cause an increase of melanin but as we age melanin distribution becomes less diffuse and less controlled by the body. UV light from sun exposure stimulates melanocyte activity and can worsen the affected area.

At Lifetime Laser we can treat hyperpigmentation in a few different ways.

A chemical peel is a good start to treating pigmentation problems.

This process removes a micro-thin layer of skin from the epidermis which will lighten and brighten the skin as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines. Microdermabrasion can help correct acne scars and also uneven skin tones. Through exfoliation, microdermabrasion stimulates fibroblast activity which prompts the body to create collagen. This gives the skin a more youthful appearance.

Our special Photo-facial uses IPL for deeper pigmentation problems with fantastic results when treating hyperpigmentation.

There are also terrific products from PCA Skincare which can help to lighten the skin and create an even and more youthful tone.

These days there are so many opportunities to create a newer, younger version of yourself. There are so many advances in esthetics and in cosmetics that we do not need to feel old or washed up. It is true you never get a second chance to make a first impression and it is important to put your best face forward and remember above all….. the heart that loves is always young.

Thanks for reading,

Nicole Clifton

PS    I would like to leave you with an short article from PCA Skincare which has fabulous products that can be purchased through Lifetime Laser.

A winning Combination, by Ph.D. Ivana Veljkovic

It seems patients are always searching for that one miracle product that will cure all of their skin challenges. Unfortunately, it is fairly impossible to address any skin concern with one product, as each involves multiple causes, and the ingredients needed to correct these issues must be strategically combined to ensure efficacy and compatibility.

Hyperpigmentation is an excellent example of a skin condition that typically requires multiple products for optimal results. The melanogenesis process is a chain reaction that involves various molecules and is catalyzed by different enzymes. By using multiple ingredients that interact with different portions of this chain reaction, we can achieve faster results. We know that hydroquinone, arbutin, undecylenoyl, phenylalanine, phenylethyl, resorcinol, and kojic, azelaic and lactic acids inhibit melanin production in different ways, making them all important for different reasons.

Unfortunately it is impossible to formulate one product that contains all of these beneficial ingredients. Instead we formulate complementary products that work in combination to achieve the same ultimate goal.

Ph.D. Ivana Veljkovic

Here are some wonderful products we offer at our office for daily use to combat hyperpigmentaion.  These products work even better when you are also having Chemical Peels once a month.

Pigment Gel® 

This penetrating combination of hydroquinone with kojic and azelaic acids, plus lactic and citric acids, helps to exfoliate, lighten and inhibit hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Key Ingredients: Hydroquinone (2%), Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid

Directions
After cleansing and toning, spot treat with a thin layer and allow to penetrate. Follow with the appropriate PCA SKIN® moisturizer with SPF in the daytime and moisturizer in the evening. It is appropriate for use in the day or night.

Pigment Bar

This cleansing bar enhances and maintains the results of any PCA SKIN® pigment control program. The blend of kojic and azelaic acids helps fight inflammation and inhibit other causes of hyperpigmentation, leading to an even, bright complexion.

Key Ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Kojic Acid, Maltose, Niacinamide

Directions

Moisten the enclosed sponge and create a creamy lather. Cleanse the affected area, allowing the lather to remain on the skin approximately two minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow with the appropriate PCA SKIN® toner, treatment serums and moisturizer with SPF in the daytime and moisturizer in the evening. Note: Store sponge outside of container.

Brightening Therapy with TrueTone

This innovative combination of natural and engineered brighteners is clinically proven to reduce all types of hyperpigmentation. Its breakthrough formulation inhibits the pigment production pathway at multiple points, interrupting and preventing melanin deposits. Additional anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and MMPi agents make Brightening Therapy with TrueTone effective in reducing existing and preventing future hyperpigmentation for all sensitivity levels.

Key Ingredients: Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Alpha-Arbutin, Undecylenoyl, Phenylalanine, White Birch Bark Extract, Glycosaminoglycans (GAG)

Directions

After cleansing, toning and applying appropriate treatment serums, smooth a thin layer over entire face or spot treat areas of discoloration on face or body. Finish with the appropriate PCA SKIN® broad-spectrum SPF product during the day and moisturizer in the evening. It may be used alone or in conjunction with other PCA SKIN pigment control .

Hope to see you soon for all of your skin care and hair removal need!

Donna Burns

For those of you who frequently visit Lifetime Laser and to all newcomers, I would like to introduce myself, as I am new to the team. My name is Nicole and I will be here in Miller Place assisting Donna with the scheduling and doing various other odds and ends to make life easier for the staff at Lifetime Laser. Donna wanted me to update the blog today in order to keep the interest alive in nutrition, health and good-for-you practices. I hope you enjoy the posts and please feel free to comment or add anything that would be helpful or interesting. Your feedback is always appreciated.

People have always told me that I have great skin. My stock answer is “Thanks, I get it from my mother” and chalk it off to good genetics. But as I get older, I have to work harder to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. My mother, the truth be told, never felt the need to work on her skin but was often complimented on it wherever we went. She used only one product in her lifetime, and that was moisturizer.

Growing up, I took this same laissez fair approach to skin care, especially protection from the sun, but I have learned. Now I eat healthy whole foods, supplement with vitamins, exercise and even meditate. I also have a daily skincare regimen, which incorporates quality skincare products like those from PCA Skin and I make timely visits to my cosmetologist for deep cleansing facials and good advice.

All of these things can help to reduce the signs of ageing but I believe the biggest factor in looking and feeling great is reducing stress. I know, you hear it all the time but too much stress can wreak havoc on your body and even your skin. Check out this article on Stress and the effects it can have on your skin.  It’s from Beautyadvice.org.

Stress and Skin Care – Effects of Stress on your Skin

The word stress usually conjures up a situation where you are anxious, nervous, and under strain. But you need some stress in your life to help you function at your best. Manageable levels of stress give you a zest for life, release your creativity, and generate excitement by challenging you to stretch your abilities. It is stress overload that can lead to health problems, which all too often show in the skin.

Just A Little, Not Too Much

If you’re trying to do too much in too little time, you’re functioning in permanent overdrive. And that is where the difficulties lie. When you are in a stressful situation, certain physical changes occur that are designed to improve your performance. These effects are caused by the release of the “fight or flight” hormones adrenalin, noradrenalin, and cortisol, which prime your body for action.

Effects Of Stress

The Effects Of Stress

Once the immediate pressure is removed, your body returns to a normal state. But if your body is constantly being readied for action without having time to recuperate, there can be detrimental effects on your health.

• Short-term signs of stress overload are fatigue, sleeping difficulties, irritability, and memory lapses.
• In time, you may find yourself getting more coughs and colds than usual because your immune system isn’t functioning at its peak.
• Headaches or migraine, backache, palpitations, asthma, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and indigestion are other well-known symptoms.
• You may lose your sense of humor, become uninterested in sex, and develop nervous twitches. And eventually you may feel that you can’t continue any more.

Stress And Your Skin

The many physical changes associated with long-term stress can have intense effects on your skin.

• The hormones released when you are under stress cause blood vessels to constrict, leading to poor circulation. And this decreased blood supply to the skin can leave it feeling dry, flaky, and prone to irritation.
• In periods of stress your breathing alters, becoming quicker and more shallow. This reduces the amount of oxygen carried in your bloodstream, which in turn diminishes the oxygen supply to your skin. If the stress is long­lasting, you may find that your skin becomes pasty or gray, it lacks glow, and you have tension lines around the forehead, eyes, and mouth.
• Many skin complaints, such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes- though not initially caused by stress- can worsen when you are under pressure. And some people find that they break out in spots when they are stressed.

Cut back on caffeine, which can increase feelings of anxiety. Water is better for your skin.

Coping With Stress

Although it’s impossible to remove all the stress from your life, there are techniques to stop life from getting on top of you and help you cope more effectively.

• Make time for yourself. Just taking an hour a day to have a bath, read a book, or go for a walk can reduce your stress levels. Choose something undemanding- it should be a pleasure, not a chore.
• Practice time management. If you’re trying to do too much, lower your expectations of yourself.
• Learn to say no. If it’s not necessary, don’t do it.
• Pay attention to your diet. Include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat, high-fiber foods to make sure you get a full complement of nutrients.
• Get enough sleep- but not too much, because this can make you feel sluggish in the morning.
• Exercise can help clear your head, eliminate some of the buildup of stress hormones and release endorphins- the body’s “feel good” hormones. It can also improve your circulation, which will benefit your skin.
• Learn a relaxation technique. Try deep-breathing exercises, visualization, meditation, or a form of yoga that involves special breathing techniques.
• Have a massage to relax tense muscles.
• A professional stress management course or counseling can give you a chance to talk about what’s troubling you and help you work out better ways of handling the demands in your life.

I hope you enjoyed this article and let me know what you do to help reduce stress. I hope to see you in the office soon. Best wishes for the start of a glorious summer,

Nicole

The 10 secrets of people who never get sick

1-They stress less.  A diet rich in fruit & veggies is crucial as is laughing and of course exercise is the best way to chill out.

2-They sprinkle brewer’s on food.  Just one tablespoon has almost a full days supply of B vitamins.  Apparently a depleted supply of B (which stress can cause), will compromise your immune system.

3-They eat less.  Calorie restriction is linked to a lower incident of health related illnesses and longer life span.

4-They embrace bacteria. “Good” germs can improve your metabolism , enhance your immunity and reduce inflammation.

5-They opt for herbal remedies.  One quarter of all prescription drugs are derived from plants.

6-They make friends a priority.  Studies show that people with stronger friendships tend to have a more robust immune.

7-They stay PH balanced. The body is healthiest when its systems are functioning midway between completely acidic and completely alkaline.

8- They eat garlic. Garlic can act as a powerful antioxidant.

9- They detox regularly.  Chances are good that your health will improve if  you lower the levels of synthetic chemicals in your body.

10- They take more naps.  Sleep deprivation has the same biological effects on the body as stress.