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Barb's Blurb
Wrinkles, who wants them? Unfortunately, they are a part of the natural aging process. There are, however, things we can do to help slow this process. The first step is to understand the difference between facial wrinkles and the underlying reason for their development. There are actually three different types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles, and wrinkle folds. Each type has a different cause. It is important to understand the cause of the wrinkles, because that will help determine the best treatment plan. There have been numerous advances in wrinkle treatments in the past 10 to 15 years. Today there are options available that did not even exist for our parents, and many of these options are non-surgical and require very little, if any, downtime.
This month, I would like to talk a little about what we refer to as dynamic wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that owe their origin to contraction of muscles that are attached to overlying skin, otherwise known as smiling, laughing, squinting, and frowning. Every time you make these expressions you move your facial muscles in basically the same manner. Over time, this repetitive motion causes wrinkles like the frown lines between the eyebrows, crows feet, forehead creases, and the wrinkles around the lips. Of course, we do not want to stop smiling, and some of these expression lines do add character to our face as we age. Others, not so nice. Who wants to look like they are scowling all the time or wants those lines to get deep and craggy? Well, for thirteen years Botox cosmetics has been available to help keep those expression lines at bay. Botox works by preventing those muscles from making that repetitive motion. When properly administered, you can have a natural look that not only smoothes wrinkles but also helps keep those lines from getting deeper. It has been observed that younger women who start using Botox when wrinkles first start to appear slow the development of deeper wrinkles because they stop that repetitive motion. The best part is a Botox treatment allows you to choose what areas bother you and address only what you personally are concerned with. The treatment is customized to your particular needs.
Other things you can do at home to help are: always wear sunglasses to limit squinting and frowning from sun exposure, try not to wrinkle your forehead when you are deep in thought, and limit your use of straws. Smoking is also a huge contributor to lip wrinkles, among other skin problems. Check out our Consultants' Corner for more on that. You can also use products that plump and build collagen, and a few of our favorites are being promoted this month. We also are introducing new eye and lip rejuvenation packages specifically geared to these problem areas. So, if wrinkles are your worry, this is a great month to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn more about these wrinkle reducing treatments.
Join us next month to find out more about those fine lines known as static wrinkles and how we can treat those. Until then, keep smiling!
Barb Prasad
Clinic Coordinator
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Making Our Community Beautiful
This year, we are again sponsoring The Community Breast Care Project's "Girl's Night Out". Our physicians have worked with many breast cancer patients throughout their careers and know the benefits a good support network can have on the patient. They also recognize the importance good breast care education can have on the prognosis of these patients. Early detection is such a crucial factor. The Community Breast Care Project addresses both of these issues. They offer support for cancer patients both emotionally and financially if needed.
They also sponsor events that raise awareness and funds for their projects. One project they have implemented is to supply breast models to area high schools. These models are used to help young girls identify what breast lumps and masses actually feel like. They also provide training for school nurses and teachers to use these models.
I am sure most of you have had your life touched in some way by this disease. If you are interested in supporting the cause yourself, join us March 18th at the Truman Hotel between 5:00 and 8:00. Tickets are $10.00 and will be available at the door. You may also purchase them in advance from Tami at our front reception desk.
Also, a portion of every purchase made at the LVC this month will go towards sponsoring this event and supporting this organization. Hope to see you on the 18th.
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March Calendar
Thursday, March 18th
Community Breast Care Project's Girl's Night Out
5:00-8:00 pm
Stop by our booth and join in on the fun. Enjoy an evening of socializing, music, food and prizes. For more information, call 573-634-HOPE or view the flier for this event.
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Product of the Month
 This month, get ready for those upcoming spring and summer events with our Red Carpet Ready duo: SkinMedica's TNS Lip Plump System and TNS Line Refine. This is our quick fix for luscious lips and brighter, smoother skin.
The TNS Lip Plump System restores lip fullness and volume within minutes, plus it offers long-term anti-aging benefits. Your lips will become softer and firmer with continued use. This is achieved in a unique two-step process. Step 1 is the Lip Renewal, which you apply directly on the lips and around lip contours to moisturize and plump the lips throughout the day. Step 2 is the Lip Plumper, which enhances your natural lip color and gives lips a plumper, more youthful look. You can also apply Step 2 under or over your lip color.
After your lips are plumped and moisturized, you can go after those fine lines around the lips and eyes. Line Refine generates a rapid filling and smoothing action to reduce the appearance of fine lines; it also contains light reflectors which can soften the appearance of lines and conceal skin imperfections. Over time you will also achieve long-term anti-aging benefits from the combination of the Nouricel-MD and peptides.
This month, take advantage of our Red Carpet Ready special. Purchase the Lip Plump System and you will receive a Line Refine for half price. That is a savings of $36.00. You'll be ready for your close up in no time!
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A Moment on Makeup
Colorescience also offers a wonderful product for concealing and plumping fine lines: the Pep Up Pen. This product is a great addition to your skin care regimen, giving a little extra plump and glow around the eye to help increase the appearance of firmness and decrease the appearance of fine lines. Pair it with Bye Bye Blues to decrease the appearance of dark circles and your eyes will look bright, smooth, and rested.
This product pair can be a morning add-on to your corrective skin care, and is also a great starter product for those just beginning to see the effects of time around the eyes. I know you will love this product combo and hope you will enjoy your free gift!
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Consultants' Corner
Smoking and Skin
Most of us realize the damage that smoking can have on our health. We all know someone whose life has been affected by lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease, or osteoporosis. As if the risk of these life threatening diseases isn't enough to make you quit smoking, you may be surprised to know that it is one the main factors in premature skin aging.
SMOKING FACT #1
Smoking leads to premature aging of the skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles to develop. Why?
Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals that damage collagen and elastin, which are fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely. Nicotine is a chemical that constricts blood flow through the capillary walls, depriving the skin of essential nutrients and oxygen. A recent study showed that smoking is associated with increased wrinkling and damage on many parts of the body, not just the face. Neck, décolleté, and inner arms are likely to show wrinkling and sagging as a result of accelerated skin aging from smoking.
SMOKING FACT #2
Smoking reduces the body's store and absorption of vitamins A and C, which are vital for skin's protection and health. Carbon monoxide levels are increased, suffocating these much needed anti-oxidants that prevent free radical damage in the skin. Vitamin C is essential in the synthesis of collagen and has extraordinary protection from sun damage. Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue and, with lower levels of vitamin A, the skin will appear dry, flaky and dull.
SMOKING FACT #3
If you have ever watched a person smoke a cigarette, you've noticed the way they pucker their mouth when they inhale. Over time, deep wrinkles and creases will set into the area around the mouth. Most people will also squint their eyes to avoid the cigarette smoke; this too will cause deep-seated wrinkles, lines and creases to form around the eye area. The effects of smoking can make you appear 10-20 years older than your real age.
The best way to improve the appearance of your skin, as well as overall health, is to stop smoking entirely. Obviously, this is not a simple task, as tobacco is a highly addictive substance. The good news is that the healing can begin as soon as 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Proper skin care and a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants will certainly improve the appearance of the skin, as will frequent use of sun protection. Topically applied vitamin C and vitamin A, or a retinol, are the best protection in the anti-aging battle. Skinceuticals' powerful antioxidant Phloretin or CE Ferulic, as well as SkinMedica's potent but well-tolerated Retinol are great additions to your skin care regimen. Quitting smoking can make you feel better and look better from the inside out!
Brandi Grimes
Aesthetic Consultant
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