Have you ever wondered why some people get wrinkles at a young age and others don’t? There are many answers to this question – smoking can cause wrinkles to form sooner, and if you don’t wear sunscreen when you’re young, you can expect signs of aging to surface earlier rather than later. But a new study finds another potential cause of early facial lines – the genes we get from our mothers.
What your mama gave you
For some time now, it’s been known that the mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cells that make up our bodies, have a lot to do with aging. As these mitochondria sustain damage, they mutate and lose their ability to produce energy, resulting in the breakdown of the cells that leads to signs of aging.
The new study, published in the journal Nature, finds that the mitochondrial DNA passed down to us from our mothers also influences our own rate of aging. In other words, if your mother had wrinkles at a young age, you might be more likely to see fine lines on your own face in your early years. On the flip side, if your mother had smooth, blemish-free skin well into her 40s or 50s, you could be in for the same luck.
Looking to the future
This study focused solely on cell aging and genetics, but researchers hope that it may help future development of therapeutic interventions that could focus on mitochondrial function, thus slowing the aging process. Unfortunately, such developments probably won’t be available for some time until more research can be conducted.
However, there are certain cosmetic procedures available today that can help people who show signs of premature aging. No matter whether you want long-term results that target deep facial lines or something less invasive that treats fine lines, you can likely benefit from a visit to a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office.
For example, Botox injections, which have become immensely popular over the past few years, offer results that last for several months. This means you won’t have to make a big commitment like you would if you chose to undergo facelift surgery, but on the downside, you’ll need to continue to get injections of the substance to keep wrinkles at bay.
This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX

Retinol is considered the gold standard ingredient in anti-aging products because of it’s proven ability to stimulate and reproduce collagen in the skin. But knowing when and how to use retinol can be confusing.
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Why You Need a Daytime Retinol Now

The latest crop of retinol products don’t fight wrinkles and discoloration while you sleep — they do it during the day. Find out how to use retinol, and why you should

Things we love about retinols: They get rid of wrinkles, lighten dark spots, and zap zits better than just about any other skin care ingredient in existence.
Things we hate about retinols: the red, lizard-like skin you get for the first six to eight weeks when you’re using one; having to be maniacal about sunscreen; and only being able to use them at night.
We were downright giddy when we found out there are now daytime retinols (yes, you read correctly) on the market. And dermatologists are calling them a game changer. Throw out everything you thought you knew about how to use retinols. With these new products, you can get all of the benefits of every dermatologist’s favorite skin care ingredient, morning and night, without your skin peeling off your face.

The old:

Let’s talk about retinol. You’ve probably heard of it — in fact, you’re probably stocking some skincare products containing this potent ingredient in your medicine cabinet. So why isn’t everyone using it? And even more importantly, why does a product that promises and actually delivers smoother, brighter and younger looking skin while fighting acne have a semi-bad rap? Long before over-the-counter products were available, you had to purchase retinol in its strongest form: prescription strength Retin-A, a powerful and sometimes harsh treatment. But that was then, and unbelievable skin-changing OTC progress is now.

The new:

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Unlike their predecessors, the new generation of retinol products can be used during the day, as their effects kick in gradually and aren’t as harsh on skin. You still get cell turnover, but it’s in a more controlled way. In addition, new retinols also come mixed with antioxidants, sunscreen and even moisturizers — making them much less irritating than they used to be. (Make sure you continue to be very cautious and diligent about applying SPF, even if you purchase a retinol cream with UV protection, as your skin will be more senstive as it becomes acclimated to the new product.)
Please contact our office for more information on why Retinol is very important: (817) 473-2120.
This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
 

Skin experts say that the best way to keep your skin healthy and looking young is to protect it from the sun and not smoke: and after that, taking care with how you wash, moisturize your skin and shave also help.
According to a British Association of Dermatologists survey carried out last year, many Britons are unaware that sun protection can keep the skin looking younger, believing instead that applying a daily moisturizer, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and having facial massages will suffice.Not only does exposure to UV increase a person’s risk of skin cancer, it also affects the elastin in the skin, which leads to wrinkles and sun-induced skin ageing such as leatheriness and blotchy pigmentation. Featured below are 5 tips for healthy skin:

Tip #1 for healthy skin: Sun protection

Photograph of lady with sun cream on shoulder in shape of sun
Ensure you protect your skin from the sun to maintain healthy skin

Most of the changes seen in ageing skin are actually “caused by a lifetime of sun exposure”.
To protect yourself from the sun, they advise the following three methods (with maximum protection coming from using all three).

  1. Avoid the sun during high intensity hours: the sun’s rays do the most damage between 10 am and 4 pm, so limit the time you spend outside during this period.
  2. Wear protective clothing: wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers or pants and a hat with a wide brim. Remember that tight woven fabric (eg denim) offers better protection than loosely woven fabrics like knits.
  3. Use sunscreen: go for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 15 and apply generously about 20 minutes before you go out and then every two hours. You will need to apply more frequently if you go in the water or sweat a lot.

Tip #2 for healthy skin: Don’t smoke (and watch the alcohol)

Research shows that smoking alone ages skin. In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, researchers described how they examined the upper inner arms of smokers and non-smokers aged from 22 to 91 and found that after taking into account age and other variables, the number of packs of cigarettes that the smokers smoked per day was significantly linked to skin ageing. They looked at the skin on the upper inner arms to minimize the influence of sun exposure.
Smoking reduces the skin’s natural elasticity by promoting the breakdown of collagen and also reducing the amount that is produced.
Collagen, a protein that helps skin strength, gradually degrades with age, leading to wrinkles. Smoking causes this to happen sooner and also causes the tiny blood vessels in the skin to tighten, which reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients that the skin cells receive, which also reduces elasticity and accelerates ageing.
The Mayo Clinic also suggest that exposure to heat from burning cigarettes damages facial skin and that certain smoking behaviours contribute to wrinkles, because of the repetitive facial expressions that smokers make, such as pursing the lips on inhaling and squinting their eyes to keep the smoke out.
Drinking alcohol can make your body and skin dehydrated, leaving the skin looking old and tired. So if you are drinking alcohol drink plenty of water and stick to sensible amounts. Have a non-alcoholic drink like soda water or watery fruit juice in between the alcoholic ones to help your body rehydrate.

Tip #3 for healthy skin: Clean your skin regularly and apply moisturizer

A British Skin Foundation survey published in January 2008 found that an astonishing 50 per cent of people who wear make up in the UK are damaging their skin by not removing make up before they go to bed.
The reasons for not cleansing the skin of make up before going to bed were also revealing in that most people were too tired to take it off, suggesting they were not getting good quality sleep which also affects skin health. A significant proportion also said they had had too much to drink or simply couldn’t be bothered.
Cleansing is an important part of skin care because it removes dirt and bacteria; and the key is to do it gently.
Use warm rather than hot water and limit the time you spend in the bath or shower to 15 minutes or less as too much time in hot water strips oils from your skin.

Face being moisturized
Moisturizing protects the skin from drying and acts as a protective layer for the skin

Also, use mild rather than strong soaps and avoid irritating additives such as perfumes and dyes, especially if you have sensitive skin.
When removing make up take care with the delicate skin around the eyes, and if you use waterproof make up you may need an oil-based product to make sure you get it all off.
When you have finished try to pat your skin dry so some moisture stays on it.
Moisturizing is important because it protects the skin from the weather and from drying up and looking dull. It helps your skin maintain its natural moisture levels too, say the Mayo Clinic experts, because it seals in the water already in the skin or slowly release water into the skin.
If you have dry skin avoid alcohol-based products and if you have oily skin avoid oil-based products (use water-based instead).
Some people with oily skin don’t need moisturizer: if your skin feels tight 20 minutes after bathing, then you probably do.

Tip #4 for healthy skin: Get enough quality sleep

Woman sleeping
Focus on quality sleep to keep your skin looking young and healthy

Sleep is essential for healthy skin. Not enough quality sleep will make your skin look tired and older, especially with bags under your eyes. Poor quality sleep can become a vicious cycle because lack of sleep makes you irritable, anxious and depressed, and that makes it harder to get good sleep.
Make sure you have plenty of physical exercise as this reduces stress and creates a healthy tiredness that helps sleep. Yoga and swimming are also good ways to improve sleep.
Aerobic exercise increases the oxygen circulating in your body which helps the skin stay vibrant and healthy.

Tip #5 for healthy skin: Shave with care

People shave to make their skin smooth and hairless, but this can irritate the skin, especially if it is thin, dry and sensitive.
For a smooth shave the Mayo Clinic experts advise that you shave after a warm bath or shower (or press a warm wet cloth on your skin) to soften the hair, don’t shave dry skin, use a clean, sharp razor, and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Make sure you rinse well afterwards with warm water to remove soap and dead cells.
If your skin is irritated after shaving don’t use an alcohol based lotion even if it feels cool, it will make the irritation worse because it dries the skin out.
Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastis Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX offers minimally invasive procedures, and skin care treatments to help keep your skin looking great. These treatments are designed to provide subtle enhancements that can improve your targeted problem areas, while allowing you to return to work and your regular activities the very same day. Dr. Bishara is also proud to offer a wide range of enhancing, minimally invasive procedures such as Botox, Xeomin, Juvederm Ultra Plus XC and Radiesse.  Juvederm Voluma XC will be available soon. We will keep you updated or call our office for more information at (817) 473-2120.
 
 
 
 

Got teen acne?

You’re definitely not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 100% of all teens have at least the occasional breakout. Acne strikes all teenagers equally, regardless of sex, race or ethnicity. Most teenage acne comes from hormonal changes during the teenage years.  Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa can help you and your children or teen learn more about how to properly take care of your skin.

Teen Acne Triggers:

Hormones released at the onset of puberty are responsible for the appearance of acne during the teen years. These hormones stimulate the skin’s sebaceous, or oil glands, creating an oily skin that is more prone to pore blockages and breakouts. There have been studies indicating that sress and diet can be additional acne triggers.

The Emotional Cost:

While acne is a physical problem, it also affects teens psychologically. Even if the acne is relatively mild, it may have a big impact on self-esteem and self-confidence. Parents need to understand that even mild acne may have a profound impact on the way their teen feels about themselves. Helping with treatment and support can go a long way in protecting and repairing a teen’s self-esteem.
It is important to start implementing a good skin care regimen around the age of 8, because this sets forth good habits that the child will carry out through their life. Starting with a basic 3 step regimen of cleanse, tone, and moisturize.  Making this a daily routine will also help their face become accustomed to controlling oil production.

What Can Be Done:

As the child enters into their teen years it’s good to take preventative measures to fighting acne as well, such as coming in on a once weekly or monthly visit for a facial and other aesthetic treatments to help prevent the seriousness of the acne and keep their skin scar
free.
The next time you see our aesthetician at Dr. Bishara’s office & The Paragon Med Spa- please ask how help your child or teen with their daily skin care regimen.  For more information about us, feel free to explore our website, or call the office today at 817.473.2120.
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