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10 Tips for Beautiful Summer Skin

Summer is a wonderful time of year, but the sun and heat can take a toll on your skin, hair, and body. That doesn’t mean you should stay indoors — with a little care and a few precautions, you can enjoy summer to its fullest.
1. Try a Self-Tanner
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are very damaging, especially UVA rays. They not only burn your skin and cause premature aging, but can also lead to skin cancer.
So, instead of lying for hours in the sun, get that sun kissed glow with a self-tanner. Many salons offer spray-on tan services, or you can purchase an inexpensive self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore. Gradual self-tanning moisturizers keep your skin smooth as they help you control just exactly how bronzed you become, and they are less prone to streaking. Just remember to exfoliate before you apply self-tanner to remove any dry skin that could pick up excess color and lead to an uneven appearance.
2. Slather on Sunscreen
Many dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The Skin Cancer Foundation points out that tests demonstrated SPF 30 products block out only 4 percent more rays — 97 percent compared to 93 percent for SPF 15. So know that you’re getting more protection with SPF 30, but not double the amount of SPF 15. In the past, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreens made skin look whitish because of the opaque nature of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which physically block UV rays, but with more refined, micronized formulations, you can get their sun protection benefits without the ghostly appearance.
More sunscreen smarts to follow include:

  • Check the sunscreen’s ingredients list; it should contain agents that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Apply sunscreen regularly, as it will wear off with prolonged swimming or sweating.
  • Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet rays can still reach your skin, so wear sunscreen even on sunless days.
  • Many makeup and skin care products contain an SPF agent, but don’t be fooled: Look for the SPF number and use extra sunscreen if it’s below 15.

3. Give ’Em Lip Service
Use a lip sunscreen with SPF agent even if you’re putting lipstick on, too.  Many chapsticks are available with and SPF of 15 and 30. One of my personal favorites is Zinka Clear Lip Protector with Aloe.  It smells good and doesn’t go on greasy and has and SPF of 30.
4. Remember Hair Care
The beating sun will hit your hair hard, but there are a number of sprays containing SPF that you can put on after you wash your hair. This is a must if your tresses has been chemically treated.  When you are out in the sun and swimming, wet your hair before you swim, then put conditioner on and run it through your hair.  This makes it harder for the chemicals in the water to be absorbed by your hair.  An added bonus, your hair smells good all day!
Another tip: Don’t overwash your hair as this can remove the oils that naturally protect it.
5. Exfoliate Head to Toe
Expensive scrubs and salts feel wonderful, but if you’re on a budget, you can do just as good a job using an exfoliation mitt or glove and your regular body wash. Gentle exfoliation is essential if you’ve had any area waxed, particularly in the bikini area, as it can help prevent ingrown hairs.
6. Moisturize and Nourish With Oils
Elbows, feet, and ankles can get very dry, so try avocado oil to keep them healthy and smooth. Avocado oil not only moisturizes, but also has nourishing properties as it contains vitamin E.
7. Be Kind to Your Face
Chemical peels, creams, scrubs, and other products containing glycolic acids and retinoids should not be used if you spend a lot of time in the sun: These treatments can make your skin more sun sensitive and cause more damage to your skin. If you must use them, wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your face. Follow this advice as well if you’re taking certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, which also make you more prone to sunburn.
8. Try Mineral Makeup
Because mineral makeup has a light powder base, it won’t sweat off as easily as regular foundation. Some mineral bases even contain a built-in SPF. And you don’t have to spend a fortune: Check out what’s in the aisles at your local pharmacy or supermarket. There are many inexpensive brands there that are as good as the more pricey products sold in department stores.
9. You Are What You Eat
Your skin needs lots of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, so check out your local farmer’s market for the freshest fare in summer fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in antioxidants and protein, such as fresh produce, fish, and eggs, can stimulate collagen growth, which keeps the skin elastic and helps prevent wrinkles.
10. Drink Plenty of Water
The beating sun can dry your skin and make you sweat more, so keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you’re active, you need to drink at least 8 glasses during the day.
This Information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa
 
 

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What's Your Sun Safety IQ?

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As summer is soon approaching, and we are out in the sun more and more, we want to educate patients on sun-safe behaviors and the selection and use of sunscreen for maximum protection.
 
Here are three important points to remember when shopping for and using sunscreen this summer.
1. Make sure your sunscreen is labeled “BROAD SPECTRUM” meaning it protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Both UVA and UVB radiation contribute to the sun’s damaging effects, which include sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging.  The best sunscreen offers protection from ALL UV light.
2. Choose an SPF or 15 or higher — only broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher can state that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging (when used as directed).
3. Use sunscreen early and often. Apply a good sunscreen liberally, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. That term is no longer allowed on labels. Any claims of water resistance must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.
But wait, there’s more! While knowing how to select and use the proper sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the sun, these additional sun safety measures should be part of your routine this summer.

  • Avoid sun burns, intentional tanning, and use of tanning beds
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand
  • Get vitamin D safely through food and supplements.

Enjoy your summer, but don’t let it damage or prematurely age your beautiful skin!
This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa staff.
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Minimize fine lines, wrinkles and acne

lady and mirror
Your body goes through a ton of changes and to top it all off, fine lines are starting to appear right alongside those pesky pimples that you thought would have gone away after high school.
You’re not alone. According to a report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 35 percent of women ages 30-39 and more than 25 percent of women ages 40-49 reported suffering from acne.
So what’s a girl to do? Here are some simple solutions to banish this—stat!
Cleanse
Use a mild foaming or cream cleanser daily. Since your cleanser is on your skin for the shortest amount of time of any other product you use, it’s the least important step in your beauty regimen. If your skin is oily, look for a cleanser that has salicylic acid or glycolic acid which exfoliate to unclog pores and help to stimulate the skin to prevent wrinkles.
Protect
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best ways to prevent wrinkles. Even small amounts of sun exposure through windows in your home or in your car add up.  Look for products that have an SPF 30 or more and zinc oxide of at least 5 percent.
Prevent
Antioxidants are your second line of defense against damage from the sun, smoke, and pollutants in the air. These power houses work like sponges to soak up free radicals that do damage to your skin. Look for moisturizers and serums that have vitamins E, C, green tea, or grape seed extract.
For wrinkles around the eyes- it’s important to wear sunglasses anytime you’re outside. You really have to maintain your collagen as much as possible because it’s not an area that’s easy to treat with lasers or anything else.
Exfoliate
Prescription Retin-A and over-the-counter retinol products are the best way to treat both wrinkles and acne because they work to reduce oil secretion, unclog pores and eliminate old, damaged cells.
Superficial chemical peels that contain both salicylic and glycolic acid are also great options because they allow oxygen to get into the pores and prevent bacteria from growing. Professional microdermabrasion is also effective for treating fine lines and large and clogged pores.
Avoid abrasive scrubs that are granular or have beads because they can be too harsh. Instead, look for products that contain both salicylic acid and retinol together. Be sure to check labels—if retinol is listed as one of the first few ingredients, it’s likely to have a higher concentration. For some women, retinols are too harsh, so alpha hydroxy acids can work.
Treat
Sometimes a little professional Rx is needed in the form of topical solutions, prescription medications, or a variety of in-office procedures. It’s best to speak with your dermatologist who can devise a plan that works for your skin type and the type of acne and wrinkles you have.
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Where to go for professional wrinkle and acne treatments:

Sona Med Spa offers patients help with sun damage, skin resurfacing, and microdermabrasion to name a few.  Locations in Dallas, Grapevine and Frisco https://www.sonamedspa.com
M-Pulse Modern SkinCare can help patients with acne therapy, skin rejuvenation and skin care for both men and women. Locations in DFW- Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth https://www.m-pulse.com
For more information on treating fine lines, wrinkles, and acne please visit a skin care professional that is trained in skin care health.  Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons offices are also great places to visit.
The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers patients treatment with fine lines, wrinkles, acne therapy, as well as many surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. We are proud to serve the Mansfield and Southlake and surrounding areas.  Please call our office at (817) 473-2120 for more information on our services or visit our website at www.MarkBisharaMD.com.

This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr.Mark Bishara and The Paaragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX

 

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Reasons why Your Skin Needs Help!!

girl face

Spring is just around the corner, and we will help you get your skin looking its best as you get ready to bare a lot more of it!
From the latest laser procedures and dermal fillers you can find at our office, to our extensive line of SkinCeuticals products, we’ve got the stuff you need.
We’re stuck in that crazy phase where winter is almost over, but it’s not quite spring. It’s kind of like when Britney Spears was not a girl, not yet a woman. One day it’s sunny, and the next day it’s snowing. One week it’s 60 degrees, the next week it’s polar vortex status, and the frequent changes absolutely wreak havoc on our skin. Sigh.
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Reasons why Your Skin Needs Help!!:
If your skin is dry and dull: No matter how much the temperature drops, your skin still needs a boost in cell turnover.
Rule #1: Don’t stop resurfacing. I don’t mean abrasive scrubs—the appropriate and consistent “resurfacing” products will keep your skin looking dewy, hydrated, smooth, and glowing without creating microscopic tears and abrasions. Think retinoids and acid combinations such as glycolic, salicylic, and azaleic acids. If the weather is really cold, then dial down on frequency or strength, but do not stop resurfacing. I also recommend using a proteolytic enzyme once or twice weekly. Proteolytic enzymes are “smart exfoliators” since they only digest dead or diseased cells and cannot disturb healthy, newer cells. Even very sensitive skin types can tolerate proteolytic enzymes.
Rule #2: Adjust your hydration. Oftentimes, individuals simply trade up from a lighter moisturizer to one that is heavier. Think layers—when you layer clothing, instead of just one heavy outer garment, you stay warmer because more heat is trapped between the layers.  Likewise, when you layer hydrators you trap more moisture, prevent moisture loss, and provide a more effective barrier against the elements. Try a lighter serum or cream that is packed with peptides and anti-inflammatories under a heavier barrier cream, topped by sunscreen.
If your skin is oily: The typical conundrum here is that the skin is oily, but actually looks dull and surface dry, primarily due to wind and colder temperatures.  You’re not necessarily producing less oil, but it’s getting trapped in the dead surface layer and your skin appears duller and even your pores are more noticeable.
Rule #1: Exfoliate. Here again, the key is resurfacing. A resurfacing product, with the right combination of acids, will remove the dead surface skin without abrasion and keep your pores unblocked and looking smaller and more refined.
Rule #2: Do not abandon your acne meds. If you have breakouts, select a product that is non-drying and treats acne and aging at the same time. Once or twice a week an enzyme mask or a Retinol mask will provide further skin refinement and help make skin look dewy and luminous instead of simply oily.
If your skin has redness: Stop aggravating, start soothing!
Rule #1: Anti-inflame. Skin that has persistent periods of redness and little red capillaries may be experiencing mild to moderate rosacea. The causative factors in rosacea are varied and complex. However, it is believed that individuals with this tendency produce more of a type of inflammatory protein. The key here is to use products with lots of anti-inflammatory properties such as green tea, red tea, and ascorbyl palmitate.
Rule #2: Be gentle. Your skin also needs lots of barrier protection to prevent moisture loss and enable your skin to more effectively defend itself from transitional elements. Select products according to how dry or oily your skin is. Remember to lay lighter serums under more protective creams.
Rule #3: Sunscreen is an absolute must! The sun’s rays can still penetrate, even on the gloomiest day and UV rays equal inflammation, which sets up conditions that cause and exacerbate rosacea type tendencies.

This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX

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Beauty, not disease, motivates teens to wear sunscreen

After offering information about UV light and sun-protective behaviors, the two health-ed videos diverge: one describes the increased skin cancer risk of UV exposure and the other describes effects on appearance including wrinkles and premature aging. Which of these two videos do you think caused teenagers to use more sunscreen six weeks after it was shown?

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A University of Colorado Cancer Center study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatologyshows that while teens who watched both videos learned and retained the same amount of knowledge about UV light and sun-protective behaviors, only the teens who watched the appearance-based video (and not the health-based video) actually changed these behaviors.
“We see this anecdotally in the clinic. The teens who come in, often it’s because their parents are dragging them. A lot have undergone tanning or never wear sunscreen. You can tell that when we talk about the skin cancer risk, it doesn’t faze them. But when you talk about premature wrinkling and aging, they listen a little more closely,” says April W. Armstrong, MD MPH, investigator at the CU Cancer Center and vice chair of Clinical Research at the CU School of Medicine Department of Dermatology.
The current study aimed to quantify this observation. First, Armstrong and colleagues went to local high schools to recruit 50 subjects. All subjects completed questionnaires demonstrating their baseline knowledge about UV light and use of sun-protective behaviors. Then subjects were randomized into two groups, one of which viewed the health-based video that emphasized skin cancer risk, and the other of which viewed the appearance-based video that emphasized cosmetic changes due to UV exposure. Six weeks later, all subjects again completed questionnaires that showed the knowledge they retained and changes in sun-protective behaviors.
“Interestingly, we didn’t see any difference in teenagers’ knowledge — no matter if they had watched the health-based or appearance-based video, students learned and retained the same amount of information,” Armstrong says.
However, despite knowing the skin cancer risk from UV exposure, the group that had watched the health-based video showed no statistically significant increase in their sun-protective behaviors. On the other hand, the group that had been shown the appearance-based video reported a dramatic increase in the use of sunscreen.
“For teenagers, telling them UV exposure will lead to skin cancer is not as effective as we would hope. If our endgame is to modify their behavior, we need to tailor our message in the right way and in this case the right way is by highlighting consequences to appearance rather than health. It’s important to address now — if we can help them start this behavior when younger, it can affect skin cancer risk when older,” Armstrong says.

This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Mansfield and Southlake, TX

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