Keep Reading to find out my top Winter Skin Care Tips to keep you looking hot, as the temperatures continue to drop!!

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliating helps get rid of the top layers of dead skin, which is what give your skin that dull appearance. I suggest using a gentle exfoliating facial scrub 3 times a week, such as Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub ($7, drugstore.com) For the body, I like the Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish (www.fresh.com, $65), it leaves your skin smooth and smells wonderful. Be careful about over-scrubbing your skin, especially during the winter, because it will actually dry out your skin. Aim for exfoliating 2-3 times a week for the best results, or try a Clarisonic Brush, which can be used daily. A Clarisonic can be used to exfoliate and cleanse without irritating or adding anything harsh to your skin. If you’re interested in finding out more about the Clarisonic Pro with bodybrush ($250, manhattanaestheticsurgery.com), give us a call at 917-703-7069.

MOISTURIZE

Keeping your skin hydrated during these winter months is a must! Winter weather tends to dry out your skin, leading to dull and even cracked skin. I love the original Eurcerin cream for my body, and the Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion ($14.99, drugstore.com) for my face. Any moisturizing cream will work, but should avoid anything with alcohol (which can dry out your skin even more), and anything with a scent. Also, you want to apply your moisturizer immediately after you shower… this allows your skin to absorb the moisturizer easier and more effectively.

HUMIDIFY

Humidifiers are not just for when you are sick! When it gets really cold and dry, put a humidifier on at night (or whenever you are home). This helps keep your skin hydrated, and can help keep you from getting sick during these cold and dreary months!

AVOID

Obviously you cant completely avoid the cold weather, but try to limit the amount of time you spend outside with exposed skin. If you will be outside for long periods, make sure to dress in light layers and don’t forget the gloves, scarves, and hats. You should also limit the amount of time you spend in the shower (5-10 min), and keep the temperature “warm” instead of “hot”. Long, hot showers can actually strip the moisture out of your skin and lead to excessive dryness.

SUNSCREEN

Just because its cold and cloudy doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen! You should apply sunscreen before you head out the door to every area that is not covered, such as your face, neck, top of the ears, back of your neck, etc. Instead of adding another step to your routine, try a moisturizer with SPF, like Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50.

HYDRATE

It is important to stay hydrated no matter what time of year, but this winter, put extra effort into drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day. This will keep your skin hydrated, while also maintaining a healthy, glow to your skin.

COLLAGEN

Believe it or not, the wintertime is the time to seek treatments that stimulate new collagen growth and superficial skin regeneration. Gentle skin resurfacing treatments like peels and lasers are excellent ways to encourage new collagen growth, but they leave your skin a little pink and raw for a few days, which is why the wintertime is a better time to have them done. The sun is less intense in the winter, which is important for your the delicate new skin that forms after a resurfacing treatment, and it’s easier to stay indoors while it’s cold outside Phototherapy treatments like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can get rid of sun damage, age spots, and broken capillaries. This will even out your skin tone considerably, and leave you with a healthy glow just in time for the spring. CoolTouch collagen treatments are an excellent adjunct to resurfacing and IPL therapies since they act like icing on the cake for new collagen stimulation. The CoolTouch laser heats the deeper layers of the skin, and does a wonderful job in treating fine lines, acne scars, and in tightening saggy skin around the eyes and mouth.

If you have any questions about any of the treatments you just read about, please feel free to give us a call, or send us a text message, at 917-703-7069. You can also send us an email through the contact form on our website at www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com!

Shea Parker, PA-C, MSHS
Physician Assistant, Clinical Skin Care Expert
Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery
www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com
Shea@ManhattanAesthetiSurgery.com

Retinols (Vitamin-A) have been scientifically proven to build collagen and ellastin, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, treat age spots, and improve the overall health of your skin. Retin-A, also know as tretinoin, was first introduced in 1967 to treat acne. It was later discovered in the late 1980’s that tretinoin had wrinkle–fighting properties, and it’s popularity has been on the rise ever since.

Keep Reading to learn more about retinols and decide whether they’re the right choice for your skin care routine!

Where can I get a product that contains Retinol?

There are several types of Retinoids of various strengths on the market ranging from prescription-strength to OTC products. The strongest products, such as Retin-A, can only be purchased with a prescription, but there are quite few OTC products that may be worth considering depending.

How do I choose the right Retinol product for me?

Choosing the right retinol product for you depends on factors such as age, sun damage, skin sensitivity, wrinkles, skin condition and texture of your skin.  Price should not the first factor when choosing a Retinol product. If you have severe sun-damaged skin, deep lines and wrinkles, it is worth the price to get a prescription from your dermatologist for Retin-A.

Retin-A comes is varied strength of .025%- .01%. There are several other brands such as Renova, Tri-Luma, Tazorac, Kinerese, Refissa, Avage, and generic tretinoin, to name a few. You can purchase either creams or gels, but I personally think that the creams are better because they’re not as drying. My favorite is Tazorac, which has the active ingredient of tazarotene, because I find it less irritating than Retin-A.

Do Retinols have any side effects?

Retinols can be very irritating causing dryness, redness, photosensitivity and flaking.  Therefore, it’s best to start off with a low percentage and work your way up, even if you are buying an OTC product. BE VIGILANT ABOUT YOUR SUNBLOCK AND USE A GOOD MOISTURIZER. Retinols will make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight, and you’ll burn much easier than normal… especially if you’re not wearing sunscreen.

If you are concerned about redness, flaky skin and irritation, then choosing an OTC product with a high percentage of Retinol might be a good choice. OTC retinols are milder, less irritating and bio-convert once they are absorbed in the skin to retinoic acid, which has less activity than Retin-A, therefore making them less irritating.

Some other Retinol buying tips…

1. Believe it or not, packaging is important consideration. Retinols will lose their potency from oxidation. The best Retinols are packaged in an amber colored bottle. They should be kept away from the sunlight in an airtight container.
2. Check the label for percentages. Retinol should be listed as a top ingredient not the last ingredient on the bottle.
3. A milder yet form of Retinol is retinyl palmitate, a saturated fatty acid and a major component of palm oil. Retinyl palmitate is found in many OTC drug store products, but a larger dose of retinyl palmitate is necessary to produce any clinical results.
4. Hydroxpinacolone retinoate (HPR) is an even a milder version of Retinol and can be found in Philosophy’s Miracle Worker.
5. Some other over the counter Retinols to try if you don’t want to go straight to Retin-A: Skinceuticals Retinol, SkinMedica Retinol Complex, Clear Choice Retinox, Replenix Retinol Plus.

Michele Garber

Disclaimer: This article contains general information and should not be treated as medical advice. The information provided is without any representations or warranties, express or implied.  If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. Nothing contained in this article is meant to endorse any product.

References: Skincarecompany.net, Smartskincare.com

EYE know what you’re thinking about for Holiday makeup!

GLITTER, GLITZ and SPARKLES! Yes! It is about that beautiful sparkle for the fall, and I have some great products that can get you bedazzled for the season.

Keep Reading to find out what should be on your holiday makeup wish list!

1. Stila “Kitten” Eyeshadow

My first product recommendation is Stila “Kitten” eyeshadow! It is a beautiful champagne color that goes with every skin tone. It glides on the eye and is very easy to use. The gold flex gives that sparkle without the glitter look and instantly brightens up your eyes.

2. MakeUpForEver Star Powders

My next favorite is for those that dare to go bolder! My favorites are the Star Powders from Makeup Forever. These loose shadows have all the glitz to be used not only on the eyes but on the cheeks, lips, and on the body! #940 was the first one I ever bought and I used it everywhere! The quality of Makeup Forever products is like no other. Once you’ve bought one item you will find yourself back shopping for more!

3. Tarina Tarantino’s “Sparklicity” Collection

My last product pick is for the glitter queen herself to reign in the glitter fairies! Tarina Tarantino’s “Sparklicity” collection.  A wide range of glitters to sprinkle and spray all over yourself! The micro glitter is so fine the twinkle is perfection and you are sure to light up a room with any one you choose! J

4. Too Faced “Perfect Eyes” Pencil Eye Liner

Make those eyes really stand out this season with the latest cat-eye liner look! Do not shy away from eyeliner even if you feel like an amateur at applying it. Everything takes time and practice and in the makeup world and application it is no different. My recommendation is to start off with pencil eyeliner to line the eyes and bring out the wing tip. Sometimes you have to really stretch your eyelid out to follow the natural shape of your eye. My favorite pencil eye liner is “Perfect Eyes” by Too Faced. These pencil’s write like a crayon and the best part: they are WATERPROOF! Once you have applied it you don’t have to worry about it smudging or budging! They come in a variety of colors so even if you are the fairest of skin tones they have a beautiful coffee brown that I would recommend.

If you feel as though you want the darker intensity of a liquid liner and not exactly the pro at applying then use felt tip eyeliners. The tips of these eyeliner pins look like a marker and are meant for precision application. The best one I have ever used was Hourglass “Calligraphy” pen eyeliners.  One of biggest tips in creating a cat-eye effect is to do it once and leave it alone. When you go back and try to fix the winged eyeliner you can end up with either a mess or one thicker and longer than the other. Take time and use a light hand when you’re holding the eyeliner and applying.

Lindsey Lopez

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto, LIndsey Lopez

model

Sometimes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Other times, it’s in the eye cream of the beholder!

This week, Celebrity Skin Care is taking a look at the stunning and ageless Salma Hayek. We love her not just for her sexy confidence and stunning looks, but also for her pride in her Mexican roots and her devotion to helping women embrace their beauty.

This cover girl, actress, beauty line developer, and mother of an adorable little girl, has reveals her secrets to keeping her skin ageless and we are here to pass them along to you!

Shea, our Clinical Skin Care Specialist, says…

Can it be true that Salma has never had injectibles, lasers, or peels to maintain her flawless skin?  I have no idea, but if so, then Salma either has the best genes on this planet or she knows the right products to use. Obviously whatever she is doing is working!

According to her, she has been applying “creams” her whole life, many of which she watched her grandmother make in her own kitchen. While those recipes are a secret, using moisturizers to keep your skin looking young and radiant, is not!

So what are her other skin care secrets? According to Salma, she uses products from her new skin care line, Nuance (available at CVS), which is known for premium products at very affordable price. What more could a girl ask for? This line was indeed inspired by her grandmother, and also by Salma’s own beauty rituals. The ingredients are sourced from the native flora and fauna of Mexico and many of which have never been available to the mass market before. All of these products were designed to preserve the youthful appearance of every woman.

I had never heard of products with tepezcohuite (found in prickly pears) so of course I had to do a little research. For hundreds of years, tepezcohuite has been used to treat various skin problems because of it’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and it has been shown to stimulate collagen production. Prickly pears are full of antioxidants and also good for its calming effect on the skin. Needless to say, these strange ingredients definitely have anti-aging properties that I look for in the products I use myself and recommend.

One of the best ways to wake up glowing and refreshed is to let your skin soak in a good dose of hydration while you sleep. Nuance Renewed Radiance Nutrifying Night Cream, ($13.59, cvs.com) is comparable to even the most luxurious high-end versions. Salma combines prickly pear, caffeine,and licorice root to soothe stressed out skin and a healthy dose of antioxidants to fight fine lines. I like that it is heavier than a day cream, but not as gloppy as most night creams tend to be.

Check this line out at a CVS near you. You’ll be as impressed as I am!

Karin, our Beauty Blogger, says…

I am fascinated with Salma’s sultry beauty! It’s always refreshing to see a woman who’s not afraid of being feminine and who embraces style, accessories, and of course makeup!

Salma was introduced to the magic of “creams” and beauty products by her beloved grandmother. After six years of dedicated R&D, her Nuance line of makeup is a culmination of her devotion to aging beautifully. As an extreme version of a woman-who-does-it-all, Salma proved recently (on Rachel Ray no less!) that it’s important and not too difficult to look refreshed and beautiful even when you “have no time” and are on a budget.

One of the easiest ways to erase a bit of time and help brighten your face is simply to even out the tone of your skin. Sun damage, lack of sleep, poor diet, and lack of time at the gym all add up to dullness and uneven coloring as the years go on. Try Salma’s Flawless Wear Tinted Moisturizer, ($13.99, cvs.com) to add much needed moisture and to cheat the look of perfect skin. It comes in 5 flattering shades, and is oil (and cruelty) free. Dot a little bit of concealer directly on to the darkest part of any under-eye circles, and pat it with your ring finger to blend.

I love Nuance’s Flawless Mineral Cheek Trios, ($12.99, cvs.com), to add a youthful flush of color to your face. the line offers four palettes to help custom-compliment and highlight every skin tone. Restoring that glow really helps to refresh and revive you!

Polish off you look with your choice of shades from one of two Perfect Lips Lip Quads, ($9.99, cvs.com). They have Vitamin E and essential oils to smoothe fine lines and plump up your pout. Bonus! They come in the most adorable little flower shaped pods that have an endless array of combinations inside!

With this fast and flawless routine, you’ll be stealing even more attention than Kitty Soft Paws herself. Remember to be like Salma and always top your look off with a killer smile!

Dr. Nicholas Vendemia, our Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, says…

There’s no doubt that good skin care is a lifelong task, and Salma has done a better job than anyone in taking care of her complexion… with one exception… SMOKING!

Out of all the bad things you can do for your skin, smoking is #1 on the list (closely followed by getting too much sun!). Smoking destroys all the wonderful little capillaries that provide nutrients and antioxidants to the surface of your skin. The more you smoke, the less your skin repairs and restores itself… and this ages you quicker than anything!

Smoking also dries out your skin which a huge contributor to wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the mouth, and also to the yellowish hue that only smokers and jaundiced people wear so well. Once those deep wrinkles are set in, it’s extremely difficult to fix them even with the best fillers and lasers, so the best treatment really is prevention!

Fortunately, Salma recently quit, so all of her grandmother’s wisdom won’t go to waste!

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NOTICE: None of the celebrities or individuals discussed here have ever received treatment, surgery, medical advice, or evaluations from any author, physician, surgeon, or representative of this blog. All images and photos in this article represent models only. No actual patients or clients are shown.

Rosacea can very mild or very severe, and can be quite difficult to treat, especially if you have had it for a while.

Keep Reading to find out more about what causes Rosacea, and how to treat it!

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a fairly common condition that is caused by chronic inflammation of the central face (cheeks, nose, and eyes), and often develops between the ages of 30 and 50. Most patients with rosacea complain of flushing, chronic redness, telangectasias (tiny broken capillaries), and even acne. Typically, these symptoms will come and go over time, and are almost always triggered (or made worse) by certain triggers!

What are the most common triggers for Rosacea?

It is unknown what causes rosacea, but you should avoid anything that triggers a flare, or seems to aggravate your skin. Here are some of the most common triggers for rosacea:

1. Sun Exposure: Always, always, always wear a good sunscreen if you have to be in the sun. This is the most common trigger in people with rosacea… and also the easiest to correct!
2. Hot and Cold Weather: Avoid spending a lot of time in environments with extreme weather (very hot, cold, or windy).
3. Stress: Try yoga, relaxation methods, deep breathing, etc
4. Food & Drink: Spicy foods, wine, and caffeine (coffee and teas) are the most common offenders.
5. Skin Care Products: Chemical peels and products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (glyclic acid and lactic acid) can worsen rosacea symptoms.

Who is at risk for Rosacea?

Anyone can get rosacea, but people (particularly women) with fair skin, blonde hair and blue/green eyes tend to be more at risk. It also has a tendency to run in families, so chances are that if your parents or grandparents had it, you are more likely to get it.

How do you diagnose Rosacea?

There is no specific test to diagnose rosacea. The diagnosis it made by your physician based on the appearance and history of these symptoms.

How can you treat Rosacea?

Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for rosacea. However, there are many things you can do to help relieve the symptoms and prevent future flares.

1. Avoiding your known triggers is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way to control rosacea flares!
2. Use SPF daily to decrease any sun exposure that can worsen the symptoms. Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide are the best.
3. Oral antibiotics such as Tetracycline or Doxycycline are often used to help decrease acne, inflammation, and redness.
4. Topical antibiotics, such Metronidazole, is often prescribed if oral antibiotics do not seem to be helping decrease inflammation and acne.
5. Azeliac Acid (commonly used in skin lightening products) can help reduce inflammatory lesions, bumps, and papules caused by rosacea.
6. Rosacea facials, offered at some doctors offices, can help decrease the redness of the skin and help with acne caused by rosacea. Many of these facials use a combination of azelaic acid, anti-inflammatory products, and LED lights to reduce inflammation and redness. The price of these facials varies, but our Rosacea facials at Manhttan Aesthetic Surgery typically cost around $200.
7. Accutane is sometimes used if acne cannot be controlled with oral and topical antibiotics. However, because there are many side effects with this medication, it is only used in very severe cases.
8. Vascular lasers and Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are one of the best treatments for rosacea because it has a dramatic effect on small vessels and redness of the skin. There is very minimal down time with these lasers (so it is a great option for those with busy schedules), but plan on spending between $1000-$3000 for a series of treatments.

When it comes to treating rosacea, first thing is first… you need to find a doctor who regularly treats patients with rosacea. Most home remedies do not work, and since rosacea is not a curable disease, you need to find a doctor who you can follow up with you whenever you have a flare. Look for a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon who can offer everything from facials to lasers to help treat rosacea.

Shea Slaymaker, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Beauty & Skincare Expert
Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery
www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com
Shea@ManhattanAesthetiSurgery.com

Lipstick is the ultimate touch of femininity, yet many of us ladies aren’t quite sure where to start when it comes to choosing a shade. Here are a few tips that I use to help my clients kiss their questions goodbye!

Finding Your True Colors

Finding a color that you’re comfortable in is very important.  One of the first things you want to do is assess your personal color scheme. Your eye color, hair color, and overall skin tone will be key in finding your perfect lip shade.If you have a lighter complexion finding a lip color that has a bit of berry in it will brighten up your smile. If you have a golden to dark complexion, corals are in right now! This gives that romantic glow to the lips and adds that pop of color.

One thing that I personally love about a burst of color on my lips, and also on my clients, is that it photographs well. You don’t have to wait for the camera though! We all have very unique lip shapes and a little extra definition brings out that gorgeous smile that you’ll want to flash all day long.

Perhaps you love lipstick color and maybe you feel like you have lipsticks that are basically all the same shade but from different brands. We are creatures of habit sometimes and now we can step out of the box. Often times the color of a lipstick in the tube is not always the exact color it will deliver on you. Take into account the natural color of your lips and whether or not you are using a lip liner. These factors make a difference in what the final color will look like.

Here’s a great tip! The next time you find yourself at a beauty counter shopping for a lipstick, I encourage you to pick a color you think you would never wear. You might be surprised at what you will fall in love with!

Gloss vs Stick

In my experience as a beauty consultant, if you start off with a lipstick that delivers a lot of color, it may scare you away for good. My suggestion, if you tend to shy away from color, is to ease into color with a lip gloss that is pigmented. The key is to gradually adjust to more color on your lips, and glosses tend to be on the more “sheer” side of intensity.

If you want to get a really good nude lip, allow me to share a makeup cocktail with you! I love to use a light brown lip liner to outline the lips very softly. My favorite is Stripdown by MAC, ($14, nordstrom.com). Next I like to use MAC lipstick in Hue, ($14.50, macys.com) and apply it like you would any lipstick. I love to finish it off with Striptease gloss by NARS, ($24, sephora.com) to give you that khaki nude lip. Now, if you want more of a babydoll pink nude lip I recommend Turkish Delight  by NARS. This gives it a very super soft pink that goes great with a smokey eye!

Once you’ve seen how refreshing and energizing a quick swipe of color can be, you’ll be looking for an upgrade! Lipsticks have a more concentrated pigment and therefore come in a larger array of colors and formulas. Almost everyone can use a moisture boost which makes “hydrating” and moisturizing formulas a no brainer. Long-wear formulas are great for a hectic day (think wedding, business convention) when touch-ups aren’t always possible. Peruse your local drugstore, boutique, or department store to find a lipstick you’ll stick to!

Tricks of the Trade

Lastly, applying lip gloss, lip liners, and lipsticks can be tricky for some. I suggest exfoliating and using a lip moisturizer at night. Try Sugar Lip Balm by Fresh, ($22.50, fresh.com ). It will not only exfoliate your lip but it will hydrate them as well. This will make a difference in how your lip color stays and shifts(or doesn’t!) through out the day. For overnight line-fighting, Dr. Perricone and Fusion Beauty have excellent lip treatments that will assist in minimizing the appearance of fine lines around the lips. Talk about beauty sleep!

It’s always best to prime your lips to stop the color from feathering or bleeding.  I recommend using a silicone based lip primer to help the color glide on evenly and stay put. I think that Guerlain, Bare Escentuals, and NARS make the best lip primers. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way.

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Lindsey Lopez

Photo Credit: iStockPhoto, LIndsey Lopez

There are some really weird beauty treatments out there, but these Top 10 Strangest Beauty Treatments take the cake.

Continue Reading to check them out!

#1. Bird Poo Facial

An NYC Spa uses a secret ingredient in its Geisha Facial that’s literally been dropped from the sky: bird poo! The nightingale droppings used are purified (thanks to UV light) and come in a powdered form that is mixed with rice bran to neutralize odors. Once it’s applied to the face, natural enzymes get to work breaking down dead cells and cleansing the skin. This facial is no fly-by-night fancy; it actually dates back to ancient Japan, when Kabuki actors and geishas used the droppings to remove their makeup. For $180, this poo-poo procedure will give you cleaner, brighter, more radiant skin. ($180, Shizuka Spa, Manhattan)

#2. Fish Pedicure

Fishing for an effective callus cure? A spa in Virginia allows clients to sit for 15 to 30 minutes with their feet dangling in tanks containing 100 Garra rufa fish. These tiny carp actually nibble on feet, feeding on dead skin. Since the fish have no teeth, the nosh is innocuous, but is known to tingle and may induce a giggling fit. ($95, Yvonne Hair Nail & Tan, Virginia)

#3. 24K Gold Facial

A little bling may be just what’s needed to bring back that baby face. In the Touch of Gold treatment, fine pieces of 24-karat gold leaf are applied to the face and massaged into the skin. Gold is rich with therapeutic benefits: It stimulates collagen production, tightens and tones the face, and of course leaves you with glittering luminosity. ($250, Cleise Brazilian Day Spa, Chicago)

#4. Caviar Facial

Though it may sound a little fishy, but a spa in Chicago uses freeze-dried caviar, imported from Switzerland, that is thawed out in room-temperature water and smeared on the face as their signature beauty boost. It’s absorbed into the skin by way of an electric current, which treats fine lines and wrinkles under the surface. Caviar, rich in amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants, moisturizes the skin, helps repair sun damage and softens the appearance of wrinkles so you leave with an egg-cellent glow. ($185, Channing’s Day Spa, Chicago)

#5. Cup of Chi

When it comes to Eastern therapies, this one may be just your cup of tea. To help boost circulation, strengthen immunity and improve overall healing, an Arizona spa offers an ancient Chinese practice called cupping. Based on the principal that the spine correlates to other organs in the body, the treatment involves placing plastic cups along the back to create suction where chi energy is stagnant. When the cups are removed, clients report feeling a sensation of release and relaxation. $135, JW Marriott Starr Spa, Arizona)

#6. Fanny Facial

To whip that bottom into bikini-ready shape, a Manhattan spa developed a treatment with booty-ful benefits. Their signature Fanny Facial scrubs, tones and tans your tush like never before. A papaya and mint body scrub is rubbed on your rear to slough away dead skin and clean pores. Then your bum is hooked up to a microcurrent therapy machine to smooth lumps and bumps. As the finishing touch, your entire body is given a golden glow via organic spray tan. ($250, Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa, New York)

#7. Wine Pool

Here’s a service you aren’t likely to wine about: You’ve heard about the benefits of vino for the heart, but did you know it can also help reverse sun damage and firm skin? A spa in Japan features a tremendous tub of red wine where you can ferment your body. The juices keep flowing thanks to a huge bottle of wine that refreshes the supply several times a day. ($36, Yunessun Spa, Japan)

#8. Snake Massage

It may seem like something out of your wildest dreams (or nightmares), but one spa service in Israel might awaken your animal instinct. Spa clients can experience the therapeutic (albeit freaky!) effects of a pile of snakes slithering along their back. The big boys supposedly work tougher knots while smaller serpents deliver a lighter touch. ($70, Ada Barak’s Spa, Israel)

#9. Chocolate Body Wrap

If you’re craving something decadent, the Godiva Chocolate Body Wrap is good enough to eat. During this sweet experience, you’re slathered with a mixture of melted chocolate and mud. Then you’re wrapped in a blanket to better absorb the benefits, which include soothing and hydrating the skin, stimulating circulation and slimming your silhouette. ($180, Ajune Spa, Manhattan)

#10. Beef Fat Filler

A woman in Illinois recently developed her own alternative to brand name soft tissue fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. She injected her own face with hot melted beef fat! No, seriously, she did! And while this story is ridiculous to point of being funny, it actually as a very sad ending. The woman was rushed to the hospital with a massive infection and subsequently died. ($6.99/lb, Illinois)

While we appreciate unique and innovative treatments, we’re not entirely convinced that going to these extremes in weirdness is necessary to have beautiful, glowing skin. We offer a wonderfully complete line of facials, peels, and other beauty treatments for every skin care concern under the sun (no pun intended). Give us a call at 917-703-7069 or visit www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com for more info on MAS Magnifique Skin Care!

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Photo Credit: http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Style-Beauty/Beauty/Bizarre-Beauty-Treatments.html, istockphoto

NOTICE: None of the celebrities or individuals discussed here have ever received treatment, surgery, medical advice, or evaluations from any author, physician, surgeon, or representative of this blog. All images and photos in this article represent models only. No actual patients or clients are shown.

models

Michaelangelo, DaVinci, and Pauly D? Mama mia! Our favorite guidettes, guidos, and juice-head gorillas are taking over the Motherland!

This week, our Pretty Practioners send a fist pump out to the crew on Jersey Shore. From high-maintenance grooming to low-class orange skin, we’ve got the in’s and out’s of how to keep your skin glowing in all the right ways!

Shea, our APA (Aesthetic Physician’s Assistant), says…

Whether you like it or not, everyone loves watching the drama on the Jersey Shore. Every member on this show is extremely concerned (and in love) with their appearance, but in my opinion, they need a little skin care advise if they want to be able to keep up their look!

1. FOR THE GUYS: These Guidos all have the same problem: oily skin! Oily skin is prone to breakouts and acne, so its important to use products that help cut down the oil. For these guys, I would suggest using a toner after they shower, such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner ($6, drugstores). This will help keep their pores clear and help prevent oil production. I would also suggest getting regular clinical facials to help prevent breakouts and help keep their skin healthy. At MAS, we offer a specific acne facial, which includes a glycolic acid peel to help exfoliate the skin, and an anti-inflammatory LED Infrared Phototherapy treatment.
2. FOR THE GIRLS: The most important tip I have for the Guidettes is to take their makeup off before bed! Leaving makeup on while you sleep can clog pores and will make your skin look dull and predispose you to breakouts. Neutrogena makes Makeup Remover Wipes ($2.29, Drugstore.com) that are a simple and easy way to wipe away makeup and exfoliate dry damaged skin. J Woww recently announced that she is releasing a new skin care kit, that will include an exfoliating cleanser to scrub away makeup, an under eye cream to decrease puffiness, and a color enhancing moisturizer to give your skin a healthy glow. These products are designed to help reboot your skin after a long night of partying (a daily necessity for these girls)!
3. FOR THE ENTIRE CAST: Regardless of how good your skincare routine is, there are 2 things that will damage your skin permanently: smoking and sun damage! The Jersey Shore cast has had plenty of exposure to both of these, and if they dont stop smoking and start using SPF, they will develop wrinkles and sun spots over the next few years.

Sun spots and sun damage are very difficult to treat. First, you have to start wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 on a daily basis. Then I would recommend skin lightening products, such as DermaQuest Skin Lightening Serum ($50, Available in our office) to start lightening the spots. For more severe sun damage sun damage, I would recommend a series of peels, such as our Sun Spot SeriesTM. This series of clinical facials includes a glycolic acid  peel, and uses products with Kojic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Retinol to help get rid of sun spots and sun damage. Don’t forget, that sun exposure not only damages the appearance of your skin, but it also greatly increases the risk of getting skin cancer. For more information about sun spot treatments and the Sun Spot SeriesTM, call 917-703-7069 or go to www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com.

Karin, our Beauty Blogger, says…

I am totally guilty of watching Snooki, J Woww, Dina, and Sammi “Sweetheart” in complete fascination at their pre-game glamathons! They really take make-over to a whole new level. Even more than overplucked brows and gobs of gloss, the biggest beauty blunder that I would like to see remedied this season is the super fake bake orange skin!

I love sun-less tanning! It’s cheap, easy, and so much better for you skin than any form of UV exposure (especially with that tax!). Before you begin, exfoliate well with a loofah and a sugar scrub to make your skin as smooth as possible for even application. Also, avoid using  lotions, soaps, or shaving creams with lanolin in them the day the day that you tan. This is slippery stuff, and can leave you looking blotchy and streaky because the color won’t stay put.

Loreal’s Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Lotion ($7.59, drugstore.com) has been one of my favorites for it’s natural glowy color and variety of products. Their gel and sprays are also easy to apply, cheap enough to stock up on, and don’t make you orange! Bare Escentuals Faux Tan Self Tanner, ($22, qvc.com) is a fast-acting lotion that takes you to a super beach bum bronze in a flash. It is also one of the best smelling tanners available and is safe for sensitive skin.

To keep your color around longer, try to avoid super hot or long showers and gently pat yourself dry. Touch up any light spots with a little extra tanner. If you overdid it in any one area, try a little bit of cleanser with glycolic acid to help lighten up. Re-apply every few days if you’re looking to keep yourself bronzed and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen on your way out the door! Your “tan” is not a UV shield!

Ciao, bellas!

Dr. V, our Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, says…

I hate to say it, but I’m totally guilty of LMAO at the Jersey Shore! They’re morons, but they are pretty hilarious morons

Even though I’d love to talk about how funny they are, that’s not my job, so here are my three beefs with the Guidos and Guidettes of The Jersey Shore…

1. FAKE BAKES: I’m a GTL kinda guy too, but only as long as the “T” is sunless! Tanning beds are almost the worst possible thing you can do for your skin. Fake bakes will only lead to two things: the not-so-hot leathery look, and skin cancer.
2. SMOKING: When it comes to healthy skin, there’s only one thing worse than tanning beds… SMOKING! If you’ve never seen smoker’s lines around the mouth of someone who has smoked for a long time, try a Google search sometime… they’re awful, and they are nearly impossible to fix. Smoking also adds to the leathery baseball glove look that none of us want… except maybe Dontaella Versace.
3. BOOMING BREAST IMPLANTS: JWwow has no shame in admitting that she has breast implants, and even less shame is letting everyone know that they are 700cc’s! That’s the largest size implant that one of the major implant manufacturers produces, and while it may look OK on her now, it’s going to give her some grief in the future. Large breast implants (bigger than 450-500cc) are fairly heavy, and will sag pretty fast. Correcting the sagging with a breast lift is a very difficult thing to do with very large implants… just ask Heidi Montag or 38KKK cup Sheyla Hershey!

The Jersey Shore Cast is living large right now, but it’s bound to catch up with them. You can get away with pretty much anything in your 20′s, but it doesn’t last forever. In the meantime, all we can do is learn our lessons from their bad beauty habits, keep laughing, and master the Jersey Turnpike!

“Y-e-ahhhhhh b-uddy!”

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NOTICE: None of the celebrities or individuals discussed here have ever received treatment, surgery, medical advice, or evaluations from any author, physician, surgeon, or representative of this blog. All images and photos in this article represent models only. No actual patients or clients are shown.

Hard-to-treat dark under-eye circles can be a burden, and leave you looking like you haven’t slept in days. What many people don’t know though is that there is more to dark circles than just sleep deprivation!

There are 4 components that need to be addressed when it comes to the under eye area. The skin, the discoloration, the bags, and the hollow. The darkness that forms under your eyes is caused by tiny blood vessels that become visible beneath very thin eyelid skin, and the circles become more noticeable if you have fine lines, wrinkles, puffy bags or hollows under your eyes. For the best result, you need to treat all of these problems.

So how do you get rid of under eye circles and bags? Continue Reading to find out…

#1. Sleep

Although sleep deprivation doesn’t cause dark circles, lack of sleep can make under-eye circles look more noticeable. Sleeping only a few hours each night can leave you looking pale, and bring more attention to under-eye discoloration. Aim for 6-8 hours of sleep on a regular basis to help you look and feel better, and use an under-eye cream on before you hit the sack. I recommend Vivite’s under eye cream with glycolic acid (Available at viviteskincare.com, or in our Park Avenue office)! You can also try sleeping on 2 or more pillows to prevent blood pooling under your eyes, and help lighten the dark circles.

#2. Makeup

Knowing how to hide under eye circles is a great trick that every woman should know! Covering them up is very similar to covering a bruise. The key is to use a concealer that is either yellow, orange, or peach in color to contrast the purple/blue color of the circles. Dont use white or grey concealer, because that highlights the area and will bring more attention to it! Try Physicians Formula Gentle Concealer Stick in yellow (Drugstore.com, $5). If your eyes seem extra dark and puffy, try putting a cold compress over your eyes for 5 minutes before applying your makeup.

#3. Facials & Peels

Facials and peels do not necessarily make dark circles disappear. However, regular clinical facials, or chemical peels, will exfoliate the skin and improve the tone and texture, particularly around the eyes. By getting rid of all the top dead skin cell layers, it improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and thickens the eyelid skin, which helps lessen the appearance of dark circles.

At Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery, we offer a several different options that work wonders for under-eyes! One of the most popular options is our MAS Magnifique Clinical Facial which uses a Clarisonic brush and a glycolic acid peel to exfoliate the skin, as well as an anti-inflammatory under eye treatment. ($175-$225). A second option to tightening delicate under eye skin is a TCA peel. You will have a few days of pink tender skin with this treatment, but the results are excellent! ($499-$899 depending on the area being treated).

#4. Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are a great way to treat the under eye area. Lasers can focus on skin resurfacing and skin tightening around the eyes, which will lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and also tighten thin saggy skin to lessen the appearance of under eye bags. Most people need 2-3 treatments (sometimes more) to smooth out fine lines and tighten the skin around the eyes.

There are a variety of options depending on the amount of downtime you can accept, the amount of money you want to spend, and the level of results that you are looking for. Skin tightening laser treatments such as the Cutera Titan and the Alma Accent carry almost no downtime, but they can require multiple treatments to see a good result. On the flip side, more aggressive lasers such as the Cutera Pearl and the Alma Pixel will leave your skin pink and peeling for a few days, the but results will be much more dramatic than the other methods. Prices for laser eye treatments range from $600-$3000 depending on which laser you choose and how many sessions your purchase.

Talk to your favorite plastic surgeon about the options discussed here, as well as all the other available alternatives.

#5. Injectible Fillers

One often overlooked factor in treating dark under-eye circles is the hollows that may make the bags and circles much more noticeable. A gradual loss of soft tissue in the area just beneath the lower eyelid leaves many people with a very defined line immediately below their eyelid, which accentuates the appearance of under-eye bags. Simply removing the bag won’t completely fix the problem… the hollow has to be treated as well.

Fillers (such as Restylane or Juvederm) are a great non-surgical option to treat under-eye hollows. These products are Hyaluronic Acid fillers (a chemical found naturally in the body), and therefore they are very safe. Treatment of under-eye hollows usually costs about $600-$1500 per treatment depending on how severe your hollows are, and most fillers last about 6 months, so the treatment needs to be repeated roughly twice a year.

The combination of laser skin tightening and a small amount of filler is one of the most popular (and most effective) treatments for under eye circles, bags and hollows because it addresses all three problems at the same time.

#6. Surgery

Under eye bags that never go away (no matter what you do) might be require a surgical procedure called a Blepharoplasty. This is a very delicate operation that involves the removal of bulging fat pads and saggy skin under the eyes. The procedure can be done under twilight anesthesia, and involves about 5 days of downtime. Your lower eyelids will be swollen and bruised for 5-7 days, but once this resolves, you’ll have a result that is far superior to any of the nonsurgical treatments. Prices for eyelid surgery range from $2500-6000 depending on how complicated your surgeon feels that your operation will be.

Nicholas Vendemia, M.D.

Shea Slaymaker, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Beauty Expert
Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery
www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com
Shea@ManhattanAesthetiSurgery.com

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NOTICE: None of the celebrities or individuals discussed here have ever received treatment, surgery, medical advice, or evaluations from any author, physician, surgeon, or representative of this blog. All images and photos in this article represent models only. No actual patients or clients are shown.

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We have to give it to Sarah Jessica Parker… she is one of those celebrities who seems to look better and better with age!

So what is her secret for aging to perfection? Well, according to SJP, radiant skin is all a good routine, although we’re sure a fabulous family, endless wardrobe, and killer career all help too!

Keep Reading for The Pretty Practitioners dish on the eternally stylish and glamourous SJP on this weeks Celebrity Skin Care from MAS!

Shea, our APA (Aesthetic Physician’s Assistant), says…

According to SJP, she will try any anti-aging cream to help keep her skin looking young and healthy because she does not want plastic surgery! From what we know, she is well on her way to trying every product on the market.

Ms. Parker has been noted for using several top of the line skin care products over the past few years. She’s used Rodial’s Glamtox Serum, ($75, essentialdermcare.com) which contains Vitamin C, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to help smooth away her wrinkles. She also is a fan of Epicuren Discovery’s line of products which use a patented “Metadermalbolic Enzyme” to encourage skin rejuvenation.

While we admire her enthusiasm , we do have some advice to getting the most out of a new product. She should try using anti-aging products consistently (for at least a few months) to really get an idea of what results she can expect. Just because your Anti-Aging product doesn’t work its magic in one night doesn’t mean that it’s not working. Just like your wrinkles don’t appear in a day, these products take time, and have to penetrate all the layers of the skin before you will notice an improvement.

Another product that SJP has been said to love is her Clarisonic Brush, which I also swear by. The Clarisonic system uses sonic frequency to help deeply exfoliate and clean your skin. It can be used with your favorite facial cleanser for a serious beauty boost. Warning, after using this brush once, you will be addicted!

I loved seeing SJP on the cover of the August issue of Vogue and can’t wait to see what she does next!

Karin, our Beauty Blogger, says…

SJP is pretty much SJ-Perfect to me! She’s been oddly cute and quintessentially NYC long before her Carrie Bradshaw days.

I think that Sarah Jessica is aging like fine wine. Unlike many women of a certain age, she gets the point that less is more. I love how her look has stayed relatively clean through the years, yet managed to evolve into a bit of glam as well.

SJP has fascinatingly piercing aquamarine eyes, which she always uses as the highlight of her face. Lately, she has added the perfect “pop” with the blackest possible liner and mascara. I love gel liners for their for their tenacity and their ease of use. Bobbi Brown’s Black Ink is the best, ($21, nordstrom.com) and can be applied with a good, firm liner brush. Keep your line as close to your lashes as possible for a more defined look (it’s not “lid” liner!). A sweep of Dior Show Blackout Mascara, ($24.50, sephora.com), will also add a little drama to an otherwise neutral palette.

Ms. Parker is yet another devotee to lovely lips. Although she used to pucker up to a punch of apricot or even brick-ish hues, SJP has moved on to a more subtle, but always feminine sheen. Dior’s Addict Lipstick in Pink Cherie, ($28, sephora.com), captures just the right amount of  shine with a hint of Parisian flair. Perfect for any occasion, from Bradshaw to Broderick!

I’ll continue to remain inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker’s ability to come across as the best-friend-you-always-wanted/ultra- stylish-taste-maker/NYC-power-mom, all at the same time and would love to spend even just a moment in her Manolos!

Dr. Nicholas Vendemia, our Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, says…

I give SJP all the credit in the world for standing up to her statement about not wanting plastic surgery, and I think she’s doing a wonderful job without it!

There are some things that even the best skin care products can’t fix or prevent though… fine lines and wrinkles! Top of the line products might have the ability to keep wrinkles at bay for a few years, but eventually age will win the battle, and here’s why…

Many fine lines and wrinkles, especially those around the eyes and forehead, are due to repetitive muscle contractions. The analogy I like to make is this… take a piece of paper and fold it in half (but don’t make a crease in it). Now hold the paper between two or three fingers in the spot where the paper should be folded, and squeeze it gently over and over again. If you keep squeezing, the paper will eventually develop a crease, and once the crease forms, it’s almost impossible to get it out. The only want to prevent the crease is to not squeeze the paper!

It’s the same thing with the muscles around your eyes and forehead. Think about how many hundreds (or thousands!) of times they squeeze your skin every day. Every time you blink or furrow your brow is another potential crease in the paper, and the only way to prevent that crease is to relax the muscles providing the squeeze.

How do you relax the muscles? One word… Botox.

Sarah Jessica Parker has gorgeous wrinkle-free skin, and a little Botox would go a very long way towards helping her keep in that way!

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NOTICE: None of the celebrities discussed here have ever received treatment, surgery, medical advice, or evaluations from any author, physician, surgeon, or representative of this blog. All images and photos in this article represent models only. No actual patients or clients are shown.