Patient Portal

Ezine 105 August 2011

Skin Care Tip:

Sun Block Ingredient Facts

Sunblocks are physicial blocks that have a higher SPF and are composed of both physical and chemical blocks. Physical sunblock sits on the skin’s surface and cannot be absorbed by the skin, which gives it the ability to reflect the sun away from the skin, rather than absorbing the sun’s harmful rays. Chemical sunblocks can be absorbed by the skin, meaning that they protect the deeper layers of skin from the rays that can penetrate through the Physical blocks. There are two main rays, UVA and UVB which can cause both sun damage and aging. Certain chemical and physical sunblocks can work together to protect both rays from causing damage to the skin. Chemical sunblocks can be both irritating and non-irritating, so it is best to read the labels before purchasing if you have had any kind of reaction in the past. Physical sunblocks can protect from both UVA and UVB rays and include Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Zinc Oxide, an antimicrobial and healing product absorbs UVA rays. Zinc oxide helps prevent inflammation and irritation and is mostly used in cosmetics to boost the sun protection factor. Titanium Dioxide, is highly reflective and mostly used on UVB rays. Titanium Dioxide is also used in cosmetics because of its low irritation factor.

Chemical sunblocks are divided into categories based on UVA or UVB protection. Some can be irritating on the skin and can cause inflammation depending on each individual. Some UVA chemical sunblocks include, Oxybenzone, Benzophenone, Avobenzone, and Parasol 1789. Some UVB chemical sunblocks include, Cinnamates, which can be highly irritating, Salicylates, PABA (which is not used much anymore due to its known irritations), Padimate-O, and Octocrylene. There are a variety of ingredients used in sunblocks, which can enhance the protection ability of each product. Knowing what is in each product will help you to achieve less sun damage and keep your skin healthy and young as long as possible.

Anti-Aging Tip:

Do You Really Need To Take A Daily Multivitamin?

There is still good evidence that taking a daily multivitamin is a good idea for most adults in spite of some reports that it might not necessary. Intake of several vitamins above the minimum daily requirement may prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases. Vitamin A stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, is essential for remodeling bone, and helps regulate cell growth and division. Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid lowers risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C has been shown to decrease the incidence of cancers, and boost the immune system. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect against harmful free radicals. Vitamin C is also a key component to skin and promotes collagen production. Of course, there is also some evidence that vitamin C taken at the start of a cold might ease symptoms. Vitamin D helps ensure that the body absorbs and retains calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building bone. Laboratory studies also show that vitamin D keeps cancer cells from growing and dividing. Insufficient intake of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of fractures, while vitamin D supplementation may also prevent them. Vitamin E prevents blood cells from sticking to each other and to the blood vessels they travel through. This will help promote clear and flexible blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Vitamin E is also known to slow down the aging process and help with certain nerve conditions.

The truth is that a standard multivitamin supplement does not come close to making up for an unhealthy diet. It provides a dozen or so of the vitamins known to maintain optimal health. We still strongly recommend all patients should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A regular exercise regimen is also critical to achieving optimal health.

Plastic Surgery Tip:

Chicago Breast Enlargement Surgery

Breast Enlargement Surgery, also known as Augmentation Mammoplasty, enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. During surgery, your board-certified plastic surgeon will place the implant behind the muscle, to give your breast a more natural appearance. Now that silicone implants have been approved by the FDA, you can choose between saline and silicone implants. The most common reasons why women choose Breast Enlargement surgery is to enhance the body contour of a woman’s breasts, because of size. Other reasons are to correct uneven breast size or shape, or to add more volume after pregnancy.

To see before and after patient pictures, please click here.

During your consult with Dr. Speron, the patient will discuss their desired goals on an individual level. Then they will further discuss the course of treatment and potential complications at the appointment time. Please check out the wealth of information on our site by clickin here.

Make sure you chose a board certified plastic surgeon. A call to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (ie. 1-888-475-2784) can tell you which doctors are legitimate plastic surgeons with outstanding qualifications. You can also visit the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. The ASPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. When considering a cosmetic surgeon, you should also make sure your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). A call to ASAPS (1-888-272-7711) or visiting the ASAPS website ( www.plasticsurgery.org) can help you verify your plastic surgeons membership.

To help you in making your decision, please click here to check out the 7 critical questions to ask any plastic surgeon before letting them touch you!

By far, the most important factor in the success of your procedure is the surgeon you choose. So please choose wisely...

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