Tag Archives: by Nancy Weinberg Simon

GOING SOMEWHERE? SAY SO LONG TO STRESSED-OUT SKIN

One of my 2018 New Year Resolutions is to see more of this big beautiful world, sharing life-altering adventures with people I love and squeeze in a little more r & r than I have the past few years. Traveling to exotic locales has numerous upsides that I’m excited about, but the toll it takes on my skin is something I can live without. Here, board certified dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis shares her skin saving tips to ensure your skin looks radiant and healthy upon arrival:

Why is it so dry in the sky? The re-circulated air on planes combined with the lack of humidity is incredibly drying to skin. The air inside the cabin of a plane usually has a humidity level of 10 to 20 percent, much lower than a comfortable typical indoor humidity of 30 to 65 percent. This leaves skin in desperate need of moisture.

“Most people notice their skin may dry out or even breakout when they travel by air but they may not know why,” says Dr. Lolis. “Whenever the environment is moisture-free such as with recirculated air in a plane cabin, the air actually draws moisture from wherever it can, including the skin. Dry skin will tend to get drier and oily skin will get even oilier to compensate for dehydration. This is why it’s so important to use moisturizer with hyaluronic acid that does a great job of pulling moisture and keeping it on the skin.”

Pass on the booze and drink water instead. “Alcohol is very dehydrating. While it may help to relax you if you’re nervous about flying, the effect of alcohol will be dry skin,” says Dr. Lolis. “Drink water, infused with fruit and read a magazine or book, enjoy an in-flight movie or podcast. Having something to distract you will serve your skin better than a glass of wine.”

Prep for in-flight moisture maintenance. A hydrating mist is perfect for in flight application. Dr. Lolis recommends spraying a couple of pumps onto your face for instant hydration. It also feels great and helps cool you down if you’re on a warm airplane.

Skip the salty snacks. Airport food is not very skin-friendly. “While peanuts and pretzels may look delicious, salt can cause swelling,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Instead, snack on dried fruits and prepack chopped veggies in baggies such as peppers, cherry tomatoes and celery, which are filled with water.”

It’s time to take off your makeup! If you regularly wear makeup, keep it to a minimum on the flight. “Dry airplane air combined with foundation and powders is a recipe for disaster to your pores. To avoid clogged pores and subsequent breakouts, opt for tinted moisturizer with concealer. Also use a tinted lip balm in lieu of lipstick. Dry cabin air only makes lips dryer,” recommends Lolis.

Puffy Eyes. Jet lag always shows through your skin but mostly in the eyes. Lack of sleep due to possible time changes can have you looking sleepy and puffy. Bring an eye cream in your carry-on that contains caffeine. Another option? “Bring two green tea bags with you on the plane,” says Dr. Lolis. “A half hour before landing, ask the flight attendant for hot water and soak a few minutes. Then add ice to cool down the bags, and apply them to your eyelids before landing. The green tea has antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to decrease puffiness so you’ll look your best when you land.”

Weather-Proof Your Skincare Products. Pick and pack skin products based on the climate of your destination. “For snowbirds, when going to a warm, humid destination, pay extra attention to exfoliation in order to reduce the dead skin cells trapped by excess moisture, and pack a cleanser with salicylic acid,” suggests Dr. Lolis. If traveling to a colder climate extra moisture and skin protection from the elements is key. “To function properly, the epidermis needs to maintain a certain moisture level; in the winter, low temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind deplete skin of its natural protective barrier, allowing that level to drop,” says Dr. Lolis. “Sunscreen is always a must regardless of climate you may be traveling to,” she adds.

Don’t rely on Hotel Beauty Products. People often breakout when they’re on vacation, because hotel products are typically made for people with normal to dry skin. In lieu of using hotel toiletries while traveling, consider packing a few key essentials in your travel beauty bag. “Hotel soaps can be very drying and overly scented,” warns Dr. Lolis. “Beware if you have sensitive skin and remember to bring your own toiletries.”
Dr. Margarita Lolis, M.D. is a board-certified cosmetic, medical dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with over 20 years of experience. In her practice, she addresses common skin concerns such as acne prevention and treatment in both teens and adults, sun-damage, skin discoloration, wrinkles, changes to skin texture and loss of volume. On the medical side, she is a trusted expert in melanoma and over-all skin health. Dr. Lolis prides herself in honoring facial symmetry to deliver a natural look to her clients. She always recommends a healthy skin care regimen plus lifestyle habits that are aligned with her holistic approach to beauty. Dr. Lolis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery, and the American Society of Anti-aging. Her practice, Skin, Laser, and Surgery Specialists is in New York City and Bergen Country, New Jersey.

 

*featured image via pinterest

HOW TO REVERSE SUN DAMAGE: WHAT YOUR DOC CAN DO

When I was younger I wasn’t exactly the poster child for sun protection. On school breaks, I’d visit my grandparents in Florida and spend hours baking in the sun. I’d often get blisters on my décolletage, pop them and continue tanning. I’d wrap tin foil on album covers, apply Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee and fall asleep in the sun. Even though I’d limit major sun exposure like this to vacations, the fact is sun damage isn’t exclusive to sun worshipers. The incidental sun exposure that we receive unintentionally on a daily basis actually accounts for the vast majority of the average person’s lifetime exposure to the sun’s damaging rays.

Sun damage eventually rears its ugly head in the form of wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven pigment, dark spots and even more serious conditions like melanoma. While the cellular changes from UV radiation can’t be entirely reversed there’s a lot you can do to help minimize the damage. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Jonathan Kaplan MD, MPH says there are over-the-counter products that  can help repair but not cancel out the sun damage entirely. He explains “post burn moisturizers can replenish lost moisture after a sunburn, potentially speeding the healing process and maybe even eliminating the familiar post-burn skin peeling, but any damage to DNA from UV light has already occurred at this point so typical over-the-counter products won’t reverse this.”

Dark spots, hyper-pigmentation and melasma can also be helped by exfoliating treatments:

  • Dr. Kaplan is a fan of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments that cause spots to flake off over the course of a few days. A series of treatments is usually required but will get the job done.
  • Another option is a combo of hydroquinone and tretinoin, used as a one-two punch to reduce hyper pigmentation and dark spots. With this method of treatment you’ll experience obvious flaking at first as the top layers of your skin are exfoliated, but you will see results in as little as 4 weeks.
  • Certain topical antioxidants can also help slough off the dead surface cells, boost collagen and aid in the reparative process. In particular, Vitamin C will help even out your complexion and also protect you from the sun’s damaging free radicals.

Though sun damage does have aesthetically unappealing consequences it can also have deadly consequences as Dr. Kaplan points out. “Too many years of unprotected sun exposure can damage collagen and the skin’s ability to heal, leading to irreversible skin damage and the risk of cancer  in the most extreme, unprotected scenarios.”  To prevent something as serious as skin cancer, do what you can to help reverse damage that’s already occurred, use sun protection religiously to protect yourself against future damage and get regular skin checks to stay on top of damage that’s already occurred.

*To see more of my work on Smart Beauty Guide, click here.

 

(featured image via pinterest)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AGEISM AND PLASTIC SURGERY

I’ve always been a big believer in the “you’re as old as you feel” mentality, but the truth is there’s a lot of ageism going on. It’s in the fashion world, the beauty world, and most problematic, the workforce where it’s particularly scary because it greatly impacts one’s ability to provide for themselves and continue to stay and feel vital.

It’s been trending for a while now. Older Americans have been getting non-surgical aesthetic procedures and cosmetic surgery to stay competitive in the job market, whether they’re seeking employment or trying to hold onto their present jobs.Though qualifications and experience for a specific job should be the deciding factor, unfortunately that’s not always the case. Right or wrong, consciously or subconsciously, if a present or potential employee looks old that could be a strike against them, especially if they’re up against someone with similar qualifications and experience who looks bright eyed and alert.

It’s a fact of life. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity and can look less taut. You might experience wrinkles, drooping lids, hollow cheeks and even appear tired, worried and older than your actual chronological years. If you think plastic surgery might give you the competitive edge you’re looking for or at least even out the playing field, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can help you decide what might be the right choice for you. Even if you’re not ready, willing or able to undergo a full, upper or lower face lift, short of plastic surgery there’s still a lot you can do to address different concerns you might have.

  • If you have crow’s feet, forehead lines, the 11s or turkey neck, Botox can help. It will temporarily paralyze the small muscles, prevent new lines from forming and diminish the look of those you already have.
  • If age spots have got you down, a series of microdermabrasion and/or chemical peel treatments could greatly diminish them or you can use a laser to zap them into oblivion.
  • If you have under-eye bags, dark rings or circles consider hyaluronic acid filler which can trigger new collagen production and give your under-eye area a more youthful appearance.
  • If you have marionette lines around the mouth hyaluronic filler could be the answer as well. It can be injected near the cheekbones and temples to fill out facial contours, giving you a more lifted and youthful look.

If anything about your appearance does give you cause for concern, it’s nice to know you’ve got options. Most importantly, make sure you’re in the hands of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. To find one in your area, click here.

 

(image via pinterest)

OFF-LABEL USES OF KYBELLA: WHAT ELSE CAN IT DO?

Kybella, the FDA approved fat-melting injectable has been a godsend for those looking to address moderate to severe fat on the upper neck area. This non-invasive and non-surgical treatment uses deoxycholic acid to destroy fat cells that are then metabolized by the body naturally. Previously, this area was only able to be addressed with liposuction or surgical tucks, but thanks to this injectable, plastic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons and select dermatologists are able to address this submental area with this far simpler treatment.

The fact that Kybella can dissolve fat got me wondering about it’s other possible uses. Could this injectable actually turn out to be the holy grail in fat reduction for other areas with excess fat as well? I asked board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian S. Glatt, M.D., F.A.C.S. what other areas might be right for this treatment. According to Glatt, “Kybella could theoretically be used to treat many other areas of unwanted fat (the outer thigh saddlebags area a good example of this), but determining proper dosages as well as identifying potential pitfalls in other anatomic areas should be a focus of study to ensure safe use of Kybella.” This appears to be another case where “better safe than sorry” rings true. “When products are used off-label, they’re basically being used in a manner which is outside its formal FDA approval. It doesn’t mean that it’s unsafe for you or ineffective, however it does denote that a product has not been specifically studied for use in that particular situation,” says Glatt . He sites Botox as an example of a product that’s used very effectively off-label. Though it has a number of  FDA indications, it  is used off-label for wrinkles of the forehead,  even though this area remains one of the most commonly treated with Botox.”

As with any aesthetic cosmetic procedure, Dr. Glatt cautions that any off-label uses need to be approached carefully. “Without formal study leading to an FDA approved indication, it is difficult to predict if side effects and or risks are reversible if used in an off label manner,” he explains.” Since the same side effects and risks apply to Kybella whether it is being used as indicated or off label, the fact that it can be damaging to nerves and muscles makes it particularly important for your doctor to proceed with extra caution if it’s being used off-label where it might be closer to these vital structures.

If you think Kybella might be the answer to your prayers, make sure you’re in the right hands before undergoing this treatment. Look for a board certified plastic surgeon or board certified dermatologist who can administer it safely and determine if it’s the right treatment for you. Do your homework and check your doctors credentials to ensure they have the proper training and experience in this area so that you’re fully satisfied with the results.

Click here for more of my articles for Smart Beauty Guide.

 

 

(featured image via pinterest)

 

 

NO KNIFE PROCEDURES: THE LATEST IN NON-INVASIVE BEAUTY TREATMENTS

 

If lines and wrinkles, loose skin, pockets of fat or any other beauty issues are keeping you from feeling your confident best, know that you’ve got options. There are many new non-surgical treatments to address the issues that are keeping you from feeling and looking your absolute best.

Click here for my latest Zwivel.com story and discover the latest non-invasive beauty treatments to help you strut your stuff!

 

 

(featured image via pinterest)

Can essential oils help you handle plastic surgery? You betcha!

I was first turned on to the many benefits of essential oils when I met the founder of 21 Drops, Advanced Clinical Essential Oil Specialist, Cary Caster. She studied aromatherapy in Europe where aromatherapy is widely recognized as a medical treatment — It’s based upon the principle that oils, extracted from various parts of plants, can help support your body’s physical and mental well-being. Essential oils can be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, have healing properties and strengthen your immune system. They also have many other benefits including the ability to help you focus, feel more passion, control your appetite, detox and even control stress and pain, which makes them the ideal complementary medicine for everyone, including those about to undergo surgery.

As someone who gets anxious before any doctors appointment — be it the dentist for a cleaning, my yearly checkup with my primary care physician or a full body skin check with my dermatologist — I can attest that the use of essential oils to help you relax can be a game-changer as the anxiety is always worse than the actual procedure. Though many swear by anti-anxiety medications like Xanax or Valium, I’m a big fan of essential oils because you can reap similar benefits, without the side effects or possibility of addiction.

Essential oils work through inhalation, topical application or a combination of the two, but are usually most effective when both methods are combined. With inhalation, you simply breathe them in which ignites a physiological response that stimulates changes in your body depending upon the specific essential oil being inhaled. When you apply it topically, minuscule-sized molecules of the essential oil are easily absorbed through the skin where they then pass into the bloodstream to affect change. For better penetration, it’s best to apply to freshly cleansed skin and if the essential oil isn’t already blended, you should mix it in with a thin carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil instead of the heavier ones like olive oil.

Clinical studies have shown that specific essential oils can help get a handle on your daily life and can even be used before during and after surgery to help alleviate a variety of issues. In regards to pre and post op procedures, here’s what you can expect:

  • They can help ease anxiety. Choose lavender, orange, rose or Roman chamomile to reduce stress and apprehension about your upcoming surgery.
  • They can help reduce pain. Eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Rosemary has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. Sandalwood will help relax the nervous system, thereby reducing nerve pain. Depending on what’s causing you discomfort, there’s an oil to help you bear it.
  • They can help with post-operative nausea or vomiting. Choose ginger or peppermint essential oil to help relieve digestive issues.
  • They have anti-bacterial properties. Choose cinnamon, tea tree or lemongrass for help with healing.

It’s important to note that some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain medical conditions as they can have possible interactions when prescribed drugs are involved or when they’re used on those with certain metabolic conditions. Always check with your doctor before incorporating essential oils in any form of your treatment plan.

Click here to see more of my work on Smart Beauty Guide.

 

(featured image via pinterest)

THE LOOK: CONTROLLED CHAOS

I’m kind of crazy about this polished, interesting undo created by Amit Abraham, Master Stylist for Dop Dop Salon for the Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2016 Collection. It celebrates the prowess and poise of the mysterious female mind and was inspired by China’s Dragon Lady, Empress Cixi.

Abraham combined symmetical buns, one circular and the either in a wave-like shape. You can easily create your own interpretation or replicate it as is.

To do:
•Blow dry hair super straight and smooth
•Part hair down the middle and tightly pull hair back into two symmetrical ponytails at the occipital bone
•Twist ponytail hair into a flat bun on left side, being aware of the placement of bun so as not to peer out in front
•Take right ponytail and wrap in fine hairnet then secure at the base and wave flat toward front right ear pinning inside of nest to create wave movement
•Polish hair with strong hold gel to remove flyaways
•Finish with hairspray and add hair accessory

 

 

(Photography, Luzena Adams)

 

Vitamins: What You should be taking

www.drcal.net

The plethora of vitamins on the market reads like the alphabet- literally from A- Zinc. Do we, as women need to guzzle 50 a day to be healthy? How do we make heads or tails from what the media tell us? And at what age do we need certain vitamins?

Here’s your guide to vitamins at every age according to Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., an NYC-based anti-aging physician who has been called, “The Stem Cell Guru.”

In a perfect world, all of our nutrient needs would come from the best source: Food. However, if your diet isn’t text book perfect then take your “nutritional insurance” a.k.a. a multivitamin, suggests Dr. Calapai. “Research shows taking a well-balanced multivitamin throughout your lifespan helps fill in nutritional gaps in your diet.”

In your 20s and 30s
• Calcium: These are the decades to bone up, as in, maintain your bone mass. Dr. Calapai recommends adults aged 19-50 years take 1,000 milligrams of calcium, daily. If you don’t receive enough calcium from your diet, you may need to take a supplement containing elemental calcium. Elemental calcium refers to the actual amount of calcium in a supplement that’s available for your body to absorb—the rest are compounds making up the supplement. But when supplementing your calcium, read the labels carefully, cautions Dr. Calapai . “For example, if you buy tablets such as calcium carbonate, each tablet contains 1,250 milligrams of calcium,” he says. “Unfortunately, only 500 milligrams is elemental calcium.”

• Vitamin D: The reason we’re severely lacking vitamin D nowadays, much more so than even our parents were, is because we’re missing out on the number-one source of vitamin D: The sun. “Vitamin D is a pro-hormone made in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and production of it is rapid and robust,” Calapai says. “Within 10 to 20 minutes without wearing sunscreen, people make between 10,000 and 20,000 IU. But because of widespread sunscreen use, total sun avoidance, and our increasingly indoor lifestyles, our vitamin D levels have fallen drastically.” Dr. Calapai says, “Take at least 2,000 IU per day year-round. And although you technically don’t need to supplement on the days that you know you’ll be outside when the sun is high, it’s just easier to take it every day than to try to remember when and not to.”

• Folic Acid: For women in their childbearing years, folic acid is recommended if you’re planning on conceiving anytime soon. “You should take it before you get pregnant to ensure your levels are high because low rates of folic acid can cause a number of birth defects,” says Dr. Calapai. “The recommended dosing of folic acid is 400 micrograms per day if you are age 14 or older.”

• Iron: Iron is another key consideration for menstruating women. “Iron deficiency commonly occurs in pregnant women, causing anemia, which can result in fatigue and weakness,” says Dr. Calapai . “Iron enables red blood cells to carry oxygen and deliver it to body cells.” If you’re pregnant and not getting your daily 27 mg. of iron from sources such as iron-fortified cereals and eggs, then look for it in a supplement containing 16 to 20 mg, or speak to your physician about iron supplementation specifically.

In your 40s
• Calcium: Beginning at age 19 and continuing until age 50, women should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily, according to the Institute of Medicine. This is also the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for women above age 19 who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Once you turn 51, the RDA increases to 1,200 milligrams. As long as your daily diet provides enough calcium to meet your RDA, you probably don’t need a supplement unless it’s under the advice of your health care provider. *Note: Never take more of a calcium supplement than is recommended. It could lead to kidney problems or renal failure.

• Vitamin D: Recommendations for vitamin D intake in your 20s and 30s (as explained above) still apply in your 40s. If you are unsure how much vitamin D you actually need, ask your doctor about taking a vitamin D test.

• Folic Acid: Pregnant? Up your daily intake of folic acid to 600 mcg. To meet this need, women should continue taking a multivitamin containing 400 mcg of folic acid throughout their pregnancy.

• Iron: As in your 20s and 30s, be sure to get 27 mg. of iron daily if you are pregnant, whether through your diet or a combination of diet and supplements. Non-pregnant women should aim for 18 mg a day of iron.

In your 50s
• Multivitamin: It’s time to switch to multivitamins designed for adults 50 years and older, says Dr. Calapai. “These multivitamins have significantly less iron than multivitamins for younger women, he says. “For example Centrum Forte for women up to the age of 49 years has 10 mg of iron per tablet and Centrum Select 50+ designed for those over 50 has only 4 mg of iron per tablet, but has additional vitamin B12 to reflect changing nutrient needs.”

• Calcium: For women over 50 years, Dr. Calapai recommends bumping your calcium intake to 1,500 mg. daily.

• Vitamin B12: “Your vitamin B12 needs increases after 50 because the gastrointestinal tract does not absorb vitamin B12 as well as a younger digestive tract,” says Dr. Calapai. He advises those older than 50 get 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily, mainly by consuming foods fortified with vitamin B12 or a supplement containing vitamin B12.

In your 60s
While the overall needs are similar to those in your 50s, check your multivitamin again to be sure it’s meeting all your nutrient needs because newer health issues such as eye health and heart disease might be manifesting. “Some multivitamins contain key antioxidants such as lutein which may protect against age-related macular degeneration, and lycopene, which may help prevent heart disease,” says Dr. Calapai.

 

Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O. / Anti-Aging Physician and “The Stem Cell Guru” / www.drcal.net

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, anti-aging medicine and chelation therapy. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S.

His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s.

Dr. Calapai started his practice in New York City in 1986 and for over 25 years he has hosted nationally syndicated radio shows, including his two weekly call-in shows on WABC 770-AM, where he offers health and medical advice. He has a show on Saturday morning 8-9am and Sunday evening from 6-7pm. He has consulted with numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Chris Noth, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies.

Dr. Calapai received his medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and he consults in Manhattan with practices on Long Island, in East Meadow and Plainview. He has appeared on News12 and in the pages of 25A Magazine and Social Life Magazine.

He is the author of E-books Heavy Metals and Chronic Disease, Reverse Diabetes Forever! Seven Steps to Healthy Blood Sugar, Top Ten Supplements You Can’t Live Without, and Glorious Glutathione. Learn more about Dr. Calapai on his website, www.drcal.net.

 

(featured image via pinterest)

HELP FOR AGING HANDS

In my book everyone deserves to find their happily ever so I was delighted to see more than a few of my Facebook friends get engaged this past year. They showed off some gorgeous ring shots on their wall, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that some of those photos would have looked so much better if the hands they were on did not look so…OLD.

It might sound catty but I know I’m not alone in my opinion. Social media is actually changing the way people see themselves and many a plastic surgeon has seen an uptick in business thanks to patients coming in and showing them selfies that pinpoint exactly what they’re unhappy with.

Check out your own hands. Do you have age spots, veins, crepey or dry skin? Whether you like it or not, those factors make you look older than you need to look. Because the skin on your hands is incredibly thin and they’re exposed to the elements much more than other areas of the body, the hands tend to age sooner. Fortunately, the day to day things you do can make a positive difference. And if you’re looking for a big change, your doctor has got what it takes. Here, how to make your hands look much, much better:

APPLY SUNSCREEN. Protect your hands from hyper pigmentation, age spots and other forms of sun damage by applying sun protection. A good rule of thumb is to apply it when you’re doing your morning “getting ready” routine and reapply throughout the day when necessary. You’ll like Avon Anew Clinical Absolute Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 15 ($17).

WEAR GLOVES. When cleaning your home, doing dishes or yard work and when you’re out in the cold, always wear protective gloves to help prevent dry, damaged skin.

HYDRATE OFTEN. Use your sun protective hand cream throughout the day and also keep hand cream on your bedside table so you dont forget to soften, smooth and nourish while you sleep. Try L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($28).

SEE THE DOCTOR.  Regular daily maintenance should do a lot to keep your hands looking their best but if you feel the need to take things up a notch and really reverse the look of aged hands, a visit to the doctor is in order. Many in-office procedures used on the face and other areas of the body can be tailored for the hands to give them the youth boost you’re seeking. These include but are not limited to the following:

-Laser Resurfacing:  Brown spots, sun spots, age spots, liver spots, hyper-pigmentation — whatever you choose to call them — can be broken up and eliminated through the use of lasers that seek out darker pigmented skin.

-Injectable Fillers: Fillers like Restylane, Radiesse and even fat can immediately add volume to the back of the hands for a more youthful and supple look. They’re injected directly beneath the skin to diminish the look of veins and bony joints or tendons.  You can expect results to last up to two years or longer.

-Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion: Both of these methods can help improve surface issues like rough, scaly skin and hyper-pigmentation issues.

A board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist can help you decide what options are right for you (click here to find one in your area) and no matter what you decide, strict post-treatment sun protection and skin care is a given if you want to keep your hands looking their best.

Note: For more of my stories on aesthetic procedures, check out my blog posts on Smart Beauty Guide.

 

(featured image via pinterest)

 

HOLIDAY HAIR TREND: LADYLIKE

Save your beachy waves and messy updos for another time. This season, a more “done” approach to hair is trending. Embrace polished ponytails and updos and accessorize with a beautiful barrette or hairpin. Right now, I’m loving the Stellar Hair Set ($48) with 3 gold and glimmery options.

anthropologie.com

anthropologie.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(featured image via harpersbazaar.com)