Aspire Care Clinic

Do I Need To Wear Sunscreen in The Winter?

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:43:52 +0000

Most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer months to avoid sunburn and damage, but it really should be a year-round preventive health measure. Always wear sunscreen, no matter your skin color or tone.

It’s dark before and after work, why do I need sunscreen if I’m in the office all day?
Well, in addition to the UV rays that can penetrate your office window, did you know that your computer, Ipad and smart phone screens can contribute to aging your skin? HEV light (the blue light radiated from electronic screens) is being shown in studies to be able to penetrate your skin deeper than UV rays from the sun. Also, just like sunlight, it is also capable of creating harmful amounts of free radicals in your skin, which cause damage to the cells and subsequently accelerate aging. In addition to using sunscreen every day, don’t forget the importance of a good quality L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in your skin care regime, to help keep those free radicals at bay.

Why You Need to switch to Mineral Sunscreens

There has been much ado about mineral sunscreens and all that buzz needs to be heeded. Why? Simply because the chemicals that are found in chemical sunscreens seep into our bloodstream.

Think zinc oxide and titanium dioxide! Here are 8 reasons why you should ditch the chemicals and make the move to a mineral sunscreen.

Chemicals used in chemical sunscreens absorb into the body and can be found in urine samples, breast milk and blood samples. Chemical sunscreens include octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate and octocrylene.

Octinoxate and oxybenzone are both endocrine disruptors, meaning that they negatively affect hormones.

Oxybenzone along with octocrylene, avobenzone and PABA are associated with allergic skin rashes.

Octinoxate and oxybenzone are also environmental contaminants since they have been found to contribute to coral bleaching when washed off in the ocean.

Chemical sunscreens penetrate into the skin and absorb most UV radiation, converting it to heat energy. Chemical filters are changed by this process in that they break down, reducing their UV protection. In addition, the change in chemical composition also releases free radicals.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural minerals that sit on top of the skin and work by reflecting, scattering and absorbing UV rays. They are also known as a “physical barriers” which means that, contrary to their chemical counterparts, they don’t enter the skin.

Mineral sunscreens are broad-spectrum, protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreens offer an either/or scenario because they can’t adequately block both types of rays.

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, those with sensitive skin should opt for “chemical-free” sunscreens to avoid skin irritation. Mineral sunscreens contain no chemicals and, therefore, are ideally suited for all skin types including sensitive skin.

With mineral sunscreen’s broad-spectrum protection and chemical-free ingredients, you can practice safe sun with a solid peace of mind.

All of Aspire Skin Care sunscreens are mineral-based.

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What is Preventative Botox?

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:39:27 +0000

Globally, preventative Botox injections are one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic surgeries.

While older adults are the people who are turning to Botox injections the most, there has been an increase in the number of young adults in their 20s and early 30s who are investing in preventative injections.

Read on learn more about the benefits of preventative Botox and the people who can benefit most from it.

What is Preventative Botox?

Before we define preventative Botox, we should first clarify what Botox is. Botox is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a diluted amount of purified neuromodulator protein into the muscles of the face.

After its injected, the neuromodulator protein disrupts the function of the nervous system. Specifically, it prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This, in turn, prevents the muscle cells from contracting.

As a result, wrinkles soften and relax, creating a smoother appearance.

Botox injections are most often used to minimize the appearance of frown lines, lines around the eyes, and lines on the forehead. Preventative Botox works by targeting these areas before wrinkles ever develop, or when they are smaller and easier to treat.

When Should You Start Getting Preventative Botox?

Botox has been approved for adults as young as 18 years old. People in their 20s and early 30s are the most common recipients of preventative injections. But, you can start using preventative injections as soon as you start noticing fine lines when your face is totally relaxed.

Benefits of Preventative Injections

There are a number of benefits that come with investing in preventative injections as a young adult, including the following:

Saves Money

If you start getting preventative Botox in your 20s or 30s, you could end up spending less than if you were to wait until you’re older. Preventing the formation of new wrinkles and treating small wrinkles as soon as they appear will help you save a lot of money.

It can cost thousands of dollars to treat deep wrinkles all over your face. But, getting preventative injections in just a few areas usually only costs a couple hundred dollars. Even if you get treatments a few times a year, you’ll still spend less than you would if you waited until you had a lot of wrinkles that need to be addressed.

With preventative injections, you also can space out your treatments, which is great for people on a budget.

If you’re looking for more natural results that are easier on your wallet, you can decrease the amount of Botox injected during each appointment.

Faster Treatment

If you only have a few wrinkles that need to be treated, or if you only need preventative injections in areas that might cause problems later, you won’t have to spend a very long time getting injections.

This is great for people who are short on time, as well as those who aren’t a big fan of injections of any kind. Botox injections are very quick and relatively painless, but anything you can do to speed up the process is still beneficial.

Establish Good Habits

When you receive Botox injections, you’re no longer able to perform actions that contribute to wrinkles, such as furrowing your brow.

If you have a bad habit of doing these things without realizing it, preventative injections can help you break the habit early on.

After the effects of the injections wear off, you’ll likely have forgotten about your tendency to wrinkle your brow. This, in turn, prevents the formation of wrinkles in the future.

What to Expect

Many people are interested in preventative injections but are nervous about what the procedure will be like. If you’re on the fence, knowing what to expect can take the edge off and help you feel more confident going in for your appointment.

When you arrive for your appointment, the area in which you’re receiving the injections will be wiped down with alcohol. The doctor or nurse may also ask you to make a few facial expressions. This will help them see where injections will be most effective for you.

In general, Botox injections are typically done in fifteen minutes or less — it depends on the number of injections you’re receiving.

Injections aren’t entirely painless — they typically feel like a sharp pinch — but they also don’t last very long. The needle is usually in an out in just one second.

When Will I See Results?

Results from Botox are not immediate. If you have visible wrinkles, it usually takes up to 5 days for you to notice the full results.

Of course, the results of preventative injections are going to be seen over the long term, since you are reducing the depth of wrinkles that happen over time.

How Long do Injections Last?

The results of injections typically last between three and four months. After this period, they’ll start to gradually wear off.

Potential Side Effects

The majority of the side effects that come with Botox injections are mild and temporary. Some of the most common side effects that people experience include:

Pain, bruising, or swelling at the site of the injection
Headaches and other flu-like symptoms
Mild facial imbalances — a slightly crooked smile, or a droopy eyelid or eyebrow
Dry eyes or excessive tearing

If you do experience any of these side effects, they’ll most likely disappear completely within one or two weeks at most, but you should still talk to us if you notice anything.

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Laser Hair Removal – When is the best time to do

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:37:23 +0000

If you’re tired of worrying about unwanted hair, you may want to give laser hair removal some serious consideration. Chances are you’ve already thought about just how nice it would be to undergo a few quick laser treatments and never have to worry about shaving, waxing, or plucking unwanted hair again.

Your sun exposure is limited in the winter

In the winter months, you’re far less likely to inadvertently spend too much time in the sun, getting sunburned or tanned. Why does this matter? Because laser hair removal can’t be performed on sunburned or tanned skin. In fact, laser treatments are often not recommended for even slightly tanned or sun-kissed skin.

This is because laser works best on natural shades of skin, and there is more uncertainty in finding an accurate laser setting in darker-than-normal skin. This can end up damaging your skin.

Likewise, prolonged sun exposure should also be avoided following laser hair removal, as the laser makes the treatment area more sensitive and susceptible to UV damage.

For these reasons, it’s a good idea to protect your skin from sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your first treatment, and maintain consistent sun protection measures throughout your entire treatment cycle.

Vacations aside, for most people, this is far more easily done winter months, when sunlight is weaker.

Preparation for laser hair removal is easier in the winter

Laser hair removal targets active-growth hair follicles, but it can only target those follicles if there’s some amount of hair in the follicle itself. This means that the treatment doesn’t work on areas that have been waxed, plucked, or cleared with depilatory cream, as these removal methods pull hair out at the root, leaving nothing behind for the laser to focus on.

The best way to prepare for laser hair removal is by shaving the treatment area one or two days before your appointment. Your remaining hair should be close enough to the surface of your skin that virtually all of the laser’s energy is directed down the short stubble and into the follicle.

During warm summer months when you’re used to maintaining a stricter hair removal practice, it can be more challenging to avoid waxing and other treatments that give you the smooth, hair-free skin you want. Going through the process in the winter months means you can keep those stubbly areas covered up, and you’ll be less tempted to plucked that unwanted hair out.

It can take a few months to complete laser hair removal

The late fall or early winter is an ideal time to begin the laser hair removal process, which typically takes a few months to complete. By the time you finish your last session, you’ll be hair-free and swimsuit-ready just as the warm weather rolls in.

Laser hair removal takes a few months to complete because of the fact that your hair grows in cycles. Of the three phases of growth your hair goes through — anagen, catagen, and telogen — anagen is the only active-growth phase.

Remember, the laser only targets active-growth hair follicles. So hair follicles that are in the catagen or telogen phase during your first session won’t be affected by the treatment at all.

To make sure the treatment gets rid of most of the hair in a specific area, you’ll need to have multiple laser hair removal sessions over the course of time. Most patients see complete, permanent results after a series of three to six laser hair removal treatments, with each session spaced four to six weeks apart.

If you’re ready to get started, now’s the time. Come see us at Aspire Skin Care Medical Cosmetics Clinic. Call our office today 587-966-SKIN (7546), or make an appointment using our convenient online booking tool.

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Otezla for Psoriasis

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:26:26 +0000

What is Psoriasis?

It is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply ten times faster than usual. It makes the skin build red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere but usually show up on scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. While Psoriasis cannot be transferred from person to person, it can sometimes by a byproduct of genetics.

What are the symptoms?

Lots of red skin often covered with silver-coloured scales. They might be itchy and painful, crack and or bleed. In certain cases, they can grow and merge, covering larger areas of the skin.
It can affect your fingernails and toenails, making them discoloured and causing pitting of the nails. They may also crumble or detach from the nail bed.
You might see scales of crust on the scalp, as well.
Some individuals with psoriasis can end up having a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and swelling in the joints.

What is the use of Otezla? How do you use it?

Otezla is used to treat a certain type of arthritis (psoriatic arthritis). It helps decrease pain and swelling, potentially improving flexibility in the affected joints. For plaque psoriasis, it might help reduce redness, thickening and scaling of the skin that occurs with the condition. This medication is taken orally with or without food as prescribed by your doctor, typically twice daily.

Otezla Benefits:

75% clearer skin in some people after just 4 months with reduced redness, thickness and scaliness of plaques
It works inside your body to reduce inflammation
The prescribing information have no requirements for initial or routine blood testing
It is specifically tested and FDA approved for the treatment of people with plaque psoriasis

Otezla side effects:

Diarrhea, nausea / vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, or weight loss may occur.

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Eucrisa for Eczema

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:17:56 +0000

What is Eczema?

It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in dry skin, with patches that are red and intensely itchy. These patches sometimes ooze, become scaly, crusted or hardened. Some individuals have mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Eczema can occur anywhere on the skin and is usually found in the bends of the arms or backs of the knees. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis which refers to hereditary tendency toward eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

There are many types of eczema and they are: atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic contact dermatitis, infantile seborrheic, adult seborrheic, varicose, and discoid. Often, different types of eczema can be triggered by certain soaps, clothing fabrics, deodorants, carpet fibers, dust, and others.

What is Eucrisa?

Eucrisa is the first FDA-approved topical prescription treatment for eczema in over a decade. It is steroid-free and an ointment for people with mild-to-moderate eczema. It can be used by different individuals from a varying ethnic background from nose to toes on adults and children as young as 2 years old. It is for topical use only. Eucrisa works both above and below the skin to treat eczema as it also combats irritation that you cannot always see. The main ingredient is crisaborole 2% and it acts deep within your skin cells to target an enzyme called PDE4 (phosphodiesterase 4). It is combined with Emollient-Rich vehicle ointment which helps lock the moisture and soften the skin.

The benefits of Eucrisa are:

Helps combat eczema above and below the skin
Can be used on individuals from varying ethnic backgrounds
Can be used on adults and children

What are the side effects of Eucrisa?

There could be stinging or burning at the application site, some patients experience an allergic reaction to the drug, some dizziness or itching. For a detailed list of side effects, please speak with your doctor or your pharmacist. Keep in mind that if your doctor prescribed this medication, that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the potential side effects.

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What can Botox do?

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:10:41 +0000

Botox has many applications, both medical and cosmetic.

Migraines: in addition to softening muscles, Botox can block transmission of pain-causing neurotransmitters in migraine
Sweating: the neurotransmitters causing sweating are the same ones causing sweating, this is especially helpful in the armpits, hands, and feet
Lifting: Botox can also be used to provide a lift the eyebrows by weakening parts of the frontalis muscle
Muscles: for patients with neurological disease, it can weaken the muscles that are forced to contract due to nerve damage
Wrinkles, it can, of course, soften wrinkles in the forehead and the corrigator muscles, but in soft a way that it does not cause a mechanical freezing
Chin dimples: muscle weakening can also cause other effects, such as reducing chin dimples.

Want to learn more? Email Dr. Charles Wang for a consultation.

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The Stigma of Cosmetic Fillers

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:05:01 +0000

Did you know? Cosmetic fillers are often stigmatized for creating unnatural outcomes. The most commonplace complaint from over 30 of my patients is that they fear they will look unnatural. For instance, my patients have been known to reference “Kylie Jenner” lips and truly believe that this is the standard of what cosmetic fillers will do.

Kyle Jenner Lips?

I’ve also been privy to the fact that the “fakeness stigma” has also been seen in treatments such as botox, for instance, looking unnaturally stiff and lacking the ability to show expressions.

The truth is quite different: a number of younger patients might want that look and even strive towards it, but that is only one possible result of using these products. In my older patients, ‘cosmetics’ is used for restoration purposes. We work and train to create a subtle, soft look, rather than to “pile on” -restoring the characteristics lost to time, rather than manufacture features that were never there.

What is the point of Cosmetic Fillers?

The idea of cosmetic fillers is not to create unnatural characteristics or add unnatural characteristics, but rather to restore or add to the character that was there previously. Cosmetics should ultimately be used as an expression of what makes the patient happy, rather done for peer pressure or societal demand.

Are you not sure if cosmetic fillers are for you? No problem! Feel free to reach out to Dr. Charles Wang to have a consultation.

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Acne – Dos and Donts

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:01:32 +0000

Acne – we all have to deal with it. From the young, to the not so young. Oily skin? Dry skin? Here are a list of do’s and don’ts to help you deal with acne… and of course, just like anything else, be sure to speak with your skincare doctor!

Do’s

• Use skincare products that will not ‘clog pores’, they are usually described as ‘oil-free’ and/or ‘non-comedogenic’ on the package.

• Skin care should include: a mild cleanser and application of a non-comedogenic sunscreen on sun-exposed surfaces.

• Gently wash your face twice a day using mild face cleanser and pat dry.

• When you are washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup.

• Be patient! Treatment may take a few weeks to start having useful effects.

• Remember that most of the over the counter treatments only work by preventing new comedones, and you may need to wait for your existing acne to subside, rather than truly seen them rapidly treated.

• Some acne products can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light, so use protective clothing and sunscreens and avoid tanning booths.

• If irritation, dryness and peeling occur, an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can be applied before using your treatment cream.

• If your skin is getting too irritated, red or dry while undergoing a topical treatment, then start using them every other day. It takes time for your skin to adapt to your new medicines. You may also consider decreasing the contact time by washing the cream off after a few hours of application.

• If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it frequently enough to keep oil away. Also wash your face after you’ve been exercising hard and sweating a lot. And try not to touch your face throughout the day.

Dont’s

• Avoid thick, greasy make-up over affected areas. Some make-up is acceptable but try to choose “non-comedogenic” cosmetics if possible.

• Resist the temptation to pick at your acne. This can cause the area to spread and become more inflamed and therefore more likely to scar.

• Do not use harsh soaps when washing your face. Vigorously washing and scrubbing will irritate your skin and only make acne worse.

• Avoid things that may aggravate your acne such as oils, airborne grease, irritating clothing etc…

• Avoid covering yourself with thick layers of make up, and if you do, wash it off as soon as you can, certainly do not leave on overnight.

• Avoid strongly fragranced or alcohol based products.

• Avoid from hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they can also clog up pores.

• Acne isn’t really helped by the sun, either. Although a suntan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won’t help it go away permanently. So don’t soak up those rays – either under the sun or from a tanning bed – in an effort to help your skin.

• Avoid wearing hats or headbands that rub on your forehead, since this can also make acne worse.

• Avoid touching your face a lot, as your hands have oil on them and this can make acne worse.

IMPORTANT

Individual pimples can take up to 2 or 3 months to form even though they may appear to “pop-up” overnight. Thus, although there is often some initial improvement in the first few weeks after starting a new treatment, it takes at least 2-3 months of regular use before you can assess the full benefit of any acne treatment.

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Botox: What does it do?

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:56:18 +0000

In our cosmetics practice, a is common to hear patients asking about ‘Botox’ (botulism toxin A) injections – for everything from a sagging chin to a droopy eyelid. In some cases, our patients are impressed with just what these injections can do for them, and at other times we have to direct them to another treatment, or teach them about some of the limitations seen in this treatment. One thing is clear: the information available for these procedures seems to be limited, and sometimes conflicting.

One has to wonder just what it is that injections like Botox/Dysport/Xeomin does and how exactly does it work?

Let’s go for a quick science lesson:

Botulinum toxin A, the active ingredient, was first researched back in the 1960s. Originally the purpose of this was to treat neurological disorders. In 1989 Botox was finally approved by the FDA to treat eye muscle disorders like blepharospasm, uncontrollable blinking, strabismus, crossed eyes and even wrinkles. In the year 2000 it was approved to treat cervical dystonia. This is a disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions and also a very unusual side effect of eye disorder treatments. In their research, doctors discovered that the injections softened the frown lines between the eyebrows. It was after this discovery that Botox officially came into existence and was FDA approved on April 15, 2002.

Botox/Dysport/Xeomin injections themselves are actually a diluted form of botulism, which in uncontrolled quantities can be dangerous or life threatening. Bodies like the FDA and Heatlh Canada make sure that commercially available product is safe for cosmetic use, and doesn’t cause enough paralysis to cause any serious damage.

So how does this relate to wrinkling? Well, to put it simply, every time you laugh, smile, frown, or for that matter do just about anything with your facial muscles, wrinkles are caused by the underlying contractions of facial muscles. After years of making these expressions the muscles start to become bulky, and lines between muscles start to become longlasting. When these creases become permanent, no kind of skin cream can get rid of them. This is where botox comes in.

So what exactly does Botox do? When Botox is injected into the muscles, it temporarily weakens neurochemicalimpulses which normally contract the muscles. Because of this, over 2-3 weeks, frown lines start to get softer and in many cases eventually disappear completely. Botox can be injected into the muscles of the face that cause crows feet, forehead lines and frown lines. This givens a refreshed, energized, and more youthful appearance.

The art of these injections is in injecting just enough for the frowns to disappear, but just enough to still maintain to maintain a natural, dynamic, and expressive face.

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10 Tips for Healthy Skin

DC User1 — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:52:08 +0000

Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty-enhancement. This article on skin care tips is an effort to bring the 10 best skin care tips to you. So let’s see what these top ten skin care tips are:

* Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin care tips. This is important because not every skin care product suits everyone. In fact, all the skin care products specify the type of skin they cater too.

* ‘Drink a lot of water’. This will not only keep your skin moist but will help in overall upkeep of your health (and in turn your skin).

* Cleanse your skin regularly (1-2 times everyday). A very effective skin care tip that helps in getting rid of the dirt and other harsh elements from your skin. Cleansing is especially important when you have been out of your house (and hence exposed to pollutants, dust etc). This skin care tip also advocates the use of luke warm water for cleansing (hot and cold water, both, cause damage to your skin)

* Be gentle, after all it’s your skin. Don’t scrub/exfoliate too hard or too often. Similarly, don’t apply too much or too many skin care products.

* Keep your skin moist at all times. Moisturizers work best when applied while the skin is still damp. One strategy that works well is apply moisturizer whenever you can feel dryness of itch to your skin, even that you find yourself using moisturizer several dozen times a day!

* Avoid the use of harsh cleansers on your face. Certain cleansers are sold for people with sensitive skin, and while these are more likely to work, ultimately you will have to pick a product that does not causing itching, burning, or pain to your skin.

* Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sun’s harmful UV radiations. You can use day-time moisturizers that have sunscreen built into them. Use them even when it’s cloudy.

* A bit of exercise and good sleep are essential too, not just for skin care but for your health as a whole. Lack of sleep can lead to formation of wrinkles below your eyes and lack of exercise can cause your skin to slack. Moreover, exercise and sleep also help in beating stress.

* Treat skin dilemmas with care. Consult your doctor before you go on to use a skin care product to avoid causing harm to your skin.

* Beat the stress. The harmful effects of stress are known to everyone. Yes, stress harms skin too. So, take a break or indulge in a warm bubble bath or just get good night’s sleep.

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