Dr. Amara Sayed
Vacation time for most of us is something to look forward to. A little planning ahead, especially with a family, makes things go a lot smoother and stress-free. Whether you are going on a trip to the beach, skiing in the mountains, or staying at a cabin by the lake, there is one thing that these vacations should have in common – sun safety for your family.
Five Top Things to Pack for Sun Safety
The number one thing you should pack is sunscreen for the entire family. Here’s a tip – be sure your sunscreen is not out of date…expired sunscreen can lead to burns. Always buy new sunscreen every season. If buying it once you get to your destination is your best option, make it a priority.
Packing sun protective clothing is a wise choice, regardless of age. Rash guards are a great way to have fun in the water and still be protected. Even if you’re not by the water, take clothes that have a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF measures how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. A UPF of 30-49 is recommended for good protection, and anything over 50 is excellent. Some clothing manufacturers provide UPF labels, but if not, the American Academy of Dermatology’s website gives some great guidelines.
Wide brim hats will provide protection for your scalp, the top of your ears, and additional protection for your face. Don’t forget your eyes and lips! They are also vulnerable to sun damage. Use a lip balm with SPF, and for your eyes, select appropriate sunglasses. Wrap-around styles offer better protection and check to see that they are labeled to protect from UV rays. Not all sunglasses have that protection.
Which Sunscreen Should I Use for My Family?
When selecting sunscreens, make sure it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects from both UVB and UVA rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher and that it is a physical-based sunscreen (zinc or titanium dioxide.) If you opt for a spray sunscreen, don’t forget to rub it into the skin to avoid streaky coverage and, therefore, sunburn. Whether you choose creams, sprays, or sticks, you need to reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are sweating. If you are in the water, you want to reapply every hour and every time you get out of the water.
The Skin Cancer Foundation does not recommend sunscreen for babies younger than six months old. They suggest that you keep babies out of the sun altogether. Their skin is very vulnerable at this age, and you want to make sure that you keep them in the shade, use clothing that covers their arms and legs, and use the sun shield on your stroller. If you are going to be outside, try to avoid the hours between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (depending on the season) when the sun is the strongest. You can start using sunscreen once your baby is six months or older, but still protect them from direct sunlight and use sun-protective clothing.
If you are worried if sunscreen is not safe for your child, there are many great sunscreens for children. Even if it is a children’s brand, you should follow the same guidelines delineated above. Sunscreens in stick form are great for easy application and a lot less messy.
Location, Location
Where you decide to take your vacation can make a difference in the strength of the sun’s rays. Higher altitudes and locations closer to the equator have stronger UV rays. As you get closer to the sun, the air gets thinner, and you get less protection from the atmosphere. Being near water, sand, or snow, you must also consider the reflective nature of these surfaces. You are bombarded by UV rays from above as well as below.
If you are flying or driving to your destination, remember that glass and plastic cannot protect you from UVA rays, as they can penetrate these surfaces and still harm your skin.
Always try to seek shade, especially during peak hours. Do not be fooled by a cloudy day, either. You are getting less UV radiation, but that doesn’t mean you should stay out longer. You can still get burned on days like these.
How To Treat a Sunburn?
This happens often. We are having so much fun that we forget to reapply sunscreen. Or we were so relaxed; we fell asleep in the sun. Now you have a sunburn. Here’s what you need to do to allow your skin to heal quickly and avoid more significant issues.
Apply aloe vera gel to your sunburnt areas as often as you can. Ice packs on your sunburn will also cool you down and help prevent blisters. Make sure you only take cool showers. Hot water will only make the situation worse. Take anti-inflammatories such as an ASA (i.e. aspirin) or ibuprofen if you have pain.
Burns can lead to dehydration, especially if they are severe. Hydrate by drinking extra water. Keep the burned area covered with loose-fitting clothing when you are outdoors.
If you develop blisters, allow them to heal on their own. Seek medical attention if you develop a fever or have blisters covering a large area of your body.
A little bit of planning and taking a few precautions while you’re on vacation can help prevent sunburns.
At Vitalogy Skincare, the health of our clients is our number one priority. If you have any questions about sun damage, skin cancer, or any other skin issue, book an appointment with Dr. Sayed or any of our other expert Providers. Check out our eight convenient locations in Central Texas.
Dr. Amara Sayed offers comprehensive medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care at our Bastrop and San Marcos locations. Passionate about being an advocate for her patients, Dr. Sayed sees adolescents, adults, and elderly.
We have seen beauty trends come and go through the years. There was the brush your hair 100 times every night trend, freckle tattoos, or the fish pedicure where these small fish supposedly would remove the skin from your feet…wait, that was really a thing? When it comes to the products that we put on our face, such as moisturizers, serum, and cleansers, we tend to be a bit more careful. We want products that are going to keep our skin healthy and help us with our different skin issues. With so many products in the market, how do we choose the best products for our skin care? Whether you decide on over-the-counter (OTC) products or professional products from your Dermatologist or Aesthetician, let’s try to break down what the differences are and how you can make a more informed decision.
What is Considered a Professional Skin Care Product?
Professional skin care products are developed and sold for spas, doctor’s offices, or skin clinics. Some of the things that differentiate them from OTC products are:
- They are formulated to be used by licensed aestheticians and doctors who have years of experience and a true understanding of the skin and its function.
- Made in small batches, allowing for better quality control.
- Undergo extensive clinical testing.
- Have a higher percentage of active ingredients, and the quality of the ingredients is usually higher.
- Products address different types of skin and skin conditions.
- They contain pH-adjusted ingredients designed to support the integrity of the skin’s protective barrier.
- Don’t contain additives such as synthetic fragrances, colors, or preservatives such as parabens.
Over-the-counter skin care products are designed to be mass-produced. This means they contain preservatives to allow for manufacturing and shipping times, and they can stay on the shelves for a longer time. They also contain a lower percentage of active ingredients since they are designed to work on most of the population with minimal chance of the product causing irritation.
Now, we are not saying that you should go home and get rid of all your OTC products. There are advantages to these products, including how easily accessible they are since you can find them at retail stores. This allows you to choose a product you need, when you need it, without having to consult a specialist. It also means that they are available at different price points and thus more affordable. Many OTC active ingredients have great efficacy, even if they do have a lower potency. Some examples of OTC products that work just as well or better include benzoyl peroxide, and some chemical exfoliants.
Regardless of which type of products you use; you need to make sure you are using products that are meant for your skin type. Skin care products can be harmful if you are using products that are not meant for your type of skin. This can especially be true if you suffer from certain skin conditions, like eczema. Also, remember that using too many products can be damaging and counterproductive. If you are looking for better results, consult with a Board-Certified Dermatologist or Aesthetician that can help identify your skin type and make more effective recommendations for your needs.
How can Professional Skin Care Products Benefit You?
Now that we’ve explored these two different types of skin care products, let’s look at the benefits of professional products. At Vitalogy Skincare, our highly skilled Providers will meet with you to get to know you and your skin. It is very important to see what your skin type is, what skin conditions you might be dealing with, any health issues you might have, and to get to know what your skin care goals are. These factors will help your Provider work with you to come up with a skin care routine that is geared specifically to your needs. This will also help your Provider suggest professional skin care products that will be effective.
When your products are recommended by someone who has years of experience and understands how skin functions, the product gets recommended with the knowledge that it will benefit you. Since these products are also produced in small batches, they do not contain any preservatives or fillers that might cause any sensitivity or irritation to your skin. For this same reason, these products have a higher concentration of active ingredients with higher quality materials. This has several benefits – you will see results on your skin, and you don’t have to use as much product to achieve these results, making the product last longer. Lastly, professional products take into consideration your skin’s pH level. When your skin’s pH level is not balanced, it can leave your skin vulnerable to bacteria and free radicals that can create damage.
Importance of a Skin Care Routine
Ultimately, the most important part of this discussion is that you care for your skin consistently. This will keep your skin healthy and looking its best. Regardless of what type of skin you have, it will help you protect it. The best way to do this is to have a skin care routine that works for you, and that it becomes a habit. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be all that complicated:
- Cleanse: Wash your face gently with a product designed for your face. For dry skin, you want to stay away from cleansers that contain alcohol, if you have oily skin stay away from oily cleansers. For other issues, such as acne, find a product that is specific to that.
- Moisturize: Always moisturize after you clean your face, and don’t forget your neck area or your eyes (use a moisturizer specifically for the eye area.) Use a moisturizer that matches your skin type.
- Sunscreen: Always make sure your skin is protected from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you are going to be outside, even for a minute, we recommend that you use sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. You can also individualize your sunscreen depending on your skin type.
These are the basic steps to a great skin care routine. After that, you can add things like exfoliators, serums, masks, etc. Since no one thing works for everyone, it is always key to make sure that your routine and the products you use are effective for you. Working with our Board-Certified Dermatologists and Licensed Professionals can help you create the ideal routine for you. Book an appointment online at any of our eight locations in the Central Texas area.
Wedding planning can be a stressful process with dress shopping, who to invite (or leave off the list), and which table settings to select. Add to the list, getting your skin care regimen in place to be ready for your big day.
While we may not be able to help with dress shopping or your guest list, your Vitalogy Skincare team does have you covered for your skin care. Let’s start with some tips to set yourself up for glowing skin on your wedding day and beyond.
Wedding Skin Care Tips at Home
- Don’t forget the SPF.
Look for a broad-spectrum SPF of 30+ (which protects from UVA and UVB rays) and
reapply your sunscreen every couple of hours. Make
sure you use it every day, even when it’s cloudy or during the colder months.
Using sun protection is critical in preventing premature signs of aging and
protecting you from skin cancer.
- Vitamin C Serum: Adding this skin care product to your daily regimen can help offset skin damage caused by free radicals created from the skin’s exposure to UV rays.
- Retinol Products: Boosting the collagen your body produces helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as improves skin tone and texture. So, you’ll have noticeably smoother skin.
Learn more about some of skin care experts’ favorite products and regiments here.
One Year Before Your Wedding
Injectables & Other Fillers
Your wedding day is the perfect opportunity to treat wrinkles, frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. We offer various dermal fillers that are safe, clinically proven to show results, and FDA-approved treatments. Options include BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, and more. These take only a few minutes, give you a more youthful appearance with nearly immediate results and minimal discomfort and downtime, and can help treat various areas.
For more natural results, you want to schedule your first treatment at least six months before your wedding, but professionals recommend beginning as early as a year prior.
Laser Treatments
You may want to consider these if you have a tattoo you want removed, rosacea, facial veins, spider veins, scars, pigmentation from sun damage, or age spots. Lasers are known as one of the best ways to address these concerns and to achieve incredible results with a well-planned series of treatments. Beginning early will help you maximize your results for a wedding-perfect complexion.
Nine Months Before Your Wedding
Clinical Facials
Your skin care team at Vitalogy Skincare recommends starting a facial regimen as early as nine months before your wedding. That’s because that’s how long it takes your skin to cycle through cell growth and exfoliation. And facials help with the process as well as keep your skin toned and clear.
Getting a facial every 4-6 weeks is also ideal to give you the time and frequency to achieve the optimal results. Plus, it’s the perfect way to relax between dress fittings and meetings with the wedding planner or venue.
You can consult with your Provider to select the best clinical facial for your skin.
A Few Months Before Your Wedding
Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels are topically applied formulas that revitalize the skin’s surface by creating a controlled shedding of the outermost layer of the skin. Peels expose new layers of skin which creates a fresh appearance and helps the skin’s surface have a smoother texture. They can reduce the effects of sun damage, acne scarring, blotchy pigmentation, and fine wrinkling. A chemical face peel can also improve appearance of acne-prone skin and clogged pores.
If you’re new to chemical peels, try a light chemical peel to start. Vitalogy Skincare provides various peels. For the best results, light peels should be done every two weeks in a series of five treatments. These chemical peels are great because they help improve mild to moderate cases of acne, soften the look of fine lines, and even out your skin’s texture. They also have minimal downtime, so you can get back to wedding prep quickly.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that rejuvenates the skin. Results include improved texture and firmness along with a reduction in scars, pore size, and stretch marks.
You’ll experience minor redness and irritation for a few days after the procedure, so we recommend booking this treatment at least one month to two weeks before the wedding. For optimal results, you’ll also want to continue with microneedling approximately every month.
Showing the Wedding Party’s Skin Some Love, Too
You can also treat your mom, MIL, or bridal party to any of our cosmetic treatments before the wedding as a thank you. This will help you all feel relaxed, glowing, and gorgeous for a picture-perfect day!
Book Your Pre-Wedding Skin Care Appointments
Book a consultation to get started on your wedding skin care, no matter when your big day is happening. Make an appointment here.
In today’s world, we hear lots about sunscreen and caring for our skin. But, in the past, we may not have all given our skin the love and reapplication of sunscreen it needs.
So, what if you already have sun damaged skin? Our skin care experts tell us what you can do about that:
1. Begin or Continue Photoprotection
Photoprotection refers to taking measures to reduce exposure to the sun. It’s critical that you don’t continue to harm your already sun damaged skin. Sunscreens are one method of photoprotection.
Wearing sunscreen (and reapplying every couple of hours) is important to keep your skin protected. It’s also a good idea to spend time outdoors in shaded areas and avoid direct sunlight in the afternoon when the sun’s rays are harshest. You can also wear clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) protection and hats to help protect your head and skin.
2. Add Retinoids and Vitamin C to Your Skin Care Regimen
Vitalogy Skincare’s Kim Phillips, MD explains, “Anyone with sun damaged skin should begin a skincare regimen that includes retinoids and Vitamin C.”
“In addition to retinoids and Vitamin C, you should choose products with alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, antioxidants, and peptides,” Phillips adds. Some of our favorite products include SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 night cream and Revision Skincare Retinol Complete.
Learn more about skin care routines from the experts here.
3. Consider Cosmetic Treatments for Sun Damaged Skin
There are several cosmetic treatments that may help sun damaged skin including chemical peels, photorejuvenation (Sciton® BroadBand Light™ Phototherapy), microdermabrasion, intense pulsed light, non-ablative fractional resurfacing, or ablative fractional resurfacing.
4. Treat Those Wrinkles and Discoloration
Treating sun damaged skin means treating wrinkles, red discoloration, and brown discoloration. In addition to the cosmetic treatments mentioned above, you may be able to help reduce wrinkles with injectables like BOTOX® Cosmetic and laser treatments.
5. Get Your Regular Skin Exams
And beyond aesthetic concerns, a friendly reminder to keep an eye on your skin health by doing self skin exams and working with your Skin Care Provider. Regularly track any potential issues and changes. An annual skin exam with your Provider is critically important for everyone.
You can make an appointment to speak with an experienced Skin Care Provider about your skin, any existing sun damage you want to address, possible treatments to consider, customizing a skin care regimen, and about your annual skin exam.
We’re so excited that Trina Lynch, PA-C has joined our amazing Vitalogy Skincare team. She was inspired to help others after experiencing her own medical issues — born with a heart defect and under medical supervision until she was 12 years old.
She’s a talented Certified Physician Assistant with over 19 years of experience in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Trina was drawn to study Dermatology during PA school when her younger sibling was diagnosed with an autoimmune skin disease. She also suffered from severe acne herself, so has a firsthand understanding of the psychological impact of skin conditions. That’s why Trina focuses on both the physical and mental care for all dermatological issues.
She helps patients with various dermatology needs; however, she especially enjoys treating acne and performing cosmetic procedures. Trina believes it is important to set realistic goals with each patient for cosmetic procedures so they can achieve a natural outcome and meet their skin care goals. She has a passion for educating the public on skin cancer prevention and often gives talks at schools and community events as well as helps to provide free skin cancer screenings.
Her Expert Skin Care Tips
Trina has three skin care tips she swears by:
1.Sunscreen isn’t a one-time application. It MUST be reapplied every two hours to protect your skin.
2. If in doubt, get it checked out! Any abnormalities or growths could become a bigger issue. The earlier you address it, the better the chance to deal with it before it becomes more of a concern. An annual skin exam is a great way to have your Skin Care Provider look out for anything, too.
3. NO ONE is safe from skin cancer. So, get your annual skin exam, wear sunscreen, and protect your skin every day.
More than Just Skin Care
In addition to caring for patients and helping them care for their skin, Trina loves spending time with her family and listening to classic rock music. She’s also enjoyed traveling to Italy and visiting Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. She most admires her grandmother and her most prized possessions are anything her kids make for her.
She also lives by the Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
How to Get an Appointment with Trina
Trina sees patients in our Harker Heights and Georgetown locations, so she’s available to help with dermatology needs.
Did You Know? Our Harker Heights location was recently voted the Best Dermatologists in Central Texas by the readers of the Killeen Daily Herald!
Just call 512.930.3909 and one of our patient care coordinators will help get things started. They can also help you book appointments with our other talented Providers for all of your dermatology needs.
JUVÉDERM® results are usually immediate and may last one to two years with optimal treatment, depending on the specific filler used. Each JUVÉDERM product has various results based on their formulas, so here’s the scoop on the specifics:
JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC
This filler provides lift and contour to the cheek area, providing natural-looking and long-lasting results that last up to two years.
JUVÉDERM VOLLURETM XC
JUVÉDERM VOLLURE XC is designed to temporarily correct facial wrinkles for a smoother appearance to the face for adults ages 21 and up, lasting up to 18 months.
JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC
This injectable gel is for injection into the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of perioral lines, often called “lipstick lines” in adults over the age of 21, and lasts up to one year.
JUVÉDERM Reviews
Patients love their results with JUVÉDERM, the world’s #1 selling dermal filler collection. In fact, 90% have seen an improvement in satisfaction with JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC after six months and 98% report an improvement with JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC after just three months.
Getting JUVÉDERM Touch Ups for the Best Results
Tiffany George, an experienced Aesthetician with Vitalogy Skincare, notes, “All fillers have different indications on longevity, but I tell my patients a touch up is necessary every nine months for best results.”
Before getting JUVÉDERM treatments or any fillers, our Providers and Aestheticians help educate you and answer any questions so you’re comfortable and informed. We also pay special attention to understanding your goals and explain the details about the treatment, so you know what to expect before, during, and after your injections.
Your Vitalogy skin care experts are always available to answer questions you have because our goal is to not only make you look and feel great but ensure your comfort as well.
Learn about all the injectables and fillers offered at Vitalogy Skincare here.
Visit your local Greater Austin area Dermatologists to schedule an appointment with an experienced skin care expert to talk about JUVÉDERM and other fillers. You can make an appointment at one of the eight Vitalogy Skincare locations.
JUVÉDERM® is an injectable that’s a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps add volume and hydration. This treatment is also used to lessen the appearance of smile lines and nasolabial folds, the parentheses around your mouth, which run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth.
RADIESSE® is another injectable filler that provides immediate and long-lasting correction of facial wrinkles and folds. It’s most commonly used to treat areas with obvious signs of facial aging, RADIESSE stimulates your body to produce its own collagen for a natural and youthful look without surgery or a huge investment of time.
What to Know About Choosing a Filler
Tiffany George, an experienced Aesthetician with Vitalogy explains, “JUVÉDERM is a HA product good for volume in lips while RADIESSE is calcium-based, so it’s good for treatment in people age 40 and older to add volume and produce collagen.”
George also notes, “All fillers are different as they work in different areas of your skin’s tissue. They typically are for volume loss, superficial wrinkles, and enhancing aging skin.”
Getting Informed About Fillers
It’s important to get educated on fillers before getting one. Tiffany George and our other skin care experts at Vitalogy Skincare pay special attention to understanding your goals and explain the details about the treatment. So, you know what to expect before, during, and after your injections.
You’ll also have to touch up with fillers every so often. “All fillers have different indications on longevity, but I tell my patients a touch up is necessary every nine months for best results,” notes George.
Your Provider is available to answer any questions you have, because their goal is to not only make you look and feel great but ensure your comfort as well.
Learn about all the injectables and fillers offered at Vitalogy Skincare here.
Visit your local Greater Austin area Dermatologists to schedule an appointment with an experienced skin care expert to talk about JUVÉDERM, RADIESSE, or other fillers. You can make an appointment at one of the eight Greater Austin area Vitalogy Skincare locations.
We’re excited to showcase one of our amazing Vitalogy Skincare Providers – Sara Erdwins, PA-C. Sara was inspired to become a Physician Assistant by her father, an emergency room physician, and considers completing PA school one of her greatest achievements. She earned her master’s degree in medical sciences at Lincoln Memorial University Physician Assistant Program in Harrogate, TN.
She is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a diplomat fellow member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA).
Sara specializes in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is experienced in diagnosing and treating a full spectrum of dermatologic illnesses and enjoys educating her patients on skin cancer prevention and overall skin health.
Some of the clinical procedures she performs include biopsies, electrodessication and curettage, intralesional steroid injections, cryotherapy, and surgical procedures to remove various types of skin cancers, dysplastic nevi, and cysts.
Her passion also includes cosmetic dermatology with a focus on injectables. Our patients are delighted with her aesthetic eye and gentle touch. She loves building long-term relationships with her patients while helping them achieve and maintain natural, healthy-looking skin.
Sara’s Skin Care Tip
It may sound simple, but it’s essential: Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 sunscreen every single day!
A Well-Rounded Physician Assistant
Sara is active in the arts and loves the great outdoors. Both she and her husband enjoy partaking in the local art shows in central Texas.
“I was originally drawn to dermatology because it allows me to merge my love for the arts and sciences into one,” Sara shares.
Getting an Appointment with Sara
Schedule an appointment with Sara in our Southwest Austin location by calling 512.930.3909. One of our patient care coordinators will help get things started, and they can also help you book appointments with any of our other talented Providers for all of your dermatology needs, including Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery.
BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy is a treatment that Vitalogy Skincare offers in the Greater Austin area. It can be used for treating a few different skin issues and concerns including acne, actinic keratoses, and pre-cancerous lesions.
BLU-U Treatment for Acne
Many people of all ages deal with acne. If you’re looking for a way to treat moderate acne without antibiotics or other prescriptions, this may be something to talk to your Dermatologist or Skin Care Provider about to see if it’s right for you.
The unique blue light of BLU-U kills P. acnes bacteria in your skin (the bacterium linked to acne). Getting the treatment is simple and the entire process only lasts 15 – 30 minutes. It’s recommended that you get treatments once or twice per week. Usually, you’ll need treatments for approximately five weeks for it to help control your acne. It’s not hot or painful, so there’s no discomfort when getting the procedure.
There are various ways to address acne, both medical and cosmetic, so speak with your Provider about what might work best for your skin.
BLU-U Treatment for Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, dry, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to skin cancer. It is important to treat AKs because there is no way to tell whether a lesion will progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is the second most common form of skin cancer.
For AKs, the process includes:
1.A topical solution called LEVULAN KERASTICK Topical Solution is applied in conjunction with the BLU-U Treatment.
2. Once applied, the solution is absorbed by the AK cells where it converts to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light.
3. When the AK cells are exposed to the BLU-U Blue Light Illuminator, a reaction occurs which destroys the AK cells.
The benefits of getting BLU-U Treatment include not having to take medication and having an experienced healthcare professional overseeing the procedure.
BLU-U Treatment for AKs usually takes parts in two parts (over two visits) in less than 24 hours. There’s minimal downtime and no reports of scarring to date.
Keeping an eye out for skin concerns is important, so make sure you get annual skin exams so your Skin Care Provider can check for any issues, pre-cancerous areas or lesions, or cancerous growths.
Making Your BLU-U Appointment
Talk to your Skin Care Provider about the best treatment options. You can make an appointment with Vitalogy Skincare to get BLU-U at our Georgetown
Marionette lines are commonly called “laugh lines” or “smile lines” and are a natural sign of aging that appear downwards around the mouth and chin. They can make you look like you have a frown on your face. These lines form as facial volume minimizes with age and deeper creases form below the mouth.
How to Treat Marionette Lines
If you’re already dealing with marionette lines, there are ways to help minimize and treat them, including:
Dermal Fillers
Many patients choose to treat them with fillers as they have minimal downtime.
JUVÉDERM® is often used to treat these lines It’s a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydrate your skin.
RADIESSE® is another filler commonly used for treating marionette lines. Fillers are a fairly inexpensive way to treat these lines. You can speak with your Provider or Aesthetician about which one may be best for you and your specific skin care goals.
Photorejuvenation
Sciton® BroadBand Light (BBL)TM can also help with marionette lines and other issues caused by aging skin. It is an innovative light-based technology that sets new standards for treating skin conditions associated with aging, active lifestyles, and sun damage. The number of treatments needed will depend on a variety of factors, so speak with your Provider to discuss specifics.
Microneedling
In some cases, microneedling can also help with marionette lines. You can speak with your Skin Care Provider to see if it can be effective in your case (plus it may help in general with reducing the impact of aging skin).
How to Prevent Marionette Lines
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent them, but there are general everyday tips to help reduce these lines and the impact of aging on your skin including:
Take Care of Your Skin
Wearing sunscreen every day and using quality skin care products to care for your skin will help protect your skin at any age (and as you age).
Read more tips to protect your skin as you age here.
Visit your local Greater Austin area Dermatologists to schedule an appointment with an experienced Skin Care Provider or Aesthetician to talk about marionette lines or any other skin concerns caused by aging. You can make an appointment at one of the eight Greater Austin area Vitalogy Skincare locations.
