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6 Non-Surgical Ways to Diminish Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Published by carolyn on December 15, 2011 in Treatments and Uncategorized. Closed

1. Injectable Fillers
Hyaluronic-acid (HA) based injectable fillers such as Restylane®, and Perlane® can be used to plump out fine lines and folds such as the fold that runs from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth (called “the nasolabial fold”).

2. Dysport® and BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® are purified proteins that soften and diminsh lines around the eyes, on the forehead, between the brows and by the mouth through their muscle-inhibiting properties.

3. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion helps to smooth and even out the skin’s appearance by removing its damaged outer layer so that a healthier new layer can come to the surface.

4. Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Sun-damaged and aging skin is characterized by: lines and wrinkles, discolorations such as excessive redness and/or brown spots, poor tone and texture and volume loss. The Center offers the most advanced laser skin treatments available to improve all these problems. We would be happy to explain the differences between the different laser treatments we offer and to answer any other questions you have about how we can improve the appearance of your skin.

5. NEOCUTIS® Skin Care
NEOCUTIS® is one of the most advanced and effective anti-aging skin care lines in aesthetic medicine.

6. Jane iredale – THE SKIN CARE MAKEUP®
The #1 makeup recommended by plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists and aesthetic medicine doctors is the mineral makeup, Jane Iredale. Called “The Skin Care Makeup”, Iredale makeup reduces inflammation, covers redness, conceals and blends dark spots and dark undereye circles, and protects your skin with broadspectrum UVA/UVB natural sunscreen. And, it’s like silk to wear and adds a nice glow to all skin types!

Non-Aesthetic Benefits of Liposuction

Published by carolyn on December 14, 2011 in Newsletters and Uncategorized. Closed

At The Center for Positive Aging, we believe that, above all else, health is the most important aspect of anti-aging. Our goal is to help you look and feel your youngest. And one of our most popular procedures in getting our patients to this goal is through PureLipo™ tumescent liposuction. PureLipo is an in-office procedure that offers our patients better results than traditional liposuction with minimal downtime and no general anesthesia. Based on new research, liposuction may also have added benefits.

Below is an interesting article we found highlighting these potential benefits:

A new study shows liposuction may provide more than just aesthetic benefit to cosmetic plastic surgery patients. It may also reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. The study, which was presented at the 2011 annual conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, revealed that liposuction patients experienced a decrease in triglyceride levels and white blood cell counts following surgery.Though triglycerides−a type of fat found in the blood which provides the body with energy− are important for good health, levels that are too high can increase the risk for heart disease.

The study documented the triglyceride and cholesterol levels of 322 patients who underwent liposuction and/or tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty). Those patients who had elevated triglyceride levels (greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl) before surgery experienced a triglyceride level reduction of 43 percent after surgery. This is about twice the effect that is achieved by one of the most commonly prescribed medications that is used to control triglyceride levels. For those who had normal triglyceride levels prior to surgery, levels remained unchanged.

The study also showed an 11 percent decrease in white blood cells following liposuction. An excessively high white blood cell count has been linked to medical conditions that include diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease.

These finding led the study author, a Kansas plastic surgeon, to suggest that the fat found located just beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous fat, may have a greater correlation with diabetes and heart disease, than has been previously thought. Medical experts have long considered the deeper visceral fat that surrounds the organs to have the stronger link to these medical conditions.

Source: http://drmentz.com/new-study-liposuction.html

Click Here to learn more about PureLipo™ or visit LiposuctionWV.com.

Call today to schedule your FREE initial consultation.

The Latest BBL Training for Staff at The Center

Published by carolyn on September 12, 2011 in Uncategorized. 574 Comments

Director of Nursing, Nancy Benton, LPN, and newest staff member at The Center for Positive Aging, Ginna Reep, RN, recently completed training in laser skin therapies and the use of BOTOX®, Dysport™ and dermal fillers to enhance facial beauty. This training, held in Aventura, Florida was provided jointly by the Ageless Aesthetic Institute and the Aesthetic Anti-Aging Fellowship of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. Bowen served on the faculty of this training.

Also on the faculty of their training was Patrick Bitter, M.D., of California, the physician who invented the “FotoFacial”, known generically as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Broadband Light (BBL™) laser skin treatment.

Dr. Bitter shared his extensive experience (roughly 15,000 cases) of providing BBL™ treatments, noting that no supplement, drug, or cream has the effect, over time, of even one BBL™ treatment. Dr. Bitter has documented lasting improvement in skin appearance, the reversal of signs of aging and a reduced risk of non-melanoma cancer of the skin in patients treated with BBL™ therapy. In fact, skin biopsies have shown that gene expression from skin treated with BBL™ resembles that of the healthy skin of a 20 year old.

BBL™ is a minimal downtime procedure; the area treated feels warm and looks somewhat red for several hours, and abnormal skill cells flake away over the course of a week. Treatment is done in a series of 2-3 treatments over several months’ time, with treatments spaced several weeks apart. BBL™ effectively treats red and brown discolorations of the skin, which are associated with sun damage, aging, and conditions like rosacea.

Adult Acne: I’m 40. Why Do I Still Have Pimples?

Published by Bowen on August 22, 2011 in Uncategorized. 17 Comments

Does this headline sound like you when you look in the mirror? Maybe you suffered through your teenage years with embarrassing pimples, or maybe you didn’t. But now you are certainly no teenager and still suffering from acne…as if graying hair and the appearance of wrinkles aren’t enough!

You are not alone. Estimates are that up to 30% of women and 20% of men ages 20 to 60 suffer from acne as adults. The numbers don’t make it any less embarrassing, though.

Causes of Adult Acne

The causes of acne in adults are similar to what causes it in younger people; sebum, an oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands, gathers and clogs pores, attracting bacteria and becoming inflamed. This can be heightened by a hypersensitivity to male hormones or an imbalance in estrogen. This is why women often suffer from acne during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. Makeup can also add to the development of acne.

Treatments for Adult Acne

There are a number of ways to treat acne in adults:

Keep your skin clean: Just as when you were younger, use a good cleanser and scrub your face. This helps loosen dead skin and remove oils in the skin, keeping acne symptoms from spreading or getting worse.
Use over-the-counter creams and lotions: There are a variety of retinol products that can be purchased at your local pharmacy or grocery to treat adult acne. To treat active acne, use products that include benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria.
Vibradermabrasion: The Center for Positive Aging offers Vibradermabrasion, a procedure similar to microdermabrasion, to gently remove the top layer of old skin, leaving newer, smoother skin beneath. Vibradermabrasion can help to reverse either excessive dryness or oiliness of the skin, reducing pore size and creating a more uniform look to the skin. It also helps to stimulate collagen. Vibradermabrasion is a quick, easy, inexpensive and non-invasive way to treat adult acne.
The use of Leuvlan® Photodynamic Therapy is very effective in treating adult acne. Levulan® Kerastick® topical solution is applied to the skin, and then broadband pulsed light in the blue spectrum (called BBL) is shone on the skin. The Levulan® topical solution makes the skin more sensitive to light. Then the BBL light is used to attack the bacteria. This procedure kills the bacteria in the skin that causes pimples and cripples the sebaceous glands, helping to alleviate acne problems.
Cystic acne can be treated with Sciton’s SkinTyte technology. While not originally designed for this use, Dr. Bowen noticed that patients with acne get an improvement in their painful breakouts after treatment with SkinTyte. By safely but deeply heating the dermis, sebaceous glands which are overactive are crippled and acne breakouts decreased.
To cover adult acne without exacerbating the blemishes, use jane iredale® Liquid Mineral™ foundation. The lightweight coverage gives the appearance of a clean and clear complexion without clogging pores, and its anti-inflammatory ingredients calms and soothes irritation.
Acne scars, whether new or old, can be effectively treated at The Center as well. ProFractional Therapy™, the latest in laser technology, can aggressively treat a whole host of problems and involves less downtime and discomfort than traditional laser treatment. Not only will ProFractional Therapy™ do wonders to improve the skin’s cosmetic appearance (reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots; improving skin clarity; decreasing pore size), this remarkable laser treatment is capable of remodeling and improving even deep acne scars (and other scars as well). SOFT™ is the trademarked name of the process developed by Dr. Bowen to treat burn and acne scars.

Conclusion

Being 40 and still having acne doesn’t make you feel any younger…pimples are not fun at any age. But luckily, there is something you can do about it. If you are interested in learning more about treatments for your adult acne, call The Center today to schedule a consultation.

The Aging Face: The Cause of Wrinkles and How You Can Slow Down the Process of Aging

Published by Bowen on August 19, 2011 in Uncategorized. 402 Comments

There are several factors that cause or increase the rate of aging skin, including loss of collagen, repeated use of facial muscles over time, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, hormonal changes, and stress. And although we cannot stop the process of aging, there are preventative measures we can take to help slow it down. The first step is to understand the cause of aging.

Not surprisingly, aging itself is a factor that contributes largely to wrinkles. Collagen, a substance that provides support in the upper layer of the skin, decreases about 1% per year after the age of 40. Furthermore, sun exposure and lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol accelerate the aging process by breaking down collagen fibers which results in accelerated wrinkle formation.

Treating the Aging Face

To slow down the process of aging, it is important to address as many of the aforementioned wrinkle-causing factors as possible. This can be done through both internal and external treatments.

Internal treatments include taking vitamins, antioxidants and supplements; smoking cessation, limiting alcohol consumption, eating a healthy and nutritional diet, a positive lifestyle and stress management.

External treatments include: Dysport®, BOTOX®, Restylane®, JUVEDERM®, Radiesse®, other dermal fillers, chemical peels, MicroLaserPeel™, ProFractional laser treatment, BBL light/laser treatment, medical-grade skin care, and sun protection.

The Center for Positive Aging offers these external treatments and can customize a skin treatment program that will slow down the aging process of your skin. Take preventative measures today, and call us for a consultation at 304-264-9080.

4 Easy Ways to Get Younger, Healthier Looking Skin

Published by Bowen on July 29, 2011 in Newsletters and Uncategorized. 483 Comments

With this summer bringing extra heat, the higher temperature means cooler, skin-baring clothing such as shorts, tank tops and swimsuits. Make sure you’re stepping out with your best skin ever with our 4 simple tricks to getting younger and healthier looking skin.

1. Eat the right foods.

Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are the perfect seasonal fruit to get your skin glowing. Packed with antioxidants, these “super foods” will protect your skin from free radicals, prevent wrinkles and produce collagen, giving you more youthful looking skin. Add more berries to your diet by blending them with Greek yogurt and honey for a delicious and satisfying smoothie, or sprinkle them on top of your breakfast cereal or granola for the perfect morning meal.

Carrots are not only a great source of vitamins A and C, they also contain carotene, a pigment that is found to give skin a natural glow and radiance. In fact, studies have found that people who eat more of this sweet veggie have a more attractive complexion compared to tanning in the sun or tanning bed. Incorporate more carrots into your meals by replacing your usual salty snack with baby carrots or adding shredded carrots on top of your salad for a crunchy texture.

Eating healthy fats from nuts, avocados and fish keeps your skin hydrated, reduces the appearance of fine lines and makes you look younger and healthier. Add more Omega-3 in your diet by replacing your chicken entrée with salmon or ordering chips and guacamole as an appetizer with tonight’s Mexican cuisine.

Drink more water and green tea. We often forget to drink water when enjoying ourselves in the warm sunny weather, but staying hydrated is key to maintaining youthful skin. Imagine the difference between plump grapes and dried raisins. Make sure you drink at least the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water. Swap your usual coffee with green tea. Green tea has been proven to reduce sun damage, and it has powerful antioxidants that can slow down the signs of aging.

2. Get active.

Play with your kids. Your kids are home during the summer, so make the most of your time together and plan something that is both fun and requires some physical activity. Exercise increases circulation in the body resulting in healthy skin. So take them to the park or the community pool. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.

Sweat it out. It can be tempting to stay indoors where it’s nicely air-conditioned this time of year, but nothing makes the skin glow quite like breaking a good sweat. Sweating detoxifies your body and removes impurities from the skin. Take a hot yoga class or go for a morning run so you have that rosy complexion all day long.

3. Choose the right products.

Exfoliate your face and body. The heat and humidity can cause product build-up that can lead to clogged pores. Exfoliating removes dead skin, dirt, and excess oil from you skin, leaving behind smoother and younger-looking skin. It also helps sunscreen absorb into the skin and makeup better adhere to the face. Try Neocutis’ NEO-CLEANSE Gentle and Exfoliating Skin Cleanser for fresh skin that glows.

Make sure to always apply sunscreen before leaving the house. You know that regular exposure to the sun will have a damaging effect on your skin, leading to wrinkles and age spots. Be sure to protect your face and body with a physical sunscreen like jane iredale’s® Powder-Me SPF™ daily.

Use self-tanner. We’ve already learned that suntanned skin is damaged skin that can lead to visible signs of aging such as age spots, but if you insist on having that beachy, sun-kissed look, fake it with self-tanner. Try jane iredale’s® Tantasia™ which naturally hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Also, the streak-free formula builds color overtime, so you have complete color control. Apply it on your shoulders, shins, and décolleté for a warm glow.

4. Let The Center help.

Varicose and spider veins tend to become more visible as we age, and their unsightliness will keep your shorts and bathing suits tucked away at the bottom of your drawer. This summer, battle varicose and spider veins with the help of The Center for Positive Aging. The Center offers the Sciton 1064 Nd: Yag laser treatment to zap facial and spider veins so you can confidently wear your summer shorts.

Not surprisingly, the more sun exposure we get the more damaged our skin becomes, resulting in hyperpigmentation, commonly known as age spots or sun spots. These freckle-like spots tend to show up on the face, chest shoulders, and even hands. The Center for Positive Aging offers several treatments depending the severity of the sun damage that will combat these blemishes, including; Sciton MicroLaserPeel™, Sciton BBL Photorejuvenation, and ProFractional Therapy™. Get the smooth, even complexion you’ve always wanted with help from The Center.

Sunscreen, sweat and oil from skin can lead to clogged pores that cause breakouts on the face and body. Get rid of acne or acne scars for good with the help of The Center for Positive Aging. The Center offers the Levulan® Acne Treatment Therapy System that combines Levulan® Kerastick® topical solution and BBL broadband pulsed light to treat acne, sun damaged skin, and oily skin. And, Dr. Bowen has developed an effective treatment approach (Selective Objectional Fractional Technique or SOFT) using ProFractional Therapy to reduce acne scars (and other scars, such as burn scars.)

Put your best skin forward this summer with these easy tips. All it takes is the right foods, a little bit of exercise, effective skin care products, and maybe a little help from The Center. Call today for your consultation: 304-264-9080.

The Center for Positive Aging Welcomes New Employee Adrienne Asam

Published by Bowen on July 29, 2011 in Uncategorized. 17 Comments

Get to know Adrienne in her own words.

Originally from New Oxford, PA, I have been living in Shepherdstown, WV for the past 15 years. I graduated from Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. While creating art, I always have had a fascination with the workings and sculptural beauty of the human anatomy. This led me to obtain an additional degree as a Registered Medical Assistant in 2010. I returned to my alma mater to work in the student health center, as I found I was really able to make an impact on the decisions and health awareness of the student body. Dr. Bowen and the Center for Positive Aging have enabled me to take my passion for art, and blend it with my knowledge and keen interest in the medical field. Physical beauty of an individual often allows that person to have their true inner beauty be brought to the surface. I hope to be a well-versed guide and a sense of comfort and professionalism for all of Dr. Bowen’s patients. It is certainly a big decision to have any procedure performed, and I hope to be a positive and informative factor to help in every step along the way.

Look Younger with Scientifically Advanced Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine

Published by Bowen on July 18, 2011 in Uncategorized. 19 Comments

Anti-Aging Medicine is the branch of medicine that treats the decline in physical and mental abilities that accompanies aging through vitamins, antioxidants and hormone replacement. Regenerative Medicine is an emerging, revolutionary approach to treating degenerative conditions that occur with age by harnessing the body’s ability to heal itself. Disease states currently being treated with Regenerative Medicine include: diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, these therapies are available only in experimental trials or overseas. Still, Regenerative Medicine to treat the appearance of aging is available today at The Center for Positive Aging.

The sources for treatment with Regenerative Medicine are found in our own bodies. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is obtained by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood and isolating a high concentration of platelets. Platelets, in addition to their function as clotting agents, also secrete growth factors that activate resting stem cells and promote healthy tissue healing (versus scar tissue formation). This process has been used in orthopedic surgery to treat shoulder, heel, knee and elbow injuries. At The Center for Positive Aging, we have been using this process to treat the signs of aging on the face and hands. The Vampire Facelift® is one procedure we offer that uses this technology.

One of the most exciting discoveries in all of medicine is that our own fat is a rich source of Adult Stem Cells. Adult Stem Cells are isolated from fat obtained from a “mini liposuction” procedure. Many more cells can be obtained from fat than can be isolated from the same volume of bone marrow and most of us have plentiful “donor sites” (fat pockets). These Adult Stem Cells are distinguished from Embryonic Stem Cells that are controversial on moral and ethical grounds. There are also scientific and practical considerations as Embryonic Stem Cells must be grown in a laboratory (very expensive), and as yet, scientists do not fully understand how to encourage these cells to form the type of tissue desired, for example, skin tissue instead of muscle, bone or cartilage.

At The Center for Positive Aging, we are utilizing these Adult Stem Cells from fat (Adipose Derived Stem Cells or ADSCs) for rejuvenation of the face and hands. Fat is harvested from an area where less fat is desired, such as the stomach or “love handles,” and re-injected into areas where the patient has lost volume (fat), such as the face or hands. This powerful combination releases growth factors in large numbers that become a “personalized drugstore for your own body.” As these cells and growth factors are isolated from your own body, there is virtually no chance of allergic reaction or side effects.

In addition to the clinical procedures of the Vampire Facelift®, autologous fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, augmented with stem cells and/or PRP for face and hands, The Center for Positive Aging and Dr. Bowen are active in research in the areas of combining adult stem cells and PRP with laser treatments, improving methods for isolating stem cells, and treating medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, limb ischemia, wound healing, COPD, diabetes mellitus, MS, macular degeneration and Parkinson’s disease in conjunction with one of the leading hospitals in Latin America (Hospital Angeles, Mexico).

Ask Dr. Bowen or his staff about these clinical procedures or how to participate in a research trial.

Dr. Bowen is a member of several international organizations of doctors and scientists using and researching these techniques, including the American Cosmetic Cellular Medicine Association , the International Federation for Andipose Therapeutics and Science, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He also has been a featured speaker at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), teaching other doctors these principles and techniques.

Your Liposuction Guide: Comparing Liposuction Procedures and What You Should Know About Liposuction

Published by Bowen on June 28, 2011 in Newsletters and Uncategorized. 526 Comments

Have you tried to lose weight from your thighs, hips, abdomen, arms, or back, but no matter how much you dieted and exercised, that stubborn fat just wouldn’t budge? That’s because you can’t “spot treat” fat deposits through diet and exercise alone. Despite popular belief, you can’t do hundreds of sit-ups and crunches a day and get washboard abs; you have to lose overall weight to truly see results. But oftentimes, no matter how much weight we lose, there’s still that one area (or maybe two or three) on the body where fat tends to linger, and that can be enough to make us want to give up on our efforts to eat right and exercise regularly. If this scenario is hitting close to home, you may want to consider getting liposuction.

Don’t let the word liposuction scare you; the procedure has come a very long way since its introduction in 1926. In 2011, it’s much safer, faster, and involves far shorter down time than ever before. And the results can be truly amazing.

But before you make any decisions, you need to do your research and become informed. That is why we have written a comprehensive guide to liposuction, comparing the different types of liposuction procedures and giving you the “low down” so you can make the most educated decision. After all, you only have one body, and you deserve to get the results you want without breaking the bank or risking less-than-optimal results.

Traditional Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of unwanted fat from targeted areas of the body using a cannula and powerful suction. Over the last few decades, physicians have evolved the surgery so that patients will see better results, including body contouring or sculpting rather than just fat removal, less trauma and downtime, less discomfort, and minimal scarring.

Pros: Traditional Liposuction removes large amounts of unwanted fat in targeted areas of the body. Patients can usually walk around and go home in just a few days, if not the same day, as the procedure.

Cons: Traditional Liposuction is major surgery and, so, is typically performed in a hospital or surgical center, using general anesthesia and/or heavy sedatives administered by an anesthesiologist. Recovery tends to take longer than with newer, more innovative liposuction techniques. Compression garments must be continuously worn after the surgery for usually several weeks in order to reduce the risk of bleeding and blood clots. The large cannula and the powerful suction used in traditional liposuction can also remove too much fat, leaving dents and/or lumps on the surface of the skin. In addition, general anesthesia – while generally quite safe – carries its own set of risks. Finally, traditional liposuction tends to be more expensive.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction, such as PureLipo™, uses tumescent anesthesia to numb the fat that is going to be removed. A mild oral sedation medication is also given to the patient so that he/she is very relaxed but alert during the procedure. Not using general anesthesia allows patients to interact with the doctor and nurses, provide feedback on how they are feeling, and help adjust their positions so the doctor can get to hard-to-reach places on the body. The procedure is also done using a small cannula and a syringe to remove fat – rather than a relatively large cannula and power-suction — allowing for more precise body contouring, less trauma and minimal fluid loss and swelling.

Pros: Tumescent liposuction has been proven to permanently remove fat cells more safely than traditional liposuction. With tumescent liposuction, you can expect minimal blood and fluid loss, small and virtually scarless incisions, less post operative pain and recovery time, less time spent in compression garments after the surgery, and less risk of complications.

Cons: Because tumescent liposuction involves using a smaller cannula than traditional lipo, the procedure tends to take longer. However, many argue that the results from tumescent lipo are worth the longer “time on the table” since the large cannula and power suction used in traditional lipo can also result in lumpy and uneven skin, the appearance of “tunnels” in remaining fat and a greater risk of operative bleeding. Also, not all physicians who undertake tumescent liposuction avail themselves of comprehensive, rigorous training before doing so. If this is the case, you as a patient are probably exposing yourself to unnecessary and preventable risk and complications. Dr. Bowen did his “due diligence” when researching which liposuction procedure he would provide his patients, and he underwent rigorous training under Dr. Alberto Sant Antonio, the physician who perfected the PureLipo™ procedure. Having successfully performed PureLipo™ on many patients, Dr. Bowen is very experienced in the technique and works closely with patients to ensure they are completely comfortable with the procedure.

Laser Liposuction

Types of Laser Liposuction: SmartLipo™, CoolLipo™, ProLipo™, LipoLite™, LipTherme™, LipoControl™, SlimLipo™

Laser-assisted liposuction uses a laser to heat up and liquefy the fat underneath the skin so that it is theoretically easier to remove using a cannula.

Pros: Laser Lipo usually makes use of very small incisions, and, when performed properly, has a quick recovery time.

Cons: There is some controversy surrounding the laser lipo technique, including whether or not it is dangerous to melt fat tissue before extracting it. Essentially, this melted fat can be left behind in the body like toxic residue, and therefore, may cause health problems. In addition, the heated cannulas used with the laser lipo technique have the potential to damage tissue or burn the skin.

Conclusion:

When considering having liposuction, make certain that you do your homework. Weigh the pros and cons of each type of procedure, get patient testimonials, look at before and after photos, and speak to the doctor who is going to perform your surgery.

At The Center for Positive Aging, we offer thorough consultations where patients can get to know Dr. Bowen and the staff and are free to ask any questions they may have. See our websites at www.thecenterforpositiveaging.com or www.liposuctionwv.com, and call us today for your consultation.

PureLipo™ at The Center for Positive Aging can give you the body you’ve always wanted.

The Truth about Tanning and Your Sunscreen, and What You Can Do to Protect Your Skin

Published by Bowen on June 7, 2011 in Uncategorized. 411 Comments

To tan or not to tan, that is the question. If you want to maintain and maximize the youthful appearance and health of your skin, DON’T TAN. Even the slightest sun exposure can break down skin cells, causing age spots, wrinkles, and worse, increasing the risk of cancer.

Obviously, this is not new advice. The “take home” message that sun exposure damages and ages the skin has been drummed into all of us by now. However, we don’t always heed the advice. Unfortunately, that sun-kissed, California glow has been glamorized by the media, encouraging us to look like we’re on a perpetual summer vacation at the expense of our skin. And although we can’t avoid the sun completely, we can protect our skin from harmful rays by simply applying the right kind of sunscreen.

So, here’s what you need to know about your sunscreen:

Sunscreens can be divided into two categories, based upon their mode of action: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting the sunlight away from the skin or blocking the sun’s rays. Think of the white goo (zinc oxide) Mom used to put over your nose and cheeks to protect you from long summer days at the pool. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens that you’ll typically find at your local drug store protect the skin by absorbing the harmful UV light and can present some challenges.

First, they take some time to work, so you don’t get immediate protection with them. Research has shown that with traditional — that is, chemical — sunscreen, the best protection is achieved with application 15–30 minutes before sun exposure, followed by reapplication 15–30 minutes after the sun exposure begins, and further reapplication after activities such as swimming, sweating, or rubbing/wiping the skin.

Second, it can take some doing to find the liquid, gel or spray sunscreen that feels right on your particular skin. And, there are other potential problems, such as buying a formula that causes breakouts, allergic reactions or that has off-putting odors.

That is why at The Center for Positive Aging, we are proud to offer Powder-Me SPF. Powder-Me SPF is not a chemical sunscreen. It is a physical sunscreen whose ingredients, titanium dioxide and a natural sun-dried clay act by reflecting sunlight away from the skin. And it’s odor-free.

Powder-Me SPF can be used on the body and face for a UVB/UVA sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. It’s completely free of contaminants and skin pollutants. In fact, ancient clay contains minerals that nourish and calm the skin. So, even if you do get too much sun, you can apply Powder-Me SPF to help soothe the inflammation.

To learn more about the relationship between sun exposure and skin health, we recommend you visit The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website, which provides concise yet comprehensive data on the wide-ranging effects of the sun’s rays on our skin. This site can be a great educational resource for our teens, whose maturing skin can be especially susceptible to the damaging effects of the sun. Like many teens that tend not to listen to parents’ advice about much of anything, including sun avoidance, they may be more open to the message if it comes from a neutral source.

Fortunately, Powder-Me SPF is suitable for all ages, genders, and skin types and will be a staple year round. So, you can apply it on your children and teens and feel confident that they’re getting the protection they need while they’re out playing any time of year. Use on the face and body for optimal coverage. We have two formulas available– Translucent and Tanned. Translucent disappears on the skin while Tanned adds a touch of golden bronze, perfect for the legs and arms.

Powder-Me SPF also makes a great gift. Surprise your husband, father, or father in-law and slip this thoughtful gift in his golf bag on Father’s Day.