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Category: Skin Care + Skin Health + Skin Tips

Myth: Drinking Extra Water Will Give You Better Skin

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Woman with glowing skin drinking water

Why do people think that drinking extra water will improve their skin?

While drinking water is important for overall health, there is a lack of evidence to suggest that drinking extra, EXTRA water will impact skin hydration and appearance in healthy, adequately hydrated people.

It’s more that when you are dehydrated (from not drinking fluids, too much caffeine or alcohol, flying, or just not moisturizing), the skin does appear more lackluster, dull, and sallow. Overall, both due to factors we can control and those we don’t (like aging or previous sun damage), the skin will lose elasticity and plumpness if the epidermis (the outer most of the three layers that make up your skin) doesn’t contain enough water—resulting in a less “glowy” appearance.

What’s the science behind skin and the amount of water someone drinks?

Water helps your body work properly; it impacts blood flow and helps nutrients reach all the cells in your body, but it doesn’t automatically get carried to your skin. Drinking water affects your body at the cellular level.

What actually improves skin hydration?

Here are some tips we recommend for improving skin hydration:

  • Use a gentle and moisturizing cleanser.
  • Avoid any product that contains alcohol.
  • Use a moisturizing serum to help rebuild your skin’s natural protective barrier.
  • Look for products that contain:
    • hyaluronic acid, it can hold up to 1000 tunes its weight in hydration
    • AHAs
    • Lactic acid
    • Glycolic acid
    • Glycerin
  • Moisturize immediately after showering or washing your hands.
  • Do not use very hot water in the shower or sink.
  • Use a humidifier if you live in very dry climates or in winter when heaters are turned on.
  • Protect your hands from the elements, meaning wear gloves when outside in the cold or when washing dishes.
  • Use an overnight hydrating mask.
  • Avoid perfumed products.
  • If your skin is especially dry, avoid salicylic acid, tea tree oil, charcoal, and kaolin as they can strip the epidermis of natural oils.

Is there anything else you think readers should know about this myth or about skin hydration?

Make sure your moisturizing regimen contains an emollient like natural oils, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter to smooth out skin cells, a humectant like urea, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey aloe, rice proteins to pull hydration the outer layers of your skin, and an occlusive to prevent water loss and lock it all in with a protective seal on skin. These could include beeswax, olive oil, lanolin, or dimethicone.

Interested in learning more about proper skincare or how to hydrate your skin? Dr. Annie Chiu, Board-Certified Dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in North Redondo Beach, welcomes you to visit her practice to see how you can achieve healthy, beautiful skin. To get started, simply call (310) 939-9800 or contact us online today.

Lip Masks for a Plump, Hydrated Pout

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Lip masks are beneficial to smooth, soothe and plump delicate lip skin, which tends to dry out and is thinner and more sensitive to ingredients we may apply elsewhere on the face. This becomes more apparent in dry conditions like on plane rides, or even seasons like dry winter months when cold, windy weather can increase transepidermal water loss and thus, dehydration of the lips. Lip masks can be used throughout the day, but are most commonly used on long plane rides, in dry high altitudes, or nightly to seal in moisture overnight. When we sleep, our core body temperature actually rises causing an increase in transepidermal water loss, especially through mucosal surfaces like the lips, so a nightly lip mask is a great way to combat that dehydration. Everyone can benefit from a lip mask because even low-grade dryness can lead to chronic inflammation, which can irritate or cause the lips to have a crinkly, aged appearance.

Almost everyone uses lip balms, which are typically formulated a bit lighter for multiple applications throughout the day and can often be layered with lipsticks. A lip mask is more for when your lips feel particularly dry, or for nightly use as it is typically characterized by more occlusive ingredients, with actives that are more concentrated for specific benefits like exfoliating or anti-aging. Lip masks are generally a more intense version of regular lip balms and are meant to sit on the lips for hours without the messiness of eating or talking a lot.

Ingredients to look out for:

  • Look for deeply moisturizing ingredients such as sunflower oil, sesame oil, vitamin E, omega fatty acids, linoleum acids, and coconut oil to moisturize, soften, and soothe dry lips.
  • Occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and shea butter seal in moisture to help even deeper penetration of other ingredients.
  • Exfoliating ingredients like pumpkin extract and sugar molecules rid the dry dead cells so other ingredients can better penetrate the lip skin and the lips look smooth and plumped.
  • Hyaluronic acid and honey are humectants with slight anti-inflammatory activity to help hydrate and maintain moisture.
  • A good lip mask typically will have antioxidants to reverse the oxidative damage lips can encounter during the day from UV light, pollution, or smoke and help against premature aging.

Dr. Chiu’s Lip Mask Recommendations

1. Ilia Lip Wrap Treatment Mask: this product pretty much hits all the ingredient categories you look for in a lip mask. Exfoliating papaya enzymes are formulated elegantly with hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidants like Vitamin E, along with deep moisturizing skin occlusives like Shea Butter and other plant oils without feeling too sticky or heavy.
Price $26

2. Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask: One of the most lightweight masks on the market, this gel texture mask is great for sensitive lips as it is formulated without any fragrance. This mask contains primary ingredients like squalene which is a natural occlusive and a precursor to the skin’s naturally made fatty acids in the lip.  Peach extracts soften and heal the lips without any stickiness.
Price $28

3. Burt’s Bee’s Moisturizing Lip Mask: These single-use, ultra sanitary (think no re-dipping into a jar) lip masks are perfect for plane travel or your winter ski trip. Simple natural ingredients including sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil deeply moisturize and penetrate the lip quickly.
Price $5.03 

Top Tips for Dealing with Maskne | The Derm Institute

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To slow the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic, wearing a face mask has become part of your daily routine. It’s now required in many public places, from grocery stores to restaurants, as it is an effective barrier against the COVID-19 virus that spreads through respiratory droplets.

However, wearing a mask may lead to acne breakouts. You are not alone! Known as “maskne” (mask acne), these breakouts are a common side effect of wearing a face mask, especially for extended periods.

Maskne doesn’t merely cause pimples but may also result in skin issues, including redness, bumpiness, and irritation.

What Exactly Is Maskne and Why Does It Happen?

As the name suggests, maskne is a skin breakout resulting from friction, pressure, rubbing, stretching by the mask. You can see maskne where the mask covers and where the mask and face shields touch the skin.

Face masks and coverings trap moisture, sweat, oil, and dirt close to our skin, causing blemishes and various skin conditions:

  • Acne when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt, resulting in pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads.
  • Rosacea can flare up due to the wearing of a mask, leading to pimples and redness.
  • Contact dermatitis results from being allergic or sensitive to your mask’s material, leading to a red rash, along with irritation and blisters.

If you already suffer from one or more of these conditions, you may be more prone to developing maskne.

Why Do Masks Cause Irritation?

In most cases, maskne results from clogged pores caused by a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria on your skin, made worse by wearing a mask for hours on end. Add humidity caused by your breathing and sweating inside the mask, and you may increase the risk of acne.

Some masks and face coverings are pretreated with chemicals or feel rough on the skin, leading to sensitivity or an allergic reaction to your mask’s material. Washing a reusable mask in a scented detergent may also cause irritation.

How Can You Clear up and Prevent Your Maskne Breakout?

The key to managing your maskne breakout is preventing it in the first place, as these tips suggest:

Wear a Clean Mask Each Day

Avoid the temptation to throw the same mask on every day. Mask cleanliness affects your maskne breakouts, making it vital to starting every day with a clean mask. It might be better for a long day at work to put on a new mask at least halfway through your day rather than wear just one all day long.

For a reusable mask, make sure you’re washing it every day because of the bacteria it harbors.

Wash Your Face Regularly

During the COVID-19 pandemic, continue with your regular skincare routine to keep your skin healthy.

Make sure you wash your face:

  • Once every morning.
  • Once every night, before going to bed.
  • After sweating while wearing a mask.

After washing your face with lukewarm water, pat your skin dry with a clean towel, being sure not to rub your skin and cause irritation.

Use Gentle Organic and Daily Skin Care Products

Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, sweat, and bacteria. Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or perfume as these can cause irritation and slow the healing of your symptoms.

Since every person has a unique skin type, take the time to undergo a clinical consultation by physician Dr. Annie Chiu and obtain an individualized treatment plan so that you can bring your maskne under control.

Take a Break From Makeup

Even if your makeup is hypoallergenic, wearing a restrictive face covering may smother your skin and exacerbate the clogging of your pores.

At the very least, use the highest quality products possible and keep your makeup very light.

How Can You Prevent Maskne in North Redondo Beach, CA?

Since you’ll probably need to continue wearing a face mask or covering in public for the foreseeable future, here are some maskne prevention tips you can follow:

Wash Fabric Masks After Every Use

Using unscented hypoallergenic laundry detergent, wash reusable cloth masks after every use.

Apply a Topical Antibiotic Cream

Prevent acne-causing bacteria from building up under your mask by applying an antibiotic cream or gel directly on your skin before putting on your mask.

Remove your mask every 4 hours

If possible, every four hours, after washing your hands, remove your face mask for 15 minutes, giving your skin a break from being tightly covered.

Apply Moisturizer Before Wearing a Mask

If your skin tends to be dry, a mask may cause irritation. Applying a noncomedogenic moisturizer can help hydrate your skin and serve as a barrier between your skin and the mask.

Choose the Right Mask

Avoid skin issues by following these tips for choosing the right mask:

  • Snug-fitting, but not too tight.
  • Two or more layers of fabric.
  • Made from natural, soft fabric.

Should I See Dr. Annie Chiu About my Maskne at North Redondo Beach, CA?

Healthy skin is part of your overall good health. With maskne being an uncomfortable sign of the times, if you’re struggling with unsightly, uncomfortable maskne, you can feel reassured of the skilled treatment offered by renowned physician Dr. Annie Chiu. Call us today at (310) 939-9800 or contact us online to schedule your personalized consultation!

 

What’s Included in a Healthy Skin Routine

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Healthy, beautiful skin starts at home. It is incredibly important for everyone to stick to a skin care routine that works for their skin. Everyone is different, which is why custom skin care is so effective. Read our infographic below to find out what your routine should include, depending on your skin tone, texture, and concerns.

If you’re interested in discussing your skin concerns, contact us today.

Pamper Your Mom: 7 Skin Beauty Gifts for Mother’s Day

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It’s hard to find just the right gift for Mom, but here is a guide that will have Mom looking radiant and glowing!

1. Gift of Tighter Skin: BTL Exilis Protégé This non-invasive, painless skin procedure has been clinically proven to tighten and contour the skin. It uses radio frequency technology to tighten sagging skin around the eyes, jaw, and neck line. The result is tighter, firmer, and younger looking skin. Radiofrequency energy has been proven to better define facial and jawline features just with a warming sensation. Give Mom the gift of smoother sculpted skin this year with BTL Exilis Protégé!

2. Gift of Even, Radiant Skin: Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is a popular procedure and a true patient favorite! This treatment can target those pesky brown spots and red areas on the skin. It treats pigmentation, sun damaged, skin, brown spots, age spots, broken blood vessels, facial redness, and rosacea. This procedure is also a consistent favorite because it brightens and evens the overall skin tone with minimal downtime.

3. Gift of a Liquid Lift: Fillers and Botox relax fine lines and wrinkles. Mom will look rested and fabulous with an injectable treatment by Dr. Annie Chiu. Dr. Chiu is a board-certified dermatologist and master injector renowned for her eye towards soft natural rejuvenation. Patients are thrilled with the instant results and how natural they look!

4. Gift of Glow: A Red Carpet Peel will make Mom’s skin brighter and smoother! This light exfoliating peel gives skin a flawless and radiant glow. This is a popular procedure that has no downtime and delivers an instant boost in skin health.

5. Gift of Happy Healthy Skin:  Personalized Skin Care Consult at The Derm Institute. Mom will get a complete skincare regimen overview and mini personalized skin treatment at the office. Dr. Chiu will provide her with product recommendations of medically proven skincare products designed to have Mom look her best all year long.

6. Gift of luscious lashes: Latisse. It enhances natural lash growth, to make them fuller and longer and can be used for areas like the eyebrows as well.

7. Consider a Gift Certificate to The Derm Institute to show Mom how much you care. We will bundle the gift certificate you purchase with introductory skin goodies. She can then choose from any of the treatments we offer or even purchase products with her gift certificate. Let her enjoy an experience at our office!

…Shared by Your TDI Team

A True Beauty Girl’s New Year’s Resolutions . . . for 2017

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Resolution #1

Lose the fat. 

Eat healthy, exercise regularly, and treat stubborn areas of my muffin top with Coolsculpting and slim my thighs with Vanquish.Resolution 1

Resolution #2

Reverse sun damage. 

Be good to my skin, wear SPF, and shed existing sun damage with IPL treatments and Physician Grade Peel series.

Resolution #3

Get beauty sleep. 

Incorporate zen-smelling yet amazing skincare like Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Repair with a dash of organic lavender essential oil before bed to relax and let my skin restore.

Resolution #4Resolution 2

Be good to my hands. 

Nothing is worse than your hands giving away your age . . . well, #6 is similar . . .  Protect them with sunscreen everyday, and use a night cream like Lumiquin nightly.  Reversing pre-existing sun damage with IPL and use fillers like Radiesse to give me back plump, rejuvenated, youthful hands.

Resolution #5

Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

Worry less, because it gets me nowhere. And consider Botox for underarm sweating so I can toss my deodorant and never worry about ruining a silk shirt.

Resolution #6

Ditch the scarfs and turtlenecks.  

Warmer weather is coming, and it’s perfect timing to get that slight pooch under my chin to disappear permanently with Kybella. Say hello to a swan like, contoured neck!

Resolution 3Resolution #7

Feel sexy 24-7. 

Little touches, like always wearing slightly bee-stung, “just-kissed”, glossy pillowy lips make me feel irresistible.  That right—tempt me with the most subtle way to do this. . . Volbella.

Resolution #8

Be proud of my bikini bod.

Getting a bit of a booty lift with Sculptra, perfect little spider veins that come for standing too much, and a little magic with Body Tightening Concentrate so I can rock bikini selfies all year round.

Resolution #9

Not neglect my neck. 

Protect it daily with sunscreen, tighten crepy skin with Radiofrequency treatments and Infini, and never ever go to bed without Neocutis Microfirm Neck Cream.

Resolution #10

Cherish my skin every single day.

Healthy beautiful skin gives me confidence to conquer the world.

Xoxo

Dr. Annie, #girlboss

3 Ways to Debut a New You in the New Year

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Start the New Year off right and try some of our most popular minimally invasive procedures to debut a new, more confident you. With procedures like the Clear + Brilliant laser, natural fillers, and body contouring, you will be looking your best in 2017.

Clear + Brilliant Laser

The Clear + Brilliant Laser is a gentle laser treatment that fights against signs of aging and discoloration to reveal smoother, glowing skin. Clear + Brilliant Laser has an 87% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

New + Natural Fillers

New and natural fillers can be exclusively customized to fit your indiviudal needs, including Juvederm Volbella, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne. Juvederm Volbella has an 86% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

Fire + Ice Body Contouring

This treatment combines the fat eliminating heat energy of Vanquish ME and the fat freezing technology of CoolSculpting. CoolSculpting has an 83% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

For more information on these procedures, or to schedule a consultation, please contact The Derm Institute.

New Year, New You

5 Summer Habits That Are Giving You Wrinkles

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We love summer here at The Derm Institute, but there are some habits that may causing more damage to your skin than you think. Not to worry! We can provide some easy solutions to help keep your skin healthy and protected this summer.

1. Too much Sun –While soaking up the sun is the highlight of summers here in California, it can actually cause some serious skin damage. Excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging. Be sure to apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you are outside for a long period of time.

 2. Sipping with a Straw – We are huge fans of summer iced tea blends here at TDI, drinkingstraw_image1but there is one thing to avoid, and that is using a straw. It’s hard to imagine that something so
small can cause any damage to your skin, but sipping through a straw can actually cause wrinkles. The repeated use of straws can cause pesky fine lines around the mouth toappear. Try to avoid using a straw, or just pour your drink into a wide mouth glass to avoid that motion.

3.Turning up the AC – We can all fall victim too cranking up the AC when dealing with a heat wave, but this can actually dry out your skin. The skin loses its moisture from too much AC. Drinking plenty of water can keep you hydrated both inside and out. Another way to help avoid skin dehydration is too spritz a little bit of thermal spring water or a hydrating toner to keep your skins moisture balance in check.

4. Squinting – All that sun can make us prone to squinting when we are out and about. Did you know that repeated squinting motions can cause those “crows feet” wrinkles to
appear around your eyes? It is easy to avoid. Be sure to wear sunglasses to prevent that squint motion that causes those wrinkles. The added bonus is that sunglasses can keep your eyes protected from UV damage too. Always keep a pair of sunglasses with you!

sunglasses-cover5. Not Changing your Skincare – Staying on the same skincare regimen the entire year can be a recipe for disaster. Skincare has seasons too, for the Summer months the focus should be on sun protection, use of an antioxidant product ( like a Vitamin C Serum), and lighter weight products. Not sure of what to use? Come in for a quick product knowledge consult with one of our team members here at The Derm Institute, we will gladly put you on the right track.

…. Shared by The TDI Team

TDI’s Do’s And Dont’s For Shaving

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  • Do NOT shave right before a pedicure
  • DO shave against the grain on your legs
  • Do NOT use Body washes or soap when shaving
  • DO exfoliate your skin prior to shaving. This can reduce the chances of ingrown hairs.

 

shavelegs1_

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • DO change your blade every 5-7 shaves.
  • DO shave with the grain of your hair for areas like the bikini line. This can reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs
  • Do NOT apply too much pressure when shaving. You can actually remove some of the top layers of your skin.
  • DO remove all deodorant when preparing for an underarm shave. This keeps the surface of the skin smooth and allows for a closer shave. Underarm hair can grow in multiple directions, so DO change your shaving direction for a closer underarm shave.
  • DO use a moisturizer on your damp skin immediately after shaving. This can seal in the moisture to your skin allowing for a healthy skin barrier!
  • DO use a dime sized amount of 1% over the coutner hydrocortisone cream with a rich moisturizer to reduce inflammation and protect the skin barrier; especially if you have sensitive skin

 

…Shared by Your TDI Team

 

The Top 5 Essentials For A Great Skincare Regimen

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Dr. Chiu’s medicine cabinet

Often times our bathroom cabinets and drawers are overstuffed with random skincare. With so much out there, how do you know what to do to put together a great skincare regimen? Follow the TDI skincare guideline below and see how it only takes 5 key skincare products that are essential to a science based and transformative regimen that can have great results for your skin.

  1. PROTECT: Start with a sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. This is the very basic building block of any skincare regimen no matter where you live.
  2. TRANSFORM: Use a topical retinoid, like Renova to target fine lines and smoothing overall skin appearance.
  3. BRIGHTEN: Antioxidants are a vital component to any skincare regimen. They provide protection against free radical damage ( like from pollution) and also protect against photo damage. A high quality Vitamin C is an essential for any age. We love SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and C+ AHA
  4. POLISH: Hydroxy- Acids are essential for seekers of glowy, and dewy skin. Hydroxy Acids are exfoliators that break down the glue between dull dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, and even skin tone.
  5. BOOST: Want to really take your anti-aging skincare to the next level? The latest science offers growth factors to boost collagen and elastic tissue production for firmer, lifted, and more youthful skin. We love SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum, which has been a MUST in Dr. Chiu’s own medicine cabinet for over 5 years.

SkinCarePyramid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kick of your spring with a new skincare regimen that targets all of your needs. Still unsure about what products to use? Schedule an appointment at The Derm Institute for a Personalized Skin Health Consult

 

…Shared by your TDI Team

Battle Winter Dry Skin!

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TDI’s Tips on the Absolute Best Ways to boost hydration to dry winter skin!

The Perfect Time for Moisturizing . . .

  1. Within 5 Minutes of Showering:xeracalm cream

As soon as you get out of the shower, moisture starts getting pulled out of the skin from contact with air.  This is the best time to put on your body moisturizer, as it locks in your skin’s natural moisture.  We love Xeracalm Lipid Replenshing Cream to fight dry cracked itchy skin.

  1. Right After Shaving: 

Dead skin cells are exfoliated during shaving, allowing the perfect opportunity to get increased penetration with a moisturizer.

  1. After Washing the Dishes: 

Load up on a hand cream.  Most hand washes are detergent based and antibacterial which disrupts the natural skin barrier, leading to dryness and itching.  Moisturizing immediately after washing will protect this skin barrier.  Neutrogena’s Norwegian Hand Cream is a classic.

  1. After Making Out!: Korres lip butter

Kissing makes the lips dehydrated and flaky because of the evaporative effect of it going from wet to dry repeatedly.  Load up on a lip balm after a kissing session :).  Dr. Chiu loves the buttery feel of Korres Lip Butter.

  1. Before You Hit the Sack:

During sleep, the skin’s trans-epidermal water loss is increased, meaning moisture is pulled out of the skin while we snooze.  By using a slightly heavier night cream on the face, like SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair Cream you are protecting your face from dehydration.

  1. When Jetsetting for the Holidays: 

Get a heavy duty moisturizer with urea and slather it on your feet and pull on comfy socks.  Recycled air on planes is extremely dehydrating, and a moisturizer plus the occlusive effect of socks will leave your soles soft and hydrated.

. . . Shared by TDI team.

The Best Skincare Regimen-Boost your Skin Health at Home with this Product Plan

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chiu-womenshoppingfor productThere are so many skincare products out there. We know it’s easy to get confused. Information on skincare products at Sephora, Drug Stores, and department stores can be confusing and often times misleading.  How do you know what product or group of products are right for your skin? Here at TDI we strive to provide the most comprehensive information to help patients maintain their skincare regimen at home and also make the best decisions when it comes to skincare product selection.

It is important to keep the following in mind, G.R.A.S.S. This acronym will help you select the right products to get your skin to the healthiest it can be!

Growth factors help provide rejuvenating cytokines,TNS-photo signaling proteins, and nutrients. This helps the skin’s natural ability to rejuvenate itself. A product like SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum is an ideal product for this category. It is an all in one anti-aging serum with over 110 Human Growth Factors. This is an ingredient that is good to have as a part of any skincare regimen. It is recommended to start using products with growth factors in your mid 30s to 40s.

Retinols assist with renewing your skin. A product like Renova is essential to tackling those fine lines on your face. It is the most well researched ingredient showing a reversal of photoaging and pre-cancers, as well as wrinkles. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone wanting to be preventative regarding anti-aging.

Antioxidant boosted products are key to have in your skincare regimen to help defend your skin against free radicals from sun and pollution we are exposed to each day. Dr. Chiu’s favorite vitamin C products include: Miracle C from SkinLab, the Vitamin C+E Complex from SkinMedica, and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. This is a MUST HAVE starting in your 20s.

S is for Specialty. Incorporating a specialized product like an eye Lumiere-EyeCream-piccream or skin brightener can help target a specific area that may be troublesome for you. Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream contains growth factors and caffeine to help aid with dark under eye circles and bags. SkinLab’s Brighten and Lift cream contains concentrations of 6% or 8% of hydroquinone to aid in brightening dark spots, and can be a prescription specialty product to combat melasma or hyperpigmentation.

S is for SPF. It is critical to protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. These are the aging and burning rays that prematurely age the skin and cause discoloration. Using a sunscreen is cruicial to every skincare regimen. Your skincare regimen is not complete without it. There are a variety of sunscreens on the market, a few that are great for a wide range of skin types include EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair, and La Roche Posay’s  Anthelios Ultralight Sunscreen. This is an absolute MUST HAVE at every age. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum SPF of 30 or above daily.

Chiu-GRASSUsing this acronym as a guide can lead you to happier and healthier skin. Are you still not sure what product is right for you? Call The Derm Institute and schedule a Personalized Skin Health Consult to receive a skin health program that is catered to your skin and concerns. Let us help you refresh, renew, and resurge your skin!

…Shared by the TDI Team

6 Tips to Transition Your Skin to Fall

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  • tips-for-skin-fall-300x199Load up on fall vegetables like pumpkin and squashes, which are packed with beta-carotene. These antioxidants fend off oxidative damage from pollution to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
  • Take advantage of these less sunny months to visit your dermatologist. Reverse photodamage accumulated throughout the year with in-office procedures like chemical peels and Intense Pulsed Light for more even skin tone and radiance.
  • Keep your hands and feet baby soft without dry cracking skin throughout the winter by mixing up a DIY balm made with Shea Butter, Olive oil, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Too lazy to DIY? Keep Revision’s Lumaquin Hand Cream on your nightstand to revitalize dull thin skin on the hands.
  • Consider adding an Essence to your skin regimen. Essences like Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence soften, lightly moisturize and calm the skin with hyaluronic acid and lavender extract, and can be sprayed on throughout the day to keep your skin fresh and dewy all day.
  • Incorporate a product rich in Hyaluronic Acid, which is a naturally found sugar “filler” in the skin that attracts water and brings plumpness and glow.TeoxaneWSyringe Teoxane’s RHA Serum Fundamental Revitalizing Concentrate delivers brighter, dewy skin making your party season ready all the time.
  • Don’t skip the SPF just because it’s less sunny out! The far majority of UV rays penetrate to your skin despite more gloomy weather. Add one to your regimen like SkinMedica’s Total Defense and Repair that also has anti-oxidants to provide a double punch to aging skin rays.

Groupon Injectables . . . what’s the downside?

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coupon deals

There is no denying that cosmetic procedures can be pricey . . . so it can be tempting to look for specials and deals at the local salon or Groupon. Patients often ask us, “how come they can offer botox for so cheap?”

Like many things, you often get what you pay for . . .

The application and use of various non-invasive treatments combined with the artistic and expert techniques utilized by Dr. Chiu is what truly sets The Derm Institute’s treatments apart. There are no shortcuts, inappropriate dilutions, or non-original manufacturer discount supplies ever used in our clinic. Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute team are committed to exclusively providing advanced, expert, cutting edge and artistic facial rejuvenation safely.

Injectable neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport, and cosmetic fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are highly regulated FDA-controlled drug treatments. The raw cost of Botox and fillers direct from the approved manufacturer is a set price. Counterfeit, illegally imported, near expiration, or inappropriately diluted product has been an increasing problem in the US as price competing medi-spas and nurse injectors are opening all over the country.

Discount cosmetic centers often cut costs whether knowingly or not by using illegal or counterfeit, less expensive product. Less experienced injectors, often non physicians, although this decreases treatment pricing for the patient, it can at times increase risk of side effects. All medical and cosmetic procedures can rarely result in a complication. Treatment administered by a Board-Certified Dermatologist, like Dr. Chiu, who is extremely experienced in cosmetic procedures can reduce not only the likelihood of a serious complication, but if something does occur, she is specially trained to know how to recognize and resolve any issues.

Often, the cost quoted can also be misleading. Coupon deals show examples like $500 per syringe, but it may take a less experienced injector much more product to achieve the same result. So your overall cost to achieve a desired look may actually be more! It is not uncommon we get patients who tell us they spent thousands and did not see a visible difference they were happy with.

Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team are sincerely committed to fair pricing with the most advanced, expert techniques used with artistry. We apply the highest standards to everything used in our clinic, and we only use the most high quality products, including pharmacy grade numbing cream, German imported microneedles for comfort, and of course, only FDA approved, manufacturer direct medications and treatments. Every expiration date, lot number, and hologram is noted and recorded. Come see the difference for yourself . . .

…Shared by The Derm Institute Team

 

 

Dr. Chiu was Featured on Men’s Health Live

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Dr. Annie Chiu was featured on Men’s Health live on three important topics: Do we really need to lather on the sunscreen? Should you choose spray or lotion sunscreen? Does The Derm Institute’s Dr. Annie Chiu (@DrAnnieChiu) follow her own skin care advice?

Listen to the segments below!

Mens Health segment 11

The host of Men’s Health Live, Gregg Stebben asked if she follows her own skin care advice? She talked about her regimen to stay looking younger and understands how hard it can be to get into a routine. Dr. Chiu wears SPF 30 or higher every day and recommended reapplication of sunscreen throughout the day. Click to hear the full interview here.

 

Mens Health segment 10

Host Gregg Stebben talked to Dr. Chiu about the difference between spray or lotion sunscreen. Ultimately spray sunscreen is not as effective because 90% of the spray does not get on the body. Dr. Chiu recommended, if you do use spray sunscreen only use it for reapplication. Click to hear the full interview here.

 

Mens Health segment 9

Host Gregg Stebben talked to Dr. Chiu if we need to lather on the sunscreen? The Derm Institute’s Dr. Annie Chiu (@DrAnnieChiu) warns that catching a summer tan can do major damage. She informed him that spending just 5 minutes in the sun can cause damage and getting a tan is the bodies defense mechanism to make shade for itself to help protect from the sun. Click to hear the full interview here.

Follow Men’s Health Live on Facebook: @MensHealth & Twitter: @MensHealth_Live