Questions About Skin Care

Is there a way to get rid ofbags under my eyes?

Puffinessunderneath your eyes is often caused by fluid retention. This occurs when yourbody has too much salt without enough water to flush it out. Drink plenty ofwater and try to sleep a majority of the night on your back. Applying a cool,soothing substance on your eyes such as a damp cloth, cucumber slices orchilled tea bags can help. An eye mask can also help combat puffiness under theeyes.

What is premature aging?

Premature aging is the unnatural acceleration of thenatural aging process, caused by damage from an unhealthy lifestyle andexcessive exposure to the sun. Though the natural aging process can not beslowed, most people who show signs of aging are actually suffering frompremature aging, as more than 99 percent of wrinkles are caused by sunexposure. Premature aging can also tack 20 years on to your appearance.

What can I do to avoid premature aging?

Practicing good skin careearly on in life is the best way to keep it healthy into your older years. Youcan do this by avoiding unprotected sun exposure and always applying sunscreen.General lifestyle factors are also important; if you eat a diet too rich inhighly-processed foods and drink alcohol in excess, this can add years to yourappearance. Be sure to also eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole foods,as this can have a significant impact on the health and look of your skin.Besides looking good, these things will also help you feel good.

How often should I have a facial?

It is a good idea to get a facialabout once a month. Your skin cells take about 28 days to reach the surface, so oncea month is ideal in order to deeply cleanse and remove any impurities from yourpores. Your skin care expert can recommend a home care agenda to meet yourneeds that will maintain the health and vitality of your skin.

What are the benefits of having regular facials?

Clear skin is the result of regular, professionalexfoliating. The smoother, more moist and supple your skin is; the moreyouthful and radiant it will appear.

What causes acne to flare up?

Breakoutsare generally caused by four major trigger factors: excess oil, dead skin cellsthat clog pores, acne bacteria, and inflammation. Hormones prompt your oilglands to produce an excessive amount of oil, which prompts the skin cells inyour pores to shed rapidly. When your pores become clogged by dead skin andtrapped oil, acne bacteria forms. Your skin tries to fight the bacteria,becomes inflamed and finally erupts in a breakout.

Howdoes men's skin differ from women's? Can men benefit from skin care products?

Menand women's skin is alike in structure, but men have more hair and increasedoil production. Men can benefit from a professionally-recommended skin careregime, to help correct shaving problems, fight acne and dry skin, and maintaina youthful appearance.

What is dermabrasion?

Dermabrasion isa procedure that can help reduce scars and fine wrinkles. It is especiallyeffective if you have scarring from acne, an accident or previous surgery. Itis typically performed while you are awake, using a local anesthesia. Dr. Prattwill use a surgical instrument is used to gently "sand" your skin’ssurface down to the normal, healthy layer. Your healing tissue will be treatedwith antibiotic ointments to reduce scabbing and subsequent scarring.