How to Get Rid of Sun Damage on the Face

How to Get Rid of Sun Damage on the Face

Sunlight is beneficial, and some sun exposure helps improve mood, enhance the immune system and increase bone strength. Yet spending too much time in direct sunlight puts a person at risk of excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure that damages the skin. Thus, it is important for a person to understand how to protect the skin against excess sun exposure — otherwise, an individual risks sunspots on the face and related skin issues.

How Much Sun Is Too Much?

The amount of UV radiation that the skin can handle varies based on the individual. For example, research indicates that UV radiation starts damaging the skin of fair-skinned people after about 5 to 10 minutes of sun exposure. On the other hand, people with dark-brown skin may be able to spend more than 60 minutes in the sun before they experience sun damage caused by overexposure to UV radiation.

For people who are unsure about how much sun that their skin can handle, help is available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers the UV Index to help people determine how much time to spend in the sun on a given day. This index predicts the risk of UV overexposure on a scale of 0 (minimal risk) to 11+ (very high risk). It also accounts for a location's altitude, the time of year, and other factors to help people analyze the strength of the sun's UV rays and how quickly these rays can damage the skin.

What Happens If the Skin Is Exposed to Excess Amounts of UV Radiation?

Sun-damaged skin causes a person to look older than his or her actual age. It results in a variety of skin issues, including:

Sunburn

A sunburn refers to red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. It occurs due to prolonged UV radiation exposure and increases a person's risk of other skin problems. Additionally, repeated sun exposure that leads to sunburns may make a person more susceptible to melanoma and other types of skin cancer.

 Dry Skin

Excess UV radiation exposure reduces the skin's elasticity. It also causes the skin to lose moisture and essential oils. The result: dry, coarse skin.

 Wrinkles

Overexposure to UV radiation drives the formation of free radicals, unstable atoms that damage cells, in the skin. It damages elastin fibers in the skin, and in doing so, causes wrinkles to form.

 Melasma

Melasma is a skin problem that causes an individual to develop grey-brown patches on the face. The condition may cause grey-brown patches to form on the nose, forehead and chin and above the upper lip. Melasma is more prevalent in individuals with darker complexions who are exposed to high amounts of UV radiation for an extended period of time.

 Sun Spots

Sunspots are flat, brown spots that form on sun-damaged areas of the skin. They are often smooth and do not cause any pain. However, sun spots are sometimes signs of excess sun exposure, and in certain instances, a sunspot may be a warning sign of skin cancer.

The longer that sun-damaged skin goes untreated, the worse it becomes. Over time, an individual may even experience actinic keratoses, pre-cancerous skin growths that sometimes turn into cancer. Fortunately, if an individual understands how to reverse sun damage, he or she can limit the impact of excess sun exposure.

What to Do If You Are Dealing with Sun Damage on the Face

Sun damage spots on the face and other skin issues can occur quickly and without notice. For those who identify any facial wrinkles, dry skin, or other signs of sun damage on the face, it pays to be diligent.

It is generally a good idea to consult with a dermatologist any time sun damage on the face appears. At this point, a dermatologist can evaluate an individual's facial appearance and the severity of any sun damage on the face. The dermatologist can also provide their patient with a plan for how to get rid of sun damage on the face.

Can You Get Rid of Sun Damage on the Face?

Oftentimes, sun damage on the face can be corrected. Many treatments are available to help reverse sun-damaged skin on the face, including:

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing involves the use of DOT Deka laser skin treatments to correct blemishes, wrinkles, scars, and other facial skin damage. The treatment is available to individuals dealing with virtually any dermatological condition, and it helps treat melasma, freckles, and other types of sun-damaged skin. Also, laser skin resurfacing is sometimes performed in combination with Botox and other non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures to revitalize a person's facial appearance.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel requires a chemical solution to remove the outer layer of sun-damaged skin. It helps smooth out skin and minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles. A chemical peel may also be used across an individual's face, neck and hands.

Microdermabrasion

With microdermabrasion, tiny grains, crystals, or diamond tips are used to remove the outer layer of sun-damaged skin and help stimulate collagen growth. Microdermabrasion is sometimes performed after Botox or other facial rejuvenation procedures as well.

Retinoids

Retinoids are compounds that stimulate the growth of collagen, the body's most abundant protein. They are found in many over-the-counter skin care products and help minimize the appearance of fine lines and dark spots. Before using retinoid products, it is important to consult with a dermatologist; that way, an individual can determine which retinoid products and other skincare products to use and gradually integrate them into his or her skincare regimen.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in colorful fruits and vegetables, and it is converted into vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene supports healthy skin and mucous membranes, as well as good eye health and vision.

In addition to the aforementioned treatments, many natural options are available to treat sun-damaged skin.

How to Repair Sun-Damaged Skin on the Face Naturally

Natural ways to treat sun-damaged skin include:

Get Sufficient Rest

Getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night helps reduce the risk of wrinkles, sagging skin, and other facial skin problems. It also ensures that the body can deliver sufficient fluids to organs and tissues to lower the risk of skin problems like acne and psoriasis.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants that help repair damaged skin cells. Furthermore, maintaining a diet rich in nuts, olive oil, fish, whole grains and other healthy fats helps minimize the risk of skin cancer related to overexposure to UV radiation.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise helps increase blood flow to carry oxygen and nutrients to working cells across the body. At the same time, regular exercise helps the body eliminate free radicals and other waste products that otherwise damage the skin.

Alleviate Stress

Stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps the brain control mood. Cortisol also prevents the skin from retaining water, and it may cause a person's blood sugar level to spike, leading to collagen and elastin damage. To prevent these issues, an individual can practice mediation, yoga, deep breathing and other stress-relieving activities.

Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol contains excess amounts of sugar, and it triggers the glycation process that destroys collagen and elastin. By limiting his or her alcohol consumption, an individual can reduce the risk of wrinkles, spider veins and other visible signs of aging in the face.

Keeping the skin looking vibrant and youthful is sometimes challenging, but the aforementioned tips offer natural ways to help correct sun-damaged skin. There are also several things that people can do every day to help limit the risk of skin damage, including:

  • Use Sunscreen: Sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher helps reduce the risk of sun-damaged skin. It should be applied generously approximately every two hours or more frequently as needed.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing a hat, sunglasses and other protective clothing helps ensure that an individual can enjoy time in the sun without putting his or her skin in danger.
  • Find Shade: If the sun feels too strong, seek out shade immediately.

Skincare is key, particularly when it comes to avoiding sun-damaged skin. By exploring all available sun damage treatment options, an individual can determine the best course of action to address sun-damaged skin and prevent it from becoming a recurring problem.

What Is the Best Treatment for Sun Damage on the Face?

Sun damage on the face won't disappear on its own. In fact, those who try to ignore the problem will find the issue can escalate quickly. If left unaddressed, sun damage can permanently alter an individual's facial appearance.

When it comes to sun damage on the face, be proactive to guard against it. Proper skin care can go a long way toward protecting the face against sun damage. It also minimizes the risk of skin cancer and other long-lasting skin health problems.

For those who are dealing with sun-damaged skin on the face, don't wait to seek out assistance. By meeting with a dermatologist, an individual can receive a skin health assessment. The dermatologist can then work with their patient to ensure he or she can treat sun-damaged skin and limit further damage.

Evaluate Your Sun Damage Treatment Options

Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) reports that 20% of Americans develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and having five or more sunburns doubles a person's risk of melanoma. Conversely, SCF notes that the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99% when it is detected early.

If an individual takes the time to identify and treat sun-damaged skin now, he or she can prevent long-term skin issues. By working with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, an individual can find a safe, effective way to address his or her sun-damaged skin.

Dr. Azizzadeh is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who understands how to treat sun-damaged skin. He offers holistic treatment of sun-damaged skin, and he ensures that each of his patients can correct sun spots, wrinkles and other facial skin issues. Dr. Azizzadeh also tailors each treatment to his patient to deliver the best possible facial rejuvenation results.

How Does Dr. Azizzadeh Treat Sun Damage on the Face?

Dr. Azizzadeh is a globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who understands how to treat sun-damaged skin. He offers holistic treatment of sun-damaged skin and ensures that each of his patients can correct sunspots, wrinkles, and other facial skin issues.

Initially, Dr. Azizzadeh meets with a patient to assess their sun-damaged skin on the face. He conducts comprehensive testing to learn about the patient's skin and see how sun damage has affected their facial appearance.

Dr. Azizzadeh wants his patients to enjoy a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance. To accomplish his goal, Dr. Azizzadeh learns as much as he can about his patient. He then tailors his treatment to his patient to deliver the best possible facial rejuvenation results.

Following a treatment for sun-damaged skin on the face, Dr. Azizzadeh monitors his patient's progress. He also offers tips and recommendations to ensure his patient can avoid sun-damaged skin going forward.

Schedule a Skincare Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh Today

Dr. Azizzadeh is available to meet with an individual and explore different ways to treat their sun-damaged skin. To schedule an in-person or virtual skincare treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.


Liquid Facelift Explained

Liquid Facelift Explained

A liquid facelift is a non-surgical alternative to a traditional facelift procedure. It is becoming an exceedingly popular treatment to help people rejuvenate their facial appearance without going under the knife.

How Does a Liquid Facelift Differ from a Traditional Facelift?

Whereas a standard facelift surgery involves the use of general anesthesia and incisions, a liquid facelift features injectable treatments. Therefore, a liquid facelift can often be performed more quickly than a traditional facelift. A liquid facelift also requires little to no downtime, with results becoming transparent shortly after treatment.

There are many reasons why people choose a liquid facelift over traditional facelift surgery, including:

  • Convenience: A typical liquid facelift requires only minutes to complete, and the recovery period usually won't force patients to miss work or school.
  • Cost: Liquid facelift injections are generally more affordable in comparison to the cost of a conventional facelift surgery.
  • Efficacy: A liquid facelift helps patients quickly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other visible signs of aging in the face, resulting in a harmonious, natural-looking facial appearance.

Additionally, a liquid facelift enables patients to target different areas of the face, such as:

  • Cheeks
  • Temples
  • Jowls
  • Eyebrows
  • Eyes

Each liquid facelift is tailored to a patient's facial appearance as well. That way, a liquid facelift patient can receive specific injectable treatments that help him or her enhance the facial appearance.

What Liquid Facelift Treatment Options Are Available?

Many liquid facelift treatments are available, including:

1. Botox

Botox is one of the most-popular non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments available today. Botox injections smooth fine lines and wrinkles caused by excessive facial muscle movements. In doing so, Botox injections reduce unwanted facial muscle contractions and help patients improve facial symmetry.

 2. Sculptra

Sculptra stimulates the growth of collagen, a protein that supports skin health. It helps restore facial fullness, as well as corrects facial folds, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. In most instances, a Sculptra patient receives three sets of injections over the course of several months to maximize his or her treatment results.

 3. Restylane

Restylane addresses deep wrinkles, folds and volume loss in the face. It consists of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that helps keep the skin hydrated and plump. A Restylane treatment can usually be completed in about 30 minutes, with results lasting up to one year.

 4. Juvederm

Juvederm helps improve facial volume. Different types of Juvederm are available, and each option helps treat visible signs of aging in different areas of the face. Also, Juvederm injections are sometimes performed in combination with other dermal filler treatments to enhance facial symmetry.

Dr. Babak Azizzadeh of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery takes a patient-first approach to liquid facelift procedures. He understands that liquid facelift patients want to revitalize their facial appearance as quickly and safely as possible. To help patients achieve their liquid facelift treatment goals, Dr. Azizzadeh requests a consultation. Dr. Azizzadeh then learns about a patient and develops a personalized treatment plan to accomplish his patient's goals.

A Closer Look at Dr. Azizzadeh's Approach to Liquid Facelifts

Like any facial rejuvenation procedure, the decision to undergo a liquid facelift is significant. Dr. Azizzadeh wants his patients to understand the ramifications of facial rejuvenation treatments. As such, Dr. Azizzadeh conducts an in-depth patient evaluation prior to performing a facial rejuvenation procedure. If Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient is a good candidate for a liquid facelift or any other facial rejuvenation procedure, he then educates his patient about all aspects of treatment.

Initially, Dr. Azizzadeh meets with a patient to find out why he or she is considering a facial rejuvenation treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh learns about a patient and his or her medical history, along with identifies any potential risks that may disqualify this individual from certain treatments.

Dr. Azizzadeh next outlines different facial rejuvenation treatment options. For liquid facelift patients, Dr. Azizzadeh explains the different types of liquid facelifts, how they work, the costs associated with these treatments and more. Dr. Azizzadeh also responds to any patient concerns or questions about liquid facelifts; this allows a patient to gain the insights that he or she needs to make an informed treatment decision.

If a patient agrees to undergo a liquid facelift, Dr. Azizzadeh prepares him or her for treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh describes what a patient should expect on the day of a liquid facelift and the liquid facelift treatment process.

Dr. Azizzadeh helps a patient establish realistic expectations for a liquid facelift, too. A traditional facelift is a permanent facial rejuvenation treatment, but most liquid facelifts deliver temporary results. Fortunately, Dr. Azizzadeh ensures that his patient knows what to expect following a liquid facelift.

After a liquid facelift, Dr. Azizzadeh tracks his patient's progress. Sometimes, liquid facelift patients experience swelling and bruising, but these side effects often subside on their own in the days after treatment. Dr. Azizzadeh prioritizes patient safety, and he takes precautions to ensure that each facial rejuvenation procedure is performed properly. Thus, Dr. Azizzadeh helps minimize the risk of potential complications after a liquid facelift.

Schedule a Liquid Facelift Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh

A liquid facelift is a safe, effective alternative to a traditional facelift, and Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to help an individual weigh the pros and cons of both types of facelift procedures. To schedule a facial rejuvenation treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.


How to Get Rid of Fine Lines on the Forehead

How to Get Rid of Fine Lines on the Forehead

Fine lines on the forehead are among the most-common visible signs of aging in the face, and they are often difficult to correct. By working with world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, an individual can find a safe, effective way to treat fine lines on the forehead and other visible signs of aging in the face.

What Causes Fine Lines on the Forehead?

Common causes of fine lines on the forehead include:

  • Facial Expressions: If a person frequently frowns, smiles or makes other facial expressions, he or she may be more prone than others to develop fine lines on the forehead.
  • Sleep Position: People who sleep on their stomach keep their face against their pillow, which increases the risk of developing forehead wrinkles.
  • Photoaging: Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation results in fine lines on the forehead and other skin damage.
  • Smoking: Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the skin, reducing blood flow, preventing the secretion of collagen and elastin fibers and causing premature aging.

Many solutions are available to treat forehead wrinkles. With a personalized facial rejuvenation treatment performed by Dr. Azizzadeh, an individual can correct fine lines on the forehead via a surgical or non-surgical procedure.

How to Get Rid of Deep Forehead Wrinkles

Common treatments to address deep forehead wrinkles include:

1. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing treats forehead wrinkles, along with scars, sun-damaged skin and other facial blemishes. During a laser skin resurfacing procedure, DOT Deka laser treatments resurface skin on the face and neck. The treatments enhance skin pigmentation, tone and texture, leading to a rejuvenated facial appearance.

Dr. Azizzadeh is a dual board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and his goal is to ensure that his patient can realize the full benefits of a facial rejuvenation procedure. Before laser skin resurfacing is performed, Dr. Azizzadeh conducts a patient evaluation to determine if he or she is a good candidate for the procedure. If a patient qualifies for laser skin resurfacing, Dr. Azizzadeh then develops a custom treatment plan for this individual. Dr. Azizzadeh also explains how laser skin resurfacing is performed and helps his patient establish realistic treatment goals.

 2. Microneedling

Microneedling, also referred to as collagen-induced therapy, stimulates collagen and elastin growth. The non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment involves the use of tiny needles that create invisible micro-perforations in the top layers of the skin to improve the skin's elasticity and firmness. Microneedling also allows platelet-rich plasma or skincare products to reach the skin's deepest layers to accelerate the process of repairing forehead wrinkles and other skin damage.

Microneedling offers a fast, simple way to treat facial blemishes. Dr. Azizzadeh requires only about 30 minutes to complete a microneedling procedure, and the treatment's side effects are minimal. Patients achieve healthier-looking skin immediately after microneedling, with full results becoming transparent within a few months of treatment.

 3. Botox

Botox is a popular cosmetic procedure, and it ranked as the top minimally invasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States in 2018. Botox is an injectable prescription used to smooth fine lines on the forehead, along with correct crow's feet, bunny lines (wrinkles on top of the nose) and frown lines. It helps patients achieve a harmonious facial appearance and preserve the face's natural contours

Dr. Azizzadeh understands that there is no "standard" process to perform Botox, and he customizes each Botox treatment to his patient. Dr. Azizzadeh also educates his patients about all aspects of Botox. In some instances, Dr. Azizzadeh recommends a Botox treatment be performed in combination with face reshaping surgery or other facial rejuvenation procedures.

 4. Brow Lift

For people who are exploring how to get rid of forehead wrinkles without Botox, a brow lift may be ideal. A brow lift repositions forehead muscles and tissues to eliminate sagging skin. It also corrects fine lines and wrinkles across the face, resulting in a revitalized facial appearance. Plus, brow lift patients often report increased self-confidence after treatment thanks in part to their rejuvenated facial appearance.

Dr. Azizzadeh performs each brow lift endoscopically to limit visible scarring after surgery. He uses a brow lift to help a patient simultaneously raise sagging eyebrows and reduce the appearance of deep furrows. This ensures that a brow lift patient can use the procedure to smooth out facial wrinkles and restore a youthful contour in the upper portion of the face.

5. Skincare Products

Skincare products like gentle cleansers and exfoliating polishes help improve skin health. The products feature bioengineered complexes and advanced formulations, and they can be incorporated into an individual's skincare regimen, regardless of his or her age, ethnic background or skin issues.

The benefits of skincare products vary based on the individual, and Dr. Azizzadeh works closely with patients dealing with fine lines on the forehead to identify skincare products that can deliver the desired results. Dr. Azizzadeh provides skincare products as part of a supervised treatment program, and he tracks his patient's progress. As a result, Dr. Azizzadeh helps a patient use skincare products to treat forehead wrinkles, along with acne, hyperpigmentation and other skin problems.

Identifying the ideal treatment for deep forehead wrinkles is challenging, but Dr. Azizzadeh delivers in-depth support. Dr. Azizzadeh is a Harvard-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment expertise, and he provides his patients with insights into a wide range of treatments to address forehead lines. Dr. Azizzadeh even offers tips to help his patients prevent forehead wrinkles.

Can Forehead Wrinkles Go Away on Their Own?

There are many things that people can do to prevent forehead wrinkles, including:

1. Stay Hydrated

An individual who stays hydrated is less susceptible than others to dry skin that leads to forehead wrinkles. Research indicates that consuming 3,000 ml of water daily is sufficient for men, and consuming 2,200 ml of water daily is sufficient for women. If an individual spends an extended period of time exercising or outdoors in the sun, he or she should drink additional water as needed.

 2. Apply Sun Protection

Using a daily moisturizer that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher helps reduce the risk of sun-damaged skin. Also, an individual can use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher if he or she plans to be out in the sun for several hours. In this scenario, an individual should plan to reapply sunscreen at least every few hours.

 3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

There is a direct correlation between a person's diet and the formation of forehead wrinkles and other visible signs of aging in the face. People who consume foods that contain high volumes of vitamin C and the linolenic acid omega-3 fatty acid can lower their risk of dry skin. Comparatively, individuals who consume foods high in fat and carbs are more prone than others to facial wrinkles and other skin damage.

 4. Manage Stress

An individual who constantly worries may wrinkle his or her brow and develop forehead wrinkles. Fortunately, many solutions are available to help people manage stress. Practicing yoga, meditating and performing aromatherapy sometimes helps people lower their stress levels. Or, journaling, exercising or talking to a mental health counselor may help an individual cope with stress.

 5. Avoid Smoking

In addition to increasing a person's risk of lung cancer and emphysema, smoking is one of the leading causes of premature aging. People who avoid smoking can prevent forehead wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. At the same time, these individuals can improve their overall health.

Fine lines on the forehead are problematic, but Dr. Azizzadeh takes the guesswork out of correcting this issue. Dr. Azizzadeh's holistic approach to facial rejuvenation treatment ensures that patients receive extensive support as they search for ways to address forehead wrinkles and other skin problems.

A Closer Look at Dr. Azizzadeh's Approach to Facial Rejuvenation Treatment

As part of his holistic approach to facial rejuvenation treatment, Dr. Azizzadeh performs a patient evaluation that includes a physical exam and medical history review. Dr. Azizzadeh also learns about a patient and finds out why this individual is considering a facial rejuvenation treatment. He next develops a personalized treatment plan and works with his patient to execute this plan. Finally, Dr. Azizzadeh does whatever he can to ensure that his patient achieves the best-possible facial rejuvenation treatment results.

Celebrities, international dignitaries and executives frequently choose Dr. Azizzadeh for facial rejuvenation treatments, due in large part to his holistic approach. With Dr. Azizzadeh at his or her side, an individual is fully supported throughout a facial rejuvenation treatment. As such, a facial rejuvenation patient can benefit from a revitalized facial appearance following a treatment performed by Dr. Azizzadeh.

Schedule a Facial Rejuvenation Treatment Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh

Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to meet with an individual to discuss ways to treat fine lines on the forehead and other visible signs of aging in the face. To schedule a facial rejuvenation treatment consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please call us today at 310-657-2203.


Laser Skin Resurfacing vs. Microneedling: Which Is Better?

Laser Skin Resurfacing vs. Microneedling: Which Is Better?

Laser skin resurfacing and microneedling are two of the most popular non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Yet there are many differences between laser skin resurfacing and microneedling. As such, it is important for an individual to understand these differences so he or she can determine which treatment delivers the best-possible results.

For those who are considering laser skin resurfacing and microneedling, there are many factors to consider. To better understand these factors, let's look at laser skin resurfacing and microneedling, how each procedure is performed and each treatment's benefits.

Read more