Around this time of year, we can start to feel the effects of spending less time outdoors and the decrease in daylight hours. Our skin begins to really feel dry from the weather and the indoor heat. Are you feeling the Winter Blahs? You are not alone!

In addition to running a Special Event in my office in an effort to help you chase away those Winter Blahs and get you ready for Valentine’s Day, here’s a bit of advice on how to minimize the blues this winter.

Schlessinger Eye & Face Winter Blues Event

Aside from the pick-me-ups you can get in my office what are some other ways to combat the blues we feel from the long Winter?

• Keep up the exersize! Exersize is a great way to release those endorphins that make us feel good.
• Try to get out in the sun for 15-20 minutes a day. Some sun exposure can be beneficial as it is a great source of Vitamin D!
• Limit your alcohol intake. A glass of wine is fine but remember that too much alcohol disrupts your sleeping patterns and causes dehydration - not good for your skin!
• Drink plenty of water. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - water moisturizes your skin from the inside-out. Try to drink 24 ounces a day.
• Spend time with friends, especially those that make you laugh - a good laugh is the most fun way to do a crunch and work your abs.

After healthy living and good habits, what next? At Schlessinger Eye & Face, we will do our part to help you feel rejuvenated by offering some special Winter pick-me-ups including….

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Photo Facial treatment) book 2, get second treatment at half price! A $900 value for only $675 through 2/28/2010 only

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) facial rejuvenation can correct or erase the signs aging. The IPL machine treats sun damage, brown spots, freckles, broken blood vessels, enlarged pores, rosacea and uneven skin tone on the face, hands and body. Following treatment, you will see smoother skin, smaller pore size and fading of sun spots. Rosacea, a common vascular problem, will show significant improvement.

Botox, Restylane, Juvederm $100 off of any of these injectables through 2/28/2010 only

Microdermabrasion 20% off. If you book a SERIES OF %, discount increases to 25%

A technique for gently exfoliating the topmost layer of your skin delivering immediate results for tighter, glowing, more beautiful skin. Microdermabrasion treatments for the face, neck and eye area combat the visible signs of aging and sun damage, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and diminish fine lines, as well as sun and age spots. Microdermabrasion is a wonderful alternative to laser or chemical peels because it is non-invasive procedure that requires no downtime. Ideal results are achieved over a series of treatments (customized depending on skin type and condition) approximately two weeks apart. Following treatment you’ll see an immediate vibrant ‘glow’ to your complexion which gives way to an overall rejuvenation of your skin’s total health.

January is almost over and Spring is just around the corner!!!

Schlessinger Eye & Face Winter 2010

The eyes may be the windows to your soul (or window to the brain as we previously mentioned) but a recent study found they reveal much more. When asked to guess the age and fatigue level of people in photographs, researchers found observers were looking at the eye region almost half the time. Since the eyelids are home to our body’s thinnest skin, it is no surprise they are prone to swelling, increased signs of aging and sun damage. Add the ongoing financial anguish to existing everyday pressures and you may need more than some cucumber slices to ease the exhaustion.

While it’s not news that everyone wants to look young and have a healthy glow, the array of options available today can be daunting. Just look visit your local drug store or makeup counter. Treatments to reduce signs of aging include products such as Olay Age Defying Revitalizing Eye Gel made with Pro Vitamin B5, witch hazel and cucumber extract to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles; i. cee u. Firming Anti-Aging Eye Gel filled with active ingredients to moisturize, soothe and strengthen the delicate tissue around the eyes; and Origins “No Puffery™” Cooling Mask with hoelen mushroom extract to calm skin, reduce redness and brighten dark circles.
For longer lasting or permanent alternatives, patients may consider the following options:

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) is a surgical procedure that can rejuvenate sagging and reduce tiredness by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. In some cases, this procedure may be covered by insurance, particularly when a patient’s vision is affected. Quick and easy, a typical blepharoplasty procedure takes as little as 45 minutes, and most patients can return to their normal activities almost immediately.

Browlift can renew drooping or wrinkled foreheads for a more youthful appearance. Using minimally invasive methods, the muscles above the eyes are altered to smooth lines and raise the eyebrows. The procedure is often combined with other operations such as blepharoplasty and facelifts to improve the look of the eyes.

Fraxel® is an FDA approved laser that targets thousands of tiny treatment areas on the skin, leaving the surrounding areas untouched. This “fractional” approach is the key to the treatment’s success. Immediately after treatment, the skin goes to work healing those targeted areas, producing new collagen under the skin. With this procedure, patients may experience some minimal redness and a temporary chance in skin texture, but they can return to work immediately. Many patients report visible results within the first few days.

Do you have questions or want more blogs like this? I invite you to leave your comments and suggestions.

Photo Source: postmagusa.com/