Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic compounds that absorb UV rays before they cause damage. Physical sunscreens contain fine particles of inert minerals which create a thin film on the skin that reflects the sun’s powerful rays.

Repeated sun exposure can have a lifelong negative effect on the skin. Hyperpigmentation, loss of collagen and elastin, and the potential for skin cancer are just to name a few. It’s CRUCIAL to protect your skin from the dangers of sun damage by avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and to always wear effective sunblock or sunscreen daily, even on rainy and cloudy days.

At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group, we carry a variety of sunscreens to effectively protect your precious skin. Our most in-demand products are Tizo Facial Mineral Fusion (both in tinted and non-tinted) with an SPF 40 , Original Sprout for Face and Body with SPF 20, Coola Mineral Sunscreen with SPF30, and Eminence Tropical Vanilla Day Cream with SPF 32.

Looking to repair sun damaged skin? At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group, we specialize in several treatments for skin rejuvenation. To see what treatments are best for you, call us today to schedule your personalized consultation to meet with both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Dr. Payman Danielpour and Dr. John Layke. (310) 275-6600.

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1. Make sure the sunscreen you buy is broad spectrum and protects against UVA and UVB rays

2. Sunscreen doesn’t take effect for 15 minutes! So make sure to apply before you are in the sun

3. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours OR after swimming for maximum protection

Happy 4th of July from BHPSG!

(310) 275-6600

The post Keep Yourself Protected This 4th Of July Weekend With Sunscreen! appeared first on Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group.

Come get yours today and check out the full Eminence Organic line!

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group

(310) 275-6600

The post BHPSG Product Of The Week: Tropical Vanilla Day Cream! appeared first on Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group.

We are often asked about how long it is safe to keep personal care products- a good rule of thumb is one year. Read on for more good-to-know details!

Sunscreen- keep only 1 year. Do not leave it out in the sun or in your hot car, it will become less and less effective, increasing your chances for sunburn.

Medical Grade Skincare- 3 – 8 months. Medical lines consist of active ingredients and delicate formulations that lose their potency over time. They work best with consistent usage, so use them up as quick as you can.*

*Another reason not to collect products from everywhere you shop and use them only every once in awhile. Try to stick to one program until you use something up, and then move on. If you like trying different things, purchase a specialized masque that will complement your routine instead of trying multiple products for the same purpose for example.

Body Care- 1 year.
*If you suffer from dry, itchy skin- make sure your body care products are not to blame. If the ingredient list contains anything that ends with a “sulfate” like Sodium Laurel or laureth sulfate for example, this could be the culprit. Sulfates are detergents used also in many cleaning agents to remove oil and residue- the problem is that your skin needs oil to stay hydrated and healthy and this ingredient will strip your skin of oils causing irritation and dryness.

*We like Original Sprout Body Wash which cleans the skin thoroughly (with a nice sudsing action and very fresh scent) without stripping. This one is clean and pure enough for babies and replenishing enough for adults too.

Mention this blog and receive 15% off any Original Sprout product of your choice!

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OK, fellow Californians…most of us are sun-lovers – especially those of us that live here in Sunny Los Angeles. Who doesn’t like a deep, golden tan? Beautifully sun-kissed, bronzed skin, maximally exposed in tiny bikinis and muscle-clad board shorts.

Recently, one of my close friends had a brush with mortality. And it scared both of us – my business partner and I as the surgeons, and my friend as the random victim. Skin cancer is here to stay…and we have to be prepared.  Here are a few quick facts that I think we should be aware of:

In the Entertainment capital of the world, we strive to maintain our youth!!

#1 FACT: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually

#2 FACT: One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime

#3 FACT: Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer (Basal Cell or Squamous Cell) at least once

#4 FACT: One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 62 minutes)

#5 FACT: Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent, and their risk for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by 15 percent

#6 FACT: Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun

#7 FACT: SUN CAUSES IRREPARABLE DAMAGE TO THE SKIN, AGING US TWICE AS FAST AS THOSE WHO USE SUNSCREEN

#8 FACT: Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18

The Moral of the Story Is…

WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!!!

An effective sunscreen contains both a chemical sunblock (SPF of 30 or greater) and a mechanical block (Zinc Oxide/Titanium Dioxide). You can get several products at any Walgreens, CVS or Rite Aid. Physician-grade formulas are available at most Dermatologist and Plastic Surgeon’s offices.

Visit us at the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group for select brands of effective, physician-grade sunscreens! Call today at 310-275-6600 for a consultation!

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Q: What is the best way to take care of my skin in the summer?

A: PROTECT PROTECT PROTECT. We love the sun and thankfully it is almost always present here in southern California, but what we hate is aging skin, uneven skin tone & discoloration. To prevent & prolong these dreaded conditions the best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it! Especially if you are using any kind of hydroxy acids on your skin, such as Retin-A, glycolic or salicylic acids or benzyol peroxide for blemishes. These things make your skin more photosensitive a.k.a. it will burn easily and could leave hyperpigmentation in it’s place for the rest of your years. For this reason, enzymes with a gentle mechanical scrub are my favorite for summer months. Stay away from harsh scrubs that can make dehydration more intense and contribute to aging skin.

Q: What kind of sunscreen should I be using?

A: The quick answer is  something between SPF 15-55. Anything over does not actually add much more protection, only more chemicals and you don’t need more of that on your skin. The best rule of thumb is to apply 20 minutes before you go into the sun and reapply every hour if you are fair and every 2 hours if you are darker skinned and rarely or never burn.
“But what if you don’t ever burn?”  Yes, you still need SPF for protection against skin cancer.

Q: What is the best way to get quick results?

A: GET ON A PROGRAM & STICK WITH IT. Consistency is key–just like going to the gym; you might feel good after just one visit but it won’t change your aesthetic. To get a quick fix & lasting results seek professional guidance & stay with it. If you can’t realistically get a facial treatment every month as recommended, at least get on quality, “grown up products.” a.k.a. ditch the drug store brands that do little to no good for your skin and invest in something with high quality ingredients that will improve & protect your skin. If you’re doing good things to your skin at home, you can get away with seeing a professional about 4 times a year- as it is important to make sure you’re on the right track & change up your routine as the seasons change. If you are trying to reverse damage (sun spots, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, uneven pigment, acne, Rosacea, etc) You’ll need a more intensive in clinic treatment plan to get amazing results.

Q: Is it true that if I start getting facials that my skin will get “addicted” to facials and I will constantly need to come in?

A: You won’t “constantly” need to come in, but you will most likely become addicted to the results! Everyone is different. Some are more apt to do extra steps at home so that they don’t have to see their skin therapist as frequently. Others can’t be bothered at home so they choose to get in office treatments more regularly. Your lifestyle definitely needs to be factored in when you’re creating a regimen or you’ll be less likely to follow it and your skin will never change.

Q: What are your favorite products?

A: Ones that work and don’t cost a fortune! Anything under $250 for a potent product is what I consider “not a fortune.” Of course they don’t have to cost that much, but be wary of the product that promises the world but costs less than $50…high quality formulations & ingredients cost money, there’s no way around it. The better the quality, the better the results. I love serums- they pack the most punch in repair and protection of you skin.  My favorite for summer is the “Firm & Repair” serum at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group. Full of potent ingredients with no fillers, it increases your skin’s hydration, boots elasticity & collagen production, brightens/evens out the complexion. A lot of action in one product- I love that. Duchess Marden’s Body Serum is my all time favorite body product- repair and hydration in one step- there’s nothing else like it on the market.

So much of what’s on the market for skin care is just being marketed to you. As a consumer it’s hard to weed through the inflated claims and sales pitches to get to the heart of it. What I always teach is that ingredients don’t lie, so it’s a good place to start. Google ingredients to find out what you’re actually putting on your skin. If you need help deciphering the cryptic language, call your Aesthetician and if they can’t help you, find a new one who can!

The post Summer Skin Care Tips appeared first on Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Group.

Did you know that many products and skin care devices on the market today are actually contributing to the aging process? If you’re curious about weather the products you’ve chosen for yourself and your family are right for you, call today and make an appointment with our skin experts. Our passion for ingredients and wellness will enlighten you- and help you make sure you’ve chosen products that will slow down aging and increase skin vitality– for your teens & little ones too.

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