Skin Protection During The Winter Months

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While we may be six months away from summer, now isn’t the time to shy away from sunscreen.  Daily sunscreen use is a must year round, and extra protection is needed for those hitting the slopes this winter.  “It is essential to use sun protection during the winter months because harmful UVA rays are still present even in cold weather,” says Dr. Lupo. “Full-spectrum sun protection, at least SPF 30, should be applied daily, and it is also important to maintain your anti-aging regimen with retinoids and antioxidants or growth factors.”  See below for sunscreen specials!

While we don’t necessarily have Winter Wonderland weather here in South Louisiana, the seasonal change can still take a toll on our skin.  To combat the cooler temperatures and decreased humidity, exfoliation and extra moisturizing will help eliminate dull skin.  Avoid hot baths that can strip essential oils from the skin and always moisturize immediately after a shower.  A change in diet may also be beneficial to your skin: fish high in omega oils will help hydrate the skin from the inside, and herbal teas, such as green tea, contain antioxidants that help fight off skin-damaging free radicals.

If a good at-home skin regimen doesn’t help to eliminate dry, itchy skin caused by wintry weather, a low-level non-ablative resurfacing treatment such as a SilkPeel, light chemical peels or facials may help to brighten the skin. Pigmentation and redness, which often contributes to the appearance of dull skin, can be treated with FraxelClear+Brilliant, IPL and Laser Genesis.  To keep your skin glowing all year long, contact our office to discuss a skin care routine that is right for you!

Restylane Can Help Reverse the Signs of Aging Skin

Restylane New Orleans LA - Dr Mary Lupo

Restylane New Orleans LA - Dr Mary Lupo

It’s very likely that most people have heard of the term “hyaluronic acid” even if they aren’t fully aware of what it is or how it relates to their skin.  Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the skin and joints that is responsible for skin turgor (tone and “spring”).  In the aging process, hyaluronic acid decreases because of lifestyle and sun exposure, causing the skin to sink in and form lines, folds and shadows.  These changes sometimes cause the skin to age quicker than the person.  Luckily, there are several FDA approved fillers that can help reverse these signs of aging!

Restylane and Perlane are two of the FDA approved hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that are available at the Lupo Center for the treatment of facial lines and folds. Restylane was the first HA filler to be approved in the United States in 2003, and Perlane, a larger particle HA filler, was later approved in 2007. Both Restylane and Perlane can be used to re-volumize the nasolabial folds, cheeks, lips and temples.  Restylane can also be used to fill in under-eye hallowing and fine lipstick lines around the mouth when injected with a small needle.

To achieve overall facial rejuvenation without cutting or downtime, it’s best to combine fillers with neuromodulators such as Botox or Dysport or resurfacing lasers such as Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant or Intense Pulse Light. Both Restylane and Perlane are versatile and results in a very natural correction. They can be dissolved if any lumping or an adverse event occurs, making it a very safe and popular alternative for non-surgical rejuvenation. The Lupo Center offers patients the option of Restylane L and Perlane L, which contain lidocaine to decrease any pain during the treatment.

Dr. Lupo trains other physicians on the use of these products at national meetings such as for the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the Cosmetic Bootcamp. She has also taught Tulane residents filler techniques since 1984.

During the month of August, if you purchase or pre-purchase a treatment of a Valeant filler – Restylane, Perlane or Sculptra – you will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary treatment of Dysport for yourself and a friend*!

*Each person will receive a complimentary Dysport treatment for two areas (maximum of 120 units).  “Friends” must be new patients to the Lupo Center or have never received Dysport, Botox or Xeomin at the Lupo Center.  Contact our office for more details.