AntiBacterial Soap Ban

All About the AntiBacterial Soap Ban

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If you haven’t heard by now, the American FDA is pulling certain soap products off the shelves that contain antibacterial ingredients. In a recent ruling, the FDA banned 19 specifically named ingredients to be removed by 2017. Those ingredients under question included triclosan, which is linked to allergies in children, and triclocarban, which causes an increase in hormone levels and low birth weights.

There is an estimated 2,000 products in the US have been affected by the anti bacterial soap ban. These products usually contain triclosan and/or triclocarban, but some manufacturers have already removed these ingredients when news of the FDA investigation and potential ban were imminent. According to the FDA, they don’t plan to stop at just soap as they’ve asked manufacturers of hand-sanitizers to provide evidence the benefit of the product outweigh any potential risk.

Currently, the FDA said there is no evidence the anti-bacterial products kill germs better than traditional soap and water and support the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations that washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce germs.

Are you washing your hands correctly? There’s a science to washing hands. First, lather with soap on the back, front, between your fingers and under your nails, continue while singing (probably to yourself) one verse of Happy Birthday; then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Do you have questions about the antibacterial soap ban or the ingredients in your skin care products? Contact Vivia Center for a FREE personalized consultation and learn more about protecting your skin.

Vivia Center offers skin care treatments covering a wide range of needs utilizing the latest technologies, giving patients a superior service from a medical team they know and trust.

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Tips to Look Good in Pictures

Tips to Look Good in Pictures for the Holidays

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This is the time of year, everyone becomes a photographer. In the digital age, photos are snapped before you’ve even had a chance to say ‘cheese’. To make sure all of those flashing cameras and cell phones capture the very best you, here are a few tips to look good in pictures and to put your best face forward for a more photogenic holiday season.

1. What to wear.

Stick to dark colors that help you look thinner, but don’t count out other shades; dressing head to toe in one hue can be just as slimming as black or dark blue. Avoid bulky sweaters, extreme colors, prints or logos as these items don’t reproduce well in group shots. Glamorize your look with an exceptional accessory, but limit it to one piece. A stunning necklace or festive scarf is an easy way to perk up your outfit.

2. To pose or not to pose.

Whether standing or seated, don’t face the camera straight-on. Changing your posture ever so slightly can make you look significantly slimmer.   For standing shots, place yourself at a 45 degree angle to the camera, place one foot behind the other with weight on your back leg and swing one shoulder closer to the camera. When seated, sit up straight, avoid leaning back into the chair, and cross one leg over the other, and sit at a slight angle to the camera. Avoid being on the end of a group photo, those standing on the ends tend to look heavier.

 3. See the light.

In an ideal situation, natural light is the best for photos, but that’s typically not an option at holiday parties. The next best thing is soft, indirect lighting. Avoid standing directly under a light source; it will cast shadows where you do not want them, like under your eyes or on your hair making the color appear flat. Be ready for the unexpected flash and keep those eyes open.

 4. Smile softly.

We’ve been taught to say “cheese” to bring out our biggest smile. This year try saying “money” instead. The hard “e” sound lifts the corners of your mouth up without looking forced. If you have a tendency to smile a little too hard try gently pressing your tongue against the back of your teeth when you smile; this little trick prevents your smile from turning into a goofy grin. This is one of our favorite tips to look good in pictures!

 5. Put your best face forward.

Everyone wants to put their best face forward in holiday photos that will be shared for years to come. One of the most common photo fears is the dreaded double chin. Don’t be afraid to stick your neck out! Slightly lifting your chin and sticking your neck out makes your face look thinner and more flattering. However, if you want to make a real entrance to this year’s holiday event and have everyone complimenting your new look, consider lash extensions or a Botox® treatment.

Ensure your holiday photos are breathtakingly beautiful and treat yourself to a free skin analysis and consultation at Vivia Center. With a myriad of cosmetic services, discover how beautiful you can be!

Have more tips to look good in pictures? Share them in the comments below!

 

Vivia Center offers skin care treatments covering a wide range of needs utilizing the latest technologies, giving patients a superior service from a medical team they know and trust.

 

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Skin Cancer in Children on the Rise

Skin Cancer in Children on the Rise

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Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Usually found in adults, medical experts are reporting that it is currently on the rise in children. Melanoma now comprises about 3 percent of all pediatric cancers. The rate of melanoma in children in the United States increased about 2 percent per year from 1973 to 2009, according to a study published in the print issue of the May 2013, issue of Pediatrics. Skin cancer in children is becoming a serious issue.

The study, led by Jeannette Wong of the U.S. National Cancer Institute, examined 1,317 children diagnosed with melanoma within a specific time frame. Of those, 1,230 were white. Because children of other racial and ethnic backgrounds represented just a tiny fraction of the number of children with melanoma, the study analysis focused on the white children. Other risk factors for melanoma included light hair, fair skin, light colored eyes, a history of sunburn, and family history of melanoma.

The researchers found that the greatest increase in melanoma rates was seen in teens between the ages of 15 and 19. The majority of those teens were girls. The study found that boys tended to develop melanoma on their faces or trunks, but that the cancer developed more often on the hips and lower legs in girls.  The increased use of tanning beds, or habitually lying in bright sunlight in order to tan, is one likely cause of the increased melanoma rate within the white teen population.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in a 2011 survey that 29 percent of white high school girls use tanning beds. The American Academy of Dermatology and the World Health Organization report that the use of tanning beds increases the risk of developing melanoma by 59 percent. Tanning beds deliver 10 to 15 times the dose of UV Radiation as that found in the midday sun.  The World Health Organization classifies all UV radiation as a carcinogen.

Children and adolescents, especially those who are white, should be examined regularly for the tell tale signs of melanoma. These include moles that have irregular or asymmetrical borders and uneven color.  Be suspicious of moles that are larger than a pencil eraser, or moles and skin discolorations that appear to be changing or evolving. Itching or bleeding moles should also be closely examined.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of melanoma and skin cancer in children and teens is to restrict exposure to sun or tanning beds. Regular use of sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB radiation is important. Floppy hats and UV protective swimwear and clothing are readily available and should be worn outside by at-risk individuals.

Melanoma can be treated and cured if caught early. Vigilant caregivers and regular skin examinations are some of the best defenses for this deadly serious problem.

Vivia Center offers skin care treatments covering a wide range of needs utilizing the latest technologies, giving patients a superior service from a medical team they know and trust.

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What Is SPF?

What Is SPF?

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The summer sunshine has finally arrived! For many of us, that means spending a lot more time outdoors, maybe at the pool or at the beach. Even if your summer sun exposure is limited to mowing the lawn or washing the car, however, skin protection is critical.

Today there are more skin protection products available than ever before.  More choices can mean more confusion. What is SPF? What do the SPF numbers mean and how important are they? What is the difference between UVA rays and UVB rays? Are spray products better than lotions? How often should I apply sunscreen anyway?

Why We Need Sunscreen

Understanding sunscreen products starts with understanding why we need them. Sunshine that makes it through the ozone layer contains two types of radiation we need to be concerned about. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can age the skin. These rays penetrate deep into the skin’s layers causing damage that may show up years later as wrinkles, age spots, and leathered skin. UVA rays can damage skin all year round, even in cloudy weather. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are most responsible for skin burns. While even winter skiers can get sunburns, most sunburns occur in the summer months. Both UVA and UVB rays have been implicated as causes of skin cancer.

What kind of sunscreen should I look for?

To prevent damage from both UVA and UVB rays, look for a sunscreen that is marked “Broad Spectrum” on the label. The SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, on the label is a measure of UVB protection, or the degree of protection against sunburn. For instance, according to WebMD, an SPF of 15 blocks about 94 percent of UVB rays, an SPF of 30 blocks 97 percent, and an SPF of 45 blocks 98 percent. Higher SPF numbers are better, but after 50 the degree of extra protection is negligible.

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) no longer allows sunscreens to advertise that they are “waterproof” or “sweat proof”.  Water dilutes the power of all sunscreens. Instead, new labeling rules require manufacturers to specify how long the sunscreen will remain “water resistant”. This information can be used to help consumers know how often the sunscreen should be reapplied.

Lotion or spray?

Whether you use a lotion or a spray, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions about how and when to apply the sunscreen. Many dermatologists recommend that sunscreen should be used during the winter, on cloudy days, and even while driving as UVA rays can penetrate the glass of a car’s windshield. Sunscreen should be reapplied according the manufacturer’s recommendations, more often if a person is swimming or sweating profusely.

Sunscreen generally should be applied about 30 minutes before going out into the sun. The average adult should apply about one ounce, or a shot-glass full, of sunscreen from head to toe for proper protection.  Bald heads, or heads with sparse hair need sunscreen. Don’t forget the feet. Sunburn and skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body and feet are often missed when sunscreen is applied.

If you have questions about what sunscreen to use, ask your dermatologist or skin care specialist what they recommend and what SPF is. Careful protection now can have a great bearing on your skin’s health in the future. You can also request your free skin consultation at Vivia Center where our skincare specialists will match you with products that are right for your skin.

Vivia Center offers skin care treatments covering a wide range of needs utilizing the latest technologies, giving patients a superior service from a medical team they know and trust.

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Get Beautful Summer Skin

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Summertime means outdoor fun like lazy lounging by the pool or a day of sand and surf at the beach. But as much as you may look forward to summer activities, you may be a trifle hesitant to dress the part.

Revealing swimsuits, shorts, and sun dresses are unforgiving when it comes to revealing cheesy cellulite, sagging skin, and stubborn, unwanted hair. But don’t let these nuisances spoil your day in the sun. You can get your skin in summertime shape and enjoy every minute of your outdoor fun in the sun. Here are our top procedures for beautiful summer skin.

Microdermabrasion

Think of microdermabrasion as a facial on steroids. It’s powerful, and the results are pretty phenomenal. During the process the very top layer of the epidermis is removed and along with it, age spots, scars, and blotchy skin pigmentation. In addition, microdermabrasion stimulates collagen production which contributes to firm and toned skin.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can be an excellent addition to your summertime bag of tricks. Unwanted hair from your bikini area, back, arms, and legs can be easily removed with long term results. After treatments, your skin is incredibly soft and smooth without nasty nicks and cuts or messy waxing. However, it may take more than one treatment to get the results you want, though improvement is excellent. Laser hair removal works best on dark hair rather than light.

Cellulite Reduction

Cellulite is one of the major causes of embarrassment and self-consciousness when it comes to wearing summertime fashions. It’s caused by an accumulation of fat cells underneath the skin pushing upward while connective tissue pulls down. The result is dimpling referred to as cellulite.

Fortunately, there are several cosmetic procedures that can zap, melt, or suck stubborn fat away. Don’t expect to see the final results right away, however. Depending on the procedure, it can take weeks or months to get the look you want.

Spider Vein Removal

If you’re longing for smooth and flawless legs but unsightly spider veins are holding you back, there’s good news. With a series of treatments, either laser treatments or sclerotherapy, you can take care of your vein problems with little discomfort – a far cry from painful surgical techniques.

Results are long-lasting and sometimes permanent. After treatment, you’ll need to include extra sun protection of the area.

Cosmetic Fillers

Whether you want plumper lips or fewer wrinkles for your time on the beach, dermal fillers can deliver. This relatively painless procedure involves injecting a substance into the skin to add fullness, firmness, and plumpness. Collagen fillers taken from cowhide have traditionally been used but now man-made fillers are becoming more popular. Restylane and Teosyal are two such fillers that can be quickly administered with little downtime.

Are you ready for beautiful summer skin? Vivia Center offers a vast selection of cosmetic enhancement products and services to help you look your very best for the beach. Find out more about Laser Hair Removal, Thermage, Restylane, Laser Vein Removal, and other cosmetic therapies and book your appointment with us today!

 

Vivia Center offers skin care treatments covering a wide range of needs utilizing the latest technologies, giving patients a superior service from a medical team they know and trust.

Enjoyed this blog? You may also be interested in https://viviacenter.com/summer-skincare-tips/.