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 Fraxel, Clear+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!

Dr. Lupo was recently interviewed on WWLTV's Wrinkle Free Friday where she discussed the benefits of Heliocare, an oral dietary supplement with antioxidant properties that help maintain the skin's ability to protect against sun-related effects and aging.  

Dr. Lupo and Dr. Holcomb recommend Heliocare as part of a skin care regimen to patients who are looking to improve irregular pigmentation. 

Vanquish treatments are effective without a strict diet or exercise regimen as long as current weight is maintained. Many patients decide to live a healthier lifestyle in order to improve the results they received from the treatments.  The only thing required to prepare your body is proper hydration.  Our patients are instructed to drink plenty of water the day before, the day of and the day after treatment.  This will help rid the body of excess fluid and toxins and aid in metabolic processes.

For optimal results, Dr. Lupo and her patients find it best to receive four 30-minute treatments that are typically scheduled one week apart. While some patients may experience mild redness and warmth after a treatment, these side effects last only minutes to hours and have no effect on daily life.  Improvement to the body may be seen days after the first treatment, but greater results are seen two weeks after the final treatment and continued improvement increased as the body rids itself of fat cells.

If you have troublesome areas on your body that aren't corrected by diet and exercise, now many be the time to talk to our doctors to see if Vanquish or any of our other body contouring devices are right for you.  To schedule a consultation, call 504-288-2381.