Dry skin differs from normal skin due to the lack of cohesion of the stratum corneum. In other words, lumps of dead skin cells break off, causing scaling and peeling. This is caused by both environmental and biological factors.

Environmental Factors

Our external environment, such as the wind, sun exposure, air conditioning, dry heat, and decreased humidity causes chapped skin and dryness. While we can’t change the weather, here’s what you can do to help prevent winter itch:

1. Do not over-scrub or over-exfoliate during the winter months with harsh soaps that contain large abrasive particles or acids. Over-washing removes the outer lipid layer, causing our skin to not hold onto moisture.

2. Don’t lick your lips. It increases moisture evaporation and causes your lips dry out and chap faster than normal.

3. Following a shower, gently pat dry with a soft towel. While skin is still moist, apply moisturizer to your entire body. This allows for better moisture penetration and retention.

4. It’s important to understand that foaming products do not clean better, but work to cover large surface areas. Cleansing Lotions are far better for dry skin because of the added moisturizing ingredients and direct contact with the skin.

5. Reapply moisturizer throughout the day. Your body warns you when your skin is thirsty by becoming dry and itchy. If you suffer from very dry skin, it would be helpful to use a humidifier in the house.

6. People sometimes confuse dry skin with irritated skin. Sometimes, one leads to the other so you can have a combination of symptoms, which need multiple angles of treatment. It is best to visit your dermatologist in this situation.

Biological Factors

Dry skin is due to the level of moisture content in our skin. You have probably noticed that your skin gets dry and scaly more frequently the older you get. The reason for this is, as we get older, our skin thins and loses hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin thick and helps in water retention. For
example, a thick sponge always holds more water than a thinner sponge.

Our skin also loses its ability to make our outer protective lipid layer, and loses its elasticity. This causes our skin to become brittle and crack more easily. As a result, our skin becomes more sensitive. You may have noticed that certain moisturizers and fragrances that you’ve used in the past have suddenly become very irritating.

Popular belief will lead you to believe dry skin can be regulated by drinking 8 glasses of water a day. This is not the case. Like everything, prevention is key to controlling dry skin. In addition to the 6 recommendations above, look for skincare products that contain high concentrations of potent anti-aging ingredients that not only moisturize, but help build up skin thickness.

Skincare product ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, soy,
peptides and marine collagen. To help soothe irritated dry skin, look for products that contain oatmeal, aloe vera and chamomile.

About Dr. Kaplan TV Interviews

There are many different injectable fillers on the market today.  Most can be used to shape and augment the lips. It is important to understand that every product is different, and has it own unique advantages and disadvantages.

For the best results, the right product needs to be matched for each individual patient.  Successful outcomes also depend on you choosing an experienced doctor with excellent injection techniques. Before suggesting tips on things to consider before making your appointment, here is a brief overview of the most popular, and newest, fillers available:

Injectable Fillers

Radiesse – a calcium based injectable filler, which is considered the longest lasting (may last a year or more). Works especially well in the nasolabial folds, the lines that run diagonally from the outer corners of the mouth to the nose.

>>>Cost:  $1,000 per 1.3 cc syringe. Most times, only one syringe needed, but for deeper creases, and depending on the outcome you desire, you may need more than 1 syringe.

Sculptra - made from poly-lactic acid, which is a dissolvable material, similar to what dissolvable sutures are made from.  This material is best used to increase the volume of depressed areas, such as cheeks that are sunken in.   It can also be used to fill in any hollows on the face.  It is actually FDA-approved for HIV lipo-atrophy

>>>Cost: $1000 per bottle, and a bottle can usually fill in the entire face.  More than one treatment is usually required, and is done one month apart.

Hyaluronic Acids – brand names include Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm Ultra, and Juvederm Ultra Plus.  While acting as a filler, these agents also bind to water to keep skin molecules plump. The filler itself is soft and pliable, giving you a smoother, more natural result. No pretreatment or allergy testing is necessary. Restylane works best for medium wrinkles and lasts about six months. Juvederm Ultra can be used for fine lines, while Juvederm Ultra Plus works better for medium-to-deep wrinkles and folds, and can last up to nine months. Juvederm Ultra Plus is also an excellent, long-lasting filler for the lips.

>>>Cost: $500 - $600 for each syringe.

Collagen – brand names include Zyderm and Zyplast. Because collagen is obtained from the skin of cows, and a small percentage of the population is allergic to bovine collagen, you must have an allergy test done first. Zyderm is best for superficial wrinkles. Zyplast is better for deeper wrinkles, furrows, deep scars and lips. It lasts three to six months.

>>>Cost: Collagen injections cost about $250 to $550 depending on the size of the syringe. The allergy test costs an additional $75.

Additional considerations before going in for your cosmetic injections

1)    Inquire about the doctor’s skill and experience with the particular filler.

2)    Different fillers have different benefits and risks, and depend largely on a
person’s facial features as well as personal preference.  Your doctor   should evaluate your needs and recommend the best filler for you.

3)    Remember, what looks great on your friend, may not always be the best
fit for you.

4)    Different fillers come in different sizes. For example, Radiesse comes in a
1.3 cc syringe, while Juvederm comes in a 0.8 cc syringe. Your cost will be based on how many syringes you need to achieve your desired result. Keep in mind you may need more than 1 syringe.

* * * * *

Based on my personal experience, the perfect lip is the one that “wows” the patient and makes them happy with the procedure. Everyone is unique, and a reputable, capable doctor will approach each face individually to give the best possible cosmetic result.

For more information, or to make an online appointment with Dr. Stuart Kaplan, please visit www.SkinDoc.net.

Comparison of Fillers

While in flight, your skin is exposed to dry pressurized air, which has no moisture. When humidity (the amount of water present in the atmosphere) is low, your skin will dry out faster. Long exposure to this dry, pressurized air causes skin to become dry, scaly, less radiant, and less supple. This leads to a very tired, haggard appearance upon landing.

One way to help avoid this is to apply a very rich moisturizer to the face and neck pre-flight. Drink non-carbonated water during the flight, and try to avoid alcohol and caffeine.  Caffeine is a diuretic that actually dehydrates your skin.

Upon landing, wash your face and neck, and apply a thin layer of the kaplanMD Perfecting Serum. This Serum contains a 50% concentration of hyaluronic acid, along with Sweet Pea, Licorice and Milk Thistle extract, which works to immediately hydrate, firm and brighten skin. If you land during the morning or afternoon, after applying the Serum, apply a light layer of moisturizer that contains a minimum SPF 15.