One out of 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer each year. What are you doing to prevent yourself from becoming one of them?

Every doctor, myself included, will expound upon the benefits of sunscreen. We'll emphasize how sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, lowers your chance of skin cancer and slows the aging process. We convince you not to leave the house without it. So you head to the store ready to heed our advice and then get stuck when confronted with 47 different brands of sunscreen; because really, how is the average person supposed to tell the difference?

“Moobs” – it’s a word that causes most of us to snicker, but they really aren’t a laughing matter to any male who suffers from them. Moobs (male boobs), or enlarged male breasts, happen when fatty tissue accumulates over the pectoral muscles and are normally caused by three things: obesity, genetics and a medical condition called gynecomastia.

An eight year study of 23,153 German participants aged 35 to 65 years found that four simple healthy lifestyle choices slashed the participants' cancer, heart disease and diabetes risk by 80%.

Good Morning America recently did a good piece on anti-aging makeup products. They explain the ingredient list to help you better understand what to look for. However, don't forget if you need a medical grade solution, give us a call and ask about the Obagi Medical Line - available only from licensed physicians.

Who wants to win a $10,000 wardrobe? We do! We do! So thought we'd share with you too.

Our patients come to us looking for proven ways to improve their silhouette - and diet and exercise will always be part of that equation. Here's a great article from Culture Map "10 Exercise Myths Uncovered" that takes a cheeky look at what works and what doesn't. Happy Monday!

Sometimes no matter how much rest you get, you still wake up to dark under-eye circles. While fatigue can be a contributing factor to dark under-eye circles, it’s not the only culprit. Heredity, nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, allergies, gluten intolerance, and the use of birth control products can all contribute to the lovely “shiner” look everyone hates. The other sad truth is that dark under-eye circles are a normal part of aging. As we get older, our skin thins and we lose fat and collagen. This combination makes the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious.

Did you know that by law, cosmetics are not required to have expiration dates? Just like food, makeup expires; but even if the cosmetic has a printed expiration date, according to the FDA the date should only be considered a “rule of thumb.” How do you know if your cosmetics are safe?

Winter brings cold temperatures, strong winds and decreased humidity --- all of which can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and sore. During the winter months, there’s less moisture in the air and your skin’s natural oils can be blown away by the wind. When you combine that with central heating (which is very drying) you have a recipe for blotchy and itchy skin. Skincare regimens are seasonal and it’s import to adjust your routine as the seasons change. Everyone, including those with oily skin, should reassess their skincare routine at this time of year to allow for the season's drying effect.

A new study released by the University of Pittsburgh shows that fat removed through the VASER ultrasound liposuction technique can be used in fat transfer procedures. For example, fat removed from your hips could be used to augment your breasts.

Sun exposure is the number one cause of wrinkles, even more so than heredity and genetics. In fact, 90% of the symptoms of premature aging (wrinkles, sun spots, thin skin) are caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Many of you have asked for recommendations on skincare products to help maintain and enhance your aesthetics treatments. After researching numerous skincare offerings on the market, we’ve decided to start carrying the Obagi Medical Skincare line.

In this recent article from American Health and Beauty, the editors examine what is marketed as "healthy" menu choices.

Whether bald by choice or bald by genetics, many men are choosing to channel their inner Bruce Willis and daring to go bare. It’s easy to see why. Bald heads are in. Vin Diesel. Howie Mandel. Chris Daughtry. Patrick Stewart. Andre Agassi. Taye Diggs. Some of the hottest actors, musicians, and athletes sport smooth and shiny bald heads.

You are doing your best to eat healthy and exercise, so having one soda isn't going to sabotage you is it? Well, yes it just might. This article from American Health and Beauty examines five foods that can wreck your diet.

Everyone has heard of using Botox to smooth out wrinkles, but doctors said they are currently using it for stroke victims. Botox was only recently approved for muscle spasticity. It works by blocking signals into certain muscles that are counteracting proper movement, such as for a stroke victim who suffers from paralysis, doctors said

The future face of 40: Botox, fillers and high-tech face creams all mean the Big Four-0 doesn't look like it used to. This article from the UK's Daily Mail explores why and how.

Cynosure, the manufacturer of the SmartLipo technology, recently launched a new website dedicated to answering patient questions, explaining the technology, before and after photos and additional medical information.

Did you know that exercising in the morning is better for your health, beauty, and diet? Recent studies have shown that those who exercise in the morning on a regular basis have better health and beauty benefits than those who exercise at other times of the day.

A new study introduced at the annual meeting of the Society for Personal and Social Psychology last week discovered that BOTOX injections can have a positive result on your overall emotional outlook.

Arnica Montana, also known as Leopard's Bane, is a perennial herb indigenous to Central Europe. When taken two weeks prior to any cosmetic procedure (BOTOX, Dysport, injectable fillers such as Radiesse or Juvederm, or liposuction methods such as SmartLipo and VASER) arnica montana can markedly reduce bruising and swelling. Arnica montana is most commonly available in pellet form. Additionally, topical application of the arnica montana gel, cream, or ointment will speed the healing of any visible bruising should it occur.

It's January, and I bet each of you has included "I will exercise more" in your list of resolutions. As a physician, I think that's great. A regular exercise routine offers a host of benefits - to your heart, your brain, your muscles, and of course to your waist line. However, exercising with the sole purpose of spot reducing (eliminating a belly, getting rid of under arm waddle) is a myth. You simply can’t exercise away a fat pocket.

Today's article in Time Magazine highlights the proposed "Botox tax" being floated by Senate majority leader Harry Reid as part of President Obama's health care reform package. This tax would apply to elective, but not reconstructive plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, in the hopes of raising enough money to pay for other features of the plan. As both an aesthetics practitioner and a taxpayer, I do not agree with this proposal and do not want to be forced to increase the cost of the services we provide to you. If you too do not agree with this proposal, I urge you to visit www.stopcosmetictax.org and sign the petition and register your support.