Tanning Still a Big Concern in Young Women | Danville, CA

Photo from skincancer.org

Photo from skincancer.org

Even though the fact that tanning has adverse effects on health and can cause Melanoma is no secret, there are many individuals out there still using tanning beds or tanning outside regularly. Who would still have tanning in their schedule knowing its horrid consequences?

Well, a study by the American Academy of Dermatology showed that it was young women (ages 14 to 22) who made up a large percentage of tanning beds users and outdoor tanning. These are concerning figures since UV rays are considered to be carcinogens by both the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer panel. Many of these young women do not know or do not understand the harsh long term consequences they will have to deal with later on in life like aged skin, sun spots and skin cancers like melanoma. With UV rays all around us, it is a good idea to always use sun protection like sunscreens and perform skin self exams regularly.

If you find something that is abnormal, contact Essential Aesthetics at (925) 855 -1773 or visit our website and schedule an appointment. The worst thing you can do for your health is waiting until it is too late.

Essential Aesthetics also proudly serves Concord, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, San Francisco, and surrounding areas.

Posted in Skin Cancer | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

April is National Cancer Control month | Danville, CA

Skin Cancers

Skin Cancers

With various cancer awareness months spread throughout the calendar year, the catchall-sounding National Cancer Control Month might seem a little redundant or nebulous. But even as annual cancer deaths continue to drop, it bears reminding that more needs to be done to keep cancer at bay.

That sentiment was stressed by President Barack Obama in an official proclamation marking April as National Cancer Control Month. In the proclamation, he wrote:

National Cancer Control Month is a time to rededicate ourselves to efforts to prevent cancer and its treatment complications. The goal is for all Americans — whether or not they’ve been through cancer — is to lead healthy, productive lives.

“Together, our Nation is moving forward in the fight against cancer. As we recommit to improving prevention, detection and treatment, let us honor the memory of the courageous men and women we have lost to the disease, and let us stand with all those facing it today … I encourage citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations and other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent cancer.”

A growing body of research has highlighted an array of lifestyle decisions that Americans can make to reduce their risk of cancer, such as quitting tobacco, eating healthier, exercising regularly, using sun protection and undergoing recommended screenings.

With continued education, research and advances, National Cancer Control Month won’t be a time simply for reminding and rededicating, but for celebrating. The president himself described the desired strides and milestones this way: “patients lifted up by the promise of remission, parents blessed with the chance to watch their children grow up [and] young people confident that a diagnosis cannot put a limit to their dreams.”

For more information call Essential Aesthetics at (925) 855 -1773 or schedule an appointment online.

Essential Aesthetics also proudly serves Concord, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, San Francisco, and surrounding areas.

For more on this article visit: Cityofhope.org
written by H. Chung So

Posted in Skin Cancer, Sun Damage, Sun Spot, Sunscreen | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Acne Treatment | Danville, CA

Photo by: BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc

Photo by: BSIP/Photo Researchers Inc

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red growths (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or “zits.”

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged.

Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells.

When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.

The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead).

If the plug breaks open, the material inside causes swelling and red bumps to form.

If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.

Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation, not just a problem caused by bacteria.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even in an infant. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes probably cause increased oil in the skin. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

The practice of Essential Aesthetics is committed to providing personalized and comfortable care with careful attention to your specific needs and objectives. Please feel free to give our office a call with any questions or to schedule your appointment today at (925) 855-1773 or http://www.essentialaesthetics.netMake an appointment now!

Essential Aesthetics also proudly serves Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Pleasant Hill, Concord, San Francisco, and surrounding areas.

Posted in Helpful Tips, Skin Care | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Laser Hair Removal Treatment Specials

laser hair removalEssential Aesthetics in Danville is having a specials on laser hair removal treatments. Click Here for details.

Posted in Laser Hair Removal | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

3 Types of Wrinkles and How to Treat Them

botox treatment danville caAll wrinkles are not created equally– just ask your mirror!

Looking at your own reflection, try out some of the common facial expressions that you use during the day like smiling, frowning, yawning and laughing. See the lines that are forming when your skin tightens around your eyes and mouth? Now try the opposite and completely relax your face. You might notice cross-hatched creases along big surfaces like your cheeks. Other wrinkles may appear not as creases, but rather deep or shallow folds in the face.

As you age, your face becomes  a road map of past experiences. Movement in your face leaves its mark over the years, while the aging of underlying structures and hormonal changes alter the surface of your skin as well. Here are three main categories for wrinkles and the types of treatment typically associate with them.

Dynamic Wrinkles
These are wrinkles that naturally arise from everyday movement in your face. Crow’s feet around the eyes are a great example since they form from actions like smiling and squinting. Limiting the movement of these muscles through treatments like Botox can help to stop old wrinkles from being visible and prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Static Wrinkles
These wrinkles are visible even when your face is completely still. There are numerous causes, including damage from the sun and a natural thinning and loss of elasticity in the skin that comes with age. One possible avenue of treatment is laser surfacing which targets and removes old skin, opening the door for your dermis to reform with a smoother, more youthful look.

Wrinkle Folds
In many people, these stubborn wrinkles are particularly noticeable between the nose and mouth, where they create small depressions that take away tautness from your skin’s overall appearance. These nasolabial folds, as they’re called, respond very well to hydrophilic treatments like Juvederm.

As you’ve probably guessed, almost everyone has a combination of all three kinds of wrinkles. While we’ve shared some general ideas of how to treat each of these wrinkles, everyone’s regimen is different. To address your particular needs, it’s always best to make an appointment. With a consultation, you’ll be sure to get the kind of attention that’s best for you!

Posted in Botox, Cosmetic Injections, Dermal Filler, Dysport, Juvederm, Laser Skin Treatment, Remove Wrinkles, Restylane, Scar Removal, Skin Tightening | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Start the New Year Looking Refreshed

dermal-fillerThey say the eyes are the window to the soul. Whether you believe the old adage or not, the areas around your eyes can be particularly telling when it comes to signs of aging. Dark circles under the eyes can make you look particularly gaunt, tired and lacking in energy. Puffiness in and around the upper and lower lids can also contribute to making you appear older than you really are. 

With another year passing by and the very busy holiday season wrapping up, you might be looking in the mirror and finding yourself surprised at just how tired you look, even if you are bursting with energy on the inside! Purplish circles under the eyes can also bring out yellow hues in people with fairer skin, exacerbating the problem and contributing to an unhealthy look.

For most people, dark coloration around the eyes, and the puffiness that usually accompanies, are cosmetic issues. It’s important to note, though, that it could be linked to a health problem like a sinus infection or a particularly nasty flu, which can sometimes cause fluids to gather in these areas.

Here are some tips to help you combat dark circles so that you can kick off the New Year looking refreshed and ready to take on new challenges!

  • Don’t rub your eyes frequently, since this can weaken skin and make it less taut.
  • Treat allergies and colds promptly to avoid fluid gathering around the eyes.
  • Take note of your sleeping position and try not to rest on your stomach. Doing so causes fluids to gather in your face, causing swollenness.
  • Drink less alcohol. It dehydrates your skin, leaving it less supple and young. Thinning skin also exposes underlying blood vessels which can add to that purplish pigmentation.
  • Use a good makeup remover before bed, so that your eyes don’t become irritated as you sleep.
  • Use cold compresses, cool cucumbers or even hemorrhoid cream under the eyes to lessen swelling.
  • Wear sunscreen under your eyes so that dark bags don’t become more noticeable with the sun.
  • Look into dermal fillers like Restalyne (available at Essential Aesthetics), which can restore life to sunken eyes.
  • Remember to get plenty of rest!
Posted in Dermal Filler, Dysport, Perlane, Restylane, Skin Care, Skin Care Products, SkinCeuticals AGE Eye Complex, Sun Damage | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Year’s Eve Party Tips

Getting ready to hit up the New Year’s Eve party circuit? Don’t forget these indispensable tips before you make an appearance at your next end-of-the-year shindig!

First Impressions Count

Meeting people for the first time? Whether you’re meeting the parents of your significant other or making important professional connections at an office party, you want to look fresh, confident and at your best. Why not make an appointment at Essential Aesthetics so that you take on that next party looking great and feeling relaxed? 

Context is Everything

An office party will place different expecations on you than a get together with friends and family. Know where you are going so that you can prepare accordingly. You don’t want to be the only person to show up at at a themed party without the right attire. 

Bring Something for Your Host

With so much of the holiday season revolving around gift-giving, this one should really be a no-brainer. Remember to bring a small token for your host. You might consider bringing a nice bottle of wine or champagne that you can enjoy when the clock strikes midnight. Unless you know the host really well, avoid novelty gifts!

Dress to Impress

The holidays are a chance to put your style on display and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Trends may come and go, but good style is always in fashion! It’s always better to be a tad overdressed than even a little underdressed. If you’re a lady, a New Year’s party is a chance to play with some sparkle and sequins. Just make sure you don’t go overboard!

Don’t Drink Too Much

New Year’s Eve is a chance to let loose, but you don’t want to inadvertently become the center of attention (in a bad way) by drinking too much. Too much alcohol also packs on the calories and leaves you feeling dehydrated. Make sure you stagger your alcoholic drinks with water. Appoint a designated driver or make alternate travel arrangements if you know you’re going to drink too much. 

Refresh and Rejoin

Step away from the party for a few minutes to check in on yourself. Escape to a bathroom mirror to touch up your make up, fix your hair, and moisturize if the winter air is drying you out. Don’t forget a good lip balm if your lips are getting chapped. Pay attention to bags under your eyes. Even without snow, the winter months drive us indoors and can leave us looking gaunt and unrested if we’re not careful. No one likes a tired-looking guest! 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Resolve to be a Better You

This time of the year usually comes along with the promise of a better, new and improved you just around the corner. The new year is a terrific opportunity to turn a page, set some new goals and challenge yourself.

But let’s face it. Sometimes all that goodwill and positive thinking doesn’t amount to very much. Despite our best efforts (and intentions), it’s easy to get sucked back into bad habits. Without a toolbox for success at your disposal, you may find your path to self-improvement is D.O.A just a few months into the new year. Here are some tips to make your New Year’s resolutions successful!

Jumpstart Change
Planning a new exercise regimen? Working on a diet plan? Why wait until the new year? Putting things off can seriously arrest your momentum. Get the upper hand by starting earlier than even you intended. Remember, the hardest part is always getting started. It’s never too early or too late to commit to changing your life for the better.

Set Concrete Goals
The more specific you are about where you want to be, the more likely you are to get there. One way you can set concrete goals for yourself is to record your thoughts in a journal or blog. If you set a standard for yourself from the outset it’ll be easier to create a roadmap to success. If you get lost along the way, you can always revisit your original goals to get back on track.

Set Realistic Goals
You should always aim to challenge yourself, but don’t shoot for the impossible. By pressuring yourself to meet too lofty of a goal, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, try setting realistic goals in incremental steps. That wa you can celebrate what you accomplish along the way instead of beating yourself up along the way.

Partner Up
You don’t have to be alone in your journey for self-improvement. Find a friend, partner, spouse, family member or online community that can work as a support network for you. You’ll have people rooting you on along the way or taking on the challenge with you.

Remember, Change Takes Time
Be patient. Think about what you can accomplish today that will serve you better in the future. Think of every step towards your goal as a downpayment on benefits you’ll reap later on. Enjoy the process of transformation and don’t get hung up on deadlines. All improvement is good improvement!

Reward Yourself
Be good to yourself along the way. If you find yourself falling short of a goal, don’t fall into a cycle of despair. Instead, reflect on what you’ve already accomplished. Do things that help you look great, feel great, and relax. Indulge in some spa time, connect with friends share the success you’ve enjoyed with others.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Latisse – Longer Eyelashes – Danville, CA

LATISSE® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis* used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.

LATISSE® solution is a once-nightly treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes, as instructed by your doctor. Then, gradually, the results come in. You may start to see more length in as little as 4 weeks and you should achieve full growth in 16 weeks. It’s not an illusion of growth. It’s real lash growth.
*Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. If you would like more information, please contact us.

Posted in Latisse | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to treat spider veins with Asclera®

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves an injection of solution into the affected vein, damaging the endothelium. Blood platelets attach to the lining of the vessels and eventually cellular debris and platelets cause the vessel to clot. In our practice we use Asclera® (polidocanol) Injection; a prescription medicine used to treat uncomplicated spider veins (≤ 1mm in diameter) and uncomplicated small varicose veins (1 to 3 mm in diameter) also known as reticular veins. Some practice use Saline solution which is still effective. Asclera® is FDA approved injection medication with two different concentration 0.5% and 1.0%, has been used in Europe for years. Over time the clotted vein will be replaces wit tissue. Each sessions lasts on average 15 to 30 minutes and downtime could last up to 6 to 8 weeks. Pain is tolerable and most patients perceives as sting bites. After procedure patients need to ambulate for two hours and wear compression stocking.All patients recommended to have follow up visits and will be free. Some veins need more than one treatment since results varies depends on diameter of varicose vein, genetic, age, lifestyle.

Essential Aesthetics Inc. offers expert spider vein treatments with Asclera®. Contact our office to schedule an appointment (925) 855-1773.

Visit www.asclera.com for more information.

Posted in Asclera Injection, Sclerotherapy, Spider Vein Treatment, Varicose Vein Treatment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment