New labeling requirements that went into effect this year aim at taking much of the guess work out of shopping for the sun protection we need.  Here are some terms you need to know:

• “SPF” You probably recognize this abbreviation for “sun protection factor” as an indication of how long a product will protect the skin.  In general, the higher the number the better…but only to a certain point.  There is no proof than an SPF higher than 50 confers any additional benefits. Look for a product with an SPF of at least 15.

• “Broad spectrum” Only products that include both UVA and UVB protection can be claim to be “broad spectrum.” Look for a product labeled “broad spectrum.”

• “Water resistant” There is no such thing as “water-proof” or “sweat-proof” sunscreen.  Once wet, all sunscreen/sunblock products begin to lose effectiveness.  Some, however, are more water-resistant than others. Look for a label that also includes the term “water resistant” plus the length of time this resistance can be expected to last.  If you are sweating or spending time in the water, plan to re-apply the product at the interval suggested by this label.

• Expiration date Sunscreen/sunblock products have a shelf life of no more than three years…even less if the packaging has been exposed to high temperatures.  If last year’s leftover product was left in a hot car or spent a few hours out in the sun at the pool or beach, it’s time to replace it with a fresh supply that you can count on to give you the protection you need.

NOTE:  If you are traveling abroad this summer and forget to pack your sunscreen, you should know that most European countries use a “star” system to rate U-VA protection…the more stars, the better.  On the product label, UVA may be called “UVAPF.”

1. If possible, limit the length of time you spend exposed to the sun when its rays are strongest (generally 10 AM to 2 PM), particularly during the late spring and early summer.
2. Try to limit how much of your skin is exposed to the sun.  When dry, the typical T-shirt has protective value roughly equivalent to SPF 15 sunscreen.  A wet T-shirt is less effective.
3. Wear a hat.  Hats that have a wide brim and made of tightly-woven fabrics are best at protecting the face, head ears and neck.  If you wear a ball cap, take steps additional steps to protect your ears and the back of your neck.
4. Some of the face’s most sensitive skin is around the eyes, so wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays when you are outdoors.  Most sunglasses sold in this country meet this standard, regardless of price.  Wrap-around styles are more effective.
5. Seek shade.  It’s not only more comfortable…it’s safer for your skin, too.
6. Use an appropriate sunscreen (sometimes called “sunblock”) with a minimum of SPF 15 on a daily basis…even when skies are cloudy.  If your skin reacts badly to one sunscreen formula, try another product.

-Receive 25% off of our Epionce SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreens.

These antioxidant fortified and quick absorbing, broad-spectrum sheer lotions protect the skin from the damaging effects of both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) radiation and are compatible with makeup.

-Purchase our Sun Safety skincare package at a deep discount for only $65

-Your choice of Epionce’s Active Shield SPF 30+ or Ultra Shield SPF 50

These antioxidant fortified and quick absorbing, broad-spectrum sheer lotions protect the skin from the damaging effects of both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) radiation and are compatible with makeup.

-Jane Iredale’s Lip Drink SPF 15 Lip Balm

This colorless lip balm is gluten free and offers a subtle sheen while quenching dry lips and protecting this often neglected area from the damaging rays of the sun.

-Jane Iredale’s Powder Me SPF-Dry Sunscressn SPF 30

This translucent powder in a convenient sponge applicator is a great way to achieve your afternoon SPF touchup; because let’s be honest we don’t wash off our makeup at lunch time, only to reapply our sunscreen and foundation all over again. Powder Me SPF dry sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and natural clay to offer SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays.

-Receive an $80 mail in rebate with the purchase of 2 syringes of Restylane in the month of May.

-Receive a $50 mail-in rebate with each purchased syringe of Perlane in the month of May.

-Receive a $50 mail-in rebate with your injection of Dysport in the month of May.

While supplies last. Specials good through May 31, 2012

If you have been diagnosed with rosacea, you know how it can affect self-confidence and the ability to function in social situations.

While there is no cure, Drs. LaFerriere and Kienstra provide several treatments that dermatologists frequently recommend for reducing the appearance and slowing the progression of certain types of rosacea:

• Glycolic chemical peels can sometimes help gain faster control of this condition

• BBL (“Broad Band Light”) photorejuvenation may gradually reduce visible blood vessels, redness, and flushing for some rosacea patients

These treatments should always be performed under the direct supervision of a physician who has extensive training in the care of the face’s sensitive skin, and this is particularly important when rosacea is a factor.  Drs. LaFerriere and Kienstra are board-certified facial plastic surgeons with a reputation for excellence and natural-looking results!

April showers bring May flowers.  Shower yourself with the gift of LaFerriere & Kienstra skincare this month. 

Receive 33% off of our LaFerriere and Kienstra Mineral Guard SPF 25.
-Provides a broad-spectrum transparent barrier against UVA/UVB rays. The paraben-free, non-greasy formula is suitable for all skin types. 

Receive 33% off of our LaFerriere and Kienstra Sunless Tanning Cream.
-This special formulation for the face and body gradually procideas a deep, dark, narutal-looking tan without sun ecposure.

While supplies last. Specials good through April 30, 2012

How will you deal with it this year?  Razor?  Time consuming.  Waxing? Ouch!  Chemical depilatories?  Harsh and messy.  BBL?  B-B-what?

It’s time to learn more about Broad Band Light (BBL) hair reduction, a safe, comfortable and effective technology (FDA-approved, of course!) designed to remove unwanted hair from all skin types.

BBL produces a beam of highly concentrated laser light that pulses for a fraction of a second to eliminate or greatly impede the growth of unwanted hair.  Visit www.facialplasticsurgeon.com to learn more about BBL treatment, or better yet, call LaFerriere & Kienstra Facial Plastic Surgery at (417) 887-FACE (888 771-FACE, toll-free) to schedule a consultation.

The sooner you find a final solution to this problem, the more time you will have to spend on something you actually enjoy this summer!

Flaxseed

Clogged pores look larger.  Adding powdered, liquid, or whole flaxseed to the diet tends to thin the pore-clogging oil secreted by the skin.

Retinoids

A topical product containing a retinoid clears dirt, oil and dead skin from pores. Ask Dr. LaFerriere or Kienstra to recommend an appropriate retinoid product!

Exfoliate

This is good advice for not only the face.  The pores of the skin of the back and chest can become clogged, too.

Primers

An appropriate primer may make the skin appear smoother by temporarily making pores look smaller.  A mineral-based makeup will discourage the growth of pore-clogging bacteria, too.  Jane Iredale cosmetics, available at our office, is the gold-standard in mineral makeup.

BBL

That’s short for “broad band light,” a photorejuvenation treatment that uses intense pulsed light.  BBL is engineered to treat enlarged pores, as well as dramatically reduce freckles, age and sun spots, small facial veins and irregular pigmentation.  If enlarged pores aren’t your only problem, BBL may be a good choice for you.

A blog post, no matter how informative, is no substitute for a consultation with a professional.  Call LaFerriere & Kienstra Facial Plastic Surgery to make an appointment to discuss all of your options!

We don’t “see” the serious health effects of high blood pressure when we look in the mirror, but lines, wrinkles, skin tone, acne?  Those effects of too much salt are written all over the face!

Botox® was by far the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed last year (5.7 million injections!), followed by injectable fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion.

In total, Americans underwent approximately 1.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures in 2011, an increase over the previous year.  The number of procedures was up 5% over the previous year as well.

All of these procedures are available at LaFerrier & Kienstra Facial Plastic Surgery!

You know what they say about “an ounce of prevention”…

While there is no proof that injections of Botox® Cosmetic can prevent wrinkles, the 19 to 34 crowd are lining up in increasing numbers for this treatment for precisely that purpose.

These younger patients aren’t seeking this treatment to eliminate lines and wrinkles… they are hoping to prevent them from developing them in the first place.

Is this a good long-term strategy?  Since the effects of Botox are only temporary, treatments are normally repeated every three to six months, which means that they could be committing to decades of Botox injections.  No drug is completely free from side effects, so it’s best to have a discussion about long-term use with a facial plastic surgeon before deciding on this…or any…wrinkle-prevention strategy.

In the meantime, properly cleanse and moisture your skin, and always protect it from the sun’s damaging rays.  We do have proof that those strategies are effective in minimizing the development of lines and wrinkles!