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 With all the hype about the concept of "anti-aging", new products have flooded day spas, med spas, beauty salons,
and the offices of cosmetic surgeons. We have an arsenal of products and procedures at our disposal that can
help us look youthful much longer than our mothers and grandmothers ever dreamed! While cosmetic surgery brings
beauty to many, it is not for every one. Many cosmetic surgeons, such as Dr. Geoffrey Leber in Paradise Valley,
have broadened your choices by adding med spas to their practices. In addition, there are many day spas, med spas, and
beauty salons offering alternatives out there that really work. Here, we feature those facilities, and the latest
beauty treatments and procedures which address all your anti-aging concerns.
As we age, our features and
skin begin to change. The first step in fighting anti-aging is understanding what contributes to those changes and how
we can prevent and correct them. Whether you are looking to prevent or reduce the signs of aging, there are many products
that can really help. The first, and probably most important thing we Arizonan women can use to save our skin is sunblock.
"I can't stress prevention enough; it's everything," says Tim Heffernan, MD, a Seattle-based ophthalmic
plastic surgeon, about using sunblock. "Chronic sun exposure hinders elastin production, resulting in saggy, lackluster
skin." To prevent future or additional wrinkles, sun spots, discoloration and fine lines, everyone, regardless
of age, should protect themselves. It's never too late to start preventing sun damage. Use a sunscreen that
shields age-inducing UVA rays and has a high SPF.
Youth and beauty start from within. Most Arizona women do not consume a sufficient
amount of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, which can all replenish the body and contribute to overall health.
Dr. Nicholas Perricone says, "Solid research shows that supplements assist in preventing inflammation and free radical
damage in all organ systems, including the skin." For overall health, women need a multi-vitamin, calcium and magnesium
for their bones, and folic acid for their reproductive systems." For Anti-aging, Ultra CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)  fights free radicals that cause signs of aging. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful anti-oxidant that prevents free radical damage from occuring inside nerve cells. Astaxanthin provides a wide
range of antioxidant benefits. Astaxanthin  may play a key role in the protection of cell membranes against free radical attack. A physician should be consulted before
nutritional supplements are used. Some supplements, like N.V. Perricone Vitamin C Ester Capsules actually support the production of collagen.
Using exfoliators removes
dead skin cells resulting in a smoother complexion. Day spas, salons, and med spas offer facials, microdermabrasion, and other
treatments which result in fewer fine lines, refined pores, and reduced hyperpigmentation. Exfoliation results
in polished skin and allows for better product penetration. For visible results, an effective exfoliator  should be used at least twice weekly. For sensitive skin, Gentle Cream Exfoliants (Dermalogica makes a great one),  provide thorough exfoliation without granules.
Moisturizers help nourish and renew the skin with enriching nutrients
that seal in moisture. They also help protect against harsh toxins. This is essential in Arizona with our dry heat and polluted
air! Talk to a skin care professional at one of our azbeauty preferred cosmetic surgeon centers, med spas, day spas, or beauty
salons about a moisturizing skin treatment or facial, and moisturizing skin products. Look for moisturizers that are
rich in active ingredients such as peptides. The amino acids in these can help to encourage a healthy complexion. "Look
for active ingredients that prevent free-radical damage, mainly DMAE, Alpha lipoic acid, and Vitamin C ester," says Dr.
Nicholas Perricone. The main thing to remember when using moisturizer or any skin care product is that consistency is the
key.
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Med spas are beauty treatment facilities that combine traditional day spa comforts with common cosmetic procedures. At a med spa, you can often get the same services offered at a traditional spa, such as facials,
massages, saunas, and body treatments. However, you can also get cosmetic medical treatments such as Botox and Restylane injections, Foto facials, hair restoration, laser vein treatments, laser acne treatments, and laser wrinkle
reduction .
As anti-aging technologies improve, many people have chosen to utilize the services of med
spas. Cosmetic surgeon, Geoffrey Evans Leber, has even integrated Reflections Med Spa into his own practice
as a way to offer non-surgical treatments as a compliment or alternative to surgical procedures. Med spas offer non-invasive anti-aging treatments, and all med spa activities are required
by The International Med Spa Association to be supervised by a licensed healthcare professional. Many other surgeons
across Arizona have also added med spas to their facilities to further enhance the beauty needs of patients.
Med spas offer both medical and natural options for women seeking just about any cosmetic service. Med spas have
recently grown in popularity, and as a result, more and more med spas have begun to operate individually and along side cosmetic surgeons worldwide.
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