Celebrity Dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler: The Newest Treatments in Skincare
As a dermatologist dedicated to offering my patients the most effective and advanced care possible, I pay close attention to the latest technology, products and research. In 2011, I discovered two new treatments – LaViv and Clear and Brilliant – that I expect will be major skincare contenders in 2012.
LaViv is the first FDA-approved therapy that uses your own collagen-producing cells to improve the look of smile lines. It employs great innovation – the fibroblast cells (which make collagen, elastin and growth factors) are drawn from your own skin to treat the fine lines and wrinkles surrounding the mouth. LaViv has proven to be very effective thus far and additional benefits of its use are incredibly promising. Personally, I am most excited about its prospects for acne scarring and peri-oral lines.
Clear and Brilliant is a laser treatment designed to be integrated into skincare regimens to not only address the signs of aging but also prepare skin for proper anti-aging maintenance before the signs emerge. It offers great results; skin is left more radiant and smooth, while pore size is reduced and it is suitable on all skin types.
While I am excited about these new treatments on the skincare map, I still stand behind the treatments and technology I steadily use like Fraxel re:store and Isolaz. Fraxel re:store is a fantastic laser for addressing multiple skin concerns. Outfitted with a dual hand piece, one side is the traditional Fraxel 1550 which improves texture, reduces wrinkles and fine lines, shrinks pore size and tightens skin, while the other side is the 1927 that works on solar lentigos, the brown spots we get from the sun. Isolaz works wonders on acne and skin prone to clogged pores. It is a painless treatment in which a vacuum and a broadband light are used to cleanse pores from the inside out.
We are lucky to live in a time when the landscape of skincare treatments is truly remarkable. Whatever your skincare concern is, you should always speak to your dermatologist about it. There are countless and effective measures you can take to improve the look and condition of your skin, at your dermatologist’s office or at home.
As we begin the new year, it is always a great time to focus on creating a new and improved you. And while feeling good about how we look is important, our health is paramount. So, I must remind you, as you ponder your new year’s resolutions, please vow to make skin cancer checks part of your regimen this year and always.
 “Because my techniques aim to lower your stress and heighten your natural beauty, the benefits that await you could be infinite.” -Dr. WechslerOne of only two physicians in the country board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry, Dr. Amy Wechsler is well known for her unique approach to all dermatological procedures—administering traditional practices only after spending significant time with patients and thoroughly understanding their emotional state of mind and the impact it is having on the outer surface. She treats men and women of all ages.
Dr. Wechsler graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Duke University. She earned an M.D. with honors from Cornell University Medical College. After completing her residency in psychiatry at Payne Whitney Clinic – The New York Presbyterian Hospital, she stayed to do her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Fascinated by the fundamental connection between the mind and body, Dr. Wechsler completed her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Her hospital appointments include Assistant Clinical Professor in Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. Equally respected by her peers and her patients, Dr. Wechsler is a member of The American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, the American Psychiatric Association, the Independent Doctors of New York, the Physician Scientific Society, and The Skin Cancer Foundation. Dr. Wechsler is the author of The Mind-Beauty Connection (Free Press, 2008), and is frequently called upon by the media to explain and demystify complicated dermatological topics. She’s been featured on the Today Show, the Dr. Oz Show and The Tyra Banks Show, as well as extensively in print, including Marie Claire, Self, O Magazine, Lucky, W Magazine, the New York Times, Health, Allure, InStyle, Shape, Prevention, GQ, Redbook, Better Homes & Gardens, People, Stylewatch and others. |
Anti-Aging Skin Regimens That Work
I’m always excited to sample the latest potions and lotions, especially when they work well. It’s a challenge to find great anti-aging skincare products that really make a difference. Recently, I’ve tried and tested two amazing face regimens that I love and are worth sharing.
Neil Sadick Park Avenue Prescription Starter Kit
A collaborative team of skincare experts and researchers including renowned dermatologist Neil Sadick developed this collection of three anti-aging face products based on in-office prescription treatments. Each set contains a one-month supply of the products, all packaged in small pump bottles. The Protection Cream is meant to be used in the morning–it contains SPF 20 and protects the skin from environmental pollutants. It’s also super hydrating and contains light-diffusing pigments to instantly improve the look of your skin. The Reversal Serum should be used at night after cleansing. This product is full of anti-aging peptides and retinol to fight fine-lines and wrinkles. It also boosts your natural collagen. Once absorbed, the Rejuvenation Cream is applied to reduce redness and age spots. All of the products are oil-free, lightweight and feel great on the skin. Most importantly, they offer visible results!
BUY NOW, Sadick Dermatology Group Park Avenue Prescription, $70
Nia24 Intensive Healthy Skin Regimen
Photoaging is the number one cause of skin aging. I have to admit that I like to sunbathe, but will only do so in small doses these days when using a strong sunscreen. Nia24 recently developed new skincare products are that are specifically made for moderate to severely sun-damaged skin. These products contain the award-winning Pro-Niacin molecule that is proven to visibly improve sunspots, skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. The package is made up of three products that include a cleanser, exfoliating serum and cream. The Gentle Cleansing Cream is non-foaming and has the perfect consistency. It also removes face make-up very well. The Rapid Exfoliating Serum is a leave-on resurfacing treatment that nixes rough dry spots. I found this product to be very unique–It gives you a light peel that is so good to use at night. The rich Intensive Recovery Complex is a deep moisturizing cream. All products are gentle and the patented system brings a useful and continuous-release form of Niacin to the skin. I know I could certainly stand to reverse the sun damage I did to my skin as a teenager!
BUY NOW, Nia24 Intensive Healthy Skin Regimen, $54
Sun Protection Tips from Dr. Kenneth Mark
With the recent FDA regulations, we wanted to offer some sunscreen tips for your consideration from board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Mark. Dr. Mark is a credible expert with four prestigious practices, including two in the Hamptons (he is celebrating his 10th-year anniversary practicing in East Hampton and Southampton this summer), one in Aspen, and one in NYC. He is also a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University.
TIP 1: New FDA regulations on sunscreen
o The main benefit of the new FDA regulations is that there will be increased knowledge and transparency to the consumer for the UVA protection in products and education of SPF designations, which only addressed UVB protection
o Since SPF designation relates to UVB protection from getting a sunburn, these new regulations help consumers understand that it is actually the UVA rays which penetrate the skin deeper and cause harmful effects on the skin, from aging to cancer.
TIP 2: How often should you apply sunscreen
o When in direct sunlight (at the beach, outside), apply sunscreen at least every two hours. If you are sweating or swimming, reapply every 30 minutes after significant water exposure.
o When you are in and out of the sun, apply your sunscreen two or three times throughout the day.
TIP 3: What are the most important ingredients to look for in a sunscreen
o You should always use a sunscreen with a physical blocker, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (both work to block out full UVA and UVB spectrum).
o Most sunscreens have excellent UVB protection, so with products that don’t have those physical blockers, look for UVA-blocking chemicals, including:
– Parsol 1789 (a.k.a. Avobenzone)
– Ecamsule
– Mexoryl
– Antihelios
– Helioplexhttp
TIP 4: What sunscreens are recommended
o Z-Silc has a wonderful sunscreen that has a full range of UV protection and rubs in smoothly.
o I would also recommend Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist, which contains Helioplex.
Buy Now, Z-Silc Sunblock SPF30, $35.50
Buy Now, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF30, $8.99
Amy Wechsler, M.D.
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Amy Wechsler is a Manhattan-based dermatologist—one of only two doctors in the country who are board certified in both dermatology and psychiatry—and the author of the best-selling The Mind-Beauty Connection. She is a relied-upon resource for the media and has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, W, SELF, Elle, Allure, Martha Stewart Living, and People. Dr. Wechsler has a monthly column in Marie Claire and is a regular broadcast expert on The Today Show, the Dr. Oz Show and The Tyra Banks Show. Dr. Wechsler has two young children and resides in Manhattan.
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Tips for Beautiful Skin
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