If the fresh spring air and warmer, longer days have you in the mood for a spring refresh, you might want to think about adding a few skin treatments to your to-do this season. In fact, spring is one of the best times of year to get laser hair removal before the summer sunshine arrives. Here’s why.

1. You’ll See the Best Results before a Summer Tan

Laser hair removal works by targeting and disabling hair follicles in their growth phase. Because it is actually the pigment in the hair follicle that the laser targets, you will see the best results when you have the greatest contrast between your skin tone and the color of your hair.

As we are coming out of winter and into early spring, our skin is typically at its lightest shade, which will help the laser energy target the contrasting hair follicles. On the other hand, if you wait until you have a summer tan, the laser energy will have a more difficult time distinguishing between the pigment in your skin and hair.

Note that advanced laser technology has made it possible for people with dark skin and dark hair and light skin and light hair combinations to have successful laser hair removal treatments. Just be sure to choose a reputable provider with access to the latest laser technology.

2. Laser Hair Removal Prep Is Easier in the Spring

In preparation for laser hair removal treatments, you’ll need to stop waxing or plucking your hair several weeks before your appointment. These types of traditional hair removal leave nothing behind for the laser energy to target, which would render your treatment ineffective.

Most people find that it’s easier to forgo waxing and plucking in the springtime, when they can cover up in leggings and a hoodie anyway. If you wait until bikini season is in full swing to start LHR treatments, on the other hand, it might be more of a challenge to put a pause on waxing and plucking.

3. Caring for Your Skin after LHR Is Simpler in Spring

Finally, you’ll need to stay out of the sun in between your laser hair removal sessions to get the best results and minimize the risk of complications like hyperpigmentation. This is usually much easier to do in the cooler spring months before the summer sunshine starts calling your name.

Because LHR works by targeting hair follicles that are in the growth phase at any given moment, you will need to schedule several sessions, each spaced a few weeks apart, in order to treat all of the hair in the area. So starting your first laser hair removal treatment now will help you be well on your way to getting smooth, carefree skin for the summer.

Ready to take the first step toward getting smoother skin with a simpler hair removal routine? Schedule your consultation today by calling us at 561-454-8002 or getting in touch online.

With warmer, sunnier days ahead, it’s time to start spring cleaning — but we’re not talking about mopping and dusting. We’re talking cleaning out your beauty bag and upgrading your skincare routine for healthier, happier skin all year long. Here are our four top tips to “spring clean” your beauty routine.

1. Clean or Replace Makeup Brushes

Though often overlooked, clean makeup brushes and other beauty tools are a staple to any beauty regimen. Makeup brushes, beauty blenders, and other tools should be cleaned at least every two weeks. Otherwise, dirt, oil, and old makeup will stay trapped inside the brushes and will end up on your face the next time you use them — yuck! And if you’ve had the same brushes for decades, it might be time to replace them altogether. 

While we’re on the subject of cleaning, it’s a good idea to clean your pillowcase and sheets on the same schedule — at least every two weeks. That way, your face lies against a clean surface every night, keeping unwanted bacteria away.

2. Toss Out Expired Products

Yes, makeup and skincare products do expire! Spring is an excellent time to sort through your beauty bag and throw away any products that are well past their expiration dates. Over time, the active ingredients in your skincare products break down and thus lose their effectiveness. This is especially true of products that contain vitamin C, as this ingredient can break down quickly if not stored in a dark, cool place. 

Sunscreen is another important product to replace if it is past its expiration date or if it has been kept out in the sun. Using expired SPF can leave your skin susceptible to UV damage, as the product is likely no longer as effective as it should be.

3. Switch to a Lighter Moisturizer

If you tend to get drier skin in the cooler winter months, you might have switched to a heavier moisturizer for extra hydration. Spring is generally the time to break out your lighter-weight moisturizer again, unless you have very dry skin all year-round. For many people, however, a lighter moisturizer is enough to keep their skin properly hydrated during the spring and summer seasons. 

4. Reevaluate Your Skincare Regimen

Have you been using the same cleanser or serums for years just because, without really looking into their ingredients and whether or not those products are right for your skin type? Take stock of your current skincare regimen and make sure each product is a match for you. Not sure where to start? Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to help you revamp your skincare regimen and ensure the products you’re using are pulling their weight for your skin and not sabotaging your efforts!

Don’t have a dermatologist? Call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office today at 561-462-0489 or get in touch online to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists to discuss your unique skincare needs.

Over time, your skin begins to age and show signs of wear that you don’t necessarily want to show off. Laser skin treatments can help reverse these issues and provide you with a clear complexion and a new, fresh layer of skin. At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, we offer a few different types of laser treatments, including MOXI™, Halo™, BBL®, Sofwave™, Sciton® NanoLaserPeel™, and Genius™ RF Microneedling to correct these unwanted blemishes from the skin.

Should I Undergo a Laser Treatment?

If you are contemplating undergoing laser treatment, then you should probably come in for a consultation to find out if you are a candidate. During your consultation, you will be able to discuss your goals and desires and determine which laser service is the best one for you at this time. Most laser treatment patients present with hyperpigmentation, age spots, wrinkles, and facial veins.

How Do Laser Skin Treatments Help?

Laser skin treatments help rid the skin of age spots and unsightly facial veins, leaving the skin:

• Tighter
• Firmer
• Moister
• More glowing
• More evenly toned

What Lasers Are Offered?

At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, we offer MOXI™, Halo™, BBL®, Sofwave™, Sciton® NanoLaserPeel™, and Genius™ RF Microneedling. Although these lasers are similar in nature, they do treat different skin conditions.

• MOXI™: sun damage and aging
• Halo™: discoloration, sun damage, enlarged pores
• BBL®: age spots, sun-induced freckles, redness from rosacea
• Sofwave™: lines and wrinkles
• Sciton® NanoLaserPeel™: scarring, aging, dull appearance
• Genius™ RF Microneedling: acne scarring

No matter what type of skin imperfection or blemish you may have, our lasers can help you create a fresh, rejuvenated facial appearance and have you glowing in no time!

When Will My Results Be Noticeable?

After your laser skin treatment, your results will start to become noticeable almost immediately. You may experience red or pink skin in the treatment area for a few days, but that should dissipate over time. Brown or age spots that are treated may dry up and flake off for a few weeks, but a new, fresh layer of skin will be revealed. As the new skin is regenerated over a few months, you will notice that your skin looks and feels firmer and healthier, and it will also have a healthy, youthful glow.

For more information about laser skin treatments at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, please call our office at 561-234-4026 or fill out our online contact form.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with some of the women here at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale to hear their thoughts on how both men and women can continue to support women who are just starting out in their careers, as well as those who may be balancing careers, family life, and personal goals.

First up, we spoke with Co-Chief Executive Officer of Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, Courtney Ellenbogen. Courtney holds her MBA from Harvard Business School and is also the Co-Founder of Aesthetic Partners. Courtney has also competed in several US Opens and Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) events while earning her BS in Economics from Duke University. 

We asked Courtney to weigh in on how we can inspire and support women to pursue their own business initiatives and provide some insight into her own inspirations along her path to success. Here’s what she had to say: 

Q: What advice would you give to women who aspire to launch their own companies?

Courtney: Go out there and do it! It can seem very “risky” to start something on your own, but it can be even riskier to work a job that you’re not passionate about. Big companies and return jobs will always be there for smart and driven people, regardless of how successful your venture is, so there isn’t a need to create a unicorn on the first go.

Q: How can we encourage women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles?

Courtney: Remember and promote the fact that companies (statistically!) perform better when they have diverse leadership. Businesses need us. I try to internalize the mantra that you can have it all, just not at the same time. There are always going to be times where different priorities will be important – whether it’s career, personal, family, or something totally different. It’s fine to put your priorities first and pursue your career goals at a time that’s right.

Q: Is there anyone who inspires you in your career?

Courtney: My girlfriends. I’ve been lucky enough to have women surrounding me who are driven and passionate about what they do – regardless of whether it’s their careers or their hobbies or families. Being able to set aside time for a morning run or weekly happy hour with them has helped me immensely in my career. I can always bounce ideas or problems off of them, and I come out feeling better about addressing the challenges that come up every day at the business.

We also had a chance to hear from Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center expert: Cheryl Staurowsky, Licensed Medical Aesthetician with over 30 years of experience. 

Q: How has the support of other women helped you achieve your career goals?

Cheryl: Words of encouragement are always the best way to grow one’s confidence! When this comes from other female professionals who have years of experience, especially if they are your co-workers, it’s the ULTIMATE strength to continue on your path to success. 

Q: What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and why is it important that we recognize it?

International Women’s Day is an opportunity for strong, liberated women to be celebrated for their accomplishments in paving the way for all women to push forward in their careers. The comment, “You do well enough…” should never be said or heard again. No limits or bias should be placed on any human based upon their sex, age, title, or job position. Everyone should have the opportunity for growth if they strive for it!

We hope these words of wisdom from some of the women behind Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center’s success can be a source of inspiration and encouragement for other women setting out to achieve their goals. To learn more about the amazing female doctors and staff here at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, view the dedicated “about” page on our website.

Getting smooth, soft, lips doesn’t have to add hours to your beauty routine. Check out these six easy tips to get a glam lip look in practically no time at all!

1. Choose the Right Balm

Look for lip balms that contain both humectants and occlusives so your lips don’t dry out. Humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and allantoin work by drawing in moisture from their environment. However, if the air around you is dry, these ingredients can end up pulling in moisture from your lips, which can then evaporate into the atmosphere and make dryness worse.

To prevent this, humectants should be paired with occlusive ingredients like beeswax, jojoba oil, and petrolatum, which act as a barrier between your skin and the outside environment. Thus, the moisture that humectants pull in can’t escape and dry out your lips.

Additionally, choose lip balms that contain SPF to protect your lips from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. And if you live in a sunny climate like Florida, choose matte lip products instead of shiny glosses, since UV rays are intensified when reflected off of shiny surfaces.

2. Try a DIY Lip Scrub

Exfoliating your lips is one of the best ways to keep them smooth and soft. While there are plenty of lip scrubs on the market that you can buy, you can also easily make a DIY scrub with ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Brown sugar and coconut oil make a great combination, as well as sugar and honey.

When exfoliating your lips, work in gentle circular motions and avoid vigorous scrubbing. The skin on your lips is thinner than in other areas and is therefore more susceptible to damage.

3. Fragrances and Flavors Aren’t Your Friends

As tempting as flavored balms and glosses might be, these products are not usually the best picks for your lips. Added flavors and fragrances in lip products may cause irritation or signs of contact dermatitis such as redness, itching and blisters. Whenever possible, going fragrance- and flavor-free is the best bet for getting smooth, kissable lips.

4. Resist the Urge to Lick or Pick at Chapped Lips

When your lips are dry and chapped, our first instinct is to lick our lips or even pick at flakes of skin in the hopes of making them smoother and more comfortable. However, both licking and picking at your lips will make matters worse.

Instead, apply a moisturizing lip balm (ideally one with humectants and occlusives!) that contains soothing ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, and coconut oil to help rehydrate your lips and calm irritation.

5. Drink Enough Water

We know what you’re thinking: Every beauty/health/fitness blog suggests drinking water. But there’s a reason adding more water intake to your day is suggested as a fix for so many skin and health concerns — it works! Can’t seem to cure chapped lips? Bingo. You might not be drinking enough water to stay properly hydrated.

6. Go for Fillers Over Plumping Products

Most lip plumping products contain mild irritants like capsaicin to cause temporary swelling and redness, giving you the illusion of fuller lips. However, not only do these products offer very short-lived results, but they can also cause unwanted signs of lip irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Instead, consider getting lip fillers from a professional for longer-lasting results that don’t rely on irritants to give you a prettier pout. Hyaluronic acid fillers can also help to plump and hydrate your lips, giving you an overall smoother, softer, and fuller look.

Still have questions about lip care or fillers, or would like to schedule a consultation? Call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office at 561-454-8002 or get in touch online today!

Spring has almost sprung! The birds will be chirping louder, the sun will be shining more and more, and the plants will be coming back to life. Now it is time that you experience the same spring awakening. At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, we offer many different injectable treatment and filler options to help freshen up your look, whether you want to temporarily remove the appearance of lines and wrinkles on your face or eliminate cellulite in the buttocks, we are here to take you to the next level. 

Wrinkle Reducers

At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, we offer three different injectables to help with the appearance of wrinkles in the face: BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN®. These injectables are made from a substance known as botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles in the treatment areas to lessen frown lines that come from age and repetitive motion. All three wrinkle reducers focus on the facial region, including the crow’s feet area of the eyes, frown and furrowed brow lines on the forehead, prominent neck bands or cords, fine lines on the upper lips, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth, and rippling at the chin.

Dermal Fillers for Increased Volume

Dermal fillers plump up and fill in the lines on the face by adding volume that has been lost over time due to the natural aging process. This added volume makes for a more youthful appearance in the face and the hands. Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton, Florida, offers BELOTERO BALANCE®, The JUVÉDERM Collection of Fillers, Restylane®, RADIESSE®, The RHA® Collection, and Sculptra® Aesthetic to enhance your aesthetic. 

Fat and Cellulite Removers

If you are suffering from excess fat or cellulite in unwanted regions of the body, then QWO® or KYBELLA® may be the treatments for you to consider. QWO® is the only FDA-approved medicine used to treat moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of women. KYBELLA® reduces submental fat without surgery by safely injecting deoxycholic acid into the chin to destroy the underlying fat cells. This process then naturally eliminates the dead fat cells over time, leaving you with a more contoured and defined jawline. 

Be confident this spring and wear those short shorts or flowy dresses, take unlimited close-up selfies, and let your fresh, rejuvenated appearance shine through! 

For more information about injectables at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, please call our office at 561-234-4026 or fill out our online contact form. 

As we age, our lips begin to lose volume and thickness, resulting in a deflated and less vibrant look. Lip fillers, or dermal fillers, address this issue by adding volume and contour to the lips, resulting in fuller lips and a more youthful appearance.

Common Questions About Lip Fillers

Lip fillers have become increasingly popular over the years for their ability to enhance and improve the appearance of lips. But with any cosmetic procedure, questions and concerns always come up. Here are some common questions about lip fillers that you may have:

1. What are lip fillers made of?

Lip fillers are typically made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin. Other types of fillers are made of different substances that can be used, depending on the desired results.

2. How long do lip fillers last?

How long lip fillers last will depend on the type of filler used and how your body reacts to it. At Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, lip injections typically last nine to 12 months.

3. Is the procedure painful?

Most patients experience mild discomfort during the lip filler procedure, but numbing cream can be applied to minimize any pain. After the procedure, patients may experience some soreness or tenderness in the treated area.

4. What can I do to prepare for the procedure?

Prior to your lip filler appointment, it’s important to avoid blood-thinning medications and intense exercise. Drinking plenty of water and keeping your lips moist with lip balm can also help to prepare your lips for the procedure.

5. What should I avoid after the procedure?

To ensure the best results possible, it’s important to avoid strenuous exercise, spicy foods, and high temperatures for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Additionally, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol can help to prevent swelling and bruising.

5 Tips to Boost Your Lip Filler Results

If you’ve recently gotten lip filler treatment, it’s important to take proper aftercare measures to ensure your recovery is quick, comfortable, and successful. Here are five things you should do after getting lip filler:

Keep your head elevated: For the first few nights after lip filler treatment, make sure to sleep with your head elevated on pillows. This will help to reduce swelling and promote proper blood circulation.

Apply ice packs: Applying an ice pack to the treated area can help to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to your lips for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential after lip filler treatment. It can help to improve blood flow and promote the natural healing process. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

Use a gentle cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and lips after lip filler treatment. Avoid any harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can damage your skin and delay the healing process.

Follow up with your provider: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your medical provider to check on your progress and make sure everything is healing properly. They may recommend additional treatments or aftercare tips based on your individual needs.

What to Avoid After Lip Filler

While lip filler treatments are generally safe and effective, there are certain things you should avoid after getting lip filler to ensure the best possible results, including:

Strenuous exercise: Avoid any strenuous exercise for the first 24 to 48 hours after your lip filler treatment. Strenuous exercise can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can exacerbate swelling and bruising. Additionally, intense movements can cause the filler to move or settle in unwanted areas, affecting the final outcome of the treatment.

Blood-thinning medications: It’s best to avoid any blood-thinning medications for at least 24 hours after your lip filler treatment. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, which can delay the healing process and affect the final results. Medications to avoid include:

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• St. John’s Wort
• Vitamin E
• Turmeric
• Omega 3 / fish oil supplements

Hot temperatures: Avoid hot temperatures, such as saunas or hot baths, for the first few days after lip filler treatment. Heat can increase blood flow, which can exacerbate swelling and bruising. Additionally, the increased air pressure in saunas or high-altitude locations can affect the filler’s stability and final results.

Spicy foods: It’s best to avoid spicy foods for the first few days after lip filler treatment. Spicy foods can increase blood flow to the lips and can also cause irritation, affecting the healing process and end results.

Lip gloss or balm: Avoid using lip gloss or balm for the first few days after lip filler treatment. These products can introduce bacteria to the treated area, increasing the risk of infection.

If you’re looking for lip filler treatment in Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale, Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center is the #1 med spa in the area. Our skilled and experienced practitioners have extensive knowledge of various lip filler procedures, ensuring that each client receives a customized treatment plan that is tailored to their unique needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards beautifully plump and luscious lips.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that sentiment certainly rings true when it comes to caring for your skin. Though there are plenty of amazing anti-aging treatments available, it is easier to take steps in your 20s and 30s to help prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging before they show up in the first place. 

Consider these four skin treatments if you’re looking for ways to update your skincare regimen and keep your skin looking and feeling youthful and radiant.

1. BOTOX

Preventative BOTOX, also called “baby BOTOX” or “barely-there BOTOX,” is a growing trend among those in their mid-20s and 30s. Preventative BOTOX involves a smaller amount of BOTOX than what would be used in a traditional treatment and is aimed at helping to prevent fine lines from turning into deeper wrinkles and creases in the future. A famous twin study found that starting BOTOX earlier in life can effectively reduce lines and wrinkles in the future, even after the initial short-term results have faded away.

2. BBL Laser Treatments

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin aging and can cause premature lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. In addition to wearing daily sunscreen and avoiding tanning beds, getting a once-a-year broadband light (BBL) treatment can help to curb sun damage. 

BBL treatments work by directing intense pulsed light (IPL) to the treatment area to promote collagen production. This gentle treatment, usually provided in a series of 3 to 6 sessions, can correct dark spots, redness, broken blood vessels, wrinkles, and dull or uneven skin tone and texture.

3. Microdermabrasion

Exfoliating your skin through microdermabrasion treatments not only makes your skin brighter and smoother right now, but can also make other treatments and skincare products more effective by helping them reach the deeper layer of your skin better.

Always work with a trained, experienced professional, however, when seeking microdermabrasion treatments. While at-home microdermabrasion devices are available, improper use can worsen existing skin concerns.

4. Customized Skincare Routine

Starting a consistent customized skincare routine now can yield remarkable long-term results in the future. The first step to developing the best preventative skincare regimen for you is to consult a board-certified dermatologist or other skincare professional to assess your skin’s unique type and needs. Then, your skincare professional can make skincare recommendations that are personalized to fit your skin’s needs. 

If you don’t already have a dermatologist, give our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office a call at 561-462-0377 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our renowned skincare professionals to discuss your skincare needs and goals. 

Beauty trends come and go, with new, innovative options continuously cropping up and stealing the spotlight. But experts seem to agree that these up-and-coming beauty trends of 2022 that highlight an “I woke up like this” look might be here to stay.

Lip Flips

Lip fillers continue to be one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the country and will likely remain a trend as we head into 2022. However, there is a new lip treatment that’s getting notice: the lip flip.

Instead of using filler products, the lip flip uses carefully placed BOTOX into the Cupid’s bow and corners of your lips. This technique causes your upper lip to “flip” upwards and outwards ever so slightly, creating a fuller, yet ultra-natural looking pout.

RHA Fillers

RHA fillers may have made their grand entrance to the US market back in 2020, but in 2022, they’re poised to shine. 

The RHA® Collection of fillers is the first of its kind to be FDA-approved to treat dynamic facial wrinkles, setting them apart from traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that smooth away static lines and wrinkles. RHA fillers may also last longer than some traditional HA fillers, averaging a longevity of 15 months compared to the 6 to 18 of many other HA filler brands.

Cellulite Treatments

It wasn’t that long ago that cellulite was the elusive skincare woe that just couldn’t be treated very effectively at all. Enter 2022, and there are now several safe and effective cellulite treatments available that can smooth away those lumps and bumps without surgery or downtime.

QWO® is the first FDA-approved injectable cellulite treatment for your booty. QWO is believed to work by breaking down the tight bands of connective tissue that pull downward on fat cells, creating the characteristic “orange peel” bumps of cellulite on the surface. And the best part is in just two to three treatments, you can be beach body ready, no surgery required.

Sculptra® is working on wrapping up a clinical trial as we speak for its own injectable cellulite treatment, so be on the lookout for even more options as soon as this year.

Facials and Peels

The name of the skincare game in 2022 is simplified. Prepare to see skincare and beauty lines focusing on bringing out your natural beauty in as few steps as possible in new product launches this year. To help your skin embrace a simplified routine, let in-office treatments like facials and peels do the heavy lifting to give your skin a healthy, radiant glow so you can maintain an effortless look.

HydraFacial® is among the most popular facials, thanks to its impressive three-step process that cleanses, exfoliates, and protects your skin — all within a single 30-minute session. Peels don’t take much longer — usually around 90 minutes — and can treat a wide variety of skin concerns, from lines and wrinkles to acne scars and dark spots. 

EMSCULPT

In the spirit of simplified and effortless, expect non-surgical body contouring devices like EMSCULPT® to continue taking over the cosmetic treatment scene. EMSCULPT is unique in that it can help your body build muscle, while its latest iteration, EMSCULPT NEO, helps you build muscle and burn fat at the same time — all without lifting a thing. 

Of course, the catch is that body contouring devices can’t help you lose visceral fat, so you’ll still need to stick to those fitness-related New Year’s resolutions you’ve started. But devices like EMSCULPT can help you fine-tune those results and take your beach body to the next level.

Wondering if one (or two or three!) of these top beauty trends in 2022 could be right for you? Call our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office today at 561-462-0347 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our skincare experts to discuss your skin and body goals for the upcoming year!

Looking to branch out your New Year’s resolutions from focusing on fitness to also making healthy changes for your skin? Start the New Year off with fresh, glowing skin by adopting these top six skincare resolutions in 2022.

1. Clean Out Your Beauty Bag

Most of us are guilty of hanging onto more than a few cosmetics in the bottom of our beauty bags that have been around long enough to see years’ worth of New Year’s Eve parties. If the same is true for you, resolve to give your beauty bag a once-over this January, getting rid of anything you don’t use or need and replacing them with the right products for your skin type and specific needs.

Here are a few quick cosmetics cleaning tips to keep in mind:

• Toss out any expired skincare or cosmetic products.
• Toss out any old makeup that’s accumulated dirt or oil.
• Toss out any skincare products that are not a match for your skin type.
• Clean or replace makeup brushes.

2. Stick to a Consistent Skincare Routine

Your skincare products can only work if you apply them consistently — but don’t forget that many products can take weeks of consistent use to produce noticeable changes to your skin. For example, most acne treatment products take around eight weeks to clear your skin. So don’t give up on your skincare routine, even if you don’t see immediate improvements!

Similarly, make a resolution this year to never go to bed without washing your face and removing your makeup. This simple step can make all the difference when it comes to getting and keeping healthy, radiant skin.

3. Wear Daily SPF

This year, remember that sunscreen isn’t just for summer fun — your skin still needs UV protection on chilly or cloudy days. Even if you are traveling to a snowy winter wonderland for the holidays, you’ll still want to pack sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays can reflect off of bright white snow and reach your face even stronger.

As a general rule of thumb, wear at least SPF 15 on a daily basis, choosing a higher SPF on days when you will be outside for an hour or more.

4. Add Antioxidants

Free radicals are unstable molecules that can steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage such as premature aging in the skin. Antioxidants are able to donate an electron in order to neutralize free radicals and therefore stop them from causing damage. Thus, getting plenty of antioxidants in your diet and topical skincare products can help to prevent and even reverse lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of skin aging.

Antioxidants can be found in a number of foods, such as berries, nuts, and dark leafy greens, as well as topical skincare products like vitamin C serums.

5. Drink More Water

Drinking plenty of water can have a profound effect on your skin as well as your entire body! Keeping your body hydrated also ensures that your skin is properly hydrated and able to flush away toxins, making it more elastic and less prone to wrinkles, scarring, and even acne.

As an added bonus, keeping water on hand throughout the day can help you to avoid drinking soda, sports drinks, and other sugary beverages that can have the reverse effect and actually cause wrinkles, acne, and other common skin problems.

6. Schedule a Yearly Skin Exam

Make staying on top of your skin health a priority this year. A great place to start is by scheduling an annual skin exam with your dermatologist. Not only can your dermatologist check for potentially cancerous moles throughout your body, but he or she can also help you get rid of acne, wrinkles, sun damage, or other skin concerns you might have.

If you don’t already have a dermatologist you see regularly, give our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office a call at 561-462-0347 or contact us online to make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.