DOCTOR'S CORNER

WATERCRESS good for your health and your skin

 

Who would have known watercress could be something to die for! As far as I am concerned until few months ago, I had no idea that this vegetable with small green leaves, and peppery taste existed.

No wonder watercress is so good for you: it is part of the cabbage family. Just like kale, collards, cauliflower, and mustard greens.

Watercress is packed with antioxidants such as: beta carotene, folic acid, vitamins E and C. It is rich in calcium, iron, and phosphorus. We all know that this sounds really good for our health; but how does watercress ward off the signs of aging on our skin?

Exposure to ultraviolet light creates changes in the skin DNA that could promote wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dullness and maybe even skin cancer. The phytochemicals and polyphenols abundant in watercress protect the skin from UV damage making it the ideal vegetable not just for a healthy and radiant skin, but also for shiny hair, bright eyes, and healthy bones.

Watercress is quite versatile in its use. It can be eaten with other mixed greens in your salad. It can be sprinkled inside a sandwich, or it can be juiced. 

Are you in a mood for an “organic” face mask? Then try mixing some honey with watercress juice and let it sit on a clean face for 15 minutes. Rinse with the help of a washcloth and warm water followed by a splash of ice water.

Eat well and your skin will glow!

Dr Aurora

www.AuroraDeJuliisMD.com

PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTHY AND BEAUTIFUL SKIN:

ü  Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits every day

ü  Olive oil (make sure it is a good quality), lemons, fish, nuts, and whole grains should be part of your normal diet.

ü  Probiotics promote bowel health. Eliminating toxins and body waste regularly keeps your skin free from blemishes, and gives you a healthy glow.

• A plain yogurt with live bacilli, eaten every day will do the job.

ü  Avoid drinking soda, especially cola. The blood needs minerals to neutralize the acidity of the carbonated drinks; and since the bones are the primary source for the needed minerals, their depletion leads to brittle and thinner bones.

ü  High acidity in the blood is linked to cancer. Avoid soft drinks and a diet high in animal proteins. Favor instead fibers, fruits and vegetables.

ü  Antioxidants are very important in order to protect your skin from cancer, sun damage, and aging. Vegetables, fruits (especially berries), tea, and dark chocolate are good sources of antioxidants.

ü  Take good quality supplements on a daily basis. Vitamin C is probably the most important supplement one needs to take, since our body does not produce it. I recommend at least 500mg of Ascorbyl Palmitate (a non acidic and readily absorbed form of Vit. C), three times a day with meals. Call my office if you are not able to find this particular form of Vit. C.

BASIC ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE

• ü  At night after cleaning the skin to remove all the make-up and dirt, apply reparative peptides and topical retinoid (when indicated). My favorite serum is the Lipo serum (call my office for more details). This serum will resurface your skin while sleeping. Follow the serum with a high quality moisturizer such as the Aurora De Juliis Vitamin C restorative cream.

ü  In the morning, apply a non-acidic Vitamin C serum and a mild moisturizer such as Sage and Citrus facial cream, followed by your favorite make-up if desirable.

I want to emphasize the need to use only excellent products on your skin. Some commercial brands can contain ingredients not indicated for your particular skin. Seek the advice of a skin specialist, who can analyze your skin and make recommendations on the best regimen for your particular case. In the long run, you’ll save you hundreds of dollars by purchasing the correct products.

As always beauty comes from within. Does your body deserve the extra care? You bet!

Dr D at www.AuroraDeJuliisMD.com

 

 

 

 

PROTECT YOUR SKIN DURING THE SUMMER

As the summer heat takes center stage in our lives, we all feel the need to go to the beach, bake in the backyard, or sit around the pool. After all we want to have some fun!

Exposing the skin to sunlight for at least 15 minutes a day has some important health benefits. But we cannot ignore the aging effects the sun poses on our skin. It is well known that sun rays stimulate the production of free radicals which make the skin dry and wrinkled. Sun exposure might increase the risk of skin cancer as well.

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR SKIN DURING THE SUMMER

 

-   Use a good quality sun block. A 30 will give you the protection you need. When in the sun, do not make the mistake of applying the sun block only once. Sun blocks need to be applied multiple times during the sun exposure in order to be effective. The quality of your sun block is paramount. The ingredients need not to be toxic, and it has been reports in the news of poor quality sun blocks that actually could cause skin cancer! Also if your sun block is too thick, it could clog your pores and make your skin break out.

-   When in the sun, if you do not want to age prematurely, protect your face with a large hat and big sun glasses.

-   Stay hydrated! We know how important water is, but the best way to actually keep the water in your body is to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

-   Take extra doses of Vitamin C. Vitamin C will quench the free radicals that the sun creates and will help in the renewal of skin collagen. I recommend Ascorbyl Palmitate in the dose of 500mg 3 or 4 times a day with food.

-   Last but not least: have fun! Happiness keeps the doctor away.

Look good and be healthy

dr D

www.AuroraDeJuliisMD.com

 

VITAMIN D the wonder vitamin

VITAMIN D the wonder vitamin

 

If you think you are getting enough vitamin D through your calcium pill, think again!

Adequate vitamin D status is necessary for optimal health, but most Americans are lacking a sufficient vitamin level.

There are 2 main forms of vitamin D: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D3 is formed in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin D2 is obtained through irradiation of ergosterol in plants and enters our circulation through diet. Vitamin D3 is also available from: cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, and herring.  In the United States certain foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, yogurt, cheeses, and some juices.  Despite that, these foods are insufficient to fulfill the daily requirement of vitamin D. For example in 8 oz. of fortified milk there is only 100 IU of vitamin D.

Bones need calcium and phosphorous to stay healthy and strong. When the body does not have enough vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous cannot be absorbed into the bones. So if you are taking loads of calcium thinking your bones are strong, you are just wasting money! In the United States osteoporosis affects 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 12 men (yes, men are not immune from bone thinning).

In the elderly vitamin D levels have been suggested to be the best predictor of fracture risks.

There is also good evidence that vitamin D plays a role in muscles health. As a matter of fact vitamin D is helpful in muscular pain.

Vitamin D is important for a good immune response to various conditions such as: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, and type 1 diabetes.

Increasing evidence support a role of vitamin D in brain development and function. Actually patients with Alzheimer’s disease who have good levels of vitamin D, performed better in tests evaluating their mental functions.

Patients suffering from cancer, who live in areas with more sun exposure, live longer than patients living in areas with less sun.  Adequate levels of vitamin D are associated with less risk of colorectal cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer.

Vitamin D might also be associated with fewer incidences of heart attacks, and better controlled high blood pressure.

Studies suggest that one might be vitamin D deficient even with plenty of sunlight exposure.

Vitamin D3 is 2 to 3 times better absorbed than vitamin D2

My suggestion for optimal health is: everyone should take 1000 IU of vitamin D3 twice a day. 

Eat well, but take your supplements too.

Dr Aurora

www.Auroradejuliismd.com

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET

 

Summer is gone, but the sun damage on your skin is here to stay. Are you someone who looks in the mirror and feels her face aged all of sudden? Are you seeing more wrinkles, uneven skin color, capillaries? Or maybe you are noticing a dull complexion that looks worse even with the best quality make up.

Now it is time to take care of your face, before the winter blues make you feel depressed, especially if you have the impression you are starting to look more and more like your mother.

Yes, you need to look refreshed, but ouch! Your budget is tight; and you cannot afford to make a regrettable mistake selecting a treatment or a procedure that might not be up to your expectations.

These are my recommendations:

-   Do not waste any more money on expensive skin products that promise the impossible.

-   Look carefully at your face in the mirror, possibly under natural day light. Now try to understand what bothers you the most. Is it the uneven color of your skin? Are the large pores your main concern? Are the wrinkles around your eyes what you want to erase? Are your facial muscles sagging and creating nasty looking jowls? Or maybe you are unhappy with your neck.

It could be you might want to correct everything on your face, but when you have to be careful with your expenses; my suggestion is simple:

-   Pick one or two things you want to improve.

-   Carefully select the doctor you want to trust your face to.

-   Go in for an informal consultation, but never lose sight on your main complain. Expect to pay a modest fee for a consult. A well establish doctor will never do a consultation free of charge.

-   Before making your decision for any procedure, expensive or not; you should feel a sense of trust toward the doctor performing your facial improvement.

-   Be realistic with your expectations. Keep in mind you want to look refreshed; do not assume you will be looking twenty years younger.

-   Finally, once you have made your decision, do not feel guilty or have second thoughts. After all you are doing this for yourself.

Doctor Aurora

www.auroradejuliismd.com

 GET A LIFT WITHOUT SURGERY

How many times do you find yourself looking in the mirror wishing your face has less wrinkles? Do you find yourself pulling the skin along the outer corner of your face and suddenly looking ten years younger?

That is exactly what I was doing with my face, until I discovered the power of facial fillers. In the hands of a skilled cosmetic physician, you can fill in hollow areas, wrinkles and folds; and immediately look younger and refreshed.

There are a variety of fillers available. The most popular are Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm. They have the appearance of a clear gel. Their main ingredient is hyaluronic acid; which is naturally found in our skin. This substance has the ability to hold moisture in the skin, making it more elastic and plump.

Radiesse is a facial filler that sets itself apart from the rest. Because along with plumping agents, it contains minute calcium spheres, making this product particularly good to inject over bony areas whenever there is a need for volume augmentation.

A slight increase in the volume in the cheek bone region is very desirable, since as we age, we tend to lose the fat pads responsible for a youthful appearance.  The descent of fat pads from the cheeks down toward the jowls is also responsible for the formation of the nasolabial folds.

In my practice I love to make my patients look younger. Many times restoring the lost volume over the cheek bones will erase the folds between the nose and the corner of the mouth. This will also make the jowls less prominent.  (Let me tell you: a prominent pair of jowls does not make you look refreshed. No matter how you slice it!).

 For those who are not interested in surgery, a great deal of lifting can be accomplished using a variety of different fillers placed in key areas on the face.

Replacing lost volume in areas such as: cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, and under the eyes can make anyone look years younger.

Now, if you think your colleagues at work are aging gracefully: THINK AGAIN!

In your rejuvenation path, do not underestimate the value of a beautiful skin, with great collagen, tight pores and even color. Depending on the severity of skin damage; one might want to consider laser skin rejuvenation, a chemical peel, or a laser tightening peel. 

When you come in for a consultation with me, please pick my brain! I have a keen knowledge of beauty and years of experience in making people look and feel attractive. I will guide you in deciding on the best treatment for your particular needs.

Questions? Comments? Please just ask.

Beauty is a gift, and as such it can be purchased!

Dr Aurora

The healing power of honey

If you think that honey is just  another sweetener,  think again!                                                                     

In ancient cultures honey has been used both for nutritional and medical purposes; and the belief that honey is a nutrient, a drug and an ointment has been carried in our days. Before the advent of industrial sugar production, honey was the only sweetener available, and a very significant source of carbohydrates.

Fructose and glucose are the most abundant carbohydrates present in honey. After ingestion they are rapidly absorbed and utilized for energy in the human body.

Honey contains many other important elements such;  proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and selenium.

Among vitamins, honey contains vitamin K, B1, B2, B6, niacin, panthothenic  acid and Vitamin C. Choline is another important nutrient in honey. Choline is essential for cardiovascular and brain function, being an important component of the membrane of human cells.

Compounds with antioxidant properties are also found in honey.

Honey consumption is helpful in reducing inflammation in the bowel as well as in stimulating the immune system.  In ancient Rome, honey was used as a cure for diarrhea.  In Eastern Europe and Arab countries, it has been used for gastritis, and peptic ulcers.  In experimental studies the ingestion of dandelion honey reduced the acidity in the stomach by 56%.

Other important effects of honey on human digestion have been linked to the ability to stimulate friendly bacteria in the intestine. Can anyone imagine what a tasty snack a cup of good quality, organic yogurt is with a generous dollop of honey right on top? Yummy!

For minor cuts, a small amount of honey kept in place by a band aid will protect the cut from infections and will help the wound to heal faster. This is because honey has antibacterial, antiviral and anti parasitic properties.

Depending on its country of origin, honey presents great botanical variation. This is reflected in the diverse appearance, taste, and composition. Argentina and China are the major exporting countries, but its consumption in these countries is low. Europe, on the other hand is a major consumer and exporter.  Among European countries, Germany, Portugal, and Greece are the largest consumers with an annual per capita consumption of about 1.8kg. In USA and Canada the annual consumption is 0.6kg. a year.

Honey has been used for centuries as an important ingredient for skin care. Here is my favorite homemade masque for beautiful and healthy skin.

Ingredients:

-          1 banana

-          1 tbsp of honey

-          1 tbsp plain whole yogurt

Blend all the ingredients together, apply the masque on a perfectly clean face and neck, let stand for 15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.  This masque can be used once a week.

Did you know the best time to apply a masque is when you take a bath?

The ritual of a weekly bath is very healing for the body and soul.

Dr.  Aurora

www.Auroradejuliismd.com

 

MAKE UP TIPS

 

• Are you confused when buying make up?
• Do you wonder if the expensive foundation you just purchased is the right color for your skin type?
• Do you have the impression that make up sometimes shows more wrinkles on you face?

 

 WHEN IN DOUBT JUST FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS:

If you are 18 years old and have flawless skin you can use any make up on your face, regardless of color and consistency.

But if you are 40+ years old, you need to be careful with make up in order not to look like a clown or even older than your age.

KEEP TO THIS SIMPLE RULE OF THUMB:

“Should I use a liquid foundation or a powder?” This is the most frequent question I am asked any time I discuss make up with my cosmetic patients.

Powder can be used on a face with very few lines, no scars and good skin tone. Use a good quality brush, and apply the powder in minimal amounts from the top down. Refrain from moving the brush up and down and in multiple directions on your face. You want to apply the powder only once in an area and always with a downward movement.  This will keep the amount of powder to a minimum. Too much powder will show all your baby hair and make your fine lines more visible.

Liquid make up works best if your skin is not so perfect and especially if you have deeper wrinkles and scars.

If you choose to use a liquid foundation, always limit the amount. Too much will not cover imperfections better, but will make your wrinkles more visible.   Please and pretty please: listen to me.  As you get older less is better! Just follow my simple rule.

Before you apply your foundation, make sure your face is perfectly clean, use a good moisturizer and apply the foundation when your face is still a little humid. I put a dot of moisturizer in the palm of my hand, than add several dots of foundation, after mixing the two together; I apply multiple dots on my face and massage the mixture until totally absorbed.  You want to avoid deep lines especially around your lips and your crow’s feet.

You can blot with tissue paper to remove the excess. Pay attention to the jaw line. You need to blend well into your neck. The worst outcome is to see a demarcation line between your face and your neck.

 

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR FOUNDATION OR POWDER?

 

You need to know the undertone color of your skin.

To determine yours, look at the color of the skin in the internal aspect of your forearm. Make sure this is done under natural day light. Outdoor is best, but a window will do the job too.

Your skin is pale and pinkish.  In this case pick a color that is pale and slightly pinkish. A neutral color will work also.

Your skin has yellowish undertone even if it might still be very pale. In this case a foundation with a very pale yellow is your choice. Please stay away from the pink family of colors, they are not for you.

For a darker, ethnic skin; use dark beige color and the yellow family. No pink please.

For lipsticks follow the same rule.  Pink is good for pinkish, pale skin. If you have darker skin or a yellow or olive undertone DO NOT WEAR PINK.

Red lipstick works well for every skin type. But make sure you have perfect lips. There is nothing worse than seeing a woman wearing a bright red lipstick bleeding through lines around her lips!

As we age our lips will become thin and lose volume.  Sometimes even younger women can have thin lips. Did you know you can have beautiful, sexy lips without looking like you “had something done”?

To learn more, simply send me an e-mail.

Health, happiness, and beauty are contagious

Dr Aurora

www.auroradejuliismd.com

 

 

 

Beauty tips

 

·         Are you unhappy with your skin?

·         Does it feel dry and dehydrated?

·         Is your complexion dull and starting to show more wrinkles than you can bear?

Winter months can take a toll on someone’s skin. Outdoor cold air and indoor dry heat can make your face appear dehydrated and increase the chances for adding extra wrinkles.

Regular use of good products is very important, but do not underestimate the role your diet and lifestyle have in the appearance of your skin. Your look can say a lot about your health. Beauty truly comes from within!

NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR SPRING

This is my prescription for a beautiful skin:

·         At night never go to bed without removing all traces of makeup. Even if you do not use make up, you still need to clean your face and neck from dust and pollutants in the air. For this I recommend a cleanser that is strong enough to remove any trace of dirt. Use lukewarm water; hot water will dry your skin even more.

After petting your face dry I recommend the use of a gentle serum with natural fruit acids. It will help the dry and dead skin cells, to sludge off gently.  The accumulation of dead cells on the surface of the skin is responsible for a dull appearance.  The serum should never make your skin peel or become irritated. If this happens you are using the wrong product.

        A very nourishing moisturizer is a must at night, even if your skin is oily.

·         In the morning since you do not have to take off any make up; I like the use of a very gentle cleanser such as a chamomile one.

       Now you can use a day moisturizer to protect your face from the insults of the environment.

This is a good rule of thumb in selecting your daily cream:

·         For a truly dry skin you can use a moisturizer that is not necessarily thick, but has the ability to trap moisture into the skin. Such products usually have ingredients like glycerin. Stay away from creams containing Vaseline or petrolatum.

·         Oily complexion will do well with a hydrating lotion instead of a cream. I like hydrating vitamin C serum.

·         For problem skin such as pigmentation, rosacea or sun damage you need a consultation with a specialist, such as a medical doctor trained in aesthetic medicine or a dermatologist with a keen eye for beauty.

·         At last you want to invest in a good quality foundation for a perfect final touch.

·         What type of foundation should one use? Is powder better than liquid? Should one worry about sun block? Personal preference is important. If you have a perfect flawless skin (Who has that?) you can use whatever you like. But if you need to cover scars and imperfections the least amount of product you use, the better. Too much make up will actually make your scars more visible.

·         Sun block?  Any make up has a certain amount of sun block in it. Unless you have a tendency for pigmentation and are planning to be outdoors a lot, you do not need extra sun block.

·         STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE TIPS ON HOW TO USE  MAKE UP

·         When choosing products for your skin read the ingredients.  Stay away from creams with too many unreadable chemicals. When in doubt, please ask me, or send me an e-mail.

·         Diet is paramount for a beautiful skin, and I am not talking about drinking water.

Although the right amount of fluid is necessary, but unless you want to visit all the restrooms in town; you need the kind of fluid replacement that will stay in your body instead of going into the toilet.

·         Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They will provide water, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are very important to protect your skin from the damages of the environment.

·         Fats are essential for a soft and elastic skin. Olive oil is good, but plenty of butter is even better. Do not forget the omega 3 found in fish and eggs.

·         Good quality proteins will provide the building blocks for collagen and elastin.

·         Finally do not forget to eat your beans. They contain a substance that protects your collagen from breaking down.

 

Please keep tuning in. Next time I will tell how female hormones will keep your wrinkles at bay.

Please send me any comments or questions.

 

Do not forget to visit my web site at www. Auroradejuliismd.com

 

My choice of the months for a flawless skin is THE COMPLEX C MOISTURISER you can call my office to order or send an e-mail at the above web site.  First time buyers will enjoy a 10% discount. Offer expires April 15, 2009

 

Happy spring

Dr D