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The Vivoderm Natural Skincare Story

Vivoderm is a natural skincare line whose seeds were sown over forty years ago by a holistic dermatologist, Dr Hedayat Adhami. His father worked as a natural doctor and herbalist and as a young boy, Hedayat worked in his father’s practice, selling herbs and learning about the healing properties of various plants. Against all odds, Hedayat put himself through medical school and quickly became a well-known dermatologist in his home country of Iran.

 Throughout the years, his fascination with natural remedies remained strong and Dr. Adhami spent the majority of his career researching potent, healing herbs from around the world and handpicking the most effective combinations for his skincare line. His mission has always been to combine his vast knowledge of medicinal plants with his medical knowledge to treat any skin condition.

In the mid 80’s, Dr. Adhami moved his family to Southern California. Initially, Dr. H. Adhami made the products in his own lab and treated only patients in his clinic. His two children, Shawn and Noushin currently work as doctors in Los Angeles.  As his son Dr. Shawn Adhami explained, “These products were personally developed by my dad. As a practicing dermatologist, he was also an herbalist, so early on in his practice he started doing research on various herbs that had a therapeutic effect. He started mixing and matching and after much success, Vivoderm was started. When I became a Doctor, I used some of my father’s products in my own patients with skin problems and began to see wonderful results.”

Dr. Noushin Adhami elaborated, “During our childhood my brother and I frequently heard from our father’s patients and acquaintances about how their skin and lives were transformed as a result of his treatments,” Years later, despite our busy practices, we were passionate about sharing our father’s line with the rest of the world.” In the spring of 2010, Shawn and Noushin founded Vivoderm Natural Skincare to make their father’s products available to the public.

About the Vivoderm Product Line

Vivoderm supports not resorting to harsh and potentially harmful ingredients in your skin care products. Skin care should be about true health – not punishing and shocking your skin. They choose to use natural ingredients, harvested from renewable and sustainable sources. The nine piece Vivoderm line is a unique, easy to use skincare routine for all skin types.

Their signature products are the 100% herbal, Anti-Aging and Anti-Acne Facial Masks. Unlike anything else on the market, both masks are a blend of actual pulverized herbs and natural lighting ingredients. It is so pure, you can actually eat it, (but they prefer you use it on your skin).

The remaining line of basic skincare products  – intense moisturizer, zinc cream, anti-aging eye cream and cleanser and toner – contain a majority of natural ingredients like Vitamins A and E, Chamomile, Comfrey, Rosemary, Aloe Vera, Beta Carotene, Green Tea and Lavender.

“We believe that our products are the best skin care you can give your skin and we hope you will agree,” said Dr. Adhami. 

Vivoderm’s collaboration with nature goes further than natural skincare products. Their products are also 100% cruelty free, which means no animals are harmed in thier production process or that of their suppliers. In addition, Vivoderm packages are recyclable. Vivoderm is a member of the Better Business Bureau and the Natural Products Association, and they are certified by the Leaping Bunny Program.

Read more about Vivoderm and see their natural skincare line at www.vivoderm.com

The Top 6 Treatments for Scars

Scars can be as different from each other as the people who have them!

Some are dark. Some are light. Some are wide. Some are raised. Some are easily seen. And some are almost invisible.

One thing that we know for sure is that genetics play a huge role in the appearance of scars, but there are several professional treatments that can improve their appearance if your genes didn’t do as good of a job as you would have liked.

Keep Reading for The Top 6 Scar Treatments!

 1. Silicone Therapy

Silicone scar therapy is widely used in the treatment of burn scars, and is one of most effective ways to prevent both keloids and hypertrophic scar formation, both of which are more common in scars from burns, scars over joints, and scars in darker skin types. Many plastic surgeons also use specially designed silicone sheets to improve the appearance of the scars associated with breast augmentation, breast lift, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery. In my practice, I routinely start silicone therapy at 2-3 weeks after surgery. I instruct my patients to wear ScarLine Rx ® Silicone Sheet which are extremely soft, thin, and comfortable. The ScarLine Rx® sheets are self-adhesive so it’s possible for patients to wear them for 2-3 months. I’m convinced that these sheets make a real difference in the final appearance of their scars, particularly after cosmetic breast surgeries like breast augmentations and breast lifts. No one knows for sure why silicone therapy works, but the leading theories suggest that a combination of hydration and compression play key roles in the success of silicone sheets.

2. Laser Therapy

Non-ablative laser treatments can help red and pink scars blend into the surrounding skin. Most patients need 3-5 treatments for an ideal result. The treatments themselves take less than 30 minutes. In addition to silicone therapy, which starts at 2-3 weeks after surgery, I also routinely start laser treatments at 3 months after surgery. It really helps scars fade more quickly, and it’s another easy way to ensure that you wind up with the nicest looking scar possible.

3. Micropigmentation

For scars that are much lighter in color than the surrounding skin (hypopigmented), which is a common appearance with healed burns, micropigmentation might be an option. Micropigmentation is essentially medical grade tattooing done by trained medical micropigmentation specialists. Careful and precise pigments are placed into the scar to match the surrounding skin and make it much less visible. Micropigmentation is also a very common technique in permanent makeup for eyebrows, lip color and lip liner, as well as in nipple areola reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.

4. Scar Revision

For most patients, a combination of silicone sheet therapy and a series of laser treatments are enough to give a satisfactory appearance to their scars, but these treatments are only effective if the scars are treated early (within 12 months). For scars that aren’t treated early, surgical scar revision might be the only option to improve the appearance. During a scar revision procedure, your plastic surgeon will remove the visible scar from the skin, and also remove the scar tissue underneath the skin. After all the scar is removed, the incision will be closed meticulously with specially designed suture materials that lead to a minimal amount of inflammation, which leads to more favorable scars. Most scar revisions can be done in the office under local anesthesia, and most patients can return to work the same day. I still use routine silicone therapy starting at 2 weeks after scar revisions, and laser therapy starting at 3 months. This is actually the most interesting part about scar revisions… they turn old scars into new scars so that silicone and lasers can be effective!

5. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most commonly used scar treatments, but probably not the best. There is no sound evidence that Vitamin E makes any difference in the appearance of scars, but it does lead to quite a few allergic skin reactions that may actually worsen the appearance. I’ve seen quite a few patients have allergic reactions to topically-applied Vitamin E, and I’ve also seen a few patients who wound up with hyperpigmented (dark) scars that resulted from severe rashes, or even blistering, around their scar. My advice… don’t use it. It probably won’t help, and it may actually end up hurting your efforts to improve the appearance of your scar.

6. Mederma

Mederma is probably in the same boat with Vitamin E, but without such a high risk of an allergic reaction. I recommend Mederma to patients who can’t, or don’t want to, use silicone sheets after their surgeries. I’m not sure if it makes a difference, but I know that it doesn’t hurt either.

SPF for Scars

One of the most important ways to keep your new scar looking good is to always, always, always use sunscreen for the first year after surgery or injury! Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of scar hyperpigmentation (darkening), which will not go away. The best sunscreens for scars contain zinc oxide, which blocks UVA and UVB rays, but it can be difficult to find sometimes. If you have trouble finding a zinc-containing brand, use the heaviest sun protection you can find (Neutrogena makes SPF 100). And remember, the suns rays are strong enough to penetrate most clothing and bathing suits, so you should still apply sunscreen even if your scars are covered!

How can I get more information about scar treatments?

You can contact us by phone or text message at 917-703-7069, by email at MAS@ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com, or by visiting our website at www.ManhattanAestheticSurgery.com.

photo credit istockphoto

 Nicholas Vendemia, M.D.                                                                                                                                                                                                  Plastic Surgeon, New York City                                                                                                                                                                                                   MAS / Manhattan Aesthetic Surgery                                                                                                                  http://www.manhattanaestheticsurgery.com/

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Photo Credit: istockphoto

NOTICE: None of the celebrities or individuals discussed here have ever received treatment, surgery, medical advice, or evaluations from any author, physician, surgeon, or representative of this blog. All images and photos in this article represent models only. No actual patients or clients are shown.

3LAB BB Cream Skin Care Giveaway

Caring for your skin doesn’t have to be a complicated process; not when your skin care collection consists of products from 3LAB. The advanced skin care line offers a streamlined range of multi-tasking formulas to make simplifying your beauty routine a cinch.

Developed by David and Erica Chung, along with two well-known chemists and a celebrated dermatologist, 3LAB combines innovative technology and advanced ingredients with formulations that are as effective as they are luxurious. It aims to deliver quality, high-end skin care to improve your skin’s overall health and youthful beauty.

Their newest star product, the Perfect BB SPF 40 cream, may just be the “Perfect Product” that Erica Chung sought to develop and the reason for creating 3LAB. The sheer tinted moisturizer works to firm, lift, brighten, hydrate, renew and protect skin … all in one step! It features 3LAB’s signature bio-engineered hormone to regenerate skin cells, apple stem cell technology to delay the aging process, along with brightening peptides, collagen-boosting protein, antioxidants and anti-aging botanicals. Available in three shades to match your skin tone, Perfect BB may be your new go-to for a flawless, natural appearance!

Our latest giveaway gives you the chance to try it for free! Like DermStore and 3LAB on facebook, then tell us:

How many products do you use to protect, moisturize and add color to your skin?

**10 winners will be chosen at random. Post a comment and tell us how many products you use to protect, moisturize and add color to your skin. Giveaway starts on 1/24/12 and ends 2/7/12 at 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be announced during the time of 2/8/12 – 3/8/12. If a winner does not reply within 5 business days of being contacted, another winner will be chosen.**

Mondays with Michelle: What’s the Best Moisturizer with SPF?

Ask the Esthetician

Q: Are moisturizers with SPF sufficient, or is it better to use 2 separate products? What’s the best moisturizer with SPF, in your opinion?

A: Nowadays there are so many great moisturizers with SPF—and unlike products from decades past, they provide outstanding protection from the sun. Just keep in mind, it’s important to make sure the SPF is high enough (I prefer 30 or higher for everyday use). One of my favorite products is Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectact – SPF 30. It never feels heavy or oily, yet it gives my skin the moisture it needs and leaves a nice matte finish. It’s the perfect product to use under makeup!

If you’d rather use two separate products, that’s fine. Just make sure that you apply the SPF after you moisturize.

Find Heaven with Nick Chavez

Do you ever find yourself buying hair care products based solely by the smell? Guilty! It’s an awful habit I have, instead of looking into the ingredients I care more about the way it smells. The problem with doing that is you may not be benefiting your luscious locks; you could instead be hurting them!

 A New Year’s resolution of mine is to dig deeper and investigate the products I use. One ingredient to keep an eye out for is Argan Oil for hair. Not only is this ingredient beneficial for your hair—it’s great for cosmetic purposes across the board! One brand I have discovered and fell in love with is Nick Chavez, who offers a ‘heavenly’ product called Angel Drops.  Now if you are working with a dull mane, this is a product that can leave your hair with softness and shine!

Argan oil for hair— so many benefits!

1. It has the capability of repairing damaged hair and acting like a moisturizer. Whether from natural elements, or if you tried too hard to be a beach blonde.

2. Suffering from dry scalp? This oil hair treatment will cure that.

3. Hair extensions can leave you with less than what you started with, argan oil can increase hair growth (phew)!

4. After too much dyeing that natural shine can be gone, and it restores shine.

5. Ever tried counting split ends; this can also prevent those pesky things!

From thickening shampoo to ‘Scrunch Spray’ (which I am dying to try) this Hair Care line has it all! It even smells amazing, which you all know is very important to me. For the New Year ladies, try to make sure you look great and feel great! This statement could be easier said than done. However, I do think that with the right products you can achieve a great look that boosts confidence.

Perfectly Perfect: 3LAB’s BB Cream

For the last few months BB cream has been a hot buzzword in the DermStore office. Hearing that it’s been a huge success in Asia for years, it got me thinking: what is it, how do I get it and is it really that amazing? Lucky you and thanks to my beauty product junkie ways, I have the answers for those questions. I’ve been using the product on and off for the last month and guess what? Yes, it really is that amazing. 3LAB has managed to perfect their BB cream to rival those top brands in Asia.  Their new anti-aging treatment and tinted moisturizer hybrid is appropriately named: Perfect BB SPF 40. What I love most about this product so far is it’s long lasting coverage and UV protection. Plus, it’s infused with 3LAB’s signature bio-engineered growth hormone and apple stem cell technology. So how does this benefit you? Well, let’s count the ways:

  1. RELIEVES: Its active ingredients help to soothe irritated skin.
  2. PROTECTS: This wonder product features SPF 40 – keeping all those UV rays at bay.
  3. MINIMIZES DISCOLORATION
  4. LOADED with VITAMIN E: Your protector against free radical damage.
  5. Features BETA WHITE: 3LAB’s innovative biomimetic peptide that whitens skin by decreasing proteins involved in the pigmentation process. There’s some science for you!
  6. Just like 3LAB’s skin care line, this make-up product TREATS fine lines and wrinkles.
  7. COVERAGE for age spots and blemishes.

Try it for yourself and see those 7 wonders above in action. Take it from this product junkie you won’t regret it!

PS: Be sure to keep a look out for an upcoming give away featuring our star 3LAB BB CREAM above.

Feng Shui Your Beauty Routine: 6 Simple Steps To True Radiance

Feng shui is the ancient art and science of creating balanced environments with maximized energy. You can also apply the balancing and energy-directing principles of feng shui to your habits and routines to make small but powerful changes… and THAT IS BEAUTIFUL!

Botticelli's Birth of Venus

Here are my favorite ways to feng shui your beauty routine and feel like a goddess right now:

1. THINK BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS.  Its true, radiance starts on the inside. No matter what you look like, without confidence you will not shine. Even a few minutes a day of pure admiration in a mirror will set the day on a new course.

2. Now, clean those mirrors!!!  Often.  Always keep your reflection super clear.

3. Full-Color Light is so important. If you don’t have sunlight where you apply makeup, try adding FULL-SPECTRUM light bulbs.  This will both boost your mood and mimic the colors of sunlight to show you more of your beauty!

4. Make it a fresh start daily.  Wash your face with a Clarisonic brush if you can. You can’t get a fresher start!  Exfoliation literally sweeps away old skin like filing papers clears clutter.  Both your face and body could need a gentle but true scrub daily. 

5. Define your facial architecture! Learn to use a brow kit  – it’s transformational and so easy.

6. Use color deliberately- and USE IT!!! Red lips  add attractive fire and corals  communicate cheer and health.  A high gloss of any color  will grab attention like a mirror does on a wall.  A smoky eye in violet shades is more spiritual, browns are more grounded and stable, blues are more self-loving, greens more creative and black…pure mystery.  Any place you use highlighter you will also add sparkling metal energy which defines and refines.

Also:  always remember to have fun, eat well (starvation makes you look aged while ruining your health and chi!), drink lots of water and rest!  You are as beautiful as you allow yourself to be, so get out of your own way and shine!!!  xoxo Dana

 

Dana Claudat is a Pyramid School Feng Shui Consultant, writer, designer and founder of the feng shui lifestyle blog The Tao of Dana. A Stanford-educated Art Historian based in Hollywood, she does very personalized feng shui and art consulting with a client base composed largely of brilliant artists and the entertainment set.  She also works online with clients spread around the globe to make her user-friendly, unique feng shui approach available to anyone with a computer. Dana’s mission is to help everyone in the world become more positively in control of their environment and, thus, their lives.

Website: The Tao of Dana 

Twitter: @thetaoofdana

 

Enter our CATTIVA Giveaway for a Chance to Win!

Developed by former model, Joelle Maryn, CATTIVA was founded on the timeless allure of Italian romance and lifestyle. Drawing from years of experience in beauty and fashion, Maryn wanted to create a line that would combine the two worlds, resulting in couture cosmetics that make women feel even more glamorous as the packaging in which they’re encased.

The mineral-based formulations with natural anti-aging ingredients and long-lasting pigments truly simplify a woman’s beauty routine; helping her to achieve and maintain radiant, flawless beauty with minimal effort. Every product, from its best-selling Il Primo Bacio lip gloss to its smoldering eye shadows, offers all the sought-after age-defying properties and fashion-forward colors that beautify women in style.

Today’s giveaway gives you a chance to experience them all!

Il Primo Bacio Lip Gloss in #7A matte dusty pink gloss (the ultimate go-to color perfect for night and day) fortified with antioxidants to soothe, moisturize and protect lips; comes with a Swarovski crystal-tipped cap

Tutto Giorno Mineral Eye Shadow Quad Refill (in Monteforte)Four mineral-based shadows in metallic taupe, sparkling eggplant as well as pink and dusty pink shimmers

Refillable Crystal Container-A sleek crystal-studded compact to perfect your makeup in style

Plus, you’ll also get a chance to win a black faux patent leather CATTIVA travel bag to hold all your chic cosmetics!

Like CATTIVA and DermStore on Facebook, then tell us:

What is your favorite lip gloss color (e.g., pink, plum, brown, red)?

**7 winners will be chosen at random. Post a comment and tell us what your favorite lip gloss color is (e.g., pink, plum, brown, red). Giveaway starts on 1/16/12 and ends 1/30/12 at 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be announced during the time of 1/31/12- 3/2/12. If a winner does not reply within 5 business days of being contacted, another winner will be chosen.**

Mondays with Michelle: SOS for Aging Arms

Ask the Esthetician

Q: I am over 40 and I noticed the texture of the skin on my arms is not looking as good as in the past. Is there a body lotion that acts as an effective treatment for aging skin?

A:There is! Glytone Body Lotion has a high percentage of glycolic acid, which will really help out in improving texture. If you’re sensitive and it stings a little, try using it every other day. You’ll notice great results within a couple of weeks.

New Year, Fresh Start Thanks to Perricone MD

2012 is here and I’m ready to get my skin and body back in order after an intense holiday adventure of traveling and overindulging. A big fan of Perricone MD products and recent facebook like to Dr. Perricone’s facebook page, has me thinking of doing an overhaul to my diet to achieve radiant, healthy skin. The idea of changing my normal consumption habits is slightly overwhelming until I saw all the fresh produce and fish options showcased on Well + Good NYC’s article with Dr. Perricone  himself. (Check out the photo of his refrigerator. Evidence that the doctor himself adheres to his own advice.)

The challenge: start incorporating fresh, healthy produce and fish to my diet, combine that with Perricone MD’s supplements (perfect for me since I’m on the go and saves me time) and topical skin care products. Check out next month to see my update/progress I have made.

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