Skin Care Products at our Office

The simplest, least invasive, most conservative method of improving the look and feel of your skin is achieved by applying creams, lotions, gels, and solutions. This is how one can start on the road to cosmetic improvement. This is all many people want or need. These topical preparations can:

  • Make the skin feel softer and smoother
  • Return some of the brightness or translucence
  • Even out irregular areas of brown pigmentation
  • Decrease a leathery, time-worn appearance
  • Give the suggestion of decreased pore size
  • Prevent sun damage
  • Reverse some sun damage
  • Actually reduce finer wrinkles

Scientifically based and clinically proven, the anti-aging products we use utilize active ingredients such as antioxidants, algae peptides, active peptides and beta hydroxy acids in ideal levels that assure real skin improvement. These specialized products work to reduce the effects of environmental stress and aging, strengthening skin's elastin fibers and boosting collagen production, dramatically rejuvenating the appearance of the skin.

There is a vast array of skin care products available to achieve the above goals, but a little understanding of the ingredients and how they work will help you participate in making the best choices for yourself. There are a number of lines that probably work just as well, but we have chosen our product line and have become familiar with this one and have been using it for years.

Check out our online store.

Sunscreens

Dr. Ecker a dermatologist for more than 28 years has treated thousands of skin cancers and has seen many patients frustrated by the cosmetic deterioration of their skin. The sun causes most of these changes - not all of them, but a high percentage. If Dr. Ecker could get you to put one skin care product on your skin on a daily basis, it would be sunscreen. It should be applied every day without regard to the weather, even if you plan on being indoors all day. Form the habit! It takes about three months. After the three months you won't feel right going out without sunscreen.

Which sunscreen should you use? In truth, a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 is all you need to prevent skin cancer. It blocks about 94 percent of the damaging burning rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks close to 96 percent, but it usually blocks a broader range of light, not just the burning rays.

So, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or 30. Use one that feels and smells good on your skin and doesn't curdle or cake other products you're using. Women often prefer a moisturizing sunscreen. Men usually prefer something with more alcohol, like aftershave lotion, sports gels, or anything non-sticky. Sunscreen as skin care, even in Oregon, is nothing to shrug off.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is currently the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. It is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that can temporarily smooth out frown lines, crows' feet, and forehead wrinkles. It can also be used to treat Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. BOTOX® Cosmetic is composed of the purified form of the botulinum bacterium toxin which, when administered in small doses, temporarily relaxes the tense facial muscles responsible for wrinkles. After treatment, fine lines and wrinkles will be significantly diminished for three to four months.

After BOTOX® Treatment

To achieve maximum results from BOTOX® injections, you must pay close attention to the way your body adapts to the treatment. In some patients the effects will last up to four months; in others, the visible signs of aging reappear after three months. In order to promptly schedule your therapy sessions, keep track of how soon your lines and wrinkles reappear.

Restylane®

Restylane® is a natural dermal filler that can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, making your skin appear fuller and smoother for about six months. Restylane® is formulated using hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. When a small amount is injected into the skin, the Restylane® attaches to water molecules already present in the body, causing the skin's underlying tissue to swell. As the Restylane® draws in more and more water, the skin expands to fill in surface wrinkles and create a smoother overall appearance.

Is Restylane® Safe?

Restylane is an exceptionally safe dermal filler, primarily because it is free of animal derivatives and is composed of a substance that is already present in your body. This means that there is very little chance of the body rejecting the filler and having an allergic reaction. Like all dermal fillers, Restylane® can cause swelling, redness, or irritation, but these side effects usually go away within a few days or even a few hours.