Sunscreen and Celebrities

Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series

Think tanning adds to that beautiful, healthy glow? Think again. Some of today’s most popular celebrities know that staying out of the sun helps keep skin young-looking.

“I’m a massive believer in sunblock. Massive…I wear sunblock in the winter, when it’s rainy and gray out—all the time. And not just SPF 15; I wear 50. Five-Zero.” – Charlize Theron

“I say this to every young person I know. Stay out of the sun! I have very fair skin and it would have been super-damage. I always wear sunscreen and I walk on the shady side of the street.” – Julianne Moore

“My grandmother had skin cancer, so she has taught me to wear [sun protection] factor 30 sun cream every day. I even carry an umbrella if I walk in the sunshine.” – Anne Hathaway

So take a cue from these beautiful women. Protect your skin and, in the words of the Skin Cancer Foundation, Go With Your Own Glow

For tips on safe skincare, visit www.skincancer.org/guidelines

Related Reading

Part One of Our Skin & Sun Series: Sunscreen Reduces Melanoma Risk

Sunscreen Reduces Melanoma Risk

Part One of Our Sun & Skin Series

In December of 2010 the results of a landmark study were published by Adele C. Green, MD in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Green’s study showed that use of sunscreen cuts the risk of melanoma in half. This was the first study that used a randomized clinical trial to measure whether sunscreen use was effective in protecting against melanoma. Prior studies had been lab studies or retrospective studies that relied on the subjects’ memories of sunscreen use.

There were some very unique challenges to conducting a study of this type, as the research involved actively working with the subjects. Most case-controlled research is done by observing behavior and gathering existing data rather than actively intervening in people’s lives. Further, a placebo could not be used on the control group as this would subject the participants to dangerous levels of radiation. To address these issues, the test group was given sunscreen and trained its use while a control group of infrequent sunscreen users was asked not to change their existing habits.

The study was conducted in northern Australia, which is an area of high UV radiation and also boasts the world’s highest rate of melanoma. This allowed the researchers to conduct a study with minimal intervention, as environmental conditions were already in place. The study included 1600 participants; from 1992 to 1996 subjects used sunscreen as directed by the study, and in 1997 a ten-year follow-up study was conducted. There were 11 cases of melanoma in the test group (people who used sunscreen regularly, as directed) and 22 cases of melanoma in the control group (people who did not change their sunscreen use habits).

While this is the first study of its kind and more studies will likely be conducted, this is the first research to provide strong direct evidence that sunscreen helps prevent melanoma.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, Sunscreen Cuts Melanoma Risk in Half.

Related Reading

Part Two of Our Sun & Skin Series: Sunscreen & Celebrities

Part Three of Our Sun & Skin Series: Ten Tips for Keeping Kids Sun-Safe

Image Skincare Ultimate Defense™ SPF Products

Amae Plastic Surgery Center carries the Image Skincare Daily Defense line of SPF products to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet radiation. This next generation of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB moisturizers provide the ultimate in protection from the sun. Image Skincare Daily Defense features products for every skin type, including:

Daily Defense™ Universal Moisturizer SPF 30 for all skin types, normal skin and/or aging skin.

Daily Defense™ Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30 for dry/dehydrated, sensitive or Rosacea-prone skin.

Daily Defense™ Matte Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 30 for oily or acne-prone skin.

Daily Defense™ Moisturizer SPF 30 for all skin types and/or uneven skin color and tone.

Daily Defense™ Ultimate Preventive Moisturizer SPF 35 for all skin types. Designed for highly exposed skin, sports activities and post-treatment skin.

Image Skincare Daily Defense moisturizers use grape-seed derived stem cells to extend the longevity of skin cells, as well as Resveratrol to reduce the risk of free radical damage caused by the sun.

Paraben Free

All Image Skincare products are free of chemical preservatives like parabens. The use of parabens in cosmetics is controversial, as there are clinical studies suggesting that parabens have potential health risks. Image Skincare has removed parabens from its entire product line.

Good for Your Skin, Good for the Environment

Besides being paraben-free, Image Skincare products use no petrochemicals or other chemical preservatives and all fragrances are composed from 100% essential oils. Image products are not tested on animals and are produced with respect to the environment.

Skin Care Special: Spring Glo & Go

Join us May 2, 2012 from 10:30 to 3:00pm for a

Glycolic NeoPeel Day

The NeoPeel is designed to help smooth fine lines, minimize pore size and even your skin tone, leaving your skin looking refreshed and youthful.

Call today to schedule your appointment! The first 10 people to schedule their appointment will receive a FREE Tiffany Blue Pashmina!

Purchase your Neocutis starter kit for only $149 (full size cleanser, Journee 15ml & Biocream 15ml) A $100 savings off the suggested retail price (offer while supplies last) and receive a Glycolic NeoPeel at no charge!

15% off ALL NEOCUTIS products!

Discount on NEOCUTIS products expires May 31, 2012
A NEOCUTIS Representative will be here to answer questions and give complimentary skin evaluations.

Anti-Aging Regimen: Strategies and Techniques

Injectables, fillers, Botox®, creams, treatments…what is all of this and how does it work? Anti-aging is not a one-shot solution. Battling the signs of aging is a multi-stage, multi-level effort.

As we age, environmental factors cause skin damage; sunlight, airborne pollution, cosmetics and other factors all take a toll on skin. The basis of an effective anti-aging routine includes using a good, high quality cleanser every night to insure that your skin is clean.

Masks and facials are treatments typically administered at a spa that provide deep cleaning and de-stress the skin, important for keeping lines and wrinkles at bay. Skin can also be rejuvenated and dead or damaged skin removed via microdermabrasion, chemical peels and/or laser resurfacing, all of which actually remove the top layer of skin, promoting healing and skin regrowth.

Many anti-aging creams and serums also help counter signs of aging by reversing the damage done to skin. These products use a variety of natural elements to replace collagen and restore elasticity and strength to the skin. There are general creams for daytime and nighttime application as well as specialty serums that treat specific areas (i.e. under the eyes).

Eventually–despite our best efforts–gravity, age and genetics result in lines, wrinkles and folds that simply can’t be eliminated or even minimized to your satisfaction. At this point many people turn to injectables and fillers, the most popular of which are Botox®, Juvederm® and Sculpra Aesthetic®. These products may be used individually or in a combination, depending upon the results you are trying to achieve and your specific situation. Botox relaxes the muscles and is often used for severe frown lines in the brow and crows feet around the eye area. Fillers use a variety of elements found in the skin to replace lost volume and “plump up” areas of the face. This is particularly effective for deep folds such as those that stretch from the edge of the nose down around the mouth area.

As you can see, anti-aging skin care is really a process, and there are a variety of options which may be right for your skin. The professionals at Amae Plastic Surgery Center can work with you to discuss what you hope to achieve and help determine the best regimen to keep your skin and healthy and as youthful as possible.


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for great specials on anti-aging and skin care products.

Spring Anti-Aging Event a Huge Success

Our spring Botox® event was a huge success. Many of our patients took advantage of the great specials on injectables and anti-aging skin care products. Additionally, we had a representative here from Perfectly Posh, showing off a new line of pampering products including soaps, scrubs, lotions and more.

Our friends from Mentor and Allergan were also on hand to answer questions about breast implants (Mentor), Botox® and Juvederm® (Allergan). Colleen from NeoCutis® was here doing complimentary skin care analyses and providing information and recommendations for anti-aging skin care products.

Wonderful snacks kept everyone going and in high spirits, and it was fun to see many of our patients all together. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did, and we hope to see all of you, and many more, at our next event.

The Staff of Amae Plastic Surgery Center

Facial Surgery Found to Take Off 7 Years

A recent study shows that facial rejuvenation surgery takes off an average of seven years. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto and the NorthShore University Health System in Illinois. In the study, sixty first-year medical students were show photos of facelift patients and asked to guess their ages. Both before and after photos were randomly evaluated by test participants, who underestimated the patients’ ages by 1.7 years for the “before” photos and 8.9 years for “after” photos, resulting in an average of 7 years. The study used photos from patients who had undergone 1) facelift and neck lift, 2) face and neck lift and upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and 3) face and neck lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and forehead lift. In general, the perceived difference in age was larger for patients who had undergone more procedures.

This study is important in that it is one of the first studies to quantitatively and objectively study the impact of facial rejuvenation surgery on perceived age.

Spring Botox Party | Amae Plastic Surgery | Michigan

Aloha From Amae Plastic Surgery

Join us March 15th from 3 – 7pm for our semi-annual Botox party!

Featuring specials on Botox, Juvederm, Sculptra and skin care products, as well as discounts on our NEW Signature Peel

  • Botox: First area $169, second area $169 and the third area $149
  • Juvederm: $429 per syringe
  • Skin Care: 20% off all products
  • Amae Signature Peel: $125
  • Sculptra Aesthetic: $100 off first series
  • Skin Scan: Complimentary 10 minute appointment to reveal the true condition of your skin and the right treatments for you.

Light Refreshments Served

Space is limited for injectables, so call today for an appointment. RSVP for the event by March 5th.

There will be representatives on hand from Allergan (Botox and Juvederm), Mentor (breast implants) and Neocutis (skin care) to answer your questions.

Also featuring products from

Perfectly Posh

Purely pampering soaps, lotions and bath products filled with fabulousness and 100% safe for all. Indulgent and fun. Made in the USA with the very best ingredients. Let Perfectly Posh lift your mind and body to be better, brighter and at ease.

Nose Reshaping: Small Corrections a New Trend

A recent article featured in the Plastic Surgery News talks about the reasons for rhinoplasty (nose reshaping). Most people who have their nose reshaped are not going for a “classic” look or a “celebrity” look. They’re simply people who feel that their nose doesn’t fit their face or is compromising their looks. In fact, may people elect to improve an issue that, often times, other people don’t really notice. But, they see it, and it bothers them.

Many nose surgeries correct slight issues; misalignments, curvatures, etc. Often times people have just the bridge worked on, or just the tip of the nose modified. And, the result enables them to look in the mirror every day without seeing that “flaw.”

Often, when we think of someone having their nose reshaped we envision a drastic change; perhaps something that makes them look like a different person. However, that’s simply not the case. Small corrections can improve a person’s confidence while changing their appearance only enough for friends to say “You look different…did you do something with your hair?”

If you have a nose or other facial imperfection, realize that cosmetic surgery is often the perfect solution for those small things that “bug you.” For a consultation with Dr. Ali, contact us today.

Plastic Surgery: Not Just Cosmetic

Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery seem to be fairly synonymous in our vernacular. When most people think of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery comes to mind. Typically it’s thought that someone undergoes plastic surgery solely to make themselves look better. But, beyond cosmetics, plastic surgery has a number of health and wellness benefits.

Donna McLean, a London mother of three, turned to an eye-lift procedure when aging caused her naturally hooded eyelids to begin interfering with her vision. After a minimally-invasive procedure her vision improved and she experienced the added benefit of looking younger.

Studies have shown that cosmetic surgery can help improve self-image and that this improvement leads to an increase in happiness and a decrease in depression. The benefits of cosmetic surgery include not only improved physical appearance, but also psychological well-being.

And don’t discount the physical health benefits from many cosmetic procedures, including breast reduction, which can help decrease back and neck pain, a tummy tuck that improves posture and decreases back pain, and breast reconstruction for cancer survivors.

The reality is that people undergo cosmetic procedures for a variety of reasons, not just “vanity.” Self-esteem is linked to body image, and self-esteem is important to our overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing physical challenges that you think could be addressed through plastic surgery, contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation.