Put Some Spring in Your Routine

Make smart decisions now to have your healthiest future. By Lilith Dorko

There is so much that’s great about New Orleans in the spring: lush greenery; a temperate climate; and what seems like music events every weekend if not every day. What does all this mean? It means there are ample opportunities to get off the couch and spend your days and nights outdoors. That also means there’s no excuse to keep hiding behind that bulky coat or in your office: It’s time to put some spring in your routine! There are so many ways to get healthy both for the coming warmer months and for life in general, and so many opportunities and qualified healthcare experts to help you reach your goal. Whether it’s a gym membership and a trainer to push you, correcting longtime eyesight problems or finding the right dermatologist to put your best face forward, now is the time to make smart decisions about your healthy future.

Dr. Dierdre Hooper of Audubon Dermatology says there are many effective at-home treatments for improving your skin: “The Clarisonic brush does wonders to clean out pores and brighten and refresh skin,” she says. “My favorite anti-aging prescription product is tretinoin: It is unmatched in improving the overall look of skin texture and tone, and improving acne and pigment problems. And Aquaphor is great for chapped lips, dry skin, minor cuts and burns.”

For more professional services, however, she also has some favorites. “In the dermatologist’s office, microdermabrasion and light to medium chemical peels are low risk and high reward for those looking to improve acne or pigmentation problems. Botox can be used to reduce wrinkling and to give a brow-lifting effect, even in small doses.”

With so many fillers on the market today, Hooper likes Juviderm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra best. “There is instant visible improvement that has long-lasting effects,” she says.

Hooper has simple, yet effective, advice for those looking for long-term, lasting results. “Wear your sunscreen over a topical antioxidant serum everyday! Don’t work against yourself – avoid smoking, tanning and picking. Ask your dermatologist for a retinoid prescription. These simple steps are more important to your skin’s beauty and health than any procedure.”

Dr. Patricia Farris is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who developed one of the best skin-care regimens available back in 1998. Developed in collaboration with some of the world’s best formulators, Natural Advantage is an over-the-counter regimen that utilizes retinol and alpha-hydroxy to transform skin. According to her Web site, 100 percent of users in a clinical trial saw visible results in just two weeks. In addition to her own line of skin care, Farris also specializes in vascular laser treatments, leg vein treatments, soft tissue augmentation and ProLite.

Dr. Kamran Khoobehi is highly skilled in all facets of facial and body rejuvenation. Whether you are interested in the latest “lunch hour” procedure for a quick boost or more permanent body treatments, Khoobehi offers complimentary consultations in his spacious and luxurious facility. His office utilizes only the latest and most cutting-edge technology for the most natural results, including Fraxel laser skin resurfacing and endoscopic forehead lifts.

If you’re less concerned with skin treatments and more concerned about your eyesight, Dr. Stephen Brint is here to help. Brint Vision specializes in Lasik and lens replacement. Brint uses the Allegro Wave laser system for corrective laser treatments – the best on the market today. For patients, that means a faster and more precise experience than with traditional laser therapies. If cataracts and vision loss are the problem and not simply poor eyesight, Brint also offers lens replacement and lens implants, which correct all forms of distance vision problems including astigmatism.

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