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The warm weather is finally upon us and with a new season comes a slew of issues surrounding our appearance. These days our research, equipment and techniques are so advanced that nearly every problem pertaining to skin can be remedied. Here are a few common issues I have been addressing lately – and what can be done about them. |
You want those lush, long lashes but mascara won’t do the trick
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PRESCRIPTION – There is a brand new treatment on the market today, Latisse, designed to give you the lashes of your dreams. My patients love it! Latisse makes lash growth possible because of its active ingredient: bimatoprost. Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of eyelashes occurs by increasing the percent of hairs in, and the duration of, the anagen (or growth) phase. Lashes can grow longer, thicker and darker because bimatoprost can also prolong this growth phase. Simply go to your dermatologist and request a prescription, then apply topically to the base of the lashes. You should see results in about four weeks and achieve the end desired look after 16.
Warm weather = excess sweating
PRESCRIPTION This is a very common issue and you may be surprised to hear that Botox can be an incredible help when injected into problem areas. Botox temporarily blocks the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate sweat glands. When the sweat glands don’t receive chemical signals the excessive sweating stops and you are free to wear colors, silks and sundresses with no fear! In fact, many men come in for the same procedure in the palms - we call it Banker Botox - so that nerves aren’t evident when it comes to the handshake closing a major deal.
You’re paying the price now for your sun-worshipping teenage years
PRESCRIPTION – Stop beating yourself up about it. What matters is that you change your habits now. When you go outdoors always, always seek shade. It reduces UV rays by 50 percent. When applying sunscreen you should remember the rule of teaspoons and shot glasses. You need one teaspoon of SPF 30 or higher on your face and then the equivalent of two shot glasses on your body. Then set your cell phone alarm for two-three hours later and reapply to maintain protection. Now onto fixing the sun damage. The only proven wrinkle reducers are retinoids – FDA approved, topical treatments that rank high on my list of skin-renewal candidates. They can be applied to the neck, chest, hands and forearms in addition to the face. To fade brown spots and fine wrinkles, I prescribe OTC retinols. They do make skin extra sensitive to the sun, so sunscreens are mandatory (although they always are in my book)!
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| About Amy Wechsler, MD
A family dermatologist practicing in New York City,
Dr. Amy Wechsler is board certified in both dermatology and psychiatry. With a philosophy that draws
on her unique and diverse experiences, she is recognized for being as approachable and progressive as she is professional.
Dr. Wechsler is dedicated to helping patients of all ages address and treat the effects that state of
mind and physical behaviors have on the appearance and condition of their skin. She works with them to provide lifestyle practices that nurture and care for the body. This level of treatment is enhanced by the combination of her technical and aesthetic skills which ensure that patients look and feel their best. She is well known for her approach to all dermatological procedures – administering traditional practices only after spending significant time with patients and thoroughly understanding their emotional state of mind and the impact it is having on the outer surface.
Dr. Wechsler graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Duke University. She earned her degree in Medicine with honors from Cornell University Medical College in New York. After
completing her residency in psychiatry at Payne Whitney Clinic-The New York Presbyterian Hospital, she went on to do her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Fascinated by the fundamental connection between mind and body, Dr. Wechsler entered into a residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Upon completion of her postgraduate training,
Dr. Wechsler’s hospital appointments included Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Clinical Affiliate at The New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is currently Adjunct Clinical Professor in Psychiatry
at the Weill Cornell Medical College and Assistant Clinical Professor in Dermatology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
A credit to her respect within the industry, Dr. Wechsler is a recipient of the Scholastic Achievement Award from the American Medical Women’s Association. She has been featured in The New York Times, Oprah, W, Vogue, Elle, Allure and Marie Claire to name a few as well as on The Today Show, ivillage Live and The Tyra Banks Show. Dr. Wechsler is an active member of several acclaimed professional organizations including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Independent Doctors of New York, The Physicians Scientific Society and The Skin Cancer Foundation.
Dr. Wechsler has two young children and resides in Manhattan.
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