When you think Valentine’s Day, you might think of candy hearts, champagne, or candlelit dinners. You probably don’t think of skin care—but of course, we do! We know how important it is for you to be happy with your skin’s health and appearance. So, this year for Valentine’s Day, why not show yourself some L-O-V-E by giving yourself the gift of glowing, beautiful skin? We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite treatments and products that will have you LOVING your skin all year long.

L- is for Lip Fillers. Whether you want subtle plumpness, natural fullness or serious volume in the lips, dermal fillers like Restylane and Juvederm can help make your lips more kissable than ever in just one office visit. No single cosmetic treatment or procedure is right for everyone, and results from lip fillers can vary significantly among patients. To determine the best approach to making your lips appear fuller, come in for a consultation.

O- is for Obagi products.  Whether it’s acne, wrinkles, or dark spots, there are products to address common skin concerns and help keep your skin looking healthy. Obagi Medical is a versatile, clinical-grade skin care brand that has been beloved by dermatologists and patients alike for decades. Each advanced product in their line-up is expertly formulated with proven ingredients to treat and improve conditions like hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles and more. Our licensed aestheticians are available to help you choose which products are right for your skin type and concerns.

V- is for Velashape. Valentine’s typically isn’t a time for breakups, but if you’ve got cellulite, now’s the perfect time to call it quits. Ask us about Velashape, a revolutionary, non-surgical treatment for cellulite. This treatment uses a combination of effective techniques including manual massage, heat, radiofrequency (RF), and more to banish that cellulite for good. With just 4 treatments you can have tighter, firmer skin and less cellulite.

E- is for the Experts at The Woodruff Institute. Whether you want to address a specific skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or acne, the providers at The Woodruff Institute offer a variety of cosmetic, medical, and therapeutic services to help you love your skin.

Ready to declare your love for healthy, younger-looking skin?  Schedule a consultation with a skincare professional at your nearest Woodruff Institute location. Now with locations in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers.

When the seasons change, so do our skincare routines. The lotion that keeps your face looking supple in the heat of summer is likely not enough to counter the serious dryness caused by dry winter air. If you could use a little extra moisture this winter, these formulas are sure to deliver rich hydration, plus the anti-aging benefits your complexion needs to stay young and healthy.

SkinCeuticals Replenishing Cleanser
• Benefits: Delivers deep facial cleansing while maintaining moisture
• Key Ingredients: Ceramide + Glycerin
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination
• Application: Twice daily, apply a small amount to wet face and neck with a light circular motion
• Expected results: This creamy face wash lathers into a rich foam to remove dirt, debris, impurities, and long-wear makeup without stripping natural oils

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier
• Benefits: Delivers hydration to the surface to increase Hyaluronic Acid levels
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Licorice Root Extract, Purple Rice Extract
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
• Application: Once or twice daily, apply 4-6 drops to the palm of the hand, then apply to face and blend
• Expected results: Improves the visible appearance of firmness, smoothness, and plumpness

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
• Benefits: This anti-aging cream melts into the skin to correct the signs of aging and nourish the barrier of the skin
• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Natural Cholesterol, Fatty Acids
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
• Application: Once or twice daily, apply a small amount to fingertips and work product into face, neck, and chest with a light circular motion
• Expected results: Restores essential skin lipids to improve the overall appearance and radiance of the skin

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque
• Benefits: Delivers highly concentrated ingredients to calm, cool, comfort and reduce the discomfort of reactive skin
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Olive Leaf Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
• Application: Once or twice a week or as needed, apply a generous layer to a clean face, neck or chest (avoiding eye and lip area) for 10-15 minutes and rinse with cool water
• Expected results: Rapidly delivers a calming and cooling effect to comfort and replenish sensitized/dehydrated skin

SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair
• Benefits: Delivers effective antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and botanical extracts that hydrate and heal dry lip tissue
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
• Application: Once a day, apply a small amount and follow up with SPF balm
• Expected results: Restores and replenishes lip tissue to relieve dryness

SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
• Benefits: Delivers powerful ingredients blended with a soothing complex that promotes cell turnover to reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic, Phytic Acid, Soothing Complex
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination
• Application: Initially use once every other evening, then increase to once an evening, apply a pea-sized layer over entire face and neck
• Expected results: Improves the appearance of skin texture and tone for a radiant glow

Obagi Elastiderm Eye Serum
• Benefits: The innovative rollerball technology delivers clinically proven ingredients to strengthen, firm, and protect the delicate skin around the eye
• Key Ingredients: A Bi-Mineral Complex, Caffeine, Malonic Acid
• Best for which skin type: Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination
• Application: Once or twice daily, gently roll serum on the outside and underneath the eye area
• Expected results: Alleviates under-eye puffiness and revitalizes tired eyes for a youthful, refreshed appearance

STAY HYDRATED
Here’s one of the most well-known healthy skin habits- drink more water. You should be drinking about 2 liters of water every day to keep your skin hydrated. Try keeping a water bottle with you at all times. If you are not a fan of drinking plain water, try coconut water, fruit-infused water or herbal teas.

EAT HEALTHY
It’s an old saying but it still stands true- you are what you eat. A poor diet can cause breakouts and sullen-looking skin, whereas a good diet can provide your body with all the nutrients you need for great skin. Try adding plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains and lean proteins to your diet.

QUIT SMOKING
Smoking can be quite destructive to your skin. Smoking deprives your skin of valuable oxygen and nutrients, and can lead to the formation of wrinkles, particularly around the eyes and mouth. Do yourself a favor and try to quit smoking. Not only will it help ensure that your skin remains healthy, but it will also greatly reduce your chance of developing lung cancer.

START AN EXERCISE PLAN
If you’re thinking a sweaty exercise routine doesn’t sound like a great way to improve your skin’s appearance, you may be wrong. Regular cardiovascular exercise is absolutely crucial to keep blood circulating to all the skin on your body. Increased blood flow delivers nourishment to skin cells, keeping them looking young and healthy.

DON’T SKIP YOUR BEAUTY REST
There is good reason sleep has sometimes been cited as a natural beauty treatment. You have probably seen yourself in the mirror after a long night’s work or play, and realized your skin looked older, more sallow and drier than if you were well rested. Your skin goes through much of its restoration while you sleep. If you cut back on sleep you are reducing the amount of time the skin has to repair, which can affect the way you look.

WASH YOUR FACE BEFORE BED
Washing your face before bed will remove troublesome bacteria and oil, making you less susceptible to clogged pores and acne breakouts. For women, makeup removal is especially important. A well-hydrated, clean face before you go to bed will give your skin a chance to renew.

START AN ANTI-AGING ROUTINE
As you ring in 2021, consider establishing and maintaining a consistent skin care regimen. Here are some simple anti-aging steps to take each day:
1. Wash with a gentle cleanser.
2. Use SPF 30+ sunscreen every day.
3. Use a retinol or retinoid each night before bed to improve fine lines and wrinkles and counteract sun damage.
4. Return moisture to the skin barrier using a moisturizing cream with ceramides.
5. Consider adding a Vitamin C serum to your routine to protect your skin from sun damage and free radicals.

OUT WITH THE OLD
How many old skin care products do you have? The New Year is the perfect time to clean out your makeup bag and medicine cabinet. Skin care products do go bad. Even worse, they can cause skin—and health—problems if not disposed of at the proper time. If you’re going to turn over a new leaf when it comes to skin care, this is a good place to start.

SEE A DERMATOLOGIST
A great way to start 2021 is to schedule a skin examination with your dermatology provider. You should aim to have your skin checked at least once a year. Early detection is key in preventing skin cancer, which is estimated to affect one in five Americans.

TRY THAT AESTHETIC TREATMENT YOU’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT
The first week of January is one of the busiest times of the year for aesthetic procedures because patients are making good on their New Year’s resolutions. Even if you have a stellar skin care regimen, there may be something that just isn’t looking the way you want. Why not try the aesthetic treatment you’ve been thinking about? Perhaps it’s Botox, Dermal Fillers, Laser or a chemical peel… it’s time to make your skin care resolutions and enjoy beautiful results in 2021.

The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery is thrilled to introduce Restylane Kysse™ by Galderma, the newest FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler, designed specifically for the lips!

You may be familiar with the Restylane® family of dermal fillers, an assortment of fillers used to smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, subtly enhance lips, improve lines around the mouth and add volume. Created by Galderma, Restylane Kysse is the first lip filler that uses XpresHAn Technology™ which gives the hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler more flexibility and tissue integration than traditional fillers on the market. Restylane Kysse™ offers unique cross-linking technology that gives the substance a balance between structure and flexibility, which is great for the lips and areas of the face with lots of movement. It can move along with the tissue seamlessly – giving it a very natural look and feel.

Restylane Kysse is also longer lasting. It can last up to a year in comparison to other lip fillers that last 6 to 9 months.

Restylane Kysse is also included in Aspire Rewards to save you money on future treatments!

To find out if you can benefit from Restylane Kysse please call our toll free number at 844.485.0104 for a consultation at one of our offices in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Fort Myers.

Written by: Sharon Panella, Licensed Aesthetician

Misconception: Vitamin A thins the skin. Actually the reverse is true.

Vitamin A (tretinoin & retinoids) help create new, healthier skin by kicking in cell turnover leaving the skin with a fresher look and improving texture. In effect Vitamin A will in time prevent fine lines by thickening the dermal layer of skin, stimulating collagen production resulting in plumper healthier skin.
Vitamin A is the most important ingredient in skin care. Backed by science and many years of research.
Consider: Skinceuticals Refining Night Cream with Retinol

Misconception. Aggressive scrubbing & using abrasive cleansers is good for your skin.

Using scrubs and abrasive cleansers too often can remove the oils that protect our natural skin barrier, some products will tear the skin and all this can contribute to aging and irritate skin. Think “less is more” and find a suitable cleanser and moisturizer that benefits your skin type. Safely use your scrub once a week as a general rule.

Consider: Skinceuticals Micro-exfoliating Scrub, Skin Authority Exfoliating Cleanser

Misconception: Skin repair only occurs at night while we are asleep.

While an adequate night’s sleep is certainly pleasing and helpful to skin repair, the skin’s renewal process is constantly taking place. However, not enough sleep can cause stress, sluggish and puffy skin and reduce the natural development of collagen and elastin fibers.
Consider: Skinceuticals Renew Overnight Dry, Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter

Misconception: Topical cosmetic collagen creams can replace collagen.

There is a lack of existing evidence the topical application of collagen can penetrate the epidermal layer of skin. Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin. These creams are ineffective in improving the skin’s underlying structure, as opposed to collagen injections. Topical application of collagen creams can however treat dry skin and provide hydration and moisture to the skin.
Consider: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Repair

Myth: Natural ingredients are better for your skin than synthetic ones

There are merits to natural products, but they are not always the most effective. Some natural ingredients can cause problems for the skin. At the same time, synthetic doesn’t equal bad. Active ingredients that need to be synthesized can actually be identical to those found in nature and be more efficacious.
Consider: Skinceuticals C&E Ferulic or Phloretin CF Serums

Myth: Indoor Tanning is Safe

Without question, there is no such thing as a safe tan from the sun or tanning beds. A tan is a wound. ALL tanning other than from a self-tanner or a spray tan is a problem. Actually UVA rays that are found in tanning beds lead to more harmful skin damage, as UVA rays radiate the most damaging effects and are a surefire way to fast track your skin to wrinkles, discoloration and even skin cancers.
Consider: Jane Iredale Tantasia Self-Tanning Bronzer

Misconception: The newest greatest & latest advertised anti-aging skin care products will work quickly to repair all your skin care concerns.

If a product sounds too good to be true, it most likely is all hype and marketing tactics.
The damage we incur to our skin over our life time did not happen overnight and it will not be magically repaired.
In most cases when you begin a new skin care regimen it will take at least three skin cycles depending on your age to begin to see visible results.

Father’s Day is right around the corner. Rather than buying your dad another tie for Father’s Day, why not get him something a little bit more unique this year- a gift certificate for a cosmetic consultation?

According to The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the number of men having cosmetic procedures has increased 325 percent since 2019. Here at The Woodruff Institute for Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery we offer patients a variety of cosmetic treatments, which are popular among men. Here are a few of our favorite treatments for male patients:

Botox & Fillers
Men are increasingly getting Botox and fillers to appear younger. Botox is commonly used to smooth wrinkles on the forehead. Another popular use for Botox amongst men is for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Soft tissue fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse can soften the deeper lines of the lower face or decrease the “bags” under eyes.

Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is an easy way to remove unwanted body hair on the back, neck, chest, and abdomen. Laser hair removal will eliminate the hair at the root, so patients do not have the aftermath of ingrown hairs or patchy spots, just continuously soft skin.

JuVaShape
JuVaShape is a non-invasive radiofrequency technology that delivers concentrated thermal energy to renew, revitalize, and refresh the body. JuVaShape helps eliminate the appearance of cellulite along the abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks without pain or downtime. JuVaShape is perfect for men who have been hitting the gym with regularity and still are not seeing their desired results.

Sun Protection
Last, but not least, Father’s Day is the perfect time to give Dad the gift of sun protection especially if he spends time fishing, golfing, biking, or participating in any outdoor activity. With our lines of EltaMD sunscreens, BloqUV sun shirts, and Wallaroo hats, we are sure to have something Dad will love.

For the best treatments and products (and gifts) in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers, give us a call at 844-485-0104.