“We are very excited to be able to offer our patients these new products,” said Eva Maloney, licensed cosmetologist and esthetician at Florida Eye Health. According to Maloney, the products provide the most benefit when used in conjunction with the Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Care System, which is formulated to improve the signs of aging at the cellular level.  “Throughout our lives, we have been exposed to the sun and environmental pollution, gone through hormonal changes, and experienced stress that contribute to the signs of premature aging,” said Maloney. The Nu-Derm System improves cellular skin function, minimizes the signs of premature aging, reduces future photodamage, and helps your skin look and act younger and healthier.

As your skin ages and is exposed to UVA and UVB rays, the turnover of skin cells slows significantly, throwing off the balance between the growth of healthy new cells and the sloughing of old, damaged cells. Additionally, collagen and elastin begin to break down, causing the skin to lose resilience resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Daily exposure to UV light then accelerates this aging process and may cause uneven coloring. “Typically, you can expect to see visible improvements in your skin after using the Obagi NuDerm System for four to six weeks,” said Maloney.

The Obagi Blue Peel RADIANCE effectively exfoliates the uppermost damaged skin layers, leaving your skin fresh, renewed, and radiant. “This is a quick and easy in-office treatment that improves a range of skin concerns and procedures including photodamage, skin resurfacing, and overall enhancement of texture and tone,” explained Maloney.  For best results, those considering the Blue Peel should use the Obagi Nu-Derm System for at least four to six weeks prior to their first peel. For a limited time, Florida Eye Health is offering a free peel, valued at $100, with the purchase of a full Nu-Derm Skin Care Kit, plus a 20% discount on the Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50. The SPF 50 is non-whitening, PABA-free, and is fragrance-free for all skin types.

Unlike some other lash building products, the ELASTILash product does not require a prescription and there is no need to change the wand with every application.  Maloney said for best results, you should apply one generous brush stroke along the entire upper eyelash line every night. She also said there is no evidence of eyelid darkening or change in iris pigmentation. ELASTILash may be ideal for patients with light eye and skin color.

To learn more about the Obagi Skin Care products, schedule a complimentary consultation with our Esthetician Eva Maloney by calling (239) 418-0999, or schedule an appointment online now http://bettervision.net/contact-us/schedule-an-appointment/.

July is UV Safety Month, and local ophthalmologist Dr. Jonathan Frantz, medical director of Florida Eye Health, is joining doctors across the nation in urging Americans to protect their skin and eyes. “During the summer months the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater than in the winter,” said Dr. Frantz.

Suntans and sunburns are marks of skin injury. They permanently damage your skin. In addition, the damage is additive. The more sunburns that you get as a child, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer as an adult.

The Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, which is available through the Aesthetic & Cosmetic Laser Center at Florida Eye Health, delivers the most effective broad-spectrum protection available and is the best defense against both UVB and deep tissue-damaging UVA rays.  “Ideal for everyday use, it’s the only sunscreen formulated to work synergistically with the Obagi Nu-Derm Skin Health Restoration System, a proven regimen that works deep within the cell layers of the epidermis and dermis, fighting back against aging and sun exposure,” said Eva Maloney, an esthetician at Florida Eye Health. She said the results are restored color balance, smoothness and elasticity.

“Recent studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the sun’s invisible, high energy ultraviolet rays without protection may also cause eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Frantz.

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are the best defense system for your eyes against sunlight and harmful UV rays. But what type of sunglasses should you buy? “The most important thing is to purchase sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays,” said Dr. Frantz. “Don’t be misled by the color of the lens or the price tag dangling from the frame.”

The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens. UV protection can come from adding chemicals to the lens material during manufacturing or from a chemical coating applied to the lens surface.

In addition to the damage caused by repeated sun exposure overtime, you need to protect your eyes from acute damage caused by a single day in the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand or pavement can burn the eye’s surface. Similar to sunburns, eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days, but may lead to further complications later in life.

Dr. Laquis specializes in facial, cosmetic and orbital surgery and brings a comprehensive background in his areas of specialization to support his patient’s needs. He is well known in the area and is no stranger to Florida Eye Health, as he had previously provided ophthalmic plastic and cosmetic services at the practice a couple of years ago. Among his many areas of specialization are eyelid surgery, brow lifts, skin cancer removal of eyelids and face, facial rejuvenation treatments, Botox, facial fillers, and orbital lesion and mass removal. Dr. Laquis will provide patient services through the Fort Myers office of Florida Eye Health. He continues to have his own private practice as well.

For more information about Dr. Laquis, click here. You may schedule an appointment online or call 239.418.0999.