Six Tips to Minimizing Dark Under-Eye Circles

Dark circles can be blamed on multiple factors including heredity, hormone levels, sun exposure, stress, aging, a lack of sleep and most commonly- allergies. An important thing to note about dark under-eye circles is that here is no perfect way to prevent them, only minimize them once they are visible. However, contrary to what you may think, dark circles cannot be remedied by skin lighteners because the darkness is not caused by skin discoloration, rather a shadowing of the skin.

In order to relieve the darkness around the eyes, there are various methods you can use to minimize the appearance of them.

• Using powerful peptides such as Enza Essential's Eyebright Anti-Puffiness Gelee will cool and sooth the appearance of puffy bags while increasing cell turnover, leaving you with a brighter, more youthful appearance.
• Dermal Fillers can be used in order to plump the area around and under your eyes which reduces the intensity of shadowing. 
• Because allergies are the number one cause of dark circles, it is important that you have identified what you are allergic to and have proper allergy medication to minimize any potential reactions.
• Wearing sunscreen, particularly an SPF 30 or greater, will help to minimize unprotected sun exposure and the effects of aging from the sun. 
• Applying ice packs or cucumbers directly on the dark circles at nighttime will sooth and minimize the dark circles caused by puffiness.
• Lastly, the Pelleve Wrinkle Reduction System is a treatment that will help to tighten and brighten your face while also increasing collagen production that will work against the skin's natural aging process.

Although there is no way to completely prevent dark circles from appearing, there are multiple ways to reduce the shadowing that occurs. By using the methods listed above, you can successfully mask those embarrassing signs of aging, lack of sleep and stress before anyone has time to notice them. 

Winter Skin Care

The combination of dry air and holiday stress can prove to be a nightmare for your skin. As with any other season, you will have to adjust your daily routine accordingly to keep your skin fresh and renewed. The following are tips to help you rejuvenate your skin and look your best for the winter season.

• Don't Skip the Toner- Applying toner will normalize the skin's pH level, misting your skin throughout the day will allow the toner to absorb excess oil and keep you looking fresh.
• Curb Your Cravings- Be sure to limit sugar intake. When your body processes sugar, it turns into glucose which can destroy collagen and your skin's elasticity. Eating fiber-rich foods can help ward off hunger and your sweet tooth.
• Exfoliate Twice a Week- Dead skin and bacteria left on your face can irritate your acne and leave scarring. Be sure to slough it off with a gentle exfoliator.
• Watch the Blow Dryer- The extreme heat and extended use of a blow dryer facing your neck can break capillaries and over time, leave them permanently broken. 
• Use Lukewarm Water- When rinsing your cleanser, avoid water that is too hot or too cold. Your skin is very sensitive and not being careful with temperature could cause irritation and break capillaries. That means shower water temperature can also be damaging if it is too hot. 
• Use an Oatmeal Based Scrub- Abrasive scrubs and exfoliants are too harsh on your skin during winter. Milder, oatmeal-based facial scrubs can unplug the oily pores. 
• Avoid products that use mineral oil or petroleum- Mineral oil and petroleum, both derived from fossil fuel, may dog your pores and prevent your body from flushing out toxins through your skin, leading to breakouts. Be sure to check the ingredients on all your skin care products and cosmetics. 
• Drench and Hydrate- With dehydrated and cracked skin, be sure to add moisture with deep-hydrating creams and facials. Also, don't forget to stay hydrated yourself. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain a radiant complexion. 

By following these tips you will ensure your skin stays healthy and protected through the cold, snowy weather. You can do it- keep your skin you love, even in the harshest winter months. 

Pellevé®: A Breakthrough in Anti-Aging

It’s an inevitable evil, and it happens to us all: with each increasing year come new wrinkles. We’ve tried it all- creams, medications, even surgeries in hopes of minimizing wrinkles and reducing age. However, Rucker M.D., Enza Medispa has taken initiative and began using a new procedure in their offices: the Pellevé® Wrinkle Reduction System. Here we look to introduce and explain this new procedure and why it is important to the Rucker M.D., Enza Medispa and its patients.

What is Pellevé®?

Pellevé® is a unique wrinkle reduction system with various benefits including minimizing wrinkles, tightening and smoothing the face, and creating a younger, brighter complexion. Pellevé® does this through a non-invasive and nonsurgical treatment.

How is Pellevé® different from other wrinkle remedies?

Dr. Joseph Rucker M.D. describes what he sees as the top three benefits of Pellevé® that no other wrinkle reduction treatment can offer:

1.   An appreciable wrinkle reduction

2.  A painless procedure

3.  No downtime

What can I expect to experience while undergoing the procedure?

Rucker M.D., Enza Medispa patient feedback will tell that the Pellevé® experience is calming and enjoyable. “It feels like a warm facial, and when it gets too hot for me, they move on. It’s never too uncomfortable. It’s relaxing; I even dozed off a few times.”

How long until I start to see the effects of Pellevé®?

Immediately- Rucker M.D. Patients have expressed their surprise at how quickly they could feel the treatment working on them. “It was immediate and the results were amazing. I loved the tightness and I loved the fullness.” “My face had this healthy glow; [it] felt tighter and firmer. I noticed around my eyes right away that the crow’s feet weren’t noticeable.” And when combined with Enza Essential’s topical wrinkle reduction serum, the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator, your immediate results will be enhanced.  

With your immediate results, you may notice a slight depletion of tightness a few days following treatment. This is normal. With time and follow-up treatments, you will begin to feel a permanent re-tightening of the skin.

What are the side effects?

One of the benefits of Pellevé® is that there are very few side effects to this procedure. As mentioned earlier, it is a non-invasive treatment, meaning no downtime is necessary. You will be able to go out in the sun, apply make-up, and get back to your daily routine immediately following treatment. Some patients may experience mild swelling and redness; however this typically goes away within 2 to 24 hours.

Is it effective?

Dr. Joseph Rucker, M.D. stands by his efforts to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction by incorporating Pellevé® into his practice. Pellevé® successfully passed all of his following criteria:

1.   Research shows its benefits

2. A waiting period to review the long term effectiveness of the technology

3.   My own personal use of the technology

For more information or to set up an appointment for a Pellevé® treatment, please call our offices: 715-832-1774. All inquires are welcome and can be answered by an experienced Rucker M.D. staff.