Latest news with #CatherineChang
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Best Skin-Firming Tips to Smooth Under-Eye Wrinkles, Straight From Dermatologists
Under-eye wrinkles are a common and often unavoidable part of the natural aging process, but certain at-home products, in-office treatments, and lifestyle habits can help minimize the intensity of their appearance. Being able to identify whether you have dynamic wrinkles, static wrinkles, or wrinkle folds can help you determine the best path for treatment. One of the best treatments is prevention: Lather up with SPF every day, starting as early in life as older brings many things, including under-eye wrinkles. 'Because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, it's one of the first areas to show signs of aging," says board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD. To be clear, the addition of these lines to your face isn't bad. Some might say their existence reflects the privilege of a life well-lived. Even so, if you look in the mirror one day and decide you just aren't feeling the crow's feet or crepey skin under your bottom lash line, you're not without options. According to skin experts, including dermatologists and a plastic surgeon, there are plenty of products, in-office treatments, and lifestyle choices that can help you modulate the intensity of under-eye wrinkles. Below, experts share the leading causes of under-eye wrinkles, the different types of wrinkles, and some of the best ways to address the Chang, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Prive Beverly Hills and NakedBeauty MD. Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Idriss Dermatology in NYC, and founder of skincare line Dr. Idriss. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. Kristel D. Polder, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist.A leading cause of under-eye wrinkles comes from the natural aging process, Dr. Idriss says, specifically the loss of the structural proteins elastin and collagen in this delicate area where the skin is already naturally thin. Age is hardly the only factor, though. Some culprits are more within your ability to control (like smoking, poor diet, and dehydration) than others (like genetics). For example, sun damage can speed up the effects of the aging process, given that UV exposure can exacerbate 'collagen breakdown, contributing to skin crepiness and deeper lines,' says board-certified plastic surgeon Catherine Chang, MD. While diligent SPF application is a helpful tool to save you from the drawbacks of regularly catching rays, you may not want (or be able) to avoid other causes of under-eye wrinkles. 'Frequent facial expressions — like smiling or squinting — cause repeated muscle contractions around the eyes," Dr. Chang adds, "which over time lead to dynamic lines, even when we aren't emoting." Not all under-eye wrinkles are the same, and identifying which type (or types) you have is important. No one's suggesting you fight the urge to smile, frown, or emote in any way, but the small facial movements associated with these expressions are what can lead to a type of under-eye condition called dynamic wrinkles. "Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions, usually from smiling, frowning, or raising one's eyebrows,' says board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA. 'Common examples of dynamic wrinkles around the eyes are crow's feet.' Sometimes, you won't be making any kind of a facial expression, but you'll still see wrinkles and lines under your eyes. That's totally normal: 'Over time [dynamic wrinkles] can evolve into static wrinkles, which remain visible even when the face is at rest,' says Dr. Idriss. They often show up and stay put thanks to the natural, age-related loss of collagen and elasticity in your skin, Dr. Palm adds. As opposed to the wrinkles that come with dynamic and static wrinkles, crepey skin (or wrinkle folds) look like deeply creased or ridged skin pockets. Wrinkle folds 'are indicative of age-related volume loss in facial fat pads,' Dr. Palm says. 'These typically appear in the tear-trough area, causing noticeable grooves under the eyes.' It's often linked to lack of hydration and a loss of collagen, adds Dr. Idriss. 'At-home treatments can absolutely support skin health and help delay the progression of under-eye wrinkles when used consistently,' says Dr. Idriss. Here are some products to consider and ingredients to prioritize in your skin care. One of the best 'treatments' available for all types of under-eye wrinkles is lifelong sun protection, and the earlier you start, the better. According to the pros, doing so can delay or potentially prevent the onset of wrinkles and at least help to reduce their potential intensity. 'Preventing under-eye wrinkles starts with protecting and preserving the skin. Wear the damn sunscreen,' says Dr. Idriss. But sun protection doesn't stop with applying eye-safe sunscreen on the daily and reapplying as appropriate. Sunglasses are also particularly helpful for protecting against under-eye wrinkles, because 'they both protect against UV damage and reduce squinting,' Dr. Chang says. That makes them a double whammy for preventing the development of lines in the eye area. Additionally, Dr. Palm adds, wearing UPF hats and seeking shade during peak UV hours can also be helpful. If you've been looking for a reason to spring for a red light therapy mask, consider yourself in luck. 'At-home products such as red light therapy and red light masks, dermarollers, and other over-the-counter devices can help improve the appearance of this area,' says board-certified dermatologist Kristel D. Polder, MD. But these options typically aren't as strong as (and are often less effective than) in-office procedures. According to Dr. Polder, in order to notice an improvement in the appearance of your under-eye wrinkles using one of these devices, you'll likely need to commit to using it daily. Retinol is often lauded as a skin care superhero for its anti-aging properties. This derivative of vitamin A is often included in serums and creams, and research backs up its ability to accelerate cell turnover and increase collagen production, Dr. Palm says. 'If you're sensitive to retinol, consider using a lower concentration and working your way up, or, use it in conjunction with bakuchiol, a plant-derived compound that has been shown to minimize retinol irritation,' she adds. Regardless of whether you're generally sensitive to retinol, Dr. Chang suggests exercising caution when using the active ingredient on this delicate area of the face, noting it can be harsh for this type of skin. 'Also, be sure when applying an eye cream or treatment product that you are using your ring finger, as it's the most delicate,' Dr. Chang adds. Caffeine doesn't just help you keep your eyes open when you're sleepy. It's also a key ingredient in skincare products that may be of interest for your under-eye area. 'Caffeine helps constrict blood vessels to minimize puffiness and dark circles,' says Dr. Chang. So while caffeine won't zap away your wrinkles, it can nevertheless contribute to a brighter, smoother appearance. Hydrating eye creams and serums with the following ingredients offer a plumping effect that the experts say can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles: Niacinamide, which is a brightening ingredient Topical antioxidants, like vitamin C products, which brighten and reduce oxidative damage Peptides, which support collagen and elastin production to thicken and strengthen the delicate under-eye skin. Hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin Ceramides, a hydrating ingredient that acts as a skin barrier, protecting against environmental damage and blocking water loss Growth factors and topical exosomes, which encourage collagen and elastin production While plenty of at-home solutions may help you care for your under-eye wrinkles, sometimes you want a more targeted option. For that, you'll want to see your doctor. "A well-formulated eye cream can act as a supportive tool in your routine," Dr. Idriss points out, "but it won't replace professional treatments when deeper wrinkles are a concern." Selecting the appropriate treatment for you isn't necessarily a simple process, however. 'Every patient is unique, and therefore their treatment plan is individualized,' Dr. Palm says. 'There are many approaches to under-eye wrinkles that include non-invasive and invasive treatments. The most effective invasive treatments, such as laser resurfacing, have significant downtime.' Lasers can be highly effective in the under-eye area because they 'stimulate collagen production and help thicken the skin, improving texture and minimizing fine lines,' Dr. Chang adds. Other in-office treatments that the pros recommend include neuromodulators (like Botox) which help limit the muscle movement that can cause dynamic wrinkles. Then there's hyaluronic acid filler, which Dr. Polder says can help restore volume loss and offer a refreshed look. Ultimately, your best bet for landing on the most effective in-office or at-home treatment for your specific needs is to visit your dermatologist, who can help you land on a safe and effective regimen. Read the original article on InStyle
Vogue
16-06-2025
- Health
- Vogue
A Deep-Plane Facelift at 40: One Woman's Story
When Melanie booked a consultation appointment with Beverly Hills-based board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Catherine Chang, MD, FACS, she wasn't set on getting a facelift. 'I come from a family of women who have aged very naturally,' she tells me over Zoom one afternoon. And while Melanie, who works in the beauty industry, praises the decision to age intervention-free, that simply wasn't the path for her. That consultation appointment sealed the deal when it came to her future plans. ''Needs' is a subjective term,' Dr. Chang says of her method for creating a custom procedure cocktail for her patients. After their appointment together ('Dr. Chang had me look in the mirror and asked me what I saw,' Melanie recounts, adding that she called out her jaw line and drooping eyelids as areas she wasn't happy with), they settled on a plastic surgery recipe far longer than just a deep plane facelift. It also included a neck lift, a lateral brow lift, an upper blepharoplasty, and fat grafting. The latter is especially new and exciting. 'I began by creating a small incision inside the belly button so that it is not visible, then harvesting the fat [from the abdomen] to inject back into her face,' Dr. Chang says. 'The patient specifically disliked the hollowness in her under-eye area, so we added the fat in the under-eyes, as well as the cheeks and temples.' Dr. Chang's wait list is currently 9 months to a year, so the wait was on. Between that first appointment and the morning of surgery, there were a few appointments to confirm the details, but that was it. 'The morning of, I showed up to the surgical center and Dr. Chang took out her surgical pen and drew all these lines on my face that were for the procedure,' she says. That famous Sex and the City scene where Samantha dips a toe into plastic surgery—and then sobs after looking in the mirror—comes to mind. But there was no running away for Melanie. 'I didn't have a mirror, but I felt comfortable because of Dr. Chang's manner.' Then, she went under anesthesia and woke up—easy. Melanie was able to go home the same day because she had hired an in-home healthcare worker to stay with her (typically, you need to stay in a hospital overnight). For the first 48 hours, her head was fully bandaged, a bit like a mummy, to control swelling. After that, she wore a head strap—think Jacob Marley from A Christmas Carol—for a week straight. For the final week, the head strap was on for 12 hours a day.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 8 Best Bottle Sterilizers To Save You Countless Hours Of Cleaning
Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, formula-feeding or combo feeding, hand-washing and boiling bottles and pump parts for what feels like hours upon hours on repeat is one of those chores every parent dreads. The best baby bottle sterilizers help ensure your baby's bottles end up clean and sanitized separate from your other dishes where cross-contamination could occur. They can also be used to sterilize other commonly washed baby items like pacifiers, breast pump parts, sippy cups, teething toys and baby spoons. The Philips Avent Baby Bottle Sterilizer And Dryer Premium is my pick for the best bottle sanitizer overall, because it's easy to use, both sterilizes and dries and looks good sitting on any counter. Using a bottle sterilizer isn't essential, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises sterilizing bottles until babies reach at least 2 months of age—or longer for those who are premature or have weakened immune systems. 'Former NICU patients may benefit from sterilizing bottles and pump parts, particularly in the early days when a baby is still more vulnerable to infection,' says Dr. Catherine Chang, a University of Utah Hospital pediatrician. Using a dishwasher on high heat or the sanitize setting, or boiling items on the stove also sterilizes bottles, but the best bottle sterilizers 'are certainly more convenient and potentially time-saving,' she says. Learn more about the top picks for the best bottle sterilizers on the market right now. Capacity: Up to six bottles, parts and accessories | Cycle time: Six minutes (sterilize only); 40 minutes (sterilize and dry) | Dimensions: 11.9 x 7.5 x 14.8 inches The Phillips Avent Baby Bottle Sterilizer And Dryer Premium packs a lot of convenience into a compact and sleek package. First of all, it's both a sterilizer and a dryer, which is a huge time-saver compared to other sterilizer-only models. And while not crucial, its slim modern profile just looks nice. Aesthetics aside, it sanitizes quickly (just six minutes), and even with the drying cycle added on, the entire cycle finishes in just 40 minutes, which is a lot faster than other similar products, so you won't be there waiting anxiously for it to finish so you can feed or pump again. The controls are simple, making it easy to learn how to use straight out of the box. You simply turn the knob to one of the three settings: sterilize, sterilize and dry, or dry only. An included drip tray collects any milk droplets to keep your counters clean and tongs makes removing still warm items in the sanitizer easy. While it's designed to fit multiple bottle sizes, be aware that there are some parents online who say it's challenging to fit their 8-ounce Dr. Brown's bottles in particular, while others say if you remove the accessory tray, that's not a problem. And since it's designed to be modular, when you're done using bottles you can remove the taller portion and just leave the accessory tray to use to sterilize any number of other baby and toddler items like teethers, feeding items and more. This sterilizer also comes with a 24-month warranty. What the parents say: 'While it only fits six bottles at a time, it has a fast cycle that makes running back-to-back cycles pretty easy and everything always comes out dry, which I feel like didn't happen with other ones,' says Lisa Serapiglia, Forbes vice president of business operations. She also loves its compact footprint, allowing her to maximize countertop space. Capacity: Up to six bottles and two full pump part sets | Cycle time: 10 minutes (sterilize and dry) | Dimensions: 11.3 x 12.5 x 13.5 inches If you're in a hurry, it doesn't get much faster than the Baby Brezza Superfast Sterilizer Dryer cycle that both sterilizes and dries everything inside in just ten minutes. The convenience of not having to time putting your bottles or pump parts in as soon as you can to ensure they'll be dry for the next feeding or pumping session is priceless to many parents. Pennsylvania-based pediatrician Dr. Lee used this sterilizer herself: 'I found the dry function super helpful when my baby was born in the middle of a hot and humid Pennsylvania summer,' she says. 'It also had the most capacity for what I wanted and was easy to clean.' The unit has four modes: sterilizer and dryer, sterilizer only (six minutes), dryer only (four minutes) or storage rack. It also comes with a one-year limited warranty in case something doesn't work as well as it should. This no-fuss sterilizer isn't the most compact, however, so make sure you have the kitchen real estate to dedicate to it or spacious cabinet space to stash it away when not in use. If you're looking for an affordable sterilizer that gets the job done, or perhaps a more portable one to take to work or to travel with, the lightweight Munchkin Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer is a fantastic option. It holds up to four bottles and two breast pump shields or any number of those smaller, peskier pump parts, and you simply pop it into the microwave for two to six minutes (depending on your microwave's wattage) to sterilize the whole batch. It's convenient, easy to stow in a cabinet when not in use and kills up to 99.9% of bacteria in a few minutes. Often on sale for less than $15, it's hard to beat this sterilizer in terms of value. What our writers say: 'I loved using the Munchkin Steam Microwave Bottle Sterilizer any time I needed to sterilize something quickly, like a binky or my pump parts. I didn't use bottles very often, so this was perfect to pull out when I needed it and then to stash it out of sight,' says Alicia Betz, Forbes Vetted writer and mom of three. 'It's so much cheaper than the fancier sterilizers, too, but it does the same job.' Capacity: Up to 11 bottles, parts and accessories | Cycle time: 70 minutes (sterilize and dry); adjustable drying times | Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 15.4 inches If you're cycling through tons of bottles and pump parts every few hours, you'll want a sterilizer that can hold a lot at once so you're not constantly reloading it. The extra spacious Hauture Baby Bottle Sterilizer holds up to 11 bottles at once as well as a few extra pump parts. Given how much it can hold, it surprisingly has a smaller footprint than other comparable models we looked at. It is, however, on the tall side, so if you have low cabinets finding a good place for it may be trickier. This easy-to-use sterilizer has multiple modes you can select from including a sterilize and dry option and a preset option where you can set a timer to have it start cycling through at a certain time to coincide with your feed or pump times. A bright LED display at the button shows you how much time is left in the cycle and if you're not in a hurry to use whatever items are inside, it'll keep them sterilized for up to 72 hours. An accessory tray on top holds bottle nipples, pacifiers and smaller pump parts. Capacity: Up to four bottles, parts and accessories | Cycle time: 90 minutes (wash, sterilize and dry) | Dimensions: 18.5 x 9.8 x 15.3 inches With 20 high-pressure jets, the Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro is essentially a dedicated mini countertop dishwasher for all your bottles and pump parts with no fussy drain attachment required. Unlike a regular sterilizer where you may still have to hand-wash the bottles or pump parts beforehand, this one dispenses soap, rinses it off with three cycles, sterilizes with hot steam and dries everything thoroughly with HEPA-filtered hot air. The bottles and accessories inside stay sterilized up to 72 hours. Wheels on the bottom make the unit easy to move and turn around. The price is higher than the average sterilizer, but fans like Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rebekah Lowin say it's an 'absolutely indispensable tool' in her household. She had this to say about it in her review: 'What most impressed me about this Baby Brezza device was its ability to achieve such an extraordinary level of cleanliness.' There are six cleaning modes, so you can select the one that best fits your needs (and time): wash, sterilize and dry, wash and dry; a wash only (19 minutes), sterilize and dry, sterilize only (10 minutes) and dry only (60 minutes). It's definitely on the larger side, so you'll want to make sure you have enough counter space to dedicate to it. Just note you'll have to use the brand's proprietary BPA-free baby detergent (as if you were buying dishwasher pods) for the machine. It comes with 60 tablets. Capacity: One bottle plus accessories | Cycle time: Six minutes (sterilize only) | Dimensions: 9.8 x 5.9 x 7.9 inches Instead of having two appliances cluttering up the counter, sterilize and warm up your baby's bottle with one compact machine. Not only will this handy machine sterilize a bottle or pump part, it'll also gently warm up frozen or fresh milk and baby food to your preset warming temperature. As an added bonus, all the pieces easily disassemble and can be washed in your dishwasher. The slim profile fits easily on most countertops. The programmable LED panel remembers your last settings so you can just press a button to start the next warming cycle, while a 60-second auto shutoff makes sure baby's milk or food won't get too hot—small details that might feel sanity-saving during middle-of-the-night feedings. Due to its multifunction design, it only holds one bottle at a time, so if you're planning on needing to sterilize multiple bottles and accessories a day, this may not be the best fit for you. Capacity: Up to 12 bottles | Cycle time: 60 to 80 minutes (sterilize and dry) | Dimensions: 9.84 x 9.84 x 9.84 inches If you're looking for a UV sanitizer that can be used long after your baby is done with bottles, the Grownsy 4-iI-1 UV Sanitizer And Dryer is a versatile option. It comes with four modes: auto (sanitize and dry), sanitize-only, dry-only and storage. The full auto cycle takes approximately 60 to 80 minutes depending on the settings you select, and since it's UV-based, you don't have to fill anything with water. The downside compared to a steam or electric sterilizer is that the drying process takes significantly longer—about 50 to 70 minutes. It's able to hold tons of stuff (up to a dozen bottles at once), and once you're done using it for baby items, you can use it to sanitize any number of household items from keys to your smartphone, toothbrushes, face masks and more, giving it second life. Capacity: Roughly two 8-ounce bottles | Cycle time: Three minutes (sterilize) | Dimensions: 4.38 x 2.13 x 10.13 inches Whether you're pumping exclusively at home or going back to work, the number of small pump parts you have to constantly wash can feel never-ending. As a pumping working mom, these Medela Quick Clean Micro-steam Bags were life-changing for me. Several friends had recommended these when I was registering, and I'm forever grateful they did. When you're in a hurry (like at work) or exhausted and dealing with a lot of pump parts and bottles at home, being able to simply toss them in one of these BPA-free bags and place them in the microwave meant my bottles and pump parts were ready to use for the next time in mere minutes. Since they're bags, they can easily be tossed in any purse or diaper bag so you'll always have one on hand, making them particularly ideal for travel. They're also a great option for those with limited counter space to devote to a full-size sterilizer. You can use each bag up to 20 times and handy checkboxes on the back of each bag helps you keep track of how many times you've used it. At Forbes Vetted, we're dedicated to finding the best baby and kids gear for parents through extensive research, testing and feedback from the numerous editors and writers on staff who are also parents. To find the best baby bottle sterilizers, we did thorough research on dozens of products on the market and considered various factors including speed, ease of use, countertop space required and cost. If time is an issue for you—perhaps you are pumping or feeding frequently, are headed back to work or have other children to attend to—then you'll want to pay close attention to how long a full sanitizing or sanitizing and drying cycle takes to complete on eacg bottle sterilizer you consider. There are fast ones like the Baby Brezza Superfast Sterilizer Dryer that gets the whole process done in 10 minutes, while others take a longer time, up to an hour or more. This is another factor where your personal needs and uses really matter. Whether you're exclusively pumping and going through tons of pump parts and bottles each day, or just need a sterilizer for a couple of bottles every day, makes a huge difference in how often you need to use one. One that holds a larger capacity of bottles and accessories makes life easier so you only have to run it once to have all your pieces ready to go. Conversely, those who have fewer bottles and parts to wash might do well with a smaller capacity sterilizer that takes up less space. Bottle sterilizers come in all shapes and sizes, and when countertop space is at a premium, size may end up being a deal-breaker for you. Be sure to note the height of any sterilizer you're considering to make sure it easily fits under overhead cabinets or underneath for storage. If you're looking for a portable pick, select something less bulky or one with wheels that make it easier to maneuver around. Not all bottle sterilizers do the same thing. While they all perform basic sterilization, there are a wide variety of additional features that might matter to you in the end (and save you lots of time) depending on what you plan to use the sterilizer for. For instance, some sterilizers also include a dryer. Others have a countdown timer or digital display, so you can see how much time is left in the cycle, while others have timers and auto shut-off functions allowing you to set it once and forget it until you're ready to use the items next. Consider what features are worth the extra price for you and your family's needs. It's up to the parents (and their budget) whether they want to invest in a sterilizer versus boiling bottles and accessories, says Dr. Chang. Factors such as time, cost and counter space all play a role in whether one is 'worth it' for a family. 'There's a set-it-and-forget-it element with sterilizers that allow parents to time things. These conveniences may be important for some families,' she says. According to Dr. Lee, 'It isn't absolutely necessary to sterilize baby bottles all the time, although generally I recommend parents should at least sterilize once before the first use. Then, how often you sterilize would depend on if you have a premature baby or a baby who is battling any health problems. In those cases, there is no set number of times you should sterilize, but once a day would probably be a good place to start.' She recommends talking to your pediatrician about your baby's specific health needs to see if you might need to sterilize bottles more frequently. 'Bottle sterilizers that use steam or UV light are both 99.9% effective at killing germs,' says Schwartz. 'Most consumer-grade sterilizers are technically sanitizing rather than achieving full medical-grade sterilization. Sanitizing means reducing the number of germs to a safe level, while true sterilization eliminates all forms of microbial life, including spores. This level of disinfection is generally sufficient for most healthy infants,' she says. As long as you're following the manufacturer's directions when using a sterilizer, bottle sterilizers are safe and effective at killing germs. Schwartz also says: 'You should dry bottles completely after sterilizing, before storing or using them. Many sterilizers offer a drying function, but if yours doesn't, best practice is to air dry the bottles on a clean towel or rack.'
