MEET MOUNT KISCO DERMATOLOGIST DR. DAVID BANK
With his finger on the pulse of the latest cosmetic treatments and procedures, Dr. David E. Bank is the founder and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic, and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY – named one of the top ten laser centers in the country by Self magazine.
Dr. Bank has over 20 years experience in the filed of dermatology. A frequent guest on television shows including 20/20, The Today Show, and Good Morning America, he is a go-to skincare expert when it comes to such issues as skin cancer and the newest technologies and treatments. Additionally, he serves as a regular resource for the nation’s top health and beauty publications.
After receiving his M.D. from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Bank competed his residency in Dermatology at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital and Medical center, where he remains a member of the teaching faculty. He is a lead investigator in FDA clinical trials and serves as the President of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Bank is the author of Beautiful Skin – Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best At Any Age, a comprehensive guide to appearance enhancement for women of all ages and skin types. Here he shares some of his best tips on products, treatments and coping with seasonal weather changes.
What types of treatments do you recommend for a woman who has never had one? Which are the least severe or the most simple?
There are a host of minimally-invasive treatments available for women who have never previously undergone any cosmetic procedures. By far the most simple are Botox injections, which were the most popular treatment in 2010, with five million of these injections performed on women. Other simple procedures include soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion – which involves the exfoliation of the outermost layer of skin cells using tiny crystals. This stimulates cell growth and results in healthier-looking, more youthful looking skin.
What are some of the latest products out there that you would recommend for anti-aging?
New Prevage Antioxidant Cream ($155) contains idebenone, which is the most powerful antioxidant cream available. This cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restores youthful-looking skin. Other facial creams include, 15% Moisturizing Facial Cream by Topix Pharmaceuticals ($25), which exfoliates and moisturizes the skin to improve texture and tone. Kinerase Cream by ICN Pharmaceuticals ($70) is also clinically proven to reduce the signs of photoaging with no resulting irritation. The new Bio-serum Intensive Treatment serum ($199) from Neocutis “teaches” your skin cells to act like young ones. It dramatically reduces fine lines, plumps and tightens the skin.
What can you tell us about future skincare treatments in development and what do you think will be the next big treatment everyone will be asking for?
2012 will bring around more affordable, appealing natural and organic skincare products. We will see products and treatments, which focus on sustainability and green beauty such as less packaging, straightforward ingredients and the evolution of chemical-free claims. Belotero is the hottest new filler for 2012. It is more fluid then the current hyaluronic acid fillers and is used for the fines around the mouth and eyes with dramatic results.
Does diet affect the skin? What foods should we be cautious of to avoid skin reactions like acne, dry skin, etc.?
It is important to try to stay away from refined sugars as these upset the skin’s natural pH balance and are likely to result in acne and pimples. Caffeine has been shown to be a potent diuretic, which removes water from your skin. Alcohol also removes water and water-soluble vitamins from your skin. Dehydrated skin looks older and more wrinkled. Water soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C act as potent antioxidants. Adding more vitamins A and C, zinc and omega-3 to your diet can work wonders for a soft and moist skin. Vitamin C helps to restore collagen in the skin which can help to smooth it out, eliminating puffy eyes or dark circles that can often result from long nights of drinking and eating during this time. Vitamin A is also an important antioxidant. Overall, the main thing to remember is that maintaining a wholesome, balanced diet is the key to supporting both a healthy skin and lifestyle.
What are some basic skin routines everyone can implement to refresh their skin during the winter?
The winter climate can prove very challenging for most skins. The harsh change in weather can result in flaking, cracking dry skin that is very uncomfortable. In the cold months, it is essential to moisturize more. Find yourself a moisturizer that’s oil-based rather than water-based or a cream as these will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture. Sunscreen can also help keep the skin healthy, especially when you are exposed to snow glare. Applying some before leaving home will help you avoid sun damage to your skin. Make sure to keep your hands warm as the skin on them is thinner than on most parts of the body. Lastly, avoid long, hot baths as these break down the lipid barriers in the skin – leading to a loss of moisture. Also, for a more on-the-go treatment moisturizing practice during the winter months, keep a little rose water in your purse. In addition to its anti-aging ingredients a spritz of rose water also won’t smear your makeup. If you’re not a floral person try a Vitamin E mist with cooling agents such as aloe vera. Your best option is also to seek the care of a specialist who can provide you with the best advice on the skincare you should be using if your dryness is severe during the winter. Moisturizing creams that contain hyaluronic acid such as Hyalatopic are excellent ways to bring moisture into the skin. Hyaluronic acid brings and traps water into the skin.
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