Reflections on Beauty

In a previous blog post we discussed the importance of collagen for the skin. Higher levels of collagen reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leaving the skin looking younger and plumper. While there are a number of lasers, dermal fillers, and Botox® available to treat wrinkles, you may be able to eat your way to a more youthful complexion.

The following foods help your body produce collagen and improve the quality of your skin:

1. Soya Bean Milk, tofu and any soy-based products: soy contains an isoflavone called genistein. Genistein blocks enzymes that would otherwise destroy the body’s collagen.
2. Garlic: garlic contains sulfur, which helps the body to produce collagen, as well as taurine and lipoid acid, which support damaged collagen fibers.
3. Tomatoes: tomatoes are rich in lycopene, and antioxidant that inhibits enzymes that destroy collagen. Antioxidants also neutralize free radicals, which also destroy collagen.
4. Fish: fish is rich in omega fatty acids that help keep skin soft and supple.
5. Citrus Fruit: citrus fruit, such as oranges and lemons, are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen.
6. Spinach: spinach is also loaded with vitamin C, iron, and a whole load of other nutrients that keep the body young and healthy.
7. Pig’s Feet (Yum!): pig’s feet are loaded with collagen and other nutrients that promote the production of collagen.

There are plenty of recipes available that include these different collagen-boosting foods. For optimal beauty, try eating these foods raw to absorb the most nutrients (except the pig’s feet, that is).

Laser technology can do wonders to rejuvenate skin, not to mention the perks of laser hair removal.  Before you take the leap under the light, however, there are few things you should consider:

1. Find a medical doctor who owns a variety of lasers.  The more tools the doctor has, the more flexible he or she can be in creating a treatment program that’s just right for you. Also, owning multiple lasers show how committed the doctor is to non-invasive aesthetic medicine.
2. Avoid doctors who rent lasers or only have one device. This might be an indication that laser medicine is a side business for a doctor, not the focus of their practice. You don’t want to be zapped by someone who dabbles with lasers.  Also, many “do all” devices do one thing well and everything else poorly.  Do a little web research and make sure they have the right tool for the job.
3. Don’t request a specific laser for your treatment. Rather, let the doctor choose the right treatment to address your skin concerns.
4. Wait for your tan to fade before undergoing certain laser treatments.  The darker you are, the greater your risk of complications considering that laser light is attracted to pigmentation in the skin.  We will always advise patients of which treatments may be affected by their bronzed skin.
5. If a physician assistant or someone other than a doctor is administering your treatment, check to make sure they are permitted to do so under your state’s law. In New Jersey, only doctors are allowed to administer laser treatments.
6. Be realistic about the outcome of your laser treatment. While lasers have great benefits to the skin, they are not a beauty cure-all. Make sure you look at before and after pictures and get a clear sense of the outcome you can expect before you decide on a treatment.  This can be done during a complimentary consultation at Reflections.
7. If you are planning a laser treatment prior to an important event, such as a wedding, make sure you allow enough time for the skin to heal following the treatment. We can provide information on the recommended downtime and possible side effects for your treatment. Some lasers can cause swelling and redness, while others require you to avoid sun exposure for a period of time.


If you are considering a laser skin treatment in New Jersey, our friendly staff here at The Reflections Center for Skin and Body is delighted to help your find the right laser for your aesthetic goals. Reflections Center offers an extensive array of laser treatments, including Fraxel, Portrait PSR, Smoothbeam, CO2, and Vbeam. No matter your skin type or condition, our office is sure to have the perfect laser treatment for you.


The staff can address your concerns over the phone, or you can choose a time to come in for your initial free consultation.

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