Did you know one of the fastest growing procedures in the U.S. is breast reduction surgery? But if your mind went to women, think again. According to Allure, male breast surgery has seen a 36% increase since 2010—and it’s only getting more popular as the taboo around plastic surgery slowly drops away.

What is gynecomastia?

It is estimated that up to 50% of men live with enlarged breast tissue at some point in their lifetime. And while “moobs” or man boobs are often the butt-end of a joke, gynecomastia is not a laughing matter for those experiencing it. Enlarged male breast tissue is often not only physically uncomfortable, it can also lead to low self-esteem and anxiety in men.

But what causes gynecomastia? Like most conditions, there isn’t one culprit causing some men to develop more breast tissue than others, but there are some men who are more susceptible to developing it. Here’s why:

• It could be a hormonal imbalance. Men who have an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone can develop larger mammary glands than others. This could be caused by medications, drug usage, genetics, or an underlying health condition.
• It could be your age. When hormones are raging during adolescence, some young men will experience what is often a temporary increase in breast tissue. This typically goes away after a few years, but lasts into adulthood for some men. Additionally, men can develop gynecomastia after middle age peaks and when testosterone production begins to naturally slow.
• It could be drug usage. Excessive intake of alcohol, heroin, amphetamines, or marijuana can contribute to larger breast tissue as well.

More and more men are weighing their options

Gynecomastia isn’t a new condition, so why are we seeing the number of male breast reductions performed increase? That’s a two-fold answer. First, as more men learn about gynecomastia, they begin to understand that they aren’t alone and that they don’t have to live with it. Additionally, as cosmetic surgery becomes more common—with new techniques reducing invasiveness and lessening downtime, and financing options making procedures more affordable—men who are suffering with gynecomastia are jumping at the chance for improvement.

Male breast reduction is a relatively straightforward procedure that usually involves some combination of liposuction and excision of breast tissue. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can place the small incisions as inconspicuously as possible so that resulting scars are concealed in the natural folds of the body. For men who have poor skin elasticity or have experienced significant weight gain or loss, the male equivalent of a breast lift may also be required to remove excess skin that resulted from overdevelopment.

While patients will need a few days of downtime, most men are able to return to work within the first week, depending on how much breast tissue was removed. Strenuous activity and chest exercises are out of the question for at least three weeks, but 95% of men on RealSelf say the procedure is absolutely worth it in the end.

In Rancho Cucamonga? We’ve helped many men just like you

If you live with enlarged breasts and are tired of feeling self-conscious, we would love to talk with you about your options for reducing the size of your breasts. Our Rancho Cucamonga male breast reduction background is extensive, and our experienced cosmetic surgeons have helped changed the lives of many men living with this condition. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Read the full Allure article.

Acne is the most common skin condition by far—an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans experience acne at some point in their life. If you or someone you know has suffered from severe acne, you know first-hand the impact it can have on your appearance and self-confidence.

While there are plenty of treatments focusing on how to clear acne, less attention has been given to the lasting psychological effects that severe acne can leave behind. One such effect is acne dysmorphia, a condition in which a former acne-sufferer continues to feel as though they have rampant acne, even years after their skin has cleared.

This article from Refinery29 sheds light on what it’s like to suffer from acne dysmorphia, which we occasionally see in our own Rancho Cucamonga acne treatment patients. It follows the story of Gloria, a woman who suffered from severe acne throughout her adolescent and young adult years. Now in her 30s, Gloria still battles the effects of acne dysmorphia, such as fear of acne outbreaks and scars.

Getting to the bottom of acne dysmorphia

You may have heard of body dysmorphic disorder (BMD), a condition in which an individual becomes obsessed with a perceived physical flaw that is not objectively present. Acne dysmorphia is a distinct form of BMD. People who suffer from it typically have had severe acne in the past—and it’s the fear of a past affliction returning that leads them to think their skin looks acne-ridden when in fact they may only have a small blemish or two. Acne dysmorphia often has a post-traumatic element to it as well—memories of being bullied or socially isolated may haunt sufferers of the condition, as in Gloria’s case. Moreover, acne can leave lasting physical scars, such as “ice-pick” scars that leave the skin’s texture rough and pitted, making it even more difficult to leave the condition behind.

Along with counseling to help reset the patient’s mind to view their skin objectively and see themselves in a more positive light, finding the right treatment for acne scars is often an important step of the healing process. This was the case for Gloria—having laser treatments, like ICON Laser Skin Resurfacing and Excel V+ Laser Treatments, to erase acne scars was a big help in making her fear of acne a thing of the past.

If acne is impacting your life, we can help.

The staff and cosmetic surgeons of Inland Cosmetic Surgery understand how damaging acne can be to both your skin and your self-confidence. There’s no need to suffer the visible effects, past or present, any longer. Our experienced laser specialists specialize in treating difficult skin conditions with compassionate care. They offer a number of safe, effective treatments for acne, acne scars, rosacea and more. Contact us today to get started on the road toward clear, healthy skin.

Read the full article, “What it’s really like having acne dysmorphia,” here.

Everyone’s got ‘em, but how much do we really know about nipples? While they seem simple enough, there are plenty of facts about nipples that still surprise most people. Women’s Health Magazine recently delved into these mysteries—here are some highlights.

Three’s company

You’ve probably heard of someone having an extra nipple (or two). But this isn’t some kind of a party trick—third nipples are much more common than you probably think. According to an article from BBC, around 1 in 500 have a confirmed third nipple including actors Bill Paxton, Mark Wahlberg, and Tilda Swinton. However, this could be a very low estimate as many people often mistake an extra nipple for a mole or skin tag.

If you or someone you know does have an extra nipple, it is a simple procedure to remove it with minimal recovery time.

Oddities that are likely normal

Have you ever wondered, “are my nipples normal?” From discharge to nipple hair, to chafing and more, there are some strange things that happen to our nipples that can be slightly scary in the moment but are completely normal.

So don’t fret just yet! Dark nipple hairs, milky discharge that comes out of the breast when squeezed, chafing that happens when wearing the wrong bra, and scabbing and pain from breastfeeding are all normal parts of being a woman.

However, if you have notable pain, discharge that is bloody colored, an infection from an ingrown hair that won’t seem to heal, or a lump in a breast, call your doctor immediately, as these are all signs of something more serious.

Inverted nipples are common

Inverted nipples occur in about 15% of women from birth. This happens due to the connective tissue in the breast pulling the nipple inward. This can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to some women, you don’t have to live with it. Releasing the tissue is a simple procedure that shouldn’t last more than one hour.

Ready for a change?

If you feel insecure about your nipples or breast shape, there are options to help improve your breasts in a natural way. From breast implants to lifts, reductions and more, there are plenty of cosmetic breast procedures to help you love with your curves.

If you’re looking for an Inland Empire breast surgery doctor, our talented team of surgeons would be glad to help you envision your new results. Contact us today to learn about your many options.

This holiday season, you’ll want to look and feel your best as you capture memories that will be with you for years to come. Selfies are already beautiful in their simplicity and ease, but there are a few secrets to making sure you snap a stunning one every time. Here are our top tips for avoiding double chins, squinty eyes, and stiff smiles—and feeling like a supermodel (or famous Instagrammer) instead!

1. Lighting is key

Fantastic lighting can make a world of difference in photos, turning you into a glowing goddess and highlighting all your best angles and features. But you don’t need a professional lighting setup to nail that perfect selfie every time.
Consider the following tips for the best lighting for selfies:

• Use your flash wisely and sparingly. Whenever possible, opt for natural lighting to give you a softer appearance. In low-light conditions where you need to use flash, try using an app like SnapChat that utilizes a front-facing flash. This will allow you play around with other settings to nail the right lighting, and the front-flash is typically duller than the rear camera.
• Speaking of washing yourself out, avoid taking selfies under fluorescent lighting. Fluorescents tend to emphasize skin imperfections, make you look older, and give your appearance a pale, tired, or even sickly look. That’s because fluorescent light has a low color rendering index, so it doesn’t pick up on true colors.
• Consider purchasing a selfie light. These products range in price and size—and chances are your favorite YouTuber or beauty Instagrammer is using them. Fans of ring lights or clip-on selfie lights proclaim that they can help hide blemishes and beautifully light the face for a subtle glow. For parties, look for an option that fits in your favorite clutch purse and can be quickly attached to your cell phone when inspiration strikes.
• If the sun is out during a holiday parade or afternoon gathering, make sure it’s behind you—and block it with your head for a nice halo effect rather than being eclipsed by it. If the sun is directly shining on your face, it will wash out your skin and you may find yourself squinting, which will impact your facial expression and highlight any fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Think about what’s in the background

When arriving at an event, scope out the scene and see if there is some choice decor that will be the perfect background for you and your besties (or a new crush) to snap a selfie together.

• Simple backgrounds are often best, but don’t be afraid of some sparkle. If there happens to be tinsel, garlands, strings of lights, a foil door curtain, or a Christmas tree in the house, they can make for a great selfie background. A colorful wall or pretty drapes can also be a perfect way to set off your face. Avoid backgrounds such as cabinets or bookshelves—they’ll distract from the focus of the photo, which should be you!
• Wait for the crowds to clear. If you have a spot for a photo in mind, keep an eye out for when the area clears. You don’t need random arms or someone’s hors d’oeuvres plate photobombing your selfie. Another option is to arrive fairly early and snap a few pics with your host or hostess before things are really hopping.
• Beware of reflective surfaces. If it’s after sundown and you’re using a flash, avoid having mirrors or a dark window behind you—it’s a bummer to have a reflected flash take over your photo. Even when you’re not using a flash, it’s wise to be thoughtful when photographing near reflective surfaces; they have been the cause of many selfie fails.

3. Keep it natural

Selfies tend to look best when they look natural. Even if your makeup screams glam, a natural, genuine smile will light up the picture—but capturing your candid facial expressions can be challenging. Even the most confident can feel a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera.
Here are a few ways to keep your pics looking natural and professional without having to do much:

• Just to reiterate, try to take advantage of natural sunlight when possible. Early morning as the sun is coming up or twilight in the evening are great photo op times because the lighting is softer.
• Avoid contrived “MySpace selfie” angles and opt instead for a natural head tilt that flatters the contours of your face.
• The urge to make a big cheesy grin or even pull a face can be tough to overcome, but try to keep your expressions genuine. To help you avoid “overacting” in your selfie, try keeping your eyes shut until you snap your picture. This will keep your expression fresh.

4. Practice makes perfect

If you could glimpse the camera roll of any beauty blogger, Instagrammer, or selfie guru, we’re sure you would see tons of “duds” amongst that shining, perfect snap. It’s rare to get your best selfie with just one attempt, but be patient—and try these tricks.

• Practice your angles. Tilt your heading a variety of ways to see what happens to the contours of your neck and face. Additionally, lifting your head and chin a bit can elongate the neck and help you avoid a double chin. Snap a few pictures to see what translates well through the camera and when you find an angle or pose that works for you, rock it!
• Experiment with different lighting to see what light levels, shadow play, or tones make you feel most confident in your pictures.
• Play around with makeup styles, different shades of highlighters, or new contouring techniques to see what helps your best features pop.

5. Camera settings can make all the difference

Technology has come a long way, and the camera on your smartphone is more sophisticated than you may realize—it just may take some trial and error to unlock its power. Try these suggestions as you get started:

• Download a camera app. Both iTunes and the Google Play store are full of apps dedicated to helping you perfect your phone camera skills. Instagram and SnapChat are fun options for playing around with filters and doing light editing, while apps like Candy Camera, FaceTune, and Manual Camera can help you take better photos and then edit to your heart’s content.
• If you prefer to play around without the help of an app, your phone should have some built-in, manual camera settings that will help you perfect your shot. You can customize brightness, adjust focus, and some phones even have the ability to adjust exposure.

6. Bonus tip: get a little help with quick cosmetic solutions

There are many tricks to taking a good photograph of yourself—and we happen to think you and your selfies are pretty gorgeous. However, if you have always been bothered by something about your appearance, we’re here to help. A number of the following selfie helpers are fast acting and have zero recovery time, so you can be smiling with greater confidence in a matter of days.

• Bothered by a “gummy” smile? We can use a small amount of BOTOX® to relax the upper lip elevator muscles and thus reduce the amount of your gums that show when you smile.
• Worried about fine lines and wrinkles? Try BOTOX, fillers, or laser skin resurfacing to soften signs of aging.
• Noticing sun damage or hyperpigmentation? Try an ICON Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment, an Excel V+ Laser Treatment, or a chemical peel to rejuvenate your skin and enjoy a soft glow.
• Wishing your lips were as full as your favorite blogger? Try putting some plump in your pout with lip fillers.
• Want to revitalize dull skin tone and texture? Skip the blur filter and opt for a professional facial to give your skin some TLC.
• Getting eclipsed by your double chin? You can reduce excess fat under the chin without surgery, thanks to Kybella®.

This is just a small selection of the many treatments and skincare options we have to highlight your beauty and help you feel confident, no matter who is taking your picture. Contact us today, and we’ll help you glow in your selfies all holiday season long.

Weight loss surgery changes lives for the better—patients who have struggled with their weight for years and suffered from related issues ranging from joint pain to sleep apnea are able to shed the pounds, face each day with greater energy and self-confidence, and feel better than ever.

However, bariatric surgery isn’t necessarily the last stop on the road to a healthier, happier you. One “bump” many of my patients encounter post-procedure is excess, sagging skin. This extra skin can be not only a physical burden, causing chafing, discomfort and difficulty finding clothing that fits well, but also an emotional barrier, keeping one from fully enjoying the benefits of weight loss.

Body contouring surgery is a popular, effective option for removing excess skin and restoring contours; however, some bariatric patients are understandably hesitant to have additional surgery. If you’re among those wondering if a body lift after weight loss is worth it, read on.

Yes! Body contouring improves quality of life—and there’s research to back it up.

If you’re on the fence about body contouring, take a look at this article from Reuters Health, which reports on a recently published study assessing the benefits of weight loss surgery on quality of life. You may find the results encouraging.

Post-weight loss body contouring was shown to have a profoundly positive effect—study participants’ quality of life scores nearly doubled after undergoing cosmetic body contouring procedures.

Researched surveyed 112 female bariatric surgery patients, both before and after undergoing elective body contouring procedures. Quality of life was measured on a scale of 1 to 100, based on participants’ answers to questions about body image, sexual satisfaction, physical comfort, social activity, and other aspects of life.

Across the board, patient quality of life scores nearly doubled after body contouring surgery, from an average of 44 points after weight loss surgery only, to an average of 86 points after undergoing subsequent body contouring procedures. The positive effects endured—patients who were reassessed two years after their body contouring surgeries reported an average of 84 points on the quality of life scale. This increased happiness among body contouring patients comes as no surprise to me as a surgeon—in fact, it’s why I love my work so very much.

How body contouring after weight loss can help

While this is a relatively small study, it reflects what my colleagues and I see every day: patients who undergo body contouring after weight loss surgery feel more confident in their appearance, have an easier time finding clothing they like to wear, and find physical activity (sex included!) more enjoyable without the extra skin. These are all important factors for long-term weight loss success and a satisfying quality of life.

Considering body lift surgery? Let’s talk.

Weight loss is a personal journey that continues even after the excess weight is gone. If you’d like to pursue body contouring surgery, it’s important to talk to an experienced cosmetic surgeon who understands your concerns and will listen to your goals.

Here at Inland Cosmetic Surgery, body lift surgery is one of my specialties. As a diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, I work closely with our weight loss patients before and after their bariatric procedures to help them look and feel their best after reaching their weight loss goals. Wherever you are on your journey, I would be happy to meet with you for a personal consultation to discuss your procedure options to help you look your very best. Call 909-987-0899 or contact our office online to get started.

Calling all art aficionados—and selfie takers! According to the Daily Bulletin, Rancho Cucamonga’s art scene is about to take off all over town, thanks to a new city ordinance.

Creative gathering places

The Rancho Cucamonga City Council recently passed a requirement that new building developments in the area include a public art piece, helping to facilitate the intersection of creativity and development.

These public creations can be anything from functional artworks like a bike rack to vibrant murals or abstract sculptures. Local officials hope that increasing public art will ultimately help developers make our local buildings more interesting and enhance our community’s natural beauty for locals and tourists alike—all while supporting the many artists in and around the city.

The ordinance will impact new building projects that meet certain criteria, including residential developments containing four or more units and commercial, office, or industrial projects where building costs exceed $1 million. Once city staff members have determined if the building qualifies for the new ordinance, the developers will follow a formula to allow for art installment costs.

The ordinance passed with flying colors and will go into effect August 18th. To read the full story and to learn more about what this exciting news means for our community, follow this link.

Concerned about how it will affect your business?

While more public art will likely bring more interest to local businesses, some may be concerned about excess foot traffic or attention to locations that aren’t open to walk-ins. Last year, when the Pokémon Go mobile game was at its height of popularity, we experienced something similar: our office became a Pokéstop location.

Fans of the game were flocking around our offices, setting up lures and catching their favorite Pokémon. But instead of getting frustrated with the extra attention, we used it to our advantage and got to know our community! While some businesses may find this disruptive, we enjoyed having a break from the work day and getting to meet a few new faces. (But if you do find your business an unwilling Pokéstop or gym location, there are ways to have them removed.)

We look forward to seeing these creative additions to our city and having more Instagram-worthy spots around town—and we are optimistic that the city will address any concerns businesses may have. Are you excited about having new things to see in the Inland Empire—or do you already have some fave local public art? Let us know in the comment section.

Creating the perfect eyelid contour with makeup is tricky in the best of circumstances. If you have hooded eyelids—the natural crease in your upper lids is hidden when you open your eyes—the challenge is even greater. Naturally hooded lids are a beautiful trait (famous hooded ladies include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, and Jennifer Lawrence), but they don’t fit the mold of traditional eye makeup methods, which are designed for a well-defined crease. Some women also experience age-related skin sagging, and once-open eyes gradually become hooded, rendering their tried-and-true makeup techniques obsolete.

Naturally hooded lids are a beautiful trait—try a few of these makeup tips to play them up and get a look that captivates.

If you’re frustrated that by-the-book eye makeup application just doesn’t look right, read these 7 makeup tips for hooded eyelids. If you’re doubtfully rolling your (hooded) eyes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that just a few easy changes can make a huge difference. For instance, did you know that simply swapping out dark eyeshadow for a lighter shade and applying just above the crease can help make hooded eyes look bigger? And that focusing your mascara on the center lashes is an easy trick to create a rounder, more open eye shape?

We hope the makeup tips in the article help you get an eyelid look you love! There’s nothing like stepping out with confidence.

Makeup is temporary, confidence can last forever

Makeup tips can help you bring out the beauty in your natural eyelid contour, but if you’re simply unhappy with having hooded lids, or if sagging eyelid skin is causing you to look tired and/or obstructing your vision, you may wish to consider changing your eyelid contours.

Upper eyelid lift surgery is a long-lasting solution that can be tailored to achieve the amount of change you wish to see—anywhere from a subtle touch-up to a substantial lift is possible. In the hands of an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon, eyelid surgery is a relatively short outpatient procedure that requires only a week or two of downtime. Best of all, the results last for years and can make a huge difference in how confident you feel about your eyes—with or without makeup on!

Another option is laser eyelid rejuvenation. By remodeling collagen and/or removing outer layers of dull, damaged skin, an expertly performed laser treatment can firm and smooth the upper and lower lids to reduce mild sagging and diminish fine lines. On its own, laser eyelid rejuvenation can help makeup go on more smoothly and postpone the need for surgery. When combined with eyelid lift surgery, laser treatments can enhance the results without additional recovery time.

Learn more about eyelid surgery in Rancho Cucamonga

If you are interested in making lasting cosmetic improvements to any aspect of your appearance, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our cosmetic surgeons are very experienced in upper & lower eyelid lifts and also offer non-surgical options for looking your best. Contact us online or call 909-987-0899 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation with Dr. Jacob Haiavy or Dr. Emma Ryan. We will be happy to discuss your options for refreshing your look.

From Kylie Jenner’s lips to Kelly Ripa’s love of BOTOX, injectable treatments are one of the most talked-about anti-aging options on the market. Unfortunately, such widespread popularity spawned many myths, making it difficult to know what’s possible with injectable treatments, or even what you’re getting. Allure’s cosmetic experts recently tackled truth vs. fiction when it comes to anti-aging injectables, and we thought we’d share the points we found most important to help you make a more confident decision next time you’re considering getting BOTOX or fillers.

Injectables can be preventative.

Though it’s up for debate in the beauty world, we’re in agreement with the article in that yes, injectable treatments can in fact be used to help prevent certain signs of aging. Here’s how.

Don’t rule out injectables because of your age. If you are noticing some lines here and there, and that makes you uncomfortable, starting treatment sooner could help maintain a youthful look longer.

BOTOX works by preventing repetitive facial muscle movements that lead to frown lines, brow furrows, and other wrinkles. If you reduce these repetitive movements with BOTOX, you can essentially break the frowning habit and over time expression lines will cease to worsen. In this way, preventative BOTOX can keep you looking younger for longer. Fillers can also have a preventative effect. For instance, hyaluronic acid fillers increase collagen in the skin, a key factor in keeping skin firm, smooth and youthful. We’re not saying to start getting injections in high school, but if you are noticing some lines beginning to form and that makes you uncomfortable, you shouldn’t rule out injectables because of your age (it could help you in the long run).

If the price seems too good to be true, it is.

If you see any cosmetic enhancement options advertised at a greatly reduced price, walk away—it’s a huge red flag. Cheap BOTOX is a sign that it’s been over-diluted or that injections are not going to be done by an appropriately trained provider, so you might either end up having paid for nothing, or with a “frozen” look for months following poorly performed injections. Another scary possibility when it comes to injections: unethical providers have been known to use unapproved, dangerous products as dermal fillers, disfiguring patients in the process.We urge you never, ever to compromise on your safety to save a few dollars. It will cost you more in so many ways in the long run. Instead, discuss your beauty concerns and budget with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. They will be happy to help you choose cost-effective treatments and typically offer payment plans, so you can reach your goals safely and efficiently.

How long injectables last varies, and that’s normal.

Although many injectable manufacturers state results will last for a certain amount of time, every patient is different. Depending on the severity of your wrinkles, the way your body processes the injectable, and the amount of time between injections—your results may last longer than what the manufacturer claims, or you may need a touch-up somewhat sooner. Be patient; you’ll learn your needs over time.

Are injectables safe?

The idea of injecting a toxin (of all things) into your body makes many people shudder—but when performed correctly, neurotoxin injections such as BOTOX and Dysport are actually very safe (and fillers are too). Not only are these products approved by the FDA, they have been extensively studied for their effectiveness and carefully monitored for side effects.

The best way to ensure injectables results you’ll love? Work with an expert.

When deciding which injectable treatment is right for you, it’s crucial to find a qualified medical professional. To achieve the safest, most natural looking results, choose someone who has extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and who is experienced in the product you are considering. If you’re ready to shed some years off your appearance, contact us today. During your consultation, we can determine what options will give you your best results.

In case you haven’t heard, full, luscious lips are in (thank you, Kylie Jenner)! But healthy, and thus gorgeous, lips don’t just happen overnight—you’ve got to put some work in. We’ve put together a list of the 4 things you need to be doing to keep your kisser in shape.

1. Stay Hydrated

We know you know, but it bears repeating: not drinking enough water can be detrimental to your health and to your skin. Dry, chapped lips aren’t cute, and preventing this uncomfortable and unattractive condition can be as simple as drinking more water—and you’ll get other great side effects, like more lustrous hair, healthier nails, and a happier body in general.

A post shared by Logan (@loganblackgrey) on May 4, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT

Make sure to drink up to 2.7 – 3.7 liters of water every day (if your urine is very light yellow or clear, you know you’ve hit the sweet spot). To help your skin stay even more hydrated, also run a humidifier in your bedroom at night.

Struggling to remember to drink enough water? Try one of these:

• Pick up an inspirational and cute water bottle.
• Download a water reminder app to keep you on track.
• Try making infused water with healthy but tasty flavors, like fresh lemon, cucumber, or berries.
• Pick up a filter for your tap or portable water bottle, as tap water can have an off-putting taste for some.

2. Exfoliate & moisturize (and just say “no” to the toothbrush hack)

No matter how much water you drink, there will be times that your lips are dry and flakey, thanks to the weather, low humidity levels, drying products, and even the natural cycle of your skin. But most of us forget to apply our normal skincare principles to our lips—and very few remember to exfoliate.

While the philosophy is the same, the rules are very different. Avoid using face or body scrub on your lips, steer clear of DIY toothbrush exfoliating, and don’t exfoliate your lips more than once a week at the most.

Here’s what to do:

• Purchase a quality lip scrub. These are typically gentler and more moisturizing than their face and body scrub counterparts, making them a worthy investment.

• Don’t be shy when it comes to heavy moisturization. Unlike the skin on your face, your lips can handle thick products without risk of breakouts. After exfoliating, apply a thick ointment such as Aquaphor, keeping it on for 5-10 minutes, for an extra dose of moisture.
• Now is the time to color outside of the lines! When you apply chapstick or a moisturizing lip treatment, push the product around the outer edges of the mouth as well. This area is often the most chapped because it doesn’t get much attention. This can also help delay the appearance of lip lines.

3. Stop licking them (no, seriously!) & stock up on lip balm instead

It’s tempting to do when you need a quick fix for dry lips, but licking your lips does much more harm than good. The enzymes in saliva can break down the outer protective layer of your lips, leading to further and more severe dryness.

Not all chapstick is created equally. Certain varieties that contain drying ingredients can actually exacerbate the problem.

We know it’s a tough habit to kick, but the remedy is easy: always keep Chapstick or lip balm with you. There’s a caveat, though: not all chapstick is created equally. Varieties that contain drying ingredients can exacerbate the problem! Here’s what to avoid:

• Humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that may be good for other skin areas can zap your lips of moisture—unless the product also includes occlusive agents like beeswax, shea butter, or oils.
• Unnatural scents and flavors are not your lips’ BFFs, so you’d be better off replacing your Dr. Pepper flavored Lip Smackers with a professional and/or all-natural product.
• That minty fresh twinge of certain lip balms can be addictive, but menthol can be an irritant to the sensitive skin of your lips.
• Here’s yet another reason to replace your lip balm: your mouth is one of the most vulnerable areas to sunburn (lips have less melanin). So find a balm that contains an SPF 15 or higher and use it regularly.

4. Don’t let beauty habits hurt your pucker

A nice matte lip or pop of color that lasts all day is amazing, but certain lipsticks can seriously dry out your lips. If you do want to wear a matte or long-wear lipstick, make sure to thoroughly moisturize your lips overnight as well as before applying your lipstick. A non-shiny balm can also be applied over long-wearing lipstick to keep your pucker moist throughout the day.

5. Looking for plumper lips overall? Consider lip enhancement with a hyaluronic acid based filler.

If you wish your lips were fuller and more shapely, there are a number of options for natural-looking enhancement. Here at Inland Cosmetic, we like to use injectable lip fillers, such as Volbella, Restylane, and Juvéderm, for making lips fuller and more gorgeous than they already are. The main ingredient in these popular lip fillers is hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance already in your body—meaning there’s basically no risk of allergic reactions and you can think of your lip enhancement as being totally natural, even if you had a little help!

Just remember: if you want to plump your lips, it’s important to work with a professional. Stay away from fad plumping options and DIY methods (we’re lookin’ at you, wasabi lip plump hack!), and instead contact an experienced provider who will use only safe, FDA-approved products. To further ensure you get a look you’ll love, be sure to have a thorough consultation before getting injected. You’ll want to clearly communicate your goals, hear about which fillers might be best for you, and check before and after photos of their patients to be sure you like their aesthetics and results.

If you’re in Southern California and ready to amp up your pout, we invite you to contact us today. We would be happy to help you learn more about our Rancho Cucamonga lip augmentation options.