The Latest in Keeping Your Skin Beautiful From Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Ourian!

When it comes to skin, many women (and an increasing number of men) are looking for ways to have a gorgeous complexion while also slowing down signs of aging. Dr. Simon Ourian, a cosmetic dermatologist in Beverly Hills, is well-known as a skin care guru to celebrities and socialites who take advantage of the skin care treatments available at his ultra-luxurious office.

We had a chance to talk with Dr. Ourian today and learn some tips about keeping your skin beautiful at any age.

• What would you describe as your aesthetic, the ideal you seek for your patients?

"I never want my patients to look ‘done,’ after they’ve seen me they should look like younger, more refreshed versions of themselves."

• Can you explain how you’re able to achieve this ideal?

"As a cosmetic dermatologist, I have many tools at my disposal. Just for the face and neck, there’s Botox and dermal filler injections, ultrasound, radio-frequency and laser resurfacing. The key is to determine which technologies will help me achieve the best result, skillfully and artfully applying these technologies and then knowing exactly when to stop."

• I’ve seen the video of you sculpting and it’s apparent that you’re an artist. Do you consider artistry a prerequisite for cosmetic dermatology?

"Thank you for the compliment. I consider artistry a prerequisite for well-done cosmetic dermatology."

• What do you mean when you say “knowing exactly when to stop”?

"The most obvious example I can give you is 'duck lips,' the unfortunate result of injecting too much dermal filler. Or a face frozen with improperly injected Botox. This applies not only to injectables, but to all the technologies available to us. It takes experience and an artist’s eye to know how to maximize the tools at our disposal."

• What can you tell us about your celebrity clients like Kim Kardashian or Lisa Vanderpump?

"I’m not breaking any confidence by acknowledging that they’ve been seen in our clinic as both of these wonderful ladies have gone on the public record saying so. But I can’t divulge anything more then that."

• Do you think that celebrities are attracted primarily by your reputation and body of work?

"I believe that’s the case but I think it’s important to note that our staff is truly dedicated to providing a 5-star experience to every client."

• You’ve appeared many times on television, on 'Good Day L.A.' and 'The Doctors' just to name two. Do you enjoy making these appearances?

"What I like best about appearing on TV is the opportunity it affords me to let the viewing audience know what we can accomplish without surgery. Most people are familiar with Botox but don’t have any idea that we can address fine lines, discolorations and the signs of aging with Coolaser or that we can treat stretchmarks with Coolbeam."

• What is your skin care philosophy?

"I believe the key to a great complexion is to have healthy skin. I think people need to make a commitment to being healthy. This means doing everything you can to have a healthy body, both inside and out. Being healthy also makes it easier to age gracefully."

• How do you suggest people get and stay healthy?

"The first step is a healthy diet, eating good foods filled with the vitamins and minerals your body needs. A good diet affects the skin in positive ways. Also, the longer a person eats healthy foods and has a healthy lifestyle, the more benefits she gets for the long term. If you decide to start eating better late in life, the benefits to your complexion may be minimal."

• Do you offer special advice to your celebrity clientele?

"I offer the same advice to all our clients. The difference is that celebrities generally have the motivation and the means to follow my advice to the letter. After all, their livelihood depends on looking great."

• Lately, I have been reading a lot about vitamin D and the skin. What are your thoughts on this?

"Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, and at the right levels it provides benefits to the skin. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant, so it helps to reduce the damage caused by free radicals. There are many forms of vitamin D supplements sold on the market."

• What skin care problem is the hardest to treat?

"Actually, it's getting patients to cooperate, to dedicate themselves to improving their skin. I can do many things in my office such as reduce wrinkles and increase facial volume, but patients need to make lifestyle choices that benefit their bodies and their skin. This means eating well, drinking fluids and wearing sunscreen."

• What mistakes do you mostly see people making with their skin care regimens?

"Many people fail to keep their skin moisturized. As the skin ages, it gets drier. Dry skin accelerates aging and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Anyone who wants plump and glowing skin needs to drink plenty of liquids every day and apply a good moisturizer. All of this helps to keep the skin hydrated."

• What are the main questions people have about skin care and anti-aging treatments?

"I have noticed that many people want to know about Botox and fillers. They often ask what the difference is between the two and whether one or the other is better, and where each product should be used to get the best results."

• What else are people wondering or worrying about?

"Pigmentation is another concern for people. People want to know how to prevent the sun spots or discolorations that appear on the skin as we age. We offer the Coolaser treatment protocol to address pigmentation issues."

• What other new treatments are you using on patients?

"There’s never going to be a shortage of devices touted as the ‘latest and greatest.’ We will only offer a new treatment to our patients after the device has established a track record of efficacy. We’re now offering fat reduction with a new treatment protocol that combines CoolSculpting with skin tightening and TAT."

• Do you see mistakes that other dermatologists make with their patients?

"Sadly, yes. I see many doctors using too much filler around the mouth and in the under eye area. You want to use the right amount of filler to give the face a natural, but improved look."

• Do you think people have realistic expectations about what skin care products can do for their skin?

"I worry that many people believe the advertising claims from many skin care brands. The truth is that there is no anti-aging product that can turn back time and give you the skin you had 10, 20 or 40 years ago. However, if you start taking care of your skin at an early age – such as using sunscreen every time you go outdoors – this can help your complexion a great deal."

• You help people in a variety of ways. How do you find the time?

"I like helping people. Not everyone can come to my clinic in Beverly Hills, but I think everyone should still have healthy and beautiful skin. I offer tips, advice and answer questions to help people understand what they need to do to get and keep beautiful skin."

• You have developed your own line of skin care products. What can you tell us about this?

"As a visual person, I want to help people look their best. I am always researching new ingredients and new procedures to use on my patients. However, I only want to create products that will actually benefit people. I also want products that are different from what is already on the market. I am developing a few serums that so far look promising. I do studies on all my products to make certain they offer true benefits."

Learn more about Dr. Ourian’s clinic and products on his website, www.epionebh.com.