Emily’s Suncreen Suggestions

My name is Emily and I work as the receptionist at the front desk at Dr. Mills’ office. My favorite way to enjoy a sunny day is to get together with a girlfriend and have an adventure. We start at the beach (we choose a different one to experience every week ranging from Huntington Beach all the way down to San Diego) then after laying out we rent beach cruisers or kayaks and explore the area and, of course, shop! Then we find a fun new place to have a light healthy lunch and as the sun goes down and it turns to night we find a fun local spot to grab drinks. Whenever I spend a full day in the sun, I wear a boat load of sunscreen.

Dr. Mills always notices if we get too much sun! He does a great job of educating his staff and patients about the danger of sun damage to our appearance and our health. I wear my favorite sunscreen in the world, SkinCeuticals Physcial Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. It has a tint that lets me skip out on wearing any foundation or mineral powders for a carefree day at the beach without having to reapply too often. It also makes me look a lot tanner than I am which is always a plus when you’re on the beach! Not to mention, in order to get true UVA defense you need a sunscreen with Titanium and Zinc Oxide in them. They are the only two things actually proven to deflect UVA rays. They are the two top ingredients in Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50! In order to get the most out of my skin care I always apply an antioxidant serum underneath my sunscreen each morning. The combination of the two is a match made in heaven and it creates the best protection for your skin a girl could ask for!

Living a Healthy Lifestyle – The Effects of Smoking and the Environment on Your Skin

The dangers of smoking, unhealthy lifestyles, and stress are well-known, but many people may not realize just how much certain environmental factors can affect the appearance of your skin, making you look older than you really are. In a recent article by Patricia Beard on aging research in twins for Elle magazine, the following photos appeared, depicting a pair of twins photographed on the same day. One woman had been a smoker, a social drinker, spent years in the California sun, and had battled depression. The other limited her sun exposure and never smoke or drank.

Many factors can be attributable to wrinkles and fine lines, including the natural process of aging, the effects of the sun’s rays, stress, and smoking. Dr. Dan C. Mills emphasizes a holistic health approach at his plastic surgery practice, letting patients know that cosmetic enhancement procedures can be even more effective on patients who live healthy lifestyles and take care of their skin. Dr. Mills’ Healthy Living Pyramid includes lots of attention paid to:

  • Nutrition
  • Sleep
  • Stress Relief
  • Sun Protection
  • Antioxidants
  • Weight Loss
  • Smoking Cessation

If you take care of your health on a daily basis, you’d be amazed at how long you can keep the effects of aging and the environment at bay!

OUR NON-SURGICAL AESTHETIC TOOL BOX

Plastic Surgery Registered NurseI just returned from attending the first advanced training course at Ulthera Headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. It was beneficial to say the least. I was able to meet with product developers of the Ulthera as well as share clinical knowledge with other experienced Ulthera clinicians. This event got me to thinking about how much our AESTHETIC TOOL BOX has been expanded with the addition of Ulthera.

This is a very exciting time in the field of non-surgical aesthetic treatments. There are various laser treatments and skin care topicals that literally work within the skin to repair damage caused by sun and aging. Injectables have been safely and efficaciously used for years now. Needless to say our tool box has grown with the addition of Ulthera.

We have been offering Ultherapy at Dr Mills’ office since March and our patients have been very satisfied. Because Ulthera works in the deeper connective tissues, it is the first device FDA cleared for lifting the skin. Other benefits are a firmer, more smooth, and more even toned appearance of the skin.

View Our Ultherapy Before and After Photo’s

Ultherapy surgery can tighten and lift your skin. View our before and after photo gallery to view our results. If you would like more information about the facial rejuvenation procedures we offer, please contact the Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute today.

View Our Photos


It can be daunting to know where to begin, especially if you are new to many of these treatments. That is where we come in! At Dr Mills’ main office and at Monarch Bay Laser, we have this wonderful AESTHETIC TOOL BOX of treatments that produce results. Our passion is to educate and guide you through the options, so that you get the best results possible.

If you would like to schedule a personal consultation, please give us a call or click here to email us!

Submitted by Kim Blevins RN, Clinical Manager Monarch Bay Laser – December 8, 1010

Our Staff Personal Favorites ~ Epicuren After Bath

Everyone at Dr. Mills’ office LOVES the Epicuren After Bath!! It was also featured in Glamour Magazine / October 2009 Issue as one of Gwen Stefani’s Faves for $40 and under!!

Kukui Nut coconut is a hydrating tropical formula to help the mind escape into island bliss. Kukui, Coconut and Macadamia Nut oils are the foundation of this aromatherapy combination. The Kukui Coconut After Bath Moisturizer is a unique blend that makes the perfect moisturizer for after shower and after bath. The After Bath Body Moisturizers replenish and hydrate, while providing the same Enzyme Vitamin Protein Complex and antioxidants used in the Epicuren line of facial products.

Dr. Mills office carries other great scents like Orange Blossom and Vanilla Bean, click here to contact us!

Our Staff Personal Favorites ~ SkinCeuticals Simply Clean

Ideal for combination or oily skin, this skin-refining gel cleanser combines an exfoliating hydroxy acid blend with botanical extracts to gently remove impurities, excess oils, and makeup. SkinCeauticals Simply Clean also contains botanical extracts of chamomile, comfrey, and aloe to help soothe and heal the skin.

“My favorite product is the SkinCeuticals is the Simply Clean… Love the way my face feels after I use it!!”

-          Carrie

Our Staff Personal Favorites ~ Fenix Rehydrating Moisturizer

Summer is right around the corner! Daniel Mills, M.D., Dana Point plastic surgeon, and his staff recommend a skin care product with SPF to protect you from those harmful UV rays.



“I love the Fenix Rehydrating Moisturizer with SPF 30.  It is great for all skin types especially combination and acneic skin.  It is light and ultra hydrating with no greasy feel.  And it is only $30 for a 4 ounce tube!”

Our Staff Personal Favorites ~ SkinCeuticals RETEXTURING ACTIVATOR

The market for skin care products and cosmetics is one of the most competitive in the world of preserving youth and beauty. The plastic surgery practice of Dan Mills, MD is proud to offer medical grade skin care products to our patients.  One of our staff personal favorites is RETEXTURING ACTIVATOR.

RETEXTURING ACTIVATOR by SKIN CEUTICALS

This revolutionary resurfacing and replenishing serum surpasses the results of a 20% daily glycolic treatment while simultaneously reinforcing the skin’s barrier for healthier, more radiant skin.

RETEXTURING ACTIVATOR harnesses two polar mechanisms:

  • Exfoliates and Hydrates
  • Activates skin’s regeneration response, visibly diminishing surface lines and transforming skin?s fabric into a smoother, softer texture.

Using patent-pending technology, this unique treatment contains a 25% concentration of a paradoxal compound discovered to be highly effective at promoting cell differentiation while optimizing the skin’s amino acid supply to reinforce the barrier, resulting in the most efficient epidermal renewal. Potent without harsh side effects, RETEXTURING ACTIVATOR is formulated in an efficient, oil-free delivery system suitable for all skin types.

Contact our plastic surgery practice to learn more or call us today!