Tag Archives: electrolysis

What is Collagen?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Is Collagen A Filler? Well, yes and no. The words collagen and fillers are used frequently when we talk about getting years erased by eliminating wrinkles. Fillers can be collagen, but don’t necessarily have to be.

We are born with Collagen in our skin. It makes up the majority of the dermis, that lies just under the skin’s surface. When we say our skin is “aging”, what we are seeing is wrinkles, but this also equates to collagen deterioration. As collagen deteriorates, we get the wrinkles, lines, and general sagging in the skin.

Though there have been a variety of products telling you they replace collagen, most were based more on selling something, and not giving you actual results. I remember the collagen facial of the 80′s, which is still being used today. It sounded great until you realized the results were just not there.

That’s when the pharmaceutical companies realized we needed to actually inject Collagen back in to replace lost volume. Unfortunately, when injectable collagen first came out, it sometimes only lasted days before the body re-absorbed the injected collagen, creating no real lasting results.

There have been many advances since then; in both collagen products and how it is mixed with the latest in man made filler materials. New collagen injectables can now last an average of six months to perhaps as much as a year.
Also, injection techniques and equipment have improved. In years past, Collagen was injected deeply into the skin layer. But now practitioners are trained to inject it into a more superficial plane so it will bind to what you already have.

Keep in mind, collagen is not an injection that flows into our system like a vaccination in our arm. It remains in the specific injected area, binding itself to our existing collegen, until it is later absorbed into our system. Most collagen injections are used to fill in lines and deep wrinkles, or enhance facial features.

As you and your practitioner look into what may be best for you, please remember that the skill of the practitioner as an injector is the single most important part of the equation. An improperly placed filler will show a bulge or line, or even exacerbate the very thing it was supposed to correct. And if something like this does happen, it will not go away over the weekend. The unwelcome result will remain until the body’s natural absorption process has acquired it all back into it’s system.

Is There A Difference In Hair Removal Lasers?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Effective Hair Removal using Laser technology depends on two major factors. The type of laser used;and the person administering the treatment. A good practitioner will study your skin and hair for things like texture, skin color,and hair growth cycles, then determine the correct laser to use to get the best results. Don’t let the practitioner use a laser on your skin before you find out exactly which one they have.
In this video I talk about the differences and how to tell which one is right for you. Our economy has forced some cosmetic medical practices to postpone purchasing new technology. They are still using the laser they bought a few years ago. That means your hair removal may be more painful, less effective, and take longer than it should because they don’t have the latest technology. In this video, I hope to simplify all this, and build your knowledge base BEFORE you make a Laser Hair Removal decision.

Will My Hair Be Gone With One Removal Treatment?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Patients frequently think they can come into the office, get a laser hair treatment and walk out with skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom. I wish that were true every time. In reality though, while some patients can see enormous results from the very first treatment, most take several treatments. I always make sure they understand why follow up visits are a necessity for total removal. Though there are many factors to consider,the most important factor is understanding how your hair grows in phases.
In this short video, I will explain the three growing phases of hair. I want you to be more knowledgeable about what to expect before you set up your laser hair removal treatments with the wrong expectations.

Does Hair Removal Really Work?

Yes, hair removal works. But hair removal can be a real blessing or a painful curse. The color of your hair, the complexion (dark or light) of your skin, and naturally it’s sensitivity can all make a big difference on the effectiveness of the treatment. In addition to that, there are different lasers designed for different skin and hair combinations. The good news is, if all the factors are considered correctly and you use a capable skilled practitioner, you could be looking at a less-hairier you in the mirror very soon.

Magic Skin Creams. Fact or Fiction?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Every cream seems to claim you will look 20 years younger….If you just use their product!

The infomercials, department store sales ladies, and drugstore shelves, all make unrealistic promises.
One big reason their promises are never kept is because the “key ingredients” contained in these lotions and creams are simply not enough to make a real difference. Every jar they sell has to be formulated for the person who’s skin is the most hyper-sensitive. If not, they would be sued by the first person who’s skin was damaged with their product. That means you may end up using a solution that contains only a tenth of the key ingredient you need to make a difference for your type of skin.
But don’t lose hope. There is good news. Retinoids, anti-oxidants and even coffee berry products in the hands of a trained practitioner will produce more beautiful youthful looking skin right now.
Retinoids:
Your first line of defense should be to use a retinoid. Unless you’re planning on getting pregnant, a retinoid will make your cells turn over faster. The faster these cells reproduce, the more healthy and better your skin will appear. This reproduction actually increases nutrition below the top layer of skin and helps prevent pre-cancers. Some Retinoids are marketed as Retin-A®, Diferin®, Tazorack® and Obagi®. These products will thicken your skin, and actually cause wrinkle reduction.

The Acids:
The next product you should use is an alpha hydroxy acid. My favorite is Glycolic Acid because its got the smallest molecule and is able to penetrate the deepest. Gycolic Acid grows more of the dermis and increases the thickness like the retinoids do. There are many acids to choose from- Citric acid, malic acid, manelic acid, lactic acid, tarteric acid…and the list goes on and on…but the best is Gylcolic! All these are made to get past the stratum corneum- that’s the top layer of dead cells. Once it penetrates this top layer, the real healing takes place, and your skin elasticity will increase.

Unfortunately, many of the creams that claim to fight aging aren’t really getting below the stratum corneum. They simply bloat the dead cells with moisture, making any fine line wrinkle look like it’s less. But it only lasts while it’s on there. It comes back the first day without the goop.
Anti Oxidant & Free Radicals:
Free Radicals & removing them with Anti Oxidants is important. Free Radicals are attacking us from every direction- From the environment, from smoking, the sun, the air, our metabolism… you name it. We need to combat that with Anti-oxidants. Some common ones include acevedo and coffee berry extract.

Summary:
I promise if you use a combination of retinoids, glycolic acid and anti-oxidants, you will begin to see major improvements in the appearance of your skin. By taking off dead cells, thereby replenishing and thickening the new dermis cells underneath, and fighting those free radicals, you’ll be looking beautiful right now in no time at all!

Can I Go In The Sun After Hair Removal?

Without giving away the “secret” ahead of time, don’t schedule any beach get-a-ways the day after your treatment! Protection from the sun’s rays is really important in the days after a hair removal treatment. Click below to see why sun protection is not just needed, but mandatory right after Laser Hair removal.

Beautiful Eyelashes Can be Yours!

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Eyelashes come in many different lengths and fullness. Some of us are genetically blessed with thick long lashes, the rest of us never had any to start with. As women tried to mimic the television ads of mascara-wearing models batting their heavy lidded lashes, many of their attempts have created sparse, plucked, and injured eyes. The days of gluing fake lashes has created many empty eyelids, and women have long sought a better answer that was easy and would provide comfort and beauty combined.
In this video, we look over the shoulder of Ellie Malmin, the founder and director of the Lashologist Council of America Inc. She has agreed to speak with us and let us watch as she performs her eyelash magic.

Men’s Eyes Reveal Age

Dr. Bonnie Marting

The lower eye-lid skin is extremely thin, for men and women. But because men as a whole take less care of their skin, a man’s eyes often show more signs of wear, tear, and dark circles. Also, this thin skin may appear translucent allowing visibility of dark structures below. This creates the basket weave pattern due to muscle pull from various directions.
Since men, unlike women, tend to do very little to hide it with the use of makeup concealer on their skin, they tend to show age more around the eyes than their women counterparts. Thankfully, there are some solutions like Vivite® eye cream made by Allergan, Elastergan® by Obagi, and some caffeine based creams. This video discusses these and other remedies.

The Cellulite Curse

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Unfortunately, Cellulite still strikes terror in every female about to put on a pair of short shorts or bikini bottoms. Statistics say nearly 90% of females have Cellulite. So at least you are not alone! Here in South Florida cellulite is really hard to hide, because in this heat we can’t wear clothing that covers every square inch of our body. What’s a girl to do?

First lets talk about Cellulite basics. Cellulite is actually how your collagen and the tiny fat cells align under your skin. When the fat cells and collagen line up in a pattern perpendicular to the skin surface, the fat cells push up and out causing the Cellulite appearance.

Cellulite is a by-product of being a female with estrogen. Whether you are thin or not, it doesn’t matter. If you are in the 90%, you have the problem.

Cellulite cannot be liposuctioned away.If you try, it may actually make it more noticeable. Cellulite Treatments That Work:

There are many treatments available for Cellulite. They vary in effectiveness and method. From creams to machines to heat devices, almost everything has been tried.

Some creams may help. Many do nothing. The ones containing caffeine or aminophylline seem to have the best results. Unfortunately, you have to use them consistently and when you stop, the Cellulite will probably return to its original appearance. But the cellulite appearance will be reduced only while you are using them.

Machines range from effective on a temporary basis, to downright bizarre with no results at all. One I know of uses a suction technique combined with heat. It actually helps to contract some skin and gets rid of a little bit of the appearance of Cellulite, but only temporarily.

There’s also Endermology, a machine that basically takes a vacuum, sucks up the skin, then rolls over it with a heavy roller attempting to push the fat out. It works somewhat if you do it continually but still is a temporary fix.

The short video below is an interview with the Great Anushka, owner of Anushska Spa and Cosmedical Centre in Palm Beach, Florida. In it you will discover why this lady has clients from all over the world fighting to get an appointment.

Sit back, get some coffee and be prepared to meet someone who is not only beautiful, but captivating as she explains how she achieves results like no other.

Start Early To Look Younger

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Every day I deal with mistakes made years earlier by my patients. As we (my patient and myself) work our way through the sun damage having a great tan earlier in life has done, we talk about how many of these skin problems could have been avoided, and what they would have done if they knew what damage they were doing.

These patients now want to know how to prevent their children from having to face the same skin problems they do. They know first hand how ignoring their own skin for years has made them look older than needed.

Get your daughter and take a look at this brief video where we talk about anti-aging skin products, sunscreen, SPF ratings, zinc, titanium, skin damage from smoking, and finally,and how much a balanced diet can help your skin.

Radiesse® Filler Works Wonders!

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Heres a question I hear stated in several different ways: “I’m not Sean Connery or Angelina Jolie material. But can you help me look younger? Right away”?

I love getting questions like this, and I get them from men and women. Females aren’t the only ones concerned with their looks and sex appeal- they just talk about it more! And believe me; men aren’t immune to the benefits that a little tweak here and a tiny pinch there can offer. Men in their 40′s and 50′s can suffer the same sallow, flat, tired look in their faces that affect women. It’s just that they rarely do anything about it. That’s why I want my men patients to know about Radiesse®.

By expertly applying Radiesse® to a man’s cheeks, you can take 10 years off their appearance.

And the effects are immediate! There is no need to wait- it’s a natural yet astounding difference that will have people wondering how you left the office looking tired, and came back looking refreshed. They’ll be asking what you did on your lunch break- and wanting some of that! Although it’s a subtle change, your friends and family will notice. They just won’t be able to put their finger on why!

The photo above shows how subtle the change can be when used on the naso-labial folds. It makes the same difference when used on the cheeks, to give them more volume where needed.

When Radiesse® is injected in the cheeks, the focus is now on the eye-level of the face, close to where the cheek bones lie. Remember, cheeks are not in the front, they extend alongside your eyes. Dont ever let a practitioner turn you into a chipmunk-cheek!

By placing Radiesse® in the proper place, the main focus now becomes your eyes.

Radiesse® is what I suggest for a fast facelift to get a younger, more attractive appearance. If you have a little more time, consider Sculptra® as well. This is the collagen-building injection that will give your face a fuller, more youthful appearance and improve the collagen growth in your skin cells. It is also miraculous at taking years off your face, but works more slowly.

Both of these products can jump start you on your way to looking younger. What are you waiting for?

How Long Does Botox® Last?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

I hear from women living all over the world on this site. That makes me very blessed to get a unique perspective from a wide variety of opinions. Obviously, I haven’t had all of them as patients, but I still encourage anyone to contact me if they have questions regarding their cosmetic dermatology needs. Occasionally I’ll get a question from someone who received Botox® or Dysport® and wonders why it didn’t last longer.

A lady from Chicago recently asked me why she received 50 units Botox® in her glabella, the area between our eyebrows. Her problem was two vertical lines, sometimes called the Angry 11′s. She said she could already move that area between her eyes just three weeks later. She wants to know if she should go in for more Botox?

My first thought was to ask her if she contacted and went back to her practitioner two weeks after her initial treatment of 50 units. That’s a lot of units for one area (generally that amount would cover two sites, not just one). Whenever I administer Botox®, I want to see the patient 2 weeks later to be sure that the area is still “frozen”. If movement is still going on, then I do a “touch up” with no additional fee. If the Chicago patient didn’t ask for (or the practitioner didn’t offer) a two week follow-up, she may have missed that opportunity for a complimentary “boost”.

Secondly, I would ask if she knew if the 50 units were fresh, or had it been sitting on the shelf a while? And, what was the ratio of reconstitution? Lastly, she needs to compare how much she paid versus other times she was injected. Was it a special, that may encourage the practitioner to use a lower dose mixture? As I’ve stated many times before- sometimes a deal isn’t a deal if you pay less but don’t get what you expect.

The last thing to consider is how many times you have used Botox® in the past? Has your body built up anti-bodies so it won’t react normally to Botox® anymore, even when you use large doses? If this is the case, my suggestion would be to try Dysport®. It is another muscle relaxant and should give you the desired effect.

Just a note- I’m not a big fan of “freezing” any facial areas besides the glabella. When I say freezing, I’m talking about having it so no movement is possible. Movement in this area is a bad thing because it can make you look angry. Injecting your frown line between the eyes so that it cannot move is a good thing. But to do that to other areas of your face simply looks unnatural.

Take a look at the video below. It deals with this question.

Is Matrixyl Magical?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

“I’ve read lots of claims about Matrixyl® 3000. I have some wrinkles and spots I’d like to get rid of. Will this work? It’s 35 dollars…”

This is a question I’ve been getting fairly frequently. My answer unfortunately is that Matrixyl®is probably not so magical. An ounce of Matrixyl®3000 costs about 35 dollars. An ounce isn’t that much, especially for something you plan on using every day to firm skin, remove spots, and reduce wrinkles like they’re claiming the product will do.

Should you buy it? First let me tell you some positives. This may sound a bit clinical, but the Palmitoyl Pentapeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide that are found in the Matrixyl 3000 version have been studied and found to increase some cell turnover. That being said- there is no way to tell by how much. Whenever you have some cell turnover, your skin may show some slight improvement if you weren’t currently using any product at all. In that instance, (and I really stress NOTHING else was being used) then something is certainly better than nothing. So it may provide a good place to start. But if you’ve already been using some alpha-hydroxy acids or antioxidants to rejuvenate your skin, then you really shouldn’t expect to see a difference. It will more than likely just be another skin-care step and another hit to your checkbook.

I also would be wary of this product if you’re buying it to remove spots. Reducing hyperpigmentation is really hard to do without a prescription lightener. Some pharmaceutical grade products available in healthcare offices may reduce the brown areas, but all of this really depends upon age, sun damage and heredity. Many brown spots are actually seborrheic keratoses and these are difficult to lighten. You usually have to physically remove them. You may also notice raised spots. Since these only go away if you physically remove them, they will not respond to the ingredients in Matrixyl 3000.

By the way, I have been asked many times about masking these spots with self tanner. Unfortunately, that will only make them appear even more prominent as they love to soak up self tanner formulas. If you are concerned about the spots from a health and not cosmetic perspective, ALWAYS check with your dermatologist.

Confidence and Self Esteem Aren’t Economic Terms!

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Many people would be surprised at what a patient reveals to her doctor. I may not know as much as their hairdresser, but I hear some secrets. And in today’s economy many of my patients are concerned. Very concerned. Though the income brackets of my clients vary greatly; the stories I hear don’t. I have found it doesn’t really matter, income wise, if you are a working family trying to get by on less income or a Palm Beach mansion owner having to sell hard earned real estate assets at fire sale prices, you face the same thing. Only the zeros on the end of the numbers change. So when a client has to decide whether to pay their mortgage, go out to a fancy restaurant, or skip a Botox injection, you may be shocked at their decision.

I don’t know of any who have skipped their house payment, but I do know that dinners out have been traded to find that “extra cash” to keep themselves looking fresh.

If you’re searching for a job, it’s no secret that you need an edge to get the job over other applicants. Everyone who goes to an interview should be wearing their best business attire, understand the company’s philosophy and have done their homework for the Q and A. But not everyone can pull off the confidence factor. By erasing years off your appearance you will embody the self-confidence needed to seal the deal.

Even if you aren’t job shopping, when I ask my patients what motivates them to keep getting the treatments, they all share a common answer. They need it for their confidence and self-Esteem.

My clients tell me that they simply feel better about themselves when they look better. As one lady said- “Things are bad enough out there. I have to look in the mirror and see something good”. Quite simple, yet eloquently spoken!

And isn’t that 90% of what it’s all about anyway? If we look better, we’re prone to feel better. By looking fabulous we can appear more rested and refreshed. And guess what? This even affects how people respond to us. When we are more positive, we receive more positive feedback. We are more confident in how we look and act, if we believe we look fabulous.

Is Bee Venom Better than Botox®?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

A new fad has hit the market, recently gaining attention because the Duchess of Cornwall was using it. This product is referred to as the “Bee Venom Mask®”, from Heaven by Deborah Mitchell. This mask is now being touted as “Nature’s Botox®”.

Does it merit consideration, or will you be stung (sorry, I couldn’t help it) by another misleading advertisement?

Since the claims are saying this is “Nature’s Botox®,” lets see why they’re comparing it to Botulinum toxin-type A, which is also found in nature. The words “organic face lift” is how they’re describing the results you’ll see from using this “Magic Bee Venom®.” But, if any of you have ever been stung by a bee, you know that swelling doesn’t necessarily mean beautiful.

The main component in honeybee venom is mellitin. Yes, it is a natural substance which is a strong base alkaline peptide made from honeybees, but this is also the main irritant that causes so many horrible side-effects when one is stung. They are essentially banking on the fact that you will only have the side-effect of swelling, and not one of the other more serious life-threatening emergencies like anaphylaxis.

Bee stings, nor their mellitin, can immobilize muscles like Botox® or any other FDA approved muscle relaxant will. Mellitin merely gives a temporary, almost-confused effect to the tissues it is applied to. This superficial “confusion” can result in some tightening and swelling on the face, but no more than the use of a drying clay mask would. Clay will help pull together tissues for a brief time, but the results are very short-lived. The same is true with the chemical venom from the honeybees.

Unfortunately, many people equate the words “organic” and “natural” as synonymous with healthy and safe. Many buy products because they believe it is more beneficial to use something created naturally than something received from a syringe. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is where I must remind you that just because something is organic, doesn’t mean it’s safe from potentially harmful substances. Take the following examples; all completely natural, but devastatingly harmful if used inappropriately:
Hydrochloric Acid- This is created by your own body, yet can destroy your own tissues.
Arsenic- This is found naturally in metals, but this natural poison interacts with proteins, and is often used in pesticides because it can be lethal.

Hemlock- This is a known poison that grows wild. This comes from the Apiaceous family.
Queen Anne’s Lace- This flower/weed can be found all over the world and can be used as a contraceptive, because it is able to dislodge a newly fertilized egg from its hold. This weed comes from the Daucus Carota family.
Poison Ivy- This natural plants secretes an oil that almost everyone is allergic to. Itching, redness, blistering and oozing are common reactions to those who come into contact with this plant. And if Poison Ivy is cut or burned, the fumes are potentially deadly to animals and plants who breathe it in.
All these are Natural yes, but definitely not good for you!

So, if nothing else, please realize that companies love to make claims of their products being natural, green, organic, or pure. And while this may be true- it does not mean it’s safe.

Botox, and other muscle relaxers, Dysport and Xeomin, have tons of research and testing to gain FDA approval for cosmetic purposes. Bee venom is escaping for now this needed approval, but I am betting that in the future we will hear of many bad reactions and you will see the product fade away and be replaced by the new kid on the block, whatever that may be.

Is PROACTIVE® a miracle system?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

PROACTIV has been very sucessful with many celebrities touting its effectiveness. The two Dermatologists who created the Proactiv® System are Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields. These two realized that using an ingredient central to acne care and putting it all together in an easy to follow system would generally produce good results. So, is it a miracle system after all?

Well, the question I’m most commonly asked isn’t whether it works or not, but what exactly are the ingredients in Proactiv® and can you get them elsewhere?

Because let’s face it, the PROACTIV® system isn’t cheap and if there was a way to get the same results for cheaper, wouldn’t you want to know?

So let’s start with a lengthy explanation of what the actual ingredients found in PROACTIV® are. And yes, the good news is- you can get them in many other places beyond this one system.

As you look at this list, you will see many ingredients and wonder why it takes so many, especially the synthetic ones, to achieve the purpose of diminishing acne. Basically the concept is simple- you have a very powerful “working” ingredient in benzoyl peroxide, but you need a vehicle to deliver it to the skin without harming it. In fact, you’d like the vehicle to actually benefit the skin, like nourish and cleanse it while delivering the potent product. I liken it to the one-two-punch before the knockout.

A good marketing concept always wants its product to be somewhat pleasing in texture, appearance and scent. Many of the ingredients found in PROACTIV® are there to simply achieve this. They are used as a filler, to fill up the bottles while promising to leave the skin better than it found it.

So, here’s a technical look at the actual ingredients listed on the PROACTIV® system, starting with #1 in the system- Renewing Cleanser.
The main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide. This is one of the most widely prescribed and used acne treatments available. It is available almost anywhere from an over-the-counter (OTC) dosage to one that requires a prescription. It can be bought in cleansing bars, liquids, gels, creams or lotions. It usually comes in strengths of 2.5%, 5% or 10% strengths. Sometimes it is combined with other products such as antibiotics to provide a combination therapy plan.

The list of other ingredients and their purpose in the Renewing Cleanser are:

Anthemis nobilis flower extract – Roman or English Chamomile, often used for fragrance or skin conditioning; Cetyl esters – synthetic wax used as lubricants; Dimethyl isosorbide – possibly a dimethicone to add smoothness and texture; Disodium dimethicone copolyol sulfosuccinate – Surfactant, cleansing agent; Imidazolidinyl urea – Antimicrobial preservative; Magnesium aluminum silicate – A naturally occurring mineral often used for a thickening agent; Methylparaben – A preservative; Neopentyl glycol dicaprylate – Used as an emollient and thickener; PEG-100 stearate – Made by combining natural oils with Stearic Acid. Used as an emulsifier, emollient, and moisturizer; Propylene glycol – A small organic alcohol used as skin conditioning, fragrance, solvent and humectant. It is associated with a high level of irritation and contact dermatitis; Propylparaben – Fragrance, preservative. The parabens can mimic estrogen and disrupt the hormonal system; Sodium hyaluronate – a synthetic version of one naturally made that promotes lubrication and hydration; Sodium PCA – A humectant moisturizer without additional oils; Sorbitol – A sugar-alcohol that is metabolized slowly by the body; Tridecyl stearate – Emulsifier and thickening agent; Tridecyl trimellitate – A very heavy, odorless liquid that has a syrup consistency, is a bit tacky, but leaves the skin soft; xanthan gum – A thickening agent and a stabilizer; Water – I am hoping we don’t have to expound on this one.

The second bottle in the PROACTIV® system is called Revitalizing Toner. Many people are confused as to the purpose of a toner, and rightly so. First, a toner is supposed to remove any excess dirt after cleansing and to return your skin’s pH to it’s normal level after the cleaning. On that note, I must share that studies have demonstrated that the skin returns itself back to its normal pH of about 5.5 very rapidly anyway- without any help from additional resources.

So my question to you then, is it really necessary to require two cycles of cleansing? Is your skin really that dirty that you need to do this twice daily? Do you live in a coal mine? Unless you do, I tend to think it’s not that important to use this toner and would skip the toner in favor of something else that stays on your skin like an alpha-hydroxy acid.
But for those of you who do like and use the toner, here are the ingredients listed on bottle #2.

Allantoin – A chemical compound naturally produced by many organisms such as animals, plants, and some bacteria. Allatoin is a keratolytic, meaning that it helps to break down the outer layer of dead keratin cells making the skin softer, and allowing (in a very small way) other things to penetrate. It can also moisturize the skin; Aloe barbadensis leaf juice – Commonly called “aloe vera”, it is used because it can reduce the appearance of dryness and flaking. It has also historically been considered an adjunct to wound healing; Anthemis nobilis flower extract – See above; Benzophenone-4 – A safe, FDA approved, over-the-counter sunscreen ingredient. Benzophenone-4 is called Sulisobenzone, and may be used in various concentrations on up to 10%; Glycerin – A sugar-alcohol compound synthesized for manufacturing but can be found naturally. In skin care products it acts as a humectant, and can also be used to thin products; Glycolic acid – A naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid which is also synthetically made. When found in unbuffered, fairly significant concentrations, it acts as a mild exfoliant, degreaser, and skin conditioner; Hamamelis virginiana – North American Witch hazel. Used as an astringent; Hydroxyethylcellulose – A polymer of cellulose used as a thickening agent in water-based cosmetics and products; Imidazolidinyl urea – See above; Methylparaben – See above; Panthenol – A form of vitamin B5, it is used as a lubricant and a moisturizer; Polysorbate-20 – An emulsifier for water based products; Propylene glycol – See above; Propylparaben – See above; Rosa canina fruit extract – Skin conditioning agent; Sodium hydroxide – Otherwise known as lye, this ingredient may be used to raise the pH of a product, but is caustic in more concentrated amounts; Sodium PCA – See above; Tetrasodium EDTA – A chelating agent that softens water and acts as a preservative.

Lastly, is the REPAIRING TREATMENT (New PROACTV®).
The main ingredient in this is once again- Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO), 2.5%- the same as what’s in the cleanser. The “New PROACTIV®” has a microfine BPO that is reported to cause less irritation by leaving less clumping, as the larger molecule tends to do.

The other ingredients listed in the Repairing treatment are:

Other Ingredients:
Water (aqua): See above; Ethoxydiglycol – A solvent used to decrease density in a product. It may also be known as Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether; Cyclotetrasiloxane – Emollient and skin conditioning agent; Cyclopentasiloxane – Emollient and skin conditioning agent; Cetearyl alcohol – A fatty alcohol used in products to prevent separation and to alter the thickness of a product; Propylene glycol – See above; Dimethicone – See above; Glyceryl stearate – Acts as a lubricant on the skin; PEG-100 stearate – see above; Panthenol – See above; Allantoin – See above; Xanthan gum – See above; Ceteareth-20 – A fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and an emulsifier; Carbomer – Stabilizes formulations and provides texture; Triethanolamine – An organic compound that is strongly alkaline and also a surfactant; Diazolidinyl urea – An antimicrobial preservative used in cosmetics. It is chemically related to Imidazolidinyl urea which is found in the cleanser.; Methylparaben – See above; Propylparaben – See above; Fragrance (parfum)

Benzoyl peroxide is rapidly bactericidal. This means it can kill propionibacterium acnes, (or an easier word), the P.Acnes. P. acnes are the bacteria that is responsible for infectious acne. Benzoyl Peroxide can kill off these types of bacteria often without the use of antibiotics.

It’s important to note that acne actually begins before the P.acnes get involved, and that retinoids are the Gold Standard for Acne therapy. Saying that, if PROACTIV® works for you, and is in your price range, stay on it. But if you are getting buried in payments, you may want to move on to something else to get the main ingredients that I’ve explained above.

Yes,there are benefits of a formed system and routine. And if you need that type of regimen, then PROACTIV® may be the miracle you’re looking for. But if you are strong enough to maintain your own cleaning routine without the guidance, you should be fine with a bit less expensive course of action.

Stem Cell Creams Or Stem Cell Con?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Since “stem-cell” is the buzz phrase of the present, there is no shortage of “entrepreneurs” attempting to cash in on the hype, the mystery, and the promise of this get-rich-quick opportunity. While stem-cell research will likely produce wide-spread benefits for many conditions, the technology is still young.
Now, regarding this stem cell cream do marketers actually expect people to
believe they are the absolutely most important need-to-be cured-right-now wrinkle remedies that contain these all important human stem-cells?
They obviously know their audience. People are buying these creams at a record rate. Unfortunately, the stem cells they are referring to are the stem cells in PLANTS, not human beings. And, for years many creams and ointments have contained ingredients from plants.
Advertising is interesting. The term snake oil has been around forever. Its first recorded use was in China a few hundred years ago. In our country, in the mid 1800′s potions and lotions were sold out of covered wagons….Not so different than being sold today in infomercials!
Getting back to stem cell creams, they may briefly plump up your epidermis (the outermost layer of your skin), making it appear smoother, but have no lasting effect. They also may have light diffusers that make your skin appear brighter. Bottom line is, no real lasting help.

If you are looking for something that WILL work, look to the Retinoid and acid family (such as Retin-A and Glycolic’s). They turn your cells over faster and will make you look younger because your skin actually is younger, and has a solid nutritional source. They are guaranteed to work.
But, some people just cant help being bitten once in a while. If you have already been bitten, dont beat yourself up. We all get bitten once in a while.

Botox Now Available at your local 7-11

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Hopefully you didn’t really believe the above headline, but sometimes it seems like all you see are advertisements for cosmetic injections. Many are from medical offices, but if you look at their specialty, they are not even remotely connected with dermatology, skin or the facial structure.
Botox, Dysport, plus a variety of fillers can work miracles, but need to be administered by a person highly skilled and trained as a cosmetic provider. Unfortunately, some medical offices, especially those with a strong base of female patients, see injectables as a great new profit center. Just covert a seldom used room and you’re ready to go.
As a national trainer for the two largest cosmetic pharmaceutical companies, I can tell you its easy to “freeze” the side of a patients face by injecting improperly. Maybe for months. How would you like to have to carry a drool rag with you for the next few months till the effects wear off?
Having a knowledge of the facial muscles is only part of the skills a provider needs. They need to carefully listen and learn what the person receiving the injection wants to achieve. By knowing exactly what the patient expects and wants, you can inject knowing their goal will be accomplished.
Convenience and price are nice things to consider, but they definitely shouldn’t be the most important factors when deciding who you choose to administer any injectable enhancement.

What To Look For In A Cosmetic Medical Provider

Dr. Bonnie Marting

1. A good reputation. Reputations are like gold in every medical practice. If a provider is well respected, the community, and your friends, will know. If you are willing to share your plan for cosmetic enhancement with friends, ask them for there recommendations and opinions.
2. One that listens. People seek some form of enhancement, or as many of my patients jokingly say “maintenance”, for individual reasons. Sometimes an outside trigger, like an acquaintance telling you that you look “tired”, creates a desire for “SOMETHING! This is why the medical provider should listen to your personal desires in order to lead you in the right direction, rather than just deliver the BOTOX® you thought you needed and send you on your way.

3. One that lets YOU make the decisions. A good provider will recommend, but still let you be in charge. This is a bit of a continuation of point #2. After listening, they should recommend a treatment or a course of treatments that will get you closest to where you want to be. Then, let you decide how far you want to go based on your choices and your budget.

4. One that isn’t a “Hard Sell Advertiser”. If a medical providers office has a good reputation, they don’t have to hard sell themselves. They already have a strong patient referral base. Some advertising is normal, but if you see ad after ad from one office (think personal injury attorneys) it probably means that they’re not good enough to hang on to patients, much less receive referrals from them. This type of provider survives by hard sell advertising. They need to create a fresh supply constantly instead of relying on reputation to fill their waiting room.

5. One that isn’t priced significantly lower (or higher) than others. If someone has prices significantly higher than the local norm, that may mean they are the best and want to make certain they don’t waste their time seeing someone that can’t afford their services. It may also mean they only want the patient they can overcharge and get away with it. Go back to number one and see what their reputation is in the community.
On the other end of the spectrum are office prices that are “too low”. To me this has always suggested a desperation that announces “we will take anyone! Just come!” Discovering Too Late why their price was so low or their schedule was so flexible can be a crude experience. And one you may live to regret for a long time.

6.One who is knowledgeable about products, treatments and options. Some medical providers try to perform a wide range of services, both injectable and laser, by utilizing only a few different products or treatment procedures. In my office, we offer several fillers and I currently use two different muscle relaxers, depending on Patient Needs. And, I am testing new products all the time.
We also have different lasers with several heads each, depending on your skin type and procedure. Lasers are expensive to purchase, or even lease. If an office spent $70,000 to $100,000 on a laser, they want to see it continue to bring in income as long as possible. Unfortunately, their laser may be outdated. For instance, why subject yourself to more pain than you need for hair removal when a new laser is more comfortable and does a better job? Make sure the equipment in your providers office is state of the art. You would be surprised how fast this technology changes. Four years can mean several generations of improvements.

7. One who can prescribe medication. You might say “no kidding!” but there are multitudes of lower level nurses, estheticians, and “assistants” who take courses and learn the “art of cosmetic improvement”. The problem is this: what if something happens to you that requires medical attention? They are not educated to diagnose a condition that may cause you a great deal of harm. Nor are they able to prescribe anything to help. Often times these folks are “working under a doctor’s license” in order to be able to order the product in the first place. The doctor does not know you, nor perhaps do they even specialize in skin problems. You see this scenario in some medical offices with a large existing female patient base. They want to build a new profit center, so they section off a room or two, and hire an extra person. But they have very little (or no) experience in cosmetic dermotology. Their only real experience in this field has been a short course that was provided by a pharmaceutical company.

8. Know their credentials. Please seek your treatment from one of these providers: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Medical Doctor (MD) Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), or Doctor of Nursing Practice, (DNP). I recently (October of 2011) attended a conference in California with attendees from all over the United States. Some of our discussions were about the states allowing lower level medical personnel (or worse) to inject fillers and muscle relaxers as long as they are in the doctors office. In my state, (Florida) Registered Nurses, who are very well trained and knowledgeable, still aren’t even allowed to turn on a laser. But in some states, almost anyone in the office can perform a laser procedure with very little training. Always check who will be doing the actual treatment.

Quick Note: I did not include Physicians Assistants in the list above because I’m not certain how each state regulates P.A.’s. In our state they are highly respected and more than a “medical assistant” or assistant of the doctor. They have followed a course of study that allows them to diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. To my knowledge though, P.A.’s always have to be affiliated with a physician.

9. One who is a good teacher. Your provider should be able to provide good options for your concerns, and able to teach you about products and procedures. They should also be willing to advise you when something you want may not be in your best interest, and why. In addition, he or she should be able to help you learn how to maintain your desired results longer. Finally, they should be able to direct you to other practitioners (a plastic surgeon for example) if that is what’s needed to obtain the best results.

10. One who has your best interest in mind, not their income. This is somewhat related to point #3. Based on what your provider heard you say, he may recommend a course of treatment that could cost thousands of dollars. They may honestly feel these treatments are the best way to get you what you want. If you have some reservations about the costs, they should also be able to offer something a little less costly. They may have to tell you that you will not end up exactly at the point you want, but at least you will have a choice. I have heard multiple stories of innocent folks coming to an office for “a little work” then leaving with a bill that nearly made them lose consciousness. Guess who benefits from this? ALWAYS be clear if you have any questions BEFORE you allow treatment to be performed.

11. One who is surrounded by knowledgeable and likable staff. It’s an old axiom that happy offices have happy patients. A good staff is sometimes difficult to maintain, but if everyone seems happy (or miserable) every time you go in, there’s probably a good reason. Since it’s your goal to develop a relationship with a good medical provider, their staff should demonstrate they want you to be just as happy as they are.

12. You need a provider that doesn’t look over the top (“bizarre”). This may sound strange, but you have no idea how many people in my field have overdone their appearance. This should not even have to be said, but if your provider comes in looking like a weird, unmovable porcelain doll or has lips that enter the room considerably before she (or he!) does, simply excuse yourself and run.

13. They HAVE to be up to date. We talked about this in #6, but please let me elaborate on being up to date, not only in the equipment they use, but their knowledge. They don’t have to be using everything that was on Oprah last week, but should be aware of the trends in the ever-evolving medical cosmetic industry. That means knowing about, and passing on to you, new products that may be on the horizon. It also means advising you of problems we see such as biofilms, our latest challenge. Biofilms are bacterial colonies residing in the skin that have been found to be associated with “permanent type” fillers. This necessary learning is done through meetings, lectures, and constant study. Here is the final test of a great medical provider: Do some reading yourself, then ask the provider what they think of a particular product. If you find they are somewhat disinterested, they are probably not your best bet. If they become animated and truly enjoy discussing things, you have the beginning of a great relationship. If they offer a couple of other options and briefly tell you the differences, they probably love their job and you have a real winner. Hang on to them!

The Dirty Little Secret Of Multi-Tasking

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Multitasking has gotten way out of control. Look around you. Are the people you see more relaxed than they were maybe just 2 years ago? I doubt it. And it seems to be getting worse. Do you feel like you are on a treadmill that won’t slow down? Lets take a look at some ways to lessen this stress.

The subject of this video, Multi-Tasking, is a trap many fall into. The steps I talk about will help you break this stressful habit once and for all.

“The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking”
Video run time 7 minutes 13 seconds JUST CLICK THE ARROW TO START THE VIDEO

“Mirrors Don’t Tell The Whole Truth”

Dr. Bonnie Marting

The great Bette Davis said it best, “Aging is not a place for sissies”, but sometimes we spend a bit too much time in front of that revealing place- the mirror! And while we’re looking into it,looking at all our perceived imperfections, we’re only adding more fuel to the fire.I fight the War On Aging every day and know that the mirror does not tell the whole story. Take a look at this video and let me know what you think!
Mirrors Don’t Tell The Whole Truth

Video run time 4 minutes 20 seconds JUST CLICK THE ARROW TO START THE VIDEO

Tired Of Your Flat Rear End?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Rear end implants are all the rage now, but this is a bit much! And the back story (bad pun)is more bizarre than anyone could ever make up. It seems the owner of this rear end, Oneal Ron Morris, a transgender woman,did this to herself. She has an unusual technique. More on that in a moment. After seeing the results of her handiwork, and thinking it looked pretty good, she allegedly began passing herself off as a plastic surgeon, and performed more “procedures”.

That’s when things began to go wrong for Morris. Some of her “patients” began to show up at Florida hospitals with various parts of their bodies not only way out of proportion, but with signs of infection and open sores.

The problems these ladies were having might have something to do with Ms. Morris technique, mentioned earlier.Instead of using implants and silicone like some old fashioned run of the mill plastic surgeon might use, her method was more on the cutting edge of medical technology.

Mineral oil, super glue and an aerosol can of tire repair, usually called Fix-A-Flat, was her choice. She simply opened a small area and pumped it up. It seems she could buy all she needed for about $20 at the local auto parts store and get up to $700 from her patients for a nice size rear.

The aerosol can of tire repair was especially inventive. Since it contains tetrafluorane to inflate tires, it worked great to inflate body parts. But there is a downside. According to MSDS warnings, it can explode if the temperature gets over 120 degrees. Not the procedure to have just before a trip to the hot mid east to see the great pyramids.

The other downside may of course been her choice of procedure locations. The “Dr.” usually worked out of local motels.

Police finally caught up with “Dr. Morris” in Dade County and charged her with practicing medicine without a license with severe bodily injury.

Police say several people have come forward claiming they were injected by Ms. Morris, many looking just as unusual.

Do Beautiful People Make More Money?

Dr. Bonnie Marting

What a non P-C thing to ask! But the answer is yes, according to The Journal of Economic Psychology, University of California. Truth be told, we all know someone getting ahead by on their looks don’t we?

The Journal even went so far as to break it down, concluding that people deemed to be the most attractive make 12% more than their not-so-good-looking co-workers.

That can add up to an easy one million dollars, assuming an average professional salary.

If you’re a hard numbers person (I’m not!), 39% of attractive men and women were judged by appearance only to be more positive, 16% of what were termed middle attractive people created positive reactions, but only 6% of the unattractive people got the thumbs up.

In team exercises, beautiful people seemed to be on the more successful teams. The reasoning: more cooperation on the teams with good looking people, less with the below average group. One theory was that attractive people were more successful in getting others to cooperate.

What’s worse, good looking people start out with advantages over normal folk. Research proves that people will add positive characteristics to attractive people that are not earned. Here’s a thought- Do you think some of our well polished presidential candidates might fit into this “beautiful people” category? Not pointing fingers, but a couple of them look like they just came off a magazine cover. Coupled with a great speech writer and some debate coaching, you have instant presidential material!

Now, I do have a point to make, totally unqualified and un-researched as it may be-
Let’s say a beautiful person was placed on a team with you. Then you find they are (I am searching for a politically correct term here)just plain dumb. Do you think their good looks might work against them and make you dislike them more than a not so good looking dummy? If so, maybe its because you initially placed a higher value on their abilities than you should have. Just a thought.

Here are some tips to help us average people look and be perceived in the best possible light.

” You are a package and clothes are your wrapping. They may not help you perform, but will help how you, and your performance, is perceived.

” Ask a couple of friends what they think is your best physical feature. Emphasize that blessing in your clothing, posture and demeanor.

” Have a trademark: Stand out from the crowd with your own style. I have a friend that only wears white and always looks calm, cool, and collected in the hot South Florida sun. She is in her late 60′s and still turns heads with admiring glances.

” Watch your body language. This is a tough one because we never pay attention to our own. But, we sure look at others, don’t we? Quick tips: NEVER slouch, especially if you are tall. Stand up and be proud of your height. When talking to someone, never look at anyone but them. Make sure your eyes do not dart around or watch others. When stating a point you want remembered, cross your arms. There are a lot of books on body language. Read a couple to pick up some pointers. Most importantly, when you see someone you admire, note their body language and “model” it so well you make it your own.

” Watch your mouth, especially in a business setting. Never use expressions that make you appear less than professional. Proper diction doesn’t goes out of style.

Seven Secrets For Sensational Skin

Dr. Bonnie Marting

Knowing these seven secrets will give you the advantage you need to look spectacular.

Secret One: Hands Off! Frequent touching of your skin (especially your face) will leave dirt deposits that not only clog your pores, but can increase dryness by removing moisture barriers. If you have sunscreen on, (you do, don’t you?)when you touch your skin you can also remove that protection.

Secret Two: Always Use Sunscreen, even if you don’t think you will be out in the sun. Remember, you get some incidental rays just by walking to your car. UVA light is constant even in winter months and penetrates much deeper than UVB (the burning rays). UVA damage is responsible for most skin “aging”.

Secret Three: Drink plenty of water. Even though water does not directly translate into hydrated skin, it helps your body and skin remain healthy. If you become dehydrated, it can be visible in your skin, your eyes, and even your tongue. Water helps everything in your body to work properly. Please don’t skimp.

Secret Four: Cleanse skin twice daily. If twice is out of the question, at least cleanse you face in the morning, after your body has gone through the night-time regeneration process. Cleansing your face at night before bedtime has the advantage of an extra cleaning, and a reminder to use whatever product your practitioner recommends. If you use a retinoid (highly recommended unless you are pregnant) this is when it goes on.

Secret Five: Change your sheets at least weekly. It may sound silly, but not everyone changes that often. If your pillow case isn’t clean, your face will re-absorb much of the nasty residue shed by your skin as you toss and turn at night. Keeping linens clean is healthy for your skin.

Secret Six: Routinely clean your make-up brushes. I have patients who keep the same brushes for years, and never clean them! While it doesn’t need to be done every day, it should be done at least once a month. If you loan a brush to a friend, go ahead and clean it right away. You never know….

Secret Seven: This may be the most important secret: Forget About Your Skin! From my perspective, the damage caused by folks obsessing over their skin is huge. If you get a pimple, leave it alone. Spot treating can cause dryness or irritation, and picking may very well result in a scar. When is it OK to be concerned? When you have a “pimple” that has lasted for months, or a “dry patch” that just doesn’t go away. These problems are reserved for your dermatology office.

* First Name
* Email
	* = Required Field