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Malcolm Gladwell put it best when he published a book explaining the “tipping point” as the phenomenon of change that – for some undeniable reason – takes place all of a sudden and quite unexpectedly. The idea that noticeable change seems to happen almost at once thus taking us in a direction unplanned, unrealized, and for the most part, placing us in uncharted territory. Such is the case with our skin. As the largest organ in our body, it is indeed a life force all its own. In our 20s, skin is taut, supple, resilient and ready to bounce back. However, once in your 30s, there is less resilience, the subtle appearance of lines, and the beginning stages of sagging start to settle in.

Inevitably, certain factors can lead to faster aging of the skin such as smoking, sun tanning, and alcohol; however clinical studies are now showing that aside from environmental reasons, skin does reach a tipping point – the point where the skin shows a greater and more rapid deterioration of pigments, volume and elasticity. A recent study conducted by P&G Beauty and Grooming confirms a distinct difference in skin from those in their 20s versus the skin of those in their mid-30s. In fact, the mean age of regression was estimated at the age of 35.09 which indicates a clear “skin tipping point” at which point there is a precipitous drop in the skin’s elastic tolerance.  After confirming these studies, researchers conducted another trial to evaluate certain anti-aging ingredients which improve skin elasticity. Findings showed that specific topical agents, such as olive oil, can delay the unwanted signs of aging and prolong a youthful complexion.

According to Dr. Steven Weiner at the Aesthetic Clinique, one of the hot issues in skin science is oxygen free radicals.  It appears that the environmental oxidative stressors overwhelm the body’s ability to keep up at the tipping point.  We then start to lose the battle of collagen formation versus degradation, as well as lose elasticity.

“You don’t have to throw in the towel when you reach 35,” says Dr. Weiner “We have several treatments to directly fight the oxygen free radicals such as GliSODin Skin Nutrients, Retin A, and Revale Skin with Coffee Berry.  There are also treatments to replace the loss of collagen and elastin such as Fraxel re:pair, Fraxel re:store Dual, Thermage, and dermal fillers that stimulate collagen such as Radiesse and Sculptra, and to a lesser extent Restylane and Juvederm,” he added.

When it comes to genetics, there is definitely a role that inherent genes take in helping or hindering us to age gracefully, but external circumstances – our environment – plays just as important in the grand scheme of overall youth and long-lasting luminous skin. Contrary to popular belief, celebrities, models and fashionistas face the same problems. But today’s consumers can mimic these media idols through proper care and proactive techniques.

One such product offered at the Aesthetic Clinique is GliSODin® Skin Nutrients which is shown to maintain skin elasticity. Formulated by dermatologists and nutritionists to provide powerful antioxidants and bioactive nutraceuticals, GliSODin® promotes enhanced and longer lasting results from medical aesthetic treatments and beauty programs. GliSODin® is a unique melon extract naturally rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD), combined with wheat protein to protect its SOD activity within the intestinal cells. SOD, also known as the “Enzyme of Life”, catalyzes the natural antioxidant defense system, boosts immunity, and reduces the rapid signs of aging. The production of SOD decreases with age, causing an increase in susceptibility to free radical damage.

Thermage® is a completely non-invasive treatment that tightens the skin.  By heating up the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it promotes collagen formation to provide the improvement.  It takes roughly six months to fully form the collagen and appreciate the full results, which can last three to five years.  In addition, there is no downtime and the treatment can be performed on all skin types.  The newest version, Thermage® CPT, has proven to be even more effective and comfortable than prior models.

Fraxel® re:store Dual and the Fraxel® re:pair are fractional lasers which tighten wrinkles and loose skin by penetrating the skin microscopically to stimulate collagen.  The safety and rapid healing from these lasers is related to their “fractional” component, affecting only a fraction of the skin to which they are applied.  The Fraxel® re:store Dual is the newest of the two lasers, which offer several improvements:  more comfort, less treatments, and an additional laser wavelength for pigmentation.  Social downtime from the Dual is only up to a few days.  On the other hand, the Fraxel re:pair is an aggressive fractional CO2 laser for people desiring one treatment and more serious correction, but has approximately seven days of downtime.  Both lasers are effective in assisting those who have reached the “tipping point”.

No matter your age, your lifestyle, or your daily activities, there are innovative treatments available at the Aesthetic Clinique which can be individualized whether you have reached your skin’s “tipping point” or are approaching it. Going under the knife is not the only option anymore.  Non-invasive procedures are rapidly growing in popularity due to lifestyle demands but also refinements in devices and techniques which are leading to longer lasting and natural results. 

To find out which treatment works best for you, contact Dr. Steve Weiner at info@theclinique.net.

Aesthetic Clinique now offers Thermage® Comfort Pulse Technology (CPT) and is one of the first ten in the country to have this innovative system. Thermage® is a completely non-invasive treatment that tightens the skin.  By heating up the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, it promotes collagen formation to provide the improvement. Over time, sagging or wrinkled skin is replaced with smoother, tighter skin; improved tone and texture; and an overall younger looking appearance. It takes roughly six months to fully form the collagen and appreciate the full results, which can last three to five years. 

In addition, there is no downtime and the treatment can be performed on all skin types.  The newest version, Thermage® CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology), has proven to be even more effective and more comfortable than prior models. During the procedure, a handheld device is pressed against your skin to safely deliver heat to the inner layers, at the same time cooling the surface of the skin. Each time the device touches your skin, you’ll feel a brief cooling sensation, followed by a deep but brief heating sensation, followed by another cooling sensation. The heating sensation is a sign that the deep layers of your skin are reaching effective temperatures for tightening.

The Thermage CPT has added vibration to the head of the handpiece to assist in comfort measures.  It allows for higher energy levels and therefore, more effective treatments.  The heating aspect is more concentrated which also leads to better results.  Most people resume regular activities immediately after treatment. There’s no recovery time or special follow-up care.

SunSoul, a Canadian-based company, has developed clothing that delivers beneficial wavelengths of sunlight to skin while significantly reducing harmful ultraviolet radiation. By borrowing beneficial light from nature, SunSoul Sunware sends nourishing light directly to the skin. Aesthetic Clinique brings its clients this healthful product line to help them transform the effects of the sun’s rays during a day on the beach.

High-intensity blue light is used to treat and prevents acne breakouts, and yellow light is used to reduce skin damage. The company’s two lines of clothing, Blumöd for acne aid and Yelomöd for skin rejuvenation, use microfiber fabric designed to block and convert the sun’s harmful rays while magnifying healthy sections of the light spectrum. To top it all off, the clothing delivers an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+, offering protection from harmful rays.

How do yellow and blue lights help my skin?

Yellow Light – Yellow light rejuvenates skin by bringing out youthful radiance and reversing the aging process. Yellow light is naturally attracted to red and brown pigments called chromophores. Red pigments are the pesky red and blue blood vessels as well as the redness that develops on skin with aging and sun damage. The brown pigments in the skin are excess melanin, also the result of sun damage and aging skin.

Blue Light – Blue light is proven to be effective in eradicating acne causing bacteria. Blue light interacts with porphyrin from the bacteria as well as naturally occurring oxygen to produce singlet oxygen, which is lethal to the bacteria.

How long do these products take to work?

The average dose of sunlight to manage acne and rejuvenate the skin is about 2 hours per week in the sun wearing the Blumöd and Yelomöd products – this exposure will deliver about the same dose of light one would receive in a dermatologist’s office from a light device.

Try these fabulous and natural skin treatments while carrying on with daily life in the great outdoors or on the beach! Check out Rachel Ray’s recent talk show clip on SunSoul Sunware.

With job losses at an all time high, and 401-k’s leaving us with little left to fall back on, it comes as no surprise that our baby boomers, once set for retirement are now getting back on their feet and back into the workforce. Needless to say, the amount of job seekers on the market today makes securing a job that much more complicated. Times are tough and competition is fierce for those looking to make some extra income.

These days, appearance is almost as vital as your actual resume. Why? There are several reasons, but most importantly, first impressions are critical. While many would have previously splurged on surgery as an anecdote to age, this option has become harder to commit to as bank accounts have dwindled and expenditures have re-adjusted.

So how do those 40 and 50-somethings maintain their competitive edge against the array of young professionals? Easy….they are turning to non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to turn back the hands of time without burning a hole in their pocket or their bank accounts. A recent article published discussing this very subject, and in the process, outlined “Six Popular Treatments for Cost-conscious Consumers”.

And they are:

1) Botox Injections – still the most requested procedure to date, this treatment temporarily removes the glabellar lines (vertical lines between the eyebrows).

2) Cosmetic Fillers – wrinkle fillers such as Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Evolence, etc.

3) Laser Treatments – longer lasting procedures that eliminate not only wrinkles, but scars, birthmarks, blemishes, acne, spider veins, and much more.One of the most popular procedures is the Fraxel re:pair, which is virtually a facelift without a facelift.

4) Skin Resurfacing/Rejuvenation – this includes treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasions.

5) Minimally Invasive Surgery – facial plastic surgeons are now using more minimally invasive techniques which give you less pain, less downtime, and less trauma to the skin.

6) Lip Augmentation – a great way to give your pucker a little more “umph” while reducing wrinkles around the mouth.

Understanding that these procedures may still sound intimidating,  it is important to do your research before moving forward. Americans undergo more than 2 million facial plastic surgeries per year. Go with a doctor you can trust, has great training and experience, and who takes your face and your appearance seriously.

The insecurities of excessive sweating of your underarms and hands can create several hindrances in your daily life. Frequently changing clothes,  only wearing certain types of fabrics, worrying if someone will notice your underarm sweat marks…it’s just downright annoying! 

Currently, over 1.3 millions Americans suffer from primary axillary hyperhidrosis, which is a medical condition that produces excessive underarm sweating due to overreactive sweat glands. But we have GREAT NEWS for you who avoid the social scene for fear of being completely embarrassed. Now, BOTOX is proven to be a highly effective treatment for hyperhidrosis and has been FDA approved just for this purpose!

Typically, about 50 units per side are sufficient for the underarm or hand to produce a six month lasting effect. The second set of treatment will last even longer at nine to twelve months. Even better, the discomfort for this procedure is minimal, and I (Dr. Weiner) have perfected his technique for hand injections which renders no nerve blocks and practically no pain.

Come on, it’s time for a new wardrobe, a new sense of confidence, and most importantly, it’s time to get your life back to normal! Call Sandy at The Aesthetic Clinique to set up a consultation, 850-622-1214.

We hate acne as much as you do! In fact, millions of Americans suffer from acne, and roughly 22% have residual scarring. All types of treatments are available ranging from subcision (trying to elevate the scar), excision (removing the scar), saline injection, dermabrasion, dermal fillers, lasers, and deep chemical peels. 

Luckily, a relatively new approach is now on the market and is quickly gaining interest among acne prone consumers. This procedure is called TCA CROSS (Trichloroacetic Acid). Used for over 50 years, this medium-deep chemical peel helps to treat acne scars with minimal downtime and discomfort. Used on ice pick, rolling, or boxcar types, the procedure is done in less than 15 minutes and requires no numbing creams or pain medication. The area treated develops a frosting (whiteness) over the scar which must be covered with antibiotic ointment for the next five days and may develop slight scabbing during that period. Usually 4-6 treatments are needed to see the full results, and studies show the results to be very satisfactory with no pigmentation issues.

So check out TCA Cross procedure and learn how to attack those hard to treat acne scars. It’s non-invasive and practically no downtime. What have you got to lose, but a few scars?

30A Television just did an interview about the upcoming Bocce Ball tournament at Rosemary Beach.

Click here to see the footage, and plan on getting your team ready for a fun game with friends, families, and neighbors.

The game kicks off at 10am this Saturday. An after-party to celebrate the winners will be held at Cowgirl Kitchen. You don’t want to miss the fun! Tickets available by calling me at 850-622-1214, or email info@theclinique.net.

Sponsors Include:

Bud & Alley’s

Patchouli’s

Acqua Beach & Surf

Restaurant Paradis

Compass Realty of FL

The Promotions Chick

Cowgirl Kitchen

Wild Olives

The Aesthetic Clinique

Sugar Shak

It never fails that somewhere along the lines of scientific discovery, someone stumbles on a new idea, a new technique, a new “magic potion” that does something completely different that what it was originally set out to do. This is the case with Latisse, a product which actually stimulates the growth of eyelashes naturally, making them longer, darker, and thicker.

Designed to treat glaucoma, a drug called Lumigan, was developed to decrease pressure within the eye either by slowing the production of a fluid in the eye or by increasing fluid drainage. Funny enough, one of the side effects of Lumigan is longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. Seeing this, Allergan, Inc.the producers of Lumigan, created a spin-off of the product called Latisse. It is the first and only product to be FDA approved to enhance eyelash prominence as measured by increases in length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes.

Within 16 weeks, clients can see a visible and measurable change in their lashes. Daily application is the key for the first 16 weeks, but after that time you can apply every couple of days to maintain their results. USA Today recently published an article about Latisse and the effect it is having on patients and doctors’ offices across the country.

Who doesn’t want longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes? Check out The Aesthetic Clinique to learn more about this product and other amazing treatments.

Before & After

Newer technologies are making cosmetic procedures even more attractive and economical for those looking to turn back the clock. Solta Medical, Inc. a national medical technology firm now offers one of the newest and most innovative cosmetic devices on the market called the Fraxel Re:pair Treatment. This ingenious laser is designed to remove minute particles of skin, which causes the skin in that area to naturally contract, thus making the skin tighter, removing lines and wrinkles, and ultimately making you look extraordinary.

A recent article in The Walton Sun, published our comments on this new procedure and the national recognition that we have already received. After publishing a one-year study on my first 50 patients for Solta Medical, I realized that there will soon be a drastic shift of people now turning to non-invasive procedures. Because of the sheer effects and dramatic results, it’s’ a no brainer why someone would rather skip the scalpel and head straight for the Fraxel. After undergoing this treatment, you’re downtime is less than a week, and you have very little pain…and most of all, you have no cutting on your face whatsoever! For a fraction of the cost of a face-lift, why not?

Check out my website to see more before and after photos