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.

            Although Levulan is not FDA approved for acne, it is widely used by the medical community worldwide for this purpose.  Its FDA approval is for Actinic Keratosis, pre malignant lesions, on the skin.  The procedure process involves cleaning the skin thoroughly, then applying the Levulan.  It lies on the skin for about an hour and then washed off.  The patient then sits under a blue light to activate the Levulan for about 15 minutes.  After activation, the patient must protect his face from bright light and sunlight for the 24-36 hours.  This means staying indoors, curtains closed, in a dimly lit room.  During this time, the skin becomes red and begins to peel for the next few days.  Follow up treatments are done about 3-4 weeks.

            The Aesthetic Clinique offers Levulan treatments with Blu U light activation.  Give us a call for an evaluation or treatment.  850.622.1214

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.

Where did it come from? Vi Peel was developed by A.F. Kalil, MD, of Kalil Medical Products, a key figure in medical aesthetic training organizations, and founder of the American Academy of Restorative and Aesthetic Medicine (AARAM).

What does it do? Vi Peel improves the tone, texture and clarity of skin; reduces or eliminate age spots, freckles and hyper-pigmentation; softens lines and wrinkles; clears acne conditions including acne scars; and stimulates the production of collagen to promote firmer skin.

What about darker skin tones? Darker skin tones are no longer left out of the benefits attained through chemical peels. The Vi Peel is the first chemical peel to address the needs of darker skin tones and can be safely used on all skin types.

What’s it made of? Vi Peel is made up of a unique blend of ingredients including:  Phenol, TCA, Retin A, and Salicylic Acid.

How fast does it work? The peeling process is much shorter than other chemical peels, typically lasts 2-4 days with complete results appearing within an average of 7-10 days. Appointment times to complete the treatment are shorter as well, and are estimated to be twenty minutes.  

Any claims to fame?  Vi Peel has appeared on the largest TV networks including Extra, CBS, NBC and a has a feature article in In Style magazine. Vi Peel also won the “New and Notable” product award at the Medical Aesthetic Industry Stars Awards in Los Angeles.

 GliSODin Skin Nutrients are all natural oral supplements containing high levels of antioxidants and omega 3’s that are formulated to maintain skin health from within and protect it from environmental stressors. These advanced formulas send out a collection of critical nutrients – including anti-aging agent superoxide dimutase – directly to the deepest layers of skin tissue, ensuring the replenishment and rejuvenation of skin as it grows. The nurtured deep tissue creates an optimal environment for new healthy skin to grow while wiping out oxidative stress or UV ray damage from the root.  

Though GliSODin Skin Nutrients are newly available in the United States, Hollywood has already pounced on these highly sought after products. Celebrities like Jessica Biel and Vanessa Minnillo are reported to be using the Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, which mobilizes an array of nutrients to reduce damage, irritation and inflammation caused by sun exposure. 

The product line is suitable for all skin types and includes Advanced Daily Formula, Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, Advanced Detoxification Formula, and Advanced Pre/Post Formula.  Learn more about GliSODin Skin Nutrients to find out how you can give your skin what it deserves and feel beautiful from the inside, out.

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.

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.

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?