September 2010 Blog Archive

Despite what most skin-related ad campaigns might indicate, men have skin, too! While the rugged and handsome among us may not want to admit to needing more than soap-n-water, men's skin has unique needs and should be treated as such. Check out these quick skin care tips that will turn heads.



Tip #1 - Wash Your Face. This seems pretty basic, but it's probably the most critical element when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. Men have an average 15% more oil in their skin than women do, so if skin isn't cleaned regularly that oil can build up and cause the skin to look dull, and even cause acne. When you wash your face, choose an unscented cleanser that is suited to your skin type. Avoid extremes in temperature; rinse your face with lukewarm water to avoid drying it out. Pat dry, and repeat twice a day.



Tip #2 - Know Your Skin Type. Yes, you have a skin type! Learning what it is is an important part of choosing the best products for your skin. Make sure your cleanser, toner, aftershave, and moisturizer all reflect whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sentitive, etc. Getting the right tools will help your get the best results.



Tip #3 - Watch That Razor. You probably learned how to shave as a teen, but your routine might need an update if you end up with red bumps instead of smooth skin after a shave. Take your time (hurrying usually equals nicks and cuts), replace your razor frequently, and use a shaving cream or gel and aftershave forumalted to your skin type. Also consider whether you can skip a day or two between shaving, especially over the weekend--this will give your skin a break and make it healthier when you do shave again.



Tip #4 - Tone and Moisturize. Toners are typically liquid products you sweep over your face after cleansing; they firm the skin and tighten pores for a smooth look. Moisturizing is a significant aspect of skin health--every time you wash your face you're stripping it of essential oils and nutrients, so replacing the 'good' that you removed is important. Consider choosing a moisturizer that contains sunscreen--there's nothing rugged about melanoma, and sun damage can also lead to wrinkles and discoloration.



Remember, skin care is important for everyone. If you're not happy with your skin's condition, think about visiting a skin care specialist for a rejuvenative treatment like a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or even just a facial massage. Your skin will thank you!

Virtually all women (and even most men) have unwanted hair. Removal options can be less than attractive: shaving leaves red bumps, depilatory creams are messy. But new advances in laser hair removal have provided an easy, fast way to permanently remove unwanted hair from just about anywhere.

Laser hair removal is the use of laser energy to eliminate or diminish the body’s ability to produce hair in unwanted areas. This is accomplished by using a laser to apply heat to the hair follicle, which signals the hair follicle to go into a resting (telogen) phase.



There are four different kinds of laser light that are commonly used for hair removal:

• Alexandrite - such as the Candela GentleLase Plus.


• Ruby - such as the EpiTouch or the Epilaser.


• Diode - such as the Coherent Light Sheer.


• ND and LP ND Yag - such as the Candela GentleYag and the Altus Cool Glide.

These are all effective, fast, comfortable and safe for permanent hair removal. They do present varying risks and intensities, so it's important to discuss with your skin care specialist which laser is best suited to your individual needs.



There are some primary advantages to laser hair removal that are helpful to keep in mind when deciding on a hair removal system.

• Research has proven that laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for hair removal when performed by an experienced provider


• Any re-growth is often lighter with finer texture


• Because the laser method is quicker than electrolysis, it is especially useful for large areas of hair removal in one sitting

Talk to your specialist about the benefits and drawbacks of laser hair removal. Smooth, hair-free skin could be just an office visit away!

In addition to all of the great features associated with a DermaNetwork.org membership, our clients will now play an integral role in branding their practice. The Resource Center is designed to help busy specialists manage their marketing more effectively. This new feature provides DermaNetwork.org clients a centralized location to evaluate ROI, update profile information, and enhance their online presence. With this interactive tool, DermaNetwork.org members can:

Evaluate profile performance by exporting tracking reports


Update their profile listing


Market discounts and special offers directly to consumers through their profile and iPhone


Maximize membership benefits by reading our membership manual


Utilize the Marketing Center by reading through our archive of marketing tips and articles




1. Voice Opinions with our feedback feature that allows interaction with us to help develop DermaNetwork.org

Don't miss out on this great new feature! Talk to a DermaNetwork.org representative today to learn more about how DermaNetwork.org can help grow your practice and maximize your marketing dollar. Click Here to Contact a Representative!

VANCOUVER, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ - According to a new report by iData Research, the leading global authority in medical device and pharmaceutical market research, the market for cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics and medical lasers is expected to almost double in size, exceeding $3 billion by 2017. The market for aesthetic Botulinum toxin-A drugs such as BOTOX(R) will grow to an estimated $543 million by 2017, while the aesthetic laser and light therapy markets for skin resurfacing, hair removal and laser lipolysis are the fastest growing segments.

"Allergan has had a monopoly on Botulinum toxin A drugs since 2002, but now faces competition from Dysport(R) by Medicis as well as other new competitors expected to enter the market," says Dr. Kamran Zamanian, CEO of iData. "Allergan and Medicis have been fierce rivals, as their JUVEDERM(R) and Restylane(R) facial dermal fillers compete in the lucrative dermal filler market."

The report states that the U.S. market for aesthetic facial injectable products is valued at almost $860 million in 2010. Competition will intensify with the expected entry of PurTox(R) by Mentor Corporation, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Use of Botulinum toxin is also expected to increase due to a growing number of therapeutic possibilities, such as upper limb spasms, neck malpositioning due to spastic musculature and certain types of eye muscle disorders.

"A growing number of doctors are looking at the therapeutic potential of Botulinum-A. There are more cosmetic procedures performed using Botulinum-A than therapeutic, however therapeutic procedures use higher doses of the drug, therefore these two markets are similar in value," says Dr. Zamanian.

iData's Global 3-report series, the "Markets for Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Aesthetics and Medical Laser Devices 2011" includes the latest data, market analyses and competitor profiles for: Botulinum toxin, dermal filler, augmentation implants, liposuction aspirators, laser/light devices and microderm abrasion.

To learn more about Dermal Fillers, Botulinum Toxin products, or other anti-aging treatments, visit DermaNetwork.org.

If you or your teens are anything like the kids on the hit TV show the "Jersey Shore" they start their morning routine with GTL: Gym, Tanning, and Laundry. "Jersey Shore" is hardly the first (or the last) show to feature tanned, toned, bods, but learning about the risks of tanning beds and benefits of sunless tanning can help you or your kids make the right choices when it comes to tanning.


A new study evaluating the use of sunless tanning products in young women reveals that roughly 10% of American teens use sunless tanners to achieve that bronzed glow.



Reseachers gathered data on 1,600 eleven to eighteen year-olds who were asked questions related to their sunless tanning product use in the previous year, including questions about skin type, attitudes and perceptions of sunless tanning, other sun-related behaviors, and demographics.



Over 10% of the teens surveyed said they had used a sunless tanning product during the previous 12 months. A significant number of users were:



    * Female

    * Older adolescents

    * With parents or caregivers who also used sunless tanning products

    * Individuals who had positive beliefs/attitudes towards sunless tanning products



They also found that the usage of these products was linked to more indoor tanning bed use and a higher incidence of sunburn.



So what does that mean? Basically, those who like to look tan are probably more willing to use a variety of means to achieve that look--even if it means resorting to dangerous indoor tanning beds or laying unprotected in the sunlight. It's important to remind teenagers that there are serious health risks posed by these methods of tanning, and that using sunless tanning products is the best way to get the look they want without putting themselves at risk for skin cancer.



To learn more about sunless tanning products and skin cancer risks, contact a dermatologist today.

Have lash-envy? In the past, if you had naturally short or thin eyelashes, there wasn't a lot you could do about it. Mascara can only do so much, and falsies can be awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, the results are only temporary--wash your face and the effect is gone.



But thanks to recent developments in medical technology, a revolutionary new option is available for lash-enhancement. LATISSE is the first FDA-approved prescription product developed specifically for the increased growth of upper eyelid lashes. Developed by Allergan researchers while working on a separate eye care product, LATISSE is a topical solution applied once a day to the base of the upper eyelashes, where they meet the skin of the eyelid. The solution is for use on upper lashes only – not for lower lashes. The product works by stimulating and extending the growth cycle of your own natural eyelashes, making them longer, darker, and thicker than before.



If you've heard about LATISSE but aren't sure if it's right for you, consider these facts:



1) LATISSE is available by prescription only, from  your physician

2) If you don't like the results, you can stop using LATISSE at any time, and your eyelashes will return to their previous state

3) You can still use mascara while using LATISSE, so your beauty routine doesn't have to change



To learn more about LATISSE contact a local specialist, and start turning heads with those luscious lashes!

Need a quick beauty fix? Try these ideas to keep your skin radiant and flawless next time you're in a time crunch.



Problem: Ingrown hair along bikini line.

Quick Fix: Well, the best fix for this problem is to look into Laser Hair Removal, since then you wont have to worry about those little red bumps that often appear after shaving. But if you get a bump or two on your way to the pool, try dipping a paper towel in cold water, or wrapping it around an ice cube, and holding it against the offending bump, for 5-10 minutes. The cold should reduce the swelling and redness, making the bump less noticeable.



Problem: The night-before zit.

Quick Fix: Developing an angry zit the night before a big day? DON'T pop it or pick it open. DIY surgery will only inflame the area more and can even spread bacteria around to other areas of your face. Instead, try washing your face, then gently dabbing a little over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on the pimple. The medication in the cream should calm the redness and size of the pimple. For anything more than the occasional zit, though, you should really see a skin care expert to get the best in prescription acne treatment.



Problem: Puffy undereye circles.

Quick Fix: If the undereye area gives you chronic problems, you may want to talk to you cosmetic professional about possible dermal filler injections, BOTOX, or other long-term solutions. But if your puffy eyes are simply due to lack of sleep or too much fun the night before, try a cool compress--run a wash cloth under cold water and lay across your eyes for 10 minutes. If you still need some help, carefully dabbing a tiny bit of Preparation H hemorrhoid cream--you heard me--can tighten up that puffy skin. Then, use a light-reflective or yellow-toned concelar makeup to counteract the dark circles.



Remember, it's always a good idea to ask a professional before trying at-home remedies. With the help of some creative thinking and quick action, your last-minute beauty woes can become the molehills of your day.

Are you frustrated by post-summer sun damage? Maybe the signs of aging are pointing to a much higher number than you’d like. Meet Fraxel: an advanced medical procedure that can take years off your appearance by rejuvenating your skin from the inside out. FDA-approved Fraxel improves the skin by removing discolorations, imperfections, and fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike other procedures, Fraxel treatments can be customized to perfectly meet a variety of needs, and they require little to no downtime. In fact, most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure, and the risk of side effects is very limited.



Fraxel treatments are performed on an outpatient basis by highly trained medical professionals. The process is quick and easy—the skin is cleaned and numbed so you remain comfortable, and then the practitioner uses the Fraxel hand held device to target problem areas. The device uses microscopic lasers to effectively eliminate the signs of aging. Problem areas are addressed, and healthy skin is left unharmed, allowing for both effective results and fast healing.



With Fraxel, it is possible to look as young as you feel. Though it is most often used on the face, Fraxel can also be used to improve the appearance of the skin on the neck, chest, and hands. As an FDA approved procedure, Fraxel can safely eliminate or significantly reduce the appearance of skin imperfections without a lengthy recovery process. Contact a facility to learn more about this revolutionary procedure.

Think you know your cosmetic treatments? Check out these interesting facts about some of the popular cosmetic dermatology and other aesthetic treatments you know and love:



Did you know?



-BOTOX has been used in off-label capacities to treat TMJ (a jaw disease), involuntary twitches, and overactive sweat glands (hyperhydrosis).



-$10 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the U.S. in 2009 alone.*



-Fotofacial, Photofacial, Intense Pulse Light Therapy, Photo Facial, and IPL are all names for the same basic treatment.



-Cellulite is a skin condition. It occurs when fatty tissue works its way through weakened fibrous tissue, until it becomes visible near the skin's surface.



-Liver spots, Age spots, lentigos, and Sun spots are all different names for the same condition, a hyperpigmentation of the skin--and they have nothing to do with the liver.



-Zerona Laser Liposuction is the first completely non-invasive fat removal laser system to be FDA approved for circumfrential weight loss around the legs, thighs, and waist.



-Dermal fillers like Juvederm have been used in off-label capacities to make high-heels more comfortable, by enhancing the padding on the ball of the foot.



-Surgeons who served in WWI established the American Association of Plastic Surgery in 1931 and helped curtail unregulated plastic surgery. They are the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world.



-Sclerotherapy was among the Top 5 Cosmetic Minimally-Invasive procedures from 2000-2005 until it was replaced by soft tissue (dermal) fillers.*

To learn more about these and other cosmetic treatments, visit DermaNetwork.org

*Courtesy of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Fergie, Eva Longoria, and now You? The Oxygen Infused Facial is becoming increasingly popular, among stars and star-gazers alike.



The oxygen facial uses a machine to mist atomized moisturizers onto the skin using a stream of pressurized oxygen. The treatment is designed to hydrate skin immediately, making the face appear smoother and skin plumper, giving a refreshed look with fewer wrinkles.



But Oxygen Facials are not without controversy. Some experts feel that oxygen-infused facials don't make good on the claims supporters make. They point out that the treatment isn't FDA approved and that not enough studies have been done to prove it's efficacy.



But believers are quick to point out the results they see. They feel and see the results, that they say are apparent instantly and last for weeks.  Supporters often get oxygen facials shortly before a special event, or a photo shoot, because  the facials may provide a moisture boost that makes skin smoother so that it is easier to apply makeup and reduce the appearance of the signs of aging. If you're interested, get ready for your close up by asking your provider about Oxygen Faicals. Or, learn more about European and other types of facials by clicking here.

Have you had it with wrinkles? Maybe you've decided that you're ready to take some action against the signs of aging. Dermal filler injections are a great option for smoothing lines and creases in a minimally invasive way. Results aren't drastic, and recovery time minimal--you'll just look refreshed and younger.



The problem? Deciding which brand to use. With so many choices out there, many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to making the best decision for them. Consulting your skin care specialist is important, but informing yourself about your options is a great step toward making an informed decision.



A great introduction to dermal fillers is available on The Dermal Fillers Page at DermaNetwork. This page provides a breakdown of the top dermal fillers available, comparing them in a concise, user-friendly grid. Popular fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra are compared side-by-side so you know what you're getting. Additional educational information, as well as Before and After pictures are also available. Check it out now and get the info you need to decide which product will help you get the youthful results you're looking for.