A new decade is upon us.  A new year.  New chances to improve ourselves and our lives.  And step one is self care: taking the steps for physical and mental well-being.  One important part of self care is giving your skin some love!  At pdmd, we take a comprehensive approach to skin care, from lasers to fillers and botox to tailored skin care regimens and of course, facial services.  This month, to kick off 2020 the right way, we are offering a special promotion with our amazing aesthetician, Audrey: a signature facial with microdermabrasion (1 hour long total treatment). 

What is microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a painless, non-invasive procedure where a handheld applicator is used to stream super fine crystals and then vacuum/suction them to gently exfoliate the superficial, dry layers of the skin.  The technique stimulates blood flow, resulting in glowing skin.  The suctioning helps to unclog stubborn pores and improve mild acne.  Collagen production is stimulated, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  There may be mild redness for a day or two, but generally, there is very little downtime. 

Microdermabrasion can be combined with other treatments offered during a facial, such as masks and chemical peels.  Ask us about it at pdmd!

Happy New Year and wishing everyone beautiful, healthy skin!

And no, not Jordan, Joey, Donnie, Danny or Jonathan.

We're talking about the newest kid on the block for beauty!  Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) is the new FDA-approved injectable treatment to temporarily improve the look of frown lines.  Jeuveau joins the FDA-approved toxins that are currently on the market: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.  Having another option is always a good thing!  

Hating the lines on your face but still hesitating?  Let us clear up some common misconceptions.

"I'm afraid I'll look wierd."
With proper technique, a very natural, more youthful result can be achieved. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and now Jeuveau can smooth the "eleven" lines between the eyebrows, which make people appear angry, even when they're not. It can relax lines across the forehead, as well as crow's feet. It can stop wrinkles on the nose (bunny lines), a dimpled chin (golf ball chin), and tight neck bands.  It can even slim the face when injected into the masseter muscles.  A board certified dermatologist with cosmetic experience has the training necessary for beautiful, natural, "non-wierd" results.  Please note that injections outside of the glabella are considered off-label.

"I don't think it's safe."
Botulinum toxin has been used in millions of patients worldwide for more than 20 years in the treatment of both medical and cosmetic conditions. While there are certain patients that should not have the treatment (those with an allergy to the product, certain neuromuscular conditions, those pregnant or nursing), when used correctly, it is overall a very safe treatment, with serious side effects being very rare.

"I don't want to look worse once it wears off."
The effects of neurotoxins last about three months. It works by temporarily stopping the release of a chemical from nerves called acetylcholine which instructs muscles to contract. After a short period of time, the nerves begin releasing the chemical again, and the muscle will contract, just like they did before. Wrinkles will return to what they were before the treatment.

Botulinum toxin injections are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. With no cutting or downtime, a little can go a long way.

Ask us at pdmd which toxin is right for you!

 

Donna Bilu Martin, MD performs free skin cancer screenings at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida in the month of May in partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology.

The latest in skin rejuvenation treatments is at Premier Dermatology, MD, and the results are worth their weight in gold.  Aquagold, that is.  

Aquagold fine touch is a new micotechnology that consists of a device that has 20 super thin microneedles made of 24 karat gold.  Each needle is hollow, allowing for a mix of products to be infused directly into the skin's surface.  Each concoction is customized by Dr. Bilu Martin, and usually contains a mix of neurotoxin (Botox or Dysport) and hyaluronic acid. PRP (platelet rich plasma) and vitamin complexes may be added, as well.

Now you may be thinking, "Whaat?  Botox all over my face?  I won't be able to move!"  But the secret is microdosing of these products, which means the tiny amounts of neurotoxin won't affect movement.  What it will do is help minimze fine lines, improve the appearance of pores, improve acne scarring and texture, and give the skin an overall glow.  That rejuvenating glow starts about a week after the treatment and lasts for 2-3 months.  The neck, chests, and hands can all be treated as well.  

Numbing cream is applied prior to the treatment.  Discomfort and downtime are none to minimal, making this a perfect treatment for busy people!  

Call us at 305-521-8971 to schedule your Aquagold treatment with Dr. Bilu Martin today!

There's been a lot of debate about sunblock in the media.  Do they cause more harm than good?  And if not, which sunblock is best?

 

Let's set the record straight.  Exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer.  Taking a daily vitamin D supplement and eating foods rich in vitamin D should be sufficient to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D.  For more information, visit the American Academy of Dermatology's website.

 

SO WEAR SUNBLOCK.  Every. Single. Day.

 

Now, there are some guidelines to follow.

 

1. Sunblocks should be broad spectrum, meaning they block both UVA and UVB rays. 

UVA rays cause the signs of aging (A for Aging): wrinkles, brown spots, and loss of elasticity (read: loose skin).  They pass through clouds and are unaffected by weather.  UVA rays also cause skin cancer. 

UVB rays cause sunburns (B for burning), and vary with the time of day and season.  The SPF rating on sunscreen means the level of protection against UVB rays only.  Sunblocks should be at least an SPF 30.  Anything higher than that doesn't make much difference.

 

2. Sunblocks consist of two classes of ingredients: chemical blockers and physical blockers.  Chemical sunscreens need to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure so that they can be absorbed into the skin.  Physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on the surface of the skin and work immediately.  So which is better?  Many sunblocks contain a combination of the two classes.  Some people are irritated by chemical sunscreens, in which case a physical block would be better.  Physical sunblocks also tend to be more sweat resistant (which is handy for exercising).  Despite claims, there is no evidence that chemicals in sunblock cause cancer.  

 

3. Sunblocks must be re-applied every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.  Use the right amount: a teaspoon full for the face; a shotglass full for the body.  

 

At Premier Dermatology, MD, in Aventura, we recommend and carry many sunblocks.  Here are just a few we love:  

 

EltaMD UV Pure SPF 41: a broad-spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen.  It's great for kids and adults whose sensitive skin can be irritated by chemicals.  It's also fragrance-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic (as are all the EltaMD susncreens). Dr. Bilu Martin puts it on her kids every single morning, rain or shine. 

 

EltaMD Physical SPF 47: also a broad-spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen.  It has a universal tint, so it doesn't appear as "white" on the skin as the UV pure.

 

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46: for acne or rosacea prone patients, this broad spectrum sunscreen contains 5% niacinamide, which helps calm redness.  It will not cause breakouts and is very light. 

 

Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50: a tinted, broad spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen with a matte finish.  Feels like a bb cream; very cosmetically elegant.

 

Colorscience Sunforgettable Broad Spectrum SPF 50: a powder chemical-free sunscreen that is easily applied with a brush.  A favorite for reapplying throughout the day.  

 

Keep in mind that these sunblocks are only sold to physician offices and some medspas.  If bought from an unauthorized website or retailer, you may not be getting the genuine product.  

Don't skimp on sunblocks and just pick any cheap one.  In south Florida, protecting your and your family's skin with a sunblock that is effective is so important all year round.  A single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma in their lifetime.  Protect your precious skin!