Can a Beauty Cream Shrink Pores?
It’s a beautiful day here in Palm Beach as our record breaking hot summer FINALLY goes away! My post today is actually a question about large skin pores, and what can be done about them. Lisa J. in Dallas, Texas wrote: My esthetician recently told me that nothing will really shrink pores, yet my pores seem to get larger as I am aging. Is this true? Can anything be done?
Dear Lisa
To directly answer your question, Yes, pores do enlarge with age. Pores enlarge for the same reasons that skin develops wrinkles: loss of collagen, loss of elasticity, and thinning of the skin. As a result of the lack of elasticity, the skin grows less able to close the pores. My guess is what your esthetician meant is that there are no products or esthetician office-based machines that will do the job. However, pores and sebaceous glands can be shrunk with some lasers and light sources. An Nd:YAG laser, such as Cutera’s Laser Genesis can provide relief from enlarging pores. It can also reduce oily skin and build collagen for a fresh, healthy look. The beauty of this treatment is that it is painless. You may get a sensation of “laying in the sun”, though of course we don’t want you to ever do that!
Additionally. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments can help to minimize pores also since most IPLs have some infrared frequency to them. This penetrates a bit deeper to allow a contraction and then a regrowth of the collagen of the pore. While not really “painful”, IPL treatments may tend to bring some discomfort. The good news here…they are over quickly.
Have any of our other members had experiences shrinking enlarged pores? What were your results?
From Dr. Bonnie:
When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great.
I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life.
I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster.
You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Bonnie
Wake Up Without Wrinkles!
Feel like you suddenly woke up with new wrinkles you never noticed before? You are not alone, this happens alot. Does your skin suddenly appear dry, sallow, dull, and not the skin you are used to? Welcome. It was just a matter of time.
Gratefully, oh so gratefully, this is not a “skin death sentence”. I have fought this very successfully for a few years, utilizing the best known remedies such as retinoids, Retin-A, and others. This, followed by anti-oxidants and proper moisture can keep your skin young…well, maybe eternally. We will see. However, a few weeks ago, I received a challenge.
My Skin Medica Rep (Andrew) suggested I test the new Tri-Retinol Complex by Skin Medica that is purported (and I am always skeptical, as any other of my reps will attest) to be as strong as the leading retinoids (these are the Retin-As, Tazoracs, Differins, etc.). While I have not done studies, performed biopsies ( I won’t biopsy my face), and measured these things legitimately, I can say that the effect seems to be the same, maybe even possibly better than the .1% Tretinoin (Retin-A) or .05% Tazorac that I was using daily. OK, so what? The only reason I bring this up is because within one week of beginning its use, while this is truly anecdotal, 5 patients remarked (I see them maybe once every 3 months) “wow! What have you done? Your skin looks great!” The first three times I considered it coincidence, but then even my medical assistant (always in the room when this is said) said “it must be the new product!” This is the first non-prescription skin treatment cream that I feel is worth its weight. At least for performing as well as a retinoid, as there are a host of other products that are great for various things.
One of the products is the Skin Medica (I swear, they have nothing to do with this posting. I only wish they would pay me for it!) TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream. When I combined this with the Tri-Retinol Complex…the comments started flowing. It has only been about 2 and a half weeks, so my jury is still somewhat out, though I think they are close to a positive verdict.
From Dr. Bonnie:
When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great.
I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life.
I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster.
You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Bonnie
The Magic Anti-Aging Skin Cream
Poof! You are 20 years younger. If only that were true. There are literally thousands of skin creams out there. From infomercials on TV, promises on the internet, to classy department stores, they all tell you what you want to hear. Unfortunately, they seldom work like advertised because they dont have enough of the key ingredients to make a difference. They are formulated for the “average” person. In this video I try to answer the question by talking a bit about Retinoids, Retin A, Tazorack, Obogi, free radicals, anti-oxidants, and even coffee berry products. If you would like information specific to a product, please just let me know and I will do what I can to help. I can be reached at www.BeautifulRightNow.com.
From Dr. Bonnie:
When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great.
I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life.
I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster.
You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Bonnie
Celebrities and Skin Care
Do you buy a product simply because you adore the celebrity selling it? Well, that is basically the idea, which is the reason the celeb endorsements are so popular. Not unlike a product, person, procedure, or event skyrocketing to fame once it has appeared on the Oprah Show. While Oprah most likely will not be affected, some ads may have to adjust to a new regulation.
Transparent Advertising
OK, asking for pure transparency in advertising is like asking legislators to always tell the truth. Just cannot seem to happen. However a new regulation proposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) once adopted, will significantly affect the way advertisers and endorsers operate. According to Andrew Lustigman, a New York attorney who represents advertisers, direct marketers, media, and Internet companies, the changes are designed to protect the consumer against misleading testimonials and endorsements.
Truth Told?
I would caution anyone from getting their hopes up regarding “real expectations”, however the disclaimers at the end of ads (think drug ads) will likely become more common. Rather just saying “results may vary”, advertisers will be required to describe a “typical” result: the one most likely to happen to you.
From Dr. Bonnie:
When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great.
I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life.
I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster.
You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Bonnie
Written by Dr. Bonnie Marting on September 24, 2009
1 Comment »
Hydroxatone Better than Botox?
I had to post this review because so many patients asked me “Does Hydroxatone really comparable to Botox?” Usually when something is so highly marketed without much (really none) evidence to support its claims, I ignore it. Then one day one of my readers or a patient asks me to guide them in their quest for a cream that will compare to Botox. Of course, they are now hearing more and more about Hydroxatone with the marketing hype.
What is Hydroxatone?
Hydroxatone is a compound of Matrixyl 3000 (see post on Matrixyl 3000), Argireline, the trade name for the synthetically derived peptide called acetyl hexapeptide-3, and some ubiquitous antioxidants. Argeline’s claim to fame is simply: Argireline has been shown to moderate excessive catecholamines release. That’s it…as unromantic as it is. It will not decrease wrinkles. The other component of Hydroxatone is hyaluronic acid, in its liquid form, which cannot penetrate past the stratum corneum. However, it may slightly fill up the dead keritin cells in stratum corneum because its (hyaluronic acid’s) ability to absorb water is big. This however should not be confused with hydration for your skin. It doesn’t work that way. Bloating your top dead skin cells does not equal wrinkle reduction. Period.
Can Hydroxatone Compare to Botox?
Really, can any cream compare to Botox? Of course not. Not yet. It is coming soon, however. There is on the horizon a botulinum toxin cream that will have many valid indications. It will reduce wrinkles, sweating, even acne. Stay tuned. You will not miss the introduction. It is not however, available yet, and these claims made by others are simply: claims made to make you notice and purchase, though most likely not worth of your very valuable dollars.
Is Botox Cream Next?
While the cream containing botulinum toxin is coming, it will not be priced as cheap as these faux competitors. Be ready: If you wish to escape the needle, there will most likely be trade-offs.
From Dr. Bonnie:
When first meeting, my patients tell me they want to look younger, and we talk about their concerns. For most its a sense of not looking as “fresh” as they used to. As we continue to talk, I find many are under incredible stress, and it’s aging them beyond their real years. They’re aware of the pressure, and maybe even of the toll it’s taking. Unfortunately, its not easy to figure out how to get off this energy draining treadmill that’s sabotaging their chance to look great.
I ‘ve discovered three common problems that almost all of these patients share, and even went so far as to prepare three separate videos, which have become my “prescriptions”. Each deals with a different problem and shows step-by-step how to eliminate them from your life.
I would love to share them with you, and there is no charge. The first is titled “The Dirty Little Secret of Multi-Tasking” and as the title may hint, Multi-Tasking is not helping us save time nor get things done faster.
You will also begin receiving My Beauty Tip of The Week every Friday. In it I discuss things just like in the article above and can answer your questions, should you want to ask. It’s also free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Bonnie
Written by Dr. Bonnie Marting on September 20, 2009
No Comments »