Personally, I think about it all of the time. My Aunt Delores was not yet 50 when she developed a “weird spot” on her skin. Like many people 30 years ago, she had little to no information about skin cancer. She had no education about sunscreen and sun protection. I have a sadly prophetic picture of my Mom sitting with a reflector under the sun, her face bright red with sunburn, as she tried to attain the much sought after “healthy golden glow” (she later developed over a dozen skin cancers on her face). Her sister, my Aunt Delores, may never have been diagnosed if it were not for Mom, the RN. On one occasion, Mom noticed the black mark on her sister’s leg and sent her off to the dermatologist. Malignant melanoma was the verdict. It was so far advanced, there was little hope. Aunt Delores died within 6 months.

This scenario does not have to play out today. We know that “funny moles” and “weird spots” need to be checked by a board certified dermatologist, the people who are most accurate with early diagnosis. Although early diagnosis does help in a cure, the prognosis is still bleak.

Prevention is the way to stop people from dying needlessly.

Teen melanomas, though still rare, are increasing at an alarming rate. As a matter of fact, they have increased by 800% in young women since 1970! Tanning beds have added a new risk factor that was never experienced before, especially for young women. In recent years, I have not seen a melanoma or other skin cancer in a woman, in her twenties, who did not admit to tanning bed use in her teens. A study done 10 years ago warned that the average tanning bed emitted four times the UVA radiation and two times the UVB radiation of the midday summer sun in Washington DC.

Numbers don’t lie:

• 85%Of melanomas that do not run in families contain a specific gene mutation caused by UV radiation from sun or tanning beds

• 76% Of melanomas in 18-29 year olds who had tanned indoors, were due to tanning bed exposure

• 75% increased risk of getting a melanoma if you use a tanning bed before the age of 35

So let’s get the word out

• Know the dangers of tanning: http://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/tanning
• Get to know a board certified dermatologist: http://www.aad.org/
• Wear Orange on Melanoma Monday May 6, 2013 http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/what-we-do/melanoma-monday#.UXVwILXvtqU

You’ve come a long way baby” since the 80’s, an era when women smoking was cool and surgery was the only option to achieve youthfulness. Injectables replace a lot of the surgery of the past. 

Injectables:

• a tiny needle is used to administer the treatment
• no downtime
• soft subtle results that can be built on over time
• affordable
• less than 30 minutes to treatment
• can be repeated as often as needed and results look natural

Most popular injectables:

• Botox: > 1.5 million treatments in 2012 (including Dysport)
• Relaxes frown lines and other movement related wrinkles
• Juvederm : >900,000 treatments in 2012 (including Restylane, Radiese, Sculptra, Bolotero)
• Plumps smile lines, lips, fills hollows caused by aging

Since the 1980s, anti-aging treatments have morphed into a plethora of options. Don’t get me wrong, facelifts have come a long way too and have their place in the anti-aging armamentarium, they are just not the only answer. Dubbed the “liquid facelift” and now simply known as “injectables”, the treatment has provided people with an alternative to surgery. And to reassure those who think everyone who gets an injectable will look like “The Housewives of New Jersey” let me say this; it is all about the how much and where the injectables are targeted.

Sure, I get requests for Angelina Jolie lips but the desire to be natural is much more common. Most of us (yes, me too) want our outside appearance to reflect how good we feel on the inside. My mom at 58 was a lot older than I am at 58. Times have changed. We are not aging like our mothers did and we don’t have to treat aging like our mothers had to. We have come a long way baby!

Pregame:

I was skeptical about the whole aesthetics arena, but was reassured that a procedure called Coolsculpting was right for me. Van Dyke Laser and Skin’s staff provided a thorough and detailed consultation that led to my decision to try the procedure. They explained how Coolsculpting works, what it would feel like, what I could expect afterwards, and the results I could anticipate. The process seemed almost too simple. But again, I’m a guy who has ventured into a new arena. I have to admit I was very excited about the potential results.

Game Day:

The office was inviting, the staff was confident and welcoming and Dr. Van Dyke was terrific! She was very communicative during the procedure, letting me know what was happening and making sure I was comfortable. We started by taking “before” pictures to document the process. The procedure took about an hour, which is amazing in itself. Really, only one hour out of a single day for long-lasting results! After 30 days, we took my “after” pictures to document the progress. Immediately following the procedure, my stomach was a little swollen and I could feel some tightening. I kept asking myself, “Why did it take me this long to get this done? What else am I missing out on? Is one hour enough? Will the guys at the gym notice?”

Postgame:

It is one month after my treatment and I continue to see results. I was told that the effect will build over the course of two to three months, and that multiple treatments give even better results. Improvements can appear up to six months following a procedure, making it the gift that keeps on giving!

- Coach Ron

One might say that selecting a toothpaste is not as tricky as choosing the appropriate skincare products. And right you are! All of the options available can be overwhelming. I consider it a part of my job to help you make the right choices. After all, I am a cosmetic dermatologist and giving you flawless skin is my goal in life.

Here are 5 simple rules to follow:

1. Cleanse

   Brush! Actually don’t brush, “Clarisonic brush”. The Clarisonic brush is currently the coolest thing in skin cleansing. From the same creator as the Sonicare toothbrush, there are no scrubbing or rotating bristles with the Clarisonic. With its revolutionary technology, the brush actually oscillates in order to create a vibration. This vibration allows cleansers to penetrate pores, stimulate circulation and ultimately, make your skin feel happy! There are a variety of models to choose from (from the cute little MIA, all the way to the physician-grade model that we, the professionals, use in the office).

2. Exfoliate

   It’s unavoidable, dead skin is constantly building up on the surface of our skin. The buildup is a natural consequence of constant skin cell growth. When new cells form, the old tired cells get jettisoned. Often the dead cells loiter on the surface of our skin too long and the skin begins to look “dull”. Removing the dead cells has been an age-old challenge. Traditionally scrubbing was advised, with products like the Buf-Puf (made by 3M) or creams containing abrasive particles like peach pits. On the surface level, these products get the job done but they are not very effective for cleansing clogged pores. They also tend to irritate the skin, especially in the hands of an overzealous (but good-intentioned) person. An alternative to “scrubbing” are chemical exfoliates such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid (for those that are acne prone, it penetrates oily pores well) or retinoic acid (better known as Retin A and its kinder cousins: retinoids). Healthy skin cells slide out gently as the active ingredients dissolve the glue that keeps old cells hanging on. Retinoids have the advantage of also increasing cellular turnover causing cells to look and act younger.

3. Stimulate

   Not only do we want increased cellular turnover; we would like to stimulate new collagen and elastin that will create firmer and more youthful skin. In recent years, research has pointed in the direction of peptides and skin growth factors which provoke the skin to increase collagen production. Including one of these products in your regimen is a must.

4. Antioxidants

   Mom always said “Drink your orange juice; it is chockfull of Vitamin C!” You know, she was right because Vitamin C is the most well known antioxidant. It has the ability to neutralize damaging molecules in the body that are produced by toxins, pollution, stress and dangerous sunrays. Science has given us many ultra-potent antioxidants (hundreds of times stronger than Vitamin C). Make vitamins on the inside and outside part of your regimen!

5. Protect

   What can I say that you don’t already know – ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN! Since the sun is the biggest culprit when it comes to skin aging, take steps to protect yourself. Large brim hats and consciously choosing shaded areas can also help the cause.

Still need help with your skin? Come to our Beauty Bootcamp on September 26th, sponsored by SkinMedica, Colorscience and Clarisonic. The whole Van Dyke Laser & Skin team will be there to guide you in the direction of skincare success. TEN-HUT!

What’s the best part about this innovative laser? It saves you time on the treatment, as the procedure only takes 15 minutes. This makes it easier to fit into any schedule, not to mention the cost of the treatment is less because it saves time for your medical provider.

LightSheer DUET Gets the Job Done…Quickly

This new technology harnesses the gold standard LightSheer laser, which has been revered for its efficacy as it uses a new method of delivering the laser light. The aspect of the laser that dermatologists find exciting is the DUET treatment “tip”— a portion of the laser that meets the surface of the skin. This tip is five times larger than a traditional laser tip, which means it treats a much larger area with a single treatment. A larger tip also decreases any discomfort significantly. Because the tip is larger than most lasers, it allows the procedure to operate at a lower energy level, while accomplishing the same hair removal results as traditional lasers. The only sensations include mild warmth and a gentle suction used to draw the skin closer to the laser source.

This fast and virtually painless hair removal treatment is easy, affordable and pleasant. Unlike many laser hair removal treatments, nearly any skin type can be safely and effectively treated with LightSheer DUET; from the fairest to the darkest skin, including those that tan frequently.

Things to Remember Before Getting Laser Hair Removal

Before you make an appointment, keep in mind that several treatments are needed to achieve permanent results. Because the lasers work by breaking down and destroying the dark pigment in the hair, laser hair removal is most effective when the treated hair is darker than the surrounding skin. It is very important to make sure your treatment is done by a certified laser technician and directly supervised by a qualified physician. Due to the laser’s sensitivity to dark pigment, it will also target the skin’s melanin if the treatment is not administered properly. That means that those with darker skin can become more susceptible to laser mishaps.

While I was in search of the answer, something caught my attention at a skincare conference almost a decade ago. I was captivated by a fascinating high-tech face washing device; it was an electronic brush with a sleek appearance. My first encounter with the Clarisonic facial brush made a huge impression on me because the concept is simple and logical. It harnesses the power of ultrasonic technology to give the skin a deep cleansing. I immediately ordered a dozen and started using them to cleanse patients before their procedures. I was impressed. I ordered more and had my patients try them at home for daily use. Over the years we have placed over 500 brushes in patient’s hands and ongoing research has affirmed my early enthusiasm.

Think of the Clarisonic as a giant ultrasonic toothbrush for the face (in fact, the team that brought us the Sonicare toothbrush is behind the Clarisonic). The brush oscillates 300 times a seconds, it does not rotate like the spinning doppelgangers on the market. The result is a vibration that cleans the pores, rather than generating friction that can stretch and tear delicate collagen.

Pore cleansing is the key to vibrant skin. Pores are skin lined conduits that transport oil from sebaceous glands to the surface of the skin. Frequently the pore clogs with dead cells and sluggish oil causing dull and blemished skin. Scrubbing these pores can cause the skin to swell, which can aggravate the situation. Correctly addressing the problem, Clarisonic brushes have specialized oscillating bristles that actually cleanse the debris from within the pores. Because no two faces are alike, Clarisonic offers 6 different styles of brushes (normal, delicate, sensitive, deep pore, acne, and even one for the body).

The research is in: Clarisonic is six times more effective at removing make up than cleansing with your hands alone. With the Clarisonic you can have clearer, brighter skin that is less prone to breaking out. Being a dermatologist, what I find more exciting is the research that demonstrates better product absorption after cleansing with a Clarisonic brush! Like a sponge, your skin will saturate and employ the anti-aging serums and creams that you already love.

Studies show 60% more uptake of Vitamin C when applied after skin is cleansed with Clarisonic when compared to skin cleansed with hands and cleanser only. Vitamin C products (consider Skinceuticals C + E Ferulic Serum) are great antioxidants that work better when fully absorbed. Try using a retinoid product (like Retin A or SkinMedica’s TriRetinol Complex) after a Clarisonic facial cleansing to get more anti-wrinkle action. If you are prone to have acne, benzoyl peroxide lotions may penetrate better and prevent break outs more effectively after a high tech cleanse. Or consider adding a peptide to see the optimum in collagen stimulation.

If you want to take your existing skin care to the next level, consider how you cleanse your face. You should be proud every time you look in the mirror and the Clarisonic can help you achieve that satisfaction.

The Skin Cancer Foundation says that this is an extraordinary time for health risks in America. They have seen a dramatic rise in skin cancer diagnosis, including melanoma, at very young ages. There is increasing evidence that UV tanning rays are not as benign as we all would like to believe. The World Health Organization declared indoor tanning devices to be carcinogenic in 2009, citing 20 different studies each presenting frightening results.

The risk of melanoma and other variations of skin cancer can increase after four tanning bed appointments within a single year. Only four appointments. The more encounters with tanning beds, the greater the risk.

I have several female patients in my practice under the age of 30 with serious skin cancers. What’s more shocking is that each and every one of them admits to using a tanning bed in college. Youth exposure is particularly risky, as shown in recent studies. It is incredibly disturbing to learn that 44% of women living in the Midwest – ages 18 to 21 – are visiting tanning beds on a regular basis. The average twenty- something woman visits a tanning bed approximately 20 times per year. The demand is so great, there are over 22,000 tanning salons in the Unites States alone.

Unless we start regulating indoor tanning, particularly in our young people, we will have a shortage of dermatologists to treat all of those affected by skin cancer and melanomas in the future, and that can have some serious implications.

Who doesn’t dread the first sign of bikini season? After months of incredible spring weather, blossoming flowers, irresistible patio dining, and schedules packed full of social events, most of us aren’t prepared to hop into our bathing suits. Sure, the thought of this alone can be terrifying, but with new technology comes quick and easier-than-ever solutions to feel good and strut in style. Here are our top 5 non-invasive ways to get in shape:

1. CoolSculpting: Pinching an extra inch here or there? With CoolSculpting’s innovative new fat reduction treatment, if you can pinch it, it can be treated in one hour flat. Drop in during your lunch hour or in-between errands and reduce your bulge by up to 25% with little to no downtime. Plus, should you need a little extra help, repeat the treatment within a few weeks for even greater results.
2. Liposonix: One treatment, one hour, one size smaller – that about says it all. This non-invasive fat reduction treatment utilizes ultrasonic waves to eliminate fat from multiple areas of the body. In a few weeks your pants will fit better, and you will experience a new level of confidence in your swimsuit!
3. Thermage Body: Even when you are looking and feeling good, cellulite can be an unwanted distraction. The key to cellulite elimination is to stimulate new collagen in the dermal layer of the skin to firm up the “cottage cheese” that has developed on your thighs over the long cold winter. Enjoy results that last for years with one treatment.
4. Triactive: Relax with this mild cellulite treatment. Combining a low energy laser with a massaging action, this series of 30 minute treatments delivers smoother thighs perfect for accenting your swimsuit body on that Hawaiian island vacation!
5. LightSheer Laser Hair Reduction: Even a perfect body can go unappreciated when unwanted hair is poking out of that adorable suit. LightSheer offers a series of treatments that will permanently eliminate unwanted bikini-line hair.

These easy, quick and often cost-effective treatments will get you ready in time, but don’t delay, summer vacation is just around the corner!

Brian was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 21

As I look back at my career choices, I find fulfillment in making impactful changes for people, but I also ask myself the question, “How can I save a life?” The practice (Van Dyke Laser & Skin) has raised money for various charities (Susan G. Komen, American Heart Association), donated copious amounts of silent auction items and walked and ran for a number of great causes. My incredible staff has always contributed as well, giving freely of their time and talent to support our community. Even still, I wasn’t feeling the life-saving connection that so many doctors feel in their work.

All this changed two years ago when I found my connection. It was my son Brian. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the ripe old age of 21. Overnight, things changed in Brian’s life. No longer could he casually grab a bite to eat. Life became a constant math equation – converting food and exercise into units of insulin. One mistake will ruin his day, a lot of mistakes over time and he risks losing his vision, kidneys or feet. One big mistake and he loses his life.

Not fair, not right. Damn the genetics and whims of nature that killed the cells in his pancreas and forever removed his ability metabolize food energy like everyone else. No, he is not fat or sedentary and diet and exercise will not help him. He is what the medical industry used to refer to as a “juvenile diabetic,” afflicted with an autoimmune disease very different from the more common life style disease called Type 2.

When he was diagnosed, I told him that his job was to take care of his body until a cure was found. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is where the cure will come from. The artificial pancreas is well on its way to being the godsend that we need, and JDRF continues to be instrumental in raising funds to make this a reality.

Both myself and my practice are passionate and proud to help the cause. We will hold a silent auction at our April 14th Open House and offer up all of the cosmetic procedures that we offer to the highest bidders. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for JDRF. If you are able, set aside some time for fun, food, music, information, bargains, and educational lectures on everything that Van Dyke Laser & Skin does. Place a bid on any procedure, and together we can save some lives.

When you think of statements that instantly grab attention, “Let’s Get Naked” would invariably near the top of the list. It comes as no surprise that the world’s great marketing minds would flip this into a truly outstanding marketing campaign, which is exactly what CoolSculpting™ has done for their version of a non-invasive fat reduction treatment (I am sure you have heard me speak about this before). I must admit – I love CoolSculpting. We’ve now hit the one year milestone of reducing belly bulges, muffin tops and love handles , and are now the most experienced practice in Greater Phoenix having performed over 800 treatments to date. I can tell you that it works, and not just on bellies and flanks, but also arms, bra fat, and even inner thighs. Sure, I believe in diet and exercise and I encourage myself and my patients to embark on a healthy, active lifestyle. I do, however, take issue with those who say the only acceptable way to look good is thru diet and exercise! What about those who still have a stubborn spare tire despite best efforts? All you post-menopausal ladies may be able to relate. Once the hormones go south, the fat becomes more stubborn. We have also seen great results on the super fit young crowd carrying a little bulge here and there.

Equally exciting to announce, Van Dyke Laser & Skin has just signed on as Arizona’s exclusive provider of a brand new non-invasive fat reduction treatment, Liposonix®! While similar in nature to CoolSculpting, Liposonix differs in the treatment process. Instead of using cold to freeze fat, it uses focused ultrasound technology to melt fat. It focuses heat one-half inch below the skin surface to give the average patient a one inch reduction in waist size in one hour. After that hour treatment, Liposonix takes about 12 weeks for full effect and, similar to CoolSculpting, will help you achieve your body shaping goals.

Looking at the immediate history of both treatments, Liposonix® was FDA approved in September 2011; CoolSculpting in September 2010. I am often asked which I like better, but that’s difficult to answer. What I like best is offering two excellent choices for non-invasive fat removal (the first in the southwest to offer this choice), ultimately making people happier and more comfortable with their bodies!