Carbonated beverages like cola usually contain phosphoric acids, caffeine, large amounts of sugar, and other chemicals. These may add excess calories (if not diet), be dehydrating, and studies have shown that phosphoric acid in excess actually pulls calcium from bone making you more prone to developing osteoporosis.

But what about carbonated beverages that are caffeine-free and low sodium like club soda or Fresca? Sure, a cold, fizzy drink can be very refreshing, especially in hot weather or after a work-out.  But is there such a thing as too much?

The answer is: Yes.  Because carbonation usually causes a feeling of fullness or bloating, you may not be getting adequate fluids to rehydrate your body. The human body’s mechanism for thirst detection is very poor. Therefore, we have already been dehydrated for sometime before we feel thirsty.

Companies like Gatorade have not carbonated their products because it causes gastrointestinal distress and inhibits sufficient hydration.  Because our bodies are composed of 70 percent water, dehydration can have serious adverse effects on bodily functions and even be fatal. On a smaller scale, our skin is affected many different ways when we do not hydrate it properly. Things like age spots are partially caused by the skin being dehydrated.

When your skin is dry, you will lose the elasticity and resilience or the ability for the skin to return to its original state after pressure is applied. Due to our aging process and environmental stress the resilience or tension and elasticity of our skin gradually deteriorates and then we begin to see the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

There is no reason to completely eliminate caffeine-free carbonated beverages from your fluid intake.  Just consume in moderation and make sure you are drinking 8 ounce glasses of non carbonated/caffeinated water per day to properly hydrate your body and skin to keep you living longer and looking better!

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

The Fourth of July weekend is here and whether you’re planning a barbecue at a park, the beach or in your own backyard, don’t forget the sunblock. Sunblock is a major factor in protecting you from getting skin cancer from sun exposure.  According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, “more than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure and sunscreens are a key weapon in the arsenal against the disease.” 

So, here are some of the answers to what people want to know about sunblock.
 
What makes the sun harmful?
 
There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that the sun emits.  They are UVA and UVB rays.  UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn.  UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and cause long-term damage, such as wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of aging.
 
What is the UV Index?
 
The UV Index provides a forecast for the risk of overexposure to the sun.  Knowing the UV Index gives you an idea about the dangers of overexposure to the sun when you are working or playing outside.  It is calculated on a daily basis by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency.  The measurement is based on the clouds and local conditions that will affect the amount of UV rays to hit the ground. 
 
It ranges from zero to 10+.  Zero implies a low risk of overexposure to the UV rays of the sun and 10+ is a very high risk of overexposure.  For the average person, a UV Index of 3 to 5 is a moderate risk of overexposure to the sun
 
How can we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of sun?
 
o Limit your exposure to direct sun, i.e., spend time in the shade.
o Wear protective clothing if you’ll be in the sun for along periods of time, especially, a wide brim hat.
o Whether you’re in the direct sun or in the shade, use sunblock with a SPF of 15 or higher.

What is SPF?
 
SPF is an acronym for Sun Protection Factor.  It is laboratory measurement of a sunscreen’s ability to filter the UVB rays to prevent sunburn.  The higher the SPF, the more protection it provides against the sun.  In other words, if you burn in eight minutes and you use a sunblock with a SPF of 10, it will take you 80 minutes to burn.  If you use SPF 15, it will take 120 minutes for you to burn. 
 
In reality, the protection provided depends on several factors:  The person’s skin type, the amount applied and the frequency of application, activities that are engaged in while the product is on, and amount of sunscreen that is absorbed into the skin.
 
How should you apply sunblock?
 
Frequently and liberally!  Despite the fact that it adds hours on to the time it takes for a person to burn, it is best to apply it at least every two hours.  Apply it more frequently, if you are swimming or sweating.  It should also be applied liberally — one ounce per use.  Therefore, if you buy an 8 ounce bottle, it should only last for 8 uses.
 
Which is the best number to get?
 
Anything above SPF 15 is best.  SPF 15 will filter out 92 percent of the UVB rays, SPF 30 will filter out 97 percent of the rays and SPF 50 will filter out about 98 percent. 
 
Whatever number you get, remember to apply it frequently and liberally!
 
What is the best kind to get? 
 
It does not have to the most expensive one on the shelf to be the most effective.  You should look for ones that filter the UVA and UVB rays.  Look for ones that are waterproof or sweatproof.  Needless to say, take waterproof and sweatproof with a grain of salt.  If you go swimming for more than a quick dip and you’re sweating more than a droplet on your forehead, it’s not enough to apply it once.  If you go swimming, apply it again when you come out of the water.  If you’re sweating, apply it more frequently.
 
Are there clothes that have SPF?
 
A regular white T-shirt has an SPF of 3.  There are clothes that are made with zinc oxide and can provide an SPF of 30.  Tighter knit clothing also provides some protection.  Always try to wear a wide-brim hat to give more protection too. 
 
Am I protected from the UV rays in the shade?
 
The shade does provide some protection but the UV rays of the sun can reflect off the water, sand, concrete, and snow (not usually a problem in the summer!) and then penetrate the skin.  So sitting in the shade does provide good protection, but you still need to apply sunscreen.
 
And remember, whether you’re walking on the beach or just sitting on the porch reading a book, it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of sunblock close by. It’s a key factor in reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.

If you have questions about protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun or skin cancer – email Dr. Manny at Drmanny@foxnews.com.

Dr. Cynara Coomer is an assistant professor of surgery specializing in breast health and breast cancer surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. She is a FOX News Health contributor providing medical expertise on a variety of topics in cancer research with a focus on women’s health, breast diseases and tips for healthy breasts at any age.

As the saying goes “you are what you eat.” Sure, we all know that if we eat too many fried, fattening foods we will gain weight and probably not feel too great. But did you know that by choosing certain foods, you can actually change your appearance from the inside out?  Foods high in phytochemicals, antioxidants and certain fats all contribute to glowing skin, shiny hair and strong teeth and nails. 

For Smooth Skin:
Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers and berries activate fibroblast cells, which makes collagen. The healthier your collagen, the firmer and smoother your skin looks. Keep in mind, studies have shown that women who are deficient in vitamin C tend to bruise much easier.  Eat dark orange, red or green fruit and veggies which are filled with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A, which is imperative for producing new and young-looking skin cells.

For Shiny Hair:
Fill your plates with lean proteins like turkey, chicken and egg whites. Hair is made up of protein called keratin, so it makes sense that getting enough of it is essential for healthy, beautiful locks.

In addition, the mineral biotin found in eggs, almonds, bananas and strawberries helps to produce keratin, which has also been shown to prevent graying and hair loss.

For Pearly Whites:
Not only does calcium create cavity-resistant tooth enamel, but it also helps maintains the enamel so teeth stay strong. Aim to consume three servings of low-fat dairy products daily, such as low-fat cheeses, yogurt and skim milk. For all you lactose intolerant people, don’t fret — broccoli and strawberries contain as much calcium as their dairy counterparts.

For Nice Nails:
Zinc, more commonly known as “the acne terminator” also helps keep nails strong and prevent white spots. Great sources of zinc are oysters, eggs and nuts. Load up on spinach, broccoli, lettuce and avocado — which are all filled with folic acid. Folic acid is necessary for nail growth and strength.

** Not only does water help to move toxins through and out of your body more quickly, it also keeps skin plump and dewy, and prevents hair and nails from becoming dry and brittle. For an additional bonus, drink Fiji Water which is the only water that contains natural minerals like silica. Silica improves the condition of hair and nails, the texture and resiliency of skin, and is needed to make strong healthy bones and to keep your blood vessels elastic.

Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyandthecity.com.    She is also the creator of The F-Factor Diet™, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being.  For more information log onto www.FFactorDiet.com.

The Food and Drug Administration, which has received criticism in the past for allowing risky devices like electronic muscle stimulators to go into the stores uncontested, has just given its approval for Palomar Medical Technologies to go over-the-counter with its light-based LED laser. This new toy uses a light-emitting diode to supposedly stimulate normal skin growth and reduce wrinkles.

I spoke to three top dermatologists at NYU Langone Medical Center — which has one of the top dermatology programs in the world — and all three said the same thing. They said the laser was most likely quite safe, and it’s very unlikely it will damage the eye — but it is not likely to be effective, is expensive, and may only remove the tiniest wrinkles with prolonged use 20 to 30 minutes, twice a day. So in evaluating the FDA’s performance here, score one for safety, but zero for effectiveness and cost. And don’t expect National Health Insurance to cover the cost of this one.

If you really want to help your skin and decrease your chance of wrinkles, then use sunscreen, eat and sleep properly, exercise and don’t smoke.

Dermatologists are now using new kinds of lasers to remove wrinkles, known as fractionated CO2. These are VERY effective, but can only be done by highly-trained doctors.

If you are serious about your wrinkles, (or have to appear on High Definition TV) see your dermatologist. Do-it-yourself lasers that are now being marketed for home use may be used for attacking the tiniest wrinkles, but should not be a primary treatment. The FDA needs to crack down on the devices they approve. This one is okay, except that it is expensive (several hundred dollars) and largely placebo.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News medical contributor and writes a health column for the LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: The Truth About the Epidemic of Fear“ and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.”  Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

Many of my patients have a variety of questions regarding their skin care, especially those with sensitive skin.  I recently sat down with my colleague Dr. Bobby Buka, section chief of the department of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and discussed various steps you can take to improve your skin’s health AND appearance if you have sensitive skin. 

Don’t over do it!
Dr. Buka feels a balance of skin care products is the key and not to “overdo it” with too many different lotions and facial care treatments — especially if you have sensitive skin.  “Too many of my patients end up with ‘itchy red bump syndrome,’ a condition that results from putting too much stuff on your face,” says Dr. Buka.  He further explained how the skin’s delicate balance can be upset by well-intentioned patients who apply more than 3 products to the face at the same time. His rule of thumb is to use no more than 3 items per application.  Your skin can’t possibly absorb more than 3 products anyway, so Dr. Bukka says chill out, 2-3 targeted items to the skin’s surface are plenty.

Some patients who also have seasonal or year-round allergies, as well as sinus problems, may also experience below eyelid puffiness or “shiners” that can wreak havoc with your appearance. When those affected are actually tested, many individuals have allergies as well as possible contact or skin allergy to products used in the eyelid and facial areas. Covering up these dark circles with facial cosmetics (foundation, etc.) won’t fix the problem.  Dr. Buka and I often collaborate to develop a long-term solutions patients with sensative skin-related issues.  

Drink up!
Finally, stay hydrated — this means what may seem like a massive amount of water each day — 8 glasses! So drink up, your skin and (your internal organs) will thank you for it.  But sensitive skin or not, protection against UV rays remains the single most important thing you can do to protect your skin and delay the signs of aging! Dr. Buka and I recommend SPF 30 or higher for patients — not only when planning to spend the day outside, but also as part of their daily skin regimen.  So get out there and take charge of your sensitive skin care for optimal health, and look better!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine. He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. No information in this blog is intended as medical advice to any reader or intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

In today’s economy, we are all looking for affordable but effective ways to keep skin looking its best.  From the dollar store to the department store, there are many products available.  The reality is that most of them are great.  There are, however, home alternatives which often times don’t require a shopping trip.  Not only do these alternatives work, but they are also fun and simple to create.

TREAT ACNE
Acne can be one of those persistent problems, popping up at the worst time.  We’ve all had these flare-ups, which include pimples before a big party or that pimple that appears just before an important date.  The best at home treatment for acne is a warm compress, consisting of a washcloth and some warm water. 
Then follow these steps: 
1. Apply the warm washcloth to the pimple or acne-prone area
2. Hold the compress on for 3-5 minutes, continually warming it up as necessary, to maintain a warm feeling on your skin  
3. Be sure not to use water that is too hot — not only will it burn the skin, but it won’t do any good in treating the acne   
4. Repeat the compress every 2-4 hours until the acne disappears.  Depending on where you are in the acne breakout, your acne should clear up within 24-36 hours  

For an inexpensive product that can be used in conjunction with this remedy I suggest Unblemished Treatment Concealer by Beauty Benefits. 

UNCLOG BLACKHEADS
Not many faces are blackhead free… To help rid your skin of these, use oatmeal and rose water to create a soft paste.  Cover blackheads with the paste and rub it into your skin.  Wait 15-20 minutes and then rinse away.  You can also use this oatmeal mask all over your face for a radiant glow.  

If you are in a rush, and don’t have time to create the paste, simply head to your nearest drugstore and purchase Neutrogena Healthy Skin and Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Scrub. 

CLEANSE AND EXFOLIATE
For an affordable but effective skin cleanser and exfoliator, I recommend creating a solution of sugar and water.  Before putting the solution on, open pores by first leaving a warm cloth over your face for a few minutes.  Rub the water and sugar solution gently into your skin and then rinse.  This does a great job and will leave your skin clear, clean and refreshed.

For a more aggressive exfoliator, mix in sea salt instead of sugar.  This can be used to exfoliate your entire body and works great on those annoying rough spots like feet, knees and elbows.

Not interested in making it yourself? Pick up St. Ives Apricot Scrub.  It’s a solid alternative.

ALLEVIATE DRY SKIN
Take a quick trip to your pantry and pull out a bottle of olive oil … Olive oil was good enough for the ancient Greeks and it’s good enough for you, too.  The ancient Greeks used olive oil to bathe and to moisturize dry skin.  Almost every vegetable oil is compatible with the skin.  Apply just after bathing to moisturize and protect dry skin.  Use it daily to help reduce dry patches and the appearance of stretch marks. 

While I recommend olive oil for any skin, if you insist on store bought, try good old Coconut Body Butter.

HYDRATE
Drink water every day.  We know it’s good for us in every way.  It makes your skin look great, too.

NOURISH YOUR SKIN
Facial masks can be fun and help rejuvenate your skin.  Try making one at home.  A honey mask is a great way to brighten and lighten your skin.  Mix one tablespoon of honey, one egg yolk and one teaspoon of olive oil together.  Beat the egg yolk first and then add the oil and blend well.  Add the honey with a spoon rinsed in hot water and blend well.  Apply this honey mask to your face, avoiding your eye area.  Leave on your face for 20-30 minutes and rinse.  The difference is visible.

A great alternative to the honey mask is The Original Mint Julep Masque available at almost any drugstore.

TONE AND TIGHTEN
NE Witch hazel, available at any drug store has been the main ingredient in most toners and is not irritating to the skin. It still works great on its own.  Gently wash your face.  Pat your skin dry and then apply witch hazel with a cotton ball.  If you have dry flaky skin, try diluting the witch hazel with two parts water.  Since witch hazel is an astringent, always moisturize after you tone.  Try mixing two tablespoons of witch hazel with one teaspoon of lemon juice and three tablespoons of rose water for a refreshing toner.

Be sure to keep witch hazel at home.  Not only does it do a great job of toning and tightening your skin, but it’s an excellent topical remedy for the treatment of traumatic bruises and bumps and promotes speedy healing.

MOISTURIZE
Moisturizing is essential for your skin not only because it locks in hydration, but moisturizer creates a protective barrier between your skin and the elements.  Making an effective moisturizer at home is not difficult. Take five to six drops of sweet almond oil and add a few drops of water. Mix the two ingredients in your palms, rubbing both hands together then gently smooth the blend into your skin. 

Moisturizing is the bottom line in skincare — almost any moisturizer will do the trick.  Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion with SPF is a great body moisturizer and it is available at most drugstores nationwide.

SOOTHE
From time to time you may find your skin red and irritated.  Taking care of red, irritated skin at home is as easy as a glass of milk. It doesn’t matter if you prefer cow’s or soy milk ― they both get the job done.  Soak a wash cloth in milk and then apply the cloth to the effected area.  Leave on the skin for at least five minutes.  Repeat as often as necessary depending on the irritation.  Milk sooths and calms the skin and helps to promote healing while softening and nourishing the skin.

For the store bought alternative, try an aloe vera gel.  It’s cooling to the skin and aloe naturally helps promote healing. 

MINIMIZE PORES
Our pores are an open target. They collect oil and often get clogged, causing the pores to appear larger than we want.  The easiest treatment option is actually free.  Run hot water into a stopped sink or a large bowl. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steam.  Using the towel helps to trap in the rising steam.  Gently cleansing the skin or gently exfoliating the skin helps minimize the appearance of clogged pores.  Pat skin dry and use a toner to tighten and refine.

A great option that you can purchase in the store is Neutrogena Pore Minimizing Mask.  It will minimize the appearance of your pores and refresh your skin.

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

With temperatures plummeting throughout most of the U.S., I continue to be bombarded with questions surrounding what kind of impact this harsh weather has on the skin.

Surprisingly, many ask if colder temperatures have medicinal or anti-aging benefits – but to date, there are no known anti-aging benefits resulting from very cold temperatures. In fact, low temperatures can make skin dry, raw and irritated. Exposing your skin to cold temperatures (such as winter weather and wind) can promote and contribute to aging.

So, how should you protect your skin during the winter months?

I‘ve always recommended patients use a thicker, richer moisturizer to create a barrier from the elements. I also suggest that patients use moisturizers indoors during the winter months because heated rooms can cause skin to become dry and dehydrated. Using a humidifier is also a good idea.

With that said, it’s important to avoid both extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures due to the negative impact on skin.

But the cold can also be very healing in specific settings. If you are fighting puffiness under or around your eyes, applying a cool compress has soothing effects and can reduce inflammation. Cool compresses may also reduce swelling associated with redness in the eye area.

I also recommend the application of cold compresses for the immediate treatment of a thermal or chemical burn. I recommend putting the affected area in cold water (but not ice water) for up to 30 minutes immediately after the burn. This type of cold treatment has been shown to reduce the total area of the burn as well as its depth.

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

Here in America, we’ve become a society so worried about skin cancer, that we’ve overlooked some of the good things that the sun provides for us. One of those things is an improvement in our mood. Another is Vitamin D. But Vitamin D is also obtainable through food including oily fish, eggs, fortified cereals, milk and orange juice. It can also be taken as a pill or liquid supplement.

Vitamin D works directly on the cells in the body, affecting metabolism the way a hormone dose. It is an extremely important vitamin, and we are finding out just how important with each new study. Deficiencies can lead to bone softening disease (rickets short term, or osteoporosis long term), dementia, heart disease, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, some cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

As we lather ourselves and our children with sunscreen, we increase our deficiencies. A recent study from Children’s Hospital in Boston revealed that 40% of infants were lacking in Vitamin D. Those especially affected had darker skin which interferes with absorption, or are from the Northeast, where there is less direct sunlight.

But the solution to the growing Vitamin D deficiency problem in our children is NOT to expose them to more sun. Supplying a liquid supplement by mouth is just too easy. The American Academy of Pediatrics has just wisely doubled the recommendation for infants and children to 400 IU daily. This amount is completely safe, and is the amount of Vitamin D found in a liter of infant formula.   

The problem, believe it or not, is worse for mothers who are breast feeding. When was the last time you heard a doctor say that breast milk was deficient in anything? The problem may come from mothers not having enough Vitamin D, which is then lacking in their breast milk. It may be easily correctable by administering supplements to breast-feeding mothers rather than their infants, but this has yet to be studied. In the meantime, the Boston study showed 10 times the amount of Vitamin D deficiencies in infants of breast feeding mothers as compared to those who used formula feeds. This is a huge discrepancy, especially when you consider how easy it is to supplement this essential vitamin.

So use sunscreen on your children’s skin, but at the same time consider giving them a daily drink of Vitamin D.

Dr. Marc Siegel is an internist and associate professor of medicine at the NYU School of Medicine. He is a FOX News Medical Contributor and writes a health column for LA Times, where he examines TV and movies for medical accuracy. Dr. Siegel is the author of “False Alarm: the Truth About the Epidemic of Fear” and “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic”. Read more at www.doctorsiegel.com

Do you avoid two-piece bathing suits and cover up entirely when you go to the beach or pool, because of aggravated red stretch marks on your abdomen?  Do you avoid certain clothing styles because you don’t want people seeing the silvery stretch marks that appear on your upper arms or décolletage? It doesn’t have to be that way anymore!

Why do I have stretch marks?

Stretch marks are the result of a loss of the body’s normal structural components, including collagen and elastin.  There are five main causes of stretch marks:  pregnancy, growth spurt during adolescence, heavy weight lifting, extreme weight gain/weight loss and medications such as steroid creams or oral steroids. Unfortunately, genetics are also responsible for determining whether you’ll develop them.
  
How can I prevent stretch marks?

Prevent stretch marks during pregnancy by keeping your skin well moisturized at all times.  If you’re genetically susceptible to stretch marks, stay away from oral steroid medications as much as possible and don’t use potent topical steroid creams for conditions like psoriasis and eczema for prolonged periods.
  
What can be done about stretch marks?

While stretch marks have been difficult to treat in the past, we are fortunate to be in an age where there are finally some great treatments available.  There is no magic wand, but now we finally have options that are effective in diminishing the appearance of unwanted stretch marks.  Only topical vitamin A derivatives like Retin-A or Tazorac have shown to be effective in improving the appearance of stretch marks.  However, we do have some new and exciting laser-based technologies, such as the new generation fractional lasers, which after one-to-three treatment sessions can markedly improve the depressed skin, whiteness and redness associated with stretch marks.

Other laser technologies, including pulsed dyed lasers and advanced light source technologies, have also proven helpful in making stretch marks much less visible – giving back the confidence needed to wear that bikini on any upcoming vacations.

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.

Plasma Portrait™ is a laser technology that delivers noticeable results by reducing pigmentation, improving fine lines and wrinkles, and perfecting skin’s tone and texture. In addition to leaving skin looking younger and refreshed, Plasma Portrait can also be an effective treatment when used to correct acne scars.

This industry-leading technology is used in a similar fashion to other ablative lasers (which destroy layers of the skin) such as the CO2 and erbium lasers, and new generation fractional technologies (which provide deep heating of the skin) to correct wrinkling, pigmentation, skin smoothing and acne scarring. 

Based on a principle similar to plasma televisions in that it converts plasma into activated nitrogen which acts to gently heat the skin, Plasma Portrait technology has been used in medicine for many years. The advantage of Plasma Portrait over other laser technologies is that it allows the skin to repair itself in a shorter time frame. This leads to less side effects and shorter healing time than experienced with more invasive laser technologies.

Employed under local anesthesia, such as topical anesthetic creams, Plasma Portrait technology can also be used in various treatment modes including a single, high-energy treatment for more significant wrinkling skin pigmentation, skin surface irregularities and skin cancers. Plasma Portrait can also be used at lower settings where up to three treatment sessions can be performed. Under this modality, some patients experience almost no downtime or just a day of mild redness. The high-energy treatment, however, may have three to five days of a minimal sunburn-like reaction, as this technology leaves a layer of skin on the surface intact which acts as a natural wound dressing.

Plasma Portrait is playing a major role in the dermatologic, plastic and cosmetic surgeons’ therapeutic regimens. Associated with significant clinical efficacy and more reliability than many of the non-ablative technologies utilized in the past, Plasma Portrait has become quite popular with patients looking to reduce pigmentation, improve fine lines and wrinkles, enhance tone and texture, and correct acne scars.  With this treatment, skin looks younger and refreshed. 

Dr. Neil Sadick is one of the most renowned dermatologists and researchers whose multiple discoveries have strongly influenced and transformed the future of dermatology. He is a Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and President of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Dr. Sadick is author, or co-author, of more than 500 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has contributed more than 75 chapters of medical books. Read more at www.sadickdermatology.com.