Join the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge and help raise $500,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation so a wish can be granted in every Make-A-Wish® chapter across the country. When you donate a minimum of $20 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on the LATISSE Wishes Challenge website, Allergan will double it, up to a maximum donation of $250,000, until November 30, 2011.

The first 10,000 people who make a minimum $20 donation will receive a LATISSE® free trial certificate they can take to a doctor to see if LATISSE is right for them. Those who invite at least two friends to join them in the LATISSE Wishes Challenge will also receive a $20 rebate off their next purchase of LATISSE when they redeem their free trial certificate, limitations apply.

In just two years, LATISSE and the women across the country who use it have contributed nearly $1.5 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, helping grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions across the country. Building on the campaign's past success, the goal of the 2011 LATISSE Wishes Challenge is to raise $500,000 so a wish can be granted in every Make-A-Wish chapter across the country. Help us reach our goal!

Help to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and get something for yourself by donating today!

One out of 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer each year.  What are you doing to prevent yourself from becoming one of them?

This article in the Miami Herald offers tips on skin cancer prevention. Share it with your friends and family members.

Every doctor, myself included, will expound upon the benefits of sunscreen. We'll emphasize how sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, lowers your chance of skin cancer and slows the aging process. We convince you not to leave the house without it. So you head to the store ready to heed our advice and then get stuck when confronted with 47 different brands of sunscreen; because really, how is the average person supposed to tell the difference?

You wonder which ingredients are helpful and which are just marketing hype. You eventually end up buying a bottle, but you're still not sure you made the right choice. The truth is, you probably didn't. Not all sunscreens are created equal.

Last week, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington-based nonprofit, released its annual list of sunscreen rankings measuring the safety and effectiveness ratings for 1,700 SPF products, including sunscreens and SPF-labeled lip balm, makeup, and moisturizer. The group warns that most sunscreens on the market are “filled with problematic ingredients, unsubstantiated marketing claims and offer lackluster protection.'' According to their research, 3 out of 5 sunscreens offer inadequate protection against ultraviolet A rays — the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer and wrinkles.

The EWG's Skin Deep website offers a searchable database that ranks all 1,700 products in terms of UVA and UVB protection as well as ingredients. Before you delve into the database, you should first understand the difference between sunblock and sunscreen.

• Sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that absorb sunlight.
• Sunblock contains physical ingredients that stay on top of the skin's surface forming a protective barrier. Sunlight is reflected, scattered or absorbed into the ingredient, but not into the skin itself.

Selecting a sunscreen with as few questionable ingredients as possible is a good compromise, but even here there's controversy. The EWG suggests avoiding products with oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate (sometimes listed as vitamin A), but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends oxybenzone specifically.

Both sides agree that physical ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safe and effective and they work well for people with sensitive skin and children. In the past, zinc oxide brought to mind a thick white paste slathered over a lifeguard's nose, today's formulations contain micronized particles that are barely visible.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from the sun that everyone can agree upon?

• Choose mineral protection such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Choose creams and lotions versus sprays and powders as you are more likely to get better coverage
• Even when wearing sunscreen, block the sun with protective clothing, sunglasses and hat
• Minimize your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m.to 4 p.m.because that's when rays are strongest
• Reapply sunscreens at least every two hours, or after getting wet or sweaty
• Use at least a shot glass full of sunscreen every time you apply

“Moobs” – it’s a word that causes most of us to snicker, but they really aren’t a laughing matter to any male who suffers from them. Moobs (male boobs), or enlarged male breasts, happen when fatty tissue accumulates over the pectoral muscles and are normally caused by three things: obesity, genetics and a medical condition called gynecomastia.

Weight gain is the easier of the two to combat. Adhering to a proper diet, exercise, and strength training can reduce the body’s overall weight and in turn, the moobs as well. However, there is no way to spot treat fat deposits through exercise. Only through overall weight reduction will the moobs be reduced. Depending on the severity of the weight gain/loss, sagging may result once the body returns to a normal weight.

Gynecomastia is a hormonal condition in which the male body produces too much estrogen and not enough testosterone. Far more common than many realize, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population.”

Gynecomastia causes include: medicines that influence hormonal cycles, anabolic steroid use, kidney failure, genetic conditions such as Klinefelter's syndrome, chronic liver disease, testicular and/or adrenal tumors, marijuana usage, and consuming large quantities of soy. Treatment for gynecomastia includes changing the medication protocol and anti-estrogen treatment.

If you or someone you know suffers from enlarged male breasts, the first thing to do is to consult with a medical doctor to determine the root cause of the issue. If diet, exercise, and other medical options do not result in adequate improvement, surgery may be necessary. However, I’d like to be very clear here – surgery should not be the first option. It should only be considered after all other medical treatment options have failed.

Liposuction (SmartLipo and/or VASER) has proven to be a viable solution for men looking to reduce the size of their moobs. During the liposuction procedure, the fatty tissue in the pectoral area is liquefied and removed through a tiny cannula. Results are permanent, although weight gain after the liposuction procedure can recreate a gynecomastia-like effect. The procedure normally takes around two hours and the downtime is around one week.

Dr. Cain has successfully treated moobs through liposuction techniques. If you are interested in learning more, contact the office at 713-468-8759 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

The European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study found that four lifestyle factors slashed the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer by 80%:

• Never smoking
• BMI of 30 or less
• Exercising 3.5 hours a week
• Eating a healthy diet (high intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread and low meat consumption)

Conclusion:  “The message is clear. Adhering to four simple healthy lifestyle factors can have a strong impact on the prevention of chronic diseases.”

Good Morning America recently did a good piece on anti-aging makeup products. They explain the ingredient list to help you better understand what to look for. However, don't forget if you need a medical grade solution, give us a call and ask about the Obagi Medical Line - available only from licensed physicians.   

Who wants to win a $10,000 wardrobe?  We do! We do! So thought we'd share with you too.  Visit the Bella Sugar website to enter to win a $10,000 wardrobe from Net-a-Porter.

Good luck!

Our patients come to us looking for proven ways to improve their silhouette - and diet and exercise will always be part of that equation.  Here's a great article from Culture Map "10 Exercise Myths Uncovered" that takes a cheeky look at what works and what doesn't.  Happy Monday!

Sometimes no matter how much rest you get, you still wake up to dark under-eye circles. While fatigue can be a contributing factor to dark under-eye circles, it’s not the only culprit. Heredity, nasal congestion, alcohol consumption, allergies, gluten intolerance, and the use of birth control products can all contribute to the lovely “shiner” look everyone hates.

The other sad truth is that dark under-eye circles are a normal part of aging. As we get older, our skin thins and we lose fat and collagen. This combination makes the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious.

The first line of defense is always a good concealer, but what should you do if you want to treat the root cause of dark under-eye circles? You can start with Vitamin K.

Studies presented to the American Academy of Dermatology in 2003 showed that topical vitamin K works well to reduce both bruising and dark circles under the eye – not surprising since the dark under-eye circles are similar in nature to a bruise. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, doctors from the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found that the topical application of a gel containing a derivative of vitamin K, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, was effective in reducing dark under-eye circles as well.

Vitamin K is a natural nutrient found in green leafy vegetables such as: lettuce, cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, okra, asparagus, prunes, and avocado. Some oils, such as soybean oil, olive oil, and canola oil, contain smaller amounts of Vitamin K as well. Vitamin K is necessary for normal blood clotting and to strengthen blood vessel walls, which is why it is often used to speed the healing of post-surgical bruising.

Vitamin K promotes radiant clear skin, minimizes skin inflammation and promotes good blood circulation. Vitamin K comes in both pill* and cream form; and for the treatment of dark under-eye circles, I recommend the latter. With a vitamin K cream, you can spot treat areas more effectively.

Usually applied as a cream, Vitamin K helps to:

• diminish postoperative bruising from cosmetic surgery and injections;
• repair broken capillaries (spider veins);
• treat Rosacea;
• fade hyper-pigmentation; and
• fade dark under-eye circles.

Some creams tout Vitamin K as a listed ingredient; however a quality cream should contain elements that both lighten the skin and work to strengthen the capillaries. To maximize effectiveness Vitamin C and Vitamin A (retinol) should also be present. Vitamin C is a helping agent for faster absorption of Vitamin K and Vitamin A increases the rate of skin turnover and collagen growth. 

Milk is another natural ingredient to look for as it is a good antioxidant/moisturizing agent. Also, since Vitamin K helps to firm the skin, a cream containing some aloe vera is a good balance to promote softness.

There are numerous Vitamin K creams on the market. Be sure to do your research before selecting the product that is right for you.

*Those who are on the blood-thinning medication warfarin (Coumadin) should know that vitamin K can make warfarin less effective. Talk with your health care provider before taking vitamin K supplements or changing the amount of vitamin K you take in through foods.

Want fresher, lifted, tighter skin around the eye area without the expense, invasiveness or recovery time of a surgical eye lift? A SmartXide DOT Laser eye treatment might be your answer.

During a SmartXide eye treatment, Dr. Cain uses the SmartXide DOT Laser on your eyelid area as well as under your eyes. The SmartXide DOT emits a CO2 laser beam that is fractionated into microscopic micro beams. When these micro beams strike the skin's surface, small areas of the skin between the beams are not hit by the laser and left intact. This allows the skin to heal from the edge of these tiny holes very rapidly, which significantly reduces downtime.

The SmartXide DOT Laser eye treatment promotes new collagen growth, which in turn reduces the appearance of eyelid hooding and sagginess, and tightens and smoothes the skin.

Preparation for the SmartXide DOT Laser eye treatment takes around 30 minutes during which a numbing cream is applied, and the actual treatment is about 10 minutes. To protect your eyes from the laser, a specially designed contact lens-type opaque shield is placed in the eye.

Swelling usually lasts from two to five days, and can be improved by applying an ice pack occasionally on the area. The treated skin will appear sunburned, which can be covered with makeup as early as day two. On day three, your skin will begin peeling, but it can normally be controlled with moisturizer. As long as you adequately cover the treated area with sunscreen, you can go about your normal activities.

Results can be seen as soon as swelling subsides, and the benefits don’t stop there. After a SmartXide DOT Laser eye treatment, the skin above your eyes will continue to tighten and improve for up to six months as the new collagen continues to grow in.

The SmartXide DOT Laser eye treatment works best for those with mild to moderate eyelid drooping, sagging or crow’s feet. Patients with significant eyelid hooding may still require a more traditional eyelid surgery solution.

For fresher, lifted, tighter skin around your eyes without having to undergo the pain and recovery time required with traditional eyelid surgery, call us today to learn more about the SmartXide DOT Laser eye treatment.

In the near future, LATISSE may be used for more than just eyelash growth. Drugmaker Allergan is recruiting volunteers for clinical trials of a hair-growth treatment based on the active ingredient in Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.03 percent), the company's eyelash-growth treatment.

Read more at Modern Medicine online. 

Who doesn't like the sound of FREE LATISSE?!? For a limited time when you buy one LATISSE kit, you get second LATISSE kit free!  (That's a $50 - $70 savings depending on where you have your prescription filled!)  LATISSE is the first and only FDA-approved medicine for growing longer, fuller, and darker lashes.

To get your free LATISSE rebate form, you first have to join Allergan's Lash Perks program.  Once you have signed up online, print out the rebate form and bring it with you to see Dr. Cain at Innovative Aesthetics.  Dr. Cain will write your LATISSE prescription and you have it filled at your local pharmacy.  Then just send in the free LATISSE rebate form and you should receive your free LATISSE within 7 - 10 business days. 

Visit the Special Offers & Discounts page of our website for more detailed instructions.

Call 713-468-8759 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Cain today. Completed forms must be received by Allergan by 2/28/11.

Did you know that by law, cosmetics are not required to have expiration dates? Just like food, makeup expires, but even if the cosmetic has a printed expiration date, according to the FDA the date should only be considered a “rule of thumb.”

Cosmetic safety - it's a serious issue. Since the day I opened my practice, I have educated patients about what harmful ingredients are lurking in cosmetics, and how to be an educated consumer. In previous blogs, I have provided lists of dangerous cosmetic ingredients to avoid, and of helpful and natural ingredients that really work.

Today I'm offering another tool in your cosmetic safety research arsenal. The Cosmetic Safety Database is a massive database of over 63,000 brand name products. You can search by product name, company name or an ingredient. It will give you a hazard ranking of 0-10, explaining what studies have shown regarding how the product or ingredient contributes to health issues, like cancer, allergies, or even developmental or reproductive issues. Using this database together with my lists, you will have the knowledge and power to make smart and safe decisions for you and your health.

Wondering when you should throw out your cosmetics and replace them with new ones? Experts advise the following timelines. (NOTE: These are general guidelines. Common sense dictates that any cosmetic that changes smell, color, or texture it should be discarded immediately.)

Cosmetics:

• Liquid Foundation, 3-6 months
• Cream foundation, 4-6 months
• Concealer, 6-8 months
• Powder, 1 year
• Mascara, 3 months
• Lip gloss & Lipstick, 1 year
• Eye/Lip Pencils, 1 year

Skincare

• Facial Cleansers & Moisturizers, 6 months
• Toners, 1 year
• Natural Cosmetics, 6 months (anything marketed as "all-natural")

Brushes / Tools

• Natural bristle brushes, wash monthly with mild soap or baby shampoo
• Synthetic brushes, wash 3-4 times a month with mild soap or baby shampoo
• Makeup sponges, wash after every use and dispose within a month

Read over my safe and unsafe cosmetic lists, print them out, and keep them in your purse or wallet. Take them with you as you shop. Research ever product before you buy it. Arm yourself with this knowledge to protect yourself from harmful toxins. Take this information and use it: knowledge = power.

Winter brings cold temperatures, strong winds and decreased humidity --- all of which can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and sore. During the winter months, there’s less moisture in the air and your skin’s natural oils can be blown away by the wind. When you combine that with central heating (which is very drying) you have a recipe for blotchy and itchy skin.

Keeping your skin healthy and protected helps it to perform its crucial barrier functions such as retaining water and preventing the penetration of bacteria and allergens; which means winter skincare is about more than just looking good – it’s about feeling good too. Dryness leads to flaking which leads to itching and scratching, and if the skin’s barrier is broken, inflammation, infection, and eczema can result.

Skincare regimens are seasonal and it’s import to adjust your routine as the seasons change. Everyone, including those with oily skin, should reassess their skincare routine at this time of year to allow for the season's drying effect. Swapping a cleansing gel for a creamy cleanser and adding in a gentler toner with witch hazel, rose, or a very gentle fruit acid can work wonders.

Good Winter Skincare Ingredients

A good moisturizer helps maintain fresh, youthful-looking skin throughout the winter months. When choosing a winter moisturizer, choose a cream over a lotion. When you read the ingredients list look for humectants and occlusives. Humectants (such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid) are designed to pull water into the top layers of skin from the tissue below and prevent the loss of your skin’s natural moisture. More moisture means more plumpness. Occlusives are oil-based (vs. water-based) and slow moisture loss by placing a barrier on the skin. Examples include petroleum, lecithin, paraffin, and silicone.

If you are looking for natural skincare products, avoid ingredients with a petroleum base and instead look for colloidal oatmeal, beeswax, vitamin E, avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, almond oil, or anti-inflammatory herbs like calendula on the label. Avoid products with alcohol, fragrances and coloring, as these can cause dryness and irritation.

Winter Skincare Ingredients to Avoid

Artificial preservatives are the enemy of winter skin, and unfortunately most creams contain some sort of preservative. Examples include parabens such as methylparaben and sulfates including sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). During the winter preservatives are especially problematic to delicate skin areas such as around the eye. If you apply a skincare product and it stings – it could be the preservative irritating your skin. Look instead for products containing natural preservative ingredients such as tea tree oil or grape seed extract.

Hydrate Winter Skin Frequently

During the winter months, how often you use a product is just as important as what you use. If you have very dry skin, moisture it as often as possible -- every half hour if necessary. The more hydrated you keep your skin, the healthier it will be.

Another side effect of dry, flaky skin is a dull complexion. Upping your exfoliation schedule to 2-3 times a week for dry skin and twice a week for oily skin can help you regain your summer shine. Exfoliate with a natural scrub (like sugar) to slough off dull skin. A creamy hydrating mask (vs. a clay mask which will draw moisture from the skin) used weekly will help the renewal process by clearing dead skin cells and trapping moisture.

Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and 70 percent of it is water. That's why you should keep it hydrated, inside as well as outside. Drink lots of non-caffeinated fluids during the day.

Winter Skincare Recommendations

Other suggestions include:

1. Use a humidifier.
2. Wear sunscreen daily (a vital step year round).
3. Take short warm showers vs. long hot showers.
4. Avoid drying body soaps, such as antibacterial washes, and stick with mild non-drying soaps instead.

As for product recommendations, we carry the Obagi Medical line, a prescription grade skincare line that provides a host of solutions for all skin types.

Still not sure how to solve your winter skincare blues? Call the office at 713-468-8759 to schedule a consultation.

A recent article on AOL News shows how pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and cranberries can all be used as affordable moisturizing bases for at-home, do-it-yourself skin care treatments.  Read more here.

Looking to add a little holiday sparkle?  With this special you can quickly and easily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with our lowest prices this year on the TCA Chemical Peel and the ViPeel. 

From now until December 30, 2010, we're offering the TCA Chemical Peel for only $75!  That's 50% off the regular price!  For those with darker skin tones, the ViPeel is also on sale for $250, which is $100 off the normal price! 

Appointments are limited, so book now to secure your spot.

A new study released by the University of Pittsburgh shows that fat removed through the VASER ultrasound liposuction technique can be used in fat transfer procedures.  For example, fat removed from your hips could be used to augment your breasts.   

I know you’re probably thinking, “Why is he talking about summer when I’ve just started breaking out my sweaters!?!” But November, December and January are all great months to consider having body sculpting procedures such as SmartLipo or VASER done. Here’s why:

1. On average, it takes 4 – 6 months for the final results to appear after undergoing SmartLipo or VASER. You will definitely see some results immediately, but over the next 6 months you will also see continued improvement as your body sheds excess fluid and the swelling subsides. If you schedule your SmartLipo or VASER procedure now, your new silhouette will be ready for unveiling as soon as the temperature starts to rise.
2. After a SmartLipo or VASER procedure, you’ll need to wear a compression garment as you heal and your body takes on its new shape. Cooler weather means longer sleeves and pants – which make it easier to camouflage the compression garment. Plus, the compression garment acts as an insulator, keeping you warm when temperatures drop.
3. Most people take time off during the holidays. So if you complete your procedure during your regularly scheduled winter vacation, you’ll have more time to relax and recuperate before you return to work.
4. Wow everyone on New Year’s Eve! SmartLipo and VASER can both eliminate hard to get rid of fat deposits in your hips, thighs, waist, back arms, chin, and stomach. Just think how good it will feel to slip into a one-size-smaller little black dress to ring in the New Year!

The winter months are also a great time to schedule SmartXide DOT Laser skin resurfacing. After being treated with the SmartXide DOT Laser, we advise you to stay out of the sun as much as possible while your skin regenerates and the new skin grows in. It’s much easier to avoid the sun during the winter than it is during Houston’s scorching summers. (Although I still recommend that you wear sunscreen every day of the year – no matter what the thermometer reads.)

If you are ready to schedule your winter makeover, make your appointment with Dr. Cain today by calling the office at 713-468-8759.

Follow Dr. Jim Cain on Twitter to find out about medical aesthetics news, trends, and special pricing at Innovative Aesthetics Houston.   

You can find Dr. Cain on Twitter here.

Most women (and men for that matter) of a certain age have given some thought to having a face lift. Sagging eyelids, crow’s feet, age spots, and thinning skin are never a welcome sight. And while the results from a full face lift can be dramatic – the pain and recovery time can be just as shocking. If you are considering a face lift, but don’t like the idea of surgery, I’d suggest you consider the “Liquid Face Lift” instead.

A Liquid Face Lift combines a variety of non-invasive medical aesthetics procedures designed to give results similar to a surgical facelift without the use of general anesthesia and a scalpel. A Liquid Face Lift can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on how many procedures you choose, and includes the use of injectables, dermal fillers, and lasers.

Liquid Face Lift Procedures Include:

BOTOX / Dysport – Eliminates crow’s feet, wrinkles in your forehead, and wrinkles between your eyes. BOTOX or Dysport can also be used to minimize and relax the platysmal bands and necklace lines in the neck and lift the eyebrow for more open-eyed look. Results can be seen in 72 hours and can last 4 – 6 months.

Juvederm / Radiesse– Fills in smile lines and marionette lines around the mouth, under the nose, and above your top lip. Juvederm XC or Radiesse can also be used to lift the jowl lines that separate your neck from your face, add volume and fill in the hollows of the cheeks, minimize the appearance of dark under eye circles, and plump lips. Results are seen instantly and can last up to one year.

SmartXide DOT Laser Skin Resurfacing – Eliminates age spots, sun spots, and skin discoloration on the face, neck, chest, and hands. The SmartXide DOT Laser also tightens the skin above the eyes, along the jaw line, and under the neck. Results start appearing within 3-4 days and continue to improve over the next 6 months. Results are permanent as long as you protect your new skin from additional sun damage.

If you are tired of looking tired, but not ready for a surgical face lift, consider the subtle improvements of a non-surgical Liquid Face Lift. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jim Cain of Innovative Aesthetics Houston to see if you can achieve the results you desire with a Liquid Face Lift.