Dr. Rucker in Arizona Sports and Lifestyle

This article was published in Arizona Sports and Lifestyle for their November / December 2013 issue. 

Skincare By The Numbers: What’s Your Skin Code? 
While skin, hair and eye color are general classifications that cannot be disputed, do they tell the whole story? What about age? Lifestyle? Environment?  Are we to believe that identical twins—one living in Vermont and one in Phoenix have the same skincare needs based solely on genetics?

Here in the southwest, sun, dry heat, and the lure of outdoor activities create the perfect storm for exacerbating skin conditions and premature aging. It is never too early or too late to give your skin the care that it needs and deserves. Let’s explore what causes skin damage and how to avoid loss of collagen, inadequate moisture and chronic inflammation.

Collagen. For youthful looking skin.
Think of collagen as a tightly woven net that provides our skin its underlying structure; it is vital for giving skin elasticity and strength. Our bodies produce collagen, but as we age production decreases. Because our skin cells are inherently sensitive and fragile, if we are not vigilant about protecting the collagen we have, we may experience permanent damage. Over time, consistent exposure to elements harmful to skin cells will destroy both collagen and elastin.

What you can do:  

• Use serums containing Vitamin C, peptides, and antioxidants.
• Always use sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and reapply often.
• Pay attention to diet: up the Omega 3 rich foods, beans, dark fruits and vegetables, green tea. 
• Avoid sun exposure, smoking, and topical collagen – which cannot penetrate the skin. 
• Use a stem cell serum to help reverse damage and help prevent further aging.

Moisture. Dry skin plus desert heat equals a lethal combination.
The southwest is renowned for its dry environment, and as we age skin has trouble retaining moisture. So when you combine inherited dry skin with the desert heat you have a lethal combination, which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

What you can do:

• Try products with hyaluronic acid to smooth and plump skin.  
• Ask your doctor about injectable dermal fillers that will hydrate from the inside, out.
• Use a humidifier at night and moisturize right after showering.
• Treat yourself to oxygen-based facials or a hydrating mask. 
• Wash with a hydrating cleanser to remove chemical and biologic irritants without reducing the skin’s moisture content.

Inflammation. The age accelerator.
Sunburns are actually an acute form of inflammation, which can destroy healthy tissue and compromise new tissue. Sun exposure also destroys elastin and collagen. When natural antioxidants are exhausted, free radicals are released and inflammation is triggered. This results in crepy skin and wrinkles.

What you can do:

• Add antioxidants to your diet; such as berries and nuts. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 
• Limit sugar intake at all costs, which breaks down collagen.
• Avoid sun and wind exposure as much as possible.

So where do you start if you live in our southwestern zip code? Focus on making skin healthy rather than just alleviating symptoms. It takes more than one product or a single serving dose treatment at your doctor office to make a dramatic improvement to your skin and fight the signs of aging. The effects of aging are not one-sided, so neither should your anti-aging plan. It is never too early to start your anti-aging regimen and avoid harsh Arizona elements if you can.

Visit Dr. Rucker’s website at www.enza.com and www.ruckermd.com to learn more about his customized skincare suite for the Arizona lifestyle.

Check out pages 74 and 75 of Arizona Sports and Lifestyle for the article.

FIVE WAYS TO KEEP YOU “SKIN-SANE” THIS WINTER

No matter how hard we try to avoid it, the dreaded winter weather is on its way here. It’s time to start taking out winter coats, mittens and boots out from winter storage. But don’t stop there- it’s also time to rejuvenate what’s under those winter layers – your skin.  It’s no secret that the combination of dry air and holiday stress can prove to be a nightmare for your skin, so as with any other season, you will have to adjust your daily routine accordingly to keep your skin fresh and renewed.  Keep your “skin-sane” with our top five tips this winter.

1. Balance. Using a moisturizing toner will balance your skin’s pH levels to a normal level of between 4.5 – 6. This allows the rest of your products to work more effectively and penetrate deeper. Using Enza Essential’s Saturation Toner will increase the hydration for dry, weathered skin. And, bonus! This toner also helps prevent early signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Be strong. With the holiday baking and sweets about, it seems impossible to resist sugar. But did you know that excess sugar can age you? When your body processes sugar, it turns into glucose which can destroy collagen and your skin’s elasticity, which is a big factor in aging skin. You may want to pass on that extra chocolate chip cookie, for your skin’s sake.
3. Out with the old. Winter is the perfect time to get rid of old items you don’t need any more, right? It’s an even better time to get rid of dead skin and bacteria left on your face with a gentle, oatmeal-based exfoliator. Exfoliating two to three times each week will help avoid acne scarring and irritation. We suggest the Saturation Aloe Scrub, a hydrating exfoliator that nourishes and provides extra moisture.
4. Watch out! We know its cold, but extreme heat from the blow dryer, sink water, or shower can break capillaries, cause irritation and end up drying out your skin even more. Use lukewarm water to keep your skin calm.
5. Drench and hydrate. Don’t forget to use deep-hydrating creams and facials to ensure your skin is receiving enough moisture during this harsh, dry season. The best time to apply a moisturizer is just after getting out of the shower while your skin is still moist. For your body, we recommend using the Shea Body Butter by Enza Essentials, rich with antioxidants and vitamins A and E to protect every inch of skin. For the face, try the Saturation Herbal Crème.

Now after changing your closet from your summer dresses to winter jackets, it’s time to start changing into your winter skin care routine. With these five easy tips, you can keep your skin happy all winter long.

For more skin solutions, visit our website at www.enza.com or www.ruckermd.com or schedule an appointment at the Enza Medispa by calling 1-800-456-8222.

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Why Trust a Plastic Surgeon with your Skincare Needs? Dr. Rucker is about to tell you!

Six Tips to Minimizing Dark Under-Eye Circles

Dark circles can be blamed on multiple factors including heredity, hormone levels, sun exposure, stress, aging, a lack of sleep and most commonly- allergies. An important thing to note about dark under-eye circles is that here is no perfect way to prevent them, only minimize them once they are visible. However, contrary to what you may think, dark circles cannot be remedied by skin lighteners because the darkness is not caused by skin discoloration, rather a shadowing of the skin.

In order to relieve the darkness around the eyes, there are various methods you can use to minimize the appearance of them.

• Using powerful peptides such as Enza Essential's Eyebright Anti-Puffiness Gelee will cool and sooth the appearance of puffy bags while increasing cell turnover, leaving you with a brighter, more youthful appearance.
• Dermal Fillers can be used in order to plump the area around and under your eyes which reduces the intensity of shadowing. 
• Because allergies are the number one cause of dark circles, it is important that you have identified what you are allergic to and have proper allergy medication to minimize any potential reactions.
• Wearing sunscreen, particularly an SPF 30 or greater, will help to minimize unprotected sun exposure and the effects of aging from the sun. 
• Applying ice packs or cucumbers directly on the dark circles at nighttime will sooth and minimize the dark circles caused by puffiness.
• Lastly, the Pelleve Wrinkle Reduction System is a treatment that will help to tighten and brighten your face while also increasing collagen production that will work against the skin's natural aging process.

Although there is no way to completely prevent dark circles from appearing, there are multiple ways to reduce the shadowing that occurs. By using the methods listed above, you can successfully mask those embarrassing signs of aging, lack of sleep and stress before anyone has time to notice them. 

Winter Skin Care

The combination of dry air and holiday stress can prove to be a nightmare for your skin. As with any other season, you will have to adjust your daily routine accordingly to keep your skin fresh and renewed. The following are tips to help you rejuvenate your skin and look your best for the winter season.

• Don't Skip the Toner- Applying toner will normalize the skin's pH level, misting your skin throughout the day will allow the toner to absorb excess oil and keep you looking fresh.
• Curb Your Cravings- Be sure to limit sugar intake. When your body processes sugar, it turns into glucose which can destroy collagen and your skin's elasticity. Eating fiber-rich foods can help ward off hunger and your sweet tooth.
• Exfoliate Twice a Week- Dead skin and bacteria left on your face can irritate your acne and leave scarring. Be sure to slough it off with a gentle exfoliator.
• Watch the Blow Dryer- The extreme heat and extended use of a blow dryer facing your neck can break capillaries and over time, leave them permanently broken. 
• Use Lukewarm Water- When rinsing your cleanser, avoid water that is too hot or too cold. Your skin is very sensitive and not being careful with temperature could cause irritation and break capillaries. That means shower water temperature can also be damaging if it is too hot. 
• Use an Oatmeal Based Scrub- Abrasive scrubs and exfoliants are too harsh on your skin during winter. Milder, oatmeal-based facial scrubs can unplug the oily pores. 
• Avoid products that use mineral oil or petroleum- Mineral oil and petroleum, both derived from fossil fuel, may dog your pores and prevent your body from flushing out toxins through your skin, leading to breakouts. Be sure to check the ingredients on all your skin care products and cosmetics. 
• Drench and Hydrate- With dehydrated and cracked skin, be sure to add moisture with deep-hydrating creams and facials. Also, don't forget to stay hydrated yourself. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain a radiant complexion. 

By following these tips you will ensure your skin stays healthy and protected through the cold, snowy weather. You can do it- keep your skin you love, even in the harshest winter months. 

Pellevé®: A Breakthrough in Anti-Aging

It’s an inevitable evil, and it happens to us all: with each increasing year come new wrinkles. We’ve tried it all- creams, medications, even surgeries in hopes of minimizing wrinkles and reducing age. However, Rucker M.D., Enza Medispa has taken initiative and began using a new procedure in their offices: the Pellevé® Wrinkle Reduction System. Here we look to introduce and explain this new procedure and why it is important to the Rucker M.D., Enza Medispa and its patients.

What is Pellevé®?

Pellevé® is a unique wrinkle reduction system with various benefits including minimizing wrinkles, tightening and smoothing the face, and creating a younger, brighter complexion. Pellevé® does this through a non-invasive and nonsurgical treatment.

How is Pellevé® different from other wrinkle remedies?

Dr. Joseph Rucker M.D. describes what he sees as the top three benefits of Pellevé® that no other wrinkle reduction treatment can offer:

1.   An appreciable wrinkle reduction

2.  A painless procedure

3.  No downtime

What can I expect to experience while undergoing the procedure?

Rucker M.D., Enza Medispa patient feedback will tell that the Pellevé® experience is calming and enjoyable. “It feels like a warm facial, and when it gets too hot for me, they move on. It’s never too uncomfortable. It’s relaxing; I even dozed off a few times.”

How long until I start to see the effects of Pellevé®?

Immediately- Rucker M.D. Patients have expressed their surprise at how quickly they could feel the treatment working on them. “It was immediate and the results were amazing. I loved the tightness and I loved the fullness.” “My face had this healthy glow; [it] felt tighter and firmer. I noticed around my eyes right away that the crow’s feet weren’t noticeable.” And when combined with Enza Essential’s topical wrinkle reduction serum, the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator, your immediate results will be enhanced.  

With your immediate results, you may notice a slight depletion of tightness a few days following treatment. This is normal. With time and follow-up treatments, you will begin to feel a permanent re-tightening of the skin.

What are the side effects?

One of the benefits of Pellevé® is that there are very few side effects to this procedure. As mentioned earlier, it is a non-invasive treatment, meaning no downtime is necessary. You will be able to go out in the sun, apply make-up, and get back to your daily routine immediately following treatment. Some patients may experience mild swelling and redness; however this typically goes away within 2 to 24 hours.

Is it effective?

Dr. Joseph Rucker, M.D. stands by his efforts to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction by incorporating Pellevé® into his practice. Pellevé® successfully passed all of his following criteria:

1.   Research shows its benefits

2. A waiting period to review the long term effectiveness of the technology

3.   My own personal use of the technology

For more information or to set up an appointment for a Pellevé® treatment, please call our offices: 715-832-1774. All inquires are welcome and can be answered by an experienced Rucker M.D. staff. 

Can You Imagine BOTOX Results without the Needles?

Anti-wrinkle procedure, needle injections —these daunting phrases associated with using Botox as a wrinkle reducer may be no more. New preliminary research suggests that a gel based topical Botox called RT001, could help reduce facial wrinkles—without the pain of needles.

A few facts on RT001- Topical Botox:

•  Has been shown to produce significant improvement in the crow’s feet wrinkles in 89% of the 553 patients already treated
•  Similar to the injectiable form, the gel relaxes the muscles responsible for causing skin wrinkles beneath the skin
• Is not yet FDA approved and therefore will not be available until 2013 or 2014
• Preliminary results are significant and exciting, but not quite as successful as traditional injectable Botox
• Results of topical Botox have proved to last up to three months 

After reviewing the results of the studies on RT001, Dr. Rucker is hopeful it will deliver as promised. He has many patients that want the results of Botox, but refrain from it due to needle phobia. In the meantime, he strongly recommends Tri-Peptide Cell Activator as an effective alternative. Where Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator stimulates collagen production to plump the fine lines and creases. So if you are wary of needles, the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator just might be your new best friend. 

Facial Wrinkle Reduction

New Anti-Aging Skin Serum Reduces the Effects of Father Time: A Dermatologic Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologic Pharmacologist and their Aesthetic Team have spent the last 20 years in the extensive study of anti-aging and anti-wrinkle research and treatments.This research has resulted in the development of a clinically-tested product to drastically reduce skin wrinkles by tricking aged human skin cells into regenerating themselves by replacing old damaged skin collagen with newly reformed collagen. Dr. Joseph Rucker, a board-certified plastic surgeon has developed the Tri-peptide Cell Activator, which also embraces stem-cell technology. This serum has been tested in clinical trials and has demonstrated an ability to:

• Significantly reduce skin wrinkles                            
• Improve skin texture
• Reduce pore size
• Produce a healthy, youthful glow

before                                         after

This exclusive formula developed by Joseph W. Rucker M.D. F.A.C.S contains:

• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 (a powerful collagen cell activator)
• Stem Cell: rare swiss Apple extract
• Resveratol: One of the most powerful anti-oxidants available
• A pH balanced formulation to improve penetration and performance

“After utilizing, testing and formulating multiple wrinkle-reducing formulas, this product has significantly surpassed my patient’s and my own expectations.”  Joseph Rucker M.D. F.A.C.S

Testing of the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator was done with the assistance of a carefully chosen patient group under the strict guidelines of usage and follow-up evaluation. All patients tested noticed a significant improvement in skin texture and wrinkle reduction. Below is the experience of one of Dr. Rucker’s patients.

“I was a trial patient for the wrinkle-reducing serum. I used the serum for four months and came in every three weeks to have pictures taken to document the results. I was very happy with the results, especially after seeing the “before and after” pictures! I received many compliments - even questions about “going under the knife”! However, the trial ended and Dr. Rucker indicated the product would not be available for four months. After I stopped using the product, I began noticing quite a dramatic increase in wrinkles on my face (especially around my eyes)!  I went into Dr. Rucker’s office to see if the cream was available. The staff looked at me and almost gasped at the increase in wrinkles and general haggard look around my eyes.  I am using another product from Dr. Rucker and am hoping to be the first one to purchase the incredibly effective wrinkle-reducing serum when it becomes available.”

Sandy Hume

January, 2012

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For more information and to purchase the Tri-Peptide Cell Activator visit enza.com

The 7 Reasons Your Skin Care Line Doesn't Perform

Having Skin in the Game--

Why are we all so disappointed?

The skin care industry is a multi-billion dollar business estimated to be worth $43 billion per year in the United States alone. Whether you get your products at the drugstore, department store, online or at your physician’s office you can be sure that every potion and lotion is promising youth in a bottle. Most don’t make good on that promise. If your trusted skin care line is no longer effective, it’s not your imagination. Here are the 7 good reasons why it might not live up to the hype. 

What’s in the pretty bottle?                                                                                                             

Keep in mind that the amount of money spent on marketing a product often eclipses the cost of the ingredients. There is a distinct difference between highly promoted products that rely upon packaging and national campaigns vs. those born of clinical testing and analysis of proven results. All products should be tested to the highest standards to ensure their effectiveness and safety prior to release to the public. Ingredients are not all created equal. Pharmaceutical grade skin care offers ingredients in strengths not available on the mass market.   

Type casting: Poor product to skin match is more than skin type

Do you have dry, oily or combination skin? The answer might not get you to the best product. It makes sense that matching the correct product with the patient is the key to good results. Skin type certainly plays a role in product choice but it is not the primary determinant we’ve all been led to believe. Over the course of my career, I have found that lifestyle, age, priorities, nutrition, genetics, environment all trump skin type. Your specific “profile” will play the starring role in developing a skin care regimen that really works.  Do you see yourself in any of these profiles?

• Athletic Teen with Acne
• Outdoor Active Teen on Acne Medication
• Active Senior Receiving Medispa Treatments
• Stressed Young Mother
• Middle-Aged Athlete Experiencing Early Signs of Aging
• Sun-Worshipping Senior with Dry Complexion
• Middle-Aged Rosacea Sufferer
• Expectant Mother with Hormonal Acne
• Menopausal Woman with Occasional Breakouts
• Early 30s Woman Developing Fine Lines

Detailed information on the various profiles and their recommended treatment plan,  can be found on enza.com 

Riding the hormonal wave? 

It doesn’t seem fair but hormones through life significantly affect the quality and elasticity of skin. Your skin may be oilier due to an increase or instability in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. As skin ages, it produces fewer natural moisturizing oils in part due to a decrease in hormone production. Think about three women, all 30 years old. One is discovering fine lines and taking birth control pills, another is pregnant and the third is a stressed young mother. Each woman will need different skincare despite their ages being the same. All have a hormonal component that must be considered when prescribing products.     

Environmental warning—

The environment in which you live, work and play can influence your skin. Where you live, where you vacation and seasonal changes each have their impact. Your current routine may work perfectly in the summer but turn ineffective or even harsh in the winter. Cold weather brings lower levels of air moisture, which can produce drier skin. A change in climate may affect the dryness of your skin.  Dry Southwestern climates are obvious causes of dryer skin changes because the heat can actually bake moisture out of your skin.  During hot summer months, in more humid climates your skin may be more prone to retain excess oils, especially if your skin is naturally oilier. When skin doesn’t retain moisture, you need a heavier moisturizer and a creamier cleanser. Conversely, in humidity choose lighter products — like a gel or foam cleanser and a lotion instead of a cream.

Letting it all sink in…

Regardless of the effectiveness of a product, it will be of little help if the ingredients are unable to penetrate into the skin. Absorption problems can block even the best skincare lines. The pH balance of the product is one of the most important factors—it must be in a specific range to not only allow, but promote absorption. When an invisible, unintended barrier is challenging the product, you’ll get a less than optimal result because the deeper collagen layers are never reached. This is the most important reason that our ENZA skin care line is in a league of it’s own.

Routine exfoliation allows topicals to better penetrate the skin and maximize their effectiveness. Cleanse first to wash away impurities and then exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and draw out impurities in congested pores. Good exfoliation reveals the softer, smoother, more evenly toned skin underneath. Exfoliation can be mechanical e.g. skin brushing with a device or chemical in the form of facial peels. Depending upon your needs Enza offers seven product suites.

Two examples include preventative care and reverse aging care. In the former we suggest using the lightweight Sustaining Cleanser to lift away dry cells and smooth wrinkles, followed by the Cool Sustaining Toner to restore a natural glow. The final Sustaining System product, Fine Facial Polish, should be used two to three times per week to exfoliate and absorb acne-causing oil. Complete your daily routine with the Sustaining Glow Crème to polish away discoloration. In the latter case, the Enza Essentials Saturation System including the SaturationCleanser, Saturation Toner and Herbal Crème is a great daily regimen.  Two to three times per week use the gentle Saturation Aloe Scrub to help reverse the signs of aging.

Know your brand and stick with it!

Good skincare requires commitment to both a regimen and a product line. There’s an advantage of staying true to your brand. The best products work synergistically so you get more out of standardizing on a brand you trust than “playing the field.” That free bag of cosmetic samples is very seductive but soon you’ve tried so many brands it’s difficult to say if any really had any impact on your skin. You must also commit to daily use for at least 4-6 weeks to see results. Consistency and commitment are the name of the game. Consulting with a physician or a certified skincare expert is the best starting point so you know the time and money spent will be worthwhile.  

Your lifestyle is written all over your face.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is as integral a part of having great skin as using good products. You can use the best products in the world, but if your habits are unhealthy, your skincare probably won’t work. Getting too little sleep, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol will compromise any attempt at healthy skin. Poor nutrition in the form of excess carbs, fats and sugars also robs the skin. Likewise, skipping sunscreen, sunbathing or tanning indoors, interferes with your product’s potential benefits.  In closing when contemplating a new skin care direction chose wisely and consider all of these important listed points.   

Joseph W.Rucker M.D.

For more information, check out my websites at www.enza.com and www.ruckermd.com

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