PDMD

The fountain of youth: collagen!

2025-09-30

These days, everyone is searching for the elusive Fountain of Youth. But dermatologists know what the real secret to youthful skin is-- collagen! Collagen is one of the main proteins that makes up the connective tissue in our bodies. It's found in our cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and SKIN! Collagen is what makes skin look smooth, tight, and healthy. But over time, collagen starts to degrade. And environmental factors like too much sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and pollution all contribute to its demise. So what can be done to stimulate collagen? Turns out, quite a bit. At Premier Dermatology, MD, Dr. Bilu Martin uses a variety of procedures to amp up production of this precious protein.

Sculptra is a biostimulatory injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid. Dr. Bilu Martin injects Sculptra in the temples, cheeks, jawline, and chest. 1-2 vials are injected 6-8 weeks apart in 2-3 sessions. Unlike hyaluronic acids that fill and lift with immediate results, the visible effects of Sculptra take time because it stimulates the body to create collagen in the areas injected. This is an especially great option for the wrinkles in the decolletage (often in combination with laser treatments).

Dr. Bilu Martin loves her Cynosure Icon non-ablative fractional laser, which uses a 1540 wavelength to create tiny controlled zones of thermal damage. The surrounding normal skin sends in fibroblasts, which create collagen to repair the tissue. The result? Improvement of fine lines, texture, acne scars, and surgical scars. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be applied while channels in the skin are open and injected into the skin after the laser. PRP contains growth factors to further stimulate collagen. Laser treatments are recommended 4-6 weeks apart and have minimal downtime.

Aquagold microneedling is another fantastic treatment performed at Premier Dermatology, MD to stimulate collagen. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and neurotoxin (Dysport) are put in the Aquagold and Dr. Bilu Martin microneedles on the face, neck, and chest. The 24 karat microneedles penetrate the skin, depositing PRP and microdoses of toxin. PRP can also be injected afterwards. Immediately post procedure, the skin looks taut and glow-y. One week later, when the toxin kicks in, pores appear smaller and skin looks fresh. Treatments can be performed every 4-6 weeks.

Finally, the right skincare is essential. UV rays from the sun degrade collagen, causing sun exposed skin to appear dull and wrinkled. A broad spectrum sunblock that blocks both UVA and UVB rays should contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Applying enough and frequently are key. A retinol cream at night helps to lighten sun spots, increase cell turnover, and stimulate collagen. Ask us about it at pdmd.

Ultimately, the battle to keep and stimulate collagen is an every day one. Luckily, we have a variety of treatments available to keep skin looking healthy and youthful!

No hair? Don't despair!

2025-03-07

Donna Bilu Martin, MD is a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She practices at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida.

Hair, glorious hair!

2024-09-05

It happens to millions of women and men. It's so frequent, in fact, that there's a billion dollar industry of "solutions" to the problem. We're talking hair loss, and it's no laughing matter.

Normally, our hair grows in a cycle. When hairs are in their growth phase, they are called anagen hairs. When they are resting (not growing), they are called telogen hairs. Catagen hairs are transitioning from growth to rest. Anagen hairs grow for about 3 years on average (the range can be between 2-6 years). The transition phase lasts about 1-2 weeks, and then hairs rest for 3-5 months. They shed, and the cycle starts all over again. At any given time, if you pluck a number of hairs from the scalp, about 85% will be in the growth phase and 10-15% will be resting. Less than 1% will be in the transition phase. We can tell this by the shape of the hair and follicle when it's examined under the microscope.

It's normal to shed 100-150 hairs daily. Think about it- that's a lot of hair. And even more so on days that you shampoo. But sometimes, that number increases, and the hair starts thinning or revealing bald patches. So let's look at some reasons why people lose their hair.

Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the anagen (growth) phase is often prolonged and many women enjoy thicker, fuller hair. On delivery of the baby, however, many follicles change into the telogen phase, and then are shed simultaneously, resulting in thinning/loss of hair 3-5 months after baby comes. This process is known as telogen effluvium. And it's one more reason to give your mom a hug-- she brought you into this world and then endured hair loss!

Iron Deficiency. Low iron levels (seen in a blood test), sometimes caused by mensturation or gastrointestinal blood loss, can also cause a telogen effluvium. Nutritional deficiencies are often treated with vitamin supplements and a varied, healthy diet.

Thyroid Deficiency. Variations in thyroid levels can often cause telogen effluvium as well. Levels can be checked with a simple blood test. Thyroid medications, usually monitored by an endocrinologist (doctor who specializes in hormones) can help.

Medications. Lots of medications can cause hair loss. Drug-induced telogen effluvium has been reported with amphetamines, blood pressure medications (captopril, metoprolol), antipsychotics (lithium), retinoids (etretinate), and more. Changing/discontinuing medications may help.

Androgenetic alopecia is another term for male-pattern and female-pattern baldness. In this condition, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone affects the androgen receptor gene to cause hair loss. There is likely a genetic component. Men tend to show a receeding hairline with loss of hair on the top of the scalp. Women tend to get thinning along the middle part of the hair in a "Christmas tree pattern." Several treatments are available, such as minoxidil (both topical and oral), and for men, finasteride (propecia) is FDA-approved.

Other conditions that can lead to hair loss include fungal infections, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or alopecia areata), psoriasis, bacterial infections, and syphilis. Trauma to the hair from tight ponytails, frequent relaxer and hair color use, and overstyling can also lead to hair loss. Often blood tests and scalp biopsies are useful to find the cause of the hair loss.

At Premier Dermatology, MD, PRP is injected in the scalp for hair loss. PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. Your blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge. The plasma separates from the red blood cells. The plasma contains growth factors to help stimulate hair growth. Dr. Bilu Martin injects the PRP into the scalp in a series of treatments. For more information, call Premier Dermatology, MD at 305-521-8971.

Dermatologists are expert in skin, nails, and hair, and can help!

Full body checkup? Here's what to expect:

2024-07-11

Donna Bilu Martin, MD discusses what to expect at a full body skin exam at Premier Dermatology, MD.

The best kept beauty secret: Light and Laser!

2024-02-27

Donna Bilu Martin, MD discusses laser and light treatments at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida. Dr. Bilu Martin is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology.

Winterize your routine for winter!

2023-12-03

Although in South Florida we are super lucky and spoiled with beautiful weather during winter, many of us will travel up north to visit family and friends over the holidays. With falling temperatures comes crisp white snow, the smell of firewood burning, holiday lights, and dry, chapped skin. Coming in from the cold and facing blasting heat doesn't help, either. So what's the best way to keep your skin in top shape?

1. Ban the fragrance. Great smelling soaps mean dry, irritated skin. Look for body cleansers that are fragrance free and for sensitive skin, such as unscented Dove or the Vanicream lines of products. For face, gentle cleansers like EltaMD foaming cleanser is excellent.

2. At night, a rich moisturizer for the face is key for maintaining the skin barrier. At Premier Dermatology, MD, we love Skinceuticals triple lipid repair.

3. Repair: antioxidants are essential. Skinceuticals CE Ferrulic or Phloretin CF and isclinical Active Serum both contain ingredients that help to repair and replenish damaged skin. Ask us about them at pdmd!

4. Turn down the heat - in the shower, that is. Hot water zaps moisture from skin. Better to take a cooler, shorter shower. When your skin is still damp from the shower, put on a moisturizing cream - not lotion. Again, no fragrance here either.

5. Special spots: slather Aquaphor on hands and feet before bedtime for extra moisturizing. Glycolic acid creams also help with extra thick rough patches.

6. Pay attention to clothing, to: avoid dryer sheets and make sure detergent is also fragrance free. Wool clothing can be irritating to skin.

7. Of course, remember that even though the weather is cool outside, the sun's rays are still strong. A broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least an SPF 30 and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide needs to be applied every two hours when outdoors.

Keep your skin glowing all season long and happy holidays!

Get your Glow-Tox: Vi Peels & Jeuveau!

2023-09-05

Ah, summer. Beach days, cookouts, boat excursions, and outdoor sports. It was a nice, long hot summer... and come September, it's time to work on some of the evidence of the season past. Namely, brown spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and photo aging - on our faces, hands, and chests. Also, the heat of summer can flare breakouts on our backs, which leads to scars and hyperpigmentation. Thankfully, at pdmd, we have a way to combat these issues!

Chemical Peels are a great way to improve skin with minimal downtime. And for the month of September, we are offering a special Glow-tox treatment! This month, receive $50 off Vi Peels and Vi peel precision plus or $100 off Vi Peel Body with our aesthetician, Audrey. Immediately after, have a treatment with Dr. Bilu Martin where you buy 2 areas of Jeuveau, get 1 free!

The Vi Peel contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, salicylic acid, retinoic acid, and vitamin C. This peel is great for hyperpigmentation, melasma, fine lines, sun damage, improves skin tone and texture. It is safe for all skin types. The Vi Peel Precision Plus contains a booster of hydroquinone and kojic acid for more stubborn hyperpigmentation. The Vi Peel Body is great for sun damage on the chest, dark spots from acne on the back, or keratosis pilaris (bumps) on the arms. Skin will peel for 3-5 days following the peel. It can be done monthly.

Jeuveau is a neurotoxin that is used to soften lines between the eyebrows, the forehead, and the crow's feet. Results generally last about 3 months.

And then? Radiant, healthier looking skin!

Call 305-521-8971 to schedule your treatments with Audrey and Dr. Bilu Martin!

Microneedles for macrocollagen

2023-08-23

SkinPen microneedling is an amazing treatment done by Dr. Bilu Martin. Social media calls this procedure "the Vampire Facial." Small needles enter in and out of the skin very quickly to create microchannels that foster collagen production. The depth of the needles can be adjusted according to what is being treated. Acne scarring or deep lines will require more depth. This treatment can be done with or without PRP, although adding the PRP results in a more effective treatment. Treatments can be performed every 4-6 weeks and have minimal downtime.

Aquagold microneedling is another fantastic treatment performed at Premier Dermatology, MD to stimulate collagen. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau) are put in the Aquagold and Dr. Bilu Martin microneedles on the face, neck, and chest. The 24 karat microneedles penetrate the skin, depositing PRP and microdoses of toxin. PRP can also be injected afterwards. Immediately post procedure, the skin looks taut and glow-y. One week later, when the toxin kicks in, pores appear smaller and skin looks fresh. Treatments can be performed every 4-6 weeks and have minimal downtime.

Ultimately, the battle to keep and stimulate collagen is an everyday one. Luckily, we have a variety of treatments available to keep skin looking healthy and youthful!

I screen, you screen, we all screen for sunscreen!

2023-04-05

Each day, Dr. Bilu Martin and the the staff at Premier Dermatology, MD get asked-- do I really need to wear sunblock? The answer is YES! Exposure to the sun increases the risk of skin cancer. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement and eating foods rich in vitamin D should be sufficient to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. For more information, visit the American Academy of Dermatology's website.

SO WEAR SUNBLOCK. Every. Single. Day.

Now, there are some guidelines to follow.

1. Sunblocks should be broad spectrum, meaning they block both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays cause the signs of aging (A for Aging): wrinkles, brown spots, and loss of elasticity (read: loose skin). They pass through clouds and are unaffected by weather. UVA rays also cause skin cancer.

UVB rays cause sunburns (B for burning), and vary with the time of day and season. The SPF rating on sunscreen means the level of protection against UVB rays only. Sunblocks should be at least an SPF 30. Anything higher than that doesn't make much difference.

2. Sunblocks consist of two classes of ingredients: chemical blockers and physical blockers. Chemical sunscreens need to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure so that they can be absorbed into the skin. Physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on the surface of the skin and work immediately. So which is better? Many sunblocks contain a combination of the two classes. Some people are irritated by chemical sunscreens, in which case a physical block would be better. Physical sunblocks also tend to be more sweat resistant (which is handy for exercising).

3. Sunblocks must be re-applied every two hours, and immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Use the right amount: a teaspoon full for the face; a shotglass full for the body.

At Premier Dermatology, MD, in Aventura, we recommend and carry many sunblocks. Here are just a few we love:

EltaMD UV Pure SPF 41: a broad-spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen. It's great for kids and adults whose sensitive skin can be irritated by chemicals. It's also fragrance-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic (as are all the EltaMD susncreens). Dr. Bilu Martin puts it on her kids every single morning, rain or shine.

EltaMD Physical SPF 47: also a broad-spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen. It has a universal tint, so it doesn't appear as "white" on the skin as the UV pure.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46: for acne or rosacea prone patients, this broad spectrum sunscreen contains 5% niacinamide, which helps calm redness. It will not cause breakouts and is very light.

Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50: a tinted, broad spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen with a matte finish. Feels like a bb cream; very cosmetically elegant.

Keep in mind that these sunblocks are only sold to physician offices and authorized dealers. If bought from an unauthorized website or retailer, you may not be getting the genuine product.

Don't skimp on sunblocks and just pick any cheap one. In south Florida, protecting your and your family's skin with a sunblock that is effective is so important all year round. A single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma in their lifetime. Protect your precious skin!

Collagen, we love you!

2022-11-07

Ultimately, the battle to keep and stimulate collagen is an every day one. Luckily, we have a variety of treatments available to keep skin looking healthy and youthful!