Medical Review By: Dr. Ronald Bush and Peggy Bush, APRN
Planning to undergo an aesthetic or surgical procedure? Whether it’s a chemical peel, a facelift, liposuction or a vein treatment, these procedures and others can lead to swelling and bruising, and waiting for the side effects to disappear can be frustrating.
In the past, doctors recommended applying over-the-counter arnica cream, an herbal treatment, to minimize these problems and speed healing. But one team of healthcare providers thought arnica cream could be made better.
Ronald Bush, MD, and Peggy Bush, APRN, both at Water’s Edge Dermatology, set out to develop a more effective but equally natural alternative. The result was Dermaka cream, now used in medical clinics worldwide and also sold over-the-counter. It contains a more concentrated and purified form of arnica, plus other natural ingredients that boost arnica’s effectiveness and extend the benefits beyond minimizing bruising and swelling.
“Many patients who have used Dermaka cream following a procedure have been really impressed with the results,” said Dr. Bush, a board-certified vascular surgeon. “I hear comments such as ‘Wow, this really works!’ on a regular basis.”
Benefits of Dermaka
Whether you use it before and after a procedure or in everyday life, Dermaka helps address a variety of skin concerns.
Reducing inflammation and swelling. Dermaka contains bromelain, an enzyme found in the stem and juice of pineapples. “Bromelain works synergistically with arnica to provide a greater reduction of swelling and inflammatory processes that occur when you undergo vein treatments and cosmetic resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels,” said Dr. Bush. Chamomile and green tea extracts in Dermaka also fight inflammation.
Dark spot treatment and prevention. Post-procedure inflammation can cause pigment-producing skin cells to make too much melanin, leading to dark spots. The licorice extract in Dermaka can reduce this risk. Licorice extract contains flavonoids that block the effects of tyrosine, an amino acid needed to produce melanin. “Licorice extract is also a popular skin lightener, so you can use Dermaka cream to fade dark spots you already have,” added Dr. Bush.
Decreasing bruising. The combination of bromelain and arnica is more effective than arnica alone for decreasing bruising that may develop following vein treatments and cosmetic procedures such as liposuction. Dermaka cream is also a helpful for people prone to significant bruising from minor bumps.
Pain and itch relief. Like arnica, bromelain has pain-relieving properties that can help reduce any discomfort after a procedure. Chamomile extract helps control itching that may occur after procedures such as chemical peels.
Dermaka cream for rashes and other conditions
Dermaka cream was created to improve healing after vein treatments and cosmetic procedures, but it can also help treat certain skin conditions.
“Many people say they’ve had success using Dermaka cream to treat eczema, poison ivy, arthritis, and diaper rash,” said Dr. Bush.
It can also be used daily to help keep your skin healthier, more even-toned, and more youthful thanks to vitamin A (retinol), which promotes healthy collagen, and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
“Dermaka is also a great everyday moisturizer for people with dry skin because it has an olive oil base,” said Dr. Bush.
How to use it
If you have a skin procedure scheduled, apply Dermaka cream to the treatment area every evening starting five days prior to your appointment. After your procedure, use it two to three times a day or as instructed by your doctor. You may be advised to massage it into the area for 15 seconds.
Almost everyone can safely use Dermaka cream, Dr. Bush said. An allergic reaction to one of the ingredients is possible but unlikely. Stop using it if skin irritation develops or worsens. Don’t apply it to open sores.
“Dermaka really is a miracle cream,” said Dr. Bush. “It is very well tolerated and doesn’t contain any chemicals, which patients love.”
Article Written By: Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets
