Dr. Nicholas Perricone is a dermatologist and weight loss expert famous for his line of products and wellness programs. His company, named NV Perricone MD Ltd mainly offers supplements and topical aimed to improve one's appearance.
Education
Dr Perricone finished his medical degree in Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine, where he now works as an Adjunct Professor of Medicine. He also studied as an intern in Yale Medical School's Pediatrics and had his dermatology residency over at Ford Medical Center.
Career
Aside from teaching in Michigan State University, Dr Perricone has also written several books and other publications on beauty and weight loss, several of which have garnered acclaim and even criticisms. His beliefs, theories and methods have often been criticized in the dermatology industry.
He also served as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine and as the Chief of Dermatology at the Connecticut Veterans Hospital.
His other qualifications and recognitions include the following:
- Certified by the American Board of Dermatology
- Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences
- Fellow of the American College of Nutrition
- Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
- Fellow of the Society of Investigative Dermatology
Advocacy
Dr Perricone has earned the title of being the father of the inflammation theory of aging. According to his theory, cellular inflammation is the number one cause of skin problems such as acne and wrinkles. To being back healthy and young-looking skin, damaged cells have to be immediately replaced with new cells. Thus, his program and products focus on hindering cell inflammation and repairing inflamed cells.
According to Dr Perricone's researches, cell inflammation is caused by a diet which is composed of food with high glycemic carbohydrates, sun exposure, stress and a weak immune system. To battle these inflammation-causing factors, Dr Perricone devised a three-tiered approach composed of a controlled diet, supplements and topical applications. Called the Perricone Program, the following are the three tiers made by Dr Perricone:
- Tier One. The foundation of the Perricone Program, the Anti-inflammatory diet focuses on the intake of foods that are also natural inflammatories. These are lean meat (includes seafood and poultry), fruits, vegetables and beverages that are rich in antioxidants (includes green tea) and have low glycemic indices, food rich in Omega 3 and 6 (includes salmon, nuts, flax and seeds), and 8 to 10 glasses of pure spring water a day.
- Tier Two. Dr Perricone's range of dietary supplements contain nutrients that promote anti-inflammatory, fat metabolizing and anti-aging properties that also help prevent damages caused by free radicals. These supplements have active ingredients Vitamin C Ester, Coenzyme Q-10, N-Acetyl Carnitine, Astaxanthin, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Dimethyl Amino Ethanol, L-Carnitine Fumerate and Omega-3.
- Tier Three. Some of the ingredients in Dr Perricone's supplements are also in the Cosmoceuticals he formulated. Designed to improve and enhance the natural beauty of the skin, these topical antioxidants promise to give the skin a smooth, youthful, supple, toned and radiant appearance. Dr Perricone's formulations include the ingredients Vitamin C Ester, Neuropeptides, Phosphatidyl-E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Dimethyl Amino Ethanol, Olive Oil Polyphenols and Astaxanthin.
Books
Dr Perricone's program is considered to be "radical" and off the norm in the fields of dermatology and health. This has given him popularity. His unique methods have also caused his books and publications to sell very well. The following are among his published works:
- Ageless Face, Ageless Mind. Dr Perricone discusses Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in this book, including ways to fight these through his famous three-tiered approach.
- Seven Secrets to Beauty, Health and Longevity. In this particular book, Dr Perricone presents how increased cellular metabolism can help one to stay young inside and out. Other health benefits of cellular metabolism, according to the book, include prevention of certain illnesses such as osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer.
- The Perricone Promise. In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Dr Perricone focuses on the importance of a neuropeptides in maintaining one's vitality and beauty. This book particularly focuses on a controlled diet and a specific kind of topical that is exclusively sold by Dr Perricone's company.
Criticisms
Dr Perricone has been criticized for his unique and seemingly impossible solutions to fight aging and weight gain. According to several experts, his researches are too insignificant for his claims that promise great results. Moreover, his products are seen as too expensive, with the least expensive item priced at $50 for a 12 oz container.
