Finding Solutions to an Age-Old Problem

By Ruth Croson-Lowney

I developed acne early. By high school I was breaking out frequently—on my face, shoulders, chest and back. My self-esteem was pretty low, and of course I was self-conscious about my skin.

My dermatologist gave me light treatments, tetracycline and erythromycin, and had me avoid certain foods, use special soaps and toners, and “get more sun”—all to no effect. In college I found a dermatologist with the latest creams, gels and pills. I tried Retin-A, the new miracle drug, as well as Accutane (although I had to go on the pill because of the associated birth defects).

My acne wasn’t as bad as it had been, but it persisted. It would flare up even after I’d been on the pill for 20 years. It changed from regular whiteheads to an additional cystic type—very painful.

By the time I moved to NYC, I had stopped taking oral treatments and used topicals only when things got really bad. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would always have adult acne, and I learned to cover it up. As a stage performer, I got used to doing this every day.

Then I met Dr. Mariana Boneva—and to say my life changed is an understatement. What she told me about my skin and body stopped me in my tracks.

I have a degree in zoology—I understand physiology and anatomy—yet my whole approach to healing my skin had been wrong. I was trying to heal from the outside when I should have been looking at the inside.

It all made perfect sense: my skin mirrored my body. Dr. Boneva’s treatment and products worked with my body to help it heal and stay healthy.

I have been following her advice and using her products for more than five years now, and my skin has never looked healthier. When I do have a breakout, I can usually attribute it to something my body doesn’t like. I am finely attuned to my body and aware of its balance. Dr. Boneva’s products keep that balance and help heal my skin faster than any drug ever did. She truly understands her field and is a great innovator!

Ruth Croson-Lowney is a retired supervisor for Flow Cytometry Laboratory, NYBC, and a professional performer.

Dr. Mariana Boneva is founder of Beauty Plus Aesthetics, 353 Lexington Ave. #1603. To learn more, make an appointment or purchase her cosmetic products, visit BeautyPlusAesthetics.com or call 212.371.6097.