Wrinkle Reverse
How To Look 10 Years Younger on a Budget
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. How and Why Skin Ages
2. Know Your Own Skin Type
3. Treating Oily Skin
4. Treating Dry Skin
5. Double Whammy - Combination Skin
6. How to Protect Your Skin
7. The Sun and Your Skin
8. Skin Creams and Wrinkles
9. Good Nutrition and Your Complexion
10. How Free Radicals Damage Skin Cells
11. Vitamin C and Skin Care
12. Is Dermabrasion Right for Your Skin
13. Chemical Skin Peels
14. Skin Care from the Inside Out
15. Facelifts and Other Skin Procedures
16. Resources
Chapter 1. How and Why Skin Ages
For as long as one can remember, it has always been the pursuit of many to keep their
youthful looks, even at great costs. And in this day and age, the trend has not changed.
Now more than ever, methods, techniques and treatments meant to retain that “youthful
glow” proliferate everywhere. As it is the most tell-tale sign of getting old, anti-ageing
goods and services account for billions of dollars spent in the hopes of delaying the onset
of skin ageing
Unfortunately, many have been and are misinformed on how and why the skin ages
misleading these same people into buying products that only offer short-lived, if not
unsuccessful and disappointing, results.
It is therefore only smart to know just how the skin develops over time. In understanding
the hows and whys of ageing skin, the correct habits and treatments can then be
developed to retain as much one’s youthful looks for as long a time as possible.
First off, there are two types of ageing for the skin. There is the intrinsic (internal) ageing,
which is caused by factors within one’s own body, such as genes and body condition; and
extrinsic (external) ageing, which is caused by factors outside one’s body, such as sunlight
and lifestyle.
Intrinsic (internal) ageing
Ageing is a natural process and our genes determine how one goes through that process.
For some, ageing can set on earlier or later than most. On average, signs of skin ageing
begin to appear in the mid-20s.
As one grows older, the skin’s ability to snap back to shape (elasticity) starts to decrease.
That is because skin cells do not regenerate as fast as they used to - resulting to tougher,
older skin. Although internal ageing begins in one’s 20s, the typical signs of wrinkles and
sagging skin do not appear for until about a couple of decades more.
Other signs that indicate skin ageing are thinning, loss of firmness, dryness, and reduction
of sweat production that prevents proper cooling of the body.
Extrinsic (external) ageing
Factors outside one’s own genes accelerate skin ageing Lifestyles and habits carry more
impact of why ageing skin occurs more prematurely in one’s lifetime.
Sun exposure
With the present condition our atmosphere is in, harmful rays from the sun pass through in
ever increasing amounts causing damage to the skin and hampering its ability to repair
itself. Over a period of time, a few minutes a day of exposure to ultraviolet rays results in
changes to the skin (freckles, age spots, rough skin). An even graver symptom would be
the onset of skin cancer. Dermatologists call this effect photo ageing in reference to the
sun’s rays that reduce the production of collagen responsible for maintaining the skin’s
elasticity.
One’s susceptibility to photo ageing is determined by the amount of pigment in the skin as
well as the frequency and duration one spends under the sun’s rays. Given these factors,
fair-skinned individuals and those who spend long periods under the sun stand to have
more pronounced effects of photo ageing compared to those who are darker-skinned and
spend more time in the shade.
Facial Exercises
Ironically, the routine once prescribed to prevent facial wrinkles is actually one of the
causes of that very thing one aims to avoid. Facial exercises cause the muscles on the
face to fold and crease the skin. As the skin’s elasticity decreases, the skin starts to take
on the creases more permanently causing deep wrinkles on the face.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking does not only cause harm to the body internally but externally as well.
This is most pronounced with the condition of the skin. Nicotine intake causes changes in
the body that speeds up the break down of skin cells, among other harmful effects.
It is a common finding that individuals who’ve been smokers for at least a decade look
comparably older than those who do not smoke. In addition to wrinkles, yellowish
discolouration of the skin has been observed in smokers. However, the good news is that
those who have given up smoking show improvements in their skin condition shortly after
quitting. The signs of skin ageing will inevitably show up on everyone at one point or the
other. All sorts of products and treatments can be availed of but it is only meant to delay
the outward symptoms.
Perhaps the best solution is to understand the ageing process and not view it as a
disease, but rather see it as another stage of development the body undergoes.
Chapter 2. Know Your Own Skin Type
As it is with everything else, knowing the condition of the different parts of your body is the
first step in caring for it. Skin is no different. Knowing your skin type is the beginning of
giving your skin the proper treatment to maintain good skin tone and condition.
Your skin type is a general description of how your skin feels and behaves. The most
common types used for commercial products are normal, oily, dry and combination skin.
Other categories include blemish-prone, sensitive and sun-damaged skin.
Convenient as these skin type categories are in choosing products, it is not exactly the
best way to know and understand your skin on a level that will really help it. This is
perhaps the reason why, even though the “right” products have been used for your
designated skin type, you still experience either dryness, oiliness, acne and other
problems.
Why is this so? First of all, you have to remember, like any part of your body, you skin is
never the same all throughout. It goes through all sorts of conditions depending on several
factors, some of which include your genes, your lifestyle and habits. Add to this the fact
that the problems you are experiencing may not be simply the result of lack of care. There
are cases when skin diseases are the reasons.
So from here on end, it will be good for you to forget what beauty magazines, cosmetic
salespeople, and aestheticians tell you about the four skin types. It’s about time you go
beneath the surface and really know what your skin is about.
First off, know the factors that Influence your skin type. This can get tricky since almost
everything can influence your skin and the condition it’s in. Just looking and feeling your
face is not enough to determine your skin type. To get an effective evaluation of your skin,
consider the following.
The first set of factors affecting your skin are those within your own body. Hormonal
changes brought on by your body’s development influence your skin to a huge extent. For
women, the menstrual cycle can cause drastic changes on the skin. The same goes for
periods of pregnancy and menopause. Men are also subject to these influences, especially
in the puberty stage as hormones causes the body to develop.
Your genes also influence the propensity to acquire a certain skin condition that is
characteristic of your parents’ own skin types. However, as their skin is also influenced by
different factors, your skin and theirs may not necessarily be the same.
Lifestyles and habits also affect your skin and while these may seem external to your body,
the way you conduct daily activities such as diet, exercise, smoking and drinking habits
influence your body and therefore your skin as well.
Other influences affecting your skin lie outside your body such as weather and climate as
well as your skin-care regimen of choice. The climates of areas you spend prolonged
periods in influence how your body reacts. Cold climates tend to cause dry skin and flaking
where as humid areas cause excessive sweating and oil production.
The skin care products you choose also affect your skin condition. Using creams or
moisturisers that have too much emollients will cause your skin to be oily whereas strong
cleansers and exfoliates result in dry, sensitive skin.
Now that you know what influences your skin, it is time to know what condition it is in.
First of all, don’t evaluate your skin right after you’ve washed your face. This is because
your skin is reacting to the water and cleansers you’ve put on it. Wait four to five hours
after you’ve washed. This will give your skin time to recover from the cleansing and allow it
to resume its “normal” activity. Also try to do this on a day you had not worn any make-up
or put on creams so a more accurate evaluation can be made.
Take a piece of facial tissue and press it on different areas of your face. Hold the tissue
against the light and if blotches can be seen, then you have oily skin. This is the reason
why you should carry out this assessment when you are not wearing make-up or
moisturisers since the oil may be caused by these substances.
If the general area of your face appears dry, feels tight and can see patches of skin flakes,
then you are dealing with dry skin. On the other hand, if you observe that some areas are
both dry and oily then you have combination skin.
Now that you know the degree of oiliness or dryness your skin has right now, you need to
know whether or not your skin is suffering from some form of skin disease.
Are there areas of redness around your nose and cheeks with red bumps and blemishes
but aren’t pimples? Do you see fine lines of capillaries on the surface that are sensitive to
the touch? If yes, you may have rosacea. Patches of irritated, dry, red to white scaly and
crusty skin around the hairline, nose, eyes and cheeks may be caused by a skin disorder
called psoriasis. In both cases you will need to consult with a dermatologist. .
With these evaluations, you develop a more effective skin care routine that will help
maintain your skin’s health. But remember that your skin type won’t remain constant for
long even with the right choice and use of products. As your own body undergoes
development, your skin type will change as well. It is recommended that you perform this
simple assessment every 4 to 6 months.
With proper attention and care, you can give you skin the right treatment when and how it
needs it – something that is far more effective than any repair cream or fancy treatment at
a clinic.
Chapter 3. Treating Oily Skin
Whether a teenager or an adult, oily skin has been the bane of many people just like you.
No one likes that greasy feeling and the dirt that accumulates on your face, not to mention
the shine that makes you cringe at the idea of flash photography. But there is a solution to
this problem and one that is simpler and surprisingly gentler than what you may previously
have thought.
First of all, you need to know what causes oily skin. Over-active oil glands that produce the
substance, sebum (a natural skin lubricant and moisturiser) are the main culprits. As too
much sebum accumulates, it becomes thick and heavy in texture making it feel greasy.
Left unattended, oily skin becomes the basis of excessive shine, pimples and blemishes.
But while there is a down side to this condition, there exists a good one as well. Skin with
active oil glands tends to be less likely to show wrinkles and other signs of ageing
compared to other skin types. This is because the oil keeps more moisture in the skin
making it more supple and elastic, therefore there is less wrinkling. So while you may fret
and moan about your skin’s oiliness, it may be a blessing in disguise 10 to 15 years from
now if proper care is given today.
But left untreated, this skin type leads to clogged pores, blackheads, and build-up of dead
skin cells making it difficult to have clear healthy skin. It also causes a sallow-looking
complexion and makes having large, visible pores very likely.
For now, there is no quick-fix solution to successfully treat oily skin. Patience is your best
tool since you are addressing not a surface problem but one that is inside your body.
Success may take a while to achieve and in some cases may actually need professional
medical attention. And in most cases, the condition is simply put under control and never
totally resolved. Even then, the skin will improve its condition and the objective to not have
greasy shiny skin will be closer than ever.
First thing to do in treating oily skin is to get rid of the excess sebum on your face, without
total drying out your skin. Too much washing and “degreasing” can actually make things
worse since stripping your skin of oil will cause your oil glands to work overtime in
producing more sebum.
The correct and balanced method is to clean the skin with a very mild detergent or
surfactant. It should not contain oils or other “fatty” substances that can increase the oily
condition you already have. This kind of product removes the greasy feel of too much
sebum and cleans away the surface grime that has built up because of the oil.
Some products contain small amounts of AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) that gently remove
dead cells from the surface exposing a fresher layer of skin. Use this on a regular basis to
get the intended results. Follow this up with a light (no creams and oils, preferably a waterbased)
moisturiser just so that the drying effects of the cleanser can be compensated for.
Use a mild astringent or toner everyday to clear off excess oils on your face. Avoid the
stronger alcohol-based products. Even if you feel that it gets rid of more oil from your face,
just like with the cleansers, you are actually encouraging more production of sebum if you
dry your face out completely.
To prevent clogging, cleanse at least two times a day but do not scrub hard, as you will
hurt your skin more than helping it. A slight pressure from your fingers is friction enough to
slough off the dull, dead skin.
With oily skin, moisturising need not be done everyday. But on the occasion you face feels
tight due to cleanser and toner use, apply a light, oil-free moisturiser Avoid products that
contain substances as mineral oils and cocoa butter as they are too emollient for your skin
condition.
For your make-up, choose oil-free products, especially for your foundation and blush. Go
for water-based and non-comedogenic products that will not clog your pores. Some
foundation products are designed to absorbing oil, which can control the shiny look during
the day.
As it is with any skin type, do not forget to apply sunscreen (NON-oil based, of course).
There are alternative forms of sunscreen out there, and gel is becoming a popular choice
since it is less greasy than conventional sun block lotions. To be effective, your sunscreen
should be at least SPF 15.
If you have severe breakouts of acne, use cleansers that contain a mild amount of salicylic
acid that clears your skin. Moisturiser containing the same substance is also a good followup.
Finally, try to watch your diet as well. Refined starches, sugar, and processed foods may
aggravate your naturally oily skin. Choose food that is low in fat and eat more fresh fruits,
vegetables, and grains. Drinking lots of fluids (6-8 glasses a day) of water, juice or teas
maintains good skin tone. Keep your vitamin and mineral intake up especially with vitamins
A, C and B complex.
It will take time for your skin to get into shape as far as being less greasy. But the effort
and discipline you put in will pay off. And as mentioned before, as you care for your greasy
skin now, the benefits of less wrinkled, dry skin will follow you years later.
Chapter 4. Treating Dry Skin
Weather can be one of your skin’s worst enemies, especially during the winter season. As
we go through this dilemma, we should remember that there are numerous factors aside
from the one mentioned above which put your skin to the normal condition of wear and
tear.
Effective skin care and treatment are way to keeping your skin younger-looking, supple
and full of moisture. The purpose of putting yourself to an effective skin regimen is to
minimize the incorrect habits of skin treatment and the factors that injure the skin and
causes irreversible damage.
Xerosis
Dermatologists use the term “xerosis” to describe dry skin. In more severe cases, skin
moisture is nearly absent thereby resulting to characteristic cracking, scaling and itching
called pruritus.
The above conditions are brought about by the skin lacking the required moisture to
prevent the aforementioned results. The skin needs a relative amount of moisture to
maintain smooth or suppleness, flexibility and protection.
If the skin is a not sufficiently moisturised, harmful UV rays get into the skin easily and
travel all the way down the delicate subcutaneous tissue and subsequently make you skin
vulnerable to damage.
Causes of Dry Skin
In order to avoid the many activities that jeopardize your skin’s health, it is important to
identify the many factors which results to the unwanted condition.
Avoid Using Soaps with Harsh Ingredients – Regular soaps such as anti-bacterial and
deodorant soaps, which are moisturising, dehydrate the skin and rob your integument with
essential oils which locks moisture from your body.
Products containing alcohols also dissolve skin lipids and cause the skin’s moisture to
evaporate resulting to skin dryness. Water and oil-based products are perfect for your skin.
Use Dove Olay and other soap substitutes available at your local drug-store
Washing with Hot Water
– Although water is an effective moisturising agent, it also strips
your skin with valuable oils or lipids which are responsible for retaining moisture from your
skin.
Frequent bathing, especially with hot water, removes valuable oils and exposes your skin
to infections by destroying your body’s first main line of defence
Once this is lost, your skin will become more prone to organic attacks by pathogens and
sometimes cause irreversible damage to your skin.
If you are used to bathing with hot water and cannot resist the temptation, try replacing it
with lukewarm water to lessen the effect of skin dryness.
Frequent Washing
– Frequent washing and bathing, usually more than once a day
depletes your body with moisture and natural oils. Also, limit your bathing time within 15
minutes.
Weather
– Winter is one major factor in the development of a dry skin. The use of
humidifier, in most cases, solves the problem of the effect of the climate. It compensates
for the insufficient humidity needed for the preservation of skin moisture.
This is because cold air cannot afford to hold adequate amount of water to serve skin’s
moisture demands. Warm air on the other hand holds enough humidity to keep the skin
moisturised at a certain level.
Patients under medication
– People taking diuretic drugs remove water from a patient’s
body because the kidney will less likely reabsorb the water filtered through it. In this case,
frequent intake of water is needed.
Genetic Disease
– People afflicted with a rare genetic disease called ichthyosis are likely
to develop dry skin. This genetic disease has no cure and the goal of treatment is to
secure the symptoms that manifest along the way.
Effective Treatment
The skin deserves much attention for it manifests your overall health or state of well-being.
It provides you with valuable clues as to how you take care of yourself and how much
attention your skin gets in your daily physical management.
One way to maintain that youthful glow is to subscribe to a skin treatment regimen that will
help your skin restore moisture when it’s needed.
Most reasons for dryness are bacterial and fungal infections, which do not go away until
proper prescription drug treatment is administered. But in reasons not tied up above,
products available in the market will help you achieve that goal and maintain a skin that is
envied by everyone.
Alpha hydroxyacid lotions
are best for dry skin. Oil-based are more effective than water
based lotions for they “lock-in” the moisture stored in the skin.
Effective moisturisers
are dependent on your immediate and long-term needs. If you
want to relieve itching caused by dry skin, ordinary moisturisers will serve your purpose.
Humectants such as lotions containing glycerine, propylene glycol promotes moisture
retention and allantoin and urea are effective for promoting healing and stripping damaged
cells on top of the skin.
Barrier creams
are effective for people who are in a habit of washing their hands
frequently. For individuals with advanced dry skin condition (pruritus), anti-pruritic agents
such as oatmeal and tar-based pine oil are beneficial.
Balanced-diet
and exercise cause your skin to produce more oil and maintain a relative
amount of oil that keeps moisture in your skin. Drinking plenty of water is also important.
If these and other treatments are not effective in alleviating all the symptoms of drying
skin, it is best that you consult a professional dermatologist so they can closely monitor the
cause of dryness.
Chapter 5. Double Whammy - Combination Skin
Skin types vary so as the type of treatment tailored to meet their needs. Some have
normal, oily or dry skin and each remains the same even if temperature changes.
For some, cold, frigid weather could turn an oily face dry in minutes. This is because cold
air does not carry enough moisture to moisten dry surfaces, especially the skin, and
eventually makes the skin less damp and more prone to scaling.
There are many skin regimens to preventing double whammy situation to set in. More
often than not, our daily skin treatment and cleaning behaviour influences the way our skin
maintains moisture and inhibit dry skin symptoms.
Moisture is the key to a wonderful, healthy-looking skin. Being fair-skinned does not
always suggest good skin tone but the amount of moisture your skin posses implicates
how you take care of your integument.
Appropriate Skin Treatments
Given the fact that people with combination skin possess dry and oily skin scattered in
different areas of the face (in most circumstances), each skin type should be treated as it
is: dry skin treated with ointments and medication for dry skin and oil removal creams for
oily skin types.
Areas of the skin that are dry should be gently cleansed, preferably with cold creams and
pat dry with towel without rubbing and wash with lukewarm water.
Oily parts should be thoroughly cleansed and kept dry to avoid breakouts of acne. Oily
areas are so sensitive that any incorrect application of medications and creams may cause
acne and other irritations to erupt.
There are specially made products created for each skin types and your dermatologist can
you provide you valuable details about which facial products will best suit your skin as
each skin requires unique treatments.
Moisturisers for Combination Skin
Skin of all types should remain moisturised A considerable degree of dampness should be
maintained to make skin less liable to infections that tend to attack the skin.
While we consider that both skin types, oily and dry, require a certain level of moisture, the
oily portion demands greater care and intensive cleansing.
Greasy skin is more prone to bacterial attacks resulting to acne for bacteria thrive on these
areas. Oil produced by your sudoriferous glands (oil glands) contains cellular debris which
is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria.
If your skin is too oily, bacteria may feed on this part and multiple as a result of continued
nourishment. If any of these micro-organisms gets in the way to the skin pore, multiply and
deposit sedimentary toxic material, it clogs the pore and eventually initiates infection.
Oily, Dry skin and Essential Oils
Remedies for both skin types are accorded with different kinds of medications. For oily
skin, oil-removal skin care products for oily skin are applicable, and oil-based skin care
products for dry skin are required for skin lacking the minimum moisture requirement.
Dry skin is a result of a low sebum (oil) level on the skin which makes the skin unable to
retain enough moisture. Oil locks in the required moisture to maintain structural flexibility
and protect the skin, at a certain degree, from harmful rays of the sun.
If the skin lacks any of these characteristics, you will experience the feeling of “tightness”,
burning sensation, itchiness, irritability, and increased sensitivity to texture and
temperature.
This condition may be a result of improper caring of the skin including but not limited to too
much scrubbing, too much exposure sunlight, frequent washing, poor diet, chemical
vulnerability, hereditary condition as in ichthyosis, and other pre-existing medical condition
such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, hypothyroidism, and medications such
as diuretic drugs, antihistamine, etc.
Oily skin poses a lot of problem for most people. Skin looks dull; pores are enlarged and
prone to blemishes such as blackheads. If left untreated, it may result to acne infections.
Greasy-looking skin are more common for people who are pregnant, uses oil-based
cosmetic products and people with varying or unstable hormone levels.
Like most traits, oily skin can be traced to parents and are inherited. Diet and weather also
induces one’s skin to become oily.
Having all this information at hand, you will be able to choose essential oil that is
compatible with your skin type. Essential oils are best in supporting treatment for oily and
dry skin. Essential oils makes skin trap the right amount of moisture needed to maintain
healthy skin, with fewer blemishes, and inhibit the growth of other micro-organisms, etc.
For oily skin, you can choose either or a combination of any of the following essential oils:
Geranium, Bergamot, Juniper, Cedar wood, and Sage. Cypress and Frankincense are also
nice alternative. Lemon is excellent and all natural.
Rose, Patchouli, and Hyssop are best for dry skin. Lavender and Geranium can be used
for both types of skin and people with history of allergic reaction to scents. For some,
Ylang-Ylang and Sandalwood are also used.
Chapter 6. How to Protect Skin
No one can deny that having a healthy, fair skin is critical to a living a perfectly wonderful
life. It frees you from the wrath of symptoms caused by skin diseases.
Skin is perhaps one of the most important parts of your body for it protects you from a host
of diseases that may pose a threat to your existence.
It is our body’s main line of defence. It guards you from all infections and insulates your
body from the ever-fluctuating external environment in order to keep a relatively stable
body temperature.
It is the body’s main point of contact to the outside world, sending constant information to
the brain about pain, heat, texture, cold, etc.
With this in mind, there is no doubt that proper skin care and staying away from skin
damaging activities will do yourself and your skin particularly, a big favour
Skin Cancer
Like most part of our body, the skin is also likely to develop cancer. Cancer is a result of an
uncontrolled cell growth in one part of the body.
Unlike normal cells which are programmed to divide, grow, and die at a certain time,
cancer cells lack the internal machinery to control growth and as a result cause severe
damage to normal cells that will be outnumbered along the process in a certain biological
locality.
Technically, the body reacts in many ways to cancer cells but this abnormality causes
other diseases to suffer nutritional death. Cancer cells were found to cause the body to
produce numerous blood vessel connections along the cancerous portion thereby
depriving normal cells with nutrients.
Some cells even detach from their point of origin and travel to other parts of the body to
start a new colony of cancer cells.
Skin cancers are either melanoma or non-melanoma cancers. Non-melanomas are
cancers which arise from skin cells other than melanocytes cells. Melanomas are
cancerous melanocytes cells that produce melanin, a pigment that gives the skin its
characteristic colour
UV Rays
The sun is one of the key enemies of the skin. Although sunlight helps the skin synthesize
vitamin D (cholecalciferol), excessive and prolonged exposure to the sun causes damage
and wrinkling.
Chapter 7. The Sun and Your Skin
Sunlight that passes through earth is composed of visible light and ultraviolet light (UV).
UVA and UVB Light are one of the most common ultraviolet lights. UV lights falls outside
the visible light spectrum, meaning, the human eye cannot see this type of light and can
only be seen using a sophisticated tool which detects different light wavelength across the
light spectrum.
The difference between the two UV light lies in their ability to damage skin cells. UVB light
doesn’t get through the deeper layer of the skin and accounts for visible burns and DNA
damage across the top layer of the skin.
UVA light, on the other hand, penetrates through the deeper layer of the skin and activates
free radicals (very reactive substances), which cause small damages to the skin.
Cumulative damage accounts for the skin’s premature ageing
SPF s, Lifestyle and Diet
There are misconceptions about skin colour People believe that the fairer you are, the
more you are likely to suffer burns caused by exposure to sunlight. That may be partly
true, but overexposure to UV light can cause serious skin problems.
If you go outdoors and cannot avoid exposing yourself to the harmful sun rays, the
following recommendations will surely save you from the aftermath of excessive sun
exposure:
Wear protective sunscreen
– More and more people are starting to realize the
importance of wearing lotions with Sun Protection Factor ingredients (SPF). SPF s
sunscreen lotions are effective in blocking UV lights from penetrating through your skin.
Intensive application should be made on exposed spots of the body such as the lower arm
and legs, ear lobes, nose, feet and the face. Choose sunscreens that contain a high
amount of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, benzophenone, oxybenzone, sulisobenzone and/or
butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane known as avobenzone (Parsol 1979).
Wear Protective Fabric
- Tightly woven clothing are effective in warding off unwanted UV
rays. Today, some fabrics are labelled as how effective they are in intercepting UV rays.
Hats with wide brim also confer a great amount of protection.
Minimize Unnecessary Exposure and Tanning – Unavoidable sun exposure such as
recreation or as part of occupation is one of the hazards of everyday life and increases
your risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
If these cannot be avoided, make sure to wear protective clothing and wear sunscreens
appropriate for a certain activity and your level of exposure. Increasing SPF s means
increasing protection.
Cosmetic tanning also poses the same kind of risk due to UV-induced damage. It uses
UVA rays and does not cause obvious burns. The amount of damage is comparable to
UVB rays which cause visible tanning and damage.
Eat Right
– Maintaining a well-balanced diet is critical to the maintenance of a healthy
skin. Your grandma may have said it once to you but fruits and vegetables contain
excellent skin rejuvenating ingredients.
Fruits and Vegetables contain anti-oxidants such as vitamins C, D and E. These organic
foodstuffs bind with highly reactive free radicals and neutralize them. They insulate the
body against unwanted damage caused by these extremely injurious chemicals.
Whole grains, seeds, nuts, fish such as tuna and salmons are excellent sources of fatty
acids and essential oils and keeps the skin hydrated. Fatty acids acts like a bullet vest in
preventing UV rays from penetrating deeply into the skin causing too much damage.
Fluids
such as water and juices also keep your skin dehydrated and minimize the effect of
sun exposure. Research shows that dehydrated skin are more prone from burns and
structural damage.
Protecting the Skin from the Sun.
Yes, enjoying a sunny day on the beach is fun. However, when going out without proper
skin protection one is risking himself of having skin diseases, one of which is the dreaded
skin cancer. So to maintain the healthy, youthful glow of one's skin, it is indispensable to
understand how the bad effects of the sun's ultraviolet or UV rays come into action.
The UV-A and UV-B rays penetrate clouds, thick layers of glass, a meter of water, and the
layers of the skin. UV-B makes the skin's top layers to release chemicals that permit the
blood vessels' expansion and cause some fluid to leak, resulting to inflammation, pain and
redness known as sunburn. This damage can occur within an approximate of only 15
minutes and can continue to worsen for up to 72 hours after sun exposure. The damaged
skin cells in the process will die and "molt off" in sheets or pictures. Peeling is the process
in which the body disposes of dead skin cells. UV-A are the rays that get into the deeper
layers of the skin. This affects the living skin cells under the surface of the skin. These rays
not only bring about long-term damage such as sagging, wrinkles and discolouration, they
also give way for the early stages of skin cancer.
Here's some "geek speak" that's worth some brow-burning. The UV rays act like chain
saws, shredding deep into the DNA (the genetic material, with a very precise structure,
specific order and specific coding) found within the cell nuclei. Repair enzymes within the
cell act by countering the damage done on the DNA chain in shortest period possible. This
damage and repair happens simultaneously and continuously with the tempo of the repair
keeping up with the extent of damage being inflicted. But just like any other mechanism
within the body, these repair enzymes have their limits and reaches the point that they can
no longer work. When the damage is too much (which occurs even before the skin turns
red), the enzymes cannot cope. The result is a dismantled DNA structure which alters the
coding and leads to the abnormality of skin cells or what is termed as mutation. This is the
first step of the formation of cancer cells. UV-rays also contribute to the formation of super
oxides which are extremely toxic chemicals the speeds up skin cell ageing.
So who exactly are those in the threat of having skin cancer? People who have already
experienced three or more bad cases of sunburn before reaching the age of twenty and
regular sunbathers who always crave for an instant tan have greater risks of acquiring the
dreaded skin disease known as melanoma. Cricketers, farmers, golf players and others,
who have long exposure to the sun, have more tendencies to have milder forms of skin
cancer.
So after learning how the body reacts to sunlight here is some information on how to
prevent its harmful effect.
Ironically, studies on skin care show that Vitamin D, with the help of sunlight exposure, is
what can help the body combat skin cancer.
So how does one go out in the open without the paranoia of cancer haunting him?
Dermatologists suggest the use of sunscreens.
Researches showed that exposure to sunlight sans sunscreen should be less than 10 to
15 minutes at noon, while the sun is at its strongest. Using a sunscreen with an SPF or
sun protection of 15 or higher is recommended. People with sensitive skin and the older
adults should use an SPF of 30 or stronger because their skin tends to burn more easily.
People with allergies or sensitive skin should also take note of the ingredients and choose
those that are free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and alcohol.
If sun exposure will be particularly high, using a stronger sunscreen like zinc or titanium
oxide is the better option, as it will completely stop sunlight from reaching the skin.
Sunscreen application should be about half an hour before getting exposed into the sun
and reapplication should be done every few hours. And when going swimming, one should
know that 98 percent of the sun's rays can pass through water, so without some kind of
"water-resistant" sun screen and frequent applications, sunburn might be inevitable.
The skin is meant to protect and shield one from the threats of the environment so unless
one properly cares for it, it won't do its job that well.
Chapter 8. Skin Creams and Wrinkles
The skin is an indispensable structure for human life. Because it forms a barrier between
the internal organs and the external environment, the skin participates in many vital
functions of the body.
The outer surface consists of stratified layers of dead, “keratinized” cells that form an
effective protective covering against the penetration of noxious substances from the
outside environment. The protective function is further enhanced by the oily and slightly
acid secretions of the sebaceous glands, which discouraged the growth and multiplication
of many harmful bacteria.
Underlying this tough outer layer or the epidermis are the dermis and subcutaneous
tissues that, far from being homogeneous, are composed of a multitude of tissues, which
are supported and maintained in proper relation to one another by means of fibrous and
elastic connective tissue.
Obviously, the skin, rather than being a single organ, consists of groups of organs, each
responsive to its own particular stimulus, and each vulnerable to any harmful influence that
would threaten it elsewhere in the body.
Once these so-called harmful influences had taken so much effect in the skin, the resulting
product would be numerous dermatological problems like wrinkles.
Although wrinkles are more associated with the dermatological clock of the skin, it is still
considered as the resulting product of the greatest effects of harmful influences in the skin.
One of which is the damaging effects of the sun. Prolonged exposure to it can prematurely
age one’s skin.
Usually, wrinkles appear when the skin has already lost its elasticity and firmness. This is
usually brought about by the harmful effects of the sun and other environmental factors. It
is also brought about by the loss of fatty tissues in the skin’s innermost layer.
Hence, medical and skin experts contend that applying topical creams and other skin
creams are best for the skin’s regeneration process.
Basically, skin creams consists of substances that help the skin to regenerate its lost fatty
tissues and elasticity. It has special components that specifically aim at the targeted areas
in order to stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elasticity. These two elements of the
skin are the ones responsible in the restoration of the innate moisturising ability of the skin.
However, not all skin creams are created equal. There are some factors that need to be
considered when choosing skin creams that will best work for wrinkles. Here are some of
them:
1. Choose skin creams that contain the necessary components that will work best on
wrinkles.
There are many skin creams that are made to remove wrinkles. However, not all of them
are created equal. Therefore, it would be better to choose skin creams that contain the
necessary ingredients that will work best on wrinkles. It is best to choose skin creams that
contain essential oils and anti-oxidants such as the grape seed that will help rehydrate the
skin’s natural moisture.
2. Choose a skin cream that contains Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is not only good for the bones and teeth but also best for the skin. In fact,
Vitamin C has long been proven to fight and prevent wrinkles. It helps to counteract skin
ruptures caused by the harmful rays of the sun.
Moreover, Vitamin C is known to produce collagen, the known protein that contributes to
the skin’s strength.
3. It is best to choose skin cream that can be easily absorbed by the skin.
One of the factors that will affect the efficiency of the skin creams is its ability to penetrate
quickly into the skin. It is best if it can seep through the innermost layer of the skin.
Hence, even if the skin cream contains most of the necessary ingredients needed to cure
wrinkles but the fact that it does not penetrate easily into the skin, the whole treatment is
useless. It has to work thoroughly inside the skin in order to produce the lost elements due
to damage.
4. It has to be hypo-allergenic.
As mentioned, not all skin creams are created equal and not all skins are the same.
Hence, there are some instances wherein some skins are really sensitive and can
generate adverse reactions once there are some components that they cannot tolerate.
So, it would be better to use skin creams that contain hypo-allergenic materials or natural
substances that will work safely on the skin.
Indeed, even if the skin has the natural ability to heal itself, it still needs some help from
other substances that are usually contained in the skin creams.
It is true that people can never wash away years but skin creams can help the skin
rejuvenate itself to a better state.
Chapter 9. Good Nutrition and Your Complexion
As the old cliché goes, “Health is Wealth.” Hence, it is always important to uphold the
value of proper eating and living a healthy lifestyle in order to stay in shape and to be
perfectly well.
However, being healthy is not only constrained on having a perfect body. In fact, aside
from having a perfect body, being healthy could also mean having a healthy skin as shown
in the skin’s complexion.
That is why, most people who are known to be health buffs are also known to be goodlooking
people. This is because the inner beauty radiates and exudes deep from within,
even without the traces of make up.
Nowadays, looking good is not any more a factor of being vain but is already considered
one way of staying healthy. This is because many medical experts are now insisting on the
fact that good nutrition is, indeed, an important factor in having a good complexion and
image.
In reality, many people are not aware that good nutrition is a great factor in generating a
healthy good-looking skin. They only thought that eating the right kind of food would make
people healthier and live life longer. What they do not know is that good nutrition is also a
big factor in having a good complexion and healthy skin.
Therefore, for people who are not aware why good nutrition is important in maintaining a
healthy skin complexion, here are some reasons that they should be aware of.
1. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin A is important in maintaining a healthy skin.
A daily dose of vitamin A is proven to be an effective way of reducing the appearance of
acne, wrinkles, and other skin problems.
However, care must be properly observed when taking foods rich in vitamin A. Too much
intake of this vitamin may result to serious problems like liver diseases.
2. Good nutrition replenishes the lost vitamins and minerals that the human body is not
capable of producing.
When people are exposed to the sun the skin’s reservoir of vitamin C goes down, and
unlike most animals, humans cannot make vitamin C.
Therefore, it is important to reproduce vitamin C by eating foods that re rich in vitamin C. In
this way, the skin will be able to combat the harmful effects of the damages caused by the
sun’s ultraviolet rays.
3. Eating foods rich in antioxidants is definitely good for the skin.
In order for the skin to work against the up-shots of oxidants or the free radicals that are
manufactured when the body cells burn oxygen in order to generate energy, it is important
for the people to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants. These foods are the “green, leafy
vegetables” like the spinach.
Antioxidants are also present in foods that are rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene. A
good example of this is carrots.
It can also be present in food supplements such as vitamins E and C.
4. Eating foods rich in fibre can also contribute to good skin complexion.
Fibre, or roughage, is composed from the plant’s cell wall material. Whole grains, legumes,
citrus fruits, nuts, and vegetables are all good sources of dietary fibre
On its basic sense, fibre is an example of complex carbohydrate that is relatively essential
in the absorption of the other nutrients into the body. Without fibre, some of the nutrients
will only be put to waste and will not be consumed by the body.
Hence, with fibre, the skin’s complexion will be healthier looking and will even produce
healthy glow.
5. For proper growth and production of new skin cells, proteins are the best sources in
order to help in this process.
Proteins are chains of amino acids responsible for the skin’s cell growth and maintenance.
Protein in foods from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy is called complete protein because it
contains essential amino acids necessary for building and maintaining skin cells.
Thus, a properly maintained skin cell will result to a good skin complexion.
Indeed, eating right does not merely produce a healthy body but a healthy skin as well.
Hence, people should be more aware of what they are eating because it will surely reflect
on their skin’s appearance.
As most people say, “You are what you eat.”
Chapter 10. How Free Radicals Damage Skin Cells
For those who haven’t heard about what free-radicals are yet – read
and weep. Free-radicals are bad news. These free-radicals are linked to the origins of
cancer, illness, an ageing Scientists are now focusing their efforts on understanding how
free-radicals work what effects they have on the body.
For those interested in how free-radicals affect the skin, let it be said
that free-radicals are definitely harmful to the skin. Free-radicals
initiate the deterioration of the skin’s structural support and decrease
the elasticity, resilience, and suppleness of skin. They are often tagged as the culprit in
the case of wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and
suppleness.
Damage due to free-radicals isn’t something that is easily explained,
as it happens on an atomic level. When oxygen molecules are
involved in chemical reactions, they usually lose one electron of their
electrons. In turn these molecules, which are now called free-radicals,
will take electrons from nearby molecules. This will set off a chain
reaction that is summarily called free-radical damage.
So pretty much anything that contains oxygen – carbon monoxide,
hydrogen peroxide – can cause free-radical damage. Often the
causes of adverse free-radical damage in the natural world are
exhaust fumes, too much sunlight, and other sources that contain
oxygen.
Other Causes of Free-radical Damage to the Skin
Radiation
Radiation may cause the build up of free-radicals. X-rays, gamma
rays and others may increase the presence of free-radicals in the
body.
Cigarette Smoking
Smoking, aside from being a health hazard to the lungs, has been
known to cause dry, unhealthy skin, and pale, unhealthy complexion.
Also, they have been studied to promote the presence of free-radicals
in the body, further complicating the adverse affects tobacco brings.
Inorganic Particles
There are also other substances that cause free-radical damage.
Among these substances are asbestos, quartz, silica.
Gases
Although ozone is not a free-radical, it is a very powerful oxidizing
agent. Ozone which degrades under certain conditions, contain two
unpaired electrons. This suggests that free-radicals can be formed
when this decomposition happens.
But wait, don’t we all need oxygen to live? Yes, we do. Fortunately,
we have antioxidants to help us survive!
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help prevent free-radical damage by preventing these
free-radical molecules from interacting with other molecules, therefore
stunting the chain reaction of the process. The good news is that
these antioxidants exist bountifully in the human body and the plant
world. Antioxidants include ingredients such as vitamins A, C and E;
flavonoids; superoxide dismutase; beta carotene; selenium;
glutathione; and zinc.
Now back to business. How does this affect one’s skin? Studies are
pointing to the fact that wrinkles and other age related skin factors are
directly related to free-radical damage that is not countered by
antioxidants. If one does not get enough antioxidants from their diet
and other sources, their skin cells could break down and lose their
ability to function well.
Most lotions and moisturisers nowadays bandy an antioxidant formula
specifically targeted to those who are concerned about the free-radical
damage. Unfortunately, it is hard to prove if these compounds can
actually show dramatic results since it isn’t practical to expect results
overnight.
It is however, still a good idea to splurge on antioxidants as the
benefits of these compounds are well-known. Some people even
believe that with further scientific inquiry, free-radical investigation
could lead to startling advances against the effects of ageing
To increase antioxidants in the body one may increase the intake of
antioxidants in the diet, or may purchase topical applications of the
vitamins A, C, E and the other antioxidant compounds to increase the
defence against free-radical damage.
Some scientists think that should free-radical damage be halted or
reversed, antioxidants are the answer.
Therefore, to increase the presence of antioxidants in the body, a
modified diet presence of antioxidants in the diet, and, possibly, the
topical application of antioxidants in skin-care products, plays a part
in slowing down free-radical damage.
Conclusion
Now, should we all jump into the anti-free-radical bandwagon?
Although science has yet to put the finishing touches on the studies
regarding free-radicals, there is enough evidence to suggest that
antioxidants can benefit the body. Although it will not guarantee an
overnight skin miracle, it will at least stymie the effects of free-radical
damage, and possibly, reverse them.
Chapter 11. Vitamin C And Your Skin
To be useful and effective to the skin and body, vitamin C should be in the form of Lascorbic
acid. Studies reveal that once it is applied on the skin, It can stay in the skin for
up to seventy two hours.
Vitamin C and Melanogenesis
Research show that vitamin c help decrease melanin formation. The fact that melanin is
responsible for the skin’s dark pigmentation, studies clearly show that vitamin c contributes
to skin lightening.
A preparation can be used to clarify and even out the skin tone as it lightens dark spots
and skin blemishes.
Vitamin C and sun protection
By neutralizing free radicals, the exceedingly reactive molecules created by the sunlight,
cell membranes and other components of skin tissue’s interaction. Be it clear though, that
it has no capacity to absorb light, so it is not a sunscreen and should never be a substitute
or a replacement to sunscreen; it is however good applying it alongside a sunscreen
product.
Vitamin C and its role in collagen synthesis
The only antioxidant proven to increase collagen synthesis, it aids in the healing of minor
cuts and wounds.
As collagen decreases with age, photo ageing further speed up the decrease. L-ascorbic
acid acts as a signal, sending the message to the collagen genes so it can manufacture
more collagen, and also is a cofactor for enzymes vital in collagen synthesis.
Vitamin C and its function as antioxidant and free radical inhibitor
The production of collagen is affected when the skin is exposed to reactive oxygen
species, known as free radicals. As a result, wrinkles and premature skin sagging
transpire.
Too much UV radiation exposure will give rise to free radicals. As UV radiation deeply
penetrates the skin creating free radicals as well as other reactive agents that hit and
damage the skin’s lipids, vitamin C helps the body to neutralize these free radicals.
Vitamin C performs these functions:
1. Fights off foreign invaders in the body.
2. Increases collagen production in the skin.
3. Helps in the production of anti bodies.
4. Is a natural antihistamine, can reduce allergic reactions.
5. Naturalizes pollutants.
6. Maintains healthy skin
7. Increase the rate of healing.
Guidelines in evaluating vitamin c products:
1. Ask if the product contain L-ascorbic acid. There are certain products containing Lascorbic
acid within a vitamin c complex. Know what form of vitamin c is used.
2. L-ascorbic acid should be at a low pH level, to effectively penetrate the skin.
3. Check if the preparation is stable.
4. The product to look for is that which contains stable L-ascorbic acid, low pH and
high concentration.
5. Do remember that when a label says “vitamin c”, it does not mean that it contains Lascorbic
acid.
L-ascorbic products for the skin:
Cellex-C
Uses l-ascorbic acid as its primary ingredient, combined with zinc sulphate and L-tyrosine,
making the skin firmer, and reduces deep lines, which gives the skin a more youthful
appearance.
This formulation is applied to the face once a day and results can be achieved within eight
to twelve weeks.
C FactorTM
High in L-ascorbic acid, this product promotes cell renewal and protects the skin from
future damage.
Benefits include:
1. Perks up sun-damaged skin.
2. Decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
3. Improves skin tones.
4. UV Ageing is inhibited to achieve younger looking skin.
5. Can be used under daily make up.
6. Pores are unclogged.
7. Has a moisturising formula
8. Help in the production of collagen.
9. Sustains the elasticity of the skin.
Action C
Delivers L-ascorbic acid in concentrated form, without losing potency to improve the
appearance of blemished or sun damaged skin. Immediately upon the first application, it
hydrates the skin resulting to a vibrant skin. It also shields the skin from the sun’s rays to
minimize the effect of premature ageing
HydraXtract “C”
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) combined with vitamin E, a-bisobolol, panthenol (Pro-Vitamin
B5), tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E), aloe vera, allantoin, and chamomile extract work to a
more youthful and even skin tone.
Regardless of all the benefits vitamin C provides, one should note that it is important not to
get stuck on just one antioxidant alone. Skin ageing is very complicated, and although vitamin c is evidently very effective, researchers suggest that it is best to combat factors in
increasing skin ageing using multiple antioxidants and not relying on a few that has greater
publicity. Likewise, it will be incorrect to say that there is one single “best” antioxidant.
Chapter 12. Is Dermabrasion Right For Your Skin?
Dermal abrasion, or surgical planning of the skin, is done in selected patients with facial
disfigurements from scars resulting from acne, trauma, tattoo, nevi, freckles, and
chickenpox or smallpox.
The procedure involves the removal of the epidermis and some superficial dermis while
reserving enough of the dermis to allow re-epithelialization of the dermabraded areas.
Results are best in the face, because it is rich in intra-dermal epithelial elements.
Surgical planning or dermabrasion is performed either manually with coarse abrasive
paper, or mechanically with an abrader or a rapidly rotating wire brush.
Patient Instruction and Preparation
The primary reason for undergoing dermabrasion is to improve the appearance.
Before the process will begin, the surgeon explains to the patient what he can expect from
dermabrasion. The patient should also be informed about the nature of the postoperative
dressing, the discomforts he may experience, and how long it will take before his tissues
will look normal again.
Normally, the extent of the surface to be planed will determine whether the procedure
takes place in the surgeon’s office, the clinic, or the hospital. In most cases, a general
anaesthetic is used and the patient is hospitalized.
The skin is thoroughly cleansed for several days before the surgery. Shaving is not
necessary in the female, but with the males, it is important to shave their face on the
morning of the surgery.
In addition to general anaesthesia, the use of a topical spray anaesthetic for stabilizing and
stiffening the skin may be desirable. The depth of planning can be readily gauged and the
anaesthetized area is momentarily bloodless. The superficial layers of skin are removed by
an abrasive machine, usually known as the Dermabrader, or the sandpapering.
During and after planning, copious saline irrigations remove debris and allow for
inspection.
Is It Right For Everybody’s Skin?
Even if dermabrasion is one of the best surgeries needed to clear the skin from scars from
acne and other skin problems, there are still some factors that need to be considered
before jumping into conclusions. These factors are very important to take into
considerations because not all skin type is created equal. Hence, the effects may vary.
Here are some of the factors that need to be considered before applying dermabrasion.
1. The skin colour
People who have dark skins tend to have permanent discolouration or blotchiness after the
surgery. Therefore, it would be better not to opt of dermabrasion if the skin falls under this
category.
2. The skin’s condition
There are people who are born with sensitive skins. This means that their skins will
immediately experience allergic reactions to some chemicals or treatments that the skin
cannot endure.
In this manner, people who have sensitive skins should not resort to dermabrasions.
3. People who have acne that are on its active stage are not allowed for dermabrasion.
If the person has acne that is currently on its active stage, it is best not to try
dermabrasion. This is because there is the danger of infection due to the freshness of the
open skin. Ruptured or open skin will be easily penetrated by bacteria that cause infection.
This is also applicable for people who have burnt skin or those that have previously
undergo chemical peel.
4. Be wary of people who perform dermabrasion.
Dermabrasion is actually a safe surgical treatment. However, it requires expertise and
familiarity on the process in order to perform it properly.
Hence, dermabrasion should not be executed by people who still lack some of the required
skills in the execution of the process.
5. There are skins that have the tendency to develop keloids or excessive benign growth
of skin tissues.
This simply means that for people who usually develop a scar or keloid whenever their
skin is damaged, chances are, they would develop the same thing when they undergo
dermabrasion.
However, there are some treatments that can remove the scars and keloids, it would still
be better to avoid such trouble of getting into another medication. Hence, for people who
have skins that fall under this category, it is best not to try dermabrasion.
All of these things are boiled down to the fact that dermabrasion is not appropriate for
everybody. Like the other treatments available in the medical field, it should also be
analysed with utmost care before jumping into decisions.
After all, it is the person’s skin that will be put at risk and not just their money, so, careful
considerations is extremely important.
Chapter 13. Are Chemical Peels For You?
Are you considering a having a chemical peel? Or are you considering any sort of facial
treatment yet do not know which one is right for you? Then you have come to the right
place! Let this informative guide outline on what chemical peels are and how they work.
This information will make it easier for you to make decisions regarding which facial
treatments would be the best for you.
Chemical peels use solutions that will smoothen and improve skin texture and
appearance. It does so by stripping away the damaged outer layers of the skin. By doing
so, chemical peels can lessen, and in some cases, even eliminate blemishes,
hyperpigmentation (or discolouration and darkening.) and wrinkles. They are even known
to reduce acne scars and the occurrence of acne.
It is very important that, first of all, that you get proper appraisal on your current skin
condition. This will help understand better your skin’s needs and the proper treatment of
such. Some people think that chemical skin peels are the ‘cure-all’ for their skin problems.
This is far from the truth. The proper chemical peel will target your specific problems
provide the adequate solution.
There are many kinds of chemical peels, you may choose one according to your needs
and circumstance. The available chemical peels are divided into three categories: Phenol,
trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHA). Each of these categories differ
in use, potency and inconvenience. Your dermatologist will help you decide which one is
right for you.
A dermatologist will help you determine which peel program is right for you. He may
suggest a customized solution for you. Before actually agreeing to the procedure, make
sure you understand what the dermatologist is about to do. If there is some point you need
clarified make sure you have the dermatologist clarify it further.
Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are the mildest of the chemical peels. They are typically made
of fruit, glycolic, and lactic acids. These peels may not show as dramatic effects as the
other peels; they are, however, best for those who do not have time to recover from the
other peel procedures. These peels are applied weekly or periodically, depending on your
dermatologist’s advice. But they do result in smoother, finer looking skin after a few
treatments.
There are also commercially available AHA facial care solutions that can be applied
everyday. Some dermatologists will incorporate AHA into the daily skin care regimen of the
patient. This may be in soaps, facial cleanser, etc.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is the intermediate peel for those who wish to have the effects
almost as dramatic as phenol peels yet cannot dedicate too much time to healing as in the
case of those who prefer AHA peels. To achieve the desired effect more than one peel
may be necessary. This treatment is ideal for medium depth peeling. It is also the ideal
peel for fine lines, and blemishes that are not that severe.
Phenol is the most potent of the chemical peels around and they take some time to heal.
They are recommended in cases that feature coarse wrinkles and severe blemishes such
as blotching, coarse skin, etc. Phenol is also a strong whitening agent and this may be a
factor in considering whether to choose this sort of treatment.
It must be remembered that this is primarily a facial treatment. Application to other parts of
the body may result in scarring.
Among the things to look out for are: the possibility of demarcation lines – lines that show
which part of the face received treatment and which did not, redness, irritation, and other
side effects. The redness and irritation is normal since that is the usual state of newly
peeled skin. Your dermatologist will advise you on the care and upkeep of tender skin.
For those who have undergone this treatment, it is generally recommended that they stay
out of the sun for several months as to protect the newly formed skin. The procedure will
cause stinging, redness and irritation. But that is to be expected from such procedures.
All in all, chemical peels are safe, although they may cause some inconvenience. The
risks for scarring are low. However, the procedure must be performed by a certified
professional if to ensure safety.
Chapter 14. Skin Care – Inside Out
We discussed this earlier and you may have heard of skin care treatments such as
chemical peels, face lifts, dermabrasion, laser light, and all those wonders of skin science
that constantly make looking younger, fairer, more confident a reality for many people.
What if you were told that there was a way to make your skin healthier, younger looking
aside from these methods? A method that does not include scalpels, suctions, topical
solutions and others? Wouldn’t it be great? Alas, you might say, it hasn’t happened yet,
maybe some day in the far-off future. But what if you were told that it was possible even
today. Would you flip?
The wonder being talked about here is the wonder that has always been there – your
body. Your body has the ability to regulate itself, supply nutrients to various organs such as
the skin and generally give it a healthy glow.
The body also has the capability of improving how the skin looks. It can make the skin
more supple, radiant, healthy, and youthful looking. Taking care of the body from the inside
out has been grossly underrated. Caring for the skin in this way will result in a more natural
glow. This method of skin care in conjunction with other skin treatments will result in the
optimal skin care.
If this is the case, then why doesn’t it do that exact same thing to everyone, you may ask.
Various factors will impair the body’s ability to do – bad diet, smoking, stress, lack of sleep
and other factors make the skin that old, scaly, thing many people see in front of the mirror.
But wait, there’s hope! With proper nutrition, proper care and maintenance, you can help
your body improve your skin’s health and appearance.
Think of it like this. Let’s say you have a green plant, and you don’t water it for sometime,
and neglect to give it fertilizer, and plant it on poor soil, won’t the leaves wither and dry up?
The same can be said about one’s health in general and the skin in particular.
The exciting thing here is that it is becoming increasingly evident that it is not only what
you apply on your skin that improves it, but what you put into your body as well. Studies
are showing that vitamins, minerals, water, exercise and rest all play an important part in
improving skin.
Experts say that the skin is the benchmark for the body’s health. Healthy skin also an
indicator of good health, so taking good care of your body not only gives you great skin but
give you good health in general.
To improve skin health, it would do well to take note of the following factors.
Vitamins and Minerals
There is a dearth of good nutrition on the market, and it is getting increasingly hard to get
the necessary vitamins and minerals from what the average American eats. Vitamin
supplements may help in this regard. Scientists are discovering how increasingly important
the vitamins C, E, A, K, and B complex are to skin health. Being able to absorb these
vitamins through diet and supplements will improve skin health a great deal.
Water
Dehydration results in scaly, coarse, and unhealthy skin. Water also helps flush out toxins
in the body. These toxins could cause a variety of skin conditions and could very well spell
skin doom for most people.
Exercise
The benefits of exercise have been understated. Exercise can benefit the body and the
skin a lot. Since exercise has the effect of improving circulation, this improved circulation
benefits the organs of the body. And since the skin is the largest organ, it benefits greatly
from exercise. Good circulation helps bring more blood and nutrients to the skin. It also
facilitates the removal of waste and toxins, resulting in a better skin health.
Rest
Stress and lack of rest have a telling effect on the skin. The body needs rest to repair and
rejuvenate skin cells. If the body does not get this rest the skin generally appears pallid
and contributes to a haggard look. Also the bags that form beneath the eyes due to water
retention, give the person a zombified look. Lack of sleep has also been pinned as one
cause of acne.
Chapter 15. Facelifts and Other Skin Procedures
For those who desire to improve their appearance, face lifts and other skin treatments has
always been the way to go to attain an improved image and renewed self-confidence.
Traditionally, this has always been accomplished through procedures such as face lifts and
chemical peels. There are other procedures that exist due to the diligence of scientists
who have poured time and effort to improve knowledge on the skin and its treatment.
Today’s modern technology makes possible many new breakthroughs in skin care and
skin treatment. Skin care nowadays is no longer limited to facials and surgical procedures.
Here are some of the latest and not-so-latest advances in the science of skin.
Obagi Nu-Derm
Obagi is a new system that rejuvenates skin health from the cells. It helps maintain a
healthy glow and the appearance of soft, smooth, radiant, and younger looking skin. The
treatment is easy and can be done at home. It transforms dry, damaged, and course skin into fresher looking skin in as little as six weeks – which is about the same time it takes for
new skin to emerge.
The genius of Obagi is that it deals more with skin health rather than skin beautification –
more like making the road stronger and smoother rather than just plastering the cracks
with filler.
This treatment is usually performed in conjunction with the Obagi Blue Peel treatment.
The Obagi Blue Peel is a mild chemical peel that allows for the removal of damaged layers
of the skin. After a week or so, this area will be replaced by a new layer of skin which will
be smoother and will have smaller pores.
Theraderm®
This treatment uses a lactic acid peel to improve the skin’s appearance. It is used to treat
discolouration, and damage due to the sun’s harmful rays. Theraderm is appealing due to
the fact that it is recommended for skin of all types and age. In as little as six weeks, this
treatment can result in smooth skin with a more uniform tone.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use solutions that will smoothen and improve skin texture and
appearance. It does so by stripping away the damaged outer layers of the skin. By doing
so, chemical peels can lessen, and in some cases, even eliminate blemishes,
hyperpigmentation (or discolouration and darkening.) and wrinkles. They are even known
to reduce acne scars and the occurrence of acne.
There are many kinds of chemical peels; you may choose one according to your needs
and circumstance. The available chemical peels are divided into three categories: Phenol,
trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alphahydroxy acids (AHA). Each of these categories differs
in use, potency and inconvenience. Your dermatologist will help you decide which one is
right for you.
BOTOX®
Botox is the cosmetic treatment of choice for most of today’s beauty conscious individuals.
Due to its incessant popularity, plastic surgery and other ‘bloody’ treatments available are
steadily being out hustled by botox.
Restylane
Restylane smooths wrinkles, and helps shape and sculpt lips and facial features. The
treatment involves the use of a clear gel of hyaluronic acid. This substance is hypoallergenic
and remains in the skin for months.
Collagen
Collagen injections plump up skin tissue, causing it to look healthier and firmer. This is
usually performed in cases where there is sagging and loss of firmness in the skin.
Results will last for a few months. This treatment is usually recommended for the lips and
other areas of the face that are desired to look fuller, smoother, and firmer.
Light Procedures
The CO2 Laser targets fine lines, scars and wrinkles and makes dramatic correction on
these areas that are not possible with chemical peels. With powerful bursts of laser light,
the treatment achieves this result with less reddening and irritation than other peels.
Technology is constantly creating methods to produce skin care treatments that are
constantly getting safer, more effective and more dramatic. The above-mentioned
treatments are the best today’s technology offers and give many people the opportunity to
improve their image the safe and effective way today.
Resources
American Academy of Dermatology
1350 I St. NW, Suite 870
Washington, DC 20005-4355
(202) 842-3555
(202) 842-4355 Fax
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/linkwarning/linkwarning.cfm?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaad%2Eorg%2F
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
5550 Meadowbrook Dr. Suite 120
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 847-956-0900
Fax 847-956-0999
American Association of Plastic Surgeons
900 Cummings Center Suite 221-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: 978-927-8330
Fax: 978-524-8890
