The condition of your skin is one of the keys to your appearance given the fact it is the first thing people see. Fortunately, there are a lot of simple steps you can take to care for it.
Preventive Care of Your Skin
Our skin is made up of three layers. The Epidermis is the outermost layer and sheds off every couple of weeks. The dermis lies under the epidermis and is where most of the action happens when it comes to caring for your skin. Finally, the subcutaneous area is the third level where skin attaches to the rest of our body through fat and fiber areas. Understanding that there are three levels is the first step to taking care of your skin.
It is important to understand that there are skin care products and then there are powerful skin care products. If you have significant skin issues such as shading or blotching that make a major difference in your appearance, most over the counter products are not going to make a major difference. Yes, this is true for even the wonder treatments touted by the media. Most over the counter treatments cover up the problem, but don’t treat it.
If you have major problems, you need to get prescription remedies that are far more powerful. You can do this by going to a skin care specialist that is either a licensed physician or skin care physician. Guess which one is cheaper?!
When dealing with major skin care problems, you should listen and follow the advice of the medical professional you select. Although treatments differ, a common method for dealing with serious skin problems is a cycle of treatments. Every medical professional is different, but you will usually be instructed to take one or all of the following in a particular sequence – Retin-A, Vitamin C creams and an acidic product. Retin-A will stimulate new cell growth in the dermis and shedding of the epidermis. Vitamin C creams will block the damage caused by the sun. Acidic problems speed up the natural removal of damaged skin on the outer layer of epidermis.
The treatment prescribed for you will not be a quick solution. It will take months. If you are patient, however, you will eventually see significant improvements to your skin.
Ricardo de Silva is with Plastic Surgeon Practices - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.
Showing posts with label Anti-Aging Skin Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti-Aging Skin Care. Show all posts
Thursday, September 14, 2006
How To Repair Wrinkles and Damage Caused by Sun Exposure
Aging Effects of the Sun and Wrinkles.
Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from the Sun accounts for over 85% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Most of the photoaging effects occur by the age of 20. The amount of damage to the skin caused by the sun is determined by the total lifetime amount of radiation exposure and the person's pigment protection.
To prevent this damage happening in the first place protect yourself with sunscreen containing the proper ingredients, apply it properly. Also, wear UV-protective clothing, designed to protect you.
Primary Repair Treatments.
The primary repair treatments available to reduce the appearance of wrinkles are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids. With increasing research into what causes wrinkles and the effects of photoaging (exposure to sunlight) these repair tools have increased greatly in popularity. They're a very common additive to numerous skin care products including cleansers, moisturizers, masks, toners, and other products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Remember Cleopatra? Alpha hydroxy acids have been used for thousands of years as a skin rejuvenating product. She is reported to have bathed in sour mild milk (lactic acid) to improve her already beautiful complexion.
These acids are derived from milk and fruit sugars. The most commonly used sources are lactic acid and glycolic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin. They also have the most scientific data on their effectiveness and side effects.
How Alpha Hydroxy Acids Work.
They work mainly as an exfoliant, allowing the dead skin cells to be removed, making room for regrowth of new skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acids.
There is only one beta hydroxy acid - Salicylic Acid. Beta hydroxy acid also works mainly as an exfoliant. Research indicates that Beta hydroxy acid found in skin-care products works best in at a pH of 3 to 4 and a concentration of 1% to 2%.
What's the Difference Between the Two Types?
The main difference between is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alphas are water soluble only, while Beta acid is lipid (oil) soluble. This means that Beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells there too.
Because of this difference in properties, Beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads. Alphas are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.
Side Effects
The two major side effects of alpha and beta hydroxy acids are irritation and sun sensitivity. Consult your dermatologist.
It's essential that anyone using any Alpha or Beta hydroxy acid must use a good sunscreen that contains UVA and UVB protection.
Roger Hall of COEGA Sunwear develops tips and clothing that provide you with Style, Comfort and Protection. Find out how to protect yourself with more popular FREE Tips for active women of all ages, available at: =>www.store.coegawear.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=4
Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from the Sun accounts for over 85% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Most of the photoaging effects occur by the age of 20. The amount of damage to the skin caused by the sun is determined by the total lifetime amount of radiation exposure and the person's pigment protection.
To prevent this damage happening in the first place protect yourself with sunscreen containing the proper ingredients, apply it properly. Also, wear UV-protective clothing, designed to protect you.
Primary Repair Treatments.
The primary repair treatments available to reduce the appearance of wrinkles are Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids. With increasing research into what causes wrinkles and the effects of photoaging (exposure to sunlight) these repair tools have increased greatly in popularity. They're a very common additive to numerous skin care products including cleansers, moisturizers, masks, toners, and other products.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Remember Cleopatra? Alpha hydroxy acids have been used for thousands of years as a skin rejuvenating product. She is reported to have bathed in sour mild milk (lactic acid) to improve her already beautiful complexion.
These acids are derived from milk and fruit sugars. The most commonly used sources are lactic acid and glycolic acid because they have a special ability to penetrate the skin. They also have the most scientific data on their effectiveness and side effects.
How Alpha Hydroxy Acids Work.
They work mainly as an exfoliant, allowing the dead skin cells to be removed, making room for regrowth of new skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acids.
There is only one beta hydroxy acid - Salicylic Acid. Beta hydroxy acid also works mainly as an exfoliant. Research indicates that Beta hydroxy acid found in skin-care products works best in at a pH of 3 to 4 and a concentration of 1% to 2%.
What's the Difference Between the Two Types?
The main difference between is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alphas are water soluble only, while Beta acid is lipid (oil) soluble. This means that Beta hydroxy acid is able to penetrate into the pore which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells there too.
Because of this difference in properties, Beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads. Alphas are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.
Side Effects
The two major side effects of alpha and beta hydroxy acids are irritation and sun sensitivity. Consult your dermatologist.
It's essential that anyone using any Alpha or Beta hydroxy acid must use a good sunscreen that contains UVA and UVB protection.
Roger Hall of COEGA Sunwear develops tips and clothing that provide you with Style, Comfort and Protection. Find out how to protect yourself with more popular FREE Tips for active women of all ages, available at: =>www.store.coegawear.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=4
Maintaining Youthful Skin
For some, aging brings with it the realization that their skin will no longer have that youthful appearance. Often times, individuals are driven to constantly searching for that perfect cream or spa procedure that will revitalize their skin and restore their once youthful exterior. Over exposure to the sun throughout an individual's life can have detrimental effects on their skin when they get older. Coupling this with a lack of proper skin care, that is moisturizing and watching over cracked, dry skin and an individual will likely develop premature wrinkles, unsightly blemishes and an overall unhealthy skin appearance.
Taking a day or two away from the beach and visiting a spa can work wonders for one's skin. A long day at the spa will not only be a relaxing experience for your skin, but it will essentially relax your entire body. Thus, you will leave the spa with not only a healthier, revived outward appearance, but also a totally re-energized body. If you simply cannot afford to spend a soothing day at the spa, remember while you are at the beach it is vitally important that you wear protective clothing and ample sunscreen. Otherwise you may cause irreversible damage to your skin.
Attending a spa on a regular basis is a luxury that some individuals simply cannot manage to do. These people need not fret since there are many excellent products available on the market to help them maintain healthy skin. Various creams and lotions can be used in conjunction to cleanse and protect against dry, itchy skin. Eating a healthy diet can also aid in the quest for youthful skin. Many foods have essential nutrients and vitamins in them that actually help your skin maintain a reasonable level of moisture as well as making the skin stronger and more attractive in appearance.
If you need Fashion information or have articles on Fashion, visit our Fashion section for more in-depth resources. Free Article Distribution.
Taking a day or two away from the beach and visiting a spa can work wonders for one's skin. A long day at the spa will not only be a relaxing experience for your skin, but it will essentially relax your entire body. Thus, you will leave the spa with not only a healthier, revived outward appearance, but also a totally re-energized body. If you simply cannot afford to spend a soothing day at the spa, remember while you are at the beach it is vitally important that you wear protective clothing and ample sunscreen. Otherwise you may cause irreversible damage to your skin.
Attending a spa on a regular basis is a luxury that some individuals simply cannot manage to do. These people need not fret since there are many excellent products available on the market to help them maintain healthy skin. Various creams and lotions can be used in conjunction to cleanse and protect against dry, itchy skin. Eating a healthy diet can also aid in the quest for youthful skin. Many foods have essential nutrients and vitamins in them that actually help your skin maintain a reasonable level of moisture as well as making the skin stronger and more attractive in appearance.
If you need Fashion information or have articles on Fashion, visit our Fashion section for more in-depth resources. Free Article Distribution.
Technologies Revolutionizing Skin Care Treatments
If you are tired of using topical skin treatments that only cover up, not treat, skin issues, there are a few new technologies to consider for your skin treatment.
Technologies Revolutionizing Skin Care Treatments
Skin medications and treatments come and go with the wind. The latest, greatest breakthrough to skin treatment is often a humorous memory a few years later. The simple fact is skin care is a complicated matter with many different aspects involved. Most topical over the counter treatments are primarily geared to covering up skin issues, not treating them. Yes, they claim to treat the underlying problem, but you usually will see a note in small letters indicating the FDA has not tested or approved the claim. Put in simple terms, the claims being made are a bit overoptimistic.
If you wish to improve the health and appearance of your skin, there are options available. Traditional courses of treatment include Retin-A, the wonder skin care drug and various other creams and acids. There are, however, a few new technologies that are being used in the treatment of skin issues that are proving to be revolutionary.
IPL is a new treatment that is producing tremendous results. IPL stands for intense pulse light and similar to a laser treatment. The treatment is undertaken by exposing the skin to multiple wavelengths of intense light. This stimulates the underlying dermis material of the skin to produce new cells through slight heating. The physical improvements include reduction of age spots, spider veins, pigment variations and reduction of pores. The treatment can also be used to reduce unwanted hair. IPL is not a one time treatment. It takes multiple sessions to obtain the desired effect. While this may be considered a negative, it is important to note that you are able to return to work, etc., immediately after the treatments, which minimizes any interruption in your life.
Thermage skin treatments are another new technology that is getting a lot of publicity. At first, it was believed thermage was the big breakthrough in skin care. The technology takes the novel approach of stimulating the dermis while leaving the outer layer of epidermis intact. In so doing, the body is believed to shed the damaged outer skin while replacing it with healthier, new skin cells. The treatment actually works, but one problem has arisen. Patients report that the improvements only last three to four months. At the end of the day, thermage skin treatment is just another temporary treatment, not the end all it was supposed to be. Still, three months is better than nothing.
The medical technology field is hyperactive. New technologies are produced regularly. Many of them offer the hope of total medical solutions, but hope does not always translate to fact. In this case, IPL therapy seems a much better long-term option than thermage skin care.
Ricardo de Silva is with Plastic Surgeon Practices - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.
Technologies Revolutionizing Skin Care Treatments
Skin medications and treatments come and go with the wind. The latest, greatest breakthrough to skin treatment is often a humorous memory a few years later. The simple fact is skin care is a complicated matter with many different aspects involved. Most topical over the counter treatments are primarily geared to covering up skin issues, not treating them. Yes, they claim to treat the underlying problem, but you usually will see a note in small letters indicating the FDA has not tested or approved the claim. Put in simple terms, the claims being made are a bit overoptimistic.
If you wish to improve the health and appearance of your skin, there are options available. Traditional courses of treatment include Retin-A, the wonder skin care drug and various other creams and acids. There are, however, a few new technologies that are being used in the treatment of skin issues that are proving to be revolutionary.
IPL is a new treatment that is producing tremendous results. IPL stands for intense pulse light and similar to a laser treatment. The treatment is undertaken by exposing the skin to multiple wavelengths of intense light. This stimulates the underlying dermis material of the skin to produce new cells through slight heating. The physical improvements include reduction of age spots, spider veins, pigment variations and reduction of pores. The treatment can also be used to reduce unwanted hair. IPL is not a one time treatment. It takes multiple sessions to obtain the desired effect. While this may be considered a negative, it is important to note that you are able to return to work, etc., immediately after the treatments, which minimizes any interruption in your life.
Thermage skin treatments are another new technology that is getting a lot of publicity. At first, it was believed thermage was the big breakthrough in skin care. The technology takes the novel approach of stimulating the dermis while leaving the outer layer of epidermis intact. In so doing, the body is believed to shed the damaged outer skin while replacing it with healthier, new skin cells. The treatment actually works, but one problem has arisen. Patients report that the improvements only last three to four months. At the end of the day, thermage skin treatment is just another temporary treatment, not the end all it was supposed to be. Still, three months is better than nothing.
The medical technology field is hyperactive. New technologies are produced regularly. Many of them offer the hope of total medical solutions, but hope does not always translate to fact. In this case, IPL therapy seems a much better long-term option than thermage skin care.
Ricardo de Silva is with Plastic Surgeon Practices - a directory of plastic surgeons. Visit us to read more plastic surgery articles.
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