Free radicals are the main cause of the body's aging process. They are found freely in the body. Basically, free radicals are atoms or group of atoms that have missing electrons, therefore making them unstable. To gain back their stability, they get electrons from nearby atoms, breaking their strong chemical bonds, rendering the other atom incapacitated.
The ultraviolet rays from the sun causes an upsurge of free radicals on the skin's surface, damaging the collagen and elastin molecules found in the skin. This injury distorts the shape of collagen molecules, causing wrinkles and sagging to occur on the skin. Haven't you noticed the people who are usually out in the sun tend to look more mature than the ones who are indoors most of the time. Subsequently, elastin molecules are also damaged by the free radicals. Since elastin is the protein responsible for the skin's flexibility, an injury to its molecules will cause the skin to lose its suppleness and ability to go back to its original form. When this happens, years will be added to your appearance.
The damaged collagen begins to deteriorate and, in essence, becomes deformed. Healthy collagen is smooth and supple. The more free radical damage you have, the more sagging and wrinkles. The weathered skin you see on people who spend a life time in the sun is the result of cross linked collagen.
Elastin is the protein in your skin that gives it elasticity. Free radicals turn elastin into something resembling a dried out rubber band. Your skin loses the ability to spring back. The suppleness diminishes and you look aged.
Melanin, the pigment responsible for your complexion, is also affected by free radicals by disturbing its proliferation, thus giving you uneven spots or age spots as they call them, on your skin, ranging from freckles to the big brown ones. Melanin production is upset and quite disorderly, making your skin look old.
Healthy skin usually have their cells replenished every 21 to 28 days. Sun exposure and free radicals disturb this process by delaying the production of new cells. Since the life span of a cell is about 21 to 28 days, with the production of new cells slowing down, the skin will be composed mostly of old, dying cells, making you age prematurely. Basking in the right amount of sunlight is good for the skin, but prolonged exposure to it, like when you get a tan, will destroy it, making you look older and frail, instead of young and healthy.
The effects of free radicals are shocking. They can make you appear much older than your actual age. And yet many people continue to promote the myth that a tan is youthful and healthy.
Repeated exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, especially during noon can cause an upsurge in the free radicals in the skin, making the mechanism of normal cell growth malfunction. If this practice will persist, it will eventually lead to skin cancer, and ultimately, disease.
7/08/2009
6/22/2009
Premature Aging
It is not impossible to prevent aging prematurely. In cases where it is inherited, then you are predisposed to getting skin that will age before time, no matter what you do. To confirm if you do have this condition in your genes, ask your family and relatives if they too had this problem. Chances are, if they did age early, then you too will age early. But this is no reason to give no attention to your skin. All it needs is regular treatments and good skin care to slow down the effects of aging.
How can you tell if your skin has begun to age prematurely? Normally, until the age of 45, skin is firm, supple and smooth, with just a few wrinkles and sagging. If your skin feels rough and looks older than it should be, then you might have begun to age prematurely. In this condition, wrinkles first show up as fine haphazard lines all over the face and not just in the eye area. Skin will feel dull, and dry, like leather. It sags and has deep discolorations. Poor circulation is also evident, making the skin malnourished.
The types of skin often associated with premature aging are the oily dry skin, having less production of sebum and sensitive skin that may either be overly dry or overly oily. Having oily skin can be a bad thing during puberty, but this is the type of skin that will not age as fast as the other skin types.
Other factors also play a major role in the early aging of the skin like lifestyle, food, and activity. The difference of these factors with genetics is that you can still do something about it. The decision relies on your willingness to change your lifestyle and live a healthy life. If you love to eat sweets, then try to limit your intake. Is smoking playing havoc with your skin? Make the decision to stop. Love getting a tan? Maybe you would think twice if you knew how bad it makes your skin.
Nothing short of totally replacing your skin can give you the soft supple skin of youth. Why would you want to get rid of this wonderful skin so early? Give up the practices that affect your skin and see the wonderful changes that will happen to it.
How can you tell if your skin has begun to age prematurely? Normally, until the age of 45, skin is firm, supple and smooth, with just a few wrinkles and sagging. If your skin feels rough and looks older than it should be, then you might have begun to age prematurely. In this condition, wrinkles first show up as fine haphazard lines all over the face and not just in the eye area. Skin will feel dull, and dry, like leather. It sags and has deep discolorations. Poor circulation is also evident, making the skin malnourished.
The types of skin often associated with premature aging are the oily dry skin, having less production of sebum and sensitive skin that may either be overly dry or overly oily. Having oily skin can be a bad thing during puberty, but this is the type of skin that will not age as fast as the other skin types.
Other factors also play a major role in the early aging of the skin like lifestyle, food, and activity. The difference of these factors with genetics is that you can still do something about it. The decision relies on your willingness to change your lifestyle and live a healthy life. If you love to eat sweets, then try to limit your intake. Is smoking playing havoc with your skin? Make the decision to stop. Love getting a tan? Maybe you would think twice if you knew how bad it makes your skin.
Nothing short of totally replacing your skin can give you the soft supple skin of youth. Why would you want to get rid of this wonderful skin so early? Give up the practices that affect your skin and see the wonderful changes that will happen to it.
6/07/2009
How Skin Ages
How Skin Ages
The skin grows older every minute. In fact, it normally takes about four weeks to create new skin to replace the old one. But, there are several factors that may contribute to speeding up the process. These factors are interconnected with each other in that you cannot pinpoint just one factor as the ultimate cause of skin aging. These factors work together to make your skin look old and ultimately make you appear older.
Aging is classified into two types, intrinsic and extrinsic:
Intrinsic aging is inherited aging. Your genes are responsible in causing which wrinkles will occur, where it will be and if you will have sagging skin or not. There is basically nothing you can do about it except of course cosmetic surgery for a full face lift and the proper care of your skin so as to delay these effects from occurring.
Extrinsic aging evolves from different factors concerning your lifestyle. Some factors that may affect your skin are the degree of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, your skin care regimen, what mood your face often reflects, levels of stress, underlying medical condition, hormones, food intake, and physical activity. Treatment is according to how you manage your lifestyle.
Factors that contribute to the cause of aging skin:
Sun damage is an extrinsic aging factor. The damage that the sun's ultraviolet rays cause is an extrinsic factor of aging. It creates an upsurge of free radicals in the skin which are responsible for damaging collagen and elastin molecules which leads to wrinkles and sagging.
Pollution is another extrinsic factor that shares the same principle of the production of free radicals with ultraviolet rays, although not as serious.
Smoking is also an extrinsic aging factor and can cause the skin to age faster since it not only damages collagen and elastin through free radicals, it also gets rid of it.
Genetics is an intrinsic aging factor. Your skin cells may be genetically programmed to slow down replenishment at a younger age than other people.
Chronological aging. Every year, your skin produces less sebum and has fewer fat cells to keep it plump. Skin is thinner and looks more transparent as we age.
Inflammation. When you have an infection in the body, caused by more factors, this causes the body to be stressed and age. This inflammation should be controlled and reduced before visible signs of recovery can be seen.
Hormone imbalances. Hormones play a role in predicting your skin type. Imbalances in these hormones, probably due to disorders in the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands can cause undue stress to the skin.
Hormonal depletion. Hormones can also get depleted as you age, which is a normal occurrence. To help treat this problem, hormone supplements are given to balance out the hormones in the body as well as replenish those that have been depleted.
Immune system suppression. Autoimmune diseases, long term stress, the natural aging process, and an unhealthy lifestyle cause these.
Immune system imbalances. Autoimmune diseases, long term stress, the natural aging process, and an unhealthy lifestyle cause these.
Poor diet. A diet heavy on junk food, sugar, starches, and sodas in unhealthy for your whole body. Try to eat more vegetables and a better balanced diet.
Unhealthy lifestyle. Sleep deprivation, too much ongoing stress will show up in your skin.
While you can't do anything about genetics or chronological aging, there's plenty you can do to remedy or reverse most of these aging factors.
The skin grows older every minute. In fact, it normally takes about four weeks to create new skin to replace the old one. But, there are several factors that may contribute to speeding up the process. These factors are interconnected with each other in that you cannot pinpoint just one factor as the ultimate cause of skin aging. These factors work together to make your skin look old and ultimately make you appear older.
Aging is classified into two types, intrinsic and extrinsic:
Intrinsic aging is inherited aging. Your genes are responsible in causing which wrinkles will occur, where it will be and if you will have sagging skin or not. There is basically nothing you can do about it except of course cosmetic surgery for a full face lift and the proper care of your skin so as to delay these effects from occurring.
Extrinsic aging evolves from different factors concerning your lifestyle. Some factors that may affect your skin are the degree of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, your skin care regimen, what mood your face often reflects, levels of stress, underlying medical condition, hormones, food intake, and physical activity. Treatment is according to how you manage your lifestyle.
Factors that contribute to the cause of aging skin:
Sun damage is an extrinsic aging factor. The damage that the sun's ultraviolet rays cause is an extrinsic factor of aging. It creates an upsurge of free radicals in the skin which are responsible for damaging collagen and elastin molecules which leads to wrinkles and sagging.
Pollution is another extrinsic factor that shares the same principle of the production of free radicals with ultraviolet rays, although not as serious.
Smoking is also an extrinsic aging factor and can cause the skin to age faster since it not only damages collagen and elastin through free radicals, it also gets rid of it.
Genetics is an intrinsic aging factor. Your skin cells may be genetically programmed to slow down replenishment at a younger age than other people.
Chronological aging. Every year, your skin produces less sebum and has fewer fat cells to keep it plump. Skin is thinner and looks more transparent as we age.
Inflammation. When you have an infection in the body, caused by more factors, this causes the body to be stressed and age. This inflammation should be controlled and reduced before visible signs of recovery can be seen.
Hormone imbalances. Hormones play a role in predicting your skin type. Imbalances in these hormones, probably due to disorders in the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands can cause undue stress to the skin.
Hormonal depletion. Hormones can also get depleted as you age, which is a normal occurrence. To help treat this problem, hormone supplements are given to balance out the hormones in the body as well as replenish those that have been depleted.
Immune system suppression. Autoimmune diseases, long term stress, the natural aging process, and an unhealthy lifestyle cause these.
Immune system imbalances. Autoimmune diseases, long term stress, the natural aging process, and an unhealthy lifestyle cause these.
Poor diet. A diet heavy on junk food, sugar, starches, and sodas in unhealthy for your whole body. Try to eat more vegetables and a better balanced diet.
Unhealthy lifestyle. Sleep deprivation, too much ongoing stress will show up in your skin.
While you can't do anything about genetics or chronological aging, there's plenty you can do to remedy or reverse most of these aging factors.
6/05/2009
Anti Aging Skin Care Treatment
Baby
A baby's skin is the best example of a perfect organ in a human body. The skin is amazingly resistant. A child's skin derives its shine and smoothness from the abundance of collagen and elastin that exists in the body. A child has a very fertile system in place that creates and recreates the same with unerring frequency. All that the child needs to be assisted with is a simple water wash with a mild soap to wipe off any dirt and he or she still maintains the lovely skin texture.
Because children's skin is so new, the skin cells turn over and renew themselves naturally every 21 to 28 days. The most important aspect of skin care in this decade is sun protection. Apply sun protection whenever your child goes outside. Make applying sunscreen nonnegotiable. It is essential to the health of your child. Avoid serving junk food to your child. Be sure to feed your child vegetables and fruits filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Healthy eating habits established early in life will be the good habits in the future.
Teen
Skin starts changing and keeps on changing through the teenage years. There are two changes occur in this period. The first is increased hormone production while moving through puberty. The second is a teenager's is a desire to have perfect skin. Hormonal changes are the beginning of adulthood. While the hormones change, the skin produces more oil due to sebaceous glands being overactive, and this causes breakouts. Acne type skin can develop acne that can range from slight to severe.
1. It is now time to find reliable skin care products and start using them twice a day for cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
2. Exfoliate in between them one to three times a week, based on the skin type and how often the breakouts occur. Use salyclic acid exfoliants for breakouts and acne type skin. They are known to have antibacterial qualities and go inside the pores to control bacteria.
3. The most important thing to know for the teenage years is no picking. The risks of picking are serious and may cause permanent scarring and spreading to other areas of the body.
4. Be faithful to your routine and be sure not to overdue it. Never go to sleep without washing your face, and never go to bed without removing your makeup. While you sleep your skin renews itself and releases waste products and toxins. This process gets backed up when you don't remove makeup and wash your face before bed.
5. Avoid sunbathing or tanning beds. Tanning ruins the internal structure of your skin.
6. Whenever you are outside use sunscreen or sunblock. Make it a fact of life. be sure to apply enough so you protect your skin and don't burn or tan.
7. Avoid junk foods, heavily processed foods, and foods heavy in sugar. Instead, choose vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meats, fish, and poultry. Learn all about low glycemic foods and make them the important part of your diet. High glycemic foods create inflammation, which shows up as breakouts and aging on the skin.
8. For unusual skin problems, visit a dermatologist.
Twenties
Hormones begin to balance out by the age of twenty. Normally your skin needs typical care for great results. You may notice a couple of lines around you eyes when you squint, but they are not considered wrinkles. Your skin's oil production has slowed down and your skin is starting to change. The cell renewal cycle of 21 to 28 days is also starting to slow down. If you've had acne breakouts as a teenager, they normally slow down as well. Enjoy your skin now and start adopting a lifestyle that will keep your skin healthy for the rest of your life.
1. During this time, at least by the age of 25, you need to be on a daily skin care ritual of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing twice a day. Never go to sleep in your makeup or without washing your face.
2. Be sure to apply sunscreen every morning immediately after your skin care routine. Reapply often if you are outdoors during the day.
3. To keep your skin healthy, try to get regular exercise into your day. Take a vitamin mineral supplement to assure that you are getting the nutrition you need.
Thirty to Forty
Skin in your 30's can easily look great. Lines and wrinkles in your thirties depend on the amount of sunscreen you used or sun exposure when you were younger. Your level of facial animation can also make a difference. Those with more expressive faces will have more lines. At some point in your 30's, your skin experiences a major turning point. This starts with the time when your metabolism starts to slow down, partially because muscle mass starts to decline. Skin cell turnover is slower, maybe even as slow as every 40 days. Your skin starts to wrinkle, particularly around the eyes. Sun damage from earlier in life starts to show up as sagging and skin discolorations.
1. Continue your daily skin ritual of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
2. Now is the time to start using glycolic acid exfoliation products regularly. Start with once a week, and gradually add one more treatment per week, up to two to three times a week, based on need. Glycolic acid has been shown to assist the skin in rebuilding collagen.
3. Consider getting a chemical peel once a month from a professional skin care specialist. At the very least, consider a professional facial and skin treatment at the change of seasons.
4. Get checked for skin cancer by a dermatologist or medical doctor yearly.
5. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and sleep. In your 30's and beyond, dancing into the wee hours in the night shows up the next morning. Your face may swell and bags and dark circles could develop under your eyes.
6. Continual high stress levels result in inflammation, wrinkles, and sagging.
7. When eating, choose foods that keep your skin healthy such as low glycemic carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and complete protein. Avoid cortisol inducing foods and beverages, such as coffee, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, which can cause inflammation and irritation.
Forty to Fifty
Great skin in this decade has minimal sun damage and few expression lines, although you can expect to have some lines around your eyes. Many men have a new skin care concern in their 40s, a receding hairline. Care for the balding areas around your face just as you care for the rest of your facial skin. Any serious health challenges, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders affect the health of your skin. The skin condition rosacea could begin in this decade. For women, the 40s usually signal the start of perimenopause. At this time, skin oil production slows, leaving skin drier, and may start to become thinner and more translucent.
1. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day.
2. Apply sunscreen faithfully every day.
3. Continue your daily skin care ritual, taking into consideration that you may need to switch products or skin care lines as your skin becomes drier and more sensitive.
4. Start doing chemical peels once a month to encourage more rapid cell turnover.
5. Exfoliate at home two or three times a week with AHA's, scrubs, or enzymes.
6. Use cosmeceuticals, vitamin C, and alpha lipoic acid to help reverse the visible signs of aging.
7. Consider asking your dermatologist for a prescription for Retin A or Renova to assist your skin with rejuvenation.
8. Check your skin regularly for skin cancers and have your dermatologist or medical doctor check as well.
9. You may want to consider such medical procedures as botox or collagen injections to improve your appearance and to temporarily melt away lines and wrinkles. Laser resurfacing can destroy deep brown pigmentation and enlarged or broken capillaries.
10. If you haven't already, become more conscientious about your eating habits. Get plenty of exercise.
Fifties
If you've been good to yourself and your skin, by now you are enjoying the rewards. Your skin has an even tone, with perhaps some slightly darker pigmentation spots. If you've used sun protection regularly, your skin has enough collagen and elastin to remain plump and smooth. You may have some sagging, but not much. By your 50s, expression lines are a fact of life, especially if you have dynamic facial expressions.
Men's skin is more robust than women's because men don't lose their reproductive capacity through menopause. Men's skin sags less because men have more vital collagen and elastin, provided they've stayed out of the sun or used good sun protection.
1. Stick to your daily skin care ritual.
2. Be aggressive with encouraging skin cell turnover by using glycolic peels and frequent exfoliation. If you've spent time in the sun, the damage is showing as sagging skin from collagen and elastin damage. Deep brown pigmentation spots are another result of sun damage. You can reverse some of this damage by the use of cosmeceuiticals, vitamin C, and alpha lipoic acid. Both glycolic peels and Retin A or Renova assist the skin in rebuilding collagen.
3. Eat the foods that nourish your skin, including essential fatty acids (EFAs) and plenty of vegetables and fruits daily. Avoid all junk food, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and sodas.
4. Get outside more and often using plenty of sunscreen. Regular massage and lymph drainage will help perk up your skin.
5. Now is a good time to consider a surgical face lift. This proves to be a good investment because the results can last up to 10 years.
Sixties and Beyond
Your skin in thinner, with heavier wrinkling. Lifestyle and genetic diseases and disorders, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease can affect the radiance of your skin. This is when lifestyle makes the biggest difference in the quality of your skin skin.
A baby's skin is the best example of a perfect organ in a human body. The skin is amazingly resistant. A child's skin derives its shine and smoothness from the abundance of collagen and elastin that exists in the body. A child has a very fertile system in place that creates and recreates the same with unerring frequency. All that the child needs to be assisted with is a simple water wash with a mild soap to wipe off any dirt and he or she still maintains the lovely skin texture.
Because children's skin is so new, the skin cells turn over and renew themselves naturally every 21 to 28 days. The most important aspect of skin care in this decade is sun protection. Apply sun protection whenever your child goes outside. Make applying sunscreen nonnegotiable. It is essential to the health of your child. Avoid serving junk food to your child. Be sure to feed your child vegetables and fruits filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Healthy eating habits established early in life will be the good habits in the future.
Teen
Skin starts changing and keeps on changing through the teenage years. There are two changes occur in this period. The first is increased hormone production while moving through puberty. The second is a teenager's is a desire to have perfect skin. Hormonal changes are the beginning of adulthood. While the hormones change, the skin produces more oil due to sebaceous glands being overactive, and this causes breakouts. Acne type skin can develop acne that can range from slight to severe.
1. It is now time to find reliable skin care products and start using them twice a day for cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
2. Exfoliate in between them one to three times a week, based on the skin type and how often the breakouts occur. Use salyclic acid exfoliants for breakouts and acne type skin. They are known to have antibacterial qualities and go inside the pores to control bacteria.
3. The most important thing to know for the teenage years is no picking. The risks of picking are serious and may cause permanent scarring and spreading to other areas of the body.
4. Be faithful to your routine and be sure not to overdue it. Never go to sleep without washing your face, and never go to bed without removing your makeup. While you sleep your skin renews itself and releases waste products and toxins. This process gets backed up when you don't remove makeup and wash your face before bed.
5. Avoid sunbathing or tanning beds. Tanning ruins the internal structure of your skin.
6. Whenever you are outside use sunscreen or sunblock. Make it a fact of life. be sure to apply enough so you protect your skin and don't burn or tan.
7. Avoid junk foods, heavily processed foods, and foods heavy in sugar. Instead, choose vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meats, fish, and poultry. Learn all about low glycemic foods and make them the important part of your diet. High glycemic foods create inflammation, which shows up as breakouts and aging on the skin.
8. For unusual skin problems, visit a dermatologist.
Twenties
Hormones begin to balance out by the age of twenty. Normally your skin needs typical care for great results. You may notice a couple of lines around you eyes when you squint, but they are not considered wrinkles. Your skin's oil production has slowed down and your skin is starting to change. The cell renewal cycle of 21 to 28 days is also starting to slow down. If you've had acne breakouts as a teenager, they normally slow down as well. Enjoy your skin now and start adopting a lifestyle that will keep your skin healthy for the rest of your life.
1. During this time, at least by the age of 25, you need to be on a daily skin care ritual of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing twice a day. Never go to sleep in your makeup or without washing your face.
2. Be sure to apply sunscreen every morning immediately after your skin care routine. Reapply often if you are outdoors during the day.
3. To keep your skin healthy, try to get regular exercise into your day. Take a vitamin mineral supplement to assure that you are getting the nutrition you need.
Thirty to Forty
Skin in your 30's can easily look great. Lines and wrinkles in your thirties depend on the amount of sunscreen you used or sun exposure when you were younger. Your level of facial animation can also make a difference. Those with more expressive faces will have more lines. At some point in your 30's, your skin experiences a major turning point. This starts with the time when your metabolism starts to slow down, partially because muscle mass starts to decline. Skin cell turnover is slower, maybe even as slow as every 40 days. Your skin starts to wrinkle, particularly around the eyes. Sun damage from earlier in life starts to show up as sagging and skin discolorations.
1. Continue your daily skin ritual of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.
2. Now is the time to start using glycolic acid exfoliation products regularly. Start with once a week, and gradually add one more treatment per week, up to two to three times a week, based on need. Glycolic acid has been shown to assist the skin in rebuilding collagen.
3. Consider getting a chemical peel once a month from a professional skin care specialist. At the very least, consider a professional facial and skin treatment at the change of seasons.
4. Get checked for skin cancer by a dermatologist or medical doctor yearly.
5. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and sleep. In your 30's and beyond, dancing into the wee hours in the night shows up the next morning. Your face may swell and bags and dark circles could develop under your eyes.
6. Continual high stress levels result in inflammation, wrinkles, and sagging.
7. When eating, choose foods that keep your skin healthy such as low glycemic carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and complete protein. Avoid cortisol inducing foods and beverages, such as coffee, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, which can cause inflammation and irritation.
Forty to Fifty
Great skin in this decade has minimal sun damage and few expression lines, although you can expect to have some lines around your eyes. Many men have a new skin care concern in their 40s, a receding hairline. Care for the balding areas around your face just as you care for the rest of your facial skin. Any serious health challenges, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders affect the health of your skin. The skin condition rosacea could begin in this decade. For women, the 40s usually signal the start of perimenopause. At this time, skin oil production slows, leaving skin drier, and may start to become thinner and more translucent.
1. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day.
2. Apply sunscreen faithfully every day.
3. Continue your daily skin care ritual, taking into consideration that you may need to switch products or skin care lines as your skin becomes drier and more sensitive.
4. Start doing chemical peels once a month to encourage more rapid cell turnover.
5. Exfoliate at home two or three times a week with AHA's, scrubs, or enzymes.
6. Use cosmeceuticals, vitamin C, and alpha lipoic acid to help reverse the visible signs of aging.
7. Consider asking your dermatologist for a prescription for Retin A or Renova to assist your skin with rejuvenation.
8. Check your skin regularly for skin cancers and have your dermatologist or medical doctor check as well.
9. You may want to consider such medical procedures as botox or collagen injections to improve your appearance and to temporarily melt away lines and wrinkles. Laser resurfacing can destroy deep brown pigmentation and enlarged or broken capillaries.
10. If you haven't already, become more conscientious about your eating habits. Get plenty of exercise.
Fifties
If you've been good to yourself and your skin, by now you are enjoying the rewards. Your skin has an even tone, with perhaps some slightly darker pigmentation spots. If you've used sun protection regularly, your skin has enough collagen and elastin to remain plump and smooth. You may have some sagging, but not much. By your 50s, expression lines are a fact of life, especially if you have dynamic facial expressions.
Men's skin is more robust than women's because men don't lose their reproductive capacity through menopause. Men's skin sags less because men have more vital collagen and elastin, provided they've stayed out of the sun or used good sun protection.
1. Stick to your daily skin care ritual.
2. Be aggressive with encouraging skin cell turnover by using glycolic peels and frequent exfoliation. If you've spent time in the sun, the damage is showing as sagging skin from collagen and elastin damage. Deep brown pigmentation spots are another result of sun damage. You can reverse some of this damage by the use of cosmeceuiticals, vitamin C, and alpha lipoic acid. Both glycolic peels and Retin A or Renova assist the skin in rebuilding collagen.
3. Eat the foods that nourish your skin, including essential fatty acids (EFAs) and plenty of vegetables and fruits daily. Avoid all junk food, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and sodas.
4. Get outside more and often using plenty of sunscreen. Regular massage and lymph drainage will help perk up your skin.
5. Now is a good time to consider a surgical face lift. This proves to be a good investment because the results can last up to 10 years.
Sixties and Beyond
Your skin in thinner, with heavier wrinkling. Lifestyle and genetic diseases and disorders, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease can affect the radiance of your skin. This is when lifestyle makes the biggest difference in the quality of your skin skin.
6/01/2009
Acne Treatment
Now that you know that it is bacteria that causes acne, it simply doesn't make sense to pick or squeeze a bump. When you squeeze, you create more inflammation and p. acne lives on inflammation. Also, when you squeeze, you can encourage the p. acne to spread under the skin to new areas. One squeeze can trigger lots of new bumps close by. Some products are excellent at killing off the p. acne bacteria. Here is a list:
Sulfur. Sulfur unclogs pores and removes p. acne bacteria. Also used to reduce inflammation. Over the counter acne medications contain sulfur.
Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil kills p. acne and is an ingredient in many acne skin care formulations-cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Tea tree oil is considered as effective as benzoyl peroxide for killing p. acne bacteria, but it takes longer. However, tea tree oil doesn't cause the redness, irritation, and inflammation that's common with benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide. P. acne can't live in the pressence of oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide forms oxygen deep in the pore and the p. acne dies off. Benzoyl peroxide is drying to the skin and can make it peel. Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient in many over the counter acne products.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are available only by prescription from your doctor and include tetracycline and erythromycin. It's not advised to use these for an extended period of time because antibiotics have undesirable side effects, such as dehydration of the skin and killing off beneficial intestinal bacteria, which results in yeast overgrowth infections. You can also build up resistance to the effectiveness of these antibiotics, such as birth control pills.
Retin A. This prescription medication is applied topically. It's derived from vitamin A, and it helps prevent the formation of microcomedomes in which the p. acne live and multiply. Retin A removes the top layers of the skin so no oil can be trapped in the pores. Retin A can be used for longer periods of time. Think of Retin A as a super exfoliator. Because Retin A thins the skin, you need nitense sun protection every day because your face is far more susceptible to burning than normal. Also, avoid waxing your upper lip or anywhere on your face when using this product. Wear a hat that shades your face when using this product
Accutane. Accutane is a prescription only medication that's taken internally. Accutane is vitamin A at a very high dose. Use only with severe acne eruptions. Accutane severely dries up mucous membranes and has serious side effects including birth defects and mental disorders. You must sign a consent form before taking the medication. If a women decides to take Accutane, she needs to provide two negative pregnancy tests and must use two seperate effective forms of birth control for the month before starting Accutane. You receive a 30 day supply at a time and will be required to have a monthly blood test to make sure you stay healthy. A national registry is being proposed to track persons who have used this powerful medication for long term safety studies. Because of the serious nature of Accutane's side effects, make sure you have tried everything else before using this medication.
Differin. Differin is a topical prescription medication that's a Vitamin A derivative. It clears clogged pores but is gentle to the skin, and not as drying as Retin A. Use as you would Retin A, being sure to always wear a high level of sun protection.
All of these products can ease of eliminate an acne flare up. Because none of them can kill off the p. acne for the rest of your life. The best thing you can do to eliminate future outbreaks is to make lifestyle changes.
Sulfur. Sulfur unclogs pores and removes p. acne bacteria. Also used to reduce inflammation. Over the counter acne medications contain sulfur.
Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil kills p. acne and is an ingredient in many acne skin care formulations-cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Tea tree oil is considered as effective as benzoyl peroxide for killing p. acne bacteria, but it takes longer. However, tea tree oil doesn't cause the redness, irritation, and inflammation that's common with benzoyl peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide. P. acne can't live in the pressence of oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide forms oxygen deep in the pore and the p. acne dies off. Benzoyl peroxide is drying to the skin and can make it peel. Benzoyl peroxide is an active ingredient in many over the counter acne products.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics are available only by prescription from your doctor and include tetracycline and erythromycin. It's not advised to use these for an extended period of time because antibiotics have undesirable side effects, such as dehydration of the skin and killing off beneficial intestinal bacteria, which results in yeast overgrowth infections. You can also build up resistance to the effectiveness of these antibiotics, such as birth control pills.
Retin A. This prescription medication is applied topically. It's derived from vitamin A, and it helps prevent the formation of microcomedomes in which the p. acne live and multiply. Retin A removes the top layers of the skin so no oil can be trapped in the pores. Retin A can be used for longer periods of time. Think of Retin A as a super exfoliator. Because Retin A thins the skin, you need nitense sun protection every day because your face is far more susceptible to burning than normal. Also, avoid waxing your upper lip or anywhere on your face when using this product. Wear a hat that shades your face when using this product
Accutane. Accutane is a prescription only medication that's taken internally. Accutane is vitamin A at a very high dose. Use only with severe acne eruptions. Accutane severely dries up mucous membranes and has serious side effects including birth defects and mental disorders. You must sign a consent form before taking the medication. If a women decides to take Accutane, she needs to provide two negative pregnancy tests and must use two seperate effective forms of birth control for the month before starting Accutane. You receive a 30 day supply at a time and will be required to have a monthly blood test to make sure you stay healthy. A national registry is being proposed to track persons who have used this powerful medication for long term safety studies. Because of the serious nature of Accutane's side effects, make sure you have tried everything else before using this medication.
Differin. Differin is a topical prescription medication that's a Vitamin A derivative. It clears clogged pores but is gentle to the skin, and not as drying as Retin A. Use as you would Retin A, being sure to always wear a high level of sun protection.
All of these products can ease of eliminate an acne flare up. Because none of them can kill off the p. acne for the rest of your life. The best thing you can do to eliminate future outbreaks is to make lifestyle changes.
5/30/2009
The Truth About Acne Skin Care
Let's face it, you are engaged in an ongoing battle when you are afflicted with acne. While acne treatments for a mild case of acne are usually successful, moderate acne is a greater problem. Even dermatologists cannot cure a severe case of acne but can only provide an acne treatment regimen.
However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.
Knowing What You're DoingOne of the first pieces of advice is to make sure that you understand and follow the directions for any acne remedy that you are using. If you are taking a prescription acne medicine, read the patient leaflet that accompanies the medication carefully. Typically for moderate to severe acne a dermatologist may prescribe several acne medicines, each with its own treatment protocol and directions.
In order to achieve the acne free skin that you desire, it is important to use all the acne treatments properly and in the correct order. Consider bringing a tablet of paper, a pen, and a friend or relative with you to your appointment with your dermatologist. Simply jot down some notes about the order and time of day for applying each acne medicine and what its purpose is.
Remember, just because the acne clears with the use of your acne medicines doesn't necessarily mean that you have succeeded in curing acne. Most people with moderate to severe acne must continue to use their acne medicine long-term to prevent any recurrence of their acne problem. Using the acne treatments properly should translate to clear skin and freedom from acne scars.
What About Over-the-Counter Remedies?Besides using medications prescribed by a doctor, there are a large number of products on the market labeled as skin cleansers, facial cleansers, pore cleansers, and facial pore cleaners that can be used in curing acne.
When cleansing skin that is afflicted with acne, an important point to remember is not to scrub the skin; never scrub your face with a washcloth. It is a misconception that acne is caused by dirt clogging the pores of the skin. You dont scrub away the offending dirt; you cant scrub away the offensive acne and achieve acne free skin.
Over-washing or scrubbing skin afflicted with acne only serves to aggravate the condition. Rather use only a gentle skin cleanser, lukewarm water, and a gentle motion with your fingertips as your primary acne skin care regime. When you wash your face with your hands, be sure to first thoroughly wash your hands.
Do Natural Treatments Really Work?
Look for gentle cleansers that are sold as acne solutions. When you're evaluating skin cleansers for acne, include natural acne treatments in your search as well. For example, a soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is an effective antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight acne and restore clear skin. Tea tree oil also has known antibiotic properties and serves as a mild anesthetic that will soothe the irritated skin.
Oily skin is implicated as a one of the causes of acne. It doesnt necessarily make sense to use a moisturizer on oily skin as a means of achieving clear skin. But many of the acne treatments, whether they are prescribed or available as over-the-counter products, have a tendency to irritate the skin while curing acne.
A moisturizer is a boost to irritated skin and keeps skin from becoming overly dry due to the acne treatments that have been applied. Look for a moisturizer with the following properties:
Oil-free
Wont clog pores (non-comodogenic)
Containing a sun-screen.
Besides a great desire to just scrub away the acne, many people try to remove the acne pimples by hand as a way to get clear skin. People who are afflicted with acne should avoid touching their face except to gently wash it with mild cleanser as already discussed.
By trying to remove pimples by hand you run the risk of creating acne scars that will last for a lifetime. Instead, have patience and rely on your prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment to work. Acne remedies usually take 6 to 8 weeks before curing acne.
For male acne sufferers, the daily ritual of shaving can be a problem. One acne sufferer has recommended the Gillette Sensor Excel as a gentle and effective razor to use. Other males prefer to try an electric razor. The advice is to shave delicately to avoid nicking the skin and to shave only as often as necessary. Finding a moisturizing shave gel may be one way to enhance your acne skin care program.
Female acne sufferers have their unique problems too, in finding the right cosmetic products to use. Females who are accustomed to using a foundation product may find that the foundation is difficult to apply smoothly if the facial skin becomes irritated due to the acne treatments being applied.
You may have to abandon the use of some cosmetics during the acne treatment period. Be sure to select only oil-free cosmetics and ones that are labeled as non-comodogenic (wont clog pores) to use on your road to clear skin.
Proper acne skin care is a necessary addition to your arsenal for fighting your battle with acne and achieving clear skin once again.
However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.
Knowing What You're DoingOne of the first pieces of advice is to make sure that you understand and follow the directions for any acne remedy that you are using. If you are taking a prescription acne medicine, read the patient leaflet that accompanies the medication carefully. Typically for moderate to severe acne a dermatologist may prescribe several acne medicines, each with its own treatment protocol and directions.
In order to achieve the acne free skin that you desire, it is important to use all the acne treatments properly and in the correct order. Consider bringing a tablet of paper, a pen, and a friend or relative with you to your appointment with your dermatologist. Simply jot down some notes about the order and time of day for applying each acne medicine and what its purpose is.
Remember, just because the acne clears with the use of your acne medicines doesn't necessarily mean that you have succeeded in curing acne. Most people with moderate to severe acne must continue to use their acne medicine long-term to prevent any recurrence of their acne problem. Using the acne treatments properly should translate to clear skin and freedom from acne scars.
What About Over-the-Counter Remedies?Besides using medications prescribed by a doctor, there are a large number of products on the market labeled as skin cleansers, facial cleansers, pore cleansers, and facial pore cleaners that can be used in curing acne.
When cleansing skin that is afflicted with acne, an important point to remember is not to scrub the skin; never scrub your face with a washcloth. It is a misconception that acne is caused by dirt clogging the pores of the skin. You dont scrub away the offending dirt; you cant scrub away the offensive acne and achieve acne free skin.
Over-washing or scrubbing skin afflicted with acne only serves to aggravate the condition. Rather use only a gentle skin cleanser, lukewarm water, and a gentle motion with your fingertips as your primary acne skin care regime. When you wash your face with your hands, be sure to first thoroughly wash your hands.
Do Natural Treatments Really Work?
Look for gentle cleansers that are sold as acne solutions. When you're evaluating skin cleansers for acne, include natural acne treatments in your search as well. For example, a soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is an effective antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight acne and restore clear skin. Tea tree oil also has known antibiotic properties and serves as a mild anesthetic that will soothe the irritated skin.
Oily skin is implicated as a one of the causes of acne. It doesnt necessarily make sense to use a moisturizer on oily skin as a means of achieving clear skin. But many of the acne treatments, whether they are prescribed or available as over-the-counter products, have a tendency to irritate the skin while curing acne.
A moisturizer is a boost to irritated skin and keeps skin from becoming overly dry due to the acne treatments that have been applied. Look for a moisturizer with the following properties:
Oil-free
Wont clog pores (non-comodogenic)
Containing a sun-screen.
Besides a great desire to just scrub away the acne, many people try to remove the acne pimples by hand as a way to get clear skin. People who are afflicted with acne should avoid touching their face except to gently wash it with mild cleanser as already discussed.
By trying to remove pimples by hand you run the risk of creating acne scars that will last for a lifetime. Instead, have patience and rely on your prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment to work. Acne remedies usually take 6 to 8 weeks before curing acne.
For male acne sufferers, the daily ritual of shaving can be a problem. One acne sufferer has recommended the Gillette Sensor Excel as a gentle and effective razor to use. Other males prefer to try an electric razor. The advice is to shave delicately to avoid nicking the skin and to shave only as often as necessary. Finding a moisturizing shave gel may be one way to enhance your acne skin care program.
Female acne sufferers have their unique problems too, in finding the right cosmetic products to use. Females who are accustomed to using a foundation product may find that the foundation is difficult to apply smoothly if the facial skin becomes irritated due to the acne treatments being applied.
You may have to abandon the use of some cosmetics during the acne treatment period. Be sure to select only oil-free cosmetics and ones that are labeled as non-comodogenic (wont clog pores) to use on your road to clear skin.
Proper acne skin care is a necessary addition to your arsenal for fighting your battle with acne and achieving clear skin once again.
Acne Laser Treatment
There is no doubt for anyone who has suffered from acne. It is the single most embarrassing skin condition that exists today. It affects millions of people around the world. It can turn an otherwise normal life into one of seclusion.
For those who suffer from acne, it is welcome news that it can be managed successfully. Even in doing so, it can still lead to terrible scarring. It can leave indentations in your skin, giving it the appearance of being older.
For those who live with the emotional and physical pain of acne and the scars that it can produce, the news is not all that bad.
There have been breakthroughs in the treatment of acne. There are creams and lotions, cleansers and pills. These were all developed to help maintain the skin of acne sufferers in a non-invasive way.
There are those who have used the creams and lotions and have found relief, but for those who have severe scarring, there is one treatment that has had tremendous results.
Laser light treatments were originally designed for laser hair removal. Approved by the FDA, the laser treatment is a pulsed light that is very effective in treating acne at any level. The treatment takes less than one hour, and the results are instantaneous. The light is delivered in quick pulses to the affected areas.
The laser light treatment is performed by simultaneously reducing the production of oil and bacteria. Laser light treatment also treats the scarring that acne causes. It focuses the light on the acne-affected area and it penetrates the top layer of skin and burns the scar tissue off and also destroys the bacterial that is a major cause of acne. This stimulates the growth of new skin. Although it is a painless treatment that can reduce the appearance of acne considerably, some people have reported feeling an intense flicking feeling.
It is important to remember that although the results of the laser treatments are almost immediate, it will require at least four or five treatments to be completely effective. This type of laser light treatment is not recommended for African Americans or people with dark skin. The laser can discolor their skin.
When dealing with acne scarring medical research has made it is possible to combine microdermabrasion and collagen treatments with laser therapy to find an alternative treatment for scarring that is caused by acne.
For those who suffer from acne, it is welcome news that it can be managed successfully. Even in doing so, it can still lead to terrible scarring. It can leave indentations in your skin, giving it the appearance of being older.
For those who live with the emotional and physical pain of acne and the scars that it can produce, the news is not all that bad.
There have been breakthroughs in the treatment of acne. There are creams and lotions, cleansers and pills. These were all developed to help maintain the skin of acne sufferers in a non-invasive way.
There are those who have used the creams and lotions and have found relief, but for those who have severe scarring, there is one treatment that has had tremendous results.
Laser light treatments were originally designed for laser hair removal. Approved by the FDA, the laser treatment is a pulsed light that is very effective in treating acne at any level. The treatment takes less than one hour, and the results are instantaneous. The light is delivered in quick pulses to the affected areas.
The laser light treatment is performed by simultaneously reducing the production of oil and bacteria. Laser light treatment also treats the scarring that acne causes. It focuses the light on the acne-affected area and it penetrates the top layer of skin and burns the scar tissue off and also destroys the bacterial that is a major cause of acne. This stimulates the growth of new skin. Although it is a painless treatment that can reduce the appearance of acne considerably, some people have reported feeling an intense flicking feeling.
It is important to remember that although the results of the laser treatments are almost immediate, it will require at least four or five treatments to be completely effective. This type of laser light treatment is not recommended for African Americans or people with dark skin. The laser can discolor their skin.
When dealing with acne scarring medical research has made it is possible to combine microdermabrasion and collagen treatments with laser therapy to find an alternative treatment for scarring that is caused by acne.
5/12/2009
Treatment for Acne
Today, millions of people worldwide are affected by acne. Acne does not only affect the appearance of a person, it also affects them emotionally.
Studies have shown that people with acne have self-esteem issues. Sometimes it is so severe that they will not leave their homes.
To have an effective treatment for acne, you need to understand what treatments are available and how they work. Experts also recommend that you set goals for yourself in acne treatment.
The main goal of any acne treatment is to stop new acne from developing. You should try to understand that there are different types of acne and need to identify what type you have in order to have an effective treatment.
Another goal in the treatment of acne is to prevent and treat the scars that are associated with acne. These scars can sometimes run deep into the skin, making surgery necessary to remove them. There are many options available today that were not available a decade ago. The treatment of acne and acne related scarring has come a long way.
Dermatologists have been using hormonal treatments for acne for years. Treatments such as oral contraceptive had been showing results as an acne treatment no matter how severe the acne is. This type of treatment can only be used for girls and women who suffer from acne.
There are procedures that have been developed such as laser treatments that have proven to be quite effective in removing scar tissue for acne sufferers. This type of procedure is relatively fast and the recovery time is usually within two weeks. The results are incredible, but the cost is extreme.
Medical researchers are making strides everyday to develop and initiate new acne treatment options that work faster than the older methods. The methods that they are testing today can be the cure for acne in the future.
There are some acne treatments that are non invasive, but they can take months even up to a year to be effective. There are different levels of acne; therefore it would stand to reason that there are different levels of treatment.
There are also other things to take into consideration when choosing an acne treatment.
Believe it or not, the gender of the person makes a very big difference in choosing the correct acne treatment.
Studies have shown that people with acne have self-esteem issues. Sometimes it is so severe that they will not leave their homes.
To have an effective treatment for acne, you need to understand what treatments are available and how they work. Experts also recommend that you set goals for yourself in acne treatment.
The main goal of any acne treatment is to stop new acne from developing. You should try to understand that there are different types of acne and need to identify what type you have in order to have an effective treatment.
Another goal in the treatment of acne is to prevent and treat the scars that are associated with acne. These scars can sometimes run deep into the skin, making surgery necessary to remove them. There are many options available today that were not available a decade ago. The treatment of acne and acne related scarring has come a long way.
Dermatologists have been using hormonal treatments for acne for years. Treatments such as oral contraceptive had been showing results as an acne treatment no matter how severe the acne is. This type of treatment can only be used for girls and women who suffer from acne.
There are procedures that have been developed such as laser treatments that have proven to be quite effective in removing scar tissue for acne sufferers. This type of procedure is relatively fast and the recovery time is usually within two weeks. The results are incredible, but the cost is extreme.
Medical researchers are making strides everyday to develop and initiate new acne treatment options that work faster than the older methods. The methods that they are testing today can be the cure for acne in the future.
There are some acne treatments that are non invasive, but they can take months even up to a year to be effective. There are different levels of acne; therefore it would stand to reason that there are different levels of treatment.
There are also other things to take into consideration when choosing an acne treatment.
Believe it or not, the gender of the person makes a very big difference in choosing the correct acne treatment.
5/09/2009
Acne and Your Skin
Acne is a horrible skin disorder that is commonly identified by large pimples that usually cover the face of the person affected. Acne affects more than half the population of the world.
There is a common misconception that acne affects teenagers. It has been associated as a teenage disorder because it is predominant among teenagers. The fact is, that acne affects adults up to eighty years old. Acne is caused by over active oil glands found in the skin.
The oils that are produced often mix with bacteria and skin debris forming white and black head pimples and red lumps. Acne is a cluster of these pimples or lumps that spread across the face and neck. Although these are the most common area for acne, it can occur over the entire body.
If acne is not treated in the early stages, it can create scars. These scars can go so deep that they could last a lifetime.
If acne is not treated in the early stages, it can create scars. These scars can go so deep that they could last a lifetime.
For years, experts have debated whether stress and different emotions can lead to an outbreak of acne. It has been proven however that cosmetics such as foundation can cause an outbreak of acne. For this reason, hypoallergenic cosmetics have been created.
For skin this sensitive, chemical creams and cleansers are not recommended. The skin could become more irritated. In this instance, a prescription would be needed.
For people with acne, there are special techniques and precautions that need to be taken to keep outbreaks to a minimum. Experts advise that if you have acne prone skin, let a professional dermatologist recommend the proper course of treatment and skin care. They are specially trained in this area.
Important things to remember is that if you have an outbreak of acne is do not pop the pimples. This could lead to infection, spreading the acne across your face and cause permanent scarring to your face.
When you are purchasing cosmetics, make sure that nothing is oil based. If your skin is oily to begin with, it is a certainty that you will have an outbreak. You can purchase hypoallergenic cosmetics at the cosmetic counters of all major stores.
Water based cosmetics are not only better for your skin; it is also easier to wash off at the end of the day. It is also important to remember not to leave make up on overnight. This could lead to clogged pores, which in turn will lead to an outbreak of acne.
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