LASER TREATMENT: AGE SPOTS and SKIN REJUVENATION



Laser Treatment



As we age, the damage to our skin often becomes increasingly more prominent. Some of this damage is simply a natural effect of aging, while some is caused by too much exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.Sunspots are commonly caused due to over exposure of skin to the harmful sun-rays. Also known as age spots, these are tiny spots, usually whitish or brownish in color. These might appear in cluster or alone on the over exposed areas of your skin. While lesser exposure can just lead to suntan, over exposure or repeated exposure to sun-rays can lead to formation of brown or white spots on skin. Though these are very common in people over 35, depending upon the type of skin and the amount of exposure to sun-rays, these also appear in younger people. Unprotected skin is most susceptible to this and many other skin disorders caused due to sun-rays. Opting for the best treatment is essential to refinish your skin and protect it from further damage. For those individuals who want to turn back the hands of time and achieve an even, more youthful complexion, skin laser treatment may be the answer.

Skin laser treatment is offered by dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other skincare professionals. When done by an experienced professional, the success rate of the treatment is very high – and the risk of complications, very low. Patients can also expect very minimal pain during the outpatient procedure and little to no recovery time.

How it Works

Your skincare specialist will use a handheld tool that emits lasers over the treatment area. The lasers penetrate the skin to increase collagen production and eliminate skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles. The length of the skin laser treatment depends on the size of the area being treated, but often takes less than one hour. In most cases, however, more than one treatment is necessary to remove the sun and age spots entirely. These treatments are usually scheduled within three to five weeks of each other. But because the treatments produce permanent results, you won’t need to repeat the treatments on a regular basis unless future spots develop.

 

 

Treatment Areas

Typically, laser treatments are performed on those parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight, and are, therefore, susceptible to damage. Areas of the body where laser treatment is typically performed includes the face, neck, hands, upper back and chest.

EXFOLIANTS: Scrubs and Chemical Exfoliants

 

Why You Need to Add an Exfoliant

Even if you cleanse, tone, apply a sunscreen in the morning and a moisturizer at night, there's still one thing missing that could make all the difference in the world to get you the skin you want: an exfoliant! 

 

Facial Scrubs and specially formulated exfoliants are essential for skin care routine.

Without question, a well formulated AHA (alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic and lactic acids) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid, also known as salicylic acid) product is much more benefial than a regular scrub.

A Regular Scrub

Chemical Exfoliants

Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, help keep pores clean and improve blood circulation, which will give your skin a healthy, more youthful glow. Exfoliation also helps your moisturizer and skin care treatments penetrate better.

When it comes to exfoliation, you have several choices: 

1) You can make an appointment at a dermatology clinic or a trendy spa for a pricey skin-shedding regimen, or

2) You can buy top-shelf designer skin treatments that retail for more than $100 per tiny tube, or

3) You can spare your pocketbook by giving yourself an exfoliating treatment at home, using natural ingredients that you can find at your local supermarket, health-food store or even online. Some of these ingredients, in fact, are the same ones used in pricy, brand-name exfoliants. (Honey, lemon juice,yogurt, baking soda, ground fruits seeds and nuts, sugar, oatmeal, papaya, ground coffee, sea salt)

 

 

 

 

How Exfoliation Works

After an exfoliation treatment, new skin develops. Your new skin absorbs moisture more easily. Maintaining moisture helps slow the wrinkle process and produces a more glowing appearance.

When you gently get rid of built-up skin cells you can undo clogged pores, stop breakouts, smooth out wrinkles, even make dry skin become a thing of the past!

 

 

Exfoliation Scrubs 

Granules found in exfoliant scrubs vary in size. Scrubs containing larger granules may be appropriate for less sensitive skin, while smaller granules are more appropriate for sensitive skin. Equally important, people with skin disorders, including those with acne or blemishes, have to be extremely cautious when selecting an exfoliation scrub. Dry skin can also be irritated by exfoliation scrubs.

From natural substances such as botanical extracts and almond shells, to alpha hydroxyl acids, every ingredient works differently. Use caution when applying a particular exfoliation scrub for the first time. Some ingredients, though natural, may be too harsh for your particular skin type. You'll have to experiment and make adjustments until you find the right products for your skin.

 

AHA and BHA Exfoliants

There are two primary topical ways to exfoliate skin, either with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or with beta hydroxy acid (BHA). There is only one BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and that is salicylic acid, but there are five major types of AHAs that show up in skin-care products which are glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids. Of these, the most commonly used and most effective AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids. Both of these have the ability to penetrate the skin, plus they have the most accumulated research on their functionality and benefit for skin.

What glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids both do is "unglue" the outer layer of dead skin cells, allowing healthier cells to come to the surface. Removing this dead layer can improve skin texture and color, unclog pores, and allow moisturizers to be better absorbed by the skin. Both AHAs and BHA affect the top layers of skin, and they help to improve the appearance of sun-damaged, dry, and/or thickened skin.

 

Because AHAs and BHA work through chemical processes, they can penetrate the skin and produce better results than cosmetic scrubs, which work only on the exposed surface of the skin. And, there is no risk that AHAs and BHA will cause you to lose too much skin.  

 

What's The Difference between AHA and BHA Exfoliants?

Great question! When properly formulated, both AHAs and BHA are brilliant options for exfoliating the surface of skin, but each has its special qualities you'll want to consider when deciding which one to use:

• AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content. (8% AHA Gel) 
• BHA is preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and white bumps because BHA can get through the oil that's clogging your pores, normalizing the lining of the misshapen pore that contributes to acne. The BHA products are designed specifically for oily/combination skin, blackhead-prone skin, and for those with acne.

If your skin is sun-damaged and you're also struggling with acne or clogged pores, add a BHA product to your routine. If you'd like to use an AHA and BHA at the same time, that is an option, though not really necessary. Some people find they work well when they're applied at the same time, but if you want to give this a try it is best to apply them separately, one during the day and one in the evening.

How Do I Use an AHA or BHA Exfoliant?

• You can apply an AHA or BHA product once or twice a day.
• You can also apply either of these around the eye area but not on the eyelid or directly under the eye.
• Apply the AHA or BHA product after your face is cleansed and after your toner has dried.
• Once the AHA or BHA has been absorbed, you can apply any other product in your routine, such as moisturizer, serum, eye cream, sunscreen, and/or foundation.
• If you're using a topical prescription product (retinoids), or any of the topical prescription products for rosacea apply the BHA or AHA first.

 

Should I Use a Scrub to Exfoliate?

Scrubs are certainly an option for exfoliating your skin, but they have limitations you don't have to worry about with an AHA or BHA exfoliant. Scrubs only deal with the very top, superficial layer of skin while most of the unhealthy, built-up skin cells are beyond the reach of a scrub. What is most problematic is that many scrubs have a rough, coarse, uneven texture that can cause skin damage by tearing into the skin as it abrades away the surface, causing tiny tears that damage the skin's barrier. Scrubs often cause more problems than they could possibly solve.

If you do want to use a manual scrub, you can simply use a gentle washcloth with your daily cleanser, which works just as well to exfoliate the surface of skin as any cosmetic scrub you can buy. As a bonus, washcloths are softer (thus gentler) and of course they don't contain pore-clogging ingredients that oily, acne-prone skin doesn't need.

 

Is it Possible to Exfoliate Too Often?

Exfoliating your skin is great, but how often to use one that works best for your skin type takes experimenting. It is possible to overdo it, and your skin will tell you if you've gone too far. For some people once a day works best, for others every other day, or once a week. However, exfoliating does not negatively affect how healthy skin cells are generated in the lower layers of skin. If anything, exfoliating unhealthy dead skin cells on the surface of skin can improve collagen production, increase skin's ability to hold moisture, and allow pores to function normally!

Retinoids, Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid: How to Combine Anti-aging Products

Combining Different Antiaging Products

Tretinoin (retinoic acid) and Glycolic acid (AHA) are both powerful anti-aging skin care ingredients that make very noticeable improvements in the appearance of the skin by:

• Lighten age spots
• Smooth and exfoliate the skin giving it a more luminous character
• Work to reverse wrinkles by building new collagen just underneath the surface of the skin.

The ultimate anti aging skin care product combination is to use both of these and throw in a strong professional level vitamin C product every 4th day. Each of these ingredients works to rejuvenate the skin by a different mechanism, and thus combination therapy yields more age reversal that using just one alone.

Unfortunately, all these highly effective anti-aging ingredients are irritating.  Only people with really tolerant skin can combine tretinoin and glycolic acid therapy.  People with sensitive skin  have to pick either tretinoin OR glycolic acid.  People who can’t tolerate using tretinoin with glycolic acid can sometimes tolerate using just one of these ingredient with a topical vitamin C product.  This is because the vitamin C is not exfoliating.  Vitamin C is, however, irritating to exfoliated skin so it is still a little tricky.

The reason that it’s tricky to combine these wonderful and effective anti aging ingredients is that the glycolic acid and the tretinoin are both very exfoliating.  Exfoliated skin has a more refined and luminous appearance, but also  absorbs things faster.  Because the glycolic acid and the vitamin C both have an acid pH, they can be irritating to exfoliated skin.  In addition, tretinoin causes a ‘break in’ rash when a person first starts using it.  The skin adjusts in about a month and the rash typically goes away, but skin with retinoid rash gets really irritated from the acid pH of the glycolic acid or the vitamin C products.

GOLDEN TIP

When people want to try to combine anti-aging home therapy, the best way is to start on the tretinoin at night for at least 2 months. When the skin has adjusted to the tretinoin, add professional level glycolic acid during the day.

When the combination is tolerated and can be applied every day, then throw in the vitamin c serum.

To help the skin tolerate this powerful anti aging treatment, it is better to add an antioxidant cream.

Antioxidant Creams

 

Of course, any exfoliating anti aging treatment means that a person MUST wear a 5% or more microsized zinc oxide sunscreen every day, all year, regardless of their planned activities.  Because exfoliated skin allows more damaging sun rays to enter the skin, it is better to wear hat and try to keep the face out of direct sunlight as much as possible.  This is important for skin cancer prevention, and it’s also critical for "anti-aging skin rejuvenation" to be effective.

The combo anti-aging skincare regimen is:

Morning

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser 
2. Hydrating Antioxidant cream
3. Glycolic acid product or vitamin c serum
4. Moisturizer if needed (eg. A Daily Moisturizing Face Cream)
5. Sunscreen

Night time

1. Wash with a gentle cleanser as above
2. Hydrating Antioxidant Cream
3. Daily Moisturizing Face Cream of choice if needed
4. Wait 15 minutes then Tretinoin (begin every 3rd night and gradually work up to every night)

If a person cannot tolerate both tretinoin and glycolic home therapy, then they can combine tretinoin at night, Vitamin C Serum during the day and have occasional glycolic acid peels done carefully by a skin care professional.  

WARNING: The exfoliation achieved with tretinoin makes the peels tricky and the skin care professional needs to be experienced with this situation.  The risk is that the peel may be go too deep and injure the skin, potentially causing scarring.  

RETINOIDS: Anti-aging Vitamin A

Retinoid

Studies have shown that the vitamin A derivatives known as Retinoids (retinoic acid) unplug pores, help clear up acne, reduce fine lines, boost the production of collagen, lighten brown spots and freckles, and improve skin texture.

Before and After Using Retinoid Creams

The retinoids – which have even been shown to help treat precancerous skin lesions -- is sold by prescription only under names that include Renova, Retin-A, and the generic Tretinoin.

A retinoid should be the foundation of any topical antiaging regimen.

Men and women should make a retinoid part of their evening regimen beginning in their 20s.

The downside is that retinoids can initially cause dryness, flaking, and redness.

Dermatologists say that starting out slowly, applying a pea-sized amount of retinoid every second or third night, can help your skin adjust to the powerful ingredient.

Or consider an over-the-counter cream, gel, or serum containing retinol. This nonprescription version of a retinoid works more gradually and gently but is still effective in rejuvenating your skin.

Serum Containing Retinol

Vichy LiftActiv Retional HA

Bombarding your skin with lots of different ingredients can be irritating. What’s more, used in combination, some ingredients will cancel out each other’s benefits.

For example, the acid in salicylic or glycolic acid breaks down ingredients like retinol, hydroquinone, or Vitamin C. More is not necessarily better.

 

The products necessary for beautiful skin aren’t glamorous, and include a simple cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, and a retinoid or retinol.

Skin Benefits of Tretinoin (Retinoic acid)

1.  Increased collagen stimulation: Avoiding Wrinkles

Tretinoin directly stimulates collagen formation by inhibiting collagen breakdown.  It increases extracellular collagen formation by 80% in the papillary dermis when used for 1 year!  The clinical effects relate to smoother and softer skin texture with a decrease of fine lines and wrinkles. So, it is one of the best anti-aging cream we can find.

2.  Protection from sun exposure

Tretinoin prevents breakdown of collagen from ultraviolet exposure.  It is still important to sun protect with an effective sunscreen.  

Apply Retinoids at Night and Sunscreen in the Morning

3. Treatment for Acne

Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. Examples of these are tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin) and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac).

Before and After Using Tretinoin

4.  Improves Pigmentation

Tretinoin increases cell turnover thereby removing epidermal cells containing pigment (melanin) giving a less pigmented appearance.  This increase of cell turnover also allows better penetration of a topical bleaching agent (hydroquinone) when used in combination.

It is important to remember to clean the face 20-30 minutes before application of tretinoin since application while the face is damp will increase sensitivity.

The third generation retinoic acids are the newest additions, adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac).

Adapalene (Differin) has less retinoid dermatitis than tretinoin, but it works primarily for acne and does not help a lot for photodamaged skin.

 Tazarotene (tazorac) has similar results as tretinoin in that it helps improve wrinkling, pore size, textural irregularities and hyperpigmentation.

So my recommendation is to use a form of retinoic acid at night before you sleep. There are generics available for Retina-A (tretinoin).  Apply a thin layer of tretinoin to your face and neck to help stimulate dermal collagen and help with cell turnover.

From time to time, your skin will peel, in which case, skip one night and reapply the next night.  To some degree you can think of topical retinoids as your own chemical peel.

ANTIAGING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS



ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS



Wrinkles and fine lines are two of the most common skin-aging indicators. You may choose to use anti-aging skin care products on older skin that is already showing signs of age, or you can use them early on to prevent deep lines and wrinkles from occurring. 

Some of the most natural anti-aging skin solutions can be made at home with simple ingredients found in the kitchen. For centuries, women have used natural products to reduce the appearance of aging from their faces. If you are interested in natural anti-aging recipes of natural oils, you will find them in my posts titled "Antiaging:Carrier Oils and Essential Oils".

Here you will find natural remedies other than natural oils:

Natural Remedies for Antiaging

 
1. MILK

Natural products are ideal to use on the skin since they contain no harsh chemicals or preservatives. As the skin ages, the production of collagen and elastin reduces, causing wrinkles and fine lines. Natural ingredients help to produce collagen, thus reducing aging effects.

Milk's antiaging properties

One natural ingredient that works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and hydrates the skin is milk. To moisturize the skin, massage milk into the face and neck morning and night. Milk contains lactic acid, one of the major types of alpha hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face, leaving it moisturized and producing new collagen and elastin. Lactic acid is also helpful in evening out skin pigmentation and texture, including dark age spots.

2. EGG WHITE

One of the most popular beauty treatments in anti-aging skincare is the use of egg whites. Protein in egg whites helps to constrict the top layer of skin cells, leaving it firm and smooth. Many individuals use egg whites around their eyes, most frequently to reduce the effects of fine lines and wrinkles known as “crow’s-feet.”

To use, crack open a single egg and discard the yolk. Beat the egg white until it foams and apply it on the outside of the eyes and allow to dry. Rinse off with warm water and add a thick eye cream to the area with lines and wrinkles.

3. FRESH CITRUS JUICE(vitamin c)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is good for the body both inside and out. Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges contain vitamin C, which works as an antioxidant against free radicals that cause skin damage such as lines or wrinkles. It also works to stimulate new production of collagen, leaving skin fresh and rejuvenated. Vitamin C also protects the skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays, which lead to dark age spots and redness in the skin.

Lemon Juice and Creamy Milk

Fresh citrus juice can be applied directly to the skin, however due to the acidity, mixing it with a creamy milk can make it safer to apply. Mix the juice of one fruit with 1/2 a cup of milk cream and apply it to the face, allowing it to dry. Rinse off with warm water and apply a thick face cream to seal in moisture.

ANTIAGING SKINCARE PRODUCTS

There are loads of over the counter anti-aging skin care products in the market. There are a wide variety of skin care treatments that you could choose from. Creams, lotions, topical creams are available over-the-counter. Topical creams are applied directly to the outer layer of the skin to counteract the damage done over the years and act on the outer layer of the skin to reduce noticeable signs of aging. For those who want quick results and needs more intensive treatment that will act on deeper layers of skin, laser therapy and injections can be administered by a trained professional. 

Among the anti-aging skin care products available in the market today, topical creams have the most number of ingredients that have shown promise for diminishing signs of aging in skin. Free radicals in the skin cells that cause damage by the particles can be treated by antioxidants, including Vitamin E, Vitamin C, retinol, and CoQ10. Other well known ingredients in topical anti-aging products are DMAE, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), hyaluronic acids, and peptides.

It's never too young to apply antiaging creams

Professional Antiaging Skin Care

Professional skin care treatments require more than just applying topical creams or lotion to the skin. If you want to resurface the skin, microdermabrasion and glycolic acids peel are available at many spas and salons. But a milder version of these products can be bought over the counter in drugstore and beauty stores. Another popular method is the Fraxel laser treatment that penetrates deep into the skin to combat aging damage within.

You have several options when it comes to anti aging skin care treatment. Some may not work as immediately as they promise but in the long run you will notice which is best suited for your case. Professional advice may be sought if needed.

My Best Over-The-Counter Antiaging Skin Care Products


1.Best Antiaging Day Cream:Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming UV Moisturizer SPF 15 (Price:$28)
 
2.Best Antiaging Night Cream: Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Night (Price:$42) 

3.Best Antiaging Face Serum:Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum (Price:$23)

4.Best Antiaging Eye Cream: Olay Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex (Price:$42) 

5. Best Antiaging Body Lotion: Olay Body Quench Plus Age Defying Body Lotion (Price:$8)

6. Best Antiaging Hand Cream:Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Hand Cream SPF 15 (Price:$14)

7.Best Antiaging Peel:Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-ageing Glycolic Peel Kit (Price:$25)