Aging Skin

Your skin is constantly replenishing itself. When you are younger your skin’s turnover rate is about every 15 to 18 days, when you start approaching your mid thirties the process slows down to as much as every 28 days. The upper most layer, the epidermis, is where we shed our skin cells and reveal the newer, fresher cells that are produced at the basal layer (the bottom). Any product that is bought in the stores and makeup counters at those expensive boutiques affects this layer only. The next layer down is the dermis. This level contains glands nerves, capillaries, your body’s melanin (The cells that are responsible for your coloring) plus sweat glands that moderate your body’s temperature.

The dermis also contains collagen and elastin. Your collagen and elastin are responsible for that springiness that gives your skin its youthful vitality. Without this, in addition to lessened sebum (oil) production and slower cellular turnover rate as you age your skin appears more wrinkled and dryer than in your youth. Then there is the basal layer, which we previously spoke about. It is in the basal layer that the skin cells are produced. This is where it all starts and this is where the magical renewal process can work its wonder of providing our bodies with the ability to uncover newer healthier and unblemished skin!

Sun Damage

Your skin not only appears aged because you grow older, even the youngest of individuals can appear prematurely aged because of photoaging. Photo-aging is the damage received due to the excessive exposure to the sun. This includes indoor tanning equipment as well. The UV light exposure (more often UVB, remember, B as in “bad”, UVA, as in aging) destroys your skins collagen and elastin supply within the dermis. Your body reacts to the excessive UV light and a thicker layer of skin cells forms in an attempt to protect your body from the UV exposure.

Have you ever noticed how it seems that when you lay out for days in the sun or the many sessions in a tanning bed to get that healthy glow you seem to lose it pretty quickly? Well, the reason your tan seems to be vanishing so quick is because your skins renewal rate actually speeds up to rid itself of the damaged cells. That’s right, the more you tan the more you must tan to retain that look of having been on vacation.

Types of Aging

Research shows that there are in fact two distinct types of aging. Aging caused by the genes we inherit called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays.

Intrinsic (internal) Aging

Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid twenties. Within the skin collagen production slows and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place has a bit less spring. Expression lines start to deepen, dead skin calls do not shed as quickly and the turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. Genes control how quickly the normal aging process unfolds. While these changes usually begin in our twenties the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades.

Extrinsic (external) Aging

A number of extrinsic or external factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, smoking and lifestyle.

Prevention

While you cannot stop or even slow down the intrinsic aging process, you can prevent signs of premature aging by protecting your skin from the sun, quitting smoking, and eliminating facial exercises.

Treatment

Scientific research in the field of anti-aging continues to give rise to new and promising treatment options. A thorough consultation can help you sort through these numerous treatment options, including the myriad of over-the-counter products. During a consultation I will examine your skin, discuss your expectation, and recommend suitable treatment options customized for you.

Pigmentation Irregularities

Age Spots, Sun Spots & Liver Spots

Age spots are also known as sunspots, liver spots, hyperpigmentation, lentigo or lentigines. These lesions are flat, tan brown, or dark brown spots on sun exposed skin. Sunspots are associated with cumulative sun exposure. The pigment producing cells in the skin (called melanocytes) are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) by ultraviolet rays.

Age spots increase with age and with increased sun exposure. They are more common in people who freckle and who burn easily. Age spots are flat and vary in size from a small pea to a dime. They usually are somewhat round and have irregular borders. They are found on chronically sun-exposed areas such as the shoulders, upper back, face, forearms and the backs of the hands.

The best treatment for age spots is prevention. The key to preventing age spots is sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use. For example, you wont find age spots on your inner thigh because of minimal or no sun exposure. However, for most of us it is too late for prevention. Fortunately there are a number of treatment options available.

Melasma, Darkening of the skin

Irregular patches of dark skin on the face characterize Melasma, also known as cholasma. These tan or brown patches usually occur symmetrically on the cheeks, upper lip, nose, or forehead. The symmetry of melasma distinguishes it from other conditions that cause darkening of the skin.

Melasma is a common condition and is found more often in women. Those with darker skin types (including, Indians, Hispanics, Middle-Easterners and North Africans) are often more prone to melasma than those with lighter complexions.

Within a patch of melasma, pigment-producing cells (called melanocytes) are increased in number and each melanocyte produces more pigment (called melanin). Increased melanin in the skin lead to the tan or brown discoloration.

The cause of melasma is not fully understood, however genetics, hormonal changes, and sun exposure are known to play important roles. For example, melasma often occurs with pregnancy, hence the term “mask of pregnancy.” Oral contraceptives can also trigger melasma.

Acne

Acne is a common chronic skin disorder affecting most teens to some extent, and adults as well. It is caused by several factors called trigger factors including clogging of the hair follicles, excess oil production, bacteria and hormones. Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules nodules and cysts can occur on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and back.

Acne can be disfiguring and emotionally upsetting. Since it can cause permanent scarring, acne should be treated early. Acne is generally not caused by foods, but if certain foods aggravate it they should be avoided.

There are various treatments for acne. Controlling acne is an ongoing process and any treatment takes time. It is important to be patient and follow all instructions given to achieve the best possible results.

Waiting for acne to disappear or simply hoping to “outgrow it” is no solution to the problem. In fact, leaving the problem unchecked can lead to permanent scarring of the skin. With my professional help we can effectively control acne outbreaks and prevent its recurrence through a combination of topical treatments and other specialized therapies.

Topical Treatment

Topical treatments such as cleansers, creams, gels and topical antibiotics that contain different medicines may be recommended to provide specific benefits such as:

• Cleansing the skin
• Drying out pimples
• Killing surface bacteria
• Loosening and eliminating blackheads
• Preventing new acne

Specialized Therapy

For certain cases, other specialized therapies may also be recommended to remove whiteheads and blackheads, reduce inflammation, unclog pores or control acne blemishes including:

Comedone extraction - This procedure uses a special instrument to gently remove whiteheads and blackheads and open clogged pores.

Acne Peels and Microdermabraion -Depending on the type of acne being treated one of these procedures will be chosen to compliment your topical acne treatment.

Complexion’s also offers high quality professional products for acne prone skin, so there is no uncertainty about the correct products to use at home.

Perioral Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a common, yet curious skin condition that takes its name from its location. Peri means “around” and of course oral, means “mouth”. Therefore, perioral dermatitis is an eruption that is limited to the area surrounding the mouth

Perioral dermatitis is a common facial skin problem in adult women. It rarely occurs in men. Groups of itchy or tender small red spots appear most often around the mouth. They spare the skin bordering the lips (which then appears pale) but develop on the chin, upper lip and cheeks. The skin surface becomes dry and flaky having a sensation of burning and tension. Itching can occur bit is rare. The features of the lesions resemble those of rosacea.

What causes Perioral Dermatitis?

Hormonal factors are suspected. Oral contraceptives may be a factor. There are many theories about why this condition occurs. Dermatologists believe it is a form of rosacea. Medicated creams applied to the face can also cause perioral dermatitis. Occasionally, a new onset of acne rosacea can mimic the appearance of perioral dermatitis. Here’s a list of potential cosmetic ingredients one may want to consider avoiding if affected by PD:

• Petrolatum
• Paraffin
• Flourinated Toothpaste
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Isopropyl Myristate
• Cinnamon Flavoring (Oral care products, candies and gum)
• Tartar Control Ingredients

There is no guarantee that avoiding these ingredients in your cosmetics and grooming supplies will automatically “cure” you of perioral dermatitis. But it may be worthwhile to try a skin “elimination diet” to rule them out as a possible flare factor. A mild cleanser should be used for washing. Scrubbing the face with anything should be avoided. Topical antibacterial creams and lotions may also be used for relief. These can be continued for several months in order to prevent recurrences. Even after successful treatment, perioral dermatitis sometimes comes back at a later date. Usually, the same type treatment will again be effective. Many cases that come back eventually turn into rosacea. Perioral dermatitis is a common skin problem, but fortunately most people do very well with proper treatment.

Make Sun Protection A Must

Ultraviolet light, heat and wind are thought to make PD look worse. Apply a broad spectrum SPF 15-30 every day; make sure it’s fragrance free.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin disorder that affects the face but may involve the chest and back as well. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. The disease is more frequently diagnosed in women, but more severe symptoms tend to be seen in men. Rosacea can vary substantially from one individual to another, and in most cases some rather than all the potential signs and symptoms appear. Rosacea usually includes at least one of the following primary signs, however various secondary signs and symptoms may develop.

Flushing - Many people with rosacea have a history of frequent blushing or flushing, this facial redness may come and go and is often the earliest sign of the disorder.

Persistent Redness - Persistent facial redness is the most common individual sign of rosacea and may resemble a blush or sunburn that does not go away.

Bumps and Pimples - Small red solid bumps or pus-filled pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent and burning or stinging may occur.

Visible Blood Vessels - In many people with rosacea, small blood vessels become visible on the skin.

It may first appear as flushing with redness that occurs on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Tiny veins develop and then papules and pustules occur. Aggravating factors include stress, sun exposure consumption of hot liquids, spicy foods or alcohol, extreme hot or cold temperatures, or wind.

While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, therapy is available to control or reverse its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to seek a knowledgeable practitioner for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Patients should check with their practitioner to ensure their skin care routine is compatible with their rosacea. A gentle skin-care routine can also help to control rosacea. Patients are advised to cleanse their face with a mild cleanser, rinse with lukewarm water and blot the face dry with a thick cotton towel. Never pull tug or use a rough washcloth.

Patients may apply non-irritating skin care products as needed, and are advises to protect the skin from sun exposure using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Cosmetics may be used to conceal redness and other unpleasant symptoms of rosacea. These include camouflage make up or green tinted foundations.