My patients always ask me what they can do to improve the appearance of their skin. To make it easy, I have put together this list I call the: Must Haves for Anti Aging/Skin Rejuvenation.
1. Retinoid – Can be prescription (Retinoic Acid, Tretinoin) or non-prescription (Retinol). Non-prescription should be pharmaceutical grade found at physician offices. Numerous clinical studies show this is the most effective ingredient for anti aging, but needs to be in the proper strength. Retinol is vital for the formation of healthy skin cells.
• Improves the appearance of fine lines, aging, sun-damaged skin
• Enhances skin texture and accelerates exfoliation
• Creates a more vibrant, firmer, and evenly colored complexion
• Stimulates collagen production and increases skin elasticity
2. Antioxidants – Topically applied Vitamin C (oral vitamins don’t make it to the skin). Latest research shows Vitamin C should be fat-soluble. Best if combined with other antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Vitamin C is a building block of collagen. It also helps to prevent new damage by neutralizing free radicals that if not neutralized, cause the skin to age faster. Damage by free radicals is one of the key mechanisms of the aging process.
• Improves skin tone, texture, and firmness
• Promotes cell renewal and is a building block of collagen
3. Growth Factors – Helps repair the damage from aging. Originally used for wound healing then crossed over into cosmeceuticals because aging skin has needs comparable to wounded skin. Because of the ability of growth factors to repair, there are multiple benefits.
• Enhance skin texture
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Decrease the appearance of age spots and blotchiness.
• Improve skin firmness and resiliency.
4. AHAs – As we age, cell turnover slows and dead cells accumulate on the surface contributing to a dry/rough/dull texture. AHAs mildly exfoliate (remove dead layers) to allow other products to work better. AHAs increase skin’s moisture by about 20 percent with regular usage.
• Improves skin texture, tone and smoothness
• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles
• Exfoliates dead, surface skin cells allowing fresh, young cells to surface
• Helps keep surface cells soft and pliable
5. Sun protection – Sunscreen containing Zinc and a minimum SPF 30.
6. Peels – Light chemical peels done on a routine basis will provide healthy cell turnover and keep the skin looking vibrant.
A few other great ingredients to add for maximum benefits, but only if you are already using all the “must haves” are Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides.
For more information, please contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care at 661-254-3686 (press 2 and then 1) for a free consultation or visit www.CreatingBeauty.com/Thermage .