Month: April 2016

Photodamage, commonly known as sun damage, occurs when the skin is overwhelmed by ultraviolet (UV) rays, resulting in scar tissue buildup and dermal thinning. The changes that the body incurs, however, are not evident on the skin’s surface until years later. As skin ages, visible effects of photodamage appear as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Treating photodamage is a process that requires a long-term management program including lifestyle changes, stress reduction and improved nutrition.

Neglecting to shield sun-sensitive skin from harmful UV rays can easily exacerbate photodamage and counteract any progress made with resurfacing and restorative products. To ensure enduring results, a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen should be applied daily for maximum defense, like Peptide-Rich Defense with SPF 50.

The skin is already under attack from inflammation caused by dietary and environmental stress. Damaged skin is even more susceptible to free radical assaults. Hence, photodamage treatment requires a specialized support system. Serums, masks and cleansers containing reparative ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants, enzymes, peptides and growth factors provide indirect support to the skin by helping to increase cellular turnover, inhibit melanin production and reduce inflammation.

Chirally-correct skin care with ingredients such as tyrosinase inhibitors, antioxidants, pepoxide and encapsulated retinol are extremely effective for driving results. Naturally, that program begins with rebuilding the skin. Only after the layers of dead skin are removed can fresh, new skin cells thrive. But because photodamage-afflicted skin is highly sensitive, promoting healthy change is crucial. Professional metabolic peels, such as those offered by COSMEDIX professional skincare, are designed to gently stimulate fibroblasts €” skin-rejuvenating collagen and elastin fibers €” without the irritation and excessive peeling of traditional chemical peel treatments.

 

“I’m addicted to COSMEDIX Refine: I use it nightly. Its Retinol smooths out neck lines…”

Like it or loathe it, all of us want fresh, firm, clear and evenly toned skin, regardless of age or skin color. What it represents is perfect harmony€”skin that is well-nourished, well-protected and balanced inside and out. This is skin that’s never seen a blemish, is uniformly pigmented from head to toe and ages a little past its youthful carefree years where proper skin care was an afterthought. For the majority of us, the pursuit of skin perfection is a lifelong struggle. Beautiful skin is readily achieved by focusing on the skin’s most basic needs. Recognizing four skin-specific requirements €” fats, proteins, antioxidants and stimulants €” COSMEDIX emphasizes the importance of internal and external nourishment.

The Five “A” Approach

COSMEDIX takes a five “A” approach to fulfilling the skin’s needs. There are five categories of active ingredients used to treat common skin problems: acids (hydroxy and antimicrobial), vitamin A, amino acids, antioxidants and ascorbic acid. Ingredients in each category are designated according to their principle action

Acids

The primary role of acids is exfoliation. Comprised of alpha, beta and poly hydroxy acids and microbials, common examples include salicylic and lactic acid. These ingredients help the skin shed its outer layer of dead cells, known as the stratum corneum, at a more accelerated rate by dissolving the adhesive links, known as desmosomes, between surface cells called corneocytes. By sloughing away corneocytes, acids reveal the fresher, younger looking skin directly beneath the surface.

 Vitamin A

Vitamin A stimulates cell turnover. COSMEDIX combines retinol €” a form of vitamin A €” in a arabino-galactan-protein (AGP) complex made from wine grapes to enhance the rate of turnover while eliminating the ingredient’s trademark irritation. As healthy, new skin cells appear, unsightly lines, wrinkles and surface roughness fade from sight. The result is a smoother, suppler, noticeably younger-looking complexion.

Amino Acids

Peptides and growth factors usually come to mind when discussing amino acids. As the building blocks of these and other proteins, amino acids primarily aid in cell repair and skin matrix support. Assisting in wound healing, surface remodeling and collagen production, these ingredients help sustain the skin’s extracellular structure. While the body produces its own supply of these key substances, its output dwindles with age. As a result, the skin starts to sag and lose form. By reintroducing such substances topically, we can supplement our internal deficiency and help restore firmness and elasticity to the skin.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are skin protectors. Antioxidants scour the body in search of volatile, cell-crippling agents from UV rays, urban pollution and environmental factors. Free radicals cause the degeneration often associated with sun damage and premature aging. Antioxidants, however, intervene in the process, sacrificing themselves to neutralize the free radical threat and, literally, save face.

Ascorbic Acid

Commonly known as vitamin C, ascorbic acid is among nature’s most potent antioxidants. Offering powerful protection against UV-induced free radicals, it encourages healthy wound healing and helps suppress cutaneous pigmentation. It also assists in the manufacturing of collagen, improving skin elasticity and reducing the look of lines and wrinkles.