Archive for September, 2011

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Do Natural Remedies Help?

Wrinkles and blemishes are signs and symptoms that result from aging process and from photo-aging due to ultra-violet radiation from sunlight. Additionally cancer of skin can result from over exposure to sunlight. Due to the improved technologies in the formulation of anti-aging natural products [homeopathic] the results from treatments of wrinkles and blemishes have been very good and satisfactory to many patients compared many years ago. The active ingredients in these selected products are known to heal and promote the growth of collagen and elastin of the connective tissues of the skin. Increased production of enzymes and new cells growth in the skin are some of the benefits from these anti-aging natural medications.

To understand better how these products work lets review a little bit of the pathogenesis of wrinkles and blemishes. In aging process, the new cells growth and cell divisions become slower or delayed in the different layers of skin. In the 3 layers of skin [epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous] there are specific cells, tissues, and glands are located. Each layer has specific functions in concert to each other. In aging the 3 layers of skin slowly thin out depending upon the general health make up of an individual. The cells, connective tissues [collagen], glands, and fat cells atrophy causing shrinkage and diminished elasticity of the skin. The end result being that of wrinkles.

The epidermis recognizes invading pathogens and other foreign substances and generate abundant cytokines. The melanocytes reside in the epidermal basal membrane layer producing and distributing photo-protective melanin to the keratinocytes. With aging the dermal-epidermal junction flattens. The number of interdigitation dramatically decreases resulting in a smaller contact surface area between the dermis and epidermis. As a result the dermal-epidermal separation occurs more readily to tear or blister from even a mild trauma. This pathologic alteration can probably also compromises communications and nutrient transfer between epidermis and dermis affecting the mechanical barrier and immunologic function of epidermis.

The 3rd. layer of skin [subcutaneous] stars to thin out in aging. The connective tissues [collagen-fibrous], fat cells, oil glands [sebaceous glands], sweat glands, and blood vessels if involved with arteriosclerosis start to atrophy causing shrinkage and diminished elasticity of skin and exaggerate wrinkles.

Photo-aging is a premature aging of skin due to ultra-violet radiation from sun light. This aging process is manifested by wrinkles and some blemishes. the ultra-violet radiation damages the collagen fibers and elastin both proteins that maintain the structure and strength of skin. In response to the damaged elastin by ultra-violet radiation the body produces a good amount of metalloproteinosis some of which breakdown collagen resulting to uneven formation of matrix of disorganized collagen fibers called solar scars. Cumulative repetition of this matrix [abnormal collagen fibers rebuilding] causes wrinkles. During this process of formation of abnormal disorganized collagen fibers [wrinkles] there is over production of oxidants called free radicals. Excessive amount of oxidants damage the body cells and even alter their genetic components. Oxidation contributes to wrinkle formation by activating the so called metallopro-teinosis that degrade connective tissues.

Prevention of Wrinkles and Blemishes Due To Aging and Photo- Aging

Appropriate and diligent use of sunscreens and or sun blockers. Not only for people who are over ex-posed but also people who are less exposed who are with skin photo types [SPTS] 1&2 who are sensitive to sun light. Use hats with wide brim and sun glasses. Protect the skin with tight woven fabric clothes. Avoid sun tanning all together as ultra-violet rays still produced from it. Avoid over exposure to sun light even when using sun blockers or sun screen. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol as the incidents of wrinkles and blemishes are higher on those who use than those who don’t. Alcohol can cause edema of the face and around the eyes resulting to sagging and puffiness. Use vitamin D supplement if there is over protection from sun light and taking foods with less vitamin. Deficiency of vitamin D may result to rickets, osteoporosis, and some cancers including melanoma of skin. Eat healthy foods like:fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils like olive oil. These foods have high contents of anti-oxidants. Regular exercises help peripheral circulations which deliver oxygen to skin.

Treatment for Wrinkles and Blemishes with Anti-aging Natural Products

There are various ways of treating wrinkles and blemishes that include topical natural products, prescribed medications by Dermatologists, and surgical procedures by Plastic Surgeons. Treatments such as high concentration of chemical peeler or exfoliators, injectable fillers, micro-lipo injection, silicon injection, botox injection, and various surgical procedures. all these are complex and not without complications. They are expensive and may not be with perfect results.

We think that anti-aging natural products should be tried first on younger patients below 60years with simple to moderate degree of lesions. They seem to respond better than the older people. Although these older group should try these remedies. The few selected anti-aging and exfoliative natural products contain active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, argireline, matrexyl, dernox src, vitamin A&E, and anti-oxidants. Topical use of alpha or beta hydroxy acids and similar substances incorporated in an exfoliator cream may do the job of removing blemishes and even promote the production of collagen and elastin.

For more severe type of wrinkles and blemishes [purpura, seborrheic keratoses, and skin cancers] patients should seek consultation with physicians.

In summary, we think that based from our experience and research, natural products [homeopathic] that contain the necessary ingredients for healing, promote growth of collagen and elastin and exfoliation of damage or dead cells of epidermis are effective anti-aging treatment for wrinkles and blemishes.

Posted by on September 27th, 2011 No Comments

Simple Daily Skin Care Tips

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and you need to take care of it. Nourish it, properly cleanse it and protect it. The use of several skin care products is overrated, unnecessary and can end up being very expensive. There are many natural options to use in your daily skin care regime, or find that one product that works best for you and stick with it.

The outermost layer of our skin can be easily harmed by environmental influences, but no need to purchase an excess of products. Taking care of your skin is easier than most people are led to believe. There are many natural and healthy choices you can make to keep your skin looking great. Exercise, plenty of sleep and a healthy diet are all vital aspects to keeping your skin healthy.

Eating well and drinking plenty of water has such a positive effect on your skin. Your skin needs to be nourished and hydrated on a regular basis. You should also be eating essential fatty acids. Essentials fats assist in cell development and aid skin conditions such as eczema and dry skin.

Protect your skin and wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is such an important aspect to your daily skin care. Many people don’t realize the importance and benefits of wearing sunscreen on a regular basis. Most think that you only need to slather it on when spending an entire day at the beach in the sun however, sunscreen is recommended for most days. Sunscreen protects your from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Wearing sunscreen daily will help to prevent wrinkles, freckles and premature aging. Sunscreen also helps protect against burning and the risk of skin cancer.

Daily cleansing is essential to healthy skin. It’s important to maintain a daily cleansing routine. Use a gentle cleanser twice daily to remove dirt, excess oil, make-up, and pollutants from pores and prevent drying out.

Exfoliate after cleansing skin up to a few times a week. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells which make your skin look dull. It also helps to unblock pores and leaves your skin feeling smooth and looking radiant. Exfoliating also helps to improve circulation.

Use a toner to remove any remnants of cleanser or dirt. Toning will also help to shrink pores to prevent more dirt from getting in and will give you a more even complexion. If you have oily skin use an astringent. But remember to moisturize afterwards to prevent your skin from compensation for the lack of moisture by creating more oil. A great natural astringent is lemon juice. Let juice dry on skin and rinse after 15 minutes.

Moisturizing is essential to keeping your skin hydrated and smooth. The best time to moisturize is after cleansing. Everyone needs to moisturize whether you have dry, normal or oily skin. You can find a moisturizer to best suit you.. People with dry skin will need a more intense moisturize, while people with oily skin will need an oil free moisturizer. If you have oily skin it’s still important to moisturize. If not using a moisturizer you will then produce yet more oil to compensate. Moisturizing will prevent drying, cracking and flaking of skin and keep it looking healthy.

Posted by on September 13th, 2011 No Comments