A smooth, clear
complexion is one of the most important
attributes of physical attractiveness. And the
majority of women believe that beautiful skin is
important—but not because it makes them feel
young or sexy, but because it makes them feel
good about themselves. A national survey trying
to determine women’s feeling and beliefs about
their skin concluded that 96 percent of women
are striving for radiant skin.
However, as we get older, maintaining healthy
skin and a clear, youthful complexion becomes
harder and harder. Especially when it comes to
the face. As the most exposed part of your body,
your face is vulnerable to the destructive rays
of the sun, acne, rashes, allergic reactions,
and a whole range of injuries that can leave
visible scars. Smoking, yo-yo dieting, nutrition
and proper hydration also play pivotal roles in
how your skin looks and feels.
As a woman ages, the collagen network that
supports her skin can weaken and cause facial
lines to form. Collagen gives skin strength and
suppleness as well as an inherent ability to
retain moisture, so as skin matures it may also
become dryer.
The good news is science has made dramatic
inroads into skin care formulations.
Breakthrough advances are bringing rapid changes
to the skin care industry. Women now have many
options when it comes to choosing an individual
skin care regime.
Using
moisturizing skin care products that contain
exfoliating glycolic acids can help keep the
skin looking fresh and decrease the appearance
of fine lines. Retin-A is also useful in working
to eliminate fine wrinkles, sun damage and age
spots by continually sloughing off the
outermost, dead layer of skin and increasing
collagen production. Retin-A can be even more
effective when used in combination with other
treatments, such as glycolic acid or bleaching
cream.
One of the safest and best choices are products
that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Functioning as chemical exfoliators, AHAs help
shed older, top-layer skin cells, unclog pores
and step up circulation leaving skin with a
fresh, glowing appearance.
AHA's can also improve acne. Lotions or cremes
that contain AHA's, in addition to salicylic
acid, have been known to effectively unclog
blackheads and whiteheads.
Another skin care product available today is
Renova, released on the market in March 1996.
Similar to Retin-A and manufactured by the same
company, Renova contains the active ingredient
tretinoin. Tretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative,
increases dermal thickness by increasing
collagen production.
Since Retin-A was generally used for the
treatment of acne, Renova has been formulated in
an emollient base, with less drying effect. This
product, much like Retin-A, can be used to
improve fine wrinkles and to reverse some skin
changes related to photoaging (sun damage).
In the past, vitamins were not widely used in
cosmetics because it was believed they could not
penetrate the skin. New formulations have made
this possible and as a result, vitamins are now
being used extensively in skin care products.
Vitamins of particular interest in a
skin care program are Vitamin A, E, C, D and
Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5). Although topical
vitamins may have some anti-oxidant properties,
they can not replace or substitute for a healthy
diet!
Whatever skin care treatment you choose,
protecting yourself from harmful UVA and UVB
rays emitted by the sun (or tanning booths) is
the most important way to take care of your
skin. There is no substitute for this type of
protection, and of all the options, this is the
most
important. Be sure to protect your skin by using
a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more.
Much like exercise, a personalized skin care
program you will use on a consistent basis is
important. I recommend Aesthessence, a line of
skin care products that combines effective
levels of alpha-hydroxy acids to stimulate cell
rejuvenation with luxurious botanical
ingredients to moisturize, replenish and clarify
the complexion. Different formulations can be
used to benefit your unique skin type. |
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Diane Gibby, M.D., P.A., F.A.C.S Licensed in Texas, Dr. Diane Gibby is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the founder of The Women's Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), American Medical Association (AMA), Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons (TSPS), Dallas County Medical Society (DCMS) and the Board Certified Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons of Dallas. She is also a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (F.A.C.S.). Dr. Gibby's office is located at Medical City Dallas, Building C, Suite 820, (972) 566-6323. Individuals interested in brochures or names of qualified plastic surgeons in their area may call the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
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