By Dr. Paul Blair, MD
What is a girl to do? There is so much advertising, so many products
to choose from and numerous claims to weed through; most individuals
are in a state of confusion. Skin is the largest organ of the body.
It protects bodies from the environment, regulates temperature and
makes individuals look young or old.
The number one enemy of skin is the sun or, more specifically, ultraviolet
radiation. Sun exposure or UV exposure is the number one aging factor
to skin. Also, sun or UV exposure can lead to skin cancers and particularly
melanoma which can be fatal. The number one recommendation for skin
care is the use of sunscreen. If there is only room in the suitcase
for one skin care product, pick a sunscreen. Each person’s individual
skin type, ranging from the type that always burns to the type that
rarely burns, dictates the SPF level in sunscreens. Make sure the
sunscreen has UVA and UVB protection. Another recommendation regarding
UV exposure is to avoid tanning beds. There is no such thing as a
safe UV tanning bed. If a tan is necessary, try a sunless spray-on
tan.
Physicians often recommend skin care products that can be used together
or individually depending on each person’s particular preference.
Alphahydroxy acids, or AHA’s. AHA’s have been very popular
over the last several years and have been incorporated in numerous
skin care products. Gycolic acid is another popular choice. Chemically
it is the simplest of all the AHA’s, and it penetrates the skin
the best. Unfortunately, most over the counter AHA products are blends
of several alpha hydroxy acids and are relatively weak. However, in
physician offices or medical spas, stronger concentrations or even
pure glycolic acid products are available. Normally an individual
starts out at an acid strength of 8% and can eventually move up to
strength of 18%. These concentrations can be used at home and are
usually applied twice per day. After using the products for several
weeks the skin is more taunt, clearer and fine lines are noticeably
fading. An advantage of glycolic acid is that it can be used with
other skin care regimens.
Retinols are the next suggestion. Retinols are Vitamin A type compounds.
The more familiar ones are Retin-A and Renova. Like the glycolic acids,
they improve the complexion and, in time, the skin is smoother with
less fine lines and a more homogenous look. The disadvantages of the
retinols are the over drying and irritating of the skin. Most of them
are only available by prescription, which can also be a disadvantage.
Frequently patients use Retin-A or Renova at night and a glycolic
acid during the day. This enables the patient to benefit from both
products. Kinerase works similarly to the retinols. It is usually
less irritating and does not need a prescription.
The next evolution in skin care is anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are
used on the skin surface as well as taken internally. There are C-esters,
alpha lipoic acid and variations on vitamin C and A. These preparations
will help the skin in their own unique way.
Dr. Paul Blair is medical director of Alex-Alexa Medical Spa,
1669 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane WV. For more information call 304-201-3223
or 866-243-2539.
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