Wrinkle Treatments Guide

My Favorite Last Minute Vacation Resource

2006-06-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever missed a last minute vacation just because you didn't plan in advance?

Or was your vacation ruined because you didn't have enough time to do more research?

Well, I guess I've found the solution! I've come across this amazing resource that is a god sent for you travellers out there. It's called:

Last Minute Vacations Guide
Bargain deals for last minute travellers, useful resources on how you can stretch your money further.

Whether you are really planning a last minute vacation, or simply getting ready for one in a few months time, this site will prove invaluable to your planning needs.

New Acne Treatment, Eye Care & Vitamin Supplements Sites to Take a Look

2006-05-07T07:22:00.000-07:00

Vitamin Supplements Guide
Vitamin Supplements Information for the young and old, including the latest news on Vitamin Supplements.

Eye Care Guide
Eye Care Information for the young and old, including the latest news on eye care.

Acne Treatment Guide
Acne Treatment Information for the young and old, including the latest news on Acne Treatment.

Wrinkle Problems? Fret not!

2006-03-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Does your search for effective wrinkle treatments always end up in expensive frustration?

If you are still searching for solutions that really work, you've come knocking on the right door...

You see, I too, had my fair share of skin care problems.

In the beginning, I thought wrinkles were my "part-of-the-package" gift as I aged.

Those darn wrinkles that I thought only elephants have began "claiming their territory" on my face!

I then made it my mission to find out all that I could about treating getting rid of wrinkles, so that I could banish them forever from the face of...my face!

In this website, I'm more than happy to share with you the fruits of my research.

From the various causes wrinkles, to the types of wrinkle treatments that work, you can find your answer here at our website.

I hope that your journey to a smooth and flawless face will be a pleasant one!

Wrinkles: What they are, and how you can stop them
Having problems with fine lines and wrinkles? Learn more about wrinkles and how you can prevent them

Wrinkle Treatments The Right Way
Follow these proven wrinkle treatments steps to attain a smoother, more youthful you

Wear Sunscreen | The Best Sunscreen | Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen
Choosing the best sunscreen and actively wear sunscreen correctly can literally take years off your face

Vitamins for Skin Care |Vitamins For Wrinkle | Vitamins For Acne | Antiaging Vitamin
Taking the right vitamins for skin care can help reduce acne, prevent wrinkles, and even reverse aging. Select wisely and you'll be well on your way to more youthful looking skin!

How soft tissue fillers can reduce wrinkles
Find out how the latest soft tissue fillers can reduce wrinkles and make you look younger

Dermabrasion: It ain't new, but it sure works!
Find out why the 100-year old Dermabrasion is still the dermatologic procedure of choice for resurfacing deep facial scars and defects.

Radiofrequency: Your Alternative to the Traditional Facelift
Non-Invasive Radiofrequency Treatment is an Alternative to the Traditional Facelift. Find out why this non-invasive procedure is so appealing to youth-seekers

Fat Rebalancing: A New Alternative to the Fountain of Youth
A new technique known as fat rebalancing offers patients the opportunity to use their own fat to literally turn back the hands of time and restore their youthful appearance.

Non-ablative Lasers: Regaining That Youthful Glow is Only a Light Beam Away
New non-ablative lasers can treat the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, brown spots, loss of elasticity.

Botox: Put Your Best Face Forward
Find out how Botox (botulinum toxin) works, its specific cosmetic uses, and how you can get the best results.

Health And Wellness Resources | Health Care Information | Skin Care Information
A Comprehensive Collection of Health And Wellness Resources for a Healthy You!

Link Exchange Partner | Free Link Exchange | Reciprocal Link Exchange
Be a Link Exchange Partner of "Acne And Wrinkle Treatments Guide" and submit your site for FREE!

Wrinkles and You

2006-03-09T01:03:00.000-08:00

We begin to age the moment we are born, and throughout our lives the effects of wrinkles and aging are evident in our bodies.

Up to about age 20 years, the most visually prominent effects of aging are in growth and development. Beginning in our 20s, the effects of aging begin to be visible in the skin.

Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes biochemical changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that give skin its firmness and elasticity.

The genetic program for each person is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared with another.

As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier. Underlying fat padding begins to disappear. With loss of underlying support by fat padding and connective tissues, the skin begins to sag. It looks less supple, and wrinkles form.

The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether fine surface lines or deeper creases and folds, is the classic early sign of accumulated skin damage and inevitable aging.

Premature aging and wrinkling of the skin may be accelerated by excessive exposure to the sun and other elements, overactive facial expression muscles, the frequent use of tobacco products, poor nutrition, or skin disorders.

Fine surface lines that progress to deeper creases, deepening facial expression due to repeated skin folding, and deep folds which develop with one's maturity are obvious changes which may combine to portray a less desirable appearance.

Persistent facial lines, especially those involved in negative emotional expressions, may mistakenly portray to others, the look of worry, anger, anxiety, disgust or sadness, despite one's own positive internal feelings.

Some factors that causes these lines are discussed in further detail below:

Aging Effects of the Sun and Wrinkles

Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging. Most of the photoaging effects occur by age 20. The amount of damage to the skin caused by the sun is determined by the total lifetime amount of radiation exposure and the person's pigment protection.

Changes in the epidermis caused by the sun include thinning of the epidermis and the growth of skin lesions such as actinic keratoses, basal cell carcinomas, and squamous cell carcinomas.

In the dermis, sun effects cause collagen to break down at a higher rate than with just chronologic aging. Sunlight damages collagen fibers and causes the accumulation of abnormal elastin.

When this sun-induced elastin accumulates, enzymes called metalloproteinases are produced in large quantities.

Normally, metalloproteinases remodel sun-injured skin by manufacturing and reforming collagen. However, this process does not always work well and some of the metalloproteinases actually break down collagen.

This results in the formation of disorganized collagen fibers known as solar scars. When the skin repeats this imperfect rebuilding process over and over, lines develop.

Free Radicals and Wrinkles
Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that have only one electron instead of two. Because electrons are found in pairs the molecule must scavenge other molecules for another electron.

When the second molecule looses its electron to the first molecule, it must then find another electron repeating the process.

This process can damage cell function and alter genetic material.

Free radical damage causes wrinkles by activating the metalloproteinases that break down collagen.

There are several factors that start this cascading process including exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation in sunlight, smoking, and exposure to air pollution.

Hormone Effects and Wrinkles
It is likely that there are skin changes as a result of the hormonal effects of menopause or decreased estrogen production.

However, studies in humans have not documented which skin changes are specific to decreased estrogen and which skin changes are a result of sun exposure or just normal chronological aging.

In animal experiments lack of estrogen can cause a decrease in collagen levels of 2% per year and a decrease in skin thickness of 1% per year.

Muscle Use and Wrinkles
Habitual facial expressions cause the skin to wrinkle as it looses elasticity. Frown lines between the eyebrows and crows feet radiating from the corners of the eyes develop as the tiny muscles in those areas permanently contract.

Gravity and Wrinkles
The effects of gravity make the loosening of the skin more apparent as skin sags more. This causes jowls and drooping eyelids.

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Link Exchange Partner

2006-03-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

Like what you see here so far? Then consider becoming our Link Exchange Partner.

Well, if you believe this site is useful and would like to link to it, there are some things I need you to know first.

I treat link exchange very seriously, and I only want links to and from related sites that are of good quality.

Needless to say, sites with illegal, pornographic, offensive or otherwise totally irrelevant material will not be approved.

My purpose of link exchange is to add value to my visitors and readers, and not merely to "boost" my page rank in the search engines.

If my link on your site is like 10 clicks away from your main page, or is clustered together with 1000 other links on the same page, forget it.

These are the basic requirements to be listed on Acne And Wrinkle Treatments Guide as a Link Exchange Partner:

useful and relevant

must

not more than

ONLY

Title:

URL:

Description:

<a href=http://wrinkle-treatments-guide.blogspot.com/ target='_blank'><strong>Wrinkle Treatments Guide</strong></a><br>Having wrinkle problems? Everything you need to know about wrinkle and what you need to treat it can be found right here!

Then, email us and include the following details:

Title of Your Site*
Your Site URL*
Your Site Description*
Which site is my URL on?*
E-mail Address*

Once we receive your request for a reciprocal link exchange, we will respond within 7 days ONLY if you fulfill the minimum requirements.

If your request for a reciprocal link exchange is approved, we will place the link to your site on our Health Resources page.

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Link Directories

2006-03-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

Here are some useful Link Directories for your information.

123 Kidz Area.com - Your Family Internet Directory
A Family Internet Directory - Online Games and Printables, Shopping, Parenting and more.

Additional Link Directories will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Women's Health

2006-03-09T00:59:00.001-08:00

Here are some useful Women's Health Resources for your information.

Healthy Living Overview: physical, spiritual and emotional health for moms
Healthy living for moms of all ages and stages. The latest information to achieve optimum physical health, including healthy weight loss, exercise.

Additional Women's Health Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Hair Care Resources

2006-03-09T00:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some useful Hair Care Resources for your information.

Long hairstyles
Provides advice, tips and the latest trends for long hairstyles

Additional Hair Care Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Herbal Remedies Resources

2006-03-09T00:58:00.002-08:00

Here are some useful Herbal Remedies Resources for your information.

Natural Skin Care Products by Herbal Luxuries
Offers a variety of natural skin care, hair and body care products made from natural organic and therapeutic grade ingredients. Anti-aging and acne treatment for all skin types
Directory of Alternative Medicine
Offers a categorized directory of 20,000+ Alternative Medicine websites, free Herbal Glossary search utility, and resources to promote Ayurveda remedies.
Best Home Remedy
A collection of home and herbal remedies to help treat common ailments. Lots of natural health tips and home remedy ideas using herbs, essential oils and natural ingredients.

Additional Herbal Remedies Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Vitamins and Supplementation Resources

2006-03-09T00:58:00.001-08:00

Here are some useful Vitamins and Supplementation Resources for your information.

Women's Health Supplements needs are constantly changing.
Women's Health Supplements will help you determine your nutritional needs. We will also give you the facts on some of the latest natural supplements and diet formulas that pertain to women.
Nutritional Supplement & Natural Health Guide
Nutritional Supplement Bible is an information site offering reviews on nutritional supplements, herbal supplements, and various nutrients for use in weight loss, bodybuilding, and fitness. We also offer key info regarding vitamins, minerals, amino acids, specialty nutrients, herbal extracts as well as outline natural health guidelines for optimal health.

Additional Vitamins and Supplementation Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Fitness Resources

2006-03-09T00:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some useful Fitness Resources for your information.

Weight Lifting Supplements of Big Muscle Men: Try HGH for Building Muscle Fast
Know about one of the new weight lifting supplements: HGH. Human Growth Hormone is the new rage with muscle men to lose body fat & build muscles fast, with minimum physical activity.
Body Perfect Fitness - Your Customized Online Fitness Training Resource
The most comprehensive Online Fitness and Health Resource, dedicated to helping improve everyone's overall
Body Perfect Fitness and Health
BODYFITdb Fitness Software
Sophisticated, simple-to-use fitness software for tracking vital stats, nutrition and exercise. An essential tool for the dedicated bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast. Free 30 day trial version!
Candee's Weight Loss Success
A place where I share my weight loss thoughts,
motivational quotes, frustrations, and successes with you! Stop in and
visit if you need a motivational boost in your weight loss efforts!
Abs Exercise Advice
Learn from Shelley Hitz, a Licensed Physical Therapist and NASM
Certified Personal Trainer, the best and safest way to exercise abs, decrease lower back pain, recover abs after pregnancy, and - Look And Feel Great!

Additional Fitness Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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General Health Resources

2006-03-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

Here are some useful General Health Resources for your information.

Resource for diabetes and health related information
Resource site for information on symptoms, treatment and medication of various types of diabetes. Also includes guide on selection of diabetes supply items.
Oral Herpes & Genital Herpes Pictures with Information on Treatment/Cures
Information resource on Herpes with oral and genital herpes pictures.
Arthritis Treatment and Relief Resource Center
A website providing information about the most up-to-date and effective conventional and alternative treatments for arthritis.
Your Healthy Diet Source
If you need help finding a diet that works for you, check out our healthy diet directory.
Hpv Pictures & Genital Warts Pictures: Genital Wart Treatment / Cure Information
Every aspect of hpv genital warts accounted in detail including genital wart treatment, cure, symptoms with genital warts pictures.
Health and Beauty
Featuring advices, tips, reviews and sources for healthy beauty, natural skin care, hair care, nail care, makeup, and much more.
AyurHelp.com
Free consultations in ayurveda, Rejuvenation ,virility therapies. Alternative remedy for male impotency and infertility, Beauty products and beauty tips ,Solution to chronic health problems.
Magnetic therapy, magnetic bracelet for back pain relief, arthritis pain relief
Magnetic therapy for back pain relief, arthritis pain relief, Magnet therapy, magnetic bracelet.
Health Tips
Health Tips is dedicated to providing reliable health information and resources for women. Content is continually updated. Sign up for the free Health Tips Newsletter
Diet Basics
The all-in-one diet site that OVERdelivers the best diet information.
Tendonitis/Tendinitis Information
Tendonits Information and Treatment Options.
Fibromyalgia Support Center
Everything you need to know to live the life you want to live. A resource for those wanting to learn about fibromyalgia or learn how to fight the disease. Contains over eighty articles on fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Heritage Education
Heritage College is a Career College offering degrees in Massage
Therapy, X-Ray Medical Tech, Surgical Tech, Medical Assisting, Personal
Training, and Esthetics.
Wealthyhub.com
Wealthyhub aims to make your life better, healthier and richer.

Additional General Health Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Skin Care Resources

2006-03-09T00:56:00.001-08:00

Here are some useful Skin Care Resources for your information.

Acne Information
Learn about acne
All about Acne
Acne scar, treatment and product information. Blog on acne and skincare updated regularly
Acne Treatment, Cure and Acne Home Remedy
A complete acne treatment, gentle enough for adult skin, that controls blemishes, prevents future breakouts, and fades signs of past acne
Acne Treatments - Acne Product - Adult Acne - Acne Solution
Acne Treatments Products is a comprehensive website which guides teenagers, adults or all acne sufferers’s the most optimal solutions for Acne Care, Medication & Acne Treatment.

Additional Skin Care Resources will be added to this page as I come across them!

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Health And Wellness Resources

2006-03-09T00:56:00.000-08:00

Here, I've compiled a list Health And Wellness Resources that are very useful to help you improve overall well-being, both inside...and outside!

While you take the steps to improve how you look physically, it is also important to take care of your health by leading the right lifestyle, don't you agree?

I'll be adding more useful and relevant websites to this page as I come across them, so that I can provide more comprehensive information for you to take care of your health.

Click on the relevant categories for more information:

Skin Care

2. General Health

3. Fitness

4. Vitamins and Supplementation

5. Herbal Remedies

6. Hair Care

7. Women's Health
8. Additional Link Directories

Do you have a relevant website? Then be part of our Health And Wellness Library and Link To Us today!

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Botox

2006-03-09T00:55:00.001-08:00

Botox: While dermatologists have many ways to treat the telltale signs of facial aging, one of the most popular approaches is to temporarily "disable" the muscles that cause wrinkles by injecting botulinum toxin, or botox.

Using this toxin, dermatologists are able to quickly, easily and safely rid men and women of lines that can make them appear older - and even angrier - than they feel.

Facial wrinkles can be classified into two types, those resulting from sun damage and the natural aging process of the skin and those wrinkles produced by lifelong contraction of facial muscles, which are also made more apparent in sun damaged skin, also called muscular lines.

Muscular lines disappear when the muscle that produces them is rendered inactive or weakened by a muscular blocking agent like botox – which typically occurs a few days following the procedure.

By eliminating the excessive muscular pull, the surface of the skin stretches out and the wrinkle disappears.

Pioneered for cosmetic use in 1987 by dermatologists, botox is a purified form of one of the world’s most poisonous substances.

It is produced by a bacterium, clostridium botulinum, and infection with this bacterium is the cause of botulism.

The toxin’s effects in its natural form are much different than the positive medicinal and cosmetic potentials it has in its purified form.

Purified botulinum toxin is the first bacterial toxin to be used as a medicine.

Doctors first used botox for health conditions and as a muscle relaxant to treat many muscle disorders, such as lazy eye and uncontrolled blinking, before realizing its cosmetic potential.

They discovered that when injecting the toxin into the muscles surrounding the eyes, the wrinkles in the skin covering that muscle would disappear.

Today, cosmetic uses for botox include treating the vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose; squint lines or crows feet at the corners of the eyes; forehead horizontal lines; and the muscle bands often visible on the neck, commonly known as "turkey neck."

During the procedure, which takes only minutes, small doses of botox are injected into affected muscles.

The toxin binds to the nerve endings, blocking the release of the chemical acetylcholine, which would otherwise signal the muscle to contract.

The toxin then paralyzes or weakens the injected muscle, leaving surrounding muscles unaffected.

After injection, the muscle relaxes, creating a smooth surface that lasts about three to four months before the muscle recovers its original strength.

Even after the actual effects of botulinum toxin are gone, the lines that are left behind are not as deep and don’t return to their original severity.

Botox exerts its effect almost instantly after being injected into the muscle.

Still, the optimal cosmetic result is achieved only after about five to seven days when the muscles become completely paralyzed as the toxin spreads and becomes absorbed by the muscles.

The ideal candidates for botox injections are young to middle age men and women who do not have significant sun damage but want to eliminate lines and wrinkles on their face and neck.

They generally do not want to endure the "downtime" necessary for many cosmetic surgical procedures, and are satisfied having a procedure that might have to be repeated every three or four months in order to maintain results.

Botox can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance outcomes.

In general, botulinum toxin treatments are safe.

Only occasionally, there are side effects, such as allergic reactions, been reported.

The most common side effects are related to the procedure itself and include local redness, swelling and mild pain.

In some patients, bruising can last up to five days.

Another reported side effect is temporary drooping of the eye after injecting botox into the muscles around the eyes.

Dermatologists recommend that patients who anticipate having botox treatments avoid taking any kind of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications before their treatments because these medications can cause patients to bleed and bruise more easily.

Patients can avoid potential pitfalls and achieve optimum results by having experienced medical professionals, such as dermatologists, administer the procedure in clinical environments.

Unfortunately, the nonsurgical approach to anti-aging has created a revenue source for inexperienced, under qualified practitioners.

In some cases, the concept has been sold to people in party-like atmospheres complete with alcoholic beverages.

Injections of botulinum toxin are first and foremost a medical procedure and patients are compromising their safety by having it performed in an inappropriate setting by untrained, non-medical professionals.

Botulinum toxin treatments that are being performed in casual social settings, often referred to as ‘Botox® parties,’ rather than in a controlled medical environment contradict the seriousness of this medical procedure.

It’s ironic that people who wouldn’t go to a party to have their hair colored would even think of having a medical procedure done in such a setting.

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Non Ablative Lasers

2006-03-09T00:55:00.000-08:00

New non-ablative lasers can treat the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, brown spots and loss of elasticity.

In the past, techniques for improving aging skin required invasive laser or surgical procedures which produce open wounds and require long recovery times.

Today, men and women can choose from a variety of non-ablative laser procedures designed to reverse, improve or erase the early signs of aging, take very little time to perform and have a minimal, if any, recovery period.

Non-ablative lasers heat a layer of tissue under the skin’s surface without damaging the top layer of the skin, therefore producing no visible wound.

By emitting a beam of light that is absorbed by the water in skin cells, these high-energy lasers can improve superficial and moderately deep wrinkles, such as those on the upper lip, the crow’s feet around the eyes, as well as the shallow wrinkles, on the cheeks and forehead.

These treatments result in a microscopic wound healing response, which promotes new collagen formation.

The production of a new layer of collagen leads to improved skin tone and texture, and a decrease in wrinkles and scars.

This procedure is known as laser toning.

Non-ablative laser rejuvenation generally takes 10 to 15 minutes, and may be proceeded by a 30-minute application of a topical anesthetic cream.

Following laser toning procedures, the skin may appear red and blotchy for a period of several hours.

Since there are no visible wounds to the skin, make-up may be applied immediately after treatment.

The results from these laser treatments generally last six months.

A series of treatments may be safely performed from time to time to maintain the outcome of the procedure.

The advantage these laser rejuvenation treatments have over other skin rejuvenation procedures is that these enable the improvement of a variety of changes in skin texture and color in just a few visits with little to no downtime.

Further, these laser techniques do not damage the skin’s natural pigmentation and almost any skin type or ethnic skin type can be safely treated with non-ablative laser therapy.

Ideal candidates for such laser therapy include younger patients with acne scars or early signs of wrinkling and sun damage, as well as patients with more extensive sun damage and skin aging, who have undergone other invasive laser or surgical procedures.

In these older patients, laser toning is used to improve the skin texture and color and return the skin to its youthful appearance.

These newer non-ablative laser toning procedures are ideally suited for today’s busy world.

They provide a simple means of improving or reversing skin aging in a series of brief office visits, with minimal recovery time.

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Fat Rebalancing

2006-03-09T00:54:00.001-08:00

A new technique known as fat rebalancing offers patients the opportunity to use their own fat to literally turn back the hands of time and restore their youthful appearance.

This procedure can be done much earlier than a facelift to affect minor aging corrections over time.

In contrast to facelifts which ‘tailor’ the skin around the aging framework of the face, fat rebalancing replaces the lost framework so the skin can once again assume its younger position on the face.

This procedure also provides a reasonable alternative for those who do not want to endure the surgical and financial demands of a facelift.

On a young face, the framework has very smooth, ample distribution of fat and each area blends into the neighboring area seamlessly.

As the face ages, the fat compartments change shape to form "hills and valleys."

The "hills" are the areas where fat has accumulated, such as the jowl region and under the chin.

The "valleys" occur around the eyes and around the jaw line.

These are all areas where fat has diminished with aging.

This hill and valley topography unbalances the face.

The purpose of fat rebalancing is to rebalance the "hills" and "valleys" and restore harmony to the face.

A fat rebalancing procedure begins with a consultation with the patient’s dermatologic surgeon.

During this visit, the patient’s face is examined in relation to a photograph of when they were 10 to 15 years younger.

The dermatologic surgeon then forms a "blueprint" or map of the areas to be augmented with fat and the areas to be suctioned.

The entire face is addressed, not just specific folds or wrinkles.

The goal of rebalancing the "hills" and "valleys" of the face is easily accomplished by the microliposuction of the fatty "hills" and fat transfer to the sunken "valleys."

In the process of fat rebalancing, fat is collected from the patient’s donor site, such as the buttock, outer thigh or abdomen.

The collected fat is injected to all layers of the tissue starting closest to the bone.

Fat is not only placed in the folds of the skin, but in deep tissue to "suspend" the skin.

Grafts don’t shift or move, but are firmly anchored in existing fat.

Extra fat, not used in the procedure, is meticulously labeled for identification and stored in a medical freezer to be used for future touch-ups at four to eight week intervals.

This technique of fat rebalancing allows for gradual improvement for the patient over the course of a year with little downtime for recovery.

In fact, a full face transfer only places 1.5 tablespoons of fat over the entire face.

Typically, the patient will need six to 12 transfers over the course of a year in order to achieve maximum results.

With each treatment, patients can expect to look one to two years younger.

The results are permanent but since patients will continue to age even after the rebalancing treatment is completed, it is suggested that the patient continue to visit his or her dermatologist to preserve the results and continually "move back the clock."

If the patient chooses to stop the treatments, aging will occur from that point on with the transplanted fat behaving like his or her own facial fat.

This procedure is perfect for the 55-year-old who wants to look like she or he did at 40 or the 40-year-old who wants to look 30 again.

The lack of minimal scarring, bruising and short downtime is appealing to those patients who want to look like themselves, only younger.

Fat rebalancing is different than several other popular skin rejuvenation procedures such as bovine collagen, laser resurfacing or botulinum toxin.

For example, if you picture the aging face like a weathered, collapsed roof, collagen would be comparable to re-tarring the roof to fill in cracks in the asphalt and laser resurfacing like replacing the old shingles on the roof with new ones.

Fat rebalancing replaces the support beams in the roof and restores it to its normal structure and shape.

The difference between fat transplantation and botulinum toxin is best described by picturing the face like a roman shade.

When it is young, the shade is made of thick foam, so tugging on the cord produces few ripples in the shade.

However, as the face ages, it becomes made of tissue paper so that the slightest tug on the cord produces a multitude of ripples in the shade.

While botulinum toxin stops the tugging on the cord, fat transplantation replaces the thickness of the shade.

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Radiofrequency

2006-03-09T00:54:00.000-08:00

The radiofrequency non-surgical facelift is a non-invasive treatment that causes skin contraction and tightening, leading to lifting of the face, brow, and cheeks without surgery and without downtime.

What makes this treatment so appealing to many people is that it typically requires less than an hour and is a safe, gentle procedure.

Patients are able to return to their normal routine immediately without any visible signs that they’ve had any cosmetic work done.

The radiofrequency non-surgical facelift works by delivering pulses of energy simultaneously with a cool sensation from a cryogen spray to the affected area.

The cryogen spray, which is used before, during and after the application of heat from the radiofrequency source, helps lessen the discomfort felt by the patient and prevents damage to the skin.

In addition, an anesthetic cream applied one hour before the procedure numbs the surface of the skin to help lessen any discomfort.

If the skin of the forehead is treated using non-invasive radiofrequency, the eyebrows can actually be lifted and the appearance of the eyes is enhanced – making the eyes look more open, less tired and more alert.

In the past, skin tightening could only be obtained with major surgery.

But with this treatment, other areas of the face such as the skin of the cheeks and neck can also be treated non-surgically to reduce loose or sagging skin.

Although in some non-surgical facelift patients the results are seen immediately, in most patients they will appear gradually over four to six months.

Since the effects are so gradual, the patient may not be aware of the extent of the changes – especially any residual effects that might occur from tightening the original area.

But when these improvements do take shape over time, patients are pleased with the enhanced results.

Increased improvement can be seen with more than one treatment.

While the radiofrequency non-surgical facelift is a good alternative for those looking to improve their skin with no down time, other “lunchtime” procedures are still valuable in treating specific cosmetic conditions.

The non-surgical facelift will not replace treatments like botulinum toxin, which treats wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, or filler agents, which are still the treatment of choice for smile lines, but it gives patients another safe and efficient option for treating aging skin.

With so many new treatments being introduced every year, it’s vital that patients consult with their dermatologist to choose the treatment that will work best for them.

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Dermabrasion

2006-03-09T00:53:00.001-08:00

Dermabrasion, a dermatologic procedure that is more than 100 years old, has a long history of being the treatment of choice for resurfacing deep facial scars and defects.

However, as new resurfacing treatments became available that offer quicker results and shorter recovery times, many patients opt for these procedures instead.

But for patients whom the newer alternative resurfacing treatments aren’t appropriate, many dermatologists and patients are again looking to dermabrasion as the treatment of choice.

Dermabrasion is a non-thermal resurfacing technique especially well-suited for deep defects of the skin such as acne scars, heavy wrinkles and the disfiguring effects of skin conditions like rosacea.

The procedure involves the mechanical sanding of the upper layers of the skin and penetrates the skin deeper than microdermabrasion.

With this procedure, a new layer of skin replaces the abraded skin during healing, resulting in a smoother appearance.

This treatment is a surgical procedure that requires only local anesthesia and for a few days following the procedure, the severely "brush burned" feeling can be avoided by using semipermeable dressings, which let moisture and air reach the skin.

The new skin that appears is pink at first, but gradually develops a normal appearance.

Most patients heal within one to two weeks. It’s important for patients to remember to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect the new pink skin.

While newer laser resurfacing treatments and microdermabrasion can be used for superficial facial lesions and defects, this procedure is still the best treatment available for deeper scarring.

Such an option is an excellent alternative for patients whose skin may not respond well to laser resurfacing.

Utilizing dermabrasion instead of laser resurfacing can avoid unwanted scarring, loss of normal skin pigmentation, skin redness and dryness, which may be the result of excessive thermal injury.

There are many dermatologic conditions for which such a procedure is an appropriate treatment.

The most frequent use for this treatment is to treat acne scarring, particularly depressed scars that give the skin a crater-like appearance and deep "ice-picking" scarring.

While acne may have long ago faded, the disfiguring scars can last a lifetime if untreated.

The wire brush used to sand the skin in this procedure can sculpt away the sharp edges of these scars.

Individuals with prominent perioral rhytids, deep wrinkles around the mouth, can also benefit from dermabrasion.

These wrinkles, often called smoker’s lines, can also be the result of heredity, age and sun exposure.

Depending on the depth of these lines, which can often extend up into the eye area, dermabrasion is the best treatment for excellent results.

While dermabrasion can give skin a smoother and refreshed appearance, there are conditions for which this treatment is not indicated, including certain types of pigmented birthmarks, scars from burns and congenital skin defects.

It’s important that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of all resurfacing procedures in order to achieve optimal results.

The dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon are the most qualified to answer questions and perform any type of resurfacing procedures.

If you’re concerned about the experience of the individual performing your resurfacing, be sure to ask about their qualifications.

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Fillers

2006-03-09T00:53:00.000-08:00

Soft tissue fillers: If you’re one of the millions of people who are searching for the perfect solution to reverse the aging process, you may be about to get an array of new treatment options to choose from.

Thanks to the demand for longer-lasting treatments for aging skin with little downtime, new soft tissue fillers that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – or close to receiving FDA approval – are making headlines as viable options for those who want to turn back the hands of time.

Bio-Engineered Human Injectable Collagen

While traditional bovine collagen has been used as a filler to plump up and fill fine lines on the face with much success by dermatologists for more than 20 years, its short-lived results and potential for allergic reactions limited its potential.

Today, a new filler recently received FDA approval known as bio-engineered human injectable collagen, which consists of collagen derived from human cells.

While heralded for correcting facial wrinkles, acne scarring and reshaping the lips, bio-engineered human injectable collagen does not pose the allergy risk of traditional bovine collagen and patients are not required to undergo a skin test prior to its use.

While this new human-based collagen is an improvement over bovine collagen because it does not pose an allergy risk, the results still only last about two to five months and it is not as effective when used deeper in the skin as some of the other fillers currently being tested.

Similar to traditional collagen, bio-engineered human injectable collagen is formulated with an anesthetic to prevent any discomfort by the patient.

Hyaluronic Acid Gel
Another new soft tissue filler that is being studied in the United States but has not yet been FDA approved is a non-animal form of hyaluronic acid gel.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component of the skin that is the framework or medium that cells live in.

In gel form, hyaluronic acid binds to water and provides volume to easily fill in larger folds of skin around the mouth and cheeks.

This highly purified, non-animal form of hyaluronic acid has already been approved for use as a filling agent in Canada, Europe and Australia.

Compared to bovine collagen, hyaluronic acid gel is a superior filler that works better for improving nasolabial folds, or the deep lines visible from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth, that can be hard to treat.

In addition, the results of hyaluronic acid last longer and it requires less volume to fill wrinkles and skin folds compared to collagen.

An added benefit of the non-animal form of hyaluronic acid is that it does not pose an allergy risk for patients and there is no risk of transmitting animal diseases by injection.

Despite its numerous benefits, there is usually temporary inflammation that produces swelling and redness following injection with hyaluronic acid – especially with the lips – and injections can be painful.

Hydroxyapatite with a methylcellulose vehicle
For people who want longer-lasting results than the collagen fillers but are not ready to consider a permanent solution, a new filler known as hydroxyapatite with a methylcellulose vehicle is currently FDA approved for other purposes and can be used off-label as an injectable filler.

This new breed of synthetic compounds contains beads of calcium hydroxyapatite, which is a substance used to replace missing bone.

There are some concerns that dermatologists have with the product that patients should be aware of.

For instance, the duration of this filler has not been demonstrated yet and there is concern that the beads could clump together if it is not injected properly.

Since hydroxyapatite is radio opaque, there is the possibility that the filler could interfere with future dental x-rays.

Polymethylmethacrylate
For patients looking for a more permanent solution to their lines and wrinkles, one of the new permanent injectables that is awaiting FDA approval in the United States is polymethylmethacrylate.

Made from a mixture of micronized plastic spheres and bovine collagen, polymethylmethacrylate has been shown to work well for moderate to deep wrinkles and scars but is not recommended for lips.

When polymethylmethacrylate is injected into the skin, the collagen works by holding the synthetic spheres in place until it dissipates after injection – leaving the spheres behind to prop up the wrinkles.

The spheres, which are not absorbed by the body, act to stimulate the body’s own production of collagen, which then forms around the spheres.

Since the results of polymethylmethacrylate are permanent, it’s extremely important that interested individuals consult a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon skilled in the procedure once it is approved for use in the states.

While there is little inflammation upon injection of polymethylmethacrylate compared to some of the other fillers, there are some side effects such as the possible development of granulomas, or permanent bumps under the skin, and long-term lumpiness in the lips.

Liquid Injectable Silicone
Until it was banned by the FDA in 1992, silicone was used in the United States for many years with much success to treat wrinkles and acne scars as well as to enhance areas such as the lips, cheekbones and the chin.

When used cosmetically, the safety and efficacy was compromised when silicone was diluted with foreign substances or when it was injected in large volumes in an area during one treatment session.

Now, a new medical grade form of silicone known as liquid injectable silicone has been approved by the FDA for use in the eye to treat chronic retinal detachment and is being studied in the United States to determine its safety and efficacy as a permanent filler for aging skin.

Liquid injectable silicone has shown promising results in clinical trials for correcting wrinkles, acne scars, enhancing the lips, cheekbones and chin, and for filling out hollowed cheeks in HIV/AIDS patients.

One of the main benefits of silicone that distinguishes itself from other fillers is that the results are permanent.

When the new medical grade form of liquid injectable silicone is used by skilled dermatologists or dermatologic surgeons, side effects are minimal.

But interested individuals need to be aware that there are concerns about the possibility of developing long-term granulomas from using silicone and that the results, whether you like them or not, are permanent.

Whenever people seek treatments that produce permanent results like silicone or polymethylmethacrylate, the skill and experience of the physician are critical to the success of the treatment.

In Canada and in Europe, the results of these new fillers are very skill dependent.

So if you are looking for a permanent solution to your cosmetic concerns, do your homework and discuss your expectations with their doctor.”

Before considering treatment with a soft tissue filler, it is recommended that you ask the following questions:

Are the results permanent or temporary?
What are the potential side effects?
Is the filler approved by the FDA or is it being used off-label?
How long has the physician used the filler?
Ask how many patients the physician has treated and if before and after patient photos are available.

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Vitamins for Skin Care

2006-03-09T00:52:00.000-08:00

Do you know that taking the right vitamins for skin care can help you reduce acne, reduce fine lines, and make you look younger?

Turning back the hands of time isn’t as simple as searching for the fountain of youth or a "miracle in a jar" at the local drugstore.

The process of protecting yourself from ultraviolet radiation and reversing photoaging takes more than an instant or a miracle.

It takes the medical advice of a dermatologist, the correct formulations and the most effective method to properly deliver vitamins for skin care.

Although many topical formulations contain antioxidants, very few are actually effective in preventing or reversing damage to the skin.

Despite advertising claims, almost all available topical formulations contain very low concentrations of antioxidants that are not well absorbed by the skin.

There are three antioxidants that have been proven to decrease the effect of the sun on the skin and actually prevent further damage. These vitamins for skin care are: selenium, vit E and vit C.

Antioxidants are designed to keep free radicals from damaging cell walls and other cell structures, as well as cellular DNA, thus leading to precancers and cancers.

Free radicals are the result of oxygen molecules being oxidized, but they can also be created by exposure to various environmental factors, smoking and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Free radicals can also accelerate the aging process.

New research on the efficacy of topical vitamins E and C and selenium in protecting against acute and chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the skin and in reversing photoaging, has shown the most effective methods to deliver each of these vitamins to the skin.

When adding new vitamins for skin care to your daily routine, it’s important to work with your dermatologist to ensure that you’re using effective formulations and dosages.

It’s also important to be forthcoming about other medications or supplements you are taking which may interact with your new treatments.

Selenium
The mineral selenium is necessary to the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, which helps protect the body from cancers, including skin cancer caused by sun exposure.

Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity, and slows down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation.

The best dietary sources of selenium include whole grain cereals, seafood, garlic and eggs.

When taken orally, in daily supplements of 50 to 200 micrograms, selenium has been show to offer protection from the damaging rays of the sun.

Recent animal studies have found that when taken orally or applied topically in the form L-selenomethionine, selenium demonstrated protection against both daily and excessive UV damage, with less burning after exposure.

The study also showed that there was a delay in the onset, and a decrease in the incidence, of skin cancer in the animals.

Vitamin E
Vit E is the most important antioxidant in the body that protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated enzymes.

It can be found in vegetable oils, especially sunflower oil, grains such as wheat germ, brown rice and oats, nuts, dairy products, meats and margarine.

New laboratory research has shown that as an antioxidant, vit E helps inactivate free radicals.

There have also been numerous studies that show that topical natural vit E, also called d-alpha-tocopherol, reduces sunburn cell reduction, chronic UV-induced damage and the production of cancer causing cells.

Previous studies have demonstrated that regular vit E supplements, taken in conjunction with vit A supplements, were associated with a 70 percent reduced risk for basal cell carcinomas.

For additional sun protection, individuals may consider taking vit E supplements.

Supplementation with natural vit E in 400 milligrams per day, has been noted to reduce photodamage, wrinkles and improve skin texture.

In addition, topical d-alpha-tocopherol can soothe dry, rough skin.

When combined with vit C, both vitamins for skin care create a highly protective lotion against sun damage.

Vitamin C
Vit C is the most abundant antioxidant found naturally in the skin.

It is commonly found in vegetables and citrus fruits.

Much like vit E, vit C is important in repairing free radicals and preventing them from turning into cancers and accelerating aging.

Vit C is depleted when the skin is exposed to the sun, pollution or smoking.

Even minimal UV exposure can decrease the vit C levels in the skin by 30 percent, while exposure to the ozone of city pollution can decrease the level by 55 percent.

Topical vit C can prevent the consequences of prolonged sun exposure which can lead to skin cancer.

A recent study showed that by applying topical vit C to human skin, 15 to 30 minutes after UV exposure, sunburn cells decreased and repair work began on the damaged skin.

Vit C is most commonly found in the form L-ascorbic acid.

Unfortunately, this form is a highly active antioxidant that breaks down immediately when exposed to oxygen, thus losing stability rapidly and becoming less effective.

Research is still being done to optimize a stable topical vit C formulation.

In recent animal studies, oral vit C was found to reduce UV-induced tumors, while when applied topically, vitamin C minimized low level, chronic UV-exposure to mouse skin.

It is recommended that individuals consume 500 to 1000 milligrams of vit C per day.

Most people will get their recommended daily allowance if they eat more than five servings of fruit, vegetables and juices, but we all can benefit by taking supplements or vitamins for skin care.

While there still needs to be further study regarding the effects on photodamage and UV protection for some of the most common and important vitamins, there are definite benefits for the skin which should not be discounted when considering vitamins for skin care.

Your dermatologist can help you determine which vitamins for skin care, in which form, will be most effective for you.

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Wear Sunscreen

2006-03-09T00:51:00.000-08:00

Do you know that if you wear sunscreen, it is perhaps the most important skin-care solution available to prevent wrinkles?

But most people do not use it correctly though, thereby exposing themselves to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight, which accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging including wrinkles.

Important factors to consider when you wear sunscreen are the spectrum of UV radiation absorbed, the amount to be applied, and the frequency of application.

UV Radiation
The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) radiation that we divide into categories based on the wavelength.

UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere and does not cause skin damage.

UVB radiation affects the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and is the primary agent responsible for sunburns.

UVB does not penetrate glass, and the intensity of UVB radiation depends on the time of day and the season.

UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and works more efficiently.

The intensity of UVA radiation is more constant than UVB without the variations during the day and throughout the year. UVA is also not filtered by glass.

UV Radiation and Wrinkles
Both UVA and UVB radiation cause wrinkles by breaking down collagen, creating free radicals, and inhibiting the natural repair mechanisms of the skin.

A popular classification system of sun-sensitivity is the Skin Phototype (SPT) classification.

People with skin types I and II are at the highest risk for photoaging effects including wrinkles and skin cancer.

Knowing how to wear sunscreen properly to block both UVA and UVB radiation is an important weapon in battle against wrinkles.

Know the Ingredients
This can be divided into compounds that physically block radiation or compounds that absorb radiation.

The radiation blockers are very effective at reducing the exposure of the skin to both UVA and UVB radiation.

Older formulations like zinc oxide are opaque and may be cosmetically unacceptable.

However, a newer formulation of micronized titanium dioxide is not as opaque and provides excellent protection.

The radiation absorbing ingredients are differentiated by the type of radiation they absorb - UVA absorbers and UVB absorbers.

Picking the Proper Sunscreen

The SPF measures the amount of UVB absorption, but there is no method of reporting the UVA absorption.

The only way to determine if a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB radiation is to look at the ingredients.

A good broad-spectrum should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.

Proper Application When You Wear Sunscreen
Most people wear sunscreen improperly by not applying enough. They apply only 25% to 50% of the recommended amount.

It should be applied liberally enough to all
sun-exposed areas that it forms a film when initially applied.

It takes 20-30 minutes for it to be absorbed by the skin, so it should be applied at least a half an hour before going out in the sun.

It should also be the last product applied especially on the face since some it can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.

Reapplying Sunscreen
Most instructions on product labels recommend reapplying "frequently",
but the definition of "frequently" is vague.

A common instruction is to reapply after 2-4 hours in the sun.

However, one study has shown that reapplying 20 to 30 minutes after being in the sun is more effective than waiting 2 hours.

It is possible that this time period is more effective because most people do not apply enough initially, and this second application approximates the actual amount needed.

Reapplication should also be done after swimming, excessive sweating, or toweling.

Daily Application
Sunscreen should be applied daily. The daily use of one with low SPF(15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a higher SPF one.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellents
Insect repellents reduce the SPF by up to one-third. When using both together, wear sunscreen with a higher SPF and reapply it more often.

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Wrinkle treatments

2006-03-09T00:50:00.000-08:00

There are no miracles wrinkle treatments when it comes to helping skin look smoother and reducing the appearance of lines.

Yes, like many others, I have...or rather....had my fair share of wrinkles too.

Of course, I did my research and took steps to eliminate them...and I'm happy to share with you how!

The classic wrinkle treatment for sun damage, one with fairly impressive, well-researched and substantiated results, involves the following products:

RETIN-A OR RENOVA (prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist) to change abnormal cell production (caused by repeated sun exposure) back to some level of normalcy.
AN EFFECTIVE AHA OR BHA PRODUCT to exfoliate the top layer of the skin.

For AHA, I recommend glycolic or lactic acid with a concentration of 8% to 10%. Higher concentrations can cause irritation and inflammation (and should only be applied by a professional in the skin care field).

For BHA, which exfoliates the skin’s surface and inside the pores, I recommend salicylic acid, the only effective form of BHA, in a concentration of 0.5% to 2%.

Both AHA and BHA require a pH of 3 to 4 to be effective to exfoliate the top layer of skin.
A SKIN-LIGHTENING PRODUCT. That includes at least 1% to 2% Hydroquinone (over the counter) or 4% or greater (available from physicians).

Hydroquinone improves the appearance of brown discolorations by inhibiting melanin production.

AHA or BHA in the formulation is also beneficial to encourage cell turnover, but is not necessary if a separate AHA or BHA product is used.

Many plant extracts are hyped as effective for blocking melanin production; however, the research for these extracts has not been done on human skin but rather in vitro (a test tube or Petri dish), and that doesn't necessarily translate to effectiveness when used by humans.
A GREAT, RELIABLE SUNSCREEN. The only way to determine the quality of a sunscreen is to check the SPF number on the label (it must be SPF 15 or greater), and the active ingredient label to make sure it has UVA
-blocking ingredients of either titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and/or avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789 or butylmethoxydibenzone), and, outside of the U.S., Mexoryl SX.

This must be used every day for the rest of your life.
A GENTLE CLEANSER used twice a day won't change wrinkles, but keeping your skin clean and irritant-free helps the healing process.
A SOOTHING, LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURIZER used over dry areas.

Moisturizers help make skin look smoother, especially if it's dry, but use only the lightest texture and consistency that makes the skin feel soft.

Overmoisturizing with layers of lotions and serums or using moisturizers that are too emollient and heavy for your skin type can hurt your skin.

All other so-called miracle wrinkle treatments may be bogus, misleading, and completely without substantiation or proof for their claims. It's not that there aren't great wrinkle treatments out there, there certainly are, but they won't permanently change wrinkles.

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