Microdermabrasion is popular type of treatment that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and abnormal areas of pigmentation, tightens the skin, and gives the skin a youthful glow.
This treatment is like sandblasting the skin. Fine mineral crystals are jet sprayed across the skin, then the debris is vacuumed off. The treatments are normally done in a dermatologist's office or esthetician's salon and cost somewhere around $200 each. Multiple treatments, continuing over time, are required to maintain the effects of the treatments.
Before we tell you about the new home treatment, let's take a look at how microdermabrasion works. Most of the systems that are being used have a simple vacuum chamber that propels the mineral crystals through a specially designed wand that simultaneously lifts the skin into the line of fire of the rapidly moving crystals and exfoliates, or "sands off" superficial skin cells.
Treated skin is smooth, polished, buffed and toned. There is some thickening of the inner skin layer (dermis), and even a mild increase in collagen fibers as the outer skin layer (epidermis) becomes quite thin. This leads to a thickening of the dermal layer.
Why would we want to do this? Here are a few reasons:
1. Microdermabraded skin looks healthier because the epidermis, which reflects light, is gone, leaving the skin with a youthful "pink glow."
2. With dermal thickening, fine lines are diminished and the skin tightens.
3. Skin tone and color evens as abnormal areas of pigmentation are removed. Makeup slides on easier and skin appears and feels smooth and soft.
What happens when you discontinue the treatments? Your skin simply returns to its native state of thick epidermis, dull color and rough appearance.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
IT'S FALL: Cure Summer Skin Damage
Falling leaves, cooler weather, skin leafpeels... Yes, the gentler climate of fall is a perfect time for a peel and can set you on your way to a flawless winter complexion.
Most peels effect the dead protein tissue that connects dead skin cells to each other, rather than the live protein that is found in live cells. These peels remove only dead skin and never effect the living skin underneath, except to expose it. Increased cell turnover is beneficial, bringing the skin to a state of equilibrium. Trust your skin care professional to know when a peel is appropriate for you.
Visible results of summer skin damage include extreme discolorations, premature aging, wrinkling and dryness. Professional products and treatments can repair summer skin problems and help avoid them in the future. Knowing how your skin type reacts to the sun's UV rays can help you protect yourself.
If damage is severe, Laser Skin Rejuvenation may be for you.
In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.
Most peels effect the dead protein tissue that connects dead skin cells to each other, rather than the live protein that is found in live cells. These peels remove only dead skin and never effect the living skin underneath, except to expose it. Increased cell turnover is beneficial, bringing the skin to a state of equilibrium. Trust your skin care professional to know when a peel is appropriate for you.
Visible results of summer skin damage include extreme discolorations, premature aging, wrinkling and dryness. Professional products and treatments can repair summer skin problems and help avoid them in the future. Knowing how your skin type reacts to the sun's UV rays can help you protect yourself.
| THE PROBLEM | THE CURE |
| Dry Summer Skin: Caused by overexposure to the sun, as well as moving from cool artificial environments to the hot outdoors. | Skin rejuvenations including face and body exfoliations and deep moisturizing treatments. Don't forget your sunscreen next summer or on your winter cruise! |
| Hyperpigmentation: Overexposure to sun is one of the major causes of skin discolorations. Hyperpigmentation appears as dark brown patches on the face and hands. | Products and treatments ranging from mild bleaches to acid peels can help reverse hyperpigmentation. Those who are prone to hyperpigmentation are generally advised to limit sun exposure. And wear a strong sunblock! |
| Premature Aging: Wrinkles, sagging, and generally unhealthy skin can be caused by abuse of our skin - overdrying, too much sun, incorrect skin care procedures. | Deep cleansing, rejuvenating massage, and professional products and treatments that firm, lift, moisturize and revitalize. Peels are a particularly effective way to reverse premature aging. |
If damage is severe, Laser Skin Rejuvenation may be for you.
In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Anti-Aging Medicine: Its a New World!
The process of restoring one’s skin to that of a teenager has long been sought. It is the essence of all the current media hype over skincare products and has resulted in a multi billion dollar cosmetic and cosmeceutical industry.
Cosmetics are products, which merely hide, or create an illusion of beauty by accenting certain features like high cheekbones, lips or eyes while de-emphasizing other features such as uneven skin texture, lines or rhytids.
Cosmeceuticals, on the other hand, are products, which effect a change in the skin toward healthier, thicker skin. The process of aging causes a gradual loss and disorganization of elastin and collagen fibers, the supportive matrix of the skin, as well as dehydration. The result is lack of “bounce” or rebound to the skin matrix. The physical appearance is of droopy, thin, wrinkled skin.
What causes premature aging?
The main cause of premature aging of the skin is excess solar exposure to rays UVA and UVB. These rays result is excessive oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibers, which results in a process called “crosslinking.” Normally, collagen and elastin fibers are found in nice thick even rows spread parallel to the skin surface in the basal layer of the skin. With cross linking, the fibers become disorganized and entangled into many disorganized bundles which cause the skin to dimple, sag and become susceptible to the force of gravity. Muscles of expression further result in deep lines caused by repeated use.
What are the current technologies available for skin rejuvenation?
Cosmeceuticals are products, with ingredients, which theoretically stimulate collagen and elastin renewal. Many of these products are available and generally have ascorbic acid, pycnogenol and proanthocyanidins. All of these are potent antioxidants, thus free radical scavengers. Free radicals are damaging molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions, which attack cellular DNA resulting in cellular mutation and malformation of collagen synthesis. Theoretically the application of free radicals to the skin can diminish this problem, but only if the substance can penetrate deep into the actively dividing cellular layer of the dermis. With the protective epidermal barrier this becomes difficult. Chemical and mechanical peeling can result in exfoliation of the epidermis.
Why would one want to remove the skin’s protective epidermal barrier?
First, removal of this barrier does make one more susceptible to photodamage and further collagen crosslinking. However, when the skin notices the loss of the epidermal barrier, it reacts by thickening the dermal layer, the living tissue layer. The result is thicker, plumper, pinker, healthier looking skin. Thus, a series of chemical or mechanical (dermabrasion) peels can be helpful, but only if strong photoprotection is used.
Esthetic Laser
Laser resurfacing actually strips the epidermis and the upper dermis resulting in a second-degree burn which must heal. In that healing process the body is stimulated to lay down nice thick layers of new collagen. The result is “growing away the wrinkles.” Laser resurfacing combined with blepharoplasty in carefully selected patients can be a miraculous age defying procedure but requires anesthesia and about 14 days of healing time.
Laser resurfacing and chemical and mechanical peels can be followed by Epidermal Growth Factor, a human polypeptide which actually stimulates new cellular proliferation. For patients desiring a more conservative approach to skin rejuvenation, a home care program targeting both internal and external treatment is very effective.
What are some internally and externnally applied products that help retard skin aging?
Internally, antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, CoQ-10, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, and Microhydrin® are very powerful. Externally, Topical Vitamin applications in bioactive forms such as GreatSkin® C Serum or Skinceuticals C can be very helpful, as they are antioxidants, but also prevent UVA and UVB penetration.
Glycolic products, such as M.D. Forte, promote superficial exfoliation and promote dermal thickening, as do the tretinoin (vitamin A acids) derivatives (Retin A) and the retinol (vitamin A alcohols) derivatives Afirm and retinol creams. Many physicians will combine many of the ingredients and products into customized skincare programs designed specifically to address the skin needs of individual clients.
Agents such as hydroquinone, cojic acid and bilberry can fade dermal pigmentation by shutting off the enzyme tyrosinase, which results in melanin production. Through turning off melanin production in the skin and slowly exfoliating the skin, one can achieve beautiful even skin tone at any age.
Products containing DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid like our GreatSkin All in One Serum and Cream are particularly effective for Anti-Aging. Other products to add to your anti-aging skin care regime are : GreatSkin Red Tea Extract, GreatSkin Peptide Lotion, GreatSkin Super Firming Creme, GreatSkin Retinol 10X Serum, and GreatSkin Retinol Eye Serum. Also see our GreatSkin Scalpel-less Anti Aging Package.
Liposomes are tiny little balls of fat which deliver pharmacologically active ingredients to the dermis such as ascorbic acid, other antioxidants, tretinoins, oxygen containing molecules and moisturizing substances. Vitamin C and some of the components of Beef colostrum (Transfer Factor) can stimulate the skin’s ability to withstand infection (immune system). Sunblocks are perhaps the best products to retard premature solar aging. A good, thick makeup base with a sunblock within is a woman’s best friend!
Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.
Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Cosmetics are products, which merely hide, or create an illusion of beauty by accenting certain features like high cheekbones, lips or eyes while de-emphasizing other features such as uneven skin texture, lines or rhytids.
Cosmeceuticals, on the other hand, are products, which effect a change in the skin toward healthier, thicker skin. The process of aging causes a gradual loss and disorganization of elastin and collagen fibers, the supportive matrix of the skin, as well as dehydration. The result is lack of “bounce” or rebound to the skin matrix. The physical appearance is of droopy, thin, wrinkled skin.
What causes premature aging?
The main cause of premature aging of the skin is excess solar exposure to rays UVA and UVB. These rays result is excessive oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibers, which results in a process called “crosslinking.” Normally, collagen and elastin fibers are found in nice thick even rows spread parallel to the skin surface in the basal layer of the skin. With cross linking, the fibers become disorganized and entangled into many disorganized bundles which cause the skin to dimple, sag and become susceptible to the force of gravity. Muscles of expression further result in deep lines caused by repeated use.
What are the current technologies available for skin rejuvenation?
Cosmeceuticals are products, with ingredients, which theoretically stimulate collagen and elastin renewal. Many of these products are available and generally have ascorbic acid, pycnogenol and proanthocyanidins. All of these are potent antioxidants, thus free radical scavengers. Free radicals are damaging molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions, which attack cellular DNA resulting in cellular mutation and malformation of collagen synthesis. Theoretically the application of free radicals to the skin can diminish this problem, but only if the substance can penetrate deep into the actively dividing cellular layer of the dermis. With the protective epidermal barrier this becomes difficult. Chemical and mechanical peeling can result in exfoliation of the epidermis.
Why would one want to remove the skin’s protective epidermal barrier?
First, removal of this barrier does make one more susceptible to photodamage and further collagen crosslinking. However, when the skin notices the loss of the epidermal barrier, it reacts by thickening the dermal layer, the living tissue layer. The result is thicker, plumper, pinker, healthier looking skin. Thus, a series of chemical or mechanical (dermabrasion) peels can be helpful, but only if strong photoprotection is used.
Esthetic Laser
Laser resurfacing actually strips the epidermis and the upper dermis resulting in a second-degree burn which must heal. In that healing process the body is stimulated to lay down nice thick layers of new collagen. The result is “growing away the wrinkles.” Laser resurfacing combined with blepharoplasty in carefully selected patients can be a miraculous age defying procedure but requires anesthesia and about 14 days of healing time.
Laser resurfacing and chemical and mechanical peels can be followed by Epidermal Growth Factor, a human polypeptide which actually stimulates new cellular proliferation. For patients desiring a more conservative approach to skin rejuvenation, a home care program targeting both internal and external treatment is very effective.
What are some internally and externnally applied products that help retard skin aging?
Internally, antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, CoQ-10, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, and Microhydrin® are very powerful. Externally, Topical Vitamin applications in bioactive forms such as GreatSkin® C Serum or Skinceuticals C can be very helpful, as they are antioxidants, but also prevent UVA and UVB penetration.
Glycolic products, such as M.D. Forte, promote superficial exfoliation and promote dermal thickening, as do the tretinoin (vitamin A acids) derivatives (Retin A) and the retinol (vitamin A alcohols) derivatives Afirm and retinol creams. Many physicians will combine many of the ingredients and products into customized skincare programs designed specifically to address the skin needs of individual clients.
Agents such as hydroquinone, cojic acid and bilberry can fade dermal pigmentation by shutting off the enzyme tyrosinase, which results in melanin production. Through turning off melanin production in the skin and slowly exfoliating the skin, one can achieve beautiful even skin tone at any age.
Products containing DMAE and Alpha Lipoic Acid like our GreatSkin All in One Serum and Cream are particularly effective for Anti-Aging. Other products to add to your anti-aging skin care regime are : GreatSkin Red Tea Extract, GreatSkin Peptide Lotion, GreatSkin Super Firming Creme, GreatSkin Retinol 10X Serum, and GreatSkin Retinol Eye Serum. Also see our GreatSkin Scalpel-less Anti Aging Package.
Liposomes are tiny little balls of fat which deliver pharmacologically active ingredients to the dermis such as ascorbic acid, other antioxidants, tretinoins, oxygen containing molecules and moisturizing substances. Vitamin C and some of the components of Beef colostrum (Transfer Factor) can stimulate the skin’s ability to withstand infection (immune system). Sunblocks are perhaps the best products to retard premature solar aging. A good, thick makeup base with a sunblock within is a woman’s best friend!
Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.
Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Breaking the Acne Cycle!
Acne the most common skin disorder in the US – affecting 17 million people, and not all of them teens. From infants to the elderly, 80 percent of the population experiences Acne at one time or another.
When skin cells block our pores, Acne results. Closed pores result in whiteheads, open pores in blackheads. Red inflamed areas occur when Acne bacteria break through the blackhead or whitehead. Most people with Acne experience a combination of these three, not only on the face, but on the back, chest, shoulders and neck as well.
Severe Acne can cause scarring, and often affects our self-image. Stress can play a role in Acne, by stimulating the adrenal glands, causing over-production of hormones. It is a vicious cycle that can leave us feeling stressed and stress in turn can worsen Acne.
Skin treatments can help alleviate Acne, but it is important to work on other aspects of your life that contribute to the problem, such as stress. Make a commitment to treatments and home-care in all these areas and break Acne's vicious cycle.
Check out products especially helpful for Acne Skin.
In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. GreatSkin®.com carries many products that can address Acne in an effective way. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.
Complexion scarred from past Acne? Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.
facial
Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.
Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366
When skin cells block our pores, Acne results. Closed pores result in whiteheads, open pores in blackheads. Red inflamed areas occur when Acne bacteria break through the blackhead or whitehead. Most people with Acne experience a combination of these three, not only on the face, but on the back, chest, shoulders and neck as well.
Severe Acne can cause scarring, and often affects our self-image. Stress can play a role in Acne, by stimulating the adrenal glands, causing over-production of hormones. It is a vicious cycle that can leave us feeling stressed and stress in turn can worsen Acne.
Skin treatments can help alleviate Acne, but it is important to work on other aspects of your life that contribute to the problem, such as stress. Make a commitment to treatments and home-care in all these areas and break Acne's vicious cycle.
Check out products especially helpful for Acne Skin.
In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. GreatSkin®.com carries many products that can address Acne in an effective way. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.
Complexion scarred from past Acne? Laser Skin Resurfacing may be for you.
facial
Luxurious European Rejuvenating Facials
Schedule a consultation in our clinics to learn about healing, protecting and restoring your skin. Call for an appointment.
Albuquerque: 505-884-8544
Amarillo: 806-351-1160
Clayton: 505-374-8366
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Welcome to the Great Skin Blog
We're pleased to present you state-of-the-art, premium skincare that incorporates the latest technological breakthroughs in skincare research.
Our products are far more potent than department store brands, and are the preferred choice of estheticians, doctors and discriminating men and women such as yourself who seek radiant, beautiful, younger-looking skin.
Greatskin's professional-grade products fight signs of aging while addressing specific issues such as blemishes, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and environmental damage caused by wind, sun and smoking. Take our free skincare analysis today, and our licensed estheticians will recommend products based on your skin type and specific needs
All Greatskin Skincare is formulated to give you beautiful, younger-looking skin without having to resort to cosmetic surgery. See for yourself! We're sure you'll be more than satisfied with the beautiful skin that will be yours with greatskin.
Our products are far more potent than department store brands, and are the preferred choice of estheticians, doctors and discriminating men and women such as yourself who seek radiant, beautiful, younger-looking skin.
Greatskin's professional-grade products fight signs of aging while addressing specific issues such as blemishes, hyperpigmentation, rosacea and environmental damage caused by wind, sun and smoking. Take our free skincare analysis today, and our licensed estheticians will recommend products based on your skin type and specific needs
All Greatskin Skincare is formulated to give you beautiful, younger-looking skin without having to resort to cosmetic surgery. See for yourself! We're sure you'll be more than satisfied with the beautiful skin that will be yours with greatskin.
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