Skin Care / Medi-spa® - Topical Therapy

Several ingredients have been medically proven to slow, and even reverse, the skin’s aging process. However, these ingredients must be used in “prescription-strength” concentrations to be effective. So, you’re unlikely to get your desired results unless your products are from a doctor or a medical spa such as Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PA We offer skincare lines with the latest anti-aging ingredients, which include vitamin A, vitamin C and E serums, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and copper peptide.

Exfoliants containing AHAs may be used on a daily basis or less frequently if the skin becomes irritated. Percentages of AHA listed on the label can be misleading. The best way to judge an AHA preparation is by its acidity, or pH, which is rarely, if ever, listed on the label. Preparations with a low pH are more acidic, and therefore more effective, but more likely to cause irritation. AHA products with a pH higher than 4 are ineffective exfoliants; those with a pH of less than 3 are only available from skin care professionals. Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) is often included in exfoliant products, especially in those intended for use in acne-prone skin.

Retinoids include the well known prescription medications such as Retin-A, Renova, and Avage, and over-the-counter agents such as retinol (vitamin A) and retinyl palmitate. Retinoids act on the DNA of the living layers of the skin to reverse the signs and symptoms of sun damage and skin aging. All retinoids may cause dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin and all must be used for months before the beneficial effects are realized. Over the counter agents such as retinol (vitamin A) and retinyl palmitate have no activity until they are converted in the skin to retinoic acid (Retin-A), hence, they are less irritating, and also less effective, than the prescription retinoids. Because retinoids are broken down by bright light they should always be applied in the evening. Retinoid creams should be applied regularly but sparingly-a pea-sized “dab” of cream is enough for the entire face. Irritation and redness is not unusual in the first few months, and the frequency of application can be increased gradually. The full beneficial effects of retinoid treatment may not be realized for 6 to 12 months. Despite these disadvantages, retinoids are the single most effective class of topical agent for reversing the signs of aging, sun damaged skin.

The most used topical antioxidant is Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid, L-ascorbate), essential for collagen synthesis and UV protection. Vitamin C is rapidly broken down by sunlight, and is regenerated by vitamin E. In order to be absorbed through the skin effectively, Vitamin C must be very acidic, and such formulations may be irritating, especially in patients with dry, sensitive skin. A promising new antioxidant, idebenone (Prevage) is well-absorbed through the skin and has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, decrease skin roughness, and even out skin tone. Other popular antioxidants used topically include ferulic acid, alpha-lipoic acid, and Coenzyme Q10.

Bleaching Agents are often used to correct irregular pigmentation and brown spots. Contrary to what their name implies, these agents don’t really “bleach” (as in Clorox®), but block the formation of melanin, the most common skin pigment. If the bleaching agent is discontinued, the pigment will return. Hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin are the most commonly used compounds-all are more effective (and potentially more irritating!) in higher concentrations. Using bleaching agents without aggressive sun protection is a recipe for failure!

Medical experts agree that adequate sun protection is essential to keeping skin healthy and youthful-looking. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PA offers sun blocks which provide UVA and UVB protection with ingredients such as titanium and zinc oxides and PARSOL.

Skin care is just as much about feeling good as about looking good. That’s why Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PA offers a whole array of daily use skincare products. Home care products are designed to allow you to follow a simple daily regimen for therapeutic treatment matched to your individual skin type.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PA offers products by the following companies:

• LaRoche-Posay/Biomedic®
• Advanced Skin Technology
• SkinMedica®
• SkinCeuticals®
• Latisse™
• Physician’s Complex® 
• VIVITE’™

Healthy skin is in . . .

The sun will age you quicker than your birthday!