Posted by dermcareonline on December 16, 2009 under Mature Skin, eczema | 
Fact: 75% of people over the age of 64 have dry or rough skin.
In order to appropriately treat dry skin in the elderly, you need to understand what happens to the skin as you age.
As people age, the skin goes thru many changes.
- there is less blood flow to the superficial dermis (midlayer of the skin)
- the skin does not heal as well and the skin is easily broken by trauma and friction
- the skin cells don’t stck together as well (less adhesion bewtween epidermal cells)
- the sebaceous glands normally make natural oils that prevent water loss and help to lubricate the skin and hair. The substance that the oil glands or sebaceous glands secrete changes as you age.
- the rate at which old skin cells slough off (desquamation rate) is reduced 30-50%. This causes an accumulation of old skin cells on the surface, making the skin rough in the elderly.
Options to help your dry skin:
- Since the skin is easily irritated, minimize excessive contact with soaps and hot water.
- Since the skin has less effective sebum production (oils, lubrcants), moisturizing is essential. A moisturizer adds water to the skin, and has lipids to seal the water into the skin. It is best to apply a moisturizer after bathing, when your skin is still damp. Mineral oil or petrolatum like Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is very helpful. Many people can’t tolerate the greasiness of an ointment, so creams can be used instead. A cream is a water in an oil base, and is more cosmetically appealing. Avoid moisturizers that have fragrances, since the frangrance can easily irritate already dry and damaged skin.
- Since there is a decreased desquamation of skin cells on the surface as you age, you need to use a moisturizer that has an alpha-hydroxy-acid (like lactic acid-ammonium lactate) or urea. Some products are available by prescription through your doctor like Lac Hydrin 12% or Carmol 40, and some are available over the counter at your drug store, like Carmol 20.
Posted by admin on February 4, 2009 under Botox, Mature Skin, cosmetic procedures |
New news about popular winkle smoothing treatment Botox, proving a quick and fairly cost-effective face “enhancer” for women of all ages.
Will the fountain of youth soon be found with a cream? Perhaps.
Botox (botulinum neurotoxin), while initially used to address problems related to nerve disorders, has over the years been increasingly used to effectively treat facial wrinkles. It is FDA-approved to specifically treat the forehead wrinkles formed during frowning or scowling - though is frequently also used around smile lines in order to slow the rate at which these lines deepen.
Despite the proven success of the treatment, many have chosen to stay away from Botox because of the cost, the fear of needles required to administer the medication and the fear of permanent paralysis in the targeted area. While there is little evidence to support such fears and costs are relatively low compared to many of the facial/face-lift procedures available today, many are looking to alternative types of application.
A recent study from Florence, Italy has found an alternative method of administering the neurotoxin. The study involved mild abrasion of the skin of rats, application of Botulinum Type A to the area and a pulsed current iontophoresis. Studies were then performed, which showed that the botox was delivered through the skin and associated with striated skeletal muscles. What this means for the future of treating wrinkles has yet to be determined.
Will the fountain of youth soon be found with a cream, or do we still need the needle to slow down the inevitable? Future studies will prove interesting.
Posted by admin on January 12, 2009 under AHA, BHA, Glycolic and Wrinkle Reduction, Mature Skin, Skin Care General |
Learn How to Effectively Use Alpha and Beta-Hydroxy Acids
AHA’s like glycolic acid work on the upper layer of the skin called the stratum corneum
Alpha- and Beta-hydroxy (AHA, BHA) acids are commonly seen in many creams sold over the counter and in the doctor’s office. They work to improve the moisture content and the appearance of fine wrinkles of the skin. AHA’s like glycolic acid work on the upper layer of the skin called the stratum corneum, in order to dissolve the “cement” that holds the dead skin cells together. This helps to eliminate dead skin cells and allow new skin cells to come to the surface. New cells not only look better, but also hold moisturizers better. BHA’s do the same but are absorbed by the oil glands as well to help oily skin.
Many people have sensitive skin and are unable to tolerate the AHA and BHA products. It can cause redness, irritation and flaky skin.
To minimize the side effects of AHA and BHA-hydroxy products try the following tips:
- Use hypoallergenic products.
- Start slowly, two to three times a week. And, if tolerated, gradually increase the number of applications.
- Use on dry skin, as wet skin allows the substance to penetrate deeper and has, as a result, a higher risk of irritation.
- Use a low-pH facial cleanser.
- Protect skin daily with a nonirritating sunscreen.
