SKIN CONDITIONS

Everyone wants to look better.

The number one enemy of beautiful, healthy skin is the sun! Unfortunately, we obtain 80% of our total sun exposure by the time we are 18. By the time we are in our 30's and 40's, our soft, beautiful skin has begun to show signs of sun-damage, including freckles, dryness and wrinkles. Worse yet, the sun can cause actinic keratoses (precancers) and skin cancer. We can help you avoid further sun-damage and help reverse and reduce the visible signs of sun-damage.

Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, and Poly-hydroxy acids, or PHAs, are some of the newest means of reversing sun-damage. Glycolic acid, one of the more well known AHAs, is a natural fruit acid that has become very popular and effective. Glycolic acids work by causing an exfoliation (gentle sloughing of the upper layer of the skin's surface) of the dead, damaged cells. Brown spots are diminished and pores are cleansed of impurities. Used routinely, one can reverse the damage and aging caused by the sun and maintain healthy skin. Appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, making skin look younger and more radiant.

Beta-hydroxy acids, or BHAs, help remove impurities and dead surface skin cells. These are ideal for acne-prone, oily skin, because they gently exfoliate the blackheads and deep clean the pores.

There are many AHA, BHA or PHA products commercially available in drug stores, department stores, salons, and in doctors' offices. The products that are available to the general public (ie: Not in a doctor's office) have a lower concentration of "free acid", the level of AHA that is available to actually work on the skin, and are less effective (less therapeutic). Products are available in several formulations, depending on skin type, skin conditions, and sensitivities. They come as creams, lotions, gels, and solutions, and in various concentrations, allowing dramatic results.

Chemical peels, done in the office, can also help reverse the aging process. These are usually done as a series of 3 peels, usually 2 weeks apart. While these will not stop the aging process, they do make the skin appear more healthy: lightening brown spots, uneven pigmentation, softening fine lines, and helping smoothe out acne scars. During the peels, a tingling sensation and/or mild stinging is felt. This is self-limited and only lasts a few minutes. Transient redness can last from 20 minutes to 24 hours, but can be concealed with makeup. The use of sunscreen, with an SPF of 30 (containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) after a peel is of the utmost importance. Remember, the peels help slough off the dead, damaged cells, making you more sun-sensitive. Retin-A, Differin, and Renova MUST be stopped at least one week prior to the peels. They can be reinstated after the peels are completed. Patients that have taken Accutane, a powerful drug to treat acne, should not have any peels until 6 months after their Accutane therapy is completed. This time frame allows the skin to recover from the drying effects of the Accutane.

Take this quiz and learn about your personal sun history. It should take only a moment. This will help determine if the glycolic products or chemical peels that are available can help to reduce the visible signs of sun-damge and avoid trouble in the future.