HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUTHFUL LOOKING SKIN

One of the most popular and cost-effective anti-aging products are the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or fruit acids which gently peel off the damaged outer layer of skin to make the skin appear softer, smoother and more radiant while lightening age spots. Dead skin cells accumulate on the surface in aging skin and give older skin a dull appearance. AHA helps exfoliate skin slowly and naturally to rejuvenate the skin and make the skin appear more youthful. Studies at the University of California at San Francisco shows that AHA treatments increased production of collagen to help rebuild and maintain structural support of the skin. The best results come from increasing the strength of the AHA used over time. Chemical peels with AHA can accelerate the benefits of daily use. We stock a wide variety of AHA products and our staff can assist you with your specific needs.

Retin-A and Renova are well known drugs that are a part of a broader class of drugs classified as Retinoids. Retinoids are the second category of anti-aging products. These compounds are structurally similar or share functions of the parent compound Vitamin A (Retinol). Retin-a and Renova are effective for helping to reverse skin aging due to sun damage but these drugs require a prescription, frequently cause irritation and dryness, and are relatively expensive. As an alternative, we have several affordable OTC products (Profoundly Effective "A" and AFIRM) containing RETINOL which is a precursor of Retinoic Acid, the active ingredient in Retin-a and Renova. Retinol can be converted in the skin to Retinoic Acid and we find it to be a less expensive and less irritating alternative to Renova and Retin-A. Profoundly Effectively A and AFIRM improve fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, and increase the amount of collagen in the skin. These Retinoids give the skin a firmer foundation through repair of collagen. Newer studies show that Retinoids help to prevent the sun-induced destruction of collagen. AHA and Retinoids complement and enhance each other and can be used simultaneously for even better results.

Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C (which is found in C-Scape Serum) are also effective in controlling premature aging of the skin caused by free radicals. Studies show that the use of topical antioxidants like C-Scape Serum reduced the loss of skin thickness and elasticity and protected against the development of lines and wrinkles over time. Free radicals are very reactive chemicals that cause damage to surrounding molecules and cells. UV exposure and environmental pollution induces the production of free radicals. Antioxidants are the body’s defense against the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals can result in "oxidative stress" which causes inflammation and destruction of the supporting collagen of the skin, and may play a role in accelerating diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and aging. Daily morning use of C-Scape Serum can increase the potency of sunblocks and guard against the damaging effects of free radicals generated by exposure to the sun and pollution.