Anti-Oxidants And Sun Damaged Skin

Sun damage or photo damage produces both skin cancers as well as photo-aging. Photo-aging shows itself on the skin as wrinkling, scaling, dryness, and mottled pigmentation. Ultra-violet light is absorbed by skin, which in turn produces a photo-chemical reaction.

The UVA light is absorbed by both DNA as well as urocanic acid, the photo-chemical reaction produces oxidation of both DNA, nucleide acid, and protein, as well as lipids, this is known as oxidative damage. Anti-oxidants have been evolved to protect against, and reverse some of the damage produced by sunlight. An anti-oxidant mechanism is very advanced in plants that protect against the damage from sun exposure.

Oxidation:

Oxidation is produced by reactive oxygen molecules. The DNA absorbs ultra-violet light mostly in the UVB (290-320 manometres) range. This produces damage mainly within the epidermis. UVA (320-400 manometres) penetrates deeper into the skin and produces damage in the epidermis, the dermis as well as affecting blood vessels. The UVA has a much more oxidizing effect on cells.

The carcinogenic or cancer forming effects of ultra-violet B produce mutations within the DNA. This initiates tumours within the epidermis. The UVA promotes these tumours as it has much more oxidizing stress on the skin than UVB. It may as a result be more cytotoxic and immunosuppressive.

Sunscreens:

Sunscreens certainly protect against ultra-violet light, the sunburning spectrum is UVB and sunscreens are very effective. Ultra-violet A is the most difficult to protect against. It is important to realize that the SPF numbers are calculated with an amount of sunscreen on skin that exceeds what most of us put on our own skin.

The SPF is calculated with a quantity of 2mg. of sunscreen per centimetre2. Most people will put on about half to one quarter of this when used as sun protection. Unfortunately, low quantities of sunscreen of per centimtre2 will have minimal sun protective effects. Usually if 5mg. per cm.2 of sunscreen is applied to the skin, the sun protective factor is in the region of an SPF of 3.

Anti-Oxidants:

Anti-oxidants play a significant part in the protective and repair mechanisms within animals and plants. This can be achieved by anti-oxidants that are produced within the skin itself or by those consumed or applied from plants. The anti-oxidant effects can be divided into those that have their protection through enzymes, and those that tend to reduce the quantity of hydrogen peroxide as well as lipid hydroperoxides.

Topical Anti-Oxidants:

The use of topical anti-oxidants has certain requirements, these have to be stable as well as being cosmetically acceptable. It is clear that anti-oxidants have a photo-protective benefit. The physiological anti-oxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and ubiquinol. Vitamin C is water-soluble and is a free radical scavenger, it is required for collagen synthesis and may inhibit elastin formation in the dermis.

It may also reduce pigment synthesis, as well as enhance epidermal barrier function. For it to be active it must be present on the skin at a pH of 3.5 or lower in order to have an anti-oxidative effect. Vitamin E is different from vitamin C, in that it is lipid soluble, there is evidence that combining vitamin E and vitamin C may be of some benefit. Other anti-oxidants to be considered will be selenium as well as zinc.

Plant Anti-Oxidants:

Plants synthesize vitamin C, vitamin E and flavones, and polyphenolic compounds.

• Silymarin
• Soy isoflavones
• Tea
• Polyphenols

These are all potent plant anti-oxidants.

Silymarin:

This is a Milk Thistle extract, the main component in terms of anti-oxidants is silybyn. This prevents lipid peroxidase action. It also has been shown to inhibit tumour promotion in animals.

Soy isoflavones:

Soy has been connected with a reduction in cardiovascular disease, and in some incidents’ of breast cancer when taken by mouth in large quantities. It has a phytoestrogen effect, which can reduce menopausal symptoms. The isoflavones are genistein and gaidzein. The genistein has a collagen synthesis effect. It is also anti-cancer. It has been used both orally as well as topically.

The genistein is a powerful scavenger of peroxyl radicals. This has a significant reduction in lipid peroxidase activity. It has been shown to reduce redness in the skin of mice which are subject to ultra-violet A. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect. The use of this compound reduces the immune suppression effect of ultra-violet light.

Tea polyphenols:

Tea is fermented initially to green, and then to black tea. The drinking of black tea has been shown to reduce the frequency of squamous cell carcinomas. Work done with green tea both topically and taken orally, shows that it reduces the ability of ultra-violet to produce skin cancers and redness, particularly in animals. The possibility of combining tea, plus vitamin E, to work together as anti-oxidants is interesting.

Much more work needs to be done in order to establish how combining anti-oxidants with sunscreens will have a very beneficial effect on reducing sun damage to skin.

Anti-Aging Tips and Treatments

Natural anti-aging skin treatment products such as supplements and those facial masks that contain a blend of ingredients extracted from different plants are also well-known method of anti-aging application. Many of these target wrinkles, lines, scars, and mars, which usually set on your skin starting at the early 30’s. You should be able to know how to spot which natural product will work best on your skin and which will not. There are also great natural tips you can incorporate to reduce the signs of aging. Keep reading!

Skin aging is inevitably a process that seems to speed up because of the many elements of toxins produced by the modern age. These toxins are like poisons that attack our body and cause the skin to develop nasty acne and inflammations, which can be very tough to reduce of if not properly treated. If you are not careful of your daily lifestyle, a bad skin condition can worsen and speed up the development of skin aging, resulting in drying, sagging, and skin wrinkling.

The good news is there are many ways to treat skin aging problems today. Anti-aging treatments and creams are encapsulated to contain many vitamins and nutrients known to be very beneficial to the skin. With the help of these products, it is possible to alleviate skin problems as well as avoid undergoing delicate and sometimes complex dermatological procedures such as botox, dermabrasion or laser treatments.

Dermabrasion is one of the widely acknowledged anti-aging treatment and is used to speed up removal of wrinkles, lines and abrasions. Microdermabrasion is another kind of anti-aging treatment which uses fine crystal mists to work on sagging, wrinkling skin. Hydroderm also makes it possible to delay the aging process by removing skin lines associated with aging. All these treatments can be easily acquired nowadays and are known to be effective and safe for almost every skin type and color.

But before you resort to these harsher anti-aging treatment procedures, that there are simpler things you can do to delay the appearance of wrinkles.  The first step is to implement a regular skincare routine as early as possible. A good daily routine and a healthy lifestyle can always hide your true age and never let them guess how old, or young, you are.

• Follow these three regular routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face skin. On your body skin, follow the same and use a good moisturizing lotion. Applying sun screen or sun block will also help prevent those outside toxins from ruining your skin. Weekly facial mask treatments (depending on your skin type) are also an excellent way to keep your skin fresh and revitalized.

• The appearance of the skin on your neck shows your age. Therefore, be sure to not only pay attention to your face but on your neck when moisturizing or using a face mask.

• Avoid applying heavy make up on your face. It only shows how frustrated you are with the process of your skin aging, not to mention it can be tough on your skin too. Choose cream based blush cheek color or foundation rather than a fine powdered one that can accentuate wrinkles.

• Topping dusty or caramel pinks with gloss will make your lips appear much younger. Avoiding deep brown mauves and matte reds will also help the same. You will also get benefits of looking younger if you avoid black eyeliners. Use instead brown or grey eyeliners.

• You will appear younger if you use colored plastic eyeglasses than metal framed ones.

• Having well-shaped and arched eyebrows might not sound significant,  but it is if you want to take years off your face. Medium thick eyebrows are always a good choice if possible.

• When getting a new haircut, always opt for one that will frame your face well. Bangs (or fringe) are a great way to reduce the number of years as well as looking cute and fun!

• And most importantly, quit smoking. We all know tt is one of the great contributors of aging. Try for a healthier diet and lifestyle and you will worry less over wrinkles and lines attacking too soon.

Choosing PINK to Help Fight Breast Cancer

So, if you’ve been living in a cave like me for the last few weeks, you might have noticed a awful lot of PINK happening out there…even on your favorite Sunday Football Team. I was watching the Broncos and the Cowboys on Sunday, wondering, “What’s with all the pink?”

After a few web searches, I discovered all this powerful push for PINK is due to the 25^th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ahh-ha!

Almost every blog and website I’ve visited has something to offer in the pink package or draped with the famous crossed pink ribbon. While I personally have been blessed to be cancer-free, my mother has not. She beat her cancer, but many other family members did not. I’m sure many of you personally have experience with this ravenous illness.

Cancer is a scary disease that shows no predictability; some may make it, some may not. But it is up to us to keep the pressure on to find a cure. Many of you may be aware of natural food alternatives and the outcries of those in the know saying the cancer is treatable, but the pharmacies and big business won’t let that happen.

I can’t be sure that a cure is being suppressed, but I can be sure, when we continue to live in contaminated environments and ingest and use products and foods that are filled with chemicals, we are only promoting the inevitable inability of our bodies to cleanse and filter for our optimal health.

It is up to us as wise consumers to make the best possible choices for our health, including the foods we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the products we use – including skincare products.

According to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, “192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in women in the United States by New Year’s.” October is the month organizations struggle to raise awareness and funds to battle the disease.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month began Oct. 1. For the rest of the month, organizations dedicating themselves to help prevent and cure the disease will be going all out to raise awareness and funds. You’re not imagining it if you feel surrounded by pink.

According to the LATimes, “The annual observance was started in part by the American Academy of Family Physicians, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca’s HealthCare Foundation and nonprofit CancerCare Inc. Nonprofit Susan G. Komen for the Cure linked breast cancer awareness to the color pink in 1982, when the first Komen Race for the Cure logo design was an abstract female runner outlined with a pink ribbon. The idea really took off in 1992 when, while working on Self magazine’s second Breast Cancer Awareness Month issue, editor in chief Alexandra Penney created a ribbon and worked with cosmetics companies such as Estée Lauder to distribute them in New York City stores.”

Over the years, all kinds of companies and products have jumped on the bandwagon, and this year you can buy anything from household products to high end jewelry in pink, with part of the proceeds going to fight the disease.

To get an idea of the month’s impact, consider that the nonprofit support organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer earned a third of its annual budget through last October’s events and product promotions.

Join the cause in helping to save lives in communities around the world by registering today at www.passionatelypink.org.

If you aren’t exactly liquid these days, don’t feel alone. there are plenty of things you can do to help. Volunteer your time with a local cancer organization or shop promoting the cause. There are many links to sites out there looking for the help of someone like you. You can start here : http://ww5.komen.org/getinvolved/getinvolved.html

I found this list below from a local newspaper of some great beauty products and supporting businesses and who want to help make a difference.

Beauty.com
Purchase any product with a Cancer and Careers logo and participating brands will donate a portion of the sales to that charity.

Darphin
Darphin will donate $20 from each sale of the Arovita C Energic Firming Cream, (which retails at $80) through October to the BCRF.

Dermstore
Head to www.dermstore.com for do-gooder products like Jane Iredale’s PureMoist LipColour in Christina, named for cancer survivor Christina Applegate, or in the Pink PureGloss; Mama Mio Skincare’s parabine-free Boob Tube bust and neck firmer and gloMinerals’ gloMarvelous in Pink Kit with a bronzer and lip gloss.

Diptyque
Twenty percent of sales of its Pink Roses candle at BeautyHabit.com ($68) goes to the Pink Agenda nonprofit.

Elemis
Inside the fuchsia “Essential Beauty Secrets” cosmetic bag are four Elemis products and a five-step breast check guide. A portion of the $95 price will go to Breast Cancer Care.

Essie
Fight from your fingers to your toes: 10% of the proceeds from Essie’s Yes We Can, Pink! polish ($8) will go to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which raises awareness and funds for women coping with the disease.

ghd
It looks like something found in a “Mad Men” powder room: the baby pink hair-styling iron. It comes with a matching hair brush, sectioning clips and a tote bag. Fifteen dollars from every $255 Pink Limited Edition Box Set sold goes to the Young Survival Coalition, which helps women younger than 40 who have been affected by the disease.

Japonesque
A little pick-me-up: The makeup brushes and tools brand is giving 20% of proceeds from their pink pocket-sized eyelash curler ($11 at Ulta.com) to breast cancer research.

MelangePerfume.com
Perfume owner Denise Estrada will give 30% of all sales of her pink solid perfumes in honeysuckle, iris, lilac, Polynesia, frangipani, Japanese tea rose and Melati jasmine ($15 for .35 ounce) to the NBCF.

Philosophy
Relax a bit: All of the net proceeds from the $20 Shower for the Cure and She Colors My Day Charity Bubble Bath will go to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund to support the early detection of women’s cancers.

Prescriptives
A limited-edition Pink Ribbon Palette for Cheeks and Eyes with four eye colors and two cheek colors retails for $48.50, with $20,000 in proceeds from North American sales going to the BCRF.

Purple Lab
It’s not just the ingredients — like vanilla, echinacea and super-fruit mangosteen — that make the beauty brand call SWAC (or Sealed With a Kiss) a “feel-good lip gloss.” They’re available at Kitson and Fred Segal Melrose, and the company is donating 20% of proceeds from the gloss to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.

Sephora
The beauty product mecca will give $1 from each sale of its Super Shimmer lip gloss in Forever Pink ($10) or its pink eyelash curler ($16), and $2 from its refillable blush brush ($22) to the BCRF.

VMV Hypoallergenic
BCRF will get a dollar from the purchase of any of VMV’s gentle-to-use pink products, such as Glow Lip and Cheek Tint in Debutante or Blush Crush ($21 each) or Lip Bliss Lipstick in Pink Diamond and Pamper Me ($23) .

~ Jordan Dupree

Skin Needling Treatments Remove Wrinkles

What is the Derma Roller or Skin Needling?

Recently, while walking around at the 2009 Beauty Expo in Long Beach, CA, I noticed a large number of booths selling these small rolling devices, covered with many short needles. Curious whether these were new parenting tools to scare unruly children or for skincare, I decided to research it further. The cosmetic representatives claimed these new facial rollers could increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

The derma roller is a very small rolling device that contains 192 micro points made of surgical steel. While it goes by different names, ‘skin needling,’ ‘dermaroller,’ or ‘meso roller,’ among many others, it appears to be a simple and natural method that promises to prevent skin aging, restore collagen, smooth out scars, pitted skin, and stretch marks - or your money back in some cases.

Research On Skin Needling

The skin needling device is used along with your normal skincare routine to remove acne scars, stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines. Representatives say it can even help with big pores, black heads, and white heads. This micro needling or skin needling anti-aging technique is also used to perform collagen induction therapy (CIT). Studies show that when this device is rolled over the skin, it creates small puncture wounds which cause the body to produce collagen in an attempt to heal the skin. Our collagen production falls dramatically after about age 35 or so.

How the Derma Roller Works

Published instructions say when you roll this device over the skin it creates small puncture wounds into the top layer of the skin. This puncturing will then cause a type of wound-healing reaction for the dermal layer to begin production of collagen fibers, elastin, and other skin cells that helps to fill in lines, wrinkles, remove stretch marks and fill in deep pitted scars – also allowing the derma roller to be a great acne scar treatment.

In addition, the derma roller allows for optimum absorption of any anti-aging cream you may use afterwards. Each time you use the derma roller, the collagen building effects continue for weeks- smoothing stretch marks, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles.

Unlike other skin rejuvenating techniques, the derma roller doesn’t require downtime for healing. And, unlike chemical or laser peels, the derma roller can be used safely by women and men of color because it doesn’t affect skin pigmentation.

The Studies

In 1994, Dr. Philippe Simonin, a Swiss Dermatologist, performed a study on 600 people divided into two groups - the skin-aging group and the scar reduction group. Published results found that in the skin aging group there was a 40% significant improvement and an impressive 60% improvement in scar reduction group.

Another doctor, Dr. Andre Camirand, a plastic surgeon from Canada, found that skin needling improved the texture and depression of scars and also improved over-all skin color and texture. He also found this remodeling process can go on up to 12 months from each treatment.

Further study results by plastic surgeons and dermatologists claim in that addition to reducing the appearance of sun damage and wrinkles, (such as crows feet), skin needling can help lessen or remove stretch marks, cellulite, acne scars, surgical scars and smooth out pitted skin and dimpling.

In addition, it allows maximum absorption of your best wrinkle creams or any anti aging creams. Each rolling session can stimulate collagen to reduce wrinkles and scars - like a mini-instant face lift.