Anti-Aging

It is important to begin using anti-aging products as early as your 20s to prevent damage, and to repair damage that has already been done. It is never too late to use anti-aging products, and there are many products and treatments that can visibly improve aging in the skin and make you look years younger, no matter what age you are right now. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding skin aging as well as a list of products we commonly recommend for our patients.

What causes aging in the skin?

Approximately 90% of all changes in skin are due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet light not only damages the DNA in the cells of the skin but also inhibits the repair mechanisms that repair damaged skin cells. The breakdown of DNA, collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid and other molecules in the skin all contribute to aging.

How do you repair the damage that has already been done?

There are many options when it comes to anti-aging products. Choosing skin care suitable for your skin type, properly moisturizing and exfoliation are all crucial. With each passing year our skin cells turnover at a much slower rate. Here are a few key products that can be used to visibly reduce the signs of aging:

Retinol and all trans retinoic acid (Vitamin A) - Topical Vitamin A helps build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol products available at Sand Lake Dermatology Center include:

• Tretinoin 0.05% Cream **Available by prescription only
• SkinMedica Retinol Complex (0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%)
• Obagi 0.5% Tretinoin

Hydroxy Acids (AHAs or BHAs) - Designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles; improve skin texture and tone; unblock and cleanse pores; improve oily skin or acne; and improve skin condition in general. Products with hydroxy acids available at Sand Lake Dermatology Center include:

• SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream
• SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser
• Glycolix Cleanser
• Glycolix 10% Moisturizing Cleanser
• Glycolix Cleansing Pads
• Neostrata Gel Plus

Glycolic Acid - Once inside the cells, glycolic acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells, and the ground substances in the skin, to reduce wrinkles on the skin's surface. Glycolic acid has also been proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne.

• Glycolix Cleanser
• Glycolix 10% Moisturizing Cleanser
• Glycolix Cleansing Pads
• SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cream
• SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser

Antioxidants - In addition to daily sunscreen use, daily topical antioxidant application is essential to age-defying skin care. UV rays, pollution, and other environmental exposures generate damaging free radicals that prematurely age skin. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, neutralize free radicals and provide powerful defense against photoaging and in all likelihood, skin cancer. Clinical studies have demonstrated the stimulation of collagen production and improvement of the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, laxity and hyperpigmentation with the use of specific antioxidant formulations. We recommend only the use of scientifically proven antioxidants, such as those developed by SkinMedica.