Advanced Skin Care
Many of the facial changes usually attributed to ageing such as wrinkles, mottling, pigmentation, skin roughness and loss of tone are in fact only in part due to the 'natural' ageing process. This deterioration in the condition of facial skin that occurs as we get older is significantly worsened and accelerated by exposure to ultra violet (UV) light. The term photo-ageing is used to describe the increasing skin damage that results from prolonged exposure to sunlight over a person's lifetime. It is important to remember that even on cloudy days 80% of the sun's UV rays reach the ground. It is now realised that protecting your facial skin from damaging UV radiation is vitally important not just during the height of the summer but for 365 days a year.
As well as minimising the exposure of your face to full sun there is an additional and fundamentally important approach to counter facial ageing, namely the repair of existing damage and the prevention of further damage by the regular use of medical-grade photo-protective and anti-oxidant agents. These will help correct and prevent damage from factors such as environment, diet, lifestyle and smoking.
Depending on your age and skin type, your daily year-round skin care regime should include some or all of the following:
Zinc Oxide based sunscreen.
This will protect against both UV-A and UV-B radiation, is safe to use on sensitive skin
and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Topical L-Ascorbic Acid.
The antioxidant L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) has been scientifically shown to enhance collagen and elastin production as well as having anti-inflammatory effects. It will help to protect the skin from UV damage and may improve wrinkles and lighten hyperpigmentation.
Topical alpha-tocopherol.
This is a form of vitamin E that has anti-oxidant properties of its own but works best with vitamin C to produce a powerful anti-oxidant combination.
Retinol & Retinaldehyde.
These are forms of vitamin A that have been scientifically proven to have several beneficial effects on the skin. They restore damaged collagen and elastin, reduce roughness & fine lines and increase the turnover of skin cells & natural exfoliation. They will stimulate healthy DNA synthesis and help protect the skin from oxidative stresses and environmental damage.
Alpha-hydroxy Acids (AHA).
Glycolic and lactic acids will gently exfoliate the outer layers of skin and accelerate cell renewal. They may reduce photo-damage and mottled pigmentation.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 may reduce redness and lighten hyperpigmentation
It is of note that taking oral vitamin supplements only produces a limited increase in skin concentration. By far and away the best way to increase the concentration of these important vitamins is to apply high quality preparations directly to your skin.
Sunscreen and anti-oxidants should be the cornerstones of any skincare regime designed to reverse signs of facial ageing and help protect the face from further photo-ageing and skin cancers.
Dr Forrester will advise you as to which products may be suitable for you.
